Conservative mps most likely to defect to labour labour, Natalie Elphicke wouldnt have been anywhere near it. Most would have placed on the right of the Conservative Party, but as of midday today she is in the labour party. That came as shocked conservative mps and labour mps as well. Sir keir starmer is absolutely jubilant nevertheless. Lets hear a bit from him now. Im delighted to welcome Natalie Elphicke to the labour party. Shes got a strong track record on issues such as housing, she is on the front line when it comes to the crisis of small boats, and the reason that she is given forjoining the labour party is very, very important, because i think she speaks for very many tory voters in saying that the tory party has changed, its left the centre ground, but equally the labour party has changed. We are very clearly the party of the national interest, country first, party second, and i look forward to working with her on the mission to deliver the real change that this country despe
This is bbc news, the headlines we can go to the Scottish Parliament where there is an election taking place to choose the new First Minister, to replace humza yousaf. John swinney is now in the process and the votes are being cast for him and the votes are being cast for him and it is expected he will imminently be leader of the Scottish National party but he needs to be formally elected as First Minister by the Scottish Parliament and that is what is happening right now. All of the Party Leaders are allowed to nominate themselves as First Minister and it is now the turn of john swinney and he is expected to have a majority of votes. Voting is pretty simple, msps press a button to register their preference. We can now have a listen. The to register their preference. We can now have a listen. Now have a listen. The vote is closed. Could now have a listen. The vote is closed. Could any now have a listen. The vote is closed. Could any member. Now have a listen. The vote is l closed. Coul
Process closed at midday. The party was like secretary then confirmed Thatjohn Swinney is the party leader. Mr swinney has also posted on social media, saying he feels deeply honoured to be elected leader of the party, adding that he will give his all to serve the party and scotland. Of course with mr swinney being unopposed in this context, it means the snp has avoided extending the uncertainty at the top of scottish politics. Had there been another contender in this contest, it would have meant a Leadership Battle going on for the next three weeks, untiljuly 27. There had been talk of a late bid over the weekend. Activist Graeme Mccormick has said that he had gathered enough support to enter the contest. But in a statement late last night, he announced he decided not to run after having a conversation with john swinney. They had agreed on a number of topics and issues, he said he was going to Supportjohn Swinney instead. It he was going to support john swinney instead. , ,. , instead
Scotland as contributors to our economy. I think that gives you the evidence you need about the effect of tax changes within scotland. Thank you and congratulations again. Why do thank you and congratulations again. Why do you thank you and congratulations again. Why do you think it is that the polls why do you think it is that the polls are why do you think it is that the polls are showing that independence supporters are becoming less likely to surmort supporters are becoming less likely to support the snp . | supporters are becoming less likely to support the snp . Supporters are becoming less likely to support the snp . I think the snp is havin a to support the snp . I think the snp is having a tough, to support the snp . I think the snp is having a tough, rough to support the snp . I think the snp is having a tough, rough time. To support the snp . I think the snp is having a tough, rough time. It. Is having a tough, rough time. It has lacked cohesion, think that has come across t
Rusted assault on ukrainian gas plans causing problems for european supplies with matt we get the view from kyiv. Good evening. President biden has told the pro palestinian demonstrators they have the right to protest, but not a right to cause chaos. It was the first time the president has spoken on the campus protests amid criticism from donald trump and republicans that he has been absent from the debate. Peaceful protest in america. Violent protest is not protected. Peaceful protest is. Its against the law when violence occurs. Destroying property is not a peaceful protest. Its against the law. Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduations none of this is a peaceful protest. Threatening people, intimidating people, instilling fear in people is not a peaceful protest. Its against the law. Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder or to denying the rights of others so students can