Transcripts For GBN The 20240703

Armed officers have stepped back from arncommanders now crisis commanders are now in crisis meetings with the military on standby any standby to respond to any serious capital. Serious incident in the capital. Well be live from Scotland Yard. E also e e e also live from the and were also live from the island lampedusa, where island of lampedusa, where more than 11,000 migrants have arrived africa in arrived from north africa in just days. This just the past ten days. This week, secretary week, home secretary Suella Braverman western braverman will urge western leaders to come together to help combat global migrant crisis. Rishi . Rishi continues and rishi sunak continues to face a tory backlash over plans to former to scrap hsz with former chancellor move would act to scrap hsz with former ch huge lor move would act to scrap hsz with former ch huge economicvould act to scrap hsz with former ch huge economic self harm. Act of huge economic self harm. Well have all the latest reaction westminster. Reaction from westminster. And as well as that, well be looking back on what was, of course, a triumph for british teams and the Rugby World Cup with wales teams and the Rugby World Cup wit recording wales teams and the Rugby World Cup wit recording huge wales teams and the Rugby World Cup wit recording huge wins wales teams and the Rugby World Cup wit recording huge wins in wales teams and the Rugby World Cup wit recording huge wins in their es all recording huge wins in their group games. Before we kick off, here but before we kick off, here are the latest News Headlines but before we kick off, here are that atest News Headlines but before we kick off, here are that atest clever1eadlines but before we kick off, here are that atest clever1eadlaaron like that very clever with Aaron Armstrong. Armstrong. Afternoon. Its minute armstrong. 12. Afternoon. Its minute armstrong. 12. Im ernoon. Its minute armstrong. 12. Im aaron]. Its minute armstrong. 12. Im Aaron Armstrong. Ute past 12. Im Aaron Armstrong. Gb news significant news has learned a significant number Counter Terror news has learned a significant numberin Counter Terror news has learned a significant number in london Counter Terror news has learned a significant numberin london have er terror news has learned a significant numberin london have stepped news has learned a significant numlfrom london have stepped news has learned a significant numlfrom duties] have stepped news has learned a significant numlfrom duties amide stepped news has learned a significant numlfrom duties amid an apped back from duties amid an escalating crisis over their legal. It comes after Legal Protection. It comes after a colleague was charged with murder shooting of an murder over the shooting of an unarmed black man. Chris kaba in south london last year. All most all armed response vehicles in the capital have also handed in their firearms permits. Senior met Police Commanders are in crisis discussions in an attempt to ensure london has an adequate level of protection in the military, has been put on standby to respond in the event of a terror attack. Shadow paymaster jonathan paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth says people need confidence in the police. Confidence in the police. Its vital that that they have support, but theyre also safeguards in place. Now theres been a review announced by the home secretary. We dont know the details of that review yet. Theres also that live prosecution, that court case. So i want to i want as a politician to be careful about how i comment on these matters, as you would as you would appreciate it. But we obviously need to make sure have procedures in make sure we have procedures in place which commands the confidence of both the Police Officers and the communities they serve. They serve. The mayor of Greater Manchester, andy burnham, says the north shouldnt have to pay for the governments mismanagement budget mismanagement of the hs2 budget. Rishi sunak is refusing to guarantee the planned line between birmingham and manchester, where hes refusing to confirm it will be completed. Hell discuss the future of it with the chancellor this week with the chancellor this week with a decision expected before the Tory Party Conference in manchester next week. But the Prime Minister insists he is committed to levelling up this kind of speculation that people are making is not right. I mean, weve got spades in the were getting on and the ground. Were getting on and delivering, but the north delivering, but across the north what is what were also doing is connecting all the towns and connecting up all the towns and cities the north east cities in the north east to west. Thats a really important part of we will create jobs, part of how we will create jobs, drive across the region, drive growth across the region, all part of our plans to level up freeports are another good example of that, whether thats in or elsewhere, in teesside or elsewhere, attracting investment, attracting new investment, new businesses in, all good businesses coming in, all good examples of the government levelling home secretary levelling up the home secretary will call for unity amongst western leaders to combat the global migration crisis. Suella braverman will tell an audience in washington that other countries can learn from the uks attempts to tackle Illegal Migrants. Shes questioning whether conventions and legal frameworks designed more than 50 years ago are still fit for purpose. And shes calling for a shake up to the international rules. Calling for a shake up to the international rules. Is1 million nhs appointments have been cancelled since december because of strikes in england. Because of strikes in england. Last weeks industrial action by Junior Doctors and consultants means the country will reach that milestone in figures set to be announced today. Another be announced today. Another double strike is scheduled for next week. The organisations deputy chief executive, saffron cordery, has labelled it damaging and demoralising. Damaging and demoralising. Meanwhile almost 400,000 patients in england waited 24 hours or more in a e last year. The Royal College of emergency medicine is calling the situation a matter of national shame. The Shadow Health secretary, wes streeting, says 24 hours in a e is no longer just a documentary, but the department of health and social care claims improvements are being made through the nhs recovery plan. Prosecutors are recovery plan. Prosecutors are seeking a retrial of lucy letby on one count of attempted murder. The former nurse was jailed for life last month for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others attempted murder of six others at a hospital in chester in 2015. And 2016. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on six further counts of attempted murder. The cps is seeking that retrial on count 14 only, which relates to the attempted murder of charles kay. She denied the charges and has launched an appeal. Charges and has launched an appeal. Experts are charges and has launched an appeal. Experts are warning charges and has launched an appeal. Experts are warning the appeal. Experts are warning the government wont meet its manifesto pledge to end homelessness by next year. The Kerslake Commission says there are chronic and unresolved issues in the housing system with a crisis pushing more people onto the streets , the people onto the streets, the number of people sleeping rough last autumn was 25 higher than at the same time three years ago. The at the same time three years ago. The government says spending £2 billion should end rough sleeping for good. Police rough sleeping for good. Police searching for a missing mother have arrested a 31 year old woman who attended an east London Police station. The woman London Police station. The woman was also taken to hospital as a precaution to children reported missing from a centre for vulnerable mothers and children in london were found safe and well in harwich earlier today. Officers were looking for the 31 year old jamie lee kelly, who left the facility on tuesday with her three year old daughter and newborn baby boy this is gb news. Were live on your tv, on digital radio, on smart. Speaker two now its back to martin and. Ellie good afternoon. Youre watching the live desk for the very first time with martin and myself. Very, very good to be with you afternoon. And as with you this afternoon. And as always, this is nothing always, this show is nothing without you. So do get in Touch Without you. So do get in touch with your views, your opinions on any of the stories that we are talking about this afternoon. We love to hear from you, dont we. 7 do. You, dont we . Do. Yeah. Its always do. Yeah. Its gbviews gbnews. Uk. Gbviews gbnews. Uk. Com. So lets get into our top shall now because top story, shall we . Now because gb a large gb news has learned a large number of met police, Counter Terrorism, Firearms Officers have stepped back from armed duties with almost all armed duties with almost all armed response vehicles in london, opting for a period of reflection. Senior commanders are in talks to ensure the capital has an adequate response to firearms incidents. Whilst the military is on standby in the event of a terrorist attack. Well, it follows the cps last week charging a met firearms officer with murder over the shooting of an unarmed black man. Chris kaba in south london. While gb News National reporter Theo Chikomba is at Scotland Yard for us now. Good afternoon yard for us now. Good afternoon to you, theo. This is to you, theo. This is significant, isnt it. Significant, isnt it. It is indeed. Well scotlands yards firearm command is up against some challenges at the moment, particularly as a large number as youve just referred to, of Firearms Officers have handedin to, of Firearms Officers have handed in their tickets essentially a licence for them , essentially a licence for them, allowing them to use firearms arms during their duties. There are several thousand of them and of course, they can be called to various situations depending on when they are needed. The home secretary, though, Suella Braverman , has launched a review braverman, has launched a review into to armed officers and of course this situation has been also accepted by the mets Police Commissioner , owner sir Police Commissioner, owner sir mark rowley as well, welcoming this review. But what it means this review. But what it means though, there are questions about what this will mean for the safety of people in london. These, of course, are officers who are called into some of the biggest escalated cases across the capital. And there have been some requests to other forces and some of those will be drafted in. And as youve also mentioned, well have some Army Officials who will come in to support them when they are needed. Its worth stressing, though , that those members of though, that those members of the sas wont be in the capital patrolling the city, but they will only be needed. Theyll be used when they are needed and called upon. Earlier today, though , we heard from the though, we heard from the housing minister and this is what she had to say. Very important that we support our extremely brave Firearms Officers. They have to make split second decisions to keep the public safe. And they have our full support in doing that. I think its really important that your listeners know that that cooperation with the soldiers, with the ministry of defence , is very standard for of defence, is very standard for the government. Its something that ive been involved with previously as a minister in different departments and of course are professionals. Course those are professionals. They work with the met they will work with the met police the soldiers will be working to keep the public safe. They will not have powers of arrest, but ultimately these are operational matters for the police , for the met police police, for the met Police Commissioner and keeping the pubuc commissioner and keeping the public safe in whatever eventuality will be their first priority. Well the home secretary has offered a message of support to those officers, many of them who have concerns about potentially ending up in the dock if they do use their firearms and they end up in the situation like we are seeing with the ongoing case of that officer who is currently unnamed for legal reasons, who was charged with murder last week for allowing chris kabas Fatal Shooting last year in september in south london. In terms of what the met polices commissioner has said, he said hes welcomed this review into armed policing and in an open letter to the home secretary yesterday, he said his its right that his force is held to the highest standards, but the Current System was undermining his officers and suggested they needed more , more suggested they needed more, more Legal Protections. And in a statement, the met have also said some officers were worried about how the Crown Prosecution Service decision to bring charge impact on them. Of course. What does this mean Going Forward for those who live in the capital . Well, they will, of course, be questioned, particularly when it comes if comes to the numbers. And if theyll get the adequate support from forces as well. So from other forces as well. So theo, highly divisive situation. On the one hand, of course, Police Backing police is the right thing to do. On the other hand, of course, the public may be exposed to an increased terrorist. Political aspect be exposed to an increased te|thist. Political aspect be exposed to an increased te|this ,. Political aspect be exposed to an increased te|this , when olitical aspect be exposed to an increased te|this , when markal aspect be exposed to an increased te|this , when mark rowley t be exposed to an increased te|this , when mark rowley said of this, when mark rowley said we need to let the police, police and Suella Braverman backed him and she was drawn into this political debate. After all, this is a live case and her opponents werent slow to wade in or criticise her, were they . Were they . Well, this is it. Weve already heard from some members of the opposition who are questioning whether this is the right thing to do, whether or not the home secretary should be coming in at this stage, considering, as youve just said , theres an ongoing case. But of course the home secretary has said shes going to review of what that to launch a review of what that means. Its not quite clear yet. Theres been no specifics , but theres been no specifics, but hopefully thats something shell provide more clarity on in the next coming days. Okay, Theo Chikomba a new Scotland Yard. Very good to see you this afternoon. Thank you you this afternoon. Thank you very much. Its very, very difficult, isnt it . It is. Im going to speak to it is. Im going to speak to somebody now who have somebody now who will have a good take lets get good take on this. Lets get reaction now. A former Police Officer, whetton. Graham, officer, graham whetton. Graham, thanks on the live thanks for coming on the live there. So, yeah, that is the situation the big talking point situation. The big talking point now on one hand, of now is on the one hand, of course, officers showing course, Police Officers showing solid Charity Towards the guy whos been charged here. On the other hand, is this increasing the terror Terror Threat to the general public by by officers putting down their firearms . Putting down their firearms . What the have now come out and said theyve still got an armed response capability within london, albeit its significantly reduced, but they still have one. Theres military support. So thats and thats been in place for some time. Its been a practise for some time now that if there is a terror attack, the police can call on the military to support any response to that. So thats almost like par for the course, really. Its nothing different there. If there should be terror attack on london, be a terror attack on london, there military capability there is military capability ready to respond to that and support armed that are ready to respond to that and suppcurrentlyrmed that are ready to respond to that and suppcurrently have, that are ready to respond to that and suppcurrently have, albeit1at are ready to respond to that and suppcurrently have, albeit that re met currently have, albeit that the mets armed response units are now significantly reduced because of this action. What do you make, graham, of the right for armed Police Officers to step back from gun duty . Some comparisons being made on social media this morning, comparing it to strike action, questioning whether that should even be allowed for an armed Police Officer. Whats your take on that . Your take on that . Police officers cannot go on strike legally. This isnt striking because its not actually part of their part of their core role is to be a Police Officer. They are Police Officer. They are volunteers to carry a firearm. You volunteers to do it. You go through some significant training then youre training and then youre deployed with piece deployed in a role with a piece of firearm. Its of kit, which is a firearm. Its the as if youre doing a the same as if youre doing a police course. You are Police Driver course. You are Trained Police cars in trained to drive police cars in a certain way. So its part of your policing role. They are still Police Officers. They are still Police Officers. They are just their firearms just handed back their firearms for their because of for their duties because of concern over the way legal decisions are being made. And this is this goes back to several other cases as well. Its not just this one specific case, clearly we cannot case, which clearly we cannot discuss around. But discuss the facts around. But this isnt just about one case. This down lack of this goes down to a lack of leadership and support from the senior managers when officers face these sort of situations , face these sort of situations, it comes down to leadership and also a fair and balanced way that officers actions and decisions are then judged. They just want a system thats got integrity and its fair and balanced to them. It actually takes account of the officers decisions. Theyre training their guidance. If they followed that training and guidance as they are told to do, what then happens to them . It comes down to having confidence in the system and they clearly havent got it at the moment. So they are looking and reviewing are looking at and reviewing their positions. Firearms officers and rightly so. It doesnt just impact on the officers, impacts officers, it also impacts on their families. Do you think, graham, this is a of weve seen, a broader symptom of weve seen, for example , Armed Forces Troops for example, Armed Forces Troops from Northern Ireland or afghanistan being prosecuted for historic wrongdoing. And when historic wrongdoing. And when these cases come to light, theres a feeling very much amongst the armed forces and no doubt perhaps now the police, the or the armed forces the officers or the armed forces in general are kind of thrown to the wolves politically. And this is kind of leaving them to kind of fend for themselves at a time, actually, when the rank and officers just want pure and file officers just want pure leadership. Yes its similar. Its clearly not the same , its clearly not the same, but its a similar sort of case. And similar mythology. And Decision Making actually , all Decision Making actually, all officers want probably similar in the military, but all they want is their leaders to step up and say we are supporting this individual. Why do investigation goes on . They have our backing. If they follow that, if they have followed their Training Guidance , they have a full guidance, they have a full support backing, will support and backing, we will help them much can help them as much as we can within whatever within the confines of whatever investigation. Ive investigation takes place. Ive rarely Senior Police rarely heard any Senior Police officer come out and say that in many of the recent cases. So thats all theyre for is thats all theyre asking for is some leadership support, some leadership and support, but also system that also to have a system that treats them fairly but treats them according to everybody else in law. Theyre not asking to be treated differently or be immune or whatever. Theyre just asking to have a fair and balanced heanng to have a fair and balanced hearing for the investigation to be promptly , because many be done promptly, because many of cases take years to of these cases take years to come to court. That is not fair on the officer. Their families or any victims and families of victims. It isnt fair on anybody involved. These cases take long to investigate take far too long to investigate and come a conclusion on. And come to a conclusion on. Well, sir mark rowley has welcomed the home Office Review into armed policing, and hes talked about, into armed policing, and hes talked about , well, he into armed policing, and hes talked about, well, he suggested the need for more Legal Protections for armed officers. Is that something that you would support . What kind of Legal Support . What kind of Legal Protections would you like to see in place for armed Police Officers . I think what hes referencing to there, the his letter goes into some like, legal technicalities about subjective decisions and objective decisions. I think what hes what hes referring to, there is criminal cases are judged on beyond all reasonable doubt, whereas civil cases and coroners inquests go on the balance of probabilities. I think what hes asking for is some more clearly defined legal decisions and any decisions by the cps or Police Conduct is based on that beyond all reasonable doubt, not on the balance of probabilities, because youre judging balance of probabilities, becausofficers oure judging balance of probabilities, becausofficers onre judging balance of probabilities, becausofficers on as judging balance of probabilities, becausofficers on a lowerng Police Officers on a lower standard than members of the pubuc standard than members of the public would be in any sort of similar circumstance. So similar sort of circumstance. So i what hes almost i think thats what hes almost referring theres referring to there. Theres a number he refers to number of factors he refers to in his letter. These have been asked for years by Police Officers, including Firearms Officers. They go back to many other where weve asked other cases where weve asked for these to for these reviews to be conducted and other commissioners they commissioners have said they would. It hasnt happened commissioners have said they wofar. It hasnt happened commissioners have said they wofar. This. It hasnt happened commissioners have said they wofar. This is. It hasnt happened commissioners have said they wofar. This is almost;nt happened commissioners have said they wofar. This is almost like1appened so far. This is almost like finally, were not having this any more. This actually needs to come into place. This come into place. Now, this review needs to take place. And these safeguard , these these these safeguard, these these these safeguard, these these needs to come these guidance needs to come into play. Okay. Graham wetton, former met Police Officer, were going to have to it there. To have to leave it there. Thanks for joining to have to leave it there. Thanks forjoining on thanks for joining us on the live desk. Its a tricky one. This, ali, really . It is. This, ali, really . It really is. Because hand, of because on the one hand, of course, want solidarity. You course, you want solidarity. You want the rank and file to be protected. But the guys been charged. Case hasnt reached charged. The case hasnt reached a resolution. Some people are a resolution. So some people are saying that action seems saying that the action seems premature and then , of course, premature and then, of course, other people are concerned about the threat to the public. Yeah, of course , those kind yeah, of course, those kind of questions are being asked at the tricky. The moment. Very, very tricky. Do you let us know what you make of this . Vaiews gbnews. Com. Be really good to know your thoughts. A very, very tricky. I thoughts. A very, very tricky. I couldnt do it. No. And as as Graham Wetton was just saying there its voluntary at the moment its not part of your duty. You volunteer and you go through a long process and a lot of training in order to hold a weapon. And if those split second decisions are going to be judged, you know, for years to come, effectively come, youre effectively suspended for years on the basis of something that you have to make those quick calls like that. And the officers are feeling clearly that theyre being abandoned by the system. And in fact, theyre being vilified for their. Their actions. Yeah, theyre calling it a penod yeah, theyre calling it a period of reflection. Do let us know make of that. Know what you make of that. Vaiews gbnews. Com. Do stay vaiews gbnews. Com. But do stay with because were to with us because were going to be lampedusa more be live in lampedusa where more than 11,000 migrants have arrived in the last ten days from north africa. Mark white, is there. Well see you shortly i that 5mm that warm feeling inside from boxt boilers. Proud sponsors of weather on. Gb news. Weather on. Gb news. Hi there. Its Aidan Mcgivern here from the met office with the gb news forecast. Its a bright monday for many of us. Still some showers around, especially the and the west. And it will be windy in the far north, but not as windy as its expected to be. Week. Midway week. Midway week. Got low pressure to the weve got low pressure to the northwest uk. Got northwest of the uk. Weve got a cold crossing the country cold front crossing the country thats fresher but thats led to fresher but brighter conditions up and down the land. And some sunshine and actually plenty of sunshine for the the south of the east and the south of england. Eastern scotland seeing some sunny spells, but some decent sunny spells, but there shower clouds there will be shower clouds elsewhere, 1 or 2 showers for wales and northwest england, but the bulk of the showers affecting and affecting western scotland and Northern Ireland. A brisk wind for many , especially towards the for many, especially towards the north west and feeling on the cool side northwest, but cool side in the northwest, but still in the still some warmth in the sunshine down towards the south east. 23 celsius the afternoon high heading into the evening then and actually many of the showers will disappear. Winds fall light central winds fall light across central and eastern parts with a few mist patches by dawn. Mist patches forming by dawn. But at this stage weve got thickening clouds towards the west, freshening breeze once again. And its a relatively mild night in urban areas. But in some rural spots, temperatures dipping into the single figures. A bright start then for many, but from the word 90, then for many, but from the word go, weve got showers pushing into the central and eastern parts and parts of england. And then theres of theres more persistent band of rain through northern rain moving through Northern Ireland, first thing into scotland, northern england, showery into wales showery stuff coming into wales in south west and all of it in the south west and all of it turns to showers by the end of the afternoon. Highs of 23 celsius. Celsius. That warm feeling inside from boxt boilers proud sponsors of weather on situation. Okay okay. Okay. Welcome back. The time is 1224. Now the home secretary Suella Braverman, is set to call on western leaders to collaborate to tackle the global migrant crisis. It comes as situation in europe becomes increasingly desperate as more than 11,000 nonh desperate as more than 11,000 north african migrants have arrived on lampedusa over the past ten days alone, while hundreds of police have been deployed to the island to help manage the influx. Lets cross manage the influx. Lets cross now to lampedusa and join our home and security editor mark white. Hello to you, mark. So an astonishing situation down in lampedusa when you look at the sheer volume of illegals arriving on their shores, 11,000 in the last ten days and thats a half off of what the uk has had the whole year. This is a huge influx. Whats the latest. Huge influx. Whats the latest. Yeah, its very significant and that is double the islands permanent population in where we are actually is just in the Main Town Centre here. This is villa roma , which is one of the main roma, which is one of the main streets through the town centre and were approaching of course the end of the tourist season here. So this main road here, this main street, isnt as busy as it was, but still people out enjoying a coffee and a bite to eat at lunchtime here as we are not seeing now the significant numbers of african migrants wandering through lampard dusa. Theyve been given a bit of relief thanks to these mistral winds, which are blowing through today and out in the mediterranean, making actually the passage pretty difficult for these boats coming across. So thats reduced the number for coming to lampedusa at the moment behind me in the main piazza there, you can see some of the banners that have been put up, makeshift banners. Theyre effectively me from activist groups saying no borders migrants, welcome. Now, borders migrants, welcome. Now, that might be the sentiment that some of the islanders have, but i think the vast majority city here are concerned , learned here are concerned, learned about the sheer numbers that are coming here to lampedusa. So coming here to lampedusa. So they want this situation redressed. This is what a couple of those tourists said to us a bit earlier. Bit earlier. No, it doesnt change the feeling of the island. But i see most military presence of in the island concerned about the future here, about how it could be, but also a bit hopeful that it can improve the situation , it can improve the situation, definitely can improve with the right well as we arrived in lampedusa last night, we actually saw dozens of italian Police Officers being flown in from other parts of italy to help reinforce the officers that are here. Normally , there wouldnt be normally, there wouldnt be more than a dozen or so officers to police this tourist resort. But as we filmed at the airport, some of these reinforcements coming in, there are now hundreds of officers who are here because we know that when these mistral winds start to die down, then there will be significant small boat crossings again , men coming from north again, men coming from north africa to lampedusa. We should also say that we filmed late last night in an area of the port that were normally restricted from going to during the day, but that gave us under cover of darkness and the opportunity to see some of these migrant boats. There were dozens of them just all tied up. And of them just all tied up. And just like the border force teams do in the uk here, the coast officials paint on the boats. The number, the number of boats that have crossed. And on one that have crossed. And on one boati that have crossed. And on one boat i saw nine, seven, five stroke, 23. So that boat was the 975th boat to cross to lampedusa in 2023. Now, there may be even more than that, but that just gives you an indication of the number of boats that have crossed from north africa in recent months. Recent months. As mark, its so striking seeing those pictures almost like a graveyard yard of boats, small boats there. It truly is indicative of how big this problem is for that tiny island of lampedusa, just 20km2. Its a tiny area of land. And how are tiny area of land. And how are they even dealing with this . How are they processing that number of people, 11,000 people crossing in just ten days. Where are these migrants being housed i well, for hm well, for a while they just werent able to process this them properly because they were just overwhelmed. The main Processing Centre here has a capacity of 400. At one point there were 11,000 people that had crossed it and were crammed into that Processing Centre. They were climbing over the walls to get out of there. They were in very hot conditions in crammed into this camp. So then crammed into this camp. So then they were wandering around the town and that clearly is very worrying to local people as well. And there were some clashes with italian Police Officers at the height of those arrivals. And as i say, the arrivals. And as i say, the mistral winds are blowing at the moment, but they know as soon as that dies down, just as we see in the English Channel, when the weather conditions good , the weather conditions are good, the boats will come. And people boats will come. And people might be wondering, well, boats will come. And people might be wondering, well , this might be wondering, well, this is lampedusa, an island almost right off the coast of africa. Right off the coast of africa. Its so far south. Why does this concern us in the uk . Well, it concerns people in the uk because we know that these people once have been processed, will go to the european mainland, to italy and then on to other countries. And a to other countries. And a proportion of these are a significant proportion of those that arrive here will make their way to the northwest coast of france with a view to trying to get to the uk. Yes, fascinate thing. Mark zilic overnight theres been a Significant Development on that political front. The French Interior said that interior minister said that france take any france will not take any migrants from lampedusa. Theyre saying the primary motive is to try and defend its seafaring coast of course, thats been a spectacular failure. Giorgia spectacular failure. Giorgia meloni was elected , of course, meloni was elected, of course, on a ticket of stopping the boats and in fact the numbers have doubled from north africa to 130,000 zoned for this year alone compared to the same year. Its almost doubled. So do you get the sense that this is an issue that will be contained within italy or do you fear that the French Border will be breached and then theyll be coming through the coming through towards the channel britain. Channel coast, towards britain. No, this is a europe wide crisis. And there are countries within the European Union that are openly rowing, such as france and germany, openly rowing with italy, claiming that italy is not taking its fair share of migrant boats back from the European Union. So as a consequence, they are not going to take any of the arrivals from the likes of lampedusa. Is its a clear mess within the European Union and there are tensions because you have countries on the eastern border of the European Union, such as poland and hungary, who want to do their level best to stop those who are coming in through the west Balkans Route and then youve got the southern European Border states, such as italy here, such as spain and greece , here, such as spain and greece, all suffering from a migrant crisis as well. So it is an crisis as well. So it is an existential crisis. Affect putting a number of europes borders to the east and to the south. Okay, mark white, live from lampedusa. Were going to have lampedusa. Were going to have to leave it there. Thank you. Well be catching up with you later on the live desk. Yeah, let us know what you make of that story. I mean, as mark there europe mark says, there is a europe wide are probably wide issue and we are probably going to feel the effects of wide issue and we are probably goin influx el the effects of wide issue and we are probably goin influx of the effects of wide issue and we are probably goin influx of the effein; of wide issue and we are probably goin influx of the effein; cfew that influx of people in a few months coming the months time coming across the engush months time coming across the English Channel. Vaiews gbnews. Com therell be lots to come after the lots more to come after the break, including the internal tory battle over hs2. But first, lets get your headlines with Aaron Armstrong. Aaron armstrong. It is 1233. Aaron armstrong here in the gb newsroom. The here in the gb newsroom. The Prime Minister says armed police need clarity about their Legal Protection amid an escalating crisis in the force. Scores of Counter Terrorism. Fire officers have stepped down from their dufies have stepped down from their duties after one of their colleagues was charged with murder over the shooting of chris kaba in south london last yeah chris kaba in south london last year. Rishi sunak is backing a home Office Review which has been ordered to ensure armed police have the confidence to do their cover has been their job. Cover has been drafted in from neighbouring forces and the military could be used in the event of a terror attack. The mayor of greater attack. The mayor of Greater Manchester, andy burnham, believes curtailing the hs2 project risks creating a north south chasm. The government claims a decision hasnt been taken , despite mounting taken, despite mounting speculation the birmingham to manchester leg is to be scrapped amid spiralling the prime amid spiralling costs. The Prime Minister has refused to guarantee the completion of the project , but insists he is project, but insists he is committed to levelling up serial killer lucy letby is facing a retrial on the attempted murder of a girl known only as child k. The former nurse was jailed for life for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at a hospital in chester. Between 2015 and 2016, jurors were unable to reach a verdict on six further counts of attempted murder. A provisional date has been set forjune next year. Date has been set forjune next year. Nhs date has been set forjune next year. Nhs strikes are thought to have led to the cancellation of more than a million appointments since december. The figures, due to be released later, are expected to confirm the milestone in the wake of last weeks double industrial action by Junior Doctors and consultants. And you can get consultants. And you can get more on all of our stories, as always on our website. Always on our website. Gbnews. Com. Patrick christys weekdays from three on gb news choose. From three on gb news choose. Good afternoon. Its 1239. Lets have a look at what youve been saying this afternoon on a large number of met police Counter Terror ism Firearms Officers stepping back from armed duties. Officers stepping back from armed duties. We asked you what armed duties. We asked you what you made of that gbviews gbnews. Com. And lots of you getting in touch. Yeah. And harry says, i dont blame the officers for blame the Police Officers for handing their licences. Handing back their licences. They if they do and if they they are if they do and if they dont. I wouldnt even be a policeman these days, never mind an officer. If they do an armed officer. If they do their job an armed officer. If they do theirjob and there are any complaints and they just hung out by. Out to dry by. Brian says the public are more at risk from the striking medical profession than are medical profession than they are from police refusing carry from police refusing to carry weapons is. Yeah, and lance says anybody who is willing to attack a Police Officer or unlikely to hesitate to attack anyone else if we fail to support armed police, there will soon be anarchy on our streets. Well, do keep your views coming in on that story. That story. Very, very difficult its a very, very difficult one. Is complex. We know one. It is complex. We know youll opinion at youll have an opinion on it at home. Us know what you home. So do let us know what you make that or any of the make of that or any of the stories that were talking about today. Vaiews gbnews. Com. Stories that were talking about today. Youll ws gbnews. Com. Stories that were talking about today. Youll have|bnews. Com. Stories that were talking about today. Youll have|bnews. C� say know youll have a lot to say about lampedusa well. And about lampedusa as well. And mark there for us. Mark white, who is there for us. We going to mark we will be going back to mark white next hour as well. White in the next hour as well. One next story. Now, thats one next story. Now, lucy will face a retrial lucy letby will face a retrial on an outstanding allegation she attempted to murder another baby girl while the former nurse was sentenced to a whole life order for killing seven babies the for killing seven babies and the attempted murder of six others. But the jury was unable to reach verdicts on six further counts. Our north west of counts. Our north west of england reporter sophie reaper is outside Manchester Crown court for us now. Good afternoon to you, sophie. Whats the latest . Latest . Good afternoon to you both. Good afternoon to you both. Well, we heard first this morning from nick johnson , kc, morning from nick johnson, kc, who is the prosecutor in this case. He told the courtroom here in manchester that the prosecution would be seeking a retrial in this case, but so far, only on count 14, which relates to the attempted murder of child k. As for the other five counts that were left hung relating to child h, child ,j relating to child h, child,j child n and child. Q as it stands, he said, the crown were not present seeking a retrial on those particular counts. Now , justice goss, whos been now, justice goss, whos been the judge presiding over this case since it began last october , he estimated that that retrial would take around 2 to 3 weeks. However he did also say that the next available date for that wouldnt be until at least june 10th of next year. So that date 10th of next year. So that date was set provision really. But there is obviously still quite some time until that date comes around. Now as for lucy letby herself , of course, we now know herself, of course, we now know that she and her legal team have made the application for an appeal. So that is still, of course, ongoing. And we know course, ongoing. And we know that for her sentencing last month, she didnt appear here at Manchester Crown court. But today , today she did appear via today, today she did appear via video link from hmp new hall. She spoke twice. First to confirm that her name was lucy letby and second, to confirm that she could indeed hear and see the court clearly. But that was it. That was the only two occasions we heard from lucy letby today , sophie reaper on letby today, sophie reaper on north west of england. Reporter very good to see you this afternoon. Youve been covering that case from day one, so really good to have you with us afternoon. Thank you us this afternoon. Thank you very much. Very much. To em very much. To our next story okay. On to our next story now. Refused now. Rishi sunak has refused to commit the northern leg of commit to the northern leg of the but that he is the hs2, but said that he is committed to levelling up. Yes, the Prime Minister wouldnt the wouldnt guarantee the birmingham leg birmingham to manchester leg will be completed. Will will be completed. He will discuss that further with the chancellor week with the chancellor this week with the decision before the decision expected before the Tory Party Conference in manchester later next week and the planned line to east midlands parkway may also be under threat. Under threat. Lets cross now to our Political Editor chris hope to find out more. So, chris, find out more. So, chris, a political storm has brewed, as youd expect. George osborne youd expect. George osborne wading in, calling it a gross act of vandalism. Lord heseltine wading in the arch remainer, calling this economic self harm. But rishi seems to be standing firm. Firm. Thats right. The firm. Thats right. The timing couldnt be worse, could it, martin ali, given the Tory Party Conference starts in manchester later this week on saturday, and this whole debate is about whether this high speed rail line should go from birmingham to guess where manchester. So the timing is really difficult. Ive just been to the lobby briefing with Prime Minister briefing with the Prime Minister spokesman they raised the spokesman twice. They raised the issue rephasing. Now, i think issue of rephasing. Now, i think rather than axing birmingham to manchester altogether, what may seem, may, may be the landing zone. If you call that awful westminster term, they may come back with is they refer it. I delay it till later until inflation under control inflation is back under control. But earlier today the pm, mr sunak, was on a visit to hertfordshire and he was asked there by reporters about hs2. There by reporters about hs2. Heres what to say. Heres what he had to say. This kind of speculation that people making is not right. People are making is not right. I mean, weve got spades in the ground. Were on ground. Were getting on and delivering, but across the north, doing is north, what were also doing is connecting the towns and connecting up all the towns and cities the north east to cities in the north east to west. Thats a really important part of how will create jobs part of how we will create jobs , drive growth across the region. All part of our plans to level up freeports are another good that. Whether good example of that. Whether thats in teesside or elsewhere, attracting new investment, new businesses in, all good businesses coming in, all good examples of the government levelling up. That was the pm there, rishi sunak, defending the levelling up record of the government on a visit to a Community Centre in broxbourne, where levelling money, levelling up money had been spent. But this hs2 really is the almost talisman like project for levelling up reports over the weekend. Its gone up, gone up by £8 billion. The chancellor , jeremy hunt, knows chancellor, jeremy hunt, knows and says its been a live issue in parliament in whitehall right now. And mr hunt is back in london, as is rishi sunak. We are expecting some news this week, but i must say and be clear, the government has not said anything will come, but i doubt they can into this doubt they can go into this Party Conference on political Party Conference on a political level with this uncertainty hanging hs2 this weekend hanging over hs2 this weekend has always been clear, hasnt he, about the way he would prioritise levelling up . So it does seem that scrapping the manchest leg of hs2, it does hold Political Risk for rishi sunak, doesnt it. For rishi sunak, doesnt it. I think so. Hugely. And he understands the value of it. Of course. Hes the mp for richmond in yorkshire. He he is an mp for the north of england. He knows how important it and weve how important it is. And weve heard, over the last heard, havent we, over the last few days from andy burnham, the greater mayor, unused Greater Manchester mayor, unused plea. Were having reported briefings from former Prime Minister cameron , who minister david cameron, who started off the idea in the first place. Boris johnson , first place. Boris johnson, another former minister another former Prime Minister and so there is a big debate developed. And i just wonder developed. And i just wonder whether the idea of rephasing it slightly, delaying elements of it rather than cancelling it altogether is where this landing zone might be. Okay. And christopher moore, storm on the horizon for rishi phones for you found the John Caldwell said he can no longer in good conscience donate to the tory party because of rishis rowing back on net zero. Will that have an impact or do you think there may be other donors out there who are quite happy about rishis new position who might instead . Might donate instead . Well, i mean John Caudwell of course, has donated in the past and he has talked about his views in the past, but the pm cant really be swayed by this. This is money going to the tory tory coffers the election. Tory coffers for the election. Nothing with government nothing to do with government spending, will be spending, but there will be a debate, will certainly spending, but there will be a debibe will certainly spending, but there will be a debibe business. L certainly spending, but there will be a debibe Business Leaderstainly spending, but there will be a debibe Business Leaders up|ly will be Business Leaders up north england north in the north of england who want this who want to have this connection. Dont the connection. Dont forget the idea of hs2 was was originally spun us as one of speed. Spun out to us as one of speed. Its now one of capacity. So the idea is if you have this extra line almost shadowing the west coast main line , you can have coast main line, you can have more stops on the west coast. Main have main line route and have a faster point to point route from london, birmingham and beyond. Thats of it. I think thats the idea of it. I think plenty of Companies May think thats idea, but i think thats a good idea, but i think John Caldwell, it just shows the debate is around debate that is around this. I think a lot of think itd be quite a lot of explaining to do if they do get rid altogether. Why explaining to do if they do get rithink altogether. Why explaining to do if they do get rithink itiltogether. Why explaining to do if they do get rithink it probably. Why explaining to do if they do get rithink it probably wont why explaining to do if they do get rithink it probably wont happen i chris, lam m chris, whats your response to tory grandees coming to to tory grandees coming out to criticise sunak about this rowing back on hs2 quite so publicly. You can understand why publicly. You can understand why they might do that. Obviously they might do that. Obviously its their idea in the first place. Some of them , but to do place. Some of them, but to do so publicly in this time of approaching a general election, it could be very damaging, couldnt it . Couldnt it . Well , couldnt it . Well, certainly. And there is this debate, isnt it, at the heart of the tory party . Dont forget the most recent political hr move for the pm was when he got ben wallace mp for lancashire , left the government lancashire, left the government and three southern mps entered the government or were promoted to the top team. Claire coutinho being the obvious one, i think theres a slight issue here. I think with mr sunak does he actually support this idea of red wall, those those those red wall, those mps, those those mps so, so vigorously won by bofis mps so, so vigorously won by Boris Johnson back in the 20 1919 general election . Hes got to do more to show he does care for the north. Of course, hes the mp for richmond in yorkshire. We know that. But what do . Hes to what will he do . Hes got to show levelling more than show levelling up is more than just talk just warm words. People talk rightly better rightly about linking better Liverpool Manchester hull on liverpool and manchester hull on the east coast of england. And thats the kind of thing people want whether they want to see. And whether they look more spending in look at doing more spending in that and down and that space and down and rephasing, as i say hs2, that could be where it goes but its not helpful having all these noises off when the pm is trying to get himself back on front to get himself back on the front foot his long term foot with his long term planning. Saw week on planning. As we saw last week on net zero. Okay, chris hope in our New Westminster very good to westminster studio. Very good to see this afternoon. Thank see you this afternoon. Thank you interesting you so, so much. So interesting what chris hope was saying there about perhaps an alternate opfion about perhaps an alternate option were speaking option because we were speaking to a little to our makeup artists a little bit earlier on, and shes from york, isnt she . And were having conversation with having this conversation with her didnt really her about hs2. She didnt really care terms of care about hs2 in terms of coming down london. Said coming down to london. She said the from quite the service from york is quite good. M60 two good. Its that m60 two corridor. Well, chris hope was just talking about their Liverpool Leeds and out to liverpool and leeds and out to hull. Thats what many people up north would like to see. Thats what us. What she was telling us. Call of the highway what she was telling us. Hull, call of the highway what she was telling us. Hull, that call of the highway what she was telling us. Hull, that road of the highway what she was telling us. Hull, that road highwayghway to hull, that road highway literally that stops to hull, that road highway lit� hull, that stops to hull, that road highway lit� hull, it that stops to hull, that road highway lit� hull, it takes that stops to hull, that road highway lit� hull, it takes eternityops to hull, that road highway lit� hull, it takes eternity to; at hull, it takes an eternity to get country. And get across the country. And i wonder if people care about saving ten minutes, shaving off ten minutes on a journey to london entire transport london the entire transport policy seems be so. London policy seems to be so. London metropolitan centric. They want metropolitan centric. They want to make journeys quicker to london quicker and then tell us to stop driving our because to stop driving our cars because were damaging the were sort of damaging the planet. Meanwhile, people just need to get around and save a few. Few quid. W few quid. You would like to so perhaps you would like to see alternative than see an alternative rather than hs2 down to london. Do you let us know what you make that . Us know what you make of that . What what you do if what would what would you do if you in charge . You were in charge . Vaiews gbnews. Com. We do love to from you. To hear from you. Im moving on to our we do. Im moving on to our next yorkshire next story. North yorkshire police. Has become one of police. This has become one of the to deploy the latest forces to deploy a specialist of officers in Specialist Team of officers in yorks night time economy to help prevent offences and help prevent Sexual Offences and to people safe. To keep people safe. Our reporter anna riley joined officers project joined officers from project vigilant on patrol during freshers week to see how they plan to regain control. Welcome to the project vigilant briefing i and today we are going to be doing a combination of uniformed patrols and plainclothes officers. All right. Were going officers. All right. Were going to go out in our night time economy and were going to try and identify people are and identify any people who are displaying predatory displaying signs of predatory sexual fully briefed, sexual behaviour, fully briefed, project vigilant officers head out into yorks nightlife off evening. Evening. Their aim to stop Sexual Violence before it happens. Its University Freshers week and patrols a focussed on designated areas of the city. It fits in with our strategy of violence against women and girls strategy, our vawg strategy really and this this project just adds another layer of policing that we of protective policing that we can offer for the to public be there to, to ensure that if Sexual Violence is happening at night time economy, then we need to be one step ahead of it. And we to try and it. We need to try and prevent it. City with with york a city filled with residents visitors and residents and visitors day and night , this operation looks out night, this operation looks out for those who can become more vulnerable as the evening wears on. So im leading the plainclothes officers and were looking for any suspicious behaviour people that might be reacting oddly to the presence of uniformed Police Officers and any Vulnerable People that might be that might be around. So that might be they might be vulnerable due to the amount of alcohol theyve drunk or vulnerable situation be vulnerable situation might be detached things vulnerable situation might be detathat. Things vulnerable situation might be detathat. Thats things vulnerable situation might be detathat. Thats twere like that. So thats who were looking any looking for to prevent any offences to protect those offences and to protect those people. People. Are you as well as protecting revellers . Revellers . The operation also supports those who work in pubs and clubs , bars after the covid all the lockdowns generally, the entertainments side of it has suffered big time. Itsjust suffered big time. Its just starting to get going again now. Really so i think its a massive help if youve got people that are possibly out and about to maybe, you know, do a little bit of mischief, just seeing them if it just down as the clock just takes it down as the clock ticks on, just how safe do people feel in the city . I was spiked before at home in hull. In hull. It was a horrible experience, but now that im in york and kind of thinking, oh, it wont happen to me, hoping so. Do you see the police . I do feel a lot safer whenever theyre around or like even just ambulances or Something Like that. I never felt bad just walking, like walking home, like for its always quite safe. Fairly safe. I think its quite a nice city in terms of like theres enough places to go in a night out, but its not like busy. Like too busy. I feel quite safe in york because its quite small and like kind of know a lot of people as well. Ive only been here three weeks and ive gone for few out. For a few nights out. The officers around the Police Officers around here are brilliant. Bouncers round here. They bouncers round here. Absolutely excellent. Really easy with, but youll easy to get on with, but youll see in. If anyones see them go in. If anyones messing theyll messing around, theyll take them away. Them out straight away. Were stopped multiple people were stopped and police and questioned by police throughout the evening, but no arrests were made. Much as arrests were made. As much as project vigilant is about proactive policing, its also to ensure Vulnerable People werent alone and could get home safely and riley gb news york well, i really like the look of that, actually. I think that would make me feel really safe. I think its superb. Lets see, thats the sort of policing i people want. Lets see, thats the sort of poli know, people want. Lets see, thats the sort of poli know, stop people want. Lets see, thats the sort of poli know, stop policingwant. Lets see, thats the sort of poli know, stop policing tweets you know, stop policing tweets and police streets. Get on, and police the streets. Get on, get there times when get out there at the times when people are in danger, especially women, women their women, especially women on their own, false bobbies on the own, have a false bobbies on the beat, boots on the ground. It works beat, boots on the ground. It woris beat, boots on the ground. It wori think a lot. A lot of i think for a lot. A lot of people, especially talking as myself as a woman in the early hours, its the visibility of police that makes me feel safe. Police that makes me feel safe. They dont even necessarily need to you or help you to talk to you or help you in a hands on way, but just being there or there outside of a club or outside of a bar, you know, that should happen, youre should anything happen, youre in yeah they did in safe hands. Yeah they did that home city of that in my home city of nottingham back. E e pence police than there are more police than punters square at punters in the Market Square at night. But worked night. Yeah, but it worked because. People because. And actually people were chatting to the coppers. They having. Great were chatting to the coppers. Thecommunity ng. Great were chatting to the coppers. Thecommunity relationshipszat were chatting to the coppers. Thecommunity relationships. |t were chatting to the coppers. Thecommunity relationships. I for community relationships. I think that is the sort of thing that really, really would that people really, really would like more of. That people really, really would likeand more of. That people really, really would likeand i more of. That people really, really would likeand i thinke of. That people really, really would likeand i think for . That people really, really would likeand i think for men as well, and i think for men as well, men some men who would have men who some men who would have the to perhaps have the tendency to perhaps have a scrap outside of a bar or a club, having police club, just having the police there would prevent that as well. Its a positive from there would prevent that as wellet its a positive from there would prevent that as wellet us s a positive from there would prevent that as wellet us know ositive from there would prevent that as wellet us know whate from there would prevent that as wellet us know what you m there would prevent that as wellet us know what you think, us. Let us know what you think, gbviews gbnews. Com. But do stay with us. Plenty more to come in the next hour, of course, we return to our main story, which is significant number is that significant number of Counter Terrorism Firearms Officers have stepped from officers have stepped back from armed duties. See shortly. In armed duties. See shortly. In the temperatures rising boxt solar pro sponsors of weather on. Gb news. Hi there. Its Aidan Mcgivern hi there. Its Aidan Mcgivern here from the met office with the gb news forecast. Its a bright monday for many of us. Still some showers around , still some showers around, especially north and the especially in the north and the west. Will in west. And it will be windy in the north, but not as windy the far north, but not as windy as its expected to be. Midweek, weve got low pressure to the northwest of the uk. Weve got a northwest of the uk. Weve got a cold front crossing country cold front crossing the country thats led fresher. But thats led to fresher. But brighter down brighter conditions up and down the land and some sunshine and actually plenty of sunshine for the east and the south of england. Eastern scotland seeing england. Eastern scotland seeing some sunny spells , but some decent sunny spells, but there be shower clouds there will be shower clouds elsewhere for 1 there will be shower clouds elsewhere for1 or 2 showers for elsewhere for 1 or 2 showers for wales, northwest england. Elsewhere for 1 or 2 showers for walbulkorthwest england. Elsewhere for 1 or 2 showers for walbulkortithest england. Elsewhere for 1 or 2 showers for walbulkortithe showers|d. The bulk of the showers affecting scotland and affecting western scotland and northern a brisk wind Northern Ireland. A brisk wind for many, especially towards the north west and feeling on the cool side in the northwest. But still some warmth in the sunshine towards southeast. Sunshine towards the southeast. 23 celsius afternoon high 23 celsius the afternoon high heading into the evening. Then and actually many of the showers will disappear. Winds fall light across central and eastern parts with mist patches forming with a few mist patches forming by dawn. But at this stage, by dawn. But at this stage, weve got thickening clouds towards the west freshening breeze. Once again, and its a relatively mild night in urban areas. But in some rural spots, temperatures dipping into the single figures. A bright start. Then for many, but from the word 90, then for many, but from the word go, weve got showers pushing into the central and eastern parts england. This parts of england. And then this more persistent band of rain moving through Northern Ireland, first into scotland, first thing into scotland, northern england, showery stuff coming wales coming into wales in the south west and all of it turns to showers by the end of the afternoon. Highs of 23 celsius. The temperatures rising, boxt solar proud sponsors gb news. Good afternoon. Its 1 gb news. Good afternoon. Its1 p. M. Good afternoon. Its 1 pm. And youre with the live desk here on gb news with myself, martin and Ellie Costello coming up lunchtime news martin and Ellie Costello coming uptold lunchtime news martin and Ellie Costello coming uptold that lunchtime news martin and Ellie Costello coming uptold that significant|e news is told that a significant number of Counter Terrorism Firearms Officers have stepped back Firearms Officers have stepped baccommanders in crisis commanders are now in crisis meetings with the military on standby to respond to any serious incidents in the caphal serious incidents in the capital. Were live from scotland capital. Were live from scoandi capital. Were live from scoand more than migrants and more than 11,000 migrants have from and more than 11,000 migrants have africa from and more than 11,000 migrants have africa in from and more than 11,000 migrants have africa in past from and more than 11,000 migrants have africa in past tenfrom north africa in the past ten days alone. Home affairs and days alone. Our home affairs and security mark white is security editor mark white is live on the island and rishi sunak to confirm whether sunak refuses to confirm whether hs2 continue hs2 will continue past birmingham, with former chancellor birmingham, with former cha move r birmingham, with former cha move would be an of huge the move would be an act of huge economic self harm. The move would be an act of huge economichaveharm. Latest well have all the latest reaction from westminster. Plus, whod be a Sheffield United fan . The poor old blades got hammered yesterday. We discuss how feels when your discuss how it feels when your team thats a team loses eight. Thats not a mistake. Eight nil. But first, heres aaron heres your headlines with Aaron Armstrong. Armstrong. Good afternoon to you. Its a minute past one. Im Aaron Armstrong in the gb newsroom. The Prime Minister says armed police gratitude police deserve the gratitude of the clarity over the public but need clarity over their protection. Their Legal Protection. A significant of significant number of Counter Terrorism officers in london from london have stepped back from firearm duties after a colleague was charged with the murder of the of chris kaba in the shooting of chris kaba in south london last year. Number ten says its important not to delay a home Office Review into armed police guidance. The military has been put on standby to respond in the event of a terror attack. The shadow paymaster general Jonathan Ashworth, says people need confidence in the police. Its vital that that they have support , but there are also have support, but there are also safeguards in place now. Theres been a review announced by the home secretary. We dont know home secretary. We dont know the details of that review yet. Theres also that live prosecution that court case. So i want to i want as a politician to be careful about how i comment on these matters, as you would as you would appreciate. But we obviously need to make sure have procedures in place sure we have procedures in place which commands the confidence of both Police Officers and the both the Police Officers and the communities they serve. Communities they serve. Well, meanwhile , the mayor of well, meanwhile, the mayor of Greater Manchester says the nonh Greater Manchester says the north shouldnt have to pay for the mismanagement the governments mismanagement of rishi sunak is refusing of hs2. Rishi sunak is refusing to guarantee the manchester leg will be completed with a decision expected to be announced before the Tory Party Conference in the city next week. Andy burnham says curtailing the project represents the opposite of levelling up. But the Prime Minister insists hes committed to the long term tory pledge. To the long term tory pledge. This kind of speculation that people are making is not right. I mean weve got spades in the ground. Were getting on and delivering, ground. Were getting on and delive what were also doing is north, what were also doing is connecting towns and connecting up all the towns and cities in the north east to west. Thats a really important part of how we will create jobs, drive growth across the region. All part of our plans to level up freeports are another good example that. Whether thats example of that. Whether thats in or elsewhere, in teesside or elsewhere, attracting new investment, new businesses in, all good businesses coming in, all good examples of the government levelling up. The home secretary will call for amongst western the home secretary will call for to mongst western the home secretary will call for to combatwestern the home secretary will call for to combat the tern the home secretary will call for to combat the Global Leaders to combat the global migration crisis. Suella migration crisis. Suella braverman will tell an audience in washington, other countries can learn from the uks innovative attempts to tackle Illegal Migrants. Shes questioning whether conventions and legal frameworks designed more than 50 years ago are still fit for purpose and would like a shake up of international rules. Around 1 million nhs appointments have been cancelled since december because of strikes in england. Last weeks industrial action by Junior Doctors and consultants has meant the country will reach the milestone in the figures set to be announced today. Another double strike is scheduled for next week. The organisations deputy chief executive, saffron cordery , has labelled it cordery, has labelled it damaging and demoralising. Meanwhile, almost 400,000 patients in england waited 24 hours or more in a e last year. The Royal College of emergency medicine is calling the situation a matter of national shame. Shadow Health Secretary wes streeting says 24 hours in a e is no longerjust a documentary, but the department of health and social care claims improvements are being made through the nhs recovery plan. Through the nhs recovery plan. Prosecutors are seeking a retrial of lucy letby on one count of attempted murder. The count of attempted murder. The former nurse was jailed for life last month for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six others at a hospital in chester in 2015 and 2016. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on six further counts of attempted murder. The retrial will is likely to take place in june next year on count 14. Only which relates to the attempted murder of child k lucy letby denies all charges and has launched an appeal. Experts are launched an appeal. Experts are warning the government will not meet its manifesto pledge to end homelessness by next year. The Kerslake Commission says there are chronic and unresolved issues in the housing system , issues in the housing system, with a crisis pushing more people onto the streets. The number of people sleeping rough last autumn was some 25 higher than at the same time three years ago. The government says its spending £2 billion to end rough sleeping for good. Police rough sleeping for good. Police are searching for a missing mother, have arrested a 31 year old woman who attended an east London Police station. The woman was also taken to hospital as a precaution two children precaution when two children reported from a centre reported missing from a centre for vulnerable mothers and children in london were found safe and well in harwich earlier today. Officers had been looking for 31 old jamie lee kelly, for 31 year old jamie lee kelly, who left the facility on tuesday with her three year old daughter and newborn baby boy. This is gb and newborn baby boy. This is gb news. Were in your car on your tv and on your Smart Speaker to just say, play gb news. Thats it from me. Now over to martinelli. Martinelli. Its 1 06. Martinelli. Its1 06. Lets have a look at what you think about the Prime Minister refusing to confirm that the manchester leg of hs2 will be built. And do remember, you can get in touch as well. Vaiews gbnews. Com. Well, les says, i think that hs2 has been and still is a white elephant. Thats the term you used earlier, isnt it . The government have been talking about improving rail travel and building hs2 on the pretext of increasing Passenger Capacity and reliability. But its been reported to have gone way over budget for long enough. Would it not be wise to cut our losses and invest in the existing Rail Infrastructure and let us common sense will never catch on . Alison says. I have alison says. I would have started building railway started building a new railway from the down. So if you from the north down. So if you run out of money, least the run out of money, at least the north have something. Good point. Very interesting point. Yes. Chris says i would scrap hs2 and transfer the projected hs2 cost to turning back the boats and putting bobbies on the beat to stop shoplifting. Really interesting views. Do keep them coming in to us this afternoon on any of the stories that were talking about this afternoon. Vaiews gbnews. Com. Im always grabbed by the fact that gb news viewers have got far more common sense than anybody whos running the country. So please keep them coming. Maybe you should be in charge. Thats what wed like to see. I do love the views, though, because things like that, in the that, such as starting in the nonh that, such as starting in the north coming what north and coming down. What a great idea. Never occurred to the politicians. Lets move on to politicians. Lets move on to our story. Gb news has our next story. Gb news has learned large number of learned a large number of police, Counter Terrorism, Firearms Officers have stepped police, Counter Terrorism, firearfrom fficers have stepped police, Counter Terrorism, firearfrom armed1ave stepped police, Counter Terrorism, firearfrom armed dutiesepped police, Counter Terrorism, firearfrom armed duties withd back from armed duties with almost all armed response vehicles in london, opting for a penod vehicles in london, opting for a period of reflection. Period of reflection. Yes, senior met commanders are in talks to ensure the capital has an adequate response to firearms incidents whilst the military is on standby in the event of a terrorist attack. Event of a terrorist attack. And it follows the cps last week charging a met firearms officer with murder over the shooting of an unarmed black man, chris kaba in south london. Well, gb News National reporter Theo Chikomba is at Scotland Yard for us now. Good afternoon to you, theo. This is significant, isnt it . Significant, isnt it . It is indeed. It is indeed. Well, the metropolitan polices firearms command is up against a difficult situation following a large number of them handing in their tickets, which is essentially a licence which allows them to carry out their dufiesin allows them to carry out their duties in their role. Now, we do duties in their role. Now, we do understand the home secretary has launched a review into armed policing and has spoken to the mets commissioner about this situation after they said they are stepping back. Now the are stepping back. Now the officers protesting are saying that theyre doing this as they feel that they dont have enough support, particularly in the case thats currently happening at the moment. Their colleague, lord last week was charged with murder following the Fatal Shooting of chris kaba in september 2022. Now, of course, there are questions. What does this mean overall about the safety of those in london, particularly if there are high profile cases in the next whenever that could happen . Are whenever that could happen . Are there Adequate Police or specialist officers in place for that . We do understand , though, that . We do understand, though, that . We do understand, though, that the sas will be there to help if needed. Its worth help if needed. Its worth mentioning that they wont be patrolling around london, but they will be called upon when theyre needed. And there are some other forces which have been contacted to come and help should they be needed. Now weve heard from the Prime Minister earlier today in response to this situation and what the home secretary has said and this is what he had to say. Well, our Firearms Officers do do an incredibly difficult job. Theyre making life or death decisions in a split second to keep us safe. And they deserve our gratitude for their bravery. Now, its important when theyre using these legal powers that they do so with clarity and they have certainty about what theyre doing, especially given theyre doing, especially given the lethality that they are using. Thats why the home secretary has asked her department to review the guidance that the officers are operating under , that means that operating under, that means that the capital has now the home secretary has offered a message of support, particularly those officers who feel that they may end up in a situation like this, being afraid to potentially end up in the dock should they have to use their firearms. Now, we know that they might find themselves in a situation which happens quite quickly and it leads into this situation. Weve also heard from the met commission coroner, and he was saying in an open letter to the home secretary that it was right that his force was held to the highest standard, but the highest standard, but the highest that the Current System, should i say, was undermining his officers and suggested they needed more Legal Protections. But as weve mentioned before , but as weve mentioned before, there are still questions. What does this mean and will they get adequate support . And of course, adequate support . And of course, how how people feel here in the capital . Okay, Theo Chikomba live from Scotland Yard. Thank you for that latest update. That latest update. Now, rishi sunak has refused to commit the northern leg of hs2 to but says he is committed to levelling up the Prime Minister wouldnt guarantee the birmingham to manchester leg will be completed and he will discuss its future with the chancellor. This week with a decision expected before the Tory Party Conference going to manchester next week. Well, joining us now is the mp for crewe and nantwich, Kieran Mullen. Very good to see this afternoon, mr mullen. And this afternoon, mr mullen. And you are the mp for crewe and nantwich, so you are directly affected by this. If that that affected by this. If that that leg of hs2 does not go ahead. Well you must be furious that that prospect might well recognise it. Recognise it. You know, were in difficult Economic Times and of course its right that the chancellor, Prime Minister, look at of Prime Minister, look at all of the governments spending, but im passionate about the difference i think can difference that i think hs2 can make, not just to crewe but actually to all of the north west. And its really about and its really about tackling issue levelling up. And thats problem and thats the problem with the dominates the fact that london dominates our economy and actually post pandemic. Weve seen london bounce back more strongly than more strongly and quicker than the country. So the rest of the country. So thats get worse thats only going to get worse unless really make a unless we can really make a seismic to change how we live work in the rest country, work in the rest of the country, particularly up in the particularly where im up in the north west. Karen what would you say to people who point out with some justification that this leg was going to be £23 billion and i think it was shave off 45 minutes from a journey from crewe to london. Thats £2 billion a minute. Now, theres much better ways of spending that money as you quite rightly say, levelling up the country say, on levelling up the country east to west and not being quite so london centric. However, its so london centric. However, its not going to be very easy for you, it your constituents you, is it your constituents must be furious. So of course we should be looking at whether we can spend this money effectively on the route. And ive never to and ive never objected to that. I think we as a that. And i think we as a country at country need to get better at major infrastructure projects. But, are we really but, you know, are we really saying there isnt a cost saying that there isnt a Cost Effective way build new effective way to build a new railway in the uk, the Railway Track in the uk, the home of the home of the railways . Of the big . And i think one of the big misunderstandings is misunderstandings about hs2 is its not just journey its not just about journey times, actually times, its about actually capacity. So the west coast main capacity. So the west coast main line busiest mixed mixed line is the busiest mixed mixed use line in all of use railway line in all of europe. And so it means that actually local journeys that my constituents want make constituents want to make on that railway are competing that railway line are competing with busy traffic between with that busy traffic between the cities. So actually, the big cities. So actually, when that city traffic when we move that city traffic onto , theres going to be onto hs2, theres going to be more connections, more journeys locally my constituents can locally that my constituents can use yes, of use. And actually, yes, of course, Northern Powerhouse rail, west connections rail, the east west connections are , but im sure are important, but im not sure why should to make why we should be having to make a choice between the two. You why we should be having to make a choi in between the two. You why we should be having to make a choi in london, the two. You why we should be having to make a choi in london, the tisntou know, in london, there isnt a choice trains choice between tubes and trains and things get and buses. All those things get invested in think we invested in and i think we should be the same in should be expecting the same in the north. So would you like to see an alternative to hs2, a rail alternative . I want to see rail alternative . I want to see a new Railway Connection between my constituency and crewe and nantwich and manchester and birmingham and london, because i know the difference thats going to lets say that youre to make. Lets say that youre growing up crewe, you growing up in crewe, you finished you love finished college, you love crewe, living in a crewe, you like living in a smaller town with your friends and the minute its and family at the minute. Its so you get the so difficult for you to get the Jobs Opportunity jobs and opportunity cities without to without making a move to somewhere like manchester or birmingham london. If we cut birmingham or london. If we cut those journey down, those journey times down, make them more frequent. So actually, lets you want to get a job lets say you want to get a job in birmingham, that down in birmingham, cut that down from to than from around an hour to less than half an hour. My constituents can stay living crewe, stay can stay living in crewe, stay spending crewe spending their money in crewe and it locally, and contribute to it locally, but job in birmingham but have that job in birmingham and entrepreneurs can do the same and businesses the same and businesses can do the same. And thats the whole idea. Really were doing is really what were doing is breaking between breaking down that silo between london rest of the london and the rest of the country. Kieran, the labour country. Now kieran, the labour party waded in saying that party have waded in saying that they keep hs2. They will keep hs2. Expect that, but how youd expect that, but how unhelpful is it that people like bofis unhelpful is it that people like Boris Johnson have been wading in saying that this is a mutilate version of hs2 . George mutilate version of hs2 . George osborne hes resurfaced again saying this is a gross act of vandalism and lord heseltine never short of a word or two to attack a brexiteer saying that this is economic self harm. Youre about to go to manchester for your own Tory Party Conference. How unhelpful is it for these political figures from the past to be steaming into rishi . Well, that might not be the words i would use, but i just think all of those individuals are passionate about are as passionate as i am about what can for the what hs2 can deliver for the north of manchester, for crewe, for birmingham so for birmingham. And so i understand theyre understand why theyre frustrated mean, labour, frustrated. I mean, labour, youve heard more than me then because i cant actually get a straight out of them straight answer out of them whether support whether theyre going to support it not. Course know it or not. And of course we know keir opposed to keir starmer is fully opposed to it, on every it, but he flip flops on every single know single issue going. So you know , and our track record, when it comes in the north comes to rail in the north and labour when labour is appalling. When they were Northern Rail were last in the Northern Rail franchise, that out franchise, they rented that out on zero investment basis. The on a zero investment basis. The whole time they were in government, they electrified 63 miles of railway. Weve done more than a thousand. So im proud that proud of our track record. That doesnt passionate proud of our track record. That doesn� what passionate proud of our track record. That doesn� what i passionate proud of our track record. That doesn� what i think passionate proud of our track record. That doesn� what i think hs2assionate proud of our track record. That doesn� what i think hs2 can nate about what i think hs2 can deliver for the and deliver for the north and the midlands. Deliver for the north and the midlancmust have fears, though. You must have fears, though. You have concerns in an era you must have concerns in an era now where were entering into a general election hasnt been called yet, but we all know its on the cards. Probably this time next what do you think it next year. What do you think it will mean for rishi sunak . What do you think it will mean for your party abandon this your party if you abandon this part hs2, especially for the part of hs2, especially for the red wall and northern voters who want to see levelling up in action . Well, i think youre right. I think that 29, 2019 voters and before actually, i think people were moving to our party because they didnt think that labour was delivering for them in the regions want to us deliver. Regions and want to us deliver. And get me wrong, and dont get me wrong, there are that were doing, for are things that were doing, for example, constituency, example, in my constituency, weve got something called a town deal, which brings new investment and weve investment to the area and weve seen levelling up funds and other things that the government are and are doing to invest in try and tackle issue. Tackle this levelling up issue. I think that one i just happen to think that one of best ways of doing that of the best ways of doing that is its, you know, is hs2 and its, you know, on track. Doing it. Were track. Were doing it. Were building it as we speak. Its been through planning. Its been through parliament a lot of it already. Would be already. Other options would be wary about changing horse mid race because actually we know this one is already making a in like a difference in places like birmingham. To a e birmingham. Speak to the a e street conservative mayor. Hes clear amounts clear its bringing huge amounts of birmingham of investment to birmingham and its even arrived yet. Its not even arrived yet. Yeah, politicians yeah, well, politicians are one campaigned one thing. I campaigned across the West Midlands and i didnt meet person who wanted meet a Single Person who wanted hs2, people who hs2, apart from people who worked business, and members worked in business, and members of much rather worked in business, and members of a much rather worked in business, and members of a bus much rather worked in business, and members of a bus serviceh rather worked in business, and members of a bus service around get a decent bus service around their constituency. And the idea ill coming back to it, ill keep coming back to it, im afraid. To reiterate , it afraid. I need to reiterate, it does its all about does feel like its all about saving for people saving time for people getting to london who seem to get all the best baubles anyway, with the best baubles anyway, with the line, with the the elizabeth line, with the overground, isnt it just time to accept reality . Kieran were a £26 trillion in national debt. The hs2 project is the ultimate. How long is a piece of ultimate. How long is a piece of string . Why elephant project £100 billion and rising. Its simply time to call time on hs2. I mean, thats accepts the premise that we as the home of the railways cant build an affordable railway. And i just dont accept that. So if we want dont accept that. So if we want to look at whats going on as to why those costs gone and why those costs have gone up and what we can do, whether its in planning or whatever it might be to get those costs down. But dont accept cant build to get those costs down. But d0|affordable cant build to get those costs down. But d0|affordable railway build an affordable new railway line in think also in this country. So i think also to keep in mind, yes, that sounds like lot money and sounds like a lot of money and it lot of money, but this it is a lot of money, but this is a project thats going to be spent over years. Actually is a project thats going to be speat over years. Actually is a project thats going to be spea yearr years. Actually is a project thats going to be spea year by years. Actually is a project thats going to be spea year by years. Actually is a project thats going to be spea year by year basis, actually is a project thats going to be spea year by year basis, were. Y on a year by year basis, were spending rest of the spending more on the rest of the railway we are and railway than we are on hs2. And its last decades its going to last for decades and decades. Lets remember and decades. And lets remember the speed rail the original high speed rail that 80 that the eurotunnel 80 overspend. Lots of challenges getting done, but dont think you or any of your viewers would say that we should never should have that and have spent that money. And thats true, for example, of crossrail london. Lot of crossrail in london. A lot of criticism, a concerns. Criticism, a lot of concerns. But its now an integral part of the focus on the network. So lets focus on cost. Can cost. Lets see where we can drive further. But drive them down further. But lets idea that lets not abandon the idea that the build a railway the uk cant build a new railway line in an affordable way. Kieran mullen, okay, Kieran Mullen, mp for Crewe Nantwich , thank you crewe and nantwich, thank you for impassioned defence of for that impassioned defence of hs2. Appreciate it. Hs2. Appreciate it. Yeah, really good to hear from Kieran Mullen there. Wed love to hear from you, especially if youre in the north west. What do you make of this plan . It hasnt yet this plan . It hasnt yet been confirmed sunak , but confirmed by rishi sunak, but lots of criticism from tory grandees coming out criticise grandees coming out to criticise sunak if he were to ditch that leg of hs2. Let us know what you make of that. Would you like to see an alternative . Would you like to see a liverpool hull like to see a liverpool to hull route . Would you would you like to bus route . To see a better bus route . Do let think let us know what you think vaiews gbnews. Uk bus route. I mean, a lot of places have got like one bus a day or one bus an hour. If you if youre looking, it costs six, seven, £8 just go miles. Just just to go a few miles. I just think people something that think people want something that supports locally, supports them locally, not just getting london getting to them from london quicker. Wrong. Getting to them from london quicker. Know wrong. Getting to them from london quicker. Know whatong. Getting to them from london quicker. Know what you think. Let us know what you think. Vaiews gbnews. Com. Let us know what you think. Vai let us know what you think. Vai let us know what you think. Vai details with. Sophie reaper. The temperatures rising, boxt solar. Proud sponsors of weather on. Gb news. On. Gb news. Good morning. Welcome to your good morning. Welcome to your latest gb news weather forecast. Im craig snell. Looking ahead to the next few days, will to the next few days, we will see sunnier and brighter see some sunnier and brighter moments. But watch out for wednesday. Could turn windy wednesday. Could turn very windy for some of us. Back to the here and of sunshine out and now. Lots of sunshine out there across parts of there actually across parts of england wales. May be england and wales. Still may be a of overnight rain a little bit of overnight rain and cloud just to clear the very far southeast. For of far southeast. But for most of us, its mixture of us, really, its a mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers. Northern showers. Scotland and Northern Ireland of ireland seeing the main bulk of the and some of these the showers. And some of these could be quite could potentially be quite heavy, the rumble heavy, maybe even the odd rumble of quite windy of thunder and still quite windy here. That will temper the temperatures down temperatures somewhat. But down towards the southeast, feeling quite reaching 22 or quite warm. Highs reaching 22 or 23 degrees into the evening. A 23 degrees into the evening. A lot of england and wales remaining dry. Still the risk of some showers across Northern Ireland and scotland, especially across western areas. Across more western areas. Elsewhere under clear skies, elsewhere under the clear skies, we could see some mist and fog also forming. Then later on in the starting the night, just starting to potentially some heavy potentially see some heavy showers working in across the very coast england. Very far south coast of england. And mild night for all of us. Temperatures staying in temperatures staying firmly in double. So these showers double figures. So these showers will then track their way northwards across parts of england we go through the england as we go through the course of the morning. Elsewhere once any early and fog once any early mist and fog clears and clears briefly, drier and brighter , but then bands brighter, but then further bands of rain moving in from the west , which will be accompanied again fairly strong again by some fairly strong winds, the rain for winds, heaviest of the rain for scotland and Northern Ireland. But despite the wind, its going to be another fairly mild one. Temperatures, high, teens in the north, 20s in the. South north, low 20s in the. South the temperatures rising. Boxt solar proud sponsors of weather on so join us every saturday, 10 am. Till noon on gb news, a. M. Till noon on gb news, britains news. A. M. Till noon on gb news, britains news. Channel welcome back to the live desk. Its 1 25 now. Lucy letby will face a retrial on outstanding allegations when she attempted to murder another baby girl. Yes, the former nurse was sentenced to a whole life order for killing seven babies and the attempted murder of six others. But the jury was unable to reach verdicts on six further counts while north west of england. Reporter sophie reaper is outside Manchester Crown court for us now and sophie, youve beenin for us now and sophie, youve been in the courtroom this morning. Whats the latest . Well morning. Whats the latest . Well good afternoon to you both. Yes, weve been in here at Manchester Crown court this morning waiting to hear that decision from the crown prosecution. We did hear prosecution service. We did hear from the prosecution when they told us they would be seeking a retrial. However, it would only be on count 14. And as it stands now, that charge, of course, relating to the attempted murder of child k. As for the other five counts that were left hung at the end of august when a jury were unable to come to a verdict, one way or another, those five counts the prosecution has said that as it stands, the crown is not presently seeking a retrial on those particular counts. Now, justice goss , whos been the justice goss, whos been the judge presiding over this case since it began all the way back in october of last year, he told the courtroom this morning that that retrial relating to child care, he estimated that it would take around 2 to 3 weeks. However, he also said that it could the next available date possible wouldnt be until at least june 10th of next year. So that date was set provisionally. However, of course, it is still quite some way away, so things could potentially change before before then. Lucy letby as it stands, she didnt appear for her sentencing back in august of last year here at Manchester Crown court, but she did appear here today via video link from hmp new hall. She spoke twice , first to confirm spoke twice, first to confirm her name and second to confirm that she could hear and see the courtroom clearly. But that was it. That was all we heard today from lucy letby of course, we also know now that she and her legal team have launched that application for an appeal against those guilty convictions. So that is also ongoing thing. Thats with the court of appeals now. But we know that it could be at least five months before that , seen five months before that, seen before a judge. So these things are incredibly complex and they do take quite some time. So although we may have thought back in august that this lucy letby trial was starting to wind down, what with both of these things and the statutory inquiry, it does seem that its going to now rumble for on still quite some time. Quite some time. Im afraid it does. Thank you very much, sophie reaper there at Manchester Crown court for us this afternoon. Thank you. This afternoon. Thank you. Moving on to our next story now, North Yorkshire police has become forces become one of the latest forces to a specialist of to deploy a Specialist Team of officers in yorks late night economy to help prevent Sexual Offences and keep people safe. Well, our reporter anna riley joined officers from project vigilant on patrol during freshers week to see how they plan to regain control. Welcome to the project vigilant briefing. Today we are vigilant briefing. Today we are going to be doing a combination of uniformed patrols and plainclothes officers. All right. Were going to go out plainclothes officers. All right. Were going to go out in our night time economy and were to going try and identify any people who are displaying signs of behaviour, of predatory sexual behaviour, fully project vigilant fully briefed project vigilant officers, head out into yorks nightlife evening. Nightlife evening. Their aim to stop Sexual Violence before it happens. Its violence before it happens. Its University Freshers week and patrols are focussed on designate areas of the city. It fits in with our strategy of violence against women and girls strategy. Our vawg strategy this strategy really and this this project just adds another layer of protective policing that we can offer for the to public be there to ensure that if there to, to ensure that if Sexual Violence is happening in night time economy, then we need to one step ahead of it. And to be one step ahead of it. And we prevent it. We need to try and prevent it. York, a tourist with york, a tourist city filled with residents and visitors and this visitors day and night, this operation looks out for those who can become more vulnerable as the evening wears on. So im leading the plainclothes officers and were looking for any suspicious behaviour. People that might be reacting oddly to the presence of uniformed Police Officers and any Vulnerable People that might be might be around. So that might be that might be vulnerable due to the amount of alcohol theyve drunk or vulnerable situations might be detached things detached from friends, things like who were like that. So thats who were looking for to prevent any offences and protect those offences and to protect those people. People today. You as well as protecting are you as well as protecting the revellers, operation the revellers, the operation also supports those who work in pubs and clubs after the covid, all the lockdowns generally the entertainment side of it has suffered big time. Itsjust suffered big time. Its just starting to get going again now. Really so i think its a massive help if youve got people that are possibly out and about to maybe, you know , do a little bit of you know, do a little bit of mischief, just seeing them, it it takes it down as the it just takes it down as the clock ticks on. Just how safe do feel just how safe do people feel in the city . I was spiked before at home in hull. In hull. It was a horrible experience, but but now that im in york and kind of thinking, oh, it wont happen to me, hoping so. Do you see the police . I do feel a lot safer whenever theyre around or like even just ambulances or something. Something like that. I felt bad. Just walk i never felt bad. Just walk like home. Like for like walking home. Like for three, its always quite safe. Fairly safe. I think its quite a nice city in terms of like theres enough places to go on night but its not on a night out, but its not like busy. Like too busy. I feel quite safe in york. Its quite small and like kind of know a lot of people as well. Ive only been here three weeks and ive gone for a few nights out. The Police Officers around here are brilliant. Around here they bouncers around here absolutely to get with. Really easy to get on with. But them if but youll see them go in if anyones messing around, theyll take away. Anyones messing around, theyll takimultiple away. Anyones messing around, theyll taki multiple were ray. Anyones messing around, theyll takimultiple were stopped anyones messing around, theyll takiiquestioned were stopped anyones messing around, theyll takiiquestioned by were stopped anyones messing around, theyll takiiquestioned by Police Stopped and questioned by police throughout evening, but no throughout the evening, but no arrests made. As much as arrests were made. As much as project vigilant is about proactive policing, its also to ensure Vulnerable People werent alone and could get home safely. Anna riley gb news york. It looks like a superb initiative. Thats the sort of thing i think people want to see, you know, policing the streets, not policing tweets, actually making people safe actually making people feel safe when need at when they most need it late at night. E f en yeah, i think its a really positive the positive thing. I think the Visibility Police in the visibility of police in the early hours of the morning when youre coming out of a nightclub or it counts for a lot. Or a bar, it counts for a lot. You safer. Dont you, you just feel safer. Dont you, with them let know with them around. Let us know what as what you think of that as an idea. Something idea. Is that something youd like local town . Like to see in your local town . Gb at news. Com gb views at gb news. Com still to come, we are live in lampedusa where thousands of migrants arrived in the migrants have arrived in the last week. 11,000, actually. But first, news first, heres your news headunes first, heres your News Headlines with. Aaron headlines with. Aaron its 132. Headlines with. Aaron its132. Im aaron headlines with. Aaron its 132. Im Aaron Armstrong in the newsroom. The prime in the newsroom. The Prime Minister says armed police need clarity about their Legal Protection amid an escalating crisis. Scores hours of Counter Terrorism, Firearms Officers have stepped down from their dufies have stepped down from their duties after a colleague was charged with murder over the shooting of chris kaba in south london last year. Rishi sunak is backing a home Office Review, which has been ordered to ensure armed police have the confidence to do their job. Covers been to do theirjob. Covers been drafted in from neighbouring forces military could be forces and the military could be used in the event of a terror attack. The mayor of greater attack. The mayor of Greater Manchester, andy burnham, warns that curtailing the hs2 project risks creating a north south chasm. The government claims the decision hasnt yet been taken , decision hasnt yet been taken, despite mounting speculation the birmingham to manchester leg is to be scrapped amid spiralling costs. The Prime Ministers refused to guarantee the completion of the project, but insists is committed to insists he is committed to levelling up serial killer lucy letby is facing a retrial on the attempted murder of a girl known only as child k. The former nurse was jailed for life for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at attempting to kill six others at a hospital in chester. Between 2015 and 2016, jurors were unable to reach a verdict on six further counts of attempted murder. A provisional date has been set for june murder. A provisional date has been set forjune next murder. A provisional date has been set for june next year. Nhs been set forjune next year. Nhs strikes are thought to have led to the cancellation of more than a million appointments since december, a figures due to be released later are expected to confirm the milestone in the wake of last weeks double strike action by Junior Doctors and consultants. Strike action by Junior Doctors and consultants. Ill be strike action by Junior Doctors and consultants. Ill be back and consultants. Ill be back with more at the top of the next houn with more at the top of the next hour. Or theres more now on our website, gbnews. Com. Direct website, gb news. Com. Direct bullion website, gbnews. Com. Direct bullion sponsors the finance report on gb news for gold and silver investment that. And silver investment that. And heres a quick look at the markets today. The pound buys markets today. The pound buys you 1. 22, two, 4 and ,1. 1497. The price of gold £1,574. 45 per ounce. The ftse 100 is at 7620 points, direct bullion sponsors the finance report on gb news for physical company right through until 7 00 this evening. Gb news is the peoples. Channel peoples. Channel welcome back to the live desk with ellie. And its 138. Now lets have a look at some of your views. Dont forget, you can email us anytime, gbviews gbnews. Com. What theyre saying ls well, jason says hs2 has proving to be the final nail for governments for the government with such prominent tory mps and former cabinet members speaking so strongly against him , he says i can see against him, he says i can see mutiny taking rishi sunak down. Sarah says this the audacity of Suella Braverman to say she wants western leaders to unite in the face of the european migration crisis as her government has failed at every step to stop the boats. Despite it being one of sunaks key pledges. I it being one of sunaks key pledges. I thought it being one of sunaks key pledges. I thought that when she pledges. I thought that when she was saying this morning, oh, people could learn from our innovative approach, i thought, well, what . Yeah. Yeah. Difficult one. Its actually. Its very interesting actually. We going speak, we hope, we are going to speak, we hope, to an Italian Journalist a little bit later on. And its so interesting because the rhetoric here has been were going to stop obviously, we stop the boats. Obviously, as we just there, one of rishi just heard there, one of rishi sunak five key pledges as well. Its the same rhetoric in italy i yeah. Yeah. And their Prime Minister is saying the saying shes going to stop the boats indeed , that has not boats and indeed, that has not happened either. Had happened either. Theyve had 11,000 crossed in the happened either. Theyve had 11,0 ten crossed in the happened either. Theyve had 11,0 ten days crossed in the happened either. Theyve had 11,0 ten days alone. Sed in the happened either. Theyve had 11,0 ten days alone. So in the happened either. Theyve had 11,0 ten days alone. So it] the happened either. Theyve had 11,0 ten days alone. So it does last ten days alone. So it does go to show were talking about this the break. Werent we, this in the break. Werent we, that you always think its our problem, actually will problem, but actually you will find wide problem. Find its a europe wide problem. Its many different its affecting so many Different Countries iiow. Now. fl 9 right. Because now. Right. Because what thats right. Because what ends italy shores will ends up on italy shores will surely make way through ends up on italy shores will surely rthrough way through ends up on italy shores will surely rthrough open hrough ends up on italy shores will surely rthrough open borders and france, through open borders and then onto channel and then onto the channel coast and coming way soon. Coming our way soon. Yeah, well, grahams been in touch as well. Good afternoon to you, graham. Who says never you, graham. Who says i never thought but thought i would say this, but its thought i would say this, but wsfime thought i would say this, but its time for labour its time for a Labour Government nurses strike, government nurses on strike, doctors now armed doctors on strike. And now armed police on strike give Police Officers on strike give starmer a go. It cant get much worse. Well, do you keep those views coming in . Gb views at cbnnews. Com . Okay moving on to that story. Home secretary Suella Braverman is set to call on western leaders to collaborate to tackle the global migrant crisis. Well , it global migrant crisis. Well, it comes as the situation in europe becomes increasingly desperate with more than 11,000 north african migrants arriving on lampedusa over the past ten days, hundreds of police have been deployed to the island to help manage that influx. And were now crossing live to lampedusa to join a home. And security editor, mark white. So, mark, drew , epic scenes last mark, drew, epic scenes last week of thousands and thousands of north africans piling ashore. Whats the latest on lampedusa i well, 5mm hum well, this was the epicentre of those dramatic scenes of the red cross camp just on the outskirts of the main town in lampedusa. Im just going to lampedusa. Im just going to step to the side just to give you a shot. These are the front gates into the camp itself. Were not allowed inside a lot of activity here, although things are much, much calmer than they were just 4 or 5 days ago when they were dealing with thousands of people still inside a camp that is only part purpose, built for 400 migrants. And we had scenes of the migrants in here actually scaling the perimeter fence because effectively they were inside and in very hot conditions , quite cramped. So conditions, quite cramped. So they wanted out. And then we had them wandering about into the main town itself. And some clashes with the local police. Clashes with the local police. As i say, a lot calmer than that now. And thats thanks mainly to now. And thats thanks mainly to what they call the mistral winds , which have been blowing for the last couple of days in the mediterranean around this island. Its made the journey almost impossible , really, for almost impossible, really, for these small boats and has really cut the numbers crossing down very significantly. However for the authorities know that as soon as those winds die down, just as we see in the English Channel on the calm days , then channel on the calm days, then the boats will return and thats why we still have a very significant presence here of members of the red cross. Weve got members , others of the got members, others of the Italian Police force whove come from all over italy. We were filming actually last night at the airport when we arrived , the airport when we arrived, dozens of italian Police Officers who arrived at the airport to help supplement and reinforce course the officers that are here because they know that are here because they know that it will be very challenging for them in the days ahead, especially if they get another surge like we had about 5 or 6 days ago. Theres other pictures that wed like to show you that we filmed late last night. Were we filmed late last night. Were not normally allowed into this area of the harbour of the port area of the harbour of the port area in lampedusa , but we got area in lampedusa, but we got into an area here where the boats are being stored. These empty migrant boats, dozens of boats, some of them very dilapidated and certainly not in the slightest bit seaworthy. We could see the rubber inner tubes that were being used as makeshift shift life jackets. Makeshift shift life jackets. Clearly not at all suitable for any kind of trouble that these migrant s might have got into. And on the boats themselves , we and on the boats themselves, we could see the numbers painted on. They do the same thing border force with the small boats that come across the engush boats that come across the English Channel. They paint the numbers on so they can keep a count many have count of how many boats have crossed and one of those boats had 975. So slash 23 written on which effectively flee the 975th boat that had crossed in 2023 and indication of the massive numbers that were talking about, it does just in lampedusa itself really dwarfed the situation in the English Channel. And its not just lampedusa. It is, of course, lampedusa. It is, of course, other italian islands. It is greek islands and spanish islands. All across the European Union. Southern borders. You union. Southern borders. You will get migrant crossings from nonh will get migrant crossings from north africa to try to get into the European Union. And what we then find , because history has then find, because history has shown us that so is that many of those who cross the southern border want to get up to the more prosperous countries in northern europe, and many will go to the northwest beaches of france with a view to getting over to the uk. Also in terms of over to the uk. Also in terms of the crisis here, though, clearly its impacted this island of just 6000 people. We spoke to a couple of local italians who were visiting the island and, you know, they were very concerned at the situation. Concerned at the situation. No, it doesnt change a feeling of the island, but i see most military presence of in the island concerned about the future there, about how it could be, but also a bit hopeful if it can improve the situation, definitely can improve. Well definitely can improve. Well with no end in sight to this migrant crisis , the home migrant crisis, the home secretary, Suella Braverman , is secretary, Suella Braverman, is now in the United States giving a keynote speech tomorrow in washington, where she will call on western governments to come together to redraught the Refugee Convention to have a unhed Refugee Convention to have a united front in trying to tackle what is a very significant and growing threat out. Okay, mark wyatt, live from lampedusa , thank you for that lampedusa, thank you for that update. We will, of course, be coming back to you throughout the live desk through the rest of thank very much. Thank m the italian thank you. Now, the italian political commentator , paola political commentator, paola diana, us now. Very good diana, joins us now. Very good to see you this afternoon in paola. I mean, how is this going down with the italian people, the island of lampedusa is tiny, just 20km2. And were talking about 11,000 migrants crossing overin about 11,000 migrants crossing over in just ten days. How is this being received by the people of italy and by the media there . There . Well, the people of italy, they are shocked and they consider it an invasion. Lets consider it an invasion. Lets talk it with a right name. And talk it with a right name. And its not sustainable. We cant its not sustainable. We cant think that italy can sustain these numbers of Illegal Migrants coming from africa. And we have to remember people who think that we should that these are not engineers or very high skilled people like they were coming from syria at the time. Coming from syria at the time. Unfortunately, theyre very poor people and they need everything. And italy cannot sustain this numbers. And we know that france is speaking in a very good way, saying that they have to help italy. And the same the other italy. And the same the other countries. But at this moment in ventimiglia, that is at the border with italy from france, has sold tires. Theyre blocking Illegal Migrants and macron said after the pope told that france should do the their bit as well. Macron replied, saying that france cannot. Cannot have all france cannot. Cannot have all the cannot help with the misery of this world. And thats an interesting attitude. And its interesting attitude. And its not a solidarity with italy or with the european concepts at all. So i think there is something more urgent to do and they should definitely change they should definitely change the whole refugee legislation because is not sustainable words right out of my mouth are the European Union is meant to be a collaborative project and yet time and time again we see when theres a migration crisis in one country, the border is are closed on the next country along macron saying hes not in any mood to help italy. Weve seen from poland putting up borders , barbed wire putting up borders, barbed wire across their borders. How does across their borders. How does this make the italian public feel about the European Union . I feel about the European Union . I mean, theyre not sending out much help, are they . Absolutely. But the italians now, theyre moving to the right. We know that the centre right. We know that the centre right coalition now reached the 41, that it is a huge number and im sure it will reach even farther if this crisis wont be sorted. We need to block. The sorted. We need to block. The starting point. We need to make agreement points with the african countries as europe has to change completely neatly the view on refugees because its a very naive legislation on its like the we should help as macron said, all the misery of this world. But its not its not factual. In reality , its not factual. In reality, its impossible. So we should be more pragmatic and definitely help people, not to risk their life crossing the border. They should stay in in in tunisia and libya. That are the countries where they come the most. Paolo , we havent got long paolo, we havent got long with you, but i did want to ask you about the similarity , his you about the similarity, his and the rhetoric between the italian Prime Minister and our Prime Minister here. Rishi sunak i mean, rishi sunak, one of his five key pledges is to stop the boats. Giorgia meloni , the boats. Giorgia meloni, the italian minister, she italian Prime Minister, she promised exactly the same thing, didnt . And speaking didnt she . And just speaking to the she said the press yesterday, she said she could have done she hoped she could have done better controlling better on controlling immigration. Shes failed on that promise, hasnt she . That promise, hasnt she . Unfortunately , so far we can unfortunately, so far we can say that she failed , but not say that she failed, but not because of her will, because of the International Law on international seas. So we have international seas. So we have to change the law, particularly in this for case, italy, the european law that it doesnt let italy use the navy to stop the boats at the moment, its an emergency sea. So they should definitely think about it changing the legislation because the one that we have right now, its not a good one for this type of emergency and definitely not for the future. Not for the future. Okay, paolo, diana, really good to see you this afternoon. Thank you very much. Shes an italian political commentator , italian political commentator, author. Do you agree . Do you let us vaiews gbnews. Uk hmm. Us know . Vaiews gbnews. Uk hmm. Yeah. Seems european nations are just joined in their hopelessness stopping this hopelessness of stopping this issue. Anyway, move on now issue. Anyway, lets move on now its go through all the its time to go through all the latest news with the latest sports news with the legendary magee. Lets legendary aidan magee. Lets start its start with the rugger. And its got be said, some fantastic got to be said, some fantastic results for the home nations. Got to be said, some fantastic res|withouthe home nations. Got to be said, some fantastic res|without doubt. Ie nations. Got to be said, some fantastic res|without doubt. Ie cant ns. Without doubt. I cant remember a world cup. When the home nations martin when the home nations have been so strong, its almost as a power shift as if were seeing a power shift from hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere to the hemisphere. The northern hemisphere. The wales rattling in 40 points against australia. Points against australia. I mean, you saw you saw eddie joness face afterwards. I he was absolutely i mean, he was absolutely shell shocked. And its the australian public. Some public. I think theres some collateral well Collateral Damage there as well with the that he did with the fact that he did so well getting them well with england getting them to think to a world cup final. I think that hold they hold that they hold him, they hold him lesser regard him kind of in lesser regard now because to england, because of his links to england, but hold him but they certainly hold him responsible been responsible for whats been going great performance by so great performance by by wales, so great performance by by wa|a;, of a read through 12 a bit of a read through 12 changes still managed to rattle in hapless in 71 points against a hapless chile in the chile with more teams in the tournament. Tournament. See a little bit of you do see a little bit of a dilution quality and that dilution of the quality and that was of that. Of was an example of that. And of course stellar course there was a stellar match where the elite teams went up against other. Against each other. One the ireland number one in the world, in the world, against number two in the world, against number two in the world, south africa, eight world, against number two in the worlthe outh africa, eight world, against number two in the worlthe score. Frica, eight world, against number two in the worlthe score. Frica, eight world, against number two in the worlthe scithinkica, eight world, against number two in the worlthe scithinkica, theight world, against number two in the worlthe scithinkica, the last i dont think its the last time those two meet in time well see those two meet in this think this competition. I think theyre than france theyre stronger than france at theyre stronger than france at the especially if france the moment, especially if france are be without are going to be without antoine dupont, has a cheekbone dupont, who has a cheekbone injury. You see injury. I think you could see them injury. I think you could see the they certainly the best they are certainly the best two the world things two teams in the world as things stand. Y t and i think again, mystic magee see, saw magee said, you see, you saw that as a kind of playthrough of potential final and you said the winner of this could win the whole thing. Id and they look fantastic. Whole thing. Id and they look fanthey. Do listen the they do. They do listen the rules mcgee are that when rules of mr mcgee are that when you it does rules of mr mcgee are that when you to it does rules of mr mcgee are that when you to come it does rules of mr mcgee are that when you to come to it does rules of mr mcgee are that when you to come to pass it does rules of mr mcgee are that when you to come to pass so does rules of mr mcgee are that when you to come to pass so weve have to come to pass so weve still got were still relatively early in the tournament but ill tell you what, ireland look irrepressible moment, but irrepressible at the moment, but so do south africa. Making for and its making for a brilliant and its making for a briland got to be said, and its got to be said, i know shouldnt delight in the know we shouldnt delight in the misery of australians, but misery of the australians, but please press really Australian Press are really scratching head the scratching their head about the absolute miserable performance scratching their head about the abtheira miserable performance scratching their head about the abtheir team arable performance scratching their head about the abtheir team. Able performance scratching their head about the abtheir team. Itle performance scratching their head about the abtheir team. It seems rmance scratching their head about the abtheir team. It seems like nce scratching their head about the abtheir team. It seems like the of their team. It seems like the entire game has fallen apart down under. I think there is yeah, i dont think there is even mathematic all even a vague mathematic all permutation that could see them get through, but i mean they lost to fiji last week. Terrible performance in that game and they just dont seem to have anything about them. I dont, say, dont dont, as i say, i dont remember australian side as remember an australian side as weak mean the weak as this. I mean the Southern Hemisphere hemisphere threat africa and from new south africa and from new zealand now. But eddie jones, you wonder how long hes got. So come on, mr mcgee, whos going the thing . Going to win the thing . To stick my neck im going to stick my neck out and ireland. Yeah, im going to stick my neck out going ireland. Yeah, im going to stick my neck out going to ireland. Yeah, im going to stick my neck out going to go reland. Yeah, im going to stick my neck out going to go relaireland. I, im going to stick my neck out going to go relaireland. I im going to go for ireland. I do have an irish passport, so im going to go for ireland. I do igot an irish passport, so im going to go for ireland. I do igot an igot passport, so im going to go for ireland. I do igot an igot some ort, so im going to go for ireland. I do igot an igot some skinso im going to go for ireland. I do igot an igot some skin in ive got ive got some skin in the race. Far as englands hopes, so as far as englands hopes, i so as far as englands hopes, | , so as far as englands hopes, i , its pretty dismal i mean, its been pretty dismal so from the 71, but so far apart from the 71, but they expected hammer chile, so far apart from the 71, but theyitsoected hammerchile, so far apart from the 71, but the its3ecte mostlynmer chile, so far apart from the 71, but the its3ecte mostly kicking|ile, so far apart from the 71, but the its3ecte mostly kicking. E, so far apart from the 71, but the its3ecte mostly kicking. I, but its been mostly kicking. I mean, they well , listen, i mean, mean, they well, listen, i mean, england won the world cup in 20 in 2003 as a kicking side. They were very adept at that and they played to their strengths wilkinson, and they played to their strengtthowever, wilkinson, and they played to their strengtthowever, wilmay n, and they played to their strengths however, wilmay need etcetera. However, they may need more time. But more than that this time. But i have you know what . If have to say, you know what . If i was even if i was ireland, south africa , new zealand, france, im africa, new zealand, france, im not sure i want to face england in a knock out stage just because they are a country with reputation, pedigree. And reputation, with pedigree. And if they going through these if they keep going through these tournaments, rattling tournaments, they keep rattling in allowing the in points, even allowing for the fact made dont fact theyve made changes. Dont forget, they won their first game against argentina early with theres momentum with 14 men. So theres momentum building who knows building there. And who knows when get into in the when they get into the in the knockouts, anything happen. Knockouts, anything can happen. Have leave okay, aiden, we have to leave it ellie, it there, because, ellie, i think we have some breaking news. Yeah, we thanks adrian. Yeah, we do. Thanks adrian. We news in yeah, we do. Thanks adrian. We last news in yeah, we do. Thanks adrian. We last few news in yeah, we do. Thanks adrian. We last few minutes. News in yeah, we do. Thanks adrian. We last few minutes. Enough in the last few minutes. Enough firearms returned Firearms Officers have returned to duties for the to armed duties for the metropolitan police to be able to armed duties for the memeetlitan police to be able to armed duties for the memeet itsn police to be able to armed duties for the memeet its Counter Terrorism to meet its Counter Terrorism responsibility is without military help. And well be back outside Scotland Yard with Theo Chikomba to talk about that after this short break. The temperatures rising, boxt solar the proud sponsors of weather on. Gb news. Weather on. Gb news. Hi there. Its Aidan Mcgivern here from the met office with the gb news forecast. Its the gb news forecast. Its a bright monday for many of us. Still some showers around, especially in the north and the west. And will windy in west. And it will be windy in the not as windy the far north, but not as windy as its expected to be midweek. As its expected to be midweek. Weve got low pressure to the northwest of the uk. Weve got a northwest of the uk. Weve got a cold front crossing the country thats but thats led to fresher but brighter conditions and down brighter conditions up and down the and some sunshine , the land and some sunshine, actually plenty of sunshine for the east and the south of england. Eastern scotland seeing some spells. But some decent sunny spells. But there be shower clouds there will be shower clouds elsewhere. 1 or 2 showers for wales and northwest england , but wales and northwest england, but the of the showers the bulk of the showers affecting scotland and affecting western scotland and Northern Wind Northern Ireland. A brisk wind for many, especially towards the north west and feeling on the cool side in northwest. But cool side in the northwest. But still some warmth in the sunshine towards the southeast. 23 celsius, the afternoon high heading into the evening then and actually many of the showers will disappear, wins for light across and eastern parts across central and eastern parts with a mist patches forming with a few mist patches forming by dawn. But at this stage weve got thickening clouds towards the west, freshening breeze once again, and its a relatively mild night in urban areas. But in some rural spots, temperatures dipping into the single figures. A bright start then for many, but from the word 90, then for many, but from the word go, weve got showers pushing into Central Eastern into the central and eastern parts england and then this parts of england and then this more rain more persistent band of rain moving through Northern Ireland, first into scotland, first thing into scotland, northern stuff northern england, showery stuff coming in the coming into wales in the south west and all of it turns to showers by the end of the afternoon. Highs of 23 celsius. The temperatures rising, boxt solar proud sponsors of weather on. Gb news. Good afternoon. Its 2 pm. And youre on the live desk here on gb news with me, martin and Ellie Costello coming up this monday lunchtime. Monday lunchtime. Um, some breaking news in the last few minutes. Enough fire arms officers have returned to armed duties for the metropolitan to be able metropolitan police to be able to meet its Counter Terrorism responsibilities without military help. Well have the latest from Scotland Yard. And latest from Scotland Yard. And more than 11,000 migrants have arrived in lampedusa from north africa in the past ten days. Our home affairs and security editor mark white is on the island and im on the italian island and im on the italian island of lampedusa , where more island of lampedusa, where more than 11,000 migrants have crossed in just over a week. Many of those will end up in nonh many of those will end up in North Western france, aiming to cross to the united kingdom. And cross to the united kingdom. And rishi sunak refuses to confirm whether hs2 will continue past birmingham, with former chancellor George Osborne saying the move would be an act of huge economic self harm. Economic self harm. Well have the latest reaction from westminster. For plus. Well have more on that huge successful weekend of rugby for the home nations and the world cup. First, heres your headunes cup. First, heres your headlines with Aaron Armstrong. Headlines with Aaron Armstrong. For good afternoon to you. Its a minute past to Aaron Armstrong here in the gb newsroom. Well, as youve just newsroom. Well, as youve just been hearing, the met police says enough Firearms Officers have armed duties. Have returned to armed duties. So they can meet its Counter Terror responsibilities without military help. A significant number of Counter Terrorism, Counter Terrorism, Counter Terrorism , firearms Counter Terrorism, Firearms Officers had stepped back from dufies officers had stepped back from duties after a colleague was charged with murder over the shooting of chris kaba in south london last year. Shooting of chris kaba in south london last year. The army had london last year. The army had been put on standby in the event of a terror alert, but Scotland Yard has confirmed it now has sufficient personnel. A shadow sufficient personnel. A shadow paymaster general john ashworth, says people need confidence in the police. Its vital that that they have support , but there are also have support, but there are also safeguards in place now. Theres been a review announced by the home secretary. We dont know home secretary. We dont know the details of that review yet. Theres also that live prosecution, that court case. So i want to i want as a politician to be careful about how i comment on these matters as you would as you would appreciate. But we obviously need to make sure we have procedures in place which commands the confidence of both the Police Officers and the communities that they serve. Communities that they serve. The mayor of Greater Manchester says the north shouldnt have to pay the shouldnt have to pay for the governments mismanagement of hs2. Rishi sunak is refusing to guarantee the manchester leg will be completed. And with will be completed. And with a decision expected to be announced before the Tory Party Conference in the city next week , andy burnham says curtailing the project represents the opposite of levelling up. But the Prime Minister insists he is committed to the long tory committed to the long term tory pledge. Pledge. Farage this kind of speculation that people are making is not right. I mean weve got spades in the ground. Were on and delivering, were getting on and delivering, but what were but across the north what were also up all also doing is connecting up all the cities in the the towns and cities in the north east to west. Thats a really important part of how we will create drive growth will create jobs, drive growth across the region, all part of our plans to level up freeports are another good example of that, whether thats in teesside or elsewhere, attracting new investment and new businesses coming all good examples of coming in all good examples of the government levelling up. The home secretary will call for unity amongst western leaders to combat the global migration crisis. Suella braverman will tell an audience in washington that other countries can learn from the uks innovative attempts to tackle Illegal Migrants. She is questioning whether conventions and legal frameworks designed more than 50 years ago are fit for purpose. Shes also calling for purpose. Shes also calling for a shake up of the international rules. Serial killer lucy letby is facing a retrial on the attempted murder of a girl known only as child k. The former nurse was jailed for life for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at a hospital in chester between 2015 and 16. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on six further counts of attempted murder. A provisional date has been set for june murder. A provisional date has been set forjune next murder. A provisional date has been set for june next year. Murder. A provisional date has been set for june next year. 1 been set forjune next year. 1 million nhs appointments have been cancelled since december because of strikes in england. Last weeks industrial action by Junior Doctors and consultants has mean the country will reach that milestone in figures set to be announced later. Another double strike is scheduled for next week. The organisations deputy chief executive, saffron cordery, has labelled it damaging and demoralising. Damaging and demoralising. Meanwhile almost 400,000 patients in england waited 24 hours or more in a e last year. The Royal College of emergency medicine is calling the situation a matter of national shame. Shadow Health Secretary wes streeting says 24 hours in a e is no longerjust a documentary, but the department of health and social care claims improvements are being made through the nhs recovery plan. Through the nhs recovery plan. Experts are warning the government will not meet its manifesto pledge to end homelessness by next year. The Kerslake Commission says there are chronic and unresolved issues in the housing system , issues in the housing system, with a crisis pushing more people onto the streets. The number of people sleeping rough last autumn was 25 higher than the same time three years ago. The government says its spending £2 billion to end rough sleeping for good. And a space sleeping for good. And a space capsule carrying soil from the surface of an asteroid has been recovered by nasa. The sample recovered by nasa. The sample was collected by the osiris rex spacecraft before making the 1. 2 billion mile journey back to earth. It was parachuted through the atmosphere and landed in the utah desert yesterday. Now scientists hope it will shed light on the formation of the solar system and the origin of life on earth. The sample is some 4. 5 billion years old. This is gb news on tv, on digital radio, and on your Smart Speaker. Just say play gb news thats it. Now its back to martin and. Ellie thanks, aaron. Go to that breaking news story. As we just heard, the met police has Just Announced that enough Counter Terrorism, Firearms Officers have returned to armed duties to be to meet its be able to meet its responsibilities without military help. Yes, weve had a statement from the metropolitan police in the minutes that the last 15 minutes or so that says as of lunchtime on says that as of lunchtime on monday, the number of officers who had returned to armed duties was us to no was sufficient for us to no longer require external assistance to meet our Counter Terror responsibilities. They say there grateful to the ministry of defence and the Armed Forces Personnel involved for all of their support. But they say that a limited number of armed forces from other uk Police Forces will continue to support the non Counter Terrorism armed policing. But they do say they do still call for support, which will be under review. So that statement from the metropolitan police in the last 15 minutes or so. Yeah. And of course this follows the cps last week charging a met firearms officer with murder over the shooting of an unarmed black man. Chris kaba in south london. Well, lets cross now to gb News National reporter Theo Chikomba at Scotland Yard. Theo a significant update. So no, for now, no Armed Forces Services required. But a key detail. It seems that other forces across the uk may be helping the met out with his weapon. Yes , well, its been fast yes, well, its been fast moving throughout the day. Of course, we heard the home secretary launching that review into firearms policing and of course, weve heard from the Prime Minister and the opposition as well throughout today. Course , that today. But of course, that latest line from the metropolitan police saying they do enough now, enough do have enough now, enough officers have returned to armed dufies officers have returned to armed duties for the metropolitan police to be able to meet its Counter Terrorism responsibility without military help. The force has said now , of course, we were has said now, of course, we were asking that question on are they going to have sufficient numbers in the next coming days . Of in the next coming days . Of course, when you do hear that a large number of them have taken time to consider their position following their colleague who was charged with murder last week following that Fatal Shooting of chris kaba in september last year. There were some concerns wed heard from officers saying they are finding it difficult with this process. What does this mean for them and their families . Now, of course, their families . Now, of course, in response to that review to what the home secretary has said, this is what the housing minister had to say earlier today. Very important that we support our extremely brave Firearms Officers. They have to make split second decisions is to keep the public safe. And they have our full support in doing that. I think its really doing that. I think its really important that your listeners know that that cooperation with the soldiers, with the ministry of defence , is very standard for of defence, is very standard for the government. Its something that ive been involved with previously a minister in previously as a minister in different departments and of course those professionals. Course those are professionals. They with the met they will work with the met police , the soldiers will be police, the soldiers will be working to keep the public safe. They wont have powers of arrest, but ultimately these are operational matters for the police, for the met Police Commissioner and keeping the pubuc commissioner and keeping the public safe in whatever eventuality will be their first priority. Priority. Well, the home secretary had said that shed issued a message of support to the metropolitan Police Officers. Some of those who had concerns about potentially ending up in the dark. And we also heard from the dark. And we also heard from the mets commissioner, sir mark rowley , whos welcomed the home rowley, whos welcomed the home Office Review. And in an open letter, he said it was right that the force was held to the highest standards. But the Current System was undermining his offices and suggested they needed more Legal Protections. But of course, with this new line that weve heard from the metropolitan police that they have enough today, will this be the same Going Forward for the rest of this week . And of rest of this week . And of course, others are course, when others are potentially meant to return , potentially meant to return, what are the attitudes around the safety and how are people feeling in the capital . Well, yeah, questions remain Theo Chikomba, as you say, a fast moving story and youve been across it for us all morning and this afternoon as well. Thank very much for well. Thank you very much for being us. New Scotland Yard. Well, joining us now to discuss is former discuss more of this is former head counterterrorism major discuss more of this is former head chipterterrorism major discuss more of this is former head chip chapmanm major discuss more of this is former head chip chapman , major discuss more of this is former head chip chapman , myiajor general chip chapman, my favourite terror man. Hello, chip. Welcome to show. Chip. Welcome to the show. A Significant Development. Chip that for now, soldiers have been stood down and it appears that that an armed response officers from other forces have been drafted in to help the met. Yeah, the first thing to say is that theres 43 other Home Department Police Forces. So under mutual aid, you can always request from another force that sort of armed firearms capable ability from other forces that should be the first point of call. The second first point of call. The second one is that theres always Authority Available able to a requesting department if it needs it. We saw that with the department of health, for example, on covid, and if it wants to request it goes to the mod the mod will resource mod and the mod will resource that the way it needs to by saying is actually saying that there is actually a standing operation op tempora, which kicks in with up to 3800 people giving support to Counterterrorism Police if the threat level goes up to critical. The threat level at the moment is substantial and that occurred twice in 2017 after the Manchester Attack and the Parsons Green attack. The Parsons Green attack. How do you think this went down in the metropolitan police when these armed Police Officers started to hand back their weapons . I mean, we saw in the papers yesterday some of the numbers that were being talked about, more than 100 officers. What some sources are saying had turned in their permits and other papers suggesting more than 300 had done so. I mean, you can see why the had you can see why the met had to scramble really to react to this quickly to call on other forces to support those in london and to support those in london and to rearm. The met. To rearm. The met. Well, of course, anyone whos an armed firearms officer has responsibility and authority. Responsibility and authority. Authority and to exercise that authority, you have to do it in authority, you have to do it in a very careful way. And 100 a very careful way. And 100 people withdrew that authority. Actually, overall in the country, theres Something Like 6129, 192. So armed officers. So were drawing of 100 would mean you could pull in 100 from the other Home Department Police Forces. The second thing is whether it was the sort of minor tactic to try and put pressure to say that this is wrong for the case of what happened to the Police Officer. Of course, due process of needs to take process of law needs to take place for that. Not place for that. We might not like it, thats the way like it, but thats the way that the. The process works. And chip, how how right do you think weve got this balance . Clearly the Firearms Officers feeling abandoned by their leadership up on this specific case. And weve seen historically , of course, with historically, of course, with prosecutions against former servicemen in the arenas of Northern Ireland. And if afghanistan, do you think sometimes the rank and file Police Officers, the rank and file servicemen , sometimes feel file servicemen, sometimes feel their leadership arent really in their corner . In their corner . Well, i think theres two aspects to that. The first one is you can never take a bullet back. And the its the critical moment. If theres something that happens. Now, actually, i would suggest that in the last 5 or 6 years when weve had very few terrorist attacks, that a number of times that police have opened fire in major, major terrorist incidents and were talking about westminster attack in march 17th, the London Bridge Borough Market attack in june 17, the fishmongers attack in november 19th, and the february 20th streatham attack. All those 20th streatham attack. All those occasions when the police opened fire, a verdict of lawfully killed was out there. So its not quite true that that is the case. If not quite true that that is the case. If the threat is there and thatis case. If the threat is there and that is the key variable. If the threat is there from either a terrorist or a significant armed criminal, then you can lawfully open fire. And most of the time youll be supported. Now, the process , of course, is that if process, of course, is that if you do open fire and the discharging of weapons is not that common. So in the two years both to march 20 to 21 and march 20th 1 to 22, there were only four occasions that the police opened fire in those years. So it is still quite rare for to open fire. But the process is you discharge your weapon , you discharge your weapon, youre going to be suspended. Then the independent office for Police Conduct kicks in. And of course, the cps will only charge someone if it meets both the pubuc someone if it meets both the Public Interest test and the evidential test and the evidential test and the evidential test and the evidential test is not the same as the test, which would be in court. It isnt an emotional test. Its a test of evidence. Test. Its a test of evidence. Its very interested , then, its very interested, then, to get your thoughts on the comments of sir mark rowley, who has welcomed a home Office Review into armed policing. And in that open letter to Suella Braverman, the home secretary , braverman, the home secretary, he he said it was right that his force was held to the highest standards, but the Current System undermined his system was undermined his officers and suggested they needed more Legal Protections. What do you make of those comments . Do you think that armed Police Officers do need more Legal Protections . More Legal Protections . Well, its a curious one. The first thing is that the emotional and psychic psycho psycho psychiatric pressure on officers is significant. When they are suspended. So a lot of they are suspended. So a lot of the iopc investigation is can take a number of years. So justice delayed is justice denied is the first point. So in process terms, it would be great if they could speed that up. If they could speed that up. Now, im not really quite sure what were going to get to apart from that because were not going to change the law. The law going to change the law. The law is law that is, you act is the law that is, you act within the law if you break the law, we cant allow Police Officers or soldiers to be involved in arbitrary extrajudicial murder. So it is a difficult judgement. But the two key things when you are trained as a firearms officer and you judgemental training is what would you do now . And is it legal to fire . And thats going to be uppermost in your mind. To be uppermost in your mind. Now in the case that we are talking about here, of course we think at the moment that the protagonist on the other side was unarmed. That doesnt really justify you opening fire with lethal force and chip in general terms, when there is a terrorist incident. Incident. You mentioned a list of them there. How on stand by are the armed forces ordinarily or are the Firearms Officers within the metropolitan police or other forces , are they sufficiently forces, are they sufficiently capable of handling this without military intervention . Military intervention . Well, most of the time they are. So, for example, if you look again at the statistics in the year to march 22nd, there were 18,259 firearms operations , of which 16,800 used on armed response vehicles. So that was response vehicles. So that was all taken care of within the police. Now, special forces would be used in three occasions. Really. The first one is for maritime Counter Terror , is for maritime Counter Terror, and we saw that in october 20 with a ship which was had a load of stowaways who took care of it. The second one would be if we had a sort of mumbai 2011 attack, either a marauding attack, either a marauding attack linked with a season old attack linked with a season old attack , something beyond the attack, something beyond the collective capability of the police. When the special air service would come in. And the third one, which has been used before on the mainland , is the before on the mainland, is the use of the special Reconnaissance Regiment to do surveillance of targets. And surveillance of targets. And that was essentially one of the things, i think, which could have happened here, because if you had surveillance teams who were follow were armed, who couldnt follow people, then the special Reconnaissance Regiment might have had to in and do that. Have had to come in and do that. Thats essentially what the police did. For example, in following the stretham attacker in 2020. And he was then he was someone who was just released from prison, bought some knives, was going rampage and was was going on a rampage and was shot by those surveillance shot dead by those surveillance officers tailing him. Officers who were tailing him. Major general chip chapman really good to have your analysis the programme this analysis on the programme this afternoon. Very much. Afternoon. Thank you very much. Hes of hes the former head of Counter Terrorism and just reacting to that news that enough Firearms Officers have returned to armed duties for the metropolitan police to be able to meet its Counter Terror responsibilities without about any military help. They are being helped, arent they, from forces across the country. But forces across the country. But that does mean that there are now enough Firearms Officers in place to meet its Counter Terrorism responsibilities. Yeah, good stuff. Okay. After yeah, good stuff. Okay. After the break, europes migrant crisis. We are live in lampedusa off italy, where over 10,000 migrants have landed in the past week alone. Week alone. That warm feeling inside from the boxt boilers, proud sponsors of weather on. Gb news. Of weather on. Gb news. Hi there. Todays showers will ease during the rest of the day. Clear spells expected overnight, but it will stay breezy. However not as windy as were expecting things to turn dunng were expecting things to turn during the middle of the week. During the middle of the week. This area of low pressure doesnt much over the doesnt look like much over the next storm agnes , but next day or so. Storm agnes, but it as it approaches it soon deepens as it approaches the uk and a swathe of very strong winds. Gales widely are strong winds. Gales widely are expected around the middle of the week before that monday night, clear spells for most of us, still rather breezy in the west and the northwest , but most west and the northwest, but most places dry through the hours of darkness, the cloud thickening in the south and the west. By the end of the night, temperatures generally not far from the time of from average for the time of yeah from average for the time of year. The low year. Were looking at the low double figures generally, but we start off tuesday with some showers getting going from the word go into the south and then the east anglia and the midlands, east anglia and the midlands, east anglia and the south east, they do clear through morning a rumble of through the morning a rumble of thunder possible as the thunder is possible as the showers places showers turn livelier in places , a spell of persistent rain moves through Northern Ireland dunng moves through Northern Ireland during western during the morning into western scotland , clearing showers scotland, clearing to showers later and for many there will be some spells by the some sunny spells by the afternoon between the afternoon in between the showers. A blustery showers. But its a blustery afternoon, feel on afternoon, making it feel on the cool in cool side. Still quite warm in the nevertheless the south east. Nevertheless yes, thats all out of the way by of wednesday. By the start of wednesday. Actually, wednesday starts off fine for most of us. Plenty of early sunshine, light winds dunng early sunshine, light winds during morning, but storm during the morning, but storm agnes a swathe of very agnes brings a swathe of very wet and very strong wet weather and very strong winds in during the afternoon and early evening could cause disruption west. Disruption in the west. That warm feeling inside from boxt boilers, proud sponsors of weather on. So join us every saturday, 10 am. Till noon on gb news, a. M. Till noon on gb news, britains news. A. M. Till noon on gb news, britains news. Channel welcome back. Youre watching welcome back. Youre watching the live desk with myself and martin daubney. We do love to hear from you throughout the programmes. Do keep your views coming in gb views at gbnews. Com. Well share some with after the next news with you after the next news bulletin. The home bulletin. Now, the home secretary Suella Braverman is set on western leaders set to call on western leaders to collaborate to tackle the global migrant crisis. Global migrant crisis. Yeah, it comes as a situation in europe becomes increasingly desperate with more than 11,000 nonh desperate with more than 11,000 north african immigrants arriving on lampedusa over this past ten days alone. Well hundreds of police have been deployed to the island help deployed to the island to help to influx. Lets to manage the influx. Lets cross now live to lampedusa and join our home and security editor , mark white. Mark whats editor, mark white. Mark whats the latest . We spoke to paola diana earlier on about the reaction in italy, and she was telling us that the italians are horrified by what she is calling an invasion on. Yeah theres no doubt they are. This is a very serious situation. They are facing on multiple fronts as we are at the epicentre of where thousands of migrants came to the red cross camp here on the outskirts of the main town in lampedusa. Im the main town in lampedusa. Im just going to pop out of the way because we can show you actually, as we zoom in on this shot, some more of the migrants who are still here in this camp up there just sitting by these tables, just passing the day, i guess. Tables, just passing the day, i guess. But it tables, just passing the day, i guess. But it was a far different scene to this less than a week ago when at its height , it than a week ago when at its height, it remember, 11,000 came in the space of a week. But at its height here, there was 7000 and migrants who were in this particular camp here. And aid that put a very significant strain on the camp and on the red cross. Members of staff and volunteers who were here trying to do their best to help those migrants, but they were all crammed in here in very hot conditions. There was trouble , conditions. There was trouble, all quite a number of the people that were in here scaled the perimeter fence, got into to the main town in lampedusa itself. There were clashes with the Italian Police as the police tried to push them back into the camp. So those scenes, the authorities here are desperate to prevent a repetition of, however , there is some real however, there is some real concern that as the weather improves , later this week, we improves, later this week, we will see a surge in boats crossing again. What we saw up until the weekend and where significant numbers arriving. However, we have had fairly windy conditions out in the mediterranean, which has slowed down the arrival rate very significantly. So weve got very significantly. So weve got very few boats now coming across. But once those winds die down and were told wednesday is when conditions are about to improve again, then there will be a lot more boats coming across. And thatis more boats coming across. And that is why police reinforce agents have come in to lampedusa as we arrived at the main airport last night, we saw italian Police Officers was arriving. Theyve been coming from all over. Weve been speaking to some of them just now. So from different areas, now. So from different areas, from sicily , from palermo , from from sicily, from palermo, from milan, all over, just coming to supplement the local officers here who would given its only an island population of 6000 and only be a dozen or so , that only be a dozen or so, that would really be policing this island. But given the exceptional circumstances, that is why weve had so many officers come here. We also were able in the early hours of this morning to get down to the port and an area of the port that youre normally restricted from going anywhere near during the day. But that enabled us to see some of the many migrant boats. And they come in all shapes and sizes from these inflatable boats that youre used to seeing coming across the English Channel to what look like small fishing boats that have come across as well , and fishing boats that have come across as well, and all manner of other types of boats in between what they all have in common is they were all rickety as as hell and not at all seaworthy. There was inner seaworthy. There was inner tubes, these tire, inner tubes inside many of the boats. And thats what the african migrants were using as makeshift life jackets, which would not really have done anything for them if that boat had sank in the middle of the mediterranean , like so of the mediterranean, like so many have. It is coming up to the ten Year Anniversary of a very significant tragedy here in lampedusa, where more than 300 african migrants drowned when their boat got into difficulty. Their boat got into difficulty. But the lessons have not been learned. There have been multiple tragedies on a very regular basis out there in the mediterranean since. And the authorities will be all too aware that they do not want to repeat those kind of tragedies. Mark, i mean, youre just in front of that camp in lampedusa to for us now. Can you tell us what kind of people are making these journeys . Is it making these journeys . Is it men . Is it women and children. Men . Is it women and children. Yeah, just speaking actually, a short time ago to one of the red cross staff here who tells us that that those crossing are mostly from sub Saharan Africa , mostly from sub Saharan Africa, that they are 76 male. All. And that they are 76 male. All. And 10 female. And then the rest 14. Is that who are minors . So the vast majority, as we see, of course, with those crossing the engush course, with those crossing the English Channel, are young men who are crossing. And if there are anything like those who ive spoken to many times around dunkirk and around calais, then many of them are really after a better life. Thats to not say that theyre not leaving behind wretched circumstances and, you know, very scant opportunity city to better themselves. But city to better themselves. But that puts you in the class, of course, of an economic migrant. Course, of an economic migrant. However, if you listen to the charities, the ngos , they will charities, the ngos, they will tell you that everyone thats coming across, of course, are refugees is fleeing for their lives and as i say, from many years of covering this story, thats just not what ive found. And the people ive spoken to that deal with these people on a regular basis say that thats not what they found either. And mark, also speaking to paolo. Diana, now about the political implications. France as interior minister coming out and saying they will not take any of the migrants from lampedusa. So, once again, mark, lampedusa. So, once again, mark, it asks the question, when these humanitarian crises strike, european member states, rather than acting as a cohesive unit, they seem to put up the drawbridge. Drawbridge. Yeah, no, absolutely. Im yeah, no, absolutely. Im just going to pop out the way to let you see one of the italian red cross vehicles just arriving at the main gate here. And which will be going in very shortly. A lot of these red cross resources now coming in here to lampedusa to ready for what they believe will be a very significant surge in migrant crossings. Again, once the weather improves. But youre right to talk about the situation within the European Union. There is not to put too fine a point on it. Infighting between many of these European Countries , as with france and countries, as with france and germany, refused to take italian migrants from the likes of lampedusa, accusing the italians of not doing enough to take their fair share of European Union migrants. So its all a bit of a mess , but it is a bit of a mess, but it is a crisis thats not just affecting italy. Its affecting greece and spain , also on the southern spain, also on the southern borders. And its also affecting borders. And its also affecting those eastern European Countries with the routes that are coming in through the western balkans. Okay. Mark white, live from lampedusa, thank you for that update. And just to put some update. And just to put some some context on the numbers here, 130,000 migrants have arrived in the past year to italy. Weve had 108,000 in the uk since we started recording in 2018. A huge amount of Illegal Immigrants arriving in italy via small boats. Yeah well, as mark says, this is a european wide issue and a number of those migrants that were seeing on lampedusa right now will make their way through europe. Some will end up in the northwest of france , where they northwest of france, where they will to cross into britain. Will try to cross into britain. And thats where it becomes about doesnt it . And were about us, doesnt it . And were going seeing special about us, doesnt it . And were going from seeing special about us, doesnt it . And were going from portland special about us, doesnt it . And were going from portland speciethe report from portland where the Community Divided over report from portland where the conbibbyy divided over report from portland where the con bibby stockholm iivided over report from portland where the con bibby stockholm barge. Over report from portland where the conbibby stockholm barge. But the bibby stockholm barge. But first, lets get a news bulletin with Aaron Armstrong. With aaron arm strong. With Aaron Armstrong. Very good afternoon to you. It is 233. Im Aaron Armstrong. Lets start with some breaking news in the last few minutes. A motorbike riders died in a collision in Central London while being followed by police. The motorcycle collided with a taxi early this morning after travelling through a red light and failing to stop for officers. A passenger who sustained non life threatening injuries was arrested after being found with a machete. The met has launched an inquiry alongside an independent independent investigation. Meanwhile, the investigation. Meanwhile, the army have been stood down after the met Police Confirmed it now has sufficient numbers of Counter Terrorism officers to deal with an incident. A significant number of armed police had stepped back from dufies police had stepped back from duties after a colleague was charged with murder over the shooting of chris kaba in south london last year. But Scotland Yard says it can now meet its Counter Terrorism responsibilities without military help. Mayor of greater military help. Mayor of Greater Manchester, andy burnham , has manchester, andy burnham, has warned that curtailing the hs2 project risks creating a north south chasm. The government south chasm. The government claims a decision hasnt been taken, despite mounting speculation that the birmingham to manchester leg is to be scrapped amid spiralling costs. Scrapped amid spiralling costs. The Prime Minister has refused to guarantee the completion of the project, insist that he the project, but insist that he is committed to. Levelling up. Is committed to. Levelling up. Serial killer lucy letby is facing a retrial on the attempted murder of a girl known only as child k. The former nurse was jailed for life for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others at attempting to kill six others at a hospital in chester between 2015 and 2016. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on six further counts of attempted murder. A further counts of attempted murder. A provisional date has been set for june murder. A provisional date has been set forjune next murder. A provisional date has been set for june next year. Murder. A provisional date has been set for june next year. And been set for june next year. And nhs strikes are thought to have to led the cancellation of more than 1 million appointments since. Figures due to since december. Figures due to be later are expected be released later are expected to confirm the milestone. In the to confirm the milestone. In the wake of last weeks double strike by Junior Doctors and consultants , the. Thats it for consultants, the. Thats it for me for the moment. You can get more on all of our stories on our website. Gbnews. Com. Revved up with me Patrick Christys on gb news and gb news radio. Radio. Good afternoon. Its 239 and lets have a look at some of your views, shall we . And dont forget, you can always email us any time gb views at gbnews. Com is the highlight of the show heanng is the highlight of the show hearing from you and your thoughts on all the stories thoughts on all of the stories that thank you that were covering. Thank you so for keeping company. So much for keeping us company. Well, been in touch well, james has been in touch this afternoon. He says 11,000 people in just ten days. Of course , talking about the island course, talking about the island of lampedusa off italy. He says, why do governments around the world not consider helping countries in north africa and the middle east to ensure that europe isnt constantly seeing such a huge influx on people onto the continent . Ellie ive said it before, and ill say it again if only are people like you running the country, we might have chance. Country, we might have a chance. Bryan this it bryan says. This i find it hilarious that our government thinks at thinks we have any authority at all when comes to stopping all when it comes to stopping illegal migration. Were the laughing europe, as laughing stock of europe, as always. Sunak big talk and always. From sunak big talk and little action. But so interesting, isnt it, to see the parallels really in rhetoric in italy and here its the same. Its exactly the same. Literally the same sentence. Yeah i will stop the boats. Thats exactly what the italian Prime Minister has said. Its exactly what rishi sunak has said. His five pledges. But the numbers are just eye watering. In italy, as i said, 130,000 illegals in the past year alone, weve had 108,000 since records began in 2018. Its a massive , massive 2018. Its a massive, massive issue for that coast yeah, it is. And weve also been reacting to the news that enough Firearms Officers have returned to armed dufies officers have returned to armed duties for the metropolitan police to be able to meet its Counter Terrorism responsibilities without the need for military help. So hes been responding to this. She says, i have complete sympathy for the Firearms Officers who put their guns over the put down their guns over the past few days. Why should they fear spending lives in fear spending their lives in prison for simply doing their job . Solidarity with those brave men who put their lives on the line for the rest of us. It has to be said, ellie, that weve had a load of responses almost universally responses and almost universally theyve supporting the boys theyve been supporting the boys and girls in blue. Colin says this what a colossal and embarrassing waste of money hs2 is. Isnt it hilarious how billions of pounds can be found when it suits the government, really makes me sick. Well, do keep those views coming in on any of the stories that weve been talking about today. And there many today. And there have been many of them very interested to hear what have to say about hs2, what you have to say about hs2, especially if you live in the north west so do north west of the country. So do let you make of let us know what you make of that. Vaiews gbnews. Com. Okay. On to our next story now. Lucy letby will face a retrial on outstanding allegation on an outstanding allegation that she attempted murder a that she attempted to murder a baby girl. That she attempted to murder a batyes,l. That she attempted to murder a batyes, the former nurse was yes, the former nurse was sentenced to a whole life order for seven and the for killing seven babies and the attempted murder of six others. But the jury was unable to reach verdicts on six further counts related to five children. Well north west england reporter sophie reaper is outside Manchester Crown court. Sophie, whats the latest . Sophie, whats the latest . Sophie, whats the latest . Well, we heard this morning from nick johnson, kc , whos from nick johnson, kc, whos been the lead prosecutor on this trial since it began all the way back in october of last year. He told the court here at manchester this morning that the prosecution would be seeking a retrial, but as it stands only on count 14 on the indictment, which , as you say, relates to which, as you say, relates to the attempted murder of child k, as for those other five hung counts related to child h. J n and q, as it stands, nick johnson said the crown is not currently seeking a retrial on those particular counts. Now justice goss, whos been the judge presiding over this case, he said that he would estimate that that retrial relating to count 14 would take around 2 to 3 weeks, but he did also say that the next available dates for that retrial wouldnt be until at least june 10th of next yeah until at least june 10th of next year. So that was put in the diary. But of course, it is still quite a way away. So that very well could change. As for lucy letby herself, of course , lucy letby herself, of course, we do know that she and her legal team have lodged an application to make that appeal. A very complex process, which is now only just getting underway. Now only just getting underway. And we also know, of course, very controversially, she didnt appear for her sentencing last month here at Manchester Crown court, but she did appear here at Manchester Crown court today to hear about this potential retrial. She appeared via a video link from hmp newhall. She seemed fairly indifferent to the proceedings. She didnt really seem to have much of a reaction. She only spoke twice , first to she only spoke twice, first to confirm her name and second, to confirm her name and second, to confirm to the court that she could see and hear everything clearly. But that was it. We clearly. But that was it. We heard no more from lucy letby. She remains silent throughout the rest of the proceedings. And of course , we now know that that of course, we now know that that retrial will take place next yeah retrial will take place next year. But she had no reaction to that either. That either. Sophie reaper, youve been there for us since day one. And as you said a little bit earlier on, it does look as though this is set to continue. Im afraid. Very, very good to see you this afternoon. And thank you for bringing up to speed. Afternoon. And thank you for brirokay. Up to speed. Afternoon. And thank you for brirokay. Our to speed. Afternoon. And thank you for brirokay. Our next;peed. Afternoon. And thank you for brirokay. Our next story, the okay. Our next story, the bibby stockholm is set to reopen to asylum seekers, possibly as early as this week after receiving the all clear from legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria. Yes, as our south west of england. Reporter jeff moody england. Reporterjeff moody explains, the community of portland is tired for stated and now turning on each other. Another cruise ship docks in portland. Its passengers spilling out onto the streets to buy souvenirs and this is what greets them when they arrive. A greets them when they arrive. A town thats on its feet and marching, a town thats divided, a town thats angry. Two rival a town thats angry. Two rival protest groups united in wanting the barge gone, divided in every other way possible. And theyre other way possible. And theyre turning on each other. Dr. Susan phoenix is from no to the barge i people were there doing their best for their community. They thought, and suddenly they would get something really horrid written on to the facebook account that had no relation to anything or anybody. But of course , its way of course, its a good way of shutting down arguments. So, oh, shutting down arguments. So, oh, youre a racist. Oh, youre a. Oh, youre this, that and the other. And people go, oh, oh, am i . And so they take a while to realise, no, theyre so realise, no, theyre not. So that people bullying that local people are bullying each even each other and they dont even realise theyre doing it, you know, which sad. Know, which is very sad. Alex bailey headed up the no to the barge campaign an hes taken a step back because he says the online abuse has become unbearable , deeply upsetting. Unbearable, deeply upsetting. It has affected me personally, emotionally , to be personally, emotionally, to be called things that. Quite quite called things that. Quite quite frankly, its awful. Frankly, its awful. Theresa churchill fears for her community. The division is growing deeper by the week. Were seeing deeper by the week. Were seeing different protesting groups coming into town and people being bused in. Then they disappear, go home, away from portland and leave the Community Even deeper. Divided and that division is playing out on social media, cloning of peoples facebook accounts, malicious emails and texts. Malicious emails and texts. Im really want to say im shocked and dont think theres another word for it. Jeff. I am shocked because why are people behaving like this in a civilised society . Civilised society . Were not for it. Were were not built for it. Were not built for the constant harassment, the kind constant attack thats on social media. Gb news has repeatedly asked the stand up to Racism Campaign for comment. They have so far refused off camera , they tell me refused off camera, they tell me im giving voice to racists. Im only presenting one side of the story. But they wont tell me their side. The divisions, the their side. The divisions, the bitterness have been festering here for months and not a single migrant lives on the barge. The bibby stockholm home at the centre of so much fear and hate remains empty. But that could change any day now forjeff change any day now for jeff moody. Gb news, whos thats the latest from jeff moody in portland. The bibby stockholm, the only boat the government has managed to stop. And just in terms of to stop. And just in terms of the numbers , we would need 48 the numbers, we would need 48 eight. Bibby stockholm homes just to take those who arrived illegally this year alone. The bibby stockholm is a solution. Nobody wants in that community. Quite clearly, ellie. Well, let us know what you make of that story, vaiews gbnews. Uk pm now rishi sunak has refused to commit to the northern leg of the hs2, but says he is committed to levelling up. The Prime Minister wouldnt guarantee the birmingham to manchester leg will be complete and hell discuss its future with the chancellor this week with the chancellor this week with decision expected before with a decision expected before the Tory Party Conference in manchester next week. Well, our Political Editor chris hope joins us now in the studio. Very good to see you, studio. Very good to see you, chris. Hope i mean, this is very, very awkward, isnt it . This all could be announced at just as Tory Party Conference kicks off in manchester. Yes, its a dreadful timing for the Prime Minister. The tories, of course, go north to manchester this weekends manchester for this weekends Party Conference and to have this the whole this hanging over the whole Conference Disaster for conference will be disaster for the and 10 his the pm and number 10 and his advisers. Theyll to try advisers. Theyll want to try and get some of solution. And get some sort of solution. An indicative from the an i thought indicative from the lobby briefing, the briefing we go to as journalists of number 10 this morning. Go to as journalists of number 10 this morning. They talked 10 this morning. They talked there about they have rephased part of the project in the past because of affordability. And i reckon well they might try and do is just fudge it so that they can they can push out these costs further down the track because this week is very because this week is a very difficult with levelling up difficult week with levelling up in news manchester and in the news manchester and everything earlier mr everything else. But earlier mr sunak did speak to reporters about what his plans were for levelling up, and particularly with have a listen to with hs2. Lets have a listen to what he had to say. This kind of speculation that people making is not right. People are making is not right. I mean, weve got spades in the ground on ground were getting on and delivering. But across the north, also doing is north, what were also doing is connecting towns and connecting up all the towns and cities in the north east to west. Thats a really important part of how we will create jobs, drive growth across the region, all part of our plans to level up freeports are another good example of that, whether thats in or elsewhere, in teesside or elsewhere, attracting new investment, new businesses in, all good businesses coming in, all good examples of the government levelling well. Levelling up well. Chris rishi there is keeping calm and carrying on, but his plans hit the buffers so to speak, with Boris Johnson, who called this a mutilated version of hs2. George osborne has waded of hs2. George osborne has waded in. I remember him saying its a gross act of vandalism. David gross act of vandalism. David cameron, lord heseltine , all cameron, lord heseltine, all having a pop. How useful is that . How helpful is that . Just before conference, all three . All four. All part of yesteryear, arent they, martin . I mean, theyre not really. Theyre really. Are not theyre not really. They are not in their pen on theyre not really. They are not in chequebook, their pen on theyre not really. They are not in chequebook, lookingen on theyre not really. They are not in chequebook, looking at n theyre not really. They are not in chequebook, looking at the the chequebook, looking at the issues theyve got with the covid pandemic and the war in ukraine the the of ukraine and the and the cost of living spiralling living crisis and spiralling inflation, although it should be down this time year. Down by by this Time Next Year. So its not helpful to have noises off, particularly from from former Prime Ministers and chancellors who maybe should know better. Chris, how is this to going go down with voters . I mean, were talking about a general election. Hasnt been election. It hasnt been announced yet, but it could be this next year or this Time Next Year or thereabouts , especially the thereabouts, especially for the red those in the red wall. And those in the north west, which this decision will they will affect and impact. They want to see levelling up in action, dont they . And this is this is this is the exhibit in levelling the prize exhibit in levelling up. If he cant do hs2 to the north west of england from from birmingham then what is levelling and thats levelling up about and thats why the are far away. Why the timings are so far away. I mean , 2040 is the completion i mean, 2040 is the completion date for some of these lines here. So its a long way away, but i think it does matter. I mean, to be fair mr sunak, mean, to be fair to mr sunak, hes richmond hes mp for richmond in yorkshire. About he hes mp for richmond in yorksthere, about he hes mp for richmond in yorksthere, he about he hes mp for richmond in yorksthere, he comesbout he hes mp for richmond in yorksthere, he comes from he lives there, he comes from there. Theres there. But theres a weakness, i think, that red wall think, around him that red wall mps think, around him that red wall mp5 i think, around him that red wall mps i speak to wonder why theyre not getting more preferment. They look at Boris Johnson as being the leader for the red wall. Hes out of government. Whats in it for them . So i think politically, mr sunak something soon. Them . So i think politically, mr surbut something soon. Them . So i think politically, mr surbut then something soon. Them . So i think politically, mr surbut then boris� nething soon. Them . So i think politically, mr sur but then boris wasiing soon. Them . So i think politically, mr sur but then boris was wassoon. Them . So i think politically, mr sur but then boris was was wading but then boris was was wading in saying its treasury driven nonsense , as if its a bad thing nonsense, as if its a bad thing to be careful with to actually be careful with money when were £2. 6 trillion in debt , this leg alone in national debt, this leg alone is going to save £23 billion. And we spoke to the mp for crewe and nantwich earlier. We worked out when a £2 billion a minute in the time it saves from a journey crewe to london. So journey from crewe to london. So isnt a good idea actually to isnt it a good idea actually to be prudent and financial , be be prudent and financial, be astute with the money at a time when weve got hardly any money left stop making everything left and stop making everything about london . Yeah, theres an argument they started they should have started in manchester. Worked manchester. Martin and worked out work rather than out work south rather than starting and working starting in south and working north. Think Boris Johnson was north. I think Boris Johnson was once by way. Once against hs2, by the way. I think wasnt favour think he wasnt always in favour of sure wrote of it. Im sure he wrote articles it , of it. Im sure he wrote articles it, but that articles against it, but that was back in the day. I mean , no was back in the day. I mean, no question is a big cost. Question that is a big cost. Theres a big drain on resources, but theyve repackaged the pr behind it. So now its on about, about, about lifting numbers of numbers of trains on the route rather than worrying about speed, because speed is less important than this, freeing more trains to this, freeing up more trains to work those routes. Work on those routes. Sunak hasnt long rishi sunak hasnt got long now until Tory Party Conference kicks on sunday. How do you kicks off on sunday. How do you think hes going to try and fix this and offer something . Do you think hell try and come with think hell try and come up with an perhaps an alternative, perhaps suggest were talking about it earlier . The m62 corridor going kind of west to east. That something west to east. Is that something that perhaps is talk of that perhaps there is talk of money doing some kind of link between manchester and liverpool . That kind thatd a new that kind of thatd be a new idea. Powerhouse idea. Northern powerhouse rail put that. I think put money behind that. I think the idea of rail is important. Its understood , you know, it its understood, you know, it moves communities around. But i think the problem with hs2, it feels like of a a feels like kind of a big a big idea. Ago, which is now idea. 15 years ago, which is now having. Having its own issues. Okay, chris, well have to leave youve seen leave it there. Youve just seen patrick view Patrick Christie hove into view on lets take on our screens. Lets take a high link to him. Patrick, on our screens. Lets take a high have link to him. Patrick, on our screens. Lets take a high have you to him. Patrick, on our screens. Lets take a high have you got him. Patrick, on our screens. Lets take a high have you got on n. Patrick, on our screens. Lets take a high have you got on todays k, show . Yeah, there you go. A little bit of viral marketing there, subliminal messaging. Look, ive got i am, course, got loads on. I am, of course, going very much going to be talking very much about. Mark whites about lampedusa. Mark whites over there for us. Im going to be asking not we be asking whether or not we should women and should now only take women and children of the children in light of the onslaught of mostly young men that are heading our way. Firearm support that are heading our way. Firear handing support that are heading our way. Firear handing weapons ort them handing their weapons in . Look, thing to look, is it the right thing to do for them or actually should they to work . Patrick they get back to work . Patrick christys. Gb is that warm christys. Gb news. Is that warm feeling inside from boxt boilers proud sponsors of weather on. Gb news. Hi there. Todays showers will ease during the rest of the day. Clear spells expected day. Clear spells expected overnight, but it will stay breezy. However, not as windy as were expecting things to turn dunng were expecting things to turn during the middle of the week. This area of low pressure doesnt look much over the doesnt look like much over the next day or so. Storm agnes, but it deepens it approaches it soon deepens as it approaches the uk and a swathe of very strong winds, gales widely are expected around the middle of the week. Before that monday night, clear spells for most of us, still rather breezy in the west and the north west, but most places dry through the hours of darkness. The cloud thickening in the south and the west. By the end of the night, temperatures generally not far from average for the time of yeah from average for the time of year. The low year. Were looking at the low double figures generally , but we double figures generally, but we start off tuesday with some showers getting going from the word go into the south and then the midlands, anglia and the midlands, east anglia and the midlands, east anglia and the they do clear the south east, they do clear through the morning a rumble of thunder is possible the thunder is possible as the showers livelier in places, showers turn livelier in places, a of persistent rain moves a spell of persistent rain moves through Northern Ireland during a spell of persistent rain moves thromorning hern ireland during a spell of persistent rain moves thromorning into ireland during a spell of persistent rain moves thro morning into western during the morning into western scotland, to showers scotland, clearing to showers later. And for many there will be some sunny spells the be some sunny spells by the afternoon between afternoon in between the showers. Blustery showers. But its a blustery afternoon, feel on the afternoon, making it feel on the cool still quite warm in cool side. Still quite warm in the south east. Nevertheless thats all of the way. By thats all out of the way. By the wednesday. The start of wednesday. Actually, wednesday starts off fine us. Plenty fine for most of us. Plenty of early light winds early sunshine, light winds dunng , early sunshine, light winds during , but storm during the morning, but storm agnes brings a swathe of very wet weather and very strong winds in during afternoon. Winds in during the afternoon. And early evening cause and early evening could cause disruption in the west. Disruption in the west. That warm feeling inside , that warm feeling inside, aside from boxt boilers as proud sponsors of weather on gb news, its 3 pm. Is Patrick Christies. Its gb news now our Firearms Officers right to hand their weapons that make us all weapons in does that make us all less safe . Do they have your full strong on full support, strong views on either side . Well be talking about their about that after one of their colleagues was, of course, charged in other charged with murder in other news, live in news, we are also live in lampedusa white. Lampedusa with mark white. And on the italian island and im on the italian island of lampedusa, more of lampedusa, where more than 11,000 in of lampedusa, where more than 11,0 over in of lampedusa, where more than 11,0 over week. In of lampedusa, where more than 11,0 over week. Of in of lampedusa, where more than 11,0 over week. Of those just over a week. Many of those will northwestern