conference bring this week? we also head through germany where a political leader who mastered staying power, angela merkel, is now only a caretaker chancellor whilst the german political class forms a coalition government. what will merge and what does it mean for germany and europe? and we end today with a brewing storm here in the uk. empty petrol stations, empty supermarket shelves, surging living gusts, cuts to benefits, a struggle to see your doctor in person all combine to create a sense of deep frustration in the uk. and we havent even mentioned christmas. are we already in an autumn of discontent or will the labour shortage ultimately help the conservatives as they dry and force business to pay british workers more? with me today are polly toynbee, columnist at the guardian, ian birrell contributing editor at the mail on sunday and here in the studio at a safe social distance, the veteran german commentator thomas kielinger, a very welcome to you all. first the labour party conference was by the sea in brighton this week. at times stormy, it's set labour on course in a new direction, tacking right, leaving corbyn supporters somewhat out at sea; starmer told his party they had nearly been obliterated but essentially given they were roundly beaten byjohnson whom he descrribed as a trivial man, a trickers who had performed his one trick, it was clear labour had to shift back to the centre if they ever want to be in power again. there were also important rule changes strengethening starmer�*s hand, but it was his speech that was billed as a make or break moment polly which one was it? let us examine the last few days politically. ian birrell, was it make or break or we didn't land in your view? make or break or we didn't land in yourview? i make or break or we didn't land in your view?— your view? i don't know if it was make or break _ your view? i don't know if it was make or break but _ your view? i don't know if it was make or break but keir - your view? i don't know if it was make or break but keir starmer| your view? i don't know if it was - make or break but keir starmer could certainly feel happy with his progress over the week. the conference went pretty well for him even the heckling probably helped and particularly when it was so crass as to call him when he was talking about his sick milder being in an emergency ward in hospital. to have people haggling there didn't look very good on them. he made some good lines, ease not a natural speaker, ease not a brilliant, engaging orator but he comes across as a competent, steady character. he told a good story about his own background and his own past and family which i thought was very effective. he repudiated the last manifesto which i thought was a sensible thing to do given how it is defeated. he told the labour party well, if you hate bear did not parse johnson bear in mind that he be you. so look at yourself with which is valid point to make. he also tried to bring back and reconnect the party that one elections under tony blair by arguing that if you want to look at levelling up, which of course is borisjohnson�*s big phrase, he argued that the last labour government a chilly did a lot of levelling up. so overall, i think it was a b+, competent, good, good to get a lot worse, has it changed again, hasn't answered a lot of contradictions facing the labour party of how to web together the various elements within the labour party. but keir starmer reasserted his own authority and stamped a little bit of his character. underlying the fact that he sees himself as a serious player up against what he calls a trivial prime minister.— against what he calls a trivial prime minister. ., ,, , ., ., ., prime minister. thank you for that. thomas, prime minister. thank you for that. thomas. do — prime minister. thank you for that. thomas. do you — prime minister. thank you for that. thomas, do you think— prime minister. thank you for that. thomas, do you think it's _ prime minister. thank you for that. thomas, do you think it's changed l thomas, do you think it's changed the game? — thomas, do you think it's changed the game? i think it has. for one thing i_ the game? i think it has. for one thing i agree with ian that he is a total_ thing i agree with ian that he is a total different east, starmer. he is against— total different east, starmer. he is against the hallmark of a lot of british— against the hallmark of a lot of british policy production and performance. he is serious, down to earth _ performance. he is serious, down to earth and _ performance. he is serious, down to earth and he — performance. he is serious, down to earth and he means business. and this is_ earth and he means business. and this is hot— earth and he means business. and this is not the time where you want actors _ this is not the time where you want actors on _ this is not the time where you want actors on the stage parading themselves asjohnson actors on the stage parading themselves as johnson has successfully done over the last few months _ successfully done over the last few months in — successfully done over the last few months in his term in office. you want _ months in his term in office. you want a _ months in his term in office. you want a sober— months in his term in office. you want a sober sky like keir starmer who is— want a sober sky like keir starmer who is hot— want a sober sky like keir starmer who is not charismatic or anything which _ who is not charismatic or anything which witt— who is not charismatic or anything which will help them to get his message — which will help them to get his message across. and johnson will have _ message across. and johnson will have to _ message across. and johnson will have to watch out for a mild like him who — have to watch out for a mild like him who speaks directly to the senses — him who speaks directly to the senses and the normality of people and does _ senses and the normality of people and does away with all sort of extraneous efforts to be a showman or showboating. so i think they'll stahd _ or showboating. so i think they'll stahd him — or showboating. so i think they'll stand him in good stand. i agree or showboating. so i think they'll stand him in good stand. iagree it was a good — stand him in good stand. iagree it was a good week and a good speech was up _ was a good week and a good speech was up hot — was a good week and a good speech was up not too much would be made of one individual speech. it has this tradition— one individual speech. it has this tradition of— one individual speech. it has this tradition of speech—making being part and — tradition of speech—making being part and parcel of a shake there, all the _ part and parcel of a shake there, all the world to stage. he is a bit like merkel in his own way. merkel was hot _ like merkel in his own way. merkel was not a — like merkel in his own way. merkel was not a short woman, showers on charismatic. — was not a short woman, showers on charismatic, just plotted and gone aiohg~ _ charismatic, just plotted and gone along. and people will get used to him. _ along. and people will get used to him. i'm _ along. and people will get used to him, i'm sure. as a different sort of voice— him, i'm sure. as a different sort of voice in— him, i'm sure. as a different sort of voice ina— him, i'm sure. as a different sort of voice in a different approach to politics _ of voice in a different approach to politics i— of voice in a different approach to politics. i think i can agree with the positive result over the last few days — the positive result over the last few days for him.— the positive result over the last few days for him. thank you. i'm deliahted few days for him. thank you. i'm delighted to _ few days for him. thank you. i'm delighted to say _ few days for him. thank you. i'm delighted to say we _ few days for him. thank you. i'm delighted to say we are - few days for him. thank you. i'm delighted to say we are also - few days for him. thank you. i'm i delighted to say we are also joined now by poly. we weren't sure if you're looking to get to you, trouble online. you were at the labour party conference this week. i was just saying at the top of this that it was built, it had a very big building as a make or break moment for keir starmer. which one was it in your view?— in your view? well, it certainly wasn't break. _ in your view? well, it certainly wasn't break. i— in your view? well, it certainly wasn't break. i would - in your view? well, it certainly wasn't break. i would say - in your view? well, it certainly wasn't break. i would say it. in your view? well, it certainly l wasn't break. i would say it was in your view? well, it certainly - wasn't break. i would say it was on the way— wasn't break. i would say it was on the way to— wasn't break. i would say it was on the way to make _ wasn't break. i would say it was on the way to make. i— wasn't break. i would say it was on the way to make. i think it's- the way to make. i think it's probably— the way to make. i think it's probably the _ the way to make. i think it's probably the first _ the way to make. i think it's probably the first time - the way to make. i think it's probably the first time easej the way to make. i think it's- probably the first time ease had a chance _ probably the first time ease had a chance to — probably the first time ease had a chance to introduce _ probably the first time ease had a chance to introduce himself- probably the first time ease had a chance to introduce himself and l probably the first time ease had a i chance to introduce himself and his 18 mohths— chance to introduce himself and his 18 months of— chance to introduce himself and his 18 months of being _ chance to introduce himself and his 18 months of being a _ chance to introduce himself and his 18 months of being a leader- 18 months of being a leader because everything _ 18 months of being a leader because everything has — 18 months of being a leader because everything has been _ 18 months of being a leader because everything has been covid, - 18 months of being a leader because everything has been covid, there's. everything has been covid, there's been _ everything has been covid, there's been no _ everything has been covid, there's been no public— everything has been covid, there's been no public meetings _ everything has been covid, there's been no public meetings entirely. been no public meetings entirely about— been no public meetings entirely about politics _ been no public meetings entirely about politics and _ been no public meetings entirely about politics and very— been no public meetings entirely about politics and very wise - been no public meetings entirely about politics and very wise andl about politics and very wise and sensible — about politics and very wise and sensible opposition _ about politics and very wise and sensible opposition leader- about politics and very wise and sensible opposition leader to i sensible opposition leader to challenge _ sensible opposition leader to challenge the _ sensible opposition leader to challenge the government i sensible opposition leader to challenge the government atj sensible opposition leader to - challenge the government at every point _ challenge the government at every point and — challenge the government at every point and the _ challenge the government at every point. and the consensus - challenge the government at every point. and the consensus of- challenge the government at every point. and the consensus of the i point. and the consensus of the public— point. and the consensus of the public on — point. and the consensus of the public on the _ point. and the consensus of the public on the whole _ point. and the consensus of the public on the whole most - point. and the consensus of the public on the whole most of - point. and the consensus of the - public on the whole most of the time during _ public on the whole most of the time during this _ public on the whole most of the time during this pandemic— public on the whole most of the time during this pandemic has— public on the whole most of the time during this pandemic has been- public on the whole most of the time during this pandemic has been well. during this pandemic has been well "who'd _ during this pandemic has been well "who'd want — during this pandemic has been well "who'd want to _ during this pandemic has been well "who'd want to be _ during this pandemic has been well "who'd want to be in _ during this pandemic has been well "who'd want to be in government l during this pandemic has been welli "who'd want to be in government at during this pandemic has been well. "who'd want to be in government at a time like _ "who'd want to be in government at a time like this, — "who'd want to be in government at a time like this, given _ "who'd want to be in government at a time like this, given the _ "who'd want to be in government at a time like this, given the benefit - time like this, given the benefit of the doubt — time like this, given the benefit of the doubt we _ time like this, given the benefit of the doubt. we hope _ time like this, given the benefit of the doubt. we hope that - time like this, given the benefit of the doubt. we hope that this- time like this, given the benefit of the doubt. we hope that this is. time like this, given the benefit of. the doubt. we hope that this is over and politics— the doubt. we hope that this is over and politics returns— the doubt. we hope that this is over and politics returns to _ the doubt. we hope that this is over and politics returns to normal. - and politics returns to normal. we are now _ and politics returns to normal. we are now in — and politics returns to normal. we are now in the _ and politics returns to normal. we are now in the middle _ and politics returns to normal. we are now in the middle of- are now in the middle of another crisis _ are now in the middle of another crisis partly— are now in the middle of another crisis partly as— are now in the middle of another crisis partly as a _ are now in the middle of another crisis partly as a result _ are now in the middle of another crisis partly as a result of brexit, partly— crisis partly as a result of brexit, partly as— crisis partly as a result of brexit, partly as a — crisis partly as a result of brexit, partly as a result _ crisis partly as a result of brexit, partly as a result of covid. - crisis partly as a result of brexit, partly as a result of covid. and l crisis partly as a result of brexit, partly as a result of covid. and i | partly as a result of covid. and i think— partly as a result of covid. and i think that — partly as a result of covid. and i think that whether— partly as a result of covid. and i think that whether the - partly as a result of covid. and i think that whether the public. think that whether the public has decided — think that whether the public has decided that _ think that whether the public has decided that they've _ think that whether the public has decided that they've had - think that whether the public has decided that they've had enough| think that whether the public has . decided that they've had enough of ciowns _ decided that they've had enough of clowns and — decided that they've had enough of clowns and show _ decided that they've had enough of clowns and show then. _ decided that they've had enough of clowns and show then. everybody i clowns and show then. everybody aiways _ clowns and show then. everybody always said — clowns and show then. everybody always said boris _ clowns and show then. everybody always said boris johnson - clowns and show then. everybody always said borisjohnson has - clowns and show then. everybodyl always said borisjohnson has such charisma, — always said borisjohnson has such charisma, he— always said borisjohnson has such charisma, he such _ always said borisjohnson has such charisma, he such a _ always said borisjohnson has such charisma, he such a brilliant - charisma, he such a brilliant campaigner, _ charisma, he such a brilliant campaigner, he— charisma, he such a brilliant campaigner, he such - charisma, he such a brilliant campaigner, he such an- charisma, he such a brilliant - campaigner, he such an election winner~ — campaigner, he such an election winner~ the _ campaigner, he such an election winner. the question— campaigner, he such an election winner. the question is- campaigner, he such an election winner. the question is whetherj campaigner, he such an election - winner. the question is whether that .oes winner. the question is whether that goes on. _ winner. the question is whether that goes on. whether— winner. the question is whether that goes on, whether he _ winner. the question is whether that goes on, whether he is— winner. the question is whether that goes on, whether he is an _ goes on, whether he is an incompetent— goes on, whether he is an incompetent governmentl goes on, whether he is an - incompetent government which is increasingly— incompetent government which is increasingly looking _ incompetent government which is increasingly looking like, - incompetent government which is increasingly looking like, people. increasingly looking like, people will change _ increasingly looking like, people will change their— increasingly looking like, people will change their mind _ increasingly looking like, people will change their mind to- increasingly looking like, people will change their mind to decide | will change their mind to decide what _ will change their mind to decide what they— will change their mind to decide what they want _ will change their mind to decide what they want is _ will change their mind to decide what they want is a _ will change their mind to decide what they want is a serious, - what they want is a serious, competent— what they want is a serious, competent party. _ what they want is a serious, competent party. a- what they want is a serious, | competent party. a labourer what they want is a serious, - competent party. a labourer look like that — competent party. a labourer look like that. certainly _ competent party. a labourer look like that. certainly ease - competent party. a labourer look like that. certainly ease a - competent party. a labourer look like that. certainly ease a sober, | like that. certainly ease a sober, not too _ like that. certainly ease a sober, not too many— like that. certainly ease a sober, not too manyjoe. _ like that. certainly ease a sober, not too manyjoe, one _ like that. certainly ease a sober, not too manyjoe, one or- like that. certainly ease a sober, not too manyjoe, one or two - not too manyjoe, one or two sprinkled — not too manyjoe, one or two sprinkled in — not too manyjoe, one or two sprinkled in his— not too manyjoe, one or two sprinkled in his speech - not too manyjoe, one or two sprinkled in his speech but i sprinkled in his speech but when people _ sprinkled in his speech but when people think _ sprinkled in his speech but when people think it's _ sprinkled in his speech but when people think it's time _ sprinkled in his speech but when people think it's time for- sprinkled in his speech but when people think it's time for a - people think it's time for a grown-up. _ people think it's time for a grown-up. it's— people think it's time for a grown—up, it's quite - people think it's time for a . grown—up, it's quite possible people think it's time for a - grown—up, it's quite possible that they will— grown—up, it's quite possible that they will take _ grown—up, it's quite possible that they will take another— grown—up, it's quite possible that they will take another look - grown—up, it's quite possible that they will take another look at - grown—up, it's quite possible thati they will take another look at him. but labour— they will take another look at him. but labour is — they will take another look at him. but labour is still— they will take another look at him. but labour is still miles _ they will take another look at him. but labour is still miles behind. i but labour is still miles behind. and the — but labour is still miles behind. and the reminder— but labour is still miles behind. and the reminder from - but labour is still miles behind. and the reminder from these . but labour is still miles behind. - and the reminder from these small but noisy. — and the reminder from these small but noisy. a — and the reminder from these small but noisy. a lot _ and the reminder from these small but noisy, a lot of— and the reminder from these small but noisy, a lot of far— and the reminder from these small but noisy, a lot of far left— but noisy, a lot of far left wing hecklers — but noisy, a lot of far left wing hecklers of _ but noisy, a lot of far left wing hecklers of what _ but noisy, a lot of far left wing hecklers of what lies _ but noisy, a lot of far left wing . hecklers of what lies underneath but noisy, a lot of far left wing - hecklers of what lies underneath the labour _ hecklers of what lies underneath the labour party— hecklers of what lies underneath the labour party certainly— hecklers of what lies underneath the labour party certainly always - hecklers of what lies underneath the labour party certainly always puts i labour party certainly always puts people _ labour party certainly always puts people off — labour party certainly always puts people off so _ labour party certainly always puts people off. so there _ labour party certainly always puts people off. so there is _ labour party certainly always puts people off. so there is still- labour party certainly always puts people off. so there is still a - labour party certainly always puts people off. so there is still a long| people off. so there is still a long way to— people off. so there is still a long way to go— people off. so there is still a long way to go before _ people off. so there is still a long way to go before he _ people off. so there is still a long way to go before he level- people off. so there is still a long way to go before he level pegs i people off. so there is still a long l way to go before he level pegs with the tories — way to go before he level pegs with the tories. ., ., ~' the tories. ian, do you think the conservatives _ the tories. ian, do you think the conservatives as _ the tories. ian, do you think the conservatives as they _ the tories. ian, do you think the conservatives as they come - the tories. ian, do you think the conservatives as they come into | conservatives as they come into their conference in manchester, will they be a tall dude not at all concerned about the change they seen in the labour party? clearly there has been a shift in rejection to the far left is a c labour centrists see it. trying to make it basically an essential winning around of previous leaders. . , essential winning around of previous leaders. ., , �* , essential winning around of previous leaders. ., , 2 ., leaders. certainly it's not the ideal scenario _ leaders. certainly it's not the ideal scenario for _ leaders. certainly it's not the ideal scenario for them - leaders. certainly it's not the ideal scenario for them going leaders. certainly it's not the - ideal scenario for them going into a conference with such chaos in the country. a leader who is someone who likes to promise and not deliver so much, to make a lot ofjokes etc. at the same time you've got this very solid very middle english many ways character and he has pulled the party a little back towards the centre, a little bit back towards reality. a little bit back towards competence. there's not a lot behind them about the shadow chancellor did well as well. certainly i think the tories would prefer to havejeremy corbyn they are then keir starmer at the moment with all this going on. polly, there is a big question for labour which starmer addressed, he listed defaults of the tories as he seesit listed defaults of the tories as he sees it then said ok, if they are so bad, why did they be us so roundly? that is still the question because the tories were headed in the polls, borisjohnson and obviously it has a huge majority we are sometime away from election. huge majority we are sometime away from election-— from election. boris johnson is a treat from election. boris johnson is a great campaigner. _ from election. boris johnson is a great campaigner. and - from election. boris johnson is a great campaigner. and that's - from election. boris johnson is a l great campaigner. and that's very different— great campaigner. and that's very different to — great campaigner. and that's very different to running _ great campaigner. and that's very different to running a _ great campaigner. and that's veryl different to running a government. boris _ different to running a government. borisjohnson _ different to running a government. borisjohnson runs— different to running a government. boris johnson runs a _ different to running a government. boris johnson runs a government i different to running a government. | boris johnson runs a government as if he was _ boris johnson runs a government as if he was still — boris johnson runs a government as if he was still campaigning. - boris johnson runs a government as if he was still campaigning. he - if he was still campaigning. he approaches _ if he was still campaigning. he approaches every— if he was still campaigning. he approaches every issue - if he was still campaigning. he approaches every issue that i if he was still campaigning. he approaches every issue that is| if he was still campaigning. hel approaches every issue that is a problem — approaches every issue that is a problem to— approaches every issue that is a problem to be _ approaches every issue that is a problem to be solved _ approaches every issue that is a problem to be solved in - approaches every issue that is a problem to be solved in the - approaches every issue that is a j problem to be solved in the real world _ problem to be solved in the real world but— problem to be solved in the real world but how— problem to be solved in the real world but how will— problem to be solved in the real world but how will this - problem to be solved in the real world but how will this play? - problem to be solved in the real. world but how will this play? they have more — world but how will this play? they have more focus _ world but how will this play? they have more focus groups, - world but how will this play? they have more focus groups, they- world but how will this play? theyl have more focus groups, they have more _ have more focus groups, they have more opinion— have more focus groups, they have more opinion polling _ have more focus groups, they have more opinion polling according - have more focus groups, they have more opinion polling according to i more opinion polling according to posters— more opinion polling according to posters than _ more opinion polling according to posters than any— more opinion polling according to posters than any other _ more opinion polling according to posters than any other number. more opinion polling according to. posters than any other number ten downing _ posters than any other number ten downing st — posters than any other number ten downing st has _ posters than any other number ten downing st has ever— posters than any other number ten downing st has ever had. - posters than any other number ten downing st has ever had. they- posters than any other number ten downing st has ever had. they are| downing st has ever had. they are obsessed — downing st has ever had. they are obsessed with _ downing st has ever had. they are obsessed with this. _ downing st has ever had. they are obsessed with this. so _ downing st has ever had. they are obsessed with this. so they - downing st has ever had. they are obsessed with this. so they are . obsessed with this. so they are constantly— obsessed with this. so they are constantly in _ obsessed with this. so they are constantly in that _ obsessed with this. so they are constantly in that mode. - obsessed with this. so they are constantly in that mode. in - obsessed with this. so they are constantly in that mode. in the| obsessed with this. so they are - constantly in that mode. in the end reality— constantly in that mode. in the end reality does — constantly in that mode. in the end reality does catch _ constantly in that mode. in the end reality does catch up. _ constantly in that mode. in the end reality does catch up. whether - constantly in that mode. in the end reality does catch up. whether the i reality does catch up. whether the results _ reality does catch up. whether the results of — reality does catch up. whether the results of their— reality does catch up. whether the results of their ease _ reality does catch up. whether the results of their ease made - reality does catch up. whether the results of their ease made this - results of their ease made this enormous _ results of their ease made this enormous problem _ results of their ease made this enormous problem did - results of their ease made this enormous problem did not- results of their ease made this - enormous problem did not promise of levelling _ enormous problem did not promise of levelling up~ _ enormous problem did not promise of levelling up as— enormous problem did not promise of levelling up as if— enormous problem did not promise of levelling up. as if britain— enormous problem did not promise of levelling up. as if britain is— levelling up. as if britain is serious _ levelling up. as if britain is serious inequality- levelling up. as if britain is serious inequality in - levelling up. as if britain is serious inequality in the i levelling up. as if britain is. serious inequality in the most unequal— serious inequality in the most unequal countries— serious inequality in the most unequal countries in- serious inequality in the most unequal countries in europe. i serious inequality in the most - unequal countries in europe. only america _ unequal countries in europe. only america and — unequal countries in europe. only america and the _ unequal countries in europe. only america and the western - unequal countries in europe. only america and the western world i unequal countries in europe. only america and the western world is| america and the western world is more _ america and the western world is more unegual _ america and the western world is more unequal. ease _ america and the western world is more unequal. ease made - america and the western world is more unequal. ease made this i more unequal. ease made this impossible _ more unequal. ease made this impossible promise _ more unequal. ease made this impossible promise that - more unequal. ease made this impossible promise that he . more unequal. ease made this - impossible promise that he cannot meet _ impossible promise that he cannot meet so— impossible promise that he cannot meet~ so i— impossible promise that he cannot meet. so i think— impossible promise that he cannot meet. so i think keir— impossible promise that he cannot meet. so i think keir starmer- impossible promise that he cannot meet. so i think keir starmer wasl meet. so i think keir starmer was laying _ meet. so i think keir starmer was laying out — meet. so i think keir starmer was laying out in — meet. so i think keir starmer was laying out in his— meet. so i think keir starmer was laying out in his speech _ meet. so i think keir starmer was laying out in his speech some - meet. so i think keir starmer was laying out in his speech some of. meet. so i think keir starmer was . laying out in his speech some of the ways forward — laying out in his speech some of the ways forward and _ laying out in his speech some of the ways forward and some _ laying out in his speech some of the ways forward and some of _ laying out in his speech some of the ways forward and some of the - laying out in his speech some of thel ways forward and some of the things that labourer— ways forward and some of the things that labourer would _ ways forward and some of the things that labourer would do. _ ways forward and some of the things that labourer would do. but - ways forward and some of the things that labourer would do. but withoutl that labourer would do. but without making _ that labourer would do. but without making wild, — that labourer would do. but without making wild, extravagant _ that labourer would do. but without making wild, extravagant promises| making wild, extravagant promises that he _ making wild, extravagant promises that he could — making wild, extravagant promises that he could be _ making wild, extravagant promises that he could be tripped _ making wild, extravagant promises that he could be tripped up- making wild, extravagant promises that he could be tripped up on- making wild, extravagant promises that he could be tripped up on in. that he could be tripped up on in future _ that he could be tripped up on in future. ., ., , ., ., future. thomas, when we look ahead to what the — future. thomas, when we look ahead to what the conservatives _ future. thomas, when we look ahead to what the conservatives might - future. thomas, when we look ahead | to what the conservatives might want to what the conservatives might want to do, presumably they'll be a fix on delivery, borisjohnson has delivered brexit, his delivered a successful vaccine programme which is still ongoing. the levelling up agenda is clear. what do you think the focus might be over the next few days with conservatives given the very difficult backdrop that we got at the moment? the very difficult backdrop that we got at the moment?— very difficult backdrop that we got at the moment? the many positive thins in at the moment? the many positive things in the _ at the moment? the many positive things in the government. - at the moment? the many positive things in the government. on - at the moment? the many positive things in the government. on the i things in the government. on the beneficiary of that. i got the ground _ beneficiary of that. i got the ground scheme is a self—employed person— ground scheme is a self—employed person which over in the hard times when _ person which over in the hard times when that— person which over in the hard times when that business was right flat and bright down. i applaud them for the scheme and for granting people like myself help to survive. but the future _ like myself help to survive. but the future is _ like myself help to survive. but the future is now upon us. this is all behind _ future is now upon us. this is all behind us — future is now upon us. this is all behind us. the furlough scream and the scheme — behind us. the furlough scream and the scheme for the unemployed. how are you _ the scheme for the unemployed. how are you going to cope with the lack of skilled _ are you going to cope with the lack of skilled labour in britain? i think— of skilled labour in britain? i think that is the biggest problem he worked _ think that is the biggest problem he worked to— think that is the biggest problem he worked to face. it's notjust think that is the biggest problem he worked to face. it's not just a question— worked to face. it's not just a question of pay, everyone is now talking _ question of pay, everyone is now talking about lori drivers and other employees have to be paid better. that's _ employees have to be paid better. that's the — employees have to be paid better. that's the truth. but the problem is with the _ that's the truth. but the problem is with the absence of so many employees from the eu you have forgotten — employees from the eu you have forgotten to scale up the british work— forgotten to scale up the british work for— forgotten to scale up the british work for sufficiently well over the last few _ work for sufficiently well over the last few years was up at your level ”p last few years was up at your level up you _ last few years was up at your level up you need to scale up the workforce. any apprenticeship training — workforce. any apprenticeship training to make them for the jobs that are _ training to make them for the jobs that are waiting for them. there are a huge _ that are waiting for them. there are a huge number of vacancies and you can't _ a huge number of vacancies and you can'tjust_ a huge number of vacancies and you can't just fix — a huge number of vacancies and you can'tjust fix them a huge number of vacancies and you can't just fix them up like that because — can't just fix them up like that because they are not enough skilled people _ because they are not enough skilled people around with the absence of far labour~ — people around with the absence of far labour. that in my view is the biggest _ far labour. that in my view is the biggest problem that we face to get the country out of the crisis and -et the country out of the crisis and get them — the country out of the crisis and get them working affordable wages and enough skilled apprenticeship training _ and enough skilled apprenticeship training in place to make—up for time— training in place to make—up for time lost — training in place to make—up for time lost on that issue. we training in place to make-up for time lost on that issue.- time lost on that issue. we will come back _ time lost on that issue. we will come back to — time lost on that issue. we will come back to the _ time lost on that issue. we will come back to the current - time lost on that issue. we will| come back to the current crisis, time lost on that issue. we will- come back to the current crisis, the difficulties in a few minutes. you wrote speeches for david cameron the former prime minister of course, we would expect us to eight fireworks over the coming weeks for his speech of a lot of expectation but there's a lot of question about his competence in government is in it now. also he will be criticised for him the right of his party for spending a lot, for not being responsible, not following the sunak whether there is a split between number ten is questions of interest rate and so on unfold. brute number ten is questions of interest rate and so on unfold.— number ten is questions of interest rate and so on unfold. we know boris johnson will — rate and so on unfold. we know boris johnson will give _ rate and so on unfold. we know boris johnson will give an _ rate and so on unfold. we know boris johnson will give an entertaining - johnson will give an entertaining speech because he is the showman. and that's what he excels at. what we don't know and have any signs of is whether he'll deliver in government. as yet the record is very, very poor. the pandemic has masked back but this is the man they gave us brexit, this is the man who has promised to fix social care and is come up with a plan that doesn't do anything towards it. this is a mild who hasn't prepared for all the staffing and scaling problems we are seeing in hospitality, care, driving of course and it's a terrible scenario. it is going to mention the word delivery endlessly for so i think will hear that more than any other word. think will hear that more than any otherword. but think will hear that more than any other word. but of course the proof will be in the christmas pudding. are the goods in the shops at christmas? are goods being delivered, if you the petrol pumps? like the net right now doesn't look like that was quite challenging for johnson that he can uplift the conference with his character and charisma but questions are beginning to be asked for some not so much political questions about the direction of the party although those exist underneath, there are simply questions as to whether this is a government which is chronically incompetent and whether that comes from the top—down words. that's really the question confronting him with what we've seen last week in brighton with keir starmer putting labour back partially in the game becomes a very difficult and valid question. less so in a way for the party conference, more going beyond that as we head towards the next election. . , that as we head towards the next election. ., , , ., , election. pauly, in terms of party conference _ election. pauly, in terms of party conference what _ election. pauly, in terms of party conference what do _ election. pauly, in terms of party conference what do you - election. pauly, in terms of party conference what do you think- election. pauly, in terms of party conference what do you think the j conference what do you think the focus will be, do you think ob level “p focus will be, do you think ob level up to eight levelling up and delivery? and how much concern might there be from the party members, the activists are always a very particular group and all the party conferences. what will they want to see from johnson?— see from johnson? yes, they will certainly want — see from johnson? yes, they will certainly want action, _ see from johnson? yes, they will certainly want action, they - see from johnson? yes, they will certainly want action, they will i certainly want action, they will want _ certainly want action, they will want levelling _ certainly want action, they will want levelling up. _ certainly want action, they will want levelling up. those - certainly want action, they will want levelling up. those newi certainly want action, they will . want levelling up. those new mps certainly want action, they will - want levelling up. those new mps in the north— want levelling up. those new mps in the north will— want levelling up. those new mps in the north will say— want levelling up. those new mps in the north will say what's _ want levelling up. those new mps in the north will say what's in - want levelling up. those new mps in the north will say what's in it - want levelling up. those new mps in the north will say what's in it for - the north will say what's in it for us? you — the north will say what's in it for us? you promised _ the north will say what's in it for us? you promised us _ the north will say what's in it for us? you promised us and - the north will say what's in it for us? you promised us and day. the north will say what's in it for. us? you promised us and day had nothing _ us? you promised us and day had nothing so — us? you promised us and day had nothing so far~ _ us? you promised us and day had nothing so far. i'm _ us? you promised us and day had nothing so far. i'm sure _ us? you promised us and day had nothing so far. i'm sure there - us? you promised us and day had nothing so far. i'm sure there willj nothing so far. i'm sure there will be lots _ nothing so far. i'm sure there will be lots of— nothing so far. i'm sure there will be lots of promises _ nothing so far. i'm sure there will be lots of promises that - nothing so far. i'm sure there will be lots of promises that will- nothing so far. i'm sure there willl be lots of promises that will sound good _ be lots of promises that will sound good until— be lots of promises that will sound good until you _ be lots of promises that will sound good until you a _ be lots of promises that will sound good until you a chilly count - be lots of promises that will sound good until you a chilly count out i good until you a chilly count out the billions _ good until you a chilly count out the billions and _ good until you a chilly count out the billions and billions. - good until you a chilly count out the billions and billions. the - the billions and billions. the amount— the billions and billions. the amount of— the billions and billions. the amount of heavy— the billions and billions. the amount of heavy lifting - the billions and billions. the - amount of heavy lifting required is absolutely — amount of heavy lifting required is absolutely enormous. _ amount of heavy lifting required is absolutely enormous. and - amount of heavy lifting required is absolutely enormous. and i- amount of heavy lifting required is absolutely enormous. and i very. amount of heavy lifting required is - absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt _ absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt he _ absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt he will _ absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt he will satisfy— absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt he will satisfy them, _ absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt he will satisfy them, at - absolutely enormous. and i very much doubt he will satisfy them, at the - doubt he will satisfy them, at the same _ doubt he will satisfy them, at the same time — doubt he will satisfy them, at the same time the _ doubt he will satisfy them, at the same time the people _ doubt he will satisfy them, at the same time the people in- doubt he will satisfy them, at thej same time the people in the cell, his southerners— same time the people in the cell, his southerners will— same time the people in the cell, his southerners will be _ same time the people in the cell, his southerners will be very - same time the people in the cell, . his southerners will be very worried that moving — his southerners will be very worried that moving south _ his southerners will be very worried that moving south to _ his southerners will be very worried that moving south to the _ his southerners will be very worried that moving south to the north - his southerners will be very worried that moving south to the north butl that moving south to the north but disadvantage — that moving south to the north but disadvantage them _ that moving south to the north but disadvantage them and _ that moving south to the north but disadvantage them and lose - that moving south to the north but disadvantage them and lose theml that moving south to the north but - disadvantage them and lose them some seats _ disadvantage them and lose them some seats. . ~ disadvantage them and lose them some seats. ., ~' , ., disadvantage them and lose them some seats. ., ,, , ., , ., ., seats. thank you. let us move in to our next subject. _ let us move in to our next subject. here in the uk as the showmanship versus competance argument rages, in germany it seems stable pragmatism is the more prized virtue at present. with the contenders for the merkel crown doing their best to apparently emulate her, who is likely to merge on top thomas? well, i can tell you the person who is likely— well, i can tell you the person who is likely to — well, i can tell you the person who is likely to merge which is the former— is likely to merge which is the former finance minister who served angela _ former finance minister who served angela merkel is government as the deputy— angela merkel is government as the deputy chancellor. he is from the spd and _ deputy chancellor. he is from the spd and ease been given a chance to form a _ spd and ease been given a chance to form a government, that doesn't mean that he _ form a government, that doesn't mean that he is— form a government, that doesn't mean that he is chancellor in waiting. don't _ that he is chancellor in waiting. don't forget we have an unusually complicated situation in germany because — complicated situation in germany because the first time since the war we have _ because the first time since the war we have to — because the first time since the war we have to have a part and coalition consisting _ we have to have a part and coalition consisting of three parties. no two parties _ consisting of three parties. no two parties can— consisting of three parties. no two parties can form a government unless it were _ parties can form a government unless it were the _ parties can form a government unless it were the old grand coalition which — it were the old grand coalition which none of want a repeat. so you're _ which none of want a repeat. so you're going to see negotiations marathon. fouryears you're going to see negotiations marathon. four years ago and the time _ marathon. four years ago and the time of— marathon. four years ago and the time of the — marathon. four years ago and the time of the last election merkel took five — time of the last election merkel took five months to create a government, five months of negotiation, germany went into — in those _ negotiation, germany went into — in those days — negotiation, germany went into — in those days i— negotiation, germany went into — in those days. i wonder, can we afford to do— those days. i wonder, can we afford to do the _ those days. i wonder, can we afford to do the same shenanigans again and lose such _ to do the same shenanigans again and lose such valuable time to form a government? indeed it is difficult. he will— government? indeed it is difficult. he will have to use the services of the market— he will have to use the services of the market party and the green party which _ the market party and the green party which is _ the market party and the green party which is on _ the market party and the green party which is on the other side of the political— which is on the other side of the political spectrum in favour of big spending — political spectrum in favour of big spending programmes, raising taxes which _ spending programmes, raising taxes which the _ spending programmes, raising taxes which the free democrats a deadly sent again~ — which the free democrats a deadly sent again. so mister scholz will first have — sent again. so mister scholz will first have to mitigate between these two coalition partners. he also has his own _ two coalition partners. he also has his own party behind him that don't forget _ his own party behind him that don't forget to— his own party behind him that don't forget to years ago the party did not support him as leader of the party _ not support him as leader of the party. he — not support him as leader of the party. he was due right wing for the socialists _ party. he was due right wing for the socialists section of the spd. there's— socialists section of the spd. there's all sorts of uncertainty and training _ there's all sorts of uncertainty and training for— there's all sorts of uncertainty and training for that you ask about, i asked _ training for that you ask about, i asked myself. one thing is certain with the _ asked myself. one thing is certain with the absence of britain who was always _ with the absence of britain who was always a _ with the absence of britain who was always a face for germany in terms of economic— always a face for germany in terms of economic management and so forth in line _ of economic management and so forth in line with _ of economic management and so forth in line with the northern european countries, — in line with the northern european countries, that country is now missing — countries, that country is now missing where britain uses it. who is it going — missing where britain uses it. who is it going to pick? i think he will move _ is it going to pick? i think he will move closer to france. and addition closer— move closer to france. and addition closer to _ move closer to france. and addition closer to italy as well italy is in safe _ closer to italy as well italy is in safe hands, the president of the economic— safe hands, the president of the economic bank in europe. i'm looking forward _ economic bank in europe. i'm looking forward to— economic bank in europe. i'm looking forward to a _ economic bank in europe. i'm looking forward to a new arrangement of berlin, _ forward to a new arrangement of berlin, rain— forward to a new arrangement of berlin, rain and paris coming together— berlin, rain and paris coming together and to agree on things. personally, i like scholz to be in charge — personally, i like scholz to be in charge he _ personally, i like scholz to be in charge. he is an understated man like merkel was and some of the other— like merkel was and some of the other days that he reminds them of what they— other days that he reminds them of what they have set a modest man and has much _ what they have set a modest man and has much to— what they have set a modest man and has much to be modest about. underrated, he is a smart man. very on top _ underrated, he is a smart man. very on top of— underrated, he is a smart man. very on top of his— underrated, he is a smart man. very on top of his financial agreement. he will— on top of his financial agreement. he will do— on top of his financial agreement. he will do all right. except don't lose too— he will do all right. except don't lose too much time negotiating, i'm 'ust lose too much time negotiating, i'm just hoping — lose too much time negotiating, i'm just hoping that they won't need another— just hoping that they won't need another five months before a government emerges. ian, you've obviously been — government emerges. ian, you've obviously been in _ government emerges. ian, you've obviously been in germany - government emerges. ian, you've obviously been in germany too. i government emerges. ian, you've i obviously been in germany too. how much does the leadership of germany matter outside its own borders, cross—border europe in huge international tensions between the uk, europe, america as we face outward ceased. it uk, europe, america as we face outward ceased.— uk, europe, america as we face outward ceased. it obviously matters hu:el , it's outward ceased. it obviously matters hugely. it's the _ outward ceased. it obviously matters hugely, it's the most _ outward ceased. it obviously matters hugely, it's the most important - hugely, it's the most important country in europe. it's interesting also that i thought the greens did quite well and were probably the most forceful on the emerging issues of how to deal with the dictatorial as country regimes in china are particularly but also in pressure. the whole attitude towards pressure is quite interesting with the energy crisis whereby germany seems very complacent about pressure and this is alarming some of its allies but tickly and eastern europe in poland, ukraine and the baltic states. it symbolised by the new gas pipeline which allows putin to pump his into europe and ukraine. we've also seen how the greens came back, that was very interesting. i was also very struck by the spd were in the doldrums at the start and were nowhere. it does show again the volatility of european politics. here is a party that was really going nowhere and the cd you were way ahead. i—party party picked the wrong person, they collapse to loss of 1.3 million voters with a particularly a lot of older voters. the s particularly a lot of older voters. the 5 pd particularly a lot of older voters. the s pd came back and also we've seen the two main parties go under 50% of the first time. again that fracturing of politics we are seeing in all the countries. the intriguing difference for germany is that the populace are not on the edges. so the hard left and hard right bolted very badly and lost both particularly the hard left. and yet we are seeing the success of the greens did very well. there is an interesting phenomenon in germany that we are seeing the same break—up in traditional politics with the people are not going to the extremes. they're looking for a relatively centrist and i do find that intriguing as well. flan relatively centrist and i do find that intriguing as well.- relatively centrist and i do find that intriguing as well. can i 'ust ask ou that intriguing as well. can i 'ust ask you very �* that intriguing as well. can i 'ust ask you very briefly i that intriguing as well. can i 'ust ask you very briefly on i that intriguing as well. can i just| ask you very briefly on germany? obviously it matters hugely to the uk, this very changing relationship with the eu at the moment. absolutely. it will be a great flip to the _ absolutely. it will be a great flip to the labour— absolutely. it will be a great flip to the labour party _ absolutely. it will be a great flip to the labour party and - absolutely. it will be a great flip to the labour party and to - to the labour party and to social democrats — to the labour party and to social democrats and _ to the labour party and to social democrats and people _ to the labour party and to social democrats and people to - to the labour party and to social democrats and people to the - to the labour party and to social. democrats and people to the left of the conservatives _ democrats and people to the left of the conservatives important- democrats and people to the left of the conservatives important to - the conservatives important to have seen a _ the conservatives important to have seen a wave — the conservatives important to have seen a wave of— the conservatives important to have seen a wave of social _ the conservatives important to have seen a wave of social democrats - seen a wave of social democrats taking _ seen a wave of social democrats taking over _ seen a wave of social democrats taking over in _ seen a wave of social democrats taking over in europe _ seen a wave of social democrats taking over in europe where - seen a wave of social democrats taking over in europe where it i seen a wave of social democrats taking over in europe where it isj taking over in europe where it is only— taking over in europe where it is only a _ taking over in europe where it is only a short _ taking over in europe where it is only a short time _ taking over in europe where it is only a short time ago _ taking over in europe where it is only a short time ago people - taking over in europe where it is l only a short time ago people were gloomily— only a short time ago people were gloomily predicting _ only a short time ago people were gloomily predicting that _ only a short time ago people were gloomily predicting that the - gloomily predicting that the populace _ gloomily predicting that the populace would _ gloomily predicting that the populace would be - gloomily predicting that the populace would be in- gloomily predicting that thel populace would be in power. gloomily predicting that the - populace would be in power. we have no way, _ populace would be in power. we have no way. sweden, _ populace would be in power. we have no way, sweden, finland, _ populace would be in power. we have no way, sweden, finland, spain, - no way, sweden, finland, spain, portugal— no way, sweden, finland, spain, portugaland— no way, sweden, finland, spain, portugal and a _ no way, sweden, finland, spain, portugal and a large _ no way, sweden, finland, spain, portugal and a large chunk- no way, sweden, finland, spain, portugal and a large chunk of - no way, sweden, finland, spain, portugal and a large chunk of the j portugal and a large chunk of the italian _ portugal and a large chunk of the italian government— portugal and a large chunk of the italian government — _ portugal and a large chunk of the italian government — in _ portugal and a large chunk of the italian government — in norway. i portugal and a large chunk of the . italian government — in norway. and now the _ italian government — in norway. and now the central— italian government — in norway. and now the central democrats _ italian government — in norway. and now the central democrats coming i italian government — in norway. and i now the central democrats coming top in germany— now the central democrats coming top in germany a — now the central democrats coming top in germanya sense, _ now the central democrats coming top in germany a sense, a _ now the central democrats coming top in germany a sense, a wave _ now the central democrats coming top in germany a sense, a wave of- now the central democrats coming top in germany a sense, a wave of thingsl in germany a sense, a wave of things happening _ in germany a sense, a wave of things happening. very— in germany a sense, a wave of things happening. very often _ in germany a sense, a wave of things happening. very often those - in germany a sense, a wave of things happening. very often those two - happening. very often those two things— happening. very often those two things will— happening. very often those two things will not _ happening. very often those two things will not grow _ happening. very often those two things will not grow through - happening. very often those two things will not grow through the i things will not grow through the channel— things will not grow through the channel towards _ things will not grow through the channel towards us. _ things will not grow through the channel towards us. a - things will not grow through the channel towards us. a lot - things will not grow through the channel towards us. a lot of- things will not grow through the - channel towards us. a lot of people feel encouraged. _ channel towards us. a lot of people feel encouraged. it's— channel towards us. a lot of people feel encouraged.— feel encouraged. it's often been said that showers _ feel encouraged. it's often been said that showers a _ feel encouraged. it's often been said that showers a steady - feel encouraged. it's often been said that showers a steady handj feel encouraged. it's often been - said that showers a steady hand and quite _ said that showers a steady hand and quite impatient, waiting for the dust to — quite impatient, waiting for the dust to settle before making a wrong decision _ dust to settle before making a wrong decision. she made some important, hugely— decision. she made some important, hugely important unilateral decision and time _ hugely important unilateral decision and time in office. she advocated power— and time in office. she advocated power in — and time in office. she advocated power in germany, she open the doors for refugees _ power in germany, she open the doors for refugees overnight without consulting anyone. she also decided on the _ consulting anyone. she also decided on the russian deal which came along and again— on the russian deal which came along and again it _ on the russian deal which came along and again it was international act of germany. scholz is can be more engaged _ of germany. scholz is can be more engaged with lateral thinking. she said that _ engaged with lateral thinking. she said that he will be moving close to the other— said that he will be moving close to the other regimes in europe and make sure germany returns to a more of a collective — sure germany returns to a more of a collective decision making in europe _ collective decision making in europe. and that will be all for the good _ europe. and that will be all for the good and _ europe. and that will be all for the good and will be quite a warning sign for— good and will be quite a warning sign for borisjohnson, i quite agree — sign for boris johnson, i quite auree. . , sign for boris johnson, i quite auree. . ., agree. our last topic we have touched on — agree. our last topic we have touched on the _ agree. our last topic we have touched on the current - agree. our last topic we have touched on the current petrol crisis. in the labour shortages. it is extraordinary that we are in this moment and yet the conservatives are still pulling very well. what moment and yet the conservatives are still pulling very well.— still pulling very well. what does that tell us? _ still pulling very well. what does that tell us? | _ still pulling very well. what does that tell us? | think— still pulling very well. what does that tell us? | think it _ still pulling very well. what does that tell us? i think it takes - still pulling very well. what does that tell us? i think it takes a i that tell us? i think it takes a wild — that tell us? i think it takes a wild for— that tell us? i think it takes a wild for polls _ that tell us? i think it takes a wild for polls to _ that tell us? i think it takes a wild for polls to of— that tell us? i think it takes a wild for polls to of it depends that tell us? i think it takes a i wild for polls to of it depends on how long — wild for polls to of it depends on how long this _ wild for polls to of it depends on how long this crisis _ wild for polls to of it depends on how long this crisis goes - wild for polls to of it depends on how long this crisis goes on - wild for polls to of it depends on how long this crisis goes on for. how long this crisis goes on for that— how long this crisis goes on for that but— how long this crisis goes on for that but you _ how long this crisis goes on for that but you can _ how long this crisis goes on for that but you can have - how long this crisis goes on for that but you can have our- how long this crisis goes on for. that but you can have our country brought _ that but you can have our country brought to — that but you can have our country brought to a _ that but you can have our country brought to a halt _ that but you can have our country brought to a halt by— that but you can have our country brought to a halt by lack- that but you can have our country brought to a halt by lack of- brought to a halt by lack of petrol for very— brought to a halt by lack of petrol for very long _ brought to a halt by lack of petrol for very long without _ brought to a halt by lack of petrol for very long without the - brought to a halt by lack of petrol - for very long without the government is getting _ for very long without the government is getting severe _ for very long without the government is getting severe penalties. _ for very long without the government is getting severe penalties. it's- is getting severe penalties. it's not clear— is getting severe penalties. it's not clear the _ is getting severe penalties. it's not clear the government - is getting severe penalties. it's not clear the government is - is getting severe penalties. it's- not clear the government is getting severe _ not clear the government is getting severe penalties. _ not clear the government is getting severe penalties. it's _ not clear the government is getting severe penalties. it's not _ not clear the government is getting severe penalties. it's not clear- severe penalties. it's not clear that— severe penalties. it's not clear that an — severe penalties. it's not clear that an escape _ severe penalties. it's not clear that an escape from _ severe penalties. it's not clear that an escape from this - severe penalties. it's not clear- that an escape from this altogether. with unit _ that an escape from this altogether. with unit the — that an escape from this altogether. with unit the drivers _ that an escape from this altogether. with unit the drivers and _ that an escape from this altogether. with unit the drivers and apathetic. with unit the drivers and apathetic offer was — with unit the drivers and apathetic offer was made _ with unit the drivers and apathetic offer was made so _ with unit the drivers and apathetic offer was made so we _ with unit the drivers and apathetic offer was made so we can- with unit the drivers and apathetic offer was made so we can of- with unit the drivers and apathetic- offer was made so we can of european drivers— offer was made so we can of european drivers back— offer was made so we can of european drivers back for— offer was made so we can of european drivers back for just _ offer was made so we can of european drivers back forjust three _ offer was made so we can of european drivers back forjust three months - drivers back forjust three months set back— drivers back forjust three months set back on— drivers back forjust three months set back on christmas _ drivers back forjust three months set back on christmas eve. - drivers back forjust three months set back on christmas eve. therel drivers back forjust three months i set back on christmas eve. there are conditions _ set back on christmas eve. there are conditions here _ set back on christmas eve. there are conditions here for— set back on christmas eve. there are conditions here for large _ set back on christmas eve. there are conditions here for large drawers- conditions here for large drawers are appalling _ conditions here for large drawers are appalling. they're _ conditions here for large drawers are appalling. they're not - conditions here for large drawers are appalling. they're not likely. conditions here for large drawersi are appalling. they're not likely to come _ are appalling. they're not likely to come. meanwhile _ are appalling. they're not likely to come. meanwhile our— are appalling. they're not likely to come. meanwhile our agriculture i are appalling. they're not likely toi come. meanwhile our agriculture is in a very— come. meanwhile our agriculture is in a very bad — come. meanwhile our agriculture is in a very bad state _ come. meanwhile our agriculture is in a very bad state for— come. meanwhile our agriculture is in a very bad state for lack- come. meanwhile our agriculture is in a very bad state for lack of- in a very bad state for lack of workers _ in a very bad state for lack of workers in _ in a very bad state for lack of workers in our— in a very bad state for lack of workers in our meat- in a very bad state for lack of. workers in our meat processing. in a very bad state for lack of- workers in our meat processing. i think— workers in our meat processing. i think this — workers in our meat processing. i think this crisis _ workers in our meat processing. i think this crisis is _ workers in our meat processing. i think this crisis is going _ workers in our meat processing. i think this crisis is going to - workers in our meat processing. i think this crisis is going to last. think this crisis is going to last and in — think this crisis is going to last and in the _ think this crisis is going to last and in the end _ think this crisis is going to last and in the end governments. think this crisis is going to last i and in the end governments that think this crisis is going to last - and in the end governments that can competently — and in the end governments that can competently keep _ and in the end governments that can competently keep things _ and in the end governments that can competently keep things going - and in the end governments that can competently keep things going in - and in the end governments that can competently keep things going in a i competently keep things going in a country. _ competently keep things going in a country. pay— competently keep things going in a country. pay the _ competently keep things going in a country, pay the penalty. - competently keep things going in a country, pay the penalty. and - competently keep things going in a country, pay the penalty. and i- country, pay the penalty. and i think— country, pay the penalty. and i think this — country, pay the penalty. and i think this one _ country, pay the penalty. and i think this one will— country, pay the penalty. and i think this one will if— country, pay the penalty. and i think this one will if they - country, pay the penalty. and i think this one will if they can'tl think this one will if they can't aet think this one will if they can't get a — think this one will if they can't get a grip— think this one will if they can't get a grip on— think this one will if they can't get a grip on it _ think this one will if they can't get a grip on it— think this one will if they can't get a grip on it. and, briefly again how much is _ get a grip on it. and, briefly again how much is this _ get a grip on it. and, briefly again how much is this can _ get a grip on it. and, briefly again how much is this can be _ get a grip on it. and, briefly again how much is this can be warning i get a grip on it. and, briefly again i how much is this can be warning the conservatives? it how much is this can be warning the conservatives?— conservatives? it will be wearing them hugely- — conservatives? it will be wearing them hugely. it's _ conservatives? it will be wearing them hugely. it's so _ conservatives? it will be wearing them hugely. it's so extensive, i conservatives? it will be wearing i them hugely. it's so extensive, the staffing problem that even there is a shortage of butchers. they having emergency visitors to target european butchers and for the which underlines the absurdity of the situation. it coincides with the cost of whereby the cost of living is going up, we had extra taxes coming in to pay for the nhs of a can claim to be paying for social care. counsellors can have to raise moneyjust care. counsellors can have to raise money just to stand care. counsellors can have to raise moneyjust to stand still because of the extra pushes. rishi sunak has begun to unleash the taxes, ease going to have to bring in and the money raising methods ease to pay for those extra drivers to pay bigger drivers for them, somebody has to pay for that and that's to be the customers and the shops. this is also coinciding not only with a potentially chaotic government and a chaos in the high street but also with people having to pay more to get less. and that's not a happy situation for any government to be in. . �* situation for any government to be in. ., �* ., , ., in. 0k. ian birrell, polly and thomas kielinger. _ in. 0k. ian birrell, polly and thomas kielinger. thank - in. 0k. ian birrell, polly and| thomas kielinger. thank you in. 0k. ian birrell, polly and - thomas kielinger. thank you very much for your time. any anti— shells of petro shortages in germany? h0. of petro shortages in germany? no, not to a of petro shortages in germany? no, rrot to a large _ of petro shortages in germany? no, not to a large extent. very - not to a large extent. very interested _ not to a large extent. very interested in. _ not to a large extent. very interested in. i— not to a large extent. very interested in. i know- not to a large extent. very| interested in. i know you're not to a large extent. , interested in. i know you're going back to germany so we will hear back very soon. thanks everyone for watching. bye—bye. well, the advice for this weekend is macs, raincoats, umbrellas — you may not even want to venture out at all if you don't like the sort of weather. it is not looking pretty over the next few days, spells of heavy rain, gale—force winds, the possibility of travel disruption — autumn has well and truly arrived, on cue. now, this is the satellite picture, and the weather is looking pretty rough over the atlantic, areas of heavy weather are developing, low pressure already centred between scotland and iceland, sending showers across the uk. but this next area of low pressure just to the south—west of our neighbourhood is already rearing its head through the early hours of saturday morning, with increasing winds and rain. but central and eastern areas, early in the morning, actually not too bad at all. there will be some clear spells, fairly chilly with temperatures around 5 degrees, for example, in norwich. and here is the weather in the morning, it goes downhill very quickly out towards the west, and then that heavy rain, this developing low pressure means that the area of rain expands, the winds are increasing, gale—force winds in south—eastern areas — not pretty. but notice that perhaps an improvement in some weather across western areas of the uk. but there is low pressure will well and truly establish itself across the uk through the whole of the weekend, you can see this weather front wrapping around, the bulk of it is actually through by the time we get to later on sunday, but this backwash behind this area of low pressure, you can see it there scooting off to the north, lots of heavy showers and quite a blustery wind. it might be 17 degrees on the thermometer, but it's going to feel colder than that with this really fresh atlantic wind dragging in these showers. so that was sunday — how about monday? well, the area of low pressure has broadened stock within it, we've got small areas of low pressure and weather fronts riding around it, it is almost like a catherine wheel of weather across the uk. here is the next one coming in. now, this could be a nasty one as we head through the early part of the week, this could bring strong winds and very heavy rain as well. it's not going to be raining all the time, that's the good news. there will be some sunshine around as well, there will be sunny spells, for sure. but the point is, it will be very changeable, lots of showers, flicking from sunny spells to showers no doubt, and those temperatures you can see, nothing special. that's it from me, bye—bye. this is bbc news, the headlines... the prime minister urges the public to trust in the police but admits there are issues in the force that need addressing after the death of sarah everard. there is one area that the issue of trust needs to be addressed and it's the way we handle crimes against women and girls. cut off from the world since the start of the pandemic — next month australia will reopen its international borders, but only for fully vaccinated australians. it's back at last — the london marathon returns on sunday — the wrong time of year but the right number of runners, as 40,000 take to the streets. and coming up at 8:30pm, we'll be answering your questions on the energy price cap rising and what it means for your bills.