widespread weather warnings are in place across the uk. storm isha is sweeping in bringing winds of up to 90mph. planes are already having difficulty landing at heathrow airport. a deadly blast has hit a market in the occupied city of donetsk in eastern ukraine. kremlin officials say at least least 25 people are dead. more than 25,000 people have now been killed in gaza since the war with israel began, according to the hamas—run health ministry. uk defence secretary grant shapps has described comments by israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu rejecting a two—state solution as disappointing. and fifa's president has called for stadium bans forfans and automatic forfeits for teams whose supporters shout racist abuse. now it s time for today s episode of newscast,

with laura kuessnberg, paddy 0 connell and henry zeffman. it seems every time you turn on the news, there has been another strike somewhere, there was a strike on an american military base this morning in iraq. so, this hotting up of tensions continues apace, and this morning we had grant shapps the defence secretary on the programme, who said earlier this week we are in a prewar world, who said earlier this week we are in a prewarworld, in who said earlier this week we are in a prewar world, in other words, who said earlier this week we are in a prewarworld, in otherwords, he was anticipating that there will be more conflicts coming down the tracks before too long. which sounds like a pretty alarming message, but i think most politicians you talk to at the moment would say actually thatis

at the moment would say actually that is probably true. i at the moment would say actually that is probably true.— that is probably true. i heard it summed up — that is probably true. i heard it summed up on _ that is probably true. i heard it summed up on radio - that is probably true. i heard it summed up on radio 4 - that is probably true. i heard it summed up on radio 4 as, - that is probably true. i heard it - summed up on radio 4 as, everything, everywhere, all the time. iran obviously flexing its muscles. we are going to hear a bit from your interview with grant shapps, henry will give us his analysis, but we are going to begin with a first—hand account of what it is like to be in the middle of this global insecurity, from one ship's captain, i spoke to the captain, and he was caught up in the attacks in the red sea and he has backed the us—uk as strikes on the hutu rebels. actually, my ship had gone in to yemen. — actually, my ship had gone in to yemen, into the port, and right now it is a _ yemen, into the port, and right now it is a very— yemen, into the port, and right now it is a very dangerous place and the us and _ it is a very dangerous place and the us and the — it is a very dangerous place and the us and the uk navy, one of those locations— us and the uk navy, one of those locations in— us and the uk navy, one of those locations in yemen was quite close. who can _ locations in yemen was quite close. who can bring peace to the seas? do you think the west are to bomb the houthi rebels, or do you have another suggestion for the international community? what the

west is doing _ international community? what the west is doing is _ international community? what the west is doing is the _ international community? what the west is doing is the correct - international community? what the west is doing is the correct thing, l west is doing is the correct thing, i west is doing is the correct thing, ithink. _ west is doing is the correct thing, i think, because they are trying to stop the _ i think, because they are trying to stop the houthi rebels and their assauit— stop the houthi rebels and their assault purpose was to restore peace, _ assault purpose was to restore peace, restore the maritime trade in this area _ peace, restore the maritime trade in this area. ., , peace, restore the maritime trade in this area. . . , ., this area. there was criticism for grant shapps. — this area. there was criticism for grant shapps, he _ this area. there was criticism for grant shapps, he had _ this area. there was criticism for grant shapps, he had to - this area. there was criticism for grant shapps, he had to addressi this area. there was criticism for - grant shapps, he had to address that when they launched the strikes going off with america again and get here is one person who says it is the right thing. it can both be the right thing. it can both be the right thing. it can both be the right thing and also be seen not to have very much effect, this is the interesting dilemma that i think the government here and probably the government here and probably the government in washington is in, they say you can't let these things go unpunished, and yet be well aware that it probably was not going to stop the attacks. it has not stopped the attacks this week, and there is of course huge risk that it is going to provoke wider escalation, and there is a debate about what is connected to what, but i think in that part of the world and in this kind of political chess board, you can't take one piece of and say, oh, no, that is not related to everything else that is going on, it's extremely challenging. it is everything else that is going on, it's extremely challenging. it is a bit of a meta- —

it's extremely challenging. it is a bit of a meta- point _ it's extremely challenging. it is a bit of a meta- point but - it's extremely challenging. it is a bit of a meta- point but i - it's extremely challenging. it is a bit of a meta- point but i was - bit of a meta— point but i was thinking you know the world is in trouble when on laura's programme in successive weeks have the foreign secretary and then the defence secretary. the government has plenty going on, on its domestic agenda, but this stuff is clearly more important, i guess, fundamentally. i've been struck by the conversations i have in westminster, suddenly taking on a slightly more apocalyptic tone, even if you're talking to people about other things, i was talking to someone in government who is by no means a hawk about other stuff this week and they sort of stopped and said, ijust think all governments are going to have to spend loads more money on defence in the years to come, and that changes how we think about all sorts of other things that we might spend money on. and it is definitely in the back of everyone in westminster�*s minds mother at the world is perhaps more dangerous than it has been for a very long time, and that perhaps, they are all going to have to rethink how they think

about the world and the uk and what it does. the about the world and the uk and what it does. ., ., . ., ., , it does. the world order. what was the takeaway _ it does. the world order. what was the takeaway from _ it does. the world order. what was the takeaway from grant _ it does. the world order. what was the takeaway from grant shapps? l it does. the world order. what was . the takeaway from grant shapps? one thin we the takeaway from grant shapps? qua: thing we spoke the takeaway from grant shapps? iaz thing we spoke to him about was funding, because forages thing we spoke to him about was funding, because for ages the tories have said, we have an aspiration to spend 2.5% of gdp on defence, but they're still not meeting that now, and he would not this morning put a date on when they would actually meet that. in date on when they would actually meet that. , ., ., , meet that. in terms of timing, as soon as the _ meet that. in terms of timing, as soon as the economic _ meet that. in terms of timing, as soon as the economic conditions | soon as the economic conditions allow, _ soon as the economic conditions allow, and — soon as the economic conditions allow, and we look forward to making progress _ allow, and we look forward to making progress on _ allow, and we look forward to making progress on that... can allow, and we look forward to making progress on that. . ._ progress on that... can you give --eole a progress on that... can you give peeple a date. _ progress on that... can you give people a date, because - progress on that... can you give people a date, because it - progress on that... can you give people a date, because it is - progress on that... can you give people a date, because it is a i people a date, because it is a political choice, what you spend money on, it would be more than £10 billion to get up to that 2—.5% of gdp, but if the threat is evolving, and increasing, as quickly and as seriously as you claim, is it credible to say that while not giving people a firm commitment on when you will hit that target? 50. when you will hit that target? so, the trajectory _ when you will hit that target? so, the trajectory is already upwards,

i've already got a lot more money to spend. _ i've already got a lot more money to spend, £288 billion in the next decade — spend, £288 billion in the next decade on equipment, for example, you can _ decade on equipment, for example, you can only— decade on equipment, for example, you can only increase the budget at a certain— you can only increase the budget at a certain rate because even if i had 2~5%_ a certain rate because even if i had 2.5% tomorrow, you would not be able to spend _ 2.5% tomorrow, you would not be able to spend it— 2.5% tomorrow, you would not be able to spend it tomorrow, so there is a trajectory— to spend it tomorrow, so there is a trajectory upwards. i can't give you an exact _ trajectory upwards. i can't give you an exact date because we have always said it _ an exact date because we have always said it is _ an exact date because we have always said it is as— an exact date because we have always said it is as the economic conditions allow. it said it is as the economic conditions allow.- said it is as the economic conditions allow. it is true we already spend _ conditions allow. it is true we already spend about - conditions allow. it is true we already spend about 50 - conditions allow. it is true we | already spend about 50 billion conditions allow. it is true we - already spend about 50 billion quid already spend about 50 billion quid a year, it is also true that some more money has gone to the ministry of defence in the last few years, ben wallace, old mucker of boris johnson, managed to crowbar some extra cash out of the treasury for the mod, but it is also true that there are lots of questions about there are lots of questions about the uk military�*s capability and true that they they are not able to recruit the numbers of soldiers for the army that they are trying to do at the moment, and it is also true that this is at a time when, whether we are debating any future conflict or not, they are already being called on to undertake some of the biggest exercises that they have done for a long time. and grant

shapps told us about one of those this morning and said it was the largest they have ever done. that is 40,000 personnel, _ largest they have ever done. that is 40,000 personnel, troops- largest they have ever done. that is 40,000 personnel, troops in - largest they have ever done. that is 40,000 personnel, troops in total, | 40,000 personnel, troops in total, of which _ 40,000 personnel, troops in total, of which we — 40,000 personnel, troops in total, of which we are supplying 40% of the ground _ of which we are supplying 40% of the ground force, 50% overall, so the uk leading _ ground force, 50% overall, so the uk leading 31— ground force, 50% overall, so the uk leading 31 other nations in that action — leading 31 other nations in that action. now, that is because, as nato _ action. now, that is because, as nato says. — action. now, that is because, as nato says, we always need to be prepared — nato says, we always need to be prepared. i should say, we always exercise _ prepared. i should say, we always exercise with other nations, we always — exercise with other nations, we always carry these things out, this is the _ always carry these things out, this is the largest we've done. he always carry these things out, this is the largest we've done.- is the largest we've done. he has moved around _ is the largest we've done. he has moved around a _ is the largest we've done. he has moved around a lot _ is the largest we've done. he has moved around a lot of— is the largest we've done. he has moved around a lot of roles, - is the largest we've done. he has. moved around a lot of roles, grant shapps. _ moved around a lot of roles, grant shapps. and — moved around a lot of roles, grant shapps. and the _ moved around a lot of roles, grant shapps, and the ben _ moved around a lot of roles, grant shapps, and the ben wallace - moved around a lot of roles, grant| shapps, and the ben wallace grant shapps— shapps, and the ben wallace grant shapps comparison— shapps, and the ben wallace grant shapps comparison was _ shapps, and the ben wallace grant shapps comparison was not - shapps, and the ben wallace grant . shapps comparison was not flattering when it _ shapps comparison was not flattering when it started. — shapps comparison was not flattering when it started, henry, _ shapps comparison was not flattering when it started, henry, was- shapps comparison was not flattering when it started, henry, was it? - shapps comparison was not flattering when it started, henry, was it? i’m. when it started, henry, was it? i'm t in: to when it started, henry, was it? trying to remember, i think it was in the space of a year grant shapps was transport secretary, home secretary, business secretary, energy secretary and then defence secretary. so, lots of ministers have moved around a lot recently, but he really has moved round and awful lot. he is not a former soldier, as ben wallace is, as ben

wallace was very keen to be seeking to become a big part of his personal brand, i guess there is an argument that certainly people in government have made over the years, that that is a better thing, because you're not sort of... taste is a better thing, because you're rrot sort of- - -_ is a better thing, because you're not sort of... we are not a marshal stack, not sort of... we are not a marshal stack. we — not sort of... we are not a marshal stack. we are _ not sort of... we are not a marshal stack. we are a _ not sort of... we are not a marshal stack, we are a civil— not sort of... we are not a marshal stack, we are a civil society. - stack, we are a civil society. you're — stack, we are a civil society. you're not _ stack, we are a civil society. you're not invested in your own stakeholders. i was in the us when joe biden was putting together his cabinet and his defence secretary lloyd austin was a former very senior general, that was hugely controversial. i think congress had to vote to agree that a military person rather than a civilian could be secretary of defence. so over there it is seen as an article of faith that there is a civilian control of the defence forces. so, whether that makes it sound a bit ground, fundamentally this was just a government reshuffle and ben wallace wanted to stand down, but the fact that grant shapps had not been a soldier probably wasn't what concerned conservative mps, it was more the sense that he is a very smooth media operator, but doesn't

necessarily have the same track record of delivery to underpin. fin record of delivery to underpin. on our record of delivery to underpin. on your earlier point, suddenly politicians who we are quite familiar with are having to talk to us about the new world order. that's ri . ht. and us about the new world order. that's right- and had _ us about the new world order. that's right. and had the _ us about the new world order. that's right. and had the appointment - us about the new world order. “i'isgt�*s right. and had the appointment be made when the situation in the middle east had already developed, perhaps there might have been a different set of people put in different set of people put in differentjobs, because obviously when prime ministers are doing reshuffle is they are notjust looking at their bench, they're also looking at their bench, they're also looking at their bench, they're also looking at what is going on, on the pitch. and if defence is rising up the ranks in terms of its importance as a job in the cabinet, because it has not always been, obviously it is always a big job but it has not always a big job but it has not always been seen as one of the absolute prime things to get right, then you might have ended up with a different set of appointments, but grant shapps is one of these people, he is a great survivor, he has survived through successive conservative administrations, huge amounts of turmoil, he had a bit on the backbenches but then he was very

involved in borisjohnson's first leadership campaign so he has had a certain knack of seeing which way the wind is blowing, shall be say. he does have lots of experience in working in lots of different departments, but as henry said, he is not someone who would be seen as the kind of absolutely incredible, radical, with fantastic ideas, that are going to completely re—a department, noralso are going to completely re—a department, nor also is he seen as somebody who has got no idea what's going on at actually he should be just about in charge of the dustbins. so he is a sort of reliable performer, successive governments have seen him as, but now of course he is in this job which is enormously important at this moment. but which is enormously important at this moment-— this moment. but also there is robabl this moment. but also there is probably an — this moment. but also there is probably an argument - this moment. but also there is probably an argument to - this moment. but also there is probably an argument to be i this moment. but also there is i probably an argument to be made this moment. but also there is - probably an argument to be made that at a time when so much of the cabinet is so green, rishi sunak himself only became an mp in 2015, by which point grant shapps had done five years of ministerialjobs, and if you years in the cabinet. james cleverly, the home secretary, became

an mp in 2015, as did 0liver dowden, there are a whole load of 2019 intake in the cabinet now. so actually grant shapps and david cameron, alongside michael gove i guess are the three most experienced members of the cabinet, the three who have been around politics for the longest time. it is befitting that two of those are in those two national security jobs. that two of those are in those two national securityjobs. i that two of those are in those two national security jobs.— national security “obs. i wonder if newscasters— national security “obs. i wonder if newscasters like i national security jobs. i wonder if newscasters like me _ national security jobs. i wonder if newscasters like me would i national security jobs. i wonder if newscasters like me would not i national security jobs. i wonder if. newscasters like me would not have that knowledge that youtube had, i don't _ that knowledge that youtube had, i don't think— that knowledge that youtube had, i don't think i knew there was biographical dates, and i must be guilty— biographical dates, and i must be guilty of— biographical dates, and i must be guilty of making the same point every— guilty of making the same point every week but it does help me understand why the selection of david _ understand why the selection of david cameron in this role, at this time _ david cameron in this role, at this time is _ david cameron in this role, at this time is such— david cameron in this role, at this time is such an important one for rishi _ time is such an important one for rishi sunak _ time is such an important one for rishi sunak-— rishi sunak. absolutely, without . uestion rishi sunak. absolutely, without question and _ rishi sunak. absolutely, without question and while _ rishi sunak. absolutely, without question and while it _ rishi sunak. absolutely, without question and while it might i rishi sunak. absolutely, without question and while it might have seemed a smart move in lots of ways back on the day of the reshuffle, it might two others have seemed like a really contradictory move on the day of the reshuffle just after rishi sunak had been saying, i am the change guy, here is the old guy! a

few months in, given what is happening, having someone who already has a stature around the world who can pick up the phone, who will be seen by leaders around the world is not being... as somebody who has started as a former prime minister, in some ways that does not like it was a helpful thing. although we should also say that david cameron's own foreign policy record was not always one that went particularly well, so just because you have done something does not mean that you necessarily are going to get it right the next time, but they are in a real bind and it was one thing that grant shapps also said to us this morning which i think might get picked up by some of the papers, overnight benjamin netanyahu, the israeli prime minister's spokesperson restated very strongly his position that a two—state solution is a contradiction with what israel wants to do. now, why does that matter? it is because most big democracies think that that is the only way to resolve this situation, and yet we

are seeing the israeli leader, not backed by everybody in his own government on that line, but we're seeing the israeli leader seeming to harden his position, and this morning grant shapps who is normally quite hawkish on all this stuff said that was disappointing, and in diplomatic language, to say something is disappointing might be like you and me saying, oh, my god, wrong, wrong, wrong. so that was interesting, a pretty strong statement from the uk defence secretary to say that the israeli position on the two—state solution is disappointing. i position on the two-state solution is disappointing-— is disappointing. i think it's very disappointing — is disappointing. i think it's very disappointing that _ is disappointing. i think it's very disappointing that benjamin i disappointing that benjamin netanyahu has said that, it is not in some — netanyahu has said that, it is not in some senses a surprise, he has spent _ in some senses a surprise, he has spent his— in some senses a surprise, he has spent his entire political career against — spent his entire political career against a — spent his entire political career against a two—state solution. but the point — against a two—state solution. but the point is, which other route is there _ the point is, which other route is there to — the point is, which other route is there to seriously resolve this? palestinians deserve a sovereign state _ palestinians deserve a sovereign state. israel deserves to have the full ability— state. israel deserves to have the full ability to defend itself, its own security, in other words. and in

dilomatic own security, in other words. and in diplomatic language _ own security, in other words. and in diplomatic language to _ own security, in other words. and in diplomatic language to say - own security, in other words. fific “i diplomatic language to say something is disappointing might be like you and me saying, oh, my god, wrong, wrong, wrong. so i think that was interesting, it was a pretty strong statement from the uk defence secretary to say that the israeli position on the two—state solution is disappointing, doesn't mean that there is anything i can necessarily do about it, the us has been trying without much success in the last few months, but it is interesting that you are seeing that language just turn up a little bit in terms of the criticism of netanyahu. the turn up a little bit in terms of the criticism of netanyahu.— criticism of netanyahu. the party leader in the _ criticism of netanyahu. the party leader in the uk _ criticism of netanyahu. the party leader in the uk who _ criticism of netanyahu. the party leader in the uk who has - criticism of netanyahu. the party leader in the uk who has been i criticism of netanyahu. the party. leader in the uk who has been the most critical of israel is humza yousaf, the first minister of scotland. your guest today. we spoke a lot about domestic politics yesterday, but we promised to do the wash up of the humza yousaf interview, so we must turn me. henry, you obviously watch it, this business of predicting a keir starmer premiership's is kind of

novel, somehow?— starmer premiership's is kind of novel, somehow? absolutely. i can see what he's _ novel, somehow? absolutely. i can see what he's trying _ novel, somehow? absolutely. i can see what he's trying to _ novel, somehow? absolutely. i can see what he's trying to do, - novel, somehow? absolutely. i canj see what he's trying to do, because for so _ see what he's trying to do, because for so long. — see what he's trying to do, because for so long, the snp has got votes off labour— for so long, the snp has got votes off labour in scotland by saying, look. _ off labour in scotland by saying, look. you — off labour in scotland by saying, look, you are governed perpetually by english — look, you are governed perpetually by english tories who didn't vote for, by english tories who didn't vote for. this— by english tories who didn't vote for. this is— by english tories who didn't vote for, this is ridiculous, and labour are now— for, this is ridiculous, and labour are now making the argument, well, actually— are now making the argument, well, actually it— are now making the argument, well, actually if you want not to be governed _ actually if you want not to be governed by english tories, you have -ot governed by english tories, you have got to— governed by english tories, you have got to vote _ governed by english tories, you have got to vote for us. but the polling, and that— got to vote for us. but the polling, and that has been one of the big undercurrents in westminster this week, _ undercurrents in westminster this week, the — undercurrents in westminster this week, the apocalyptic polling for the conservative party, the polling suggests— the conservative party, the polling suggests as humza yousaf said, that the labour— suggests as humza yousaf said, that the labour party are streets and streets — the labour party are streets and streets ahead, very, very strong favourites — streets ahead, very, very strong favourites to win the next general election — favourites to win the next general election. . . favourites to win the next general election. ., ., ,., , favourites to win the next general election. ., ., ._ , ., favourites to win the next general election. ., ., , ., ., favourites to win the next general election. ., ., ., ., election. laura will say you have to have our election. laura will say you have to have your head _ election. laura will say you have to have your head round, _ election. laura will say you have to have your head round, she - election. laura will say you have to have your head round, she gets i election. laura will say you have to l have your head round, she gets very grumpy when people claim they have read the opinion polls logo ijust say the election is a long time away. say the election is a long time awa . �* . , say the election is a long time awa . ~ ., , ,., . away. and that is the point which ou ut away. and that is the point which you put to _ away. and that is the point which you put to humza _ away. and that is the point which you put to humza yousaf, - away. and that is the point which you put to humza yousaf, laura. j away. and that is the point which l you put to humza yousaf, laura. it you put to humza yousaf, laura. [it is you put to humza yousaf, laura. is deeply you put to humza yousaf, laura. it is deeply misleading to suggest to people when we are bay ten months away from an election. if

people when we are bay ten months away from an election.— away from an election. if you can show me a _ away from an election. if you can show me a single _ away from an election. if you can show me a single poll _ away from an election. if you can show me a single poll which i show me a single poll which suggested that is going to be a marginal election i would love to see it. because i have not seen it. it is undoubtedly the case that stomach doesn't need scotland to win, he is going to be the next prime minister of the uk. we all know that. what i am saying to voters in scotland is, vote for what you believe in. i voters in scotland is, vote for what you believe im— voters in scotland is, vote for what you believe in. i can see why humza yousaf feels — you believe in. i can see why humza yousaf feels like _ you believe in. i can see why humza yousaf feels like he _ you believe in. i can see why humza yousaf feels like he can _ you believe in. i can see why humza yousaf feels like he can now - you believe in. i can see why humza yousaf feels like he can now almost| yousaf feels like he can now almost turn that _ yousaf feels like he can now almost turn that argument on its head and say, actually you're going to be governed — say, actually you're going to be governed by english labour people, why not— governed by english labour people, why not vote snp for another scottish— why not vote snp for another scottish voice in parliament? | scottish voice in parliament? i think scottish voice in parliament? think he is scottish voice in parliament? i think he is trying to set a trap for keir starmer. in the central bout constituencies in scotland, which are the most numerous, where the snp and labourare are the most numerous, where the snp and labour are neck and neck, labour is the number one target for the snp, i think he is trying to set a trap for keir starmer because when we look at the letter that he has written to keir starmer today, saying, come and see me in edinburgh, we will have a lovely time, it would be grown to talk to each other about how we might work

together because inevitably, you're going to be prime indistinct. interesting also for the nerves that thatis interesting also for the nerves that that is actually on covenant official paper, it is not on snp letter paper, and, where newscasters will know that that is notable because it means he is suggesting this would be official government business. anyway, iam this would be official government business. anyway, i am sad for mentioning that.— business. anyway, i am sad for mentioning that. business. anyway, i am sad for mentionin: that. ., , mentioning that. no, we embrace the nerd. mentioning that. no, we embrace the herd thank — mentioning that. no, we embrace the nerd. thank you. _ mentioning that. no, we embrace the nerd. thank you. but _ mentioning that. no, we embrace the nerd. thank you. but i _ mentioning that. no, we embrace the nerd. thank you. but i think - mentioning that. no, we embrace the nerd. thank you. but i think he i mentioning that. no, we embrace the nerd. thank you. but i think he is i nerd. thank you. but i think he is t in: to nerd. thank you. but i think he is trying to set _ nerd. thank you. but i think he is trying to set a — nerd. thank you. but i think he is trying to set a trap _ nerd. thank you. but i think he is trying to set a trap for _ nerd. thank you. but i think he is trying to set a trap for him. i nerd. thank you. but i think he is trying to set a trap for him. he i trying to set a trap for him. he mentioned in the letter, the two child benefit cap, we know that to keir starmer has got no intention... it is a wedge issue.— it is a wedge issue. exactly. you talked about _ it is a wedge issue. exactly. you talked about bedroom _ it is a wedge issue. exactly. you talked about bedroom tax, i it is a wedge issue. exactly. you talked about bedroom tax, he i it is a wedge issue. exactly. you i talked about bedroom tax, he talked also in the letter a bit about having a mandate for a referendum. but he is picking up on issues that he knows that some labour voters in scotland don't like keir starmer�*s position on and he is setting a trap for him because either way, if he goes, and they have their meeting, the tories will say, look, evidence

that the snp and labour are in cahoots and labour is going to rely on the snp. brute cahoots and labour is going to rely on the snp-— cahoots and labour is going to rely on the snp. ~ ., ., ., ,. , on the snp. we have had that script from them before. _ on the snp. we have had that script from them before. we _ on the snp. we have had that script from them before. we have, - on the snp. we have had that script from them before. we have, the i from them before. we have, the oster, from them before. we have, the poster. exactly. _ from them before. we have, the poster, exactly, to _ from them before. we have, the poster, exactly, to keir- from them before. we have, the poster, exactly, to keir starmer| from them before. we have, the i poster, exactly, to keir starmer in humza yousaf�*s pockets. if he doesn't go to have the talks, is a usage might say, this is terribly offensive, you're disrespecting the office of the first minister of scotland, you're disrespecting scottish voters by not coming to speak to us. and if he does go, he can say, he doesn't agree with me on these things that i know are important to scottish voters, like theissues important to scottish voters, like the issues that i have already outlined. so i think he is trying to set a trap and yvette cooper did not want to give an answer as whether or not keir starmer is going to rsvp i think people in scotland want to see a labour government, we want them to vote labour to do so. that a labour government, we want them to vote labour to do so.— vote labour to do so. at the moment in scotland — vote labour to do so. at the moment in scotland they _ vote labour to do so. at the moment in scotland they are _ vote labour to do so. at the moment in scotland they are suffering - vote labour to do so. at the moment in scotland they are suffering from i in scotland they are suffering from having two failing governments, one in westminster and one in scotland. should he go and see him? we

in westminster and one in scotland. should he go and see him?- in westminster and one in scotland. should he go and see him? we are not doinu deals should he go and see him? we are not doing deals with _ should he go and see him? we are not doing deals with the _ should he go and see him? we are not doing deals with the snp, _ should he go and see him? we are not doing deals with the snp, the - doing deals with the snp, the important thing is to have a labour government elected to get rid of the conservatives where everything feels broken right across the country. low growth, low opportunities, it's time for something better. and growth, low opportunities, it's time for something better.— for something better. and isn't part ofthe for something better. and isn't part of the awkwardness _ for something better. and isn't part of the awkwardness and _ for something better. and isn't part of the awkwardness and the - for something better. and isn't part i of the awkwardness and the potential solution _ of the awkwardness and the potential solution for labour here that anas sarwar. _ solution for labour here that anas sarwar. the — solution for labour here that anas sarwar, the leader of the scottish labour— sarwar, the leader of the scottish labour party, has put a bit of distance _ labour party, has put a bit of distance between himself and keir starmer— distance between himself and keir starmer on some of those issues, i think— starmer on some of those issues, i think particularly the two child benefit — think particularly the two child benefit cap. think particularly the two child benefit cap-— think particularly the two child benefitca. , ., ., ., benefit cap. exactly, and also on what is happening _ benefit cap. exactly, and also on what is happening in _ benefit cap. exactly, and also on what is happening in gaza i benefit cap. exactly, and also on what is happening in gaza and i benefit cap. exactly, and also on what is happening in gaza and in| what is happening in gaza and in various other places so there is that added nugget of irksome less as you say for the snp that they can try and create a bit more grit between starmer and anas sarwar. when it comes to a nugget of irk, it was my— when it comes to a nugget of irk, it was my favourite album, got me through— was my favourite album, got me through my student days! i miss spoi

in scotland, i was a student then and i_ in scotland, i was a student then and i voted — in scotland, i was a student then and i voted in 1987 thank goodness because _ and i voted in 1987 thank goodness because i_ and i voted in 1987 thank goodness because i didn't think you are old enough _ because i didn't think you are old enough to— because i didn't think you are old enough to have voted in 1983. i love that you're — enough to have voted in 1983. i love that you're saying that but the figures — that you're saying that but the figures are so striking. labour won 50 seats _ figures are so striking. labour won 50 seats in — figures are so striking. labour won 50 seats in 1987, the conservatives ten and _ 50 seats in 1987, the conservatives ten and the — 50 seats in 1987, the conservatives ten and the snp three.— ten and the snp three. yeah, the whole thing _ ten and the snp three. yeah, the whole thing got — ten and the snp three. yeah, the whole thing got flecked _ ten and the snp three. yeah, the whole thing got flecked on i ten and the snp three. yeah, the whole thing got flecked on its i ten and the snp three. yeah, the i whole thing got flecked on its head. for decades, labourwas whole thing got flecked on its head. for decades, labour was so, so dominant in scotland, and then the snp absolutely mullard them. and that situation reversed at a speed of knots. and even though now we are expecting a significant turn in the next general election, at the moment the polls would suggest that they are going to be roughly even stevens, ratherthan are going to be roughly even stevens, rather than a complete reversal where you see labour gobbling all of that back. so this business of _ gobbling all of that back. so this business of humza _ gobbling all of that back. so this business of humza yousaf i gobbling all of that back. so this| business of humza yousaf saying gobbling all of that back. so this i business of humza yousaf saying that keir starmer is obviously going to be the _ keir starmer is obviously going to be the prime minister, is it also a way of— be the prime minister, is it also a way of saying labour voters can stay at home, _ way of saying labour voters can stay at home, henry? way of saying labour voters can stay at home. henry?— at home, henry? look, i mean, i'm sure he would _ at home, henry? look, i mean, i'm sure he would be _ at home, henry? look, i mean, i'm sure he would be delighted - at home, henry? look, i mean, i'm sure he would be delighted if i at home, henry? look, i mean, i'm sure he would be delighted if it i

sure he would be delighted if it worked. i mean, it is fascinating, the resurgence of labour north of the resurgence of labour north of the border, in scotland. i remember early in 2023 seeing anas sarwar in portcullis house in parliament and i went over to speak to him and his team, and basically, they were in london to lobby keir starmer and his team to put more resources into scotland. they were basically saying, we can win more than five seats, we could maybe even win ten. and now, one year on, here they are thinking they could win 20, maybe even 30, be the largest party in scotland again in westminster. and then of course there is the next set of scottish parliament elections coming down the track fairly soon after that full where they potentially could be in with a shot of forming a scottish government again for the first time since 2007. so there is a sudden vibe ship, to

use the language of the day, in scottish politics, which is quite something to behold. it scottish politics, which is quite something to behold.— scottish politics, which is quite something to behold. it is, and as we said yesterday, _ something to behold. it is, and as we said yesterday, if— something to behold. it is, and as we said yesterday, if you - something to behold. it is, and as we said yesterday, if you look i something to behold. it is, and as we said yesterday, if you look at l we said yesterday, if you look at where the polling change, it was around the liz truss disaster and the difficulties around the snp leadership contest, so to talk about the resurgence of labour, it is true that they are in a resurgent position, for sure, but it is far from being just down to achievements that they have made. and there is a similarity between what people would tell you on the doorsteps, we know your we don't hear enthusiasm for keir starmer, just dissatisfaction with the tories, that is also the case in labour, it is not all about the fact that scottish labour has got its act together. we the fact that scottish labour has got its act together.— the fact that scottish labour has got its act together. we are going to end this section _ got its act together. we are going to end this section now— got its act together. we are going to end this section now but i got its act together. we are going l to end this section now but because i am to end this section now but because i am so _ to end this section now but because i am so awestruck by henry's dates, can i_ i am so awestruck by henry's dates, can i share — i am so awestruck by henry's dates, can i share a — i am so awestruck by henry's dates, can i share a political fact with you that — can i share a political fact with you that winston churchill was famously— you that winston churchill was famously mp for dundee... yes. and was overturned _ famously mp for dundee... iezs and was overturned by a teetotal

abolitionist candidate. that was overturned by a teetotal abolitionist candidate. that is a aood abolitionist candidate. that is a good fact- _ abolitionist candidate. that is a good fact- did _ abolitionist candidate. that is a good fact. did you _ abolitionist candidate. that is a good fact. did you know- abolitionist candidate. that is a good fact. did you know that? l abolitionist candidate. that is aj good fact. did you know that? i abolitionist candidate. that is a i good fact. did you know that? i did not know that, _ good fact. did you know that? i did not know that, no. _ good fact. did you know that? i did not know that, no. i— good fact. did you know that? i did not know that, no. i feel— good fact. did you know that? i did not know that, no. i feel that i good fact. did you know that? i did not know that, no. i feel that my i not know that, no. i feel that my work is done _ not know that, no. i feel that my work is done on _ not know that, no. i feel that my work is done on newscast, i- not know that, no. i feel that my| work is done on newscast, i shall retire _ work is done on newscast, ishall retire be— work is done on newscast, i shall retire. �* , ., ., retire. by the time i get round to watchin: retire. by the time i get round to watching it. _ retire. by the time i get round to watching it, potentially - retire. by the time i get round to watching it, potentially i - retire. by the time i get round to watching it, potentially i will i retire. by the time i get round to | watching it, potentially i will have forgotten all the names anyway. 50. forgotten all the names anyway. so, to ou forgotten all the names anyway. so, to you listening and watching, we are going — to you listening and watching, we are going to do a plot spoiler, on broadcasting house today we had diane. _ broadcasting house today we had diane, the breakout star from the reality— diane, the breakout star from the reality show which depends on the faithfuls _ reality show which depends on the faithfuls and the traitors, which is a soaraway— faithfuls and the traitors, which is a soaraway success, and here is what she told _ a soaraway success, and here is what she told us _ a soaraway success, and here is what she told us about her track record. they— she told us about her track record. they got— she told us about her track record. they got rid — she told us about her track record. they got rid of me because i am fairly opinionated, quite gobby, quite direct, and so as myles said, thatis quite direct, and so as myles said, that is a threat. but equally i think if a faithful support is a traitor as a mate, then really it is silly to get rid of your support. i suppose what interests you is people, because not everybody is watching traitors, is that it is very political, what you say, what

you mean, and who you ally with. absolutely, and who is and is not telling _ absolutely, and who is and is not telling you — absolutely, and who is and is not telling you the truth. and my favourite _ telling you the truth. and my favourite bit, i telling you the truth. and my favourite bit, lam telling you the truth. and my favourite bit, i am still on series one, _ favourite bit, i am still on series one. is— favourite bit, i am still on series one, is when two of them go out of the room. — one, is when two of them go out of the room. or— one, is when two of them go out of the room, orwhen one, is when two of them go out of the room, or when somebody is walking — the room, or when somebody is walking along the corridor, they go, shall we _ walking along the corridor, they go, shall we just go in here and have a chat and _ shall we just go in here and have a chat and that is when they start whispering about whether or not they agree _ whispering about whether or not they agree but _ whispering about whether or not they agree. but then who is lying, who is telling _ agree. but then who is lying, who is telling the _ agree. but then who is lying, who is telling the truth, it is all very potiticat _ telling the truth, it is all very political. do telling the truth, it is all very olitical. , ., , telling the truth, it is all very olitical. ,. , 1, , political. do your member in boris johnson's resignation _ political. do your member in boris johnson's resignation speech - political. do your member in boris| johnson's resignation speech when political. do your member in boris - johnson's resignation speech when he johnson's resignation speech when he said, when the herd moves, it moves. the roundtable, when people will arrive with all sorts of different ideas, and then a couple of people, forfairly spurious ideas, and then a couple of people, for fairly spurious reasons, ideas, and then a couple of people, forfairly spurious reasons, will decide that someone is a traitor. they will say, oh, you behaved funnily earlier, even though that has nothing to do with, claudia winkleman tap them on the shoulder in the first episode, and then everybody especially in the early episodes, everybody willjust pile in behind as it says something fascinating about human psychology that it fascinating about human psychology thatitis fascinating about human psychology that it is also something you see in

westminster. j that it is also something you see in westminster-— westminster. i think actually sometimes _ westminster. i think actually sometimes people _ westminster. i think actually sometimes people start - westminster. i think actually - sometimes people start rumours in portcullis house or westminster on purpose and then they sit in the corner and they see it go from table to table, to the two queue, to the coffee bar, table to table, back to them, and then maybe an hour later they will start a different one and it will go round the other way. here is another tv _ it will go round the other way. here is another tv moment _ it will go round the other way. here is another tv moment i _ it will go round the other way. here is another tv moment i can - it will go round the other way. here is another tv moment i can remember, which _ is another tv moment i can remember, which you _ is another tv moment i can remember, which you too _ is another tv moment i can remember, which you too will be gibbering about, — which you too will be gibbering about, is— which you too will be gibbering about, is when michael gove said boris _ about, is when michael gove said borisjohnson isn't the right persohm _ borisjohnson isn't the right person... i boris johnson isn't the right person- - -— boris johnson isn't the right erson... ., ~ ., ., person... i could talk about that da for person... i could talk about that day for hours — person... i could talk about that day for hours and _ person... i could talk about that day for hours and hours. - person. .. i could talk about that day for hours and hours. i - person... i could talk about that day for hours and hours. i will. day for hours and hours. i will always remember, i got off the tube, i was on my way to borisjohnson's leadership launch, it was a very busy time, i got off the tube and i had about 20 missed calls, and i phoned back the person who shall remain nameless and they picked up the phone and said, michael's running. and i said, what?! and it wasjust then unleashed running. and i said, what?! and it was just then unleashed absolute

bedlam. i wasjust then unleashed absolute bedlam. ., ., ., bedlam. i feel we have gone to the end now. bedlam. i feel we have gone to the end now- i— bedlam. i feel we have gone to the end now. i should _ bedlam. i feel we have gone to the end now. i should say _ bedlam. i feel we have gone to the end now. i should say to _ end now. i should say to newscasters, let's do more next week with your— newscasters, let's do more next week with your questions and answers, instead _ with your questions and answers, instead of— with your questions and answers, instead ofjournalistic memories instead of journalistic memories which _ instead of journalistic memories which i — instead ofjournalistic memories which i have stoped and we should hem _ which i have stoped and we should be... �* which i have stoped and we should be... . , ., which i have stoped and we should be... �* which i have stoped and we should be... . ., which i have stoped and we should be... are you saying that i have been- - - ? _ be... are you saying that i have been- - - ? no — be. .. are you saying that i have been...? no it— be. .. are you saying that i have been...? no it is— be... are you saying that i have been...? no it is interesting . be... are you saying that i have| been. . . ? no it is interesting but be... are you saying that i have l been...? no it is interesting but i was trying — been...? no it is interesting but i was trying to _ been...? no it is interesting but i was trying to end _ been...? no it is interesting but i was trying to end this _ been...? no it is interesting but i was trying to end this edition - been...? no it is interesting but i was trying to end this edition of. was trying to end this edition of newscast— was trying to end this edition of newscast and i have taken us down a worrnhote _ newscast and i have taken us down a wormhole. if you are listening, thank— wormhole. if you are listening, thank you — wormhole. if you are listening, thank you so much for getting to the end. goodbye. thank you so much for getting to the end- goodbye-— thank you so much for getting to the end. goodbye. hello there. storm isha looks to be one of the strongest storms we've seen this �*23—�*21i season. typical gusts, 60—70, but we will have some stronger gusts than that. we have already had a gust of 90mph

in snowdonia, and the winds will continue to strengthen here. the strongest winds generally will be forming around this hook in the cloud, you can seejust forming around this hook in the cloud, you can see just to the west of the republic of ireland, that is where the most damaging winds are going to be generally. let's take a look at the different gusts around the country. in snowdonia we will probably get some gusts of 100mph. further north, generally, this is where the strongest winds will go, for northern ireland, 60—70 is very likely but we could get some stronger winds across northern counties, up to 90mph. similar gusts possible in scotland. winds of this strong will blow down some trees, so we are talking about transport disruption, power networks are likely to be damaged, power cuts, very likely, and as well as all of that, the stronger gusts could result in structural damage with roots getting ripped off buildings. by roots getting ripped off buildings. by the time we get to monday, the weather will be coming down. blustery sunshine and showers, hail

and thunder mixed in across northern areas and cold enough for some snow over the scottish mountains, feeling colder for many of us. on tuesday, another area of low pressure will be racing in off the atlantic, this one bringing a return of heavy rain widely, so we are likely to see some further flood warnings across england and scotland in particular. still an ongoing thaw, given the mild conditions and as the rain band clears through we will see showers follow. gusty winds for the northern half of the uk is welcome gusts on tuesday reaching 60—70mph. we can breathe a sigh of relief as we head into wednesday thanks to this ridge of high pressure building on from the west. there will be a few showers around across north—western areas, otherwise it is a dry day with some spells of sunshine, the winds have been a lot calmer, still mild temperatures 10—12. beyond that, high pressure staying close by, so, a drier spell around the corner, the rain neverfar away from scotland and northern ireland. in

the short—term, though, it is all about storm isha. live from london, this is bbc news.

widespread weather warnings are in place across the uk. storm isha is sweeping in, bringing winds of up to 90mph. planes are already having difficulty landing at heathrow airport. they've been cancelled in cardiff, and the entire scottish train network is suspended. this is a live shot from cornwall, we will bring you the latest on the impact of storm isha. in other news — a deadly blast rocks a market in the occupied city of donetsk, in eastern ukraine. the kremlin says at least least 25 people are dead. more than 25,000 people have now been killed in gaza since the war with israel began, according to the hamas—run health ministry. hello, i'm lucy gray. there are major weather warnings

in place across the uk as a powerful