brutaim 0h— heinous crimes. and we sexually brutal... on the people who are campaigning for nothing more than their freedoms. we have consistently helped _ their freedoms. we have consistently helped the _ their freedoms. we have consistently helped the worst off in the world lift themselves out of poverty. we have consistently fought injustice where _ have consistently fought injustice where we see it and we have consistently led the way in terms of international crisis. but some people — international crisis. but some people ask me, when they talk to me, they say, _ people ask me, when they talk to me, they say, james, that is all well and good, — they say, james, that is all well and good, that is great, but what does _ and good, that is great, but what does foreign affairs matter to the british— does foreign affairs matter to the british people? how does it help the people _ british people? how does it help the people of— british people? how does it help the people of braintree or belfast or bahchory— people of braintree or belfast or banchory or bridgend? well, it helps because _ banchory or bridgend? well, it helps because when we engage with our allies. _ because when we engage with our allies. otd — because when we engage with our allies, old or new, we become safer and we _ allies, old or new, we become safer and we become more prosperous. gets it. and we become more prosperous. gets it our— and we become more prosperous. gets it our party— and we become more prosperous. gets it. our party get it. —— bpm gets it. our party get it. —— bpm gets it you _ it. our party get it. —— bpm gets it you get — it. our party get it. —— bpm gets it. you get it. keir starmer and his crowd _ it. you get it. keir starmer and his crowd don't— it. you get it. keir starmer and his crowd don't get it. keir starmer and his crowd _ crowd don't get it. keir starmer and his crowd don't get it. and over the last few— his crowd don't get it. and over the last few years, we have seen the incredible — last few years, we have seen the incredible d incredibly tough global circumstances. a global pandemic. and, _ circumstances. a global pandemic. arid. as _ circumstances. a global pandemic. ahd. as my— circumstances. a global pandemic. and, as my good friend, grant, has 'ust and, as my good friend, grant, has just said. _ and, as my good friend, grant, has just said. we — and, as my good friend, grant, has just said, we are now confronted with a _ just said, we are now confronted with a brutal war on our own continent _ with a brutal war on our own continent. but this prime minister was prepared to take the tough long—term decisions that we needed. and we _ long—term decisions that we needed. and we have thrived. despite the incredibly— and we have thrived. despite the incredibly strong economic headwinds, powered by the pandemic and intensified and amplified by the war in— and intensified and amplified by the war in ukraine. and because of his tong-term — war in ukraine. and because of his long—term decisions, our economy is back to _ long—term decisions, our economy is back to pre—pandemic levels and britain _ back to pre—pandemic levels and britain has — back to pre—pandemic levels and britain has recovered quicker from that pandemic in europe's biggest economies. underthis prime economies. under this prime minister. _ economies. underthis prime minister, we have made immense progress — minister, we have made immense progress in — minister, we have made immense progress in very little time. and unlike _ progress in very little time. and unlike starmer, sorry, under starmer, _ unlike starmer, sorry, under starmer, rather, labourare all talk _ starmer, rather, labourare all talk under— starmer, rather, labourare all talk. under sunak, we are about action~ _ action. applause asi as i say, in the relatively short time _ as i say, in the relatively short time that— as i say, in the relatively short time that richey has been prime minister. — time that richey has been prime minister, let us look at what we have _ minister, let us look at what we have achieved. we agreed the windsor framework— have achieved. we agreed the windsor framework in february. we agreed to the aukus _ framework in february. we agreed to the aukus deal in march. the hiroshima accord in may. and the atlantic— hiroshima accord in may. and the atlantic declaration in june. hiroshima accord in may. and the atlantic declaration injune. we have _ atlantic declaration injune. we have come to agreements with europe that will— have come to agreements with europe that will help grow our economy, help stop — that will help grow our economy, help stop the boats and make us all safer _ help stop the boats and make us all safer. conference, we should be incredibly— safer. conference, we should be incredibly proud of our country and incredibly— incredibly proud of our country and incredibly proud of our country and incredibly proud of our country and incredibly proud of what we achieved incredibly proud of what we achieved injust— incredibly proud of what we achieved injust this _ incredibly proud of what we achieved injust this short period of time. and the — injust this short period of time. and the prime minister's leadership has allowed us to take full advantage of the bold decision that we collectively made in 2016. so let me give _ we collectively made in 2016. so let me give me a few facts and figures, 'ust me give me a few facts and figures, just to _ me give me a few facts and figures, just to prove the point. last year service _ just to prove the point. last year service exports reached a record high _ service exports reached a record high. exports of goods and services .rew high. exports of goods and services grew by— high. exports of goods and services grew by 20% in current prices and are likely— grew by 20% in current prices and are likely to increase again this year _ are likely to increase again this year and — are likely to increase again this year. and we remain the second largest— year. and we remain the second largest service exporter in the world — largest service exporter in the world. behind only the united states of america, which, i may remind you, has five _ of america, which, i may remind you, has five times — of america, which, i may remind you, has five times as many people as us. and today— has five times as many people as us. and today nearly 60% of uk exports io and today nearly 60% of uk exports -o to and today nearly 60% of uk exports go to non—eu countries. and that is ”p go to non—eu countries. and that is up from _ go to non—eu countries. and that is up from 52% — go to non—eu countries. and that is up from 52% in 2010. and long—term economic— up from 52% in 2010. and long—term economic trend is clear. and it is one that — economic trend is clear. and it is one that we _ economic trend is clear. and it is one that we expect notjust economic trend is clear. and it is one that we expect not just to continue. _ one that we expect not just to continue, but to intensify. and that is why. _ continue, but to intensify. and that is why, because we are looking at the future. — is why, because we are looking at the future, because we are facing forward. — the future, because we are facing forward, we recently concluded negotiations tojoin the comprehensive and progressive agreement for transpacific partnership. easier to say than you might— partnership. easier to say than you might believe. and actually, it took me tonger— might believe. and actually, it took me longer to say it and it took for us to— me longer to say it and it took for us tojoin— me longer to say it and it took for us tojoin it~ — me longer to say it and it took for us tojoin it. that is because we are focused _ us tojoin it. that is because we are focused on building our friendships, ourforces are focused on building our friendships, our forces and our relationships with the indo—pacific region~ _ relationships with the indo—pacific region it — relationships with the indo—pacific region. it is why we are pushing so hard _ region. it is why we are pushing so hard to— region. it is why we are pushing so hard to conclude a trade deal with india~ _ hard to conclude a trade deal with india~ an — hard to conclude a trade deal with india. an economy forecast to double in size _ india. an economy forecast to double in size by— india. an economy forecast to double in size by 2030, overtaking both japan _ in size by 2030, overtaking both japan and — in size by 2030, overtaking both japan and germany to become the world's— japan and germany to become the world's third largest economy. and it is markets like these that are the future _ it is markets like these that are the future. and we recognise their value _ the future. and we recognise their value to _ the future. and we recognise their value to us — the future. and we recognise their value to us will grow enormously. and again. — value to us will grow enormously. and again, whilst we have a global outtook. _ and again, whilst we have a global outlook, labour can hardly imagine a world _ outlook, labour can hardly imagine a world beyond brussels. now, the world _ world beyond brussels. now, the worid has— world beyond brussels. now, the world has got used to engaging with a new— world has got used to engaging with a new independent britain. to engaging with a britain that is free to forge _ engaging with a britain that is free to forge its own destiny, free to ratify— to forge its own destiny, free to ratify its — to forge its own destiny, free to ratify its own laws and free to negotiate its own trade deals. and our new—found independence has enabled _ our new—found independence has enabled us to repeatedly get ahead of events — enabled us to repeatedly get ahead of events. whether that is with the manufacturing of life—saving vaccines. _ manufacturing of life—saving vaccines, which then gave us the ability— vaccines, which then gave us the ability to— vaccines, which then gave us the ability to lift out of lockdown is, or whether it is the sanctioning of the russians involved in the illegal. _ the russians involved in the illegal, brutaland the russians involved in the illegal, brutal and disgusting conduct, both domestically and abroad — conduct, both domestically and abroad. and yes, i am especially proud _ abroad. and yes, i am especially proud of— abroad. and yes, i am especially proud of our record when it comes to the support— proud of our record when it comes to the support of the people of ukraine _ ukraine. applause we foresaw the extent and the intensity— we foresaw the extent and the intensity of the price of the fight that president zelensky and his brave _ that president zelensky and his brave people faced in february of 2022~ _ brave people faced in february of 2022~ and — brave people faced in february of 2022. and i consider it a personal priviiege — 2022. and i consider it a personal privilege to — 2022. and i consider it a personal privilege to have done what i can to maximise _ privilege to have done what i can to maximise international support for that courageous country. but never let anyone _ that courageous country. but never let anyone forget that for almost a decade _ let anyone forget that for almost a decade now, every conservative prime minister— decade now, every conservative prime minister has _ decade now, every conservative prime minister has backed ukraine. from training _ minister has backed ukraine. from training ukrainian troops after the initiat— training ukrainian troops after the initial invasion of crimea, 2014, to standing _ initial invasion of crimea, 2014, to standing up — initial invasion of crimea, 2014, to standing up to putin over the poisonings in salisbury. from arming uiuainians— poisonings in salisbury. from arming ukrainians with the missile systems when _ ukrainians with the missile systems when russia first initiated their full—scale invasion, to sanctioning putin— full—scale invasion, to sanctioning putin and — full—scale invasion, to sanctioning putin and his cronies, who have facititated — putin and his cronies, who have facilitated the brutalising of the ukrainian people. and let's remember, the prime minister, rishi sunak. _ remember, the prime minister, rishi sunak, continued in this proud tradition— sunak, continued in this proud tradition with his unwavering support~ _ tradition with his unwavering support. he was the first world leader— support. he was the first world leader to — support. he was the first world leader to supply ukraine with nato standard _ leader to supply ukraine with nato standard main battle tanks. he was the first— standard main battle tanks. he was the first world leader to commit to training _ the first world leader to commit to training fastjet the first world leader to commit to training fast jet pilots. the first world leader to commit to training fastjet pilots. he was the first world — training fastjet pilots. he was the first world leader to supply the long—range missiles that support those _ long—range missiles that support those brave ukrainians fighting in the front— those brave ukrainians fighting in the front line. and earlier this year. — the front line. and earlier this year. rishi _ the front line. and earlier this year, rishi sunak hosted the landmark ukraine recovery conference in london _ landmark ukraine recovery conference in london. where we secured billions of dollars— in london. where we secured billions of dollars in _ in london. where we secured billions of dollars in international funding, so that— of dollars in international funding, so that ukraine will be able to rebuild — so that ukraine will be able to rebuild itself once they win this war _ war. applause whilst i occupy this great office, i have _ whilst i occupy this great office, i have considered the many challenges that we _ have considered the many challenges that we face as a nation. and i have contemplated the ways of making my department more effective at tackting — department more effective at tackling those obstacles. for example, when it comes to stopping the boats. _ example, when it comes to stopping the boats, we have and will continue to coordinate and cooperate, not 'ust to coordinate and cooperate, not just across — to coordinate and cooperate, not just across government, but with our international— just across government, but with our international allies as well. we have _ international allies as well. we have collaborated closely with the governments of the countries where these _ governments of the countries where these inhumane people smuggling gangs _ these inhumane people smuggling gangs are based. but i recognise that we — gangs are based. but i recognise that we need to keep going. and so, today— that we need to keep going. and so, today i_ that we need to keep going. and so, today i had _ that we need to keep going. and so, today i had written to all of our ambassadors, all of our high commissioners and i have instructed each and _ commissioners and i have instructed each and everyone of them to do even more _ each and everyone of them to do even more work— each and everyone of them to do even more work with the countries in which _ more work with the countries in which they— more work with the countries in which they represent the uk, to help stop the _ which they represent the uk, to help stop the abhorrent trafficking of human — stop the abhorrent trafficking of human lives across the english channet — human lives across the english channel. he in no doubt, no doubt at all. channel. he in no doubt, no doubt at ait~ 0ur— channel. he in no doubt, no doubt at all. our diplomats will redouble their— all. our diplomats will redouble their efforts to bring an end to this terrible, terrible injustice. now. _ this terrible, terrible injustice. now. i— this terrible, terrible injustice. now. i am _ this terrible, terrible injustice. now, iam incredibly this terrible, terrible injustice. now, i am incredibly proud of the diplomats— now, i am incredibly proud of the diplomats that i work alongside. i have no— diplomats that i work alongside. i have no doubt that they are the best in the _ have no doubt that they are the best in the world. but i want to ensure that our— in the world. but i want to ensure that our diplomatic service is truly representative of the uk. and unsurprisingly, i believe that those who have _ unsurprisingly, i believe that those who have served our nation on the battlefield — who have served our nation on the battlefield can continue to contribute beyond their tours of dutv~ _ contribute beyond their tours of duty. which is why i have tasked my officiais _ duty. which is why i have tasked my officials to _ duty. which is why i have tasked my officials to carve out space in our diplomatic— officials to carve out space in our diplomatic service for veterans. and i diplomatic service for veterans. and i took— diplomatic service for veterans. and i look forward to working with johnny— i look forward to working with johnny mercer, our veterans minister. — johnny mercer, our veterans minister, to ensure that the men and women. _ minister, to ensure that the men and women. our— minister, to ensure that the men and women, ourarmed forces, who we minister, to ensure that the men and women, our armed forces, who we know are amongst— women, our armed forces, who we know are amongst the best of us, to give them _ are amongst the best of us, to give them the _ are amongst the best of us, to give them the opportunity to be the best at representing uk. applause and you will forgive me, but it does make me _ and you will forgive me, but it does make me immensely proud to offer those _ make me immensely proud to offer those who— make me immensely proud to offer those who have served our country with unparalleled distinction the opportunity to serve their nation once _ opportunity to serve their nation once again. speaking of service and pride. _ once again. speaking of service and pride. vou _ once again. speaking of service and pride, you will know that i served as chairman — pride, you will know that i served as chairman of this great party during — as chairman of this great party during 2019. and i rememberthe doomsters — during 2019. and i rememberthe doomsters and the doomsters, who predicted _ doomsters and the doomsters, who predicted another hung parliament. they predicted an outright conservative loss or at best modest conservative loss or at best modest conservative gains. and those were the peopie — conservative gains. and those were the people whose amazing predictions predated _ the people whose amazing predictions predated the most significant electoral victory of recent times. and an _ electoral victory of recent times. and an 80 — electoral victory of recent times. and an 80 seat conservative majoritv~ _ and an 80 seat conservative majority. and yet today i see the same _ majority. and yet today i see the same old — majority. and yet today i see the same old faces, the same voices, the same _ same old faces, the same voices, the same old _ same old faces, the same voices, the same old politicians making the same old tired _ same old politicians making the same old tired predictions. and when i look old tired predictions. and when i took across— old tired predictions. and when i look across the floor at the house of commons, i see a group of spineiess _ of commons, i see a group of spineless dribblers. devoid of answers— spineless dribblers. devoid of answers to any of the challenges the world _ answers to any of the challenges the world faces or that our country faces~ — world faces or that our country faces~ and _ world faces or that our country faces. and yet, they are there, baving — faces. and yet, they are there, baying with disapproval at the tough. — baying with disapproval at the tough, but necessary decisions that our government has to make. and where. _ our government has to make. and where. i_ our government has to make. and where. iask— our government has to make. and where, i ask myself, is the leadership from their so called ieader? — leadership from their so called leader? because sir keir cannot make his mind _ leader? because sir keir cannot make his mind up _ leader? because sir keir cannot make his mind up whether he supports teaving _ his mind up whether he supports leaving the eu or whether he supports _ leaving the eu or whether he supports remaining in the eu or rejoining — supports remaining in the eu or rejoining the eu. he pledged to cut tuition— rejoining the eu. he pledged to cut tuition fees in order to get elected as labour— tuition fees in order to get elected as labour leader and then went back on his— as labour leader and then went back on his promise as soon as he became labour— on his promise as soon as he became labour leader. he resigned from corbvn's — labour leader. he resigned from corbyn's cabinet, then he rejoined corbvn's _ corbyn's cabinet, then he rejoined corbyn's cabinet, then he rejoined corbyn's cabinet, then he campaigned to make _ corbyn's cabinet, then he campaigned to make jeremy corbyn prime minister _ to make jeremy corbyn prime minister. what we see is no clarity, no consistency, no policies, no plan _ no consistency, no policies, no plan. only— no consistency, no policies, no plan. only the same old tired opportunistic politics. keir starmer's labour party doesn't stand for anything. and whilst sir keir and his— for anything. and whilst sir keir and his comrades represent the tired politics— and his comrades represent the tired politics of— and his comrades represent the tired politics of the past, the prime minister— politics of the past, the prime minister is ready to do things guickiv — minister is ready to do things quickly. and why? —— to do things differentiv — quickly. and why? —— to do things differently. because the conservative party believes in britain's — conservative party believes in britain's epic potential. and the labour— britain's epic potential. and the labour party is unwilling to take the tough — labour party is unwilling to take the tough decisions that will ensure the tough decisions that will ensure the prosperity and the safety of this country for generations to come — this country for generations to come. conference, ican this country for generations to come. conference, i can think of nothing — come. conference, i can think of nothing more counter—productive than handing _ nothing more counter—productive than handing over the keys of government to a group— handing over the keys of government to a group of political chancers and vision _ to a group of political chancers and vision loss— to a group of political chancers and vision loss idols. it is a scenario i vision loss idols. it is a scenario i refused — vision loss idols. it is a scenario i refused to— vision loss idols. it is a scenario i refused to entertain. because a party— i refused to entertain. because a party that— i refused to entertain. because a party that does not believe in britain — party that does not believe in britain cannot be trusted to lead it. britain cannot be trusted to lead it only— britain cannot be trusted to lead it. only the conservatives have a plan _ it. only the conservatives have a plan for — it. only the conservatives have a plan for the future. only the conservatives will take the tough decisions — conservatives will take the tough decisions that will keep us safe and keep us— decisions that will keep us safe and keep us prosperous. only the conservatives will stand with pride on the _ conservatives will stand with pride on the world stage. the people of this great— on the world stage. the people of this great country will see that and that is— this great country will see that and that is why— this great country will see that and that is why they will vote for rishi and the _ that is why they will vote for rishi and the conservatives at the next election — and the conservatives at the next election. thank you, thank you very much _ much. applause james cleverley, the foreign secretary at the conservative party conference, the conference very much up conference, the conference very much up and running in manchester, his speech following that of grant shapps earlier this afternoon. so a busy time for us and a busy one for nick eardley, our political correspondent. let's bring nick eardley back in the conference itself. james talked about having a very real understanding of how the world views the uk, he also wrapped up world views the uk, he also wrapped up that speech by criticising labour, some of that you would expect, it is all part of the rhetoric at these conferences. how do you assess what you have just heard? j do you assess what you have 'ust heard? ~ . do you assess what you have 'ust heard? ~' , ,., heard? i think there is something auoin on heard? i think there is something going on in _ heard? i think there is something going on in the — heard? i think there is something going on in the speeches, - heard? i think there is something l going on in the speeches, actually. when you listen to grant shapps and you listen to james cleverley, i am pretty sure all the ministers we are going to hearfrom over the next few days are going to pick up that theme of trying to contrast what the government is doing and what labour are doing. it has become very political because we are one year or so out from a general election, may be less than a year, may be just a few months, and i think what ministers are trying to do is set out dividing lines to say, here are the things we have taken a call on, and injames cleverley�*s case, it is that we are confident about the uk's standing in the world, we are confident about brexit, we backed it, we want to make it a success. trying to contrast that with what labour are doing, trying to contrast that with what labourare doing, he trying to contrast that with what labour are doing, he was saying less confident, historically, perhaps, aboutjeremy corbyn's standing on the world stage, less clear about brexit, pointing to starmer as being one who initially opposed brexit and then back to a second referendum. so i think this is going to get really quite political over the next few days. of course, it is labour's conference next week and we will hear a lot of their case for government at that point, but clearly what is happening is two things, i think. clearly what is happening is two things, ithink. one clearly what is happening is two things, i think. one is that the conservatives know a lot of people think they are going to lose the next general election, so ministers are trying to make this a bit of a rallying call to say to the activists who have turned up here in manchester, it is not over yet, don't get your head down. we can still do this, despite the polls showing that the conservatives are significantly ahead. and the second thing they are trying to do is to say to the country, look, here is what we have done. what a laboured going to do? we don't think labour's plan for government is as detailed as it should be or as solid as it should be. they would point to things that they would see as flip—flops or u—turns from the labour party. so they are trying to set up a bit of a trap for keir starmer there next week. it feels to me like, i suppose, starmer there next week. it feels to me like, isuppose, in starmer there next week. it feels to me like, i suppose, in some ways it is obvious this would be political, but it feels very political indeed, almost like it is the run—up to a general election. almost like it is the run-up to a general election.— almost like it is the run-up to a general election. yes, nick, some of what ou general election. yes, nick, some of what you touched _ general election. yes, nick, some of what you touched on _ general election. yes, nick, some of what you touched on there _ general election. yes, nick, some of what you touched on there feels - general election. yes, nick, some of what you touched on there feels like | what you touched on there feels like football half—time team talk, we are not beaten, we can still go out in the second half and win this. both grant shapps and james cleverley using the final parts of their speech to target labour and sir keir starmer. that is pretty normal for party conferences. any different this time around, do you feel? what is your assessment of that aspect? i is your assessment of that aspect? i think the context of this tory conference is very different to last year. rememberthat last conference is very different to last year. remember that last year liz truss's a so—called mini budget was in freefall, the economy was struggling, there was a genuine bastion about how long she was going to last. i know the answer wasn't very long, but the conservative party was basically in a state of civil war at that point. that was often true when borisjohnson was in charge as well. it is different now. it is different. rishi sunak has managed to stabilise his party a bit, but that doesn't mean that some of the fractions and some of the debates and some of the policy differences have gone away, and what is really interesting to me is that rishi sunak hasn't used the first day of this conference to get on the front foot. for all that attempt to contrast with labour, the conservatives are finding themselves involved in a debate on the first day of the conference about whether taxes need to be cut by the time of the next general election, whether hsz the next general election, whether hs2 high—speed rail line should reach manchester. the prime minister was on laura kuenssberg's programme on bbc one this morning trying to set out his stall, but it was interesting that most of the time he on the back foot, he was answering questions, ratherthan on the back foot, he was answering questions, rather than saying, here questions, ratherthan saying, here is my big policy offering but i think is going to be different. there are big signs just out of the shot all round this conference hall saying, long term decisions for a brighterfuture. that saying, long term decisions for a brighter future. that is what rishi sunak wants to persuade us all he is prepared to do over the next few days. he is going to say, i will make uncomfortable decisions, if i think they are in the national interest. he is going to promise and big policies, or bold policies, i should say, we are told, but the question that a lot of people here asking is whether he is bold enough, where he is going far enough and whether actually he is getting through to the public, given how far the tories are behind in the polls. nick, thank you, great analysis, as always. nick eardley there in manchester at the conservative party conference. let's get some of the day's other news now. nearly 90 retailers, including tesco and asda, have written to the home secretary, suella braverman, calling for tougher action against shoplifting. they want the government to create a separate offence of assaulting or abusing a shop worker in england and wales, as in scotland. the home office said police forces had been told to take a zero tolerance approach. energy prices in england, wales and scotland fall today as the regulator's new price cap takes effect. ofgem says the typical annual household gas and electricity bill will drop to just over £1,900 — about £600 cheaper than a year ago. but charities are warning that the winter ahead will still be tough for many households because direct government support has been scaled back. a ban on some single—use plastics comes into force in england today, with businesses risking heavy fines if they don't comply. retailers, takeaways and hospitality firms can no longer supply certain plastic items — including cutlery, polystyrene cups and food containers. single—use plastic plates, trays and bowls will also be restricted. what do you get if you mix heavy metal music and ballet? black sabbath — the ballet, of course, and a brand new audience to dance. birmingham royal ballet say more than 60% of the tickets sold were to people who had never been to ballet before. amy cole reports. rock music plays. when heavy metal meets ballet, this is the electrifying result. black sabbath the ballet has just opened at the birmingham hippodrome to rave reviews. one man who's been blown away is the band's co—founder and guitarist, tony iommi. what do you make of the show? i think it's fantastic. i mean, it really is. actually seeing it, the final thing itjust blew me away., because they are two massive genres — heavy metal music, ballet. did you ever think in your wildest dreams that they could be merged? no, never really did. but, you know, i've heard it in different things. i've heard it on accordions and orchestras and all sorts of different things. but i never thought of ballet. no. the director of birmingham royal ballet is a man who likes to challenge perception and take risks. carlos acosta admits there were a lot of raised eyebrows when he mentioned sabbath. you know, a lot of people thought that it's not for them. but the reality is that, you know, that's where the creativity is when you bring the right people to try to bring this artistic expression to a level that haven't been seen before, i think you would come up with wonderful things, you know? arranging the music has been a mammoth task, and key to its success, some of the band's hits like iron man will sound different. and key to its success. some of the band's hits like iron man will sound different. there's a point in act one - where we hear exactly that music, but it's transformed into something really lyrical and gentle. _ so it's... two sides of the same coin, if you like. - and that's the power that you... ..you can deploy in a show| when you have such strong material, you make it speak in a different way. _ the hope is that this ballet will attract new audiences. tony iommi told me this morning that he's never seen a ballet before. so you've opened up his eyes? yeah, yeah! hopefully, he'll come and watch a swan lake or the nutcracker. we'll see if we persuade him to. i said that to him! that would be amazing. that would be amazing! and so, say critics, is this show with tickets currently sold out. amy cole, bbc news. that brings it close to a busy hour for a bbc news. we will get the weather next with helen. good afternoon. some lovely sunshine north of our weather front. this was taken in northern ireland earlier, north of this particular weatherfront, which is bringing, again, quite a bit of rain. it's already brought 50 millimetres of rain to some parts of north—west wales and northern england. so, it's tied in with a lot of humid air, so we've got lots of mist and coastal fog around the south—west, across parts of wales. one pulse of heavy rain will make its way northwards, but that then should peter out, that weather front. to the north of it, fewer showers through the rest of the afternoon as well. so more sunshine and temperatures lifting into the low 20s, even, in that sunshine, possibly 23, 24, if the sun comes out further south and east. but there's a lot of cloud around with that weather front, which just hangs around then, as we go through this evening and overnight. not much rainfall left on it, but a lot of cloud, low cloud, mist and hill and coastalfog, even lowland fog, by the time we get to monday morning. mist and hill and coastalfog, even lowland fog, by the time we get to monday morning. we get 13 to 15, so again, it's muggy here, but further north, fewer showers, clearer skies, 7—9 degrees celsius. now, as we go into monday, we've still got that weather front straddling the uk, still that dividing line between the fresher air to the north and the brighter skies with some sunshine, mist and fog slow to clear, as it does at this time of year, and then the rain starts to pep up again on that weather front. and then as well as that, we will start to grow some showers and then by the afternoon, some really heavy thunderstorms, potentially. so a very unsettled looking picture for parts of england and wales. still warm where the sun comes out in between, still pleasant enough outside the breeze and without the showers in the sunshine further north. now, that rain mayjust push a little bit further northwards towards the borders of scotland, even, during tomorrow evening and overnight before it finally then clears away as we head into tuesday. and then we're into a west north—westerly airstream, high pressure starting to build in from the south, so that will dampen down the shower activity as we go through the day. but i think the notable change on tuesday, despite some sunshine, is it will feel a little bit cooler for most of us, cooler and fresher, particularly, i think, across the southern half of england and wales where we've had that muggy air for a few days now. but still 16—19 is above the average for this time of year. then by wednesday, more weather fronts rush in. it looks like we'll see some wetter weatherjust hanging around for much of the day across northern ireland into northern england. showers follow into scotland. further south, some drier and some brighter weather. as ever, you can catch more information on the website. live from london. this is bbc news. at least 15 people have died in spain , after a fire engulfed a nightclub in the southeastern city of murcia. britain's defence secretary pledges to put the uk the heart of nato, confirming plans to deploy troops to its peacekeeping mission in kosovo. poland's politics spills onto the streets — hundreds of thousands take part on one of the biggest demonstration in years. and colour explodes across hong kong's skyline as 30 thousand fireworks are set off to celebrate china's national day. hello, i'm ben mundy. thanks forjoining us. our main news oui’ main news comes our main news comes from spain. at least 15 people have been killed in a fire at a nightclub in southeastern spain. firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze in the murcia region. well, it broke out in the popular teatre nightclub, in the atalayas area, at around 6am local time. emergency services are looking for people who are missing and were in the premises at the time. a number of people are being treated in hospitalfor smoke inhalation. it is not clear what caused the fire, which broke out when the club was still busy. with more on this is azadeh moshiri in the newsroom.