Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC Newsroom Live 20171025

Its wednesday 25th october. Im annita mcveigh. Welcome to bbc newsroom live. The uk economy is growing and at a faster rate than economists were expecting. The latest figures from the office for National Statistics paint a more positive picture of the economy. The figures show that the uk economy grew by 0. 4 between july and september. Most economists were expecting growth of 0. 3 which is how much the economy grew in the first two quarters. The bank of englands main Interest Rate is at the record low of 0. 25 . Todays Economic News increases the chances that the central bank will raise interests next month. Will raise Interest Rates next month. We can speak to our economics editor kamal ahmed. Why is the economy growing faster than many experts were predicting . think weve had better manufacturing news. Since the referendum, sterling has declined in value, which means oui has declined in value, which means our exports are has declined in value, which means oui exports are more has declined in value, which means our exports are more competitive abroad, which is a good thing. Consumer confidence has remained pretty robust since a referendum. People are still spending. This is better news for the economy. We need to keep it in perspective, growth is still likely to be lower than last year, but next week, the bank of Englands Monetary Policy Committee makes a big decision on whether to raise Interest Rates for the first time ina raise Interest Rates for the first time in a decade. And this better Economic News, coupled with a higher rate of inflation that we have in britain at the moment, 3 , Interest Rates are seen as one britain at the moment, 3 , Interest Rates are seen 3s one of britain at the moment, 3 , Interest Rates are seen as one of the main tools were controlling inflation, i think will mean that the hocks on the Monetary Policy committee, the people who feel the Interest Rate rise should be put in place, people feel emboldened. I came here and let the chancellor. He said he wants to put more money into scientific research, particularly for the health service. Certainly, the chancellor will take the number todayis chancellor will take the number today is a good number, showing that the Economic News is pretty resilient, despite this issue around falling real incomes, because peoples wages are not going up as fast as prices. And also the issue of brexit uncertainty, so he will certainly be talking about the resilience of our economy. But this growth in context. Is there still a broader concern about growth . Particularly about productivity . Thats absolutely right. Britain has been a country that has really struggled with a issue of productivity. But how much we produce power worker per hour worked. We are pretty much at the same level as we were before the financial crisis, and we are well behind our competitors in europe, competitors in america, who will produce much more per hour worked. That has been a big issue for the uk. The chancellor today suggesting that in the budget later this month, he was to look at this issue. How can we ensure people have the right skills . Are we supporting organisations like this with high end innovation, the type of work that will be so important for the uk economy. And of course, we need to prepare ourselves for a new type of future, where there will be less immigration coming into the country. I think the major problem has been not a government problem but business performance. Lots of studies show that the management here is maybe not good enough. We dont have enough good businesses pushing innovation, investing in skills of their workforce, but with low productivity, that means peoples wages dont go, because we arejust peoples wages dont go, because we are just not peoples wages dont go, because we arejust not producing peoples wages dont go, because we are just not producing the wealth that we need in the country. Certainly, for the chancellor, that would be a big part of what he talks about on november 22 in that budget. We will have much more robust growth figures this morning. We will have much more on those growth figures this morning. The wife of an army sergeant, accused of her attempted murder has started giving evidence at his trial in winchester. Army Fitness Instructor Emile Cilliers is accused of tampering with his wife victorias parachute and causing a gas leak at home. He denies the charges. Our correspondent andy moore is at Winchester Crown court. Tell us what has been happening so far. This is the first time we have seen far. This is the first time we have seen victoria cilliers giving evidence. She sustained very seedy centuries in that fall on Salisbury Plain in 2015. Multiple injuries, including breaking a leg. Despite the injuries, she walked into the courtroom unaided. She was asked if she wished to remain standing, because she was going to be giving evidence for several hours. She said she was happy to stand. She started by speaking of her love of skydiving. She said she was absolutely hooked once she went on a job at the army. She said it became an obsession, an addiction, not dissimilar to drugs, she said. She said she spent every holiday, every weekend but 15 years, parachuting or skydiving. Her husband, Emile Cilliers, an army sergeant, the court has heard that he had to fears and he was hoping to claim on her life insurance. So she was asked if she knew her husband was having affairs, and she said she suspected him of cheating and by november 2014, their marriage was cracking up. She said her husband took separate quarters at barracks. She said, i despised him. And she said she even threatened suicide at one stage. She has been giving evidence for about an hour, she will continue to give evidence throughout the day. Her husband, Emile Cilliers, denies two atte m pts her husband, Emile Cilliers, denies two attempts of murder, one by sabotaging her parachute and one, a few days before, of trying to tamper with the gas pipes at her house. Thank you venkat. The brexit secretary david davis has said he wants negotiations concluded soon. A lot of focus on whether anything dumb everything will be com plete anything dumb everything will be co m plete by anything dumb everything will be complete by that date march 2019, especially on the issue of trade. There has been a lot of discussion on the timetable. We now at first hurdle has been passed yet, we havent yet moved on to talk about trade, they are still talking about what will be the first phase, the rights of eu citizens, how much the uk will have to pay, and the issue of the border between ireland and Northern Ireland. In that sense, people think the talks have stalled, but listening to david davis today, you get a completely different picture. Hes saying he thinks this could be resolved pretty rapidly, which is in stark contrast to what Michel Barnier has been saying. He has been talking about eight trades barrier that could take years. He said, look at all the other situations where it has taken ages to get the deal sorted out. But david davis says there should be a transition period of around two yea rs transition period of around two years and he thinks that can be sorted quite quickly. He also think the trade deal can be sorted. Heres what he had to say. What we are intending to do is get the form of the implementation period agreed quickly, december thereafter. Right . But we want to conclude the overall negotiation, whatever the outcome may be, we want to conclude the overall negotiation by the end of march 2019. That raised some eyebrows in the committee, with some of the mps saying, really . We can get all that donein saying, really . We can get all that done ina saying, really . We can get all that done in a year . They seem to think that wouldnt be possible. His arguments is, were not canada, were not like another third country, because we have been in the eu are decades, we have the same Regulatory Regime at the moment, we are very closely aligned, so it shouldnt be too difficult. The other interesting point he made was debated on the other side and say, if you are france and belgium or holland or luxembourg, going to World Trade Organisation rules is not going to be good for you at all. Its not all about the uk losing out, the other side have something to lose as well. But he did describe how the talks might progress in these terms. The clock being stopped at midnight is precisely what happens, that if there is a time limit ona happens, that if there is a time limit on a negotiation, the union stops the clock. It assumes it is still at 1159 until it is concluded, some times over the course of 3672 hours. It will mean a lot of pressure, it will be very high stress, very exciting to watch, but thats how it will work out. His point is that if the political will is he there, believes the trade deal can be done quickly. He says, we are grown ups, we all want the best for arab economies, theres no reason why it shouldnt happen to this timetable. He has already spoken about the role of this place, parliaments, in all of those. About the vote mps so desperately want to have, to sign of any deal would lose. He has suggested today that parliament might not get the vote on the formal terms until after we have formally left in 2019. He is talking about a possible deal going to the wire, right up to march 2019. They may not be time for parliament to michael out and vote on it. At the lambs upset some mps over there. Thanks very much. Two senators from Donald Trumps Republican Party have launched scathing attacks on the president. Senatorjeff flake of arizona described his administration as reckless, outrageous and undignified as he announced he wouldnt seek re election and could not remain silent. Earlier, another senator, bob corker, described President Trump as an utterly untruthful president and said he had also decided not to seek re election next year. Peter bowes reports. A hostile reception on many fronts. Donald trump arrived on capitol hill to talk about tax reform with Republican Leaders but he had to run the gauntlet. A protester accusing them of being treasonous. But it was a minor outburst compared with what was to come. A searing takedown from the floor of the senate. I rise today to address a matter that has been very much on my mind. At a moment when it seems that our democracy is more defined by our discord and dysfunction than by our own values and principles. The Arizona Republican said said he would not be standing for re election. And he felt it was a matter of duty and conscience to criticise the president. It was relentless and blistering. We must never meekly accept the daily sundering of our country. The personal attacks, the threats against principles, freedoms and institution. The flagrant disregard for truth and decency. The reckless provocations, most often for the pettiest and most personal reasons, reasons having nothing whatsoever to do with the fortunes of the people that we have been elected to serve. None of these appalling features of our current politics should ever be regarded as normal. Earlier, another republican senator also publicly rebuked the president. Bob corker, who had previously said he wasnt standing for re election, called donald trump a liar, who damaged americans standing in the world. Its a sad place, from my perspective. And i think the worst of it is the whole debasing, if you will, of our nation. I think that will be the contribution that hurts our nation the most. You think the president is debasing the nation . I dont think theres any question that thats the case. Just in the way that he conducts himself and goes to such a low level, i do. Bob corkers comments followed an ea rly morning twitter outburst from donald trump, during which he called the senator incompetent and a lightweight. Look, youve got an individual in the president , hes a fighter. Weve said it many times before. The people of this country didnt elect somebody to be weak, they elected somebody to be strong and when he gets hit, hes going to hit back and i think the senator knows that and hes perhaps trying to get the headline to on his way out of the door. The president summed up his day in another tweet. So nice being with republican senators today. Multiple standing ovations. Most are great people who want big tax cuts and success for us. It was a remarkable day in american politics and perhaps the day the tide started to turn against donald trump. Peter bowes, bbc news. Well have more of this life to 1130, when i will be speaking to president tom supporters and the former spokesperson for us americans overseas. The headlines on bbc newsroom live. The uk economy grew by 0. 4 in the three months to september making the chances of a rise in Interest Rates next week highly likely. The wife of an army Fitness Instructor accused of attempting to murder her by sabotaging her parachute takes the stand to give evidence in his trial. President trump faces a blistering attack, as a second republican senator accuses him of damaging us politics. Now a look at the sport with 0lly foster. Crystal palace were the big losers in the league cup last night, the premier leagues bottom club went down 4 1 to championship side bristol city. Leicester and bournemouth also made it through to the quarter finals. As did manchester united, who are the league cup holders. They beat swansea 2 nil at the liberty stadium. Jesse lingaard scored twice, the first time hes done that for united. It wasjose mourinhos 400th game in english football, his first was in 2014 with chelsea. Two more matches tonight, spurs against west ham at wembley. Everton head to chelsea,. But coming up at lunchtime, theres some international football. Remember england are the under 20s world champions and under 19s european champions they take on brazil in the semifinals of the of the under 17s world cup in india. Kick off 12. 30 this afternoon. Its live on the bbc via the red button or the bbc website. England are in Coffs Harbour on the east coast of australia getting ready for the second match in the womens ashes series. The one dayer isnt must win, but they narrowly lost their first match of the series. They have two more 50 over matches , one test match and three twenty 20 matches in the points based series. England won on their last trip to australia in 2013 14, but lost the ashes in 2015. Preparation wasnt ideal, but i guess the same situation was for the australians, and they were a bit off the pace, in terms of match friendliness. A few little rounders in the field, but hopefully those cobwebs in the field, but hopefully those co bwe bs have in the field, but hopefully those cobwebs have been swept away and be ready to go. That match gets under way in the very early hours of tomorrow morning. Thats all the sport for now. Ill have more in the next hour. Lets look at some of todays other developing stories fire chiefs are calling for all new and refurbished schools in the uk to be fitted with sprinklers. Currently, sprinklers are mandatory in new School Buildings in scotland and wales, but not in england and Northern Ireland and the National Fire Chiefs Council says that must change. The department for education says the safety of children is their priority. More than half of british women have been sexually harassed at work or in a place of study according to a survey by bbc 5 live. Nearly 70 percent of those questioned said they hadnt reported it. The survey of 2,000 adults also found a fifth of men have been sexually harassed. An electrician from stirling who was facing three months in prison in dubai for public indecency has spoken of his relief at returning home to the uk. Jamie harron was sentenced for touching a mans hip in a crowded bar, but freed after dubais ruler intervened on his behalf. Catriona renton reports. Back into the arms of his family. Jamie harrons ordeal is finally over. He arrived in scotland to questions from waiting media. His reaction to being home . Very good. Very happy to be home. Its been a shambles from the word go. No organisation or nothing. I kept positive all the way through it, to be honest. Because i still couldnt believe it had actually happened, for what it was that had actually gone on, even now when im home, i still cant believe it was three and a half months, four months. Jamie harron had been on a two day stopover in dubai injuly. He said he had brushed against a mans hip in a crowded bar as he tried to steady himself to avoid spilling his drink. Mr harron was also accused of Drinking Alcohol and making a rude gesture towards the businessman who made the complaint. Although the complaint was withdrawn, prosecutors continued with the case. On sunday he was sentenced to three months in prison. A day later, though, following an intervention from the countrys ruler, he was exonerated. He says hes lost his job as an electrician in afghanistan and said he has now spent all his savings on legal fees and expenses. I had a lot of savings because i had done six months in afghanistan before that. So it was £30,000 . Everything ive got now is away. But ijust need to move on, move forward from it. He told reporters hed decide the next few days whether he would sue the man who made the complaint. But for now, with a cuddle from his mum, its time to go home. The chinese president has revealed his five new senior figures. The president has broken with tradition by not including an obvious successor, which raises questions over how long he intends to rule. He packed hall waits to hearfrom one of the most powerful leaders. And then out they come. The only certainty, the man at the front, but behind president xi, a handful of men who are to rule china for the next few years. It is a well established tradition, but this time, something is missing. Among the faces of seasoned career bureaucrats, there is no obvious young leader in waiting. Let us warmly welcomed the general secretary. This break with precedent will fuel speculation over whether he intends to break another, the 2 term limit with chinese leaders. The press conference, if it can be called bad, was notable for another reason. And number of Major International news organisations we re International News organisations were not invited. The economist, the financial times, the barge in, the New York Times and the bbc. This is about as close as weve been able to get. Maybe no coincidence that all of those organisations produce the kind of journalism to of those organisations produce the kind ofjournalism to which the authorities regularly object. For those who were in the hall, mr xi had some advice. We do not need lavish praise from others. However, we do welcome constructive suggestions. And with that, mr xi walked off to begin his second term in office. His consolidation of power is now complete, the only question, how long he intends to hang onto it. We will be talking to china editor in the next half hour about of that. About all of that. An inquiry into e cigarettes has been announced by mps, amid concerns there are significant gaps in what is known about them. Everything from their impact on human health to how their consumption affects the nhs and economy will be examined. 0ur health correspondent, nick triggle, reports. The popularity of e cigarettes has soared in recent years. Nearly 3 Million People in the uk now use them, according to the office for National Statistics, a fourfold increase since 2012. This year, they were even used in the annual Stoptober Campaign for the first time. But despite this, they are not yet officially prescribed by the nhs. In fact, advisory body nice says patients should be told there is currently little evidence on the long term benefits or harms of these products. The house of commons science and Technology Committee believes this mixed messaging about vaping and a lack of clear guidelines about their use is causing confusion, and has now announced it is launching its own enquiry. We need to understand what the long term implications are of a far greater number of people using e cigarettes. Its great news that people are stopping smoking and shifting to e cigarettes, that we need to understand more about the Health Consequences of that. The Cross Party Group of mps has asked anyone who wants to submit written evidence to make sure it reaches the committee by the 8th of december. British explorer ben saunders is aiming to complete a solo crossing of the antarctic. He is following in the footsteps of a friend who died in his attempt last year. A reporter went to meet him. When youve trekked to the north and south pole, what next . The plan is to make a solo, completely unassisted and unsupported crossing of antarctica on foot. So im walking from one side to the south pole and then carrying on to the opposite side of antarctica. Its never been done before. No one has ever sort of walked under their own human motive power. The motivation for ben saunders is deeply friend. His friend Henry Worsley died last year attempting the same feat. Henry had been to me a good friend for a long time. My initial reaction for a few weeks was that i didnt want anything more to do with antarctica ever again. Itjust seemed too tragic. I started thinking perhaps the best way to honour the friendship and inspiration he gave me would be to finish the job for him. Ben, this looks exhausting. Tell us about the exercises youre having to do. This is a dead lift which uses almost your whole body. So its a strong pulling movement, off the floor with a lot of weight. This is more than twice my body weight. And you have to kind of bulk up with excess fat to last you. Yes, i put on since the summer, ten kilos, 22lbs, about a stone and a half. Some of that is muscle and some of that is deliberately fat. It must be very difficult knowing what happened to henry, that bens going to attempt the same journey. Ben has prepared well. Its hisjob. He spent 17 years doing this so ijust have to trust that he knows what hes doing and hell look after himself. Bens last trip to the south pole saw him complete the route which captain Robert Falcon scott attempted before he died in 1912. But this time, ben will be going past the south pole and onwards, alone. The labour Leaderjeremy Corbyn is going to swap the despatch box for gogglebox, when he appears in a celebrity special next week. Mr corbyn will feature in the hit channel 4 tv programme to help raise money for stand up to cancer. It is not yet known which shows will be dissected by the labour leader, who is not expected to be filmed at home. In the next few minutes, ill be talking to bob johnson in the next few minutes, ill be talking to bobjohnson from the institute for fiscal studies about those economy growth figures. The headlines are coming up on the bbc news channel. In a moment we say goodbye to viewers on bbc two first we leave you with for a look at the weather. The cloud is starting to clean away and many of us having scenes like this in nottinghamshire this afternoon. It is mostly dry, we do have a few showers are affecting the west of scotland for the rest of today. Quite a breeze for scotland as well. Elsewhere, good spells of sunshine. Workload gradually working its way into South West England later on. Feeling pretty warm in the south east. Temperatures 19 or maybe even 28 celsius. Tonight, cloud and rain will spread its way northwards into wales and the midlands. Lots of loud here. Further north, clear skies across scotland. On thursday, sunny spells for scotland and Northern Ireland, cloudier for england and wales. Goodbye. Hello, good morning this is bbc news. Our latest headlines. Our latest headlines. The uk economy grew slightly faster than expected in the three months to september. Official figures from the office for National Statistics show gdp rose 0. 4 in the third quarter. The wife of an army sergeant, accused of her attempted murder gives evidence at his trial. Emile cilliers is accused of tampering with his wifes parachute and causing a gas leak at their home. He denies the charges. The brexit secretary, david davis, says its possible that the uk parliaments vote on any brexit deal might come after the uk leaves the eu. A second us republican senator deliveres a fierce attack on President Trump, accusing him of damaging us accusing him of damaging us politics. Jeff flake criticised what he called undignified behaviour of the president. And breaking news just and breaking newsjust coming into us. And breaking newsjust coming into us. We are hearing that jared and breaking newsjust coming into us. We are hearing thatjared 0mara has been suspended from the labour party. This is coming from the shadow chancellorjohn mcdonnell after days of controversy about him. Vicky young is with us, she joins us from westminster. A huge amount of pressure forjared 0mara to be suspended. Reminders of the background to this. Yes, thats right. He was elected at the general election in june so right. He was elected at the general election injune so he is a relatively new mp. He beat the former liberal democrat leader nick clegg in sheffield. What is happening the last few days is that comments here is posted on internet chat rooms have emerged. They have been misogynistic some of them and sexist. He apologised to his collea g u es sexist. He apologised to his colleagues profusely a couple of nights ago. That apology was pretty much accepted by people. He said that he had posted some of these comments and he had since changed his views, he had gone on a journey and the no longer felt this way. But more and more revelations have emerged. Some of them he has denied by finger pressure has become too much. Yesterday, a couple of labour mps said they felt that while this investigation launched by labour was going on he shouldnt be allowed to stay a member of the parliamentary labour party. He should be disciplined. That was in happen but weve heard in the last few minutes but labour has now decided to withdraw the whip from him, to suspend him from the party while they investigate some recent allegations. Yesterday on the bbc a woman came forward and said that he had made abusive comments to her. Much more recently, in march, just before he became an mp, he has categorically denied that but theres no doubt that the pressure is too much now and labour have acted. So suspended. Is there any indication that he might resign before this investigation or pending this investigation . I think its the kind of thing you never know. There we re kind of thing you never know. There were some labour mps yesterday speculating about whether he might just think i dont want to do this any more, which would have caused a by election in that seat. Were not at that stage yet. We havent been able to speak directly to mr 0mara yet so we dont know how hes feeling about all that but theres no doubt that with all these revelations coming forward he must be feeling pretty much under pressure. So labour, the leadership of labour have decided after a couple of days now of these kind of thing is emerging that they have to ta ke thing is emerging that they have to take more of a step than just conducting an investigation. They have decided to suspend him from the party. And obviously there has been criticism that the labour leadership didnt act immediately once these allegations came to light. Yeah, im in the defence that that these comments were very old, they went back a long way. Some of them to 2002 and 2003. At the time, jared 0mara was in his early 20s. And from what mps who were at the meeting of the night said he made a very emotional and heartfelt apology, very sincere. That he realised his mistake, that he now said he didnt believe those things any more. Some of the comments have been homophobic, racial slurs, some of them not to broadcast the ball. Was he was a young man, he said he had been caught up in a lab sculpture and hadnt seen the error of his ways until recently. The other attack from justin greening the womens equality is. Filed under pressure by toJeremy Corbyn saying this stuff was out there, it was in the Public Domain how was he able to get through the vetting process for mps . At the time, that seat of Sheffield Hallam there were many labour people who thought that wasnt winnable for the party but others have said thats no excuse. If you are standing as a labour candidate and you should have been vetted, they should have known about and it shouldnt have got this far. I think were going to hearfrom and it shouldnt have got this far. I think were going to hear from the shadow chancellorjohn mcdonnell. Im not sure forgot that clip just yet. We havent got it quite yet salami just ask you another question. 0h, salami just ask you another question. Oh, and told me now have that clip so do bear with this, vicky. Were going to hear about him talk about the suspension. The decision has been taken to suspend him and the web has been removed. There will be a full investigation by the labour party and as result of that final decision will be made about his future. Just to remind our viewers, he is still an mp although he is being suspended from the party. He is still the mp for area. What happens and it happens in all parties, it happened in the conservatives with some inappropriate comments made by an mp, what happens is they have the whip withdrawn which is a disciplinary procedure. They are technically no longer part of that party so jared 0mara will not be technically a member of the parliamentary labour party. It is possible he will still vote with them on many things but he doesnt belong to the party while that is going on. What doesnt happen, its not that he is not an mp any more, the system is that you remain an mp, youre the system is that you remain an mp, you re really the system is that you remain an mp, youre really effectively sitting as an independent. So thats is what happens. It has happened many times over the years when people have been disciplined. Investigation goes on, it may well be that they look these comments and say that the most recent ones they dont find against him and he may be welcomed back into the party. You never know how that will pan out but it is a way of the leadership disciplining him and responding to those in their own party and pressure from the other side, from the liberal democrats. From vince cable, justine greening, saying that parliamentarians may be should be held to an even higher standard than other people. They have to set an example. That misogynistic, homophobic language has no place in society but certainly no place in the house of commons. Vicky on our chief Political Correspondent. Back to the news that the uk economy is growing and ata news that the uk economy is growing and at a faster rate than economists we re and at a faster rate than economists were expecting. The latest figures from the office for National Statistics paint a more positive picture of the economy. The latest figures show that the uk economy grew by 0. 4 between july and september. Most economists were expecting growth of 0. 3 which is how much the economy grew in the first two quarters. The bank of englands main Interest Rate is at the record low of 0. 25 . Todays Economic News increases the chances that the central bank will raise interests next month. Lets get some more analysis from all of this from pauljohnson who is from the institute for fiscal studies. Thank you forjoining us. Why do you think the economy is growing a bit faster than it has in the last couple of quarters . Well, it is rather easy to get excited about each individual quarters numbers. The difference between not. 3 and not. 4 is obviously not much in these numbers always get revised later on anyway. Just think how hard it is to measure the size of the economy as it was just less than a month ago. So this is relatively good news but essentially we are still where we thought we were that is the economy growing at Something Like 1 . Which in the context of the last couple of years when the economy has been doing pretty badly is nothing to get very excited about. Of course it depends on what type of glasses you are looking at these figures though. It is being seen as these figures though. It is being seen as politically significant for some but in a purely economic context, he was saying this isnt caused a huge jubilation . Context, he was saying this isnt caused a hugejubilation . Know, one quarters numbers are never cause forjubilation or depression regardless of what they say. If you remember a couple of years back we look to the individual quarter s numbers and it looked like rugen into a second recession which as it turned out we werent. The broad picture here is a sluggishly growing economy about 1. 5 a year. The issue for the chancellor and his budget in a couple of years is that the office for budget responsibility are thinking, well, were grown a bit sluggishly now, productivity is not going up as much as we thought, it looks like were going to be reducing our forecast for the future. And of course as you said the bank of england will be looking at this and thinking well its a bit sluggish but its not too bad and given where inflation is we may well put up Interest Rates soon. Yes. Given what you have said about the growth for this quarter and it is just one quarter, do you anticipate as many do that the bank of england is going to put up Interest Rates. To think that would be the move . think that given what the governor mark carney has been saying in recent months it would be pretty surprising if there werent some u pwa rd surprising if there werent some upward movement in Interest Rates pretty soon. It would be quite difficult for him to move away from that. And in particular, these figures are, as you say, slightly more positive than expected and that must push the Monetary Policy commission more towards raising Interest Rates. But how do ordinary consumers cope with that . Interest Rates. But how do ordinary consumers cope with that . I wouldnt get too worried if you are sitting ona get too worried if you are sitting on a mortgage worried about your Interest Rate because i dont think were looking at anything very big. Probably from not. 25 of percent. Interest probably from not. 25 of percent. Interest rates probably from not. 25 of percent. Interest rates were until last summer. That was at that point the lowest they had ever been since the bank finland was founded so even if we go from a zero were still unprecedentedly low levels. I dont think anybody is thinking that Interest Rates are going to be going up Interest Rates are going to be going up much beyond that and certainly not to the kinds of, still very low levels, that we had a decade ago. So this is not a big move, this is not something that is going to have a great big effect on consumers at least in the short run. 0k, paul johnson, thank you very much. The director of the institute for fiscal studies. Lets get some more now on the fierce attacks delivered by two us republican senators against President Trump. Following the lead of bob corker, who represents tennessee, jeff flake from arizona, criticised the president s undignified behaviour and said he will not seek re election. He also lamented what he described as trumps flagrant disregard for decency. The personal attacks, the threats against principles, freedoms and institution. The flagrant disregard for truth and decency. The reckless provocations, most often for the pettiest and most personal reasons. Senatorjeff like. With me is the london based american commentator and trump supporter, charlie wolf. Were also joined by kate andrews, news editor at the institute of economic affairs, whos also with republicans 0verseas. Charlie, ill begin with you. President trump has responded to the two senators in his usual style. He says theyve made personal comments to him so he is going to make personal comments about them. Is that really befitting a president of United States to respond to these two men in this way . Well if it is or it isnt thats his style and everybody knew that going in and so vitally look at his presidency, the actions are doing better than the style in the words. In other words, youre looking at the economy, the market, isis is on the run, so im a little more concerned with the substance as opposed to the style. You he is a new yorker, his loud. You he is a new yorker, his loud. You punch him, he punches back. We know that. Is a new yorker. I mean, Hillary Clinton is not a new yorker but she was the representative for new yorker number of years. One could never imagine her speaking in this way. Let me just bringing kate andrews. Charlie was talking about the substance over the staff but what you make of that point . What substance . Where is what you make of that point . What substance . Where is the tax reform . Where is the appeal of 0bamacare . I think a lot of americans ended up voting for trump because they wanted a change. They couldnt bear another eight years of the 0bama administration under which health costs skyrocketed and people didnt feel it in their purses that they we re feel it in their purses that they were doing better. They thought anything could be better than this and then took a gamble on donald trump and it hasnt paid off yet. The republicans control the house and the senate and they have the president. Its embarrassing at this point that they havent been able to get legislation through. Charlie and i disagree on this, i dont think we can say that trump is just becoming trump isjust becoming a bit of a joke. Its very depressing in my opinion. America is a long and impressive history of checks and balances and having a functioning government. But i do agree that donald trump is putting a lot that risk. Donald trump is putting a lot that risk. A lot of that risk. Charlie, it is being said that trump acts for the most petty reasons. He is petulant, isnt it coming away behaves . That isnt befitting surely the present of the United States. Say what you will about their personality and personal style, president has to above that dont they . I would rather we have eight yea rs of they . I would rather we have eight years of mr0bama they . I would rather we have eight years of mr 0bama who is very much the diplomat on the problem with diplomacy is it the ability of someone diplomacy is it the ability of someone to tell you to go to hell and make you look forward to the trip. Mrtrump and make you look forward to the trip. Mr trump doesnt mince his words and again i have seen results. The market is in greeting. Yes, kate has mentioned something is on the legislative line that havent been accomplished by think a lot of that point back to congress. They have been the ones whove been here for all these years, he hasjust been the ones whove been here for all these years, he has just stepped into office. At the mr fleck is on his way out, is trying to make a name for himself as he leaves. Well, theyre there for another year, and they . I would rather see people working with a president. They are not happy that people that the people wanted who is not part of the elite club and is putting his foot down. For instance, when he told the speaker of the senate off. 0k, down. For instance, when he told the speaker of the senate off. Ok, i thought that a little bit rough. But still. Let me bringing kate. What happens when he insults grieving widows and the little guy and people that have absolutely no power over him and can stand up to him in a public format . And finding that supporters, particularly republican supporters, particularly republican supporters of donald trump, are having to turn against more fellow republicans because what theyre coming up with them what theyre coming up with them what theyre coming out with is not some attack on the republican agenda, its the fa ct on the republican agenda, its the fact that donald trump doesnt represent a republican agenda, he never has. Its economic nationalism is not part of the public and party. Are these comments from the senator is going to make it any difference to trumps core supporters . Probably not. If anything its going to accuse them. They want to drain a swa n accuse them. They want to drain a swan lets be honest, trump isnt draining the swamp and its not about being anti establishment, its about being anti establishment, its about decency when you are speaking to women who have lost a husband served in america. When you talk into junior reporters who are asking a question. That is what were questioning today. Even with the widow, no one has respect of the military than trump. I think he has. What he has tried to put into the budget and a thing here is if wilson was that concerned and didnt want to make politics out of this poor boys death. She should have gone quietly to the present and said. Sky blush, carter, romney avenue have more respect for the military than trump does. Whenjimmy carter is defending you, this is what the problem is. Every little thing is jumped on and it exploded. But hasnt he given the press a lot to jump hasnt he given the press a lot to jump on both been so hostile to the media . Yes in some ways but they are brought on themselves on where they have reported this. General kelly was explaining the other day or communicated this lady and everything has been blown out of proportion on that and again we have got representative is making hay out of it. K response that. I dont disagree with you that the right wing, especially in america, tends to face more problems with the media but were not talking about being a bit unfairon but were not talking about being a bit unfair on donald trump. They are reporting on some really serious allegations and terrible things he says they have every right to do so. His recent attacks on the free press are incredibly distressing. This republicans handle the situation. Again, as i said, supporters of donald trump are having to turn against people that up having to turn against people that up untila few having to turn against people that up until a few weeks or months ago they considered to be allies because they considered to be allies because they are highlighting some real proofs about donald trump. He does not represent the Republican Party or its agenda. There are some good republicans and democrats out there who want to save a country heal and get rid of this terrible divide. Unfortunately Party Politics is still trump in that but i think we should be able to agree that donald trump is not fit for office. His behaviour is demeaning in office, notjust to us behaviour is demeaning in office, not just to us as americans but the re st of not just to us as americans but the rest of the world. Charlie, final thought to you. Hes a winner who is a us, to anderson whether the last three republican president s tweeted a number of hours ago Donald Trumps. A number of hours ago Donald Trumps. Its getting a number of hours ago Donald Trumps. Its getting harder and harderfor trumps. Its getting harder and harder for republican lawmakers to defend Donald Trumps fitness. Do you think these two senators, what they have said and the fact they are going to be around another year before they step down is going to make it increasingly more difficult for President Trump to make any headway with what you want to do . Policy wise . And will other people who are opposed to the way prison trump is behaving coalesce around them . If they do that and again the people will side with the president because the filly an agenda that they want and is not been put through congress. They are standing in his way at every chance and he will have the people on his side. He speak in hyperbole and the press have never taken speak in hyperbole and the press have never ta ken into speak in hyperbole and the press have never taken into account. Instead of taking seriously they ta ke instead of taking seriously they take literally. Again, the people are getting sick of it. I have seen and this is why the elected in the first place. Thank you both very much for your time. In and will have a summary of the Business News but first headlines. Jared 0mara has been suspended from the labour party for sexist comments he made in 2002 and 2004. The uk economy grew by 0. 4 in the three months to september, making the chances of a rise in Interest Rates next week highly likely. Brexits at victory has said that might not be given. Until the britain has formally left the eu in 2019. Hello there. The business use it out. News this hour. As weve been hearing the uks economy has grown faster than expected. Growth in the services and Manufacturing Industries helped the Gross Domestic Product for the quarter rise by 0. 4 . Financial markets are now strongly indicating an interest rise next week. Lloyds has announced pre tax profits of £1. 95 billion for the third quarter. Thats an increase of 141 on the same period last year which had included provision for ppi compensation. Half of british women and a fifth of men have been sexually harassed at work or a place of study. Thats according to a poll for bbc radio 5 live involving more than 2,000 people the majority of those who said they had been harrassed didnt report it to anyone. So a growth in services and manufacturing helped the uks economy to higher than expected growth in the three months to september. Gross domestic product, gdp, for the quarter rose by 0. 4 , compared with 0. 3 in each of 2017s first two quarters, according to the latest figures from the office for National Statistics. Its led many to predict a rise in Interest Rates in november. Lee hopley is chief economist with eef the Manufacturers Organisation and she is in our Central London studio. The common good to talk to you. We need to be careful that we are about getting carried away when we talk about this boost uk economy. This is just one quarter it clap. Thats right. I think a couple of points that should stop is getting too excited by these numbers. The first is that these are just the first estimate and it is hardly the economy firing on all cylinders. Yes, it is a little bit stronger than the consensus was expecting and better than waiting in the first half of this year but still the performance of uk economy overall in the first nine months of this year has been pretty weak compared with what weve been seen in recent years and also compare to some of the numbers we are seeing is coming out of some of our competitor economies in europe. Yet, some ive been speaking to described as sluggish. And hugely driven by the service and manufacturing sectors. The construction sector fairly dismal performance. I think it has been a bit of a mixed bag if you look under the surface of the numbers. Manufacturing stands out as being a particularly robust performer over the last couple of quarters. We have seen the last couple of quarters. We have seen five consecutive months where the sector has seen growing levels of output coming from the uks factories. Youre right, services are also growing but at a much more subdued pays them wed been used in the uk. And construction, that continues to have a tough time. Buying into activity in that part of our country. This has got people guessing as to when we will see the bank of england raised Interest Rates. A lot of people saying as early as november but considering where inflation is at the moment, productivity not brilliant, what you think . I think its still a difficult call if you look at the numbers. As you say, inflation is approaching the place which the point of which the bank of england is going to have to speak with the chancellor and why it is so big above. As you pointed out the uk economy is still pretty sluggish. The majority of members will see stronger than consensus numbers to push ahead with a rise next month. I dont think that tells us much about the future course of Interest Rates, particularly as we move into 2018. I think that will come down to the data month to month. Why mac we will have to see. Quick looks at markets and on the currency front sterling has been given a boost thanks to that data showing the economy picking up at speed and thereby bolstering expectation of a rate rise potentially as early as next week. The pound climbed more than 0. 5 against the dollar and against the euro, it strengthened to 89. 18 pence also up half a percent. The ftse 100 the ft se 100 though often works inversely to the strength of the pound so that unsurprisingly is down. That is over me, more not later. Simon, been tweeting that changes on way. Are we talking about gloves and scarves. I think frost and wintry showers macs are creeping into the forecast. For now its fine and pleasa nt forecast. For now its fine and pleasant with temperatures above the average for the time of year. We will see a bit of Cloud Developers as afternoon goes on a england and wales are more cloud spreading into the south west in particular. The scotland, its Western Areas of scotla nd scotland, its Western Areas of scotland that will see some showers moving in from time to time. Eastern and southern scotland, the best of the dry weather. Right in Northern Ireland. Temperatures around 14. Much of england and wales, as you can see, fine afternoon. Yes, some cloud around but feeling pleasant. Temperatures between 18 20 celsius. Through this evening, that cloud will spread its way further northward introducing some rain at times in wales and into the midlands. Further north are clear skies and will turn quite chilly. Also an opportunity to catch the Northern Lights tonight. Like our weather watcher did last night in the shetland isles. As we go through the shetland isles. As we go through the rest of the night, as you can see, that rain and drizzle into scotla nd see, that rain and drizzle into scotland and the midlands. Temperatures staying in double figures. How about thursday them . The best of the sunshine across scotla nd the best of the sunshine across scotland and Northern Ireland. England and wales, a cloudy day compared to today. 0utbreaks england and wales, a cloudy day compared to today. Outbreaks of rain affecting the far north of england. Even in the south we will see some brighter skies developing and still hear pretty mild. Those temperatures still or five hear pretty mild. Those temperatures still orfive or 6 degrees hear pretty mild. Those temperatures still or five or 6 degrees above the average. Things start to change a little bit by friday. This called front will move southwards. It will ta ke front will move southwards. It will take the cloud with it and the outbreaks of rain. Just like today it might be a disappointing start in the south but things are improving for many of us on friday will stop another dry and sunny day but those temperatures falling by couple of degrees in the south east. About 15 degrees. 11 12 in the north. 0ver the weekend, i pressure towards the west. In track all the way back towards and greenland and with that cold air is going to filtering across the uk. Especially so on sunday that when Unit Exchange on sunday. As a mention, frosts, wintry showers may become a feature of the forecast. Thats it from me, more online. This is bbc news and these are the top stories developing at midday. Labour mpjared 0 mara has been suspended from the party for sexist and homophobic comments. The uk economy grew by 0. 4 in the three months to september making the chances of a rise in Interest Rates next next week more likely. The brexit secretary has said that parliament might not be given a vote on the final terms of the withdrawal agreement, until after the uk has formally left the European Union in 2019. And this is the scene in the house of commons, where theresa may is about to get to her feet for Prime Ministers questions. Good afternoon. Welcome to bbc newsroom life. Were expecting Prime Ministers questions to begin imminently, but before that, let me remind you of breaking political news. The labour mpjared 0mara has had the party whip suspended while claims that he made sexist and homophobic comments are investigated. The shadow chancellor made a very brief statement about the Sheffield Hallam mp will stop yes, a decision has been taken to suspend jared 0mara and have them withdrawn because of that suspension. There will be a full investigation by the labour party and then a final decision will be made about his future. Lets cross to the house of commons where Prime Ministers questions is getting underway. Mr speaker, i mrspeaker, iam mr speaker, i am sure that all members across the house will wish tojoin me in wishing all the home nations teams are very best of luck in the Rugby League World cup which starting today. This morning, i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and in addition to my duties with this house, i will have further such meetings today. Social Care Services in england are in crisis. Since 2010, the local council in manchester has had its social care budget cut by £32 million. By march, the government will have taken 6. 3 billion out of social care. Why would the Prime Minister match labours commitment to invest in social care in the next budget . As i have said and this house before, we recognise the pressure that there is a social care, as we see an ageing population. There are short term and medium term and long term answers to this. In the short term, we have made extra funding available to local authorities. The latest announcement was for an extra £2 billion. In the medium term, we need to make sure best practice is being observed across all local authorities and nhs trusts, in some cases delayed discharges are higher than others. We need to make sure thatis than others. We need to make sure that is best practice. In the long term, we need a sustainable footing for our social care system and thats why we will be in due course publishing a full and open consultation on ideas and proposals to make sure we can have that sustainable social care system in the future. The Prime Minister will be aware of the vital role supported housing plays with many Vulnerable People in torbay. What assurances can she give me about Government Support for those services . He raises an important issue and this is something weve been looking at very closely over the past year. Since my right honourable friend the first secretary of state commissioned work on this when he was work and pensions secretary in september last year, i can confirm we will boot publishing a response that consultation on tuesday the 3ist that consultation on tuesday the 31st of october. It will look at a wide range of issues. We need to make sure the funding model is right, so that all providers of this housing ourfunders right, so that all providers of this housing our funders correctly. Right, so that all providers of this housing ourfunders correctly. We need to look at issues like significant increases in Service Charges that have taken place recently, make sure were looking at cost control in the sector, but i can also see today that as part of response, we will not apply where cap to social housing and we will not be implementing it in the wider social rented sector. The field details will be made available when we publish our response. Jeremy corbyn mr speaker, ijoin the Prime Minister in wishing the rugby league tea m minister in wishing the Rugby League Team all the very best in the competition. I hope we win it. Last week, the house voted by 299 zero to pause the roll out of universal credit. Will the Prime Minister respect the will of the house . As i have said before, we acknowledge the fa ct have said before, we acknowledge the fact that there are concerns people have raised with universal credit, and we have been listening to those, and we have been listening to those, and changes have been made. But perhaps i could just update the we are on the roll out of universal credit. Currently, of people claiming benefits, 8 are on universal credit. By january of next year, that will rise to 10 . The roll out is being conducted in three phases, and the intention is it will be completed by 2022. It is being donein be completed by 2022. It is being done ina be completed by 2022. It is being done in a measured way, and im pleased to say that four out of five people are satisfied or very satisfied with the service that they are receiving. Universal credit helps people into the workplace and make sure that white baize, that is what the welfare system should do. Jeremy corbyn i wouldve thought that a form 8 of the roll out has taken place, and 20 of the people in receipt of it are dissatisfied with it, thats a cause for thought, maybe a pause in whole process, and last week, only one conservative mp had the courage of their convictions to vote with us on suspending universal credit roll out. Then a conservative member of the welsh assembly, angela burns, said, for the life of me, i cannot understand why a six or four week gap is deemed acceptable. She cold universal credit carollers at best and downright cruel at worst, and concluded by saying, she is ashamed of her government. Can the Prime Minister ease her colleague pots shamed by pausing and fixing universal credit . As i have said to the right honourable gentleman, we have been making changes to the implementation as it has gone through the roll out. Lets be very clear about why we introduced universal credit. It is because it isa universal credit. It is because it is a system. The members are getting rather overexcited. The question has been put at the answer will be heard. The Prime Minister. We introduced universal credit as a simpler, more straightforward system that ensures that white bays and helps people into the workplace. Lets look at what happened in the benefit system under labour. Under labour, the low paid paid tax then added paid back to the mint benefits. Under labour, people were trapped on a life of benefits for yea rs. Trapped on a life of benefits for years. Under labour, the number of workless households doubled, and labours benefits system cost households an extra £3000 a year. What the conservatives have done is given the low paid a pay rise, given the workers a tax cut and major we have a benefit system that helps people into work. Jeremy corbyn under labour, 1 million children we re under labour, 1 million children were lifted out of poverty. Under labour, we introduced the principle of the National Minimum wage, opposed by all tories over there. And if the Prime Minister is not prepared to listen to angela burns, perhaps she could listen to the architect of universal credit, the right honourable member for chingford and woodford green, who said, one of the reasons i resigned from the government is i didnt actually agree with the additional waiting days. This is something the government needs to adapt. Does the Prime Minister agree with them . think this is notjust the answer i have given three or four times now, but as we look at universal credit roll out, we do look at the way we are introducing it. He talks about what happened under labour, and im happy to talk about what happened under labour. Far too much noise and finger pointing on under labour. Far too much noise and finger pointing on both under labour. Far too much noise and finger pointing on both sides of the chamber. The responses from the Prime Minister will be heard, as all the questions from the leader of the opposition and every other member, without fear or favour. Prime minister. Under the labour party, he is talking about crawling out of new benefits systems. Lets think about what happened when the labour party rushed to introduce tax credits. I was not the only member of parliament and the size you had people in my constituency surgery, who had filled the bronze in properly, who had given an information to the authorities and then years later, the government came back and landed them with bills we re came back and landed them with bills were thousands of pounds. That is what happens when you rush into a system, rather than introduce it properly, as we are. I thought we had passed the threshold last week when the prime minster was going to a nswer when the prime minster was going to answer questions, but we obviously havent achieved that yet. Labour introduced working tax credits in order to help people on low pay out of poverty, and it made a very big difference. The sad truth is that universal credit is in such a mess that councils are forced to pick up the bill. I give you an example, croydon council, which piloted the scheme, is now spending £3 million of its own budget to prevent tenants from being evicted due to rent arrears caused by universal credit. Does the Prime Minister think it is right orfair that does the Prime Minister think it is right or fair that hard pressed local authorities, having their budget cuts by central government, are having to dip into what little money they have left in order to prevent people being ubiquitous, when they know full well it is the responsibility of this government and its system of universal credit thatis and its system of universal credit that is causing the problem. Labour introduced working tax credit and then thousands of pounds back from people who were working hard. He raises the issue of rent arrears, andi raises the issue of rent arrears, and i know that members have concerns over people that are managing their budgets to pay their rent. The vast majority of people on universal credit, it is not an issue for them to manage their budget. And after four months, the for them to manage their budget. And afterfour months, the number of people on universal credit who are in arrears has fallen by a third. But we recognise the issue, so we are working with landlords. We have built flexibility into the system, so built flexibility into the system, so that landlords can be paid directly and i want nobody to be evicted from social housing due to short term rent arrears. I think thats an important point to get across to people. What a comeback to the essential point about universal credit. This is about the welfare system that helps people into work, that makes work pay and that doesnt trapped people in a live on benefits for years. I know that by melissa didnt say anything about people being evicted from the private rented sector because of universal credit problems. The costs in the benefit system are being driven by low pay and high rents. In 2015, the then chancellor, her former friend, promised £9 and are living wage. However, at the march budget, it was sneaked out that the minimum wage would only reach £8 75. The welfare state was not created to subsidise low paying employers and overcharging landlords. Will the budgets in november but the onus back. Order i expect better of you you were much better behaved when you win at oxford university. What is happening to you, man . My question is this, will the budget in november but the onus back on to employers to pay a decent wage, so that workers can make ends meet . M course we want to make sure they are higher paid jobs in this country, thatis higher paid jobs in this country, that is precisely why we are investing in the economy for the future, investing in our infrastructure, in schools for young people. And is why we are introducing a modern industrial strategy. But he says that the welfare system was not created to subsidise employers paying low wages. That is exactly what labours working tax Credit System did the governments own social Mobility Commission reported that low pay was endemic in the United Kingdom. One infour endemic in the United Kingdom. One in four workers permanently stuck in low paid jobs. That is why labour back the real living wage of £10 and are to make work pay. This government does not really know whether its coming or going. The conservative party and the government says they have full confidence in universal credit. But they wont vote for it. They say they wont vote for it. They say they will end the nhs pay cuts, but would allocate any money to pay for it. The communities secretary backs £50 billion of borrowing on housing, but that answer says its not policy. The brexit secretary says they are planning for a no deal brexit, the town s lawyer says they are not. Isnt it the case, this government is weak, incompetence, divided, and am able to take a decision. Order order i said that the responses from the Prime Minister would be heard. And the remarks of the right honourable gentleman will be heard. You can try to shout him down and other members can try to shout that Prime Minister down. It wont work. End of. Jeremy corbyn. Isnt it the case that this government is weak, incompetent and divided and unable to take the essential decisions necessary for the good of the people of this country . I will tell him, of the good of the people of this country . Iwill tell him, of course we wa nt country . Iwill tell him, of course we want to see people earning higher wages. We want to be able to invest in our public services. But the way to do that, the way to have a higher standard of living, to have higher wages, to invest in public services, to have a Better Future of people in this country, is to build and continue to build a stronger economy. And you dont build a stronger economy by losing control of public finances. You dont do it by uncontrolled borrowing. You dont do it by hitting people with the highest taxes in peacetime history. You dont build a stronger economy by voting against progress in brexit negotiations. And you dont build a stronger economy by planning for a capitalflight stronger economy by planning for a capital flight and a stronger economy by planning for a capitalflight and a run on stronger economy by planning for a capital flight and a run on the pound. That is what labour would do and we will never let it happen. Some people in plymouth are campaigning by way of the petition to say that lifeboats must be launched immediately if fishing vessel is overdue. I believe this is irresponsible and puts her valiant lifeboat crews in pedal. If they dont love with there going, we know this in cornwall. With the Prime Minister look at making safety g ra nts minister look at making safety grants available, so that all fishing boats can happy locator beacon on board. This would cost well under £4 million, even if every vessel under 50 metres got a whole ground for covering the cost. My late husband had one of these aboard his boat. I thank her for raising this issue and as she has said, this is an area where she tragically has some experience. I would like to comment further work she has done in championing these causes. I think she is right, launching a lifeboat when the fishing vessel was overdue. It could be dangerous for the crew. Thats why the coast guard do take time to gather valuable information before deciding how best to respond. On the issue she has rates, there area number of on the issue she has rates, there are a number of grants available from various safety schemes, and id encourage all those involved in fishing to make the most of those gra nts fishing to make the most of those grants that are available. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that migration is key to delivering sustainable Economic Growth . What i think is absolutely key is to make sure we have controlled migration in this country. Thats what the people in this country want, and thats all this government is delivering. An american couple, who moved to scotla nd american couple, who moved to scotland and has invested £400,000 to build an Award Winning guesthouse in inverness, they contribute to their community and local economy, but they will be deported because of a retrospective change by home office rules. But the Prime Minister meet with me and their mp for inverness to discuss this case and the systemic problems with uk migration . The ahronot systemic problems with uk migration. The home secretary will meet with them to discuss the specific case. He is right to say the home office does work with the immigration to make sure the rules are applied properly. Now it is time to hear mr simon hoare. I was greatly cheered to hear the chancellor say that a final deal with regards to brexit is going to happen. Does he agree with my assessment that we are going to get assessment that we are going to get a good deal that works for our country, for the European Union and my constituents of north dorset . do agree with him, i believe that ourjobis do agree with him, i believe that ourjob is to get the best brexit dealfor britain. I believe we can get that theres brexit deal for britain. I think thats a deal that will benefit the United Kingdom in all parts, including his constituency in north dorset. That we maximise the benefits of leaving while maintaining the best access to eu markets. But so we are continuing to work on. That is the vision i set out in my forums speech, and the eu are now preparing their response to that. The Prime Minister has previously stated her commitment to apprenticeships. However, in my constituency, the apprenticeship levy has not been helping those for whom it was designed. What steps will she take to make sure that apprenticeships help those from lower income backgrounds . Apprenticeships are important. In the last government, we saw 2 million more apprenticeships being treated. We are committed to another 1. 9 million being created. It is important. The important point is that this is an opportunity for young people not to feel that they just have to be encouraged to go down an academic route when that doesnt work for them. What is important when i meet apprentices is that many of them say this is the best thing theyve done. We want to make sure available from all those for all those who would benefit. Cha well tops leaderboard for new housing. Can the Prime Minister surely that that is the right roads, school places, post boxes and health ca re school places, post boxes and Health Care Provision will be in place to support both my new constituents and the one i have got at the moment . Cani the one i have got at the moment . Can i first of all congratulate her on sale very pleased that the district is doing what we want to do, what we recognise we need to do, to build, to tackle our dysfunctional housing market, and build more homes. We have committed to £15 billion of our roads investment strategy, although half £1 trillion will be spent on the nhs in england during this parliament, and a record £41 billion on core funding for schools this year. That is the record of conservatives in government. In 24 hours, the people of dundee will wave off the bed for the 2023 European Capital of culture. A fantastic bid, which will generate some 1500 jobs and add 5 local gdp. Can i ask the Prime Minister, notwithstanding her current difficulties with europe, to back this bid, given it comes the most innovative and forward looking city in the hall of the uk . Of course, we are always willing to back bids from any city in the United Kingdom to become the european city of culture. But i work on the fact that dundee has put a bid for us and as part of theirs. But we want to support all cities in the United Kingdom. It is a criminal offence for those like teachers, in a position of trust, to have a sexual relationship with those young people and is 18. But a constituent came to me recently that it distressed about a relationship between his 17 year old daughter and a middle aged driving instructor. While consensual, this is not illegal. Im concerned there might be risks to Young Drivers by being groomed by a predatory instructor. Do you agree that driving instructors a re do you agree that driving instructors are in a position of trust, and should be covered by the same rules as teachers and which she asked the relevant minister to work with me on this . I am concerned to hear the case of his constituents, and directly denies the position and role driving instructors play. I think this is something i will ask the appropriate department to look at and to get in touch with them to get further details of his case. Stephen kinnock. In march 2019, the Prime Minister told the size that parliament would be given a meaningful vote on the terms of the article 50 withdrawal bill. This morning, in the brexit select committee, the secretary of state told us that voters might not take place until after march 2019. Can the Prime Minister explain how its possible to have a meaningful vote on something that has already taken place . As he knows, we are in negotiations with the European Union, but i am confident that the timetable does give time until march 2019 for the negotiations to take place, but im confident, because it is in the interests of both sides and its not just is in the interests of both sides and its notjust those parliament to what he bought a deal, but there will be ratification by other parliaments and we will be able to achieve the negotiation in time for the vote we are committed to. We enter a week of commemorations around the centenary of the balfour declaration. Would the Prime Minister rededicate us to the pursuit of peace and justice by both the israelis and the palestinians, but celebrate with pride our Small National contribution to the creation of a democracy in the middle east, a sanctuary for those who have suffered from anti semitism and there is rise again . And in the state of israel, a true friend of the United Kingdom. We are proud of the United Kingdom. We are proud of the rule we played in the creation of the state of israel and we will certainly mark the centenary with pride. I am also pleased that the good trade relations and other relationships we have with israel, that were building on and enhancing. We also must be conscious of the sensitivities that some people do have about the balfour declaration. We recognise there is more work to be done. We remain committed to the 2 state solution in relation to israel and the palestinians. That an important game. I think its important we all make to make sure we provide security and stability and justice for israelis and palestinians through a lasting peace. Trying to get a decision on the swansea bay tidal lagoon is becoming like groundhog day. Swansea is ready, the investors are ready, can i have the Prime Minister when she will be ready . This raises a number of complex issues. We are grateful to Charles Hendry for the review he conducted, and the relevant departments, the Business Department is considering this, and we will respond in due course. Does she agree that as we leave the eu and ta ke agree that as we leave the eu and take control of our Land Management policy, our manifesto commitment to plaid 11 Million Trees is the critical part of a holistic countryside management framework, which we can now build, to ensure long term home wood for housing industry, alongside increasing our natural Carbon Capture potential . She is right, we did commit in our ma nifesto to she is right, we did commit in our manifesto to plaid 11 Million Trees. A bidding battle at the heart of our work to protect the environment for future generations. Since april 2015, we have planted as dover 2 Million Trees, but we have more to do and will continue to work with land holders and stakeholders on this issue. She is right, its not just about the look of the countryside, its also about the role that trees play in reducing flood risks and helping with carbon dioxide. She has spoken on Mental Health. Can i thank herfor that is . When she was home secretary, she outlawed in police cells being used for those in Mental Health crisis. But today, parts of our Mental Health system the murricane prices. In my constituency, children, young people and families are waiting two yea rs people and families are waiting two years for autism assessments. The secretary of state agrees that is unacceptable. Can i asked the Prime Minister what she will do to turn her well intentioned statements on Mental Health into action . We are taking a number of courses of action in relation to Mental Health. He has raised the specific issue of the length of time and Autism Diagnosis ta kes length of time and Autism Diagnosis takes in his constituency. We are looking into this, because we are clear that adults and children should not wait too long for an Autism Diagnosis. The department of health is working with partners to help redress these issues, whether our long waiting times for an Autism Diagnosis. Nice have published clinical guidelines which set out that diagnosis should begin within three months of referral. With the Prime Ministerjoin me in wishing that to a successful test run and she agree with me that projects like this showed that the uk continues to lead the world in its innovation in science and engineering . Can i say to my honourable friend im happy to join in wishing the Bloodhound Team well. Indeed i have met some of the members in the past and i also agree with the other point he makes that this continues to show what a world leader in science and innovation in the uk is. We have some of the worlds best universities and we have more nobel prizewinners of any country outside the us. This is a record our country can be proud and im sure we will all be proud of the Bloodhound Team and its achievements. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that as a result of the potential downgrading of huddersfield royal infirmary, 479 professionals lost over 300 hospital bed skirt and a 90 minute journey to the nearest a and e are not in their best interests of my constituents. And will she meet with me to discuss the detrimental impact this will have on the area. The principle that we wa nt have on the area. The principle that we want to base these decisions on is that Service Changes should be based on clear evidence and led by local clinicians that best understand the local needs. I understand the local needs. I understand that calderdale and Kirklees Council s have referred the changes to the health secretary. I know he will be considering those changes carefully and will make a decision in due course. Would my right honourable friend tell us what leadership and encouragement of the women and girls of his constituency to ta ke women and girls of his constituency to take part in public life the memberfor sheffield to take part in public life the member for Sheffield Hallam are shown in his remarks . Can i say to my right honourable friend that i think it is important that we mark the centenary next year and recognise the role that women have played in this house and in public life. I want to see young women actually able to see this house as a place they actively want to come to. That they want to contribute to their society and to the needs of constituencies make a real difference to peoples lives. That is what i am in it for. That is why have encouraged more women to come into this house and im pleased to say that we have more women on benches than ever before. And finally, all of us, all of those, all of us in this house. All others in this house should have due ca re others in this house should have due care and attention to the way in which we refer to other people. And should show women in public life the respect that they deserve. Q mr speaker. Yesterday the Scottish Parliament voted by 91 votes to 28 to ban fracking in scotland. Can ask the Prime Minister why she wouldnt consider following scotlands lead and introducing a moratorium in the rest of the United Kingdom in order that there can be a full evaluation of the health and environmental consequences of this Controversial Technology and in order that the public can be consulted. Can i say that this is an issue that he and i are simply going to disagree because i think that shell gas does have the potential to power it Economic Growth in this country and it will support thousands of jobs growth in this country and it will support thousands ofjobs in the oil and Gas Industries and other sectors. It will provide a new Domestic Energy source. We have more than 50 years of drilling experience in the uk and one of the best records in the world for Economic Development while protecting our environment. The shell wealth fund is going to provide up to £1 billion of additionalfunds is going to provide up to £1 billion of additional funds to help communities, local councils are going to be to retain 100 of the local Business Rates they collect from developments. We will be bringing forward further developments during this parliament but this is an important attention new source but this is an important attention new source of but this is an important attention new source of energy but this is an important attention new source of energy think it is right that we use this and take the benefits of it for our economy, jobs and peopless future. Im sure the Prime Minister the premises where the terrifying incident when a gunman held people at a Bowling Alley in nuneaton. Will shejoin me and the honourable memberfor nuneaton in praising the excellent work of Warwickshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service in ensuring the situation was brought toa ensuring the situation was brought to a swift conclusion without any casualties. Can i say of course we we re casualties. Can i say of course we were all concerned to hear of this incident as it was taking place and im happy to join incident as it was taking place and im happy tojoin him in the member for nuneaton in commending the professionalism and bravery of Warwickshire Police of bringing mr swift of conclusion and of the Ambulance Service of making sure there were no injuries. Our Emergency Services do an amazing job in protecting us. This is exactly the kind of incident when i put on their uniforms in the morning whether there will be called to. I was pleased to welcome a number of our Emergency Service personnel to a reception in down straight on monday. What they always say is they we re monday. What they always say is they were just monday. What they always say is they werejust doing theirjob monday. What they always say is they were just doing theirjob but my goodness me, what a job they do for us. Mr speaker, on the 29th of march, i asked the Prime Minister if she would help the people of new ferry after the huge explosion that devastated the town centre. She said she was happy to help and there would be support offered to the community in the future. Two weeks later she called a general election and her government seems to all but forgotten about the people in new faria. Well, she may have forgotten but my constituents havent. So ask again, precisely when will her government put their hands in their pockets so the people in new ferry can rebuild their town and the people in new ferry can rebuild their town in their lives . people in new ferry can rebuild their town in their lives . I say to their town in their lives . I say to the honourable lady that the government has not forgotten about this issue. I understand for the secretary of state for local incursions and government that we are waiting for the local council to produce proposals and we will look at that seriously. In acknowledging the hard work of the hard working men and women for the work that they did in the caribbean. But she also acknowledged that the puma to helicopter was ready and available for work in the caribbean within a couple of hours of having arrived. Well, i am very happy to commend the work of all those at raf benson and indeed all those in our military and volu nteers indeed all those in our military and volunteers who were able to provide support after the devastating hurricane aims that took place in the caribbean. Im also happy to agree with my honourable friend that contrary to some of the stories that have been put about, actually we we re have been put about, actually we were there, we were there on time and we were able to act very quickly to give people that support. Thank you, mr speaker. We can all agree that no one should ever be persecuted on account of their sexuality. Last week, at the pink news awards, the Prime Minister said that we have come a long way on lgbt plus rights but there is still a lot more to do. Can i ask her to start that remaining work today by promising that never again will the home office to port lgbt Asylum Seekers to countries where they are likely to be persecuted with the instruction that they pretend to be straight. Can i say to the honourable lady. This is an issue that we take seriously and indeed i think im right in saying that it was a conservative government that actually change the rules on asylum seeking to introduce the category of those who could face persecution in their home of origin because of their home of origin because of their sexuality. Im pleased that was able to be done and i am sure that the home office treats all of these cases with the sensitivity thatis these cases with the sensitivity that is appropriate. Pelle as of 2016, 17 of the premises in scotla nd 2016, 17 of the premises in scotland were without superfast broadband. This is compared with just 11 for the uk as a whole. Would my right honourable friend join me in calling on the Scottish Government to do more and to constructively engage with. Government to do more and to constructively engage with. To deliver this Crucial Service in scotland. Can i say. All talk at once each transact do im interested in hearing the Prime Ministers reply. Mr speaker can hearing the Prime Ministers reply. Mrspeakercani hearing the Prime Ministers reply. Mrspeaker can i said hearing the Prime Ministers reply. Mr speaker can i said aaron ross friend that we all appreciate the benefits of broadband and the availability but is up 30 right, the members of the Scottish Nationalist Party come down here to westminster, they spend. They spend a lot of time talking about powers for the Scottish Government, actually its time the Scottish Government got on with using its powers for the benefit of the people of scotland. Mr speaker, in the past fortnight we have heard the announcement of the loss of many hundreds ofjobs in lancashire at bae systems site, which has come as a hammer blow to workers and their families. Today, which has come as a hammer blow to workers and theirfamilies. Today, i wish to raise the proposed closure of the factory on stan road in preston that will mean the loss of another 180 jobs. We keep hearing about the so called Northern Powerhouse wire train manufacturers in the north shedding jobs by the hundred . I recognise that this is a worrying time for the workers involved. And we will ensure through the department for work and pensions they have the support they need to look for newjobs they have the support they need to look for new jobs and they have the support they need to look for newjobs and that does include the Rapid Response service which gives very particular support to people in these areas. But in relation to the decision by bae systems, i can assure the house that we will continue to promote our world leading Defence Industry. I hope all labour members will continue to promote our world leading Defence Industry. Im very pleased that just last leading Defence Industry. Im very pleased thatjust last month my right honourable friend the Defence Industry signed a statement of intent with qatar. Last year, the ministry of defence spent £3. 7 billion with ba and theyre working with them to maximise opportunities in the future to ensure that we can retain jobs in the future to ensure that we can retainjobs here in the United Kingdom. When it comes to tackling homelessness, prevention is better than cure. So im delighted that the government has backed the homelessness reduction act. One of the obstacles that people who choose to rent face is putting together the deposit and helping with the rent. Will my right honourable friend look ata will my right honourable friend look at a scheme that would provide 32,000 people a year the opportunity to rent foran 32,000 people a year the opportunity to rent for an investment of £3. 1 million a year . But not only that, mr speaker, it would save the public purse up to £18 billion over a three year period. Purse up to £18 billion over a threeyear period. I thank my honourable friend for raising this issue and im pleased that we were able to support his homelessness reduction act nothing that will be an important contributing in this area. I understand on the specific issue he has raised, he has made a prebudget representation to the chancellor of the exchequer, who im sure will be looking at that representation very carefully. On the more general issue of helping people to buy and helping them with the deposits, im pleased we have been able to announce an extra £10 million to help to buy scheme which does allow People Better chance to get into homes. The workforce, the unions and management at bombardier in belfast are not deserve enormous credit for the way they have responded to the threats coming from the United States and borrowing in particular. Can the province to give us an insurance that she will continue to build on the good work has already happened through herself and the secretary of state business and the secretary of state business and also the Northern Ireland secretary that she will continue to work with others, the unions and management to ensure that the threat of tariffs is removed. That it is a Success Story and thousands ofjobs in belfast are protected and across the United Kingdom as well. Im very happy to give that commitment. We will certainly come up a lot of work is being done in relation to this issue by myself, by the business secretary, by the chancellor of the exchequer and other ministers with their opposite numbers in america and in canada. We will certainly continue to do that work. Visit, the most continue to do that work. Visit, the m ost rece nt continue to do that work. Visit, the most recent announcement that has been made in relation to work with airbus is an important announcement but we want to ensure that those jobs stay in Northern Ireland because we recognise the importance of those jobs to the economy of Northern Ireland but also for the people and their families. So, Northern Ireland but also for the people and theirfamilies. So, that brings another session of pmq s to a close. It was a lengthy exchange at the beginning between theresa may and Jeremy Corbyn on the subject of universal credit. Jeremy corbyn asked the Prime Minister would she respect the will of the house to pause the roll of universal credit and she said that people in receipt of universal credit are satisfied with the service they are receiving. Jeremy corbyn countered by saying that universal credit was in such a mess that some councils were being forced to pick up the bill for peoples rent arrears. Theresa may replied by saying that the number of people in arrears had fallen by a third and no one can be evicted from social housing for short term rent arrears. There was also the question from Stephen Kinnock for labour which referred to the statement made by the brexit secretary david davis earlier today when he was being questioned about by a committee of mps when he said that a vote on the redrawing of the bill may happen after the uk has formally left the eu in march 2019. Stephen kinnock asked candy Prime Minister explain how it is possible to have a meaningful vote on something that has already taken place. Theresa may said she hoped any vote would be happening before march 2019. That was pmq s run of the week. More from that in the week. Now lets return to one of our other main stories. The uk economy is growing and at a faster rate than economists were expecting. The latest figures from the office for National Statistics paint a more positive picture of the economy. The latest figures show that the uk economy grew by 0. 4 between july and september. Most economists were expecting growth of 0. 3 which is how much the economy grew in the first two quarters. The bank of englands main Interest Rate is at the record low of 0. 25 . Todays Economic News increases the likelihood that the central bank will raise interests next month. Our Business Editor spoke to the chancellor of the exchequer Philip Hammond who welcomes this mornings figures. It has outperformed Market Expectations as the uk economy has done overall since the referendum last year. What it shows is the underlying fundamental strength of this economy. Philip hammond. More now on labours suspension of jared omara following comments are made online. Is apologise for homophobic comments he made 15 years ago and also for allegedly led. John mcdonnell said that decision has yet to made. Yes, the decisions be made to made. Yes, the decisions be made to suspend jared omara and the whip has been withdrawn. There will be full investigation by the labour party and as a result of that final decision will be made about his future. Responding to a question by one of her backbenchers, the Prime Minister said all mps should show women the respect they deserve. wa nt to women the respect they deserve. want to see women actually able to see this house is a place that they actively want to come to. But they wa nt to actively want to come to. But they want to contribute their society, that they want to respond to the needs of local constituents and make a real difference to peoples lives. Thats what im in it for, thats why ive encourage more women to come into this house and i am pleased to say that we have more women on our benches than ever before. And finally, all of us, all of us in this house, all others in this house should have due care and attention to the way in which we refer to other people. And should show women in public life the respect that they deserve. Our chief Political Correspondent gave as this update just after the news of jared omaras suspension broke. Jared omaras suspension broke. Jared omara was elected in the general election injune omara was elected in the general election in june so omara was elected in the general election injune so he is a relatively new mp. He beat the former liberal democrat leader nick clegg ins Sheffield Hallam. Whats happened in the last few days is that comments that he is posted on internet chat rooms have emerged. They have been misogynistic some of them and sexist. He apologised to his colleagues profusely a couple of nights ago. That apology was pretty much accepted by people. He said that he had posted some of these comments and here since changed his views. Hed been a journey and we no longer felt that way. But more and more revelations have emerged. Some of them he has denied but i think the pressure hasjust become too much now. Yesterday, a couple of labour mps much now. Yesterday, a couple of labourmps said much now. Yesterday, a couple of labour mps said they really felt that while they investigate a more re ce nt that while they investigate a more recent allegations. Yesterday, on the bbc, a woman came forward and said that he had made abusive comments to her. Much more recently, in march, just before he became an mp. He has categorically denied that but there is no doubt the pressure is really too much now and labour have acted. Two social media posts by a reality tv star have fallen foul of the uks advertising rules. Marnie simpson who stars in the reality show geordie shore uploaded images of products from two firms that she has business relationships with without identifying them as adverts on the social network snapchat. The posts were judged by the Advertising Standards Agency to be a breach of the rules against hidden advertising on social media. Ena miller has this report. Just because im not a new me doesnt mean i cant involved. Shes best known for this. She initially found fame as a reality tv star on mtvgeordie shaw. With fame comes the opportunity for Product Placement and she does all time on twitter. Colour lenses by. But an snapchat, herfrequent promotion colour lenses by. But an snapchat, her frequent promotion of products have now got her in trouble with the advertising standards authority. Backin advertising standards authority. Back injune, advertising standards authority. Back in june, she advertising standards authority. Back injune, she uploaded to snapchat stories. Although the snapchat stories. Although the snapchat themselves were deleted within 24 hours, these two images we re within 24 hours, these two images were captured mentioning two products. Responding to a complaint, the asa ruled her snapchat story was an advert, the first case of its kind involving snapchat. An advert, the first case of its kind involving snapchatm an advert, the first case of its kind involving snapchat. If brands doa kind involving snapchat. If brands do a deal with celebrities where they pay them and they insist that they pay them and they insist that they promote positive images about they promote positive images about the brand even if theyre putting words the celebrity, the tweet or the post is an ad only to be properly labelled. During investigation, both companies try to defend their promotions. But the asa does not have the power to impose fines itself but hopes the negative publicity acts as a deterrent. Emma miller, bbc news. The best new building at best new with. And a new college campus. Today we look at norwich grove in london. Barretts grove. Our client was a speculative Property Developer news interested in something that tends to be relatively generic on the market and very cost effective. To insure these returns. The challenge built housing thatis returns. The challenge built housing that is fairly economical to build us, quick to go up but also as those tactile qualities and details that retain a charm that would run c preserved in the next 100 or 150 yea rs. Preserved in the next 100 or 150 years. The challenge was for the client to break away slightly from that generic plasterboard walls and generic construction to use cross laminated timber, not just generic construction to use cross laminated timber, notjust as a superstructure bolster the external finish. If you can keep the timber exposed internally, that is immediately something very different to what you see in specialist development. Inexorably tied detail. There are a number of details here that reveal that structure and then of elements, internal, tactile details that respond to that. The thing details that respond to that. The thing the wood is a comforting, welcoming material to come home to. When you come into the space, it is warm in the winter, is cool in the summer, its a lovely environment being. And full coverage of the awards are many will be here live on the news channel between 8 30pm and 9pm. In the moment its the news at one with jane hill but first lets ta ke at one with jane hill but first lets take a look at the weather stop were looking at a fine afternoon the most parts of the uk. A few showers to the north west of scotla nd a few showers to the north west of scotland on this area of cloud, well thats our weather front. Further south of thinking yesterday, thats allowed some sunny weather to work into southern counties of england. Front itself wiggling around. This will be crossing central portions of the uk at the next 24 hours bringing some changes in the weather. As we go through the evening, most errors will keep the fine weather. This thickening cloud perhaps bring in some spots of light rain and drizzle, 40 of the hills too. Overnight, one thing worth pointing out is we could get glimpses of the aurora borealis. Across scotland and the fun of the as well. Keep your eyes peeled overnight. Further south, the cloud coming back in as that meister comes in will start to see some very low cloud with mist and four patches that could become quite dense by dawn. Some dumb weather working across the midlands. Some showers for the north west of scotla nd some showers for the north west of scotland otherwise drive to the northern part of the uk. On thursday, our weather fronts wriggling around across central bringing thickening cloud and again spots of cloud in north wales and Northern Counties of england. Still the sunshine across scotland but across england and wales are much cloudy day. Temperatures, were looking at highs of 12 13 degrees where the sun comes out. Milder conditions further south. That is where we have got this cloudy skies though. As we go through thursday night into friday will start to see the clearance of that front finally, so the clearance of that front finally, so the cloud will break up and well see some sunny so the cloud will break up and well see some sunny spells coming through as pressure begins to build near to the uk. Temperature wise, highs of 1115 the uk. Temperature wise, highs of 11 15 degrees. This pressure moves westward allowing northerly winds to feeding. Northerly winds mean things will certainly get quite a lot colder as we go one progressively through this weekend. With temperatures really dropping away. How cold will it get . Well, across parts of the north of the uk temperatures will fall into single figures in edinburgh and aberdeen. Also some very strong winds making it feel bitter at times. Even further south, in london, timber just went back to normal. Outsize source doesntjust report a story looks at it from every angle. Live data thats a look at what happened and what it means. From a global view right down to street level. The bbcs unparalleled global expertise allows us to reality check the biggest stories. News for a digital world. Outside source tonight on 9pm