straight back to los angeles, we have live pictures and as a warning, there may be some violent scenes and flashing images, too. over the last couple of hours, we have been monitoring the situation. there have been pro—palestinian demonstrations and clashes between them and counter demonstrations on campus. that tented group of demonstrators, pro—palestinian demonstrators who have been making their voices heard over the last couple of days about the situation and the war in gaza, it escalated at about ten or 11pm last night. there were violent confrontations. that barrier that was separating the two sides seems to have been breached. since then, there have been plenty of noise and there have been plenty of noise and the police have been called in as well. there was local security

arrangements but clearly, but was deemed insufficient. we have these aerial pictures, too. people standing around, still pretty close. you can see the line of tents there on the right—hand side. that is the pro—palestinian group which have been there for quite a while, making their voices heard. but things turned violent with their counter protest of pro is really groups as well. we don't have any numbers or things like injuries or any serious injuries. there were attempts to breach and get into the encampment. there were fireworks reportedly thrown, flares, and we have seen since we have been on air, people with sticks, people throwing water bottles and wooden pallets, but so far, in the last few minutes, but we are seeing here seems relatively come. they will have been chanting

and protests and there was protests that have been there, they have been largely peaceful for the last few days. there have been speeches by the pro—policy and groups, raising their demands. they are angry with their demands. they are angry with the war in gaza but specifically, they had demands, things like, they want the university there to disentangle itself, to divest from any financial links with for example the israeli military. this of course is not the only university campus that has been involved in these demonstrations. right across the us, from coast—to—coast, students have been out protesting against the events in the war in gaza. plenty of arrests reportedly in new york as well, which we were reporting on a little earlier. we'll keep across these pictures for you and we will be back with them if there is anything of note in the next unit. here in the uk, police have revealed an officer nearly lost a hand

while trying to end a fatal sword attack in london. a 14—year—old boy was killed and four others, including two police officers, were injured in the attack. police described the injuries suffered by officers as "horrifically serious". a 36—year—old man is in custody and it is hoped he will be well enough to be questioned today. our reporter louisa pilbeam has been following developments. a former police sergeant took me this is not the kind of place where something of this happens and yet now what is being described as a place, a quiet residential area is home to a tragedy. one resident has been standing here in disbelief, looking at the police presence, looking at the police presence, looking at the police presence, looking at this court and of area, and said it is strange to see so much attention on his neighbourhood but for the wrong reasons. there are so many signs that this is a new reality for the residents. there is

an area here where police officers are taking down names of the parents, children, their carers coming through, encouraging of them access in and out of what is now a crime scene, and of course we do know a 14—year—old boy lost his life here yesterday. four people were injured and two of them were police officers with significant injuries. the met police commissioner give us more details about that this morning. people say officers run towards dangen — people say officers run towards danger. what you have seen on some of the _ danger. what you have seen on some of the videos — danger. what you have seen on some of the videos around social media and on _ of the videos around social media and on news sites, you see what that really _ and on news sites, you see what that really looks _ and on news sites, you see what that really looks like, you have officers running _ really looks like, you have officers running towards someone who is waving _ running towards someone who is waving a — running towards someone who is waving a sword. i went to the hospital— waving a sword. i went to the hospital yesterday to see the officers — hospital yesterday to see the officers and their families and i saw the — officers and their families and i saw the inspector his hand is badly damaged — saw the inspector his hand is badly damaged i— saw the inspector his hand is badly damaged. i so him before the operation _ damaged. i so him before the operation and he was in good spirits — operation and he was in good spirits. that was public the morphine, to be honest! he has a lot of patching _ morphine, to be honest! he has a lot of patching up to be done on his

hand. _ of patching up to be done on his hand, really serious injuries there. i hand, really serious injuries there. iwas _ hand, really serious injuries there. i was talking to the family and colleagues of the officer who has badly— colleagues of the officer who has badly damaged her arm. the surgeon spent _ badly damaged her arm. the surgeon spent many, many hours putting her arm itack— spent many, many hours putting her arm back together. one spent many, many hours putting her arm back together.— arm back together. one newspaper said of the female _ arm back together. one newspaper said of the female officer, - arm back together. one newspaper said of the female officer, it - arm back together. one newspaper said of the female officer, it was i said of the female officer, it was close to her actually losing her hand. are you able to confirm that? but emily and miles away, really horrific— but emily and miles away, really horrific injuries. the _ horrific injuries. the police do not believe this was terror —related work targeted but they are trying to understand how this could have happened. they are making urgent checks and are saying so far, there is no evidence the police had any contact with the suspect beforehand. there are the victims families and in particular the family of the 14—year—old boy who is receiving support from trained met police staff. meanwhile, this crime scene has seen officers come in and out, dozens of police officers, when they try to piece

together exactly what happened here. life back to los angeles in the scenes of violence in the last few hours. demonstrations and counter demonstrations. there is a pro—palestinian group encampment with tents there, who have been voicing their opposition to events in the war in gaza and also a counter protest by pro is really groups. i have been largely peaceful since they have been there over the days and weeks. but there was a serious escalation yesterday. iipm serious escalation yesterday. ”pm at night when violence between the protesters broke out. so, these are two sets of live pictures we have. the aerials that we just from the helicopter and these, you can see police have been brought in. these

are pictures on the ground, clearly. let us listen in. chanting. you can hear the chanting and no violence there at the moment. a different story a couple of hours ago but things are clearly very tense there. there was, we understand, security and a kind of barricade separating the two groups of demonstrators in the heart of this student campus, ucla, but that barrier was breached. there were objects thrown and that is when the police were called in, so the university authorities called in the police and you can see a heavy presence there. since we have been watching in the last few hours, you

can see the people crowding around, thatis can see the people crowding around, that is where we saw people with sticks, people throwing a wooden pallet at one point and someone throwing a skitter in towards those tents, that is the pro—palestinian side. eversince tents, that is the pro—palestinian side. ever since then, there have been a crowd of people and now security police, it looks like, very close by. but the large part, since the initial violence, what we have seen has been chanting, flashing lights, i should warn you, there have been torches and cameras there, but no major escalation since violence of a couple of hours ago. but clearly, very, very tense because when we see these helicopter

pictures, you can see all the blocks around this squad here in the campus and there is a very significant number of police vehicles that were all called in when the situation clearly got beyond the capacity of the university to deal with itself. these are the live pictures. i want to show you the pictures from a few hours ago, what i was talking about. take a look. pretty disturbing images. this was a few hours ago in los angeles. there is a kind of line of tents that you can see there and along that line is where those confrontations have been taking place. as for the other campuses that we know across the us,

of course, these scenes are los angeles. we will take you back to the live images, the live pictures now but these are not the only scenes where we have seen arrests or protests. columbia university on the other coast in new york, has been the scene of multiple arrests as police officers there went into remove people from a building that they had occupied. our correspondence was bringing us up to date with events there, but these are the live pictures from los angeles. plenty more to come, stay with us. this is bbc news. for many of us, is going to be a day of bright spells, sunshine and showers. the early morning mist, no cloud and fog pushing back to the east coast but some of it will

linger. heavier downpours coming in from the south later on in the day. pollen levels today are moderate or high for many of us. as we head on through the course of the afternoon, we still have a little bit of low cloud at times along the east coast. some showers getting into south—east scotland and north—east scotland but we have that mixture of dry conditions but the cloud building in the south, introducing some rain by the south, introducing some rain by the end of the afternoon. temperatures i7 the end of the afternoon. temperatures 17 in stornoway, 18 in liverpool, possibly 20 in london. through the evening and overnight, we pick up heavy downpours. getting into wales and south—west england under the same time we have this low cloud and mark returning from the east, pushing that bit further west. there will be clear skies but it will not be a cold night. no with frost. overnight temperatures of six to 11 degrees. this is the weather

front bringing the downpours, it will still be with us tomorrow and in fact, we are still pulling in that easterly wind to the temperatures on this chart show is going to be still pretty warm for the time of year. some of us getting up the time of year. some of us getting up to 21 degrees. we are also going to see that i start with low cloud, mist and merck. some of that will linger across north—east england and south—east scotland. the injury downpours clearing from the west but we will be left with residual cloud here and we are also looking at some sharp showers. temperatures could reach 21 degrees. friday sees more widespread showers developing across england. some of them getting into south—east scotland. a lot of cloud for wales but brighter skies in the north with temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees. the west highlands could still reach 19. then as we head into the bank holiday weekend,

this could change but it is looking like we will have rain at times but in between the showers there will be sunshine and temperatures returning to the seasonal norm.

higherfor longer — as us consumer confidence slumps

and inflation rises — will the fed hold its nerve and keep interest rates high? delivering the goods — amazon triples its profits as the world's biggest retailer puts artificial intelligence to work. welcome to world business report. let's start in the us, where it's a big day for the central bank, the federal reserve, as it makes its latest call on the cost of borrowing. markets around the world will be watching because where america goes, others often follow, but it's widely predicted to be very much a holding call today as the rate of price rises has been heading in the wrong direction of late, making it too early for the fed to take the brakes off the economy. the current key us interest rate is sitting at a 23—year high of between 5:25% and 5.5%. months ago, many had forecast that this rate would be ready to cut around now but the latest inflation

figures have dampened expectations as prices rose at 3.5% in the year to march, which was higher than the february figure of 3.2%. the feds target for inflation, like most central banks, is for 2%. so, still some way to go. and those price rises are feeding into some wider negative sentiment. the latest report from the economic think—tank the conference board shows that consumer confidence is falling, with people more downbeat about future business conditions, jobs and income. well, let's head over to new york and speak to james knightley, chief international economist at ing. good economist at ing. to have you with us. gave us a sense good to have you with us. gave us a sense of what we may hear today, it's not so much about the fed actually does but what it says about the direction of travel. the beginning _ the direction of travel. the beginning of— the direction of travel. the beginning of the _ the direction of travel. tie: beginning of the year, the the direction of travel. ti9: beginning of the year, the markets are anticipating the federal reserve could cut rates by 1.5 percentage

points. now it is just a could cut rates by 1.5 percentage points. now it isjust a quarter of a percentage point cut. we have a situation where inflation is far too hot, the economy is growing strongly and adding jobs hot, the economy is growing strongly and addingjobs in hot, the economy is growing strongly and adding jobs in significant numbers, 800,000 jobs added in the first three months. while the federal reserve would like to move to a more neutralfooting federal reserve would like to move to a more neutral footing the data is just not allowing them to do that and i think the fed today will again indicate there is little prospect of an interest rate cut. at and indicate there is little prospect of an interest rate cut. at— an interest rate cut. at and what does that mean _ an interest rate cut. at and what does that mean for _ an interest rate cut. at and what does that mean for the - an interest rate cut. at and what does that mean for the real - an interest rate cut. at and what - does that mean for the real economy? the conference board yesterday did report that consumer confidence is under pressure. it is very much into speed to economy here in the united states, the top 10% of households are making good money and on their savings as well because they own stocks and houses which are all appreciated. they spent at the same

amount of money as the lower 60% of households by income and those households by income and those households are feeling a lot of stress. rents are rising considerably and there is evidence of credit card delinquencies on the rise. that is what the fed would ideally like to ease the pressure on those households but until the data turns you can't really do that. and turns you can't really do that. and that is difficult _ turns you can't really do that. and that is difficult in _ turns you can't really do that. and that is difficult in an election yearforjoe biden, who is keen to point out the economy is growing slightly but it is that strange phenomenon where people don't feel better off even though the economy is doing well. better off even though the economy is doing well-— is doing well. absolutely, unemployment _ is doing well. absolutely, unemployment is - is doing well. absolutely, l unemployment is incredibly is doing well. absolutely, - unemployment is incredibly low is doing well. absolutely, _ unemployment is incredibly low here but inflation is still running a very hot. so what you have a job, the cost of living increases putting a squeeze on your spending power and thatis a squeeze on your spending power and that is hurting joe biden in the polls right now. ah, that is hurting joe biden in the polls right now.— that is hurting joe biden in the polls right now. a thank you for bein: polls right now. a thank you for being with _ polls right now. a thank you for

being with us. _ amazon, the world's largest retailer, has posted a surge in sales in its latest numbers, leading to its profits tripling. but it's not the cardboard boxes landing on your doorstep that's driving the boom, it's amazon's web services division, which provides technology such as data centres to other businesses. the ai boom has boosted demand for amazon's cloud computing. amazon's revenues hit and all—time high of over $143 billion betweenjanuary and march, up 13% on the same period last year. let's get more on this with victoria scholar, head of investment at interactive investor. that is the point — a lot of us will tend to think of amazon as a retailer but it's actually a tech business?— retailer but it's actually a tech business? ~ , , ~ . ,, business? absolutely right. aws, amazon web _ business? absolutely right. aws, amazon web services, _ business? absolutely right. aws, amazon web services, its - business? absolutely right. aws,

amazon web services, its cloud i amazon web services, its cloud computing business and now counts almost two thirds of its overall group operating income, so that division operated extremely well, revenue up and beating forecasts. microsoft and alphabet reported growth of about a higher rate but this will be worth $100 billion, a major milestone for amazon. its retail business has been performing pretty well as well, focusing on efficiency and regionalisation, meaning it wants its parcels to be shipped from facilities much closer to shoppers so that orders can be fulfilled more quickly. in some key cities like london and tokyo now, we're seeing three quarters of all packages are delivered with the same day or the next. packages are delivered with the same day or the next-— day or the next. looks like a very wise about _ day or the next. looks like a very wise about from _ day or the next. looks like a very wise about from amazon, - day or the next. looks like a very

wise about from amazon, and . day or the next. looks like a very i wise about from amazon, and given that they've encouraged people to sign up for prime firm, so you get deliveries, music, films, all of that. the figure suggests that people are really leaning into that and saying i'll get decent value out of amazon and perhaps give up another subscription but i will keep amazon. :, �* ., �*, amazon. you're right, that's reflected _ amazon. you're right, that's reflected in _ amazon. you're right, that's reflected in a _ amazon. you're right, that's reflected in a terms - amazon. you're right, that's reflected in a terms of - amazon. you're right, that's - reflected in a terms of hammerson's impressive advertising revenues as well. on a prime firm, on the streaming platform, that was up by about 24% in the first quarter. so for prime users, adverts of the default option and member have to pay a fee to access and free watching. that is different from what netflix does, you pay more for the and free service and they have now introduced a cheaper option

including those adverts. that is working out well for amazon in a competitive environment. something that will strike _ competitive environment. something that will strike fear _ competitive environment. something that will strike fear into _ competitive environment. something that will strike fear into viewers - that will strike fear into viewers research or excitement, using ai. amazon is launching an ai chatbot to provide shopping tips to mobile customers. it will know more than it does even now about our shopping habits? , , , , does even now about our shopping habits? , , , ' : habits? pretty terrifying stuff. ai is the name _ habits? pretty terrifying stuff. ai is the name of _ habits? pretty terrifying stuff. ai is the name of the _ habits? pretty terrifying stuff. ai is the name of the game - habits? pretty terrifying stuff. ai is the name of the game when i habits? pretty terrifying stuff. ai is the name of the game when it| is the name of the game when it comes to tech investing this year and it looks as though we've seen in terms of the tech stocks it is the ai haves versus they have nots. those who are investing into artificial intelligence have been performing very well while those who are slightly lagging behind have seen their shares struggle a bit more. all these companies need to be signalling that they are at least trying to get more into ai and want to keep up shareholder returns.

thank you. the boss of whatsapp says that tens of millions of people are using technical workarounds to secretly use the messaging platform in countries where it is banned. iran, north korea and syria don't allow whatsapp. last month, china ordered apple to ban it from being downloaded to iphones. the head of whatsapp, will cathcart, has been speaking to our cyber correspondentjoe tidy about internet freedom from a tech giant's perspective. northern italy, huge increases in usage, especially calling. i think audio calling and video calling... for the boss of whatsapp, will cathcart, things are looking great. on paper. his app is used by around two billion people and is starting to make money from its business users. it is always mind boggling and humbling to think about how many people around the world are using whatsapp. but globally the threats are growing. governments, including in the west, are putting pressure on him to change the apps security. and elsewhere, his platform is caught up in geopolitical tensions. we speak in los angeles just days

after china has banned whatsapp from being downloaded on iphones. is that a big loss for you? i know whatsapp isn't massive in china, but it does send a message, doesn't it? it does. and even if we're not, you know, massively popular, there are communities in china that particularly benefited from secure communication or the ability to communicate with the outside world — minorities and other sort of communities under particular threat to human rights. that situation is particularly unfortunate because while in a lot of circumstances people can still find creative ways to access whatsapp, the only way to get an app on an iphone is through apple's app store. that's a choice apple has made. and so if then they go and ban us from the app store, actually there aren't alternatives. apple says it was obliged to remove the app, along with a handful of others, mainly from western companies, because of chinese laws. but that bans are now a regular part of our fracturing internet, and people are finding ways around the problem. for the first time, whatsapp is putting a rough number on just how many.

you'd be surprised how many people still manage to get through. it is a much higherfraction than you might think. what we can most do is look at some of the countries where we're blocked and still see worldwide tens of millions of people connecting to whatsapp, be it via proxies or vpns or other ways that they've found ways to get around. there's a tension here where i don't want to necessarily point to a specific country and say, "oh, look, their block has actually "been this ineffective", because you don't really want to tell that country that they should be doing different things and you don't want to draw too much attention to it. i'd rather people just be able to access whatsapp and other services around the world. another front whatsapp is fighting is on end—to—end encryption, the super—secure system that the app and others use to keep messages private between users. governments, including in the uk, want police to be able to read the messages to catch criminals. sadly, i don't think the debate is over. i think people have broadly spoken. i think if you go look at people

and the people who use whatsapp and customers — ask them whether they want a company to have access to everything they say, it's a pretty clear answer that they don't. i just wonder whether or not you truly believe that people in the street care about end—to—end encryption in the same way that privacy experts do and in the same way that you do. i think people care about privacy, whether they're aware of end—to—end encryption and what it is and how it works, i think that is much trickier. and that's one of the reasons we've tried to communicate so much about it — is be really clear about what it means and what's at stake. thank you very much, will, thanks for talking to us. thank you. in other news, house prices in the uk fell in april as potential buyers continued to face pressure on affordability. according to the latest data from the nationwide building society, house prices were down by 0.4% compared with the previous month and the average home now costs around 4% less than at the peak, in the summer of 2022. the australian airline qantas say it's fixed a problem with its app that allowed customers to view other people's account details. some passengers had reported

having access to multiple incorrect boarding passes, with at least one user able to cancel someone else's ticket. the airline has apologised but did not comment on the scale of the privacy breach. and now the numbers ahead of that fed decision. it's worth pointing out the ftse firm 100, consecutive games. in march, of 4.2% so pretty good numbers from the ftse 100 games. in march, of 4.2% so pretty good numbers from the ftse100 but they are in wait and see mode ahead of the fed decision. that will come later today. of the fed decision. that will come latertoday. bye—bye.

some breaking news that has come to us here at bbc news regarding that fatal sword attack that took place in london yesterday. sources on the ground have been telling the bbc that the 14—year—old pupil who died following that attack was one of five that were initially injured. at the 14—year—old was also a pupil at bancroft school firm, in woodford green, east london. to put this in context for you, this is the second time in less than a year that the school has been hit by a tragedy. he hasn't been named yet. however, one of its former pupils, grace o'malley kumar, died in a knife attack in nottingham, where she was studying at university. just to remind you, at university. just to remind you,

at the time of that sword attack, for other people including two police officers were injured in the attack. police have been describing some of the injury suffered by their officers, saying they were horrifically serious. a 36 why a man is in custody and it's hoped that at some point he will be well enough to be questioned later today. our reporter ascertain machinery is in hainault for us. we're starting to learn a few more details on this attack. tell us more about the 14—year—old who sadly passed away. as you mentioned, sources have confirmed to the bbc that he was a pupil at bancroft school in woodford green, east london. that's difficult news to hear given the fact that another former pupil,

news to hear given the fact that anotherformer pupil, grace another former pupil, grace o'malley—kumar died anotherformer pupil, grace o'malley—kumar died in nottingham in another knife attack. at this school has been hit by two tragedies in less than a year here. here they are adjusting to a new reality. once was once a quiet, residential area, that is what locals have told me, is now home to a tragedy. there are clear signs of that and increased police presence, dozens of police officers coming in and out of this area behind me. police vans are present throughout the roads and people who want to get in and out had to give police officers their name every single time, that's parents taking children to school, carers visiting people, there are a lot of signs that it's a new reality for residents here. and as far as the police are concerned, they're now

continuing to try to understand how something like this could happened in a quiet area like hainault. ilistens in a quiet area like hainault. were also learning _ in a quiet area like hainault. were also learning about _ in a quiet area like hainault. were also learning about some - in a quiet area like hainault. were also learning about some of- in a quiet area like hainault. were also learning about some of those injuries that were sustained and we have been hearing from the police, what have they been telling us? {iii what have they been telling us? of the what have they been telling us? qt the four people injured, what have they been telling us? t>t the four people injured, two police officers. we knew these were significant but not life—threatening injuries. now the met police commissioner sir mark rowley has given us details that he called horrific. one woman had to have extensive surgery. he described surgeons working for hours to try to connect nerves to make sure she could have full use of her hand. this is going to take quite some time in terms of recovery. another man had his hand injury and had to go through surgery as well. it's a

reminder, as the met police commissioner has said and as the london mayor sadiq khan has said, that officers are running into the face of danger while trying to protect communities like the one here in hainault. i’gre protect communities like the one here in hainault.— protect communities like the one here in hainault. i've 'ust managed to brin: here in hainault. i've 'ust managed to bring up— here in hainault. i've 'ust managed to bring up some — here in hainault. i've 'ust managed to bring up some of _ here in hainault. i'vejust managed to bring up some of this _ here in hainault. i'vejust managed to bring up some of this details - here in hainault. i'vejust managed| to bring up some of this details you were mentioning. it was the female police officer, a serious arm injury in that attack, and sir mark rowley are just giving us a few more details, undergoing a several hours of surgery and facing a long journey of surgery and facing a long journey of recovery after nearly losing her hand. do we know how long the police presence will continue? i can see the police line behind you, the tape and certainly one officer, any idea how long they will be there on the ground? how long they will be there on the round? f how long they will be there on the round? j ., :, ground? they've said days. part of that is to reassure _ ground? they've said days. part of that is to reassure the _ ground? they've said days. part of that is to reassure the community | that is to reassure the community but there is still an investigation going on. this is very much a crime

scene behind. officers have been here overnight and will be overnight again, so this isn't something the community isjust moving on again, so this isn't something the community is just moving on from very quickly. people are coming and taking their children back to school and people are on their way to work but the police presence will be here for some time.— but the police presence will be here for some time. there has been a lot of speculation. _ for some time. there has been a lot of speculation, as _ for some time. there has been a lot of speculation, as often _ for some time. there has been a lot of speculation, as often is, - for some time. there has been a lot of speculation, as often is, in - for some time. there has been a lot of speculation, as often is, in the i of speculation, as often is, in the first minutes and hours after an attack like this but what have the police said in terms of the motivation and hopefully establishing the true details? they've said this is not a terror—related incident and not a targeted one. in that sense, they've set the white of danger to the community here is no longer present. but when something like this happens, the question comes up — could anything have been done to prevent a tragedy like this

happening, to prevent a 14—year—old boy losing his life in such a violent way? police have said they're conducting urgent checks and so far they've not found any evidence of contact between the police and the suspect but they're continuing at those urgent checks. as far as any motivations, we're waiting to hear of the police have been able to speak to the 36—year—old suspect. that so far, there hasn't been any word on that given the suspect had sustained injuries as well.— given the suspect had sustained injuries as well. first does bring a knife crime _ injuries as well. first does bring a knife crime to _ injuries as well. first does bring a knife crime to be _ injuries as well. first does bring a knife crime to be top _ injuries as well. first does bring a knife crime to be top of— injuries as well. first does bring a knife crime to be top of the - injuries as well. first does bring a i knife crime to be top of the agenda. it tomorrow is local, mayoral elections for sadiq khan and knife crime, one of his top priorities in london. reminds us what he said of the back of this attack? sadiq london. reminds us what he said of the back of this attack?— the back of this attack? sadiq khan, as well as the _ the back of this attack? sadiq khan, as well as the met _ the back of this attack? sadiq khan, as well as the met police _ as well as the met police commissioner sir mark rowley have been asked about the fact that this

is such a violent attack, should police officers have more weapons on them to be able to respond to something like this? sir mark rowley has certainly said he believes in the unarmed presence police officers have and sadiq khan has also said that this brings no crime to the forefront. it is worth saying that knife crime in london is lower than it was in pre—pandemic levels. and it's worth keeping that in mind but as you say, it's an issue that's come up several times in the run—up to the mayoral elections. come up several times in the run-up to the mayoral elections.— come up several times in the run-up to the mayoral elections. thank you. and another — to the mayoral elections. thank you. and another developing _ to the mayoral elections. thank you. and another developing story - to the mayoral elections. thank you. and another developing story here i to the mayoral elections. thank you. | and another developing story here at bbc news, it's been reported that a 17—year—old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after three people were injured in an attack at a school in sheffield. just like adults and a child were

treated at the scene following the incident at a burnley academy in south yorkshire. further say that both adults suffered minor injuries while the child was being checked over. the force added that officers responded to reports of an incident involving a sharp object at around 8:50am this morning. another developing story that we are following here at bbc news. bbc news understands that a failed asylum seeker has become the first to voluntarily leave the uk for rwanda. the man was flown on a commercial flight and given £3000 to help relocate in the capital kigali, as first reported by the sun newspaper. his departure is not part of the forced deportation policy that the government announced six years ago.

working a chief political correspondent has more. this working a chief political correspondent has more. this is a rwanda scheme _ correspondent has more. this is a rwanda scheme but _ correspondent has more. this is a rwanda scheme but not _ correspondent has more. this is a rwanda scheme but not the - correspondent has more. this is a i rwanda scheme but not the rwanda scheme. the cover for two years under more prime ministers and structures then i can count has been committed to forcibly relocating people who arrive in the uk in small boats across the english channel to rwanda. what ended on monday was not that, it's a separate scheme whereby they want to offer asylum seekers who have been rejected to move to rwanda should they wish. and the government is willing to pay the motor £3000. on monday, that happened for the first time. saw a man who had made an asylum application here that have been rejected was paid around £3000 by the government to voluntarily get on

a commercialflight to rwanda and now make a slow there. a commercial flight to rwanda and now make a slow there.— a commercial flight to rwanda and now make a slow there. today, the 1st of may marks — now make a slow there. today, the 1st of may marks a _ now make a slow there. today, the 1st of may marks a significant - 1st of may marks a significant moment for the government's legacy act, with an end to historical inquest and the transferring of troubles—era cases to a new body. of the act was passed despite opposition from labour, all northern irish projects as well as the... the new act creates a new act to take over all troubles—era cases from today. it authority prevented new new civil cases from being lodged in court. we were going to speak to our chief political correspondent but

we're going to speak tojenny o'leary. today, maybe first, many see as a day zero in an attempt to deal with northern ireland's troubled past. the government said this about drawing a line under the past and those opposed to the new legislation, someone described it as the ends ofjustice as they see it in northern ireland. from today, a line under the past and those opposed to the new legislation, someone described it as the ends of justice as they see it in northern ireland. from today, new legacy body called the independent commission for reconciliation takes over and over all troubles—related cases. so, in a tangible sense, what a tangible sense, what does that mean? it shuts down all inquest at nara not at a finding stage. inquest mechanism for families to find out details about their loved ones�* deaths. that avenue has been shut down by consequence of this new law. the new

legacy body has the capacity to run some inquests but that is some way off as families opposed to the new law would see it. the new legacy body takes over all troubles—related cases on the desk of the police service northern ireland. from today, the police here will stop investigating murders, all crimes related to troubles cases before 1998. they will be taken up by the legacy body but not automatically, i should add. the new law also shuts down all new civil cases involving troubles—related cases. there is another controversial element of this new law, it�*s where the offer of conditional immunity to suspects. that�*s not going to happen immediately because of a legal

process that the government intends to appeal later this summer but it is a controversial element of this new law. in a place like northern ireland, where many viewers will appreciate is a place that has been defined by division, this law has united all of stormont�*s main political parties against it. it�*s also united several victims groups in opposition, as well as the irish government. the labour party have signalled that if they get into governments, the intent to repeal the legislation. we are expecting to see protests outside the n10 office in belfast later today. as i said, it is a day that many victims families have looked forward to but most, given the widespread opposition to it, are fearful of

information that they will be, as they see it, prevented from getting. opiates, the new legacy body is focus, as they say, on the retrieval of information, on finding out details of what happened to the many victims of the troubles here, over 30 years. prime minister rishi sunak has arrived in parliament ahead of today�*s prime minister�*s questions. let�*s speak to our political correspondent helen catt. this is the final session before the local elections, it will be an interesting one?— local elections, it will be an interesting one? yes, it is a local elections being _ interesting one? yes, it is a local elections being held _ interesting one? yes, it is a local elections being held across - interesting one? yes, it is a local. elections being held across england, 107 councils up for election across england, 37 police and crime commissioners being a lectern across england and wales and 11 mayoralty is up as well. this is a last big

public moment that kier starmer and rishi sunak are going to have to get across their messages ahead of polling day. so, what might me expect to hear? they have been talking about the issues around rwanda and we�*re just hearing breaking news from the home office that they have now detained some of those people that they intend to try to deport on the first flight in july. no more detail on that, really, just that they have been detained in a series of operations. it is possible we hear about that. we also know that labour has been pushing hard this week this line about national strut insurance and the conservatives�* ambition to eventually abolish national insurance. the conservatives had to scrub it is a double taxation on working people. that labour says this creates a £46 billion black hole that the tories need to explain how they are going to fund fund.

how they are going to fund the tories say this is a long—term ambition and not a policy pledge. we know labour has dug up an old memo this week from nigel lawson, chancellor under margaret thatcher from 1986, in which he warned that abolishing national insurance and merging it with income tax would create losers particularly among the elderly. i expect we�*ll probably hear a bit about that as well. helen, i�*ve got a bit more information following the news that the first migrants selected to be deported to rwanda have been so obtained by the home office. comments coming from james cleverly, the home secretary, saying that our rwanda partnership is a pioneer in response to the challenge of global migration and we�*ve worked tirelessly to introduce a new, robust legislation to deliver it.

our dedicated enforcement teams are working at pace to swiftly detain those who have no right to be here so we can get flights off the ground. it�*s a complete piece of work but we remain absolutely committed to operationalising that the policy to stop the boats and break the business model of people smuggling gangs. there was a lot of confusion yesterday as to what exactly the deportation flight to rwanda, where there is a file, but quickly cleared up that this was a voluntary deportation and not part of the new rwanda act? there are two separate schemes on the one we have been talkin- there are two separate schemes on the one we have been talking about todayis the one we have been talking about today is the voluntary scheme whereby somebody the government says had exhausted other options to remain in the uk who was a failed asylum seeker has voluntarily gone to rwanda, was given £3000 to do that rather than being returned to

their own country. that is a different scheme to the idea of making people who come here on small boats coated to render to have their asylum claim heard, to the difference is that this person had been through the asylum sitting, had heard their application and the application had been assessed here. we�*rejust application had been assessed here. we�*re just going to prime questions now. mr speaker, i know that people... it is absently heartbreaking that teenage boy has died and i can�*t imagine what his family are going through and we send down their heart felt condolences. i would like to reiterate my thanks to the police and other first responders for upholding the highest standards of public service under the circumstances. i know that our thoughts are also with those injured this morning in an attack at a school in sheffield. mr speaker, this morning i had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others in addition to my duties in this house i shall have further such meetings

this afternoon. taste i shall have further such meetings this afternoon.— i shall have further such meetings this afternoon. we already know that one in five teenagers _ this afternoon. we already know that one in five teenagers are _ this afternoon. we already know that one in five teenagers are vaping - one in five teenagers are vaping with experts describing this as an epidemic. yesterday new research suggested that teenagers who vape could be exposure to toxic metals potentially harming brain organ develop meant. i agree with the prime minister in his wish to reduce the harms caused by smoking and vaping with the tobacco and bacon bill. will he agree with me that permitting football strips to be sponsored by vaping companies sends entirely the wrong message to young people and it is now time to ban vape companies from advertising on sport strips?— sport strips? obviously, the decisions — sport strips? obviously, the decisions about _ sport strips? obviously, the decisions about kit - sport strips? obviously, the i decisions about kit sponsorship sport strips? obviously, the - decisions about kit sponsorship will rest with individual teams but i do agree with her that it is important we do everything we can to tackle the scourge of teenage vaping. which

is why i am glad that she supports our bill which will clamp down on the marketing, availability of flavours, point of sale purchases but also improving funding for trading standards to help clampdown on those selling vape illegally to children. a , on those selling vape illegally to children. , ., ~ children. many thanks, mr speaker. my husband — children. many thanks, mr speaker. my husband is _ children. many thanks, mr speaker. my husband is a _ children. many thanks, mr speaker. my husband is a veteran _ children. many thanks, mr speaker. my husband is a veteran and - children. many thanks, mr speaker. my husband is a veteran and the - my husband is a veteran and the defence of the country as a government�*s first duty to protect people across the united kingdom. so can the prime minister reassure the house that he has a plan in place to back our world leading armed services. and does he know why the party opposite refused to back his plan? party opposite refused to back his ian? ~ party opposite refused to back his ian? : . ., , ., party opposite refused to back his ian? . . ., , ., , , party opposite refused to back his ian? _ plan? well, can i start by paying tribute to my — plan? well, can i start by paying tribute to my honourable - plan? well, can i start by paying| tribute to my honourable friend's tribute to my honourable friend�*s husband and all our veterans for their service to our country. and she is right, in the most uncertain times since the cold war it is right that we build our security,

protecting our values, interests and indeed our nation. that is why this government has taken the step to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gdp, making is the biggest spender in europe under nato. when the labour leader stands up, i hope that he stop dithering, does the right thing and confirms that he will back our plan to increase defence spending. mr our plan to increase defence spending-— our plan to increase defence spending. our plan to increase defence sendina. ~ w ., spending. mr speaker, i 'oin with the prime minister _ spending. mr speaker, i 'oin with the prime minister in h spending. mr speaker, ijoin with the prime minister in his- the prime minister in his words about yesterday�*s awful events at hainault. i�*m sure the whole house will want to commend the first responders and send our deepest condolences to the family of the 14—year—old boy who was murdered. and ijoin with the prime minister�*s remarks about the attack at the school in sheffield as well. i know everyone in this house will be delighted to see his majesty the

king returning to his public duties and looking so well. and we all wish him and the princess of wales the best in their continued recovery. i would also like to welcome the memberfor would also like to welcome the member for central suffolk in north ipswich to his place on these benches. after nearly two decades as a tory politician and an nhs doctor... mr speaker, he has concluded that if you care about the future of our country and our nhs thanit future of our country and our nhs than it is time for change, it is time for this changed labour party. and as of today, he is our newest labour mp but i�*m sure he won�*t mind me saying that i hope he loses that title on friday. mr speaker, when a lifelong tory and doctor says that the only cure for the nhs is a labour government, isn�*t it the time

the prime minister admits he has utterly failed?— the prime minister admits he has utterly failed? well, mr speaker, i am lad to utterly failed? well, mr speaker, i am glad to actually _ utterly failed? well, mr speaker, i am glad to actually see _ utterly failed? well, mr speaker, i am glad to actually see the - am glad to actually see the honourable gentleman... laughter . that is because he recently pointed out that residents of his local labour council are, and i quote, in his words, charged much more in council tax but in return receive lower quality services. now, he has been wrong about some things recently but on that point he is absolutely right and this week people everywhere should vote conservative. he people everywhere should vote conservative.— people everywhere should vote conservative. , :, ., conservative. he comes out with all that nonsense _ conservative. he comes out with all that nonsense but _ conservative. he comes out with all| that nonsense but he locked himself away in downing street bunker, moaning that people aren�*t grateful

enough to him. the reality is tory mps are following tory voters in concluding that only the labour party can deliver the change the country needs. and i say to those tory voters, if they believe in a better britain than they are safe with this changed labour party and it is for them. mr speaker, in the two weeks since we last met at this dispatch box, has the prime minister managed to find the money for his completely unfunded £46 billion promise to scrap national insurance? mr speaker, of course we address that a few weeks ago and i�*m happy to address it again. i know that economics is not his strong point but he might do well actually to listen to his shadow education secretary, whojust listen to his shadow education secretary, who just this listen to his shadow education secretary, whojust this morning said no, that is not how it works, mr speaker. indeed the iss have also

said the link between national insurance and public services funding is illusory, just like labour�*s economic plans. but it is crystal clear, there is one party thatis crystal clear, there is one party that is going to deliver tax cuts for work in britain and it is the conservative party.— for work in britain and it is the conservative party. whoever is bang in the furniture _ conservative party. whoever is bang in the furniture will _ conservative party. whoever is bang in the furniture will have _ conservative party. whoever is bang in the furniture will have to - conservative party. whoever is bang in the furniture will have to pay - in the furniture will have to pay for it _ in the furniture will have to pay for it if— in the furniture will have to pay for it if you _ in the furniture will have to pay for it if you damage it so can we have _ for it if you damage it so can we have less — for it if you damage it so can we have less of it. we are not at sixth form _ have less of it. we are not at sixth form now — have less of it. we are not at sixth form now— have less of it. we are not at sixth form now. :, ., , ., :, ., , form now. that was a long rambling nonanswer to _ form now. that was a long rambling nonanswer to the _ form now. that was a long rambling nonanswer to the question. - form now. that was a long rambling nonanswer to the question. has - form now. that was a long rambling nonanswer to the question. has hel nonanswer to the question. has he found the money to fund his £46 billion promise to fund national insurance? whenever he�*s asked about the date of the election people�*s pensions, he acts as if answering straightforward questions is somehow beneath him. but pensioners and those who are planning their retirement deserve better than his contempt for their questions. because if £46 billion were cut from

its funding, the value of the state pension would almost half. so i don�*t apologise for asking him again... don't apologise for asking him aaain. .. ~ , , don't apologise for asking him aaain... ~ , , ., again... order. mr gillis, you have not the again... order. mr gillis, you have got the next _ again... order. mr gillis, you have got the next question. _ again... order. mr gillis, you have got the next question. you - again... order. mr gillis, you have got the next question. you are - again... order. mr gillis, you have got the next question. you are the ten minute — got the next question. you are the ten minute rule bill. iwill ten minute rule bill. i will be quiet — ten minute rule bill. i will be quiet for— ten minute rule bill. i will be quiet for a _ ten minute rule bill. i will be quiet for a while if if i were you. so i _ quiet for a while if if i were you. so i don't — quiet for a while if if i were you. so i don't apologise for asking on so i don�*t apologise for asking on their behalf again whether he will finally rule out cutting their state pension to fulfil the enormous black hole in his spending plans. mr speaker, of course we can rule out on the honourable gentleman should stop scaremongering because it is thanks to the triple lock that we have increased pensions by £3700 since 2010 and they will rise in each and every year of the next parliament. but it is labour that always hits pensioners hard, it is his mentors blair and brown that broke their promises. raised pension taxes and delivered and insulting

75p rise in the state pension. as one former labour adviser just 75p rise in the state pension. as one former labour adviserjust said, brown destroyed our pension system. they did it before, they will do it again. labouralways they did it before, they will do it again. labour always betray our pensioners. again. labour always betray our pensioners-— again. labour always betray our ensioners. ~ .,~ , . ., pensioners. mr speaker, it is clear he can't answer _ pensioners. mr speaker, it is clear he can't answer the _ pensioners. mr speaker, it is clear he can't answer the question - pensioners. mr speaker, it is clear| he can't answer the question where he can�*t answer the question where he�*s going to find this £46 billion. luckily for him, that is where he said it is not coming from. he has not said where he is coming from. luckily for him one of his peers lauder frost does. he says to solve the tory spending plans, the state pension age should be raised to 75. —— lord frost. understandably, that will cause some alarm. will the prime minister rule out forcing people to delay their retirement by years and years in order to fulfil his £46 billion black hole? mr speaker, i have answered this

multiple times. i am happy to say again this is the party that has delivered and protected the triple lock. but i know ultimately he is not worried about any of this because we all remember that he has got his very own personal pension plan. i think we all remember. indeed, it comes with its very own special law. it was called the pension increase scheme for keir starmer qc. it is literally one law for him and another one for everyone else. he for him and another one for everyone else. :, , :, ., , ., :, ., else. he wants to abolish national insurance. — else. he wants to abolish national insurance. it _ else. he wants to abolish national insurance, it will— else. he wants to abolish national insurance, it will cost _ else. he wants to abolish national insurance, it will cost £46 - else. he wants to abolish national insurance, it will cost £46 billion l insurance, it will cost £46 billion and he won�*t tell us where the money is coming from. we are no closer to an answer i�*m going to persevere. because last year the prime minister was apparently drawing up plans to remove the winter fuel allowance from pensioners. his paymaster general went a step further. he said these are the sorts of things that we need to look at. so will he now

rule out taking pensioners winter fuel payments off them to help fund his £46 billion black hole? mr speaker, it was this government that just this winter provided doubled the winter fuel payment to support pensioners. but what is miss daly crystal clear is that we believe that the double taxation is unfair. we believe that hard work should be rewarded and that is why this week we are cutting taxes by £900 that everyone in work. but in contrast, mr speaker, it is labour�*s newest tax advisor who thinks pensioners should be taxed more. that is his words, mr speaker. this adviser calls them cultures. he thinks that supporting them is a disgrace and he believes that their free tv licences are ridiculous, mr speaker. it is labour who hit pensioners with tax after tax and they would do it all over again. after tax and they would do it all

overagain. mr after tax and they would do it all over again-— over again. mr speaker, is it any wonder that _ over again. mr speaker, is it any wonder that his _ over again. mr speaker, is it any wonder that his mps _ over again. mr speaker, is it any wonder that his mps are - over again. mr speaker, is it any. wonder that his mps are following tory voters in queueing up to dump his party? even the mayors that he is apparently pinning his political survival on don�*t want to be seen anywhere near him. because until he starts setting out how he is paying for his fantasy economics, he has got a completely unfunded £46 billion promise that puts people�*s retirement at risk. how does it feel to be one day out from elections with the message vote tory, risk your pension? mr with the message vote tory, risk your pension?— with the message vote tory, risk our ension? ~ ., ,, :, :, :, your pension? mr speaker, tomorrow voters will have _ your pension? mr speaker, tomorrow voters will have a _ your pension? mr speaker, tomorrow voters will have a choice _ your pension? mr speaker, tomorrow voters will have a choice and - your pension? mr speaker, tomorrow voters will have a choice and it - voters will have a choice and it will be a choice between mayors like andy street, who are delivering. all theirs like sadiq khan who simply virtue signal. more taxes, or lower tax and better services with the conservatives. that is the choice.

from west midlands to teesside to london, there is only one choice, vote conservative. mr london, there is only one choice, vote conservative.— london, there is only one choice, vote conservative. mr speaker, we can see the — vote conservative. mr speaker, we can see the rwanda _ vote conservative. mr speaker, we can see the rwanda deterrent - vote conservative. mr speaker, we can see the rwanda deterrent is i can see the rwanda deterrent is working and we have now deported our first illegal migrants. but unsurprisingly, labourjust don�*t unsurprisingly, labour just don�*t care. unsurprisingly, labourjust don�*t care. the shadow home secretary is busy posing the picks encouraging more boats to come over, the leader of the labour party said he will... and he did a deal with the eu surrendering our borders to 100,000 illegal migrants. isn�*t it right, prime minister, that only the conservatives will stop the boats and cut legal migration. my my honourable friend is absolutely right, mr speaker. our plan is working, illegal migration down by 24%, the latest figures show,

dependence down by 80%. we note labour�*s idea is to scrap the reminder plan even when it is operational. as one senior labour adviser said to andrew marrjust yesterday, "we can�*tjust come in, tear it up and have nothing to put in its place." i�*m sorry to break it to him, but that is exactly their policy. while we are stopping the plate —— stopping the boats, all labour would do is stop the planes. on monday, the armed forces minister was neither able to confirm nor deny that uk troops may soon be deployed on the ground in the middle east. the public watching will be hoping that members of this house do not have a short memory when it comes to the potential deployment and involvement of our military in the middle east, so can i ask the prime minister to provide some much—needed clarity? is he giving active consideration to the deployment of

uk forces in the middle east, yes or no? :, :, :, , . ., no? you would not expect me to get into any operational— no? you would not expect me to get into any operational planning - into any operational planning details, but what i will say is we are absolutely committed to supporting international efforts to get more humanitarian aid into gaza, which is something i think the full house would support, by land, sea and air. we have tripled our aid commitment. and together with the us, cyprus and other partners, we are setting up a new temporary peer of the coast of gaza to get aid in as securely and quickly as possible. lets all be in no doubt, it is required and gas are, and it is required and gas are, and it is required because when people are not being bombed, they are starving to death —— required in gaza. the solution is a ceasefire and the opening of safe ground air routes, not the involvement on the ground of uk military personnel. these are

dramatic and potentially dangerous developments, so will the prime minister confirm to the house today that before he makes a decision, all members will be afforded a vote? i members will be afforded a vote? i am not going to apologise for our armed forces playing a leading role in supporting international efforts to get more aid in. indeed, we are sending royal navy support ship rfa cardigan bay to the region to support that effort. but when he talks about this conflict, the fastest way to end this conflict is to ensure that we have a hostage deal that gets hostages out, eat in, and for there to be a sustainable pause in the fighting. it seems clear that there now is a workable offer on the table, so i hope he joins with me in encouraging all parties, including hamas, to accept that deal so we can move towards a sustainable solution. mr; that deal so we can move towards a sustainable solution.— sustainable solution. my right honourable _ sustainable solution. my right honourable friend's _ sustainable solution. my right honourable friend's decision l sustainable solution. my right| honourable friend's decision to honourable friend�*s decision to cancel hs to lead to £207 million for head of rogers bottles and

transport infrastructure. hereford hospital has new words, more beds and a new diagnostic centre on the way. £35 million has been allocated to the river wye recovery plan. inflation is down, the rwanda bill has been passed, and defence spending is increasing. does my right honourable friend agree with me that if he carries on like this, he is going to win the next election?— he is going to win the next election? ~ ,, , ., ,, ., he is going to win the next election? ~ ,,, ., ,, ., ., ,, election? mr speaker, i am thankful for my honourable _ election? mr speaker, i am thankful for my honourable friend _ for my honourable friend highlighting the work the government is doing, whether that is increasing our defence spending to keep a safe, securing borders with the rwanda act, cutting taxes by £900, raising the state pension by £900. i am also pleased that locally in herefordshire we are filling in potholes, helping to save the river wye, and improving local health services. it shows crystal clear that it services. it shows crystal clear thatitis services. it shows crystal clear that it is the conservative government that has a plan and is delivering a brighter future for our

country. in delivering a brighter future for our count . , :, , delivering a brighter future for our count . , ., , , :, country. in february, his foreign secretary said — country. in february, his foreign secretary said it _ country. in february, his foreign secretary said it would _ country. in february, his foreign secretary said it would be - country. in february, his foreignl secretary said it would be difficult for a ground offensive on rafah to avoid harming civilians and destroying homes. just yesterday, his deputy foreign secretary admitted he was struggling to see how such an attack could be compliant with international humanitarian law. all the signs are that netanyahu is about to defy the international community and attack the 1.5 million palestinians sheltering in rafah. if that attack begins, will that be the moment when the prime minister finally finds the moral backbone to ban arms exports to israel? if not, how much more suffering has to happen before he acts to prevent further uk complicity in crimes against humanity? mr complicity in crimes against humanity?— complicity in crimes against humani ? ~ ., humanity? mr speaker, what the honourable _ humanity? mr speaker, what the honourable lady _ humanity? mr speaker, what the honourable lady did _ humanity? mr speaker, what the honourable lady did not - humanity? mr speaker, what the - honourable lady did not acknowledge at all is that israel suffered an

appalling terrorist attack that killed hundreds of its citizens, and it does have the right to defend itself. of course, as i have been crystal clear, we want to see humanitarian law respected and adhered to by all parties. too many civilians have been killed and we do want to see israel take greater care to avoid harming civilians. i have made these points repeatedly to prime minister netanyahu, specifically about the impact of any military incursion into rafah, and we continue to say to the israelis at all levels that we want to see more aid going in and bring about the hostage deal so we can move towards a sustainable ceasefire. de towards a sustainable ceasefire. d9: 60% towards a sustainable ceasefire. d9 60% increase in towards a sustainable ceasefire. ti9 60% increase in funding for special educational needs and disabilities is extremely welcome, but the challenges around the recruitment of community paediatricians mean that some children are waiting too long for an assessment. what can the nhs do to attract more of the 39,000

additional doctors recruited under this government into community paediatrics as a specialty, which is incredibly rewarding and important? my incredibly rewarding and important? my honourable friend is right, i know hejoins me in welcoming the significant action we have taken already to improve children�*s health, whether that is reducing sugarin health, whether that is reducing sugar in children�*s foods, the £600 million we have invested to improve the quality of sport and physical activity in schools. the nhs has established a special group to ensure the recovery of paediatric services keeps pace with that of aduu services keeps pace with that of adult elective care. i know he will be pleased that the nhs long—term workforce plan that we have fully backed doubles the number of medical school places in england, increases specialty training places, and that will increase the size of the pool from which community paediatricians can be drawn in the future. i from which community paediatricians can be drawn in the future.— can be drawn in the future. i know that ou, can be drawn in the future. i know that you. mr— can be drawn in the future. i know that you, mr speaker, _ can be drawn in the future. i know that you, mr speaker, want - can be drawn in the future. i know that you, mr speaker, want to - can be drawn in the future. i know| that you, mr speaker, want to join me in sending condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of

ourformer friends, family and colleagues of our former colleague, friends, family and colleagues of ourformer colleague, lord friends, family and colleagues of our former colleague, lord andrew sunil, who served with exceptional diligence and grace as mp for hazel grove in this house and passed away very suddenly on monday. mr speaker, when the bbc ends longwave radio transmission next year, they will also end access to electricity tariffs like total heating with total control, relied on by almost1 million households across the united kingdom. switching to smart meters is not going to fix this for most people, not least because the roll—out programme is so far behind. i�*ll be prime minister, or possibly secretary of state for energy, get the energy companies, the regulator and customer groups together so that we can stop passing the blame around and find a solution that does not, yet again, the people in the highlands and islands behind and out in the cold? i highlands and islands behind and out in the cold? , :, ., ., in the cold? i understand that an agreement _ in the cold? i understand that an agreement has _ in the cold? i understand that an agreement has now _ in the cold? i understand that an agreement has now been - in the cold? i understand that an| agreement has now been reached in the cold? i understand that an - agreement has now been reached to ensure that services will continue untiljune of next year will stop

ofgem are also engaging with energy suppliers under plans to support consumer through the transition. households that are currently covered by the server should not be disadvantaged by the switch off, it is energy suppliers who are best placed to advise on tariffs for those who have been switched to a smart meter. however, i will make sure that the right honourable gentleman does get a meeting with the relevant minister to ensure that his constituents are not left behind during the transition. the his constituents are not left behind during the transition.— during the transition. the east of en . land is during the transition. the east of england is playing _ during the transition. the east of england is playing a _ during the transition. the east of england is playing a lead - during the transition. the east of england is playing a lead role - during the transition. the east of england is playing a lead role in l england is playing a lead role in the uk�*s energy security. without our contribution, the country will not be able to successfully transition to a renewable energy supply. in recent months, coast has taken a and projects like the flood defence scheme have been postponed. well my right honourable friend ensure that government departments are fully coordinated so as to provide the region with good

supporting infrastructure, proper protection for coastal communities, and every opportunity for local people to take up exciting newjobs. we are levelling up across the united kingdom and investing in places that need it the most, including, as my honourable friend rightly highlights, our coastal communities. almost £1 billion of levelling up funding has been allocated to the east of england, including 75 million for coastal places. i know that he welcomes the town deal for lowestoft, in particular. i will ensure that my honourable friend gets a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss how we can further support as region, its role in our energy security, in particular in coastal communities.— security, in particular in coastal communities. , , :, , communities. the greenpeace group found 36 supposed _ communities. the greenpeace group found 36 supposed to _ communities. the greenpeace group found 36 supposed to roots - communities. the greenpeace group| found 36 supposed to roots campaign groups which were actually administered by conservative staff and activists. the forums for it by anti—semitism and islamophobic attacks on sadiq khan. while he is

above such coordinated efforts around 20 mph zones in wales, can be prime ministers shed some light on these shady groups spreading abuse, theirfunding, there are links these shady groups spreading abuse, their funding, there are links to his party, and whether he is aware of similar operations existing elsewhere in the uk? if you want, well here please commit today to investigate and take action to tackle the sources of this grubby gutter politics? i tackle the sources of this grubby gutter politics?— gutter politics? i am not aware about the _ gutter politics? i am not aware about the topic _ gutter politics? i am not aware about the topic the _ gutter politics? i am not aware about the topic the honourable j gutter politics? i am not aware - about the topic the honourable lady raises, but i�*m not going to make any apology for conservatives pointing out the record of whether it is the snp in scotland, or the labour government in wales, because thatis labour government in wales, because that is exactly what democratic process is about. she might not like it when we highlight their record, but we will keep doing so so that we can deliver for people across the united kingdom. t can deliver for people across the united kingdom.— united kingdom. i welcome our government's _ united kingdom. i welcome our government's commitments i united kingdom. i welcome our government's commitments to | united kingdom. i welcome our- government's commitments to boosting government�*s commitments to boosting defence spending and supporting

ukraine, made possible by this conservative prime minister�*s international leadership and sound management of the economy. my constituents have been doing is proud supporting ukraine, like the pot place garden centre delivering ambulances, medical equipmentand ambulances, medical equipment and supplies, ambulances, medical equipmentand supplies, and steve arjun providing vital aid. we�*ll be prime minister jamie in paying tribute to my constituents and people up and down the land for their support for ukraine and reaffirmed that we will continue to stand with ukraine for the sake of freedom, democracy and global security? i the sake of freedom, democracy and global security?— global security? i 'oin my honourable h global security? ijoin my honourable friend - global security? ijoin my honourable friend in - global security? ijoin my- honourable friend in thanking global security? ijoin my— honourable friend in thanking people up honourable friend in thanking people up and down the country, including the fantastic work of his constituents and supporting the ukrainian community in the face of putin�*s illegal invasion. we remain steadfast in support of ukraine. in total since the war began, we are pledged over £12 billion of aid to ukraine. last week we announced an additional £500 million of funding which will be used to deliver much

needed ammunition, air defence and engineering support and drones. more importantly, president zelensky welcomed this, we are able to now say that we will continue with this level of support for as long as it takes because of the historic increase in our defence spending. it is crystal clear that on this side of the house, we can say that i was supposed to ukraine will never waver. :, , , supposed to ukraine will never waver. :, , :, ,, ., ~y waver. -- our support to ukraine. my constituent — waver. -- our support to ukraine. my constituent gave _ waver. -- our support to ukraine. my constituent gave birth _ waver. -- our support to ukraine. my constituent gave birth to _ waver. -- our support to ukraine. my constituent gave birth to a _ waver. -- our support to ukraine. my constituent gave birth to a baby - constituent gave birth to a baby boy, sally robert was born asleep. in those days, the hospitals would ask the father to collect the body, take it to the cemetery and leave it there for burial. the 53 years, georgina did not know exactly where robert was buried. when she eventually found him, she shared her story on social media and other mothers who had been through the same experience got in touch. since then, georgina has located over 60 babies on behalf of grieving parents and has deservedly been presented with a widdle award for her

achievements. well the prime minister joined achievements. well the prime ministerjoined me in congratulating georgina on her award and having brought comfort to so many parents and families. and on behalf of all previous governments, will he apologise for this practice which left grieving parents with nowhere to visit their buried children? can i thank to visit their buried children? can i thank and _ to visit their buried children? can i thank and commend the honourable lady for raising this case and pay tribute to georgina for what she is doing. i often say that one of the most incredible things about doing thisjob is meeting people like georgina mcgrath suffered tragedy in their lives but then use that to campaign and inspire and bring about a better life for everyone else. she is a prime example of that and deserves nothing but our praise and admiration. i am so pleased that she has brought comfort to so many other people. has brought comfort to so many other --eole. ,, : has brought comfort to so many other --eole. ,, . . ::':: people. since i was elected in 2010, we have seen _ people. since i was elected in 2010, we have seen employment - people. since i was elected in 2010, we have seen employment grew - people. since i was elected in 2010, we have seen employment grew by| we have seen employment grew by nearly 6000 with 10% more of my constituents in work. much of which has been driven by investment from advanced manufacturing in places

such as annesley park where we have the manufacturing technology centre, which the prime minister visited, rolls—royce and others. given that every labour government has left office with unemployment higher than when they came in, can be prime minister see any reason why anybody would want to put this fantastic progress at risk? i would want to put this fantastic progress at risk?— would want to put this fantastic progress at risk? i was pleased to see for myself _ progress at risk? i was pleased to see for myself on _ progress at risk? i was pleased to see for myself on a _ progress at risk? i was pleased to see for myself on a recent - progress at risk? i was pleased to see for myself on a recent visit i see for myself on a recent visit that my honourable friend is a great champion for his constituents in rugby. i was very pleased to see the thriving local technology and manufacturing industry which will help us deliver on our ambition is to make the uk a science and technology superpower. he is right that we do have a record, with 1 million fewer workless households, and employment near record lows, and he is also right that we need to stick to that plan because that is how we will deliver the long—term change that our country needs and deliver a brighter future for families up and down the country,

including in his constituency. hypocrisy needs called out. everyone in this house will recall the former irish prime ministers in brussels, with a photograph... lamenting that any border between northern ireland and the republic of ireland was unlikable, it was in breach of the belfast agreement, and could result in such troubles again. hypocrisy of the irish government from such a position has not been lost when the irish police are now tasked to patrol the border, protect from the unsubstantiated, unfounded 80% figure of asylum seekers who supposedly make their way to the republic of ireland from the uk via northern ireland, when actually the reverse is true. while the prime minister challenge and call out these actions and confirm what representations he has made to the irish prime minister and thejustice minister to respect the integrity of

the uk and its borders. the minister to respect the integrity of the uk and its borders.— the uk and its borders. the house will be aware _ the uk and its borders. the house will be aware that _ the uk and its borders. the house will be aware that we _ the uk and its borders. the house will be aware that we have - the uk and its borders. the house will be aware that we have made l will be aware that we have made commitments to avoid a hard border on the island of ireland. the honourable lady makes a very important point that the irish government must uphold its promises, too. we cannot have cherry picking of important international agreements. so the secretary of state... the secretary of state is seeking urgent clarification that there will be no disruption or police checkpoints at or near the border. i can confirm that the united kingdom has no legal obligation to accept returns of illegal migrants from ireland. it is no surprise that our robust approach to illegal migration is providing a deterrent, but the answer is not sending police to villages in donegal. it is to work with us in partnership to strengthen our external borders all around the common travel area that we share. i was the lord commissioner that signed the right honourable gentleman�*s special pension into

law. he owes me one! but the prime minister is right, labour�*s and 75p was an insult to pensioners. yet last year our triple lock afforded pensioners the highest increase in 30 years. the prime minister is going to continue to deliver the dignity in retirement, isn�*t he? well, my right honourable friend is absolutely right that we will provide dignity to all those in retirement. that is why we introduced the triple lock and that is why this year the state pension is why this year the state pension is rising by £900. i�*m also proud of our record to bring 200,000 pensioners out of poverty. and i can also say, as i�*ve said previously, that the state pension will increase in each and every year of the next parliament. and as he reminds us about the 75p increase, unlike labour, pensioners in this can trust

the conservatives. th labour, pensioners in this can trust the conservatives.— the conservatives. in only one of the conservatives. in only one of the 194 local _ the conservatives. in only one of the 194 local authority _ the conservatives. in only one of the 194 local authority areas - the conservatives. in only one of the 194 local authority areas in i the 194 local authority areas in england are nhs ambulances meeting the national response time targets for responding to potential heart and stroke victims. does the prime minister know which one it is? when minister know which one it is? when it comes to — minister know which one it is? when it comes to ambulance _ minister know which one it is? when it comes to ambulance waiting times and amd of course there is more work to do but in the place where they�*re the worst in the country is in labour run wales, mr speaker. thanks to our plan we have seen an improvement in ambulance waiting times. this winter over last winter we have 800 more ambulances on the road, faster discharge out of our emergency care is. of course there is more to do but the contrast to labour run wales is crystal clear. it is the worst performers anywhere in great britain. tar it is the worst performers anywhere in great britain.— in great britain. for six months thousands _ in great britain. for six months thousands of _ in great britain. for six months thousands of my _ in great britain. for six months thousands of my constituents l in great britain. for six months i thousands of my constituents have lived with foul polluted air from a

landfill site. the company is owned by somebody with previous convictions for environmental crimes and who a few months ago gave £200,000 to help von geffen become first minister of wales. after another of his companies was loaned £400,000 from the development bank of wales, overseen by the then economy minister. does the minister agree with me that this serious matter demands an independent investigation? it is not some internal labour matter. and let the people of pembroke should get the quality of life back. mr; people of pembroke should get the quality of life back.— quality of life back. my right honourable _ quality of life back. my right honourable friend _ quality of life back. my right honourable friend brings - quality of life back. my right honourable friend brings up| quality of life back. my right l honourable friend brings up an incredibly important issue and i know that people in wales are concerned about the relationship that he mentions and i also agree with him on the need for transparency and an investigation regarding the welsh labour leader because it is very clear that the

situation is not at all transparent and answers are needed. it situation is not at all transparent and answers are needed.- situation is not at all transparent and answers are needed. it has been revealed by — and answers are needed. it has been revealed by the _ and answers are needed. it has been revealed by the observer _ and answers are needed. it has been revealed by the observer newspaper| revealed by the observer newspaper that the conservative candidate for the mayor of london is actually a member of the six facebook groups which were mentioned by the member for edinburgh north and they are full of islamophobia, anti—semitism and the most disgraceful incitement to damaging property and the worst bit, for those of us who are in the house when our members of parliament were taken, death threats to the current mayor of london. will he close down these face books which have been begun by conservative members of staff? begun by conservative members of staff and will he investigate the role of the current candidate and her membership of those disgraceful, racist facebooks?—

of those disgraceful, racist facebooks? . :, :, :, :, facebooks? the election tomorrow will be full on _ facebooks? the election tomorrow will be full on the _ facebooks? the election tomorrow will be full on the substance - facebooks? the election tomorrow will be full on the substance of - facebooks? the election tomorrow will be full on the substance of the | will be full on the substance of the issues that londoners face and a labour record is crystal clear, house—building in london has collapsed, knife crime is rising, mayoral taxes are up 70% of drivers have been hit with you less charges. and the labour mayorjust simply panders to unions and has decimated london�*s night—time economy. that is his record, that is how he will be judged and people across london know that they will be safer with the conservatives with lower taxes and better services.— conservatives with lower taxes and better services. today, mr speaker, is a staffordshire _ better services. today, mr speaker, is a staffordshire dade, _ better services. today, mr speaker, is a staffordshire dade, where - better services. today, mr speaker, is a staffordshire dade, where we i is a staffordshire dade, where we celebrate all the brilliant things about the county of staffordshire. would my right honourable friend join me in paying tribute to our brilliant police, fire and crime commissioner and encourage the people of staffordshire to revoke the ban tomorrow to make sure we keep staffordshire one of the safest places to live, work and visit? well, i wish everyone a happy

staffordshire day and she mentions the pcc elections and i think it is right that she does because under this conservative and previous governments we have cut crime by over 50%, deliver governments we have cut crime by over50%, deliver20,000 governments we have cut crime by over 50%, deliver 20,000 more police officers. but people with the labour police and crime commissioner are more likely to be victims of burglary, twice as likely to be victims of robbery and, as i said, last year knife crime in london went up last year knife crime in london went up by 20%. the facts simply speak for themselves, vote conservative for themselves, vote conservative for safer streets.— for safer streets. that completes prime minister's _ for safer streets. that completes prime minister's questions... i for safer streets. that completes i prime minister's questions... that turned out — prime minister's questions... that turned out to _ prime minister's questions... that turned out to that _ prime minister's questions... that turned out to that was _ prime minister's questions... “trust turned out to that was at prime minister�*s questions, the last one it before those local elections taking place tomorrow. and a number of subjects brought up, state pensions, tax cuts, national insurance, defence spending, rhondda, brexit was a number of subjects brought up, state pensions,

tax cuts, national insurance, defence spending, rhondda, brexit or so uk troops in gaza. helen character is our political correspondence and was pulling proceedings from the commons floor. helen, let�*s start with the tribute played by buy—back paid to the victims of hainault. played by buy-back paid to the victims of hainault.— played by buy-back paid to the victims of hainault. tribute paid by both the prime _ victims of hainault. tribute paid by both the prime minister— victims of hainault. tribute paid by both the prime minister and - victims of hainault. tribute paid by both the prime minister and the i both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, as you would expect, at the start of this session of prime minister questions to the 14—year—old boy is very sadly killed in hainault earlier this week. we had both the words of them expressing condolences at the start of this. ~ :, expressing condolences at the start of this. 9 :, ., ,:, expressing condolences at the start of this. 9 :, ., . ., , of this. what about the exchanges between the _ of this. what about the exchanges between the prime _ of this. what about the exchanges between the prime minister - of this. what about the exchanges between the prime minister and i of this. what about the exchangesl between the prime minister and sir keir starmer? there was a little bit of crowing with two defectors on the floor. tt of crowing with two defectors on the floor. , :, of crowing with two defectors on the floor. , 9, 9, 9, ~i of crowing with two defectors on the floor. i. :, :, ,, :, of crowing with two defectors on the floor. :, , , ., floor. if you look more broadly at this mos. _ floor. if you look more broadly at this pmqs, this _ floor. if you look more broadly at this pmqs, this was _ floor. if you look more broadly at this pmqs, this was very - floor. if you look more broadly at this pmqs, this was very much i floor. if you look more broadly at this pmqs, this was very much a | this pmqs, this was very much a pre—local elections set of pmqs. there were some very helpful

questions coming from the conservative backbenches which allowed rishi sunak to point up recent policy announcements such as lifting defence spending to 2.5% of national income and efforts on migration. part of the reason it�*s notjust migration. part of the reason it�*s not just for local elections migration. part of the reason it�*s notjust for local elections but also part of the reason you might have seen so much help coming from the conservative backbenches is that bit of crowing at the start from sir keir starmer where he was presenting dan poulter sitting behind him, he was until last week a conservative mp for 14 years and he made the unusual decision to defect, criticising the government�*s thing of the nhs as is recent for doing that. he was sitting behind sir keir starmer there and sir keir starmer eager to play up that moment. and then the exchanges between kier starmer and rishi sunak, auto focus on national insurance. labour have been going very big on this this week, going back to the budget

earlier this year where the chancellor said the conservatives want to have over time eradicate national insurance to combine it with income tax, to see it as a double taxation on working. labour asking how that would be funded? cloud the institute for fiscal studies put a £40 billion price tag on that. it is also why we got lots of discussion about pensions because to qualify for state pension in the uk you need to have paid national insurance contributions for a certain amount of time. there is link there. there was a particular exchange where they were talking about this ago sir keir starmer was saying any guarantee that means it�*s not going to cut out out the value of the state pension? rishi sunak said that was scaremongering. the context of that is that the money raised from a national insurance goes to a fund or state pension but thatis goes to a fund or state pension but that is not the only source of funding for the state pension. there is a good electoral reason that we may have heard so much about

pensions this morning, that is the age group which tends to be more conservative leaning.— age group which tends to be more conservative leaning. thank you very much for taking _ conservative leaning. thank you very much for taking us _ conservative leaning. thank you very much for taking us through _ conservative leaning. thank you very much for taking us through the - conservative leaning. thank you very much for taking us through the main | much for taking us through the main points of following pmqs. you have also been hearing a lot of talk about the local elections, if you want to find out what�*s going on and how they will be covered just head to the bbc news website and you can get up to date with all the information that you need. scotland�*s first minister says that ending his power—sharing agreement with the scottish greens was the right thing to do but that meant he paid the price with hisjob. in his first interview since announcing his resignation, humza yousaf told the bbc that it's resignation, humza yousaf told the bbc that it�*s on me. this is him speaking earlier. bbc that it's on me. this is him speaking earlier.— bbc that it's on me. this is him speaking earlier. look, i have made it clear that — speaking earlier. look, i have made it clear that ending _ speaking earlier. look, i have made it clear that ending the _ speaking earlier. look, i have made it clear that ending the bute - speaking earlier. look, i have made it clear that ending the bute house | it clear that ending the bute house

agreement was the right decision at for both my party and my country but to acknowledge the manner in which i did it has caused great upset and that�*s on me. i do reflect on that and regret how this is entered but are equally will always be eternally grateful for having notjust the opportunity to serve my country but also to lead my country. that has been the greatest honour of my life. you must be gutted, though? in been the greatest honour of my life. you must be gutted, though? in one sense ou you must be gutted, though? in one sense you to — you must be gutted, though? in one sense you to maximise _ you must be gutted, though? in one sense you to maximise your - you must be gutted, though? in one sense you to maximise your time i you must be gutted, though? in one sense you to maximise your time in | sense you to maximise your time in office will come to an end. would have liked a different ending? of course. but having it led to my country and serve my country — i�*ve been a government minister for almost 12 years — has been the greatest privilege of my life she she. 9 9, greatest privilege of my life she she. 9 ., . ., ,., greatest privilege of my life she she. 9 9, 9 9, :, she. what change, you went from disagreement _ she. what change, you went from disagreement with _ she. what change, you went from disagreement with the _ she. what change, you went from disagreement with the greens... l she. what change, you went from - disagreement with the greens... what specifically change? for disagreement with the greens. .. what specifically change?— specifically change? for me, the agreement _ specifically change? for me, the agreement was _ specifically change? for me, the

agreement was coming - specifically change? for me, the agreement was coming to - specifically change? for me, the agreement was coming to an - specifically change? for me, the | agreement was coming to an end anyway, possibly in a matter of weeks. that process is started with the greens going into its membership, there are votes of no confidence coming up... membership, there are votes of no confidence coming up. . ._ confidence coming up... patrick harvie, confidence coming up... patrick harvie. over — confidence coming up... patrick harvie, over gender? _ confidence coming up... patrick harvie, over gender? as - confidence coming up... patrick harvie, over gender? as you i confidence coming up... patrick i harvie, over gender? as you say. confidence coming up... patrick - harvie, over gender? as you say. the wa are harvie, over gender? as you say. the way are looked _ harvie, over gender? as you say. the way are looked at _ harvie, over gender? as you say. the way are looked at it, _ harvie, over gender? as you say. the way are looked at it, the _ harvie, over gender? as you say. the way are looked at it, the bute - harvie, over gender? as you say. the way are looked at it, the bute house| way are looked at it, the bute house agreement was going to come to an end in any case. so ending the agreement to me was the right thing to do for the party and the country but i accept fully the manner in which it was done clearly caused upset and i which it was done clearly caused upsetand i paid which it was done clearly caused upset and i paid the price for that. purely to something that i think city will be important, this idea that perhaps the greens had for you gone too far in the gender issue in terms of moving away from the science in terms of criticising...? i made clear my position on the cass review but those comments made by

patrick harvie did upset a lot of people in my group. equally, patrick is entitled to his view. it the people in my group. equally, patrick is entitled to his view. i- is entitled to his view. it the key thin is, is entitled to his view. it the key thing is. a _ is entitled to his view. it the key thing is. a set — is entitled to his view. it the key thing is, a set a _ is entitled to his view. it the key thing is, a set a factor _ is entitled to his view. it the key thing is, a set a factor around i is entitled to his view. it the key i thing is, a set a factor around your decision, their movements on that issue? :, . , ,, issue? not necessarily. i think the bute issue? not necessarily. i think the ltute house _ issue? not necessarily. i think the bute house agreements, - issue? not necessarily. i think the bute house agreements, the - issue? not necessarily. i think the bute house agreements, the fact| issue? not necessarily. i think the i bute house agreements, the fact the greens are putting it to their members, to me, however i looked at it, though bute house agreements was going to come to an end. i wanted to make sure that we were the ones were able to say, i think it�*s time part ways and i do not regret entering the agreement, although i do regret the agreement, although i do regret the manner. the the agreement, although i do regret the manner-— the manner. the point is that what's ha--ened the manner. the point is that what's happened is — the manner. the point is that what's happened is that _ the manner. the point is that what's happened is that you _ the manner. the point is that what's happened is that you have _ the manner. the point is that what'sl happened is that you have suggested the problem has been a split between the problem has been a split between the snp and the greens but on gender, on other social policy issues and economic policy as well, there�*s actually split in your party? there's actually split in your .a 2 . there's actually split in your .a ? 9 ., ., ., :, ,

there's actually split in your party? we have a range of views and so that should _ party? we have a range of views and so that should be _ party? we have a range of views and so that should be in _ party? we have a range of views and so that should be in any _ party? we have a range of views and so that should be in any political - so that should be in any political party. we cooperated well with the greens for almost three years but it was quickly becoming the strains, the bute house agreement. that were there for everyone to see. the agreement was coming to its natural conclusion which is why i do not regret ending it but i do regret the manner in which it entered. lentil]! manner in which it entered. will john swinney — manner in which it entered. will john swinney make a good first minister? 9, 9, john swinney make a good first minister? :, ., :, , ., minister? you and others will ask me auestions minister? you and others will ask me questions about _ minister? you and others will ask me questions about john _ minister? you and others will ask me questions about john and _ minister? you and others will ask me questions about john and kate - minister? you and others will ask me questions about john and kate at - questions aboutjohn and kate at weeks if there is a contest and my answer for weeks is going to weeks if there is a contest and my answerfor weeks is going to be weeks if there is a contest and my answer for weeks is going to be the same one, as current party leader i am certainly not going to say anything which would suggest any interference or bias from my perspective over who will succeed me. t perspective over who will succeed me. 9, , perspective over who will succeed me, :, , :, , " perspective over who will succeed me. :, , ., �*, me. i am just asking about the man's character. me. i am just asking about the man's character- 0h. _ me. i am just asking about the man's character. oh, i— me. i am just asking about the man's character. oh, i know— me. i am just asking about the man's character. oh, i know what _ me. i am just asking about the man's character. oh, i know what you're - character. oh, i know what you're t in: to character. oh, i know what you're trying to do! _ character. oh, i know what you're trying to do! have _ character. oh, i know what you're trying to do! have dealt _ character. oh, i know what you're trying to do! have dealt with - character. oh, i know what you're trying to do! have dealt with the. trying to do! have dealt with the media for over a decade and i salute your indefatigable will take because your indefatigable will take because you asked me this question time and

time again but my answer will be the same test on bothjohn and kate have many good attributes but the only thing i would say to bothjohn, kate and to any other potential candidate is that our party needs unity and i would say to supporters of any candidate that may be thinking any potential run, we will gain nothing if we talk each other down. talk up your candidate by all means, john and kate have many good attributes, took them up, don�*t talk the other down because any people benefit from that are our opponents. but down because any people benefit from that are our opponents.— that are our opponents. but what should a modern _ that are our opponents. but what should a modern scotland - that are our opponents. but what should a modern scotland looki that are our opponents. but what. should a modern scotland look like? i hear that you�*re not going to endorse anybody but should scotland be led by someone who would have voted against gay marriage? ruaridh

askin: the voted against gay marriage? ruaridh asking the question _ voted against gay marriage? ruaridh asking the question because - voted against gay marriage? ruaridh asking the question because you - voted against gay marriage? ruaridh asking the question because you are | asking the question because you are trying to get me to favour one or the other... t trying to get me to favour one or the other- - -_ trying to get me to favour one or the other... :, :, ,, :, ., , :, the other... i want to know what you think this country _ the other... i want to know what you think this country stands _ the other... i want to know what you think this country stands for - the other... i want to know what you think this country stands for on - think this country stands for on that subject? i think this country stands for on that subject?— think this country stands for on that subject? that sub'ect? i think you can be a erson that subject? i think you can be a erson of that subject? i think you can be a person of faith _ that subject? i think you can be a person of faith and _ that subject? i think you can be a person of faith and first - that subject? i think you can be a person of faith and first minister| person of faith and first minister and john and kate, the two potential names suggested, are both committed christians. i�*ve shown is awesome that you can be a person of faith be first minister. —— i�*ve shown as a muslim as such can be a person of faith and first minister. what they may end up distancing themselves in terms of policy is the right discussion to have, not whether someone of faith can be first minister because i clearly shown that they can. fit minister because i clearly shown that they can-— minister because i clearly shown that they can. minister because i clearly shown thatthe can. : ., :, :, that they can. at humza yousaf, who resi . ned that they can. at humza yousaf, who resigned on — that they can. at humza yousaf, who resigned on monday, _ that they can. at humza yousaf, who resigned on monday, speaking - that they can. at humza yousaf, who resigned on monday, speaking it - that they can. at humza yousaf, who resigned on monday, speaking it to l resigned on monday, speaking it to our bbc scotland editor. the

chartered front of a cornish aid worker killed in gaza and to honour him by raising money for the boxing club he loved. james henderson was among the seven world central kitchen workers who died when their convoy was hit last month. his close friend now wants to renovate their old boxing club and name it after jimmy. has been talking to our reporter. mi; jimmy. has been talking to our re orter. g :, , jimmy. has been talking to our reorter. g :, , :, . , :, reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that ace reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were — reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being _ reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being in _ reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being in the _ reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being in the park, - that age were being in the park, making rope swings, it�*s kind of the typical cliche what it�*s like to live a lovely life as young boys. jim henderson died while he was helping others. he was delivering food to people in gaza when his convoy was struck by three missiles. losing jimmy in convoy was struck by three missiles. losingjimmy in our convoy was struck by three missiles. losing jimmy in our friendship convoy was struck by three missiles. losingjimmy in ourfriendship group has actually pointed our group

together so much more strongly. we will forever be as strong as we are now because ofjimmy leaving us. i thank him for the fact that him going has made us so much stronger. jimmy died alongside his colleagues john chapman and james kirby. their deaths provoked world leaders to demand an investigation. the truth is, when demand an investigation. the truth is. when he — demand an investigation. the truth is, when he died, _ demand an investigation. the truth is, when he died, we _ demand an investigation. the truth is, when he died, we couldn't- demand an investigation. the truth is, when he died, we couldn't even| is, when he died, we couldn�*t even see a way forward. that there was a lot of anger, a huge amount of sadness and loss and we went through the process of wanting answers and that took us down a very dark path. we felt like we�*re not going to be able to change what happened to jimmy so what we can actually do is look to our local community and look to what we can change. seen look to our local community and look to what we can change.—

to what we can change. seen here in black, jim to what we can change. seen here in ltlack. jim was _ to what we can change. seen here in ltlack. jim was a _ to what we can change. seen here in black, jim was a talented _ to what we can change. seen here in black, jim was a talented boxer. - to what we can change. seen here in black, jim was a talented boxer. his| black, jim was a talented boxer. his club was a huge part of his life but it needs a new building and new equipment forfuture it needs a new building and new equipment for future generations. nature of how it passed away was a very traumatic for all of us and this is something that we can apply our energy to that makes us feel good goods, gives us a sense of purpose. that�*s why we�*re doing it, we want to do something that will have positive change as opposed to just continue to feel angry and upset. just continue to feel angry and uset. a , just continue to feel angry and uset. a ~ ., . upset. across the atlantic in washington. _ upset. across the atlantic in washington, a _ upset. across the atlantic in washington, a memorial- upset. across the atlantic in washington, a memorial at| upset. across the atlantic in i washington, a memorial at the national cathedral is honouring all seven world central kitchen aid workers. , ,:, , ., workers. the seven souls we mourn today were — workers. the seven souls we mourn today were there _ workers. the seven souls we mourn today were there so _ workers. the seven souls we mourn today were there so that _ workers. the seven souls we mourn today were there so that hungry - today were there so that hungry people — today were there so that hungry people could eat.— today were there so that hungry people could eat. what did he mean it to everyone _ people could eat. what did he mean it to everyone that _ people could eat. what did he mean it to everyone that he _ people could eat. what did he mean it to everyone that he was _ people could eat. what did he mean it to everyone that he was close - people could eat. what did he mean it to everyone that he was close to? j it to everyone that he was close to? i guess he wasjust... justjimmy.

he was truly soft, run a loving and at the same time, he was an amazing athlete and super—masculine and had that beautiful balance where he was just a great, great man. tiara that beautiful balance where he was just a great, great man.— just a great, great man. two men from cumbria — just a great, great man. two men from cumbria been _ just a great, great man. two men from cumbria been charged - just a great, great man. two men from cumbria been charged in - from cumbria been charged in connection with the felling of the famous sycamore gantry in northumberland. the two men have also been charged with causing criminal damage to hadrian�*s wall. alison freeman has more. it was possibly the most famous tree in the world. it even got a starring role in the hollywood film cassette case robin hood: prince of thieves. but at the end of september last year, it was deliberately fell one night, causing an international outpouring of shock and dismay. many came to

see if it was true. i of shock and dismay. many came to see if it was true.— see if it was true. i feel very bereft about _ see if it was true. i feel very bereft about it. _ see if it was true. i feel very bereft about it. who - see if it was true. i feel very bereft about it. who would l see if it was true. i feel very i bereft about it. who would do see if it was true. i feel very - bereft about it. who would do it, for goodness�* sake? i�*m filling up now. for goodness' sake? i'm filling up now. :, , :, for goodness' sake? i'm filling up now. :, , ., :, . now. northumbria police said the charue now. northumbria police said the charge two _ now. northumbria police said the charge two men _ now. northumbria police said the charge two men from _ now. northumbria police said the charge two men from cumbria i now. northumbria police said the charge two men from cumbria in | charge two men from cumbria in connection with the felling of the tree, as well as causing criminal damage to hadrian�*s wall. daniel graham, 38 and adam carruthers, 31, were first arrested in october last year and are due before newcastle magistrates on may the 15th. northumbria police said it recognised the strength of feeling associated with the tree but reminded people not to speculate, particularly online, because it could have an impact on the ongoing case. victory may be gone but it certainly still holds a place in the of many. researchers are aiming to

produce a new type of bread that�*s just as nutritious as wholemeal but looks and tastes just like white. the aim is to bring health benefits to the vast majority of the population, who love carrying a sliced, white loaves. scientist at aberystwyth university are carrying out a detailed analysis of the nutritional value of the new bread. our science correspondent reports. it's our science correspondent reports. it�*s bread, any better. these are the first batch of nutrition—boosted loaves. the aim is to make them look and taste like the sliced white bread that most people prefer. itrisihgt bread that most people prefer. what i reall bread that most people prefer. what i really found — bread that most people prefer. what i really found about _ bread that most people prefer. wist i really found about this bread that most people prefer. wisgt i really found about this project is that white bread is not good for your! i was always aware of that but it is really reinforced it and makes you aware just how much of the goodness is on the outside of that grain of wheat. we want to know what are the actual minerals present and the vitamins and amino acids and someone that are being lost that we can formulate a white flour that is

enhanced compared to an existing white flour. the enhanced compared to an existing white flour-— white flour. the scientists are workin: white flour. the scientists are working with _ white flour. the scientists are working with a _ white flour. the scientists are working with a flour-making i white flour. the scientists are i working with a flour-making firm white flour. the scientists are - working with a flour-making firm in working with a flour—making firm in gloucestershire. they are making loans with added cereal pulses and fibre for the scientist to analyse. both these loaves are nutritionally enhanced. this one has bits of wheat, such as wheat germ and bran, that a found in wholemeal loaves but in smaller quantities. this is all sorts of different grain such as chickpeas and quinoa are all mixed in together. both of them are much better for you, in together. both of them are much betterforyou, but in together. both of them are much betterfor you, but how in together. both of them are much better for you, but how do they taste? chris hollister, whose idea it all is, offers me a slice or two. that�*s gorgeous. and it tastes like white bread as well. that�*s the idea, yeah. we wanted to have a look at how we could increase the nutritional content of normal white flour by keeping and retaining as much as possible, so that

people would get more nutrition from their bread that they eat daily. so tricking people into eating more healthily. effectively, yeah, because most people, they�*re just not... you know, they�*re not necessarily that interested. around a fifth of the wheat grain is thrown away when making flour for white bread. and those are the bits that are better for you. chris thinks that there�*s a way of putting some of that back without making the bread taste like wholemeal, which a lot of people don�*t like. currently, white bread flour has to have essential minerals, such as iron and calcium added to it by law. but the scientists say that mixing in natural cereals, peas and beans will be much betterfor you, and they�*ll collect the data to prove it. if the nutritional quality of that standard bread — that bog standard bread — is improved, their nutrition and their quality of life and their health and wellbeing will improve. nutrition—boosted white bread should be available in the shops in a couple of years.

the researchers say it�*ll be the best thing since...sliced bread. just to remind you of the latest, breaking news concerning that fatal sword attack in london yesterday. sources on the ground have told the bbc that the 14—year—old pupil who died was at bancroft school in woodford green, east london. our correspondent is outside the school. just bring us up to date with this latest development? istate just bring us up to date with this latest development?— just bring us up to date with this latest development? we have heard from several — latest development? we have heard from several sources _ latest development? we have heard from several sources that _ latest development? we have heard from several sources that the - from several sources that the 14—year—old boy who was killed in the attacks yesterday in a note was

a pupil here at bancroft school. this is an independence, fee—paying school in this leafy, suburban area of northeast london, about half an hour on public transport from here to the location where the incident took place. we understand the 14—year—old boy was on his way to school here when he was attacked just before 7am yesterday morning. we are yet to receive official confirmation or a statement from the school but the flag here is flying at half mast today. we understand the focus now will be on supporting the focus now will be on supporting the family of the victim and all those in the school community here at bancroft. this is a school coping with the incidence of this nature for the second time in less than a year because grace o�*malley—kumar, one of three people killed in nottingham last year, is a former pupil here. this comes at what would already be a difficult time of year

for students and staff as we enter the summer exam season.- for students and staff as we enter the summer exam season. thank you very much- — the summer exam season. thank you very much- just _ the summer exam season. thank you very much- just to — the summer exam season. thank you very much. just to remind _ the summer exam season. thank you very much. just to remind viewers - the summer exam season. thank you very much. just to remind viewers of| very much. just to remind viewers of this latest development, it has been reported and we understand the 14—year—old who died as part of that sword attack that happened yesterday was also a pupil at bancroft school, the school now hit by a second tragedy. the first was the fact that one of the victims of the nottingham standing also attended the same school. that was grace o�*malley—kumar, who also died last year. also attended bancroft school. the latest we know as part of this attack is that some of those injuries have been described as horrific, in particular those

sustained by one of the police officers. there were two in all, four people injured, two of whom were police officers. heard of surgery that has taken place to try to repair the hands of a female officer. this is bbc news, plenty more coming up here and other news on the website. today at one... the metropolitan police say their officers suffered horrific injuries in yesterday�*s sword attack in hainault. a suspect was eventually tasered and arrested after the murder

of a 14—year—old boy. it�*s now known a female police officer suffered serious hand injuries. the woman officer has a very badly damaged arm, really seriously damaged. and the surgeon spent many, many hours basically putting her arm back together. police storm a university in new york where students had been protesting about the war in gaza. a fall in uk house prices — for the second month in a row. and scientists try produce a new type of bread that looks and tastes like a white loaf — but is still good for you. on bbc london, we will have more on yesterday�*s attack in hainault, as police continue to investigate and a community comes to terms with what happened.

good afternoon.