this morning labour were standing by their candidate in the rochdale by election. in the last couple of hours the party's announced it's withdrawing its support for him. what's changed 7

"new information" about "further comments" made by their candidate have come to light, say labour. they won't tell us what they are, but it would appear they're enough now to investigate. we'll ask labour insiders and experts what this tells us about the man who wants to be our next prime minister. also tonight, hundreds of thousands of lives hang in the balance in southern gaza. as the uk's foreign secretary urges israel to "stop and think seriously" and washington says action in rafa would be a disaster, what are the red lines for israel's allies, if any? plus, it's four years since borisjohnson and the conservatives in their election manifesto made the pledge to "level up" britain. how's it going? when it comes to the priorities and promises the government made a run things like healthy life expectancy and public transport, but is in

particular, we have not seen delivery on those promises. and taylor swift celebrates her american football star boyfriend's super bowl win. but is it too good to be true? yes, according to conspiricy minded observers who think it's all part of a plot on behalf of the democrats. we'll explain all at the end of the programme. good evening and welcome to the programme. labour leader sir keir starmer once made this promise — "under my leadership there will be zero tolerance of antisemitism". yet this morning the party said it was standing by its candidate azhar ali in the rochdale by—election, even though mr ali had been recorded repeating an anti—semitic conspiracy theory in a labour party meeing. mr ali had said israel had "allowed" the hamas attack on october 7th to happen. that recording was leaked to the mail on sunday. following that, mr ali released a statement, apologising for what he called his "offensive, ignorant and false comments". tonight things have changed — the labour party has now withdrawn its support for mr ali

after, quote, "new information about further comments came to light," unquote. tonight i asked labour what that information was, what the comments were — they wouldn't tell me. they said it was because an investigation was now being carried out. i also asked for a interview, live, with anyone from the front bench, but they said no one was available. the party's campaign chief, pat mcfadden, in the last hour and a half gave a four—minute pool interview. here's a clip. why weren't those initial comments reaching _ why weren't those initial comments reaching the — why weren't those initial comments reaching the threshold _ why weren't those initial comments reaching the threshold to _ why weren't those initial comments reaching the threshold to act - why weren't those initial comments reaching the threshold to act back. reaching the threshold to act back then and — reaching the threshold to act back then and why— reaching the threshold to act back then and why wasn't _ reaching the threshold to act back then and why wasn't suggesting . reaching the threshold to act back. then and why wasn't suggesting that israel_ then and why wasn't suggesting that israel allowed — then and why wasn't suggesting that israel allowed october— then and why wasn't suggesting that israel allowed october seven - then and why wasn't suggesting that israel allowed october seven to - israel allowed october seven to happen, — israel allowed october seven to happen. why— israel allowed october seven to happen, why didn't _ israel allowed october seven to happen, why didn't that - israel allowed october seven to happen, why didn't that cross . israel allowed october seven to i happen, why didn't that cross the threshold? — happen, why didn't that cross the threshold? mr— happen, why didn't that cross the threshold? ~ �* , , ., threshold? mr ali issued a full a olo: threshold? mr ali issued a full apology for— threshold? mr ali issued a full apology for his _ threshold? mr ali issued a full apology for his initial - threshold? mr ali issued a full. apology for his initial comments threshold? mr ali issued a full- apology for his initial comments but since then, new information has come to light... iii since then, new information has come to liuht. .. since then, new information has come toliuht... ,, , since then, new information has come toliuht... ,, to light... if he issues a full a olo: to light... if he issues a full apology for _ to light... if he issues a full apology for the _ to light... if he issues a full apology for the new - to light... if he issues a full| apology for the new comics, would you reconsider?— apology for the new comics, would you reconsider? further comments have come — you reconsider? further comments have come to _ you reconsider? further comments have come to light _ you reconsider? further comments have come to light which _ you reconsider? further comments have come to light which meant. you reconsider? further comments. have come to light which meant that we had to take the difficult but necessary decision this evening to withdraw support from his candidacy. do you think labour has let down the

jewish— do you think labour has let down the jewish community? _ do you think labour has let down the jewish community? he, _ do you think labour has let down the jewish community?— jewish community? no, in fact i think in taking _ jewish community? no, in fact i think in taking the _ jewish community? no, in fact i think in taking the tough - jewish community? no, in fact i think in taking the tough but. think in taking the tough but necessary decision to suspend support for mr ali's candidacy, what keir starmer has done this even is shown that when he said he would root anti—semitism out of the labour party and make sure it had no place in the labour party, to light the decision he has taken as evidence that he is sticking by that, no matter what the circumstances. rochdale is considered a safe labour seat — the party is defending a majority of nearly 10,000. let's speak now to sunder katwala, director of the nonpartisan think—tank british future. andrew fisher, former labour executive director of policy underjeremy corbyn, and aletha adu, political correspondent at the guardian. do any of you know what the comments are? ., do any of you know what the comments are? ihlo. no. we have the front page are? no. no. we have the front page ofthe are? iiru no. we have the front page of the daily mail which i will read

in a second, i can send it to you, pat mcfadden says information has come to light about comments that this candidate has made are notjust one occasion but more than that which would suggest to me it is anti—semitic but how do you read it? it has been a deeply troubling 36 hours for the labour party. under keir starmer, he pitched himself as somebody who would tear anti—semitism from the party's roots and he's done so but over the last 36 hours we have seen a party that is struggling to really grapple how to handle its disciplinary process and its complaints system because as it stands, we have a number of labour mps that have been suspended for making anti—semitic remarks, they apologised and were immediately suspended. yet we had a by—election candidate that was supported, shadow cabinet ministers coming out on the rounds this morning, repeating the fact that, oh, he had presumably

been sort of succumbed to understand some sort of conspiracy theories but ultimately, if you say you are going to take a zero tolerance to anti—semitism, no means know, right? and questions will be raised, rightly, by the electorate as to why the labour party felt it was fair enough for them to stand by him. arguments have been presented that it is the sort of lesser of two evils, backing someone who made such remarks and has apologised for them instead of allowing george galloway to potentially win this by—election but again, it isjust to potentially win this by—election but again, it is just a really troubling time for the party because this could have been avoided if they had just done what they had done in the past when it came to other mps like andy mcdonald and diane abbott, and simply suspended their support for this by—election candidate. for this by-election candidate. i'm readin: for this by-election candidate. i'm reading the _ for this by—election candidate. i'm reading the front page of the daily mail and it says that mr ali apparently also, in a lancashire labour party me did not blame to

people in the media from certain jewish quarters for fuelling criticism of a pro—palestinian labour mp and said israel planned to get rid of palestinians from gaza and grab some of the land. how do you respond to that and how do they differ from the original comments which were the egyptians were saying they want is a ten days earlier, americans wants something was happening, they deliberately took the security of and allowed the massacre but gives them the green light to do whatever they bloody want. . . . light to do whatever they bloody want. . ., ., ., want. the claim that the 7th of october at _ want. the claim that the 7th of october at massacre _ want. the claim that the 7th of october at massacre was - want. the claim that the 7th of| october at massacre was some want. the claim that the 7th of- october at massacre was some kind of inside _ october at massacre was some kind of inside job something israel deliberately let happen is at the gravest — deliberately let happen is at the gravest end of the scale of the accusations you could make, so the party _ accusations you could make, so the pariy might— accusations you could make, so the party might say there was a pattern of allegations and it is harder to defend — of allegations and it is harder to defend but those original comments io defend but those original comments go well— defend but those original comments go well beyond talking about the negligence or the failure of intelligence to say that something like that— intelligence to say that something like that was deliberately allowed. the candidate himself called them inexcusable and for various reasons,

including _ inexcusable and for various reasons, including the fact that the ballot paper— including the fact that the ballot paper was printed, the party has spent _ paper was printed, the party has spent two — paper was printed, the party has spent two days trying to excuse them enough _ spent two days trying to excuse them enough to _ spent two days trying to excuse them enough to recommend him as the mp before _ enough to recommend him as the mp before giving up so it's a complete mesa _ before giving up so it's a complete mess it _ before giving up so it's a complete mess. it arises partly from trying to have _ mess. it arises partly from trying to have a — mess. it arises partly from trying to have a by—election with unseemly haste _ to have a by—election with unseemly haste eight— to have a by—election with unseemly haste eight of 11 natmeg of a late mp's funeral, candidates without proper— mp's funeral, candidates without proper betting and processes, but the failure — proper betting and processes, but the failure of culture because people — the failure of culture because people have heard some of these comments at meeting, they have been taped at— comments at meeting, they have been taped at meetings and liberty at the meeting _ taped at meetings and liberty at the meeting i_ taped at meetings and liberty at the meeting i said, you can't see that, and the party would not be in this nfess— and the party would not be in this mess if somebody who had heard those comments _ mess if somebody who had heard those comments had actually intervened while _ comments had actually intervened while they were selecting the candidate and not when it's too late _ candidate and not when it's too late. ~ late. we don't know that somebody at the meetin: late. we don't know that somebody at the meeting did not _ late. we don't know that somebody at the meeting did not say _ late. we don't know that somebody at the meeting did not say something . the meeting did not say something after he had made his comments, we don't know that... after he had made his comments, we don't know that. . ._ after he had made his comments, we don't know that. . .— don't know that. .. there wasn't a challen . e don't know that. .. there wasn't a challenge during _ don't know that. .. there wasn't a challenge during the _ don't know that. .. there wasn't a challenge during the selection . challenge during the selection process, — challenge during the selection process, there has been a challenge in the _ process, there has been a challenge in the media after the ballot papers were printed and that is a failure for anybody at the party of the, we don't _ for anybody at the party of the, we don't know— for anybody at the party of the, we don't know how many people did know but somebody should have been intervened when it was time to do is

open _ intervened when it was time to do is open to— intervened when it was time to do is open to andrew fisher, why do you think— open to andrew fisher, why do you think sir— open to andrew fisher, why do you think sir keir starmer did not withdraw— think sir keir starmer did not withdraw support from azhar ali on saturday _ withdraw support from azhar ali on saturday night?— saturday night? because of that labour party _ saturday night? because of that labour party procedures - saturday night? because of that labour party procedures are - saturday night? because of that - labour party procedures are entirely factional. _ labour party procedures are entirely factional. and — labour party procedures are entirely factional, and azhar— labour party procedures are entirely factional, and azhar ali _ labour party procedures are entirely factional, and azhar ali is _ labour party procedures are entirely factional, and azhar ali is someone i factional, and azhar ali is someone who is— factional, and azhar ali is someone who is considered _ factional, and azhar ali is someone who is considered to _ factional, and azhar ali is someone who is considered to be _ factional, and azhar ali is someone who is considered to be on - factional, and azhar ali is someone who is considered to be on the - factional, and azhar ali is someone| who is considered to be on the right of the _ who is considered to be on the right of the labour— who is considered to be on the right of the labour party— who is considered to be on the right of the labour party and _ who is considered to be on the right of the labour party and therefore i of the labour party and therefore its actions — of the labour party and therefore its actions were _ of the labour party and therefore its actions were excused. - of the labour party and therefore its actions were excused. you - of the labour party and thereforel its actions were excused. you had shadow— its actions were excused. you had shadow man — its actions were excused. you had shadow man is _ its actions were excused. you had shadow man is -- _ its actions were excused. you had shadow man is —— shadow- its actions were excused. you had l shadow man is —— shadow ministers campaigning — shadow man is —— shadow ministers campaigning for— shadow man is —— shadow ministers campaigning for him _ shadow man is —— shadow ministers campaigning for him yesterday- shadow man is —— shadow ministers campaigning for him yesterday andl campaigning for him yesterday and rocks _ campaigning for him yesterday and rocks jail. — campaigning for him yesterday and rocks jail, shadow— campaigning for him yesterday and rocks jail, shadow cabinet - campaigning for him yesterday andl rocks jail, shadow cabinet ministers on the _ rocks jail, shadow cabinet ministers on the media — rocks jail, shadow cabinet ministers on the media this _ rocks jail, shadow cabinet ministers on the media this morning - rocks jail, shadow cabinet ministers on the media this morning on- rocks jail, shadow cabinet ministers on the media this morning on radiol on the media this morning on radio and tv— on the media this morning on radio and tv depending _ on the media this morning on radio and tv depending on _ on the media this morning on radio and tv depending on saying - on the media this morning on radio and tv depending on saying it - on the media this morning on radio and tv depending on saying it wasl and tv depending on saying it was out of— and tv depending on saying it was out of character— and tv depending on saying it was out of character and _ and tv depending on saying it was out of character and it _ and tv depending on saying it was out of character and it was - and tv depending on saying it was| out of character and it was actually a far more — out of character and it was actually a far more sensible _ out of character and it was actually a far more sensible person- out of character and it was actually a far more sensible person who . out of character and it was actually. a far more sensible person who said something _ a far more sensible person who said something wrong _ a far more sensible person who said something wrong -- _ a far more sensible person who said something wrong —— and _ a far more sensible person who said something wrong —— and rochdale. i a far more sensible person who said i something wrong —— and rochdale. we have seen— something wrong —— and rochdale. we have seen this — something wrong —— and rochdale. we have seen this time _ something wrong —— and rochdale. we have seen this time and _ something wrong —— and rochdale. we have seen this time and again, - have seen this time and again, aletha — have seen this time and again, aletha brought _ have seen this time and again, aletha brought up _ have seen this time and again, aletha brought up the - have seen this time and again, aletha brought up the cases i have seen this time and again, aletha brought up the cases ofj have seen this time and again, - aletha brought up the cases of andy mcdonald _ aletha brought up the cases of andy mcdonald and — aletha brought up the cases of andy mcdonald and kate _ aletha brought up the cases of andy mcdonald and kate osmo, - aletha brought up the cases of andy mcdonald and kate osmo, i- aletha brought up the cases of andy mcdonald and kate osmo, i don't. mcdonald and kate osmo, idon't think— mcdonald and kate osmo, idon't think what— mcdonald and kate osmo, i don't think what they _ mcdonald and kate osmo, i don't think what they said _ mcdonald and kate osmo, i don't think what they said was - mcdonald and kate osmo, i don't| think what they said was remotely anti-semitic. _ think what they said was remotely anti—semitic, especially— think what they said was remotely anti—semitic, especially in- think what they said was remotely anti—semitic, especially in the - think what they said was remotelyl anti—semitic, especially in the case of andy— anti—semitic, especially in the case of andy mcdonald, _ anti—semitic, especially in the case of andy mcdonald, but _ anti—semitic, especially in the case of andy mcdonald, but we - anti—semitic, especially in the case of andy mcdonald, but we also - anti—semitic, especially in the case of andy mcdonald, but we also add cases— of andy mcdonald, but we also add cases like _ of andy mcdonald, but we also add cases like barry— of andy mcdonald, but we also add cases like barry sheerman - of andy mcdonald, but we also add cases like barry sheerman who - cases like barry sheerman who accused — cases like barry sheerman who accused jewish— cases like barry sheerman who accused jewish people - cases like barry sheerman who accused jewish people of- cases like barry sheerman who i accused jewish people of getting cases like barry sheerman who - accused jewish people of getting in the house — accused jewish people of getting in the house of— accused jewish people of getting in the house of lords _ accused jewish people of getting in the house of lords goes _ accused jewish people of getting in the house of lords goes shekel- accused jewish people of getting ml the house of lords goes shekel had been exchanged, _ the house of lords goes shekel had been exchanged, he _ the house of lords goes shekel had been exchanged, he was not - the house of lords goes shekel had been exchanged, he was not even i been exchanged, he was not even suspended. — been exchanged, he was not even suspended. just _ been exchanged, he was not even suspended, just given _ been exchanged, he was not even suspended, just given a _ been exchanged, he was not even suspended, just given a shackle . been exchanged, he was not even . suspended, just given a shackle that make _ suspended, just given a shackle that make a _ suspended, just given a shackle that make a slap— suspended, just given a shackle that make a slap on— suspended, just given a shackle that

make a slap on the _ suspended, just given a shackle that make a slap on the wrist _ suspended, just given a shackle that make a slap on the wrist and - suspended, just given a shackle that make a slap on the wrist and told i suspended, just given a shackle that make a slap on the wrist and told to| make a slap on the wrist and told to delete _ make a slap on the wrist and told to delete the _ make a slap on the wrist and told to delete the tweet, _ make a slap on the wrist and told to delete the tweet, steve _ make a slap on the wrist and told to delete the tweet, steve reed - make a slap on the wrist and told to delete the tweet, steve reed did i delete the tweet, steve reed did something — delete the tweet, steve reed did something anti—semitic - delete the tweet, steve reed did something anti—semitic which - delete the tweet, steve reed did something anti—semitic which he | something anti—semitic which he apologised — something anti—semitic which he apologised for _ something anti—semitic which he apologised for but _ something anti—semitic which he apologised for but was _ something anti—semitic which he apologised for but was never - apologised for but was never suspended _ apologised for but was never suspended so— apologised for but was never suspended so the _ apologised for but was never suspended so the rules - apologised for but was never suspended so the rules are l apologised for but was never . suspended so the rules are not consistent— suspended so the rules are not consistent at— suspended so the rules are not consistent at all. _ suspended so the rules are not consistent at all. we _ suspended so the rules are not consistent at all. we have - suspended so the rules are not consistent at all. we have this| suspended so the rules are not - consistent at all. we have this mess because _ consistent at all. we have this mess because it's — consistent at all. we have this mess because it's factional— consistent at all. we have this mess because it's factional and _ consistent at all. we have this mess because it's factional and that's - because it's factional and that's the problem _ because it's factional and that's the problem. with _ because it's factional and that's the problem. with the - because it's factional and that's the problem. with the labour. because it's factional and that's - the problem. with the labour party process— the problem. with the labour party process is — the problem. with the labour party process is that— the problem. with the labour party process is. that needs _ the problem. with the labour party process is. that needs to— the problem. with the labour party process is. that needs to be - process is. that needs to be resolved _ process is. that needs to be resolved i_ process is. that needs to be resolved. i think— process is. that needs to be resolved. i think there - process is. that needs to be resolved. i think there was i process is. that needs to be| resolved. i think there was a process is. that needs to be - resolved. i think there was a myth that has— resolved. i think there was a myth that has developed _ resolved. i think there was a myth that has developed of— resolved. i think there was a myth that has developed of there - resolved. i think there was a myth that has developed of there being| that has developed of there being some _ that has developed of there being some kind — that has developed of there being some kind of— that has developed of there being some kind of independent - that has developed of there being| some kind of independent process that has developed of there being - some kind of independent process but if you listen _ some kind of independent process but if you listen to — some kind of independent process but if you listen to martyn ford _ some kind of independent process but if you listen to martyn ford casey, - if you listen to martyn ford casey, a senior— if you listen to martyn ford casey, a senior barrister, _ if you listen to martyn ford casey, a senior barrister, who _ if you listen to martyn ford casey, a senior barrister, who cares, - a senior barrister, who cares, appointed _ a senior barrister, who cares, appointed to _ a senior barrister, who cares, appointed to investigate - a senior barrister, who cares, appointed to investigate this, j a senior barrister, who cares, i appointed to investigate this, he wanted — appointed to investigate this, he wanted a — appointed to investigate this, he wanted a proper— appointed to investigate this, he wanted a proper independent. appointed to investigate this, he - wanted a proper independent process which _ wanted a proper independent process which was _ wanted a proper independent process which was rejected _ wanted a proper independent process which was rejected outright _ wanted a proper independent process which was rejected outright by- wanted a proper independent process which was rejected outright by the . which was rejected outright by the ruling _ which was rejected outright by the ruling body— which was rejected outright by the ruling body of _ which was rejected outright by the ruling body of the _ which was rejected outright by the ruling body of the labour - which was rejected outright by the ruling body of the labour party- which was rejected outright by the i ruling body of the labour party and this is— ruling body of the labour party and this is where — ruling body of the labour party and this is where we _ ruling body of the labour party and this is where we are _ ruling body of the labour party and this is where we are right- ruling body of the labour party and this is where we are right now. - ruling body of the labour party and this is where we are right now. hel this is where we are right now. he also to this is where we are right now. also to factional behaviour around theseissues also to factional behaviour around these issues underjeremy corbyn. do you agree with andrew's assessment of what is going on here, that if you are in sir keir starmer�*s circle, he is suggesting, andrew is, you can make an anti—semitic comment and not be suspended, do you agree with that? ~

and not be suspended, do you agree with that? ,, _, , , _ with that? i think consistency really matters _ with that? i think consistency really matters across - with that? i think consistency really matters across parties| with that? i think consistency . really matters across parties and within _ really matters across parties and within fractions, within parties, and there — within fractions, within parties, and there is not sufficient consistency, i think that's a correct _ consistency, i think that's a correct argument. there has obviously— correct argument. there has obviously been a need for cultural change. _ obviously been a need for cultural change, for rebuilding trust in jewish— change, for rebuilding trust in jewish communities in particular after— jewish communities in particular after the — jewish communities in particular after the party was found in breach of its _ after the party was found in breach of its legal— after the party was found in breach of its legal obligations but if you are going — of its legal obligations but if you are going to have a zero tolerance approach. — are going to have a zero tolerance approach, then you had to apply it. there _ approach, then you had to apply it. there were — approach, then you had to apply it. there were specific points about the ballot _ there were specific points about the ballot papers being printed and george — ballot papers being printed and george galloway is in the election, but you _ george galloway is in the election, but you have to find a way to apply the principles that you are saying you are _ the principles that you are saying you are applying and clearly these were much more grave comments and some _ were much more grave comments and some others — were much more grave comments and some others. is were much more grave comments and some others— some others. is azhar ali still the labour candidate _ some others. is azhar ali still the labour candidate in _ some others. is azhar ali still the labour candidate in rochdale - some others. is azhar ali still the l labour candidate in rochdale then? obviously labour has missed the deadline to formally withdraw him from their ballot papers, so when people go to vote in the next couple of weeks at rochdale, they will still see azhar ali as the labour party candidate but labour has said, if he was to win this by—election,

he would not be a labour mp. he would sit as an independent? and labour would select a different candidate for the election? exactly. if ou are candidate for the election? exactly. if you are a — candidate for the election? exactly. if you are a labour— candidate for the election? exactly. if you are a labour supporter- candidate for the election? exactly. if you are a labour supporter in - if you are a labour supporter in rochdale, who do you vote for? that's a big question facing labour supporters— that's a big question facing labour supporters now— that's a big question facing labour supporters now because _ that's a big question facing labour supporters now because there - that's a big question facing labour supporters now because there is l that's a big question facing labour. supporters now because there is not a labour— supporters now because there is not a labour candidate _ supporters now because there is not a labour candidate so— a labour candidate so therefore might— a labour candidate so therefore might vote _ a labour candidate so therefore might vote for _ a labour candidate so therefore might vote for azhar _ a labour candidate so therefore might vote for azhar ali, - a labour candidate so therefore might vote for azhar ali, who . might vote for azhar ali, who is until— might vote for azhar ali, who is until recently— might vote for azhar ali, who is until recently a _ might vote for azhar ali, who is until recently a labour- might vote for azhar ali, who is . until recently a labour member... there _ until recently a labour member... there is— until recently a labour member... there is a — until recently a labour member... there is a labour— until recently a labour member... there is a labour candidate... - there is a labour candidate... there is not, there is a labour candidate... there is not. there — there is a labour candidate... there is not. there is _ there is a labour candidate... there is not, there is somebody _ there is a labour candidate... there is not, there is somebody who - there is a labour candidate... there is not, there is somebody who will. is not, there is somebody who will be printed — is not, there is somebody who will be printed with _ is not, there is somebody who will be printed with labour— is not, there is somebody who will be printed with labour next - is not, there is somebody who will be printed with labour next to - is not, there is somebody who willl be printed with labour next to their name _ be printed with labour next to their name on _ be printed with labour next to their name on the — be printed with labour next to their name on the paper— be printed with labour next to their name on the paper but he - be printed with labour next to their name on the paper but he is- be printed with labour next to their name on the paper but he is not. be printed with labour next to their name on the paper but he is not a i name on the paper but he is not a labour— name on the paper but he is not a labour candidate _ name on the paper but he is not a labour candidate any— name on the paper but he is not a labour candidate any more, - name on the paper but he is not a labour candidate any more, he i name on the paper but he is not a labour candidate any more, he is| labour candidate any more, he is suspended — labour candidate any more, he is suspended from _ labour candidate any more, he is suspended from the _ labour candidate any more, he is suspended from the party. - labour candidate any more, he is suspended from the party. there| labour candidate any more, he is. suspended from the party. there is obviously— suspended from the party. there is obviously george _ suspended from the party. there is obviously george galloway- suspended from the party. there is obviously george galloway he - suspended from the party. there is obviously george galloway he wasl obviously george galloway he was once a _ obviously george galloway he was once a labour— obviously george galloway he was once a labour mp _ obviously george galloway he was once a labour mp but _ obviously george galloway he was once a labour mp but is _ obviously george galloway he was once a labour mp but is running l obviously george galloway he was. once a labour mp but is running for another— once a labour mp but is running for another party — once a labour mp but is running for another party and _ once a labour mp but is running for another party and another - once a labour mp but is running for| another party and another candidate who was a _ another party and another candidate who was a disgraced _ another party and another candidate who was a disgraced x _ another party and another candidate who was a disgraced x labour- another party and another candidate l who was a disgraced x labour mp who is running _ who was a disgraced x labour mp who is running for— who was a disgraced x labour mp who is running for reform. _ who was a disgraced x labour mp who is running for reform. they— who was a disgraced x labour mp who is running for reform. they have - is running for reform. they have a choice. _ is running for reform. they have a choice. not — is running for reform. they have a choice, not sure _ is running for reform. they have a choice, not sure which _ is running for reform. they have a choice, not sure which one - is running for reform. they have a choice, not sure which one i - is running for reform. they have a choice, not sure which one i would pick if— choice, not sure which one i would pick if i _ choice, not sure which one i would pick if i was — choice, not sure which one i would pick if i was then _ choice, not sure which one i would pick if i was then put _ choice, not sure which one i would pick if i was then put about - choice, not sure which one i would pick if i was then put about a - choice, not sure which one i would | pick if i was then put about a tough decision— pick if i was then put about a tough decision for— pick if i was then put about a tough decision for the _ pick if i was then put about a tough decision for the people _ pick if i was then put about a tough decision for the people of - pick if i was then put about a toughl decision for the people of rochdale. and labour— decision for the people of rochdale. and labour has— decision for the people of rochdale. and labour has let _ decision for the people of rochdale.

and labour has let them _ decision for the people of rochdale. and labour has let them down. - decision for the people of rochdale. and labour has let them down. thel and labour has let them down. the only saving — and labour has let them down. the only saving grace _ and labour has let them down. the only saving grace is _ and labour has let them down. the only saving grace is that _ and labour has let them down. the only saving grace is that in - and labour has let them down. the only saving grace is that in a - and labour has let them down. the only saving grace is that in a few i only saving grace is that in a few months — only saving grace is that in a few months there _ only saving grace is that in a few months there will— only saving grace is that in a few months there will be _ only saving grace is that in a few months there will be a _ only saving grace is that in a few months there will be a general. months there will be a general election— months there will be a general election and _ months there will be a general election and they _ months there will be a general election and they will - months there will be a general election and they will get - months there will be a general election and they will get a - months there will be a general- election and they will get a proper choice _ election and they will get a proper choice at — election and they will get a proper choice at that _ election and they will get a proper choice at that point. _ election and they will get a proper choice at that point.— choice at that point. does this damaue choice at that point. does this damage labour _ choice at that point. does this damage labour when - choice at that point. does this damage labour when it - choice at that point. does this| damage labour when it comes choice at that point. does this i damage labour when it comes to muslim voters and jewish voters? lama; muslim voters and jewish voters? any -a that muslim voters and jewish voters? any party that wants to govern has to win trust— party that wants to govern has to win trust of muslim voters, jewish voters. _ win trust of muslim voters, jewish voters. at — win trust of muslim voters, jewish voters, at the same time but not to seek— voters, at the same time but not to seek relationships with minority groups— seek relationships with minority groups is— seek relationships with minority groups is responsible to the people and those _ groups is responsible to the people and those backward but the issue for the party _ and those backward but the issue for the party. rochdale has been very badly— the party. rochdale has been very badly let — the party. rochdale has been very badly let down by the labour party here and _ badly let down by the labour party here and they will have to have this very rushed — here and they will have to have this very rushed by—election. george galloway— very rushed by—election. george galloway has every chance of winning it now. _ galloway has every chance of winning it now. if _ galloway has every chance of winning it now. if he — galloway has every chance of winning it now, if he gets the kind of vote he got _ it now, if he gets the kind of vote he got in — it now, if he gets the kind of vote he got in batley when he came third. it is he got in batley when he came third. it is in _ he got in batley when he came third. it is in a _ he got in batley when he came third. it is in a fortnight, there hasn't really— it is in a fortnight, there hasn't really been a proper campaign, you

might— really been a proper campaign, you might have — really been a proper campaign, you might have four or five candids getting — might have four or five candids getting 20% so it's a shambles for democracy. it's fortunate it's near the end _ democracy. it's fortunate it's near the end of— democracy. it's fortunate it's near the end of a — democracy. it's fortunate it's near the end of a parliament but the labour— the end of a parliament but the labour party has bigger lessons to learn _ labour party has bigger lessons to learn about how they got into this mess _ learn about how they got into this mess. ~ . . �* ~' learn about how they got into this mess. ~ .,, �* ~' ., mess. wasn't it the kind of tight ro -e for mess. wasn't it the kind of tight rope for keir— mess. wasn't it the kind of tight rope for keir starmer— mess. wasn't it the kind of tight rope for keir starmer when - mess. wasn't it the kind of tight rope for keir starmer when it. mess. wasn't it the kind of tight i rope for keir starmer when it came to this decision about azhar ali? or do you think it is damaging? it was an unsustainable _ do you think it is damaging? it was an unsustainable attempt - do you think it is damaging? it was an unsustainable attempt to - do you think it is damaging? it was an unsustainable attempt to keep him but it is— an unsustainable attempt to keep him but it is incredibly embarrassing to have no— but it is incredibly embarrassing to have no labour candidate on the ballot _ have no labour candidate on the ballot or— have no labour candidate on the ballot or a — have no labour candidate on the ballot or a disgraced and suspended candidate _ ballot or a disgraced and suspended candidate on the ballot. you have to ask why— candidate on the ballot. you have to ask why there was not proper selection _ ask why there was not proper selection process and procedure. with the — selection process and procedure. with the time to do that job properly— with the time to do that job properly so the act voters could have _ properly so the act voters could have had — properly so the act voters could have had the by—election they will expect— have had the by—election they will expect instead of what they will get which _ expect instead of what they will get which is _ expect instead of what they will get which is a _ expect instead of what they will get which is a circus. how expect instead of what they will get which is a circus.— which is a circus. how will the conservative _ which is a circus. how will the conservative exploit - which is a circus. how will the conservative exploit this? - which is a circus. how will the - conservative exploit this? we have already seen _ conservative exploit this? we have already seen and _ conservative exploit this? we have already seen and heard _ conservative exploit this? we have already seen and heard from - conservative exploit this? we have already seen and heard from rishil already seen and heard from rishi sunak was on gb news this evening saying it is a con that the labour party has changed because clearly they have failed to criticise

anti—semitic remarks when they need to be called out. every time we see keir starmer making a press conference, every time we hear a shadow cabinet speaking on the radio or on the tv, they always repeat the lie that the labour party has changed. how are they going to prove to people that they have changed if it has taken them this long to civilly call out a statement that was made weeks after the october seven? again, i repeat the example of the fact that we have labour mps that have been suspended when people have seen they are making anti—semitic remarks, like diane abbott and kate osamor and andy mcdonald, and they failed to spend withdraw their support for this candidate because he is closer to keir starmer�*s politics. we have this perception of factionalism that is screaming at the moment and it is a terrible shame for them, they need to sort out their disciplinary

process. to sort out their disciplinary rocess. �* ., . ., ., ~ process. before the election. thank ou ve process. before the election. thank you very much _ process. before the election. thank you very much for _ process. before the election. thank you very much for your— process. before the election. thank you very much for your time - process. before the election. thank you very much for your time this . evening. and you can see a full list of candidates standing in the rochdale by—election on your screen now. there's a feeling of dread in rafah in southern gaza as palestinians await the next offensive by the israeli defence force. around the world, israel's allies are expressing concern in their strongest terms yet. washington's said an invasion into rafah would be a "disaster." there are also reports — not confirmed — president biden referred to israel's prime minister as an "asshole." lord cameron says he is "deeply concerned" and made the point that people in rafa had already moved four, five, six times. germany has said an operation there would be a "humanitarian catastrophe in the making." in rafah, running water is said to be rare,

toilets overflow and fresh food is too expensive for most. since october 7th, only limited aid has entered. 7a palestinians are thought to have died in the overnight bombardment of rafah as israeli troops went in to rescue two israeli hostages. the total number of palestinians dead in this conflict is 28,340, according to figures from the hamas—run health ministry in gaza. at what point, if ever, would the international communities tell israel they have crossed a line? rafa h, rafah, once home to a couple of hundred thousand, now thought to be hosting more than half the population of gaza, and seemingly as real's next target. last night, it was hit by a series of israeli air strikes, with claims by the hamas—run health ministry of 70 killed, and to the prime minister

benjamin netanyahu congratulated benjamin neta nyahu congratulated special forces benjamin netanyahu congratulated special forces on the rescue of two hostages taken on october the 7th. many are predicting the full—scale attack on rafah will come soon. the israeli attack on rafah will come soon. tue: israeli government attack on rafah will come soon. he israeli government and attack on rafah will come soon. t“t9: israeli government and army attack on rafah will come soon. tt9 israeli government and army believe that all the remaining hostages are in and under rafah, that there are not any remaining in the north centre of gaza. the army believes that they keep the pressure, only more pressure there is, the more likely, hamas is more likely to release the hostages, to save their own lives. but release the hostages, to save their own lives. �* ., , ., own lives. but others have pointed out that israel _ own lives. but others have pointed out that israel has _ own lives. but others have pointed out that israel has reduced - own lives. but others have pointed out that israel has reduced its - out that israel has reduced its ground forces in gaza, meaning that any assault would take weeks to prepare. the un says 1.5 million people are now sheltering in rafah.

the majority have had to move a number of times. people like this doctor, once a paediatrician, now working out of a tent. translation: diseases are spreading among children in a scary way, especially intestinal infections and bacterial infections. often i see people coming in without a jacket, people do not have enough to wear because they left their houses, taking nothing with them. the united nations previously _ nothing with them. the united nations previously called - nothing with them. the united | nations previously called rafah nothing with them. the united i nations previously called rafah a pressure cooker of despair. today, those warnings were reiterated. this is the oint those warnings were reiterated. this is the point closest to the border with egypt, and this is also where we bring — with egypt, and this is also where we bring in — with egypt, and this is also where we bring in fuel for humanitarian purposes. — we bring in fuel for humanitarian purposes, so it is a very strategic

important — purposes, so it is a very strategic important place that does not have it all the _ important place that does not have it all the infrastructure to absorb six times— it all the infrastructure to absorb six times its original population. nowhere — six times its original population. nowhere in the world would have the infrastructure and the facility to absorb — infrastructure and the facility to absorb such a huge influx of people. where _ absorb such a huge influx of people. where will— absorb such a huge influx of people. where will people go?— where will people go? yesterday, president biden _ where will people go? yesterday, president biden said _ where will people go? yesterday, president biden said israel - where will people go? yesterday, | president biden said israel needed where will people go? yesterday, i president biden said israel needed a plan to evacuate civilians, calls echoed today by the british foreign secretary. echoed today by the british foreign secreta . . , ~ secretary. really we think it is impossible _ secretary. really we think it is impossible to _ secretary. really we think it is impossible to see _ secretary. really we think it is impossible to see how- secretary. really we think it is impossible to see how you - secretary. really we think it is impossible to see how you can secretary. really we think it is - impossible to see how you can fight a war amongst these people, so we are very concerned about the situation, and we want israel to stop and think very seriously before it takes any further action. the ruestion it takes any further action. the question is. — it takes any further action. the question is, where _ it takes any further action. the question is, where would they go? rafah is at the far southern tip of gaza. much of the rest of gaza up already shattered by war, is considered too dangerous. israel said plans will be drawn up to evacuate civilians to a humanitarian zone, previously described by the un as not humane. to the south, the

border with egypt has so far remained closed. 50 border with egypt has so far remained closed.— border with egypt has so far remained closed. , , . , remained closed. so the egyptians, riaht remained closed. so the egyptians, ri . ht from remained closed. so the egyptians, right from the _ remained closed. so the egyptians, right from the beginning, _ remained closed. so the egyptians, right from the beginning, right - remained closed. so the egyptians, | right from the beginning, right from the 7th _ right from the beginning, right from the 7th of— right from the beginning, right from the 7th of october, have said they would _ the 7th of october, have said they would not — the 7th of october, have said they would not open the border, the rafah crossing _ would not open the border, the rafah crossing for _ would not open the border, the rafah crossing for palestinians, and we have _ crossing for palestinians, and we have stood — crossing for palestinians, and we have stood by that save for some medical— have stood by that save for some medical emergencies should stood by that. medical emergencies should stood by that there _ medical emergencies should stood by that. there are some practical reasons— that. there are some practical reasons and principle reasons why they are _ reasons and principle reasons why they are not prepared to do it. for now, they are not prepared to do it. for now. there _ they are not prepared to do it. now, there are they are not prepared to do it. fr?“ now, there are more questions than answers. the news that two hostages were rescued alive and well from a house in rafah will be a huge relief to theirfamilies. meanwhile, hamas claim three other hostages were killed in the israeli air strikes. israel has always maintained that it does everything it can to reduce civilian casualties. despite that, the hamas—run health ministry says more than 20,000 people have now been killed. if, when, israel moves

on this final section of gaza, that number will surely rise. and now i am joined by former uk ambassador to the us and also former national security adviser sir kim darroch and humanitarian communications lead for actionaid, frances leach. you had a phone briefing this morning, what are they telling you about what life is like in rafah at the moment? ftill" about what life is like in rafah at the moment?— about what life is like in rafah at the moment? ., , ., , the moment? our colleagues told us it was like hell— the moment? our colleagues told us it was like hell this _ the moment? our colleagues told us it was like hell this morning. - the moment? our colleagues told us it was like hell this morning. they i it was like hell this morning. they are internally displaced people, they were based in gaza city and have moved south, they are now based in rafah, operating both as staff and as refugees at the moment. we were able to have a brief conversation this morning. the conditions are absolutely catastrophic. we are hearing about hardly any shelter, we have got serious issues in terms of a lack of sanitation, women were using scraps of refugee tents as sanitary towels because there is not enough hygiene

kits, although we distribute hygiene kits, although we distribute hygiene kits as actionaid in the gaza at the moment. we are just not able to meet the scale of need at the moment, every single person in gaza is currently in need of humanitarian assistance and no agency is able to meet the scale of that catastrophe at the moment. bud meet the scale of that catastrophe at the moment.— meet the scale of that catastrophe at the moment. and rafah was the entry point — at the moment. and rafah was the entry point for— at the moment. and rafah was the entry point for humanitarian - at the moment. and rafah was the entry point for humanitarian aid. i entry point for humanitarian aid. evenif entry point for humanitarian aid. even if people could move, and you can tell me whether you think that is realistic or not, could you move the aid infrastructure? trio. is realistic or not, could you move the aid infrastructure?— the aid infrastructure? no, you absolutely _ the aid infrastructure? no, you absolutely cannot. _ the aid infrastructure? no, you absolutely cannot. to - the aid infrastructure? no, you absolutely cannot. to give - the aid infrastructure? no, youj absolutely cannot. to give your listeners an idea, this is about1 million plus people in a tiny section of land that is already equipped to support those people. geographically speaking, they go? they spoke about ticking into an even smaller area, and these are people, they are not cattle, you cannotjust hand them around to different parts of land whilst the humanitarian conditions get worse. these are people with lives, families, they need safe places to

go. they were not responsible for the attacks on october seven, they need to be treated with dignity, and what we are seeing is that their human rights are being stripped away every single day that this conflict goes on, and we are extremely concerned that if those people are not to go anywhere and this land invasion does happen, in rafah, what will happen to those people? because last night, we saw that 61 were killed. imagine that in a full—scale bombardment, 28,000 already dent according to the health ministry, how much more can they take —— already dead. how much more can they take -- already dead-— already dead. israel said that in order to rescue _ already dead. israel said that in order to rescue two _ already dead. israel said that in order to rescue two of - already dead. israel said that in order to rescue two of the - already dead. israel said that in | order to rescue two of the israeli hostages, they say they were being held on the second floor of a civilian house, and that is evidence, israel says, of hamas embedding itself among civilians. taste embedding itself among civilians. 9 have always advocated that a ceasefire is the safest way to ensure the release of hostages and also to protect civilian life. you will know that in warfare, proportionality in the rules of

engagement always apply, meaning that the protection of civilians is very important. within those rules of engagement, hostagetaking and the taking of those hostages also lays out that you need to protect civilian life. it might be the case that those hostages were being held in civilian infrastructure, but 61 people died, and an aerial bombardment of a large obstacle and i was also carried out. we had about children who were killed last night. they were not the ones taking people hostages, so we are very concerned to see the scale of force, as we have been since this conflict began, in terms of what israel aims to achieve militarily speaking. let me brin: ou achieve militarily speaking. let me bring you in- _ achieve militarily speaking. let me bring you in. lord _ achieve militarily speaking. let me bring you in. lord cameron - achieve militarily speaking. let me bring you in. lord cameron said . bring you in. lord cameron said today that above all what he wants is an immediate pause in fighting that leads to a ceasefire, hostages out, aid in. washington says a ground invasion in rafah will be a disaster. they are very strong words. but it is having no impact on israel, it would appear.— israel, it would appear. so far, you're absolutely _ israel, it would appear. so far, you're absolutely right - israel, it would appear. so far, you're absolutely right that - israel, it would appear. so far, you're absolutely right that the international pressure on israel is

at a level— international pressure on israel is at a level that has not been for the past four— at a level that has not been for the past four months since the strand operation — past four months since the strand operation started. the americans have _ operation started. the americans have the — operation started. the americans have the most influence over israel, they are _ have the most influence over israel, they are getting tougher at —— since there _ they are getting tougher at —— since there is— they are getting tougher at —— since there is a _ they are getting tougher at —— since there is a ground operation started. they have _ there is a ground operation started. they have let it be known that benjamin _ they have let it be known that benjamin netanyahu's relationship withjoe _ benjamin netanyahu's relationship withjoe biden has become extremely poor. _ withjoe biden has become extremely poor. so— withjoe biden has become extremely poor, so they are trying to up the pressure — poor, so they are trying to up the pressure i— poor, so they are trying to up the pressure. i think the negotiations on a pause — pressure. i think the negotiations on a pause and more hostages are still going — on a pause and more hostages are still going on, despite benjamin netanyahu talking up the offensive in rafah. _ netanyahu talking up the offensive in rafah, so there's still a bit of help— in rafah, so there's still a bit of help there _ in rafah, so there's still a bit of help there. i do not think the invasion— help there. i do not think the invasion of rafah is imminent, so there's— invasion of rafah is imminent, so there's still— invasion of rafah is imminent, so there's still time for more international pressure on this. the situation _ international pressure on this. the situation is — international pressure on this. the situation is clearly both horrifying on the _ situation is clearly both horrifying on the ground and bleak prospect. from _ on the ground and bleak prospect. from your— on the ground and bleak prospect. from your experience, your expertise, are there any red lines for the us, that israel simply

cannot cross?— for the us, that israel simply cannotcross? . , cannot cross? that is a very good question- — cannot cross? that is a very good question. maybe _ cannot cross? that is a very good question. maybe there _ cannot cross? that is a very good question. maybe there are - cannot cross? that is a very good question. maybe there are some| cannot cross? that is a very good i question. maybe there are some in the remains — question. maybe there are some in the remains of the american president and the white house at the moment. _ president and the white house at the moment. i_ president and the white house at the moment, i am president and the white house at the moment, lam not president and the white house at the moment, i am not sure, president and the white house at the moment, lam not sure, but president and the white house at the moment, i am not sure, but at the moment— moment, i am not sure, but at the moment you — moment, i am not sure, but at the moment you have israel, basically the evidence is they do pretty much everything — the evidence is they do pretty much everything the americans have said today _ everything the americans have said today it _ everything the americans have said today. it would be extraordinarily difficult _ today. it would be extraordinarily difficult for any american president, especially in an election year. _ president, especially in an election year. the _ president, especially in an election year, the return on as you want to be kind — year, the return on as you want to be kind of— year, the return on as you want to be kind of things some people might think were _ be kind of things some people might think were justified in the face of what _ think were justified in the face of what israel is doing. i think that is unlikely. _ what israel is doing. i think that is unlikely, but i think that they will try— is unlikely, but i think that they will try to — is unlikely, but i think that they will try to find ways of increasing the pressure, and they will press israel— the pressure, and they will press israel very— the pressure, and they will press israel very hard, at the least to not do — israel very hard, at the least to not do this— israel very hard, at the least to not do this rafah operation until there _ not do this rafah operation until there has— not do this rafah operation until there has been a proper evacuation. a proper— there has been a proper evacuation. a proper evacuation to wear? | a proper evacuation to wear? i know, i know. i a proper evacuation to wear? i know, i know- i do — a proper evacuation to wear? i know, i know- i do rrot _ a proper evacuation to wear? i know, i know. i do not know— a proper evacuation to wear? i know, i know. i do not know where - a proper evacuation to wear? i know, i know. i do not know where it - a proper evacuation to wear? i know, i know. i do not know where it is - i know. i do not know where it is credible — i know. i do not know where it is credible to — i know. i do not know where it is credible to move 1.5 million people to these _ credible to move 1.5 million people to these areas, maybe it isn't. -- a

ro er to these areas, maybe it isn't. -- a proper evacuation _ to these areas, maybe it isn't. -- a proper evacuation to _ to these areas, maybe it isn't. -- a proper evacuation to where? - to these areas, maybe it isn't. -- a proper evacuation to where? but i to these areas, maybe it isn't. -- a proper evacuation to where? but at least they should _ proper evacuation to where? but at least they should be _ proper evacuation to where? but at least they should be some - least they should be some proper preparation by the israelis for what they intend to do it in rafah, if that— they intend to do it in rafah, if that is— they intend to do it in rafah, if that is unstoppable, maybe it is not _ that is unstoppable, maybe it is not l— that is unstoppable, maybe it is not. ., ., ., ., not. i wonder what other leverage there might _ not. i wonder what other leverage there might be — not. i wonder what other leverage there might be a _ not. i wonder what other leverage there might be a part— not. i wonder what other leverage there might be a part in _ not. i wonder what other leverage there might be a part in rafah, i not. i wonder what other leverage there might be a part in rafah, if| there might be a part in rafah, if thatis there might be a part in rafah, if that is unstoppable, maybe it is not. i wonder what other leverage there might be a part of most strong words. we saw the dutch appeal court ordering the dutch government to block all exports of fighter jet parts, what do you think of that? can you ever imagined the uk, the us, going down that route? tit us, going down that route? in the uk, us, going down that route? in the uk. between _ us, going down that route? in the uk, between 2015 _ us, going down that route? in the uk, between 2015 and _ us, going down that route? in the uk, between 2015 and 2022, - uk, between 2015 and 2022, re—exported something like £470 million _ re—exported something like £470 million worth of military equipment to gaza. _ million worth of military equipment to gaza, including, by the way... to gaza? sorry. _ to gaza, including, by the way... to gaza? sorry. to _ to gaza, including, by the way... to gaza? sorry, to israel. _ to gaza, including, by the way... to gaza? sorry, to israel. we - to gaza, including, by the way... to gaza? sorry, to israel. we make . to gaza, including, by the way... to| gaza? sorry, to israel. we make 1596 ofthe gaza? sorry, to israel. we make 1596 of the f35s- — gaza? sorry, to israel. we make 1596 of the f35s. there _ gaza? sorry, to israel. we make 1596 of the f35s. there is _ gaza? sorry, to israel. we make 1596 of the f35s. there is pressure - of the f35s. there is pressure empowerment for some to be done about— empowerment for some to be done about uk_ empowerment for some to be done about uk arms exports to israel. if i about uk arms exports to israel. if i were _ about uk arms exports to israel. if i were david cameron, i would think that was— i were david cameron, i would think that was one of the options that might— that was one of the options that might be — that was one of the options that

might be pursued. beyond that, we have introduced sanctions in the last 24— have introduced sanctions in the last 24 hours on his four israeli settlers who have been making trouble — settlers who have been making trouble in the west bank. once you have taken— trouble in the west bank. once you have taken one step down the sanctions _ have taken one step down the sanctions route, it merely becomes a little more _ sanctions route, it merely becomes a little more conceivable to go on forever. — little more conceivable to go on forever, others will be very difficult _ forever, others will be very difficult. the other potential price action— difficult. the other potential price action is— difficult. the other potential price action is the un security council, i am sure _ action is the un security council, i am sure there will be a security council— am sure there will be a security council debate and resolution soon, maybe _ council debate and resolution soon, maybe this — council debate and resolution soon, maybe this week.— maybe this week. make any difference? _ maybe this week. make any difference? it _ maybe this week. make any difference? it has _ maybe this week. make any difference? it has not - maybe this week. make any difference? it has not with i maybe this week. make any - difference? it has not with russia. what you might see as the uk voting for an— what you might see as the uk voting for an unconditional ceasefire, then you have _ for an unconditional ceasefire, then you have the big question of what the americans will do, they have always— the americans will do, they have always protected israel up until now _ always protected israel up until now if— always protected israel up until now. if the abstained, that would be a real— now. if the abstained, that would be a real big _ now. if the abstained, that would be a real big step. now. if the abstained, that would be a real big step-— now. if the abstained, that would be a real big step. thank you very much for our a real big step. thank you very much for your expertise _ a real big step. thank you very much for your expertise and _ for your expertise and your contributions, both of you, thank you for coming in. it's four years since the conservative election manifesto made a solemn promise to "level up" britain. so how is that going? the government points to its so—called trailblazer devolution deals with manchester

and birmingham and its new "investment zones" as evidence of genuine progress in the mission to reduce vast regional inequalities. but opponents say the cancellation of high speed rail to manchester last year shows it was always just empty words. as we head towards key mayoral elections in england in may and, of course, a general election likely later this year, we ask, is the country really levelling up? here's ben. from the industrial strife of the 1980s to the political earthquake of 2019... we did it. ..the promise to level up the north's economy has taken on a monumental political significance. it's been a tortuous and unreliable journey, so is levelling up ever going to arrive? it's hard to imagine, but this quiet housing estate was the scene of one of the most traumatic episodes in post—war uk industrial history. 40 years ago, during the miners�* strike, miners picketed a coking plant here.

the protest turned violent, with the police charging the miners. it became known as the battle of org reave. the coking plant today is gone. the mines have closed down. it was part of the great deindustrialisation of the north of england. you could say that this is where levelling down nationally began, but in a strange way, could it also be where levelling up also begins? on the very site of the battle of orgreave, in a town rechristened as waverley, is sheffield's advanced manufacturing research centre, at the heart of one of the government's new investment zones, designed to supercharge parts of the country which are not currently fulfilling their economic potential. ourjob is to sit in that gap between academia and industry, because, as a country, we are number one or number two in the world in terms of research. but we're not that good at commercialising it and turning it intojobs, opportunities, manufacturing, and that's our role.

the thing that i find really inspiring is you've got kids in waverley, let's say a five—year—old kid opens his front door, he can see a stem school to go and study primary science, technology, engineering and maths. he can then see, he or she can see an apprentice training centre. they can then get a degree apprentice. they can see all the way down to the university to go on and do their phd and they can see a job with rolls—royce, boeing, or mclaren. where else in the country can a five—year—old kid see all of that? yet, as we found out, there are still problems with physically getting to the manufacturing centre on the bus for many of the local apprentices, with some forced by the timetable to arrive so early that they nap in the canteen. so i get in at seven... so you're not supposed to be in till eight, but you have to get in at seven, otherwise you're going to be late. exactly, yeah. and how does that make you feel, then? it's tiring, every morning, waking up earlier than what would be ideal. so in london, buses come every 12 minutes. is that something you'd

like to see up here? that'd be great, you wouldn't have to worry about looking at your phone, knowing and having a look when the next one is. because you know that there'd be one shortly after. we took a trip on the bus with south yorkshire's labour mayor to see the transport connectivity problem first—hand. from my perspective, from i think the perspective of most people who live in south yorkshire, i don't think you can fairly say that we have been levelled up. it's been, like you say, a number of years, but we never thought that would happen overnight. but what we have seen is, when it comes to the priorities and the promises that the government made, around things like healthy life expectancy, around public transport, buses in particular, we haven't seen delivery on those promises. so given we are on our way to an investment zone, they would say that that's one of their successes. isn't that fair enough? yeah, i think that's fair enough. we have the world's first advanced manufacturing innovation district here, something we've been working on for the last 20, 30 years. so that is a good thing

and that's how it should work. news presenter: the county is the modern day pioneer - of cheap fares and transport planning in britain. - south yorkshire's buses were once renowned, but today, right across the north, the performance of bus services, privatised and deregulated in the 1980s, is a source of frustration. mayoral authorities now have the powers to take back control of buses through franchising, and manchester and liverpool are doing so. but mayors say the process is made too onerous and expensive by central government and the statistics suggest transport connectivity is a very big economic problem for big cities outside london. this shows the average share of the population of european cities, of various sizes, who can access the city centre easily by public transport. and here's the share for uk cities. you can see a sizeable accessibility gap for all of them, including sheffield, relative to their european peers. former transport secretary patrick mcloughlin had a pretty unusual cv as a tory mp,

having previously been a coal miner. he's now chair of the statutory government body transport for the north. how does he think levelling up is going? i think there are signs of progress, but does more need to be done? of course more needs to be done. those metro mayors, though, they're pretty frustrated by some of the decisions that have been taken recently, not least cancelling hs2 going to manchester. i personally feel that was a wrong decision of the government, to stop it coming to manchester. so the government says that all that spending that would have gone on hs2 between birmingham and manchester will now be spent on filling in potholes and other local transport things which are really going to benefit people up here more than hs2. do you not agree with that, then? i'd like to see the evidence. i've not seen it yet. despite investment zones and some so—called trailblazer devolution deals for manchester and the west midlands, the scale of the levelling up challenge is, whichever way you cut it, immense.

this shows the productivity of the capital cities of the netherlands, germany, france and spain, relative to their national average. and this is the productivity of their other big cities. but look at the disparity of london's productivity versus manchester, birmingham, liverpool and leeds. this suggests the uk's big cities are severely underpowered relative to their counterparts on the continent. the challenge for the conservatives at the next election will be to point to progress in powering them up. for the opposition, it will be to convince people that we could be running, not walking, when it comes to closing the national gap. the super iconic pop star and the very talented football star. that, you might think, would be the kind of couple that conservative americans might take to their hearts. but the courtship of taylor swift and travis kelce has not played out like that, with some right—wing pundits suggesting without evidence that

all the hype around swift and kelce could be part of an orchestrated plot to drum up hype for the democratic party in a presidential election year. was kelce's nfl team — the kansas city chiefs — being groomed to win the super bowl as a platform for him and swift to launch their scheme to inflict liberal values, or deadly vaccines, or some other malignant force on the poor innocent american football fans? well, last night the super bowl happened, the chiefs won, taylor was there. but so far, the next phase of the plot has not transpired. to unpack what this all means, we have angela yang, the culture and trends reporter for nbc news. welcome to the show. what's going on here? bill welcome to the show. what's going on here? : ., , , ., ., welcome to the show. what's going on here? ., ,,., ., , here? all of this started a couple of weeks ago. — here? all of this started a couple of weeks ago, right _ here? all of this started a couple of weeks ago, right after- here? all of this started a couple of weeks ago, right after the - here? all of this started a couple i of weeks ago, right after the kansas city chiefs won their spot in the super bowl, and some american

right—wing pundits and black figures began to suspect that taylor swift, with all her power and influence! right—wing pundits and figures. . they said it would somehow help democrats in the election cycles of these conspiracies cropped up suggesting the super bowl would be rigged to favour the chiefs, and that would bring more attention to what right now is the world's biggest celebrity couple so they have even more clout when they allegedly are thought to endorse the democratic party this fall. that is basically the gist of the theory. and is taylor swift political, does she talk about which way she might vote? . , ., she talk about which way she might vote? ..y ., . she talk about which way she might vote? ._ ., ,, ., , ., she talk about which way she might vote? ., ,, ., , ., ., vote? taylor swift has had a uniuuel vote? taylor swift has had a uniquely bipartisan - vote? taylor swift has had a uniquely bipartisan fan - vote? taylor swift has had a| uniquely bipartisan fan base, vote? taylor swift has had a - uniquely bipartisan fan base, mostly

because of her apolitical history. she has not been completely apolitical. of the few times she has spoken out or endorsed political candidates, she has leaned towards democrats. it is known that she has spoken out, she has definitely expressed more liberal views so that has made her more of a target, which is interesting because obviously she has been sort of this long time traditionally all—american figure. this blonde white woman who brands herself as being a country singer from tennessee and that is something that conservatives typically would be thought to gravitate towards, but because now it's thought that she has this potential to help american democrats in the election cycle, now she has become more of a target for

right—wing pundits. bud she has become more of a target for right-wing pundits.— right-wing pundits. and briefly, what kind of— right-wing pundits. and briefly, what kind of trolling _ right-wing pundits. and briefly, what kind of trolling or - right-wing pundits. and briefly, what kind of trolling or abuse i right-wing pundits. and briefly, what kind of trolling or abuse isj what kind of trolling or abuse is she getting as a result? tt what kind of trolling or abuse is she getting as a result? it really started on _ she getting as a result? it really started on social _ she getting as a result? it really started on social media. - she getting as a result? it really started on social media. we - she getting as a result? it really . started on social media. we have, for example, a former presidential candidate who dropped out of the gop primary last month called taylor swift and travis kelce and artificially culturally propped up couple, and he actually suggested that the chiefs would win the super bowl and swift and kelce would come out and endorse joe bowl and swift and kelce would come out and endorsejoe biden potentially this fall. and fox news also promoted this theory as well. jesse waters accused swift of being a front for a covert political agenda. i would say that is interesting because the pentagon actually responded to it and

dismissed that as a conspiracy theory as well. a