messages shared via whatsapp but also the nature of the conversations on the messaging platform. wejust have some of the highlights first. nicola sturgeon insisted she only used platforms like whatsapp for informal communications and added that if any salient points of substance were discussed, she would ensure they were officially recorded. ijust want ensure they were officially recorded. i just want to point you to the bbc website now. if you would like to continue following nicola sturgeon�*s evidence to the covid inquiry, there is a live page online for it. just go to this website for the latest updates and analysis there. you can also click on the blue button at the top of the page to watch a live stream on this story. once again, you have been watching live coverage of nicola sturgeon�*s testimony to the covid inquiry in scotland. the former

first minister, nicola sturgeon, was sometimes critical of how the westminster government handled this. cast your mind back to the height of the pandemic when we were all facing government imposed restrictions, look down rules on social mixing. different nations were able to set their own rules and that sometimes lead to clashes between the government in london and the scottish government about everything from messaging to concrete decisions. it is an example. this is a message that emerged in the inquiry earlier this week. nicola sturgeon said to one of her key aides, describing borisjohnson, as you can see, not a fan. we put it was useful to go back and look at some of the decisions and the outcomes they had. let's start with march 2020, the first lockdown. that happened across the uk, at this point, all nations were grossly on the same page. but agreements didn't

last long. there were tensions over a number of things, one of them was messaging. rememberwhen a number of things, one of them was messaging. remember when this came in, stay alert, control the virus. nicola sturgeon was not happy about that and she wanted scotland to keep the stay—at—home messaging instead. over the next few months, there were different rules, scotland had tighter rules on things like face coverings which were introduced in shops earlier for example, and scotland often took longer to relax rules around things like hospitality and social distancing and senior figures in scotland often advocated a policy of so—called zero covid, getting rid of it completely, and they criticised the uk government for not doing the same. here is a key question. did it make a difference? the data suggests that it didn't change things vastly. i want to show you two different graphics here. this one isjune 2020 up graphics here. this one isjune 2020 up tojune 202i. graphics here. this one isjune 2020 up tojune 2021. at this point, you

see excess deaths which are seen as the best way of measuring the of the pandemic, england has a much higher rate of excess deaths then wales, scotland and northern ireland. it over time, the gap narrowed. —— but over time, the gap narrowed. —— but over time. this isjune 2020 up to june 2022, a full two year period, taking in the most severe lockdown restrictions. as you can see, there is not a huge difference between england and scotland, scotland's percentage is slightly lower but it has caught up a bit of england. you can see wales is a bit lower and northern ireland is lower still. that does suggest that the outcomes of the pandemic would not vastly different. there are a lot of issues nicola sturgeon will be asked about today on decisions, the impact they had, whatsapp messages, accusations that there was a level of secrecy because so many of them were

deleted. also care home policies has featured a lot when the herrings have been in scotland. but the data we have been going through suggest that this despite some of the different decisions and messaging, the outcomes in scotland and england certainly when it comes to excess death rates were pretty similar. —— when the hearings have been in scotland. w' . , when the hearings have been in scotland. ., , ., “ scotland. nick eardley from bbc verify there- _ scotland. nick eardley from bbc verify there. earlier, _ scotland. nick eardley from bbc verify there. earlier, we - scotland. nick eardley from bbc verify there. earlier, we heard l scotland. nick eardley from bbc- verify there. earlier, we heard from a solicitor for scottish covid, bereaved. a solicitor for scottish covid, bereaved-— a solicitor for scottish covid, bereaved. , ~ , , bereaved. the first minister became scotland's master _ bereaved. the first minister became scotland's master of _ bereaved. the first minister became scotland's master of spin _ bereaved. the first minister became scotland's master of spin but - bereaved. the first minister became scotland's master of spin but will. scotland's master of spin but will today— scotland's master of spin but will today face the greatest trial she has faced, there will be no hiding place. _ has faced, there will be no hiding place, toleration of spin or acceptance of apologies. the scottish _ acceptance of apologies. the scottish covid bereaved to serve the truth, _ scottish covid bereaved to serve the truth, in _ scottish covid bereaved to serve the truth, in comparison to let the bodies — truth, in comparison to let the bodies pile up high borisjohnson, nicola _ bodies pile up high borisjohnson, nicola sturgeon betrayed a daily image _ nicola sturgeon betrayed a daily image of sincerity in wanting to do

i’ilht image of sincerity in wanting to do right by— image of sincerity in wanting to do right by the scottish people during the pandemic but that's carefully crafted _ the pandemic but that's carefully crafted image has been shattered in the hands _ crafted image has been shattered in the hands of nicola sturgeon herself _ the hands of nicola sturgeon herself. those who lost loved ones were _ herself. those who lost loved ones were convinced it would no longer be invisible _ were convinced it would no longer be invisible in _ were convinced it would no longer be invisible in that misery and nicola sturgeon — invisible in that misery and nicola sturgeon would do everything possible to illuminate the truth. that was — possible to illuminate the truth. that was the very least she owed to those _ that was the very least she owed to those who _ that was the very least she owed to those who lost their lives to covid. but today, — those who lost their lives to covid. but today, nicola sturgeon stands accused _ but today, nicola sturgeon stands accused of a betrayal of the many promises — accused of a betrayal of the many promises he made, including that nothing _ promises he made, including that nothing would be off—limits in the public— nothing would be off—limits in the public inquiries. the nothing would be off-limits in the public inquiries.— public inquiries. the inquiry has been looking — public inquiries. the inquiry has been looking at _ public inquiries. the inquiry has been looking at the _ public inquiries. the inquiry has been looking at the informal. been looking at the informal communications between scottish government advisers and ministers. in one text conversation with her chief of staff, liz lloyd, the first minister called borisjohnson a plough and used an expletive. liz lloyd told the inquiry she had lost her messages prior to september 2020. -- her messages prior to september 2020. —— called him a clown. this meant she had none covering the

initial stages of the pandemic. nicola sturgeon says the inquiry does have messages from her, although she had not retained them on her own device. in a crucial moment earlier, nicola sturgeon admitted to jamie dawson kc that she had in fact deleted those messages. whatsapp messages between yourself and mr— whatsapp messages between yourself and mr yousef and miss lloyd were produced _ and mr yousef and miss lloyd were produced by you with your second statement. where did you get them? young _ statement. where did you get them? young like _ statement. where did you get them? young like they were provided to meet _ young like they were provided to meet through the scottish government. you are busy didn't have them _ government. you are busy didn't have them on _ government. you are busy didn't have them on your— government. you are busy didn't have them on your own devices because you deieted _ them on your own devices because you deleted them. i them on your own devices because you deleted them-— deleted them. i didn't retain them in or line with _ deleted them. i didn't retain them in or line with the _ deleted them. i didn't retain them in or line with the procedure - deleted them. i didn't retain them in or line with the procedure i - in or line with the procedure i talked about.— in or line with the procedure i talked about. you had to lead to them, had _ talked about. you had to lead to them. had you _ talked about. you had to lead to them, had you not? _ talked about. you had to lead to them, had you not? forgive - talked about. you had to lead to | them, had you not? forgive me, talked about. you had to lead to i them, had you not? forgive me, i think deletion _ them, had you not? forgive me, i think deletion sounds _ them, had you not? forgive me, i think deletion sounds as - them, had you not? forgive me, i think deletion sounds as if - them, had you not? forgive me, i think deletion sounds as if it - them, had you not? forgive me, i think deletion sounds as if it is - think deletion sounds as if it is not bothering to check whether any information was being retained. i was very thorough notjust in the pandemic but in all my work in government to ensure that things were appropriately recorded but in

line with the advice i had always been given since my first day in government, probably, it was not to retain conversations like that on a phone that could be lost or stolen and therefore, not secure. but did ou and therefore, not secure. but did you delete — and therefore, not secure. but did you delete them? _ and therefore, not secure. but did you delete them? yes. _ and therefore, not secure. but did you delete them? yes. we - and therefore, not secure. but did you delete them? yes. we will. and therefore, not secure. but did i you delete them? yes. we will have more coverage _ you delete them? yes we will have more coverage from the you delete them? 19:3 we will have more coverage from the covid you delete them? 193 we will have more coverage from the covid inquiry in scotland there as soon as it begins after a short break and we will have analysis from our correspondent following the inquiry. but let's move on to other news. the bbc has released around 3000 e—mails from martin bashir who became famous after his interview with princess diana in 2005. it found he had been deceitful in order to secure the interview and the corporation has now been compelled to reveal thousands of pages of correspondence revealing how it dealt with it all.

it is art media correspondent, david sillitoe. ., , ., it is art media correspondent, david sillitoe. . , ., ., ., ., sillitoe. the e-mails are all from a few weeks — sillitoe. the e-mails are all from a few weeks in _ sillitoe. the e-mails are all from a few weeks in 2020 _ sillitoe. the e-mails are all from a few weeks in 2020 when _ sillitoe. the e-mails are all from ai few weeks in 2020 when questions emerged about martin bashir�*s panorama interview with princess diana. the thousands of e—mails released include want to be director—general calling for a full inquiry. in relation to the whereabouts of the missing notes from princess diana. communications with martin bashir reveal his believes that this was being driven by professionaljealousy believes that this was being driven by professional jealousy that a second immigrant had landed such interview. this freedom of information request grew out of a suspicion the bbc was purposely withholding vital documents. the journalist who fought for the release says he thinks that the e—mail so information was being kept from him. in a statement, the bbc says documents not released to journalists were made available to the subsequent and damning dyson inquiry. the corporation has spent

more than £100,000 in a court case trying to resist this release of further documents, saying they are largely irrelevant or legally privileged. david sillitoe, bbc news. :, :, privileged. david sillitoe, bbc news. . . . privileged. david sillitoe, bbc news. . ., . ., ., news. human and technical error have been blamed — news. human and technical error have been blamed for— news. human and technical error have been blamed for incidents _ news. human and technical error have been blamed for incidents which - news. human and technical error have been blamed for incidents which have l been blamed for incidents which have seen some energy customers receiving significantly inflated bills from a number of suppliers. energy uk, the trade association for the industry, says mistakes are rectified as soon as possible. our cost of living correspondent reports. we as possible. our cost of living correspondent reports. we are here at martha's — correspondent reports. we are here at martha's all _ correspondent reports. we are here at martha's all should... _ correspondent reports. we are here at martha's all should... while - at martha's all should... while runnina at martha's all should... while running a _ at martha's all should... while running a complex _ at martha's all should... while running a complex of- at martha's all should... while running a complex of holiday l at martha's all should... while running a complex of holiday homes on the _ running a complex of holiday homes on the coast, he is accustomed to hi-h on the coast, he is accustomed to high energy— on the coast, he is accustomed to high energy bills but not this extreme. ., ., , , ., ., extreme. our normal bill is around £2000 a month. _ extreme. our normal bill is around £2000 a month. but _ extreme. our normal bill is around £2000 a month. but on _ extreme. our normal bill is around £2000 a month. but on this - extreme. our normal bill is around i £2000 a month. but on this occasion

we were _ £2000 a month. but on this occasion we were charged _ £2000 a month. but on this occasion we were charged £244,000 - £2000 a month. but on this occasion we were charged £244,000 a - £2000 a month. but on this occasion| we were charged £244,000 a month. there _ we were charged £244,000 a month. there was— we were charged £244,000 a month. there was pandemonium _ we were charged £244,000 a month. there was pandemonium in— we were charged £244,000 a month. there was pandemonium in the - we were charged £244,000 a month. there was pandemonium in the officej there was pandemonium in the office when _ there was pandemonium in the office when we _ there was pandemonium in the office when we realised _ there was pandemonium in the office when we realised that _ there was pandemonium in the office when we realised that unexpectedly i there was pandemonium in the officej when we realised that unexpectedly a quarter— when we realised that unexpectedly a quarter of— when we realised that unexpectedly a quarter of ii — when we realised that unexpectedly a quarter of £1 million _ when we realised that unexpectedly a quarter of £1 million had _ when we realised that unexpectedly a quarter of £1 million had been - when we realised that unexpectedly a quarter of £1 million had been taken i quarter of £1 million had been taken from our— quarter of £1 million had been taken from our accounts _ quarter of £1 million had been taken from our accounts wrongly. - quarter of £1 million had been taken from our accounts wrongly. it - quarter of £1 million had been taken from our accounts wrongly.- from our accounts wrongly. it rolled around the — from our accounts wrongly. it rolled around the clock— from our accounts wrongly. it rolled around the clock and _ from our accounts wrongly. it rolled around the clock and registered - from our accounts wrongly. it rolled| around the clock and registered over 9000 _ around the clock and registered over 9000 units — around the clock and registered over 9000 units instead of 1000 or so. the story— 9000 units instead of 1000 or so. the story was met with shock. my cosh, the story was met with shock. gosh, that the story was met with shock. my gosh, that is a lot of money. that j gosh, that is a lot of money. that is dreadful- _ gosh, that is a lot of money. that is dreadful. the _ gosh, that is a lot of money. that is dreadful. the frustration - gosh, that is a lot of money. that is dreadful. the frustration for - is dreadful. the frustration for mac aie is dreadful. the frustration for maggie and — is dreadful. the frustration for maggie and paul _ is dreadful. the frustration for maggie and paul was - is dreadful. the frustration for maggie and paul was finding l is dreadful. the frustration for maggie and paul was finding aj is dreadful. the frustration for - maggie and paul was finding a way to challenge their bill when it arrived. :, , challenge their bill when it arrived. . , , ., , arrived. e-mails, phone calls, lookin: arrived. e-mails, phone calls, looking through _ arrived. e-mails, phone calls, looking through my _ arrived. e-mails, phone calls, looking through my files. - arrived. e-mails, phone calls, looking through my files. if. arrived. e-mails, phone calls,| looking through my files. if you arrived. e-mails, phone calls, - looking through my files. if you put it all together, it is several months _ it all together, it is several months of my life. i think they have managed _ months of my life. i think they have managed to— months of my life. i think they have managed to wipe if you offer me. throughout the battle, i felt i wasn't — throughout the battle, i felt i wasn't being _ throughout the battle, i felt i wasn't being listened - throughout the battle, i felt i wasn't being listened to, - throughout the battle, i felt i wasn't being listened to, i. throughout the battle, i felt ii wasn't being listened to, i was being — wasn't being listened to, i was being ignored. _ wasn't being listened to, i was being ignored. i— wasn't being listened to, i was being ignored, i was— wasn't being listened to, i was being ignored, i was passed i wasn't being listened to, i was being ignored, i was passed to wasn't being listened to, i was i being ignored, i was passed to a number— being ignored, i was passed to a number of— being ignored, i was passed to a number of people _ being ignored, i was passed to a number of people within - being ignored, i was passed to a number of people within the - being ignored, i was passed to a number of people within the call centre _ number of people within the call centre who — number of people within the call centre who were _ number of people within the call centre who were all— number of people within the call centre who were all absolutely. centre who were all absolutely perfectly— centre who were all absolutely perfectly nice _ centre who were all absolutely perfectly nice but _ centre who were all absolutely perfectly nice but did - centre who were all absolutely perfectly nice but did nothing.

centre who were all absolutelyi perfectly nice but did nothing to resolve — perfectly nice but did nothing to resolve my— perfectly nice but did nothing to resolve my complaint. - perfectly nice but did nothing to resolve my complaint. it- perfectly nice but did nothing to resolve my complaint. it is - perfectly nice but did nothing to resolve my complaint.— perfectly nice but did nothing to resolve my complaint. it is not 'ust here in cornwall, i resolve my complaint. it is not 'ust here in cornwall, people i resolve my complaint. it is notjust here in cornwall, people across - resolve my complaint. it is notjust| here in cornwall, people across the country are receiving these unfathomable bills from various suppliers. a church in south wales are expecting a bill of a normal amounts but £40,000 was taken from their accounts because it was left in a well, and it raises questions about how these errors come about in the first place and how they can be stopped. it the first place and how they can be sto ed. , ., , the first place and how they can be sto ed. , . , ., the first place and how they can be stoned. , ., , ., ., stopped. it is really important that customers contact _ stopped. it is really important that customers contact their _ stopped. it is really important that l customers contact their suppliers... with millions a bill sent out, the trade body for supplies says errors are inevitable.— trade body for supplies says errors are inevitable. sometimes they are human errors _ are inevitable. sometimes they are human errors and _ are inevitable. sometimes they are human errors and sometimes - are inevitable. sometimes they are human errors and sometimes a - are inevitable. sometimes they are - human errors and sometimes a machine automation— human errors and sometimes a machine automation error. the important thing _ automation error. the important thing is — automation error. the important thing is that when things do go wrong, — thing is that when things do go wrong, they are put right as soon as possible _ wrong, they are put right as soon as ossible. :, wrong, they are put right as soon as ossible. . . , .., ., possible. that includes composition which went to _ possible. that includes composition which went to a _ possible. that includes composition which went to a good _ possible. that includes composition which went to a good cause - possible. that includes composition which went to a good cause in - which went to a good cause in patrick's case. he gave his payout of £1000 to this local food bank and

the supplier added their own donation of £1500, another financial surprise but with a better ending. let's return to our top story now, and this was the evidence and live testimony from nicola sturgeon, the former first minister of scotland, and her testimony to the covid inquiry in scotland. we can now go live to our scotland political correspondent, david wallace lockhart, who is in edinburgh at the inquiry. you were listening to nicola sturgeon's testimony. what did you make of it so far? by, nicola sturgeon's testimony. what did you make of it so far?- nicola sturgeon's testimony. what did you make of it so far? a lots of the first quarter _ did you make of it so far? a lots of the first quarter of _ did you make of it so far? a lots of the first quarter of this _ did you make of it so far? a lots of the first quarter of this marathon i the first quarter of this marathon session from nicola sturgeon was in relation to her whatsapp from the covid pandemic where she has now confirmed to the inquiry she had deleted. nicola sturgeon was asked, given she talked about being open and transparent and the inquiry

having all the information needed, why she would have deleted those messages. she pointed to scottish government independence but said that once ministers had taken important decisions, personal information out of that whatsapp, they were allowed to delete what was on their phone. essentially, nicola sturgeon's argument is that the whatsapp messages may no longer exist but the actual decision and important information has been saved centrally. of course, there are plenty who feels this isn't an adequate system and point out it means that essentially ministers have been marking their own homework, they go through their whatsapp messages and decide what should be kept and what should go. she was also asked about an exchange with her chief adviser from the time that showed them discussing the rules around hospitality, talking about what time businesses should have to close at one point in the pandemic. —— what type of businesses. this showed discussions

and business making happening on whatsapp, in this informal setting, something nicola sturgeon said didn't regularly happen. but the former first minister's argument here was that actually these discussions would then happen at cabinets, and these discussions were to an extent happening in the public eye and she therefore didn't feel this was anything new. this was simply duplicating what was happening in more formal channels. there are of course opponents here, their lawyer for the covid bereaved group who has accused the minister of industrial deletion, in his words, of evidence that should have been made public. plenty to come later this morning in this inquiry, questions around how decisions were made during the pandemic, relations with the uk government and of course questions about how the health aspects of the pandemic were handled. the whatsapp messages have been a key part of the testimony from

several officials in scotland so far and are ms sturgeon putting distance between herself and other officials and saying she rarely used whatsapp. how does that compare to the other testimony we have heard so far? whatsapp has played a key part in this inquiry both from the terms of messages that have been retrieved and messages that no longer exist and messages that no longer exist and i mentioned the scottish government guidance encouraging ministers and officials to regularly delete messages, provided important information had been saved. the problem in some respects is that there are other senior government ministers like the former finance secretary kate forbes who was in position during the pandemic who have kept all their whatsapps and did hand them over to the public inquiry. when it comes to certain officials, we see extracts from conversations where there has perhaps been a flippant attitude to deleting whatsapps. jokes about it. nicola sturgeon was asked about this, she was not involved in these charts and was not a member of these

groups and she said this was a difficult time during the pandemic and, yes, there might be more light—hearted moments that have come to light from officials. but she did stress she felt they were dedicated public servants doing difficultjobs in the most difficult time. and while she would not have use this language, she did seem to suggest that perhaps when you see it in this informal setting, that perhaps when you see it in this informalsetting, it that perhaps when you see it in this informal setting, it can come across a bit worse than the normal conversations that have taken place. just to let viewers know we will go back to the inquiry as and when it begins after this short break. there is expected to be a marathon session from the former first minister. and one of the key questions that will come up is not only how discussions were had, but the nature of decisions that were taken and who made those decisions.— decisions that were taken and who made those decisions. that's right. that has been _ made those decisions. that's right. that has been a _ made those decisions. that's right. that has been a part _ made those decisions. that's right. that has been a part of _ made those decisions. that's right. that has been a part of the - made those decisions. that's right. i that has been a part of the pandemic already this week. an accusation

that was thrown at nicola sturgeon was that when it came to making decisions, she relied on a small group of other ministers and advisers, smaller than even her cabinet to ultimately make the big calls. an interesting aspect of yesterday �*s evidence with the former finance secretary kate forbes was the council to the inquiry putting to her this group called gold command, a small group of ministers and advisers who met to discuss policy during the pandemic. and finance secretary kate forbes had not been invited to any and she didn't know they existed.— had not been invited to any and she didn't know they existed. david, the inuui has didn't know they existed. david, the inquiry has begun — didn't know they existed. david, the inquiry has begun again. _ inquiry has begun again. it is the case, is it not, that the scottish cabinet is meant to be the main decision forum within the scottish government? the scottish cabinet is the _

scottish government? the scottish cabinet is the main _ scottish government? the scottish. cabinet is the main decision-making cabinet is the main decision—making forum within the scottish government.— forum within the scottish government. ~ ,., ., government. where important decisions are _ government. where important decisions are concentrated - government. where important decisions are concentrated in i government. where important i decisions are concentrated in the hands of a few people as opposed to the entire cabinet, the proper function of the cabinet would be usurped,is function of the cabinet would be usurped, is that correct? if function of the cabinet would be usurped, is that correct?- usurped, is that correct? if that had been the _ usurped, is that correct? if that had been the situation, - usurped, is that correct? if that had been the situation, that. usurped, is that correct? if that i had been the situation, that would be true, but that is not the situation and, indeed, i am absolutely firmly of the view that any reading of the cabinet papers and the minutes of cabinet meetings would make very clear that was not the case. the cabinet was where our substantive discussions happened and decisions were taken after full and frank discussion involving all the members of the cabinet.- frank discussion involving all the members of the cabinet. thank you. this is an exchange _ members of the cabinet. thank you. this is an exchange that _ members of the cabinet. thank you. this is an exchange that we - members of the cabinet. thank you. this is an exchange that we have - this is an exchange that we have been to before, ms sturgeon, and i think you should have seen it already. i wasn't planning on reading it all out, but it is an exchange between the now first

minister and then cabinet secretary for health and social care and professor leitch from december 2021, in which he is describing against a background of a discussion between them about the possibility that at that time, there might require to be further measures taken to stem the omicron wave which had just hit scotland, is that broad context in terms of where we were in the pandemic correct?— terms of where we were in the pandemic correct? looking at the date, that is _ pandemic correct? looking at the date, that is exactly _ pandemic correct? looking at the date, that is exactly where - pandemic correct? looking at the date, that is exactly where we . pandemic correct? looking at the i date, that is exactly where we were. thank you. they had been discussing that and humza yousaf said he took a hell of a bullet at cabinets, but might be able to strengthen the measures even ifjust lately, we think we can find £100 million within the portfolio. and there is a discussion where he says, i don't know if it will happen, the first minister not remotely happy, it is at this last stage. they are far too weak as things stand. professor

leitch says, i was listening, i almost intervened to —— to deflect view, she was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. and he agrees with the principal and humza yousaf says, thatis principal and humza yousaf says, that is just the way it is. her renting at me is not the problem, i can take it at this stage, it is whether it helps to strengthen the package. feel free to defend me at a later stage. today's numbers lower—than—expected, i suspect some people are not testing given coat —— given christmas around the corner. the reference to she as you, i think. i assume so. do you recall this period broadly? i think. i assume so. do you recall this period broadly?— this period broadly? i recall the eriod this period broadly? i recall the period rrot _ this period broadly? i recall the period notjust _ this period broadly? i recall the period notjust broadly, - this period broadly? i recall the period notjust broadly, i - this period broadly? i recall the period notjust broadly, i recall| this period broadly? i recall the i period notjust broadly, i recall it in detail and the cabinet meeting. excellent. i think what the context is if i understand it from the evidence we have heard from mr yousaf and miss forbes is that there were discussions around the possibility of having further measures, but there were issues pertaining to whether or not there would be funding to support business

if there were a further lockdown or further restrictions. and at the cabinet meeting, mr yousaf cabinet secretary for health and social care had suggested somewhat out of the blue, i think miss forbes told us, that despite efforts made to try to find funding to assist for that purpose, he had managed to find within his budget £100 million which was not previously known about. is that correct? please correct me if i have got that wrong. i that correct? please correct me if i have got that wrong.— have got that wrong. i think it is broadly correct. _ have got that wrong. i think it is broadly correct. if _ have got that wrong. i think it is broadly correct. if i _ have got that wrong. i think it is broadly correct. if i may, - have got that wrong. i think it is broadly correct. ifi may, i- have got that wrong. i think it is broadly correct. ifi may, i can i have got that wrong. i think it is. broadly correct. ifi may, i can go broadly correct. if i may, i can go into it. broadly correct. ifi may, i can go into it. ~ :, :, broadly correct. ifi may, i can go into it. ~ . ., ., , broadly correct. ifi may, i can go into it. . . . ., , , into it. what i am really interested into it. what i am really interested in is the possibility _ into it. what i am really interested in is the possibility or _ into it. what i am really interested in is the possibility or the - in is the possibility or the suggestion that i will make to you that this is indicative of a culture in which you did not take kindly to people bringing up at cabinet meetings things that you had not already had brought your attention and on which you had not already a decision. ., ., , ., , , ., decision. no, that is absolutely not the case. there _ decision. no, that is absolutely not the case. there was _ decision. no, that is absolutely not the case. there was no _ decision. no, that is absolutely not the case. there was no such - decision. no, that is absolutely not| the case. there was no such culture within the government i lead. i

think if i may, in order to answer that question promptly, i need to set out the circumstances of that cabinet meeting. i had in advance of that cabinet meeting asked ms forbes as a finance secretary to undertake an exercise across government to ascertain, we were finding it difficult with the uk government in the financial discussions at that point to answers —— to ascertain if there was money we could redirect or free up, make available, from within the scottish government budget to give additional support to businesses, should we require to impose additional restrictions. ms forbes had done that exercise, she had done it rigorously and robustly and she had reported at cabinet. the outcome of this, having gone round all of the portfolios, was there was not really any money of any significant scale to have. at which

point, mryousaf, significant scale to have. at which point, mr yousaf, and let me say that mr yousaf was doing this for the best of intentions, i'm questioning his motives, said, and i am paraphrasing here, i can make £100 million available. in that moment, ifelt he £100 million available. in that moment, i felt he was doing a real disservice to the finance secretary because she had just reported that she had done a job and it had resulted in no money being available and then he seemed to take the feet from her. isupported and then he seemed to take the feet from her. i supported and believed it was important there were robust discussions around the cabinet table, there were robust discussions, but i expected all my ministers to operate on a basis of mutual respect and of making sure that they were operating completely in that moment —— and in that moment, i did not think that was the case and i was not particularly happy about it, i have to concede that. that was exacerbated by the fact and i cannot recall the date

and you perhaps will be able to show it to me, i think sometime maybe a couple of weeks before that, mr yousaf had indicated to me on whatsapp that he might be able to find some money in this order and my response to him was, speak to kate. and at that meeting, it appeared that he had not done so. so that was the context. i perhaps was also sceptical, given the pressures on the national health service at that point, that it would be sensible to take £100 million from zero —— from dealing with the key pressures on the health service to fund business support, that that is more of a substantive issue. so that is the context of that. as first minister, and i make no apology for this, i always tried to lead from the front, i always said that the buck stops with me. i always took cabinet meetings extremely seriously and made sure i was briefed and i had done the preparation and reading and

i expected similarfrom my cabinet secretaries. and i think that is how good government should work. that is the context of that. that was not a regular occurrence at cabinets, it was a very particular set of circumstances that as it happened, i'm not sure that the exchange doesn't slightly overstate it, but i doesn't slightly overstate it, but i do concede i expressed some displeasure at the process by which the offer had come to the table. and it was more on behalf of ms forbes because i thought it did a disservice to her and a very professionaljob that disservice to her and a very professional job that she disservice to her and a very professionaljob that she had done. we have heard ms forbes on this very subject so we know what her position in that regard is. do these messages show that whilst cabinet secretaries might complain in private, as we havejust seen, they might complain in private, as we have just seen, they would ultimately be expected to fall back in line behind your view on matters, ms sturgeon? trio. in line behind your view on matters, ms sturgeon?— ms sturgeon? no, absolutely not. i susect in ms sturgeon? no, absolutely not. i suspect in every — ms sturgeon? no, absolutely not. i

suspect in every government - suspect in every government everywhere across the world and i would imagine that the scottish government was no different, ministers will moan about the first minister or the prime minister to each other and maybe i used to do it in a previousjob in each other and maybe i used to do it in a previous job in the scottish government as well. so that is normal. but i expected cabinet discussions, and cabinet discussions were full and robust, detailed. discussions, and cabinet discussions were fulland robust, detailed. i expected all cabinet secretaries to come to those discussions able to argue their points, put their point of your cross and then for us to come to a position at the end of that. that is how cabinet government works. it was absolutely not the case and i have referenced cabinet minutes before and you have seen the cabinet minutes in relation to covid, but this would be true of cabinet minutes generally, there is usually i don't know, two or three pages in a cabinet minutes that in

detail summarises the discussion and the points that were raised. it doesn't attribute those points to individuals, that is not how cabinets are minuted, but it goes into detail about the points so you can look across all of these minutes and see the nature and the detail of the discussion that has been had. and that is how i operated within government and it is how i would have expected all my cabinet secretaries to operate. you cannot see these views _ secretaries to operate. you cannot see these views on _ secretaries to operate. you cannot see these views on the _ secretaries to operate. you cannot see these views on the cabinet - see these views on the cabinet minutes? .,,, , , ., see these views on the cabinet minutes?_ i - see these views on the cabinet minutes?_ i think| minutes? possibly not. ithink certainly not. _ minutes? possibly not. ithink certainly not. you _ minutes? possibly not. ithink certainly not. you would - minutes? possibly not. ithink certainly not. you would see i minutes? possibly not. i think. certainly not. you would see for example. _ certainly not. you would see for example. the — certainly not. you would see for example, the discussion - certainly not. you would see for example, the discussion about. certainly not. you would see for - example, the discussion about money. you would see the discussion about the fact that there had been an exercise to try to find additional resources. exercise to try to find additional resources-— exercise to try to find additional resources. ., ., , ., ., ., ., resources. could i ask you to go to the next one. _ resources. could i ask you to go to the next one, please? _

resources. could i ask you to go to the next one, please? bottom - resources. could i ask you to go to the next one, please? bottom of i resources. could i ask you to go to - the next one, please? bottom of page six. if wejust the next one, please? bottom of page six. if we just go to the first page, please, can we do that to see what it is? these are conclusions as we have come to understand, they are called minutes of the cabinet meeting held on the 22nd ofjune 2021. does that appear correct? yes. and if we could — 2021. does that appear correct? yes. and if we could go _ 2021. does that appear correct? yes. and if we could go to _ 2021. does that appear correct? yes. and if we could go to page seven, please to try to contextualise this. our understanding is this is around the time either at or shortly before cases started to rise again as a result of the delta wave hitting scotland would that be broadly your recollection? {lit scotland would that be broadly your recollection?— recollection? of that time period, es. recollection? of that time period, yes- thank _ recollection? of that time period, yes- thank you- — recollection? of that time period, yes. thank you. i _ recollection? of that time period, yes. thank you. i am _ recollection? of that time period, yes. thank you. i am looking - recollection? of that time period, yes. thank you. i am looking at i recollection? of that time period, i yes. thank you. i am looking at the decisions taken _ yes. thank you. i am looking at the decisions taken under _ yes. thank you. i am looking at the decisions taken under paragraph, i decisions taken under paragraph, subparagraph p thank you may be over the page. yes, thank you. these are the page. yes, thank you. these are the matter is decided by cabinet. it

says, for the purposes of covid—19 decision making during the summer recess, to delegate to the first minister decision is broadly consistent with the strategic framework in timetable... and over the page... is the reference there to the gold group, a group which is sometimes called gold command? it is group, a group which is sometimes called gold command?— called gold command? it is indeed and i called gold command? it is indeed and i mean — called gold command? it is indeed and i mean this _ called gold command? it is indeed and i mean this in _ called gold command? it is indeed and i mean this in the _ called gold command? it is indeed and i mean this in the nicest - and i mean this in the nicest possible way, it is an example of the civil service often attaching names to these meetings that are otherwise routine. fiur names to these meetings that are otherwise routine. our understanding is this was a —

otherwise routine. our understanding is this was a group _ otherwise routine. our understanding is this was a group which, _ otherwise routine. our understanding is this was a group which, please - is this was a group which, please correct me if i have got this wrong, but it was a group which tended to meet, it didn't always have the same people in it. it was certainly always you, i think it was always you. but it would meet in the days before a cabinet meeting which if regular scheduled, would take place on a tuesday, is that right? sometimes every weekend. yes, cabinets routinely met on a tuesday and i'm sure during covid, there were times we met on other days. the gold group, which was a name i didn't ascribe to, it came to be known as that. it was initially an opportunity for me and for other ministers as appropriate to interrogate the data. to ask questions of advisers. and before we even got to the point of shaping the proposals that would go to cabinet for a decision, to start you in our own minds firm up the direction we

thought we were going in. i should be very clear, whatever terminology we will want to use, it was not a decision making orformal governance decision making or formal governance body. decision making orformal governance body. it would not have reached a decision and i think the rest of that paragraph makes that quite clear. that had the gold group wanted to propose a decision, that would have had to have gone through a proper cabinet process. just to be clear, cabinet correspondence i've beenin clear, cabinet correspondence i've been in the uk government as well as the scottish government, it is not the scottish government, it is not the preferred way of reaching cabinet decisions, but it is a way in which cabinet decisions can be reached short of a meeting. i don't think that happened in this case, so that paragraph makes very clear that the previous paragraph which is not before me... if the previous paragraph which is not before mem— the previous paragraph which is not before me... if we put that back up, lease, before me... if we put that back up, please. thank _ before me... if we put that back up, please, thank you. _ before me... if we put that back up, please, thank you. again, _ before me... if we put that back up, please, thank you. again, it - before me... if we put that back up, please, thank you. again, it is - please, thank you. again, it is making--- _ please, thank you. again, it is making... this _ please, thank you. again, it is making... this was _ please, thank you. again, it is making... this was in - please, thank you. again, it is making... this was in the - please, thank you. again, it is - making... this was in the summer of 2021. people are aware of how far

into the pandemic that was. i suspect this was an attempt to give ministers some time off over the summer period. everybody had been working in some periods round the clock on this. but it is very clear, i am not been given through a delegation carte blanche to take decisions i want to take. it is talking there about any decisions that are broadly consistent with the strategic framework in timetable, so we had already set out at that point the milestones that we wanted to reach. and as sometimes was the case, cabinet would delegate to me. so cabinet would say, we want to do this, assuming the data on such and such date supports it. and when we got that data, it would make a judgment whether the data supported it. so i would delegate power to make the final decision, but the process of decision—making was to cabinet and i think that it clear. contrary to your interpretation, there is a suggestion this gives you

an incredibly wide discretion as to what you might wish to do in the management of the pandemic. saying that all you need to do is to make decisions, and it is making decisions, and it is making decisions which were broadly consistent with the strategic framework and timetable. that would mean you can do virtually anything. with respect, i would challenge that and say that that is not the case. the strategic framework by its nature of strategic frameworks, they are broad and high level, but the timetable was very detailed. to depart from that, i would not have had latitude to depart from that. departing from that would have required me to go through a decision—making process. i did not have carte blanche, wide latitude to take decisions and nor should i have had. incidentally, norwould i have wanted to, given the seriousness of what we were dealing with. i'm not sure anybody would have chosen to take solely onto their own shoulders the decisions that were falling to

be made, although we accepted the final accountability and responsibility as first minister lay with me —— i accepted. so i respectfully don't think the characterisation of that is accurate at all. i think if you were to look at all. i think if you were to look at cabinet, forgive me, there was a cabinet minute discussed with mr swinney yesterday i think from the 19th of december 2020, where conclusions were put to him similar to that, decisions are delegated to the first minister, looking at only those conclusions would have given the impression that is being given now. when you look at the minute in its entirety, the previous two pages of that narrate the cabinet discussion, make very clear the cabinet agreed with the decisions that were being proposed and that there had been a full and comprehensive discussion. so, yes, when we look at paragraphs like that

in isolation, i accept that that gives a certain impression that i would say is not accurate, but also would say is not accurate, but also would not be the impression given if these minutes were read in the entirety. these minutes were read in the entire . ., ., , ., entirety. you mention in your explanation. _ entirety. you mention in your explanation, your— entirety. you mention in your explanation, your helpful - explanation, your helpful explanation, your helpful explanation that the process would be there would be a discussion to ascertain whether cabinet agreed with the decisions that were proposed. does that not lead to the conclusion that decisions had already been reached and that cabinet was in effect a decision ratifying rather than a decision—making body? he. ratifying rather than a decision-making body? ratifying rather than a decision-makint bod ? ., ., , decision-making body? no, that is not the decision-making body? no, that is rrot the case _ decision-making body? no, that is not the case because _ decision-making body? no, that is not the case because in _ decision-making body? no, that is not the case because in many - decision-making body? no, that is not the case because in many of. not the case because in many of these instances, there was not one proposal put forward. cabinet would have a range of different options. one cabinets, we may talk later on at a later stage to this as we go into the latter part into christmas of 2021 when omicron has been identified. that cabinet, and i'm

using thisjust is identified. that cabinet, and i'm using this just is an illustrative example and there will be many others, it has three options. stick with the measures we have in place just now, enhance them in some way or have a circuit—breaker. cabinet has a full discussion and then reaches a decision. so it was not always the case cabinet simply had a proposal put to it it could take a leave, cabinet would have a range of options. the exchange talked about between —— before the break between liz lloyd and i is reflective of that. there were options cabinet would have been chewing over and coming to a balanced view of. irate would have been chewing over and coming to a balanced view of. we can 'udte that coming to a balanced view of. we can judge that ourselves. _ coming to a balanced view of. we can judge that ourselves. cabinet - judge that ourselves. cabinet conclusions. _ judge that ourselves. cabinet conclusions. absolutely, - judge that ourselves. cabinetj conclusions. absolutely, yes. judge that ourselves. cabinet - conclusions. absolutely, yes. the . old conclusions. absolutely, yes. the gold command — conclusions. absolutely, yes. the gold command meetings, - conclusions. absolutely, yes. the i gold command meetings, accepting conclusions. absolutely, yes. the - gold command meetings, accepting the you don't like the term, that seems to be what they were colloquially referred to ask. they are somewhat mysterious to us in the sense they were not minuted, where they? there were not minuted, where they? there were not minuted, where they? there were not minutes _ were not minuted, where they? there were not minutes taken _ were not minuted, where they? there were not minutes taken in _ were not minuted, where they? there

were not minutes taken in the - were not minuted, where they? there were not minutes taken in the weight you have cabinet minutes. that is certainly the case, because they were not decision—making meetings in the way cabinet meetings were. however, and i believe, forgive me if i am misinformed here, i believe the inquiry has papers that went with and around those meetings, slide packs that would inform discussion, agendas of the issues we were going to discuss. and where there had been actions out of these meetings, usually to do further work to inform decisions, notes of action points. i was asked to review some of that, so i have reviewed that paperwork and i know that that is there. but in many of these meetings, the purpose of them, cabinet had choices and options, but no cabinet on any issue anywhere sits with a blank sheet of paper. so

there is a process of shaping the options that will then become the decisions that cabinet takes. and these meetings were often to try to shape those options. so in a sense, the output of those meetings and i use this term loosely, the minutes of those meetings are the cabinet papers then go to cabinet for decision because that is what comes from these meetings into the cabinet papers that then inform and shape the decisions cabinet reaches. brute the decisions cabinet reaches. we have the decisions cabinet reaches. 9 have certainly had access to certain action points that don't relate to every gold meeting and we have struggled to work out when the gold meetings take place and we have to look at other documents to look at when they happen. we have seen action points. they appear very much to be the conclusion of the meeting rather than any discussion as to how those conclusions were reached —— were reached. is it fair to say the documentation to which you refer does not tell us the salient points

discussed in the conduct of government business at those meetings?— government business at those meetints? , ,, ., ., , meetings? yes, i think that would be fair and there — meetings? yes, i think that would be fair and there is _ meetings? yes, i think that would be fair and there is undoubtedly - meetings? yes, i think that would be fair and there is undoubtedly a - fair and there is undoubtedly a learning point for government here. i'm sure the scottish government will be reflecting on this. i think around the impression that can be created when you give brand names to fairly routine meetings, and i have already made that point. but more substantively to make sure that there is a clear record of these discuss of non—decision—making meetings that are discursive and they are there for the purpose of shaping the decisions that have to be taken by cabinet. so yes, i would accept to somebody outside the process, it would be helpful if that was clearer. i can look at cabinet papers, not minutes, but cabinet papers, not minutes, but cabinet

papers putting the proposals for decision or the options for decision to cabinet and i know that that effectively reflects the discussion that we would have had in these meetings because that was how we shaped the options and decisions that were coming to cabinet. is there a theme developing in the areas we have already looked at, ms sturgeon, that the scottish government does not like light to be shamed on the way in which decisions leading to plans have been reached? no, i would strongly refute this and i have made this a number of times already this morning and forgive me for repeating this point, but i do think it is extremely important. i have in preparation for coming here today and some of the committee specifically drew my attention to it, i have looked at all the cabinet papers and minutes over that period. it runs to thousands of pages. and

that paperwork doesn't simply record the decision that was reached. it records the options that cabinet considered. the pros and cons of each of these options. the reasoning and the evidence that underpinned both the presentation of the options and the decision that was reached. and then the cabinet minutes, often over several pages, it records a very detailed summary of the discussion around the cabinet table. and i do believe that not only gives a comprehensive record of the decisions that the scottish cabinet reached in relation to covid, but also, the thought processes, the reasoning, the rationale and the factors that were considered in the process of reaching these decisions. the gold meetings were often attended by mr yousaf, is that

right? i attended by mr yousaf, is that ritht? ., �* ., ., ., . right? i don't have the attendance list in front _ right? i don't have the attendance list in front of _ right? i don't have the attendance list in front of me, _ right? i don't have the attendance list in front of me, but _ right? i don't have the attendance list in front of me, but yes, - right? i don't have the attendance list in front of me, but yes, that l list in front of me, but yes, that would have been a case when he was health secretary.— health secretary. indeed. and often attended by miss _ health secretary. indeed. and often attended by miss lloyd? _ health secretary. indeed. and often attended by miss lloyd? they - health secretary. indeed. and often j attended by miss lloyd? they would have been a — attended by miss lloyd? they would have been a special— attended by miss lloyd? they would have been a special adviser - attended by miss lloyd? they would have been a special adviser and - have been a special adviser and officials and somebody from my private office. if officials and somebody from my private office.— officials and somebody from my private office. if their position at this inquiry _ private office. if their position at this inquiry where _ private office. if their position at this inquiry where the _ private office. if their position at this inquiry where the gold - private office. if their position at - this inquiry where the gold meetings would be a decision—making body, would be a decision—making body, would they be wrong? yes. would be a decision-making body, would they be wrong? yes, cabinet was a decision-making _ would they be wrong? yes, cabinet was a decision-making body. - was a decision—making body. studio: lets break away from the covid inquiry for the time being. that testimony from nicola sturgeon. if you want to continue to follow that story, we are streaming nonstop today on the bbc iplayer. just navigate to the news category to see all our available live streams. so thatis all our available live streams. so that is the bbc iplayer, where you can follow live streams including the one from the uk covid inquiry in

scotland. meanwhile, a government deal is to be published later which could help to restore power—sharing in northern ireland, after a row with unionists about uk and eu trading arrangements. we expect a statement in the house of commons on the formation of the northern ireland executive from the northern ireland executive from the northern ireland secretary chris heaton—harris. and we also expect the release of what is called a command paper, which should come earlier this lunchtime this afternoon. we can go live now to our political correspondent at westminster for us. we are waiting for prime minister's questions to start shortly, but what are we expecting to hear from the government regarding northern ireland? what we are expecting or northern ireland is that in probably half an hour or so we will get what is

called a command paper, essentially, a detailed outline of the agreements and changes the government is bringing forward after its discussions, its talks with the democratic unionists to try to bring measures to simplify internal trade in northern ireland and to provide other measures of reassurance to the democratic unionist leadership in northern ireland, so changes to that arrangement for moving goods, changes to the framework within which that operates, so we are expecting that from the government and then later, a little bit later, early afternoon, a statement from the northern ireland secretary who will brief the commons about it and build on what we see in that paper. it could be quite detailed so there will be quite a lot to go through and i think a lot of different measures in there. that will

essentially be coming just after prime minister's questions which should be starting very soon now. prime ministers's questions, this issue may come up, but because we don't know the detail yet, that may be later. brute don't know the detail yet, that may be later. ~ ., ., be later. we will go live to the house of _ be later. we will go live to the house of commons _ be later. we will go live to the house of commons as - be later. we will go live to the house of commons as soon i be later. we will go live to the house of commons as soon as be later. we will go live to the - house of commons as soon as the prime minister start speaking, but i guess the issue on this deal for northern ireland, it is expected to get cross—party support in the house. get cross-party support in the house. . : :. , get cross-party support in the house. ,. :. , ~ house. yes, certainly, ithink. it is almost— house. yes, certainly, ithink. it is almost certain _ house. yes, certainly, ithink. it is almost certain and _ house. yes, certainly, ithink. it is almost certain and i _ house. yes, certainly, ithink. it is almost certain and i don't - house. yes, certainly, ithink. it is almost certain and i don't see j is almost certain and i don't see there will be an issue with the opposition parties around this, anything that smooths the way to the restoration of devolved power in northern ireland, the restoration of the assembly, installation of a new first minister, that will all be welcome, i am sure. bud first minister, that will all be welcome, i am sure.- first minister, that will all be welcome, i am sure. and the prime minister is — welcome, i am sure. and the prime minister is now— welcome, i am sure. and the prime minister is now speaking _ welcome, i am sure. and the prime minister is now speaking in - welcome, i am sure. and the prime minister is now speaking in the - minister is now speaking in the

house and we will go live to the house of commons. {lit house and we will go live to the house of commons.— house and we will go live to the house of commons. of those who were killed in nottingham. _ house of commons. of those who were killed in nottingham. i— house of commons. of those who were killed in nottingham. i assured - house of commons. of those who were killed in nottingham. i assured them i killed in nottingham. i assured them we will— killed in nottingham. i assured them we will do _ killed in nottingham. i assured them we will do whatever it takes to get the answers they want and following constructive dialogue over the past months. _ constructive dialogue over the past months. i— constructive dialogue over the past months, i welcome the significant steps _ months, i welcome the significant steps the — months, i welcome the significant steps the dup have taken to make restoration of the executive possible. i also thank the other political— possible. i also thank the other political parties in northern ireland _ political parties in northern ireland for the patients they have shown _ ireland for the patients they have shown. after two years without an executive, — shown. after two years without an executive, there is now the prospect of power—sharing back up and running. _ of power—sharing back up and running, giving people the accountable local government they need it _ accountable local government they need it offering a brighter future for northern ireland. this morning, i for northern ireland. this morning, i had _ for northern ireland. this morning, i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others in addition to my duties _ colleagues and others in addition to my duties in this house. i shall have _ my duties in this house. i shall have other— my duties in this house. i shall have other such meetings further today~ _ have other such meetings further toda . :. . ~ have other such meetings further toda . . , ,, ., today. last week, i met with a constituent — today. last week, i met with a constituent employed - today. last week, i met with a constituent employed not - today. last week, i met with a constituent employed not by l today. last week, i met with a l constituent employed not by the today. last week, i met with a - constituent employed not by the post office but— constituent employed not by the post 0ffice but by— constituent employed not by the post 0ffice but by a — constituent employed not by the post office but by a supermarket - constituent employed not by the post office but by a supermarket you - office but by a supermarket you offered — office but by a supermarket you offered a — office but by a supermarket you offered a franchise _ office but by a supermarket you offered a franchise post - office but by a supermarket you offered a franchise post office i office but by a supermarket you i offered a franchise post office and

she was _ offered a franchise post office and she was wrongly _ offered a franchise post office and she was wrongly accused - offered a franchise post office and she was wrongly accused of - she was wrongly accused of dishonesty— she was wrongly accused of dishonesty as _ she was wrongly accused of dishonesty as a _ she was wrongly accused of dishonesty as a result - she was wrongly accused of dishonesty as a result of. she was wrongly accused ofi dishonesty as a result of the she was wrongly accused of - dishonesty as a result of the 40 a rise in— dishonesty as a result of the 40 a rise in system _ dishonesty as a result of the 40 a rise in system and _ dishonesty as a result of the 40 a rise in system and put _ dishonesty as a result of the 40 a rise in system and put through . dishonesty as a result of the 40 a rise in system and put through a i rise in system and put through a disciplinary— rise in system and put through a disciplinary process— rise in system and put through a disciplinary process by— rise in system and put through a disciplinary process by her- disciplinary process by her employers. _ disciplinary process by her employers, the _ disciplinary process by her- employers, the supermarkets. —— is disciplinary process by her— employers, the supermarkets. —— is a result— employers, the supermarkets. —— is a result of— employers, the supermarkets. —— is a result of the _ employers, the supermarkets. —— is a result of the faulty _ employers, the supermarkets. —— is a result of the faulty horizon _ employers, the supermarkets. —— is a result of the faulty horizon system. i result of the faulty horizon system. she is— result of the faulty horizon system. she is not— result of the faulty horizon system. she is not alone _ result of the faulty horizon system. she is not alone and _ result of the faulty horizon system. she is not alone and there - result of the faulty horizon system. she is not alone and there are - she is not alone and there are others — she is not alone and there are others in _ she is not alone and there are others in our— she is not alone and there are others in our position- she is not alone and there are others in our position and - she is not alone and there are others in our position and yetl she is not alone and there are - others in our position and yet there is no _ others in our position and yet there is no way— others in our position and yet there is no way of— others in our position and yet there is no way of offering _ others in our position and yet there is no way of offering compensationl is no way of offering compensation for those _ is no way of offering compensation for those who _ is no way of offering compensation for those who suffered _ is no way of offering compensation for those who suffered in - is no way of offering compensation for those who suffered in franchise supermarkets _ for those who suffered in franchise supermarkets like _ for those who suffered in franchise supermarkets like her. _ for those who suffered in franchise supermarkets like her. can - for those who suffered in franchise supermarkets like her. can you - for those who suffered in franchise | supermarkets like her. can you tell me that _ supermarkets like her. can you tell me that we — supermarkets like her. can you tell me that we will _ supermarkets like her. can you tell me that we will include _ supermarkets like her. can you tell me that we will include these - me that we will include these victims — me that we will include these victims in _ me that we will include these victims in the _ me that we will include these victims in the arising - me that we will include these - victims in the arising compensation scheme? _ victims in the arising compensation scheme? l— victims in the arising compensation scheme? :. , victims in the arising compensation scheme? . , , victims in the arising compensation scheme? . , ., ., scheme? i am very sorry to hear about the _ scheme? i am very sorry to hear about the honourable _ scheme? i am very sorry to hear about the honourable lady's - about the honourable lady's constituent's case. these people all deserve _ constituent's case. these people all deserve answers and i will make sure we look— deserve answers and i will make sure we look into— deserve answers and i will make sure we look into the precise details of her constituent's case and i'm sure there _ her constituent's case and i'm sure there will— her constituent's case and i'm sure there will be others like that and we would — there will be others like that and we would get back to her with the issues _ we would get back to her with the issues of— we would get back to her with the issues of this case.— issues of this case. sustainable aviation fuel _ issues of this case. sustainable aviation fuel plays _ issues of this case. sustainable aviation fuel plays a _ issues of this case. sustainable

aviation fuel plays a significant| aviation fuel plays a significant part in— aviation fuel plays a significant part in the _ aviation fuel plays a significant part in the sector's _ part in the sector's decarbonisation. i part in the sector's i decarbonisation. will part in the sector's - decarbonisation. will the part in the sector's _ decarbonisation. will the prime minister— decarbonisation. will the prime minister commit— decarbonisation. will the prime minister commit to— decarbonisation. will the prime minister commit to further- decarbonisation. will the prime i minister commit to further policies for a w _ minister commit to further policies for a saf mandates _ minister commit to further policies for a saf mandates to _ minister commit to further policies for a saf mandates to generate i for a saf mandates to generate greater— for a saf mandates to generate greater demand _ for a saf mandates to generate greater demand for— for a saf mandates to generate greater demand for a _ for a saf mandates to generate greater demand for a revenue i for a saf mandates to generate - greater demand for a revenue support mechanism _ greater demand for a revenue support mechanism such — greater demand for a revenue support mechanism such as— greater demand for a revenue support mechanism such as other— greater demand for a revenue support mechanism such as other sectors, - mechanism such as other sectors, solar— mechanism such as other sectors, solar and — mechanism such as other sectors, solar and wind _ mechanism such as other sectors, solar and wind power— mechanism such as other sectors, solar and wind power generation i mechanism such as other sectors, i solar and wind power generation as well, _ solar and wind power generation as well, and _ solar and wind power generation as well, and so — solar and wind power generation as well, and so that _ solar and wind power generation as well, and so that work— solar and wind power generation as well, and so that work starts - solar and wind power generation as well, and so that work starts by. solar and wind power generation asj well, and so that work starts by the end of— well, and so that work starts by the end of next — well, and so that work starts by the end of next year, _ well, and so that work starts by the end of next year, on— well, and so that work starts by the end of next year, on the _ well, and so that work starts by the end of next year, on the five - end of next year, on the five promised _ end of next year, on the five promised sustainable - end of next year, on the five. promised sustainable aviation end of next year, on the five - promised sustainable aviation plants here in— promised sustainable aviation plants here in the _ promised sustainable aviation plants here in the uk? _ promised sustainable aviation plants here in the uk? i— promised sustainable aviation plants here in the uk?— here in the uk? i can give my honourable _ here in the uk? i can give my honourable friend _ here in the uk? i can give my honourable friend the - here in the uk? i can give my. honourable friend the assurance here in the uk? i can give my- honourable friend the assurance we are committed to ensuring the saf mandate _ are committed to ensuring the saf mandate will be in place by 2025 by mandating the use of sustainable aviation _ mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuel. not only will be be able to— aviation fuel. not only will be be able to deliver carbon savings but also create a brand—new uk market and is _ also create a brand—new uk market and is one — also create a brand—new uk market and is one of— also create a brand—new uk market and is one of the steps in introducing the revenue certainty mechanism he talks about by 2026, dft will— mechanism he talks about by 2026, dft will be — mechanism he talks about by 2026, dft will be consulting in the spring this year— dft will be consulting in the spring this year on options the how that

should _ this year on options the how that should work in practice. the leader ofthe should work in practice. the leader of the opposition, _ should work in practice. the leader of the opposition, keir _ should work in practice. the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. i should work in practice. the leaderl of the opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin the of the opposition, keir starmer. ijoin the prime minister in welcoming the dup statement about the return— welcoming the dup statement about the return of the northern ireland executive? this is an important moment— executive? this is an important moment and we now need all sides to work together to get stormont back up work together to get stormont back up and _ work together to get stormont back up and running for the people of northern— up and running for the people of northern ireland. i too met the families— northern ireland. i too met the families of grace, barnaby and ian on monday— families of grace, barnaby and ian on monday and it is impossible to express— on monday and it is impossible to express in— on monday and it is impossible to express in words the horror they have _ express in words the horror they have been— express in words the horror they have been through and continue to go through— have been through and continue to go through and we must all redouble our efforts— through and we must all redouble our efforts to _ through and we must all redouble our efforts to do everything we can to help them — efforts to do everything we can to help them with their campaign. mr speaker, _ help them with their campaign. mr speaker, this week, two young lives, it’r-year-old — speaker, this week, two young lives, 16—year—old max and 15—year—old mason _ 16—year—old max and 15—year—old mason were taken in bristol. i know the whole _ mason were taken in bristol. i know the whole house willjoin me in sending — the whole house willjoin me in sending condolences to their families— sending condolences to their families and they are friends. one of the _ families and they are friends. one of the most difficult experiences

for any— of the most difficult experiences forany member of of the most difficult experiences for any member of this house is speaking — for any member of this house is speaking to those at the sharp end of this— speaking to those at the sharp end of this government's cost of living crisis _ of this government's cost of living crisis -- — of this government's cost of living crisis. —— theirfriends. so of this government's cost of living crisis. —— their friends. so nobody could _ crisis. —— their friends. so nobody could fail— crisis. —— their friends. so nobody could fail to — crisis. —— their friends. so nobody could fail to be moved by the plight of the _ could fail to be moved by the plight of the member for mid norfolk whose mortgage _ of the member for mid norfolk whose mortgage has gone up £1200 a month and he _ mortgage has gone up £1200 a month and he has _ mortgage has gone up £1200 a month and he has been forced to quit his dream _ and he has been forced to quit his dream job— and he has been forced to quit his dream job to pay for it, a tory mp counting — dream job to pay for it, a tory mp counting the cost of tory chaos. after— counting the cost of tory chaos. after 14 — counting the cost of tory chaos. after 14 years, have we finally discovered what they meant when they said, discovered what they meant when they said. we _ discovered what they meant when they said. we are _ discovered what they meant when they said, we are all in this together? mr speaker, thanks to the mortgage charter that the chancellor introduced last year, millions of mortgage holders across the country are benefiting from support with their mortgages because rather than take the approach the honourable gentleman adjusted, it is important to actually take a practical approach to focus on those who do need help and someone who is on a

typical mortgage can now save hundreds of pounds thanks to those reforms and what we have recently seen as mortgage applications now at eight multi—month high as a result of confidence returning. if he really cared about helping people with the cost of living, he would actually do more to celebrate and acknowledge the fact that thanks to our plan, millions of working people will now start to pay hundreds of pounds less in tax from this month's payslips. —— now at a multi—month high. we know this is not a priority for him and he said he wanted to back people with the cost of living but now he has described tax cuts and salting the earth and it seems his shadow chancellor is equally confused, saying in davos that she did back tax cuts but back in west minister called them a scorched earth policy. she can't decide, obviously, which wikipedia page to copy this week. for obviously, which wikipedia page to copy this week-—

obviously, which wikipedia page to copy this week. for every £2 he says he is giving — copy this week. for every £2 he says he is giving people — copy this week. for every £2 he says he is giving people back, _ copy this week. for every £2 he says he is giving people back, he - copy this week. for every £2 he says he is giving people back, he is - he is giving people back, he is taking — he is giving people back, he is taking £10 of butter back pocket and higher— taking £10 of butter back pocket and higher taxes and he thinks they should — higher taxes and he thinks they should be dancing in the street and thanking _ should be dancing in the street and thanking him. —— he is taking £10 out of— thanking him. —— he is taking £10 out oftheir— thanking him. —— he is taking £10 out of their back pockets. there are people _ out of their back pockets. there are people just — out of their back pockets. there are people just like the member for mid norfolk— people just like the member for mid norfolk coming off a fixed rate mortgages and paying more each month because _ mortgages and paying more each month because they crash the economy. does he actually— because they crash the economy. does he actually know how much their monthly— he actually know how much their monthly repayments are going up by? as i monthly repayments are going up by? as i said. _ monthly repayments are going up by? as i said. mr— monthly repayments are going up by? as i said, mr speaker, someone on a typical mortgage with 17 years left is currently paying around £800 as a result of the ability to extend their mortgage, switch to a six month interest only mortgage, they will be able to save hundreds of pounds and that is someone on the average mortgage, but again, he says he cares about the cost of living. the thing that will have the biggest impact on everyone's cost of living is a fact that his ideas to spend

£28 billion which we had just confirmed this morning by a shadow treasury minister, i heard confirmed that they remain committed to them, but he has no plan to pay for those £28 billion, no plan at all. that is typical labour economics because they want to keep the spending but dropped the payment plan will stop i actually saw their former leader, his mental, at the weekend was clear they will make their sums add up with tax rises on people's assets. —— his mentor. their homes and businesses, it is the same old labour plan, no plan and back to higher taxes. labour plan, no plan and back to highertaxes-_ labour plan, no plan and back to higher taxes. they had crashed the econom , higher taxes. they had crashed the economy, mortgages _ higher taxes. they had crashed the economy, mortgages are _ higher taxes. they had crashed the economy, mortgages are through i higher taxes. they had crashed the i economy, mortgages are through the roof, economy, mortgages are through the roof. they— economy, mortgages are through the roof, they have doubled the debt and he thinks _ roof, they have doubled the debt and he thinks he can stand there and lecture _ he thinks he can stand there and lecture people about fiscal responsibility but he didn't answer the question. hundreds and thousands of people _ the question. hundreds and thousands of people are coming of fixed rate mortgages and facing huge increases.

the prime _ mortgages and facing huge increases. the prime minister won't even do that you — the prime minister won't even do that you courtesy of answering the question — that you courtesy of answering the question i— that you courtesy of answering the question. i will ask him again... grip— question. i will ask him again... grip i_ question. i will ask him again... grip i was— question. i will ask him again... grip i was clear at the beginning and i_ grip i was clear at the beginning and i need — grip i was clear at the beginning and i need my constituents to hear it, if and i need my constituents to hear it. if yours— and i need my constituents to hear it, if yours don't, please leave. does _ it, if yours don't, please leave. does the — it, if yours don't, please leave. does the prime minister have any idea how— does the prime minister have any idea how much mortgages are going up by each _ idea how much mortgages are going up by each month for those coming off fixed rate _ by each month for those coming off fixed rate mortgages? | rdrill by each month for those coming off fixed rate mortgages?— fixed rate mortgages? i will point him back to _ fixed rate mortgages? i will point him back to my— fixed rate mortgages? i will point him back to my previous - fixed rate mortgages? i will point him back to my previous answer, | him back to my previous answer, everyone's situation will be different, and someone on a typical mortgage of around £140,000 will be able to keep their mortgage payment essentially the same by using the facilitation is that the chancellor has put in place. that is what we have done to help people, mr speaker, but again, it is incumbent on him to explain to the british public how his policy of

decarbonising the grid by 2030 is going to be funded. he won't give the answers but helpfully, the shadow energy secretary popped up at the weekend in an interview in the mac sunday times and said they don't need a plan to pay for it because in his words, it will reduce real savings and makes clear economic sense. the shadow leader doesn't want to talk about it at all but all these later, i see it is the same story, the right honourable member for doncaster north has carved a promise in stone and everyone else just looks away in embarrassment. mr speaker, hejust just looks away in embarrassment. mr speaker, he just doesn't get it, they— speaker, he just doesn't get it, they crash— speaker, he just doesn't get it, they crash the economy, mortgage are skyrocketing, doubling the debt. they say— skyrocketing, doubling the debt. they say they will max out the government's credit card at the next budget— government's credit card at the next budget but— government's credit card at the next budget but he won't... government's credit card at the next budget but he won't. . ._ budget but he won't. .. order. i think the _ budget but he won't. .. order. i think the chief— budget but he won't. .. order. i think the chief whip _ budget but he won't. .. order. i think the chief whip is - budget but he won't. .. order. i think the chief whip is getting l budget but he won't. .. order. i - think the chief whip is getting very carried _ think the chief whip is getting very carried away — think the chief whip is getting very carried away. come _ think the chief whip is getting very carried away. come on. _ think the chief whip is getting very carried away. come on. the?- think the chief whip is getting very carried away. come on.— carried away. come on. they have forfeited the _ carried away. come on. they have forfeited the right _ carried away. come on. they have forfeited the right to _ carried away. come on. they have forfeited the right to be _ carried away. come on. they have forfeited the right to be lecturing | forfeited the right to be lecturing others _

forfeited the right to be lecturing others about the economy. somebody coming _ others about the economy. somebody coming off— others about the economy. somebody coming off a fixed rate mortgage is going _ coming off a fixed rate mortgage is going to _ coming off a fixed rate mortgage is going to be paying an average of £240 _ going to be paying an average of £240 more each and every month, a constant _ £240 more each and every month, a constant reminder that working people — constant reminder that working people are paying the price for the damage _ people are paying the price for the damage they have done to the economy _ damage they have done to the economy. this week, i met one of the employees— economy. this week, i met one of the employees at — economy. this week, i met one of the employees at iceland in warrington, phil. employees at iceland in warrington, phil i'm _ employees at iceland in warrington, phil. i'm sure philwould be... 0rder~ — phil. i'm sure philwould be... 0rder~ mr— phil. i'm sure philwould be... order. mr starmer... order. the same voice _ order. mr starmer... order. the same voice keeps _ order. mr starmer... order. the same voice keeps appearing _ order. mr starmer... order. the same voice keeps appearing again. - order. mr starmer... order. the same voice keeps appearing again. it - voice keeps appearing again. it won't _ voice keeps appearing again. it won't appear— voice keeps appearing again. it won't appear any— voice keeps appearing again. it won't appear any more - voice keeps appearing again. it won't appear any more so - voice keeps appearing again. it won't appear any more so i- voice keeps appearing again. it won't appear any more so i am| voice keeps appearing again. it - won't appear any more so i am just letting — won't appear any more so i am just letting you _ won't appear any more so i am just letting you know— won't appear any more so i am just letting you know that. _ won't appear any more so i am just letting you know that. keir - won't appear any more so i am justl letting you know that. keir starmer. laughing _ letting you know that. keir starmer. laughing at— letting you know that. keir starmer. laughing at an — letting you know that. keir starmer. laughing at an employee _ letting you know that. keir starmer. laughing at an employee at - letting you know that. keir starmer. laughing at an employee at icelandl laughing at an employee at iceland who is— laughing at an employee at iceland who is struggling with his mortgage. shame _ who is struggling with his mortgage. shame~ he _ who is struggling with his mortgage. shame. he told me that his mortgage is going _ shame. he told me that his mortgage is going up— shame. he told me that his mortgage is going up by a staggering £1000 a

month, _ is going up by a staggering £1000 a month, he — is going up by a staggering £1000 a month, he doesn't want other stories. — month, he doesn't want other stories, otheraverages, month, he doesn't want other stories, other averages, that is what _ stories, other averages, that is what is — stories, other averages, that is what is happening for him. if the member— what is happening for him. if the member for what is happening for him. if the memberfor mid what is happening for him. if the member for mid norfolk can't afford this tory— member for mid norfolk can't afford this tory government, how on earth can people — this tory government, how on earth can people like phil? well this tory government, how on earth can people like phil?— can people like phil? well actually, mr speaker. _ can people like phil? well actually, mr speaker, thanks _ can people like phil? well actually, mr speaker, thanks to _ can people like phil? well actually, mr speaker, thanks to the - can people like phil? well actually, - mr speaker, thanks to the management of the economy, phil and millions... phil and millions of people like him are now ensuring that inflation is less than half the rate it was when we were talking one year ago, putting more in their pockets. and thanks to this government, phil and millions of other workers notjust at iceland but across the country are benefiting this month in their pay packets from attacks can't work hundreds of pounds for someone on an average salary but i hope he explained to fill the cost of his policies. —— from tax cuts worth hundreds of pounds. did he explain how phil will have to pay for his

£28 billion green spending spree which will come out of this pay packet and did he explain to pill it would be better off sticking with our client rather than going back to square one with him? —— sticking with our plan. i square one with him? -- sticking with our plan-— with our plan. i would invite the prime minister _ with our plan. i would invite the prime minister to _ with our plan. i would invite the prime minister to get _ with our plan. i would invite the prime minister to get in - with our plan. i would invite the prime minister to get in touch i with our plan. i would invite the i prime minister to get in touch with phil and _ prime minister to get in touch with phil and explain how spending £1000 more on _ phil and explain how spending £1000 more on his mortgage will help, he isjust_ more on his mortgage will help, he isjust so— more on his mortgage will help, he isjust so out more on his mortgage will help, he is just so out of touch, it more on his mortgage will help, he isjust so out of touch, it is unbelievable. thousands of pounds a month, _ unbelievable. thousands of pounds a month, that may not seem like a big deal to— month, that may not seem like a big deal to the _ month, that may not seem like a big deal to the prime minister, but let me tell— deal to the prime minister, but let me tell him, most people don't have that sort— me tell him, most people don't have that sort of— me tell him, most people don't have that sort of money knocking around, and if _ that sort of money knocking around, and if that _ that sort of money knocking around, and if that wasn't bad enough, this week, _ and if that wasn't bad enough, this week, he _ and if that wasn't bad enough, this week, he told every councillor in the country _ week, he told every councillor in the country to put their council tax up the country to put their council tax up by— the country to put their council tax up by the — the country to put their council tax up by the maximum of 5%, 26 tax rises _ up by the maximum of 5%, 26 tax rises now. — up by the maximum of 5%, 26 tax rises now, prime minister. and he says— rises now, prime minister. and he says everything is fine, people are better— says everything is fine, people are better off, — says everything is fine, people are better off, but when people see that mortgage _ better off, but when people see that mortgage is coming up, their council tax going _ mortgage is coming up, their council tax going up, food prices still coming — tax going up, food prices still

coming up, who does he expect them to believe? _ coming up, who does he expect them to believe? his boasts all their bank— to believe? his boasts all their bank accounts? -- to believe? his boasts all their bank accounts?— bank accounts? -- or day bank accounts- _ bank accounts? -- or day bank accounts. again, _ bank accounts? -- or day bank accounts. again, i— bank accounts? -- or day bank accounts. again, i was - bank accounts? -- or day bank accounts. again, i was puzzledj accounts. again, i was puzzled because he resorts again to the politics of envy, but after recently and repeatedly attacking notjust me but the government for lifting the bonus cap, i was genuinely surprised to see the shadow chancellorjust today has announced she now supports the government's policy and the bankers bonus cap. i don't know if you mention that to phil when he was having a chat with him i'm sure he can fill his in. i can assure you that trust in economic credibility come from sticking to a plan but it has become clear you cannot trust a word he says. and again, when the shadow chancellor claims they won't borrow much, they won't raise phil's taxes, we now know this promises simply again aren't worth the wikipedia page they were copied

from. mr wikipedia page they were copied from. ~ ,,, ., ,, wikipedia page they were copied from. ~ ., , �* from. mr speaker, i actually didn't exect from. mr speaker, i actually didn't expect him — from. mr speaker, i actually didn't expect him to _ from. mr speaker, i actually didn't expect him to be _ from. mr speaker, i actually didn't expect him to be laughing - from. mr speaker, i actually didn't expect him to be laughing at - from. mr speaker, i actually didn't expect him to be laughing at phil. | from. mr speaker, i actually didn't| expect him to be laughing at phil. i did not— expect him to be laughing at phil. i did not expect him to be laughing out phil~ — did not expect him to be laughing out phil. :. out phil. order. i made the statement _ out phil. order. i made the statement very _ out phil. order. i made the statement very clear, - out phil. order. i made the statement very clear, the i out phil. order. i made the i statement very clear, the prime minister. — statement very clear, the prime minister. it— statement very clear, the prime minister, it is— statement very clear, the prime minister, it is very _ statement very clear, the prime minister, it is very serious - statement very clear, the prime minister, it is very serious we i statement very clear, the prime i minister, it is very serious we make sure that _ minister, it is very serious we make sure that people _ minister, it is very serious we make sure that people here, _ minister, it is very serious we make sure that people here, both- minister, it is very serious we make sure that people here, both you i minister, it is very serious we make| sure that people here, both you and the leader— sure that people here, both you and the leader of— sure that people here, both you and the leader of the _ sure that people here, both you and the leader of the opposition, - sure that people here, both you and the leader of the opposition, it- the leader of the opposition, it matters — the leader of the opposition, it matters to— the leader of the opposition, it matters to those _ the leader of the opposition, it matters to those who - the leader of the opposition, it matters to those who watch i the leader of the opposition, itl matters to those who watch the proceedings _ matters to those who watch the proceedings of— matters to those who watch the proceedings of this _ matters to those who watch the proceedings of this chamber- matters to those who watch the | proceedings of this chamber and matters to those who watch the i proceedings of this chamber and it is not _ proceedings of this chamber and it is not good, — proceedings of this chamber and it is not good, the _ proceedings of this chamber and it is not good, the behaviour- proceedings of this chamber and it is not good, the behaviour that i is not good, the behaviour that seems — is not good, the behaviour that seems to— is not good, the behaviour that seems to be _ is not good, the behaviour that seems to be carried _ is not good, the behaviour that seems to be carried out. - is not good, the behaviour that seems to be carried out. the. is not good, the behaviour that seems to be carried out. the prime ministerjust _ seems to be carried out. the prime ministerjust doesn't _ seems to be carried out. the prime ministerjust doesn't get _ seems to be carried out. the prime ministerjust doesn't get how - seems to be carried out. the prime ministerjust doesn't get how hard l ministerjust doesn't get how hard it is for— ministerjust doesn't get how hard it is for millions of people across the country— it is for millions of people across the country like phil. that is the primary— the country like phil. that is the primary problem, struggling with their mortgages, their bills, the spiralling — their mortgages, their bills, the spiralling cost of living and the prime — spiralling cost of living and the prime minister's response is never to take _ prime minister's response is never to take responsibility, show contrition or any level of basic understanding. he is so detached he thinks _ understanding. he is so detached he thinks he _ understanding. he is so detached he thinks he can paint a world in which the problems simply don't exist. the

problem _ the problems simply don't exist. the problem is _ the problems simply don't exist. the problem is you can't even fool his own mps. — problem is you can't even fool his own mps, let alone anyone else. the member— own mps, let alone anyone else. the member for— own mps, let alone anyone else. the memberfor mid own mps, let alone anyone else. the member for mid norfolk says he is exhausted — member for mid norfolk says he is exhausted and looking forward to new opportunities outside of parliament. why doesn't the prime minister do him a _ why doesn't the prime minister do him a favour, call an election so he and the _ him a favour, call an election so he and the whole country can move on? mr speaker, thank you. whether it is phil or everyone _ mr speaker, thank you. whether it is phil or everyone else _ mr speaker, thank you. whether it is phil or everyone else across - mr speaker, thank you. whether it is phil or everyone else across the i phil or everyone else across the country, the plan we are putting in place is working to help people and we are making progressjust place is working to help people and we are making progress just this week taking action to stop children from vaping, just this week ensuring people can visit their pharmacies to get the help they need, freeing up millions of gp appointments, and just this week, millions of working people starting to see hundreds of pounds of tax cuts delivered in their pay packet, but all he is offering is £28 billion of tax rises

and that is the choice. it is a brighter future with us back to square one with them.- brighter future with us back to square one with them. thank you, mr seaker. square one with them. thank you, mr speaker- the — square one with them. thank you, mr speaker. the prime _ square one with them. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister- square one with them. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister likes i square one with them. thank you, mr speaker. the prime minister likes to l speaker. the prime minister likes to attend _ speaker. the prime minister likes to attend a _ speaker. the prime minister likes to attend a live sport so i wonder whether— attend a live sport so i wonder whether he would join me in welcoming the decision of the planning inspector in in holding rugby— planning inspector in in holding rugby council's rejection of an application for development at brandon— application for development at brandon stadium in my constituency to kill— brandon stadium in my constituency to kill the _ brandon stadium in my constituency to kill the doors open for it to remain— to kill the doors open for it to remain a _ to kill the doors open for it to remain a sporting venue —— to keep the doors _ remain a sporting venue —— to keep the doors open. so that future generations can enjoy the thrills and spills — generations can enjoy the thrills and spills of motorsports racing and stock _ and spills of motorsports racing and stock cars — and spills of motorsports racing and stock cars l— and spills of motorsports racing and stock cars. ., , ., ., ., , stock cars. i 'oined my honourable friend in stock cars. ijoined my honourable friend in paying — stock cars. ijoined my honourable friend in paying tribute _ stock cars. ijoined my honourable friend in paying tribute and - stock cars. ijoined my honourable friend in paying tribute and i'm i friend in paying tribute and i'm proud of the motorsport sectors in britain and the stadium he talks about is a historic motorsport venue and it has been a shame to see it fall into disrepair and i hope the decision he refers to enables the possibility of both speedway and stock car racing to return and i

know the honourable friend will rightly continue to champion the sport. mr rightly continue to champion the sort, ~ ,, ., ~' rightly continue to champion the sort. ~ ., , sport. mr speaker, when the tories scra ed sport. mr speaker, when the tories scrapped the _ sport. mr speaker, when the tories scrapped the cap — sport. mr speaker, when the tories scrapped the cap on _ sport. mr speaker, when the tories scrapped the cap on bankers' - sport. mr speaker, when the tories i scrapped the cap on bankers' bonuses in the _ scrapped the cap on bankers' bonuses in the autumn during our cost of living _ in the autumn during our cost of living crisis. _ in the autumn during our cost of living crisis, the labour leader rightly— living crisis, the labour leader rightly opposed it, yet here we are 'ust rightly opposed it, yet here we are just three — rightly opposed it, yet here we are just three months later and the labour— just three months later and the labour party support scrapping the cap on— labour party support scrapping the cap on bankers' bonuses. shameful. is cap on bankers' bonuses. shameful. is the _ cap on bankers' bonuses. shameful. is the prime — cap on bankers' bonuses. shameful. is the prime minister comforted by the fact— is the prime minister comforted by the fact he — is the prime minister comforted by the fact he has now no longer alone in this— the fact he has now no longer alone in this house on being completely out of— in this house on being completely out of touch with public opinion? —— the fact— out of touch with public opinion? —— the fact he — out of touch with public opinion? —— the fact he is— out of touch with public opinion? —— the fact he is now. as out of touch with public opinion? —— the fact he is now. fisl out of touch with public opinion? -- the fact he is now.— the fact he is now. as i said at the time, we supported _ the fact he is now. as i said at the time, we supported the _ the fact he is now. as i said at the time, we supported the decision i the fact he is now. as i said at the | time, we supported the decision of the independent regulator because this was the right thing for financial stability but that is because on this side of the house, we have convictions and a plan and we have convictions and a plan and we stick to it but he is right to point out they are flip—flopping,

and the lack of convictions of the party opposite. and the lack of convictions of the party opposite-— and the lack of convictions of the party opposite. and the lack of convictions of the -a ouosite, ., ,, , ., party opposite. scrapping the cap on bankers' bonuses _ party opposite. scrapping the cap on bankers' bonuses was _ party opposite. scrapping the cap on bankers' bonuses was only _ party opposite. scrapping the cap on bankers' bonuses was only made i bankers' bonuses was only made possible — bankers' bonuses was only made possible due to brexit, so what the westminster parties are now telling the public— westminster parties are now telling the public as it is ok for bankers you have — the public as it is ok for bankers you have unlimited brexit bonuses but for— you have unlimited brexit bonuses but for the — you have unlimited brexit bonuses but for the public sitting at home struggling to feed their families, they have do suck up and deal with additional— they have do suck up and deal with additional food price cost as a result— additional food price cost as a result of— additional food price cost as a result of brexit red tape. that is the cost — result of brexit red tape. that is the cost and that is the reality of broken _ the cost and that is the reality of broken brexit britain. is it not the case _ broken brexit britain. is it not the case that— broken brexit britain. is it not the case that a — broken brexit britain. is it not the case that a great achievement of this tory— case that a great achievement of this tory government is getting the labour— this tory government is getting the labour party to agree to that bleak future? _ labour party to agree to that bleak future? : : :. , future? actually, delivering benefits for _ future? actually, delivering benefits for people - future? actually, delivering benefits for people across i future? actually, delivering - benefits for people across scotland, not least in new free trade deals that are opening up markets for scottish exporters and free pots that are attracting jobs and investments, the brexit pubs guarantee cutting the cost of a pint

in scottish pubs. —— free ports. when he talks about cost of living, the thing he can do to help most is make that scotland isn't the highest taxed part of the united kingdom, notjust for high earners, everyone earning £28,500 or more is paying more tax in scotland than they would in england thanks to the snp. tram in england thanks to the snp. two da s on in england thanks to the snp. two days on life _ in england thanks to the snp. two days on life support then three children— days on life support then three children left without a father after one punch. a sentence handed down but one _ one punch. a sentence handed down but one grieving mother has to live a life _ but one grieving mother has to live a life of— but one grieving mother has to live a life of agony. sentencing for one punch _ a life of agony. sentencing for one punch killers is not working in this country— punch killers is not working in this country so — punch killers is not working in this country so does the prime minister agree _ country so does the prime minister agree now— country so does the prime minister agree now is the time to finally introduce — agree now is the time to finally introduce specific offence under tougher— introduce specific offence under tougher sentence but one punch manslaughter? | tougher sentence but one punch manslaughter?— tougher sentence but one punch manslaughter? i pay tribute to the work my honourable _ manslaughter? i pay tribute to the work my honourable friend - manslaughter? i pay tribute to the

work my honourable friend has i manslaughter? i pay tribute to the i work my honourable friend has done in bringing attention to so—called one punch manslaughter and highlighting the anguish those cases because for the families of the victims and i know the ministry of justice has looked very carefully at the amendments my honourable friend has proposed and i know she will be meeting the minister for safeguarding shortly to discuss specific and how we might best address the wider issue. eur specific and how we might best address the wider issue. sur ed dave . address the wider issue. sur ed davey- -- _ address the wider issue. sur ed davey- -- sir— address the wider issue. sur ed davey. -- sir ed _ address the wider issue. sur ed davey. -- sir ed davey. - address the wider issue. sur ed davey. -- sir ed davey. order. | address the wider issue. sur ed i davey. -- sir ed davey. order. ed dave . davey. -- sir ed davey. order. ed davey- my — davey. -- sir ed davey. order. ed davey. my constituent _ davey. -- sir ed davey. order. ed davey. my constituent millie - davey. -- sir ed davey. order. ed davey. my constituent millie who | davey. -- sir ed davey. order. edl davey. my constituent millie who is a wheelchair _ davey. my constituent millie who is a wheelchair user— davey. my constituent millie who is a wheelchair user had _ davey. my constituent millie who is a wheelchair user had a _ davey. my constituent millie who is a wheelchair user had a serious i a wheelchair user had a serious accident — a wheelchair user had a serious accident at _ a wheelchair user had a serious accident at sporting event and she was left _ accident at sporting event and she was left in — accident at sporting event and she was left in pain on the floor waiting _ was left in pain on the floor waiting for over two hours before a unbalance — waiting for over two hours before a unbalance arrived and during her months — unbalance arrived and during her months in — unbalance arrived and during her months in hospital since, she has been _ months in hospital since, she has been dropped badly multiple times, left stuck— been dropped badly multiple times, left stuck in her bed for days at length — left stuck in her bed for days at length and has even been told to soil herself when there is no want

to take _ soil herself when there is no want to take her— soil herself when there is no want to take her to the toilet. before all this, — to take her to the toilet. before allthis, millie to take her to the toilet. before all this, millie was living independently and working. the prospect— independently and working. the prospect of hope returning to work is being _ prospect of hope returning to work is being destroyed by the crisis in the nhs — is being destroyed by the crisis in the nhs and care system —— the prospect— the nhs and care system —— the prospect of— the nhs and care system —— the prospect of her returning to work. i'm prospect of her returning to work. i'm sure _ prospect of her returning to work. i'm sure the — prospect of her returning to work. i'm sure the minister will greet no one should — i'm sure the minister will greet no one should ever have to go through what millie has so will she look again— what millie has so will she look again at— what millie has so will she look again at our proposals to make sure every— again at our proposals to make sure every patient gets the high care they need? —— i'm sure the minister will agree — they need? —— i'm sure the minister willagree. i�*m they need? -- i'm sure the minister will atree. �* , they need? -- i'm sure the minister will agree-— will agree. i'm very sorry to hear about millie's _ will agree. i'm very sorry to hear about millie's case _ will agree. i'm very sorry to hear about millie's case and _ will agree. i'm very sorry to hear about millie's case and i'm - will agree. i'm very sorry to hear about millie's case and i'm surel will agree. i'm very sorry to hear i about millie's case and i'm sure the health secretary will follow up of the honourable gentleman on the specific aspects of the case and we want to make sure everyone gets the care they need which is why we are not only investing record sums on the nhs but making sure there are high numbers of doctors, nurses and looking at innovative forms of treatments that are ensuring that i'm but it's waiting times are lower now than they were last year. ——

ambulance waiting times. the now than they were last year. -- ambulance waiting times. the number one reason for— ambulance waiting times. the number one reason for hospital _ ambulance waiting times. the number one reason for hospital admissions i one reason for hospital admissions in north— one reason for hospital admissions in north devon is for dental treatment. our dentist cannot even recruit~ _ treatment. our dentist cannot even recruit~ the — treatment. our dentist cannot even recruit. the emergency dental plan does seem — recruit. the emergency dental plan does seem to have been stuck at the treasury— does seem to have been stuck at the treasury for — does seem to have been stuck at the treasury for ever. my right honourable friend uses a spare set of keys _ honourable friend uses a spare set of keys to — honourable friend uses a spare set of keys to pop round and rescue it for us? _ of keys to pop round and rescue it for us? my— of keys to pop round and rescue it for us? my constituents would be ever so— for us? my constituents would be ever so grateful. my for us? my constituents would be ever so grateful.— ever so grateful. my right honourable _ ever so grateful. my right honourable friend - ever so grateful. my right honourable friend has i ever so grateful. my right i honourable friend has rightfully champions dentistry in our area and the reform contracts in dentistry for the nhs have improved access while ensuring fairer enumeration for dentists and also by providing more financial support for those who need it the most. around half of the calls the treatment last year we deliver to those who are nonpaying, both adults and children, but nor is to be done and that is why i dentists recovery plan will be recovered shortly. —— that is why our dentistry recovery plan. tow;r

our dentistry recovery plan. tony blair misled _ our dentistry recovery plan. tony blair misled this _ our dentistry recovery plan. tony blair misled this house _ our dentistry recovery plan. tony blair misled this house by promoting and endorsing the horizon. a system as perfect, _ and endorsing the horizon. a system as perfect, protecting the large corporation that created it and causing — corporation that created it and causing and hold harm to people. can the prime _ causing and hold harm to people. can the prime minister think of anything he has _ the prime minister think of anything he has promoted in partnership with lar-e he has promoted in partnership with large bonuses as safe and effective which _ large bonuses as safe and effective which is _ large bonuses as safe and effective which is ultimately harm to the british— which is ultimately harm to the british people? will use this opportunity to correct that statement or will he choose the same line as _ statement or will he choose the same line as tony— statement or will he choose the same line as tony blair, sit back, do nothing — line as tony blair, sit back, do nothing and let the misery continue to pile _ nothing and let the misery continue to pile up? — nothing and let the misery continue to pile up? fits nothing and let the misery continue to ile u? : . nothing and let the misery continue to ileu? r :. nothing and let the misery continue to ileu? a ., , nothing and let the misery continue to --ileu? a ., , . ., to pile up? as we have been clear, the horizon — to pile up? as we have been clear, the horizon scandal— to pile up? as we have been clear, the horizon scandal is _ to pile up? as we have been clear, the horizon scandal is a _ to pile up? as we have been clear, the horizon scandal is a terrible i the horizon scandal is a terrible miscarriage ofjustice and we are doing everything we can to make it right. to what he was more broadly insinuating, let me be unequivocal from this dispatch box that the covid vaccines are safe. jo gideon. thank you. — covid vaccines are safe. jo gideon. thank you. mr _ covid vaccines are safe. jo gideon. thank you, mr speaker. _ covid vaccines are safe. jo gideon. thank you, mr speaker. the i covid vaccines are safe. jo gideon. i

thank you, mr speaker. the shocking revelations_ thank you, mr speaker. the shocking revelations of the horizon scandal highlighted the post office's financial incompetence and my right honourable friend one of the public's _ honourable friend one of the public's confidence in the institution is at an all—time low. does _ institution is at an all—time low. does the — institution is at an all—time low. does the prime minister agree with me that _ does the prime minister agree with me that as— does the prime minister agree with me that as high street banks are closing _ me that as high street banks are closing branches across the country, we should _ closing branches across the country, we should look to developing new community banking solutions rather than giving the post office sole responsibility for providing access to cash— responsibility for providing access to cash and other banking services in poorly— to cash and other banking services in poorly served neighbourhoods? | in poorly served neighbourhoods? [ thank in poorly served neighbourhoods? thank my in poorly served neighbourhoods? i thank my right honourable friend for her question but i would also say that we shouldn't mistake conflating the scandal with the actions of many hard—working local postmasters and sub—postmasters, because customers can access cash and banking services through a wide range of channels, including a contract with the post office counter service which does provide a valuable channel and i agree with the importance of access to cash which is why the government has legislated to protect that as

part of the recent financial services and markets act and ensures that people should be no more than three miles away from such a cashpoint. three miles away from such a cashpoint— cashpoint. one of the nolan principles. _ cashpoint. one of the nolan principles, integrity, - cashpoint. one of the nolan principles, integrity, states| cashpoint. one of the nolan - principles, integrity, states that holders— principles, integrity, states that holders of public office should not act to _ holders of public office should not act to get — holders of public office should not act to get material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends — themselves, their family or their friends. prime minister, on the 6th ofjanuary. — friends. prime minister, on the 6th ofjanuary, he tweeted a link to the conservative party website which seems _ conservative party website which seems to — conservative party website which seems to scrape people's data and put on _ seems to scrape people's data and put on wanted cookies on their machines _ put on wanted cookies on their machines. the good law project is now pursuing this. —— unwanted cookies — now pursuing this. —— unwanted cookies can_ now pursuing this. —— unwanted cookies. can the prime minister sure the house _ cookies. can the prime minister sure the house no laws have been broken by his— the house no laws have been broken by his party? gf the house no laws have been broken by his party?— by his party? of course our party follows all— by his party? of course our party follows all laws. _ by his party? of course our party follows all laws. robert - by his party? of course our party follows all laws. robert jenrick. | by his party? of course our party i follows all laws. robert jenrick. mr seaker, follows all laws. robert jenrick. mr speaker. a — follows all laws. robert jenrick. mr speaker. a first _ follows all laws. robert jenrick. mr speaker, a first responsibility - follows all laws. robert jenrick. mr speaker, a first responsibility for i speaker, a first responsibility for government is to fix the housing crisis _ government is to fix the housing crisis that— government is to fix the housing crisis that young people didn't cause — crisis that young people didn't cause. three years ago, we dragged

house—building in this country up to the highest — house—building in this country up to the highest level since 1987, after the highest level since 1987, after the last— the highest level since 1987, after the last labour government left it at its _ the last labour government left it at its lowest level since the 1920s. but we _ at its lowest level since the 1920s. but we need to do more. when my right _ but we need to do more. when my right honourable friend consider using _ right honourable friend consider using the budget to do as i and he did together during the pandemic and cut stamp— did together during the pandemic and cut stamp duty to boost housing starts, _ cut stamp duty to boost housing starts, reignite the economy and supports — starts, reignite the economy and supports thousands of businesses across— supports thousands of businesses across our— supports thousands of businesses across our country?— supports thousands of businesses across our country? prime minister. m ri ht across our country? prime minister. my right on — across our country? prime minister. my right on bob _ across our country? prime minister. my right on bob friend _ across our country? prime minister. my right on bob friend is _ across our country? prime minister. my right on bob friend is right - across our country? prime minister. my right on bob friend is right to i my right on bob friend is right to point out that we have delivered 2.5 million additional homes helping over 850,000 families into home ownership through schemes such as help to buy and right to buy. tax decisions are a matter for the chancellor but i would point out our existing stamp duty for relief for first—time buyers ensures the vast majority of first—time buyers in our country be absolutely no stamp duty.

the appg on eye health and visual impairment has today published potting — impairment has today published polling that is found that nearly half of — polling that is found that nearly half of employers exclude blind and partially— half of employers exclude blind and partially sighted people from their workplaces and one in four said they would _ workplaces and one in four said they would not _ workplaces and one in four said they would not be willing to make workplace adjustments. the disability employment gap remained stubbornly at 30% and a pay gap means _ stubbornly at 30% and a pay gap means that blind and partially sighted — means that blind and partially sighted people effectively work for free for— sighted people effectively work for free for 47 days of the year. with the prime — free for 47 days of the year. with the prime minister meet with me and site toss _ the prime minister meet with me and site loss organisations to discuss how we _ site loss organisations to discuss how we can create a more inclusive workforce? — how we can create a more inclusive workforce? i — how we can create a more inclusive workforce?— workforce? i share the honourable lad 's workforce? i share the honourable lady's ambition — workforce? i share the honourable lady's ambition to _ workforce? i share the honourable lady's ambition to have _ workforce? i share the honourable lady's ambition to have an - workforce? i share the honourable l lady's ambition to have an inclusive workforce and the record in supporting those with disabilities into work over the past several years has been incredibly strong and i know this is something the work and pensions secretary is looking at actively and making sure our accessibility plan is up—to—date and inclusive and i'm will ensure she gets a meeting with the relevant minister. ., , . , minister. having visited recently, i know israel—

minister. having visited recently, i know israel remains _ minister. having visited recently, i know israel remains in _ minister. having visited recently, i know israel remains in shock - know israel remains in shock following _ know israel remains in shock following the rape, murder and butchery— following the rape, murder and butchery of hamas, and all of us want _ butchery of hamas, and all of us want to— butchery of hamas, and all of us want to see a peaceful and demilitarised palestinian state however hamas remain in control in large _ however hamas remain in control in large parts — however hamas remain in control in large parts of gaza and their sopport_ large parts of gaza and their support is growing in the west bank have been— support is growing in the west bank have been nearly two thirds of palestinians in polling project, assistance with israel and the palestinian authority has continued to promote hatred ofjews. does my right _ to promote hatred ofjews. does my right honourable friend agree that any recognition of a palestinian state _ any recognition of a palestinian state must address these issues and can only— state must address these issues and can only about as part of a negotiated settlement between israel and the _ negotiated settlement between israel and the palestinians? my my honourable friend is right that there are steps and conditions that need to be put in place on this journey, first, the removal of hamas from gaza. palestinian led government in gaza and the west bank. a concrete plan to reform and support the palestinian authority. a reconstruction plan for gaza and a two—state solution which we have

long supported. so let me be clear, we stand with israel and the terrorist threat that they face must be eliminated, and israel's lasting security must be guaranteed. fin be eliminated, and israel's lasting security must be guaranteed. on the 15th of november— security must be guaranteed. on the 15th of november last _ security must be guaranteed. on the 15th of november last year, - security must be guaranteed. on the 15th of november last year, i - 15th of november last year, i appealed to the prime minister to choose _ appealed to the prime minister to choose de—escalation and peace over violence. _ choose de—escalation and peace over violence, death and destruction. he called _ violence, death and destruction. he called me _ violence, death and destruction. he called me naive. so far, over26,000 souts _ called me naive. so far, over26,000 souts have _ called me naive. so far, over26,000 souls have perished in gaza. and a powerful— souls have perished in gaza. and a powerful moving letter in new york times, _ powerful moving letter in new york times, the — powerful moving letter in new york times, the jewish council cited deuteronomy. accusing president biden— deuteronomy. accusing president biden of— deuteronomy. accusing president biden of choosing death. if the prime — biden of choosing death. if the prime minister won't listen to me or the icj _ prime minister won't listen to me or the icj witt— prime minister won't listen to me or the icj will he listen to the rabbinical council or call them naive — rabbinical council or call them naive as— rabbinical council or call them naive as well? mr rabbinical council or call them naive as well?— rabbinical council or call them naive as well? ~ .,~ ., naive as well? mr speaker, i have been clear— naive as well? mr speaker, i have been clear on _ naive as well? mr speaker, i have been clear on multiple _ naive as well? mr speaker, i have been clear on multiple times - naive as well? mr speaker, i have been clear on multiple times we | naive as well? mr speaker, i have l been clear on multiple times we are concerned, deeply concerned about the impact of the fighting in gaza on the civilian population. too many people have lost their lives and

there is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support in gaza. i won't go over all the debates we have had about the conditions that are necessary for an immediate pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, but i can assure the house we are doing everything we can to get more aid into the region as quickly as possible. into the region as quickly as possible-— into the region as quickly as ossible. ., ., , , possible. chatham docks supports over 800 local, _ possible. chatham docks supports over 800 local, high-value - possible. chatham docks supports over 800 local, high-value jobs, | over 800 local, high—value jobs, which over 800 local, high—valuejobs, which are at risk as the owners are continuing in their pursuit to display —— display successful businesses. the labour council of failing to honour the commitments they made before the local elections to protect the docks and the jobs, even their leader, the right honourable memberfor even their leader, the right honourable member for holborn & st pancras, said he was proudly backing save chatham docks campaign. will my right honourable friend meet with me to see how we can protect the docks and save those jobs in my

constituency, and is this notjust another example of how labour and their leaders change their position depending on which way the wind blows? mr; depending on which way the wind blows? g ., ., ., , .,, , blows? my honourable friend has been a constant champion _ blows? my honourable friend has been a constant champion of— blows? my honourable friend has been a constant champion of chatham - blows? my honourable friend has been a constant champion of chatham docks and i am disappointed to hear that the local label council of failing to honour the commitments they have made. but also, i am to honour the commitments they have made. but also, lam not to honour the commitments they have made. but also, i am not surprised to see the leader of the opposition have said one thing and consequently done another —— labour council. the dock support hundreds ofjobs and i join with her in calling on the council to rethink their approach. that completes prime minister's questions. . , , that completes prime minister's questions. ., , , , ., questions. that brings us to the end of this week's _ questions. that brings us to the end of this week's prime _ questions. that brings us to the end of this week's prime minister's - of this week's prime minister's questions. we have the industry minister. wes streeting and the bbc�*s political correspondent. welcome to all of you. an

interesting start to prime minister's questions by keir starmer because he referred to george freeman, a conservative mp who has resigned his ministerial post in order to earn more money outside of parliament because he has been stung by increasing monthly mortgage payments coming off presumably his fixed—rate deal. he was on a ministerial salary, fixed—rate deal. he was on a ministerialsalary, but fixed—rate deal. he was on a ministerial salary, but voters criticised the mp who couldn't afford his mortgage. you can understand why, can't you? yes, you can understand _ understand why, can't you? yes, you can understand why _ understand why, can't you? yes, you can understand why keir— understand why, can't you? yes, you can understand why keir starmer- can understand why keir starmer chose to bring that up to inviting people to get out there violence for george freeman who could not afford his mortgage which has gone up to £2000 a month. keir starmer was trying to draw attention to the fact these mortgage rises have in large part been caused by economic policies, drawing attention back to the impact of liz truss's mini budget. talking about things like, we are all in this together, government ministers cannot afford their mortgages. this was the theme

keir starmer picked up on and he brought up somebody who could talk to who said his monthly mortgage payments have gone up by £1000. so trying to bring back to the government to say, this is your fault, rishi sunak trying to point to support packages. he said people can now... there are measures that jeremy hunt has put in place like going onto interest only mortgages for six months, extending your term, but you still have to pay back the money. but you still have to pay back the mone . , ., , ., , money. the truth is that people still are feeling _ money. the truth is that people still are feeling the _ money. the truth is that people still are feeling the impact - still are feeling the impact directly or indirectly from what rachel reeves because the kamikaze budget of liz truss and kwasi kwarteng. so much so that even your conservative colleagues are feeling the pain and say they can't afford the pain and say they can't afford the increased monthly mortgage payments. surely that underlines the failure of economic management of the economy? share failure of economic management of the economy?— failure of economic management of the economy? failure of economic management of the econom ? . �* , the economy? are you ok? because i think the struggle _

the economy? are you ok? because i think the struggle for _ the economy? are you ok? because i think the struggle for ministers - the economy? are you ok? because i think the struggle for ministers is - think the struggle for ministers is real, _ think the struggle for ministers is real, it _ think the struggle for ministers is real, it is — think the struggle for ministers is real, it is so — think the struggle for ministers is real, it is so hard! i think the struggle for ministers is real, it is so hard!— real, it is so hard! i am privileged to serve as _ real, it is so hard! i am privileged to serve as a _ real, it is so hard! i am privileged to serve as a minister _ real, it is so hard! i am privileged to serve as a minister and - real, it is so hard! i am privileged to serve as a minister and we - real, it is so hard! i am privileged to serve as a minister and we are| to serve as a minister and we are very— to serve as a minister and we are very wett— to serve as a minister and we are very well rewarded, _ to serve as a minister and we are very well rewarded, i _ to serve as a minister and we are very well rewarded, i don't - to serve as a minister and we are very well rewarded, i don't know| very well rewarded, i don't know george _ very well rewarded, i don't know george personal's _ very well rewarded, i don't know george personal's —— _ very well rewarded, i don't know george personal's —— personal. george personal's —— personal circumstances. _ george personal's —— personal circumstances. but— george personal's —— personal circumstances. but increasedl george personal's —— personal. circumstances. but increased —— george personal's —— personal- circumstances. but increased —— no increases _ circumstances. but increased —— no increases around _ circumstances. but increased —— no increases around the _ circumstances. but increased —— no increases around the world - circumstances. but increased —— no increases around the world and - circumstances. but increased —— noj increases around the world and this was mostly— increases around the world and this was mostly to — increases around the world and this was mostly to do _ increases around the world and this was mostly to do with _ increases around the world and this was mostly to do with covid. - increases around the world and this was mostly to do with covid. and i increases around the world and this. was mostly to do with covid. and the impact _ was mostly to do with covid. and the impact of— was mostly to do with covid. and the impact of the — was mostly to do with covid. and the impact of the invasion _ was mostly to do with covid. and the impact of the invasion in— was mostly to do with covid. and the impact of the invasion in ukraine. - impact of the invasion in ukraine. but we _ impact of the invasion in ukraine. but we have — impact of the invasion in ukraine. but we have halved _ impact of the invasion in ukraine. but we have halved inflation- impact of the invasion in ukraine. but we have halved inflation we l impact of the invasion in ukraine. . but we have halved inflation we have a plan _ but we have halved inflation we have a plan that— but we have halved inflation we have a plan that has— but we have halved inflation we have a plan that has enabled _ but we have halved inflation we have a plan that has enabled us _ but we have halved inflation we have a plan that has enabled us to- but we have halved inflation we have a plan that has enabled us to raise . a plan that has enabled us to raise the threshold. _ a plan that has enabled us to raise the threshold. we _ a plan that has enabled us to raise the threshold. we have _ a plan that has enabled us to raise the threshold. we have raised - a plan that has enabled us to raise the threshold. we have raised the| the threshold. we have raised the nationat— the threshold. we have raised the national minimum _ the threshold. we have raised the national minimum wage. - the threshold. we have raised the national minimum wage. if- the threshold. we have raised the national minimum wage. if you i the threshold. we have raised the. national minimum wage. if you are earning _ national minimum wage. if you are earning around _ national minimum wage. if you are earning around £35,000, _ national minimum wage. if you are earning around £35,000, you - national minimum wage. if you are earning around £35,000, you will. national minimum wage. if you are . earning around £35,000, you will see an extra _ earning around £35,000, you will see an extra £450 — earning around £35,000, you will see an extra £450 back _ earning around £35,000, you will see an extra £450 back in _ earning around £35,000, you will see an extra £450 back in your— earning around £35,000, you will see an extra £450 back in your pocket, i an extra £450 back in your pocket, that is _ an extra £450 back in your pocket, that is what — an extra £450 back in your pocket, that is what it _ an extra £450 back in your pocket, that is what it means— an extra £450 back in your pocket, that is what it means to _ an extra £450 back in your pocket, that is what it means to have i an extra £450 back in your pocket, that is what it means to have a i that is what it means to have a plan _ that is what it means to have a plan it— that is what it means to have a plan it is— that is what it means to have a plan. it is working _ that is what it means to have a plan. it is working and - that is what it means to have a plan. it is working and we i that is what it means to have aj plan. it is working and we have that is what it means to have a i plan. it is working and we have to stick— plan. it is working and we have to stick with— plan. it is working and we have to stick with it — plan. it is working and we have to stick with it. not— plan. it is working and we have to stick with it. not flip—flop - plan. it is working and we have to stick with it. not flip—flop with i stick with it. not flip—flop with whatever _ stick with it. not flip—flop with whatever the _ stick with it. not flip—flop with whatever the labour— stick with it. not flip—flop with whatever the labour party i stick with it. not flip—flop with| whatever the labour party may stick with it. not flip—flop with - whatever the labour party may come up whatever the labour party may come up with _ whatever the labour party may come up with next — whatever the labour party may come up with next trite _ whatever the labour party may come up with next-— up with next. we will come up with what labour _ up with next. we will come up with what labour is _ up with next. we will come up with what labour is or— up with next. we will come up with what labour is or is _ up with next. we will come up with what labour is or is not _ up with next. we will come up with what labour is or is not proposing. | what labour is or is not proposing. when you say you have to stick with the plan, does that include tax cuts in the budget?— in the budget? that is for the chancellor — in the budget? that is for the chancellor and _ in the budget? that is for the chancellor and we _ in the budget? that is for the chancellor and we haven't i in the budget? that is for the j chancellor and we haven't got in the budget? that is for the i chancellor and we haven't got that lon- chancellor and we haven't got that long to _ chancellor and we haven't got that long to wait — chancellor and we haven't got that long to wait-— chancellor and we haven't got that long to wait. would you like to see tax cuts in — long to wait. would you like to see tax cuts in the _ long to wait. would you like to see tax cuts in the budget? _

keeping more of the money they earn. we have _ keeping more of the money they earn. we have to _ keeping more of the money they earn. we have to be able to ensure our plan _ we have to be able to ensure our plan is _ we have to be able to ensure our plan is working and we can half inflation — plan is working and we can half inflation and be more generous enabling — inflation and be more generous enabling people to keep more of the money— enabling people to keep more of the money they earn but we have to also reflect _ money they earn but we have to also reflect on _ money they earn but we have to also reflect on what could come down the line, because the labour party has not been _ line, because the labour party has not been able to explain what their plan is _ not been able to explain what their plan is to— not been able to explain what their plan is to pay for this £28 billion black— plan is to pay for this £28 billion black hole — plan is to pay for this £28 billion black hole spending spree. it plan is to pay for this £28 billion black hole spending spree. it was at one oint black hole spending spree. it was at one point the _ black hole spending spree. it was at one point the centrepiece _ black hole spending spree. it was at one point the centrepiece of - one point the centrepiece of labour's plan for growth, and industrial strategy included £28 billion a year and, if you win the election, to be spent on green investments, green policies. it's been watered down undiluted and now it seems to be hanging by a thread. is it going to go? the it seems to be hanging by a thread. is it going to go?— is it going to go? the front argument _ is it going to go? the front argument here _ is it going to go? the front argument here is - is it going to go? the front argument here is that, i is it going to go? the front i argument here is that, rather is it going to go? the front - argument here is that, rather than keep— argument here is that, rather than keep going — argument here is that, rather than keep going through _ argument here is that, rather than keep going through the _ argument here is that, rather than keep going through the same i argument here is that, rather than i keep going through the same sticking plaster— keep going through the same sticking plaster politics. — keep going through the same sticking plaster politics, we _ keep going through the same sticking plaster politics, we want _ keep going through the same sticking plaster politics, we want to _ keep going through the same sticking plaster politics, we want to make i plaster politics, we want to make sure we _ plaster politics, we want to make sure we keep _ plaster politics, we want to make sure we keep britain _ plaster politics, we want to make sure we keep britain its - plaster politics, we want to make sure we keep britain its energy. sure we keep britain its energy security— sure we keep britain its energy security back, _ sure we keep britain its energy security back, great _ sure we keep britain its energy security back, great jobs - sure we keep britain its energy security back, great jobs and l sure we keep britain its energy. security back, great jobs and cut bills _ security back, great jobs and cut bills that — security back, great jobs and cut bills that is— security back, great jobs and cut bills. that is the _ security back, great jobs and cut bills. that is the premise. - security back, great jobs and cut bills. that is the premise. whati bills. that is the premise. what gets— bills. that is the premise. what gets missed _ bills. that is the premise. what gets missed about _ bills. that is the premise. what gets missed about the - bills. that is the premise. what gets missed about the plan i bills. that is the premise. what gets missed about the plan is. bills. that is the premise. what. gets missed about the plan is that it is also—

gets missed about the plan is that it is also about _ gets missed about the plan is that it is also about leveraging - gets missed about the plan is that it is also about leveraging in i it is also about leveraging in private _ it is also about leveraging in private investment- it is also about leveraging in private investment and i it is also about leveraging in i private investment and working it is also about leveraging in - private investment and working with industry _ private investment and working with industry that — private investment and working with industry that is _ private investment and working with industry. that is subject— private investment and working with industry. that is subject to - industry. that is subject to labour's _ industry. that is subject to labour's fiscal— industry. that is subject to labour's fiscal rules - industry. that is subject to labour's fiscal rules for i industry. that is subject to| labour's fiscal rules for the industry. that is subject to i labour's fiscal rules for the what rachet— labour's fiscal rules for the what rachel reeves— labour's fiscal rules for the what rachel reeves is _ labour's fiscal rules for the what rachel reeves is saying - labour's fiscal rules for the what rachel reeves is saying is - labour's fiscal rules for the what rachel reeves is saying is that, i rachel reeves is saying is that, whether— rachel reeves is saying is that, whether it — rachel reeves is saying is that, whether it is _ rachel reeves is saying is that, whether it is plans— rachel reeves is saying is that, whether it is plans for- rachel reeves is saying is that, whether it is plans for spendingj rachel reeves is saying is that, i whether it is plans for spending or tax cuts, — whether it is plans for spending or tax cuts, we — whether it is plans for spending or tax cuts, we are _ whether it is plans for spending or tax cuts, we are going _ whether it is plans for spending or tax cuts, we are going to- whether it is plans for spending or tax cuts, we are going to behave i whether it is plans for spending orl tax cuts, we are going to behave in a responsible — tax cuts, we are going to behave in a responsible way— tax cuts, we are going to behave in a responsible way because - tax cuts, we are going to behave in a responsible way because we - tax cuts, we are going to behave in a responsible way because we saw| a responsible way because we saw with that _ a responsible way because we saw with that disastrous _ a responsible way because we saw with that disastrous mini - a responsible way because we saw with that disastrous mini budget l with that disastrous mini budget what _ with that disastrous mini budget what happens _ with that disastrous mini budget what happens when _ with that disastrous mini budget what happens when politicians . what happens when politicians prioritise — what happens when politicians prioritise ideological— what happens when politicians prioritise ideological hobby- what happens when politicians - prioritise ideological hobby horses over responsible _ prioritise ideological hobby horses over responsible management - prioritise ideological hobby horses over responsible management of. prioritise ideological hobby horses . over responsible management of the country _ over responsible management of the country can — over responsible management of the country. can come _ over responsible management of the country. can come up _ over responsible management of the country. can come up let— over responsible management of the country. can come up let me - over responsible management of the country. can come up let me show. country. can come up let me show viewers _ country. can come up let me show viewers this — country. can come up let me show viewers this headline _ country. can come up let me show viewers this headline in _ country. can come up let me show viewers this headline in the - country. can come up let me show| viewers this headline in the times. jeremy— viewers this headline in the times. jeremy hunt— viewers this headline in the times. jeremy hunt tett _ viewers this headline in the times. jeremy hunt tell his _ viewers this headline in the times. jeremy hunt tell his party- viewers this headline in the times. jeremy hunt tell his party ahead i viewers this headline in the times. jeremy hunt tell his party ahead of the march six budget. this follows the march six budget. this follows the imf urging jeremy hunt to curb borrowing instead. a few weeks ago, jeremy hunt said, no, we are going to have a tax—cutting budget. which jeremy hunt do you like? you have been criticising the government for the higher tax burden on record so

presumably you want to see big tax cuts. {lit presumably you want to see big tax cuts. . ., , . presumably you want to see big tax cuts. _, , . ., , presumably you want to see big tax cuts. , . ., , . , cuts. of course we want to see taxes cominu cuts. of course we want to see taxes coming down — cuts. of course we want to see taxes coming down for — cuts. of course we want to see taxes coming down for working _ cuts. of course we want to see taxes coming down for working people - cuts. of course we want to see taxes coming down for working people and i coming down for working people and that's— coming down for working people and that's why. _ coming down for working people and that's why. when _ coming down for working people and that's why, when labour— coming down for working people and that's why, when labour set - coming down for working people and that's why, when labour set out - that's why, when labour set out spending — that's why, when labour set out spending plans— that's why, when labour set out spending plans and _ that's why, when labour set out spending plans and how- that's why, when labour set out spending plans and how we - that's why, when labour set out spending plans and how we will| that's why, when labour set out. spending plans and how we will pay for thenr, _ spending plans and how we will pay forthenr, it's— spending plans and how we will pay for them, it's making _ spending plans and how we will pay for them, it's making sure - spending plans and how we will pay for them, it's making sure that - for them, it's making sure that those — for them, it's making sure that those who— for them, it's making sure that those who can _ for them, it's making sure that those who can afford _ for them, it's making sure that those who can afford it - for them, it's making sure that those who can afford it pay- for them, it's making sure that. those who can afford it pay their fair share. — those who can afford it pay their fair share, the— those who can afford it pay their fair share, the non—toms, - those who can afford it pay their. fair share, the non—toms, ending those who can afford it pay their - fair share, the non—toms, ending tax breeks— fair share, the non—toms, ending tax breaks on— fair share, the non—toms, ending tax breaks on private _ fair share, the non—toms, ending tax breaks on private schools, _ fair share, the non—toms, ending tax breaks on private schools, the - breaks on private schools, the windfall— breaks on private schools, the windfatt tax _ breaks on private schools, the windfall tax on _ breaks on private schools, the windfall tax on oil— breaks on private schools, the windfall tax on oil and - breaks on private schools, the windfall tax on oil and gas - breaks on private schools, the . windfall tax on oil and gas giants that are — windfall tax on oil and gas giants that are enjoying _ windfall tax on oil and gas giants that are enjoying record - windfall tax on oil and gas giants that are enjoying record profits. i windfall tax on oil and gas giants| that are enjoying record profits. l that are enjoying record profits. [ am that are enjoying record profits. am talking about tax cuts. that are enjoying record profits. i am talking about tax cuts. we i that are enjoying record profits. i. am talking about tax cuts. we want to see the burden _ am talking about tax cuts. we want to see the burden of— am talking about tax cuts. we want| to see the burden of working people fall to see the burden of working people fail and _ to see the burden of working people fall and rachel— to see the burden of working people fall and rachel is _ to see the burden of working people fall and rachel is clear... _ to see the burden of working people fall and rachel is clear... you - to see the burden of working people fall and rachel is clear... you have. fall and rachel is clear... you have to take _ fall and rachel is clear... you have to take a _ fall and rachel is clear... you have to take a coupte _ fall and rachel is clear... you have to take a couple things _ fall and rachel is clear... you have to take a couple things into - fall and rachel is clear... you have to take a couple things into for- fall and rachel is clear... you have to take a couple things into for the j to take a couple things into for the one is— to take a couple things into for the one is the — to take a couple things into for the one is the warnings _ to take a couple things into for the one is the warnings of— to take a couple things into for the one is the warnings of the - to take a couple things into for the one is the warnings of the imf - to take a couple things into for the one is the warnings of the imf at l one is the warnings of the imf at obr about — one is the warnings of the imf at obr about the _ one is the warnings of the imf at obr about the way _ one is the warnings of the imf at obr about the way this - one is the warnings of the imf at. obr about the way this government for 0br about the way this government for his— obr about the way this government for his recklessly _ obr about the way this government for his recklessly and _ obr about the way this government for his recklessly and secondly, - obr about the way this government for his recklessly and secondly, i. for his recklessly and secondly, i don't _ for his recklessly and secondly, i don't think— for his recklessly and secondly, i don't think people _ for his recklessly and secondly, i don't think people are _ for his recklessly and secondly, i don't think people are daft, - for his recklessly and secondly, i don't think people are daft, theyj don't think people are daft, they know— don't think people are daft, they know an — don't think people are daft, they know an election _ don't think people are daft, they know an election is _ don't think people are daft, they know an election is coming - don't think people are daft, they know an election is coming and i don't think people are daft, they| know an election is coming and it will be _ know an election is coming and it will be tax — know an election is coming and it will be tax cuts _ know an election is coming and it will be tax cuts today— know an election is coming and it will be tax cuts today and - know an election is coming and it will be tax cuts today and tax - know an election is coming and it. will be tax cuts today and tax rises from _ will be tax cuts today and tax rises from the _ will be tax cuts today and tax rises from the conservative _ will be tax cuts today and tax rises from the conservative party- will be tax cuts today and tax rises from the conservative party after. from the conservative party after the election _ from the conservative party after the election. it's _ from the conservative party after the election-— from the conservative party after the election._ we - from the conservative party after| the election._ we have the election. it's a bribe. we have done all we _ the election. it's a bribe. we have done all we can _ the election. it's a bribe. we have done all we can to _ the election. it's a bribe. we have done all we can to make - the election. it's a bribe. we have done all we can to make sure - the election. it's a bribe. we have i done all we can to make sure people

keep more _ done all we can to make sure people keep more of the money they earn. is keep more of the money they earn. [55 it keep more of the money they earn. is it affordable? keep more of the money they earn. is it affordable? this _ keep more of the money they earn. is it affordable? this is _ keep more of the money they earn. is it affordable? this is why _ keep more of the money they earn. is it affordable? this is why it's - keep more of the money they earn. is it affordable? this is why it's been - it affordable? this is why it's been done incrementally. _ it affordable? this is why it's been done incrementally. we _ it affordable? this is why it's been done incrementally. we have - it affordable? this is why it's been done incrementally. we have a - it affordable? this is why it's been | done incrementally. we have a and west talks done incrementally. we have a —.rc west talks about a 28 billion... i have done that.— west talks about a 28 billion... i have done that. there is no idea how he's auoin have done that. there is no idea how he's going to — have done that. there is no idea how he's going to raise _ have done that. there is no idea how he's going to raise the _ have done that. there is no idea how he's going to raise the money - have done that. there is no idea how he's going to raise the money to - have done that. there is no idea how he's going to raise the money to pay| he's going to raise the money to pay for the _ he's going to raise the money to pay for the spread of the dip rachel reeves — for the spread of the dip rachel reeves is — for the spread of the dip rachel reeves is flip—flopped or you turned on bankers — reeves is flip—flopped or you turned on bankers to strip reeves is flip-flopped or you turned on bankers to strip— reeves is flip-flopped or you turned on bankers to strip before we get on bankers' bonuses, _ on bankers to strip before we get on bankers' bonuses, festival, - on bankers to strip before we get on bankers' bonuses, festival, why - on bankers to strip before we get on bankers' bonuses, festival, why do i bankers' bonuses, festival, why do you think those tax cuts are affordable?— you think those tax cuts are affordable? ,, . , ., affordable? she has form when it comes to backing _ affordable? she has form when it comes to backing reckless - affordable? she has form when it comes to backing reckless plans. | affordable? she has form when it - comes to backing reckless plans. how they have _ comes to backing reckless plans. how they have the — comes to backing reckless plans. how they have the brass _ comes to backing reckless plans. how they have the brass neck— comes to backing reckless plans. how they have the brass neck to _ comes to backing reckless plans. how they have the brass neck to talk - they have the brass neck to talk about _ they have the brass neck to talk about fiscal _ they have the brass neck to talk about fiscal responsibility, - they have the brass neck to talk about fiscal responsibility, look| they have the brass neck to talk l about fiscal responsibility, look at the record. — about fiscal responsibility, look at the record, not— about fiscal responsibility, look at the record, notjust _ about fiscal responsibility, look at the record, not just the _ about fiscal responsibility, look at the record, notjust the mini- about fiscal responsibility, look at l the record, notjust the mini budget but 14— the record, notjust the mini budget but 14 years — the record, notjust the mini budget but 14 years of — the record, notjust the mini budget but 14 years of low _ the record, notjust the mini budget but 14 years of low growth, - the record, notjust the mini budget but 14 years of low growth, high - but 14 years of low growth, high taxes _ but 14 years of low growth, high taxes. �* ., . but 14 years of low growth, high taxes. 1, . . ,, ., but 14 years of low growth, high taxes. . ., ., taxes. bouncing back from covid et al. , taxes. bouncing back from covid et al., bein: taxes. bouncing back from covid et at” being able _ taxes. bouncing back from covid et al. , being able to _ taxes. bouncing back from covid et al. , being able to bring _ taxes. bouncing back from covid et al., being able to bring more - al., being able to bring more investment to this country compare to germany— investment to this country compare to germany and france combined with

expertise. _ to germany and france combined with expertise, technology and life science — expertise, technology and life science industries. we have a plan ensurem — science industries. we have a plan ensure... ~ . ., ., science industries. we have a plan ensure... . ensure... what do you say to people who have been _ ensure... what do you say to people who have been tracked _ ensure... what do you say to people who have been tracked into - ensure... what do you say to people who have been tracked into high - who have been tracked into high rates of tax? i who have been tracked into high rates of tax?— rates of tax? i have my own perspective _ rates of tax? i have my own perspective that _ rates of tax? i have my own perspective that i _ rates of tax? i have my own perspective that i will - rates of tax? i have my own perspective that i will leave | rates of tax? i have my own i perspective that i will leave it down — perspective that i will leave it down to — perspective that i will leave it down to the chancellor. can come across _ down to the chancellor. can come across what — down to the chancellor. can come across what is your view? i think we can _ across what is your view? i think we can thank— across what is your view? i think we can. thank even though you have increased — can. thank even though you have increased taxes? to allow people to keep more — increased taxes? to allow people to keep more of the money they earn but we are _ keep more of the money they earn but we are dealing with a background from _ we are dealing with a background from covid, where we were generous with supporting families and businesses. can come from we know it. businesses. can come from we know it let's _ businesses. can come from we know it let's talk— businesses. can come from we know it. let's talk about bankers' bonuses— it. let's talk about bankers' bonuse ,., ., it. let's talk about bankers' bonuse ., it. let's talk about bankers' bonuse , ., , , ., bonuses books was brought up before pmqs. bonuses books was brought up before pmos- let's — bonuses books was brought up before pmqs. let's look _ bonuses books was brought up before pmqs. let's look at _ bonuses books was brought up before pmqs. let's look at this _ bonuses books was brought up before pmqs. let's look at this clip - bonuses books was brought up before pmqs. let's look at this clip from - pmqs. let's look at this clip from the shadow chancellor, rachel reeves. {lit the shadow chancellor, rachel reeves. . , . reeves. of all the things that he could save _ reeves. of all the things that he could save from _ reeves. of all the things that he could save from the _ reeves. of all the things that he could save from the wreckage i reeves. of all the things that he could save from the wreckage ofj reeves. of all the things that he - could save from the wreckage of the kamikaze budget, he chooses to press ahead with, their plan to lift the

cap on bankers' bonuses. that was rachel reeves _ cap on bankers' bonuses. that was rachel reeves was _ cap on bankers' bonuses. that was rachel reeves was not _ cap on bankers' bonuses. that was rachel reeves was not response i cap on bankers' bonuses. that was| rachel reeves was not response to the autumn statement in november 2022, when he reversed kwasi kwarteng's mini budget measures. yesterday, in a screeching u—turn, rachel reeves has checked her mind. what has changed? the cap has gone, and there is a — what has changed? the cap has gone, and there is a long _ what has changed? the cap has gone, and there is a long list _ what has changed? the cap has gone, and there is a long list of _ what has changed? the cap has gone, and there is a long list of things - and there is a long list of things we will— and there is a long list of things we will inherit _ and there is a long list of things we will inherit if— and there is a long list of things we will inherit if we _ and there is a long list of things we will inherit if we win - and there is a long list of things we will inherit if we win the - and there is a long list of things| we will inherit if we win the next election— we will inherit if we win the next election that _ we will inherit if we win the next election that we _ we will inherit if we win the next election that we have _ we will inherit if we win the next election that we have to - we will inherit if we win the next election that we have to deal - we will inherit if we win the next. election that we have to deal with and this— election that we have to deal with and this is— election that we have to deal with and this is nowhere _ election that we have to deal with and this is nowhere near- election that we have to deal with and this is nowhere near the - election that we have to deal with and this is nowhere near the top. election that we have to deal withi and this is nowhere near the top of the list _ and this is nowhere near the top of the list. , , , .. , the list. despite rachel reeves criticisinu the list. despite rachel reeves criticising this. _ the list. despite rachel reeves criticising this. and _ the list. despite rachel reeves criticising this. and she - the list. despite rachel reeves. criticising this. and she criticised it a copple _ criticising this. and she criticised it a couple months _ criticising this. and she criticised it a couple months ago. - criticising this. and she criticised it a couple months ago. the - criticising this. and she criticised - it a couple months ago. the ultimate rachel debate _ it a couple months ago. the ultimate rachel debate around _ it a couple months ago. the ultimate rachel debate around that _ it a couple months ago. the ultimate rachel debate around that autumn i rachel debate around that autumn statement — rachel debate around that autumn statement was _ rachel debate around that autumn statement was about _ rachel debate around that autumn statement was about priorities. . rachel debate around that autumn i statement was about priorities. why was it— statement was about priorities. why was it the _ statement was about priorities. why was it the 0 — statement was about priorities. why was it the 0 but _ statement was about priorities. why was it the 0 but working _ statement was about priorities. why was it the 0 but working people - was it the 0 but working people tightening — was it the 0 but working people tightening their— was it the 0 but working people tightening their belts, - was it the 0 but working people tightening their belts, feeling . tightening their belts, feeling their— tightening their belts, feeling their pay— tightening their belts, feeling their pay go— tightening their belts, feeling their pay go down _ tightening their belts, feeling their pay go down in- tightening their belts, feeling their pay go down in real- tightening their belts, feeling i their pay go down in real terms tightening their belts, feeling - their pay go down in real terms as their— their pay go down in real terms as their bills —

their pay go down in real terms as their bills and _ their pay go down in real terms as their bills and cost _ their pay go down in real terms as their bills and cost of _ their pay go down in real terms as their bills and cost of mortgages i their bills and cost of mortgages and rents— their bills and cost of mortgages and rents rise, _ their bills and cost of mortgages and rents rise, but _ their bills and cost of mortgages and rents rise, but it— their bills and cost of mortgages and rents rise, but it was- their bills and cost of mortgages and rents rise, but it was a - and rents rise, but it was a priority— and rents rise, but it was a priority to _ and rents rise, but it was a priority to remove - and rents rise, but it was a priority to remove the - and rents rise, but it was a priority to remove the capi and rents rise, but it was a . priority to remove the cap on bankers' _ priority to remove the cap on bankers' bonuses? _ priority to remove the cap on bankers' bonuses? the - priority to remove the cap on bankers' bonuses? the pointj priority to remove the cap on - bankers' bonuses? the point she was making _ bankers' bonuses? the point she was making was— bankers' bonuses? the point she was making was about _ bankers' bonuses? the point she was making was about priorities - bankers' bonuses? the point she was making was about priorities and - bankers' bonuses? the point she was making was about priorities and the i making was about priorities and the contras _ making was about priorities and the contras. �* . , ., . , contras. barry gardiner, who was sittin: contras. barry gardiner, who was sitting where _ contras. barry gardiner, who was sitting where we _ contras. barry gardiner, who was sitting where we will— contras. barry gardiner, who was sitting where we willjust - contras. barry gardiner, who was sitting where we willjust step . contras. barry gardiner, who was i sitting where we willjust step away from analysis from our colleagues that politics alive and you can follow that story on bbc two. —— politics alive. but another story we are following here is live testimony by scotland's former first minister nicola sturgeon to the covid inquiry in edinburgh and there have been two key updates. first, the minister, former minister, was asked about whether she thought borisjohnson was wrong to be prime minister. she said, i don't think i am betraying any secrets here. i thought boris johnson was the wrong person to be

prime minister, she says. thenjamie dawson kc, the councilfor the scottish inquiry, asked her if she thought she was the right person to be first minister. she said, i was the first minister when the pandemic struck and part of me wishes i hadn't been. she then went on to be visibly upset. she said she wanted to be the best first minister she could be. and we will go live to the inquiry and nicola sturgeon's testimony. inquiry and nicola sturgeon's testimony-— inquiry and nicola sturgeon's testimon . , , �* testimony. the issue... became whether we _ testimony. the issue... became whether we put _ testimony. the issue... became whether we put into _ testimony. the issue... became whether we put into the - testimony. the issue... became whether we put into the public i whether we put into the public domain at that time that i think it was the second case had been associated. that was a fine judgment. this was a conference i think i heard in evidence last week that there was a couple of hundred people at that conference. there

were 71 people at that conference, only ten of them were from scotland. and there was a concern put to me in the advice from doctor calderwood that to say the case was somebody from that conference would have risked identifying that person. because of the small numbers involved. i got that advice. i think i spoke to doctor calderwood and i accepted that advice. i don't think it was unreasonable, i heard dr smith say to the inquiry and i thought this was a reasonable way of putting it, a different clinician might have a different risk appetite for patient confidentiality and given different advice. that is not to say the advice from doctor calderwood was wrong or unreasonable, but a different condition might have given different advice and a different politician might have decided not to accept that advice. in the same politician going back again might have decided not to accept it because even though

i don't think when that did surface, i don't think when that did surface, i don't think it did undermine confidence in public messaging, i can see now that it had the potential to do that and i would not have wanted to take that risk. we know that it didn't lead to any further spread. the final point i want to make about this as this was in early march. on every given day, there werejudgments in early march. on every given day, there were judgments falling to be made and decisions, often very fine judgments that could have gone one way or the other. and we were taking these in this unprecedented situation, trying to reach the best decisions we could. i hope the majority of these decisions where the right ones. some of them undoubtedly would have fallen on the wrong side of thatjudgment and perhaps with hindsight, this is one of those. but that doesn't mean it was a decision reach with the motivation of secrecy. there will be no reason other than patient confidentiality for the scottish

government not to have said that this was associated with... it was reached on the basis of patient confidentiality. it may have been a judgment we should have taken on the other direction, but that was on the nature of what we were dealing with at the time. i nature of what we were dealing with at the time. . nature of what we were dealing with at the time-— at the time. i have put the lack of publication _ at the time. i have put the lack of publication of— at the time. i have put the lack of publication of the _ at the time. i have put the lack of publication of the nike _ at the time. i have put the lack of| publication of the nike conference in another context because would you agree if it were to be concluded that in this period, despite the clear indication given of the need for clear public messaging over this period that the scottish government adopted an approach of secrecy such that it released very little of any information about the threat to the people. information about the threat to the eo - le. ., information about the threat to the eo . le, ., ., �* information about the threat to the --eole. ., ., �* . people. no, i wouldn't agree with that at all- _ people. no, iwouldn't agree with that at all. if— people. no, i wouldn't agree with that at all. if we _ people. no, i wouldn't agree with that at all. if we are _ people. no, i wouldn't agree with that at all. if we are talking - people. no, i wouldn't agree with that at all. if we are talking about the time period in which the nike decision was made, around the same time period decisions were made around the murrayfield rugby match,

there were copious amounts of information. on the day i got an accepted advice about the rugby match, we had just published the four nation strategy document, we were putting lots of information about how we perceived the risk and we perceived the steps that had to be taken and how that was going to unfold. the decisions that were taken on all of these things were not taken with the intention of being secretive or keeping information away from the public full they were taken on the basis, in the case of nike, considerations of patient confidentiality that i accept and other politicians may have taken a different view on, but they were the genuine consideration is being taken into account. in the case of the rugby going ahead, that was hps gave advice that came to me through doctor calderwood at the time that taking it all into account and the fact that it was open—air,

the fact that there were likely to be supporters that if they were not going to the match would go into pubs instead because they would come to edinburgh, but it was relatively safer for the match to go ahead. these were the decisions we were weighing and arriving at every day. was everyone of these decisions with hindsight the correct one? absolutely not, but they were being taken in good faith, for the best possible reasons and in the best possible reasons and in the best possible way to try to keep people safe as possible and be as open as possible in that process. with a decision is wrong with hindsight? —— where the decision is wrong. on nike, because i saw the potential, i don't think that was the reality. i don't think that was the reality. i don't think that was the reality. i don't think this risk materialised. but i saw the potential for the nike conference to emerge later through a media disclosure to undermine confidence. with hindsight, i think

i would have gone the other way on that. i think the rugby at that point is more difficult to call. with all the benefit of high side, within a few days of course, i was absolutely recommending mass event should not be going ahead. but this was public health advice being given to me by respected experts and i accepted it and i take responsibility for accepting it. and yes, on some of these, would i go a different way now? does that mean it was right versus wrong? these were matters ofjudgment. they were balanced decisions we were looking to make for the best possible reasons. we absolutely didn't get all of them right. tastes reasons. we absolutely didn't get all of them right.— all of them right. was the first erson all of them right. was the first person to _ all of them right. was the first person to die _ all of them right. was the first person to die from _ all of them right. was the first person to die from covid - all of them right. was the first person to die from covid in - all of them right. was the first - person to die from covid in scotland a french national who was at the rugby? he was, yes. no further questions, my lady, if that is a

convenient time.— questions, my lady, if that is a convenient time. certainly, i shall return a quarter _ convenient time. certainly, i shall return a quarter to _ convenient time. certainly, i shall return a quarter to two. _ convenient time. certainly, i shall return a quarter to two. so, - convenient time. certainly, i shall return a quarter to two. so, that i convenient time. certainly, i shall| return a quarter to two. so, that is the conclusion _ return a quarter to two. so, that is the conclusion of— return a quarter to two. so, that is the conclusion of this _ return a quarter to two. so, that is the conclusion of this part - return a quarter to two. so, that is the conclusion of this part of- return a quarter to two. so, that is the conclusion of this part of the i the conclusion of this part of the testimony by nicola sturgeon to the covid inquiry in scotland. just to recap that scotland's former first minister nicola sturgeon speaking to the covid inquiry in scotland. and if you would like to continue following nicola sturgeon and her evidence to the inquiry throughout the day, you can go to the live page on the bbc website. for the latest updates, as well as correspondence analysis. now, the inquiry has been looking at the informal communications between scottish government advisers and ministers. in one text conversation with her chief of staff liz lloyd, the first minister called borisjohnson a

clown, using an expletive. ms lloyd told the inquiry she had lost her messages prior to september 2020, which meant she had non—covering the initial stages of the pandemic. nicola sturgeon says the inquiry does have messages from her, although she has not retained them on her own device. in a crucial moment earlier, miss sturgeon admitted to jamie elson kc that she had in fact deleted those messages. ——jamie dawson. whatsapp between yourself and mr yousaf and liz lloyd were produced by you with your second statement, where did you get them? , , ., ., them? they were provided to me throu~h them? they were provided to me through the _ them? they were provided to me through the scottish _ them? they were provided to me| through the scottish government. them? they were provided to me - through the scottish government. you obviousl through the scottish government. gm. obviously didn't have those on your own devices because you had deleted them. i own devices because you had deleted them. �* . them. i didn't retain them, in line with the procedure _ them. i didn't retain them, in line with the procedure i _ them. i didn't retain them, in line with the procedure i have - them. i didn't retain them, in line with the procedure i have already| with the procedure i have already talked about. share with the procedure i have already talked about.— talked about. are you creating a distinction _ talked about. are you creating a distinction between _ talked about. are you creating a distinction between deleting - talked about. are you creating a i distinction between deleting them, you had deleted them, had you not? forgive me, i think deletion sounds

as though it was not bothering to check whether any information was being retained. iwas check whether any information was being retained. i was very thorough notjust in the pandemic, but all my working government, to ensure things were appropriately recorded. but in line with the advice i had was been given since my first state and government probably, it was not to retain conversations like that on a phone that could be lost or stolen and therefore not secure. but phone that could be lost or stolen and therefore not secure.- and therefore not secure. but did ou and therefore not secure. but did you delete _ and therefore not secure. but did you delete them? _ and therefore not secure. but did you delete them? yes. _ you delete them? yes. studio: _ you delete them? yes. studio: that - you delete them? yes. studio: that was - you delete them? yes. i studio: that was nicola you delete them? yes. _ studio: that was nicola sturgeon speaking to the covid inquiry in scotland. some of the news today. the bbc has released around 3,000 e—mails linked to his handling of the journalist martin bashir who give haim famous after his interview with princess diana in 1995. an independent inquiry and 2021 found he had been deceitful and had faked documents to secure the interview.

the corporation has now been compelled to release thousands of pages of correspondence revealing how it dealt with it all. with the details, this is our media correspondent. panorama theme music the e—mails are all from a few weeks in 2020 when questions emerged about martin bashir�*s panorama interview with princess diana. the thousands of e—mails released include one to the director—general from earl spencer, calling for a full independent inquiry, a discussion of the whereabouts of a crucial missing note from princess diana, and communications with martin bashir, which reveal his belief that this was being driven by professional jealousy that a second—generation immigrant had landed such an interview. this freedom of information request grew out of a suspicion that the bbc was purposefully withholding vital documents. the journalist andy webb, who fought for the release, says he believes the e—mails show information was being kept from him. in a statement, the bbc says documents not released to journalists were made

available to the subsequent and damning dyson inquiry. the corporation has spent more than £100,000 in a court case trying to resist this release of further documents, saying they're largely irrelevant, or legally privileged. david sillito, bbc news. and we have some breaking news, which is the details of the deal between the democratic unionist party and the government have just been published. we can go live to belfast and our correspondent chris page. give us the details, chris. yes, this is the deal the democratic unionist party has negotiated with the uk government principally over brexit trading arrangements for northern ireland. and this new agreement is paving the way for a restoration of the devolved assembly, the devolved government, which is usually based here at stormont near belfast and has been out of action for two years because

the dup has been boycotting the institutions. 50 the paper that has been published runs to 80 pages. safeguarding the union is the name. there is detailed to be worked through. but it says that checks and paperwork on goods moving from great britain to northern ireland will be reduced and those changes apply to goods from england, scotland, wales staying in northern ireland, not moving across the border into the republic of ireland and therefore the european union, and there will be no routine checks on those goods. government is also going to bring in at westminster two pieces of legislation to guarantee goods from northern ireland can be sold in great britain in all circumstances and also, the legislation will affirm northern ireland's place in the united kingdom. 50 as this deal is published, you can expect lots of people to be poring over it, including those within unionism

here, some opponents of sir geoffrey donaldson within his own party have reservations about going back into the devolved government in belfast a more hardline unionist groups who will be looking for evidence as they see it that this does not remove the trade border in the irish sea which has been at the heart of unionist objections to the brexit trading arrangements for northern ireland. but in recognition that he has the job of selling this deal, the leader of the pay —— the dup is taking part ina of the pay —— the dup is taking part in a phone—in show, answering questions on this deal and he says as far as he's concerned, this does remove the irish sea border and this deal is as good as he could possibly have got. 50 as this deal is analysed, you can expect more interpretation of it and may be more arguing of it, but there is no sign at the moment the process to bring back devolution in northern ireland

is going to be derailed, the dup leader very intent on making that happen later on this week. so the process we expect will be that that legislation will be put through parliament in london tomorrow. and today, the woman who is aligned to be first minister of the devolved government when it returns, the sinn fein vice—president michelle o'neill has said there is a fair degree of understanding that the assembly will be recalled on saturday, a speaker will be elected, ministers will be appointed and then devolution will be officially back. michelle o'neill stands to be the first irish nationalist to take up the position of first minister of northern ireland. she will be at the head of the devolved government, along with a deputy first minister who will be appointed from the dup. that is the first time there will be a sinn fein first minister and irish nationalist firmest —— irish nationalist first minister and that will be a highly significant moment for this part of

the uk. ., ~ _, significant moment for this part of the uk. ., , y., , significant moment for this part of the uk. ., ~ _, y . significant moment for this part of theuk. ., y . , the uk. thank you very much, chris pace with the uk. thank you very much, chris page with that _ the uk. thank you very much, chris page with that breaking _ the uk. thank you very much, chris page with that breaking news. i the uk. thank you very much, chris page with that breaking news. the | page with that breaking news. the details of a deal between the democratic unionist party in northern ireland and the government has now been published. that update from chris page. next on the news channel, we have the one o'clock news with jane hill, where we will have more details on this breaking news.

today at one: nicola sturgeon tells the covid inquiry that she did delete whatsapp messages sent during the pandemic. the former first minister of scotland said she didn't make decisions in informal ways, and followed rules about messages. in line with the advice i had always been given since my first day in government probably was not to retain conversations like that on a phone that could be lost or stolen and therefore not secure. but did you delete them? yes. we'll have the latest from the inquiry in edinburgh. also on the programme:

the government has just released details of the deal which paves the way for power sharing to return in northern ireland. for some common conditions, choose your pharmacy instead of a gp. chemists get new prescribing powers in england. the ban on xl bullies — the deadline has just passed for owners to register their dog, if they want to keep it, in england and wales. and the energy bill for nearly £250,000. a businessman tells us the mistake caused pandemonium. and stay with us on bbc news. for continuing coverage and analysis from our team of correspondence in the uk and around the world.