general david petraeus is with us along with the former mayor of baltimore, stephanie rawlings blake. hello and welcome. the leader of the islamic state group has been killed by us special forces in syria. abu ibrahim al—hashimi al-qurayshi blew himself up, along with his wife and two children, as a two hour gun fight unfolded around a villa in the idlib province, close to the turkish border. al qurayshi was linked to a series of atrocities, including the rape and murder of the yazidi's in 2014. president biden, who praised the bravery of the team involved, said they opted for a night time raid — instead of an air strike — because al-qurayshi had always surrounded himself with civilians. he was responsible for the recent brutal attack on a prison in northeast syria, which was swiftly addressed by our brave partners in the syrian democratic forces. he was the driving force behind the genocide of the people in northwestern iraq in 2014. we remember the gut wrenching stories and mass slaughter is that wiped out entire villages, thousands of women and young girls sold into slavery, rape used as a weapon of war. but thanks to the brave troops, this horrible terrorist leader is no more. our forces carried out the operation with their signature preparation and precision, and i directed the department of defence to take every precaution possible to minimise civilian casualties. let me give you some more details on the raid we are told us helicopters had ferried the commandos into position just after midnight, surrounding a house in atmeh, close to the border al-qurayshi ignored the warnings to surrender. he is said to have detonated a suicide belt, as they approached the house, at which point a fierce gunfight ensued. it's reported a total of 13 people died, including women and children. this is the image — released by the white house — of the president and vice president sitting with military chiefs — watching a live feed of the operation. and on the left there you will see the deputy national security adviserjon finer — i have been talking to him about the planning for that operation and what it was like in the situation room last night. the president spent a significant amount of time in the situation room monitoring the operation very closely, taking a step back, the president has been involved in the planning of this operation for months now. it's been meticulously prepared both by and in particular by the operators in the field briefed up to the president in december and then refined over the course of recent weeks in the situation room. the president was monitoring live video feed of some of the operation while it was unfolding and discussing it with his national security team and principally his secretary of defence, the chairman of thejoint chiefs. so what was it that made you go last night? was there something in particular that led to the operation unfolding last night? well, as i said, the president was first briefed in detail in the operation back in december. at that point, it was really up to the operators themselves to determine when conditions in the field would be optimal to conduct the operation. they did that assessment over a period of weeks, came back to the president this week, gave final approval for the go—ahead of the operation during the president's daily brief on tuesday morning which the secretary of defence and the chairman of the joint chiefs were present and two days later, they carried it out. the reports from the ground are there were civilian deaths. can you explain why, why so many? well, i think is the president explained, one of the things that took place at the very beginning of the operation was that the target of the operation himself detonated the third floor of the building, knowing full well that his family was present that other families are present, and that that resulted in a number of deaths. he likes the status of his predecessor, he wasn't that well known, but the fact that you got to him and you are monitoring him for so many weeks, does that reveal how penetrative islamic state is today? well, i think what it reveals what the president has had all along about our approach over the course of the last year, that the threat itself, you know, 20 years ago may have been concentrated in a couple of places in the world that is now far more diffuse, spread to new geographies and new places, organisations themselves like al-qaeda, like isis, has metastasized, but the united states is going to seek these terrorists out wherever they happen to be and find that threat to the united states and our allies where it exists. i'm sure you are well aware that the area in which he was hiding in the province close to the turkish border is essentially a different military group, hts, which has been at war with an islamic state for months. how do you explain that he was hiding in such hostile territory? that's right. i think we were acutely aware both of the demographics of that part of syria, part of the operational planning, part of the operational planning, part of the operational planning, part of the operational briefing that the president received going back a period of weeks. i think part of the theory was likely that that would be an unlikely place for him to be found. maybe they found some solace in that and believe they have some security in that. at the end, because of the reach of our intelligence community and our military, we were able to locate them even there.— military, we were able to locate them even there. , �* , ., , them even there. doesn't explain why he was pinpointed. _ them even there. doesn't explain why he was pinpointed. this _ them even there. doesn't explain why he was pinpointed. this wasn't - he was pinpointed. this wasn't another group informing to get rid of him. �* . ., ., of him. again, i will not get into the details _ of him. again, i will not get into the details like _ of him. again, i will not get into the details like that. _ of him. again, i will not get into the details like that. how - of him. again, i will not get into the details like that. how we - of him. again, i will not get into the details like that. how we do | of him. again, i will not get into - the details like that. how we do our intelligence assessments and how we find these people, that would not be advantageous from our perspective, but it does suggest that wherever they happen to go and wherever they happen to be, people who threaten the united states can and will be found. , ., , , , , ., found. obviously they will try to resond found. obviously they will try to re5pond as _ found. obviously they will try to respond as a — found. obviously they will try to respond as a group. _ found. obviously they will try to respond as a group. as - found. obviously they will try to respond as a group. as the - found. obviously they will try to | respond as a group. as the alert level have to rise in european cities as a result?— level have to rise in european cities as a result? so, i would leave that _ cities as a result? so, i would leave that to _ cities as a result? so, i would leave that to european - cities as a result? so, i would l leave that to european capitals cities as a result? so, i would - leave that to european capitals and european governments to make those decisions for themselves. ices has come as you probably know, seeking to respond to the us counter isis campaign for quite some time. it is their goal very much to reconstitute, it was his goal to try to do that, we saw some evidence of that as recently as last week in a raid and attack president siri —— syria that was thwarted thanks to our partners in syria, the syrian democratic process and that's another reason why this operation was so important. ices very much has the goal to continue to exist as a threat to the united states and the allies, and this operation that took place will make it much harder for them to do that. we will play you some more of that interview shortly, but lets some reaction to that raid from general petreus. john told us that that they've been planning this for several months. as a former military leader, maybe you could just lift the lid a little for us and explained to us what special forces training would be a head of an operation like this.— an operation like this. without nettina an operation like this. without getting too — an operation like this. without getting too much _ an operation like this. without getting too much into - an operation like this. without getting too much into sources| an operation like this. without - getting too much into sources and methods, i would just say that this is a very impressive operation, characteristically so. in many respects, reminiscent of what took place in the planning for and execution of the operation that brought osama bin laden to justice in the finalfew brought osama bin laden to justice in the final few months in afghanistan. you may recall the president at that time monitor the operation with his vice president, now president biden they are in the situation room as well. in fact, a number of us were monitoring that operation in different locations around the world. also in that aberration, a helicopter had to be left behind as it did last night because of mechanical issues with that. but, of course, you go through the process of deploying all the different sources and methods that you can gather and use to identify the location, to be able to come to the location, to be able to come to the chain of, and and come to the president and say we have a very high likelihood that this is the location where the individual is. here are our circumstances around that, the context and all the rest of it, there can even be the planning around the particular illumination on that particular night and the rest of that. so that does take a period of time, needless to say, there are rehearsals and movements of forces into position, the variety of assets has to be located in and around and over that area to facilitate its conduct. this is a challenge because of course we do not have forces in the province in that part of syria. these operations have to be mounted out of other locations and other positions, either the northeast syria or in surrounding countries. again, huge amount of detail that goes into that and finally, of course, the briefing of the president which he gets approval in the conduct of the actual operation. it was a gutsy call by the president will stop i respect that decision that was made not to hit this with a £500 or larger bomb, which they could've done, but again, because of the presence of women and children and others, innocent civilians, a decision was made to go in and actually take him out and they did that with characteristic efficiency and expertise. that with characteristic efficiency and exaertise-— that with characteristic efficiency and exertise. ~ , and expertise. when they withdrew from kabul. — and expertise. when they withdrew from kabul, the _ and expertise. when they withdrew from kabul, the president - and expertise. when they withdrew from kabul, the president said - from kabul, the president said regarding counterterrorism that the united states had developed in over the horizon capability. is this evidence that that can work? this is evidence that that can work? this is evidence of— evidence that that can work? this is evidence of very _ evidence that that can work? this is evidence of very significant - evidence that that can work? this is evidence of very significant over - evidence of very significant over the horizon capability. needless to say, the closer you can be to the location from over the horizon, the better off you are. the challenge obviously when it comes to afghanistan where islamic state has had a bit of every breath because about 1000 of theirfighters have gotten out of the present in the course of the taliban liberating in all these prisons. the challenge in afghanistan is that shared distance from which these assets have to fly in the case of drones that are very, very slavic amount of the normal golf bases that we use, you can use up golf bases that we use, you can use up to 60% of the blade time just getting to and from the target. much closer in the case of this province, if you know where all the different bases are surrounding countries in northeast syria. i should also note again this is a very significant achievements, but i would expect thatjohn feiner, and you heard it and part of that interview that you aired would be the first to recognise that there is still a significant threat from the islamic state, as he said, as metastasized. it's not like a concentrated, it is not ices that was an army that control of the state —like area of northern iraq and northeastern syria, but it is still carried out a very substantial attack on the president which ices fighters are located. it's carried out significant terrorist actions in iraq in recent weeks. it solidified its position in western africa, and as i mentioned, but of a resurgence in the afghanistan and pakistan region noting that it's fighting against the taliban, of course not supporting them, even though it benefited from thatjailbreak that the taliban executed in liberation of afghanistan.— the taliban executed in liberation of afuhanistan. ,, , ., . of afghanistan. stephanie, you heard but the general _ of afghanistan. stephanie, you heard but the general said, _ of afghanistan. stephanie, you heard but the general said, a _ of afghanistan. stephanie, you heard but the general said, a gutsy - of afghanistan. stephanie, you heard but the general said, a gutsy call- but the general said, a gutsy call by the president. he got a lot of flakfor the way by the president. he got a lot of flak for the way the withdrawal was handled coming out of kabul, and of course, everybody remembers that shocking bomb attack that isis mounted, 170 people killed. 13 servicemembers also killed on that day. politically this must play for him very well. live definitely politically this is a win for president biden, but i think it is a bigger plan for the men and women of our armed service. when you look at the precision in which they acted, the precision in which they acted, the way they use the intelligence to have a very nuanced strike, itjust makes me very proud of their work, their sacrifice and their professionalism. this is context on the bbc. still to come the white house says it has evidence of russian plans to stage an attack to justify an invasion of ukraine. we'll discuss with retired four star army general, david petraeus. let's look at some of the other stories making headlines today... northern ireland's first minister paul givan has resigned in protest at the northern ireland protocol. the protocol governs how goods travel between great britain and northern ireland and was negotiated as part of the brexit deal. his resignation means the deputy first minister michelle 0'neill of sinn fein also loses her position. the scottish football club, raith rovers, has announced that david goodwillie, will not play for them and said they "got it wrong" by signing him_ it follows widespread protests about the decision to sign the striker earlier this week, because of a court ruling in a civil case five years ago that he had raped a woman. the bafta nominations were announced earlier, with the sci—fi epic dune leading the way and in the running for 11 awards. the power of the dog — starring benedict cumberbatch — has been nominated eight times. and there were six nominations for sir kenneth branagh's, belfast. the ceremony takes place on the 13th of march. the united states says it has intercepted a russian plan that would have given the kremlin a pretext for the invasion of ukraine. the white house say the plan was to fake a video of a fabricated attack by the ukrainian army on russian separatists in eastern ukraine. officials have not released any direct evidence of that russian plan or how they learned of it. but it's a question i put to the deputy national security adviserjohn finer. i asked him whether the us publicising russian troop movements or exposing these false flag operations would antagonise president putin further. what we are doing in putting out information about what we believe to be russian plans and options that russia is considering is making clear both now and potentially in the aftermath of an action that russia takes that this was premeditated, that they had a plan to do a military action inside ukraine that is totally unrelated to any actual threat that they face, and we believe that putting this information out in advance makes it much more difficult for russia to do what it typically does, according to a playbook that we have seen operate over a number of years now, which is create a false pretext, create some sort of incident and claim that it needs to respond militarily to that incident. you are also moving troops, 3000 are on their way to europe to the eastern flank. you are sending the 82nd airborne, that is one of the most elite units of the american army to romania. what is the logic there? do you see a threat to european countries ukraine? i think we see this explained quite clearly, our response to what russia is doing, russia's mass troop build—up on the border of ukraine, and increasingly into belarus has a number of components, when we have made quite clear is going to be a significant economic cost to russia should they go ahead, and that is why we are preparing financial sanctions, close consultation with our european partners and other partners and export controls. that's to make sure that president putin does a price should he choose to do that, but we're also taking steps on the security side, that involves providing additional security assistance to the ukrainians so that they are better able to defend their territory and, yes, it involves moving us forces in close consultation with our nato allies to nato territory to provide reassurance to countries of nato where the united states has a sacred obligation, as the president has described it, to provide defence when they are threatened. neck if you invite albert to dance to meet him get to decide when the dance is over. that's the for the bear. i get the sense that american ships are going to be here in europe for an awful long time. it is president putin that is dictating the dance, unless we can find some way to pressure him.— way to pressure him. negatives abuttin: way to pressure him. negatives abutting europe _ way to pressure him. negatives abutting europe for _ way to pressure him. negatives abutting europe for every - way to pressure him. negatives. abutting europe for every decade since world war ii, as you know, certainly with a with what was on that soil in the wake of the end the cold war. very substantial numbers still there, in fact, some of those, part of this announcement also indicated that some of those forces will move from germany to romania which is also in the eastern flank, if you will of nato, others coming from the 82nd airborne division where i was privileged to, and a brigade and to be assistant commander, our national 911 forces, we used to say going to germany and then into eastern poland. there also a headquarters from fort bragg from the 18th airborne corps that will be positioned in a tactical, and from that headquarters. it will be positioned in germany. adding additional capabilities should something be required, who knows what it could be. if you had to do a rapid evacuation, say from ukraine or something from along those lines, or something from along those lines, or having those forces closer on the eastern front, if you will those positions in poland as well of course in the cultic states where uk forces are also located. i think it all adds to the capabilities that are there. i think what the administration is trying to do it again, i am administration is trying to do it again, iam not administration is trying to do it again, i am not political, administration is trying to do it again, iam not political, i administration is trying to do it again, i am not political, i don't register votes are endorsed candidates. he criticised the administration for the decision to withdraw from afghanistan and the conduct of it. in this case again, i find myself getting high marks to the administration for pulling together all of our allies and partners around the world, notjust in nato, notjust in europe, but literally all around the world to put vladimir putin on notice. this is what will happen if indeed you invade further in ukraine. i tend to thank you won't see anything until after the end of the olympics. i think that the president would take a very dim view of anything that took the headlines away from what he hopes to showcase. i would imagine in the olympics, and the structure and so forth. certainly, i think we're going to be there for a while, and i think america has the well and the capability to do just that. president putin is going to beijing on friday, so you would anticipate he would want to do anything to embarrass the chinese president, i want to talk about the other foreign policy issue, somewhat overshadowed by the ukraine and that's talks going on in iran and those talks restart this week, the ninth round, either there is an agreement, very simple be facing a nuclear crisis. i asked john if he thinks the white house is prepared to accept an interim deal, maybe not perfect to constrain the ambitions. we are reaching a critical stage of the talks that are taking place in vienna, again, the choices really will be up to the iranian side, there was iran want to be into thejcp only as our administration and allies had said that we are committed to doing as the entire p5 plus one has been seeking to do, or does iran want to take a different path to continue to make demands that are outside the scope of the nuclear deal, and if he chooses that second path, the united states has options to increase pressure on iran. if iran seeks to get back into the deal, that is the policy of the united states and our allies to try to implement and execute. what will surprise a lot of people, i think, is that you are dealing indirectly with iran dear russia, which has an open door to tehran, and that tells me that president putin has a lot of leverage at the moment. he has leverage on fuel over the europeans, leverage over the united states when it comes to iran, it puts me quite a powerful position, doesn't it? you know, on iran to my naturally see it that way. we have had an ability to work with russians at the rest of the appeal five plus one on iran for many years now and i would remind you that when thejcpoa was first reached, back in 2015, the united states had a really comforting and relationship with russia because of ukraine in that moment as well and were able to work together to get the deal across the line. so our position is going to be that we will continue to work with our partners and with the rest of the p5 plus one on getting back into thejcpoa, and if iran chooses to go down a different path, we are ready to take that different path by restoring and expanding the pressure that we will put on them. general, we hearfrom our sources that the biden administration would ideally like an interim deal before the state of the union address. well, i'm sure anything that gets us to calm down, you are right to bring focus back to iran, i think that iran was really the wealth closest to the sled prior to president putin massing the forces on the border of ukraine and also in belarus. anything that could help the march that iran has made ever since we withdrew from the joint comprehensive plan agreements year after which they began to resume refinement and so forth, much closer to the threshold for a nuclear device now and they were prior to the previous nuclear agreement and again, as a cia director, we monitor that very, very closely, there is usually a calculation. it would take this many men for them to take the following steps to establish a nuclear device assuming they have the technology and know—how to do that. and they are very close to that. and they are very close to that right now. again, it's closer than they were prior to the previous agreement. subjust in general principle, notjust because of the state of union address, just in general, i think we would like to see that happen. again, alternatives are bleak. when it was the central, and commander, publicly known, it was announced that we had a plan that could take out the iran nuclear programme, and it was a very substantial plan and it would be even more substantial now because of the addition of the soviet or russian air defences that have been in place there also. that's a very tough call, and we want to avoid that if we can.— tough call, and we want to avoid that if we can. general, i know that ou that if we can. general, i know that you have to — that if we can. general, i know that you have to go _ that if we can. general, i know that you have to go to — that if we can. general, i know that you have to go to another - you have to go to another appointment, so we will say goodbye to you, but we are very grateful indeed for urinalysis this evening. thank you forjoining us. is a thank you for “oining us. is a pleasure — thank you for “oining us. is a pleasure to _ thank you forjoining us. is a pleasure to be _ thank you forjoining us. is a pleasure to be with - thank you forjoining us. is —. pleasure to be with you christian, thank you. just shy of two weeks ago, two new york police officers were ambushed and killed during a routine call to a domestic incident in harlem. the gunman who was rowing with his mother, pulled a handgun with a rapid fire attachment and opened fire, killing 0fficerjason rivera, just 22, and his partner, wilbert mora who was 27. there's a pattern. at least ten other major cities lost record numbers of people to gun violence last year. nationally, the murder rate rose 5% in 2021 — while 2020 was even worse with murder surging 29%. and that is why president biden's is in new york today, alongside a mayor was once a cop himself. eric adams. a man dedictated to tackling violent crime. i want to know, i'm sure listen today i want to know, i'm sure listen toda, ., i want to know, i'm sure listen todaj . , ., i want to know, i'm sure listen toda . , ., , ., today are the things that you tried that ou today are the things that you tried that you tried _ today are the things that you tried that you tried when _ today are the things that you tried that you tried when you _ today are the things that you tried that you tried when you are - today are the things that you tried that you tried when you are mayor today are the things that you tried i that you tried when you are mayor to try to get a handle on this gun violence. , , ., try to get a handle on this gun violence. , , . . , try to get a handle on this gun violence. , , ., ., , , violence. definitely. that was very roud violence. definitely. that was very proud when _ violence. definitely. that was very proud when i _ violence. definitely. that was very proud when i was _ violence. definitely. that was very proud when i was married - violence. definitely. that was very proud when i was married to - violence. definitely. that was very proud when i was married to be i violence. definitely. that was very l proud when i was married to be able to bring the homicide rate down to the lowest it's been for a think two or three years, the lowest it had beenin or three years, the lowest it had been in over a0 years, and we did that by working in partnership, not just with the police department, but with the community, and that is what is essential. i think we heard from president biden today, something that i experienced myself, we hear a lot of my people on the progressive side talking about defunding the police, but i never heard in a community association meeting especially in neighbourhoods where they are experiencing violence, i never heard them say that we want less police. they wanted more officers, they wanted better policing and they wanted to work in partnership. and i think with mayor adams at the helm in new york to going to see more of that partnership and less violence. so much to squeeze in toniaht. less violence. so much to squeeze in tonight- plenty _ less violence. so much to squeeze in tonight. plenty more _ less violence. so much to squeeze in tonight. plenty more to _ less violence. so much to squeeze in tonight. plenty more to stay - less violence. so much to squeeze in tonight. plenty more to stay into - tonight. plenty more to stay into stephanie, ron christie also joining us on the other side of the break. we will talk about cost of living, things at downing street and also jeff a sosa's living, things at downing street and alsojeff a sosa's symbiont. good evening, today has been another mild day. the same cannot be said for tomorrow because cold air has been lying in wait up to the north—west, and it is now making its move south—eastwards. the cold air being brought in our direction by this weather front. a cold front, this generating heavy bursts of rain through tonight and, indeed, a little bit of wintry weather on its back edge. wintry showers pushing in across parts of scotland and northern ireland and some quite strong and gusty winds, but let's follow the progress of the weather front as it sinks south—eastwards across england and wales overnight. some very heavy bursts of rain on its leading edge. on its back edge, through the pennines, the peak district, the hills of wales and even the moors of south west england, we could see some snow mixing in because of the cold air tucking in from the north. ahead of our weather front, still mild, six degrees for norwich, seven in london. behind it, much colder with wintry showers and ice likely to cause issues across parts of scotland and northern ireland tomorrow morning. 0ur weatherfront bringing some much needed rain into the south east. 0ver any high ground, potentially a bit of wintriness mixing in. that will then clear, and by the afternoon, it's a sunshine and showers story. some of the showers wintry over high ground in the north, and in northern scotland, those showers wintry even to quite low levels at least for a time. these are the wind gusts. widely gusts of 30, a0, 50 mph in the north. nothing extreme, but it willjust add to a cold feel. temperatures through the afternoon between a—9 degrees. now, through friday night, a brief, drier interlude with this little ridge of high pressure, but into the weekend, it's this weather front that will dominate the weather, pushing in from the west, bringing outbreaks of rain and separating the cold air which will cling on in the north from something milder which will attempt to stage a return in the south. and our weather front will bring outbreaks of rain across parts of northern ireland, scotland, down into northern england and wales. some really strong winds especially across northern areas. wintry showers into scotland. staying mostly dry down towards the south, where it will be mild, 10—11 degrees, but colder air across the northern half of the uk. and as we get into sunday, it looks like that weather front will move a little further southwards with its outbreaks of rain, allowing more areas to get back into the cold air with a mix of sunny spells and wintry showers. it's going to be another windy day. mild in the south, 11—12. much colder further north, just four in north west scotland. hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. four senior aides to borisjohnson resign from downing street within hours of each other. it's a major blow for the british prime minister, who is facing increasing questions over his leadership from within his party. a huge rise in uk energy bills from april — the chancellor sets out measures to help as the cost of living crisis intensifies. and the winter storm sweeping across much of the united states leaves thousands without power and causes major travel disruption. tonight with the context, former adviser to president george w bush, ron christie, and former mayor of baltimore, stephanie rawlings blake. was this the night of the long knives? 0ne after the other this evening, boris johnson's closest aides have been leaving downing street tonight. his chief of staff, dan rosenfield, his principal private secretary, martin reynolds, his communications director, jack doyle, and his chief policy, adviser munira mirza. the number 10 operation has come in for stinging criticism during the partygate investigations, and some of these people resigning tonight will be questioned as part of the ongoing police investigation. the prime minister had been told in no uncertain terms by furious backbenchers that a shake—up was the bare minimum. but one of these resigning, munira mirza, has not gone because of the events under investigation. in a statement tonight, she said she was resigning over the pm's false claim that sir keir starmer had failed to prosecute the serial sex offender jimmy savile while he was director of public prosecutions. let speak to our political correspondent rob watson. i was watching the culture secretary who said those who were speaking out were the usual suspects. nothing in about munira mirza. she is a very close adviser to the prime minister. yes, she's been a loyalist for 1a years, and borisjohnson is not somebody who tends to have a vast army around him. so to lose one of your longest—serving and close the states and such a stinging rebuke to accuse you of an inappropriate and partisan attack, a slur, and for refusing to apologise. what can i say? is not a good look, christian. did i characterise it right? 0n the other three going because they are a key part of the investigation? are they part of the clear out the backbenchers have demanded? your riaht backbenchers have demanded? your ri . ht to backbenchers have demanded? your right to raise — backbenchers have demanded? your right to raise that. _ backbenchers have demanded? ymg- right to raise that. on backbenchers have demanded? ll'f7l.“ right to raise that. on monday, for anyone to remember that far back in these turbulent times, borisjohnson these turbulent times, boris johnson had promised these turbulent times, borisjohnson had promised a sort of these turbulent times, boris johnson had promised a sort of reset of the downing street operation, so it was always good to be the case that these three men would go because they are absolutely at the heart of his operation and its communications. but i don't know about you or anybody else around westminster or anyone watching this is not feel like that sort of controlled, elegant reset. this feels more like the sort of bob marley song exodus in the sense of the wheels coming off and even if these people were going to go, does it look coordinated? does it look controlled?— it look coordinated? does it look controlled? �* ~ �*, controlled? don't think so. there's a attern controlled? don't think so. there's a pattern emerging. _ controlled? don't think so. there's a pattern emerging. the _ controlled? don't think so. there's a pattern emerging. the day - controlled? don't think so. there's a pattern emerging. the day starts with an announcement came a starts with optimism at number ten and then it ends with chaos and confusion. yes, and i think what critics will say both inside and outside the governing conservative party is that it's something to do with boris johnson and they will say that, yes, he has additionally difficult times with the pandemic, but i think many of them orfor some it's with the pandemic, but i think many of them or for some it's for old with the pandemic, but i think many of them orfor some it's for old but others knew, but they are thinking he might be brilliant or was brilliant at winning elections and referendum but is he really the right man for a job like being prime minister? and it's those sort of doubts i had been for some awakened and for some in the party reawakened, christian? rab and for some in the party reawakened, christian? ., , . ., reawakened, christian? rob watson, thank ou reawakened, christian? rob watson, thank you very _ reawakened, christian? rob watson, thank you very much _ reawakened, christian? rob watson, thank you very much for _ reawakened, christian? rob watson, thank you very much for the - reawakened, christian? rob watson, thank you very much for the analysis| thank you very much for the analysis and we are watching events at downing street will bring you more if and when we get it. things are about to get an awful lot harder for millions of people across the uk after the energy regulator 0fgem raised the price cap on what companies can charge their customers. the change will apply for april. the average annual bill for gas and eletricity for those not on fixed deals will rise by almost £700 a year to almost £2000. it will affect around 22 million households in england, wales and scotland. on top of that the base rate went up today, for the second time in three months, to 0.5% as the bank of england tries to curb the rise in the cost of living. and that's because inflation, the rate at which prices are rising, is expected to peak at 7.25% in april, well above the bank's target of 2%. to try and soften the blow, the chancellor, rishi sunak, announced today he is taking £200 off energy bills which households will pay back in instalments from 2023, as well as giving 80% of british people a £150 rebate on council tax. for me to stand here and pretend we don't have to adjust to paying higher prices would be wrong and dishonest, but what we can do is take the sting out of a significant price shock for millions of families by making sure that increase in prices is smaller initially and spread over a longer period. responding to the government's package, here's the labour leader, keir starmer. it's a dodgy sort of "buy now, pay later" deal that doesn't come anywhere near meeting the cost or the increasing costs of energy bills. and it's really such a small response to a very, very big problem, and it's on the minds of so many people. let's turn tojonathan portes, professor of economics and public policy at university king's college london. he was also chief economist at the uk government's cabinet office from 2008—2011. nice to see you. so £350 per household in government assistance, that still means a rise of 350 quid on average for everyone and that's going to hit the poorest the hardest. was there a better way to reach the poorest families for the chancellor?— reach the poorest families for the chancellor? ~ , , . ., ., chancellor? absolutely. we have a re chancellor? absolutely. we have a pretty good _ chancellor? absolutely. we have a pretty good benefits _ chancellor? absolutely. we have a pretty good benefits is _ chancellor? absolutely. we have a pretty good benefits is of - chancellor? absolutely. we have a pretty good benefits is of people i pretty good benefits is of people who are — pretty good benefits is of people who are on — pretty good benefits is of people who are on low _ pretty good benefits is of people who are on low income - pretty good benefits is of people who are on low income and - pretty good benefits is of people who are on low income and work pretty good benefits is of people - who are on low income and work are out of— who are on low income and work are out of work — who are on low income and work are out of work. pretty— who are on low income and work are out of work. pretty good _ who are on low income and work are out of work. pretty good in - out of work. pretty good in the sense — out of work. pretty good in the sense that _ out of work. pretty good in the sense that we _ out of work. pretty good in the sense that we want _ out of work. pretty good in the sense that we want to - out of work. pretty good in the sense that we want to help - out of work. pretty good in the. sense that we want to help poor people — sense that we want to help poor people and _ sense that we want to help poor people and we _ sense that we want to help poor people and we can _ sense that we want to help poor people and we can deliver- sense that we want to help poorl people and we can deliver money relatively— people and we can deliver money relatively quickly. _ people and we can deliver money relatively quickly. and _ people and we can deliver money relatively quickly. and we - people and we can deliver money relatively quickly. and we did - relatively quickly. and we did during — relatively quickly. and we did during the _ relatively quickly. and we did during the pandemic- relatively quickly. and we did during the pandemic when i relatively quickly. and we did l during the pandemic when the government— during the pandemic when the government put— during the pandemic when the government put £20 - during the pandemic when the government put £20 on- during the pandemic when the i government put £20 on universal credit— government put £20 on universal credit rates — government put £20 on universal credit rates for— government put £20 on universal credit rates for government i government put £20 on universal credit rates for government has l government put £20 on universal. credit rates for government has now cut credit rates for government has now out that _ credit rates for government has now out that on _ credit rates for government has now out that on top — credit rates for government has now out that on top of _ credit rates for government has now cut that on top of the _ credit rates for government has now cut that on top of the many - credit rates for government has now cut that on top of the many billionsl cut that on top of the many billions of pounds — cut that on top of the many billions of pounds that _ cut that on top of the many billions of pounds that have _ cut that on top of the many billions of pounds that have been - cut that on top of the many billions of pounds that have been cut - cut that on top of the many billions of pounds that have been cut overl of pounds that have been cut over the last _ of pounds that have been cut over the last ten— of pounds that have been cut over the last ten years _ of pounds that have been cut over the last ten years to _ of pounds that have been cut over the last ten years to low- the last ten years to low income families— the last ten years to low income families and _ the last ten years to low income families and if— the last ten years to low income families and if you _ the last ten years to low income families and if you want - the last ten years to low income families and if you want to i the last ten years to low income families and if you want to helpl families and if you want to help poor— families and if you want to help poor people. _ families and if you want to help poor people. simply— families and if you want to help poor people, simply increasingl poor people, simply increasing universal— poor people, simply increasing universal credit _ poor people, simply increasing universal credit and _ poor people, simply increasing universal credit and its - poor people, simply increasing i universal credit and its associated businesses — universal credit and its associated businesses and _ universal credit and its associated businesses and benefits _ universal credit and its associated businesses and benefits is - universal credit and its associated | businesses and benefits is simple, fair, efficient— businesses and benefits is simple, fair, efficient and _ businesses and benefits is simple, fair, efficient and targets - businesses and benefits is simple, fair, efficient and targets the i fair, efficient and targets the poorest— fair, efficient and targets the poorest and _ fair, efficient and targets the poorest and the _ fair, efficient and targets the poorest and the governmentj fair, efficient and targets the i poorest and the government has fair, efficient and targets the - poorest and the government has more little reasons _ poorest and the government has more little reasons chosen _ poorest and the government has more little reasons chosen not _ poorest and the government has more little reasons chosen not to _ poorest and the government has more little reasons chosen not to do - little reasons chosen not to do that _ little reasons chosen not to do that. g; :: ., that. the 350 quid we will get, that will be swallowed _ that. the 350 quid we will get, that will be swallowed by _ that. the 350 quid we will get, that will be swallowed by the _ that. the 350 quid we will get, that will be swallowed by the tax - that. the 350 quid we will get, that will be swallowed by the tax rises l will be swallowed by the tax rises will be swallowed by the tax rises will be swallowed by the tax rises will be paid from april, the rise in a national insurance, wanted? also a national insurance, wanted? also recalled that _ a national insurance, wanted? also recalled that 200 _ a national insurance, wanted? also recalled that 200 quid of that is not the — recalled that 200 quid of that is not the man— recalled that 200 quid of that is not the man you _ recalled that 200 quid of that is not the man you are _ recalled that 200 quid of that is not the man you are getting, i recalled that 200 quid of that is not the man you are getting, it| not the man you are getting, it alone the _ not the man you are getting, it alone. the government- not the man you are getting, it alone. the government is- not the man you are getting, it. alone. the government is giving not the man you are getting, it- alone. the government is giving you essentially— alone. the government is giving you essentially an — alone. the government is giving you essentially an interest _ alone. the government is giving you essentially an interest free - alone. the government is giving you essentially an interest free loan i alone. the government is giving you essentially an interest free loan of l essentially an interest free loan of £200 _ essentially an interest free loan of £200 and — essentially an interest free loan of £200 and that _ essentially an interest free loan of £200 and that money— essentially an interest free loan of £200 and that money will- essentially an interest free loan of £200 and that money will at i essentially an interest free loan of £200 and that money will at least| essentially an interest free loan of i £200 and that money will at least on current— £200 and that money will at least on current plans have _ £200 and that money will at least on current plans have to _ £200 and that money will at least on current plans have to be paid - £200 and that money will at least on current plans have to be paid back. l current plans have to be paid back. it is current plans have to be paid back. it is not _ current plans have to be paid back. it is not and — current plans have to be paid back. it is not and i— current plans have to be paid back. it is not and i was _ current plans have to be paid back. it is not and i was actually - current plans have to be paid back. it is not and i was actually really i it is not and i was actually really shocked — it is not and i was actually really shocked and i— it is not and i was actually really shocked and i thought _ it is not and i was actually really shocked and i thought it- it is not and i was actually really shocked and i thought it was i it is not and i was actually really i shocked and i thought it was really disgraceful behaviour— shocked and i thought it was really disgraceful behaviour on _ shocked and i thought it was really disgraceful behaviour on the - shocked and i thought it was really disgraceful behaviour on the part l shocked and i thought it was reallyl disgraceful behaviour on the part of the chancellor— disgraceful behaviour on the part of the chancellor and _ disgraceful behaviour on the part of the chancellor and the _ disgraceful behaviour on the part of the chancellor and the treasury i disgraceful behaviour on the part of the chancellor and the treasury to. the chancellor and the treasury to claim _ the chancellor and the treasury to claim that — the chancellor and the treasury to claim that this _ the chancellor and the treasury to claim that this was _ the chancellor and the treasury to claim that this was a _ the chancellor and the treasury to claim that this was a discount i the chancellor and the treasury to claim that this was a discount or l the chancellor and the treasury to claim that this was a discount or a j claim that this was a discount or a rebate, _ claim that this was a discount or a rebate, it's— claim that this was a discount or a rebate, it's not. _ claim that this was a discount or a rebate, it's not. it's— claim that this was a discount or a rebate, it's not. it's essentially. rebate, it's not. it's essentially saying — rebate, it's not. it's essentially saying that _ rebate, it's not. it's essentially saying that we _ rebate, it's not. it's essentially saying that we can _ rebate, it's not. it's essentially saying that we can get - rebate, it's not. it's essentially saying that we can get interest| rebate, it's not. it's essentially- saying that we can get interest free credit _ saying that we can get interest free credit for— saying that we can get interest free credit for our— saying that we can get interest free credit for our electricity. _ saying that we can get interest free credit for our electricity. that's i saying that we can get interest free credit for our electricity. that's a i credit for our electricity. that's a good _ credit for our electricity. that's a good thing. _ credit for our electricity. that's a good thing. it— credit for our electricity. that's a good thing, it will— credit for our electricity. that's a good thing, it will help _ credit for our electricity. that's a good thing, it will help people i good thing, it will help people smooth — good thing, it will help people smooth the _ good thing, it will help people smooth the cost _ good thing, it will help people smooth the cost of _ good thing, it will help people smooth the cost of their- good thing, it will help people i smooth the cost of their electricity over time, — smooth the cost of their electricity overtime, not— smooth the cost of their electricity over time, not saying _ smooth the cost of their electricity over time, not saying it's- smooth the cost of their electricity over time, not saying it's a - smooth the cost of their electricity over time, not saying it's a bad i over time, not saying it's a bad thing _ over time, not saying it's a bad thing but — overtime, not saying it's a bad thing but let's— over time, not saying it's a bad thing but let's not— over time, not saying it's a bad thing but let's not pretend i over time, not saying it's a bad thing but let's not pretend it'sl thing but let's not pretend it's anything — thing but let's not pretend it's anything other— thing but let's not pretend it's anything other than— thing but let's not pretend it's anything other than alone. it. thing but let's not pretend it'sl anything other than alone. it is thing but let's not pretend it's- anything other than alone. it is not free money — anything other than alone. it is not free money. that— anything other than alone. it is not free money. that will— anything other than alone. it is not free money. that will have - anything other than alone. it is not free money. that will have to i anything other than alone. it is not free money. that will have to be i free money. that will have to be paid back — free money. that will have to be paid back the _ free money. that will have to be paid back. the other— free money. that will have to be paid back. the other 150 - free money. that will have to be paid back. the other 150 quid i free money. that will have to be paid back. the other 150 quid isl free money. that will have to bel paid back. the other 150 quid is a genuine _ paid back. the other 150 quid is a genuine rebate _ paid back. the other 150 quid is a genuine rebate to— paid back. the other 150 quid is a genuine rebate to most— paid back. the other 150 quid is a . genuine rebate to most households although— genuine rebate to most households although not— genuine rebate to most households although not to _ genuine rebate to most households although not to all _ genuine rebate to most households although not to all households i genuine rebate to most households although not to all households andi although not to all households and indeed _ although not to all households and indeed some — although not to all households and indeed some poor— although not to all households and indeed some poor households- although not to all households and indeed some poor households will| indeed some poor households will miss out— indeed some poor households will miss out on— indeed some poor households will miss out on that, _ indeed some poor households will miss out on that, too. _ indeed some poor households will miss out on that, too. i— indeed some poor households will miss out on that, too.— miss out on that, too. i want to brine miss out on that, too. i want to bring our _ miss out on that, too. i want to bring our panel— miss out on that, too. i want to bring our panel in _ miss out on that, too. i want to bring our panel in on _ miss out on that, too. i want to bring our panel in on this. i miss out on that, too. i want to l bring our panel in on this. the... the uk government said today it could only do so much to help families given the enormous debt it has run up through the pandemic. and so i want to compare it to what is going on acoss the atlantic and the huge increases in the national debt which stalled build back better, president biden's $2 trillion safety net. so, we have pulled out the graph which shows us the rise in national debt since 2001, and i am going to highlight the period from 2016-2020. you will see national debt jump some $8—9 trillion. part of the that donald trump's tax giveaway, part of it the pandemic. just to give you some context, $9 trillion is three times the annual output of the entire uk economy. which leads us to this landmark moment. on monday, the first time the us debt has topped $30 trillion. is that does that mean there is no room in the pot for the white house? no, i don't think there is any room. look at households across america hit really hard not only by the pandemic but also a rising gas prices, very difficult to find items in stores and so i think the white house right now is looking for a better way to build some sort of report for people in congress to pass something to make it look as if they are trying to address this problem. i they are trying to address this roblem. ., , , they are trying to address this roblem. ., ,, , ., , problem. i would guess democrats would say hang _ problem. i would guess democrats would say hang on, _ problem. i would guess democrats would say hang on, give _ problem. i would guess democrats| would say hang on, give americans problem. i would guess democrats l would say hang on, give americans a tax rise through the growth period and then when it goes file out, when we are in difficult times commit when the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer, you say build that better is too expensive. how long is that sustainable? i5 how long is that sustainable? is certainly not sustainable. that being — certainly not sustainable. that being said, i cannot fall the democrats who are looking to make sure that _ democrats who are looking to make sure that we are being responsible about— sure that we are being responsible about our— sure that we are being responsible about our national debt. it is important to be fiscally responsible, but you have to provide a way _ responsible, but you have to provide a way forward that is socially conscious _ a way forward that is socially conscious and that is why i think so much _ conscious and that is why i think so much of— conscious and that is why i think so much of the — conscious and that is why i think so much of the bill back better when you look— much of the bill back better when you look at the money for homelessness, homeless people who are experiencing homelessness, when you look— are experiencing homelessness, when you look at— are experiencing homelessness, when you look at the affordable housing that's _ you look at the affordable housing that's in_ you look at the affordable housing that's in there, so many of the jobs that's in there, so many of the jobs that are _ that's in there, so many of the jobs that are part— that's in there, so many of the jobs that are part of the build back better— that are part of the build back better plan really push back against the cost _ better plan really push back against the cost of — better plan really push back against the cost of it by providing opportunities for people and helping us to truly— opportunities for people and helping us to truly build back our economy. the back— us to truly build back our economy. the back of— us to truly build back our economy. the back of a — us to truly build back our economy. the back of a list of england said today we face the biggest squeeze on living standards on record and i'm guessing that's the same over the pondin guessing that's the same over the pond in the us. inflation at a 30 year high and the average wage would have to go up 5% to cover what inflation has done this last year. is it inevitable now that we are heading towards this wage price spiral that will be baked in? h0. heading towards this wage price spiral that will be baked in? ida. i spiralthat will be baked in? no, i don't think— spiralthat will be baked in? no, i don't think so. _ spiralthat will be baked in? no, i don't think so. first _ spiralthat will be baked in? no, i don't think so. first let _ spiralthat will be baked in? no, i don't think so. first let me i spiralthat will be baked in? no, i don't think so. first let me just i don't think so. first let me just address this _ don't think so. first let me just address this rather— don't think so. first let me just address this rather bizarre i don't think so. first let me just i address this rather bizarre argument that because — address this rather bizarre argument that because the _ address this rather bizarre argument that because the national— address this rather bizarre argument that because the national debt- address this rather bizarre argument that because the national debt is- that because the national debt is $30 trillion — that because the national debt is $30 trillion or— that because the national debt is $30 trillion or 1.5 and _ that because the national debt is| $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage of gdp _ $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage of gdp in — $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage of gdp in the _ $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage of gdp in the us— $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage of gdp in the us and _ $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage of gdp in the us and in— $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage of gdp in the us and in the uk, | $30 trillion or 1.5 and percentage i of gdp in the us and in the uk, that there is— of gdp in the us and in the uk, that there is some — of gdp in the us and in the uk, that there is some reason _ of gdp in the us and in the uk, that there is some reason that _ of gdp in the us and in the uk, that there is some reason that we - of gdp in the us and in the uk, that| there is some reason that we cannot afford _ there is some reason that we cannot afford to spend _ there is some reason that we cannot afford to spend money _ there is some reason that we cannot afford to spend money if _ there is some reason that we cannot afford to spend money if we - there is some reason that we cannot afford to spend money if we want i there is some reason that we cannot afford to spend money if we want to| afford to spend money if we want to and if— afford to spend money if we want to and if we _ afford to spend money if we want to and if we have — afford to spend money if we want to and if we have your _ afford to spend money if we want to and if we have your things— afford to spend money if we want to and if we have your things to - afford to spend money if we want to and if we have your things to spendl and if we have your things to spend money on — and if we have your things to spend money on the _ and if we have your things to spend money on. the national— and if we have your things to spend money on. the national debt - and if we have your things to spend money on. the national debt in i and if we have your things to spend money on. the national debt in thej money on. the national debt in the uk is _ money on. the national debt in the uk is far. _ money on. the national debt in the uk is far. far— money on. the national debt in the uk is far, far lower— money on. the national debt in the uk is far, far lower than— money on. the national debt in the uk is far, far lower than it - money on. the national debt in the uk is far, far lower than it was i uk is far, far lower than it was medially— uk is far, far lower than it was medially after— uk is far, far lower than it was medially after world _ uk is far, far lower than it was medially after world war ii, i uk is far, far lower than it was i medially after world war ii, and it'sjust — medially after world war ii, and it's just only— medially after world war ii, and it's just only about _ medially after world war ii, and it's just only about back- medially after world war ii, and it's just only about back to i medially after world war ii, and l it's just only about back to where it's just only about back to where it was— it's just only about back to where it was around _ it's just only about back to where it was around then _ it's just only about back to where it was around then in _ it's just only about back to where it was around then in the - it's just only about back to where it was around then in the us i it's just only about back to where it was around then in the us as l it was around then in the us as welt _ it was around then in the us as welt these _ it was around then in the us as well. these are _ it was around then in the us as well. these are not historicallyj well. these are not historically unprecedented _ well. these are not historically unprecedented levels - well. these are not historically unprecedented levels at - well. these are not historically unprecedented levels at all. i well. these are not historically- unprecedented levels at all. talking about— unprecedented levels at all. talking about them — unprecedented levels at all. talking about them as — unprecedented levels at all. talking about them as being _ unprecedented levels at all. talking about them as being eye _ unprecedented levels at all. talking about them as being eye watering l unprecedented levels at all. talking i about them as being eye watering or suggesting _ about them as being eye watering or suggesting they _ about them as being eye watering or suggesting they cannot _ about them as being eye watering or suggesting they cannot be _ about them as being eye watering or suggesting they cannot be afforded i suggesting they cannot be afforded particularly — suggesting they cannot be afforded particularly at — suggesting they cannot be afforded particularly at the _ suggesting they cannot be afforded particularly at the current - suggesting they cannot be afforded particularly at the current low- particularly at the current low level— particularly at the current low level of— particularly at the current low level of interest _ particularly at the current low level of interest rates, - particularly at the current low level of interest rates, that's| level of interest rates, that's franklym _ level of interest rates, that's frankly- - -_ level of interest rates, that's frankly- - -— level of interest rates, that's frankl... l, l, l, l, , frankly... those are going to go up. the are frankly... those are going to go up. they are going _ frankly... those are going to go up. they are going to — frankly... those are going to go up. they are going to go _ frankly... those are going to go up. they are going to go up _ frankly... those are going to go up. they are going to go up a _ frankly... those are going to go up. they are going to go up a little - they are going to go up a little bit but they— they are going to go up a little bit but they are — they are going to go up a little bit but they are still _ they are going to go up a little bit but they are still a very— they are going to go up a little bit but they are still a very low- they are going to go up a little bit but they are still a very low levels| but they are still a very low levels historically — but they are still a very low levels historically and _ but they are still a very low levels historically and there _ but they are still a very low levels historically and there is _ but they are still a very low levels historically and there is no - but they are still a very low levels historically and there is no sign i historically and there is no sign in the forward — historically and there is no sign in the forward markets _ historically and there is no sign in the forward markets of _ historically and there is no sign in the forward markets of rights - historically and there is no sign in. the forward markets of rights giving up the forward markets of rights giving up anything — the forward markets of rights giving up anything like _ the forward markets of rights giving up anything like they— the forward markets of rights giving up anything like they were - the forward markets of rights giving up anything like they were at - the forward markets of rights giving up anything like they were at times| up anything like they were at times when _ up anything like they were at times when we _ up anything like they were at times when we had — up anything like they were at times when we had hired _ up anything like they were at times when we had hired that— up anything like they were at times when we had hired that they - up anything like they were at times when we had hired that they now. when we had hired that they now would _ when we had hired that they now would not — when we had hired that they now would not lower— when we had hired that they now would not lower debt _ when we had hired that they now would not lower debt that - when we had hired that they now would not lower debt that now. i would not lower debt that now. coming — would not lower debt that now. coming on _ would not lower debt that now. coming on that, _ would not lower debt that now. coming on that, ron. - would not lower debt that now. coming on that, ron. this - would not lower debt that now. coming on that, ron. this is i would not lower debt that now. i coming on that, ron. this is the argument that is not eye watering debt and the method to reach the poorest is to pass a bill back better bill. poorest is to pass a bill back better mu.— poorest is to pass a bill back better bill.— poorest is to pass a bill back better bill. ., ., , better bill. for having been the former senior _ better bill. for having been the former senior adviser _ better bill. for having been the former senior adviser to - better bill. for having been the former senior adviser to the . better bill. for having been the - former senior adviser to the house budget committee chairman, i can certainly tell you that when we have high rates of national debt, it's going against the credit card of the us and makes it a lot more expensive. as we have seen in the last year or so for wages to compete and in other words you can say wage growth is going up, but the spending powerfor many americans growth is going up, but the spending power for many americans is coming down. who absorbs this the best equipment wealthy people. who does this impact the most? people with a lower or more modest incomes and onceit lower or more modest incomes and once it is a just the inflation and we know that the fed chair has signalled there is going to be a slight rate increase, makes it a lot more difficult for those who are really struggling to get by right now. i really struggling to get by right now. ., really struggling to get by right now. . ., ., , now. i agree inflation is indeed squeezing _ now. i agree inflation is indeed squeezing the _ now. i agree inflation is indeed squeezing the poorest, - now. i agree inflation is indeed squeezing the poorest, but - now. i agree inflation is indeed - squeezing the poorest, but inflation is not _ squeezing the poorest, but inflation is not driven— squeezing the poorest, but inflation is not driven lry— squeezing the poorest, but inflation is not driven by national— squeezing the poorest, but inflation is not driven by national debt. - is not driven by national debt. again — is not driven by national debt. again it— is not driven by national debt. again it is— is not driven by national debt. again it is typically— is not driven by national debt. . again it is typically economically illiterate — again it is typically economically illiterate to _ again it is typically economically illiterate to suggest _ again it is typically economically illiterate to suggest that - again it is typically economically illiterate to suggest that it - again it is typically economically illiterate to suggest that it is. i illiterate to suggest that it is. there — illiterate to suggest that it is. there is— illiterate to suggest that it is. there is no— illiterate to suggest that it is. there is no evidence - illiterate to suggest that it is. there is no evidence of- illiterate to suggest that it is. there is no evidence of that. i illiterate to suggest that it is. i there is no evidence of that. tire there is no evidence of that. are democrats _ there is no evidence of that. democrats explaining there is no evidence of that. in; democrats explaining went there is no evidence of that. democrats explaining went up there is no evidence of that.- democrats explaining went up to the public coming to the american public that some of the rises in inflation are down to their own peculiar circumstances we have with the pandemic came in any shortage of labour in certain sectors and the cost of fuel? i labour in certain sectors and the cost of fuel?— cost of fuel? i don't think the democrats — cost of fuel? i don't think the democrats and _ cost of fuel? i don't think the democrats and the _ cost of fuel? i don't think the democrats and the president| cost of fuel? i don't think the l democrats and the president in particular— democrats and the president in particular have a messaging effectively on the inflation and i think— effectively on the inflation and i think on— effectively on the inflation and i think on the other side, the republicans have done an amazing job unfortunately with pinning the inflation on the biden administration. i think they have done _ administration. i think they have done it— administration. i think they have done it in— administration. i think they have done it in a — administration. i think they have done it in a way that encourage people — done it in a way that encourage people to — done it in a way that encourage people to turn a blind eye to the fact that — people to turn a blind eye to the fact that this is a global inflation problem. — fact that this is a global inflation problem, notjust a problem in this country. _ problem, notjust a problem in this country. but — problem, notjust a problem in this country, but it is a political reality— country, but it is a political reality that the biden administration has to face. as long as inflation— administration has to face. as long as inflation continues, it will be paid _ as inflation continues, it will be paid to — as inflation continues, it will be paid toioh_ as inflation continues, it will be paid tojob performance of his administration. paid to job performance of his administration.— paid to job performance of his administration. g ., ., ., ., , , administration. jonathan, a thesis in this and we _ administration. jonathan, a thesis in this and we could _ administration. jonathan, a thesis in this and we could go _ administration. jonathan, a thesis in this and we could go on - administration. jonathan, a thesis in this and we could go on all - administration. jonathan, a thesis | in this and we could go on all night but we are out of time. think you very much indeed forjoining us. thank you. this is context on the bbc. still to come on the programme, it's not the size of the boat, it's the motion of the ocean. how will they get the jeff bezos superyacht to the sea? vets at chester zoo have started the first trial of an experimental vaccine to protect elephants from a deadly viral disease. the illness is responsible for more than half of all asian elephant deaths in european zoos. indali the elephant calf, fighting for her life back in 2019. vets at chester zoo diagnosed the young elephant with a dangerous viral infection. it's called elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus. they have lesions in the mouth, they will get a fever, lethargy. but once we see the symptoms, normally it's too late. we've generally lost calves within 2a hours. wow, that quickly? yes, that quickly. up to 85% of elephants that develop the disease don't survive and most cruelly it often affects the very young calves. now, though, a glimmer of scientific hope. elephant two setting up to move out to training pen one. the elephants here are involved in a first—ever trial of an experimental potentially life—saving vaccine. it's research that's only possible because these elephants participate. he's five tonnes, he will cooperate if he feels like it. it's a lot of positive reinforcement from the keepers, but it's also mutual respect. the new vaccine uses the same basic design as one that's already proven to be safe in elephants. its aim is to prime the animal's immune systems. with the trial about to begin, researchers hope it will lead them to an effective vaccine within five years. meanwhile, with health checks and blood donations, the elephants here have already enabled vets to diagnose the virus much earlier, and that has saved lives, including little indali's. she turned five just before christmas and she is our wonder baby. and that is a reason to celebrate. victoria gill, bbc news, chester zoo. snow, sleet and ice has lashed more than 2000 miles across the eastern us, leaving many without power to their homes. more than 100 million people in states stretching from the mexican to canadian borders are under winter weather warnings. let's head over to dallas, texas, and speak to cbs news correspondent kris van cleave. we all remember this time last year when the power grid went down a similar weather. when the power grid went down a similarweather. have when the power grid went down a similar weather. have they fixed it? the power grid is working for now, but there are still some 35,000 or so texas customers without power, and it is below zero centigrade, about 22 fahrenheit, so it's very cold and not what you would want to be without power or heat right now. but so far, big picture, the texas power grid is holding and i will take people here have been expressing almost a form of ptsd over what they went through last year when they heard of the weather going on right now. we werejust talking to a family went they were without power for over about a week last year. they watched all their food go bad and watch their insulin go bad and as we were talking to them, their lights came back on. so there is work being done and there is something like 1700 out—of—state linemen working with the power crews here in texas to get the lights back on because it's going to be bitter cold and in fact the biggest test of the electricity system here in texas will come tomorrow morning when we are going to see temperatures about minus six fahrenheit with wind—chill but i cannot get you that is centigrade but it's very cold. it centigrade but it's very cold. it looks very cold. coast is getting battered. had a snow bomb last week and a nor�*easter this weekend is it usual to have so many of the storms in a short period of time? you know, this is probably _ in a short period of time? you know, this is probably a _ in a short period of time? you know, this is probably a symptom - in a short period of time? you know, this is probably a symptom of - this is probably a symptom of climate change where we have seen more extremes. in the last couple of winters have not been as bad on the east coast but this one has been cold and snowy and we have seen weather patterns get stuck. that's what the east coast has been experiencing and this is some of the coldest weather that texas has seen in years, so this is probably part of the dual where we see periods of very extreme winter weather just what we see extreme summer weather with hurricanes and whatnot. but it is usually disruptive and were talking about thousands and thousands of flights cancelled, we know of several deaths on a runway so people being out in the weather. a course authorities encourage americans not to drive in this and i will tell you we had been out and it is like driving on about a half inch layer of ice on top of payment covered by snow. so his treacherous conditions internet to be a very cold brutal winterfor conditions internet to be a very cold brutal winter for lot of the us. ,, ._ ., cold brutal winter for lot of the us. ,, ., ., cold brutal winter for lot of the us. stay warm and stay safe, that ou ve us. stay warm and stay safe, that you very much _ us. stay warm and stay safe, that you very much for _ us. stay warm and stay safe, that you very much for being _ us. stay warm and stay safe, that you very much for being with - us. stay warm and stay safe, that you very much for being with us, | you very much for being with us, kris van cleave. an ageing power grid and the weather is getting worse and getting stronger and these storms, is this the argument for more spending on infrastructure? i more spending on infrastructure? i think it is. this is one of the few tripartisan — think it is. this is one of the few bipartisan agreements that you would see republicans and democrats come together— see republicans and democrats come together and say we need to invest in our— together and say we need to invest in our rose — together and say we need to invest in our rose and our bridges. and if you look— in our rose and our bridges. and if you look at— in our rose and our bridges. and if you look at the percentage of tiridges — you look at the percentage of bridges across the united states that are — bridges across the united states that are in serious need of repair, 'ust that are in serious need of repair, iust nrakes— that are in serious need of repair, just makes me nervous every time i -et just makes me nervous every time i get in _ just makes me nervous every time i get in the _ just makes me nervous every time i get in the car and drive across one. so, get in the car and drive across one. so. yes— get in the car and drive across one. so. yes we — get in the car and drive across one. so, yes we have for the president signed _ so, yes we have for the president signed into— so, yes we have for the president signed into law is a step definitely in the _ signed into law is a step definitely in the right direction. if signed into law is a step definitely in the right direction.— in the right direction. if the conversation _ in the right direction. if the conversation changing? - in the right direction. if the conversation changing? i l in the right direction. if the - conversation changing? i looked at in the right direction. if ii�*uéi conversation changing? i looked at a houseit conversation changing? i looked at a house it was teetering over the edge of a cliff this week after one of the storms had washed in and there were reports about the rising sea levels and the damage to coastal america, do you think there is a conversation now developing in america about what is going to cost the us economy over the next 20 or 30 years? the us economy over the next 20 or 30 ears? ~ ., the us economy over the next 20 or 30 ears? ~ . ., 30 years? what little warming will cost our economy? _ 30 years? what little warming will cost our economy? definitely. - 30 years? what little warming will cost our economy? definitely. i i cost our economy? definitely. i think— cost our economy? definitely. i think definitely. _ cost our economy? definitely. i think definitely. it _ cost our economy? definitely. i think definitely. it is _ cost our economy? definitely. i think definitely. it is hard - cost our economy? definitely. i think definitely. it is hard to- think definitely. it is hard to ignore — think definitely. it is hard to ignore the _ think definitely. it is hard to ignore the impact— think definitely. it is hard to ignore the impact of- think definitely. it is hard toj ignore the impact of climate think definitely. it is hard to- ignore the impact of climate change on some _ ignore the impact of climate change on some of— ignore the impact of climate change on some of our— ignore the impact of climate change on some of our communities. - ignore the impact of climate change on some of our communities. and l ignore the impact of climate change . on some of our communities. and you mix on some of our communities. and you nrix the _ on some of our communities. and you nrix the impact— on some of our communities. and you nrix the inrpact of— on some of our communities. and you mix the impact of global _ on some of our communities. and you mix the impact of global climate - mix the impact of global climate change — mix the impact of global climate change with— mix the impact of global climate change with our— mix the impact of global climate change with our ageing - change with our ageing infrastructure, - change with our ageing infrastructure, and - change with our ageing infrastructure, and wei change with our ageing - infrastructure, and we have a change with our ageing _ infrastructure, and we have a crisis that we _ infrastructure, and we have a crisis that we cannot _ infrastructure, and we have a crisis that we cannot avoid. _ infrastructure, and we have a crisis that we cannot avoid. again - infrastructure, and we have a crisis that we cannot avoid. again i- infrastructure, and we have a crisis that we cannot avoid. again i am . that we cannot avoid. again i am appreciative that _ that we cannot avoid. again i am appreciative that there _ that we cannot avoid. again i am appreciative that there is - that we cannot avoid. again i am appreciative that there is some i appreciative that there is some tripartisan _ appreciative that there is some bipartisan cooperation - appreciative that there is some bipartisan cooperation with - appreciative that there is some bipartisan cooperation with ani bipartisan cooperation with an understanding _ bipartisan cooperation with an understanding of— bipartisan cooperation with an understanding of the - bipartisan cooperation with an - understanding of the infrastructure needs— understanding of the infrastructure needs and — understanding of the infrastructure needs and a — understanding of the infrastructure needs and a path— understanding of the infrastructure needs and a path forward. - understanding of the infrastructure needs and a path forward. i - understanding of the infrastructure needs and a path forward. i also i needs and a path forward. i also know— needs and a path forward. i also know that — needs and a path forward. i also know that the _ needs and a path forward. i also know that the amount _ needs and a path forward. i also know that the amount that's - needs and a path forward. i also know that the amount that's in i needs and a path forward. i also i know that the amount that's in the trudget_ know that the amount that's in the trudget is— know that the amount that's in the trudget is pales _ know that the amount that's in the budget is pales in _ know that the amount that's in the budget is pales in comparison - know that the amount that's in the budget is pales in comparison to. know that the amount that's in the i budget is pales in comparison to the actual need — budget is pales in comparison to the actual need across this _ budget is pales in comparison to the actual need across this country- budget is pales in comparison to the actual need across this country and. actual need across this country and we have _ actual need across this country and we have to figure _ actual need across this country and we have to figure out _ actual need across this country and we have to figure out a _ actual need across this country and we have to figure out a way- actual need across this country and we have to figure out a way to - we have to figure out a way to do more _ we have to figure out a way to do more or— we have to figure out a way to do more or we — we have to figure out a way to do more or we are _ we have to figure out a way to do more or we are going _ we have to figure out a way to do more or we are going to - we have to figure out a way to do more or we are going to see - more or we are going to see more hridge _ more or we are going to see more hridge failures. _ more or we are going to see more bridge failures, going _ more or we are going to see more bridge failures, going to - more or we are going to see more bridge failures, going to see - more or we are going to see morej bridge failures, going to see more roads— bridge failures, going to see more roads collapse. _ bridge failures, going to see more roads collapse, all— bridge failures, going to see more roads collapse, all of— bridge failures, going to see more roads collapse, all of the - bridge failures, going to see more roads collapse, all of the things i roads collapse, all of the things that make — roads collapse, all of the things that make it— roads collapse, all of the things that make it dangerous - roads collapse, all of the things that make it dangerous and - roads collapse, all of the things that make it dangerous and in l roads collapse, all of the things . that make it dangerous and in our country _ that make it dangerous and in our count . ., ~' ., that make it dangerous and in our count . ., ~ ., ., so what we need now is a port in a storm. which takes me neatly to rotterdam and the row that has blown up over the superyacht they are building for amazon's jeff bezos. so big it doesn't fit. at least it doesn't fit under the historic bridge that stands between the shipbuilders yard and the sea. the luxury $485 million dollar, which is being built inland, will be more than 1t0 metres tall. the rotterdam authorities say, temporarily, they remove the central portion of the koningshaven bridge, which will take them at least a week to put back. that has not satisfy the residents of rotterdam. where do you park your super yacht? of rotterdam. where do you park your soper yacht?— super yacht? recall you had the su er super yacht? recall you had the soper yacht- _ super yacht? recall you had the super yacht. let _ super yacht? recall you had the super yacht. let me _ super yacht? recall you had the super yacht. let me quote - super yacht? recall you had the super yacht. let me quote joe l super yacht? recall you had the - super yacht. let me quote joe biden, super yacht. let me quote joe biden, the president here. come on, man. jeff bezos— the president here. come on, man. jeff bezos have the largest house in washington they did not live in a now the — washington they did not live in a now the largest yacht but don't spend — now the largest yacht but don't spend my— now the largest yacht but don't spend my amazon account. he now the largest yacht but don't spend my amazon account. he has a ot to spend my amazon account. he has a got to service _ spend my amazon account. he has a got to service the _ spend my amazon account. he has a got to service the yacht, _ spend my amazon account. he has a got to service the yacht, did - spend my amazon account. he has a got to service the yacht, did you - got to service the yacht, did you know that? looking at figures here, amazon quarterly profit doubles to 14.3 billion, so he have the money to pay for the bridge repairs. i to pay for the bridge repairs. i thinkjeff bezos often makes a great punching _ thinkjeff bezos often makes a great punching bag — thinkjeff bezos often makes a great punching bag he— thinkjeff bezos often makes a great punching bag. he has— thinkjeff bezos often makes a great punching bag. he has made - thinkjeff bezos often makes a great punching bag. he has made so- punching bag. he has made so much money— punching bag. he has made so much money particularly— punching bag. he has made so much money particularly during _ punching bag. he has made so much money particularly during the - money particularly during the pandemic, _ money particularly during the pandemic, but— money particularly during the pandemic, but as _ money particularly during the pandemic, but as a _ money particularly during the pandemic, but as a mayor. money particularly during thel pandemic, but as a mayor and money particularly during the . pandemic, but as a mayor and i money particularly during the - pandemic, but as a mayor and i look at that— pandemic, but as a mayor and i look at that boat. — pandemic, but as a mayor and i look at that boat, what _ pandemic, but as a mayor and i look at that boat, what i— pandemic, but as a mayor and i look at that boat, what i see _ pandemic, but as a mayor and i look at that boat, what i see ourjobs - at that boat, what i see ourjobs and there — at that boat, what i see ourjobs and there are _ at that boat, what i see ourjobs and there are jobs _ at that boat, what i see ourjobs and there are jobs in _ at that boat, what i see ourjobs and there are jobs in the - at that boat, what i see ourjobs - and there are jobs in the community. i and there are jobs in the community. i really— and there are jobs in the community. i really good — and there are jobs in the community. i really good point _ and there are jobs in the community. i really good point. tir— and there are jobs in the community. i really good point. fit loit— and there are jobs in the community. i really good point.— i really good point. a lot of cities are willing _ i really good point. a lot of cities are willing to _ i really good point. a lot of cities are willing to make _ i really good point. a lot of cities are willing to make some - are willing to make some infrastructure _ are willing to make somei infrastructure investments are willing to make some - infrastructure investments to provide — infrastructure investments to provide jobs _ infrastructure investments to provide jobs for— infrastructure investments to provide jobs for their- infrastructure investments to i provide jobs for their residents, and i— provide jobs for their residents, and i hope _ provide jobs for their residents, and i hope that's— provide jobs for their residents, and i hope that's what - provide jobs for their residents, i and i hope that's what rotterdam provide jobs for their residents, - and i hope that's what rotterdam is doing _ and i hope that's what rotterdam is doing here — and i hope that's what rotterdam is doin here. . , and i hope that's what rotterdam is doin here. ~ , h and i hope that's what rotterdam is doin here. , �*, ., ., doing here. absolutely. it's got a helico ter doing here. absolutely. it's got a helicopter on _ doing here. absolutely. it's got a helicopter on the _ doing here. absolutely. it's got a helicopter on the back _ doing here. absolutely. it's got a helicopter on the back of - doing here. absolutely. it's got a helicopter on the back of that - helicopter on the back of that yacht. helicopter pad so you will be able to get there. if you get the invite, you'll be able to get there. as ami does not cut off my amazon account— as ami does not cut off my amazon account for— as ami does not cut off my amazon account for criticising him for his excess, yes, absolutely. you can me, too. .., too. i will come with even semi-little bow _ too. i will come with even semi-little bow over. - too. i will come with even semi-little bow over. myl too. i will come with even - semi-little bow over. my account is safe. semi-little bow over. my account is safe- lovely — semi-little bow over. my account is safe- lovely to _ semi-little bow over. my account is safe. lovely to see _ semi-little bow over. my account is safe. lovely to see you _ semi-little bow over. my account is safe. lovely to see you and - semi-little bow over. my account is safe. lovely to see you and again . safe. lovely to see you and again thank ou safe. lovely to see you and again thank you very — safe. lovely to see you and again thank you very much _ safe. lovely to see you and again thank you very much for - safe. lovely to see you and again thank you very much for being i safe. lovely to see you and again i thank you very much for being with us and i was good have you come around. that's it for me and back same time on monday. dojoin us around. that's it for me and back same time on monday. do join us for that and thanks very much for watching, good night. hello. after what's been a mild start to february, colder weather has started to work its way in. that cold air has been lying in wait up to the north—west, and now pushing its way southwards behind a cold front, bringing outbreaks of rain a bit of snow on the back edge of that over high ground, and plenty of wintry showers packing into north—western parts of the uk, where ice will also be an issue across parts of scotland and northern ireland. the rain and a little bit of hill snow on its back edge clearing the south—east corner, then it's a sunshine and showers day, some of the showers wintry over high ground in the north, and even to quite low levels, we could see snow in northern scotland. wind gusts widely of 30 to 40, maybe 50mph in the north, so it's a blustery day and a cold—feeling day, afternoon temperatures typically between 4—9 degrees. now, through friday night, the showers will tend to fade and we will see some dry weather for a time, but the weekend weather is going to be driven by the jet stream, the winds high up in the atmosphere. the jet stream is really going to take aim at the uk, moving right across the atlantic, bringing weather systems and outbreaks of rain, and indeed some snow, in our direction. now, thisjet stream is going to have some real strength about it. the winds high above our heads likely to touch around 230mph for a time, so that strong jet stream driving some pretty turbulent and windy weather. and the jet stream also separating cold air in the north from the return of something milder down towards the south. so, we can sum the weekend up like this. it will be windy with some rain at times, but wintry showers in the north, where we'll be in the cold air. the mildest weather likely to be in the south of the uk. so, for saturday, outbreaks of rain pushing in from the west and then likely to slide a little bit further southwards. to the north of that, wintry showers in the cold air. to the south, something milder returning, temperature of 10—11 degrees. now, through saturday night and into sunday, this weather front will just be wriggling around. likely to push a little further southwards by sunday, taking the rain with it and allowing the colder air to return across more parts of the uk. so, you can see those wintry showers across northern areas, outbreaks of rain further south, and that's reflected in the temperatures. quite a range — maybe four degrees for stornoway, 12 there as the high in cardiff. now, as we move out of sunday into monday, it looks as if ourjet stream is going to start to bend its way northwards, so rather than taking aim for the uk, it is going to tend to pull the weather systems away to the north and allow high pressure to build into the south. so, that means drier weather, perhaps a bit less bit less windy. still quite breezy, but not as windy as it will have been over the weekend. we'll see some outbreaks of patchy rain here and there, many places dry, but milder for all of us by this stage, 10—13 degrees. now, into tuesday. a bit of uncertainty at this range — this is several days ahead now — but there could well be weak weather fronts up towards the north—west, bringing some outbreaks of rain. drier conditions further south, and again, we're back into the mild air, 7—13 degrees. now, later next week, it looks like high pressure will tend to be in charge down towards the south of the uk, so, generally speaking, that's where we'll see the driest of the weather. areas of low pressure always close to the north. so, some rain and possibly some wintry showers here at times, but, generally speaking, through next week, the weather does look relatively mild, temperatures perhaps coming down a little by the end of the week, but not an awful lot. that's all from me. bye for now. tonight at ten, chaos in downing street as four of the most senior advisors to borisjohnson leave number ten. they include one of his longest—serving members of staff, munira mirza, quitting over the prime minister'sjimmy savile attack on keir starmer. the chancellor has also distanced himself from the comments. being honest, i wouldn't have said it and i'm glad the prime minister clarified what he meant. the other aides stepping down are all linked to the controversy over lockdown parties in downing street. losing his staff, or losing his way? we are live in westminster on a night of turmoilfor we are live in westminster on a night of turmoil for number ten. also tonight — a huge rise in energy bills from april, as the government sets out plans to help with the rising cost of living.