wish anyone well who would be i wish anyone well who would be america's— i wish anyone well who would be america's president. our country is too precious — america's president. our country is too precious to let our differences divide _ too precious to let our differences divide us — too precious to let our differences divide us i— too precious to let our differences divide us. i have always been a conservative republican and always supported the republican nominee. but on _ supported the republican nominee. but on this question as she did on so many— but on this question as she did on so many others, margaret thatcher provided _ so many others, margaret thatcher provided some good advice when she said never— provided some good advice when she said neverjust follow the crowd, always _ said neverjust follow the crowd, always make up your own mind. it is nowup— always make up your own mind. it is nowupto— always make up your own mind. it is now up to donald trump to win the votes _ now up to donald trump to win the votes of— now up to donald trump to win the votes of those in our party and beyond — votes of those in our party and beyond who did not support him and i hope he _ beyond who did not support him and i hope he does that. at its best politics — hope he does that. at its best politics is— hope he does that. at its best politics is about bringing people into your— politics is about bringing people into your course not turning them away _ into your course not turning them away and — into your course not turning them away and other conservative cause badly— away and other conservative cause badly needs more people. this is now his time _ badly needs more people. this is now his time for— badly needs more people. this is now his time for choosing. | badly needs more people. this is now his time for choosing.—

his time for choosing. i wondered if he will choose _ his time for choosing. i wondered if he will choose her— his time for choosing. i wondered if he will choose her as _ his time for choosing. i wondered if he will choose her as his _ his time for choosing. i wondered if he will choose her as his vice - he will choose her as his vice presidential candidate. nikki haley they're bowing out of the us presidential race this year. the government has warned it mayjudge israel to be in breach of international humanitarian law if it fails to allow more aid into gaza. it comes as the world food programme says the israeli army has thwarted its first attempt in two weeks to take food aid to northern gaza. israel hasn't commented yet. but israeli war cabinet member benny gantz is in london today, where he has met the foreign secretary, lord cameron. earlier, lord cameron had told parliament there was dreadful suffering in the territory and patience with israel was running thin. and the situation is very bad because we've been pushing for this aid to get in. we've had a whole set of things we've asked the israelis to do, but i have to report to your lordship house that the amount of aid that got in in february was about half what got in injanuary. so patience needs to run very thin and a whole series of warnings need to be giving, starting, i hope, with the meeting

i have with minister gantz when he visits the uk. judges in england and wales have agreed a plan to end the worst delays on rape cases coming to trial. a hundred and 81 trials that have been delayed more than two years, will now have to go before a jury by the end ofjuly. lord justice edis, thejudge in charge of the plan, says victims have been facing unacceptable delays. a study has found that attaching green flashing lights to fishing nets could help to save thousands of sea turtles each year in the mediterranean. a british company has developed the battery—powered devices, which are small and cheap to produce. trials off northern cyprus suggest they may cut the number of accidental catches of sea turtles by half. research suggests the idea could also saving other threatened species. conservationists have called for a number of other measures, such as controlling pollution,

to protect sea turtles. we continue our live coverage of the budget. earliertoday we continue our live coverage of the budget. earlier today we heard the chancellor in the house of commons behind me deliver his spring budget outlining the government's tax and spending plans. we had some of it in advance including another 2p cut to the pound of national insurance and the pound of national insurance and the end of the non—dom tax system. labour leader sir keir starmer called the budget a last desperate act and said people are paying more and more for less and less. joining me now isjokerfrom turn and more for less and less. joining me now is joker from turn to us charity. it is a charity which offers information and practical support. i would like to get your thoughts after the budget. we are

really delighted _ thoughts after the budget. we are really delighted that _ thoughts after the budget. we are really delighted that we _ thoughts after the budget. we are really delighted that we have - thoughts after the budget. we are really delighted that we have the l really delighted that we have the news of the household support fund being extended by six months. that is amazing news. that is going to be a lifeline for people who don't have the money to pay for essentials. we had from a family for example that have a sick daughter and they had to keep the medication outside because they didn't have a fridge freezer to store it in. we've heard from other families who don't have cookers, don't have beds, those real essentials and those families are now hopefully going to be able to get those through the household support fund. it’s get those through the household support fund-— get those through the household su--ortfund. �*, ., , . , ., support fund. it's only a six month extension. — support fund. it's only a six month extension, are _ support fund. it's only a six month extension, are you _ support fund. it's only a six month extension, are you worried - support fund. it's only a six month extension, are you worried in - support fund. it's only a six month extension, are you worried in six l extension, are you worried in six months�* time it might not be there and then what happens to people who come to you for advice? we and then what happens to people who come to you for advice?— come to you for advice? we are very worried about _ come to you for advice? we are very worried about that. _ come to you for advice? we are very worried about that. that _ come to you for advice? we are very worried about that. that was - come to you for advice? we are very worried about that. that was the - worried about that. that was the good news in the less good news it was a short—term extension. we don�*t know lots of things that will be

happening in six months�* time so there is a real? about that and what we really need to see is more of that essentials guarantee which is being called on bias to seo benefits need to be able to allow you to save a little bit and that gives you a safety net and let you afford those essentials if the worst happens. we don�*t want people to need hand—outs if they come across difficulties. we need benefits to help you afford food, to afford bills and to afford travel. these important essential things and we are hearing from people time and time again they have no safety net. haw people time and time again they have no safety net-— no safety net. how much of a relief or a welcome _ no safety net. how much of a relief or a welcome is _ no safety net. how much of a relief or a welcome is that _ no safety net. how much of a relief or a welcome is that cutting - or a welcome is that cutting national insurance by another 2p? it national insurance by another 2p? it doesn't really help the people that doesn�*t really help the people that turn to us to be honest. in 2024

people on middle incomes are feeling the pinch and so things that help them, i can�*t say a bit more money in the pocket is going to be a bad thing, i think it�*s going to help people and they will be people sitting at home saying thank goodness there is extra few hundred pounds a year that could be great. but for the people return to us specifically, we are not going or they are not going to see the help that they need through this national insurance cut. unfortunately it�*s just not a policy that is designed to help the people we work with. what about the other things, changing the threshold when it comes to child benefits, is now 60,000. and other things, may be smaller measures but they are welcome by families? we measures but they are welcome by families? ~ . ., families? we saw the changing the child benefit _ families? we saw the changing the

child benefit and _ families? we saw the changing the child benefit and again _ families? we saw the changing the child benefit and again i _ families? we saw the changing the child benefit and again i would - families? we saw the changing the| child benefit and again i would love that in with the changes in national insurance, they are more for the middle earners so not a bad thing necessarily but not for the people that turn to us. the one that�*s interesting for us is the changes in the long length for universal credit from 12 months to 24 months. it�*s a bit of a double—edged sword, on the one hand easing of that loan pressure is really welcome so it�*s positive. people were struggling to make those repayments in the 12 month window and to have 24 months is a good thing. arguably people are taking a loan out against their universal credit entitlement and it�*s not a great policy overall. we would much rather see a benefits system that is a broader social security system and public service offer that is more compassionate, more broad, more wide—ranging that can actually be that safety net and

support people so that people can save for the things they need or not have to rely on those hand—outs. thank you for sharing the perspective of the people you work with following today�*s budget. you are of course watching bbc news and we continue our coverage on today�*s budget. it�*s the last budget before the general election which is expected sometime this year although they have until next january to:. they had been a lot of speculation about whether there will be a may election although most people still think it�*s going to be in the autumn. we have been getting a reaction to the budget notjust here in westminster because the budget affects everybody in the uk, so let�*s hear from the political editor for bbc yorkshire and lincolnshire who was speaking to people earlier at a market in grimsby. this who was speaking to people earlier at a market in grimsby.— at a market in grimsby. this is a timbre elected _ at a market in grimsby. this is a timbre elected a _ at a market in grimsby. this is a timbre elected a conservative i at a market in grimsby. this is a l timbre elected a conservative mp at a market in grimsby. this is a - timbre elected a conservative mp at the last general election for the

first time in decades, it had been pretty solidly labour. it�*s one of the so—called redwall seats in the north of england. but when in fact it any well today events at westminster have on the outcome of the next election? i am joined by lou and declan. lou runs thejelly here at freeman state street market and declan is an apprentice butcher. before we came on air you are saying you did vote conservative at the last election, was that because of brexit? yes. last election, was that because of brexit? yes-— brexit? yes. that was the only reason i voted _ brexit? yes. that was the only reason i voted conservative . brexit? yes. that was the only | reason i voted conservative and brexit? yes. that was the only i reason i voted conservative and it was the _ reason i voted conservative and it was the brexit and i won't be doing it again _ was the brexit and i won't be doing it aaain. ~ g was the brexit and i won't be doing it auain.~ j . ., , was the brexit and i won't be doing itaaain.~ . ,, was the brexit and i won't be doing itaaain.~ . , , ., was the brexit and i won't be doing itaiainl. . , , ., ., it again. why? was this budget not a name it again. why? was this budget not a game changer _ it again. why? was this budget not a game changer view? _ it again. why? was this budget not a game changer view? not _ it again. why? was this budget not a game changer view? not at - it again. why? was this budget not a game changer view? not at all. - it again. why? was this budget not a game changer view? not at all. theyj game changer view? not at all. they had not been — game changer view? not at all. they had not been much _ game changer view? not at all. they had not been much difference - had not been much difference whatsoever. i don't think it's going to make _ whatsoever. i don't think it's going to make much difference to people and families to be honest. prices are still— and families to be honest. prices are still rising. the price of meat is stilt— are still rising. the price of meat is still rising. how were struggling

famities— is still rising. how were struggling families going to cope with that change? — families going to cope with that change? it won't make a difference. so change? it won't make a difference. 50 the _ change? it won't make a difference. so the headline measure announced that 2p cut on national insurance contributions did not swing it for you? contributions did not swing it for ou? ., ., ., contributions did not swing it for ou? ., . . ., �* �*, you? not at all. i don't feel it's auoin to you? not at all. i don't feel it's going to make _ you? not at all. i don't feel it's going to make much _ you? not at all. i don't feel it's going to make much of- you? not at all. i don't feel it's going to make much of a - you? not at all. i don't feel it's - going to make much of a difference. with what's— going to make much of a difference. with what's been happening in the past i _ with what's been happening in the past i do _ with what's been happening in the past i do feel there are a lot of famities— past i do feel there are a lot of families and people were going to be in they— families and people were going to be in they are _ families and people were going to be in they are going to want to draw back— in they are going to want to draw back some — in they are going to want to draw back some of that money to get themselves out of debt and i don't feel themselves out of debt and i don't feet it's _ themselves out of debt and i don't feel it's going to help them. declan, _ feel it's going to help them. declan, you were too young at the vault at the last general election but you will be voting at the next election. has today�*s budget swayed your vote? ihlat election. has today's budget swayed our vote? ., . , ., , election. has today's budget swayed ourvote? ., . , ., , . your vote? not really to be fair. not really _ your vote? not really to be fair. not really know. _ your vote? not really to be fair. not really know. who _ your vote? not really to be fair. not really know. who will- your vote? not really to be fair. not really know. who will you i your vote? not really to be fair. i not really know. who will you vote for next time round? probably labour party. for next time round? probably labour pa . ~ g , for next time round? probably labour pa . ~ , . for next time round? probably labour pa .~ ,~ ., ,, for next time round? probably labour party. why? they are working class. do ou party. why? they are working class. do you think — party. why? they are working class. do you think you _ party. why? they are working class. do you think you would _ party. why? they are working class. do you think you would have - party. why? they are working class. do you think you would have voted l do you think you would have voted tory last election because of brexit. definitely not. what about

the measures announced by the chancellor likely cut in national insurance?— chancellor likely cut in national insurance? . ., ,�* , ., insurance? that doesn't swing it for ou? no it insurance? that doesn't swing it for you? no it doesn't. _ insurance? that doesn't swing it for you? no it doesn't. we _ insurance? that doesn't swing it for you? no it doesn't. we are - insurance? that doesn't swing it for| you? no it doesn't. we are anything that could be _ you? no it doesn't. we are anything that could be announced _ you? no it doesn't. we are anything that could be announced between i you? no it doesn't. we are anything l that could be announced between now and the next election, could you be swayed? l and the next election, could you be swa ed? . ~ and the next election, could you be swa ed? , ,, ., swayed? i 'ust think you need to lower swayed? i just think you need to lower prices. — swayed? i just think you need to lower prices, just _ swayed? i just think you need to lower prices, just lower - swayed? i just think you need to lower prices, just lower prices i lower prices, just lower prices realty — lower prices, just lower prices realty so— lower prices, just lower prices really. so families and people can survive _ really. so families and people can survive because you are just not surviving — survive because you are just not surviving. you are working to live. thank _ surviving. you are working to live. thank you — surviving. you are working to live. thank you both forjoining us in grimsby today. it remains to be seen as to what impact if i today�*s budget will have on the next election and as we�*ve been saying all day we simply don�*t know when the general election is going to be. we are of course picking through all of today�*s budget announcements. the chancellorjeremy hunt says tackling inflation while necessary is paid for. he added he wants to focus on

those falling into debt. 50 for. he added he wants to focus on those falling into debt.— those falling into debt. so we have liven the those falling into debt. so we have given the average _ those falling into debt. so we have given the average household i those falling into debt. so we have l given the average household £3400 those falling into debt. so we have i given the average household £3400 in cost of _ given the average household £3400 in cost of living support over the last two years — cost of living support over the last two years. doing so makes economic as well— two years. doing so makes economic as well as _ two years. doing so makes economic as well as moral sense. they 0b predicted — as well as moral sense. they 0b predicted real household disposable income _ predicted real household disposable income per person would fall by 2% income per person would fall by 2% in the _ income per person would fall by 2% in the last— income per person would fall by 2% in the last year and instead after this support it is on track to rise by 08%~ — this support it is on track to rise by 0.8%. today i take further steps to help _ by 0.8%. today i take further steps to help families with cost of living pressures— to help families with cost of living pressures starting with measures to help the _ pressures starting with measures to help the poorest families. we have already— help the poorest families. we have already abolished higher charges for electricity— already abolished higher charges for electricity paid by those on prepayment meters. increased the local housing allowance and raised benefits _ local housing allowance and raised benefits by double expected inflation. today i focus on those falling _ inflation. today i focus on those falling into debt. nearlyi million households on universal credit will take out _ households on universal credit will take out budgeting advanced loans to pay for—

take out budgeting advanced loans to pay for more expensive emergencies led pay for more expensive emergencies ted boiler— pay for more expensive emergencies led boiler repairs or help getting a 'ob. led boiler repairs or help getting a job to— led boiler repairs or help getting a job. to help make such loans affordable i have decided to increase the repayment period for new loans — increase the repayment period for new loans from 12 months to 24 months — new loans from 12 months to 24 months. all new loans from 12 months to 24 months. . . ., ., . new loans from 12 months to 24 months. . . . , months. all afternoon we have been caettin months. all afternoon we have been getting reaction _ months. all afternoon we have been getting reaction to _ months. all afternoon we have been getting reaction to the _ months. all afternoon we have been getting reaction to the budget i months. all afternoon we have been getting reaction to the budget from | getting reaction to the budget from across the political spectrum and joining me now is colum eastwood the party leader of the social democratic and labour party. what is your perspective on this budget from northern viewpoint? it�*s your perspective on this budget from northern viewpoint?— northern viewpoint? it's not very aood. northern viewpoint? it's not very good- we've _ northern viewpoint? it's not very good. we've had _ northern viewpoint? it's not very good. we've had 14 _ northern viewpoint? it's not very good. we've had 14 years - northern viewpoint? it's not very good. we've had 14 years of i northern viewpoint? it's not very good. we've had 14 years of a i northern viewpoint? it's not very i good. we've had 14 years of a tory good. we�*ve had 14 years of a tory government decimating public services and they have done nothing to reverse any of that. i think it�*s a brass neck budget. they are giving with one hand with the 2p cut in national insurance and taking way by not increasing the threshold in terms of the taxman. people are going to be hit again by inflation. this government crashed the economy only a year ago and now they are

trying to save it and it�*s just too late. it�*s the dying breath of a dead government. 50 late. it's the dying breath of a dead government.— late. it's the dying breath of a dead government. so your party doesnt dead government. so your party doesn't agree — dead government. so your party doesn't agree with _ dead government. so your party doesn't agree with a _ dead government. so your party doesn't agree with a cut - dead government. so your party doesn't agree with a cut in i dead government. so your party i doesn't agree with a cut in national doesn�*t agree with a cut in national insurance? it�*s doesn't agree with a cut in national insurance? �* . doesn't agree with a cut in national insurance? �* , ., doesn't agree with a cut in national insurance? �*, ., , , insurance? it's fine in one sense but they are _ insurance? it's fine in one sense but they are taking _ insurance? it's fine in one sense but they are taking way - insurance? it's fine in one sense but they are taking way but i insurance? it's fine in one sense but they are taking way but not. but they are taking way but not actually increasing the threshold. but do you support it? it�*s actually increasing the threshold. but do you support it?— actually increasing the threshold. but do you support it? it's fine but it doesn't do _ but do you support it? it's fine but it doesn't do anything _ but do you support it? it's fine but it doesn't do anything if— but do you support it? it's fine but it doesn't do anything if it - but do you support it? it's fine but it doesn't do anything if it does i it doesn�*t do anything if it does make a difference in peoples pockets. they household bills are still through the roof, their mortgages are impossible to meet. all because this government crashed the economy and now they are trying to reverse that. it�*s the economy and now they are trying to reverse that.— to reverse that. it's too late. the government _ to reverse that. it's too late. the government says _ to reverse that. it's too late. the government says the _ to reverse that. it's too late. the government says the budget i to reverse that. it's too late. the government says the budget will| government says the budget will provide an extra £100 million for public spending in northern ireland in 2024 to 2025. isn’t public spending in northern ireland in 2024 to 2025.— public spending in northern ireland in 2024 to 2025. isn't that welcome? the sa in 2024 to 2025. isn't that welcome? they say that — in 2024 to 2025. isn't that welcome? they say that they — in 2024 to 2025. isn't that welcome? they say that they also _ in 2024 to 2025. isn't that welcome? they say that they also say _ in 2024 to 2025. isn't that welcome? they say that they also say the i they say that they also say the different document they want the northern ireland executive to raise 113 million from revenue raising so of course they are down 30 million. this is being portrayed as some sort of gift to the people of northern

ireland and it�*s disappointing. jeremy hunt also announced regeneration funds of £20 million for londonderry and colouring and allocated £2 million to be spent on global investment and trade opportunities for northern ireland. so from the governments perspective they are looking out for northern ireland. i they are looking out for northern ireland. . ., :: ., ireland. i welcome the £20 million for londonderry, _ ireland. i welcome the £20 million for londonderry, i— ireland. i welcome the £20 million for londonderry, i campaigned i ireland. i welcome the £20 million for londonderry, i campaigned for| for londonderry, i campaigned for that. it�*s good and it�*s needed because this british government have done nothing to address the regional imbalance in northern ireland in terms of economics to £20 million is welcome. i don�*t think it will touch the sides of what�*s really needed. thank you very much for your perspective. you are watching continuing coverage of the budget here on bbc news, we�*re live from couege here on bbc news, we�*re live from college green and it was earlier today that we heard from the chancellorjeremy hunt who delivered this year�*s budget and he finished

that statement he made in parliament today by attacking the labour party�*s plans for the economy. let�*s have a listen. tote party's plans for the economy. let's have a listen-— have a listen. we today put this country back — have a listen. we today put this country back on _ have a listen. we today put this country back on the _ have a listen. we today put this country back on the path - have a listen. we today put this country back on the path to i have a listen. we today put this i country back on the path to lower taxes _ country back on the path to lower taxes a — country back on the path to lower taxes. a plan to grow the economy versus— taxes. a plan to grow the economy versus no— taxes. a plan to grow the economy versus no plan. a plan for better public— versus no plan. a plan for better public services versus no plan. plan to make _ public services versus no plan. plan to make work pay no plan. growth app. _ to make work pay no plan. growth app. jobs — to make work pay no plan. growth app, jobs app, to make work pay no plan. growth app, jobs app, taxes down. i commend this statement to the house. in this statement to the house. response this statement to the house. in response the leader of the labour party, sir keir starmer, described the budget as a last desperate act and called on the government to call and called on the government to call a general election in may.— a general election in may. britain deserves a _ a general election in may. britain deserves a government - a general election in may. britain deserves a government ready i a general election in may. britain deserves a government ready to | a general election in may. britain i deserves a government ready to take tough _ deserves a government ready to take tough decisions, _ deserves a government ready to take tough decisions, give _ deserves a government ready to take tough decisions, give our— deserves a government ready to take tough decisions, give our public- tough decisions, give our public services — tough decisions, give our public services and _ tough decisions, give our public services and immediate - tough decisions, give our public services and immediate cash i services and immediate cash injection, _ services and immediate cash injection, stick— services and immediate cash injection, stick to _ services and immediate cash injection, stick to fiscal- services and immediate cashj injection, stick to fiscal rules without— injection, stick to fiscal rules without complaint, _ injection, stick to fiscal rules without complaint, fight i injection, stick to fiscal rules without complaint, fight for. injection, stick to fiscal rules i without complaint, fight for the living _ without complaint, fight for the living standards _ without complaint, fight for the living standards of _ without complaint, fight for the living standards of workers i without complaint, fight for the living standards of workers and | living standards of workers and deliver— living standards of workers and deliver a — living standards of workers and deliver a sustainable _ living standards of workers and deliver a sustainable plan. i

so we say to the chancellor and prime minister, it�*s time to break the habit of 14 years. stop the dithering, stop the delay, stop the uncertainty. and confirm may the 2nd as the date of the next general election because britain deserves better and labour are ready. mps shout joining me now is henry hill, the deputy editor of conservative home and emma burnell, a political consultant with a special interest in the labour party. it's it�*s got a bit cold and you haven�*t got a coat on, i�*m a bit worried about you. i got a coat on, i'm a bit worried about yom— got a coat on, i'm a bit worried about ou. �* . . , . , about you. i didn't have a suitable code for television. _ about you. i didn't have a suitable code for television. i _ about you. i didn't have a suitable code for television. i didn't - about you. i didn't have a suitable code for television. i didn't think i code for television. i didn�*t think doing it in my hoodie was the right thing. doing it in my hoodie was the right thin. �* . doing it in my hoodie was the right thin. �*, ., , doing it in my hoodie was the right thin._ �*, ., , thing. there's today's budget make that more are _ thing. there's today's budget make that more are less _ thing. there's today's budget make that more are less likely _ thing. there's today's budget make that more are less likely in - thing. there's today's budget make that more are less likely in that i that more are less likely in that they are? that more are less likely in that the are? . . that more are less likely in that the are? ,, ~ , they are? less likely. the pre-election _ they are? less likely. the pre-election budget i they are? less likely. the | pre-election budget would they are? less likely. the i pre-election budget would go all they are? less likely. the _ pre-election budget would go all out pre—election budget would go all out to try and maximise the amount of tax cuts people have been receiving,

the right spending on the right places and whilejeremy hunt has cut taxes in this budget he has not done it to the extent i think we would expect and given the government has the freedom to go along and have an election in the autumn of january 2025 they would only go really if there was a significant shift in the polls based on what we�*ve seen today there is no real reason to expect this budget to deliver that outcome. some of the giveaways will help but fiscal drag means overall people will still be paying more tax and thatis will still be paying more tax and that is not something that makes you enthusiastic. ., that is not something that makes you enthusiastic-— enthusiastic. from the labour party perspective. _ enthusiastic. from the labour party perspective. what _ enthusiastic. from the labour party perspective, what can _ enthusiastic. from the labour party perspective, what can the _ enthusiastic. from the labour party perspective, what can the labour. perspective, what can the labour party offer that is radically different?— party offer that is radically different? ~ . . . ., party offer that is radically different? . . ., ., different? what labour want to do, the 've different? what labour want to do, they've obviously _ different? what labour want to do, they've obviously been _ different? what labour want to do, they've obviously been very - different? what labour want to do, they've obviously been very clear . they've obviously been very clear that they — they've obviously been very clear that they are aware of the dire situation — that they are aware of the dire situation the economy is in so it's not going — situation the economy is in so it's not going to — situation the economy is in so it's not going to be a case of coming into government and turning on the spending _ into government and turning on the spending taps. what they can do is set out _ spending taps. what they can do is set out plans, sir keir starmer is -- talked — set out plans, sir keir starmer is —— talked about the dotted reversing

some _ —— talked about the dotted reversing some of— —— talked about the dotted reversing some of the — —— talked about the dotted reversing some of the poor decisions that have led to— some of the poor decisions that have led to very— some of the poor decisions that have led to very low productivity over the last — led to very low productivity over the last 14 — led to very low productivity over the last 14 years, more productivity we have _ the last 14 years, more productivity we have the — the last 14 years, more productivity we have the more tax and can we have the more _ we have the more tax and can we have the more we _ we have the more tax and can we have the more we can do for public services — the more we can do for public services and i think what rachel reeves — services and i think what rachel reeves has made clear is it has to come _ reeves has made clear is it has to come in _ reeves has made clear is it has to come in that order. you reeves has made clear is it has to come in that order.— reeves has made clear is it has to come in that order. you talk about productivity. _ come in that order. you talk about productivity. i _ come in that order. you talk about productivity, i was _ come in that order. you talk about productivity, i was talking - come in that order. you talk about productivity, i was talking to i come in that order. you talk about productivity, i was talking to a i productivity, i was talking to a former chancellor, norman lamont, who said today�*s budget was all about productivity. and you almost sing the same thing? ida about productivity. and you almost sing the same thing?— sing the same thing? no because there are ways — sing the same thing? no because there are ways we _ sing the same thing? no because there are ways we might - sing the same thing? no because there are ways we might try i sing the same thing? no because there are ways we might try to i sing the same thing? no because i there are ways we might try to drive productivity. there has been a plan that was— productivity. there has been a plan that was all— productivity. there has been a plan that was all about cutting essential spending _ that was all about cutting essential spending 14 years and that is what the conservative plan for productivity is. it hasn't worked. there _ productivity is. it hasn't worked. there are — productivity is. it hasn't worked. there are much better ways, if we decentralise an awful lot of our economy— decentralise an awful lot of our economy allow places like manchester, liverpool, leeds, hubs of growth— manchester, liverpool, leeds, hubs of growth and skills generation. if we give _ of growth and skills generation. if we give the names of those places like birmingham and bristol much

more _ like birmingham and bristol much more powers to act and bring up their— more powers to act and bring up their own — more powers to act and bring up their own economies rather than being _ their own economies rather than being told — their own economies rather than being told what to be done by the treasury — being told what to be done by the treasury that is a completely different approach to growth and that is— different approach to growth and that is what will drive productivity not endless cuts to public service. henry. _ not endless cuts to public service. henry. you — not endless cuts to public service. henry, you work for a website i assume has a lot of contact with conservatives and the grassroots across the country. do you think this is an election winning budget particularly in those redwall seats that will be the main battlegrounds? no. i don�*t think it�*s an election budget. if they do go in the autumn they will have another fiscal event where they will front—load as many eye—catching giveaways as possible. we did a survey of a panel of conservative members and we did a survey last month and three quarters of them favoured increasing defence spending over cutting taxes. that has been a big role in the government during the last two weeks. grant shapps has been asking for 2.5% of gdp. it�*s telling in

some ways that even amongst the real conservative grassroots there is in this consensus around, at least these tax cuts, the ones that you want tax cuts they want much bigger and more aggressive and strategic tax cuts than we are seeing at the moment. , . . . . , ., moment. does that mean that many of our focus moment. does that mean that many of your focus groug _ moment. does that mean that many of your focus group, the _ moment. does that mean that many of your focus group, the people _ moment. does that mean that many of your focus group, the people you i your focus group, the people you talk to on the ground, wouldn�*t necessarily have advocated for any sort of tax cut today?— necessarily have advocated for any sort of tax cut today? many of them what tax cuts _ sort of tax cut today? many of them what tax cuts but _ sort of tax cut today? many of them what tax cuts but it's _ sort of tax cut today? many of them what tax cuts but it's more - sort of tax cut today? many of them what tax cuts but it's more about i sort of tax cut today? many of them | what tax cuts but it's more about we what tax cuts but it�*s more about we want to drill down into the hard trade—off because very often spending is always increased through a few easy targets. we wanted to ask the hard choice, if it was down to defence spending or tax cuts which one would you favour and three quarters favoured defence spending. and there are hard choices, the labour party has had to change its position when it comes to that green prosperity fund. then;r position when it comes to that green prosperity fund-—

prosperity fund. they have reduced the number — prosperity fund. they have reduced the number attached _ prosperity fund. they have reduced the number attached to _ prosperity fund. they have reduced the number attached to it. - prosperity fund. they have reduced the number attached to it. the i the number attached to it. the ambitions _ the number attached to it. the ambitions remain and what will happen— ambitions remain and what will happen as it will probably be a case of making _ happen as it will probably be a case of making sure the ambition can be crowd _ of making sure the ambition can be crowd funded in from a private investment, making sure we are generating those skills that will attract — generating those skills that will attract private investors. so as a labour _ attract private investors. so as a labour memberi attract private investors. so as a labour member i don't think that was necessarily— labour member i don't think that was necessarily the right position to take but— necessarily the right position to take but ultimately we are where the government has left us. when we take over we _ government has left us. when we take over we have _ government has left us. when we take over we have to deal with the landscape we find ourselves in and then we _ landscape we find ourselves in and then we have to change that landscape because what is essential is not _ landscape because what is essential is not simplyjust taking over managing this appalling situation slightly— managing this appalling situation slightly better but coming in and changing — slightly better but coming in and changing it for the long term. we never changing it for the long term. never know changing it for the long term. , never know what's going to happen in never know what�*s going to happen in an election until it happens. let�*s not make any predictions yet because we have no clue who�*s going to win the election. apologies for the

sound, we are about 5pm on college green and its about the time of day. henry, what do you think are the biggest challenges? the polls to favour a labour government in the next election. what are the biggest challenges coming out of this budget for the conservatives?— for the conservatives? where to beuin? for the conservatives? where to begin? the _ for the conservatives? where to begin? the government - for the conservatives? where to begin? the government is i for the conservatives? where to begin? the government is 20 i for the conservatives? where to i begin? the government is 20 points down in an environment where the conservatives have been in office for 14 years so it�*s very hard to be the change candidate. every time —— the change candidate. every time —— the voters... is the rule bill going to work and will that deflect from the government? the government and labour are trapped because taxes are at historic highs. public budgets

are hugely stretched and are only going to come under pressure. there is no public consent to pump —— cut spending and very little wiggle room to raise taxes. neither party has any idea what to do about it. labour are 20 buds ahead but we have the chance little of the shadow chancellor fighting over a tiny strip of political territory. it�*s very difficult to see how the conservatives can turn this around in six months. you could maybe do an absolute giveaway policies in the autumn but we will have to see. everyone is stealing each other�*s policies and we saw a few things like the non—dom, that was labour idea in the win for tax extension, what do you think in the budget sir keir starmer is going to effectively pinch and keep in any future budget if he becomes foreign minister? then;r if he becomes foreign minister? they have said they — if he becomes foreign minister? they have said they will keep the cuts to

nationat— have said they will keep the cuts to national insurance. that is something that does hit people on medium _ something that does hit people on medium low wages. not the lowest paid by— medium low wages. not the lowest paid by any means. there are other things— paid by any means. there are other things they— paid by any means. there are other things they could immediately reverse — things they could immediately reverse. i cannot believe the tory party _ reverse. i cannot believe the tory party have — reverse. i cannot believe the tory party have been so insane as to offer _ party have been so insane as to offer a — party have been so insane as to offer a capital gains tax cut. that is money— offer a capital gains tax cut. that is money that people make for doing nothing _ is money that people make for doing nothing essentially.— nothing essentially. angela rayner is auoin to nothing essentially. angela rayner is going to benefit _ nothing essentially. angela rayner is going to benefit isn't _ nothing essentially. angela rayner is going to benefit isn't she? i nothing essentially. angela rayner is going to benefit isn't she? to i nothing essentially. angela rayner is going to benefit isn't she? to a l is going to benefit isn't she? to a tiny amount _ is going to benefit isn't she? to a tiny amount and _ is going to benefit isn't she? to a tiny amount and i _ is going to benefit isn't she? to a tiny amount and i am _ is going to benefit isn't she? to a tiny amount and i am sure - is going to benefit isn't she? to a tiny amount and i am sure she would happily— tiny amount and i am sure she would happily lose — tiny amount and i am sure she would happily lose that benefit. it really is the _ happily lose that benefit. it really is the gift — happily lose that benefit. it really is the gift of the labour party when the tories — is the gift of the labour party when the tories can say the richest people — the tories can say the richest pe0pte in— the tories can say the richest people in the country, we are going to tax— people in the country, we are going to tax your— people in the country, we are going to tax your wealth less and not fund public _ to tax your wealth less and not fund public services.— to tax your wealth less and not fund public services. emma, henry, please ut a coat public services. emma, henry, please put a coat on. — public services. emma, henry, please put a coat on. it's _ public services. emma, henry, please put a coat on, it's called. _ public services. emma, henry, please put a coat on, it's called. thank- put a coat on, it's called. thank you very much forjoining us and sharing your thoughts. speaking of the cold, let's take a look at the

weather. hello. we started off today with quite extensive and dense areas of mist and fog. you can see some of that murky weather here in the lowland areas in somerset where the hills were sticking out above that low cloud into clear and sunny skies. you can see the same thing here in leek. that was caused by a temperature inversion. through the rest of today, the mist and fog lifting into low cloud across the midlands. we have quite extensive cloud across east scotland and eastern areas of england today. thick enough for a few showers for eastern scotland and one or two potentially going into parts of east anglia. but they will be few and far between so for the vast majority of the uk the day looks like it will stay dry with the best of the sunshine generally across the western side of the uk. temperatures for many between 8c and 12c. overnight tonight, temperatures will start to drop away underneath these clear skies and then we will see a return of the mist and fog patches across parts of england, wales, and eastern scotland. visibility could get down to 100 metres also and it will be quite

a cold night as well with some patches of frost in rural areas. into thursday's forecast, high—pressure to the north—east, low pressure to the south—west. for most, the weather is looking dry. mist and fog early in the day lifting into low cloud. we may well have a few isolated showers popping up across england and wales but not many of these. for the vast majority and it should be another fine and dry day. temperatures not really changing very much. we are looking at highs again of between eight and ii or 12 degrees. into the end of the week, this area of low pressure gets a bit closer to our south—west and we start to get the isobars bunching together across the uk. that means friday will be a windy day and particularly over and to the west or high ground the uk's only named wind, the helm wind, will be blowing and gusting quite strongly over the pennines and into cumbria. we could get gusts running into 40mph and 50mph on friday. into the weekend, the low pressure continues to work up from the south

bringing with it outbreaks of rain. the wettest weather across england and it will be quite wet at times as well across eastern areas of scotland. but rain at times probably best sums up the weekend's weather picture. that is your forecast. goodbye for now.

they are you hire the bongs of big it's band. five o'clock here in west minister. it's been a busy afternoon. today the chancellor jeremy hunt delivered what's likely to be the last budget before the general election telling and pieces new policies would lead to long—term growth and permanent tax cuts. mr hunt said he wanted his budget to unleash people powerfor hunt said he wanted his budget to unleash people power for the hunt said he wanted his budget to unleash people powerfor the leader of the labour party or sir keir starmer called mr hunt's budget the

last desperate act of the party that's failed. let's take a look at some of the key announcements today. we will begin with tax. the chancellors announced the national insurance will be cut by another 2p in the pound. he says a cut which will begin next month is worth £450 a year to the average worker. the earnings threshold has raised to £50,000 was puppet governments froze in the fuel duty again at the 5p fuel on petrol and diesel for a further year. the governments also kept a freeze on alcohol duty which had been due to end in august. that will continue until next february. mr hunt is also announced a longer repayment period for people on benefits taking out emergency budgeting loans. they will be an increase in vat threshold for small businesses going up from £85,000 to £90,000. let's go back to more taxes. there will be a tax on vaping

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