price rises have slowed down... the inflation rate has halved compared to a year ago. ..but the country's debt is enormous, with barely a sign the economy's ready to grow. i am a bit tired, but i don't think i've had a funny turn. david cameron hasjust walked up the street and gone into 10 downing street. and after a reshuffle and losing a clash with the courts over sending migrants to rwanda... the home secretary's appeal is therefore dismissed. - ..there are plenty more battles to come. not that it's all rosy for labour. keir starmerfaced his own big rebellion this week. yet with the autumn statement on wednesday, our main question this morning, how does the government make its sums add up? it'sjeremy hunt's job to try — the chancellor of the exchequer is with us live. right next to his opposite number,

rachel reeves, labour's money woman. let me try and communicate... and after the last seven days, real political life might be more far fetched than anything writers could come up with, but the thick of it star and bafta winner joanna scanlan is here, with her brand—new tv series just hours away from kicking off. morning. i'll introduce my guests at the desk in a second, but it's unusual that we have two opposite numbers with big, powerful jobs together at the same time, so while you're both still in the chair, let's say hello and ask you the same question we asked both your bosses a few weeks ago. what is something you admire about each other? politics doesn't have to

be nasty. jeremy hunt, what do you admire about rachel reeves? she is a survivor, she has been in and out of the shadow cabinet, front bench, still here, and it is a quality and politics. still here, and it is a quality and olitics. ~ ., ., , ., still here, and it is a quality and olitics. ~ ., ., ., politics. what do you admire when jeremy hunt? _ politics. what do you admire when jeremy hunt? maybe _ politics. what do you admire when jeremy hunt? maybe the - politics. what do you admire when jeremy hunt? maybe the same - politics. what do you admire when i jeremy hunt? maybe the same thing. politics. what do you admire when - jeremy hunt? maybe the same thing. i read he is a keen latin dancer so you leam— read he is a keen latin dancer so you learn new things about people all the _ you learn new things about people all the time and i was watching strictly— all the time and i was watching strictly last night, maybe that is something he wants to take up in future _ something he wants to take up in future. ., ., ., , , ., future. never going to happen. you have net one _ future. never going to happen. you have net one of _ future. never going to happen. you have net one of my _ future. never going to happen. you have net one of my questions. - future. never going to happen. you have net one of my questions. we l have net one of my questions. we will talk to you much more later on —— you have nicked one of my questions. let's see how friendly they are later on. with me listening, john mcdonnell, who was jeremy corbyn's shadow chancellor. shevaun haviland, from the british chambers of commerce, who's also worked in downing street. and andy street, who ranjohn lewis,

before he became mayor of the west midlands. welcome to you all. what is making the news this morning? the telegraph features jeremy hunt's plan to pay you for pylons. we'll talk more about that in a bit. the sunday times is hedging its bets on the government's likely moves on tax. the sunday mirror's claiming the tories have wasted £100 billion. and we're going to see a lot of this in the next few weeks, the sun on sunday has nigel farage off to thejungle. a very different kind of story, the bbc website this morning leading with the latest situation in gaza. the world health organization is calling the situation there a death zone as hundreds try to flee the hospital where so much of the fighting has been. let us start with the focus of the economy, the big event coming down the track, andy street, your party has had a terrible week, what can the chancellor say today to cheer you

up? chancellor say today to cheer you u . 2 . chancellor say today to cheer you u? . ., ., chancellor say today to cheer you up? we are in a considerably better osition up? we are in a considerably better position than _ up? we are in a considerably better position than 12 _ up? we are in a considerably better position than 12 months _ up? we are in a considerably better position than 12 months ago. - position than 12 months ago. inflation is well done, and if the reports are right, he has a little room for manoeuvre, so we have definitely made real progress. the thing i would be looking for, one of the things about the last year as many people have been hurting with inflation up, so if there is an opportunity to put a little bit more spending power in people's pockets, it will make a difference. now we are in more stable conditions, let's get behind business growth, incentives for business investment really critical. incentives for business investment really critical-— really critical. you would like a tax cut, which _ really critical. you would like a tax cut, which one? _ really critical. you would like a tax cut, which one? business. really critical. you would like a - tax cut, which one? business first, but if there is an opportunity, national insurance, a couple—macro, it will put spending power in and address the on incomes. is there one big thing all of your members are asking for? $5 big thing all of your members are asking for?— big thing all of your members are askinufor? �*w _., , asking for? as andy said, support for business. _ asking for? as andy said, support for business, growing _ asking for? as andy said, support| for business, growing businesses, more _ for business, growing businesses, more jobs. — for business, growing businesses, morejobs, money for business, growing businesses, more jobs, money back in pockets,

money— more jobs, money back in pockets, money back— more jobs, money back in pockets, money back in taxes to the chancellor, that will get the economy growing. what we want to see his three _ economy growing. what we want to see his three main things, better system for our— his three main things, better system for our planning, so businesses can urow. _ for our planning, so businesses can grow. ability— for our planning, so businesses can grow, ability to plug into the great, — grow, ability to plug into the great, we need to get ten net zero, but on — great, we need to get ten net zero, but on investment, we want to see expansion, — but on investment, we want to see expansion, tax breaks. full exnensing _ expansion, tax breaks. full expensing where _ expansion, tax breaks. iflilii. expensing where business can write off the cost of investing in new machinery, you sounded quite greedy, i asked you for one main thing. you have to ask- — i asked you for one main thing. you have to ask. if— i asked you for one main thing. you have to ask. if you _ i asked you for one main thing. you have to ask. if you can _ i asked you for one main thing. you have to ask. if you can describe - i asked you for one main thing. you have to ask. if you can describe the| have to ask. if you can describe the state of the — have to ask. if you can describe the state of the economy, _ have to ask. if you can describe the state of the economy, andy - have to ask. if you can describe the state of the economy, andy street| state of the economy, andy street says the government feels more component then in a confident, what are your members telling you? the end of last — are your members telling you? the end of last year, very dark. bit of an increase — end of last year, very dark. bit of an increase in confidence at the beginning — an increase in confidence at the beginning of the air, but it hasn't actually— beginning of the air, but it hasn't actually translated into more investment by business —— beginning of the _ investment by business —— beginning of the year~ — investment by business —— beginning of the year. it is still tough conditions. reduction of inflation is a really—

conditions. reduction of inflation is a really great thing.— is a really great thing. john, we are in this _ is a really great thing. john, we are in this briefing _ is a really great thing. john, we are in this briefing moment - is a really great thing. john, we i are in this briefing moment where politicians gossiped about what is going to be in the statement, what do you make of what you have heard so far? . ., , so far? pre-election budget. if we aet so far? pre-election budget. if we net as far so far? pre-election budget. if we get as far as _ so far? pre-election budget. if we get as far as the _ so far? pre-election budget. if we get as far as the spring, _ so far? pre-election budget. if we get as far as the spring, it - so far? pre-election budget. if we get as far as the spring, it will. so far? pre-election budget. if we get as far as the spring, it will be | get as far as the spring, it will be a are-election _ get as far as the spring, it will be a pre—election budget. _ get as far as the spring, it will be a pre—election budget. the - a pre—election budget. the conservatives— a pre—election budget. the conservatives are - a pre—election budget. the conservatives are using - a pre—election budget. the| conservatives are using the traditional— conservatives are using the traditional playbook- conservatives are using the traditional playbook which i conservatives are using the| traditional playbook which is conservatives are using the - traditional playbook which is look for tax _ traditional playbook which is look for tax cuts, _ traditional playbook which is look for tax cuts, plug _ traditional playbook which is look for tax cuts, plug target - traditional playbook which is look for tax cuts, plug target a - for tax cuts, plug target a particular— for tax cuts, plug target a particular group, - for tax cuts, plug target ai particular group, targeting for tax cuts, plug target a - particular group, targeting asylum seekers, _ particular group, targeting asylum seekers, how— particular group, targeting asylum seekers, now targeting _ particular group, targeting asylum seekers, now targeting welfare i seekers, now targeting welfare benefits, — seekers, now targeting welfare benefits, target _ seekers, now targeting welfare benefits, target the _ seekers, now targeting welfare benefits, target the poorest. . seekers, now targeting welfare benefits, target the poorest. ii seekers, now targeting welfare . benefits, target the poorest. ijust think— benefits, target the poorest. ijust thinkiust — benefits, target the poorest. ijust thinkiust a — benefits, target the poorest. ijust thinkjust a follow _ benefits, target the poorest. ijust thinkjust a follow on _ benefits, target the poorest. ijust thinkjust a follow on what - benefits, target the poorest. ijust thinkjust a follow on what has - benefits, target the poorest. ijustl thinkjust a follow on what has been said there _ thinkjust a follow on what has been said there was — thinkjust a follow on what has been said there was a _ thinkjust a follow on what has been said there was a complete - thinkjust a follow on what has been said there was a complete lack - thinkjust a follow on what has been said there was a complete lack of i said there was a complete lack of industrial— said there was a complete lack of industrial strategy. _ said there was a complete lack of industrial strategy. i— said there was a complete lack of industrial strategy. i think - said there was a complete lack of industrial strategy. i think it - said there was a complete lack of industrial strategy. i think it will. industrial strategy. i think it will hem _ industrial strategy. i think it will hem they— industrial strategy. i think it will hem they will— industrial strategy. i think it will be... they will aim _ industrial strategy. i think it will be... they will aim to _ industrial strategy. i think it will be... they will aim to turn - industrial strategy. i think it willl be... they will aim to turn things around, — be... they will aim to turn things around, feel—good _ be... they will aim to turn things around, feel—good factor- be... they will aim to turn things| around, feel—good factor autumn statement. — around, feel—good factor autumn statement, but _ around, feel—good factor autumn statement, but the _ around, feel—good factor autumn statement, but the traditional. statement, but the traditional playbook— statement, but the traditional playbook which— statement, but the traditional playbook which does - statement, but the traditional playbook which does not - statement, but the traditionali playbook which does not relate statement, but the traditional- playbook which does not relate to the real— playbook which does not relate to the real world _ playbook which does not relate to the real world i— playbook which does not relate to the real world i represent - playbook which does not relate to the real world i represent where i playbook which does not relate to l the real world i represent where you have 14 _ the real world i represent where you have 14 million — the real world i represent where you have 14 million people _ the real world i represent where you have 14 million people living - the real world i represent where you have 14 million people living in - have 14 million people living in poverty. — have 14 million people living in poverty. 4 _ have 14 million people living in poverty, 4 million— have 14 million people living in poverty, 4 million children, . have 14 million people living in| poverty, 4 million children, not doing _ poverty, 4 million children, not doing anything _ poverty, 4 million children, not doing anything to _ poverty, 4 million children, not doing anything to address - poverty, 4 million children, not doing anything to address that. i poverty, 4 million children, not - doing anything to address that. the . a . doing anything to address that.

gap between the real world doing anything to address that. tin; gap between the real world and rhetoric in westminster is something we talk a lot about in the studio. so, let's crack on. the chancellor wants to shout from the rooftops that we have turned a corner — inflation fell this week to the level that rishi sunak promised, from its scarily high point earlier in the year. a better picture theoretically gives him notional cash to splash. but numbers on a page aren't the same thing as our experiences in the real world. before we talk to him, look at this. price tags are not racing up as fast as they were, but costs are still rising. food bills are a huge 30% higher than they were just a couple of years ago. and keeping a roof over your head — rents have risen 6% in the last 12 months. with the amount of tax that goes into the government's coffers going and up and up. the chancellor is here. no latin dancing yet, maybe later. we will talk about the decisions you might

make this week, but in the big picture, do you accept a lot of people watching are finding it really hard to make ends meet? yes. really hard to make ends meet? yes, i do. look really hard to make ends meet? yes, i do- look at — really hard to make ends meet? yes, i do. look at the _ really hard to make ends meet? yes, i do. look at the things _ really hard to make ends meet? yes i do. look at the things going on in westminster, actually, what people at home say, the number one concern is cost of living crisis. for then more than anyone else, significant inflation has halved. meeting the prime minister's pledge. also important to say it is still 4.6%, we need to get it back down to 2%. lots more work to do because people are still seeing food prices go up ljy are still seeing food prices go up by 10% a year. we have given families an average of £3000 of help this year and last to help get through this period. but we recognise things are tough, we are not out of the woods. but i think it is also the case, as we focus on growth, there is too much negativity about the british economy. there is about the british economy. there is a sort of defeatism. when you look

at it, there is a lot going for it. one example, the sector that is going to define all of us in the next 20 years, technology sector, we have just become the third—largest in world after the us and china. that is going to be a tremendous strength going forward for the uk. we will come to some plans for growth later, but on inflation, everyone will be pleased price rises have slowed down but inflation is still twice the bank of england's target. there is something also i think something people find a bit awkward about you and the prime minister trying to take credit for it when it is the bank of england's job and the reason inflation has mainly gone down is because of global energy prices and the viewers have picked up on this. jeffrey has e—mailed us, why do you and rishi sunak claim credit for this? you must also be responsible for increasing inflation to over 10%. if you want credit for it going down, do you accept blame for it being so

high? we do you accept blame for it being so hih? . ~ ., do you accept blame for it being so hih? ~ ~ ., y do you accept blame for it being so hih? ~ ., , ., ., , high? we know why inflation went up after the energy _ high? we know why inflation went up after the energy crisis, _ high? we know why inflation went up after the energy crisis, biggest - after the energy crisis, biggest energy shock since the second world war. but i think it is worth listening to someone like the governor of the bank of england who says if you are going to bring down inflation, and it was over 11% when rishi sunak became prime minister and i became chancellor, the bank of england and the government need to work together. the bank of into's job is on interest rates which they do independently. what the government does is make sure we have borrowing and debt under control. that is at historically high levels, not sure why you should be saying that as an advantage. you interviewed _ that as an advantage. you interviewed me _ that as an advantage. you interviewed me a - that as an advantage. you interviewed me a day - that as an advantage. gm, interviewed me a day after i became chancellor and i had to take some eye watering decisions to get borrowing under control. it was only because of the very difficult decisions that i took a year ago on both tax and spending, very difficult decisions for a conservative chancellor, that the government was able to play its part in helping the bank of england bring

down inflation. we have done that, it is halved, still further to go, we want to look to the future, this is an autumn statement focusing on the long—term growth of the british economy and we think we have tremendous prospects. taste economy and we think we have tremendous prospects. we will talk about some — tremendous prospects. we will talk about some plans _ tremendous prospects. we will talk about some plans for— tremendous prospects. we will talk about some plans for this _ tremendous prospects. we will talk about some plans for this week - tremendous prospects. we will talk about some plans for this week but| tremendous prospects. we will talk| about some plans for this week but i want to focus on something else already happening. at a time when inflation was so high, this government has absolutely been piling tax on many millions of ordinary people, tax at record levels, more and more people having more tax taken out of their pay packet. it might sound dry, but absolutely fundamental because you have not changed the level at which people start paying more tax, tax bands, look at this, more than 1.6 million more people including senior teachers, senior nurses, now in the higher rate of income tax and more than 2 million people have started paying basic rate tax who were not paying basic rate tax who were not paying it. it is massive and it was

a conservative government who has done it. i a conservative government who has done it. ., �* , ., a conservative government who has done it. , ., ., ., done it. i don't pretend a year ago, laura, i had _ done it. i don't pretend a year ago, laura. i had to _ done it. i don't pretend a year ago, laura, i had to take _ done it. i don't pretend a year ago, laura, i had to take a _ done it. i don't pretend a year ago, laura, i had to take a very - laura, i had to take a very difficult decisions, difficult decisions particularly for a conservative chancellor and what i will say is there is a difference between me and rachel reeves who you will be talking to like it because i believe lower taxes are essential to a dynamic, thriving economy. i want us to go on the path of lower taxes. because if you look around the world, the most dynamic, thriving, energetic economies are in north america and asia are not in europe. conservative chancellors have been saying, they quite fancied the idea of low taxes for years, you are presiding over an economy where tax is at its highest level ever and ordinary working people are paying more and more and more income tax. do you regret that situation? do you think anyone who voted for you in 2019 expected there would be this additional £50 billion of tax rises

put on them, some people would argue, kind of by stealth? in put on them, some people would argue, kind of by stealth? in 2019 no one expected _ argue, kind of by stealth? in 2019 no one expected a _ argue, kind of by stealth? in 2019 no one expected a once _ argue, kind of by stealth? in 2019 no one expected a once in - argue, kind of by stealth? in 2019 no one expected a once in a - argue, kind of by stealth? in 2019 l no one expected a once in a century pandemic or an energy shock like in the 1970s and we have reacted to that. i don't pretend i didn't have to take very difficult decisions. but because i took that, one of the reasons we have been able to get inflation down. i want to get taxes down too. let me say this about bringing down taxes, i will only do so in a responsible way, i will not sacrifice the progress made bringing down inflation because inflation is also a tax, it eats away at earning power, means your money does not go as far. let power, means your money does not go as far. . ., . ., power, means your money does not go as far. , ., , ., ., as far. let us translate that, sa in: as far. let us translate that, saying you _ as far. let us translate that, saying you do _ as far. let us translate that, saying you do not _ as far. let us translate that, saying you do not want - as far. let us translate that, saying you do not want to i as far. let us translate that, | saying you do not want to do anything that could see inflation taking off again, translate that, it means, no income tax cuts this week. you will have to wait. you are very experienced, you know i will not give you any...

experienced, you know i will not give you any- - -— experienced, you know i will not give you any... used to say, i will not cut income _ give you any... used to say, i will not cut income tax _ give you any... used to say, i will not cut income tax because - give you any... used to say, i will not cut income tax because it - give you any... used to say, i will l not cut income tax because it might fuel inflation. if you're saying today i will not do anything to fuel inflation, our viewers can hear you hinting no tax cut.— hinting no tax cut. what i can tell ou is hinting no tax cut. what i can tell you is the — hinting no tax cut. what i can tell you is the approach _ hinting no tax cut. what i can tell you is the approach i _ hinting no tax cut. what i can tell you is the approach i will- hinting no tax cut. what i can tell you is the approach i will take - hinting no tax cut. what i can tell you is the approach i will take on | you is the approach i will take on tax which is we will be responsible, we have made such progress in bringing down inflation. the other thing, listening to what shevaun saying earlier, our priority is great. great story with the british economy, fantastic potential, we have grown faster than germany, france, japan, many major economies since 2010. france, japan, many ma'or economies since 2010. , . ., since 2010. pretty much flatlining, miaht be since 2010. pretty much flatlining, might be ahead — since 2010. pretty much flatlining, might be ahead of _ since 2010. pretty much flatlining, might be ahead of other— since 2010. pretty much flatlining, l might be ahead of other countries... of course, when the bank of england is rightly putting up interest rates to bring down inflation, growth is subdued. but the long—term prospects are fantastic. i would not use anywhere else if i was going to say which country has the most enormous potential, technology, and one more

example, i think there is too much negativity around. in the pandemic, vaccines and treatments discovered in britain saved more lives around the world than from any other country. 7 million lives globally. we have a lot going for us when it comes to industries of the future. on wednesday you will hear me talk about what more we can do. we on wednesday you will hear me talk about what more we can do.- about what more we can do. we will come to that — about what more we can do. we will come to that but _ about what more we can do. we will come to that but i _ about what more we can do. we will come to that but i want _ about what more we can do. we will come to that but i want to _ about what more we can do. we will come to that but i want to talk- come to that but i want to talk about your principles behind your decisions and i know you will not be drawn on specifics on decisions you may or may not have already made, have you made the decisions? still t in: to have you made the decisions? st ll trying to change things. have you made the decisions? still trying to change things. we - have you made the decisions? still trying to change things. we will. have you made the decisions? still| trying to change things. we will see what e-mails _ trying to change things. we will see what e-mails sent _ trying to change things. we will see what e-mails sent in. _ trying to change things. we will see what e-mails sent in. persuasive i what e-mails sent in. persuasive thins, what e-mails sent in. persuasive things. might — what e-mails sent in. persuasive things, might find _ what e-mails sent in. persuasive things, might find their- what e-mails sent in. persuasive things, might find their way - what e-mails sent in. persuasive things, might find their way in. l what e-mails sent in. persuasive i things, might find their way in. on principle, people are concerned you may be thinking about cutting inheritance tax and on principle, what would it say about modern conservative party if you cut inheritance tax at the same time as so many people are struggling? as a viewer said, so many people are struggling? as a viewersaid, stuart so many people are struggling? as a viewer said, stuart in sheffield,

why change inheritance tax when you have people struggling to pay bills? it is not asking you to confirm it, question of principle, why would you do that when people are having such a hard time? i do that when people are having such a hard time?— a hard time? i am not going to be drawn on an _ a hard time? i am not going to be drawn on an individual _ a hard time? i am not going to be drawn on an individualtax... - a hard time? i am not going to be drawn on an individual tax. .. you| drawn on an individual tax... you can read the papers this morning and you can see i am going to admonish every single tax, they will not be any taxes left after wednesday, if you believe the papers, i'm sorry to say that will not be the case. i would dearly love to bring down different taxes. what i would say is this, last year, the pressures we faced, i put in place support for families going through difficult times. for example, paying for around half of people's electricity bills. as a result of those changes, the office for budget responsibility said we stopped a recession... what said we stopped a recession... what i am said we stopped a recession... what i am asking — said we stopped a recession... what i am asking about _ said we stopped a recession... what i am asking about is _ said we stopped a recession... what i am asking about is a _ said we stopped a recession... what i am asking about is a question of principle here, who you put first and one of your former colleagues

david gauke told us yesterday on newscast he thought there was a threat of re—talks find the total party if you cut inheritance tax. of the wealthiest in the country at the same time as people are struggling and you might be squeezing benefits. do you acknowledge there is a risk of that? that is my track record, i had to take those decisions in principle. you can see from my actions and those of rishi sunak, we will take difficult decisions that mean we can help people through tough times and we are absolutely committed to doing that. but what we also want to do is to unlock high—qualityjobs in the future, going forward. this will be the autumn statement when we focus on the long—term growth of the economy. at the moment the international monetary fund says after 2025 we will grow faster than the other big european countries. but all those countries in europe,

including us, are growing between one and 2% a year. we need to be growing faster. one and 2% a year. we need to be growing faster-— growing faster. that is why we'll take a lot of _ growing faster. that is why we'll take a lot of measures... - growing faster. that is why we'll take a lot of measures... i - growing faster. that is why we'll take a lot of measures... i ask. growing faster. that is why we'll i take a lot of measures... i ask you about your priorities and you have already in the last year or so, you have given a tax cut to top doctors to help them with their pension costs, you have got rid of the banker's bonus cap at a time when people are finding it hard to pay the bills. a lot of our viewers might say your priorities are the wrong way round, you have already taken action to help people at the top when people at the bottom are having a hard time.— having a hard time. when you interviewed _ having a hard time. when you interviewed me _ having a hard time. when you interviewed me and _ having a hard time. when you interviewed me and my - having a hard time. when you| interviewed me and my second having a hard time. when you - interviewed me and my second as chancellor, i said we had difficult times ahead and i promise you, we will take the difficult decisions, but we will make sure we look after families and difficulty. what did i do after that? a month later, i announced plans that we spend £94 billion to help families through a difficult time. if you want to know my priorities, hopefully those actions speak than any words. if

actions speak than any words. if thatis actions speak than any words. if that is your priority, protecting people who have a hard time, can you confirm you will follow the tradition and raise benefits at the rate of inflation in september? it sounds a bit technical, because inflation has gone down, the government has a choice, you can break tradition and use the lower figure which would mean less money in the pockets of some of the most vulnerable people in the country. will you follow convention or not? i will you follow convention or not? i am not going to say this money what i am going to announce to parliament on wednesday, it is right i announce it to parliament first. but let me tell you what i have been saying about our welfare system. it is wrong when we have 1 about our welfare system. it is wrong when we have1 million vacancies in the economy, we are signing off as into welfare and no obligation to look for work, over 500,000 people every year, even though many of those people would actually like to work. surely the right thing for those people who have sickness and disability is to

try and cure their sickness, so what i announced with mel stride this week, we will give support to more than1 million people to help them get well enough to work, including 500,000 people being given extra mental health support. yes, there will be people who are not sick and don't have a disability and have been out of work for a very long time. and we say, if you don't engage with the process for six months, we will close your case and stop your benefits. it is only fair to the taxpayers who pay those benefits. i actually think that getting people into work, making work pay is good for people. there is a philosophical difference between what we believe in the conservatives and what the labour party believe. we don't believe in parking people on welfare. but do ou acce -t parking people on welfare. but do you accept there _ parking people on welfare. but do you accept there is _ parking people on welfare. but do you accept there is a _ parking people on welfare. but do you accept there is a political - parking people on welfare. but do you accept there is a political risk| you accept there is a political risk if you give the at the top, the inheritance tax, removing the cap on banker's bonuses and in squeezing and removing some of this support for people on benefits. i

and removing some of this support for people on benefits.— for people on benefits. i don't acce -t for people on benefits. i don't accept the _ for people on benefits. i don't accept the characterisation . for people on benefits. i don't| accept the characterisation you for people on benefits. i don't - accept the characterisation you are making. if you look at people on low pay, people on the lowest legally payable wage, used to be the minimum wage, now it is called the national living wage. they have seen their after—tax incomes go up by 25% since 2010. it is a much bigger increase that people on higher salaries. we note that if we have an economy that drives it has to work for everyone and that means helping people on the lowest pay. we have reduced people on those lowest pay levels by half. let's look at the overall state of the finances of the country. some people in the country wonder why you are contemplating giving away any money at all. we have this hypothetical headroom to use the jargon, it looks like the books are in a better state, but the debt is absolutely enormous. your debt interest payments are absolutely enormous. that is not falling despite what the prime minister said. are you sure you should be giving any money away rather than

trying to either cut spending to get the debt down, or keep it for a rainy day?— the debt down, or keep it for a rain da ? ., , rainy day? that is the exact reason wh , as rainy day? that is the exact reason why. as much _ rainy day? that is the exact reason why. as much as — rainy day? that is the exact reason why, as much as i _ rainy day? that is the exact reason why, as much as i like _ rainy day? that is the exact reason why, as much as i like her- rainy day? that is the exact reason why, as much as i like her as - rainy day? that is the exact reason why, as much as i like her as a - why, as much as i like her as a person, i disagree with rachel reeves wanted to borrow an extra £28 billion a year and that will push up mortgage rates and inflation rates. yes, we need to control debt. one of rishi sunak�*s pledges was to bring down debt. i have taken very difficult decisions, quite unpalatable decisions, in order to make sure we do see debt falling and i will be consistent with that on wednesday. but i will be consistent with that on wednesday-— i will be consistent with that on wednesday. but it is not falling et, wh wednesday. but it is not falling yet. why are — wednesday. but it is not falling yet. why are you _ wednesday. but it is not falling yet, why are you convinced - wednesday. but it is not falling yet, why are you convinced it i wednesday. but it is not falling yet, why are you convinced it isj wednesday. but it is not falling - yet, why are you convinced it is the right time to give money back? what right time to give money back? what ou'll see right time to give money back? what you'll see on — right time to give money back? transit you'll see on wednesday, you will see the being responsible in all of the decisions we take. nigel lawson said borrowing was a deferred tax. it is just pushing tax on to future generations and as in so many things, nigel lawson was absolutely right. things, nigel lawson was absolutely riuht.

things, nigel lawson was absolutely ri. ht, ., things, nigel lawson was absolutely riuht. ., . ., ., right. some of your critics would sa it is right. some of your critics would say it is exactly _ right. some of your critics would say it is exactly what _ right. some of your critics would say it is exactly what you - right. some of your critics would say it is exactly what you are - right. some of your critics would i say it is exactly what you are doing because it is predicted to go above gdp, but the bank of england has warned they will not be any growth until 2025 and one thing to turn it round is cut the time it takes is to connect pylons up to the national grid. your promise to have the time from 14 years down to seven, is in seven years still far too long, it doesn't sound very ambitious? it might not sound ambitious but it takes about that time to build a big offshore wind farm. we have the three biggest offshore wind farms in the world. but have a fourth. we have become the third largest generator of renewable electricity in europe after germany and norway. we need to do even more. some people have sat in the studio _ we need to do even more. some people have sat in the studio fizzing _ we need to do even more. some people have sat in the studio fizzing with - have sat in the studio fizzing with frustration that you have made it too hard to develop, takes too long too hard to develop, takes too long to get through planning and too long to get through planning and too long to get through planning and too long to get to the grid. the industry has said they welcome this idea but it could have happened years ago. you have been in charge for more than

ten years isn't this too late? lanthem ten years isn't this too late? when we came to _ ten years isn't this too late? when we came to power, _ ten years isn't this too late? when we came to power, 2% _ ten years isn't this too late? when we came to power, 2% of- ten years isn't this too late? when we came to power, 2% of our- we came to power, 2% of our electricity came from renewable sources, but now it is 40%. i agree with those companies, we need to be much faster. it is notjust about grits, the whole planning system, i talked to businesses up and down the country, it is too long to get things approved by local authorities. we will have a new system, where local authorities have to guarantee business within a certain time or give the money back and then process the application free of charge. i hope this announcement today, given we have to double the amount of electricity regenerate as a country by 2050, this will help unblock some of those roadblocks we have had. litlul’iiiii this will help unblock some of those roadblocks we have had.— roadblocks we have had. will you tell mps you _ roadblocks we have had. will you tell mps you are _ roadblocks we have had. will you tell mps you are telling _ roadblocks we have had. will you tell mps you are telling priti - tell mps you are telling priti patel, who opposed having pylons in her community, she is not the only mp in the country, together with their constituents simply do not want big pylons in their communities. you say you will give

people £1000 off their electricity bill a year if they agree to it, but you will encounter a lot of political resistance? you will encounter a lot of olitical resistance? ., . political resistance? nothing we are doinu is political resistance? nothing we are doing is changing — political resistance? nothing we are doing is changing people's - political resistance? nothing we are doing is changing people's legal - doing is changing people's legal right to object to the planning system. but what i think... it is frustrating for the protesters as it is for the companies, it is the time it takes for a decision to be made. we do need to speed that up and in priti patel�*s constituency, more people are driving electric cars, we need to generate more electricity and we need more infrastructure and these measures will help unblock that. it these measures will help unblock that. . . . these measures will help unblock that. , ., ~' that. it has been a wild week in westminster, _ that. it has been a wild week in westminster, perhaps - that. it has been a wild week in westminster, perhaps rishi - that. it has been a wild week in i westminster, perhaps rishi sunak that. it has been a wild week in - westminster, perhaps rishi sunak was meant to have said goodbye to, not least with the government losing in court with his plans to send migrants to rwanda. are you going to try and get the £140 million that has been spent on this back? lanthem try and get the £140 million that has been spent on this back? when it comes to the —

has been spent on this back? when it comes to the rwanda _ has been spent on this back? when it comes to the rwanda policy, - has been spent on this back? when it comes to the rwanda policy, one - has been spent on this back? when it comes to the rwanda policy, one of. comes to the rwanda policy, one of the things that has obscured the story we have read this week, crossings have notjust gone down by a third this year, but in the rest of europe they have gone up by a third. so we are actually making progress. but there is still two thirds to go. our commitment is to do what it takes to stop the boats. we believe the people who decide who are going to come into this country should be elected representatives in parliament. but should be elected representatives in parliament. �* . . should be elected representatives in parliament. �* ., , ., should be elected representatives in parliament. �* ., ., _ parliament. but it was thrown out by the courts this _ parliament. but it was thrown out by the courts this week _ parliament. but it was thrown out by the courts this week and _ parliament. but it was thrown out by the courts this week and then - parliament. but it was thrown out by the courts this week and then we - the courts this week and then we have this idea there might be new laws to parliament and you have a fight in your own party about how far to go. it is a mess and you yourself have admitted you cannot guarantee that planes will go to rwanda before the election? it is not eas , rwanda before the election? it is not easy. but _ rwanda before the election? it is not easy, but we _ rwanda before the election? it 3 not easy, but we are prepared to do what it takes to make sure it happens. we expect planes to be flying to rwanda in the spring. we will change the law is necessary, and new international treaty with rwanda. we will solve the problem is that people are most frustrated

about. it is going to take persistence, it will take determination. with rishi sunak, we have the most persistent and determined prime minister we have ever worked with.— determined prime minister we have ever worked with. more determined than david cameron _ ever worked with. more determined than david cameron who _ ever worked with. more determined than david cameron who has - ever worked with. more determined than david cameron who has made | ever worked with. more determined | than david cameron who has made a surprise appearance back in government this week? all surprise appearance back in government this week? all prime ministers have _ government this week? all prime ministers have the _ government this week? all prime ministers have the qualities - government this week? all prime ministers have the qualities that l ministers have the qualities that make you have just that he's more determined than david cameron, have you welcomed him back? i enjoyed working with david cameron immensely. when it comes to solving problems, i have never worked with anyone as phenomenal as rishi sunak. when you interview me next year we will be having a discussion about how we have succeeded in this plan and i will be saying, it wasn't easy, we kept at it but that is what we promise to do. you easy, we kept at it but that is what we promise to do.— easy, we kept at it but that is what we promise to do. you use the phrase there, whatever _ we promise to do. you use the phrase there, whatever it _ we promise to do. you use the phrase there, whatever it takes. _ we promise to do. you use the phrase there, whatever it takes. i _ we promise to do. you use the phrase there, whatever it takes. i noted - there, whatever it takes. i noted this week that rishi sunak also said, whatever it takes. does that include, if he really mean it,

leaving the european convention of human rights, which some of your colleagues want, like the former home secretary, suella braverman? ladle home secretary, suella braverman? - don't believe that that is necessary at this stage. because people like you are asking the question, what we are saying is that in the end and rishi sunak said this clearly, it must be parliament, elected representatives in parliament, not foreignjudges representatives in parliament, not foreign judges who decide who can come to this country. so foreign judges who decide who can come to this country.— come to this country. so that is an 0 tion? come to this country. so that is an option? we _ come to this country. so that is an option? we don't _ come to this country. so that is an option? we don't believe - come to this country. so that is an option? we don't believe it - come to this country. so that is an option? we don't believe it will i option? we don't believe it will come to that — option? we don't believe it will come to that at _ option? we don't believe it will come to that at this _ option? we don't believe it will come to that at this stage. i option? we don't believe it will come to that at this stage. we | option? we don't believe it will i come to that at this stage. we think there are ways we can avoid that, we don't want to do that. but in the end our bottom line is very clear, it is elected representatives in parliament who should make these decisions. . . , , ., parliament who should make these decisions. , ., ,, ., decisions. lastly, you talked about elected representatives _ decisions. lastly, you talked about elected representatives in - elected representatives in parliament, he confirmed this week you will stand again in your seat. to get back to latin dancing anytime soon. .,. . to get back to latin dancing anytime soon. .. , ., , to get back to latin dancing anytime soon. , .,, ., ., , soon. rachel reeves has already stolen the _

soon. rachel reeves has already stolen the idea _ soon. rachel reeves has already stolen the idea of— soon. rachel reeves has already stolen the idea of a _ soon. rachel reeves has already stolen the idea of a question i soon. rachel reeves has already stolen the idea of a question will you do strictly, like ed balls. will use try for your seat, because it will be close? it use try for your seat, because it will be close?— will be close? it will be a tough fiuht, m will be close? it will be a tough fight. my seat _ will be close? it will be a tough fight, my seat was _ will be close? it will be a tough fight, my seat was marginal i will be close? it will be a tough i fight, my seat was marginal when i run it in 2005, the boundaries have changed. i believe i can win it but i don't underestimate the challenge and i'm out knocking on doors every week. i have a fantastic team and to use that phrase, to do what it takes. ~ ., ., ., .., takes. we have that on the record, ou think takes. we have that on the record, you think you _ takes. we have that on the record, you think you will— takes. we have that on the record, you think you will win _ takes. we have that on the record, you think you will win but - takes. we have that on the record, you think you will win but it - takes. we have that on the record, you think you will win but it will. you think you will win but it will be a difficult fight. thank you for coming in. whatever you thought what the chancellor to say, let us know what you think. inari read your e—mails and we sometimes use your questions. let us get to the panel, i am sure you were listening carefully, tricky

time for the conservative party, what did you make of whatjeremy hunt had to say? what did you make of what jeremy hunt had to say?— hunt had to say? naturally i agree about the hard _ hunt had to say? naturally i agree about the hard decisions _ hunt had to say? naturally i agree about the hard decisions taken i hunt had to say? naturally i agree about the hard decisions taken 12 l about the hard decisions taken 12 months ago and in a sense we are rewarded by the perseverance. listening to it, i would like to try to connect two points that seem on the way you put the question is against one another. the issue you must support citizens now with spending power against investing in the economy for the future, growth, business. i want to talk about why i think they are the same thing. the issue we face particularly in the west midlands is low pay. when energy bills went up, that is why so many were exposed. whatjeremy was talking about with long—term investments, sectors that matter like technology, getting more businesses to invest, that is the way you increase people's income so they are less dependent. that is our opportunity now. if i was nudging one thing it would be to make sure

we don't miss the opportunity. don’t we don't miss the opportunity. don't miss the boat. _ we don't miss the opportunity. don't miss the boat, what _ we don't miss the opportunity. don't miss the boat, what do _ we don't miss the opportunity. don't miss the boat, what do you - we don't miss the opportunity. don't miss the boat, what do you mean? simply it would be very easy and slightly accept whatjohn says, in any political cycle, there is a tendency to deal with the here and now, but the real issue is, can we get more businesses to be more productive, pay people higher rates of pay so they are less exposed when there are situations like in the last 12 months?— there are situations like in the last 12 months? ~ ., ., ~' last 12 months? what do you think, shevaun? tax _ last 12 months? what do you think, shevaun? tax breaks _ last 12 months? what do you think, shevaun? tax breaks for _ last 12 months? what do you think, shevaun? tax breaks for working i shevaun? tax breaks for working eo - le shevaun? tax breaks for working people are _ shevaun? tax breaks for working people are a _ shevaun? tax breaks for working people are a good _ shevaun? tax breaks for working people are a good thing - shevaun? tax breaks for working people are a good thing in i shevaun? tax breaks for working i people are a good thing in general, they put— people are a good thing in general, they put money back in people's pockets. — they put money back in people's pockets, good for business. does not sound like he — pockets, good for business. does not sound like he was _ pockets, good for business. does not sound like he was going _ pockets, good for business. does not sound like he was going to _ pockets, good for business. does not sound like he was going to do - pockets, good for business. does not sound like he was going to do that, l sound like he was going to do that, very careful to say he would not do anything to fuel inflation, by translation, pretty big hint. inflation, we run a massive survey, inflation _ inflation, we run a massive survey, inflation number one concern for businesses in the last nine quarters, first time it has been number— quarters, first time it has been number one in 30 years. inflation rates _ number one in 30 years. inflation rates behind that. we want to keep inflation _ rates behind that. we want to keep inflation on — rates behind that. we want to keep

inflation on the trajectory it is going — inflation on the trajectory it is going. what we really want to see and we _ going. what we really want to see and we are — going. what we really want to see and we are hoping for on wednesday is the _ and we are hoping for on wednesday is the bit _ and we are hoping for on wednesday is the bit about helping businesses .et is the bit about helping businesses get lrack— is the bit about helping businesses get back to growth, more jobs, using tax breaks— get back to growth, more jobs, using tax breaks for businesses to help them _ tax breaks for businesses to help them expand and innovate. i have the 'oy them expand and innovate. i have the joy of— them expand and innovate. i have the joy of travelling the country and meeting — joy of travelling the country and meeting british business is in, week out, meeting british business is in, week out. we _ meeting british business is in, week out, we have amazing businesses innovating. — out, we have amazing businesses innovating, growing, despite challenges. innovating, growing, despite challenges-— innovating, growing, despite challenues. ~ . challenges. what did you reckon, john? they _ challenges. what did you reckon, john? they sound _ challenges. what did you reckon, john? they sound quite _ challenges. what did you reckon, john? they sound quite positive. | challenges. what did you reckon, | john? they sound quite positive. i think he is not in the real world with— think he is not in the real world with regard _ think he is not in the real world with regard to _ think he is not in the real world with regard to growth, - think he is not in the real world with regard to growth, you i think he is not in the real world with regard to growth, you put| think he is not in the real world. with regard to growth, you put it think he is not in the real world i with regard to growth, you put it to him. _ with regard to growth, you put it to him. it— with regard to growth, you put it to him. it has— with regard to growth, you put it to him, it has flatlined, _ with regard to growth, you put it to him, it has flatlined, zero - with regard to growth, you put it to him, it has flatlined, zero growth i him, it has flatlined, zero growth last three — him, it has flatlined, zero growth last three months. _ him, it has flatlined, zero growth last three months. in _ him, it has flatlined, zero growth last three months. in zero - him, it has flatlined, zero growth last three months. in zero two i him, it has flatlined, zero growth last three months. in zero two in| last three months. in zero two in america. — last three months. in zero two in america. above _ last three months. in zero two in america, above 6% _ last three months. in zero two in america, above 6% consistently, last three months. in zero two in i america, above 6% consistently, we have a _ america, above 6% consistently, we have a crisis— america, above 6% consistently, we have a crisis -- _ america, above 6% consistently, we have a crisis -- in— america, above 6% consistently, we have a crisis —— in america. - america, above 6% consistently, we have a crisis —— in america. last- have a crisis —— in america. last month— have a crisis —— in america. last month the — have a crisis —— in america. last month the joseph _ have a crisis —— in america. last month the joseph rowntree i have a crisis —— in america. lastl month the joseph rowntree trust have a crisis —— in america. last- month the joseph rowntree trust that we have _ month the joseph rowntree trust that we have i _ month the joseph rowntree trust that we have 1 million _ month the joseph rowntree trust that we have 1 million suffering _ month the joseph rowntree trust that we have 1 million suffering to - we have 1 million suffering to destitution, _ we have 1 million suffering to destitution, it— we have 1 million suffering to destitution, it means - we have 1 million suffering to destitution, it means you i we have 1 million suffering to i destitution, it means you cannot feed _ destitution, it means you cannot feed yourself. _ destitution, it means you cannot feed yourself, cannot _ destitution, it means you cannot feed yourself, cannot keep i

destitution, it means you cannot i feed yourself, cannot keep yourself warm _ feed yourself, cannot keep yourself warm you — feed yourself, cannot keep yourself warm. you cannot— feed yourself, cannot keep yourself warm. you cannot even— feed yourself, cannot keep yourself warm. you cannot even clothe i warm. you cannot even clothe yourself — warm. you cannot even clothe yourself not— warm. you cannot even clothe yourself. not in— warm. you cannot even clothe yourself. not in the _ warm. you cannot even clothe yourself. not in the real- warm. you cannot even clothe i yourself. not in the real world. he will come — yourself. not in the real world. he will come under— yourself. not in the real world. he will come under pressure - yourself. not in the real world. he will come under pressure for- yourself. not in the real world. he will come under pressure for tax i will come under pressure for tax cuts _ will come under pressure for tax cuts in _ will come under pressure for tax cuts in some _ will come under pressure for tax cuts in some form. _ will come under pressure for tax cuts in some form. if— will come under pressure for tax cuts in some form. if he - will come under pressure for tax cuts in some form. if he goes. will come under pressure for tax| cuts in some form. if he goes for inheritance — cuts in some form. if he goes for inheritance tax, _ cuts in some form. if he goes for inheritance tax, 80% _ cuts in some form. if he goes for inheritance tax, 80% of - cuts in some form. if he goes for inheritance tax, 80% of that i cuts in some form. if he goes for inheritance tax, 80% of that go i cuts in some form. if he goes forl inheritance tax, 80% of that go to the richest — inheritance tax, 80% of that go to the richest 4%. _ inheritance tax, 80% of that go to the richest 4%. there _ inheritance tax, 80% of that go to the richest 4%. there is— inheritance tax, 80% of that go to the richest 4%. there is no- inheritance tax, 80% of that go to i the richest 4%. there is no strategy whatsoever~ — the richest 4%. there is no strategy whatsoever. the _ the richest 4%. there is no strategy whatsoever. the industrial- the richest 4%. there is no strategyl whatsoever. the industrial strategy, with andy, _ whatsoever. the industrial strategy, with andy, i — whatsoever. the industrial strategy, with andy, i sympathise, _ whatsoever. the industrial strategy, with andy, i sympathise, one - whatsoever. the industrial strategy, with andy, i sympathise, one part i with andy, i sympathise, one part was transport _ with andy, i sympathise, one part was transport network _ with andy, i sympathise, one part was transport network and - with andy, i sympathise, one part was transport network and they. was transport network and they scrapped — was transport network and they scrapped hs? _ was transport network and they scrapped hsz from _ was transport network and they scrapped hsz from going i was transport network and they scrapped hsz from going north| was transport network and they. scrapped hsz from going north of birmingham _ scrapped hsz from going north of birmingham. disaster. _ scrapped hsz from going north of birmingham. disaster. i- scrapped hsz from going north of birmingham. disaster. i don't- scrapped hsz from going north of. birmingham. disaster. i don't think he is _ birmingham. disaster. i don't think he is in _ birmingham. disaster. i don't think he is in the — birmingham. disaster. idon't think he is in the real— birmingham. disaster. i don't think he is in the real world. _ birmingham. disaster. idon't think he is in the real world. crisis- birmingham. disaster. i don't think he is in the real world. crisis and i he is in the real world. crisis and public— he is in the real world. crisis and public services, _ he is in the real world. crisis and public services, crisis _ he is in the real world. crisis and public services, crisis and - he is in the real world. crisis and public services, crisis and termsl he is in the real world. crisis and i public services, crisis and terms of climate _ public services, crisis and terms of climate change _ public services, crisis and terms of climate change. i— public services, crisis and terms of climate change. i had _ public services, crisis and terms of climate change. i had nothing i public services, crisis and terms of. climate change. i had nothing about tackling _ climate change. i had nothing about tackling those _ climate change. i had nothing about tackling those.— climate change. i had nothing about tackling those. hs2, you said, andy, ou want tackling those. hs2, you said, andy, you want investment _ tackling those. hs2, you said, andy, you want investment and _ tackling those. hs2, you said, andy, you want investment and business i tackling those. hs2, you said, andy, i you want investment and business but i heard you so many times including in the studio talk passionately about why high speed rail was part of that and it has been cut. i know you were frustrated at the time of the tory party conference. did you get close to quitting? i the tory party conference. did you get close to quitting?— get close to quitting? i thought about it. everybody _ get close to quitting? i thought about it. everybody knows i get close to quitting? i thought| about it. everybody knows that. get close to quitting? i thought i about it. everybody knows that. but i did not quit because actually

there is much more to admire in the conservative party than just one issue and i want to make sure the conservative party in the future is shaped from my vision of conservatism which is moderate, inclusive, socially liberal. you cannot influence that by being outside the party. can i come back on something? yes, i am on the record very clearly about hs2 and we did not prevail over that. it is not accurate to say the government is not investing in the future of other parts of the economy. look at another really important deal for the westminster and is, tata steel, battery factory, future of steel —— the west midlands. those are all of the west midlands. those are all of the parts of industrial strategy going forward. they might not have the name but the actions are on that. , . . the name but the actions are on that. , ., , ., . ., that. five years too late. we are facin: a that. five years too late. we are facing a climate _ that. five years too late. we are facing a climate catastrophe, i that. five years too late. we are facing a climate catastrophe, he| that. five years too late. we are i facing a climate catastrophe, he is attacking — facing a climate catastrophe, he is attacking rachel for investing in tackling — attacking rachel for investing in tackling climate change. that is about _ tackling climate change. that is about investing in alternative energy— about investing in alternative energy sources, consistent

industrial strategy, which will get us the _ industrial strategy, which will get us the jobs, the one thing he attacked _ us the jobs, the one thing he attacked rachel for. not of the real world _ attacked rachel for. not of the real world. , ., ,, , attacked rachel for. not of the real world. , ., , , , , attacked rachelfor. not of the real world. , ., , , , , ., world. trying to speed things up to net world. trying to speed things up to get renewable _ world. trying to speed things up to get renewable energy _ world. trying to speed things up to get renewable energy projects i get renewable energy projects connected to the grid, do you welcome that?— welcome that? you need the investment. _ welcome that? you need the investment. a _ welcome that? you need the investment. a lot _ welcome that? you need the investment. a lot of - welcome that? you need the investment. a lot of the i welcome that? you need the i investment. a lot of the investment as in every— investment. a lot of the investment as in every country, it will start with— as in every country, it will start with public— as in every country, it will start with public investment festival, leading — with public investment festival, leading to private investment. -- first of all- _ leading to private investment. » first of all. you said you want to make sure you stay in the conservative party to make sure it is inclusive and socially liberal, the strong implication is you were concerned it was going in that direction —— not going in that direction. does your vision include giving inheritance tax cuts to the wealthiest families in the country? you asked me what my priorities would be for the budget and you will note i did not talk about inheritance tax.- note i did not talk about inheritance tax. would it be a mistake? _ inheritance tax. would it be a mistake? lt — inheritance tax. would it be a mistake? it would _ inheritance tax. would it be a mistake? it would not i inheritance tax. would it be a mistake? it would not be i inheritance tax. would it be a mistake? it would not be my| inheritance tax. would it be a - mistake? it would not be my personal choice of where _ mistake? it would not be my personal choice of where at _ mistake? it would not be my personal choice of where at this _ mistake? it would not be my personal choice of where at this time _ mistake? it would not be my personal choice of where at this time one - choice of where at this time one should invest any headroom that is.

do you think it is something business owners would find appealing, shevaun? business owners would find a- ealinu , shevaun? . . . appealing, shevaun? inheritance tax imacts appealing, shevaun? inheritance tax im acts 4% appealing, shevaun? inheritance tax impacts 496 of _ appealing, shevaun? inheritance tax impacts 4% of the _ appealing, shevaun? inheritance tax impacts 4% of the population - appealing, shevaun? inheritance tax impacts 496 of the population so - appealing, shevaun? inheritance tax impacts 496 of the population so full| impacts 4% of the population so full businesses — impacts 4% of the population so full businesses what _ impacts 4% of the population so full businesses what they— impacts 4% of the population so full businesses what they are _ impacts 4% of the population so full businesses what they are looking i impacts 4% of the population so full businesses what they are looking toi businesses what they are looking to is what _ businesses what they are looking to is whatjohn— businesses what they are looking to is what john was _ businesses what they are looking to is what john was referring _ businesses what they are looking to is what john was referring to, - businesses what they are looking to is what john was referring to, we i is what john was referring to, we have _ is what john was referring to, we have 1_ is what john was referring to, we have 1 million _ is what john was referring to, we have 1 million open _ is what john was referring to, we have 1 million open roles- is what john was referring to, we have 1 million open roles in- is what john was referring to, we have 1 million open roles in this. have 1 million open roles in this country — have 1 million open roles in this country. businesses— have 1 million open roles in this country. businesses cannot - have 1 million open roles in thisi country. businesses cannot grow because _ country. businesses cannot grow because they — country. businesses cannot grow because they cannot _ country. businesses cannot grow because they cannot find - country. businesses cannot grow because they cannot find the - country. businesses cannot grow. because they cannot find the people they need _ because they cannot find the people they need with — because they cannot find the people they need with the _ because they cannot find the people they need with the right _ because they cannot find the people they need with the right skills. - they need with the right skills. what _ they need with the right skills. what we — they need with the right skills. what we want _ they need with the right skills. what we want to _ they need with the right skills. what we want to do _ they need with the right skills. what we want to do is - they need with the right skills. what we want to do is get - they need with the right skills. i what we want to do is get people into work. — what we want to do is get people into work, back _ what we want to do is get people into work, back to _ what we want to do is get people into work, back to work, - what we want to do is get people into work, back to work, not - what we want to do is get people . into work, back to work, not people who cannot — into work, back to work, not people who cannot work, _ into work, back to work, not people who cannot work, but _ into work, back to work, not people who cannot work, but people - into work, back to work, not people who cannot work, but people who . into work, back to work, not people i who cannot work, but people who have the right _ who cannot work, but people who have the right skills. — who cannot work, but people who have the right skills, match— who cannot work, but people who have the right skills, match it _ who cannot work, but people who have the right skills, match it with— who cannot work, but people who have the right skills, match it with a - the right skills, match it with a business. _ the right skills, match it with a business, helping _ the right skills, match it with a business, helping people - the right skills, match it with a business, helping people get. the right skills, match it with a . business, helping people get the skills— business, helping people get the skills to — business, helping people get the skills to get _ business, helping people get the skills to get back— business, helping people get the skills to get back into _ business, helping people get the skills to get back into work. - business, helping people get the skills to get back into work. he l skills to get back into work. he raised skills to get back into work. raised the issue about people skills to get back into work.- raised the issue about people being on sickness benefit, incapacity benefit, — on sickness benefit, incapacity benefit, 7.9 million people on waiting — benefit, 7.9 million people on waiting lists for treatment on the nhs~ _ waiting lists for treatment on the nhs~ a _ waiting lists for treatment on the nhs. a lot of those people desperately need the treatments to .et desperately need the treatments to get them _ desperately need the treatments to get them back to work. we desperately need the treatments to get them back to work.— get them back to work. we will talk to rachel reeves _ get them back to work. we will talk to rachel reeves shadow _ get them back to work. we will talk| to rachel reeves shadow chancellor in a few minutes' time. as we are here, conversation we have had a lot in the studio is about the awful

situation in gaza. and, john, you have been a prominent figure attending many marches in support of palestinians in central london. of course not everybody in attendance has done this but we have seen it with our own nice evidence of people holding up anti—semitic signs —— our own evidence. holding up anti-semitic signs -- our own evidence-— holding up anti-semitic signs -- our own evidence._ calling - holding up anti-semitic signs -- our own evidence._ calling out own evidence. appalling. calling out thins own evidence. appalling. calling out thin . s that own evidence. appalling. calling out things that are _ own evidence. appalling. calling out things that are plainly _ own evidence. appalling. calling out things that are plainly offensive, - things that are plainly offensive, not just to jewish people, things that are plainly offensive, notjust tojewish people, many other people too. does it not bother you when you go along to those events and wouldn't it be better if people who are leading figures in the movement took a much more public stand? it the movement took a much more public stand? ,., , .,, the movement took a much more public stand? , . ., . stand? it bothers me those chance but they are _ stand? it bothers me those chance but they are so _ stand? it bothers me those chance but they are so small— stand? it bothers me those chance but they are so small a _ stand? it bothers me those chance but they are so small a minority, l stand? it bothers me those chance l but they are so small a minority, we have the _ but they are so small a minority, we have the powers to deal with that. the organisers, i have sat down with them, _ the organisers, i have sat down with them, working with the police, if there _ them, working with the police, if there are — them, working with the police, if there are people like that, take them _ there are people like that, take them up. — there are people like that, take them up, use the full force of the law _ them up, use the full force of the law apart — them up, use the full force of the law. apart from that, the vast

majority, _ law. apart from that, the vast majority, 800,000, calling for a ceasefire — majority, 800,000, calling for a ceasefire and peace. i walked beside on both— ceasefire and peace. i walked beside on both occasions, i know i have been _ on both occasions, i know i have been criticised, one person was identified — been criticised, one person was identified as supporting hamas, he has denied that, each time i have walked _ has denied that, each time i have walked beside a young jewish woman from the _ walked beside a young jewish woman from the young jewish group and the secretary— from the young jewish group and the secretary of the jewish voice for labour— secretary of the jewish voice for labour and i have tried to demonstrate it is notjust muslim people. _ demonstrate it is notjust muslim people. it — demonstrate it is notjust muslim people, it is about a large number ofjewish— people, it is about a large number ofjewish people, people of all faiths, — ofjewish people, people of all faiths, no faith, young people, calling — faiths, no faith, young people, calling for— faiths, no faith, young people, calling for peace and a ceasefire and i _ calling for peace and a ceasefire and i support that. if calling for peace and a ceasefire and i support that.— calling for peace and a ceasefire and i support that. if you have seen it, have and i support that. if you have seen it. have you — and i support that. if you have seen it, have you challenged _ and i support that. if you have seen it, have you challenged people - and i support that. if you have seen it, have you challenged people and | it, have you challenged people and said, please do not say that? j said, please do not say that? i personally haven't seen it but i would — personally haven't seen it but i would challenge it. i have said to the organisers, you need to make surem _ the organisers, you need to make sure... �* , ., ., sure... and they have done. back with ou sure... and they have done. back with you at _ sure... and they have done. back with you at the _ sure... and they have done. back with you at the end _ sure. .. and they have done. back with you at the end of— sure... and they have done. back with you at the end of the - sure... and they have done. back with you at the end of the show. | it's rachel reeves' turn now then. we had a glimpse of you alongside jeremy hunt at the beginning of the programme.

she is one of keir starmer�*s closest allies and if you believe the current polls, in a year or so the removal vans will be moving her possessions into number 11. that is a long way away in politics and she is here. welcome to the studio. you are not announcing big new plans today but carefully listening and scrutinising what the chancellor has said and we would like to work out what you would do differently. if the chancellor cuts inheritance tax, would labour pledged to reverse it? cutting inheritance _ pledged to reverse it? cutting inheritance tax _ pledged to reverse it? cutting inheritance tax in _ pledged to reverse it? cutting inheritance tax in the - pledged to reverse it? cutting inheritance tax in the middle l pledged to reverse it? cuttingl inheritance tax in the middle of pledged to reverse it? cutting i inheritance tax in the middle of a massive cost of living crisis and when public services are on their kneesis when public services are on their knees is not the right priority. understand people's desire to pass on to their children what they have worked hard for but it is not the right thing to do now and we would not support it. if right thing to do now and we would rtot support it— not support it. if you inherited it however, not support it. if you inherited it however. if _ not support it. if you inherited it however, if you _ not support it. if you inherited it however, if you win _ not support it. if you inherited it however, if you win the - not support it. if you inherited it however, if you win the election | not support it. if you inherited it - however, if you win the election and the change had been made, would you reverse it, make the pledge now? j reverse it, make the pledge now? i would set out all of our plans, fully costed and funded, in the

manifesto, but i think i have been very clear, this is not a priority, not something i would be doing. i would be much more keen... i make no apology for wanting working people to have more money in their pockets. i opposed the increase in national insurance and the government eventually had to back down. i want taxes on working people to be lower. if that was affordable, that would be my priority. if if that was affordable, that would be my priority. if it if that was affordable, that would be my priority-— be my priority. if it is such a terrible idea _ be my priority. if it is such a terrible idea to _ be my priority. if it is such a terrible idea to cut - be my priority. if it is such a l terrible idea to cut inheritance tax, would you commit therefore you would reverse it in government? j would reverse it in government? i don't want to write a manifesto here on your programme. i don't think i can be any clearer. this would not be a priority for me, not the right thing to do. be a priority for me, not the right thing to do— thing to do. one of the other proposals — thing to do. one of the other proposals floated _ thing to do. one of the other proposals floated this - thing to do. one of the other proposals floated this week i thing to do. one of the other| proposals floated this week is thing to do. one of the other - proposals floated this week is the new sanctions for people, as we heard from jeremy hunt, who are judged to be able to work but they do not make the effort, don't take a job, don't put things —— don't take

things put in front of them. would you reverse the changesjeremy hunt described this morning? thea;t you reverse the changes jeremy hunt described this morning?— described this morning? they have been in power— described this morning? they have been in power now— described this morning? they have been in power now for _ described this morning? they have been in power now for 13 _ described this morning? they have been in power now for 13 years. . described this morning? they have been in power now for 13 years. if. been in power now for 13 years. if it is the case people can play the system and not look for work while claiming taxpayers' money, that is on them. what have they been doing for 13 years? for me it is about tackling the root cause of the problem. 7.8 million people on hospital waiting lists and there were 2.6 million people who are off work sick. it is two things that are linked. we have to get the nhs functioning properly because that is the way to get the economy working properly. that is why we have committed to putting more money into the nhs by getting rid of the non—dom tax status, 2 million additional appointments every year in the nhs to get a waiting list down and get people back to work. that is what i would do if i was chancellor.— that is what i would do if i was chancellor. ., ., chancellor. you said, if there are --eole chancellor. you said, if there are people playing _ chancellor. you said, if there are people playing the _ chancellor. you said, if there are people playing the system, - chancellor. you said, if there are people playing the system, do i chancellor. you said, if there are | people playing the system, do you think there are people playing the system, notwithstanding the very many people who have genuine health

issues? the many people who have genuine health issues? ., , many people who have genuine health issues? . , ., ., , ., many people who have genuine health issues? ., ., , ., , issues? the vast ma'ority of people, they desperately — issues? the vast majority of people, they desperately want _ issues? the vast majority of people, they desperately want work. - issues? the vast majority of people, they desperately want work. that i issues? the vast majority of people, they desperately want work. that is | they desperately want work. that is not the question, _ they desperately want work. that is not the question, used _ they desperately want work. that is not the question, used the - they desperately want work. that is not the question, used the phrase l not the question, used the phrase playing the system, do you think there are some people playing the system? there are some people playing the s stem? . system? the government topic point i am makin: system? the government topic point i am making the — system? the government topic point i am making the government _ system? the government topic point i am making the government have - system? the government topic point i | am making the government have been in powerfor13 years. they am making the government have been in power for 13 years. they are just now we need to make sure people are looking for work. absolutely, there needs to be a condition that if you are accessing taxpayer support, the condition to that is you need to be looking for work. if the government are saying that is not happening, they need to sort that out. it is they need to sort that out. it is our they need to sort that out. it is your belief... _ they need to sort that out. it is your belief... the _ they need to sort that out. it is your belief... the reason - they need to sort that out. it is your belief... the reason you l they need to sort that out. it is i your belief... the reason you have so many people — your belief... the reason you have so many people out _ your belief. .. the reason you have so many people out of— your belief... the reason you have so many people out of work, - your belief... the reason you have so many people out of work, we . your belief... the reason you have i so many people out of work, we are the only g7 economy with fewer people participating in the labour market now than before the pandemic, the reason for that is the nhs is not functioning properly after 13 years of conservative government. you are an experienced politician, constituency mp for a long time, dealing with casework, people's

lives, is it your personal belief there are people who play the system, to use your phrase? do you think it happens, however small? it think it happens, however small? it is my personal belief people are desperate to improve the lives of them and their families, desperate to improve the lives of them and theirfamilies, there desperate to improve the lives of them and their families, there are too many people who come to see me at my surgery is struggling to put food on the table, struggling to pay the rent. i want to help them to get work and that starts by fixing the national health service so people whose lives are on hold because they are waiting for appointments, operations, that they can get better and get back into work. if the government are serious about getting people back into work, they need to get serious about fixing the crisis in the nhs. the get serious about fixing the crisis in the nhs-_ in the nhs. the level of benefit payments. _ in the nhs. the level of benefit payments. it — in the nhs. the level of benefit payments, it matters _ in the nhs. the level of benefit l payments, it matters enormously in the nhs. the level of benefit - payments, it matters enormously to some of the people you mentioned, and of course we should remind viewers many people on working age benefits also have jobs.— benefits also have 'obs. absolutely the case. i was — benefits also have 'obs. absolutely the case. i was in _ benefits also have jobs. absolutely the case. i was in a _ benefits also have jobs. absolutely the case. i was in a place _ benefits also have jobs. absolutely the case. i was in a place where . benefits also have jobs. absolutely | the case. i was in a place where you would not expect there to be foodbanks in croydon on the edge of

the surrey borders, south of croydon, last week, and people there having to access foodbanks because the rent has gone up so much they are struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table. these are harrowing stories of people in work struggling to support families. benefits payments going to lots of people with jobs, benefits payments going to lots of people withjobs, do benefits payments going to lots of people with jobs, do you think benefits should continue to rise as is tradition with the level of inflation from september? yes, i do. if ou win inflation from september? yes, i do. if you win the — inflation from september? yes, i do. if you win the election _ inflation from september? yes, i do. if you win the election and _ inflation from september? yes, i do. if you win the election and you - if you win the election and you inherit the situation where they have gone up by a lower level, would you reverse that and do a top up? look, the election is likely to come in here's time and the government would have already implemented that, but in government, i will use the inflation rate that is traditional, september inflation, to great benefits. ., september inflation, to great benefits. ~ . ., ,, , september inflation, to great benefits. . , benefits. whatever happens, you would commit _

benefits. whatever happens, you would commit to _ benefits. whatever happens, you would commit to using _ benefits. whatever happens, you would commit to using the - would commit to using the september... j would commit to using the september. . .— would commit to using the september... would commit to using the setember... ,, ., , september... i think that is the riaht september... i think that is the right thing _ september... i think that is the right thing to — september... i think that is the right thing to do. _ september... i think that is the right thing to do. if _ september... i think that is the right thing to do. if you - september. .. i think that is the right thing to do. if you pick- september... i think that is the | right thing to do. if you pick and choose from year to year which inflation number is the cheapest thing to do, what you see is the gradual erosion of people �*s incomes. and half of the people who are claiming universal credit, around half, also in work. this is to top up low pay and insecure work. i do not think the government should pick and choose for them. they have a responsibility to ensure that everybody can afford in a civilised country to put food on the table, pay rent, pay gas and electricity bills. sadly for too many people after 13 years of conservative government they are worse off and not able to afford the basics. you have made _ not able to afford the basics. you have made it _ not able to afford the basics. you have made it clear— not able to afford the basics. you have made it clear you would stick with the september measure in perpetuity if you win the election. keir starmer has tried to draw the line and that the significant rebellion this week with

frontbenchers quitting theirjobs because keir starmer will not call for a ceasefire, following the idea that should be pauses in the conflict to get more aid in, but there is a lot of unhappiness. protest outside his constituency office yesterday. we can show some pictures of that. are you comfortable for people to leave the labour party over this if they do not agree? i was really sorry to see colleagues resigned last week from the front bench. but being leader and hopefully next year being prime minister, keir starmer will have to make incredibly difficult decisions and you will have to do what he thinks is right and offer that leadership even in difficult times and there will be difficult decisions to make even if we form a government, but that is what leadership is. what i find concerning is the huge pressure mps have been put on, both leading up to the vote and what we have seen this

week. i support the right to protest, suella braverman's comments about them being hate marchers are appalling. i don't support the intimidation of members of parliament. that is what we are seeing with some of these protest outside people's offices and outside their homes. mps have a difficult job to do, all public services do. and taking protest to the homes, goes beyond the line. has and taking protest to the homes, goes beyond the line.— goes beyond the line. has that ha--ened goes beyond the line. has that happened to — goes beyond the line. has that happened to you? _ goes beyond the line. has that happened to you? it _ goes beyond the line. has that happened to you? it hasn't - goes beyond the line. has that - happened to you? it hasn't happened to me but it — happened to you? it hasn't happened to me but it has _ happened to you? it hasn't happened to me but it has happened _ happened to you? it hasn't happened to me but it has happened to - to me but it has happened to colleagues. i don't like it it is not acceptable and we need a bit of civility in our public discourse. in some of these protests are now crossing the line. just some of these protests are now crossing the line.— some of these protests are now crossing the line. just before you i o, crossing the line. just before you no, it is crossing the line. just before you go. it is a — crossing the line. just before you go, it is a while _ crossing the line. just before you go, it is a while since _ crossing the line. just before you go, it is a while since you - crossing the line. just before you go, it is a while since you have i go, it is a while since you have beenin go, it is a while since you have been in the studio and it has been a busy time since then but you have published your book about women in economics. but forgive me for bringing this up, it emerged that some of the book had been lifted from wikipedia. some people made a bit of a laugh and joke about it,

but for other people it is an issue of trust. ~ ., , , of trust. went wrong? i will put my hand u - , of trust. went wrong? i will put my hand up. as — of trust. went wrong? i will put my hand up, as soon _ of trust. went wrong? i will put my hand up, as soon as _ of trust. went wrong? i will put my hand up, as soon as those - of trust. went wrong? i will put my hand up, as soon as those issues i hand up, as soon as those issues were pointed out. the editing and the referencing, it should have been better. i put my hands up to that and i have said i will put that right. and i have said i will put that riuht. .,. , and i have said i will put that riuht. , ., ., right. rachel reeves, always good to have ou in right. rachel reeves, always good to have you in the _ right. rachel reeves, always good to have you in the studio. _ right. rachel reeves, always good to have you in the studio. did _ right. rachel reeves, always good to have you in the studio. did you - right. rachel reeves, always good to have you in the studio. did you use i have you in the studio. did you use to watch the thick of it? j have you in the studio. did you use to watch the thick of m— have you in the studio. did you use to watch the thick of it? i did, and i'm to watch the thick of it? i did, and l'm looking — to watch the thick of it? i did, and i'm looking forward _ to watch the thick of it? i did, and i'm looking forward to _ to watch the thick of it? i did, and i'm looking forward to seeing - to watch the thick of it? i did, and | i'm looking forward to seeing joanna in her new programme coming out. but some of the things going on in politics, the revolving doors, five prime ministers, seven chancellors, he would struggle to write something more crazy than what has been happening in the last four years. thank you so much forjoining us. now, you and i both know that, in the last few years, it's been hard to watch politics without thinking, "my god, you couldn't make it up!" but some time ago, some gifted writers did try to make it up with the thick of it,

the comedy series about westminster. although plenty of people i know told me it wasn't really funny because it was so close to the bone! joanna scanlan was one of the stars, but since then has won a bafta and, in a matter of hours, is in prime position on tv with a new bbc one sunday—night drama, boat story. take a look. i can't imagine how you must be feeling. we didn't know each other that well. 0h. still my son, you know? of course. i'm not sure how i can really help. i need to know everything. the police, they said you saw someone near the boat, but they would say no more. here she is, tell us about boat story but don't give the plot away, no spoilers? j story but don't give the plot away, no spoilers?— no spoilers? i have been told, i cannot give _ no spoilers? i have been told, i cannot give any _ no spoilers? i have been told, i cannot give any spoilers. - no spoilers? i have been told, i cannot give any spoilers. it - no spoilers? i have been told, i cannot give any spoilers. it is i no spoilers? i have been told, i cannot give any spoilers. it is a | cannot give any spoilers. it is a really exciting ride. i don't think you could guess when it starts, any

of the directions it's going to go in. it is all about subverting expectations. it is a brilliant title because it is about stories and it starts with one of those dilemmas that any great fable might begin with, which is you are standing on a beach, there is a boat, two dead bodies and there is several tonnes of cocaine and you need money. what are you going to do? and these two characters take their money, forgetting that somebody owns it, the cocaine. an consequences ensue. and for your character, how did she fit into the story and what was it like playing her? it was wonderful playing pat. jack and harry, the writers started with a script and that character. by

the end of the shoot, it is no lie to say i was playing something completely different. and so it was a wonderful experience because it was incredibly creative. thea;t a wonderful experience because it was incredibly creative.— was incredibly creative. they are really creative _ was incredibly creative. they are really creative writers. _ was incredibly creative. they are really creative writers. you - was incredibly creative. they are really creative writers. you are l was incredibly creative. they are really creative writers. you are a writer yourself, really creative writers. you are a writeryourself, is really creative writers. you are a writer yourself, is that something that was a new experience, to see something evolve so much during the shooting of a drama? j something evolve so much during the shooting of a drama?— shooting of a drama? i think it was, it was like they _ shooting of a drama? i think it was, it was like they were _ shooting of a drama? i think it was, it was like they were watching - shooting of a drama? i think it was, it was like they were watching the i it was like they were watching the rushes from the day before and coming in with... usually what happens, with a men's, as they call them, it is making sure the new location mike sorber is a bit of clarity. this wasn't that, this was genuinely changing the story. as a writer, i would genuinely changing the story. as a writer, iwould never genuinely changing the story. as a writer, i would never be able to do that. they are extraordinary. it was a really, really good experience and this is going to go in the sunday night big drama slot, who do you think will love this? win night big drama slot, who do you think will love this?—

think will love this? will it be --eole think will love this? will it be people who _ think will love this? will it be people who love _ think will love this? will it be people who love happy - think will love this? will it be | people who love happy valley think will love this? will it be i people who love happy valley or think will love this? will it be - people who love happy valley or line of duty? it people who love happy valley or line of du ? , ., , , ., of duty? it is dropping online, the whole lot. of duty? it is dropping online, the whole lot- so _ of duty? it is dropping online, the whole lot. so you _ of duty? it is dropping online, the whole lot. so you can _ of duty? it is dropping online, the whole lot. so you can binge? - whole lot. so you can binge? yellowknifer _ whole lot. so you can binge? yellowknifer yes, _ whole lot. so you can binge? yellowknifer yes, i _ whole lot. so you can binge? yellowknifer yes, i think- whole lot. so you can binge? yellowknifer yes, i think it i whole lot. so you can binge? l yellowknifer yes, i think it will whole lot. so you can binge? - yellowknifer yes, i think it will be something young people will enjoy. it is impactful, it is quite violent, it is very funny. but it is very big thrill. it makes it, if it is not necessarily young people, it is not necessarily young people, it is the youngest of you that will enjoy it. is the youngest of you that will en'o it. ~ ., ., is the youngest of you that will en'o it. ~ . ., ,., enjoy it. we are all young here. especially _ enjoy it. we are all young here. especially for — enjoy it. we are all young here. especially for our _ enjoy it. we are all young here. especially for our audience. - enjoy it. we are all young here. especially for our audience. as | enjoy it. we are all young here. - especially for our audience. as well as being young, most people watching will have fond memories of watching the thick of it. let's refresh ourselves. it's like you're a catherine wheel and you fell off the stick. you're going, "pfft, pfft, pfft," but not in the right way. i think you're wrong, malcolm.

you're like a sultana in a salad. 0k, can we have a word? the devastating silence ofjudgment. do you think it could be made today? he would have to change the genre from satire with absurdist elements to wiki. you'll have to shift it into weepy. there's not a lot to laugh about. into weepy. there's not a lot to laugh about-— into weepy. there's not a lot to laugh about. would it be popular now, laugh about. would it be popular now. political— laugh about. would it be popular now, political satire? _ laugh about. would it be popular now, political satire? thinking i now, political satire? thinking about writing one yourself? in a about writing one yourself? in a wa , about writing one yourself? in a way. there _ about writing one yourself? in a way. there are _ about writing one yourself? in a. way, there are angles you could come at it from. because of social media, technology and the absolute welter of massive information overload, i think it's hard to take a stand back and look at it from a whole. you need to get into one very specific

bit of it and work from there. maybe ou will bit of it and work from there. maybe you will write _ bit of it and work from there. maybe you will write one _ bit of it and work from there. maybe you will write one on _ bit of it and work from there. maybe you will write one on one _ bit of it and work from there. maybe you will write one on one day - bit of it and work from there. maybe you will write one on one day and i you will write one on one day and you will write one on one day and you are always welcome to come into the studio and observe, but thank you for coming in. good luck with boat story, that starts tonight. we are racing to ten o'clock ahead of a big week for the government when, as we asked at the start of the show, the chancellor has to answer the question, how is he going to make the sums add up? here he was a few minutes ago. we have been able to get inflation down. i want to get taxes down. but let me say this about bringing down taxes, i will only do so in a responsible way. i am not going to sacrifice the progress we have made bringing down inflation. inflation is also a tax, it eats away at your earning power and it means your money doesn't go as far as it used to go. money doesn't go as far as it used to no. �* , ,,

money doesn't go as far as it used to no. . , ,, ., , money doesn't go as far as it used toao. ., to go. andy street, what is your prediction? _ to go. andy street, what is your prediction? jeremy _ to go. andy street, what is your prediction? jeremy will - to go. andy street, what is your prediction? jeremy will invest i to go. andy street, what is your| prediction? jeremy will invest for the future- _ prediction? jeremy will invest for the future. do _ prediction? jeremy will invest for the future. do you _ prediction? jeremy will invest for the future. do you think- prediction? jeremy will invest for the future. do you think it - prediction? jeremy will invest for the future. do you think it will i the future. do you think it will calm down — the future. do you think it will calm down the _ the future. do you think it will calm down the very _ the future. do you think it will calm down the very high - the future. do you think it will i calm down the very high tempers the future. do you think it will - calm down the very high tempers and anger inside your party? the calm down the very high tempers and anger inside your party?— anger inside your party? the whole theme for your _ anger inside your party? the whole theme for your party _ anger inside your party? the whole theme for your party is _ anger inside your party? the whole theme for your party is it _ anger inside your party? the whole theme for your party is it has - anger inside your party? the whole theme for your party is it has been| theme for your party is it has been an incredible seven days. i think it has been the beginning of the future because the prime minister has made his choice. bringing cameron back is reinforcing the team, united team going forward. mat reinforcing the team, united team going forward-— reinforcing the team, united team going forward. not everybody thinks that in the conservative _ going forward. not everybody thinks that in the conservative party. i going forward. not everybody thinks that in the conservative party. you | that in the conservative party. you think it is back to the future? it think it is back to the future? tit is a good decision and david cameron is a good decision and david cameron is an experienced leader and it will help bring unity. is an experienced leader and it will help bring unity-— help bring unity. john, is it making it harder or— help bring unity. john, is it making it harder or easier _ help bring unity. john, is it making it harder or easier for _ help bring unity. john, is it making it harder or easier for labour i help bring unity. john, is it making it harder or easier for labour to i it harder or easier for labour to have a go if they have david cameron?— have a go if they have david cameron? , , ., cameron? easier because of the scandal with _ cameron? easier because of the scandal with the _ cameron? easier because of the scandal with the finance - cameron? easier because of the i scandal with the finance company, more _ scandal with the finance company, more revelations of his role in shall— more revelations of his role in shall anchor, a company that has already— shall anchor, a company that has already been sanctioned. i think this will— already been sanctioned. i think this will come out. select committees criticised him for

significant lapse ofjudgment. i think— significant lapse ofjudgment. i think it — significant lapse ofjudgment. i think it will make it easier. i think— think it will make it easier. i think this _ think it will make it easier. i think this appointment was embarrassing, to be honest. interesting, thinking about it, having heard rachel reeves and the chancellor, for you, siobhan, who is the party of business? we chancellor, for you, siobhan, who is the party of business?— the party of business? we speak to all arties the party of business? we speak to all parties and _ the party of business? we speak to all parties and the _ the party of business? we speak to all parties and the political - all parties and the political spectrum _ all parties and the political spectrum. we _ all parties and the political spectrum. we always i all parties and the politicall spectrum. we always have. all parties and the political i spectrum. we always have. it is important but— spectrum. we always have. it is important. but coming - spectrum. we always have. it is important. but coming back- spectrum. we always have. it is important. but coming back to i spectrum. we always have. it is i important. but coming back to what you have _ important. but coming back to what you have heard _ important. but coming back to what you have heard and _ important. but coming back to what you have heard and what _ important. but coming back to what you have heard and what we - important. but coming back to what you have heard and what we want i important. but coming back to what| you have heard and what we want to see, we _ you have heard and what we want to see, we want — you have heard and what we want to see, we want to— you have heard and what we want to see, we want to see _ you have heard and what we want to see, we want to see the _ you have heard and what we want to see, we want to see the economy i see, we want to see the economy getting — see, we want to see the economy getting back— see, we want to see the economy getting back to— see, we want to see the economy getting back to power. _ see, we want to see the economy getting back to power. is - see, we want to see the economy getting back to power. is l - see, we want to see the economy getting back to power.— see, we want to see the economy getting back to power. as i have got ou all, getting back to power. as i have got you all. quickly. _ getting back to power. as i have got you all, quickly, talking _ getting back to power. as i have got you all, quickly, talking about i getting back to power. as i have got you all, quickly, talking about the i you all, quickly, talking about the thick of it what is the silliest thing that happened to you in politics? thing that happened to you in olitics? ., , ., , politics? has to be the debate between the _ politics? has to be the debate between the ministerial i politics? has to be the debate i between the ministerial bedrooms in manchester. that is where party conferences actually happen. ministerial bedrooms, goodness me. j ministerial bedrooms, goodness me. i cut myself shaving just before a conference speech and jeremy corbyn's — conference speech and jeremy corbyn's conference speech. i was bleeding. — corbyn's conference speech. i was bleeding, so i put a plaster on. did

he do it? i— bleeding, so i put a plaster on. did he do it? i had — bleeding, so i put a plaster on. did he do it? i had to. _ bleeding, so i put a plaster on. did he do it? i had to. we _ bleeding, so i put a plaster on. did he do it? i had to. we will- bleeding, so i put a plaster on. did he do it? i had to. we will have i bleeding, so i put a plaster on. did he do it? i had to. we will have to| he do it? i had to. we will have to net the he do it? i had to. we will have to get the pictures. _ he do it? i had to. we will have to get the pictures. siobhan, - he do it? i had to. we will have to get the pictures. siobhan, what i get the pictures. siobhan, what happened to you when you worked in downing street? j happened to you when you worked in downing street?— downing street? i was in brussels and it reminded _ downing street? i was in brussels and it reminded me _ downing street? i was in brussels and it reminded me of _ downing street? i was in brussels and it reminded me of those i downing street? i was in brussels and it reminded me of those two l and it reminded me of those two years— and it reminded me of those two years during _ and it reminded me of those two years during the _ and it reminded me of those two years during the brexit _ years during the brexit negotiations, - years during the brexit negotiations, the - years during the brexit - negotiations, the backstops and sometimes _ negotiations, the backstops and sometimes we _ negotiations, the backstops and sometimes we were _ negotiations, the backstops and sometimes we were like, - negotiations, the backstops and sometimes we were like, are i negotiations, the backstops and| sometimes we were like, are we negotiations, the backstops and . sometimes we were like, are we an episode _ sometimes we were like, are we an episode of— sometimes we were like, are we an episode of the _ sometimes we were like, are we an episode of the thick— sometimes we were like, are we an episode of the thick of— sometimes we were like, are we an episode of the thick of it? - huge thank you to andy, shevaun and john, and to you, of course, for watching. the next few days really do matter, notjust for our politicians, but for all of us — for business' ability to make money and createjobs, forfamilies to make ends meet. jeremy hunt wants you to think the economy has improved just enough to give him space to dangle the odd tax cut or two. which ones? of course, today he was still coy ahead of the official statements on wednesday. but there are stubborn problems for the economy — giant debt and measly growth — that no one chancellor can fix alone. in the next few days, we'll have all the coverage you need to make sense of the politics and the purse strings.

in a few minutes, i'll be with paddy o'connell, there he is, recording today's edition of newscast. catch that on bbc sounds, our programme on iplayer, or i'll be back on bbc one next sunday, same time, same place, goodbye.

live from london. this is bbc news. hundreds flee al—shifa hospital, including the sick and injured, as israel's military maintains that a hamas command centre lies beneath the building.

in world health organization team describes the hospital as a death zone. days before a major budget update in the uk, the chancellor, jeremy hunt, says he won't introduce any tax cuts that would push inflation up. introduce any tax cuts that and a 20 kilometre queue of lorries at poland's border with ukraine: the result of a blockade by polish truckers. india are looking to make the most of home advantage as they take on australia in the men's cricket world cup final in ahmedabad. hello and welcome. we start in gaza, where the world health organization has described the al—shifa hospital as a "death zone" after a visit to the complex by a un team.

officials spent an hour at the hospital, and reported