Transcripts For BBCNEWS Politics 20240703

Preventing the growth of native organisms. Scientists say it appears to thrive in our warmer waters. It shows just how fragile some of our marine ecosystems can be. Justin told us more, from anglesey in wales. All these records are important because what they tell us is the story of ever increasing temperatures, but the run of records that we have had isjust extraordinary. As you say, 11 months and a new Monthly Record for temperatures in the air, and new treatment year where every single day has been a Record Temperature for the day, and these have not been broken by a small margin, theyre not being edged past, they being smashed, so around 47 days over the course of the last year, the temperature, the previous High Temperature, the previous High Temperature was exceeded by no. 3, a third of a degree, celsius. That may not sound much, but we are talking about a global average of all the oceans are nice, so that is a huge margin, it tells us is steadily over the years Global Temperatures really are going up, and it is affecting marine ecosystems, so we know that the worlds coral reefs are experiencing a Global Mass Bleaching event, that means across all the oceans of the world, we are seeing evidence of corals bleaching, they go white and expel the algae that live within them giving them colour, and that makes them vulnerable, and they can die as a result of bleaching, so terrible threats to our coral reefs, there are also issues with Emperor Penguins in antarctica that are finding it hard to find gymnast on sea ice, because its falling into the ocean, thats a real threat to them. You might ask why am at this extraordinary location in north wales, im here because it is affecting all the oceans of the world. Uk season of seen temperatures rise about one celsius over the last few decades, Thatis Celsius over the last few decades, that is changing the population of plants and animals in places like this, beside the magnificent menai bridge, the first school scale first full scale suspension bridge, and i have been with scientists monitoring the populations of plants and animals on the beach here for about 70 years, and they have seen some really dramatic changes, the sound subtle, but things like Topsoil Property is changing, new species coming in, they may seem like small changes to us, but their revolution in terms of ecosystems, huge upheaval of ecosystems, and thatis huge upheaval of ecosystems, and that is causing cascading change. To scotland now and john swinney has been sworn in as Scottish First minister in edinburgh. Hes expected to appoint his cabinet later. Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, mr swinney said taking the oaths had been an overwhelming moment and he spoke of his pride at being First Minister and his familys support. Heres the moment he was sworn in. My my ladies, my lords, this is the moment under his majesty was � s sign manual appointing john ramsey swear need to be First Minister of the scottish government. Rescuers say theyve made contact with eleven people under the rubble of a building that has collapsed in the western cape of south africa. Six people died after the five storey Apartment Block collapsed in the coastal city of george. Our correspondent, shingai nyoka, is in george. Those Rescue Efforts are ongoing. Last night, the focus was behind me where you might be able to see a huge gaping hole in the concrete slab. We understand that at least two people were rescued from there. But the operation now has moved to another part of this Construction Site behind the slabs, and thats where the rescuers are working now. But its been more than a0 hours since the building collapsed. The majority of people are still trapped underneath the rubble. But we have been hearing some really Great Stories here. We spoke to a man whose son had been trapped underneath the rubble who had been speaking to him via cell phone. And we understand that he has since been rescued and that he is in hospital. And so there is still a lot of hope here that some of those people that are still trapped will be found and found alive. Now to the devastating floods in brazil. The governor of the state of Rio Grande Do Sul has announced the deployment of an extra thousand police and Security Officers to stop looting and crime in areas devastated by floods. At least 95 people have died and dozens are missing. Rescue works have been hampered by the activities in criminal gangs. Governor Eduardo Leite has called for help from the Central Government in brasilia. He warned that more torrential rain was expected in the next few days with the arrival of a cold front later on wednesday. For more, i spoke to Daniel Gallas from bbc brazil. The rains have stopped for a little bit, and its time to get a lot of the people out, there are still a lot of people to rescue. Some people dont actually want to leave their homes because they are afraid of looting, and it is hard for people to get to these areas because it is such a wide area thats been flooded, criminal gangs have been acting, people who see the criminal opportunity and they are overwhelming the state and the police force as well, to help get the people out, so its an extremely vulnerable moment for the state both the people who are rescued and people who are waiting to be rescued. We have been seeing pictures of people have been displaced on their pets, there is a dog there. I spoke to one of the weekend he said he didnt know when he would get clean water or more food. ~. , ,. ,. , food. What conditions are people actually living food. What conditions are people actually living in food. What conditions are people actually living in in food. What conditions are people actually living in in the actually living in in the circumstances . Actually living in in the circumstances . , circumstances . That is the worst art of circumstances . That is the worst part of the circumstances . That is the worst part of the tragedy, circumstances . That is the worst part of the tragedy, Everything I Circumstances . That is the worst i part of the tragedy, everything that happen so far as been such a big scale, people have lost so much, but the worst is still to come for a lot of these people because things wont get back to normal for a of these people because things wont get back to normalfor a long time. For example, this is an area of 3. 5 Million People, and the airport will be closed for an entire month just because everything is underwater, and most of these neighbourhoods will be under water for about two weeks still, it will take time of the recent more rain, which there is likely more rain forecast, so this could be going on for a long time, with people not having access to clean water, people having to switch off water in some places, there is a risk of electrical shocks. So this could last for a whole month. We know already the airport will be shot for a whole month. Just know already the airport will be shot for a whole month. Know already the airport will be shot for a whole month. Just so it is clear to shot for a whole month. Just so it is clear to viewers, shot for a whole month. Just so it is clear to viewers, we shot for a whole month. Just so it is clear to viewers, we are shot for a whole month. Just so it | is clear to viewers, we are showing pictures of the airport completely flooded. It is quite a sight to see, a planejust flooded. It is quite a sight to see, a plane just resting flooded. It is quite a sight to see, a planejust resting own flooded. It is quite a sight to see, a plane just resting own water. Flooded. It is quite a sight to see, a planejust resting own water. Yes. A plane ust resting own water. Yes, and a plane just resting own water. Yes, and this is a a plane just resting own water. Yes, and this is a very a plane just resting own water. 133 and this is a very economically active area, its very powerful and important, is that this will have a Knock On Effect on the economy of the region, with rising Food Products and a powerful industrial sector, so be shot for a whole month, and everything thats happening there is likely to have an impact throughout the whole region. A family of lions rescued from ukraine have been released into their new home at a Wildlife Park in south yorkshire. Eesa and her three 18 month old cubs emi, santa and teddi were rescued from the donetsk region. They arrived at the Yorkshire Wildlife park in march and have spent the last two months in rehabilitation. The park said it was heartwarming to see the family reunited. Before we go i want to return to the war in the middle east. We have some pictures here of the israel gaza border. Apologies, that is the camp in rafah, which is good to show because some of the offensive impact has been the humanitarian impact it has been the humanitarian impact it has on the one point 2 Million People sheltering there. News also did, in that the us has halted shipments of bombs last week amid concerns over the offensive. Stay with us here on bbc news. Hello. It may have been a murky start for some today, but over the next few days well see increasing amounts of sunshine and also very little rainfall, too. A Welcome Break from the wet conditions so far this year. You can see in our Forecast Rainfall Chart for the next four days, any rain that we do see is mainly across parts of scotland. Elsewhere, little to no rain for the vast majority. And thats because High Pressure is just about going to be in charge. Around the top end of it, especially in the next few days, we will see a few splashes of rain and then we have to watch what happens towards the west into the weekend. So thats coming our way. For today, after that murky morning, more sunshine developing into the afternoon for many, but well see some rain into the north and West Of Scotland. That will be developing as we go through the second half of the day, some heavy bursts in places, too. Northern Western Isles and the northwest highlands, maybe a bit of rain into the far west of Northern Ireland by the start of the evening. But elsewhere, with a bit more sunshine this afternoon, well see temperatures climb a little bit more between 17 and 21 or 22 celsius for many of you. Now, the rain this evening across Northwest Scotland will affect other parts of scotland and Northern Ireland for a time. Fairly erratic. Some here will still stay dry, though, and by the end of the night, its reallyjust going to be mainly the far north West Of Scotland where itll still be on the damp side. Most other areas will be dry, some mist and fog forming once again, and temperatures similar to recent nights. But a murky start to the morning across parts of england, wales and southern scotland, especially. Mist and fog though will clear. Much more sunshine for england and wales developing more quickly as we go through thursday. Temperatures up to 20 to 23 degrees, and a few more sunny spells for Northern Ireland, southern and eastern scotland. Still some drizzle in the far north West Of Scotland. Some more rain to come, Northern Scotland through thursday night. That clears into friday. And after a cloudy starts, we will see much more sunshine develop. A sunny day for many in england and wales, but a sunnier day for scotland and Northern Ireland. And temperatures here will start to climb into low 20s for one or two. Continuing to climb elsewhere and they will climb further as we go into the weekend. At long last, we could have a weekend where some of you will stay dry throughout. There will be these weather fronts complicating things in the west later on sunday, the chance of some showers and thunderstorms to the far south and west by the time sundays through. But a lot of the time it will be dry and we could see temperatures peak at around 2a or 25 celsius in the sunshine. Take care. The worlds Biggest Carmaker toyota posts a Record Profit as hybrid sales speed up. And, the finnish town dreaming of becoming carbon neutral. Well find out how. The worlds Biggest Carmaker welcome to Business Today, im ben thompson. We start with toyota the worlds Biggest Carmaker by sales who have just posted their latest numbers showing a significant boost in recent profits and sales buoyed by the weak yen. Helping to clock up a record net profit for the year of over 31 billion. Toyota sold a total of 10. 3 Million Units across the world last year, with hybrid vehicles accounting for over a third of total sales. It is somewhat at odds with the global drive towards electric vehicles. With battery only evs coming in at only around i of total sales, which may be part of the reason why they are forcasting profit declines in the year to come. Joining me now is stuart masson, editor at the car expert. Give us a sense of what the figures tell us. An impressive set of figures but the difficulty of shifting electric only vehicles. Yes, good morning. Toyota has had a very good 12 months, as you said, helped by a week yen which has helped by a week yen which has helped profits. 0ver helped by a week yen which has helped profits. Over the next 12 months they are forecasting that profits are likely to go down by 20 as they invest more and more of their money into new electric vehicles which they are doing. Toyota has been a world leader in hybrid cars for the last 20 odd years but they are a bit behind the best in pack when it comes to fully electric vehicles and they are now trying to catch up the difference. Toyota has been synonymous with hybrid vehicles and a lot of car makers right now are struggling to go electric only, even though we know that is the way the industry is heading. Where is the reluctance and difficulty . Does it come from consumers who are worried about things like range and charging facilities or the industry saying we cannot make these cars efficiently enough . Cannot make these cars efficiently enou~h . , u,. Cannot make these cars efficiently enou~h . ,. , enough . There is concern from consumers enough . There is concern from consumers. What enough . There is concern from consumers. What weve enough . There is concern from consumers. What weve seen l enough . There is concern from| consumers. What weve seen is enough . There is concern from consumers. What weve seen is that the early adopters have got on board, the people who want electric cars and now the hard yards begin, because its convincing ordinary, average consumers who in most cases dont really care whether their car is powered by petrol, diesel or fairy dust. They want a good, safe reliable car that suits their needs so convincing ordinary people that their next car should be an electric car is a harder task than convincing people who already wanted one and the pace of change is different around the world and is different from other parts of europe and its different in europe from china and america and other parts of the world. � ,. ,. , world. Its interesting a number of countries including world. Its interesting a number of countries including the world. Its interesting a number of countries including the uk world. Its interesting a number of countries including the uk have i countries including the uk have targets for how many electric vehicles that manufacturers must sell, to hit the targets it means manufacturers have to reduce price, but even that isnt it enough to hit the targets, is it . For but even that isnt it enough to hit the targets, is it . The targets, is it . For some manufacturers, the targets, is it . For some manufacturers, no. The targets, is it . For some manufacturers, no. They i the targets, is it . For some | manufacturers, no. They are the targets, is it . For some manufacturers, no. They are going to have to get to a point later this year with a say in order to hit quotas we have to do is stop selling petrol and diesel and hybrid cars and other manufacturers are ahead already so are doing very well but across the industry we are currently at 16 or i7 of the new car market in the uk and the electric vehicles needs to be 22 this year going up to 28 next year and then 33 and onwards and upwards from there. It will be interesting to see if the targets are reached. Good to talk to you, stuart. Gratefulfor targets are reached. Good to talk to you, stuart. Grateful for your time. To finland now, where one city is on an ambitious path to become carbon neutral. Home to 120,000 people, lahti was once a polluted industrial town, but over the past couple of decades its transformed itself. And three years ago, it was named europes green capital. Adrienne murray has been to lahti to find out more. Warming up for another big game. Its notjust goals that the pelicans want to score. Lahtis Ice Hockey Team is trying to go green. This arena uses Renewable Energy and the team travelled to domestic matches on a biodiesel fuelled bus. We are going to zero and we like to go below it, even to negative. The biggest thing why we start this project, we like to show the way how to do things better. Their efforts have helped win sponsors and also influenced the fans. Nowadays, they have changed their habits. Lahti was once a polluted industrial city. But over the years, its transformed itself and is forging a greenerfuture. Getting rid of coal was a major step. This plant supplies citywide electricity and heating, using woodchips and residual waste from forestry and households. If we look back to early 2000, our total emissions were overi Million Tonnes of c02 annually. By 2020, that was reduced to close to 100,000 tons. So a huge reduction of over a million tons within 20 years. Across the city, theres cleaner public transport like electric buses, bike sharing and lots of cycle paths. Even the orchestra is tracking its footprint and aims to be carbon free. Reuse and recycling rates are also high, and a big part of the work is engaging the local community. Though takeup has been mixed, apps have also been tested out to encourage users to live more sustainably. Resident ulla lehtinen says she tries to make sustainable choices. I use my bike more or less every day, even in the snow. I try to eat more vegetarian food. I dont remember when i flew for my holiday last time. Im a better person when im environmentally conscious. Heating, transport and food are among the biggest areas to tackle. However, some habits are hard to change, like Steering Drivers away from petrol cards. Still, its aiming to be among the first cities to become carbon neutral. We have been able to cut 64 of our C02 Emissions where our target is to cut 80 and to bind the rest in carbon sinks or to compensate. We wont be able to make it in 2025, but 2026 27 or 2028 is possible. Theres still plenty more to do, of course, but a greener future is one goal that lots of people can get behind. Adriennne murray, bbc news, lahti. Tech firms are being told they must do more to protect Children Online. 0fcom the uk regulator says they must Tame Toxic Algorithms and has outlined more than a0 practical steps that Services Must take to keep children safer. They include robust age checks to prevent children seeing harmful content. And such material must be filtered out. Saqib bhatti, the minister for the Digital Economy and tech told the bbc about one of those practical steps. Social Media Companies are now going to be expected to verify those people who access, and those children actually, who access their online services. What they have suggested is, where it is things like facial id, it might be credit checks, a number of things, they are telling social Media Companies they must put in mechanisms to verify who accesses social media. Im joined now by belinda parmar, Chief Executive of the Empathy Business and a campaignerfor more empathy in tech. Define harmer here because there are separate important thing is to distinguish. 0ne separate important thing is to distinguish. One is about ready addiction young people how to using social media and the other is the risk of seeing an content on the other is inappropriate contact with people online, so how would you define that harm . The people online, so how would you define that harm . Define that harm . The bigger obective define that harm . The bigger objective is define that harm . The bigger objective is we define that harm . The bigger objective is we have define that harm . The bigger objective is we have to define that harm . The biggerl objective is we have to protect define that harm . The bigger objective is we have to protect our Children Online and there are a0 practical steps which really are a step in the right direction and i am confident that these are the right things to do, the things you mention, enforcing age restrictions, removing harmful content for children and the mechanisms to report the issue. The issue is its all very late and these a0 practical steps will take another year to get into parliament and get past with the enforcement of the online bill. What has been the response from tech firms, because they have all of the power and regulation is often playing catch up with the Way Technology changes and the way and speedy changes, but is it in the of Big Tech Firms to make it easier to comply with the rules . Big tech firms to make it easier to comply with the rules . These tech firms have had comply with the rules . These tech firms have had between comply with the rules . These tech firms have had between nine comply with the rules . These tech firms have had between nine and l comply with the rules . These tech l firms have had between nine and 20 years and have been around between nine and 20 years to self regulate theissue nine and 20 years to self regulate the issue is, they dont want to self regulate and there is no incentive for them to do that. And this morning i went on instagram and put in a self harm and you get this one page that says, do you need some help and then, oh, lets take you to the content. The fact our children can in 30 seconds access content which is harmful with no regulation i think is really, really scary. I5 i think is really, really scary. Is it naive for us to expect that the tech firms will want to enforce any of this regulation because people they are targeting our young impressionable people who are valuable consumers to what they sell. ,. ,. ,. , sell. Exactly. I have two teenagers and our teenagers sell. Exactly. I have two teenagers and our Teenagers Brains sell. Exactly. I have two teenagers and our Teenagers Brains are sell. Exactly. I have two teenagers and our Teenagers Brains are not l and our Teenagers Brains are not formed and are malleable and these things have an impact on them and for the first time we have data to show the impact but going back to your question, but Tech Companies have no incentive, so this act which has already been passed at the end of 2023 has Enforcement Powers and they are limited but of, who are regulating this act, they can deliver fines of up to 80,000,010 of global revenue but this is tiny if you think about how much money the companies make. It takes them seconds, 27 minutes to mate £18 million, so these fines are not big enough. Million, so these fines are not big enou h. ,. , i. Million, so these fines are not big enou h. ,. , i. enough. Given that you said the ao ste s enough. Given that you said the 40 steps might enough. Given that you said the 40 steps might take enough. Given that you said the 40 steps might take a enough. Given that you said the 40 steps might take a year enough. Given that you said the 40 steps might take a year and enough. Given that you said the 40 steps might take a year and we enough. Given that you said the 40 i steps might take a year and we know the damage that can be caused in that time, how hopeful are you that the regulators have a grip on this . I want to be hopeful in the fact that we are leading the world with germany and australia and protecting our Children Online is a really good step so im hopeful that we have the right ambition but what i would say is we need to do it faster. We cannot have. We have 11 suicides linked to 11 deaths from children to social media and we cannot wait for any more. Social media and we cannot wait for an more. �. , social media and we cannot wait for an more. �. , social media and we cannot wait for an more. ,. , any more. Belinda, really good to talk to yom any more. Belinda, really good to talk to you. We any more. Belinda, really good to talk to you. We will any more. Belinda, really good to talk to you. We will talk any more. Belinda, really good to talk to you. We will talk to any more. Belinda, really good to talk to you. We will talk to you i talk to you. We will talk to you again about this. The us has revoked Export Licences that allow companies to ship goods including advanced semi conductors to the Chinese Tech Company huawei. The move follows the release last month of huaweis first ai enabled laptop, the matebook x pro powered by an intel processor. Tiktok has filed a lawsuit in the United States aiming to block a law that could ban it in the us. The Social Media Platform described the legislation as an extraordinary intrusion on free speech rights. President joe biden signed the bill into law last month, citing National Security concerns. We will see more Business Today very soon. Stay with us here on bbc news. Hello from the bbc sport centre. Im hugh ferris. Languishing in fifth place in germany, not many had Borussia Dortmund as Champions League finalists but they will return to the place they played their last one wembley after beating paris st germain. Heading into tuesdays second leg with a 1 0 lead, dortmund would have expected an onslaught in paris. But instead mats hummels scored the only goal of the game, completing a 2 0 overall victory. It left psg still searching for a first european cup and contemplating all future attempts without their departing star kylian mbappe. Its sad, because the lads tried to give everything. We worked hard and gave everything to try and make a difference but we didnt succeed. We werent effective in both areas. In the Champions League, in decisive matches when you are not effective in both areas, its difficult to hope to go through to the next round, especially when it is a final. So, there you have it. As i said, we are disappointed but we cant throw everything away and we need to build on that, to keep working, and im sure that will come. Mbappe abrubtly ended a different interview when asked if hed be supporting Bayern Munich or real madrid, who hes rumoured to bejoining at the end of the season in wednesdays other semi final. He will likely leave psg having failed to help them win the trophy that has been central to the project of their qatari owners one that seems even further away. At some point there needs to be a real questioning under rethinking, maybe because every year its the same repetitive scheme. Season after season. The owner, the fans, the city is expecting the club is to deliver and theres a lot of pressure and Manchester City has done it, not psg and they invested so much money over the years since they took over in 2011 and theyve tried with a lot of talented players, notjust mbappe. It was his last opportunity to bring Champions League glory to paris, and his city. It was probably his last game in the Champions League with psg, its a chance he has missed. Lets not be negative and say it was the last chance for psg to get this trophy finally, but it was a big opportunity with this team. I think they are convinced that paris one day well get this Champions League trophy. I think the owners will not give up. They have spent too much money since they took over in 2011 to give up now. I think they will try again and they are convinced they will make it. Wednesdays semi final then will provide psg with a case of what they might have won. Its 2 all between real madrid and Bayern Munich heading into the second leg. Whoever wins will no doubt be the favourite at wembley in june, with real attempting to win a record extending 15th European Cup having not been at their best in the first game in munich according to their manager carlo ancelotti. They got the draw thanks to two goals from viniciusjunior, who is very much on the bayern boss mind. He can still hurt any team in the world, and i think a big he can still hurt any team in the world, and i thinka big part he can still hurt any team in the world, and i think a big part of it is accepting it, that not everything, its possible not everything, its possible not everything will be perfect tomorrow, but its still possible to overcome and its possible to overcome difficulties, to hang in and show the right mentality and quality to fulfil our dream. We want to go to wembley, so we need to beat real madrid with vinicius. Aha, wembley, so we need to beat real madrid with vinicius. Madrid with vinicius. A fascinating new feature madrid with vinicius. A fascinating new feature on madrid with vinicius. A fascinating new feature on the madrid with vinicius. A fascinating new feature on the burner madrid with vinicius. A fascinating new feature on the burner bow. I madrid with vinicius. A fascinating i new feature on the burner bow. The days matches at the italian open are under way. As the competition makes its way through a long first round. Rafa nadal isnt due to play until thursday but, as he continues on whats very likely to be his final year on tour, his match against zizou bergs will still be a huge draw. And it seems the players are queueing up to face nadal before retirement too, with world number five alex zverev hoping to land a Blockbuster Match in what will be the 1a time french open champions final trip to Roland Garros next month. He becomes different. His ball becomes a few kilometres per hour faster. All of a sudden his footwork and foot speed becomes a lot faster and foot speed becomes a lot faster and its more difficult to hit a winner, on a massive court, so he has a lot more space. It is very difficult it is probably the biggest challenge in tennis, the biggest challenge in tennis, the biggest challenge you can have in our sport, playing nadal on that court. I would love to do it one more time. It was a night for the number one seeds in the nba playoffs. In the Eastern Conference semi finals, the Boston Celtics took a 1 0 lead in their best of seven series. They convincingly beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in boston 120 to 95. Holding a double digit throughout the second half. If theyre to win a record 18th championship, the celtics will lean on the scoring of jaylen brown, who got another 32 points on tuesday. Oklahoma city thunder are the one seeds in the west and their win was almost identical, beating the Dallas Mavericks 117 95 in their series opener. But these two teams were closer for longer before Shai Gilgeous alexander and Jalen Williams helped the thunder to a big second half. Game two is on thursday. And thats all the sport for now. We are going to spend a couple of minutes talking about politics ahead of pmqs at the top of the hour. Before that. John swinney has been sworn in as Scottish First minister at a ceremony in edinburgh. As is tradition, mr swinney did not speak but bowed his head three times before putting pen to parchment to confirm his appointment. Yesterday he said he was Over The Moon to have been elected to the role after winning a vote at holyrood. Shortly before the ceremony, john swinney, spoke to reporters about what it meant to him. Its an enormous honour to come to the Court Of Session and be sworn in, and i think with the history on the roots of our country and our democracy, and the rule of law, so for me, an honour and privilege and i look forward to reaching it. Did ou ever i look forward to reaching it. Did you ever think this day would be happening . You ever think this day would be haueninu . , � a , happening . No, i didnt. As i sent to parliament happening . No, i didnt. As i sent to parliament yesterday, happening . No, i didnt. As i sent to parliament yesterday, quite to parliament yesterday, quite candidly, this is a big surprise for me and an enormous privilege and, as i said yesterday, im here to serve everyone in scotland and i look forward to doing so and this is a very significant moment to do this in the Court Of Session. Haste very significant moment to do this in the Court Of Session. In the Court Of Session. Have you learnt i in the Court Of Session. Have you learnt i had in the Court Of Session. Have you learnt i had a in the Court Of Session. Have you learnt i had a word in the Court Of Session. Have you learnt i had a word of in the Court Of Session. Have you learnt i had a word of wisdom in the Court Of Session. Have you l learnt i had a word of wisdom from your predecessors . Your predecessors . Theres lots of words of wisdom your predecessors . Theres lots of words of wisdom shared your predecessors . Theres lots of words of wisdom shared with your predecessors . Theres lots of words of wisdom shared with me l your predecessors . Theres lots of. Words of wisdom shared with me from lots of people in the course of the last few hours or so, so i will be mulling all of that over. The parents of 11 children who died after what they say were the failings of social media have called on Prime Minister, rishi sunak, and the labour leader, sir keir starmer, to do more to protect young people online. In an open letter they say theyre disappointed by the lack of ambition shown by the Regulator 0fcom which has today set out its plans to force Tech Companies to make their platforms safer. Our correspondent Angus Crawford reports. I want to know what theyve got to say, and i want them to meet people with lived experience. Its really important to try and understand what 0fcom are doing because from the outside they seem to be doing so little, which is ridiculous and frustrating. Brianna and molly, their short lives spurring their parents on to try and make the online world a safer place for all children. We showed them posts and pictures, easy to find on social media of self harm, suicide and eating disorders. Had you, um. Had you seen content like that . I know that brianna was accessing content like that, and it makes me feel a bit ashamed. A bit ashamed . That i didnt prevent her from looking at it. Its so hard. And its notjust that this content is there, that its the platforms are promoting this content, their algorithms are suggesting to young people that they see ever more of it. So people like brianna, people like molly and too many more. What were doing is ensuring that we crack down on. Years in the making, much delayed, the 0nline Safety Act Finally Passed Last year and promised to fix all this. The 0nline safety bill will require platforms to remove and limit the spread of illegal content. Now, they bring those questions to 0fcom, the regulator, to find out whats going on. Esther and ian, thank you so much for coming in. 0fcom does have new powers under the act but it cant start enforcing them yet. Today, its launching a consultation on how best to protect children. But for ian and esther, delays cost lives. They show 0fcoms Chief Executive the same Self Harm Suicide Content we found online. Thats what youve got to remove. Yeah. So it isnt easily available. Though, exactly. I mean, this has become normalised. This sort of material has become normalised, notjust for adults, but for children. And honestly, i think were going to look back on this, i hope we are anyway in five and ten years time and just go, how on earth did we let this happen . Nothing seems to have changed. This is. Frustrating for, i think, parents like us, but frustrating for all parents. Well, i agree. There is so much that needs to change here. And all i can say is that at 0fcom, we are moving forward really, really fast to get these new laws properly set out in detail. And within a year they will be there, we will be able to enforce against them. And what were saying to companies is, everybody has waited too long for change. Id like to know what the reaction of the social Media Companies have been. These companies are on the west coast of america mostly, and they dont really hear and understand quite the impact that theyre having on british families and on british kids. Were proposing changes that will require age checks, that will require those recommender algorithms to change. Pornography, suicide and self harm material must not be served to under 18s and so the algorithms are going to have to change to make that happen. I think when youve been through Something Like what what weve been through, it could either break you or it can give you an extra level of mental resilience, i suppose. And i think that weve both got that and weve both got that drive. Well be on 0fcoms back every step of the way because, at the end of the day, there shouldnt be another molly and there shouldnt be another brianna. Mm hm. Prime ministers questions is getting underway shortly. Its rishi sunak� s first time facing labour leader, sir keir starmer, at the despatch box since his party suffered heavy losses at the local elections last week. Yes, every pmqs is punctuated by or defined by the events going on around it and you are exactly right. This one comes straight after those local elections, very, very bad elections for the conservatives. Pretty good for labour, pretty good too for most of the other parties, so what we saw was labour, of course gaining a odd council seats, control eight councils and also that by election in Blackpool South, the one westminster seat as well, and taking that mayoral seat in the West Midlands which was held by the conservatives and andy street, so many reasons why labour are feeling buoyed by that on the conservatives feeling a bit dejected but what is interesting will be to listen to keir starmer� s tone, because on the back of the Election Results he was careful and has been careful not to sound like he was crowing or taking anything for granted. Hes saying that labour stood ready to govern and he called for a General Election as quickly as possible. The feeling have been tempted to think about calling an election if he faced an internal revolt within his own party, that doesnt appear to be happening and it doesnt appear to be his own position that is under threat even though those elections were some of the worst the conservatives have had in local elections for years, losing a70 something seats themselves. Rishi sunak of the back of the election said it was not a foregone conclusion what would happen in the General Election and that he had a plan, he was sticking to and would fight on and i think some of the things we hear will be some of the themes in the background today. Lets consider some of the other themes that could come up, whether they do or not, not long for us to wait, but lets talk about immigration and what is at stake for both parties there. What immigration and what is at stake for both parties there. Both parties there. What both arties both parties there. What both parties are both parties there. What both parties are aware both parties there. What both parties are aware of both parties there. What both parties are aware of is both parties there. What both parties are aware of is the both parties there. What both parties are aware of is the salience of immigration that many voters say, as they put it as an issue that is pretty high up their list of concerns. It depends a bit which voters for which party higher up amongst voters or conservatives or those who might be tempted to vote for reform, and we saw some of that happening in the local elections. Rishi sunak under pressure from some in his own party who fear the bleeding of votes to reform in the General Election, so weve seen today the former Immigration Minister Robertjenrick Laying out minister Robert Jenrick laying out policies minister robertjenrick laying out policies which he has described before that he wants curbs on immigration and on illegal immigration and restricted reason numbers, so pressure on rishi sunak that way but equally, what you see are the competing needs, so labour and others aware of the needs of the Health Service and the government as well, and the care sector, Agricultural Sector and the needs for workers there and student visas and pressures from universities, so all of those who want to keep Student Numbers up say, and numbers of workers up, so there are different competing needs there and of course in the background we have theissue of course in the background we have the issue of the rwanda policy and how to the government has now got its rwanda bill through, waiting to get flights off, starting the process of detaining people to do that, so that could be Something Else that comes up could be Something Else that comes up for discussion. The uk, how that is going to work out in practice. Now that is tricky territory in some way for both parties, but that might not be a focus. Way for both parties, but that might not be a focus. Interesting. Another issue potentially not be a focus. Interesting. Another issue potentially coming not be a focus. Interesting. Another issue potentially coming up, not be a focus. Interesting. Another issue potentially coming up, the issue potentially coming up, the economy, the cost of living, took us about the territory in the battleground when it comes to lateish. ,. ,. ,. ,. , lateish. Yes, of course. That again fiaure is lateish. Yes, of course. That again figure is very lateish. Yes, of course. That again figure is very high lateish. Yes, of course. That again figure is very high if lateish. Yes, of course. That again figure is very high if not lateish. Yes, of course. That again figure is very high if not top lateish. Yes, of course. That again figure is very high if not top of figure is very high if not top of many voters concerns, and the feeling that despite what we have seen is the reduction in inflation, you still have inflation. I seen is the reduction in inflation, you still have inflation. You still have inflation. I will interrupt you still have inflation. I will interrupt you you still have inflation. I will interrupt you there, you still have inflation. I will interrupt you there, rishi you still have inflation. I will interrupt you there, rishi sunak has got to his feet and has just started the pleasantries. Lets listening. Ministerial colleagues and in addition to my duties in this house i will have further such meetings later today. I will have further such meetings later today i will have further such meetings later toda. , ~ later today. Last week i highlighted the shocking later today. Last week i highlighted the shocking rise later today. Last week i highlighted the shocking rise in later today. Last week i highlighted the shocking rise in the later today. Last week i highlighted the shocking rise in the number later today. Last week i highlighted the shocking rise in the number ofl the shocking rise in the number of teenagers trying vaping, and i asked if you take action to stop vaping advertising at football matches, and since then i have had it exchanged with the scottish chief medical officer professor sir greg smith 0fficer professor sir greg smith during a session of the tobacco and Vaping Bill Committee and he said where i become very uncomfortable and im not supportive is where the massive attraction of Sports Companies is used in a way that promotes behaviours known to be unsafe or unhealthy. Can i ask the Prime Minister again, does he still think that it is right that Vaping Companies should sponsor football . I am glad the honourable lady agrees with me and the government we should do more to tackle youth vaping and thatis do more to tackle youth vaping and that is why we are bringing forward measures in the new bill to restrict availability to children specifically, whether that is flavours or indeed marketing. As he notes, advertising of vapes is heavily restricted including a ban on advertising on tv and radio and mostly online. We have seen football take positive voluntary action in the past on issues such as this but i would say the government will respond to her specific amendment in the usual way. In respond to her specific amendment in the usual way the usualway. In recent weeks, mr seaker, the usualway. In recent weeks, mr speaker. My the usualway. In recent weeks, mr speaker. My right the usualway. In recent weeks, mr speaker, my right honourable the usualway. In recent weeks, mrl speaker, my right honourable friend has announced plans to control welfare and get people back to work, to increase the Defence Spending to 2. 5 of gdp, and pass legislation to get flights off to rwanda. Does he agree with me that these are all issues that real people like my constituents in South East Cornwall care about, and that the Leader Of The Opposition should do the right thing, and back them . Mr; the opposition should do the right thing, and back them . Thing, and back them . My right honourable thing, and back them . My right honourable friend thing, and back them . My right honourable friend is thing, and back them . My right honourable friend is a thing, and back them . My right honourable friend is a fantastic| honourable friend is a fantastic champion for her local area and can i also thank her daughter for her service in the armed forces, and shes right, im not surprised the labour party dont back plans to stop the boats, they dont back plans to get people into work and reform welfare, but i do think they should do the right thing when it comes to the security of our nation, and that has backed plans to increase Defence Spending and give our brave Armed Forces Personnel the resources they need to keep us safe. Leader of the opposition, sir keir starmer Leader Of The Opposition, sir keir starmer. �. , Leader Of The Opposition, sir keir starmer. �. ,. , starmer. And i warmly welcome the new member starmer. And i warmly welcome the new member for starmer. And i warmly welcome the new member for blackpool starmer. And i warmly welcome the new member for Blackpool South . | starmer. And i warmly welcome the | new member for Blackpool South . It is good to know that blackpool has got a proper champion back at last after their recent representation, can i welcome the new labour mp for dover . Mr speaker, if one week a tory mp who is also a doctor says the primers that cannot be trusted with the nhs, and joins labour, and the next week, the tory mp for dover, from the front line of the small birds crisis, says that the Prime Minister cannot be trusted with our borders, these small boats crisis, what is the point of this failed government staggering on . Mr this failed government staggering on . ~ ,. , ~ this failed government staggering on . ~. , on . Mr speaker, can i oin him in welcoming on . Mr speaker, can i oin him in welcoming not on . Mr speaker, can i oin him in welcoming his newest on . Mr speaker, can ijoin him in welcoming his newest mp on . Mr speaker, can ijoin him in welcoming his newest mp for welcoming his newest mp for blackpool, i must say he looks a lot happier than a member who was sitting there last week. Let me also, let me alsojoin sitting there last week. Let me also, let me also join with sitting there last week. Let me also, let me alsojoin with him in cracking congratulating and paying tribute to the former councillors, pccs and mairs across the country, i hope they will do him as proud as i am of all of mine, great leaders like andy street, great leaders like andy street, great leaders like andy street, great leaders who leave behind a strong legacy of more homes, more jobs and more investment, in sharp contrast to the legacy left by the last Labour Government which was a Letter Joking that there last Labour Government which was a letterjoking that there was no money left. In letterjoking that there was no money left letterjoking that there was no mone left. ,. ,. , money left. In addition to losing two tory mps money left. In addition to losing two tory mps in money left. In addition to losing two tory mps in two money left. In addition to losing two tory mps in two weeks, money left. In addition to losing two tory mps in two weeks, the | money left. In addition to losing two tory mps in two weeks, the prime has been on the Receiving End of some of the biggest by election swings in history. He has also lost 1500 tory councillors, half of his partys mayors, and a leadership election to a lettuce, how many times to the public and his own mps need to reject him before he takes the hint . Mr need to reect him before he takes the hint . ~ ,,. , ~ ,. , the hint . Mr speaker, this time last eari the hint . Mr speaker, this time last year i reminded the hint . Mr speaker, this time last year i reminded him the hint . Mr speaker, this time last year i reminded him of the hint . Mr speaker, this time last year i reminded him of some the hint . Mr speaker, this time last year i reminded him of some advice| year i reminded him of some advice actually from his own mentor, tony blair, who had said at the time, that he can be as cocky as he likes about local elections back at a General Election, it is policy that counts. Now, one year on from that advice, what does he manage . £30 billion of tax rises, 17 new business regulations, 13 new terms and a Deputy Leader under a police investigation. Im and a Deputy Leader under a police investigation. Investigation. Im surprised he brou ht investigation. Im surprised he brought up investigation. Im surprised he brought up the investigation. Im surprised he brought up the police investigation. Im surprised he brought up the police investigation, his record is actually the seat belt as well, played two lost two in relation to police investigations. The public keep telling him, voters keep telling me is not good enough and instead of listening he says everything is fine, and does not realise his weakness, hejust doesnt get it but at least after thursday night he can go to the many places that he calls home, and enjoy the fruits of his success. In southampton or downing street, he has got great labour councils. At his mansion in richmond, you can enjoy a bright new labour mayor of North Yorkshire. And at his pad in kensington, he can celebrate an historic third term for the mayor of london. Cheering now that he too can enjoy the benefits of this change labour party, is he really still in such a hurry to get back to california . Mr hurry to get back to california . Ij� i speaker, i hurry to get back to california . Ii speaker, i must hurry to get back to california . Ij� i speaker, i must say that hurry to get back to california . Ii speaker, i must say that i was of course surprised to see the honourable gentleman in North Yorkshire, but probably not as surprised as he was when he realised he could not take the tube there, mr speaker. I can tell you that the people of North Yorkshire believe in hard work, secure borders, lower taxes and straight talking common sense, mr speaker, and they are not getting any of that from a Virtue Signalling lawyer from getting any of that from a Virtue Signalling lawyerfrom north london. It was great to be in northallerton where they had voted to reject the Prime Ministers proposition. No matter where he calls home, all of his neighbours are backing this change labour party. And they keep rejecting him because they have sussed him out. They know that is nothing behind a boost, the gimmicks, the smug smile, he is a dodgy sales man desperate to sell them a dud. 16 days ago, when he held a Press Conference claiming victory on rwanda, he said the next few weeks would be about action, people want deeds not words, so lets attest that. How many small boat crossings have there been since he said that 16 days ago . Mr he said that 16 days ago . Ii speaker, actually, before we get onto that, he talked about a change. He talked about a change labour party, he talked about a change labour party, he talks about it a lot butjust change labour party, he talks about it a lot but just this change labour party, he talks about it a lot butjust this morning, he also spoke about his new mayor of london, and we have learned that the labour mayor of london believes and i quote, that is an equivalence between the brutal Terrorist Attacks of hamas, and israel defending itself. And let me be clear, there is absolutely no equivalence between the terrorist and a Democratic State so i will ask you now can really take this opportunity demonstrate that that labour party has changed and will he condemn those comments from the labour mayor . Ihe and will he condemn those comments from the labour mayor . He is and will he condemn those comments from the labour mayor . From the labour mayor . He is getting ahead of himself from the labour mayor . He is getting ahead of himself and from the labour mayor . He is getting ahead of himself and asking ahead of himself and asking me questions. I know he was run out at the local elections. Cheering mr speaker, i notice he didnt even attempt to answer the question. He knows the answer. Since he claimed victory 16 knows the answer. Since he claimed victory16 days ago, there have been a staggering 2a00 small boat crossings. 2a00. That is a gimmick, not a deterrent. And those 2a00 will be added to the tories asylum perma backlog that will rise to a00,000, by the end of this year. The Prime Minister pretends he will remove them all to rwanda, but remind i can only take a few hundred a year. At that rate, the Prime Ministers grand plan will take over 300 years to remove them all. Mr speaker, there are tens of thousands of people with their claims going unprocessed, you are going to be there here, for their entire lifetime living in hotels at the taxpayers expense. It is absurd to call that anything other than an amnesty handed to them by the tory party, isnt it . Is amnesty handed to them by the tory party. Isnt it . Party, isnt it . Is the speaker, he had the opportunity party, isnt it . Is the speaker, he had the opportunity to party, isnt it . Is the speaker, he had the opportunity to condemn i party, isnt it . Is the speaker, he i had the opportunity to condemn the comments of his mayor, and there he said that is equivalence between hamas and israel, he did not do that and everybody will see that for what it is, that is the change labour party. Since i became Prime Minister, small boat crossings are down by one third, because we have doubled funding, increased enforcement rates, closed Bank Accounts, deported 2a,000 people, processed more claims that mr speaker, when it comes to burdekin grow, there was a crucial difference between us, we wont secure borders, he is happy with open borders. Mr speaker, the whole country knows that removing less than 1 of Asylum Seekers is not stopping the boats. It is granting an amnesty, a tory amnesty. If he thinks that the voters are run and his mps during the labour party are wrong, if he thinks anybody believes any of the nonsense that he spouts, why doesnt he put it to the test and call a General Election . Mr he put it to the test and call a General Election . Mr speaker, he talks about General Election . Mr speaker, he talks about removing General Election . Mr speaker, he talks about removing people. General election . Mr speaker, he| talks about removing people. This General Election . Mr speaker, he i talks about removing people. This is a person new campaign, who campaigned to stop the deportation of Foreign National offenders, mr speaker. It shows how in touch as values are what the british people. We have another week where we are nothing about his plan to do anything on the issues that matter to the company, meanwhile will get a man, reforming welfare, getting people into work, he opposes it, we are controlling legal and illegal migration, he opposes it, and now we are boosting Defence Spending to strengthen our country, he opposes it, and that is the difference, he snipes from the sidelines, the conservatives are building a brighter future. Conservatives are building a brighter future. Conservatives are building a brihter future. ~. ,. , brighter future. When it comes to small boat brighter future. When it comes to small boat crossings, brighter future. When it comes to small boat crossings, there brighter future. When it comes to small boat crossings, there is brighter future. When it comes to small boat crossings, there is a i brighter future. When it comes to l small boat crossings, there is a lot of talk small boat crossings, there is a lot of talk of small boat crossings, there is a lot of talk of human rights. But surely the only of talk of human rights. But surely the only human right that matters is the only human right that matters is the life the only human right that matters is the life of the only human right that matters is the life of children who are being taken the life of children who are being taken across the channel. In this respect, taken across the channel. In this respect, will be government now do the only respect, will be government now do the only thing that will actually be a real the only thing that will actually be a real deterrence, and that is to arrest a real deterrence, and that is to arrest and a real deterrence, and that is to arrest and detain all of those who land illegally or on our shores, and then offshore them properly, so that once and then offshore them properly, so that once and for all, we can save lives and end once and for all, we can save lives and end this once and for all, we can save lives and end this cruel and callous trade . And end this cruel and callous trade . ~ , and end this cruel and callous trade . Y. ,. ,. , , trade . My right honourable friend is riht trade . My right honourable friend is ri u ht that trade . My right honourable friend is right that these trade . My right honourable friend is right that these crossings trade . My right honourable friend is right that these crossings are right that these crossings are incredibly dangerous and they risk lives, just weeks ago a seven Year Old Girl died, attempting the crossing. And that is why as a matter of basic compassion, we must do everything we can to break the cycle of the criminal gangs, and thatis cycle of the criminal gangs, and that is why we need a deterrent, that is why we need a deterrent, thatis that is why we need a deterrent, that is what the National Crime agency say, that is how we dealt with Illegal Migrants from albania because it is only by removing people should not be here that we remove the reason for them to come in the first place, and that is how we will control our borders, and it is clear that it is only this party that not only has a plan to stop the boats, but also the tragic loss of life in the channel also. Siii . Boats, but also the tragic loss of life in the channel also. Snp leader stehen life in the channel also. Snp leader Stephen Flynn may i congratulate john swinney and becoming may i congratulate john swinney and becoming scotlands First Minister. Mr speaker, as we await the imminent israeli mr speaker, as we await the imminent Israeli Incursion into rafah, where 1. 2 Israeli Incursion into rafah, where 12 million Israeli Incursion into rafah, where 1. 2 Million People are sheltering, including 1. 2 Million People are sheltering, including 600,000 children, it has been including 600,000 children, it has been reported that United States has posed been reported that United States has posed an been reported that United States has posed an arm shipment to israel. The uk will posed an arm shipment to israel. The uk will follow suit, wont it . Mr uk will follow suit, wont it . Speaker, uk will follow suit, wont it . Ii speaker, the uk government itself doesnt directly ship arms to israel. When it comes to the situation in rafah, i have been very clear that we are deeply concerned about a full military incursion of rafah, given the devastating humanitarian impact. I have made that point specifically to Prime Minister netanyahu whenever we have spoken and we will continue to encourage all sides to focus on bringing a pause in the conflict to release hostages and get more aid in. � ,. ,. ,. In. Lets be clear the confidence israel in. Lets be clear the confidence israel has in. Lets be clear the confidence israel has shown in. Lets be clear the confidence israel has shown in in. Lets be clear the confidence israel has shown in its in. Lets be clear the confidence israel has shown in its military i israel has shown in its military ambitions israel has shown in its military ambitions in rafah stems from the silence ambitions in rafah stems from the silence which has been shown from its allies silence which has been shown from its allies on silence which has been shown from its allies on the front benches in this place its allies on the front benches in this place and indeed elsewhere across this place and indeed elsewhere across the world. We all know the uk arms and across the world. We all know the uk arms and tech has supported israels activities arms and tech has supported israels activities in arms and tech has supported israels activities in gaza and will be used in any activities in gaza and will be used in any attack on rafah. Knowing that and the in any attack on rafah. Knowing that and the devastation which is going to occur, surely the time has come to occur, surely the time has come to end to occur, surely the time has come to end our to occur, surely the time has come to end our complicity and to halt arms to end our complicity and to halt arms sales to end our complicity and to halt arms sales to israel . Mr to end our complicity and to halt arms sales to israel . Mr speaker, of course we take arms sales to israel . Mr speaker, of course we take our arms sales to israel . Mr speaker, of course we take our defence arms sales to israel . Mr speaker, of course we take our Defence Export. Course we take our Defence Export extremely seriously and that is why we operate one of the most robust licensing control regimes anywhere in the world. We periodically review advice on israels commitment to International Humanitarian law and ministers always act in accordance with that advice. And that is Crystal Clear for the house to understand. 0ur position with regard to Export Licences following the most recent assessment is unchanged and i know he willjoin me in urging all parties to engage in the negotiations that are happening, so we can see a pause in fighting to get more aid in, hostages out and bring about a sustainable ceasefire to this conflict. Mr; bring about a sustainable ceasefire to this conflict. To this conflict. My constituents in rural villages to this conflict. My constituents in rural villages and to this conflict. My constituents in rural villages and on to this conflict. My constituents in rural villages and on the to this conflict. My constituents in rural villages and on the fringes. To this conflict. My constituents in | rural villages and on the fringes of the Grimsby Cleethorpes urban area are very concerned about overdevelopment. They recognise the highway overdevelopment. They recognise the Highway Infrastructure and Public Services Highway Infrastructure and Public Services are already overloaded. Could services are already overloaded. Could my services are already overloaded. Could my right honourable friend amend could my right honourable friend amend Planning Guidance to local plans amend Planning Guidance to local plans and amend Planning Guidance to local plans and decisions taken by local Planning Plans and decisions taken by local planning authorities are not overridden by Planning Inspectors . I would overridden by Planning Inspectors . I would be overridden by Planning Inspectors . I would be greatly encouraged if you would would be greatly encouraged if you would agree to meet with me and my colleagues would agree to meet with me and my colleagues from the neighbouring gainsborough and grimsby constituencies to discuss this further . Constituencies to discuss this further . ~ , constituencies to discuss this further . G. ,. , further . My honourable friend is right that sustainable further . My honourable friend is right that sustainable developments be at the heart of the Planning System and that is why we are committed to meeting the need for housing by building the right homes and in the right places and protecting the Environmental Assets that matter the most. The National Planning policy framework with the relevant local plan in his area is due for consultation and i will meet with him and colleagues to discuss his situation further. Mr with him and colleagues to discuss his situation further. His situation further. Mr speaker, the abuse suffered his situation further. Mr speaker, the abuse suffered by his situation further. Mr speaker, | the abuse suffered by 88yearold the abuse suffered by 88 year old anne the abuse suffered by 88 year old anne king the abuse suffered by 88 year old anne king in her care home was captured anne king in her care home was captured on hidden camera. The footage captured on hidden camera. The footage is captured on hidden camera. The footage is stomach churning. Anne died and footage is stomach churning. Anne died and it footage is stomach churning. Anne died and it took nearly a year before died and it took nearly a year before the cqc launched a criminal investigation. Now the children are working investigation. Now the children are working to investigation. Now the children are working to prevent further abuse. Her son working to prevent further abuse. Her son came to see me with his mp to ask her son came to see me with his mp to ask for her son came to see me with his mp to ask for my her son came to see me with his mp to ask for my help. Will the Prime Minister to ask for my help. Will the Prime Ministerjoin me in backing annes Lawi Ministerjoin me in backing annes law. A ministerjoin me in backing annes law, a National Register to professionalise the Care Workforce and hold professionalise the Care Workforce and hold those staff who are abusive to account and hold those staff who are abusive to account. Will he meet with her family to account. Will he meet with her family and to account. Will he meet with her family and myself to discuss this idea . Family and myself to discuss this idea . Htr family and myself to discuss this idea . ~ ,,. , family and myself to discuss this idea . I ,,. , i , idea . Mr speaker, can i extend my sympathies idea . Mr speaker, can i extend my sympathies to idea . Mr speaker, can i extend my sympathies to annes idea . Mr speaker, can i extend my sympathies to annes family idea . Mr speaker, can i extend my sympathies to annes family for idea . Mr speaker, can i extend my i sympathies to annes family for what she went through. 0bviously, that is not appropriate and i will make sure the department engages with him and herfamily on the the department engages with him and her family on the proposed law. The department engages with him and herfamily on the proposed law. He is right to say we should have high standards across the Care Industry and we are working to more investment to support caring staff to make sure they have Training Qualification and development and a regime in place that can hold everyone to account for delivering the high standards we all expect. Thank you, mr speaker. Does my right honourable thank you, mr speaker. Does my right honourable friend agree with me one of the honourable friend agree with me one of the greatest things these backbenchers bring to westminster is plain Old Fashioned common sense . And it plain Old Fashioned common sense . And it is plain Old Fashioned common sense . And it is derbyshire common sense. Derbyshire and it is derbyshire common sense. Derbyshire common sense that means the good derbyshire common sense that means the good people of ashbourne and surrounding villages reject that sadik surrounding villages reject that sadik khan rules on ulez. Will he ask his sadik khan rules on ulez. Will he ask his neighbour if he will pay for the viaduct . | ask his neighbour if he will pay for the viaduct . Ask his neighbour if he will pay for the viaduct . I know my honourable friend has been the viaduct . I know my honourable friend has been a the viaduct . I know my honourable friend has been a dedicated friend has been a dedicated campaignerfor the friend has been a dedicated campaigner for the ashbourne bypass. And the government is committed to investing more in the midlands, particularly every penny of the 9. 6 billion from hs2 back into the local area. We will not continue the war a motorist which is waged by the labour mayor in london and ulez and the 20 mile an hour speed limit and it is this party on the side of the motorist. ,. , motorist. Our child of the North Cross Party motorist. Our child of the north Cross Party Group motorist. Our child of the north Cross Party Group found motorist. Our child of the north Cross Party Group found that. Cross party group found that expectant mothers were terminating wanted expectant mothers were terminating wanted pregnancies because they could wanted pregnancies because they could not wanted pregnancies because they could not afford another mouth to feed could not afford another mouth to feed. Recent figures show infant and child death rates have increased in the most child death rates have increased in the most deprived areas. And 50 children the most deprived areas. And 50 children have died alone in unregulated accommodation. Is this his plan unregulated accommodation. Is this his plan for unregulated accommodation. Is this his plan for a Brighter Britain in action . His plan fora Brighter Britain in action . Mr his plan for a Brighter Britain in action . I ,,. , i his plan for a Brighter Britain in action . I. ,. , action . Mr speaker, obviously what the honourable action . Mr speaker, obviously what the honourable lady action . Mr speaker, obviously what the honourable lady has action . Mr speaker, obviously what the honourable lady has described | the honourable lady has described its tragedy, no one wants to see children growing up in those circumstances and that is why i am proud the government has overseen a significant fall in Child Poverty since 2010 on a range of measures and i will make sure she is aware for all the support in place, both through the Department Of Health and the Department For Work And Pensions to provide support to the most vulnerable families in our communities. , communities. Westonsupermare is a growing town. Communities. Westonsupermare is a growing town. So communities. Westonsupermare is a growing town, so local communities. Westonsupermare is a growing town, so local Health Growing town, so local Health Services growing town, so local Health Services are rightly growing. The Hospital Services are rightly growing. The hospital treating patients for a hospital treating patients fora wider hospital treating patients for a wider variety of problems, gp surgeries wider variety of problems, gp surgeries are offering thousands more surgeries are offering thousands more appointments this year and a new Diagnostics Centre means faster tests and new Diagnostics Centre means faster tests and treatments. But there is a fly in tests and treatments. But there is a fly in our tests and treatments. But there is a fly in our nhs prescribed ointment. Dentistry fly in our nhs prescribed ointment. Dentistry isnt fixed and the dental recovery dentistry isnt fixed and the dental Recovery Plan is welcome but when will it Recovery Plan is welcome but when will it mean Recovery Plan is welcome but when will it mean appointments that can book . Will it mean appointments that can book . Mr will it mean appointments that can book . I ,,. , i will it mean appointments that can book . I. , i. , will it mean appointments that can book . I. , , book . Mr speaker, are dentistry Recovery Plan book . Mr speaker, are dentistry Recovery Plan or book . Mr speaker, are dentistry Recovery Plan or make book . Mr speaker, are dentistry Recovery Plan or make dentist i Recovery Plan or make Dentist Services faster, simpler and fairer for patients, funding around 2. 5 million more appointments. I was pleased to know access is improving in my honourable friends area with almost 10 more children seeing a dentist than the previous year. But the new Patient Premium that was announced last year is ensuring that more Nhs Dentistry will be provided and since then, at the end of january, 500 malpractices have said they are now open to new patients. It has been over a month since the parliamentary ombudsman delivered the report parliamentary ombudsman delivered the report and pension injustices. Women the report and pension injustices. Women born in the 1950s in my constituency in dundee and every constituency in dundee and every constituency in dundee and every constituency in this house across these islands are waiting to hear if the uk these islands are waiting to hear if the uk government will listen to these recommendations and deliver compensation . Mr speaker, the Scottish Parliament supported a motion last week calling for compensation to be delivered without delay compensation to be delivered without delay but compensation to be delivered without delay. But utterly dismayed to see members delay. But utterly dismayed to see members of the conservative party and the members of the conservative party and the labour party abstain. Can the prime and the labour party abstain. Can the Prime Minister finally set out when the Prime Minister finally set out when the the Prime Minister finally set out when the women will receive the compensation they rightly deserve . Mr speaker, i understand the strong feelings across the chamber on this topic and the desire for urgency in addressing them. However, following the ombudsmans five year investigation it is imperative we take the time to thoroughly been published and update to the house will be given to the does he agree with me if they are not prepared to implement the will of the not prepared to implement the will of the gar not prepared to implement the will of the gar government, at the parliament that was passed by both houses parliament that was passed by both Houses Of Parliament that was passed by both Houses Of Parliament, that they should Houses Of Parliament, that they should conclude that being in the Civil Service is perhaps not for them Civil Service is perhaps not for them and Civil Service is perhaps not for them and maybe they can look for alternative them and maybe they can look for Alternative Employment at other left wing organisations that masquerade as being impartial. Maybe they could masquerade as being impartial. Maybe they could try the bbc or channel a news . They could try the bbc or channel a news . Htr they could try the bbc or channel a news . I ,,. , i , they could try the bbc or channel a news . I ,. , news . Mr speaker my expectation is that Civil Servants news . Mr speaker my expectation is that Civil Servants will news . Mr speaker my expectation is that Civil Servants will continue news . Mr speaker my expectation is that Civil Servants will continue to that Civil Servants will continue to be committed to supporting our priority of stopping the boats and deliver in accordance with the Civil Service. He knows we made specific changes to ensure compliance with that code as he pushed through with our plans. I agree with him more broadly, we are the only party that has a plan to stop the boats and we will face down all the obstacles in our way to deliver on this crucial priority for the british people, whoever stands in our way whether it is the labour party all others, we will deliver for this country on this issue. Mr will deliver for this country on this issue this issue. Mr speaker, china has now hacked this issue. Mr speaker, china has now hacked the this issue. Mr speaker, china has now hacked the data this issue. Mr speaker, china has now hacked the data of this issue. Mr speaker, china has now hacked the data of defence i now hacked the data of defence personnel, the electoral commission, various personnel, the electoral commission, various other Public Institutions and has various other Public Institutions and has targeted many members of this house and has targeted many members of this house. Yet plans by chinas largest this house. Yet plans by chinas largest Wind Turbine Manufacturer to build this largest Wind Turbine Manufacturer to build this largest european facility iilht build this largest european facility right here in the uk advance at pace, right here in the uk advance at pace, with right here in the uk advance at pace, with the facility set to be built pace, with the facility set to be built in pace, with the facility set to be built in scotland. Given a widely shared built in scotland. Given a widely shared concerns about the involvement of hostile states such as china involvement of hostile states such as china in involvement of hostile states such as china in the uks Critical National as china in the uks Critical National energy infrastructure, does he not National Energy infrastructure, does he not agree that now is the time for this he not agree that now is the time for this project to be posed, reviewed for this project to be posed, reviewed by the government and national reviewed by the government and National Security grounds and if not, National Security grounds and if not. What National Security grounds and if not, what message does he think that sense . Not, what message does he think that sense . The not, what message does he think that sense . � , � not, what message does he think that sense . A � ,. , sense . As ive said repeatedly, china is a sense . As ive said repeatedly, china is a country sense . As ive said repeatedly, china is a country with sense . As ive said repeatedly, china is a country with different values to ours and is acting in a way that is increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad. It is right we take further steps to protect ourselves against that, particularly in the area of economic security, which is why this government passed the National Security and divestment act so we can screen transactions without commenting on individual ones, of to protect this country and we have used those powers, not least to block Chinese Investment in a sense that semiconductor company, but also to ensure that the Chinese State Nuclear Company had no part in the future of our nuclear power. He can rest assured we are alive to the challenges and passed laws to give us the powers to against them. Five year old benedict was a lovely boy who five year old benedict was a lovely boy who attended a Primary School in my constituency. Sadly, he died of anaphylaxis. A severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis. A severe allergic reaction. The coroners inquest has not yet reaction. The coroners inquest has not yet reported, but speaking generally, on average two children in every generally, on average two children in every class have a food allergy, allergic in every class have a food allergy, allergic reactions take place more iiischool allergic reactions take place more in school than in any other setting the home in school than in any other setting the home. Severe allergic reactions are on the home. Severe allergic reactions are on the the home. Severe allergic reactions are on the rise and can be fatal. Yet there are on the rise and can be fatal. Yet there is are on the rise and can be fatal. Yet there is no explicit legal requirement for schools to have Allergy Requirement for schools to have Allergy Medication and Allergy Policy Allergy Medication and Allergy Policy or Allergy Medication and Allergy Policy or other recommended safeguards being made available. There safeguards being made available. There is safeguards being made available. There is only guidance. Will the prime there is only guidance. Will the Prime Minister meet with me and benedict Prime Minister meet with me and benedict ass macro parents, helen and pete, benedict ass macro parents, helen and pete, to discuss a way forward to ensure and pete, to discuss a way forward to ensure children that suffer from allergies to ensure children that suffer from allergies in schools can be more safei allergies in schools can be more safe, including schools an Allergy Policy safe, including schools an Allergy Policy, Adrenaline Pens and staff who know policy, Adrenaline Pens and staff who know how to use them . Firstly, can i who know how to use them . Firstly, can i extend who know how to use them . Firstly, can i extend my who know how to use them . Firstly, can i extend my family who know how to use them . Firstly, can i extend my family to who know how to use them . Firstly, can i extend my family to benedictsj can i extend my family to benedicts family. It is always tragic to hear about the loss of a child and we understand seriousness of severe allergies and think children should be properly supported to enjoy a full education and be safe. There is a legal duty in the Governing Body of schools to make arrangement for supporting people, including setting out what needs to be done, symptoms, treatment. They will ensure my right honourable friend get a meeting with the Health Secretary to discuss how we can support children with serious allergies. We can support children with serious aller ies. ,. , we can support children with serious alleries. ,. ,. , allergies. Yesterday his chancellor confirmed his allergies. Yesterday his chancellor confirmed his government allergies. Yesterday his chancellor confirmed his Government Policy i allergies. Yesterday his chancellor| confirmed his Government Policy to abolish confirmed his Government Policy to abolish National Insurance £a6 abolish National Insurance £46 billion abolish National Insurance £46 billion annual cost and no indication on where the money is coming indication on where the money is coming from. Can the Prime Minister rule out coming from. Can the Prime Minister rule out further freezes and Tax Allowances or an increase in income tax to allowances or an increase in income tax to Pay Allowances or an increase in income tax to pay for allowances or an increase in income tax to pay for it. It is allowances or an increase in income tax to pay for it tax to pay for it. It is total nonsense tax to pay for it. It is total nonsense and tax to pay for it. It is total nonsense and of tax to pay for it. It is total nonsense and of course i l tax to pay for it. It is total. Nonsense and of course i rule tax to pay for it. It is total nonsense and of course i rule that out. There is no unfunded policy. What we have said is we have a long term ambition to keep cutting National Insurance to end the unfairness of the double taxation and we make progress towards that goal in the next parliament. Just as we have by cutting National Insurance by a third in six months, delivering a £900 tax cut, at the same time is increasing investment in the nhs and increasing the state pension. But it is increasingly clear what this reveals is the labour Party Opposes tax cuts for working people. In guildford recently lost two Neighbourhood Pharmacy is packed with news, mr speaker, im pleased to report that by working diligently with local farmers concerned residents, the minister, i have secured a new pharmacy. Would my right honourable friend welcomed me injoining this new pharmacy and agree that all residents should have access to a good, efficient and above all local pharmacy . I care dee l above all local pharmacy . I care deeply about above all local pharmacy . I care deeply about the above all local pharmacy . I care deeply about the future above all local pharmacy . I care deeply about the future of above all local pharmacy . I care deeply about the future of our i deeply about the future of our community pharmacies, i am very pleased to hear about my honourable friends success in securing a new pharmacy for her citrus, joining the 10,500 others across the country, and shes right about the Important Role local pharmacies play, so we are backing them a £6a5 million of additionalfunding are backing them a £6a5 million of additional funding through pharmacy first, so you can now go straight to your pharmacist and received treatment for seven of the most common ailments, saving you time and ensuring that patients get the care they need quick and closer to home. Mr speaker, last friday the guardian reported major structural deficiencies at stepping hill hospital in stockport, its major patients building, radiology unit and critical care, have all been condemned, and in march i met senior officials at stockport nhs trust and they were clear that sustained lack of Capital Investment is a good cause problems at a local hospital. As the prime believe that our hospitals quite literally crumbling is the price worth paying for the 1a years of successive conservative failure . Mr years of successive conservative failure . I. , i , failure . Mr speaker, we fully recognise failure . Mr speaker, we fully recognise the failure . Mr speaker, we fully recognise the need failure . Mr speaker, we fully recognise the need to failure . Mr speaker, we fully recognise the need to invest| failure . Mr speaker, we fully l recognise the need to invest in Health Infrastructure across the country including at stepping hill hospital, and thats why spending £a billion a yearfor trusts hospital, and thats why spending £a billion a year for trusts to spend unnecessary maintenance and repairs on top of the £20 billion new Hospital Programme and additional funding put aside to deal with that. He talks about a legacy of the nhs and all he needs to do is look at his partys record in wales, where people currently are experiencing the worst a e performance and longest wait times anywhere in great britain. ,. , longest wait times anywhere in great britain. , ,. , longest wait times anywhere in great britain. , , i longest wait times anywhere in great britain. , i i. , i britain. Thank you mr speaker, nottingham britain. Thank you mr speaker, nottingham city britain. Thank you mr speaker, Nottingham City Council britain. Thank you mr speaker, Nottingham City Council is britain. Thank you mr speaker, Nottingham City Council is expected to fall short of its housing target by 6000 new homes. Last time this happened, ross cliff, a neighbouring authority, was forced to take thousands of homes on top of its own housing target, which led to huge pressure on green spaces and Public Services rushcliffe. Can my right honourable friend reassured me and my constituents that the changes we have made to the Planning System will mean that this time, we will be protected from labours failure in nottingham . Mr; protected from labours failure in nottingham . Protected from labours failure in nottinham . I,. ,. , nottingham . My honourable friend makes an important nottingham . My honourable friend makes an important point. Nottingham . My honourable friend makes an important point. On nottingham . My honourable friend makes an important point. On the i makes an important point. 0n the side of the house the conservatives believe in building the right homes in the right places and local people having a say, where all labour will do is impose top down housing targets and areas, decimating precious countryside and in nottinghamshire, you can see the difference. Between the bell rang conservative county council compared to the bankrupt nottingham council, which has left residents to pick up the bill for their profligacy. Thank ou ve the bill for their profligacy. Thank you very much. The bill for their profligacy. Thank you very much, mr the bill for their profligacy. Thank you very much, mr speaker. The bill for their profligacy. T� iag� ia; you very much, mr speaker. Untreated sewage is pumped into english waterways for more than 3. 6 million hours last year, and into the sea off of suffolk� s beach is three times in the last 2a hours, yet since privatisation in the Water Company has have been allowed to rack up debts of more than 6a billion, and their shareholders pocketing 78 billion in dividends. The majority of the public, including 58 of conservative and 80 of labour supporters, went to turf out the profiteering, when is he going to listen to them and end at the legalised scammer privatisation . Mr at the legalised scammer privatisation . At the legalised scammer rivatisation . I. , i. , at the legalised scammer rivatisation . I. , privatisation . Mr speaker, our plans have one privatisation . Mr speaker, our plans have gone to privatisation . Mr speaker, our plans have gone to tackle privatisation . Mr speaker, our plans have gone to tackle this privatisation . Mr speaker, our plans have gone to tackle this have privatisation . Mr speaker, our plans have gone to tackle this have gone i have gone to tackle this have gone further than any other previous government. We now monitor 100 of overflows, up from just 7 under the labour party, we are investing a record £56 billion into our water infrastructure, and we have enshrined in law strict targets and introduced unlimited fines for Water Companies holding them and their bosses to work out, so it is Crystal Clear that the record shows that is only one party who has a clear plan to tackle this issue for the environment, and it is the conservative party. Environment, and it is the conservative party. Thank you, mr seaker, conservative party. Thank you, mr speaker, everybody conservative party. Thank you, mr speaker, Everybody Knows conservative party. Thank you, mr speaker, Everybody Knows that i speaker, Everybody Knows that shotton is a great place with great people in a great football team, he recently visited the incredible work they do at stockton, im sure that he will want to congratulate Mickey Dunwell and mit anchors on their recent promotion. Iie dunwell and mit anchors on their recent promotion. Dunwell and mit anchors on their recent promotion. He is a brilliant chamion recent promotion. He is a brilliant champion for recent promotion. He is a brilliant champion for his recent promotion. He is a brilliant champion for his community recent promotion. He is a brilliant| champion for his community which recent promotion. He is a brilliant i champion for his community which i visit on a weekly basis and i congratulate everybody at the club on the road was promotion, and in the coming weeks. That brings pmqs for this week to an end, and a pretty dramatic one, and dramatic events before it got started. Henry, our Political Correspondent standing by for us. Talkers through what happened minutes before pmqs got under way. Let me talk you through first the physical geography of what happens when somebody switches party in the house of commons. The phrases they cross the floor but its notjust a phrase, its a physical action and Natalie Elphicke, conservative mp, who was until 11 59am today, physically came into the house of commons and to the shock and bafflement of her conservative colleagues went and sat behind keir starmer on the labour benches, and labour put out a press release saying that she had defected to the labour party, and is now sitting as the labour mp for dover and they are cock a hoop with this in the labour party as they believe this is a real coup, particularly because Natalie Elphicke has said she isjoining the labour party because of rishi sunak� s failure on illegal immigration and asylum policy, something he has put at the heart of his leadership and she is saying he has failed. ~. ,. , ,. , his leadership and she is saying he hasfailed. ~. ,. , ,. ,. , has failed. What does this do to the Prime Ministers has failed. What does this do to the Prime Ministers position . Has failed. What does this do to the Prime Ministers position . I has failed. What does this do to the Prime Ministers position . I think i Prime Ministers position . I think rishi sunaks Prime Ministers position . I think rishi sunaks position Prime Ministers position . I think rishi sunaks position as Prime Ministers position . I think rishi sunaks position as leader. Prime ministers position . I think| rishi sunaks position as leader of the conservative party is basically secure. Thats one of the lessons of the last few days. Conservative mps look to what was a dismal set of local Election Results on friday, saturday and sunday and decided that changing leader would make things worse but thats not to say that they are enthusiastically behind him, far from they are enthusiastically behind him, farfrom it. Most of them think they are headed for a defeat at the General Election and if you thought you were going to lose yourjob it would make your mood pretty flat, so the mood in the conservative party is pretty flat and what Natalie Elphicke has just done will flatten it further. Irate elphicke has ust done will flatten it further. ~. ,. i. , it further. We will come back to Natalie Elphicke it further. We will come back to Natalie Elphicke in it further. We will come back to Natalie Elphicke in a it further. We will come back to Natalie Elphicke in a moment. It further. We will come back to i Natalie Elphicke in a moment but it further. We will come back to Natalie Elphicke in a moment but we want to get into some of the thing is talked about in pmqs, what stood out for you . Out for you . Funnily enough keir starmer decided out for you . Funnily enough keir starmer decided to out for you . Funnily enough keir starmer decided to focus out for you . Funnily enough keir starmer decided to focus on out for you . Funnily enough keiri starmer decided to focus on small boats policy the rwanda policy that rishi sunak has put at the heart of his policy to in his words, stop the boats. I got wind he was going to focus on that issue a while before pmqs but was slightly surprised because he did it last week as well but when Natalie Elphicke crossed the floor i thought, oh, thats why. This was a Prime Ministers questions designed to punch the bruise that Natalie Elphicke inflicted. Rishi sunak tried as he often does to say the labour party doesnt care about this and he talked about sir keir starmer is passed as a human rights lawyer and what he sees as the london centric labour party as keir starmer represents a constituency in london of course, but all that will be remembered of this Prime Ministers questions is what happened at the start of it which was Natalie Elphicke sitting on the labour benches. � ,. i. ,. ,. , benches. Lets get back to natalie elhicke. Benches. Lets get back to Natalie Elphicke tell benches. Lets get back to Natalie Elphicke. Tell us benches. Lets get back to Natalie Elphicke. Tell us a benches. Lets get back to Natalie Elphicke. Tell us a back benches. Lets get back to Natalie Elphicke. Tell us a back story. Benches. Lets get back to natalie | elphicke. Tell us a back story. Who is she . Shes elphicke. Tell us a back story. Who is she . Shes only elphicke. Tell us a back story. Bg� uf . Is she . Shes only been on elphicke. Tell us a back story. Ii� iii is she . Shes only been on air since the 2019 election in dover, fairly safe conservative seat only been an mp. Worth noting she succeeded charlie elphickjohn are you note the same surname, he was her husband but he stood down from parliament because he was charged later and convicted of serious sexual offences. They have subsequently divorced, but that is the back story to Natalie Elphicke succeeding him in the constituency. Shes only been an mp since 2019 and was on the right of the conservative party. If youd asked me as an exercise this morning to draw a list of the 100 conservative mps i thought would be most likely to defect to the labour party, Natalie Elphicke would have been nowhere near it. She is on the right of the conservative party and a big supporter of borisjohnsons leadership and in her statement announcing her defection she vents her frustration at rishi sunak for an unelected leader replacing an elected leader. It is a statement of defection to the labour party which extols her support for Boris Johnson which extols her support for borisjohnson which is extols her support for Boris Johnson which is perhaps extols her support for borisjohnson which is perhaps a extols her support for Boris Johnson which is perhaps a little bit confounding. All of this to say, its very surprising indeed, because shes focused on two issues in her short time in parliament, won a small boats, asylum and immigration and that forms a big part of her resignation and defection statement but the other one in the statement was quite interesting and that was housing as she worked in the housing sector before she became an mp and she castigates rishi sunak for not doing more to end no fault evictions and to improve the lot of leaseholders. Those are big and bitter debates in the conservative party but the labour party has also tried to make housing a bigger General Election issue for them and Natalie Elphicke clearly feels similarly and is helping with that. What will be amongst labour mps clearly as the leadership are happy and its a political coup. Would there be any regulations among rank and file labour members. Iittutiiiii there be any regulations among rank and file labour members. And file labour members. Will not even rank backbench and file labour members. Will not even rank backbench mps, and file labour members. Will not even rank backbench mps, a and file labour members. Will not i even rank backbench mps, a couple from bench mps already expressing our knees in my what subgroups before i came on. Because she isnt a conservative mp who has previously made common cause with the labour party. Just a few months ago she said the labour party had no plan to stop the boats and Rachel Reeves the shadow chancellor has had a bit of a run in with her in the past although i am sure she will happily say lets let bygones be bygones. But i think there will be a few reservations from labour mps will say is this the ideology we want in our broad tent . The leadership will take it as nonsense and they will be delighted with the headline of the conservative mp for dover saying keir starmer is more likely to stop the boats, if you want to use that phrase, that the conservative party and also worth noting although it is not in Natalie Elphickes announcement, ive learned she will not be standing at the General Election so labour has an existing canner that they selected some kind time ago in dover would have spent the last while since they elected argue one on the doorsteps Natalie Elphicke is not fit to be an mp but she is now a labour mp and will be standing down at the General Election and labour will retain their existing canada and hope that person becomes the labour mp for dover after the General Election. Interesting, thank you. We will come back to you but we just want to focus a little bit on what actually happened in pmqs and lets take a look at one of the exchanges. Since i became look at one of the exchanges. Since i became prime look at one of the exchanges. Since i became Prime Minister, look at one of the exchanges. 5 ice i became Prime Minister, small crossings are down by a third. Thats because weve doubled nca funding, increased enforcement rates, closed Bank Accounts and deported 2a,000 people, process claims and when it comes to Border Control there is a crucial difference between us. We want secure borders, hes happy with open borders. The secure borders, hes happy with open borders. ,. , secure borders, hes happy with open borders. , i. , borders. The whole country knows the removing of borders. The whole country knows the removing of less borders. The whole country knows the removing of less than borders. The whole country knows the removing of less than 1 borders. The whole country knows the removing of less than 1 of borders. The whole country knows the removing of less than 1 of asylum i removing of less than 1 of Asylum Seekers removing of less than 1 of Asylum Seekers and stopping the boats, its granting seekers and stopping the boats, its granting an seekers and stopping the boats, its granting an amnesty, a tory amnesty. But if granting an amnesty, a tory amnesty. But if he granting an amnesty, a tory amnesty. But if he thinks the voters are wrong, but if he thinks the voters are wrong, if but if he thinks the voters are wrong, if he thinks his own mps joining wrong, if he thinks his own mps joining the wrong, if he thinks his own mps joining the labour party are wrong, if he thinks joining the labour party are wrong, if he thinks anyone believes any of the nonsense that he spouts, why doesnt the nonsense that he spouts, why doesnt he the nonsense that he spouts, why doesnt he put it to the test and call a doesnt he put it to the test and call a General Election . Mr speaker, he talks about call a General Election . Mr speaker, he talks about removing call a General Election . Mr speaker, he talks about removing people. Call a General Election . Mr speaker, | he talks about removing people. This is a person who campaigned, a person who campaigned to stop the deportation of Foreign National offenders. It shows how out of touch is values are with the british people. It is yet another week where we hear nothing about his plan to do anything on the issues that matter to the country. Meanwhile we are getting on reforming welfare and getting on reforming welfare and getting people into work and he opposes it. We are controlling migration, legaland opposes it. We are controlling migration, legal and illegal and opposes it. We are controlling migration, legaland illegaland he opposes it and as we heard, we are boosting Defence Spending to strengthen our country. He opposes it. And thats the difference. He snipes on the sidelines, the conservatives are building a brighter future. Conservatives are building a brighterfuture. Its, conservatives are building a brighter future. Conservatives are building a brighter future. A bitter taste of what happened brighter future. A bitter taste of what happened in brighter future. A bitter taste of what happened in pmqs brighter future. A bitter taste of what happened in pmqs itself, i brighter future. A bitter taste of i what happened in pmqs itself, but before that defection of Natalie Elphicke, butjust a couple of sentences from her statement because it is strong stuff. She said, talking about rishi sunak saying, broken promises of rishi sunaks tired and chaotic government. I have carefully considered this decision. The change has been dramatic within the conservative party and cannot be ignored. For me, key deciding factors have been housing on the safety and security of our borders. Lets go back to henry who is with us. Tell us what stood out for you in that statement. I us. Tell us what stood out for you in that statement. Us. Tell us what stood out for you in that statement. I should briefly sa , its in that statement. I should briefly say. Its only in that statement. I should briefly say, its only fair, in that statement. I should briefly say, its only fair, because in that statement. I should briefly say, its only fair, because we in that statement. I should briefly i say, its only fair, because we have just wreck the Natalie Elphicke statement to them in the last few seconds a statement as common response from the conservative party and a spokesperson said the people of dover and deal will be disappointed having felt the impact of illegal immigration. They did have an mp who sat with the party fighting to tackle this issue head on. Now they have an mp in a party that has worked to block our plans to tackle illegal immigration 139 times. We wish natalie well as she now is to support labour� s amnesty for Illegal Immigrants and one that directly opposes their own views. It was only last year that she penned an article entitled dont trust labour on immigration, they really want open borders. Im sure labour and Natalie Elphicke will dispute that categorisation of the labour position on the small boats issue. But what stands out from all of this back and forth is labour want to take the conservatives on on the issue of small boats. The conservatives have put that at the heart of rishi sunaks re election pitch and you remember at the start of last year in 2023 when rishi sunak and response to conservative mps who wanted to do more than country came up with five priorities and one of them was due, in his words, stop the boats, and its such a big part of the governments programme. Weve talked lots before and will talk in the coming weeks about the efforts to get a flight off to rwanda but the labour party wants to show, slightly through this defection were also trying to show it before that they are willing to take the conservatives on on that terrain and completely oppose the rwanda plan although there are difficult questions for them about how they would manage the transition towards repealing it. But, they want towards repealing it. But, they want to show that they can be the conservatives in a contest of who the public trusts to deal with that issue. ,. ,. , the public trusts to deal with that issue. ,. , i ,. , the public trusts to deal with that issue. ,. i ,. , the public trusts to deal with that issue. ,. , i i. ,. Issue. Henry, thank you very much for that. Issue. Henry, thank you very much for that we issue. Henry, thank you very much for that. We have issue. Henry, thank you very much for that. We have plenty issue. Henry, thank you very much for that. We have plenty more for that. We have plenty more reaction to what has been going on with a significant momentjust before pmqs and then pmqs itself. Pretty tasty exchange as you will have acceding. We will take a quick pause and some of the rest of the uk news and then we will be back in westminster later. The gates use facial Recognition Technology and we have the latest. The scene that greeted passengers arriving at Stansted Airport last night. Cues, very long queues. They were due to the failure of passport control at the gates which went down before eight oclock as more flights landed, the queues got longer and delays were reported across the country including at gatwick, edinburgh, birmingham, bristol, newcastle and manchester. Unfortunately there is a system outage and we do not have a timeframe given. Outage and we do not have a timeframe given. Because of that outae timeframe given. Because of that outage border timeframe given. Because of that outage border officials timeframe given. Because of that outage border officials had timeframe given. Because of that outage border officials had to timeframe given. Because of that| outage border officials had to rush to manually process passport holders. Era heathrow all corners of the arrival areas were packed with passengers some describing being kept on the runway before being allowed to enter the terminal building. 0thers saying they spend long in the terminal than in the air. Many told me they had to wait for over two hours to get through using one word to describe it. Chaos. B. Using one word to describe it. Chaos. � ,. , chaos. A very, very long queue. The lonest chaos. A very, very long queue. The longest queue chaos. A very, very long queue. The longest queue ive chaos. A very, very long queue. The longest queue ive maybe chaos. A very, very long queue. The longest queue ive maybe ever chaos. A very, very long queue. The | longest queue ive maybe ever seen. Two hours. Longest queue ive maybe ever seen. Two hours, more than two hours waiting two hours, more than two hours waiting but two hours, more than two hours waiting. But they two hours, more than two hours waiting. But they brought two hours, more than two hours waiting. But they brought us two hours, more than two hours i waiting. But they brought us water. So what waiting. But they brought us water. So what went waiting. But they brought us water. So what went wrong waiting. But they brought us water. So what went wrong with waiting. But they brought us water. So what went wrong with the waiting. But they brought us water. So what went wrong with the ee so what went wrong with the ee gates . The home office which oversees border force did not give details about the nature of the technical fault but said a large scale Contingency Response was activated in six minutes of the gates going down and that at no point was Border Security compromised and there was no indication of malicious cyber activity. 0fficials indication of malicious cyber activity. Officials said the gates came back online shortly after midnight and apologised to travellers caught up in the disruption. Some like here in stansted took to sleeping on the floor, alljust really wanting to get their final destination whether that home or hotel. Returning to gaza now and these are live pictures from rafah, where israeli bombardment is continuing following there was a pause of a shipment of bombs to israel last week on fears that they might be used in an assault on rafa. Israel says it will also deepen their attack until the hostages are remain release. They went into their in defiance of International Pressure and seizing the Border Crossing with egypt. Qatar is corny calling for International Intervention to prevent the city being invaded. 0ur middle east correspondent, yolande knell, is injerusalem and explains the significance of the us decision to halt last weeks shipment. We know that for weeks now the us has been warning israel against a full scale offensive of rafah. This really because of the high numbers of displaced people who are living in that city, crammed up next to the border with egypt. And the us had been talking to israel about more limited options for going in there to tackle the hamas presence. Now, this does look to be a really significant development, the idea that a us shipment has been halted to israel. Its the first time weve heard of such a thing in seven months of war. And it really does reflect, i think, the level of us concerns about this operation, in particular. We understand that the shipment included 2,000lb bombs, and of course, if they had been used in such a densely populated place, that could have had a really devastating effect. This is the other main crossing for aid going in to gaza right down there in the south of israel, close to the egyptian border. Already, lorries had been queuing up there waiting to go in. The white house had said last night that it was promised by israel that this step would be taken. It had been closed, the kerem shalom crossing, after hamas rockets killed four Israeli Soldiers close to the crossing point on sunday. And israel had kept the crossing point closed, saying that there were ongoing security concerns, that it was continuing to see mortar fire aimed at the crossing. Plenty more reaction to the reaction of the defection of the conservative mp to labour. Im joined by hugh merriman, a government minister at the department for transport. Your response to Natalie Elphickes dramatic defection . Im response to Natalie Elphickes dramatic defection . Im staggered. Ive seen dramatic defection . Im staggered. Ive seen some dramatic defection . Im staggered. Ive seen some sights dramatic defection . Im staggered. Ive seen some sights in dramatic defection . Im staggered. Ive seen some sights in this dramatic defection . Im staggered. Ive seen some sights in this place | ive seen some sights in this place but the lack of scruples on this one is a new bar that natalie has created. Shejust is a new bar that natalie has created. She just recently written a daily mail article saying dont trust labour on immigration they want open borders and now she is sitting with them. Sitting with them. Absolutely bizarre. Youve sitting with them. Absolutely bizarre. Youve no sitting with them. Absolutely bizarre. Youve no doubt sitting with them. Absolutely bizarre. Youve no doubt presumably for several years. Bizarre. Youve no doubt presumably forseveralyears. Did bizarre. Youve no doubt presumably for several years. Did you ever sense she might be the sort of mp who would considerjoining the labour party . Im who would consider oining the labour party . Labour party . Im a transport minister and labour party . Im a transport minister and she labour party . Im a transport minister and she is labour party . Im a transport minister and she is a labour party . Im a transport minister and she is a dover. Labour party . Im a transport. Minister and she is a dover Mp Labour Party . Im a transport minister and she is a dover mp and spoke a lot, and whenever she did she got a lot of barracking from the labour mps who clearly didnt agree with her views, but as an mp she, like me on the south coast, was elected on the back of brexit on the back of controlling small boats and thatis back of controlling small boats and that is something she stood for and had been vociferous against labour in terms of their refusal to back it and now she sits with them. She said in her defection and now she sits with them. She said in her defection statement and now she sits with them. She said in her defection statement that and now she sits with them. She said in her defection statement that that. In her defection statement that that is why she has defected because the government has not delivered and she has accused rishi sunak of incompetence. Isnt that why she has defected customer lets take it apart. fist defected customer lets take it a art. � , defected customer lets take it aart. � ,. , defected customer lets take it aart. � ,. , apart. At every stage we have put olicies apart. At every stage we have put policies that apart. At every stage we have put policies that we apart. At every stage we have put policies that we have apart. At every stage we have put policies that we have backs apart. At every stage we have put policies that we have backs and l policies that we have backs and labour havent and thats why labour cant be trusted in a wanton amnesty on immigrant status but what does she do question what she jump side with the very people shes been attacking all this time. Shes been our lead critic on it and i say this more as a position of principle than an mp. You are elected by your constituents to carry out their wishes and she is just being opportunist, im afraid to say and im disappointed for politics that shes done what shes done today. What does it say about the mood of the conservative party after some disastrous local elections . Its the second defection in as many weeks direct to the labour party. Itjust shows that all of your mps think that rishi sunak is going to lose whatever he says about a Hung Parliament. Whatever he says about a Hung Parliament parliament. Thats the bit that worries me parliament. Thats the bit that worries me. What parliament. Thats the bit that worries me. What we parliament. Thats the bit that worries me. What we have parliament. Thats the bit that worries me. What we have to | parliament. Thats the bit that l worries me. What we have to be parliament. Thats the bit that worries me. What we have to be as consistent to the principles that got elected i remember why we are here and when people make a career opportunistic moves as you seem to be indicating, then all of us end up looking bad in politics, so i feel sad for politics, principles, scruples and what the public must think of us when somebody makes such a shameless decision, as we saw today. A shameless decision, as we saw toda. � a shameless decision, as we saw toda. � , a shameless decision, as we saw toda. � today. Im absolutely staggered by it. Iwas, ithink today. Im absolutely staggered by it. I was, i think you today. Im absolutely staggered by it. I was, i think you have today. Im absolutely staggered by it. I was, i think you have a today. Im absolutely staggered by it. I was, i think you have a sense | it. I was, i think you have a sense of the intense emotions being aroused in the conservative party, complete shocks as they saw her cross the floor in the house of Commons Chamber and i think we will have more tough words for her form herformer have more tough words for her form her former conservative colleagues in the coming hours. Great to get that immediate reaction. Plenty more coverage of the event coming up in the hours to come. Just before i leave you. A family of lions rescued from ukraine have been released into their new home at a Wildlife Park in south yorkshire. Aysa and her three 18 month old cubs emi, santa and teddi were rescued from the donetsk region. They arrived at the Yorkshire Wildlife park in march and have spent the last two months in rehabilitation. The park said it was heartwarming to see the family reunited. Didnt take long for the strong showing to melt away, the mist and fog we had, which was widespread in places and its going to be a fine afternoon for many with decent sunny spells in most places dry and an isolated shower here or there. The only caveat is the weather front which will we be bringing thicker cloud and outbreaks of rain for the north of scotland, the more isobars so it will be breezy but much of the country under the influence of High Pressure and much of the day will be dry for most areas and we will see the rain and strong breeze pushing in the north and West Of Scotland and into the northern isles. The chance of a shower to stretching from yorkshire through the midlands to South West England but youd be unlucky if you catch one as most places are dry and most places in the low 20 celsius in the warmer spots. Through the evening and overnight we see the rain continue across the north uk, splashes of rain everywhere across scotland may be the far north of england but elsewhere dry, and we will see the low cloud and mist and fog for many of us with temperatures seven to 11 degrees. Forthursday, high of us with temperatures seven to 11 degrees. For thursday, High Pressure degrees. Forthursday, High Pressure on top of the uk and here is the weather front loitering across the north of the country but again we could start off with some mist and fog through the mourning period but it wont last and the strong may sunshine will get going, burning it away and we will see plenty of sunshine for england and wales, central and southern scotland and Northern Ireland in some splashes of rain across the north of scotland that even here later in the day will start to peter out as it moves north and temperatures between 19 and 20 degrees across south east scotland, 22 or 23 in the warmer spots across england and wales and the winds will be light from the south. We do it all again on friday as it could start misty and murky and then we will see plenty of sunshine through the afternoon, and just the chance of an isolated shower but most places dry and we will see warmer and brighter weather pushing into Northern Scotland, so 16 or 17 degrees but for stornoway, but for loic, mid 20s for england and wales. Warm and sunshine into the weekend but the High Pressure retreats eastwards allowing weather fronts and low pressure to Start Building in from the south and west during sunday, so yes there will be some warmth around and some sunshine but later on sunday there is a chance of heavy showers and may be some thunderstorms moving in from the south. Today at one another conservative mp defects. Natalie elphicke hasjoined labour. The mp for dover criticised what she called the broken promises of rishi sunaks government. Flabbergasted conservative mps watched her physically move to labour at the start of pmqs. This one will sting an already demoralised conservative party. The warming of the worlds oceans how Climate Change is producing record Sea Temperatures. Well have all the details. Iam i am underneath the menai bridge to see how those rising Sea Temperatures are affecting marine life around the world. Bereaved parents say new 0fcom rules around social media for children show a lack of ambition. How many children are actually struggling with their Mental Health . How many children have been affected, are self harming, have eating disorders, have taken their own lives, that we dont actually know about . Some prisoners are to be released up to 70 days early to relieve overcrowding injails in england and wales. Lets go for a walk down chichester canal. And, how this youngster who went blind as a teenager has built up a huge following online. Coming up in half an hour on on bbc news. Kylian mbappe is probably leaving psg having failed to help them win the Champions League, but what chance they will ever get the opportunity without him