role in gaza. hamas will not be entirely eradicated. there will still be hundreds, if not thousands, of gunmen wandering around. there will have to be some sort of international force. i think we can rule out the un after the sort of anaemic, feckless role that they have played in lebanon, allowing hezbollah to rearm intervention of un security council resolution 1701. i don't think israel would deign to accept the un. let's get a bit of analysis and length if he were we are and what happens next. we can bring in the panel for the first time. leigh ann caldwell, washington post live anchor. tim montgomerie, founder of the political website conservative home. looking to you both. things are coming on the programme. let's start with the us playing a key role clearly. the language from the us seems to be shifting slightly. what is your take? it seems to be shifting slightly. what is your take?— is your take? it has shifted slightly- — is your take? it has shifted slightly. the _ is your take? it has shifted slightly. the president- is your take? it has shifted slightly. the president has| is your take? it has shifted - slightly. the president has become more _ slightly. the president has become more slightly critical of how the israeli _ more slightly critical of how the israeli government is handing this war in_ israeli government is handing this war in gaza. at a fundraiser earlier this week, — war in gaza. at a fundraiser earlier this week, the president said that the israelis need to stop indiscriminate bombing. that is the furthest_ indiscriminate bombing. that is the furthest the president has come but withjake _ furthest the president has come but withjake sullivan's two furthest the president has come but with jake sullivan's two days in the region— with jake sullivan's two days in the region trying to send a similar message _ region trying to send a similar message to tone down the war and the methods— message to tone down the war and the methods in_ message to tone down the war and the methods in which they are trying to achieve _ methods in which they are trying to achieve their goals is a sign that the us— achieve their goals is a sign that the us is— achieve their goals is a sign that the us is getting a bit more frustrated with this war and how it's being — frustrated with this war and how it's being handled. and a lot of that push— it's being handled. and a lot of that push is coming from increased pushback— that push is coming from increased pushbackin that push is coming from increased pushback in the us among voters, especially— pushback in the us among voters, especially voters in the president's base who — especially voters in the president's base who say that they are really frustrated — base who say that they are really frustrated that the president has been _ frustrated that the president has been taking such a, you know, has been _ been taking such a, you know, has been hugging the israeli government so closely— been hugging the israeli government so closely regardless of the tactics that israet— so closely regardless of the tactics that israel has been using in this war _ that israel has been using in this war 50 — that israel has been using in this war. so there is increased pressure on the _ war. so there is increased pressure on the united states to play a role here and _ on the united states to play a role here and to try to get israel to change — here and to try to get israel to change how they're handling this. and. _ change how they're handling this. and. tint, — change how they're handling this. and, tim, the words out of israel today as they pretty much always have been which this continues until hamas is wiped out.— have been which this continues until hamas is wiped out. that's what they alwa s hamas is wiped out. that's what they always say- — hamas is wiped out. that's what they always say- i — hamas is wiped out. that's what they always say. i think— hamas is wiped out. that's what they always say. i think they _ hamas is wiped out. that's what they always say. i think they will - hamas is wiped out. that's what they always say. i think they will be - always say. i think they will be very— always say. i think they will be very worried _ always say. i think they will be very worried in _ always say. i think they will be very worried in the _ always say. i think they will be very worried in the israeli - very worried in the israeli government— very worried in the israeli government at— very worried in the israeli government at this - very worried in the israeli. government at this change very worried in the israeli - government at this change in position— government at this change in position from _ government at this change in position from america. - government at this change in position from america. it's i government at this change in - position from america. it's always been _ position from america. it's always been the — position from america. it's always been the great _ position from america. it's always been the great reality— position from america. it's always been the great reality here - position from america. it's always been the great reality here that i been the great reality here that america — been the great reality here that america has— been the great reality here that america has always _ been the great reality here that america has always stood - been the great reality here that america has always stood by i been the great reality here that. america has always stood by israel through— america has always stood by israel through thick— america has always stood by israel through thick and _ america has always stood by israel through thick and thin. _ america has always stood by israel through thick and thin. and - america has always stood by israel through thick and thin. and we - america has always stood by israel through thick and thin. and we are| through thick and thin. and we are seeing _ through thick and thin. and we are seeing american _ through thick and thin. and we are seeing american politics _ through thick and thin. and we are seeing american politics really- seeing american politics really substantially _ seeing american politics really substantially for _ seeing american politics really substantially for the _ seeing american politics really substantially for the first - seeing american politics really substantially for the first time | seeing american politics really. substantially for the first time in recent— substantially for the first time in recent times _ substantially for the first time in recent times becoming - substantially for the first time in recent times becoming quite - substantially for the first time in recent times becoming quite anl recent times becoming quite an important — recent times becoming quite an important thing _ recent times becoming quite an important thing for— recent times becoming quite an important thing for to _ recent times becoming quite an important thing for to conflict. i recent times becoming quite an. important thing for to conflict. he will come — important thing for to conflict. he will come onto— important thing for to conflict. he will come onto the _ important thing for to conflict. he will come onto the ukrainian - will come onto the ukrainian conflict _ will come onto the ukrainian conflict in _ will come onto the ukrainian conflict in a _ will come onto the ukrainian conflict in a moment - will come onto the ukrainian conflict in a moment or- will come onto the ukrainian conflict in a moment or two, will come onto the ukrainian - conflict in a moment or two, but repubtican— conflict in a moment or two, but republican unhappiness - conflict in a moment or two, but republican unhappiness is- conflict in a moment or two, but. republican unhappiness is stopping potential— republican unhappiness is stopping potential funding _ republican unhappiness is stopping potential funding for— republican unhappiness is stopping potential funding for the _ republican unhappiness is stopping potential funding for the ukraine i potential funding for the ukraine war. potential funding for the ukraine war~ and — potential funding for the ukraine war~ and it's _ potential funding for the ukraine war. and it's really— potential funding for the ukraine war. and it's really unhappinessl war. and it's really unhappiness amongst — war. and it's really unhappiness amongst democrats _ war. and it's really unhappiness amongst democrats as - war. and it's really unhappiness amongst democrats as she - war. and it's really unhappiness amongst democrats as she was| war. and it's really unhappiness . amongst democrats as she was to war. and it's really unhappiness - amongst democrats as she was to say that has— amongst democrats as she was to say that has caused — amongst democrats as she was to say that has caused joe _ amongst democrats as she was to say that has caused joe biden _ amongst democrats as she was to say that has caused joe biden to- that has caused joe biden to roll back— that has caused joe biden to roll back very— that has caused joe biden to roll back very significantly— that has caused joe biden to roll back very significantly from - that has caused joe biden to roll back very significantly from we l that has caused joe biden to roll. back very significantly from we are abraham _ back very significantly from we are abraham going _ back very significantly from we are abraham going off— back very significantly from we are abraham going off to _ back very significantly from we are abraham going off to jerusalem i back very significantly from we are l abraham going off tojerusalem very soon after— abraham going off tojerusalem very soon after the — abraham going off tojerusalem very soon after the terrible _ abraham going off tojerusalem very soon after the terrible attacks - abraham going off tojerusalem very soon after the terrible attacks on - soon after the terrible attacks on the 7th _ soon after the terrible attacks on the 7th of — soon after the terrible attacks on the 7th of october _ soon after the terrible attacks on the 7th of october and _ soon after the terrible attacks on the 7th of october and basically. the 7th of october and basically pledging — the 7th of october and basically pledging complete _ the 7th of october and basically pledging complete loyalty - the 7th of october and basically pledging complete loyalty to i pledging complete loyalty to whatever— pledging complete loyalty to whatever israel— pledging complete loyalty to whatever israel needed - pledging complete loyalty to whatever israel needed to l pledging complete loyalty to. whatever israel needed to do. pledging complete loyalty to - whatever israel needed to do. well, that did _ whatever israel needed to do. well, that did not — whatever israel needed to do. well, that did not last _ whatever israel needed to do. well, that did not last very _ whatever israel needed to do. well, that did not last very long, - whatever israel needed to do. well, that did not last very long, did - whatever israel needed to do. well, that did not last very long, did it? . that did not last very long, did it? there _ that did not last very long, did it? there have — that did not last very long, did it? there have been _ that did not last very long, did it? there have been marches- there have been marches across america — there have been marches across america largety— there have been marches across america largely from _ there have been marches acrossi america largely from democratic supporters— america largely from democratic supporters making _ america largely from democratic supporters making it— america largely from democratic supporters making it clear- america largely from democratic supporters making it clear they. america largely from democratic . supporters making it clear they are unhappy— supporters making it clear they are unhappy with— supporters making it clear they are unhappy with the _ supporters making it clear they are unhappy with the israeli _ supporters making it clear they are unhappy with the israeli tactics - supporters making it clear they arei unhappy with the israeli tactics and we are _ unhappy with the israeli tactics and we are now— unhappy with the israeli tactics and we are now seeing _ unhappy with the israeli tactics and we are now seeing the _ unhappy with the israeli tactics and we are now seeing the pressure - unhappy with the israeli tactics and we are now seeing the pressure on| we are now seeing the pressure on benjamin _ we are now seeing the pressure on benjamin netanyahu, _ we are now seeing the pressure on benjamin netanyahu, israel's - we are now seeing the pressure on| benjamin netanyahu, israel's prime minister. _ benjamin netanyahu, israel's prime minister. from — benjamin netanyahu, israel's prime minister, from the _ benjamin netanyahu, israel's prime minister, from the american - minister, from the american president— minister, from the american president because _ minister, from the american president because of- minister, from the american president because of those i minister, from the american - president because of those domestic pressures _ president because of those domestic ressures. , ., ~ pressures. interesting, tim, thank ou for pressures. interesting, tim, thank you for that- _ pressures. interesting, tim, thank you for that. we _ pressures. interesting, tim, thank you for that. we have _ pressures. interesting, tim, thank you for that. we have just - pressures. interesting, tim, thank you for that. we have just got - pressures. interesting, tim, thank you for that. we have just got this | you for that. we have just got this one line in from afp news agency quoting president biden, saying i want them, the israelis committee focused on how to save civilian lives. not stop going after hamas, but be more careful. that message from joe biden. it's tricky to see how it from the israeli perspective you can wipe out, eliminate hamas and do that in a different way from what they have been doing.- what they have been doing. right, and that's where _ what they have been doing. right, and that's where the _ what they have been doing. right, and that's where the united - what they have been doing. right, j and that's where the united states disagrees— and that's where the united states disagrees with israel. no one in or hardly— disagrees with israel. no one in or hardly anyone in the united states and no _ hardly anyone in the united states and no one — hardly anyone in the united states and no one in the position of power in the _ and no one in the position of power in the us— and no one in the position of power in the us wants to protect hamas. but the _ in the us wants to protect hamas. but the question is is how israel does _ but the question is is how israel does it — but the question is is how israel does it. and the united states and the president are starting to vocatize _ the president are starting to vocalize the concern that the israetis — vocalize the concern that the israelis are not doing it the way or in a way— israelis are not doing it the way or in a way where they follow conventions of war, really. and you are seeing — conventions of war, really. and you are seeing that pressure in congress, too, as wasjust mentioned with this _ congress, too, as wasjust mentioned with this aid _ congress, too, as wasjust mentioned with this aid package that congress is currently debating and might pass, _ is currently debating and might pass, which includes $14 billion of aid for— pass, which includes $14 billion of aid for israel, including $10 billion— aid for israel, including $10 billion for israel offensive military— billion for israel offensive military weapons. there is a growing number— military weapons. there is a growing number of— military weapons. there is a growing number of democratic elected officials — number of democratic elected officials who are becoming increasingly uneasy with giving israet— increasingly uneasy with giving israel billions of dollars to continue this war in the way they are doing — continue this war in the way they are doing so. some are calling on conditions — are doing so. some are calling on conditions for that aid, and now some _ conditions for that aid, and now some are — conditions for that aid, and now some are calling for this a just to be rescinded altogether. interesting. thank you both for now. ted did mention ukraine. ukraine now. the priority for president zelensky right now — getting more money and supplies to keep the fight going. earlier this week, he tried and failed to convince hard—line republicans in washington to approve $60 billion in funding for his war effort. today, he turned to brussels. eu leaders met to discuss a 78—billion—euro aid package and the opening of formal talks for ukraine to join the eu. they have agreed to start those proceedings on ukraine's accession to the eu, butjust like in washington, there are holdouts when it comes to funding. hungary's leader, viktor orban, gave the green light to ukraine's eu membership, but he has suggested he could block the funding plans. i spoke to kurt volker, the former us ambassador to nato and former us special envoy for ukraine. he said he was surprised the eu has already started talking about accession. the speculation just a few days ago was that they would cut a deal with hungary on the funding, releasing some eu funds for hungary in exchange for getting the ukraine funding, but maybe that he would hold out on accession talks. i think its positive that they agreed on the accession talks already. i suspect the next thing will be an agreement on the funding as well, with the release of funds for hungary and the approval of the budget for ukraine. so let's bring in our panel again. tim, what have you made of president zelensky�*s funding run? i tim, what have you made of president zelensky's funding run?— zelensky's funding run? i think there is a _ zelensky's funding run? i think there is a massive _ zelensky's funding run? i think there is a massive opportunity| zelensky's funding run? i think. there is a massive opportunity for this with — there is a massive opportunity for this with the _ there is a massive opportunity for this with the european _ there is a massive opportunity for this with the european continent. | this with the european continent. i think— this with the european continent. i think probably _ this with the european continent. i think probably america _ this with the european continent. i think probably america will- this with the european continent. i think probably america will come i think probably america will come good _ think probably america will come good in _ think probably america will come good in the — think probably america will come good in the end. _ think probably america will come good in the end. there _ think probably america will come good in the end. there is- think probably america will come good in the end. there is a - think probably america will come good in the end. there is a lot i think probably america will come good in the end. there is a lot ofj good in the end. there is a lot of domestic— good in the end. there is a lot of domestic politics in _ good in the end. there is a lot of domestic politics in the - good in the end. there is a lot of domestic politics in the delay- good in the end. there is a lot of domestic politics in the delay toi domestic politics in the delay to funding — domestic politics in the delay to funding from _ domestic politics in the delay to funding from washington - domestic politics in the delay to funding from washington mostl domestic politics in the delay to. funding from washington most of domestic politics in the delay to i funding from washington most of i think washington— funding from washington most of i think washington won't _ funding from washington most of i think washington won't ultimatelyl think washington won't ultimately want to— think washington won't ultimately want to look— think washington won't ultimately want to look embarrassed - think washington won't ultimately want to look embarrassed by- think washington won't ultimately. want to look embarrassed by europe funding _ want to look embarrassed by europe funding and — want to look embarrassed by europe funding and stepping _ want to look embarrassed by europe funding and stepping up _ want to look embarrassed by europe funding and stepping up when - want to look embarrassed by europe funding and stepping up when they. funding and stepping up when they have not — funding and stepping up when they have not but _ funding and stepping up when they have not. but for— funding and stepping up when they have not. but for the _ funding and stepping up when they have not. but for the moment, - funding and stepping up when they have not. but for the moment, the ball is— have not. but for the moment, the ball is in— have not. but for the moment, the ball is in your— have not. but for the moment, the ball is in your applause _ ball is in your applause hands, _ ball is in your applause hands, and _ ball is in your applause hands, and it— ball is in your applause hands, and it could - ball is in your applausej hands, and it could fulfil ball is in your applause l hands, and it could fulfil a ball is in your applause - hands, and it could fulfil a really important — hands, and it could fulfil a really important role. _ hands, and it could fulfil a really important role. for— hands, and it could fulfil a really important role.— important role. for a long time, washington _ important role. for a long time, washington has _ important role. for a long time, washington has criticised - important role. for a long time, i washington has criticised brussels for not really defending its own continent. , , ., ., ., for not really defending its own continent. , ., ., �*, continent. this is a war on europe's on continent _ continent. this is a war on europe's on continent. there _ continent. this is a war on europe's on continent. there has _ continent. this is a war on europe's on continent. there has been - on continent. there has been actually— on continent. there has been actually if— on continent. there has been actually if you _ on continent. there has been actually if you look— on continent. there has been actually if you look at - on continent. there has been actually if you look at all- on continent. there has been actually if you look at all the i actually if you look at all the assistance _ actually if you look at all the assistance that's— actually if you look at all the assistance that's given, - actually if you look at all the i assistance that's given, europe actually if you look at all the - assistance that's given, europe has actually— assistance that's given, europe has actually given — assistance that's given, europe has actually given a _ assistance that's given, europe has actually given a little _ assistance that's given, europe has actually given a little bit _ assistance that's given, europe has actually given a little bit more - actually given a little bit more money — actually given a little bit more money than _ actually given a little bit more money than the _ actually given a little bit more money than the united - actually given a little bit more money than the united statesj actually given a little bit more . money than the united states to ukraine, — money than the united states to ukraine, and— money than the united states to ukraine, and it's— money than the united states to ukraine, and it's really- money than the united states to ukraine, and it's really urgent i money than the united states to i ukraine, and it's really urgent now. i ukraine, and it's really urgent now. i don't _ ukraine, and it's really urgent now. idon't think— ukraine, and it's really urgent now. i don't think zelensky _ ukraine, and it's really urgent now. i don't think zelensky is _ ukraine, and it's really urgent now. i don't think zelensky is lying - ukraine, and it's really urgent now. i don't think zelensky is lying when| i don't think zelensky is lying when idon't think zelensky is lying when he says— idon't think zelensky is lying when he says our— idon't think zelensky is lying when he says our supply— i don't think zelensky is lying when he says our supply lines _ idon't think zelensky is lying when he says our supply lines or- i don't think zelensky is lying when| he says our supply lines or anything of any— he says our supply lines or anything of any the _ he says our supply lines or anything of any the money— he says our supply lines or anything of any the money quickly. _ he says our supply lines or anything of any the money quickly. europe . he says our supply lines or anything i of any the money quickly. europe can fill that— of any the money quickly. europe can fill that gap _ of any the money quickly. europe can fill that gap urgently, _ of any the money quickly. europe can fill that gap urgently, and _ of any the money quickly. europe can fill that gap urgently, and i— of any the money quickly. europe can fill that gap urgently, and i hope - fill that gap urgently, and i hope it does — fill that gap urgently, and i hope it does. , �* , it does. interesting. let's get the us oint it does. interesting. let's get the us point of— it does. interesting. let's get the us point of view _ it does. interesting. let's get the us point of view there. _ it does. interesting. let's get the us point of view there. dammit l it does. interesting. let's get the i us point of view there. dammit they are confident the money will come. are you confident in your own timing? —— tim there confident the money will come. i timing? -- tim there confident the money will come.— money will come. i am a not so confident the _ money will come. i am a not so confident the money _ money will come. i am a not so confident the money will - money will come. i am a not so. confident the money will couples money will come. i am a not so - confident the money will couples of this is— confident the money will couples of this is become extremely wrapped up in in domestic politics as tim just mentioned — in in domestic politics as tim just mentioned. not only domestic politics. — mentioned. not only domestic politics, but the most complicated domestic— politics, but the most complicated domestic politics that the united states— domestic politics that the united states faces, and that is the southern _ states faces, and that is the southern border with mexico. this is an issue _ southern border with mexico. this is an issue that— southern border with mexico. this is an issue that has ignited the republican base, voters. it is an issue _ republican base, voters. it is an issue that — republican base, voters. it is an issue that makes independent and moderate — issue that makes independent and moderate leaning voters uncomfortable. and so there does need _ uncomfortable. and so there does need to— uncomfortable. and so there does need to be — uncomfortable. and so there does need to be some sort of solution, but congress has tried to find a solution — but congress has tried to find a solution to the border for more than two decades and has failed. so, you know, _ two decades and has failed. so, you know. you _ two decades and has failed. so, you know, you have the border issue that the republicans are demanding, you have ukraine, which many republicans don't want _ have ukraine, which many republicans don't want to fund anyway, and then you have _ don't want to fund anyway, and then you have israel that is losing support— you have israel that is losing support among democrats. and so i think— support among democrats. and so i think that — support among democrats. and so i think that this is extremely, extremely complicated and it has to find that— extremely complicated and it has to find that sweet spot, which is increasingly hard to find. interesting. ok, a bit more pessimism there from you. tim, let's go back to you and i want to talk about the other thing in the eu that happened, these accession talks approved for ukraine's eventual membership of the eu. wejust got approved for ukraine's eventual membership of the eu. we just got a lot here from the us saying the us hails historic eu membership talks for ukraine. that's from the white house there. do you agree? i think we could not _ house there. do you agree? i think we could not exaggerate _ house there. do you agree? i think we could not exaggerate the - house there. do you agree? i think we could not exaggerate the problems that ukraine _ we could not exaggerate the problems that ukraine and _ we could not exaggerate the problems that ukraine and zelensky— we could not exaggerate the problems that ukraine and zelensky are - that ukraine and zelensky are facing — that ukraine and zelensky are facing i— that ukraine and zelensky are facing. ithink— that ukraine and zelensky are facing. i think although - that ukraine and zelensky are facing. i think although the i that ukraine and zelensky are . facing. i think although the land battle _ facing. i think although the land battle is, — facing. i think although the land battle is, to— facing. i think although the land battle is, to use _ facing. i think although the land battle is, to use the _ facing. i think although the land battle is, to use the phrase, - facing. i think although the landl battle is, to use the phrase, lot, they— battle is, to use the phrase, lot, they made — battle is, to use the phrase, lot, they made a _ battle is, to use the phrase, lot, they made a lot _ battle is, to use the phrase, lot, they made a lot of _ battle is, to use the phrase, lot, they made a lot of progress - battle is, to use the phrase, lot, they made a lot of progress in l battle is, to use the phrase, lot, i they made a lot of progress in the black sea — they made a lot of progress in the black sea they— they made a lot of progress in the black sea. they have _ they made a lot of progress in the black sea. they have really - they made a lot of progress in the black sea. they have really made | black sea. they have really made russian _ black sea. they have really made russian operations _ black sea. they have really made russian operations and _ black sea. they have really made russian operations and the - black sea. they have really made russian operations and the black| black sea. they have really made - russian operations and the black sea very difficult, — russian operations and the black sea very difficult, partly— russian operations and the black sea very difficult, partly with _ russian operations and the black sea very difficult, partly with very- very difficult, partly with very advanced _ very difficult, partly with very advanced drone _ very difficult, partly with very advanced drone technology. very difficult, partly with very. advanced drone technology. and very difficult, partly with very- advanced drone technology. and also we know _ advanced drone technology. and also we know what — advanced drone technology. and also we know what russia's _ advanced drone technology. and also we know what russia's like _ advanced drone technology. and also we know what russia's like with - advanced drone technology. and also we know what russia's like with this| we know what russia's like with this information — we know what russia's like with this information i— we know what russia's like with this information. i think— we know what russia's like with this information. i think some _ we know what russia's like with this information. i think some of- we know what russia's like with this information. i think some of the - information. i think some of the political— information. i think some of the political problems— information. i think some of the political problems that - information. i think some of the political problems that zelenskyj information. i think some of the . political problems that zelensky is facing _ political problems that zelensky is facing are — political problems that zelensky is facing are because _ political problems that zelensky is facing are because very— political problems that zelensky is i facing are because very subterranean russian _ facing are because very subterranean russian efforts — facing are because very subterranean russian efforts and _ facing are because very subterranean russian efforts and undermining - facing are because very subterranean russian efforts and undermining the i russian efforts and undermining the regime _ russian efforts and undermining the regime but— russian efforts and undermining the regime but it— russian efforts and undermining the regime but it is _ russian efforts and undermining the regime. but it is nonetheless- russian efforts and undermining the regime. but it is nonetheless true i regime. but it is nonetheless true that partly— regime. but it is nonetheless true that partly because _ regime. but it is nonetheless true that partly because the _ regime. but it is nonetheless true that partly because the west - regime. but it is nonetheless true that partly because the west is i that partly because the west is not getting _ that partly because the west is not getting arms — that partly because the west is not getting arms to _ that partly because the west is not getting arms to kyiv _ that partly because the west is not getting arms to kyiv quickly - that partly because the west is not i getting arms to kyiv quickly enough, ukraine _ getting arms to kyiv quickly enough, ukraine is— getting arms to kyiv quickly enough, ukraine is not— getting arms to kyiv quickly enough, ukraine is not making _ getting arms to kyiv quickly enough, ukraine is not making the _ getting arms to kyiv quickly enough, ukraine is not making the progress i ukraine is not making the progress that we _ ukraine is not making the progress that we would _ ukraine is not making the progress that we would want _ ukraine is not making the progress that we would want them - ukraine is not making the progress that we would want them to. - ukraine is not making the progress that we would want them to. and i ukraine is not making the progress. that we would want them to. and so zetensky— that we would want them to. and so zelensky needed _ that we would want them to. and so zelensky needed some _ that we would want them to. and so zelensky needed some good - that we would want them to. and so zelensky needed some good news . that we would want them to. and so . zelensky needed some good news and i think these _ zelensky needed some good news and i think these accession _ zelensky needed some good news and i think these accession talks _ zelensky needed some good news and i think these accession talks provide - think these accession talks provide a little _ think these accession talks provide a little bit — think these accession talks provide a little bit to— think these accession talks provide a little bit to give _ think these accession talks provide a little bit to give them _ think these accession talks provide a little bit to give them the - a little bit to give them the opportunity— a little bit to give them the opportunity to— a little bit to give them the opportunity to say- a little bit to give them the opportunity to say to - a little bit to give them the opportunity to say to the l a little bit to give them the - opportunity to say to the ukrainian people _ opportunity to say to the ukrainian people the — opportunity to say to the ukrainian people the rest— opportunity to say to the ukrainian people the rest of— opportunity to say to the ukrainian people the rest of the _ opportunity to say to the ukrainian people the rest of the world - opportunity to say to the ukrainian people the rest of the world is - opportunity to say to the ukrainian people the rest of the world is not| people the rest of the world is not forgotten — people the rest of the world is not forgotten us — people the rest of the world is not forgotten us and _ people the rest of the world is not forgotten us and that _ people the rest of the world is not forgotten us and that is _ forgotten us and that is important at the _ forgotten us and that is important at the moment _ forgotten us and that is important at the moment. timu _ forgotten us and that is important at the moment.— forgotten us and that is important at the moment. tim can we 'ust read the because — at the moment. tim can we 'ust read the because we * at the moment. tim can we 'ust read the because we have - at the moment. tim can we just read the because we have covered - at the moment. tim can we just read the because we have covered the - the because we have covered the us and the eu, what is the uk? weill. and the eu, what is the uk? well, look, i'm and the eu, what is the uk? well, look. km a — and the eu, what is the uk? well, look, i'm a conservative, - and the eu, what is the uk? well, look, i'm a conservative, and - look, i'm a conservative, and on other— look, i'm a conservative, and on other subjects _ look, i'm a conservative, and on other subjects i'm _ look, i'm a conservative, and on other subjects i'm not _ look, i'm a conservative, and on other subjects i'm not a - look, i'm a conservative, and on other subjects i'm not a great... j look, i'm a conservative, and on| other subjects i'm not a great... i think— other subjects i'm not a great... i think this — other subjects i'm not a great... i think this government _ other subjects i'm not a great... i think this government has - other subjects i'm not a great... i think this government has been. think this government has been disastrous— think this government has been disastrous and _ think this government has been disastrous and lots _ think this government has been disastrous and lots of— think this government has been disastrous and lots of ways, - think this government has been| disastrous and lots of ways, but think this government has been- disastrous and lots of ways, but one thing _ disastrous and lots of ways, but one thing it— disastrous and lots of ways, but one thing it has— disastrous and lots of ways, but one thing it has been— disastrous and lots of ways, but one thing it has been very good - disastrous and lots of ways, but one thing it has been very good on - disastrous and lots of ways, but one thing it has been very good on his. thing it has been very good on his ukraine — thing it has been very good on his ukraine we — thing it has been very good on his ukraine. we were _ thing it has been very good on his ukraine. we were really- thing it has been very good on his ukraine. we were really the - thing it has been very good on his ukraine. we were really the firsti ukraine. we were really the first european nation _ ukraine. we were really the first european nation to _ ukraine. we were really the first european nation to supply - ukraine. we were really the first i european nation to supply weapons ukraine. we were really the first - european nation to supply weapons to ukraine, _ european nation to supply weapons to ukraine, and— european nation to supply weapons to ukraine, and kyiv— european nation to supply weapons to ukraine, and kyiv may— european nation to supply weapons to ukraine, and kyiv may well— european nation to supply weapons to ukraine, and kyiv may well have - ukraine, and kyiv may well have fallen _ ukraine, and kyiv may well have fallen if— ukraine, and kyiv may well have fallen if they _ ukraine, and kyiv may well have fallen if they had _ ukraine, and kyiv may well have fallen if they had not _ ukraine, and kyiv may well have fallen if they had not been - ukraine, and kyiv may well have fallen if they had not been for. fallen if they had not been for those — fallen if they had not been for those early— fallen if they had not been for those early tank, _ fallen if they had not been for those early tank, anti—tank. fallen if they had not been for- those early tank, anti—tank weapons that london— those early tank, anti—tank weapons that london and _ those early tank, anti—tank weapons that london and washington - those early tank, anti—tank weapons that london and washington supply. those early tank, anti—tank weapons. that london and washington supply. i think we _ that london and washington supply. i think we have — that london and washington supply. i think we have had _ that london and washington supply. i think we have had a _ that london and washington supply. i think we have had a good _ that london and washington supply. i think we have had a good record - that london and washington supply. i think we have had a good record on. think we have had a good record on ukraine _ think we have had a good record on ukraine we — think we have had a good record on ukraine. we are _ think we have had a good record on ukraine. we are still— think we have had a good record on ukraine. we are still supplying - think we have had a good record on ukraine. we are still supplying thei ukraine. we are still supplying the same _ ukraine. we are still supplying the same levet— ukraine. we are still supplying the same level of— ukraine. we are still supplying the same level of armaments, - ukraine. we are still supplying the same level of armaments, and - same level of armaments, and long may they— same level of armaments, and long may they continue. _ same level of armaments, and long may they continue. and _ same level of armaments, and long may they continue. and i _ same level of armaments, and long may they continue. and i think- same level of armaments, and long may they continue. and i think also| may they continue. and i think also labour, _ may they continue. and i think also labour, the — may they continue. and i think also labour, the labour— may they continue. and i think also labour, the labour opposition, - may they continue. and i think also labour, the labour opposition, if. labour, the labour opposition, if they— labour, the labour opposition, if they go— labour, the labour opposition, if they go into _ labour, the labour opposition, if they go into power— labour, the labour opposition, if they go into power next - labour, the labour opposition, if they go into power next year, . labour, the labour opposition, if. they go into power next year, they will continue — they go into power next year, they will continue that— they go into power next year, they will continue that is _ they go into power next year, they will continue that is so _ they go into power next year, they will continue that is so it's - they go into power next year, they will continue that is so it's one - will continue that is so it's one occasion— will continue that is so it's one occasion where _ will continue that is so it's one occasion where there - will continue that is so it's one occasion where there is - will continue that is so it's one| occasion where there is a good will continue that is so it's one - occasion where there is a good cross party— occasion where there is a good cross party consensus _ occasion where there is a good cross party consensus in _ occasion where there is a good cross party consensus in britain. _ occasion where there is a good cross party consensus in britain. 0k, - party consensus in britain. 0k, thank you- _ party consensus in britain. 0k, thank you. back— party consensus in britain. 0k, thank you. back with _ party consensus in britain. thank you. back with you very quickly because he will stay on the theme here. russian president vladimir putin held his first major press conference since he launched the full—scale invasion of ukraine. he said russia's objectives have not changed and that peace with ukraine will only take place "when we achieve our objectives". translation: unless they want to come to terms peacefully, - we have to take some action, including military action. peace will come when we reach our goals, that you have mentioned. and coming back to the goals, they remain unchanged. soi so i suggest explain this is the big, lengthy press conference that vladimir putin holds, and he takes a whole range of questions hour after hour, and it's a funny mix. there is some openness, but our colleague, russia editor steve rosenberg, did not get a question i think after four hours of holding his hand up to try and get one. he did not get one. so there is a bit of theatre to the whole thing as well. what did you make there of that response specifically there when he was asked about ukraine?— specifically there when he was asked about ukraine? well, when putin says that he wants — about ukraine? well, when putin says that he wants peace, _ about ukraine? well, when putin says that he wants peace, a _ about ukraine? well, when putin says that he wants peace, a lot _ about ukraine? well, when putin says that he wants peace, a lot of people l that he wants peace, a lot of people are sceptical of that piece after he takes over— are sceptical of that piece after he takes over ukraine is what people that the _ takes over ukraine is what people that the end goal is. but, look, there _ that the end goal is. but, look, there seems to be obviously a very defining _ there seems to be obviously a very defining moment for ukraine as it's still struggling to gain the attention or keep the attention of the world — attention or keep the attention of the world as it's trying to keep the support, _ the world as it's trying to keep the support, the united states. whereas some _ support, the united states. whereas some of— support, the united states. whereas some of the west, including some in the united _ some of the west, including some in the united states, think that this is a pivotal moment for not only ukraine and the west but also for putin— ukraine and the west but also for putin as _ ukraine and the west but also for putin as well. when zelensky was in town in— putin as well. when zelensky was in town in washington earlier this week, — town in washington earlier this week, one thing that stood out was when _ week, one thing that stood out was when he _ week, one thing that stood out was when he told senators that regulus of what _ when he told senators that regulus of what happens as far as eight is concerned. — of what happens as far as eight is concerned, ukraine will not stop fighting — concerned, ukraine will not stop fighting for so many said that there could _ fighting for so many said that there could potentially come of this could potentially if he does not have the support _ potentially if he does not have the support that he needs to turn into guerrilla _ support that he needs to turn into guerrilla warfare. and so he is committed regardless of how ugly this continues to get to continue to fi-ht this continues to get to continue to fight putin— this continues to get to continue to fight putin and i think, you know, putin— fight putin and i think, you know, putin has— fight putin and i think, you know, putin has made clear he has no intention— putin has made clear he has no intention of making them of the lives of— intention of making them of the lives of the current stalemate. and on that point. _ lives of the current stalemate. and on that point, ten, _ lives of the current stalemate. situc on that point, ten, there are lives of the current stalemate. fific on that point, ten, there are many of the supporting ukraine and supporting full military aid for ukraine pointing out that in their eyes vladimir putin won't be stopped by anything other than defeat on the battlefield there. and we did not get any sense from any answers today that that's wrong. ida. get any sense from any answers today that that's wrong.— that that's wrong. no, and i think it was it yesterday _ that that's wrong. no, and i think it was it yesterday that _ that that's wrong. no, and i think it was it yesterday that he - that that's wrong. no, and i think. it was it yesterday that he declared 0desa. _ it was it yesterday that he declared 0desa. a _ it was it yesterday that he declared odesa, a ukrainian— it was it yesterday that he declared odesa, a ukrainian city, _ it was it yesterday that he declared odesa, a ukrainian city, as- it was it yesterday that he declared odesa, a ukrainian city, as it - odesa, a ukrainian city, as it russian _ odesa, a ukrainian city, as it russian soil— odesa, a ukrainian city, as it russian soil now? _ odesa, a ukrainian city, as it russian soil now? which - odesa, a ukrainian city, as it russian soil now? which is l odesa, a ukrainian city, as it - russian soil now? which is another very provocative _ russian soil now? which is another very provocative statement - russian soil now? which is another very provocative statement by - russian soil now? which is anotherj very provocative statement by him. and it's _ very provocative statement by him. and it's usually— very provocative statement by him. and it's usually offensive _ very provocative statement by him. and it's usually offensive to - very provocative statement by him. and it's usually offensive to the - and it's usually offensive to the ukrainian — and it's usually offensive to the ukrainian people, _ and it's usually offensive to the ukrainian people, who - and it's usually offensive to the ukrainian people, who are - and it's usually offensive to the l ukrainian people, who are now... they— ukrainian people, who are now... they have — ukrainian people, who are now... they have lost _ ukrainian people, who are now... they have lost so _ ukrainian people, who are now... they have lost so many _ ukrainian people, who are now... they have lost so many men, - ukrainian people, who are now... - they have lost so many men, largely, in battle, _ they have lost so many men, largely, in battle, many — they have lost so many men, largely, in battle, many dead, _ they have lost so many men, largely, in battle, many dead, many— they have lost so many men, largely, in battle, many dead, many with - they have lost so many men, largely, in battle, many dead, many with life. in battle, many dead, many with life ruining _ in battle, many dead, many with life ruining injuries, _ in battle, many dead, many with life ruining injuries, and— in battle, many dead, many with life ruining injuries, and a _ in battle, many dead, many with life ruining injuries, and a lot _ in battle, many dead, many with life ruining injuries, and a lot of- in battle, many dead, many with life ruining injuries, and a lot of them i ruining injuries, and a lot of them died— ruining injuries, and a lot of them died in— ruining injuries, and a lot of them died in battles— ruining injuries, and a lot of them died in battles like _ ruining injuries, and a lot of them died in battles like the _ ruining injuries, and a lot of them died in battles like the battle - ruining injuries, and a lot of them died in battles like the battle of. died in battles like the battle of 0desa~ — died in battles like the battle of 0desa~ as— died in battles like the battle of 0desa~ as a _ died in battles like the battle of odesa. as a people _ died in battles like the battle of odesa. as a people will- died in battles like the battle of odesa. as a people will not - died in battles like the battle of. odesa. as a people will not want, will not _ odesa. as a people will not want, will not want _ odesa. as a people will not want, will not want to _ odesa. as a people will not want, will not want to give _ odesa. as a people will not want, will not want to give in _ odesa. as a people will not want, will not want to give in to - odesa. as a people will not want, will not want to give in to putin. l will not want to give in to putin. and of— will not want to give in to putin. and of us— will not want to give in to putin. and of us letting _ will not want to give in to putin. and of us letting his _ will not want to give in to putin. and of us letting his rhetoric. ii and of us letting his rhetoric. i think— and of us letting his rhetoric. i think he — and of us letting his rhetoric. i think he feels _ and of us letting his rhetoric. i think he feels that _ and of us letting his rhetoric. i think he feels that the - and of us letting his rhetoric. i think he feels that the west, l and of us letting his rhetoric. i. think he feels that the west, he can now sort— think he feels that the west, he can now sort of— think he feels that the west, he can now sort of at — think he feels that the west, he can now sort of at the _ think he feels that the west, he can now sort of at the west. _ think he feels that the west, he can now sort of at the west. the - think he feels that the west, he can now sort of at the west. the west l now sort of at the west. the west have _ now sort of at the west. the west have made — now sort of at the west. the west have made promises— now sort of at the west. the west have made promises about - now sort of at the west. the west have made promises about we - have made promises about we will stick with— have made promises about we will stick with ukraine _ have made promises about we will stick with ukraine no _ have made promises about we will stick with ukraine no matter- have made promises about we will stick with ukraine no matter what. well, _ stick with ukraine no matter what. well, he _ stick with ukraine no matter what. well, he remembers— stick with ukraine no matter what. well, he remembers us— stick with ukraine no matter what. i well, he remembers us withdrawing from afghanistan _ well, he remembers us withdrawing from afghanistan in _ well, he remembers us withdrawing from afghanistan in that _ well, he remembers us withdrawing from afghanistan in that very - from afghanistan in that very chaotic— from afghanistan in that very chaotic way, _ from afghanistan in that very chaotic way, and _ from afghanistan in that very chaotic way, and he - from afghanistan in that very chaotic way, and he thinks i from afghanistan in that very l chaotic way, and he thinks that from afghanistan in that very - chaotic way, and he thinks that he can outlast — chaotic way, and he thinks that he can outlast us _ chaotic way, and he thinks that he can outlast us again. _ chaotic way, and he thinks that he can outlast us again. and - chaotic way, and he thinks that he can outlast us again. and i- chaotic way, and he thinks that he can outlast us again. and i think. can outlast us again. and i think 2024 _ can outlast us again. and i think 2024 is — can outlast us again. and i think 2024 is going _ can outlast us again. and i think 2024 is going to _ can outlast us again. and i think 2024 is going to be _ can outlast us again. and i think 2024 is going to be a _ can outlast us again. and i think 2024 is going to be a very- can outlast us again. and i think 2024 is going to be a very big i 2024 is going to be a very big year for the _ 2024 is going to be a very big year for the west _ 2024 is going to be a very big year for the west. are _ 2024 is going to be a very big year for the west. are we _ 2024 is going to be a very big year| for the west. are we serious about confronting — for the west. are we serious about confronting putin— for the west. are we serious about confronting putin and _ for the west. are we serious about confronting putin and sending - for the west. are we serious abouti confronting putin and sending them back with _ confronting putin and sending them back with his— confronting putin and sending them back with his tail _ confronting putin and sending them back with his tail between - confronting putin and sending them back with his tail between his - confronting putin and sending them back with his tail between his legs? or will— back with his tail between his legs? or will he _ back with his tail between his legs? or will he actually— back with his tail between his legs? or will he actually get _ back with his tail between his legs? or will he actually get the _ or will he actually get the opportunity— or will he actually get the opportunity to— or will he actually get the opportunity to declare - or will he actually get the . opportunity to declare more or will he actually get the - opportunity to declare more at ukrainian _ opportunity to declare more at ukrainian cities _ opportunity to declare more at ukrainian cities as _ opportunity to declare more at ukrainian cities as russian? i opportunity to declare more at. ukrainian cities as russian? well, we must — ukrainian cities as russian? well, we must not — ukrainian cities as russian? well, we must not given— ukrainian cities as russian? well, we must not given that _ ukrainian cities as russian? well, . we must not given that opportunity. thank_ we must not given that opportunity. thank you _ we must not given that opportunity. thank you both _ we must not given that opportunity. thank you both very— we must not given that opportunity. thank you both very much. - we must not given that opportunity. thank you both very much. back- we must not given that opportunity. i thank you both very much. back with them injust a moment. stay with us. this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. new cctv footage has been released of the last—known movements of a woman who has been missing since friday. gaynor lord, who's 55, was reported missing in norwich after failing to return home from work. police say there's a "high probability" that she went into the river wensum in the city. specialist divers are continuing to conduct searches of the area. the father, step—mother and uncle of ten—year—old sara sharif, who died at her home in woking in august, have pleaded not guilty to her murder. urfan sharif, beinash batool and faisal malik appeared at the old bailey by videolink. french police say they have found a british boy who disappeared in spain six years ago. alex batty, from oldham, near manchester, disappeared along with his mother and grandfather while on holiday. police in a town near toulouse said a boy answering to the name "alex batty" and matching his description was brought to them on wednesday morning. you're live with bbc news. next, the bank of england left uk interest rates on hold at a 15—year high of 5.25% in its final meeting of the year. it's the third time in a row the bank has held the rates as it tries to bring inflation lower. meanwhile, in the us, retail sales in the united states rose unexpectedly last month. that's according to government data released today, with consumer spending holding up in the face of higher interest rates. us consumption has been more resilient than anticipated even as the central bank embarked on an aggressive campaign to ease demand and rein in inflation by hiking rates rapidly. leigh ann caldwell, washington post live anchor. tim montgomerie, founder of the political website conservative home. they are our panel. let's get into a bit of the economic data then. how do you think it's all holding up there? ~ �* , , there? well, it's interesting in the sense that our _ there? well, it's interesting in the sense that our fed _ there? well, it's interesting in the sense that our fed this _ there? well, it's interesting in the sense that our fed this week - there? well, it's interesting in the sense that our fed this week held | sense that our fed this week held interest rates at the same level, the client to increase them and indicated that they will decrease the interest rates next year, and 2024. the interest rates next year, and 202a. they are continuing to be quite good economic indicators, inflation has steadied, employment continues to be high, on the plumbing continues to be low. and things generally are pretty good. but it's interesting when you look at polling of what people think, polling suggests quite the opposite, that in fact people are pretty pessimistic about the economy. they are pessimistic about howjoe biden has handled the economy as well. it is very intertwined with people's politics, and on a personal level, people, polling suggests, feel quite 0k people, polling suggests, feel quite ok with their personal finances. as you mentioned it, the consumer at levels continue to perform higher than expected. the people seem to have money in their pockets and are continuing to spend it.— continuing to spend it. interesting, and that polling — continuing to spend it. interesting, and that polling so _ continuing to spend it. interesting, and that polling so crucial - continuing to spend it. interesting, and that polling so crucial of - and that polling so crucial of course because next year is an election year in the us, as it is in the uk probably, tim. absolutely and esterda the uk probably, tim. absolutely and yesterday we — the uk probably, tim. absolutely and yesterday we had _ the uk probably, tim. absolutely and yesterday we had growth _ the uk probably, tim. absolutely and yesterday we had growth data - the uk probably, tim. absolutely and yesterday we had growth data in - yesterday we had growth data in britain _ yesterday we had growth data in britain which was disappointing on the downside, the economy shrank by 03%~ _ the downside, the economy shrank by 0~3%~ 50— the downside, the economy shrank by 0.3%. sojust when rishi sunak, the british— 0.3%. sojust when rishi sunak, the british prime — 0.3%. sojust when rishi sunak, the british prime minister, thought he was having a better week when he won the immigration vote, things went south _ the immigration vote, things went south for— the immigration vote, things went south for him on the economic data. and as _ south for him on the economic data. and as we _ south for him on the economic data. and as we know from her country, i think— and as we know from her country, i think it _ and as we know from her country, i think it was — and as we know from her country, i think it wasjames and as we know from her country, i think it was james carville, and as we know from her country, i think it wasjames carville, the former— think it wasjames carville, the former sort of adviser to bill clinton, _ former sort of adviser to bill clinton, said it is the economy, stupid — clinton, said it is the economy, stupid and _ clinton, said it is the economy, stupid. and it's usually the economy that dictates the outcome of elections, but entirely anecdotally i elections, but entirely anecdotally i tried _ elections, but entirely anecdotally i tried to _ elections, but entirely anecdotally i tried to have dinner with a friend tonight— i tried to have dinner with a friend tonight here in salisbury. three restaurants i could not get in, so before _ restaurants i could not get in, so before i— restaurants i could not get in, so before i appeared with you, i had some _ before i appeared with you, i had some homemade spaghetti... that's kind of detail — some homemade spaghetti... that's kind of detail we _ some homemade spaghetti... that's kind of detail we all _ some homemade spaghetti... that's kind of detail we all need _ some homemade spaghetti... that's kind of detail we all need on - some homemade spaghetti... that's kind of detail we all need on the - kind of detail we all need on the show. you're providing the context we all actually want, tim. appreciate that. so how important do you think it is going to be next year, tim equipment we don't know when this election is going to be but what do you think are going be the big factors weighing on peoples minds as they out about? sorry chemically the tim and then back to you. chemically the tim and then back to ou. �* , , , , . chemically the tim and then back to ou.�* ,,, , you. i'm pessimistic about tory fortunes is _ you. i'm pessimistic about tory fortunes is i — you. i'm pessimistic about tory fortunes is i think— you. i'm pessimistic about tory fortunes is i think they - you. i'm pessimistic about tory fortunes is i think they have - fortunes is i think they have already— fortunes is i think they have already lost the next election. you don't _ already lost the next election. you don't overcome a 20% deficit like this, _ don't overcome a 20% deficit like this, so— don't overcome a 20% deficit like this, so i— don't overcome a 20% deficit like this, so i want the tories to go quickly— this, so i want the tories to go quickly because i think the longer this parliament goes on, the angrier voters _ this parliament goes on, the angrier voters are _ this parliament goes on, the angrier voters are getting. but i'm not sure rishi _ voters are getting. but i'm not sure rishi sunak_ voters are getting. but i'm not sure rishi sunak we want to leave dentistry— rishi sunak we want to leave dentistry earlier that he would prefer~ — dentistry earlier that he would refer. , . . prefer. interesting, 0k, and what about in the _ prefer. interesting, 0k, and what about in the us? _ prefer. interesting, 0k, and what about in the us? yakima - prefer. interesting, 0k, and what about in the us? yakima same, l prefer. interesting, 0k, and what. about in the us? yakima same, the economy is— about in the us? yakima same, the economy is always _ about in the us? yakima same, the economy is always important - about in the us? yakima same, the economy is always important but i economy is always important but in these interesting times, you had this issue of abortion and to go somewhere else it's also going to be an issue and then you have donald trump multiply at the top of the ticket again, which makes everything a little bit more unprintable regardless of how good or bad the economy is doing.— regardless of how good or bad the economy is doing. fascinating stuff. thank ou economy is doing. fascinating stuff. thank you both. _ economy is doing. fascinating stuff. thank you both, thanks _ economy is doing. fascinating stuff. thank you both, thanks to _ economy is doing. fascinating stuff. thank you both, thanks to our - economy is doing. fascinating stuff. thank you both, thanks to our panel there. leigh ann caldwell, washington post live anchor. tim montgomerie, founder of the political website conservative home. back with both of them in a few minutes' time is we actually talk aboutjoe biden and those impeachments proceedings with the investigation launched. but in more detail on that coming up in a few minutes. want to take you alive, though, to gaza. we have our by now from earshot from the south of israel looking over towards gaza because we have that significant language coming in from joe biden. we have seen over the last few days this change in language. still a staunch ally of israel of course, but talking about israel, saying in the last hour or so, i wanted to be focused on how to save civilian life. not stop going after hamas, he says he might but be more careful. so this, a repeated yet another statement from the white house, from joe biden, from the us, staunch ally of israel, talking about the need potentially to change the way it is conducting its military operations in israel. i want to be focused on how to save civilian lives. plenty more on that coming up later. to stay with us, back into the couple of minutes. as is bbc news. hello there. thursday brought us some big temperature contrasts across the uk. western areas, it turned pretty mild. swansea, we had temperatures, for example, reaching double figures with some bright skies here. but across parts of east anglia through much of the day, temperatures struggled in places to reach much above four degrees celsius, and there was some drizzle around, too. overnight tonight, i think it's going to stay pretty cloudy across wales, parts of the midlands, southern counties of england, northern ireland and probably western scotland, too. the clearer skies — eastern scotland and parts of north—east england, and that's probably where we'll see some of the lowest temperatures. so, tomorrow, probably a lot of cloud for wales and southern counties of england. northern ireland, cloudy. western scotland, cloud thickens to bring some rain. there will be some sunny spells, the best of these probably across the eastern side of england, particularly to the east of the pennines, and across parts of eastern scotland for a time. mild across the west, temperatures reaching 12 degrees, but across eastern england, not quite so mild with temperatures of around eight. then as we head into the weekend, we get a weather front that gets stuck across the north—west of scotland, bringing some very large falls of rain, particularly focused in the highlands, where over the high ground we could see around 175 mm of rain. that's a huge amount and could bring some flooding issues, may also trigger one or two landslips. aside from that, the weekend will be dominated by south—westerly winds that will be bringing mild air across the uk. mild it may be, however it's also likely to be pretty grey and cloudy on saturday. and across these western areas, the cloud would be thick enough for a bit of drizzle. a few mist and fog patches around. heavier rain, then, into the north—west of scotland. some breaks in the cloud. again, the best of these are likely to be across parts of north—east england and for a time across eastern scotland, although any sunshine is likely to be very hazy there. for sunday, if anything, rain becomes a bit more extensive in scotland. perhaps some of the rain fringing into northern ireland for a time, too. england and wales largely dry, and a better chance of seeing the cloud break with some spells of sunshine coming through. very mild. temperatures could reach between 12—14 degrees celsius for the vast majority. however, the mild air won't stay with us all that long because into next week, we swap south—westerly winds for north—westerly winds and down go the temperatures. as well as that colder air arriving, there'll be plenty of showers, and as the colder air digs in, some of those will start to turn wintry. hello, i'm lewis vaughanjones. you're watching the context on bbc news. the first women's super league sticker album launches — after 50 years of stickers featuring the men's division. president biden has called last night's vote by the us house of representatives to begin an impeachment inquiry a " baseless political stunt. " lawmakers voted along party lines to back a resolution that republicans say will give them more power to gather evidence and enforce legal demands. three republican—led house committees allege bribery and corruption during mr biden's tenure as vice—president. our panelare standing our panel are standing by. leigh ann caldwell — washington post live anchor. tim montgomerie — founder of the political website conservative home. leah, what you make of this? this is predictable, republicans have been talking about cents the dayjoe biden was elected president. even though many republicans still don't acknowledge that he was legitimately elected president. this is something thatis elected president. this is something that is political in nature. i wrote about this the other day calling it the revenge impeachment, their retribution impeachment. donald trump, the former president was impeached twice has been very public about his demands that the republicans impeachjoe biden. and privately he has been pushing