I will be back. Now, it is time for wednesday and the parliament. Hello again, and welcome to wednesday in parliament. Why are so many rape victims failed by the system . To all the victims of rape and sexual violence, all the victims and survivors, of course i say sorry for the trauma that they have been through. Opposition mps demand a date for the governments long awaited Social Care plans. The time for excuses is over. When will the government deliver . Also in this programme soon, well be ship building. Its not a new royal yacht, l its a new national flagship. In my book, thats a. Laughter i think thats a very good thing. But first the Prime Minister has denied that Budget Cuts are to blame for a dramatic fall in Rape Prosecutions in england and wales. His denial comes only days after the Justice Secretary admitted cuts were self evidently a factor, as Robert Buckland announced plans for a System And Culture change. Borisjohnson did apologise to rape victims for the trauma and delays theyve faced, but he blamed evidential difficulties for the fact that prosecutions have more than halved since 2016. Earlier, the victims commissioner for england and wales appeared before mps on the home Affairs Committee and gave her verdict on the governments plans. The proposals, some and i emphasise only some of which are capable of being powerful, seem to me to be albeit the rest of the report is underwhelming, the rest of the proposals wont take a great deal of difference. And theres very large amounts of kicking the can down the road, having more pilots and causing delay in there. Nonetheless, this is a watershed. Those comments and the Governments Review were seized upon by the labour leader, sir keir starmer, during Prime Ministers questions. The truth is victims of rape are being failed. Now, Mr Speaker, theyre not just my words, theyre in the governments own report. Victims of rape are being failed. Theres no escaping that appalling figure, Prime Minister. 98. 4 of rape cases ending without anybody being charged. And those that do get in the system take years to go through. Does the Prime Minister accept that cuts to the criminal Justice System have contributed to that appalling situation . Prime minister no, Mr Speaker, because weve increased the numbers of people in the cps by at least 200, Mr Speaker, specifically dedicated to helping to prosecute the crime of rape and sexual violence. And, Mr Speaker, we are absolutely determined to stamp it out. This is a problem that has been getting worse because of the evidential difficulties caused by the Data Recovery Process and the lack of unity, the Lack Ofjoined up thinking between all parts of the criminalJustice System. That is something that this government is now addressing by more investment, by putting more police out on the street, and also by having tougher sentences the Rape Review is welcome, but its weak. The victims commissioner, the governments victims commissioner described the review as underwhelming. It could have been ten times stronger. That review is littered with pilots and consultations on proposals that have literally been discussed for years and years. It is so unambitious. Mr speaker, isnt it the case that, despite these shameful figures and they are shameful the government still isnt showing the urgency needed to tackle the epidemic of violence against women and girls . Minister no, Mr Speaker, because weve also brought in the landmark domestic Violence Bill which again, it wouldve been good if wed had wholehearted support from the Labour Party opposite. And, Mr Speaker, no, because this government has brought in much tougher sentences for serious sexual and violent offenders. I mean, no matter how much he wriggles and squirms, Mr Speaker, he cant get away from the simple fact that on a three line width, he got his party to vote against tougher sentences for serious sexual and violent offenders. That, Mr Speaker, is weak keir starmer. You can always tell when hes losing, Mr Speaker. Cheering 0n. Order. I want both sides its a very, very emotive and important issue. I need to hear the questions and the answers. I certainly dont expect shouting from the back benches. Keir starmer. Mr speaker, on the Prime Ministers watch, Rape Prosecution and convictions are at a record low. Court backlogs are at a record high. Victims are waiting longer forjustice, and criminals are getting away with it. This wasnt inevitable. Its the cost of a decade of conservative cuts. And even now, even now, the Government Isnt showing the urgency and the ambition thats needed. Mr speaker, the Justice Secretary has done the rarest of things for this government and apologised. But i note the prime Minister Hasnt done that today. Its time he did, that he took some responsibility and backed it up with action. Will he do so . Prime minister. Mr speaker, as i said to the right honourable gentlemen and ifought to have tougher action against rapists and sexual offenders throughout my time as mayor of london, and of course to all the victims of rape and sexual violence, all the victims and survivors, of course i say sorry for the trauma that they have been through, the frustration that they go through because of the inadequacies of the criminal Justice System. We are fixing that. Were fixing that by investing another £1 billion in clearing the Court Backlogs and ensuring that they have people that they can listen to and entrust who will help them through the trials of the Criminal Justice experience, Mr Speaker. But above all, we are helping them by getting our courts moving again. And the fastest, most efficient way to do that, as he knows, is to get our country moving again which is what we are doing with the fastest Vaccination Roll out anywhere in europe, Mr Speaker, and we are getting on with the jobs, Mr Speaker. They jabber, we jab, Mr Speaker they dither, and we deliver. They vacillate, and we vaccinate, Mr Speaker cheering. That answer prompted a complaint from labour. The Prime Minister, i when questioned about the falling rape conviction rate, asserted that this i was merely jabber and not something that sees, for every 60 people who come forward to say that they have i been raped, one Charge L and that doesnt even cover convictions. It was so noisy that i certainly couldnt be quite sure exactly what was said at any one point. I would simply encourage all members to remember, in the words of erskine may, that good Temper And Moderation are the characteristics of parliamentary language, and that moderation should be observed at all times. Dame eleanor laing. And later, the prime Ministers Spokesperson said that he was making a broader point about the fact that labour often do not follow up their words with actions. Now, the government has insisted it will bring forward proposals to reform Social Care in england later this year. But the health and social Care Minister refused to be drawn on a date despite pressure from opposition mps. In this century of ageing, we cannot build back a better future for britain without a decent system for Social Care. This is as much a part of our infrastructure as the roads and the railways. Our country urgently needs a plan. The time for excuses is over. When will the government deliver . We are determined to bring forward a proposal for social Care Reform. Weve been absolutely clear we shall do that. She asked about a particular meeting actually, the Health Secretary and the prime Minister Talk about social Care Reform all the time. In fact, i spoke to the Prime Ministerjust last week about social Care Reform. But these are complex matters. In fact, she will know that nearly 25 years ago, it was a labour Prime Minister, tony blair, who said we needed reform of Social Care. During those 13 years of labour government, was there a plan for social Care Reform . No, there wasnt. We are the government that are going to bring forward social Care Reforms. Who you are, rich, poor, young or old, you should be the Founding Principle I of the nhs no matter who you are, rich, poor, young or old, you should be able to access the care you need is fundamentally undermined by the way we treat people with dementia at the moment, where people i who are wealthy are able to pay expensive Care Home fees, i but people of limited means find theyre cleaned out| of absolutely everything when a loved one gets dementia. Where it is true that some people who suffer from Dementia Need Care for very many years, and this is extremely costly, and that is one of the things we want to address as part of our social Care Reforms. If you get cancer, the nhs will take care of you, the taxpayer will fund your treatment. If you get dementia broadly speaking, that is not the case. Its been said already that the only way through this, surely, is a significant injection of money and that means being honest with the british people that, collectively, we will have to pay for it. Does she agree with me, then, that we would be right to say to the british people that they should pay an extra penny on Income Tax for Social Care so that people will find themselves in a situation where they do not have to lose their home and their dignity if they lose their health . I would not want to upset the chancellor by talking about Tax Policy here at the despatch box. But, as ive said to colleagues and, in fact, the Prime Minister has said, one of the things that we are committed to do as part of our social Care Reforms is making sure that nobody should have to sell their home to pay for their care. When i was a care worker, | i was lucky enough to work alongside Care Workersj from across this world. So, during the pandemic, i we know the sacrifices that all Care Workers have made, l and how Care Home residents were put at risk by this governments covid response. The minister insisted the government did its utmost to support Social Care. But labour mps kept up the pressure. People across our country will have breathed a huge sigh of relief when the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and exclaimed that he had a clear, prepared plan to solve the Social Care crisis. But almost two years have passed, and still, there is no plan insight. Indeed, the minister has just said today that they are still working on a plan. So, minister, whats the holdup, who is obstructing the Prime Minister, or was he simply misleading the nation as usual . Weve had a pandemic. Its been an unprecedented challenge for our country, for our government, and our Social Care system. In fact, all those working on Social Care within the department have been focused on our Pandemic Response for most of the last 18 months and, i think youll say, perfectly rightly. Residents in blackpool spend a higher percentage of their income on the Council Tax than anywhere else in the whole country. Although allowing councils to implement a social Care Precept has brought in much needed revenue, it has in some cases placed a disproportionate burden i upon weight payers. Whilst the case for reforming Social Care is clear, does the minister agree with me that we require a national Funding Model to meet. The costs, and that these cannot fall disproportionately upon councils in deprived areas . Of course, looking ahead in our reforms, we do have to make sure that the way Social Care is paid for is fair across the country. This shouldnt be a matter of party political Point Scoring that actually, what we need is a sustainable solution. And will she commit to delivering that solution this year so that we can have a social Care Sector that is fit for purpose for many years to come . The minister agreed and said a consensus was needed across parliament and across the country. Youre watching wednesday in parliament with me, david cornock. Back now to Prime Ministers questions, where borisjohnson was challenged over his government asking questions about attitudes to the union as part of publicly funded covid 19 surveys. The move was revealed during a recent Court Case where the government was found to have acted unlawfully in the award of a research contract. The Market Research Agency public first, run by former colleagues of michael gove, the chancellor of the Duchy Of Lancaster, was paid to look into public understanding of the covid 19 pandemic. It was also told to ask questions about attitudes towards the uk union. The snp were not happy. These Emergency Covid contracts were supposed to be used for things like ppe for our brave doctors and for nurses fighting covid. Instead, during the height of this deadly pandemic, the chancellor of the Duchy Of Lancaster used these Emergency Contracts to commission political research, and i quote, on attitudes to the uk union. Whats worse, he handed these lucrative contracts to long term friends and former employees. No surprise. In essence, this was a Uk Government contract that sanctioned corrupt campaigning, Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister has even a shred of credibility, will he now commit to a full public inquiry on this gross misuse of public funds . Prime minister. Mr speaker, i Cant Think of a better use of public funds than making sure that the whole of the uk fights the Covid Pandemic together. Hear, hear and thats what we need. And thanks to the uk treasury, we were able to spend £407 billion supporting jobs and families in scotland, Mr Speaker. We were able to use the British Army to send vaccines throughout the whole of the uk, Mr Speaker. I believe, i believe that the story of this last two years has shown the incalculable value of our union and the strength of our union and that we are better, Mr Speaker, together. Borisjohnson. The northern Ireland Secretary has said there needs to be a shift in the Brexit Trading arrangements between britain and Northern Ireland. Brandon lewis has reportedly told the outgoing leader of the dup, Edwin Poots, that thered be very significant changes to the northern Ireland Protocol in earlyjuly. Secretary of state, im going to ask you, i think, the question which is on everybody� s mind to which we do not know the answer. We had a taster, a tantalising Taster Yesterday in an interview, but between you and me, as friends, what did you tell Edwin Poots about the protocol the other day . Laughter. Im just laughing, at between you and me. I suspect, chairman, we have a few more people than just yourself and myself. Well, possibly, who knows . As i have said yesterday on the floor of the house, what ive outlined pretty consistently, actually, over the last period is that we are very clear with the minister at the dispatch box. As ive said myself, the current position of the protocol is not sustainable. He himself has also said this. It is causing issues for businesses and consumers, citizens in Northern Ireland, and we need to rectify that. We need to ensure that that gets corrected, and the Prime Minister has been very clear, we take nothing off the table, and we do want to get it done. Im optimistic and confident we will get that done in the period ahead. Ian paisley is involved in legal action over the protocol against the Uk Government. Is going to have to tryl and find an opportunity to reaffirm and reassure unionists and loyalists. Who Precieve And Perception is reality in a lot of this who perceive that. Constitutional status of Northern Ireland has in some way been damaged, undermined, and that they will require a reassuring arm from the government about that. I mean, do you acceptl that Youll Need to find an opportunity to do that at the highest possible level, especially when we have this | clamour that northern Ireland Isnt even part of the united kingdom . Northern ireland is part of the united kingdom. Its an integral part of the united kingdom. Anyone who says otherwise is reinforcing the point that i think some people mainly outside of the knowledge of people like ourselves on the committee, but people outside of the uk sometimes do not always understand the structure of the united kingdom or the nuances, and complexities and sensitivities of Northern Ireland. I think that is a very fair point. But our position is that Northern Ireland is an integral part of the united kingdom. It rightly is so, we want to protect that, as ive said before, we want to continue to deliver on that. I think the united kingdom would be notjust smaller, but would be weaker economically and culturally if Northern Ireland Wasnt Part of it. He said the protocol was causing problems with the flow of products from britain to Northern Ireland. Which is the current situation is not sustainable. We are very clear that there needs to be a shift and a change to ensure thatNorthern Ireland can prosper and grow in future as well. I dont think that should be lost on anyone as to why there is a requirement for significant changes, and i hope that those changes which you are tempting us with and putting in front of us, that they are actually significant and there will not be tinkerings, that there will actually be changes that address this discrimination aspect. As i said, we are very clear that we want to ensure that products can flow. The protocol has got to work in a pragmatic way, a precautionary way. Obviously, we understand the Eus Determination and focus of protecting their single market. We respect that. Products that move into the Republic Of Ireland absolutely need to have, to be dealt with correctly. But products that are moving to Northern Ireland from gb that are not moving through the Republic Of Ireland, they are clearly not at risk. We have got to make sure we get a system that works, that is not created upon just being created at the moment by both businesses and consumers. I would argue in and of itself is actually breaching Protocol Requirements and the word of the protocol itself. Claire hanna flagged up the strong emotions around the protocol. We heard a Box Pop on Sky Newsj last week, about a woman saying that she was willing to give i her life to stop the protocol. Are you worried about radicalisation on this issue . I think we should all be a bit worried about any form of opportunity for radicalisation on this or any issue, so, yeah, ithink it is why its important that we are all very clear about what the purpose is, what the reason was, the language we use, obviously, in terms of not creating a perception that moves way beyond reality. Brandon lewis. Earlier this month, the Education Recovery Commissioner for england, sir Kevan Collins, resigned in a row over covid catch up funding. Sir kevan was meant to be developing a long Term Plan to Help Pupils make up for lost learning during the pandemic. But he stepped down, saying the governments funding for the plan fell far short of what was needed. Downing street said that more than £3 Billion had been committed to the catch up so far. When he appeared before the education committee, the education secretary, gavin williamson, was asked for his response to Sir Kevan� s criticism. Injune last year, we announced the billion Pound Package to help children in terms of catch up. We sawjust earlier on this year a further £700 million, and just earlier this month, a further £1. 11 billion, and as the Prime Minister himself has said, this is part of that ongoing process. We have to look very closely at the evidence, and, you know, of actually where the Learning Loss is and making sure that we craft the actions that are best able to deal with that Learning Loss. You disagree entirely with the reported £15 billion that Kevan Collins thought was necessary in order to crack this particular problem . Because what you have announced there, youve talked about the three different elements of funding coming to 3 Billion and Sir Kevan was apparently talking about 15 billion. So, ian, as you well know, its quite unusual to make significant commitments in terms of spending outside of a fiscal event, either a Spending Review or a budget. Weve already committed over £3 Billion. We have made quite clear a indication that we want to continue to invest and address this issue, and that is very much what we are going to do. Sir Kevan Collins wanted an extended School Day for half an hour, its rumoured. I want it to be much longer than that, i think David Johnston has echoed sentiments in the chamber similarly, and i know that the chair supports that. What is your view, secretary of state, do you want a longer School Day . I think that there are some schools that currently close far too early. I think that, actually, i want to see, you know, i think lots of schools do it brilliantly, and we mustnt forget this, jonathan, because, actually, the examples that we pick on that our schools are doing exactly what we want to actually see where you have got the enrichment, the extra academic time, you have children with the opportunity to play at lunch time, being with their friends, do other activities, so we have got so many schools doing it, but we do have, sadly, a number of schools that are finishing too early, in my view, and i dont want to see that continue. Gavin williamson was also asked about the winter and possible further outbreaks. Can he reassure us that there is somewhere a big, Red File i or the equivalent for the Winter Plans forl the year ahead . Yes, i am desperately hoping to never have to touch it. Yes. As im sure you wouldnt wish me to ever have to go near it. I agree, but we definitely want to know that those plans are in place for immediate Step Up if they are needed. You are absolutely right, and also, the understanding about, actually, how we run schools safely and with as many systems of control in place to protect staff and children, but at the same time, delivering a high quality education. Our understanding of how that is done has evolved so dramatically over the last year and more, and as it has done in, you know, all four parts of the united kingdom and around the globe. Now the uk is to get a new nationalflagship not to be confused with a new royal yacht. The new vessel will host trade fairs, ministerialsummits and diplomatic talks. But not everyone likes the idea and theres been an argument going on within government over who should pay for it. The lords heard that the Ministry Of Defence will be Writing A Fat cheque. The nuclear deterrent very clearly contributes to the defence of the realm, and its cost to the mod makes sense. What does the Minister Make of the proposals to have a new royal yacht, which for whatever benefits it might bring to trade or global britain, would appear to bring very little to defence . Why should the mod be Funding It . Laughter. Well, what i would say to the noble lady is this, it is not a new royal yacht, its a new national flagship. In my book, that, i think that is a very good thing, if i must make my opinion clear. And the noble lady is correct, the mod will be responsible for the initial cost of taking the flagship through the procurement process, but the source of Government Funding for the rest of the project is still to be determined. But to the cynics i would say, this ship will have an important national security and foreign policy function. Its not a warship, and its primary role will be to promote trade and to protect the nations economic security. Lady goldie, flying the flag for the new flagship. That was wednesday in parliament. Thank you for watching. I do hope you canjoin me at the same time tomorrow for the week in parliament with highlights from westminster and the uks other parliaments. Until then, from me, david cornock, bye for now. Hello. This time last year, a Heat Wave was under way, several days with temperatures topping 30 celsius in the hotspots. If you are tempted by heat like that, be careful what you wish for. A record breaking Heat Wave is gripping eastern areas of europe at the moment. And on wednesday, estonia set a new national temperature record forjune, near 35 celsius. No extreme heat like that in our forecast anytime soon. In fact, theres a chance of rain, as two Weather Systems work southwards as we go on through thursday. This first impacting parts of england and wales very light and patchy rain. Some more substantial rain, though, working in from these fronts, into scotland and Northern Ireland. May bring some useful rain to some areas that have been very dry so far this month. So after a dry start in much of scotland, The Rain Moves South in the afternoon. After a few sunny spells, into Northern Ireland. For northern england, wales, the midlands and the southwest, we start with The Cloud and patchy rain, just pushing down toward Southeastern Areas by evening, as it clouds over after some sunshine. But in the afternoon, it brightens up across much of northern england, wales, into southwest england. Northeast england could be near 2a degrees. Closer to 1a in Northern Scotland in the strengthening northerly wind. 0vernight and into friday, The Rain moves out of scotland, Northern Ireland. This next spell of it works south through much of wales and parts of england, and we will see that Cooler Weather filtering down towards scotland and Northern Ireland on the brisk breeze. But for many, its a very mild start to friday. And on through friday, it looks as if parts of england and Eastern Scotland most likely to see some rain. Elsewhere, you may catch a shower, but a tendency for things to brighten up as the day goes on. It is turning a Bit Cooler from the north at this stage, especially in those northerly winds in scotland. Now, these Weather Fronts and low pressure continue to very slowly try to clear southwards as we go into the weekend. Still with a lot of cloud, particularly through england and wales, as saturday begins. A few sunny spells develop, and there will be some patchy rain that tends to turn more showery during the day. It looks as if scotland and Northern Ireland will be mainly dry and get to see most of the sunny spells on saturday. And then by sunday, whilst most areas look as if theyre going to be dry, theres still the chance of catching a shower. Maybe a few heavier ones, down towards Southern England and perhaps south wales. Whereas elsewhere, we get to see some sunshine. Temperatures are creeping up a trend that continues into next week. This is bbc news. Im Kasia Madera with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk, and around the world. A court in Los Angeles hears shocking testimony russia says it has fired Warning Shots at a british warship in the black sea. The bbc� s the only broadcaster on board. This russian Coastguard Vessel is forcing us to change course. A court in Los Angeles hears shocking testimony from Britney Spears as she tries to end her Fathers Control of her personal and business affairs. Tech Pioneerjohn Mcafee is found dead in a Spanish Prison just hours after the us wins its Extradition Request over Tax Evasion charges. We