Transcripts For BBCNEWS Politics 20240703

Comment from the chief constables as to why they are not responding to requests from the media. It is also the comment they have used to ask families why they wont respond. Words fail me, really. It is the most awful thing to have to go through and the layers of trauma poor communication have added, i dont know if we will ever get over it but we have to try and find a way. It but we have to try and find a wa. ,. ,. ,. , way. Nottinghamshire police is being investi. Ated way. Nottinghamshire police is being investigated by way. Nottinghamshire police is being investigated by the way. Nottinghamshire police is being investigated by the iopc, way. Nottinghamshire police is being investigated by the iopc, the investigated by the iopc, the independent office of police conduct, over its handling of the attacks was that there is a review by the College Of Policing and in a statement the force said in light of those investigations it would be inappropriate to comment. Emma, your interactions with the police after that awful day in june, interactions with the police after that awful day injune, up until you are aware of these messages, what was your impression of you and your familys treatment in light of barnaby� s death . Familys treatment in light of barnabys death . Familys treatment in light of barnabys death . Part of the Iopc Investigation barnabys death . Part of the Iopc Investigation is barnabys death . Part of the Iopc Investigation is actually barnabys death . Part of the Iopc Investigation is actually the investigation is actually the investigation is actually the investigation of the case itself and the conduct of the officers and the senior investigating officers will stop so i would say that doubts crept in for us very seriously towards the end of november last year, that was the very first time we were told the manslaughter was even an option. We were led to believe it was murder, it was effectively cut and dry, he would be going away hopefully forever and as soon as the diminished responsibility plea came in and our first ever conversation with the cps was they wanted to accept that, that is i think probably the Turning Point that i think its Something Like the 23rd of november. Up until then we had Liaison Officers but we were in a world of pain, shock and disbelief and thankfully had no prior knowledge of this type of crime. Pa, prior knowledge of this type of crime. �. ,. , prior knowledge of this type of crime. �. , , prior knowledge of this type of crime. ~. ,. , crime. A date has been set for the Sentence Review crime. A date has been set for the Sentence Review after crime. A date has been set for the Sentence Review after the crime. A date has been set for the | Sentence Review after the Attorney General said it was unduly lenient. Does that bring you, it is set for the 8th of may, does that bring you any comfort . We the 8th of may, does that bring you any comfort . The 8th of may, does that bring you any comfort . We found out about it last friday so any comfort . We found out about it last friday so it any comfort . We found out about it last friday so it is any comfort . We found out about it last friday so it is only any comfort . We found out about it last friday so it is only a any comfort . We found out about it last friday so it is only a couple last friday so it is only a couple of weeks notice, although we knew it was going to hopefully happen for quite some time. What we want is appropriatejust as. We quite some time. What we want is appropriate just as. We cannot bring them back, we cannot wind back the clock to have Mental Health services do their job, clock to have Mental Health services do theirjob, have less and Nottinghamshire Police do theirjob and arrest and stop this person when they should have, but what we can do is ask for more detail, better presentation so that this person who we believe had intent, had planning and was culpable and had some degree of capability to understand what he was doing, that he does notjust get the hospital order, and although he probably wont be released, 87 are out within ten years and 97 within 20 years and on that basis he would be out before he is in his early to mid 50s. ~. ,. ,. ,. ,. , mid 50s. What does that mean to you . It means mid 50s. What does that mean to you . It means we mid 50s. What does that mean to you . It means we have mid 50s. What does that mean to you . It means we have the mid 50s. What does that mean to you . It means we have the much mid 50s. What does that mean to you . It means we have the much lauded it means we have the much lauded phrase, and i understand victims and families use, we have a Life Sentence because it means charlie, my son, and james, they have to pick up my son, and james, they have to pick up this fight to make sure that in our words this monster is never released into society again. It will never go away and i feel if he is able to have planned the attack and executed it as he did, bearing in mind his diagnosis was in 2019, he also did cellar completed a degree, and he chose to buy the knives and i dont want to go into the salacious details, but he had the ability to make a decision and utter reliance on doctors diagnoses to say he was not culpable in something we are very unhappy with. We have faith that the case will be presented more appropriately so there is a more punitive penal element. Haifa appropriately so there is a more punitive penal element. Appropriately so there is a more punitive penal element. How do you as a Family Prepare punitive penal element. How do you as a Family Prepare for punitive penal element. How do you as a Family Prepare for yet punitive penal element. How do you as a Family Prepare for yet another i as a Family Prepare for yet another hearing . There is this open letter now, youre talking to me and youre making your point regarding Police Officers behaviour, but still you as a family are waiting for some conclusion, i will not use the word closure because i imagine thatll never happen, but some conclusion, but how do you position yourselves now for the 8th of may . In but how do you position yourselves now for the 8th of may . But how do you position yourselves now for the 8th of may . In some ways where ou now for the 8th of may . In some ways where you would now for the 8th of may . In some ways where you would expect now for the 8th of may . In some ways where you would expect the now for the 8th of may . In some ways where you would expect the closure i where you would expect the closure to begin, which would be with the sentencing in january, to begin, which would be with the sentencing injanuary, is when it all began, because we were unable to say anything publicly until such time as the Court Hearing had happened, so since then it has been a relentless Freight Train of challenges, of reviews, investigations. I think there are about seven independent reviews and investigations into failures across the multi agency taking place, and we are going into the 8th of may with our eyes wide open, that i dont believe we had injanuary. As i said, i dont believe we had injanuary. As isaid, i know dont believe we had injanuary. As i said, i know a lot is contentious, but i foolishly did have trust and faith in the Justice System and i feel it has let my son and the others and us as a family down, and until we get appropriate justice, we cant begin the process of properly grieving and moving on. Mr; cant begin the process of properly grieving and moving on. Grieving and moving on. My next ruestion grieving and moving on. My next question to grieving and moving on. My next question to you grieving and moving on. My next question to you was grieving and moving on. My next question to you was going grieving and moving on. My next question to you was going to grieving and moving on. My next question to you was going to be, grieving and moving on. My next question to you was going to be, and you have kinda picked up on it when you have kinda picked up on it when you talk about your faith in the Justice System, of what you thought of the Justice System and how crime was dealt with in this country before barnaby was killed . I imagine there is a stark contrast there and you have learned, unfortunately, there is not. You have learned, unfortunately, there is not you have learned, unfortunately, there is not. Absolutely, we had to trust and faith there is not. Absolutely, we had to trust and faith in there is not. Absolutely, we had to trust and faith in the there is not. Absolutely, we had to trust and faith in the system there is not. Absolutely, we had to trust and faith in the system and i there is not. Absolutely, we had to | trust and faith in the system and we were led to believe and were openly told it is irrefutable evidence, he is going down, you have got him and now it is a whole different matter because im realising the bureaucracy, the way that viruses barristers operate is complex with the law is that there are. The victims dont get nearly enough support that they are due and someone said at the very outset, it will feel during this process that everything is weighed very much in the offenders corner and the scales are weighed more in support of them and ijust disbelieve that are weighed more in support of them and i just disbelieve that and thought how could that possibly be true, but that is how it feels. It is feeling like we have to fight for Everything A Part of this. I am Everything A Part of this. I am readin Everything A Part of this. I am reading part Everything A Part of this. I am reading part of Everything A Part of this. I am reading part of what Everything A Part of this. I am reading part of what you Everything A Part of this. I am reading part of what you wrote in this letter and you talk about, you are a mother, youre a mother who has had a child ripped away from her, and you talk about the clothes that bonnie was wearing and you try to connect with these Police Officers. The close that barney was wearing. I think it is fair to say that it did not have your thoughts at the front of their mind when they made these comments. Can you talk about why you chose to give that part of you . I you talk about why you chose to give that part of you . That part of you . I think the reason i aet that part of you . I think the reason i net that that part of you . I think the reason i get that personal that part of you . I think the reason i get that personal part that part of you . I think the reason i get that personal part of that part of you . I think the reason i get that personal part of me that part of you . I think the reason i get that personal part of me and l i get that personal part of me and him is because he was a person, human being with a right to life, with hopes, dreams and aspirations and part of what i was trying to do was to personalise and humanise. Barnaby webber was a person, he was 19, the close he was wearing, and you no where he bought them, he only got them injanuary, and this is a child, or in ians case a grandfather, who has been ripped away in the most horrific circumstances and it is not right as a fellow human being to write about them in the weight that officer did. Would you want to meet that officer . I did say at the end of that letter that if they wish to contact me, then of course that is ok and it would be done privately and i would never share what they did or did not say, and yes of course if i am prepared to. It cannot be any worse than reading that message, and people do make mistakes and you have to move on from it, sorry long answer but probably yes. Feel free, oure answer but probably yes. Feel free, youre talking answer but probably yes. Feel free, youre talking to answer but probably yes. Feel free, youre talking to me answer but probably yes. Feel free, youre talking to me and answer but probably yes. Feel free, youre talking to me and giving answer but probably yes. Feel free, youre talking to me and giving me| youre talking to me and giving me your perspective that i think gratefully for so many people they dont understand, if you can understand what i mean. I think it would be remiss not to talk about barney, barnaby, what he was like and the person you are messing. Because he described him and he said that your son was decent, kind, funny. The person you are missing. Funny. The person you are missing funny. The person you are missin. ,. Missing. Barney was 19, he didnt even make missing. Barney was 19, he didnt even make it missing. Barney was 19, he didnt even make it to missing. Barney was 19, he didnt even make it to 20. Missing. Barney was 19, he didnt even make it to 20. He missing. Barney was 19, he didnt even make it to 20. He left missing. Barney was 19, he didnt| even make it to 20. He left behind missing. Barney was 19, he didnt i even make it to 20. He left behind a younger brother who will be 17 this year he was in a world of pain. He has asked his best friend, his older brother, his icon, his nemesis, his competition and i as a parent cant imagine what charlie is going through. Ijust know how much i am missing him and ijust want my boy back and that is never going to happen, but i felt like i have to do this for him. He would do the same for me and as you said i am a mum andi for me and as you said i am a mum and i think you dont even have to be a parent but Everybody Loves somebody very dearly and when that person is so brutally and unnecessarily taken away from you, it is such a horror to try and recover from it is such a horror to try and recoverfrom it it is such a horror to try and recover from it and as i it is such a horror to try and recoverfrom it and as i have it is such a horror to try and recover from it and as i have said before, the layers that have been added because of the level of conduct of some officers of the investigation, of all the missed opportunities in the previous months and years, it is very difficult to reconcile, but we have to try. Emma, i have had reconcile, but we have to try. Emma, i have had a reconcile, but we have to try. Emma, i have had a message reconcile, but we have to try. Emma, i have had a message from reconcile, but we have to try. Emma, i have had a message from one reconcile, but we have to try. Emma, i have had a message from one of. Reconcile, but we have to try. Emma, | i have had a message from one of our listeners, this is owen who has retired after 25 years of Front Line Policing in response to our conversation. He says Emergency Services personnel should never become a dehumanised. They need to deal was done professionally at the scene and then let it out afterwards. Policing is about helping people and if you dont care for people, you cant help. It is down to Police Supervisors to facilitate emotional deep reefs after serious incidents but also to stamp on this respect. Emotional debriefs. I would stamp on this respect. Emotional debriefs. Iwould be stamp on this respect. Emotional debriefs. I would be keen to hear from you, there are people who misjudge and i would go as far as saying that there are bad apples, there has been evidence of that, in policing, but there are those as well who intend to do good. Yes. Well who intend to do good. Yes, absolutely well who intend to do good. Yes, absolutely. And well who intend to do good. Yes, absolutely. And i well who intend to do good. Yes, absolutely. And i refer well who intend to do good. Yes, absolutely. And i refer to well who intend to do good. Ye absolutely. And i refer to that in the letter, because i am aware of how difficult and challenging job that is. After being on Good Morning Britain this morning some messages came in. , britain this morning some messages came in. ,. ,. ,. , came in. That was the mother of nottingham came in. That was the mother of Nottingham Attack came in. That was the mother of Nottingham Attack victim came in. That was the mother of| Nottingham Attack victim Barnaby Webber describing the loss of her son. She has written an open letter to members of a Police Whatsapp group. She has urged them to show the respect that was not given to her son. The respect that was not given to herson. Coming the respect that was not given to her son. Coming up next, it is World Business was bought World Business report. Tesla reports a slump in profits but the promise of new models helps recharge the share price. And results from borrowing could tell us how its recent safety scares and manufacturing faults have affected its result. Welcome to World Business report. We start in the us where tesla has revealed the biggest slump in earnings in more than a decade as the going gets tougher for the electric car industry. Tesla made profits of 1. 1 Billion Dollars in the first three months of the year. Thats a fall of 55 on the same time last year. Revenues were 9 percent lower and both numbers were worse than investors had been expecting. But tesla shares which have taken a pounding this year jumped around 11 percent in after hours trade after the company promised quicker progress on new more affordable models. From new york heres erin delmore. Its been a rocky road for tesla this year. I Interest Rates are taking a bite out of consumer Purchasing Power and pushing big purchases out of reach. Com petition with china and one particular Rival Vehicle producer is building, South Dublin Falling and tesla stock is down a0 . The company has been cutting prices and announced lay offs. On tuesday, the Company Reported its Fourth Quarter earnings, missing expectations on earnings, missing expectations on earnings and revenue. The company is anticipating lower deliveries this year. But investors have one bright spot to look to stop tesla announced it is eating up the launch of a lower priced vehicle. Affordable wattles could be a boon for cash strapped us consumers and a hit in big competitive markets worldwide like china and india. Lets speak now to erin baker, editorial director of auto trader, the uks largest digital automotive marketplace. What do you make of these numbers . As always, its not so much the number but what tesla has told us it will do in future and this focus on trying to deliver more vehicles at lower cost seems to be the thing investors are welcoming. Yes. Lower cost seems to be the thing investors are welcoming. Investors are welcoming. Yes, i think its the investors are welcoming. Yes, i think its the thing investors are welcoming. Yes, i think its the thing all investors are welcoming. Yes, i think its the thing all Car Investors are welcoming. Yes, i | think its the thing all car brands are looking to, because we have to accelerate take up of Electric Cars in the uk, European Markets and globally to meet emissions targets and to get to mass adoption, which is the next struggle, requires more Affordable Electric cars at lower prices, so model two is part of that. ~. ,. , prices, so modeltwo is part of that. ~. ,. , prices, so model two is part of that. ,. , that. What would you say is the bi est that. What would you say is the biggest challenge that. What would you say is the biggest challenge for that. What would you say is the biggest challenge for tesla that. What would you say is the | biggest challenge for tesla right now . It has reshaped the market but it seems to struggle when it comes to getting people to buy the vehicle. � ,. , to getting people to buy the vehicle. � ,. , vehicle. Its got the same struggle a lot of brands vehicle. Its got the same struggle a lot of brands have vehicle. Its got the same struggle a lot of brands have got. Vehicle. Its got the same struggle a lot of brands have got. Its vehicle. Its got the same struggle a lot of brands have got. Its a a lot of brands have got. Its a better placed than some, worse place than others. Really, tesla has had the market to itself for a long time, notjust with its products, which have been great cars, with long range, which targets range anxiety, but crucially they have had anxiety, but crucially they have had a Supercharging Network and we know that public charging is another huge barrier to people buying Electric Cars, now we have got a much more crowded market. We have more brands producing more Electric Cars. We have Chinese Brands coming to market in European Markets, which means more supply, and more supply coming at a time when demand among private buyers is dropped off. Dont confuse demand among private buyers with overall demand, because it is a nuanced picture. Overall demand is still healthy. There is still quite a lot of growth in the market but thats coming a lot the fleet sector, company car schemes, thats coming a lot the fleet sector, company carschemes, private buyers is where the market is stagnating. About 16 of the market. I suppose the charge for tesla is whether that affordable model will really be affordable versus some of those imports from china. We know chinas battery tech means it can make more of these vehicles more cheaply, and whether tesla dilutes its brand, offering a cheaper one as well as its high end ones. How would that work . The well as its high end ones. How would that work . ,. , that work . The chinese play is interesting that work . The chinese play is interesting. Build that work . The chinese play is interesting. Build your that work . The chinese play is interesting. Build your dreams that work . The chinese play is i interesting. Build your dreams is the big brand which not tesla off the big brand which not tesla off the top spot for global sales in november had caught the headlines. They are not the only brand coming to the uk and other European Markets from china. Its notjust a question of cheaper prices, its also that the chinese market, they have been really established in Electric Cars for ten years and they have cornered not only the product but the batteries, metal processing, mining, so they have the whole supply chain secured, and they have vast economies of scale, which means they are bringing products that are not petrol and diesel products that have got a battery shoehorned in, which is what a lot of legacy brands have been doing, building and designing Electric Cars from the brand up, brands like kia and hyundai, at this which are innovating Electric Cars. If you are asking the consumer to spend a lot of money on going electric, they want a cool car with cool tech and design. Electric, they want a cool car with cool tech and design. Thank you. We will discuss cool tech and design. Thank you. We will discuss that cool tech and design. Thank you. We will discuss that more cool tech and design. Thank you. We will discuss that more soon. I want to show some pictures from berlin, the meeting of the uk Prime Minister, rishi sunak, with the jonah chancellor, olaf scholz. They have a meeting to discuss what has been described as issues of international politics. Of course, the war in ukraine and the conflict in the middle east are likely to be at the top of that gender. But there are also discussions about things like Defence Spending and contributions that the uk may not be making towards things like the European Security. We know that germany has been pushing the uk Prime Minister to increase uk Defence Spending. The uk Prime Minister promising just 2. 5 of gdp in the longer term. That Defence Spending issue given amid the conflict in both the middle east and the ongoing war in ukraine likely to be front and centre of those discussions. Just some of the ceremonial elements of that meeting between the uk Prime Minister and the german chancellor getting under way. Also, of course, in a big election year, there will be a lot of focus on what happens and who is in number ten of focus on what happens and who is in numberten and of focus on what happens and who is in number ten and who remains in charge of some of europes biggest economies and also the worlds biggest economies. An election also in the united states. This is the scene live in berlin. As we said, just some of the more formal part of this meeting, but the real work will happen when those doors close and those meetings get under way. At that point, i will hand you back to mickey take you through the rest of the news. We are staying with these live pictures from berlin. This is the ceremonial welcome for the Prime Minister, rishi sunak, who is meeting his german counterpart, olaf scholz, where they are going to focus on defence collaboration. Mr sunak has not visited germany since he has been Prime Minister, so this is his first visit to berlin and the german capital since he became Prime Minister in october 2022. You can see the two men walking down the red carpet. They are going to announce plans to develop jointly Artillery Systems. They will announce plans to develop whats known as a remote controlled howitzer 135 millimetre wheeled Artillery System. They will also discuss collaboration on energy projects, including German Energy investment. The Prime Ministers office says that the whole reason for this visit is to deepen the allies defence and security ties in berlin. Mr choux, before he arrived in germany, said that the two countries will open a new chapter in their partnership. The uk and germany are closely aligned matters, including that support for ukraine, and they are two of the biggest suppliers of military aid to ukraine after the us, but they have been cooperating through nato and the g7 to bring that aid to ukraine. They are also going to discuss closer cooperation on security, trade and also illegal migration in the one to one talks that will take place. You havejust seen them walk in to start those talks that are going to take place. The Military Parade they have just looked at in berlin as they head off for those talks. We mentioned ukraine to the british Prime Minister only yesterday committing a further £500 million package of military aid to kyiv during his trip to dip he said that germany and the uk are the two largest Defence Spenders in europe and the two countries are at the forefront of providing support to ukraine, and mr choux saying he is confident that will continue to dip that is before he went there in berlin. So those talks are going to be taking place. The german chancellor, olaf scholz, and the british Prime Minister, rishi sunak. This is his first visit to germany, to berlin since he became the Prime Minister in october 2022 he has visited france and other european capitals but this is the first time he has been to berlin to meet his german counterpart, olaf scholz. One of the big topics will be defence and Defence Spending and the amount of aid that goes to ukraine. Those picturesjust coming into us from berlin. We will keep an eye across all of the development is talks take place between the two leaders in berlin. Its going to focus on those talks about deepening the military ties and, as we said, they have already said they will jointly develop Artillery Systems. So those are the latest pictures from berlin, as the british Prime Minister, rishi sunak, turns up to have talks with the german chancellor, olaf scholz about defence collaboration. We will keep an eye across those pictures. There are talks throughout the day. We will bring you updates as we get them as you can follow more on the bbc website and app. Two premier League Footballers have been arrested in connection with an alleged rape. The pair, both 19, were released on bail after being interviewed by police. The players are at the same club declined to comment. Police issued a statement. It said officers have arrested two men following a report of a rape. A19 year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and Aiding And Abetting a rape. A second 19 year old man was arrested on suspicion of rape. Both men have since been released on police bail. The allegations were first reported by the sun newspaper, which said the alleged attack took place on friday. This is bbc news. Hello from the bbc sport centre. Welcome. Arsenal are top of the Premier League this wednesday, after thrashing london rivals chelsea 5 0 at the emirates. Leandro trossard fired the gunners into action, opening the scoring inside the first five minutes. After half time, the floodgates opened, with four goals in quick succession. Kai havertz scored twice against his former club and Player Of The Match ben white got two too. A real statement of intent from Mikel Artetas side proving theyre still in the running for the title. Sometimes in the day you cannot be better than your opponent. You can have the luck you need in certain moments but you have to react and seize the moment and the moment is beautiful. We have been working for nine months so we have to face it in the right way, value what we have and believe we are able to do it for nine months, we are able to win it. We have to consistently do what weve been doing. To we have to consistently do what weve been doing. We have to consistently do what weve been doing. To show, to be in extremes weve been doing. To show, to be in extremes the weve been doing. To show, to be in extremes. The bad weve been doing. To show, to be in extremes. The bad days, weve been doing. To show, to be in extremes. The bad days, you weve been doing. To show, to be in extremes. The bad days, you know, j extremes. The bad days, you know, when extremes. The bad days, you know, when we extremes. The bad days, you know, when we have bad days, you know, we are so when we have bad days, you know, we are so bad when we have bad days, you know, we are so bad. When we are good, we are good are so bad. When we are good, we are good this are so bad. When we are good, we are good this is are so bad. When we are good, we are good this is a are so bad. When we are good, we are good. This is a thing to do to be what good. This is a thing to do to be what we good. This is a thing to do to be what we need to increase for the future Feyenoord Boss arne slot is said to be one of the leading men to take over from jurgen klopp at liverpool at the end of the season but all eyes will be on merseyside later and this is why. This is the situation at the top of the Premier League before liverpool take on everton at Goodison Park for the Merseyside Derby later. Theyre in second spot and can go level on points with arsenal if they win, although the gunners Goal Difference is noticeably better. Always difficult games, especially there, and at home im not sure comfortable is the right word, and more, at least. We have a pretty good record, only tying once. Everybody knows now he is a really good manager. Besides, they have had good manager. Besides, they have had good results, good games, and now its not important what we had in the past. But theres also a lot at stake for everton. Theyre still only five points clear of luton who are third from bottom and a win would go a long way towards keeping them in the premier League Next Season youve got to play well and youve got to deliver your side of the game. Youve got to deal with that because they can play in different ways, theyve shown that, and the effective units they have, and they are right in there now. The big emphasis will be on us, our home pitch and crowd, and our Home Performance has to be right. You can follow the Live Performance has to be right. You can follow the live action performance has to be right. You can follow the live action later performance has to be right. You can follow the live action later on performance has to be right. You can follow the live action later on the follow the live action later on the bbc sport website and app. Former Argentina International carlos tevez has been admitted to hospital after suffering from chest pains. The ao year old former manchester united, Manchester City and west ham striker was taken to hospital in buenos aires on tuesday and will remain there until medical tests are completed. Tevez, who won 76 caps for argentina, took over as manager of independiente in august last year. At the World Snooker championship in sheffield, kyren wilson is through to the second round, after hammering dominic dale 10 1. The former finalist and twelfth seed won the final frame with a break of 88 he was on for a maximum break of 147 but missed the next red. Wilson will meetjoe oconnor the conqueror of four time champion mark selby in the second round. No disrespect to dominic but its not often you find yourself in a position you can almost find yourself with a free shot for my family, my wife and kids are coming for today bus procession, so i thought it might be nice. They watched my last 147 last year so i thought it might be nice to do one for them live. Every time went in, the crowd got excited, which got the adrenaline going, and ifelt under pressure to do it for the kids live. Meanwhile ding junhui and Jack Lisowski are putting on a great exhibition in their first round match. 2016 Runner Up Ding won the first frame of the sesssion to square it at 5 5. But englishman lisowski whos ranked 17th in the world, won the next two frames. He is currently leading 7 6. You can follow all the action from the World Snooker on the bbc sport website and app. The Dallas Mavericks have levelled up their first round play off nba series against the Los Angeles Clippers with a 96 93 victory in game two. Luka doncic scored 32 points with nine assists. The teams move to dallas for the third game of the best of seven series on friday. Meanwhile the Minnesota Timberwolves took a 2 0 lead in their play off against the phoenix suns. Jaden mcdaniels scored a career best 25 points as minnesota won 105 93. Its only the second time in their history that the timberwolves have had a 2 0 series lead in the playoffs and thats all the sport for now. Thanks very much to the sports team in salford. To northern ireland, where former Democratic Unionist Party leader, Sirjeffrey Donaldson, has arrived in court. Hes accused of historical sex offences. The 61 year old was arrested at his home in march. Hes said he will strenuously contest the charges, which include an allegation of rape. Just update us on what happened this morning. You just update us on what happened this morninu. ,. ,. , morning. You might be able to see over my shoulder morning. You might be able to see over my shoulder the morning. You might be able to see over my shoulder the media morning. You might be able to see over my shoulder the media are i over my shoulder the media are waiting for the exit of Sirjeffrey Donaldson from newbury magistrates court, where this morning he was charged with a number of historical sexual offences, including rape and ten other offences. Sound cuts 0ut. 0k, sound cuts out. Ok, so we sound cuts 0ut. Ok, so we have obviously got a problem with the line to newry, wherejennifer was reporting from. What i can tell you is thatJeffrey Donaldson appeared in court charged with rape and, as we said, ten other historical six offences. His wife, lady eleanor, acre acute, faces four charges. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1985 and 2006 and involve two alleged victims. The pair were arrested at their home on the 28th Of March and charged by police after a day of questioning. Sir geoffrey, remains mp for lagan valley, quit as party leader with immediate effect. Gavin robinson was imported as the party into a lead mr johnson appeared at newry magistrates court. They both stood up magistrates court. They both stood up when the charges were read out against them. They only spoke to confirm their names and date of birth and they were then also bailed, released on bail, £350 each. The case next listed for the 22nd of may. You can get more on the website. I think we can now bring backin website. I think we can now bring back injennifer. You were just saying and i was outlining what happened today. Saying and i was outlining what happened today. Apologies for that technical glitch. Happened today. Apologies for that technical glitch. You happened today. Apologies for that technical glitch. You can happened today. Apologies for that technical glitch. You can see happened today. Apologies for that | technical glitch. You can see behind me that there is an intense media scrum awaiting Sirjeffrey Donaldson. Exit from newry magistrates court, where this morning he was charged with a total of 11 sexual offences, historical cases. Let me bring you the details. The charges against the 61 year old sitting mp are as follows, one of rape, one of Gross Indecency involving a child, and nine counts of indecent assault. In court this morning, he did not formally enter a plea because its his first appearance in court. He will do so late in proceedings. He has previously indicated that he intends to strenuously contest the charges. We expect that his solicitor may give a statement outside court later today was Sirjeffrey Donaldsons exit from the court. In court also with him this morning was his co accused in the cause, his wife, lady eleanor donaldson. She was also arrested with her husband at their Home Last March and brought to Antrim Police station for questioning. This morning, she was also charged in connection with this case. She was charged in connection with Aiding And Abetting her husbands alleged offences. When sir Jeffrey Donaldson arrived to appear in court this morning, it was his first public appearance following his arrest last month. You might recall that he quit and resigned as dup party leader immediately. The dup party leader immediately. The dup released a Statement Outlining his resignation with immediate effect the next day, and Gavin Robinson selected or installed as the new Interim Leader of the dup following a meeting of the party. SirJeffrey Donaldson has not been seen for weeks. It was expected that he would turn up, and he did so, he faced a media scrum as he walked into court and obviously it was quite intense. A number of members of the public were shouting at him and more have gathered now, awaiting his exit. As i said, the sitting mp, northern irelands longest serving mp, was charged in court huntly this morning. Mp, was charged in court huntly this morninu. ~ mp, was charged in court huntly this morninu. , i. Mp, was charged in court huntly this morninu. ~ ,. ,. , morning. Thank you. There is more on the website morning. Thank you. There is more on the website. Stay morning. Thank you. There is more on the website. Stay with morning. Thank you. There is more on the website. Stay with us morning. Thank you. There is more on the website. Stay with us on morning. Thank you. There is more on the website. Stay with us on bbc the website. Stay with us on bbc news. Prime ministers questions is about to get under way. Rishi sunak is in germany meeting his german counterpart, olaf scholz. Its his first trip to berlin since becoming Prime Minister in october 2022, so Oliver Dowden would be filling in at pmqs, Facing Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner. Joining me from westminster is our Political Correspondent. It was fun when its the battle of the deputies step in this case, presumably questions will be coming up for Angela Rayner. Took us through what she has been in difficulty. Id us through what she has been in difficul. �. Difficulty. Id be amazed if Oliver Dowden doesnt difficulty. Id be amazed if Oliver Dowden doesnt bring difficulty. Id be amazed if Oliver Dowden doesnt bring up difficulty. Id be amazed if Oliver Dowden doesnt bring up the difficulty. Id be amazed if Oliver Dowden doesnt bring up the ongoing saga to do with on Angela Rayner� s former council house. Greater Manchester Police investigating whether she provided inaccurate information to do with her living arrangements. This has gone on for some weeks. She strenuously denies doing anything wrong but we will wait and see what the police say about that. I am sure Oliver Dowden will pick that up. I think what will get first and foremost at the top of this will be tribute to the former labour mp, this will be tribute to the former labourmp, frank this will be tribute to the former labour mp, frank field, who we have learnt has died today. A widely respected figure across the political spectrum for his Campaigning Work on issues like Child Poverty and welfare. He represented birkenhead on merseyside for 40 years. He quit the labour party overjeremy corbyn. Leadership and then served as a Crossbench Peer in the House Of Lords in his latter career but, as i say, really well liked, a very independently minded figure and thats why we have had tributes notjust figure and thats why we have had tributes not just from figure and thats why we have had tributes notjust from the labour party from the conservatives, too. Rishi sunak saying he was a great parliamentarian. In terms of what Angela Rayner might be able to go on to perhaps score some hits today, perhaps housing. The housing secretary, michael gove, has said he cannot guarantee so called No Fault Evictions will come into effect by the time of the general election for the time of the general election for the legislation known Asjuventus Reform Bill is due to be debated in the commons this afternoon, so Angela Rayner, whose otherjob shadow housing secretary, might want to bring that up, but its been a busy week in westminster already, with the passage of the piece of legislation, the safety of rwanda bill, which declares rwanda is a safe place to send asylum seekers. That might come up, as might the announcement yesterday that the uk is going to spend 2. 5 of National Income on defence by the end of the decade. I think what is inevitably going to be mentioned at some point, Whetherfrom The Front going to be mentioned at some point, whether from the front of the are the local elections that are just over a week away for there are may or elections across england and wales and police and crime commissioner elections as well as a by election in blackpool south. Id have thought some people will mention whats happening on the Campaign Trail in the West Midlands, East Midlands and tees valley, those three in particular are seen as key to seeing what kind of position the National Parties are in. You touched on defence National Parties are in. You touched on Defence Spending. National parties are in. You touched on Defence Spending. What National Parties are in. You touched on Defence Spending. What we National Parties are in. You touched i on Defence Spending. What we expect labours position going to be of labours position going to be rrf they going to match the idea of raising it to 2. 5 gdp . There is a bit of a dividing line. It is labours Admission Ticket 2. 5 when Economic Conditions allow. But the Prime Minister setting out in detail, he says, how the government plans to hit that target by the end of the decade. Labour say, were they to get into government, they would have a Strategic Defence review and work out how that might be affordable. Its not entirely clear how the conservatives, were they to win the election and stay in power, would have thought rise in spending. Some speculation it might lead to cuts in other departmental spending, and that might be something Angela Rayner was to bring up today because i think, when it comes to the general election, the key will be who is the safest steward of the two main parties of the nations finances and both will accuse each other of making unfunded commitments. We were talking about various things that might come up, and since the passing of that round up builder has been another incident of people drowning on the way to the uk so that possibly might be mentioned. Yes, in spite of the fact this legislation has been passed, there has been another tragedy close to calais, so the government says ultimately, when flights take off hereunder, they say within ten to 12 weeks, that will be when the effects will kick in, people will see the planes in the air and think twice before getting in small boats. But already the threat is there and it does not seem to be making that much of a difference quite yet. Labour believes the plan of sending people to rwanda is an extortionate gimmick, in their words. To rwanda is an extortionate gimmick, in theirwords. The government say hang on a minute, what is your plan to deal with this . Labour say they have a five point plan but it is not as ambitious, the government would argue. Lets plan but it is not as ambitious, the government would argue. Plan but it is not as ambitious, the government would argue. Lets go and listen in now government would argue. Lets go and listen in now. Apologies, government would argue. Lets go and listen in now. Apologies, i government would argue. Lets go and listen in now. Apologies, i thought listen in now. Apologies, i thought it was starting and it hasnt peter, come back. This is unusual, they seem to be going on a bit longer than normal on the debate before pmqs. Longer than normal on the debate before pms before pmqs. Yes, departmental. Uestions before pmqs. Yes, departmental questions beforehand, before pmqs. Yes, departmental questions beforehand, there before pmqs. Yes, departmental. Questions beforehand, there always are before pmqs, but it is after midday and now they should be getting on with it pretty soon. As you say, this interesting dynamic between Angela Rayner and Oliver Dowden that we see periodically. Different than the styles we get from rishi sunak and keir starmer, i guess quite strongly spoken northerner in Angela Rayner from Greater Manchester versus the softly spoken southerner in the shape of Oliver Dowden, but it does often make for an interesting spectacle to see those two going at each other, a little bit different to keir starmer and rishi sunak as i say, but often with pmqs it is not necessarilyjust what happens on the front benches, or what happens on the backbenches too, and certainly the snp will get their say as well. Lots of tablets, a busy week in westminster to potentially cover. Lots of topics. Potentially cover. Lots of toics. ,. ,. , ~. , topics. To go back to the angela ra ner topics. To go back to the Angela Rayner issue. Topics. To go back to the Angela Rayner issue, she topics. To go back to the Angela Rayner issue, she has topics. To go back to the Angela Rayner issue, she has had rayner issue, she has had support from labour but she said she would resign if there is any sign she had committed a crime. Resign if there is any sign she had committed a crime. Which suggests she is confident committed a crime. Which suggests she is confident she committed a crime. Which suggests she is confident she will committed a crime. Which suggests she is confident she will be she is confident she will be exonerated. Keir starmer says he has complete confidence in his deputy. There have been questions about whether or not she should publish the legal and tax advice she says she has received. She says she will hand that over to the police and other authorities that might require it. Keir starmersays other authorities that might require it. Keir starmer says his team has seen it but he hasnt seen it personally and does not feel like he needs to. At the conceptus were saying that seems a bit of a bizarre argument, surely you should look at it and as a distinct lawyer, as keir starmer used to be before he entered politics, it that you are satisfied with the reasoning here, but this has gone on for some time and the conservatives are trying to make hay out of it politically. Ok, we are starting. That members across the house will wish to join that members across the house will wish tojoin me, in offering condolences, to the family and friends of lord frank field. He was an outstanding parliamentarian, who worked tirelessly to make society a better place. Place. My honourable friend the Prime Minister is in berlin, he has announced the biggest strengthening of our defence any a generation. In a generation. Mr speaker i am sure that member also also want tojoin speaker i am sure that member also also want to join me, speaker i am sure that member also also want tojoin me, in speaker i am sure that member also also want to join me, in wishing the Jewish Community a happy pass over. A celebration of freedom, but of course, we remember the empty chairs of those hostages still being held captive in gaza and call for their immediate release. Mr speaker, this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others, in addition to my duties in this house i shall have further such meetings later today. Mr speaker i would like to pass on my thoughts and prayers to lord fields family and friend in particular the students and teachers at the academy who are part of the Frank Field Education trust. Mr speaker, since being elect in the 2019 i have helped reopen Tunstall Town hall with a new library and family hub, and making sure our streets are safe. Breathing new life into the thanks to this levelling up fund, but sadly, labour led Stoke City Council seek to undermine this progress by introducing a new tax on resident to have their garden waste collected. Collected, and are increasing crime and antisocial behaviour by dumping under social people in the centre of the town. Does the deputy Prime Minister agree with me, that. Does the deputy Prime Minister agree with me, that. With me, that. Order, it is normally with me, that. Order, it is normally mr with me, that. Order, it is normally mr gulli with me, that. Order, it is normally mr gulli is with me, that. Order, it is normally mr gulli is who with me, that. Order, it is normally mr gulli is who is i with me, that. Order, it is normally mr gulli is who is loud, so let me normally mr gulli is who is loud, so let me hear normally mr gulli is who is loud, so let me hear him. It normally mr gulli is who is loud, so let me hear him. Normally mr gulli is who is loud, so let me hear him. It goes to show. Does the deputy let me hear him. It goes to show. Does the deputy prime let me hear him. It goes to show. Does the deputy Prime Minister let me hear him. It goes to show. I does the deputy Prime Minister agree it is some time for Stoke On Trent Labour to axe the garden tax . It is some time for stokeontrent labour to axe the garden tax . Order. Order. Labour to axe the garden tax . Order. Order order order. Order. There is a question to be asked and there a time there is a question to be asked and there a time in which we can it. I suggest there a time in which we can it. I suggest he there a time in which we can it. I suggest he puts in for an adjournment. I am sure you have the answen answer. There is not much anserw there is not much i nwer there is not much i can ewr there is not much i can add newer there is not much i can add to that mr speaker. He has, he has ever proved what an excellent campaigner he is for his constituents and of course, he highlights the same problems with Labour Councils across the country, raising taxes, and letting council, letting Services Fall into disrepair and of course he is totally right, to be Holding Rogue Landlords to account. Brute to be Holding Rogue Landlords to account. ~. , to be Holding Rogue Landlords to account. , ,. , , account. We now come to the deb deu account. We now come to the deb Deputy Leader account. We now come to the deb Deputy Leader of account. We now come to the deb Deputy Leader of the account. We now come to the deb Deputy Leader of the opposition. Deputy leader of the opposition. Thank Deputy Leader of the opposition. Thank you. Thank you mr speaker. And can i first of all share with the deputy Prime Ministers comments regarding ourJewish Community and a happy pass over and also, start by acknowledging the loss those who made historic and send my condolences following the news to the family of lord frank field who was a good friend of mine and a colleague and a tireless campaigner against poverty and champion for his constituents. Mr speaker, i know the Party Opposite is desperate to talk about My Living Arrangements, but, but the public. The public the public want to know what this government going to know what this government going to do about theirs. Natalie from brighton has been served with two no Fault Eviction Notices in 18 months, shejoins nearly a million Fault Eviction Notices in 18 months, she joins nearly a million families at risks of Homelessness Due to his partys at risks of Homelessness Due to his pa rty� s failure to at risks of Homelessness Due to his partys failure to ban this cruel practise, now instead of obsessing is over my house, when will he get a grip and show the same obsession with ending No Fault Evictions . Well, to begin with it is a pleasure to have another exchange with the right honourable lady in this house, any more she be claiming it as her principle residence. On the issue, on the issue of no Fault Eviction, it may have escaped the right honourable ladys attention but we will voting on that later today. The conservative Government Taking action. Mr speaker he clearly thought Government Taking action. Mr speaker he clearly thought he Government Taking action. Mr speaker he clearly thought he could Government Taking action. Mr speaker he clearly thought he could spend he clearly thought he could spend all week obsessing over My Living Arrangement and didnt bother to read up on his own government bill. The reality is he caved into vested interests on his backbenchers and delayed justty for people like natalie. This week, the Housing Minister said there is no solid date for banning no Fault Eviction, the housing secretary now says it wont happen before an election so if he can give us a date can he name it now . I can give us a date can he name it now . ,. , can give us a date can he name it now . ,. ,. , now . I can name the date for the rirht now . I can name the date for the right honourable now . I can name the date for the right honourable lady, now . I can name the date for the right honourable lady, today. It| now . I can name the date for the l right honourable lady, today. It is today this house will be voting on it and i am confident in line with our manifesto we will deliver on that commitment. Mr our manifesto we will deliver on that commitment. Our manifesto we will deliver on that commitment. Mr speaker he clearly hasnt that commitment. Mr speaker he clearly hasnt been that commitment. Mr speaker he clearly hasnt been looking that commitment. Mr speaker he clearly hasnt been looking up that commitment. Mr speaker he clearly hasnt been looking up on| clearly hasnt been looking up on his own government bills but let me turn to another tory housing failure, release holds are a rip off and a conbut the governments proposed Ban On New Leaseholds applies only to houses, the majority of leaseholds are in flats. What is the point of a ban on new lose holds if it wont apply to flats . If leaseholds. If it wont apply to flats . If leaseholds. Leaseholds. Again, the right honourable leaseholds. Again, the right honourable lady leaseholds. Again, the right honourable lady is leaseholds. Again, the right honourable lady is talking i leaseholds. Again, the right honourable lady is talking about legislation introduced by this government, which the Party Opposite totally failed to introduce in their entire time in office. And it is no surprise, because its this government which has brought Social Housing waits lives down by nearly 500,000 and delivered more Affordable Homes in the last year, and last 12 year, than labour delivered when they were in office. But of course, all, all of this can only be paid for, by making sure that we have a Strong Economy. And, i will tell you, her, that we have a Strong Economy. And, iwill tell you, her, her that we have a Strong Economy. And, i will tell you, her, her policy, her policy to repeal every single Conservative Trade Union law in the first 100 day, would open the door to french style wildcat strikes. Sweeping away the reforms that made this country great. And we all know, though, mr speaker, the one reform that the right honourable lady would not abolish from margaret thatcher, the right to buy your council house. Mr speaker, as i was expecting better from mr speaker, as i was expecting betterfrom him mr speaker, as i was expecting better from him today. Mr speaker, as i was expecting betterfrom him today. Maybe its the 3am calls from the bad menna have been keeping him up at night, but we also, mr speaker, he also talks about strikes in the unions, we have had more strikes under this governments watch than any time before. And once again he hasnt read his own bill. Their ban on leasehold wouldnt apply to the majority of people. It is like banning non doms but excepting tory Prime Ministers. And he speaks about Affordable Homes, families are trapped in temporary accommodation and stuck on waits lists and in the West Midlands his mayor has used his multi Million Pound housings budget to build just 46 social homes in eight years. That is almost as 46 social homes in eight years. That is almost as many 46 social homes in eight years. That is almost as many as 46 social homes in eight years. Trust is almost as many as the chancellors Property Portfolio but the british people know that his party wont build the homes this country needs, so when are they going to get a chance to vote for a government that will . I am surprised the right honourable lady raises the West Midlands, when labour controlled birmingham have virtually bankrupted the council, are hiking up council tax by 21 , while in the meantime, and i am sure this would please her continuing to hand out 1. 8 million to the trade unions. By unions. By contrast andy street our brilliant mayor of the Wired Withouts has delivered 6. 1 billion of investment to improve transport, so there you have it. The contrast between the Conservative Party and the labour party, the usual political opportunism from her, failing to ask about the issues that really matter, if you want more bin, if you want more bin collection, more potholes filled, lower debt and Lower Council tax, Vote Conservative, because whether it is ben houchen in the tees valley or andy street in the West Midlands, it is only the conservative mayors who deliver more for less. Well, mr speaker, that is pretty revealing that he thinks that housing isnt an issue for the british people, because i think it really is, people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones because in birmingham, and across the whole of this Country Councils are facings black holes because of his governments austerity programme, and i would also warn the deputy Prime Minister that Tory Councils have faced 114 notices and Birmingham Council has had over £1 billion taken from their budget from some of the poorest people. More than 16,000 families face losing their homes after the partys mini budget, mr speakerand their homes after the partys mini budget, mr speaker and Mortgage Bills continue to soar. Meanwhile, the former Prime Minister parades round the world in a twisted promoting a new book saying the mini budget was her proudest moment. So since she wont apologise to those people losing their home will he . What the Prime Minister has done since he has taken office with the chancellorers is to restore stability to our economy, inflation halved, and more down to 3 , and as a as a result of that in an increasingly dangerous world, the Prime Minister was able to announce his plan for the biggest strengthening of Defence Spending in a generation, but it should come as no surprise that the Party Opposite refused to say whether they back it or not. Because this comes from the right honourable lady who voted to scrap trident and install in Downing Street someone who wanted to change the army into a peace corps. There you have it. The army into a peace corps. There you have it the army into a peace corps. There you have it. Mister speaker, we all want to see you have it. Mister speaker, we all want to see 2. 5 you have it. Mister speaker, we all want to see 2. 5 on you have it. Mister speaker, we all want to see 2. 5 on defence, you have it. Mister speaker, we all want to see 2. 5 on defence, the i want to see 2. 5 on defence, the difference is we have not put the army to its smaller size since napoleon. Mister speaker, never mind some secretive deep state, it is the state of the tory party that is the problem. They are in a deep state of sewage. After 14 years they have failed renters, they have failed leaseholders and they have failed mortgage holders. But, mister speaker, i read with interest the right honourable gentleman has been Urging Labourto right honourable gentleman has been Urging Labour to call right honourable gentleman has been Urging Labourto callan right honourable gentleman has been Urging Labour to call an election because he is worried they might get wiped out. As he realised that when he stabbed borisjohnson in the back to get into number ten he was ditching their biggest election winnerfor a pint sized loser . Well, i think the whole house will have heard, despite all the bluster from the lady opposite, not a single word on whether she would actually back our plans to invest in our armed forces. No plans in a dangerous world. And, of course, as ever, the Deputy Leader is always looking to attack others failures, but never the one to take responsibility for her own. She once said, you shouldnt be waiting for the police to bang on your door. If you did it, then you shouldnt be doing yourjob. The right honourable landlady should forget her tax advice and follow her own advice. Thank you, mister speaker. 196. 5 million in degradation, no fewer than 11 schools being remodelled or rebuilt as we speak. And 45 million for three Town Centre Regeneration is and a new Railway Station as well. Does my right honourable friend agree with me that the naysayers round about levelling up need look no further than the Calder Valley to see what a great achievement this government has made . Mr; achievement this government has made . G. ,. , made . My honourable friend is absolutely made . My honourable friend is absolutely right, made . My honourable friend is absolutely right, it made . My honourable friend is absolutely right, it is made . My honourable friend is absolutely right, it is not made . My honourable friend is absolutely right, it is notjust i absolutely right, it is notjust Calder Valley, absolutely right, it is notjust caldervalley, but absolutely right, it is notjust Calder Valley, but communities up and down the country. The government is investing billions in infrastructure across the united kingdom, creatingjobs infrastructure across the united kingdom, creating jobs and opportunities in every region. I know my honourable friend has been a staunch advocate for the Calder Valley, which is a fantastic example of that in action. Mar; valley, which is a fantastic example of that in action. Of that in action. May i oin in wishinr of that in action. May i oin in wishing the i of that in action. May i oin in wishing the jewish h of that in action. May ijoin in| wishing the Jewish Community of that in action. May i join in i wishing the Jewish Community in a wishing theJewish Community in a happy passover and also in sending my condolences to the families and loved ones of frank field will stop two years ago when mass graves were discovered in ukraine this house united in condemnation and rightly treated these graves as evidence of war crimes which russia must be made to answerfor. War crimes which russia must be made to answer for. Yesterday, palestinian officials uncovered two mass graves outside the bombed hospitals in gaza. These graves also constitute a war crime, dont they . Well, of course, we would expect the democratic government of israel to investigate any allegations of misconduct and that is exactly what they are doing, it is exactly what they are doing, it is exactly what the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister urged them to do. But i find it quite extraordinary that she seeks to draw parallels between legitimate war defence of israel and the conduct of russia. Bog legitimate war defence of israel and the conduct of russia. The conduct of russia. 300 bodies, includinr the conduct of russia. 300 bodies, including the the conduct of russia. 300 bodies, including the elderly the conduct of russia. 300 bodies, including the elderly and the conduct of russia. 300 bodies, including the elderly and the i including the elderly and the injured, some of which had been stripped naked, mutilated with their hands tied behind their backs. The uks own arms policy states that if there is even a risk that war crimes may be taking place, then that is reason enough to halt the sale of arms. Given all we know, why then is the Prime Minister late in doing so . Well, we continue to urge the Israeli Government to investigate any allegations of misconduct. The difference though is that we can trust the Israeli Government, a democratically elected government, to properly investigate those things. Of course we keep the advice under review. The Foreign Secretary has recently made it clear that he has recently made it clear that he has conducted a determination and has conducted a determination and has not changed his advice regarding Export Licences and i think that is the correct decision. The Export Licences and i think that is the correct decision. The correct decision. The good eole the correct decision. The good people of the correct decision. The good people of lincoln the correct decision. The good people of lincoln who the correct decision. The good people of lincoln who all the correct decision. The good i people of lincoln who all declare their taxes and pay tax on their profit when selling their second homes overwhelmingly want the Christmas Market to be brought back after the Labour Council closed last year. The Labour City Council has refused to do what the people of lincoln one. What message will the deputy Prime Minister sent to the voters of lincoln before the next elections . J voters of lincoln before the next elections . , voters of lincoln before the next elections . Voters of lincoln before the next elections . ,. ,. ,. ,. , elections . I am afraid that what the honourable gentleman elections . I am afraid that what the honourable gentleman has elections . I am afraid that what the | honourable gentleman has described is the grinch in action. That Christmas Market in the home of the magna carta was beloved by local residents. They have totally rose ignored the wishes of local residents and cancelled it and they should reverse that decision. Filth should reverse that decision. On behalf of the liberal democrats, may i also offer our condolences to the friends and family of the late lord frank field and wish a happy passover to all those in theJewish Community. Mister speaker, unpaid carers have shared heartbreaking stories of how they have been hounded by the dwp and told to pay huge fines for minor infringements on carers allowance earnings, or because of the government failed to do anything about the problem they have known about for years. Yesterday, one of the Prime Ministers own Dementia Advisors resigned, saying thiss treatment of those unpaid carers was beyond the pale. Will the deputy Prime Minister apologise to all those unpaid carers who have been failed by his government and commit to a full review of the system . First government and commit to a full review of the system . Government and commit to a full review of the system . First of all, i a review of the system . First of all, i pay tribute review of the system . First of all, i pay tribute to review of the system . First of all, i pay tribute to all review of the system . First of all, i pay tribute to all of review of the system . First of all, i pay tribute to all of those review of the system . First of all, i pay tribute to all of those unpaid carers, i met some of their over the weekend. I know how hard they work and they keep our society functioning through their commitment and that is why we have operated the benefits by £81. 90 a week and increased carers permit elements by almost £1500 since 2010. In respect of allegations of overpayment, of course appropriate discretion should be shown, if it is the case that there have been erroneous overpayments, it is right for the taxpayer to recuperate others, but we will work with anyone who is struggling to negotiate a sustainable and affordable repayment plan. Mr; sustainable and affordable repayment ian, ~y , a sustainable and affordable repayment ian, a, sustainable and affordable repayment plan. My constituency is accessed by two bridges. Plan. My constituency is accessed by two bridges. The plan. My constituency is accessed by two bridges, the menai plan. My constituency is accessed by two bridges, the menai suspension i two bridges, the menai suspension bridge and the britannia bridge. Holyhead is the second busiest port in the uk but Bridge Repairs can result in long traffic queues. To make the most of our port a Third Crossing is vital. Last year, the welsh Labour Government scrapped plans for projects including another bridge. On behalf of my constituents, will the deputy Prime Minister use his influence to ensure that north wales is not ignored and we get that third bridge . J that north wales is not ignored and we get that third bridge . That north wales is not ignored and we get that third bridge . I know and understand the we get that third bridge . I know and understand the frustration we get that third bridge . I know and understand the frustration across i understand the frustration across wales and in particularly in the honourable ladys constituency with this state of affairs. The Welsh Government have not prioritised building new roads, theyre spending over 100 million on new politicians and we will work with the right honourable lady to make sure we resolve this. Honourable lady to make sure we resolve this resolve this. Mister speaker, the conservative resolve this. Mister speaker, the conservative candidate resolve this. Mister speaker, the conservative candidate for resolve this. Mister speaker, the | conservative candidate for london mayor has promoted Islamophobic Tropes online. Endorsed the beliefs of enoch powell, and claimed the black community has a problem with crime. In the week that we marked the 31st anniversary of the murder of stephen lawrence, does the deputy Prime Minister really endorse these views . T Prime Minister really endorse these views . ~. ,. ,. ,. , views . I think the honourable lady knows that she views . I think the honourable lady knows that she does views . I think the honourable lady knows that she does not views . I think the honourable lady knows that she does not correctly| knows that she does not correctly represent the views of the candidate and ifind it extraordinary represent the views of the candidate and i find it extraordinary that she raises the issue of crime because whilst labour� s london mayor has increased the precept by over 70 , actually recorded crime has increased by 20 in london. That is the record of the labour london mayor and no wonder people are voting against him. J mayor and no wonder people are voting against him. Mayor and no wonder people are voting against him. I note that i am the chair of voting against him. I note that i am the chair of the voting against him. I note that i am the chair of the fishery voting against him. I note that i am the chair of the fishery is voting against him. I note that i am the chair of the fishery is a voting against him. I note that i am the chair of the fishery is a pp i voting against him. I note that i am the chair of the fishery is a pp and i the chair of the fishery is a pp and thank the government for the pollok cash compensation. On the 12th of may we will see the First Ever National fishing may we will see the First Ever Nationalfishing remembrance day. I will be marking this occasion by laying a wreath at a service being held at the Quayside By The Memorial Plaque which is the name of my late husband and unfortunately others on it. With the deputy Prime Minister asked the Prime Minister to mark this occasion by remembering those who have died bringing this important food source to our table . I know how important this is to the honourable lady and i am sure she will be remembering her late husband on this day. It is important we all recognise the sacrifices made by fishermen and women to bring food to our table and fishermen and women to bring food to ourtable and i fishermen and women to bring food to our table and i know that my colleague, minister spencer, will be visiting grimsby on that day. Intraday� s Northern Echo the former chairman steve gibson describes the mayor of tees valley as having given away the future of the regions children. He was referring to the 40 of tees works with the forecast of £500 million gifted in a deal to two local business mates. Mister gibson, who helped establish the local development corporation, describes it as unforgivable. Will the government finally admit lord halsham and the conservatives have sold the Teeside Taxpayers down the river . He sold the Teeside Taxpayers down the river . , a sold the Teeside Taxpayers down the river . , ~,. ,. , river . He talks about Teeside Taxpayers. River . He talks about Teeside Taxpayers, actually, river . He talks about Teeside Taxpayers, actually, ben i river . He talks about teeside i taxpayers, actually, Ben Halsham River . He talks about Teeside Taxpayers, actually, ben halsham has never imposed a mayoral precept. At the same time he has saved Teeside Airport and secured a new freeport for teeside. Airport and secured a new freeport forteeside. No airport and secured a new freeport for teeside. No wonder people will be voting for him again. Be voting for him again. Mister seaker, be voting for him again. Mister speaker. Can be voting for him again. Mister speaker. Can i be voting for him again. Mister speaker, can i ask be voting for him again. Mister speaker, can i ask my be voting for him again. Mister speaker, can i ask my right i speaker, can i ask my right honourable friend if he has seen the video that is doing the rounds of the theft in the shop in mikan stich will see in station road, boots the chemist. In the space of eight minutes two threatening individuals robbed thousands of pounds out of that shop and they are not alone. This is happening again and again. In fact, one of my team went out and photographed them leaving brazenly, not caring and even spitting at the police. Will he now police owe to the Home Secretary, through to the police, this is not a petty crime. This is a threat of violence and massive robbery. This should be a priority for the police. What we just talk about always is more police, surely we should be asking for more effective policing and get them off the streets . J for more effective policing and get them off the streets . Them off the streets . I think my rirht them off the streets . I think my right honourable them off the streets . I think my right honourable friend them off the streets . I think my right honourable friend is right honourable friend is absolutely right to highlight this and often it is the allegedly lower crimes that cause the biggest impact on communities. I know my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has been clear on that point and i will make it to him again. It is also why we are rolling out a range of Crime Prevention measures through safer streets fun, improving cctv and street lighting, and reintroduce the police crime and sentencing courts act again to give greater powers to the police to deliver tougher sentences and more serious offenders. ,. , offenders. Earlier on in the session. Offenders. Earlier on in the session, the offenders. Earlier on in the session, the deputy offenders. Earlier on in the session, the deputy prime | offenders. Earlier on in the session, the deputy Prime Minister said that when the Prime Minister and chancellor took office they restored stability to the uk economy. Who do he thing because the instability . Who does he think . J instability . Who does he think . I remember, they might want to forget it, but i remember the day the conservative. The day the conservatives came into office in 2010 and what was the note left on the desk of the Chief Secretary . There is no money left. That is the challenge we have addressed and the Prime Minister and chancellor have done it successively. Done it successively. Labours ma oral done it successively. Labours mayoral candidate done it successively. Labours mayoral candidate in done it successively. Labours mayoral candidate in the i done it successively. Labours| mayoral candidate in the West Midlands talks about housing, but makes no commitment to protect our precious green belt. He talks about transport and fails to commit to reopening the Train Station in aldridge and he is committed to saving Police Stations and when the labour pcc said he would close them, he changed his mind and agreed to that. Does my right honourable friend agree that the only mayor andy street has a plan and a track record to be trusted to deliver for the West Midlands . Has to be trusted to deliver for the West Midlands . To be trusted to deliver for the West Midlands . As ever, my right honourable West Midlands . As ever, my right honourable friend West Midlands . As ever, my right honourable friend is West Midlands . As ever, my right honourable friend is absolutely i honourable friend is absolutely correct to highlight the record of Labours Police and crime commissioner. West Midlands Police have been put in Special Measures on simon fosters watch. When it comes to the green belt we have seen the new wheeze from the labour party, Redesignate Greenbelt and concrete all over it. The conservatives will not allow that to happen and people up not allow that to happen and people up and down the country will Vote Conservative to stop that happening. Conservative to stop that happening. Conservative ministers like to blame strikes and a pandemic for appalling Waiting Times in the nhs. Our Hospital Trust has not met its target to see a patient in a e within four hours since 2015. This was five years after the conservatives came to office. So who does the deputy Prime Minister blame for that . The Party Opposite like to pretend the pandemic didnt happen. That was the pandemic didnt happen. That was the biggest pressure on the nhs and they complain about nhs performance while backing strikes by doctors who unreasonably want a 35 pay rise, and despite all of those pressures, actually, Ale Performance has improved in the past month. Mr improved in the past month. M speaker The Labour Leader of the almost bankrupt Hastings Borough council and several others resigned from the labour party citing the National Labour party has become overly authoritarian, a dereliction of local democracy and is suffocating local price voices. Would the deputy Prime Minister agree that voting for conservative candidates in up coming elections will ensure local voters are heard and local democracy is upheld and Better Services are delivered. My Better Services are delivered. My right honourable friend is right to highlight the really serious concerns about Labour Councillors in hastings, and this is, this is what one labourformer hastings, and this is, this is what one labour former Labour Councillor said. Labourare no one labour former Labour Councillor said. Labour are no longer providing the policies, Support Orfocus said. Labour are no longer providing the policies, support or focus on local government. I couldnt have put it better mice. We are going to leave deputy Prime Ministers there. Let us introduce our guests for this part of politics live, andrew bowie, for labour the Labour Party Chair Annaliese Dodds and the bbc� s chief Political Correspondent henry zeffman. Welcome to all of you. Henry there was a certain amount of knock about feel between Angela Rayner and Oliver Dowding, they have of course i think met five times across the Despatch Box Standing in for their bosses but quickly, slightly deprecating in terms of the stories of Angela Rayner, she offered that up but talked about the renters reform bill which we expect of course, in parliament shortly. And this idea of no Fault Eviction, is it going to be in this bill . J no Fault Eviction, is it going to be in this bill . In this bill . I dont think it would have come in this bill . I dont think it would have come to in this bill . I dont think it would have come to a in this bill . I dont think it would have come to a surprise in this bill . I dont think it would have come to a surprise they i in this bill . I dont think it would i have come to a surprise they were especially spiky today given the situation that Angela Rayner is in. In terms of the substance of their exchange, pretty meaty and i think worth reflecting as we have done before, the housing is studly rocketing up the political agenda in a way this stage of the last parliament and a decade if not before it wasnt. Both parties yiped with the question of the living situation, especially of young people and the definition of young is not everyone would say, so renters reform is one of a couple of really important pieces of legislation that was touched on there, the House Of Commons is doing to debate this bill later. Michael gove would say it fulfils his commitment to establish no fault evict sunshine, what Angela Rayner was suggesting. Firstly there is a fear that even still it could be watered down by conservative mp, a lot are anxious about it, they would say on principle grounds, they say the government shouldnt be interfering in what are contracts the between what are landlord and tenant but also there is already this sense, this slightly strange caveat it wouldnt be introduced this ban on No Fault Evictions until there is an assessment of how it would work through the court, that is where a lot of the political meat of this debate is. Of this debate is. Before i come to our politician of this debate is. Before i come to our politician tonnes of this debate is. Before i come to our politician tonnes panel. Of this debate is. Before i come to our politician tonnes panel. Let i our politician tonnes panel. Let ussuri mind viewers of what the Housing Community michael gove told my colleague Laura Kuenssberg in february. The bill has gone through its stages in the House Of Commons, and that bill does a number of things to help people in the private rented sector, including ending No Fault Evictions. Why does that matter, some might ask . Well, it is the case that there are a small minority of unscrupulous landlords who use the threat of eviction either to jack up rents or to silence people who are complaining about the quality of their homes. It is important that we deal with that abuse, because the vast majority of landlords do a greatjob and you need a healthy private rented sector. Will No Fault Evictions be banned . Yes, that is the purpose or one of the purposes of the bill that we are debating and voting on later today. It is a manifesto commitment and this government is absolutely committed to delivering on that for the reasons michael set out clearly to Laura Kuenssberg earlier this year. To Laura Kuenssberg earlier this ear. ~ , y to Laura Kuenssberg earlier this ear. ~ ,. , to Laura Kuenssberg earlier this year. Absolutely, except angela ra ner year. Absolutely, except Angela Rayner questioned year. Absolutely, except Angela Rayner questioned oliver year. Absolutely, except angela l rayner questioned Oliver Dowding year. Absolutely, except angela i rayner questioned Oliver Dowding on the veries arety of that. Because the veries arety of that. Because the government has amended so any ban on No Fault Evictions would only come into force as henry said, once an assessment of the county Court Possession system can be made. Effectively putting the ban on hold, for the foreseeable future, so in other words, for the foreseeable future, so in otherwords, it for the foreseeable future, so in other words, it wont happen in the way that michael gove and you and Oliver Dowding have set out. That is not the case Oliver Dowding have set out. That is not the case at Oliver Dowding have set out. That is not the case at all. Oliver dowding have set out. That is not the case at all. That Oliver Dowding have set out. That is not the case at all. That isnt Oliver Dowding have set out. That is not the case at all. That isnt the i not the case at all. That isnt the case, not the case at all. That isnt the case. That not the case at all. That isnt the case, that this not the case at all. That isnt the case, that this assessment i not the case at all. That isnt the case, that this assessment is i not the case at all. That isnt the i case, that this assessment is going to happen . Ietrnte case, that this assessment is going to ha en . , case, that this assessment is going to ha en . , case, that this assessment is going to ha en . ,. ,. , to happen . We are bringing forward lerislation to happen . We are bringing forward legislation to to happen . We are bringing forward legislation to deal to happen . We are bringing forward legislation to deal with legislation to deal with unscrupulous landlords, as a manifesto commitment of this government and we are going to deliver it and the timing of it its implementation is all down tow whether labour peers let it get on the statute book and we begin taking action against landlords who are skewing a very healthy private rented sector in the uk rushing this is to deal with people who are not hacketting properly and where committed to delivering on it. The governments committed to delivering on it. The governments backed down on doing what it governments backed down on doing what it promised, just as it has backed what it promised, just as it has backed down on banning new lose hold with that backed down on banning new lose hold with that huge loophole round flats for release household that will be allowed for release household that will be allowed will. We are not going to be seeing allowed will. We are not going to be seeing these arrangement banned in the foreseeable future, what does that mean the foreseeable future, what does that mean in practise . Willis family that mean in practise . Willis family i that mean in practise . Willis family i know where they were served one of family i know where they were served one of those no Fault Eviction notice. One of those no Fault Eviction notice, they have within model tenant, notice, they have within model tenant, the kids were at a local school, tenant, the kids were at a local school, the place where they were station school, the place where they were station was next to work of the parent, station was next to work of the parent, they have had to go into temporary parent, they have had to go into temporary accommodation, its a long way away temporary accommodation, its a long way away from the school and where the parents way away from the school and where the parents work. It is putting new impediments in the way to banning section impediments in the way to banning section 21 impediments in the way to banning section 21 eviction, is it what the government has done because of internal government has done because of internal pressure andrew i am afraid and it internal pressure andrew i am afraid and it is internal pressure andrew i am afraid and it is not internal pressure andrew i am afraid and it is not good enough. What internal pressure andrew i am afraid and it is not good enough. And it is not good enough. What we are doinr and it is not good enough. What we are doing is and it is not good enough. What we are doing is making and it is not good enough. What we are doing is making sure and it is not good enough. What we are doing is making sure this i and it is not good enough. What we are doing is making sure this bill. Are doing is making sure this bill is watertight and making sure the action is appropriate and legal and thatis action is appropriate and legal and that is why we have inserted the stipulations that we v but we are absolutely committed to ending No Fault Evictions for the reason michael gove set out lets go straight to berlin at a News Conference. We share a long history, a common approach to the world and important values like democracy, rule of law and free market economy. Welcome to berlin. He speaks german. Cross while we wait for the translation, if you are joining cross while we wait for the translation, if you arejoining us, this is the News Conference with olaf scholz, german chancellor, rishi sunak, mr olaf scholz welcoming rishi sunak to berlin, his first trip there since becoming Prime Minister 18 months ago. The discussions that they are having are around Defence Spending and a push by germany to bolster nato, nato countries facing pressure to raise Defence Spending in the face of a number of global threats. Defence spending in the face of a number of global threats. Ursula von der le en number of global threats. Ursula von der leyen recently number of global threats. Ursula von der leyen recently warned number of global threats. Ursula von der leyen recently warned more i number of global threats. Ursula von i der leyen recently warned more needs to be done to improve Defence Spending. And rishi sunak has promised billions more for uk defence. Lets return to that conference. Translation ~. ,. , ~ translation we will continue talk and lead, especially translation we will continue talk and lead, especially on translation we will continue talk and lead, especially on joint and lead, especially onjoint projects, training for ukrainian soldiers and for strengthening ukraines Defence Industry base. There is also concrete cooperation in terms of helicopters, when it comes to Maintenance Training and arms. Russias aggression against ukraine has marked a watershed moment. I have repeatedly stated that. We want to take note of the fact that russian world aggression has changed and has put a great European Security architecture so, in europe and in the world, we need to make it clear that borders must not be shifted by the use of force to stop for us in europe, that means we need to strengthen the european pillar of nato, also at when it comes to sufficient deterrence. Our european capabilities to deter and defend must always remain credible. And we also need to better use existing capacities and deepen cooperation. We are doing this in practical terms with the uk on a wide range of projects, a new Artillery System and the armoured fighting vehicle. We are working together on the eurofighter. We want together on the eurofighter. We want to develop this aeroplane further and we want to cooperate on the sky shield initiative. Iam and we want to cooperate on the sky shield initiative. I am therefore also very positive about the development that the uk mayjoin the german french spanish export control agreement, and we will enhance our corporation. Both our countries, germany and the uk, making a substantial contribution to europe but Defence Industry base. We want to continue doing that and strengthen that. This is what we also set up a task force to create a well structured and improved framework of bilateral security and defence cooperation. The exchange on many questions of bilateral cooperation that we wish to enhance. For example, cooperation in the field of energy, more specifically Renewable Energy sources at offshore wind in the north sea. We would also like to carry out a Feasibility Study about trading hydrogen between germany and the uk. We have an excellent cooperation between our security authorities in the fight against trafficking and organised crime, so we will continue dialogue and cooperation on issues of migration, whilst respecting fundamental rights and european and international law. For us, as the federal government in germany, part of this is to also keep in mind legal ways for migration to be able to see Economic Prosperity in the future as well. And we want to create stronger bonds between the german and the british people. This is very important for me, that we enhance our cooperation in this field as well, and we make it possible that there are no hurdles for close exchange between the british and german people. We welcome many cooperative projects in the field of innovation and research. This is also part of the partnership between our countries so we have many issues that we are discussing it i am delighted we are able to do this today here in berlin and i am happy to add that this has been facilitated by the fact we have had a long standing cooperation and partnership before we had this capacity, and i know that rishi sunak sees it the same way. Thank you for being with us today. Jts sunak sees it the same way. Thank you for being with us today. fits a you for being with us today. Its a real pressure you for being with us today. Its a real pressure to you for being with us today. Its a real pressure to be you for being with us today. Its a real pressure to be here you for being with us today. Its a real pressure to be here with i you for being with us today. Its a real pressure to be here with you again real pressure to be here with you again and real pressure to be here with you again and we go way back, and i remember again and we go way back, and i rememberwhen we were again and we go way back, and i remember when we were both finance ministers remember when we were both finance ministers in remember when we were both finance ministers in the darkest days of the pandemic, ministers in the darkest days of the pandemic, i ministers in the darkest days of the pandemic, i was on the phone a lot with you. Pandemic, i was on the phone a lot with you, and i hugely value to your advice with you, and i hugely value to your advice as with you, and i hugely value to your advice as i with you, and i hugely value to your advice as i designed our furlough scheme, advice as i designed our furlough scheme, which took in some part inspiration scheme, which took in some part inspiration from your policy you have inspiration from your policy you have instituted previously, and i also remember we bonded over the uks most also remember we bonded over the uks most famous export to your adopted uks most famous export to your adopted hometown of hamburg. When his majesty the king was here last year for his majesty the king was here last year for his first state visit as monarch. Year for his first state visit as monarch, he spoke in the bundestag of renewing monarch, he spoke in the bundestag of renewing this special bond of friendship between our countries, and i friendship between our countries, and i believe our partnership is this perfect symbol. At this dangerous moment, the bond between our two dangerous moment, the bond between our two modes is stronger than ever. We meet our two modes is stronger than ever. We meet as our two modes is stronger than ever. We meet as a our two modes is stronger than ever. We meet as a war rages on our continent we meet as a war rages on our continent and new threats are rising around continent and new threats are rising around the continent and new threats are rising around the world. I want to congratulate you on your leadership, in recognising and taking the historic in recognising and taking the historic decision to increase German Defence historic decision to increase German Defence winner, and we stand here is the leading defence winner, and we stand here is the leading defence specialist in europe, the leading defence specialist in europe, unshakeable nato allies at the two europe, unshakeable nato allies at the two Largest Military supporters of ukraine in europe. Together, we will continue to provide unwavering support will continue to provide unwavering support for will continue to provide unwavering support for our ukrainian friends, as you support for our ukrainian friends, as you said. Support for our ukrainian friends, as you said, for as long as it takes as you said, for as long as it takes we as you said, for as long as it takes. We look forward to the ukrainian takes. We look forward to the ukrainian recovery conference being hosted ukrainian recovery conference being hosted in ukrainian recovery conference being hosted in berlin injune. I know we will continue to work closely together on other global challenges, including together on other global challenges, including putting the middle east on a better including putting the middle east on a better path and together we have acted a better path and together we have acted to a better path and together we have acted to meet this moment. We have taken acted to meet this moment. We have taken greater responsibility for our collective taken greater responsibility for our collective security and today we are going collective security and today we are going further, opening a new chapter in the going further, opening a new chapter in the security relationship between our two in the security relationship between our two nations, as you heard from chancellor our two nations, as you heard from chancellor shots. We have committed to delivering a framework on defence that we to delivering a framework on defence that we are to delivering a framework on defence that we are delivering an immediate expansion that we are delivering an immediate expansion of our industrial corporation, announcing a joint endeavour corporation, announcing a joint endeavour to secure the box artillery endeavour to secure the box Artillery System, providing our soldiers Artillery System, providing our soldiers with a new, cutting edge capability. Soldiers with a new, cutting edge capability, and supporting hundreds of german capability, and supporting hundreds of german and british jobs. Lets capability, and supporting hundreds of german and britishjobs. Lets be clear. Of german and britishjobs. Lets be clear. This of german and britishjobs. Lets be clear. This is of german and britishjobs. Lets be clear, this is a partnership that connects clear, this is a partnership that connects with all aspects of our economy connects with all aspects of our economy and society, and you and i discussed economy and society, and you and i discussed our corporation and many other discussed our corporation and many other areas discussed our corporation and many other areas today, technology and ai other areas today, technology and al to irregular other areas today, technology and al to irregular migration, trade and investment, and im delighted to say we have investment, and im delighted to say we have also secured £8 billion of new investment in britain, including at our new investment in britain, including at our energy sector. I very much look at our energy sector. I very much look forward to deepening our discussions in the coming months and weeks. Discussions in the coming months and weeks, through the g7 and the nato summit, weeks, through the g7 and the nato summit, European Political Community and perhaps, when our two football to meet and perhaps, when our two football to meet at and perhaps, when our two football to meet at euro 2020. For all our shared to meet at euro 2020. For all our shared values and shared determination, to meet the challenges of this new era, the thing challenges of this new era, the thing that really unites us, as you saidr thing that really unites us, as you said. Is thing that really unites us, as you said. Is our thing that really unites us, as you said, is our people. The love that liverpool said, is our people. The love that liverpool has fourjurgen klopp or that munich has four harry kane. Its that munich has four harry kane. Its a that munich has four harry kane. Its a reminder of the special bond of friendship that his majesty is described. With close allies, partners described. With close allies, partners and friends, we will continue partners and friends, we will continue to stand side by side to preserve continue to stand side by side to preserve security and prosperity in the uk. Preserve security and prosperity in the uk, germany and across this continent the uk, germany and across this continent. Thank you. Chancellor, may i ask you, are you 100 convinced that donald trump is 100 convinced that donald trump is 100 committed to the central tenets of nato and, in particular, article five and the duty to protect Member States . Prime minister, yesterday you were talking about a predicted increase in Defence Spending, but some people feel, only a few weeks after the budget, a budget where you power to tax cuts, you are not entirely squaring with people, there is a mismatch between the rhetoric you use about a generational moment, a milestone, and europe needs to spend more defence, and then you say you can plug the hole by cutting a few Civil Servants and rejigging the research and Development Budgets to dont you need to square with people saying there was going to be a lot more pain than that, whether it is tax rises or deep spending cuts . Nick rutter i dont think thats a fair characterisation. The plan eye announced yesterday is fully funded. It is funded, rightly, with a reduction in Civil Service headcount back to reduction in Civil Service headcount back to 29 reduction in Civil Service headcount back to 29 reduction in Civil Service headcount back to 29 back to 2019 levels. We have back to 29 back to 2019 levels. We have seen a significant rise that is not we have seen a significant rise that is not sustainable for the chancellor is can they detailed exercise chancellor is can they detailed exercise. Announced this at the of last year~ exercise. Announced this at the of last year. That exercise is completed, which gives us the confidence we can release the savings confidence we can release the savings needed to fund our defence combined savings needed to fund our defence combined with an uplift in r d spending, which we had budgeted for and it includes now plans, but will make a choice to protest defence with both decisions, and i believe thatis with both decisions, and i believe that is the right thing to do because, whether we like it or not, the world is more dangerous than its been at any moment since the cold war, and it falls on leaders, whether that is no less or may, to do what is necessary to keep our countries and continent save and stand up for our values. That is what britain has a wisdom and well do that the this is what i announced what i did yesterday. Its the biggest roughening of our National Defence in a generation, it is fully funded and based on the fact we have a Strong Economy and an economic plan that is working. You can see that when i came into this office at inflation was 11 . Its now 3 and falling. Energy bills are coming down, Interest Rates to follow, growth returning and its because our plans working that i can with this nonsense and they are entirely consistent with our ability to keep cutting taxes. In the last few weeks, the second of our tax cuts kicked in, a £900 tax cut for somebody on average annexe, together with the state pension going up £900 in tax cuts to support business investment. But you need a clear and credible economic plan in order to make this nonsense. That plan is working and thats why i was able to announce what i did. Olaf will answer your question on the us. I think what i would point out before he does this is, and i think olaf would agree, us president as it was called for more European Defence spending. Thats not new. I think thatis spending. Thats not new. I think that is entirely reasonable. Olaf addressed it in his remarks. We cannot expect americans to pay any price, to take any burden, if we in europe are not ourselves prepared to make those sacrifices and make those investments. That is what we are doing. We talked about the leadership he has shown and you have seen my announcement yesterday, always meeting our 2 commitment. Its important we in europe demonstrate we are doing that in order to keep the us committees nato and that is welcome. Translation . , ~. , and that is welcome. Translation . ,. , translation thank you for your ruestion. Translation thank you for your question i translation thank you for your question. I know translation thank you for your question. I know why translation thank you for your question. I know why you translation thank you for your question. I know why you asked, i question. I know why you asked, because the relations between the us and germany the relations between the us and european nato states and europe as a whole are excellent, and this is linked to the fact of the leadership shown by President Biden thatis leadership shown by President Biden that is truly extraordinary, and he has been very engaged and committed to good developments of International Relations and close cooperation in nato. Of course, we have an alliance with nato that has been made between nations. Its the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation that we want to advance, in order to prolong democracy, the rule of law, a free market economy. We want to defend these values, and this is why we do that. I am confident that, over the many years that are ahead, this will not change. There will be new president coming and going in eight years time or 12 years time, so i think we need to trust in this long term partnership. Iwould so i think we need to trust in this long term partnership. I would like to add that it is true that europe needs to have massively enhanced its defence capability, to our plan in germany and our commitment to pay at least 2. 5 of gdp into defence, and this is quite a lot, if you calculate the figures. Thats quite a strong defence budget. That is also needed so that we could collectively defend nato territory, because it depends on our power, we can and we will defend our territory in case of attack. After the us aid package, is this the moment where you would agree to the delivery of cruise missiles to ukraine, because the americans have also included substantially new types of arms . Nicky marcus understand the argument so far for nicky marcus understand the argument so fa. ,. ,. , so far for not delivering christmas elf. Would so far for not delivering christmas elf would you so far for not delivering christmas elf. Would you both so far for not delivering christmas elf. Would you both agree so far for not delivering christmas elf. Would you both agree that i so far for not delivering christmas| elf. Would you both agree that the 2. 5 should be the new nato Court Defence 2. 5 should be the new nato Court Defence spending . Translation . , ~ Defence Spending . Translation . ,. ,. , translation thank you for that r uestion. Translation thank you for that question. Regarding translation thank you for that question. Regarding support i translation thank you for that question. Regarding support for l question. Regarding support for ukraine, this gives me the opportunity to point out once more that germany is the biggest supporter of ukraine in financial terms and also when it comes to arms since the start of the war we have. Germany is the biggest supporter of ukraine in financial terms and also when it comes to arms since the start of the war in europe, and we know that the budget that we have planned for defence includes military support for ukraine and is about 7 billion euros. This is quite a lot. Together with great britain, with the uk and sometimes alone, we have delivered a substantial amount of weapons. We have rocket systems. Multiple launch rocket systems and other arms. We also have provided a large amount of air Defence Systems for ukraine. The rsp system, a top system for supporting ukraine in its air defence capabilities. We have delivered two patriot system and no other individual country has made such substantial contributions for air defence with patriot systems, so we see our role to continue on this path. You spoke about one weapon system, and my decision on that wont change. System, and my decision on that wont change wont change. When it comes to supporting wont change. When it comes to supporting ukraine, wont change. When it comes to supporting ukraine, i wont change. When it comes to supporting ukraine, i am wont change. When it comes to supporting ukraine, i am proud| wont change. When it comes to i supporting ukraine, i am proud of supporting ukraine, lam proud of everything supporting ukraine, lam proud of everything that the uk has done not ust everything that the uk has done not just quantum, we stand alongside germany just quantum, we stand alongside germany as the two biggest supporters of ukraine, but also when its come supporters of ukraine, but also when its come to supporters of ukraine, but also when its come to capabilities over time, new things its come to capabilities over time, new things like training ukrainian soldiers. New things like training ukrainian soldiers, providing tanks, long range weapons etc, we have always long range weapons etc, we have always tried to be on the forefront of getting always tried to be on the forefront of getting them help that they need, but what of getting them help that they need, but what id say to echo what olaf says. But what id say to echo what olaf says. You but what id say to echo what olaf says, you cant get away from the fact that says, you cant get away from the fact that germany right now is, alongside fact that germany right now is, alongside the uk, the single biggest supporter of ukraine, and particularly, you mentioned one capability, every country has different capability, every country has Different Things it can bring to the table Different Things it can bring to the table you Different Things it can bring to the table. You heard olaf talk about patriot table. You heard olaf talk about patriot a table. You heard olaf talk about patriot a key meet of ukraine is air defence patriot a key meet of ukraine is air defence and all the conversations olaf and defence and all the conversations olaf and i defence and all the conversations olaf and i have had with President Biden. Olaf and i have had with President Biden. We olaf and i have had with President Biden, we have talked about the importance of getting air defence ukraine. Importance of getting air defence ukraine, and olaf and germany deserve ukraine, and olaf and germany deserve particular praise for the support deserve particular praise for the support they are providing, and i spoke support they are providing, and i spoke to support they are providing, and i spoke to president zelensky yesterday, again talking about the importance ofair yesterday, again talking about the importance of air defence, and he was talking importance of air defence, and he was talking about the role that olaf and germany have played in that, and i and germany have played in that, and i have and germany have played in that, and i have nothing but praise for olaf bostock i have nothing but praise for olaf bostock leadership on this and we have a bostock leadership on this and we have a Wide Coalition of countries who are have a Wide Coalition of countries who are united in wanting to support ukraine who are united in wanting to support ukraine. Everyone can bring Something Different and complimentary to the table, but the key thing complimentary to the table, but the key thing is we are united in wanted support key thing is we are united in wanted support ukraine for as long as it takes. Support ukraine for as long as it takes. So support ukraine for as long as it takes, so that putin sees that his aggression takes, so that putin sees that his aggression will end in failure and we defend the values that are important to us. I think the other thing important to us. I think the other thing is. Important to us. I think the other thing is. To important to us. I think the other thing is, to your question on defence thing is, to your question on Defence Spending more generally, i was with Defence Spending more generally, i was with the nato secretary general yesterday was with the nato secretary general yesterday and its clear the world were yesterday and its clear the world were living in this increasingly dangerous, and i described an axis of authoritarian states, which increasingly are working together to cause increasingly are working together to cause instability around the world in a way cause instability around the world in a way that leverages our security at home. In a way that leverages our security at home, whether thats here or in the uk at home, whether thats here or in the uk i at home, whether thats here or in the uk. Ithink at home, whether thats here or in the uk. I think its right that, in light the uk. I think its right that, in light of the uk. I think its right that, in light of that, we recognise we need to do light of that, we recognise we need to do more light of that, we recognise we need to do more for the olaf and germany have done to do more for the olaf and germany have done that. We have historically spent have done that. We have historically spent the have done that. We have historically spent the 2 of gdp on defence. I do believe spent the 2 of gdp on defence. I do believe we spent the 2 of gdp on defence. I do believe we are in a world where defence believe we are in a world where Defence Spending is rising. You are seeing Defence Spending is rising. You are seeing that Defence Spending is rising. You are seeing that across the continent, germany. Seeing that across the continent, germany, uk, norway, baltic states. That is germany, uk, norway, baltic states. That is happening and i believe we will look that is happening and i believe we will look back at this moment in time will look back at this moment in time that will look back at this moment in time that recognise this was an inflection time that recognise this was an Inflection Point where the old paradigms is no longer the case and we have paradigms is no longer the case and we have to paradigms is no longer the case and we have to adjust for the new paradigms, because, as olaf said, we will do paradigms, because, as olaf said, we will do what paradigms, because, as olaf said, we will do what is necessary to give our country will do what is necessary to give our country and content safe defend our country and content safe defend our values our country and content safe defend our values. ,. ,. ,. , our country and content safe defend our values our country and content safe defend ourvalues. ,. ,. , � , our values. Natasha clark, lb suited u. Our values. Natasha clark, lb suited u prime our values. Natasha clark, lb suited up Prime Minister, our values. Natasha clark, lb suited up Prime Minister, he our values. Natasha clark, lb suited up Prime Minister, he said our values. Natasha clark, lb suited up Prime Minister, he said defence. Up Prime Minister, he said defence will be up Prime Minister, he said defence will be a up Prime Minister, he said defence will be a pro up Prime Minister, he said defence will be a pro they up Prime Minister, he said defence will be a pro they had up Prime Minister, he said defence will be a pro they had told up Prime Minister, he said defence will be a pro they had told mps i up Prime Minister, he said defencej will be a pro they had told mps this announcement will be a pro they had told mps this announcement means will be a pro they had told mps this announcement means the will be a pro they had told mps this i announcement means the processing on other things. Announcement means the processing on otherthings, including announcement means the processing on otherthings, including in announcement means the processing on other things, including in the otherthings, including in the manifesto otherthings, including in the manifesto. What otherthings, including in the manifesto. What is otherthings, including in the manifesto. What is going i otherthings, including in the manifesto. What is going to. Other things, including in the i manifesto. What is going to have other things, including in the manifesto. What is going to have to o . Manifesto. What is going to have to go . Does manifesto. What is going to have to go . Does this manifesto. What is going to have to go . Does this mean manifesto. What is going to have to go . Does this mean tax manifesto. What is going to have to go . Does this mean tax cuts manifesto. What is going to have to go . Does this mean tax cuts are i manifesto. What is going to have to. Go . Does this mean tax cuts are now off the go . Does this mean tax cuts are now off the table go . Does this mean tax cuts are now off the table to go . Does this mean tax cuts are now off the table to pay go . Does this mean tax cuts are now off the table to pay for go . Does this mean tax cuts are now off the table to pay for this off the table to pay for this promise off the table to pay for this promise and, off the table to pay for this promise and, to off the table to pay for this promise and, to follow i off the table to pay for this promise and, to follow upl off the table to pay for this i promise and, to follow up on off the table to pay for this promise and, to follow up on garys guestion. Promise and, to follow up on garys question. Would promise and, to follow up on garys question, would you promise and, to follow up on garys question, would you like promise and, to follow up on garys question, would you like to promise and, to follow up on garys question, would you like to rule i promise and, to follow up on garys question, would you like to rule out further question, would you like to rule out further cuts question, would you like to rule out further cuts to question, would you like to rule out further cuts to public question, would you like to rule out further cuts to Public Services question, would you like to rule out further cuts to Public Services or i further cuts to Public Services or troop further cuts to Public Services or troop numbers . Further cuts to Public Services or troop numbers . Mr further cuts to Public Services or troop numbers . Mr schultz, further cuts to Public Services ori troop numbers . Mr schultz, you further cuts to Public Services or troop numbers . Mr schultz, you have been discussing troop numbers . Mr schultz, you have been discussing migration troop numbers . Mr schultz, you have been discussing migration with troop numbers . Mr schultz, you have been discussing migration with rishi i been discussing migration with rishi sunak been discussing migration with rishi sunak we been discussing migration with rishi sunak we know been discussing migration with rishi sunak. We know germany been discussing migration with rishi sunak. We know germany is been discussing migration with rishi sunak. We know germany is its been discussing migration with rishi sunak. We know germany is its own| sunak. We know germany is its own problems sunak. We know germany is its own problems with sunak. We know germany is its own problems with migration. Sunak. We know germany is its own problems with migration. Are sunak. We know germany is its own problems with migration. Are you i problems with migration. Are you also looking problems with migration. Are you also looking at problems with migration. Are you also looking at a problems with migration. Are you also looking at a rhondda problems with migration. Are you also looking at a rhondda style. Problems with migration. Are you i also looking at a rhondda style deal for a third also looking at a rhondda style deal for a third country also looking at a rhondda style deal for a third country to also looking at a rhondda style deal for a third country to send migrants| for a third country to send migrants loo