success in london with seven mayoral elections still to declare. the ongoing impact of an investigation into a funeral directors in hull — families tell us about the moment they found out they'd been given the wrong ashes. and then we got this phone call saying that they had found mum's ashes. they can't test them, but they are 99% sure they are mum's because they have mum's name on them. it's a huge final day ahead in football's championship, with ipswich town looking to get back into the premier league after an absence of 22 years, while in the battle to avoid going the other way, luton could only manage a draw and stay in the premier league drop zone. and it is a bank holiday weekend, why there won't be a washout, there would be some rain and showers around but also quite warm in the sunshine. all the details very

shortly. sunshine. all the details very shortl . ., it's saturday 4 may. our main story: rishi sunak has insisted the conservatives have "everything to fight for", despite the party losing nearly half the seats contested in local elections in england. with results expected in several mayoral races today, the tories will be hoping that andy street can cling on as mayor in the west midlands. having already won key councils and a decisive by—election, labour's expected to hold on to most of the regional mayors up for grabs. our political correspondent, harry farley, has the story. not many smiles around for the conservatives. the party is that for its worst local elections result in years. one result did bring some cheerfor rishi sunak. x�*t�*aur cheer for rishi sunak. your re-elected _ cheer for rishi sunak. your re-elected mayor - cheer for rishi sunak. your re-elected mayor of - cheer for rishi sunak. your i re-elected mayor of teesside!

cheer for rishi sunak. your - re-elected mayor of teesside! ben houchen re—elected mayor of teesside! ben houchen winning the tees valley mayor. houchen winning the tees valley ma or. ., , ~ , houchen winning the tees valley ma or. ~ ,~ houchen winning the tees valley ma or. , ~ , _, ., houchen winning the tees valley ma or. ~ _, ., , mayor. people knew they could not be taken for granted, _ mayor. people knew they could not be taken for granted, they _ mayor. people knew they could not be taken for granted, they knew - mayor. people knew they could not be taken for granted, they knew it - mayor. people knew they could not be taken for granted, they knew it was i taken for granted, they knew it was then and the conservatives that would fight for them and they stuck with you and i know, general election they will stick with us too. ., , ., , ., too. the conservatives hope to win the best with _ too. the conservatives hope to win the best with -- _ too. the conservatives hope to win the best with -- west _ too. the conservatives hope to win the best with -- west midlands - the best with —— west midlands mayoral race later today, another possible wave of hope in an otherwise bleak picture. but for now at least rishi sunak looks to have avoided the major rebellion he feared from his own mps. and three miles from the prime minister's house in yorkshire, look who showed up. sir keir starmer celebrating labour mayor in new york in north yorkshire where parts of the county are usually solidly tory. the villa . es are usually solidly tory. the villages in — are usually solidly tory. the villages in the _ are usually solidly tory. the villages in the towns - are usually solidly tory. tue: villages in the towns of are usually solidly tory. tte: villages in the towns of north yorkshire, people have voted for change. they voted for labour. webb, christo - her change. they voted for labour. webb, christopher paul, _ change. they voted for labour. webb, christopher paul, labor— change. they voted for labour. webb, christopher paul, labor party, - christopher paul, labor party,

10.825 — christopher paul, labor party, 10,825. it— christopher paul, labor party, 10,825. ., , christopher paul, labor party, 10,825. ., 10,825. it was a red pattern across this patchwork — 10,825. it was a red pattern across this patchwork of _ 10,825. it was a red pattern across this patchwork of elections. - 10,825. it was a red pattern across this patchwork of elections. in - 10,825. it was a red pattern across this patchwork of elections. in the | this patchwork of elections. in the parliamentary seat of blackpool south a massive 26% swing to labour in the by—election. but for councils, it wasn't the size of labouris much as where he had one. from places with big brexit modes like hartlepool for the military town of aldershot in rushmore and the south coast where they won for the south coast where they won for the first time. it wasn't all good news for sir keir starmer. emboldened, independent candidates opposed to labour's stands on meant they lost control of the council. the liberal democrats had big gains to endorse it and tunbridge wells. —— to win dorset. and they pick up seats in other conservative facing towns in the south lake winchester. let's make this conservative government history.-

let's make this conservative government history. let's make this conservative covernment histo . ~ , government history. where ed davey tried to argue — government history. where ed davey tried to argue the _ government history. where ed davey tried to argue the tories _ government history. where ed davey tried to argue the tories were - government history. where ed davey tried to argue the tories were like i tried to argue the tories were like dinosaurs. , , ., , tried to argue the tories were like dinosaurs. , , . , ., dinosaurs. this is a disaster for the conservatives. _ dinosaurs. this is a disaster for the conservatives. and - dinosaurs. this is a disaster for the conservatives. and in - dinosaurs. this is a disaster for the conservatives. and in so i dinosaurs. this is a disaster for i the conservatives. and in so many parts of the country, it will be conservative mps worried about liberal democrats. they know that if you want to get rid of this awful conservative government and make them history, they should vote liberal democrats.— liberal democrats. back at the blackool liberal democrats. back at the blackpool south _ liberal democrats. back at the blackpool south by-election, l liberal democrats. back at the i blackpool south by-election, just blackpool south by—election, just 117 votes separated second place conservatives and third place reformed uk, successor to the brexit party. we reformed uk, successor to the brexit .a _ . ., reformed uk, successor to the brexit party. we are becoming a real opposition _ party. we are becoming a real opposition to _ party. we are becoming a real opposition to the _ party. we are becoming a real opposition to the labour i party. we are becoming a real opposition to the labour party party. we are becoming a real. opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales, we are on the way up and it is quite clear that the tories are on the way down. the is quite clear that the tories are on the way down.— is quite clear that the tories are on the way down. the greens also cained on the way down. the greens also gained seats. _ on the way down. the greens also gained seats, particular— on the way down. the greens also gained seats, particular in - on the way down. the greens also gained seats, particular in placesl gained seats, particular in places like bristol, which they are targeting come a general election. they recognised the choice they have here in bristol is between a likely labour government, where it is 100%

labour, and where keir starmer can continue to u—turn on policies every few weeks, or a labour government with a handful of grains that can hold them to account. for with a handful of grains that can hold them to account.— hold them to account. for the conservatives _ hold them to account. for the conservatives this _ hold them to account. for the conservatives this was - hold them to account. for the conservatives this was an i hold them to account. for the i conservatives this was an equal record low for them on their share of the vote. and the rishi sunak there are obvious questions about what he can do to turn their fortunes around. the labour, the results were good tingle bash but if sir keir starmer wants to come back year after a general election with the majority of seats, it's not yet clear if they good enough. —— come back here. there are more results to come today including the results of the mayors of london's, greater manchester and the west midlands. with more results expected, let's take stock of where we are. first, let's look at the mayoral elections. 11 mayors are being elected — in london, nine combined authorities, and salford. four results are in so far. labour have won three, including one that covers rishi sunak�*s seat in york and north yorkshire.

the re—election of lord ben houchen as mayor of tees valley has been a rare bright spot for the conservatives. we're expecting seven more mayoral results to come in today. let's take a look at the local council elections next — and there were celebrations for labour, who have so far gained 173 new councillors across england, with more than 1000 seats overall. but progress wasn't made everywhere, losing overall control of oldham. labour is still the largest party but there's no doubt some voters there are unhappy with the party's stance on gaza and have turned to independent candidates. it was a disappointing result for the conservatives in england, who've so far lost almost a50 seats. a total of a79 councillors have been elected for the party this time round — with some areas' results still to be declared.

what does all that mean? as of this morning, the liberal democrats have won the second highest number of council seats in this election, 505. that's an increase of 101. and it was a positive result for the greens too. they've increased their tally of councillors by 65, with a total of 159 being elected so far. 102 councils across england have declared their results. the remaining five will do so today. let's turn now to the projected national share. this is what the bbc thinks would have happened if the whole country had voted yesterday and voted in the same way. the conservatives' tally was just 25% — down 1% from last year, the joint lowest share ever — equalling the numbers in 2013 and 1995. it looks good for labour — with a similar lead to last year, but not as good as it was in 1997 for tony blair quite yet. labour's success in the local elections has seen it recapture control of a number of councils in places that could be key

battlegrounds in the upcoming general election. one of those is redditch, bringing an end to six years of conservative leadership. our reporter, ben godfrey, has been getting the reaction from people in the area. labour's returned to power a redditch might be seen as the beginning of the redwall rebuild, claiming 21 of 27 council seats. they missed a fresh start, to rejuvenate the town in central and keep the at—risk library exactly it is. the library is a hub and they stipulated that they would keep the library there, which i think is a really good idea. t’m library there, which i think is a really good idea.— library there, which i think is a really good idea. i'm very pleased, very pleased- _ really good idea. i'm very pleased, very pleased- we _ really good idea. i'm very pleased, very pleased. we need _ really good idea. i'm very pleased, very pleased. we need a _ really good idea. i'm very pleased, very pleased. we need a change. | really good idea. i'm very pleased, very pleased. we need a change. i | very pleased. we need a change. i hope very pleased. we need a change. hope they very pleased. we need a change. i hope they can pull their socks up and do _ hope they can pull their socks up and do something. _ hope they can pull their socks up and do something. but— hope they can pull their socks up and do something.— hope they can pull their socks up and do something. but the mood are wron: to and do something. but the mood are wrong tory voters — and do something. but the mood are wrong tory voters here _ and do something. but the mood are wrong tory voters here was - and do something. but the mood are wrong tory voters here was as i and do something. but the mood are wrong tory voters here was as damp | wrong tory voters here was as damp as the drizzle covered traits. t as the drizzle covered traits. i wouldn't vote labour if it were the

last... people on earth. it's going to be straight back to how it was before. , ,, ., ,, , ., , ., to be straight back to how it was before. , ,, .,~ , ., , ., ., before. rishi sunak needs a bit of a shock, i think _ before. rishi sunak needs a bit of a shock, i think he _ before. rishi sunak needs a bit of a shock, i think he has _ before. rishi sunak needs a bit of a shock, i think he has got _ before. rishi sunak needs a bit of a shock, i think he has got to - before. rishi sunak needs a bit of a shock, i think he has got to realise| shock, i think he has got to realise that something's got to change. he seems _ that something's got to change. he seems to— that something's got to change. he seems to be in all this for himself and his— seems to be in all this for himself and his not— seems to be in all this for himself and his not looking after the average _ and his not looking after the average working person enough. should _ average working person enough. should he — average working person enough. should he be the leader of the conservatives going forward into election? ., ~' conservatives going forward into election? ., ~ , election? no, i think we need boris back. the redditch _ election? no, i think we need boris back. the redditch election - election? no, i think we need boris back. the redditch election is i back. the redditch election is usually poured _ back. the redditch election is usually poured over _ back. the redditch election is usually poured over by - back. the redditch election is i usually poured over by westminster for an emerging national trend. yet here, bluntly, so many voters are failing to engage. in a couple of wards only around one in five people went to the ballot box. if wards only around one in five people went to the ballot box.— went to the ballot box. if they were startin: to went to the ballot box. if they were starting to out _ went to the ballot box. if they were starting to put the _ went to the ballot box. if they were starting to put the people's - starting to put the people's thoughts first ascent of their own maybe everyone would have a different view but at the moment everything is one—sided, the stuff that needs to be done is not being listened to. that needs to be done is not being listened to— listened to. labour's thoughts heafinr listened to. labour's thoughts hearing redditch _ listened to. labour's thoughts hearing redditch turned i listened to. labour's thoughts hearing redditch turned to i listened to. labour's thoughts i hearing redditch turned to general election whenever that may be, because they will be thinking, can we actually overturn a conservative 16,000 majority at the 2019

election? the conservatives held on to warsaw council but with some heavy lifting. here in bentley and alison north they fell behind labour and independent and reformed. sapphire harding is a student and grew up locally. she told me no party really connect with young people. party really connect with young --eole. ~ , ., , ., party really connect with young neale, . , ., , ., . people. when they do try and include us and stuff. — people. when they do try and include us and stuff, they _ people. when they do try and include us and stuff, they override _ people. when they do try and include us and stuff, they override our- us and stuff, they override our opinion with other opinions and when we do speak out on issues that affect older generations as well, they are very much like oh, you are young, you don't know anything, kind of energy. the young, you don't know anything, kind of enerr . ., of energy. the government has romised of energy. the government has promised darlington _ of energy. the government has promised darlington town i of energy. the government has i promised darlington town centre of energy. the government has - promised darlington town centre more than £20 million of regeneration cash over the next decade. it all de-ends cash over the next decade. it all depends on _ cash over the next decade. it all depends on will— cash over the next decade. it all depends on will they _ cash over the next decade. it all depends on will they actually do what they promise, will they deliver? it's all about delivery. more work to do it may be the message from voters in redditch and warsall, but there is no denying there is also apathy in the air.

our political correspondent, hannah miller, is in downing street for us now. hannah, we've got a good idea of the local election picture with only a few left to declare, but there's still lots of mayoral results to come today? good morning, yes, and labour would be expected to win many of these that are up today, greater manchester, liverpool city region, west yorkshire, south yorkshire, there is no sense there will be any kind of upset in any of those. the two to look out for other west midlands and in london. to take those one by one, in the west midlands you have an incumbent mayor, andy street, he has been critical of some of his own party's decisions, critical of rishi sunak, he has distanced himself from the conservatives at times quite a bit. but has always been seen as a tight race and there is some sense that he may just about hang race and there is some sense that he

mayjust about hang on, which psychologically at least would give the conservatives something else to point to. labour are already tempering expectations are describing it as a mixed picture, they suggest they may have done very well in some parts of the west midlands, but have said there are areas where there are large muslim populations where they think that their vote may be down. in london, thatis their vote may be down. in london, that is currently labour under sadiq khan, that has been a really fraught campaign, a former conservative cabinet minister has described the opponent of sadiq khan, susan hall, has having run a campaign that was gutter politics. we already know the turnout was slightly down on last time, broadly in line with what you expect but neither side is treating the london mayoral election as a done deal at this stage. yesterday we went to — done deal at this stage. yesterday we went to blackpool _ done deal at this stage. yesterday we went to blackpool south i done deal at this stage. yesterday we went to blackpool south where there was a by—election, we saw sir keir starmer, andrew reina in high spirits, i am looking at the papers

this morning, rishi sunak seen the conservatives have everything to fight for, i wonder what your reflections are about the feelings in both campaigns —— both camps of the parties? i in both campaigns -- both camps of the parties?— the parties? i think the narrative could still change _ the parties? i think the narrative could still change today - the parties? i think the narrative could still change today with i the parties? i think the narrative l could still change today with those two results in the west midlands and london depending on which way they go. but at the moment it does seem that rishi sunak can perhaps sleep a little bit easier, there is very little bit easier, there is very little sense that there is going to be any kind of move against him from his back bench conservative mps. there is also a disappointing certainly, some would say they were terrible, but there is a sense from mps that he is expected to carry the can into the general election. not least because a change of leader would lead, they think, to perhaps even more chaos and there may not be rewarded for that. labour looked pretty buoyant, they are pointing notjust pretty buoyant, they are pointing not just to the fact that they have had some wins, but to wear those winds are. there is some concern about their vote among muslim

populations in particular, but often those are areas where there is already a significant labour majority. i think we might hear a bit more about that later on throughout today but labour certainly is thinking that these results show they have done pretty well and are on course to do well in a general election.— a general election. hannah, thanks for that, a general election. hannah, thanks for that. we — a general election. hannah, thanks for that, we will— a general election. hannah, thanks for that, we will speak _ a general election. hannah, thanks for that, we will speak later. i the elections not surprisingly dominating the front pages. let's look at those. the guardian's headline says the conservatives have been "crushed" by the worst set of results the party has faced in a0 years. the paper also reports that labour has made some gains in key battlegrounds. the independent also focuses on the tory losses, going with a stronger headline, saying the results signal a "general election bloodbath" for the conservatives. meanwhile, the times leads on the election of ben houchen as tees valley mayor, with the paper reporting the win has helped the prime minister cling on to power.

we were hearing from hannah. and the mail reports that conservative rebels have given up their plans to oust rishi sunak despite the election results, with one tory mp quoted as saying to the paper "we're off to the pub". also featured is a picture of the king, smiling during the royal windsor horse show. we'll have more on the elections in the next half hour. you can of course follow all the results, reaction and analysis for councils, mayoral, and police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app and across bbc tv, radio and special podcasts. it is 6:16. a funeral director in hull has offered support to families affected by the police investigation into legacy independent funeral directors. several families who thought their loved ones had been cremated have now been told their bodies have been recovered by police. others say they don't know whose ashes they have. bbc look north's peter levy went to a vigil earlier this week and spoke to the families.

tell me, caroline, what has happened to your mum. mr; tell me, caroline, what has happened to your mum-— tell me, caroline, what has happened to your mum. my mum passed away in october 2022, _ to your mum. my mum passed away in october 2022, we — to your mum. my mum passed away in october 2022, we had _ to your mum. my mum passed away in october 2022, we had a _ to your mum. my mum passed away in october 2022, we had a service. i to your mum. my mum passed away in october 2022, we had a service. she i october 2022, we had a service. she was obviously with legacy, and then when all of this came about eye rank the police and they had to send photos and that of my mum and then on good friday i got a phone call from the police are saying they found my mum's ashes even though we had ashes at home. so found my mum's ashes even though we had ashes at home.— had ashes at home. so you had ashes at home that — had ashes at home. so you had ashes at home that you _ had ashes at home. so you had ashes at home that you thought _ had ashes at home. so you had ashes at home that you thought were - had ashes at home. so you had ashes at home that you thought were your i at home that you thought were your mum? , ., . ~' ., . , mum? yes, we have them in necklaces, mum? yes, we have them in necklaces, m sister mum? yes, we have them in necklaces, my sister had — mum? yes, we have them in necklaces, my sister had necklaces, _ mum? yes, we have them in necklaces, my sister had necklaces, scattered i my sister had necklaces, scattered her ashes, my sister had necklaces, scattered herashes, my my sister had necklaces, scattered her ashes, my brother also save some for himself. and then we got this phone call saying they found my mum's ashes. they can't test them, but they are 99% sure they are my

mums because they have my mum's name on them. it's been a nightmare, it's awful. ~ . . , on them. it's been a nightmare, it's awful. ~ ., ~ on them. it's been a nightmare, it's awful. ~ ., » ., awful. what was your mum like? beautiful, really, _ awful. what was your mum like? beautiful, really, really - awful. what was your mum like? beautiful, really, really nice. i awful. what was your mum like? | beautiful, really, really nice. she was the best mum we could have ever had. �* , ., ., was the best mum we could have ever had. ., a , had. and you have the ashes in the house of somebody _ had. and you have the ashes in the house of somebody you _ had. and you have the ashes in the house of somebody you don't i had. and you have the ashes in the house of somebody you don't even | house of somebody you don't even know who it is. tia. house of somebody you don't even know who it is.— house of somebody you don't even know who it is.- kevin, i house of somebody you don't even know who it is.- kevin, as l house of somebody you don't even | know who it is.- kevin, as a know who it is. no, no. kevin, as a funeral director, _ know who it is. no, no. kevin, as a funeral director, when _ know who it is. no, no. kevin, as a funeral director, when you - know who it is. no, no. kevin, as a funeral director, when you see i know who it is. no, no. kevin, as a funeral director, when you see the | funeral director, when you see the story and what has gone on, you must be appalled and shocked. you've got to be. ., , be appalled and shocked. you've got tobe. ., , ~ to be. yeah, absolutely. we met before we _ to be. yeah, absolutely. we met before we discuss _ to be. yeah, absolutely. we met before we discuss the _ to be. yeah, absolutely. we met. before we discuss the circumstances when it first came to light, is very shocking, is very moving listening to some of the stories of the families that are involved in it. it's absolutely tragic and our hearts go out to the families concerned. hearts go out to the families concerned-— hearts go out to the families concerned. ., , ., , ., ., concerned. now people have got ashes, concerned. now people have got ashes. i've _ concerned. now people have got ashes, i've just _ concerned. now people have got ashes, i've just been _ concerned. now people have got ashes, i've just been talking - concerned. now people have got ashes, i've just been talking to l concerned. now people have got} ashes, i've just been talking to a lady who has got ashes at home which are not her mum's and these people feel uncomfortable and you very kindly offered to take these ashes into your funeral directors to look

after them. into your funeral directors to look after them-— after them. i've offered it as part of m , if after them. i've offered it as part of my. if you _ after them. i've offered it as part of my, if you like, _ after them. i've offered it as part of my, if you like, ongoing - after them. i've offered it as part i of my, if you like, ongoing support to the families, saying if you have got created remains and you're not sure whose they are and you're not comfortable having them at home and we will have them into our care until such time as the council owner position to say we will store these cremated remains at whatever venue and we will keep the remains. we have offered are for families. that is a remarkable _ have offered are for families. that is a remarkable gesture and a thank you for that. when you see families like this, a whole family over there, the mum, ashes, the wrong ashes, it isjust there, the mum, ashes, the wrong ashes, it is just heartbreaking, isn't it? it ashes, it is 'ust heartbreaking, isn't it? , ashes, it is 'ust heartbreaking, isn'tit? , ., . �* , isn't it? it is horrific. but these --eole isn't it? it is horrific. but these peeple have — isn't it? it is horrific. but these people have been _ isn't it? it is horrific. but these people have been through - isn't it? it is horrific. but these people have been through is i isn't it? it is horrific. but these - people have been through is awful. it was talking to a family earlier who was telling me that she would have to bury her father for a second time, going to the funeral service for a second time in our retraumatising upsetting that is when you are dealing with grief and you feel like you've come to the end of it with the funeral and the grief is just opened up wide again and having to through it all again. no—one should have to go through this. we need to make sure this can

all happen again and that does need regulation. all happen again and that does need reuulation. ., , ., all happen again and that does need reuulation. ., i. ~ ., all happen again and that does need reuulation. . ,, ~' ., , regulation. karen, you know these families, regulation. karen, you know these families. you _ regulation. karen, you know these families, you have _ regulation. karen, you know these families, you have been _ regulation. karen, you know these families, you have been close - regulation. karen, you know these families, you have been close with them, how do you think they are coping? i them, how do you think they are coin: ? ~ ., them, how do you think they are coinu? ~ ., them, how do you think they are cumin? ~' ., ., them, how do you think they are coilin? " ., ., ., , coping? i know some of the families and they know _ coping? i know some of the families and they know they're _ coping? i know some of the families and they know they're not _ coping? i know some of the families and they know they're not coping . coping? i know some of the families and they know they're not coping at| and they know they're not coping at all. we have families, peter, who were literally having to go through the full range of treatment emotions from start to finish now organising a second funeralfor from start to finish now organising a second funeral for their loved ones. it is shocking. we are in a situation where we've got dozens of families that have got the wrong ashes, we've got dozens of families will never get the right ashes for their loved ones, the created remains —— cremated remains of their loved ones they will never get them, and then you have another minimum of 200 people, 200 individuals who have got funeral plans that don't exist. so you've now got all of those families in the situation of

bereavement, heightened emotion, not to mention the ones where they are just worried sick now that financially they're not going to be able to pay for their own funeral. and the thing that i've pick up as there is so much anger. i and the thing that i've pick up as there is so much anger.- there is so much anger. i think --eole there is so much anger. i think people are _ there is so much anger. i think people are going _ there is so much anger. i think people are going to _ there is so much anger. i think people are going to end - there is so much anger. i think people are going to end up - there is so much anger. i think i people are going to end up angry, because they not been told very much... bi; because they not been told very much... �* , because they not been told very much... j . _ much... by the police, by the council? _ much... by the police, by the council? l— much... by the police, by the council? ithink— much... by the police, by the council? i think we _ much... by the police, by the council? i think we need - much... by the police, by the council? i think we need a - much... by the police, by the i council? i think we need a police ress council? i think we need a police press conference _ council? i think we need a police press conference at _ council? i think we need a police press conference at the - council? i think we need a police press conference at the families | council? i think we need a police . press conference at the families can at least hear where we are with the investigation, we need the council to step up, again, we are here wondering when they are going to mention a memorial garden. we have heard from the bishop of hull today, she is putting on services for the families. how wonderful. what she is putting on services for the families. how wonderful. what would ou sa to families. how wonderful. what would you say to the — families. how wonderful. what would you say to the police _ families. how wonderful. what would you say to the police then, _ families. how wonderful. what would you say to the police then, because l you say to the police then, because the police have not spoken to me, they are not spoken to us, they have not done an interview. what they are not spoken to us, they have not done an interview.— not done an interview. what would ou sa to not done an interview. what would you say to them? _ not done an interview. what would you say to them? please _ not done an interview. what would you say to them? please let - not done an interview. what would you say to them? please let the i you say to them? please let the families know what's going on. hand

families know what's going on. and that was peter levy with that report. and thanks to all those people who have shared their stories. 6721 and thanks to all those people who have shared their stories.— have shared their stories. 6:21 is the time. simon _ have shared their stories. 6:21 is the time. simon is _ have shared their stories. 6:21 is the time. simon is looking - have shared their stories. 6:21 is the time. simon is looking at - have shared their stories. 6:21 is| the time. simon is looking at the weather. i don't think this tells the picture entirely of what we can expect. i think is going to get better, at last. it expect. i think is going to get better, at last.— better, at last. it will do, certainly. _ better, at last. it will do, certainly, through - better, at last. it will do, certainly, through the - better, at last. it will do, i certainly, through the week. better, at last. it will do, - certainly, through the week. we better, at last. it will do, _ certainly, through the week. we will see some dry, sunny, and warmer weather. and over the weekend it is not looking too bad. it is a bank holiday weekend. you might expect there to be some rain, and there is some rain around, but it's not going to be persistent, heavy, wash out rain. plenty of usable weather i think for the bank holiday weekend and where you do get some sunshine it will still feel quite warm. yesterday temperatures in the north—west of scotland got to 23 celsius. this morning we have got mist and fog patches across southern areas of england. this is in cancer short time ago. there is a little bit of rain out there as well especially across northern parts of

wales, northern england, you can see this area of rain here. some shows affecting the far north—west as well at the moment. as we go through today, wally will stay fairly cloudy across northern england into northern ireland with further outbreaks of rain here, you notice across southern england into the midlands, into midland south wales, there will be sunny spells developing. the risk of one or two showers later in the southeastern sunny spells in the north—west, the risk of some showers and thunderstorms. temperatures once again up to 19—20 celsius. iii—15 we have the cloud, but in the south up to maybe 17—18. feeling quite warm in the sunshine. through tonight, a few bits of rain affecting parts of northern ireland, northern england, there could be one or two heavy showers and thunderstorms again in the far north—west of scotland. temperatures beneath the cloud, though, 9— ii celsius overnight, further south with a clear skies looking at 4—6 . on into sunday,

more sunshine for most parts of england and wales. there will be a few showers cropping up, north scotland, those could be heavy or thundery, one or two showers round central areas are more cloud and rain into the far southwest. for most of us it will be a dry day and with the sunshine feeling warmer for many of us, 16— i9 celsius. fairly light winds as well. feeling pleasant in the sunshine for on into bank holiday monday, we have this weather front across the south, that will bring some cloud and a few spots of rain, but really for most of us again it should be a largely great day. there will be some showers across northern england into central and eastern scotland, those once again could be heavy, maybe thundery, but they will be hit and miss really. there will be more cloud and a bit of rain affecting the far southwest of england, in between sunny spells and temperatures of 15— i7 celsius. on into next week, it is looking largely dry stoppers asset at the start, with some sunny spells. damages will start to creep up. 20—

22 degrees by the end of the week and into the weekend. —— temperatures. that's great. finally the winter coat can go away. thank you, simon. it is finally the winter coat can go away. thank you, simon.— press freedom around the world is being threatened. that's according to the campaign group reporters without borders, who have just released their annual press freedom index. the group says the environment forjournalism is bad in three quarters of the countries it ranks. our analysis editor, ros atkins, has taken a look at the state of media freedom globally. journalism is under attack. it is an extremely challenging and difficult time to be a journalist. all the main indicators about press freedom around the world show it's in decline. we have to be able to operate as freely as possible. - it's often very difficult. according to campaign group reporters without borders,

the environment forjournalism is bad in 75% of the countries it ranks. the reasons why reveal truths about our world and the realities of reporting on it. freedom of the press is central to democracy, but some democracies are changing. we have to recognise that democracies don't look and feel and sound the same as they did many years back. democratic backsliding is a reality in many countries, especially india, and that has come with fairly sharp authoritarian overtones. india is often called the world's largest democracy. in this year's election, an estimated 960 million voters are taking part. and polls predict another win for narendra modi's hindu nationalist bjp and its allies. since mr modi came to power in 2014, india has fallen down the world press freedom index to 159 out of the 180 countries ranked.

journalists critical of central and state governments face physical threats, online harassment and legal charges. for example, last year, the homes and offices of senior staff at the newsclick website were raided. the editor in chief remains in custody, accused of publishing chinese propaganda. and some argue that what's happened to press freedom in india is part of a global trend. the job of a journalist is to present the facts, to present the news. but if you're presented the facts that you don't like, often you go after the messenger. and that's exactly what we're seeing with the rise of populism, with the rise of nationalism, is a commensurate decline in the press freedom environment worldwide. if the health of democracies impacts press freedom, so too does the absence of democracy elsewhere. from dictatorships and theocracies

to militaryjuntas and communist one—party states, according to the economist, over 39% of the world's population lives under authoritarian rule. this includes china, where independentjournalists are routinely imprisoned. for example, injanuary, shangguan yunkai was sentenced to 15 years for crimes ranging from fraud to picking quarrels. in hong kong,a national security law has been imposed by beijing. under it, pro—democracy media tycoon jimmy lai has pleaded not guilty to a string of charges. china jails more journalists than any other country. that's according to the 2023 prison census conducted by the committee to protectjournalists. next are myanmar, belarus, russia, vietnam and iran and israel. the report says that those held by israel on the census date were arrested in the palestinian territory of the occupied west bank after 7 october.

as for iran, it's restricted the press for decades. it targets journalists inside and outside the country. when bbc persian tv launched in 2009, the response was immediate. iranian officials saw it as a security threat, so they first started jamming the signals of the tv, and then they moved to targeting the families of the journalists who were in iran and our colleagues who are based in in the uk. in 2022, the situation got worse after mass protests in iran sparked by the death in police custody of mahsa amini. the threats against iranian journalists abroad intensified. the number of deaths and kidnap threats has also increased and, in some cases, the police has had to intervene and provide protection for colleagues.

authoritarianism and democratic decline restrict press freedom. so does conflict. forjournalists, war brings danger and restricted access. in ukraine, access to the front line is difficult to negotiate. in myanmar, military rule and civil war make for an exceptionally hostile environment. in sudan's civil war, journalists face internet blackouts and threats. for others, it's too dangerous to enter. there are many more conflicts too. each dot here shows one that poses a threat to civilians, including journalists. in the case of the israel—gaza war, the threat to journalist safety is extreme. we have seen, since the start of the war, at least 95journalists killed, 90 of them palestinian. and that means that this

is the deadliest conflict forjournalists that the committee to protectjournalists has ever documented. israel has said it doesn't targetjournalists. and while palestinian journalists in gaza face great danger, foreign reporters can't get in. in february, more than 50 uk and us journalists signed an open letter calling on israel and egypt to provide foreign media access to gaza. one of the signatories was the bbc�*sjeremy bowen. israel has taken some journalists on escorted trips to gaza — doing so, it says, to allow them to report "safely". you have to ask the question — if they're not letting people in, except under occasional, very tightly supervised trips with the military — they're not letting people in, do they have something to hide? conflict, authoritarianism, democratic decline. as we've seen, all three affect press freedom in different ways. there's another factor too.

technology has changed how journalism is targeted. news organisations can now find their websites blocked or their satellite signals are jammed. the bbc is one of the world's biggest news broadcasters, and it estimates that more than three billion people live in countries where bbc world service content is censored. and the bbc and other news organisations are looking for ways around this. for iran, the bbc publicises tools that allow bbc persian website to be accessed despite the blocks. all these tools are helping. the bbc says its sites have been accessed from iran by one million unique users per month in 202a. and if technology is used to target distribution, it's also used to target journalists themselves. there's a new instrument of fear and terror used by many states around the world, and that is the use of spyware to track journalists, to threaten them,

and very often that leads to real acts of violence as well. state—sponsored surveillance isn't only confined to authoritarian regimes. last year, in a major report, the european parliament argued that the illicit use of spyware has put democracy itself at stake in the european union. and if these are existing threats, new ones are coming too. there is heightened risk in an increasingly sort of tech—forward world that we live in. with the advent of ai, options open up in terms of how journalists can be harassed, intimidated and attacked. in all of the ways we've seen and others, too, press freedom is under pressure. and journalists are paying a heavy price. in russia, evan hershkowitz of the wall street journal remains in custody. he faces espionage charges, which he denies and which russia has provided no evidence of. the targeting of one journalist

is being used to send a message to many others. butjournalists have messages of their own. press freedom's important to try and find out what on earth has happened. and it's difficult. it's sometimes imperfect, but we've got to keep pressing for it because without it, especially in an age when we're deluged by information, it's harder for people, i think, to make choices, but it's hard to try and keep democracies together. democracy, though, is not everyone's priority — which is why attacks on press freedom are intensifying, as is the determination of those who believe in it. hello, this is breakfast with naga munchetty and charlie stayt. good morning, here's a summary of today's main stories from bbc news. we're going to keep you updated with all the results from the local council elections, but alongside those,

ii mayors are being elected across england. in terms of what will happen today: seven results are due today in london, greater manchester, liverpool city region, south yorkshire, west midlands, west yorkshire, and salford. labour have dominated so far, winning three out of the four elections that have been declared — but they couldn't unseat the conservatives' ben houchen, who held on in tees valley. that was a rare bright spot for rishi sunak. our reporter, richard moss, has been taking a closer look. ben houchen was never going to win as big as he did three years ago. in fact he said he would be happy to win by one vote. in the end, though, it was more comfortable than that. the conservative party candidate was duly elected as mayor for the tees valley council.— valley council. clear victory, a third term _ valley council. clear victory, a third term secured. _ valley council. clear victory, a third term secured. a -

valley council. clear victory, a - third term secured. a conservative defying political gravity at their selections. his defeated rivals insist it was the clear blue water between mayor houchen and his own party that was crucial. l between mayor houchen and his own party that was crucial.— party that was crucial. i have been campaigning _ party that was crucial. i have been campaigning against _ party that was crucial. i have been campaigning against the _ party that was crucial. i have been l campaigning against the incumbent party that was crucial. i have been - campaigning against the incumbent of seven years, who has been well resourced, has been for several years, but more importantly i have been campaigning against an incumbent that did not wish to be associated with the conservative party or rishi sunak one little bit. the campaign made very little mention— the campaign made very little mention of the fact that he was a conservative, he very much campaigned on the fact that he wasn't — campaigned on the fact that he wasn't independent in all but name, and so _ wasn't independent in all but name, and so it_ wasn't independent in all but name, and so it is— wasn't independent in all but name, and so it is difficult to draw any kind _ and so it is difficult to draw any kind of— and so it is difficult to draw any kind of conclusions for the national political— kind of conclusions for the national political context from this single campaign in my opinion. but political context from this single campaign in my opinion.- political context from this single campaign in my opinion. but a little while later at— campaign in my opinion. but a little while later at teesside _ campaign in my opinion. but a little while later at teesside airport, - campaign in my opinion. but a little while later at teesside airport, who should turn up but the prime minister matt kean to celebrate a rare win for the tories. both the pm and the mayor now singing from the

same anti— labour henry schade. we same anti- labour henry schade. we had same anti— labour henry schade. , had the labour party captain for the last two weeks, the whole shadow cabinet has funded the tourism industry in teesside for the last two weeks, because they thought they were going to have it but they were nowhere near in the end.— were going to have it but they were nowhere near in the end. people knew they couldn't — nowhere near in the end. people knew they couldn't be _ nowhere near in the end. people knew they couldn't be taken _ nowhere near in the end. people knew they couldn't be taken for _ nowhere near in the end. people knew they couldn't be taken for granted, - they couldn't be taken for granted, they couldn't be taken for granted, they knew— they couldn't be taken for granted, they knew it was ben and the conservatives are delivered to them and they— conservatives are delivered to them and they stuck with you in this election— and they stuck with you in this election and i know outcome general election_ election and i know outcome general election they are going to stick with us— election they are going to stick with us too. we election they are going to stick with us too-— election they are going to stick with us too. ~ ., ~ ., �* ., . with us too. we now know ben houchen has secured his — with us too. we now know ben houchen has secured his job _ with us too. we now know ben houchen has secured his job for _ with us too. we now know ben houchen has secured his job for four _ with us too. we now know ben houchen has secured his job for four more - has secured his job for four more years but it will need another election to decide whether the prime minister will keep his. but this was one result in a grisly 2a hours that left him at least some threads of hope. that was richard moss reporting. all the coverage here on the bbc both this morning and throughout the day of course. it is both this morning and throughout the day of course-— day of course. it is 6.37, we will aet -la day of course. it is 6.37, we will get play a _ day of course. it is 6.37, we will get play a game _ day of course. it is 6.37, we will get play a game with _ day of course. it is 6.37, we will get play a game with mike - day of course. it is 6.37, we will get play a game with mike this i get play a game with mike this morning. it's the final day of the regular championship season, with so much to play for,

destinies decided.all21i sides play —— they have been in the wilderness for 22 years, ipswich town. if they do it, there will be celebrations not in ipswich but in miami where ed sheeran is. if ipswich shares —— wins it will send shivers down his sign. wins it will send shivers down his si. n, . ., wins it will send shivers down his sin. ~ . , wins it will send shivers down his sin. ~ ., , , ., , wins it will send shivers down his sin. . ., , , ., | sign. what will be the shape of... i don't want — sign. what will be the shape of... i don't want to _ sign. what will be the shape of... i don't want to pick _ sign. what will be the shape of... i don't want to pick too _ sign. what will be the shape of... i don't want to pick too early. - sign. what will be the shape of... i don't want to pick too early. if - sign. what will be the shape of... i don't want to pick too early. if he l don't want to pick too early. if he is watching _ don't want to pick too early. if he is watching in _ don't want to pick too early. if he is watching in miami, _ don't want to pick too early. if he is watching in miami, someone might be, we _ is watching in miami, someone might be, we would like to hear from them this morning. be, we would like to hear from them this morning-— this morning. there is a lot of i swich this morning. there is a lot of ipswich fans _ this morning. there is a lot of ipswich fans out _ this morning. there is a lot of ipswich fans out there, - this morning. there is a lot of ipswich fans out there, i - this morning. there is a lot of ipswich fans out there, i have i this morning. there is a lot of- ipswich fans out there, i have read, ipswich fans out there, i have read, i have heard from a few of them. it's the final day of the regular championship season, with so much to play for, destinies decided. all 2a sides play at the same time, with the likes of birmingham, plymouth, sheffield wednesday and blackburn fighting

to survive. and at the top, it should be promotion party time for ipswich town — theyjust need a draw at home against huddersfield, who are all but relegated, so they can return to the premier league for the first time inn 22 years. promotion from any league is amazing for the club, is amazing for the town, amazing for the county, we saw that years ago. this will be another level, the biggest level and it would be an incredible achievement, notjust for would be an incredible achievement, not just for people would be an incredible achievement, notjust for people in the club but the town and the wider county. we will always remember this moment, personally. — will always remember this moment, personally, massive for individuals, a lot of— personally, massive for individuals, a lot of the — personally, massive for individuals, a lot of the boys haven't really played — a lot of the boys haven't really played their career at the highest levels _ played their career at the highest levels of— played their career at the highest levels of this would be a massive opportunity. but yeah, ijust think it ism _ opportunity. but yeah, ijust think it ism it _ opportunity. but yeah, ijust think it ism it is— opportunity. but yeah, ijust think it is... it is crazy that you worked so hard _ it is... it is crazy that you worked so hard and — it is... it is crazy that you worked so hard and it— it is... it is crazy that you worked so hard and it comes down to one game _ the race for promotion to the championship via league one's playoffs is already under way, and it's advantage bolton wanderers after they beat barnsley 3—1 in their semifinal first leg. dion charles scored twice for the visitors. these two played each other in one of last season's playoff semis,

with barnsley advancing to the final that time. the second leg is on tuesday. oxford united host peterborough united tonight in the other semifinal first leg. looking to avoid relegation from the premier league are luton town, who missed the chance to escape the relegation zone last night after being held to a 1—1 draw by everton, who themselves are now safe. dominic calvert—lewin had put the visitors ahead, before elijah adebayo levelled the game before half time, but luton couldn't find a winner, and the draw leaves luton level on points with nottingham forest, but they stay in 18th place because of their inferior goal difference. we threw everything at, so we are disappointed right now, but i can't fault the players, the players gave me absolutely everything, they gave up me absolutely everything, they gave up everything, —— gave us everything, so did the supporters, i'm really proud of everybody but of course we would like to win the game. at the other end of the table, second placed manchester city host

wolves later. while in the luncthime kick off, leaders arsenal welcome bournemouth knowing a win would take them four points clear at the top. put all your energy and focus and that determination and our willingness to do our best to earn the right to win games. in the first one in bournemouth is at home, it will be a great atmosphere again towards the game, and just be present and be in the moment and see what happens. now as mentioned, ipswich fan and sponsor, singer—songwriter ed sheeran, is in miami for the latest formula i race there, taking a break from his us tour there. and he will have seen red bull's max verstappen take pole position for this evening's sprint race. the world champion could only manage fourth in qualifying for the last sprint race a fortnight ago in china. but he was back to his imperious best in miami, taking the top spot a whisker ahead of ferrari's charles leclerc. in rugby league, it's tight at the top of the super league, five teams now sit level on points with leaders st helens, although saints can go clear

of the pack later if they beat hull kr. warrington wolves are one of those five teams, for the time being who are level at the top, after beating strugglers hull fc 24-6. warrington's josh thewlis with a hat—trick of tries and four conversions. hull fc have now lost nine of their last ten games. salford red devils are also level at the top after a narrow 18—16 win over huddersfield giants. nene macdonald scored two of their three tries. elsewhere leeds rhinos thrashed bottom side london broncos a6—8. next to the drama at the crucible theatre, and stuart bingham and jakjones will resume their absorbing world snooker championship semifinal, locked together at eight frames all. while it's not so close in the other semi, with kieren wilson in charge. he won five frames on the trot against david gilbert and leads 14—10. so wilson needs three more and he will in the final. they'll return to the table at ten o'clock this morning. its semifinals day in european rugby union, with gloucester and sharks at home in the challenge cup and in the big one,

the champions cup, northampton saints are at leinster. we will have a full preview a little later. i don't think many people are interested in one of those matches. the sun will be shining, someone tells me. it will be a warm day. share tells me. it will be a warm day. are ou tells me. it will be a warm day. are you taking — tells me. it will be a warm day. are you taking your boots? thank- tells me. it will be a warm day. are you taking your boots? thank you l you taking your boots? thank you mike. you taking your boots? thank you mike- 6-42 _ you taking your boots? thank you mike- 6-42 is _ you taking your boots? thank you mike. 6.42 is the _ you taking your boots? thank you mike. 6.42 is the time _ you taking your boots? thank you mike. 6.42 is the time now. - fostering a child is a unique act of care and experts are warning that thousands of new foster families will be needed to keep up with the rising number of children in the care system. one couple in their 80s are still going above and beyond to help. margaret isdale and her husband robert, have fostered more than 150 children — and they have no plans to stop. we have been fostering for 46 years. # if you're happy and you know it clap your hands... just because we enjoy andi and i think the house would be empty without children. taste

and i think the house would be empty without children.— without children. we 'ust love lookinu without children. we 'ust love looking afterfi without children. we 'ust love looking after the _ without children. we just love looking after the kids, - without children. we just love looking after the kids, giving | without children. we just love - looking after the kids, giving them different— looking after the kids, giving them different experiences. we have had all sorts— different experiences. we have had all sorts of— different experiences. we have had all sorts of kids from all sorts of backgrounds and it isjust nice to -ive backgrounds and it isjust nice to give them — backgrounds and it isjust nice to give them a safe, comfortable home. for a _ give them a safe, comfortable home. for a period — give them a safe, comfortable home. for a period-— for a period. sometimes it has been very difficult- _ for a period. sometimes it has been very difficult. we _ for a period. sometimes it has been very difficult. we had _ for a period. sometimes it has been very difficult. we had a _ for a period. sometimes it has been very difficult. we had a little - for a period. sometimes it has been very difficult. we had a little boy - very difficult. we had a little boy who had a very _ very difficult. we had a little boy who had a very serious - very difficult. we had a little boy who had a very serious heart - who had a very serious heart condition. _ who had a very serious heart condition, and in fact when he was ten months — condition, and in fact when he was ten months old, we were returning from _ ten months old, we were returning from holiday in scotland and he passed — from holiday in scotland and he passed away in our campervan on the way back, _ passed away in our campervan on the way back, which was rather devastating. a few weeks later margaret said that she had been asked _ margaret said that she had been asked to — margaret said that she had been asked to have a look at a little down — asked to have a look at a little down syndrome girl who was in hospital. — down syndrome girl who was in hospital, she has got a heart condition _ hospital, she has got a heart condition. i said no, no way. the nurses took— condition. i said no, no way. the nurses took a — condition. i said no, no way. the: nurses took a polaroid photograph, i came in myself, and i showed rob

when i got home, and he said when will you see her again? thea;r when i got home, and he said when will you see her again?— will you see her again? they gave her a prognosis — will you see her again? they gave her a prognosis of _ will you see her again? they gave her a prognosis of between - will you see her again? they gave her a prognosis of between six i will you see her again? they gavel her a prognosis of between six and nine months later, we thought well, we will_ nine months later, we thought well, we will give — nine months later, we thought well, we will give her the best life we could _ we will give her the best life we could at — we will give her the best life we could at that time. and in fact she was with— could at that time. and in fact she was with us— could at that time. and in fact she was with us for 21 years before she passed _ was with us for 21 years before she passed away. and in that time she had been — passed away. and in that time she had been all over the world with us, she had _ had been all over the world with us, she had been to australia and new zealand. _ she had been to australia and new zealand, the gambia, she was lovely. she was— zealand, the gambia, she was lovely. she wasjust... alive for so long. she was just... alive for so long. we have the energy to do it, why not, _ we have the energy to do it, why not. it— we have the energy to do it, why not, it keeps us young innocents. you are _ not, it keeps us young innocents. you are never too old as long as you are fit _ you are never too old as long as you are fit and _ you are never too old as long as you are fit and able, you are never too old to _ are fit and able, you are never too old to help — are fit and able, you are never too old to help them move on to some else is— old to help them move on to some else is reward in itself. that is margaret and robert and story is truly amazing. what they done for other people. thea;r story is truly amazing. what they done for other people.— story is truly amazing. what they done for other people. they are a force of nature, _ done for other people. they are a force of nature, aren't _ done for other people. they are a

force of nature, aren't they? - done for other people. they are a force of nature, aren't they? it i done for other people. they are a force of nature, aren't they? it is| force of nature, aren't they? it is 645. simon is taking a... wow, what a contrast. the weather. you did say earlier was 23 on the west coast. west coast of scotland, 23 celsius stop we don't often see this, a big contrast in the southeast. t5 contrast in the southeast. t3 usually the other way around. contrast in the southeast. is - usually the other way around. ten in arts of usually the other way around. ten in parts of east — usually the other way around. ten in parts of east anglia. _ usually the other way around. ten in parts of east anglia. they _ usually the other way around. ten in parts of east anglia. they wanted i usually the other way around. ten in parts of east anglia. they wanted to | parts of east anglia. they wanted to showers that reflect what we had essay, where you get sunshine it will fill warm, where it stays fairly cloudy not quite as warm, thatis fairly cloudy not quite as warm, that is what will the only bank holiday weekend. it is not a wash out bank holiday weekend, is looking mostly dry and there will be some warm sunshine around as well. some showers. this is the scene at the moment and the west of scotland, the western isles, a lovely starter to your day on saturday morning. if you're in the northeast of england you're in the northeast of england you may have been woken up in the last hour or so with some thunderstorms. that is currently in the northeast. we have got a storm at the momentjust moving through northwood. that may be giving you a

rather rude awakening. that storm will move towards the northeast and clear away, fairly cloudy for much of northern england into northern ireland where the rain could be more persistent into the afternoon. we'll see sunny spells on showers an offer scotland but those could be thundery later on and also some showers in the far southeast of england, mist and fog this morning clearing away, but warm sunny spells, temperature 16- 17 but warm sunny spells, temperature 16— i7 celsius. perhaps i9 but warm sunny spells, temperature 16— i7 celsius. perhaps 19 or 20 in the west of scotland this afternoon with some sunshine, the woman's face once again. through tonight we will see a bit of rain affecting parts of northern ireland into much of scotland, it will be fairly cloudy. again the risk of one or two storms, but temperature staying up at about 9- 11 but temperature staying up at about 9— ii celsius, whereas further south with clear skies assemblages will drop away about 4—7. a bit of a chilly start on sunday morning. we'll see some cloud moving into southern areas, a bit of rain in cornwall as well. some storms in

north—east scotland, one or two showers across england and wales, but on the whole it is dry, there will be some sunny spells, and, again, where you get the sunshine, feeling quite pleasant with the light winds, 17—19, 16 further north across scotland. bank holiday monday, this little weather front across southern areas bringing cloudy skies, showers in the south, showers further north, once again across scotland the far north of england, those could be a little bit heavy and thundery at times. in between these two areas we have dry weather for north wales into the midlands and eastern areas of england, sunny spells here. top temperatures on monday. a little lower than sunday, 14—16, as we go through the week we will see improving conditions, higher pressure building and, that means settle, will see dry and sunny weather and temperatures will rise as the week goes on as well. we will see the attempt is eventually

getting up to 18— 22 celsius. that's not bad at all. not bad for the weekend. _ that's not bad at all. not bad for the weekend. it _ that's not bad at all. not bad for the weekend. it has _ that's not bad at all. not bad for the weekend. it has been - that's not bad at all. not bad for the weekend. it has been a - that's not bad at all. not bad for the weekend. it has been a long | that's not bad at all. not bad for - the weekend. it has been a long time cominu. the weekend. it has been a long time coming- simon. _ the weekend. it has been a long time coming. simon, thank— the weekend. it has been a long time coming. simon, thank you. _ the weekend. it has been a long time coming. simon, thank you. it - the weekend. it has been a long time coming. simon, thank you. it is - coming. simon, thank you. it is 6:48. now it's time for click. hi there. it is time to play a game of let's think of random sounding things and hold them all in our head at the same time. you ready? you ready? think of these things. the world's fastest filming drone, a clip—on advice —— die sechin any electric, and xscape board part

suspended underneath a hot air balloon. that last one really does sound random. what are they having they have all been developed with they have all been developed with the help of the red bull racing team. �* , ., ., ., , the help of the red bull racing team. ~ , ., ., .,, , team. alistair keane has been findin: team. alistair keane has been finding out — team. alistair keane has been finding out why. _ alasdair: when it comes to formula 1, there's one team dominating the races. their sheer number of wins is hard evidence that red bull have built something at the cutting edge of tech. but this isn't where their design innovation stops, and their other projects might surprise you. if not, they'll certainly catch your breath. this extreme bmx bowl was built with the help of red bull advanced technologies, or rbat, a spin—out from the racing team embarking on lots of different engineering projects. the thing that links them all together is taking this formula 1 technology and methodologies and applying it to other things, so, yeah, the common theme is the formula 1 tech in all of them. these are the cars that

red bull racing is all about. but there are lots of bits of this tech that you can take forward into other areas. yeah, absolutely. so, you can you can look at this and you can see on the floor there, you can see some different types of carbon fibre, different weaves, and those materials we very much can carry forward through directly from the race car into other products. you've then got sort of more specifics, like the actual aerodynamic shapes of all this complexity around here. well, it's very unlikely we'd ever take any of that and use it elsewhere, but it goes back to the tools and methodologies that we use to understand the airflow around those parts and develop those parts. this is the bmxer kriss kyle, but creating his unique skatepark isn't without challenge, and that's where rbat came in. they came to us and said, "what can we do material wise, "to make it lighter?" but also strong enough so that when it came down it didn't shatter. their initial design was steel and wood. you know, we could design

it out of composites, but also you had to be able to take this apart so you can get it through a farmer's field. so there were a number of interesting structural challenges that we had to overcome. the main challenge was keeping that weight down. we had a little bit of margin with the balloon, and i think it... i think the balloon that we've ended up manufacturing was the biggest in europe at the time. it's perhaps not a surprise, though, that some of rbat�*s projects come back to formula 1. the most recent, helping to create what could be the world's fastest drone. the original brief was to be able to film the car and keep up with the car, and so that was what was done and then the footage is really impressive. and so then you start thinking, "well, how can that be used

in the future? "where do we want to go with that?" the main thing they wanted was a weight saving. and so we looked at the drones, what i call the bodywork on the outside of it, and then the sort of cruciform structure that actually holds the motor. we took those, we re—engineered them in composite materials. so i think overall we reduced the weight of the drone by about 10%. and, yeah, that helped just lift that performance of the drone to that higher level so it was able to keep up with the car. think straight line it's probably faster than the f1 car. i think its biggest challenge is how you stop the drone. because it's not... it's not... it hasn't got four nice sticky tyres in contact with the ground to slow it up. so it's pretty much having to reverse the direction of the drone and fly it backwards to actually slow the drone down. and, for me, the most impressive thing there is that they're able to control the drone, flip it on its axis to slow it down, whilst still keeping the car in picture. so, you know, the pilots of

the drone are incredibly impressive. with such a range of extreme projects, i do wonder if they ever have to say no. i think sometimes people are shocked how much ideas are going to cost to actually bring to reality. and so that's perhaps the biggest stumbling block. the kriss kyle stunt, where he was in the bowl beneath the balloon, i mean, i remember people saying to us then, "well, what did you say "when people said, 'we want you to do this?'" like, well, it doesn't feel that unusual for red bull to come up with that kind of an idea. so no, it's never a flat no. we'll always look at it. now, cast your mind back to 1996, if you can. do you remember the buzz that there was around the fact that scientists had created dolly the sheep, the world's first mammal cloned from an adult cell? nearly three decades on and cloning technology has come a long way. in some countries, you can even clone your pet, as stephanie hegarty tells us. stephanie: half a billion people around the world have a dog

or a cat at home. i'm one of them. and this is my dog, zeus. and anyone who has a pet understands the special bond that we have with them. they're part of the family. but we know that sooner or later, we're going to have to say goodbye to them. they don't live as long as we do. but what if you didn't have to? what if you could clone your pet? it was back in 1996 that we learned that scientists in the uk had cloned the first mammal from an adult cell — dolly the sheep. and people were shocked and stunned. it was like something from a sci fi film. but in the past 20 years, this technology has moved on so much it's become accessible. although the costs are high — about $50,000. people can now clone animals from livestock to show horses, racehorses and even cats and dogs. it's now possible, from just a small tissue sample, to clone a dog like zeus. austin, texas, is home to one of america's largest cell storage facilities for pet cloning.

it's also the home of a young pet owner whose beloved cat, chai, died seven years ago. this is belle, and my name is kelly, and i cloned my cat. a lot of people think that i wanted to bring my cat back from the dead, but that really was not the case at all. ijust wanted to carry on a piece of my cat. i am not rich by any means. i'm a broke dog trainer, so i took out a loan to clone belle. cloned animals are essentially genetic twins to their original. like human twins, they can look different. it all depends on how they develop in the womb. even their fur pattern can be different. their temperament is the exact same. so they're both bold, sassy, bossy cats with attitude, but their markings are actually different. i really wanted to be careful in the fact that i treated belle as an individual, and not asjust a copy of my other cat. cloning for non—scientific purposes is banned in the uk and in the eu.

there have been concerns about the health of cloned animals, but the first essential step of cloning an animal, tissue cultivation and storage, is allowed here. samples for genetic preservation and cloning are mainly taken in the uk and europe after the animal has passed away, and the first process we do once the samples arrive with us is we preserve the dna to store it indefinitely for the owner, so that they can bring those skin samples back to life when they want to think about cloning. to clone an animal, all we actually need is one of these little piles of skin here. i will place one of these piles of skin into each of these vials. they contain our special freezing media, which is really key to this process of being able to freeze the samples down to —196 and retain the integrity of the dna to be able to create living cells from them in the future. the second stage is the cell culture, and that's where we try and replicate the individual cells that make up the skin sample. so the client has cultured

cells ready to move on to the stage of cloning. when the owner is ready to clone, we ship the samples to the usa for them. and that's where the actual cloning takes place. cloning animals is a multi—million—dollar industry and growing, but it's banned in a lot of countries, and cloning today mostly happens in the us, china and south korea. the first step of cloning _ is enucleation, so what you would do | is you would take eggs from some i females and you would denucleate the eggs, turn them into a blank egg. - the second step in cloning is reconstruction. - you would take one cell— from the animal you want to clone and insert it right i into that blank egg. the third step is - fusion and activation. that kind of mimics what an egg and sperm would do, that - day zero embryo. once that's done, the eggs get transferred into our surrogates| and the surrogate will have the babies naturally. -

clones are very similar to the original animal, i but there are some epigenetic factors. | for example, an environment, - what they eat, what experiences this new clone is going to have, that could make it a little l different than the original. how these technologies can be used for, obviously, conservation and the way that we can freeze cells down in order to be able to bring them back to life in 10, 20 or 1,000 years' time quite often comes back to these very same technologies. if you've preserved these genetics and you can clone some of these species back, you can actually help

a species that could be on the brink of extinction and hopefully stop that particular species from disappearing. of extinction and hopefully stop that particular species from disappearing. it's been 28 years since dolly the sheep was born and animal cloning is still controversial. even now, the success rate of a cloned embryo is relatively low, which raises ethical concerns about the wellbeing of donors and surrogates, as complications during the cloning process can cause pain and suffering to the animals involved. so would i clone zeus? i mean, the idea of having to say goodbye to him one day is heartbreaking, but realistically, could there ever be another zeus? that is it for the short version of the programme. the falling snow can be found on i pay. the programme. the falling snow can be found on i pay-— be found on i pay. thanks very much watchinu. be found on i pay. thanks very much watching- we _ be found on i pay. thanks very much watching. we will _ be found on i pay. thanks very much watching. we will see _ be found on i pay. thanks very much watching. we will see you _ be found on i pay. thanks very much watching. we will see you soon. - watching. we will see you soon. goodbye.

good morning, welcome to breakfast with naga munchetty and charlie stayt. our headlines today: the post—local elections hangover for the conservatives continues — the party's hopes turn to andy street's mayoral race in the west midlands. after a strong day of results for labour, it hopes for more success in london with seven mayoral elections still to declare. the mystery of the reappearing pine marten — how new sightings of the animal, thought to be extinct in parts of england, is confounding scientists. in sport, it's a huge final day ahead in football's championship, and it's set to be party time in ipswich, who need just a point to secure a return

to the premier league for the first time in over two decades. and it's a bank holiday weekend, while it won't be a washout they will be some rain and showers around, but also quite warm in the sunshine. all the details very shortly. it's saturday, 4 may. our main story: rishi sunak has insisted the conservatives have "everything to fight for" despite the party losing nearly half the seats contested in local elections in england. with results expected in several mayoral races today, the tories will be hoping that andy street can cling on as mayor in the west midlands. having already won key councils and a decisive by—election, labour's expected to hold on to most of the regional mayors up for grabs. our political correspondent harry farley has the story. not many smiles around for the conservatives. the party is set for its worst local elections result in years. cheering and applause

one result did bring some cheerfor rishi sunak. your re—elected mayor of teesside! ben houchen winning the tees valley mayor. people knew they could not be taken for granted, they knew it was ben and the conservatives that delivered for them and they stuck with you in this election and i know, come the general election they will stick with us too. the conservatives hope to win the west midlands mayoral race later today, another possible ray of hope in an otherwise bleak picture. but for now at least rishi sunak looks to have avoided the major rebellion he feared from his own mps. cheering and applause and three miles from the prime minister's house in yorkshire, look who showed up. sir keir starmer here celebrating a labour mayor in york and north yorkshire where parts of the county are usually solidly tory. in the villages in the towns of north yorkshire, people have

voted for change. they voted for labour. webb, christopher paul, commonly known as chris, labour party, 10,825. cheering and applause it was a red pattern across this patchwork of elections. in the parliamentary seat of blackpool south, a massive 26% swing to labour in the by—election. but for councils, it wasn't the size of labour's much as where they won. ——of labour's win as much as where they won. from places with big brexit votes like hartlepool, to the military town of aldershot in rushmore and the south coast where they won aida for the first time. it wasn't all good news for sir keir starmer. in oldham, independent candidates opposed to labour's stance on gaza meant they lost control over the council. the liberal democrats had big gains to win dorset and tunbridge wells. and picked up seats in other conservative facing towns

in the south like winchester... let's make this conservative government history! cheering ..where ed davey tried to argue the tories were like dinosaurs. this is a disaster for the conservatives. and in so many parts of the country, it will be conservative mps worried about liberal democrats. people know that if you want to get rid of this awful conservative government and make them history, they should vote liberal democrats. very exciting. back at the blackpool south by—election, just 117 votes separated second—place conservatives and third place reform uk, the successor to the brexit party. we are becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales, we are on the way up and it's quite clear that the tories are on the way down. cheering and applause the greens also gained seats, particularly in places

like bristol, which they are targeting come a general election. they recognise that the choice they have here in bristol is between a likely labour government, where it is 100% labour, and where keir starmer can continue to u—turn on policies every few weeks, or a labour government with a handful of greens who can hold them to account. for the conservatives this was an equal record low for them on their share of the vote. and for rishi sunak there are obvious questions about what he can do to turn their fortunes around. and for labour, the results were good — but if sir keir starmer wants to come back here after a general election with the majority of seats, it's not yet clear if they were good enough. there are more results to count today including the results of the mayors of london, greater manchester and the west midlands. with more results expected, let's take stock of where we are. first, let's look at

the mayoral elections. eleven mayors are being elected — in london, nine combined authorities and salford. four results are in so far. labour has won three, including one that covers rishi sunak�*s seat in york and north yorkshire. the re—election of lord ben houchen as mayor of tees valley has been a rare bright spot for the conservatives. we're expecting seven more mayoral results to come in today. we can take a look at the local council elections next — and there were celebrations for labour, which has so far gained 173 new councillors across england. there wasn't progress everywhere though, as the party lost overall control of oldham — although it remains the largest party. also disappointing results for the conservatives in england, who've so far lost almost 450 seats. that means that, as of this morning, the liberal democrats have won the second highest number of council seats in this election — 505. that's an increase of 101.

and it was a positive result for the greens too. they've increased their tally of councillors by 65, with a total of 159 being elected so far. 102 councils across england have declared their results. the remaining five will do so today. if we now think about the projected national share, this is what the bbc thinks would have happened if the whole country had voted yesterday and voted in the same way. the conservatives' tally was 25%. down 1% from last year, the joint lowest share ever. for labour, with a similar lead to last year, but not as good as it was in 1997 for tony blair quite yet. now, labour's success in the local elections has seen it recapture control of a number of councils in places that could be key battlegrounds in the upcoming

general election. one of those is redditch, bringing an end to six years of conservative leadership. our reporter, ben godfrey, has been getting the reaction from people in the area. labour's return to power in redditch might be seen as the beginning of the red wall rebuild, claiming 21 of 27 council seats. they'd promised a fresh start, to rejuvenate the town centre and keep the at—risk library exactly where it is. the library is the hub and they stipulated, i believe, that they would keep the library there, which i think is a really good idea. i'm very pleased, very pleased. we need a change — all round, really. i'm elated really. ijust hope they can pull- their socks up and do something. but the mood among tory voters here was as damp as the drizzle covered streets. i wouldn't vote labour if they were the last... people on earth. it's going to be straight back to how it was before.

rishi sunak needs a bit of a shock, i think he's got to realise that something's got to change. he seems to be in all this for himself and he's not looking after the average working person enough. should he be the leader of the conservatives going forward into an election? no — i think we need boris back. the redditch election is usually pored over by westminster for an emerging national trend. yet here, bluntly, so many voters are failing to engage. in a couple of wards, only around one in five people went to the ballot box. if they were to start putting obviously the people's thoughts first instead of their own, maybe everyone would have a different sort of view. but at the moment everything is all one—sided, the stuff that needs to be done is not being listened to. so labour's thoughts here in redditch turn now to the general election, whenever the date may be, because they will be thinking, "can we actually overturn a conservative 16,000 majority "at the 2019 election?" the conservatives held on to warsall council,

but with some heavy lifting. here in bentley and darlaston north they fell behind labour, an independent and reform. sapphire harding is a student and grew up locally. she told me no party really connects with young people. when they do try and include us and stuff, they override our opinion with other opinions, and when we do speak out on issues that affect older generations as well, they are very much like "ah, you are all young, "you don't know anything" kind of energy. the government has promised darlaston town centre more than £20 million of regeneration cash over the next decade. it all depends on, will they actually do what they promise, will they deliver? it's all about delivery. more work to do may be the message from voters in redditch and warsall, but there is no denying there is also apathy in the air. ben godfrey, bbc news. our political correspondent,

hannah miller, is in downing street for us now. good morning hannah, we've got a good idea of the local election picture now. what about the political parties and the mayoral elections to come? good mornin: the mayoral elections to come? good morning charlie. _ the mayoral elections to come? good morning charlie. there _ the mayoral elections to come? good morning charlie. there are _ the mayoral elections to come? (ems. morning charlie. there are lots of mayoral elections reporting their results this afternoon, broadly labour would be expecting to win many of them, greater manchester, west yorkshire, south yorkshire, there is no sense that there is going to be any kind of upset in any of those. the two that are interesting to look out for either west midlands and london. to take them one by one, in the west midlands you have an incumbent conservative mayor, andy street, he has been critical of some of rishi sunak�*s decisions and has distanced himself somewhat from his party. that has always been seen as a tight race, but this morning labour are playing down their expectations to some extent, they are saying that

while they think they might have done very well in some parts of the region, in other areas, done very well in some parts of the region, in otherareas, particularly where there is a higher muslim population, they think that their vote might be slightly down. london is currently labour, the mayor of london, sadiq khan, looking for his third term in office. that has been a really fraught campaign, his main opponent, the conservative susan hall has run a campaign that former conservative cabinet minister has described as" utter politics". the question to sadiq khan will be about where exactly people have turned out, there is indications that more people have gone out and voted in the outer boroughs of london, where the outer boroughs of london, where the labour party have traditionally not done quite so well as they have in some of the areas in inner london. so no—one is treating that as a done deal. broadly speaking though, the mood within labour this morning is pretty buoyant, they are pointing notjust to the seats that

they have one, but to specifically where those are, they think they are in the key battleground areas and the conservatives, the prime minister has described them as disappointing results, other people think they have been pretty terrible. there is very little sense that backbenchers are going to suddenly move against the prime minister, it seems he will be taking us into the next general election. thank you very much. as we've been hearing, ben houchen's victory in the tees valley mayoral contest was a rare bright spot for the conservatives. but other results across the north—east of england were less positive for the party, with labour taking control of hartlepool council. our reporter, luke walton, joins us from the town this morning. luke, talk us through the political lay of the land. absolutely. let's start with ben houchen's victory. that matters to residents here on teesside, but also very important to the wider morale of his party, both here in the northeast and across the country. as you say it was a rare bright spot in

what was a relatively grim set of results in this region. then houchen's majority i should say was down on 2021 but it was still substantial at 18000 and perhaps thatis substantial at 18000 and perhaps that is why rishi sunak decided to drop in on teesside airport to join in ben hampton's celebrations because there was some celebration —— expectation that if houchen had lost it would trigger a leadership challenge against the prime minister. let's ask the bigger question of whether this was a personal vote rather than a reflection of the conservatives believe was standing. there was much said about the fact that ben houchen's literature talk rather more about him than it did about his party. and he is a very popular figure here, he has a lot of name recognition, people credit him with saving the airport and bringing treasuryjobs saving the airport and bringing treasury jobs to saving the airport and bringing treasuryjobs to darlington, so there is definitely a personal factor there. as you say the wider local election results in the northeast a much more positive for labour, much more negative for the conservatives.

labour one hartlepool council with a raft of extra counsellors, the tories lost counsellors they are, they also unseated the conservative elyzen crime commissioner here for cleveland and just down the coast they won the york and north yorkshire mayoral contest in what had been seen as a traditionally tory area. —— police and crime commissioner. overall, ben houchen, a good day for him and that was important for conservative morale, but does that mark a wider sense of hope or turning point for the conservatives? i would say that is a much bigger question.— much bigger question. thank you luke, much bigger question. thank you luke. ltarry _ much bigger question. thank you luke. ltarry and _ much bigger question. thank you luke, barry and hartlepool. -- l much bigger question. thank you - luke, barry and hartlepool. -- there luke, barry and hartlepool. —— there in hartlepool. the green party has been celebrating what they describe as "encouraging results" in the local elections, having gained more than 60 seats. it has become the biggest party on a number of councils, including bristol, although it fell narrowly short of an overall majority there. the party's co—leader adrian ramsayjoins us now. very good morning to you, mr renzi, good to speak to you today. give us

a sense of your elation, with the results as they sent so far —— mr ramsi. results as they sent so far -- mr ramsi. ., ., results as they sent so far -- mr ramsi. . ., ., , ramsi. charlie, we are really deliahted ramsi. charlie, we are really delighted with _ ramsi. charlie, we are really delighted with these - ramsi. charlie, we are really delighted with these results, | ramsi. charlie, we are really i delighted with these results, for the first— delighted with these results, for the first local election in a row we have _ the first local election in a row we have a _ the first local election in a row we have a record number of green counsellors across the country, over 800 green — counsellors across the country, over 800 green counsellors now in all corners _ 800 green counsellors now in all corners of— 800 green counsellors now in all corners of england and wales, really showing _ corners of england and wales, really showing that wherever people wanted to elect _ showing that wherever people wanted to elect greens they are doing so in ever greater numbers, in rural areas, _ ever greater numbers, in rural areas. and— ever greater numbers, in rural areas, and local areas, taking things— areas, and local areas, taking things from the conservatives. a couple _ things from the conservatives. a couple of— things from the conservatives. a couple of particularly sensational results. — couple of particularly sensational results, you mentioned bristol, where _ results, you mentioned bristol, where we — results, you mentioned bristol, where we won 34 seats, which was an incredible _ where we won 34 seats, which was an incredible result, including winning every— incredible result, including winning every single seat within the new bristol _ every single seat within the new bristol central constituency, where my colleague and coleader carla denver— my colleague and coleader carla denyer stanning to bmp at the general— denyer stanning to bmp at the general election, it puts her in pole _ general election, it puts her in pole position there. and in hastings

we went— pole position there. and in hastings we went from being the fourth party on the _ we went from being the fourth party on the council to being the largest party— on the council to being the largest party in _ on the council to being the largest party in one election, which is an incredible — party in one election, which is an incredible achievement and we are hugely— incredible achievement and we are hugely grateful for their support in those _ hugely grateful for their support in those places and all around the country— those places and all around the country where we made breakthroughs onto new _ country where we made breakthroughs onto new councils in places like newcastle, sefton, and read it, we have councils for the first time, as well as— have councils for the first time, as well as adding to our numbers and so n1any_ well as adding to our numbers and so n1anyareas,— well as adding to our numbers and so many areas, places like exeter where we cemented a position as the main opposition, — we cemented a position as the main opposition, and many other areas right— opposition, and many other areas right across — opposition, and many other areas right across all areas of england where _ right across all areas of england where we — right across all areas of england where we have added to a number of seats, _ where we have added to a number of seats, it _ where we have added to a number of seats, it has — where we have added to a number of seats, it has shown the greens are a significant _ seats, it has shown the greens are a significant force in these elections in british— significant force in these elections in british politics, it is a seismic shift _ in british politics, it is a seismic shift in — in british politics, it is a seismic shift in english politics where people — shift in english politics where people know if they want green, if they want— people know if they want green, if they want a real change, a strong advocate — they want a real change, a strong advocate for the community for a fairer— advocate for the community for a fairer society, strong action on the climate _ fairer society, strong action on the climate they can vote crane and get a strong _ climate they can vote crane and get a strong and counsel to represent them _ a strong and counsel to represent them. �* , , , ., a strong and counsel to represent them. �* , , ., ., ., them. and yes you do not have overall majority _ them. and yes you do not have overall majority in _ them. and yes you do not have overall majority in a _ them. and yes you do not have overall majority in a single - overall majority in a single council, is that correct? —— yet.

that is not correct. this time last year— that is not correct. this time last year we _ that is not correct. this time last year we won— that is not correct. this time last year we won an overall majority by some _ year we won an overall majority by some distance in mid suffolk district — some distance in mid suffolk district council. my some distance in mid suffolk district council. g ., ., , ., district council. my apologies, what a mentor is — district council. my apologies, what a mentor is in _ district council. my apologies, what a mentor is in this _ district council. my apologies, what a mentor is in this round _ district council. my apologies, what a mentor is in this round of - a mentor is in this round of elections. tn a mentor is in this round of elections-— elections. in this round of elections _ elections. in this round of elections that _ elections. in this round of elections that is - elections. in this round of elections that is true, - elections. in this round of elections that is true, sol elections. in this round of. elections that is true, so in bristol— elections that is true, so in bristol we won 34 seats out of 70, very nearly — bristol we won 34 seats out of 70, very nearly half, that was at the upper— very nearly half, that was at the upper end — very nearly half, that was at the upper end of our expectations going into this _ upper end of our expectations going into this election, winning 34 seats on one _ into this election, winning 34 seats on one council is an incredible achievement, especially as we have one every— achievement, especially as we have one every single seat within that bristol— one every single seat within that bristol central constituency where carl bristol central constituency where cart is _ bristol central constituency where carl is standing to bmp. in other places— carl is standing to bmp. in other places where we have made significant steps forward, worcester, for example, exeter, south _ worcester, for example, exeter, south tyneside, all around the country. — south tyneside, all around the country, as well as hastings going from _ country, as well as hastings going from fourth party to being the first party, _ from fourth party to being the first party, these are a few steps forward for the _ party, these are a few steps forward for the green party, there are now nine councils across the country where _ nine councils across the country where we — nine councils across the country where we are the largest party. large _ where we are the largest party. large numbers of councils were greens— large numbers of councils were greens are _ large numbers of councils were greens are part of the ruling administration, often working with

other— administration, often working with other parties, which we're very happy— other parties, which we're very happy to— other parties, which we're very happy to do, we believe in progressive, cooperative politics were _ progressive, cooperative politics were together, where they can agree, and with— were together, where they can agree, and with more green councils selector— and with more green councils selector we have more influence within— selector we have more influence within those dynamics and so many council— within those dynamics and so many council chambers around the country. we look _ council chambers around the country. we look at _ council chambers around the country. we look at bristol, for a moment, obviously what people do and i'm sure you are already doing, as you are extrapolating how people are voting and thinking what would that mean in a general election? you have put an enormous amount of resources into that place campaigning, do you genuinely believe that you could have an mp in that constituency? aha, have an mp in that constituency? a green mp? yes, absolutely do, charlie — green mp? yes, absolutely do, charlie. we have a fantastic chance of that _ charlie. we have a fantastic chance of that you — charlie. we have a fantastic chance of that. you only have to be on the doorsteps — of that. you only have to be on the doorsteps in— of that. you only have to be on the doorsteps in bristol and in our other— doorsteps in bristol and in our other target seats to see how strong responses _ other target seats to see how strong responses. people are really clear that if— responses. people are really clear that if they want to change in places— that if they want to change in places like bristol greens can provide — places like bristol greens can provide that. and we are on track here _

provide that. and we are on track here for— provide that. and we are on track here for a — provide that. and we are on track here for a change of government, people _ here for a change of government, people want a change. but do people really— people want a change. but do people really want a labour government with the majority is so big they canjust do whatever they want or do they want _ do whatever they want or do they want a _ do whatever they want or do they want a diversity of voices in parliament with more greens there to hold them _ parliament with more greens there to hold them to account, to press for the action— hold them to account, to press for the action is— hold them to account, to press for the action is needed on the climate emergency, on defending and restoring public services, creating a fairer— restoring public services, creating a fairer society? it is greensill willing — a fairer society? it is greensill willing to _ a fairer society? it is greensill willing to say that if we're going to put— willing to say that if we're going to put the — willing to say that if we're going to put the investment that is needed on low— to put the investment that is needed on low production, on services, we are willing — on low production, on services, we are willing to — on low production, on services, we are willing to us the multimillionaires, the building is, the registered society, to pay modestly more in tax... crosstalk. just one modestly more in tax... crosstalk. just one more _ modestly more in tax... crosstalk. just one more question _ modestly more in tax... crosstalk. just one more question if _ modestly more in tax... crosstalk. just one more question if no, - modestly more in tax... crosstalk. just one more question if no, it - modestly more in tax... crosstalk. just one more question if no, it is i just one more question if no, it is in relation to one of the issues that appears to have been in the green party's favour, which is voters who have strong views in connection with gaza who are choosing to vote for the green party. have you got clear evidence of that as motivation? oh no it has

been reported that that is a shift, have you got evidence of that being the case? , ., ., , ., have you got evidence of that being the case? , ., .,, ., .,. ., the case? yes, we have, as a factor, one of a number— the case? yes, we have, as a factor, one of a number of— the case? yes, we have, as a factor, one of a number of factors _ the case? yes, we have, as a factor, one of a number of factors as - the case? yes, we have, as a factor, one of a number of factors as to - the case? yes, we have, as a factor, one of a number of factors as to why| one of a number of factors as to why the greens— one of a number of factors as to why the greens are doing very well. and, yes, a _ the greens are doing very well. and, yes, a clear— the greens are doing very well. and, yes, a clear stance right in the outset — yes, a clear stance right in the outset in — yes, a clear stance right in the outset in saying we need to have a bilateral— outset in saying we need to have a bilateral ceasefire in israel and gaza, _ bilateral ceasefire in israel and gaza, we — bilateral ceasefire in israel and gaza, we need to support communities that is— gaza, we need to support communities that is usually affected by this, deeply— that is usually affected by this, deeply worried by this in our country— deeply worried by this in our country and around the world, and that has— country and around the world, and that has resonated very strongly in many— that has resonated very strongly in many communities and it is a reason why greens — many communities and it is a reason why greens have done very well this time _ why greens have done very well this time but— why greens have done very well this time but if— why greens have done very well this time. but if you look at what our counsellors _ time. but if you look at what our counsellors are saying in areas where — counsellors are saying in areas where it — counsellors are saying in areas where it has been a factor, they have _ where it has been a factor, they have been— where it has been a factor, they have been clear that it has also being _ have been clear that it has also being the — have been clear that it has also being the people are looking for a change _ being the people are looking for a change in — being the people are looking for a change in the greens representing them _ change in the greens representing them at _ change in the greens representing them at local level, looking for people — them at local level, looking for people who will be a strong advocate for defending public services, for pressing — for defending public services, for pressing for more council housing, for protecting green spaces, and that's— for protecting green spaces, and that's why— for protecting green spaces, and that's why we're so confident that

we can— that's why we're so confident that we can turn— that's why we're so confident that we can turn what has now become stronger— we can turn what has now become stronger in— we can turn what has now become stronger in concentration of support in many— stronger in concentration of support in many parts of the country, places like norfolk— in many parts of the country, places like norfolk and suffolk, herefordshire, bristol, we can turn that strong — herefordshire, bristol, we can turn that strong concentration of support at a local— that strong concentration of support at a local level to getting more greens— at a local level to getting more greens elected at the general election— greens elected at the general election as well, because we so desperately need more greens elected at every— desperately need more greens elected at every level of government and that is— at every level of government and that is our— at every level of government and that is our focus on these elections. that is our focus on these elections-— that is our focus on these elections. ~ ., ., ,., , that is our focus on these elections. ~ ., ., ., ~ elections. 0k, adrian ramsay, thank ou for elections. 0k, adrian ramsay, thank you foryour— elections. 0k, adrian ramsay, thank you for your time _ elections. 0k, adrian ramsay, thank you for your time this _ elections. 0k, adrian ramsay, thank you for your time this morning. - you for your time this morning. adrian ramsay is the coleader of the green party. taste adrian ramsay is the coleader of the green party-— green party. we will have more on the elections _ green party. we will have more on the elections throughout _ green party. we will have more on the elections throughout the - the elections throughout the programme. you can of course follow all the results, reaction and analysis for councils, mayoral, and police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app and across bbc tv, radio and special podcasts. so, lots of statistics for you this morning one way or another. simon, i think you have some numbers people will be really liking to hear. i hope so. later on in the week temperatures will climb up again to

around about the high teens although 20s. some drier, warmer, orsunny weather on the way for the week. but for the bank holiday weekend, for many of us it is not looking too bad, not a washout, certainly, warm sunshine out there, certainly this morning, look at that scene in devon, sunshine, mist around the valleys, elsewhere across southern england the ms denley fault a little more persistent and certainly that is the scene at the moment in wiltshere, the son trying to break through the fog here and it will do, there will be some sunshine across many southern areas into today. further north, we've got more cloud, watch out for the odd heavy shower and thunderstorm in the far northeast of england this morning. that will tend to drift away. also fairly cloudy across northern england into northern ireland with more persistent rain here, heavy showers developing in north—west colin, those could be sundre, one or two showers and the far southeast of england as well, otherwise dry, temperature 17—18, we could reach 19

in the west of scotland today. not quite as high as the 23 celsius yesterday, but still pretty pleasant in the sunshine. tonight moreno crossed northern ireland into north—west england, scotland there could be heavy, perhaps thundery showers stop and if the clouds, temperatures 9—11, further south, beneath clear skies, temperatures dropping to 4— seven celsius. on sunday, for many parts another fine day with some warm sunshine. more cloud and showers in the far southwest of england. a few showers developing elsewhere, particularly so in the northeast of scotland where there could be thigh injury into the afternoon. on the whole, temperatures perhaps a little higher on sunday, will see 16 around the central belt, 18—19 in the southeast. as for bank holiday monday, we will see the weather front across southern areas bring showers throughout the day and also showers throughout the day and also showers further north across the northeast of scotland into central,

southern areas, may be northern england as well later on. you can see the showers across the far south. for many into central areas of england, north wales, it is looking largely dry, there will again be some sunny spells and temperatures, not too bad for this stage in may, but 14—17. on into next week, we are going to see this area of high—pressure building its in and that's going to bring settled, dry, and mostly sunny weather as well. in the sunshine at this time of year it will feel quite warm. temperatures 17-22. it looks great. thank you very much- _ 17-22. it looks great. thank you very much. 7:26 _ 17-22. it looks great. thank you very much. 7:26 the _ 17-22. it looks great. thank you very much. 7:26 the time. - there could be major reforms to disability benefits under proposals from the government. the prime minister has said he wants to address the rise in the number of people claiming personal independence payments

because of mental health conditions. that might mean making it harderfor those people to claim the benefit. our analysis editor, ros atkins, has been looking at what's being proposed, and what it could mean. the main disability benefit in england and wales is called pip or personal independence payment and the government wants to change it. t the government wants to change it. i believe that now is the time for a new conversation about the benefits system and how we can best support people to live a full and independent lives.- people to live a full and independent lives. people to live a full and inde endent lives. �* , independent lives. and the focus here is mental— independent lives. and the focus here is mental health. _ independent lives. and the focus here is mental health. since - independent lives. and the focus i here is mental health. since 2019, the number _ here is mental health. since 2019, the number of _ here is mental health. since 2019, the number of people _ here is mental health. since 2019, the number of people claiming - here is mental health. since 2019, the number of people claiming pip citing anxiety or depression as their main condition has doubled. it's not clear they have the same degree of increased living costs as those with physical conditions. pm?” those with physical conditions. pip was a payment helping with the extra cost of living with a disability or long—term condition, can be awarded to provide support with everyday tasks or getting around or both. the maximum payment is nearly £800 a month, the most receive a far less. and in england and wales 3.3 million

people are claiming pip. this is part of an increase in the cost of disability benefit that reaches back decades, pip, seen here and are was introduced in 2013 and the cost of pip has risen and risen. it is projected to continue to rise through the 2020s. this wasn't the plan. pip please see previous disability benefit, it was intended to reduce the overall cost. the conservative led coalition said that would be delivered in part by more rigourous assessments. that was then, this is what's promised now. aha, then, this is what's promised now. more objective and rigourous approach that focuses support on those with the greatest needs and extra costs stop and rishi sunak says at the moment the pip assessments are often easily exploited and subject to unverifiable claims. , ., unverifiable claims. they asked the department — unverifiable claims. they asked the department for _ unverifiable claims. they asked the department for work _ unverifiable claims. they asked the department for work and _ unverifiable claims. they asked the department for work and pensions | unverifiable claims. they asked the | department for work and pensions if a provide data on how often assessments are exploited. none was made available. in the current system works like this, they must initially provide supporting

evidence in writing, sometimes they will be assessed by a health professional as well, but now the government is looking at whether evidence of a clinical diagnosis could provide a more objective assessment of need. in other words, should there be more stringent requirements? in turn, that would make pip harder to claim and watching on disability campaigners are frustrated. the watching on disability campaigners are frustrated.— watching on disability campaigners are frustrated. ., ., are frustrated. the government have hiuuhlihted are frustrated. the government have highlighted that _ are frustrated. the government have highlighted that they _ are frustrated. the government have highlighted that they believe - highlighted that they believe disabled people are an expensive problem. i don't think never really offered anything in the way of a credible solution. to offered anything in the way of a credible solution.— credible solution. to the government, _ credible solution. to the government, any - credible solution. to the l government, any credible credible solution. to the - government, any credible solution will need to look afresh at mental health. official statistics show psychiatric disorders, which include a range of mental health conditions, a range of mental health conditions, a beenie man condition behind nearly 40% of pip assessments in the past five years because of the governments is the approach to mental health conditions needs to change. rishi sunak talks of being more precise about the type and severity of mental health conditions that should be eligible for pip. an

alternative to pip are being considered.— alternative to pip are being considered. ~ .., ., ., considered. when we come to mental health there — considered. when we come to mental health there is _ considered. when we come to mental health there is this _ considered. when we come to mental health there is this issue _ considered. when we come to mental health there is this issue about - health there is this issue about whether it's better to give cash payments or provide appropriate support. the payments or provide appropriate su ort. ., ,., , support. the government points towards tool _ support. the government points towards tool additional - support. the government points i towards tool additional investment in nhs talking therapies and is 2.5 builyan hannah baxter work programme. however, this emphasis on work has raised a further concern. we are also extremely worried that the government are conflating an extra cost payment, pip, without a work benefits. they are completely different things.— different things. they are different. _ different things. they are different. pip _ different things. they are different. pip can - different things. they are different. pip can be - different things. they are - different. pip can be claimed whether someone is in or out of work. when asked about all of this labour leader sir keir starmer says he is in favour of reforming benefits and he too wants to talk about work. t’m benefits and he too wants to talk about work-— benefits and he too wants to talk about work. �* ., , ~ ., about work. i'm a very keen on the schemes that _ about work. i'm a very keen on the schemes that support _ about work. i'm a very keen on the schemes that support people - about work. i'm a very keen on the schemes that support people back| schemes that support people back into work. very often people want to get back into work and either support to do so. need to get those weightings down, because they are giving many people out of work. taste

giving many people out of work. we await further details on how labour may referm —— form benefits and as these discussions play out rishi sunak knows that pip is very unlikely to change before the next general election. nonetheless, is a conversation he has chosen to start now. and the issue of pip connects great personal challenges faced by millions with great challenges faced by the country, because the uk benefits bill is rising, its health services under strain, its economy is struggling to grow stop with more and more people asking for support from the benefits system, the question is how should the country respond? let's return to our main story, the results of the local elections in england and wales. add full of results renounce. while the outcome of seven merel contests will be declared later. our political correspondent nick eardley has been taking a look at some of the key

numbers and joins us now. good morning, we are really starting to get a lot of the results in now and we have a pretty good picture actually about how things look for the various parties. should we start off with that, have a look at this. there is only five councils left to count, and this is the picture. it has been a pretty good night for the labour party, a pretty good day for the labour party, 173 counsellors up, the lib dems are a bit as well, really bad night for the conservatives. we were talking yesterday morning about they were on track to lose about half the seats they were defending, that is still they were defending, that is still the case. you can see it there are down 448 counsellors, that is a really bad result of the tories, about as bad as they feared it could be. this is what it means in terms of the vote share, the change since 2021 when these councils were last contested. you can see the conservatives down 12%, labour up 3% which maybe isn't as high as someone

labour party would have hoped, particularly if they were in the big landslide at a general election, you can see some of the other parties are doing well. —— looking at a big landslide. when you chat to people in the labour party about that figure and see why is it not higher, the argument they make is they are winning in parts of the country they think they would need to win if they were going to win a majority at a general election. let me pick one example for you. here it is, milton keynes. this was a hung council, it is now a labour council. you can see they put on four seats, the lib dems put on three as well and the conservatives lost seven. milton keynes is so interesting because it is what we in westminster often call however, it normally boasts the same way as england as a whole. labour look at that, they are pretty happy. one other result that i want to flag

that we got late last night, dorset in the southwest of england, that had been a conservative council, it is now a lib dem council, look about, you can see what's happened, about, you can see what's happened, a bunch of people who used to vote for the conservatives have vote for the liberal democrats. the lib dems are saying this morning that shows they are back in business in that part of the country and that they can challenge a lot of conservative mps in that part of the world. i just want to talk very quickly about tactical voting, because there is a couple of trends that have come up that i think are really interesting. this is what has happened in parts of england where the conservatives was first and labour was second. last time. you can see what has happened, the conservative vote has gone down 15%, more than i did across the country, and the labour vote has gone up a lot more than it did on average. that suggests people who don't want the conservatives in our picking labour because they think they are best placed to beat them. and that is also the case for

them. and that is also the case for the lib dems in areas where they finished second. look at them again, the conservative vote is down 14%, a bit more in line with the national polls but the lib dems are the main beneficiaries rather than labour. so some tactical voting there which could be tricky for the conservatives. look also at this, where the reform party is standing. this is making a lot of tory mps very worries. the conservative vote has gone down more than it has an average of while the reform vote has gone up quite considerably. they will be some tory mps —— this has some tory mps worried that it reform stand in england as they want to do, they are worried. this is areas with high muslim population, this will make labour nervous, because look what has happened, while labour's vote is up across the country it is massively down in these key wards

whether high muslim population. it will worry some mps, it could also be important today where in the west midlands mayor where labour are hoping to be the tories, this could have an impact, also in london where sadiq khan is up against the conservative susan hall. thank you, we will see you later on in the morning. let's hear from professor sirjohn curtice from the university of strathclyde. i hope you are feeling better, yesterday i think were clinging to your school because it had been a long night. i hope you had some good sleep? long night. i hope you had some good slee? , long night. i hope you had some good slee - ? , . long night. i hope you had some good slee . ? , ., ., long night. i hope you had some good slee? , ., ., , , sleep? yes, i had a good night sleep and wasn't disturbed _ sleep? yes, i had a good night sleep and wasn't disturbed to _ sleep? yes, i had a good night sleep and wasn't disturbed to early - sleep? yes, i had a good night sleep and wasn't disturbed to early this - and wasn't disturbed to early this morning — and wasn't disturbed to early this morning by yourself and your fellow programmes. morning by yourself and your fellow programmes-— morning by yourself and your fellow programmes. where we are at now, com ared programmes. where we are at now, compared to — programmes. where we are at now, compared to yesterday, _ programmes. where we are at now, compared to yesterday, has - programmes. where we are at now, compared to yesterday, has the - programmes. where we are at now, i compared to yesterday, has the much changed? we had the conservative

mayoral victory with ben houchen but in terms of the picture you are predicting in terms of the local elections? t0 predicting in terms of the local elections?— predicting in terms of the local elections? ., , ., , , . elections? to be honest the picture doesnt elections? to be honest the picture doesn't look _ elections? to be honest the picture doesn't look that _ elections? to be honest the picture doesn't look that different - elections? to be honest the picture doesn't look that different this - doesn't look that different this morning from what it did 24 hours ago, and indeed the picture is very much in line with what frankly most of us were anticipating given the position of the parties in the opinion polls and how they has or has not shifted through the course of the last 12 months. you may remember others who said given where they are in the polls, the conservatives could lose 500 seats. they are not going to quite i think reach that number, but it is already at around 450, it's not going to be far south of it. we have said they could well lose around one in three of the police and crime commissioner contests, that looks like it is also going to happen. and perhaps crucially, the projected national share we have produced, this is a bit people need to focus on. it is not a forecast of what will happen in a general election, but it is a

statement, a summary statement of the performance of the parties in these elections. and the crucial bit about it is, where were conservative and labour last year? the labor party were nine points ahead of the conservatives. where do they stand this year, labour r nine points ahead of the conservatives. labour don't do as well at local elections as they do in general elections, but the crucial bit is this. the leaders the crucial bit is this. the leaders the same this year as it last year. the polls are also saying that if it were a general election, the lead at the moment is the same as it was 12 months ago more or less. so there is nothing in these results to suggest contrary to the opinion polls that the conservatives are actually beginning to narrow the gap on labour. and that so far at least, rishi sunak�*s project which he has tried to recover from the disaster from the conservative point of view of the liz truss fiscal event, the project has still got very little to show for it. and that innocence is

the big takeaway. conservatives, as all parties do by the elections, they always want you to focus on the exception rather than the rule. and tees valley and probably the west midlands are the exceptions, not the rule. and in particular what we know about their mayoral elections and particularly those toe is people don'tjust particularly those toe is people don't just vote particularly those toe is people don'tjust vote on party lines, they are also influenced by attitudes towards the individual, but is one of the purposes for which these elections were created and we know from polling done in the west midlands and the tees valley there were quite a lot of people who said yes, i will vote for andy street or for ben houchen but i wouldn't vote conservative in a general election. you have covered what the bbc analysis and how the conservatives are doing, just hearing nick only a little earlier when he was going through the numbers, one of the things he picked up was although labour will be celebrating for various reasons, they have been some significant losses, particularly on wards where there is a large number

of muslim voters. oldham is a case in itself, it had a very specific issue where counsellors resigned from the party and independence did well there, but is it worth talking about labour mess not getting through and having to work on that? i think it is perfectly clear from the results that the labour party's stands on gaza has caused the party difficulty amongst those in the muslim community and frankly it has also caused a problem amongst labour supporters more broadly. but certainly it is a pretty clear, particularly actually in places not only where there are substantial muslim communities but went labour were strong in the past, with getting over 50% of the vote. those places, labour's vote have done around seven, eight percentage point as opposed to three years ago, labour devon we have work to do to try and reconnect with that

community. —— definitely have work to do. given labour's stance towards gaza and that innocence of a labour is the biggest message that comes to them in terms of what might stand between them and what they want to achieve in a general election. what we do need to bear in mind is that most of the places in the parliamentary election where there are a large number of muslim voters, they already tend to be very safe seat so at the moment i think what we would find if we had a general election, labour might well fall back on some of these seats but because the labour party is already so strong they probably would still succeed in winning in a parliamentary election. but this is the big message to labourfrom these local elections, is that they are indeed now in trouble with some of their muslim former supporters. john, always enjoy talking to you, thank you so much and do take care, thank you so much and do take care, thank you so much and do take care, thank you for all your help with our coverage. 7.41. what do we

call today. — with our coverage. 7.41. what do we call today. it — with our coverage. 7.41. what do we call today. it is _ with our coverage. 7.41. what do we call today. it is a _ with our coverage. 7.41. what do we call today, it is a crunch _ with our coverage. 7.41. what do we call today, it is a crunch day - with our coverage. 7.41. what do we call today, it is a crunch day in - call today, it is a crunch day in the championship. things are decided, and ipswich should — things are decided, and ipswich should be — things are decided, and ipswich should be celebrating, including ed sheeran, _ should be celebrating, including ed sheeran, a — should be celebrating, including ed sheeran, a big ipswich man who is on tour in _ sheeran, a big ipswich man who is on tour in america. it's the final day of the regular championship season, with so much to play for, destinies decided. all 24 sides play at the same time, with the likes of birmingham, plymouth, sheffield wednesday and blackburn fighting to survive. and at the top, it should be promotion party time for ipswich town. theyjust need a draw at home against huddersfield who are all but relegated, to return to the premier league for the first time in 22 years. jonathan park reports. from coventry away to huddersfield at home, followed by a hell party. that is the plan. tt at home, followed by a hell party. that is the plan.— that is the plan. it will be fantastic, _ that is the plan. it will be fantastic, i— that is the plan. it will be fantastic, i have - that is the plan. it will be fantastic, i have no - that is the plan. it will be fantastic, i have no doubti that is the plan. it will be - fantastic, i have no doubt about it, they will be right behind us, of course there will be an extra special atmosphere around on top of the incredible home is what we have had over the last couple of years

and we know they will play their part and that will help us and again other than that it will be about executing as well as weekend. the last manager _ executing as well as weekend. the last manager to lead ipswich to the promised land was george burley 24 years ago. tt promised land was george burley 24 ears a . o. . , promised land was george burley 24 ears auo. . , . promised land was george burley 24 ears ao. ., ., ., promised land was george burley 24 earsauo. ., ., ., , years ago. it was a game of habits, and it starts — years ago. it was a game of habits, and it starts from _ years ago. it was a game of habits, and it starts from the _ years ago. it was a game of habits, and it starts from the training - and it starts from the training ground all the way through, kevin team have shown they haven't changed too much as far as the tactics, the system, so they will be going out there to try and emulate what they have been doing all season, and if they can do that we will get promoted. of course, it's not 100% sure but you have got to carry on the good things you have been doing. ipswich are blessed with some high achieving history making managers. kerryn mccann it will be looking to follow in the footsteps of this man, who took town from the third tier to the top flight in his first managerialjob. mind you he will have to do what sir alfred did because he won the first division,

another premier league in his first season there. the maths are simple, one point is needed against a doomed huddersfield side for town to follow lester up. what would ipswich bring to the premier league? unfortunately it will showcase _ to the premier league? unfortunately it will showcase kieran _ to the premier league? unfortunately it will showcase kieran mckenna - to the premier league? unfortunately it will showcase kieran mckenna to i to the premier league? unfortunately it will showcase kieran mckenna to a i it will showcase kieran mckenna to a lot of potential teams, but we will bring a new style of play. t lot of potential teams, but we will bring a new style of play.- bring a new style of play. i think it will be an _ bring a new style of play. i think it will be an inspiration - bring a new style of play. i think it will be an inspiration to - it will be an inspiration to everyone. it will be an inspiration to everyone-— it will be an inspiration to eve one. ., ., everyone. we don't have individual stars, mckenna _ everyone. we don't have individual stars, mckenna has _ everyone. we don't have individual stars, mckenna has brought - everyone. we don't have individual stars, mckenna has brought a - everyone. we don't have individual| stars, mckenna has brought a really .ood stars, mckenna has brought a really good sguad — stars, mckenna has brought a really good squad together— stars, mckenna has brought a really good squad together and _ stars, mckenna has brought a really good squad together and i- stars, mckenna has brought a really good squad together and i think- stars, mckenna has brought a really| good squad together and i think that team has— good squad together and i think that team has brought _ good squad together and i think that team has brought us _ good squad together and i think that team has brought us to— good squad together and i think that team has brought us to where - good squad together and i think that team has brought us to where we i good squad together and i think that i team has brought us to where we are. a whole _ team has brought us to where we are. a whole generation _ team has brought us to where we are. a whole generation of _ team has brought us to where we are. a whole generation of ipswich - team has brought us to where we are. a whole generation of ipswich man . a whole generation of ipswich man has never seen ipswich kick a ball into premier league. i might not have to much longer. —— ipswich fans. looking to avoid relegation from the premier league are luton town, who missed the chance to escape, the premier league relegation zone, last night after being held to a one all draw by everton, who themselves are now safe. dominic calvert—lewin had put the visitors ahead, before elijah adebayo

levelled before half time, but they couldn't find a winner and the draw leaves luton, level on points with nottingham forest, but they stay in 18 place, because of their inferior goal difference. it's a huge day of rugby union semifinals, with sharks and gloucester at home in the european challenge cup, while northampton saints prepare for one of their biggest games in over a decade later, a champions cup semifinal against leinster at croke park in dublin, in front of over 80,000 fans. the club are still on for the double this season, premiership and european titles, and theirform has been guided by two coaches, sam vesty and lee radford. james burridge has been to see them. it is the kind of person who pick themselves up off the campus but when you have been smacked in the mouth are not only get up and go hard. ., ., ., , ., ., hard. you have to understand that there are mistakes _ hard. you have to understand that there are mistakes in _ hard. you have to understand that there are mistakes in the - hard. you have to understand that there are mistakes in the higher. there are mistakes in the higher pressure — there are mistakes in the higher pressure you live under, the better you are _ pressure you live under, the better you are going to be. you're going to see mistakes and how you agree and

that is— see mistakes and how you agree and that is very— see mistakes and how you agree and that is very important. sam see mistakes and how you agree and that is very important.— that is very important. sam betty and lee radford, _ that is very important. sam betty and lee radford, attack - that is very important. sam betty and lee radford, attack and - that is very important. sam betty - and lee radford, attack and defence, rugby�*s two fundamentals. you and lee radford, attack and defence, rugby's two fundamentals.— rugby's two fundamentals. you are runnina rugby's two fundamentals. you are running into — rugby's two fundamentals. you are running into car— rugby's two fundamentals. you are running into car crashes _ rugby's two fundamentals. you are running into car crashes 20 - rugby's two fundamentals. you are running into car crashes 20 times i rugby's two fundamentals. you are running into car crashes 20 times a | running into car crashes 20 times a game sometimes, so it takes a special type of person, you have a different mindset. i think as a sport we have got to relish that, we have got to advertise though, that is what we have to promote that. what makes a good coach, in your mind? , . ~ what makes a good coach, in your mind? , , mind? flippant heck, the way i try ann steward _ mind? flippant heck, the way i try ann steward is _ mind? flippant heck, the way i try ann steward is try _ mind? flippant heck, the way i try ann steward is try to _ mind? flippant heck, the way i try ann steward is try to give - mind? flippant heck, the way i try ann steward is try to give loads i mind? flippant heck, the way i try ann steward is try to give loads ofi ann steward is try to give loads of different— ann steward is try to give loads of different problems and help them on a journey— different problems and help them on a journey to solve those problems and become confident decision—makers. learning doesn't look pretty. — decision—makers. learning doesn't look pretty, it doesn't look amazing, it doesn't look like a drill— amazing, it doesn't look like a drill that— amazing, it doesn't look like a drill that you get right 100% of the time _ drill that you get right 100% of the time if— drill that you get right 100% of the time if it— drill that you get right 100% of the time. if it does you're not learning anything _ time. if it does you're not learning anything because the pressure is not

hi-h anything because the pressure is not high enough. anything because the pressure is not high enough-— high enough. vessey has been orchestrating _ high enough. vessey has been orchestrating for _ high enough. vessey has been orchestrating for a _ high enough. vessey has been orchestrating for a few - high enough. vessey has been orchestrating for a few years l high enough. vessey has been - orchestrating for a few years now. radford arrived last summer. scenes were scoring tries for fun, but conceding far too many.- were scoring tries for fun, but conceding far too many. fear of failure has _ conceding far too many. fear of failure has always _ conceding far too many. fear of failure has always been - conceding far too many. fear of failure has always been my - failure has always been my motivator. i think, failure has always been my motivator. ithink, ultimately, defensively you have got to want to defend, there has got to be that desire to defend. statistically it is looking as good as it should in that area, onto a win, people wanted to improve. that area, onto a win, people wanted to improve-— to improve. this saturday this two rebecca saint _ to improve. this saturday this two rebecca saint s41— to improve. this saturday this two rebecca saint s41 the _ to improve. this saturday this two rebecca saint s41 the biggest - to improve. this saturday this two i rebecca saint s41 the biggest games in over a decade, a european semi—final at croke park in dublin against leinster in front of over 80,000. ., , ., ., , ., 80,000. the more began to beam in the better equipped _ 80,000. the more began to beam in the better equipped for _ 80,000. the more began to beam in the better equipped for those - 80,000. the more began to beam in the better equipped for those games | the better equipped for those games you are. we've got games, a lot more get —— a lot more guys who played international in front of 80,000

people, who know how to handle themselves and get the best out of themselves and get the best out of themselves in those environments. how are you going to stop leinster? pregame isjust as important. they have been— pregame isjust as important. they have been involved in so many big games, _ have been involved in so many big games, particularly early on in my playing _ games, particularly early on in my playing career, where you have you so much _ playing career, where you have you so much nervous energy earlier on in the week_ so much nervous energy earlier on in the week and — so much nervous energy earlier on in the week and you ran the game, you ran every— the week and you ran the game, you ran every scenario through ahead time _ ran every scenario through ahead time and — ran every scenario through ahead time and time again, by the time you .et time and time again, by the time you get on _ time and time again, by the time you get on the _ time and time again, by the time you get on the field ten minutes into the game — get on the field ten minutes into the game you feel like you've got led boots — the game you feel like you've got led boots on. our effort and energy and it— led boots on. our effort and energy and it has— led boots on. our effort and energy and it has got to be right up there. as a special— and it has got to be right up there. as a special person that wants to play rugby — as a special person that wants to play rugby and an even more special person— play rugby and an even more special person who — play rugby and an even more special person who was to play in these big games— person who was to play in these big games and — person who was to play in these big games and come on. there we go. we're back we started. chris symon rugby union as well. absolutely. thanks very much. —— crunch time. now, it's time for newswatch. bbc news stands accused of wasting money. welcome to newswatch with me, samira ahmed. coming up, was it

really necessary to send the bbc�*s political editor and news presenters to scotland on the day of the first minister's resignation? or does it show the bbc�*s commitment to broadcasting from and for all the nations and regions of the uk? it's been a big week in politics, notjust because of the local elections in england and wales, but because of the political drama that took place in scotland on monday. that evening's news at six started in slightly comical fashion. hello. good evening. welcome to the bbc news at six live from the holyrood parliament in edinburgh. on a tumultuous day in scottish politics, humza yousaf has announced he is standing down as snp leader and scotland's first minister afterjust 13 months in office.

a number of viewers contacted us, concerned not by that brief and unscheduled appearance from chris mason at the start there, but by what the bbc�*s political editor and presenterjane hill were doing in edinburgh in the first place. there's already a scotland editor for bbc news, james cook, and he was on the spot and reporting on the story too, and joining chris and jane in a discussion about the implications of humza yousef�*s resignation. amanda thomas was one of those asking this question. was it really necessary to send jane hill and chris mason to edinburgh today? well, mary jane wright also got in touch with us and we can now speak to her.

hello, mary jane. thank you for coming on newswatch. what did you object to about the bbc�*s coverage of this story? well, mainly was what your correspondents have just said. is that what it really necessary to send chris mason and jane hill there? the bbc in scotland have excellent reporters. they know the area extremely well and they live there. chris mason and jane hill are very good. there's no problem with them. but really to send two more reporters and then to have three reporters standing, having a discussion with not a political person inside was a bit i don't know, itjust seemed a little bit overkill to me. this is an issue that's come up before for viewers. do you not think that it's ever justified sending national news people to do such live broadcasts from the locations of big stories elsewhere? it depends on the story.

it's — i mean, was it an important story. yes, but you don't need three people standing there, three reporters standing there discussing it. and it's big, big stories are big stories. and you do obviously with things going on, you need you can't have one reporter there reporting for 24 hours a day. so you do need extra reporters. but this really. no, i don't think it warranted extra people there. i suppose the other issue, which one of the other viewers mentioned was at a time when the bbc�*s talking about budget cuts and cutting jobs, is this a wise use of licence fee payers money sending people up? exactly. bbc do some excellent programmes. i'm very, very supportive of the bbc. but you know, in times are strained and it is difficult for all

companies to cover their costs in some cases and to send people somewhere, you know, airfares or railfares and hotels, they're not cheap. maryjane wright, thank you so much. thank you, samira. we did ask for someone from bbc news to come on the programme to discuss the deployment of london based staff to scotland on monday. but our invitation was refused. instead, we were given this statement. there have been many upsetting and shocking images

from the middle east over the past seven months or so and parts of fergal keane's report shown on friday last week on bbc one's news bulletins, certainly fitted into that category. the subject was the death of a baby named sabrine, who had been rescued from her dying mother's womb after an israeli air strike in southern gaza. we were shown pictures of sabrine struggling for life in hospital and later her body being brought home to her community. we won't be showing that footage ourselves, but here's an excerpt from later in the report. today, her uncle rami prayed at sabrin's grave. overhead an israeli drone. the loss that changed everything for this family changes nothing in the war.

translation: this girl left a mark on everyone's heart. _ she moved the whole world. to me, sabrina was the living legacy of my brother. before the report was shown on the news at six, there was a warning from the presenter about the distressing images to come, but that wasn't enough for this caller to our phone line. hello. my name is christine. i live in devon and i'vejust been watching the 6:00 news on bbc one about the death of a baby. it's way beyond before the watershed. it's far too graphic. it's very, very upsetting. and children could be watching this. i just wanted to express our disgust. thank you. colin gould made a similar point on email.

well, we put that to bbc news and they told us we take considered and difficult decisions when it comes to showing graphic images on the news bulletins. that same day, bbc one's lunchtime news showed a report ahead of the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings, the largest seaborne invasion in history, which began the liberation of france when the second world war broke out. these veterans of the normandy landings were the same age as some of the schoolchildren they're meeting today. we, my colleagues, we are —

we went through it. we know the little stories, the and it's important that they know. when you think of learning about history and d—day, you always watch movies. you read books, you think of all these things. but then you never really realise what it's like until you hear these people actually talking about it. the allied invasion of northern france succeeded in wresting europe from nazi occupation. nick was watching carefully and got in touch with this afterwards about an error with the archive footage at the end of that clip.

finally, more people than ever before in history are voting in elections this year, and the biggest of those elections is under way in india, where almost a billion people are casting their ballots over a six week period. yogita limaye's report appeared on the news at ten a couple of weeks ago. a right given to every adult citizen since india's independence. more than 75 years on, it remains a much cherished one. despite the blazing heat, people came out. many here are farmers and daily wagers coming in early so they can get to their jobs after voting. the logistical challenge of such a democratic exercise is mind boggling. but there's also a challenge to journalists covering the election. prashant kadam had a plea to make dear bbc team

as a concerned citizen of india. thank you, prashant, and thank you all for your comments this week. if you want to share your opinions about what you see or hear on bbc news, on tv, radio, online and social media email newswatch at bbc.co.uk or you can

find us on x, formerly known as twitter at newswatch bbc. you can call us on 3700106676. and do you have a look at previous interviews on our website, bbc. co. uk/newswatch. that's all from us for now. thank you forjoining us. do think about getting in touch and perhaps even coming on the programme now. i am away next week, but rajini vaidyanathan will be here for more of your thoughts about how the bbc covers the news and i will be back in a fortnight. good morning and welcome to breakfast with naga munchetty and charlie stayt. our headlines today. the hangover for the conservatives continue but the party's hopes turn to the west midlands mayoral race.

we are expecting a very close race in the _ we are expecting a very close race in the west— we are expecting a very close race in the west midlands as andy street aims to— in the west midlands as andy street aims to win a third term as the region— aims to win a third term as the region of's_ aims to win a third term as the region of's metro mayor.- aims to win a third term as the region of's metro mayor. after a strong day _ region of's metro mayor. after a strong day results _ region of's metro mayor. after a strong day results for _ region of's metro mayor. after a strong day results for labour - region of's metro mayor. after a strong day results for labour it i strong day results for labour it hopes for more success in london with seven mayoral elections still to declare. an urgent appeal for thousands of new foster carers — we meet the couple who have looked after more than 150 children. we've had all sorts of kids from all sorts of backgrounds and it's nice to give them a safe, comfortable home. it's a huge final day ahead in football's championship, and it's set to be promotion party time in ipswich, who need just a point to secure a return to the premier league for the first time in over two decades. and it's a bank holiday weekend. while it's not going to be a wash—out, there will be a little bit of rain and some showers around, but also quite warm in the sunshine. i'll have all the details very shortly.

it's saturday, the 4th of may. our main story. rishi sunak has insisted the conservatives have "everything to fight for" — despite the party losing nearly half the seats contested in local elections in england. with results expected in several mayoral races today, the tories will be hoping that andy street can cling on as mayor in the west midlands. having already won key councils and a decisive by—election, labour's expected to hold on to most of the regional mayoral seats up for grabs. our political correspondent, harry farley, has the story. not many smiles around for the conservatives. the party is set for its worst local elections result in years. one result did bring some cheer for rishi sunak, you are re—elected mayor of teesside. ben houchen winning the tees valley mayor. people knew that they couldn't be taken for granted. they knew that it was ben

and the conservatives that delivered for them and they stuck with you in this election. and i know that come the general election, they're going to stick with us too. the conservatives hope to win the west midlands mayoral race when the results are out later today. another possible ray of hope in an otherwise bleak picture. but for now at least, rishi sunak looks to have avoided the major rebellion he feared from his own mps. and three miles from the prime minister's house in yorkshire, look who showed up. sir keir starmer here celebrating a labour mayor in york and north yorkshire, where parts of the county are usually solidly tory. to the villages and the towns of north yorkshire, people have voted for change. they voted for labour. webb, christopher paul, commonly known as chris, labour party 10,825.

there was a red pattern across this patchwork of elections in the parliamentary seat of blackpool south, a massive 26% swing to labour in the by election. but for councils, it wasn't the size of labour's win as much as where they won, from places with big brexit votes like hartlepool to the military town of aldershot and rushmoor and the south coast where they won ader for the first time. it wasn't all good news for sir keir starmer. in oldham, ondependent candidates opposed to labour's stance on gaza meant they lost control of the council. the liberal democrats had big gains to win dorset and tunbridge wells. and picked up seats in other conservative facing towns in the south, like winchester. let's make this conservative government history. where ed davey tried to argue the tories were like dinosaurs.

this is disaster for the conservatives and in so many parts of the country, it'll be conservative mps worried about liberal democrats. people know that if you want to get rid of this awful conservative government and make them history, they should vote liberal democrat. back at the blackpool south by election, just 117 votes separated second place conservatives and third place reform uk, the successor to the brexit party. we're becoming the real opposition to the labour party in the north, in the midlands, in wales. we're on the way up and it's quite clear that the tories are on the way down. the greens also gained seats, particularly in places like bristol, which they are targeting come a general election. it's a seismic shift in english politics where people know that if they want green, if they want a real change, a strong advocate for their community, for a fairer society, for strong action on the climate, they can vote green and get a strong green

councillor to represent them. for the conservatives, this was an equal record low for them on their share of the vote and for rishi sunak there are obvious questions about what he can do to turn their fortunes around. and for labour, the results were good. but if sir keir starmer wants to come back here after a general election with a majority of seats, it's not yet clear if they were good enough. there are more results to count today, including the mayors of london, greater manchester and the west midlands. harry farley, bbc news. with more results expected, let's take stock of where we are. first, let's look at the mayoral elections. 11 mayors are being elected — in london, nine combined authorities, and salford. four results are in so far. labour has won three, including one that covers rishi sunak�*s seat in york and north yorkshire. the re—election of lord ben houchen

as mayor of tees valley has been a rare bright spot for the conservatives. we're expecting seven more mayoral results to come in today. we can take a look at the local council elections next — and there were celebrations for labour, which has so far gained 173 new councillors across england. there wasn't progress everywhere though, as the party lost overall control of oldham — although it remains the largest party. it was a disappointing result for the conservatives across england, who've so far lost almost 450 seats. that means that, as of this morning, the liberal democrat party has won the second highest number of council seats in this election — 505. that's an increase of 101. and it was a positive result for the greens too. the party has increased its tally of councillors by 65, with a total of 159 being elected so far. 102 councils across england have declared their results. the remaining five will do so today. let's turn now

to the projected national share. this is what the bbc thinks would have happened if the whole country had voted yesterday and voted in the same way. the conservatives' tally was 25%. down one percent from last year, the joint lowest share ever. it's good for labour— with a similar lead to last year, but not as good as it was in the 1997 local elections under tony blair. our political correspondent, hannah miller, is in downing street for us now. in terms of the main parties we heard from the party leaders and the prime minister yesterday. selecting, i think it would be fair to say, the areas where they wanted to focus on. absolutely yes, and that is likely to be _ absolutely yes, and that is likely to be the — absolutely yes, and that is likely to be the case again later this afternoon _ to be the case again later this afternoon when the conservatives are hoping _ afternoon when the conservatives are hoping for _ afternoon when the conservatives are hoping for a _ afternoon when the conservatives are hoping for a win for andy street in

the west— hoping for a win for andy street in the west midlands and again that would _ the west midlands and again that would be a psychological boost and something they could point to, but it wouldn't— something they could point to, but it wouldn't necessarily, when you hit reality. — it wouldn't necessarily, when you hit reality, it wouldn't necessarily mean _ hit reality, it wouldn't necessarily mean that — hit reality, it wouldn't necessarily mean that they therefore would do hugely— mean that they therefore would do hugely well there come the general election _ hugely well there come the general election. and that kind of narrative could _ election. and that kind of narrative could also— election. and that kind of narrative could also change today when we get the west _ could also change today when we get the west midlands result on the london — the west midlands result on the london result, if there were to be any kind _ london result, if there were to be any kind of— london result, if there were to be any kind of upset their although the indications — any kind of upset their although the indications we are getting this morning — indications we are getting this morning from the parties are that in london _ morning from the parties are that in london it— morning from the parties are that in london it is— morning from the parties are that in london it is expected that sadiq khan _ london it is expected that sadiq khan will— london it is expected that sadiq khan will hold mayoral position but it had _ khan will hold mayoral position but it had maybe going to be closer than expected _ it had maybe going to be closer than expected. the mood comes down to that. _ expected. the mood comes down to that. the _ expected. the mood comes down to that, the conservatives are despondent with rishi sunak describing them as disappointing results _ describing them as disappointing results in some people would say that is— results in some people would say that is something of an understatement but there is no real sense _ understatement but there is no real sense there will be any kind of rebellion — sense there will be any kind of rebellion or move against him at this stage — rebellion or move against him at this stage. he's expected to carry

the can— this stage. he's expected to carry the can into the general election and using — the can into the general election and using that language this morning saying _ and using that language this morning saying it _ and using that language this morning saying it is _ and using that language this morning saying it is all still to fight for, to some — saying it is all still to fight for, to some extent. he has to say that because _ to some extent. he has to say that because what else is he going to be saying _ because what else is he going to be saying at— because what else is he going to be saying at this point. labour are pretty— saying at this point. labour are pretty buoyant and happy with these results _ pretty buoyant and happy with these results and getting into the detail and looking at where they have one, that is— and looking at where they have one, that is what — and looking at where they have one, that is what they think is important to them _ that is what they think is important to them in— that is what they think is important to them in terms of this translating into a _ to them in terms of this translating into a general election. when you look at _ into a general election. when you look at the — into a general election. when you look at the projected national share. — look at the projected national share, there is no doubt it is not as high— share, there is no doubt it is not as high as — share, there is no doubt it is not as high as it— share, there is no doubt it is not as high as it has been historically, but they— as high as it has been historically, but they will hope that people vote differently in a general election to how they— differently in a general election to how they do in local elections. they have done _ how they do in local elections. they have done well in the last few days and they— have done well in the last few days and they need to do very well if they— and they need to do very well if they want— and they need to do very well if they want to walk through the doors of downing street with keir starmer as prime _ of downing street with keir starmer as prime minister.— of downing street with keir starmer as prime minister. hannah, thank you very much- — one of the mayoral election results that is yet to be announced is in the west midlands, where conservative mayor andy street is hoping to be re—elected. our reporter, rob mayor, is in

birmingham for us this morning. so it will be announced later today and there will be lots of people keeping a close eye on what is happening there.— keeping a close eye on what is happening there. they will be. the countinu happening there. they will be. the counting has _ happening there. they will be. the counting has actually _ happening there. they will be. the counting has actuallyjust - happening there. they will be. the counting has actuallyjust got - happening there. they will be. the | counting has actuallyjust got under way here _ counting has actuallyjust got under way here in birmingham and we are expecting _ way here in birmingham and we are expecting a— way here in birmingham and we are expecting a pretty exciting day. andy _ expecting a pretty exciting day. andy street looking to win a third term _ andy street looking to win a third term as _ andy street looking to win a third term as the west midlands metro mayor. _ term as the west midlands metro mayor. labour hoping for a mayor. labour hoping fora first-ever— mayor. labour hoping for a first—everwin in mayor. labour hoping for a first—ever win in this position with richard _ first—ever win in this position with richard parkin. early yesterday some labour _ richard parkin. early yesterday some labour sources were playing down their chances, effectively saying they thought they had lost this race _ they thought they had lost this race i've — they thought they had lost this race. i've got to say that pretty was quickly slapped down by the labour— was quickly slapped down by the labour campaign team who insist this contest _ labour campaign team who insist this contest is _ labour campaign team who insist this contest is really, really close and the conservatives are as well say it is on _ the conservatives are as well say it is on a _ the conservatives are as well say it is on a knife — the conservatives are as well say it is on a knife edge and they think it will go _ is on a knife edge and they think it will go to— is on a knife edge and they think it will go to the wire. during the campaign, a lot has been made of brand _ campaign, a lot has been made of brand andy. andy street has

distanced himself from the conservative party and doesn't mention— conservative party and doesn't mention he is a conservative on his campaign literature which is greener not blue _ campaign literature which is greener not blue. and you might remember he had a _ not blue. and you might remember he had a public— not blue. and you might remember he had a public spat with the prime minister— had a public spat with the prime minister over cancellation of the h52 northern leg last year. richard parker— h52 northern leg last year. richard parker for— h52 northern leg last year. richard parker for labour makes a play on his financial — parker for labour makes a play on his financial competence with an accountancy background and says he will improve bus services in the region— will improve bus services in the region and _ will improve bus services in the region and create jobs as well. we have _ region and create jobs as well. we have some — region and create jobs as well. we have some clues from the council elections — have some clues from the council elections yesterday and could see where _ elections yesterday and could see where labour did well and the conservative vote held up on what it might _ conservative vote held up on what it might come — conservative vote held up on what it might come down to is how many wavering — might come down to is how many wavering conservative voters who are thinking _ wavering conservative voters who are thinking of _ wavering conservative voters who are thinking of voting for reform uk. as andy— thinking of voting for reform uk. as andy street managed to convince them to stick— andy street managed to convince them to stick with _ andy street managed to convince them to stick with him, have the labour party— to stick with him, have the labour party convinced people tempted by the pro—palestinian independent candidate to stick with that? we'll find out _ candidate to stick with that? we'll find out between two and four b this

afternoon. _ as things stand, the labour party has increased its tally of councillors by more than 170 and regained control of ten local authorities. however, the party's stance on gaza appears to have supressed support in key areas. joining us now is labour's deputy national campaign coordinator, ellie reeves mp. thank you for your time this morning and we appreciate that. when you analyse the results so far and we are well aware there are various elements to come in. are you where you are expected to be? taste elements to come in. are you where you are expected to be?— you are expected to be? we are really pleased — you are expected to be? we are really pleased with _ you are expected to be? we are really pleased with the results, | really pleased with the results, particularly if you look at the by—election in blackpool south where we saw _ by—election in blackpool south where we saw a _ by—election in blackpool south where we saw a swing of 26% to labour, the third highast— we saw a swing of 26% to labour, the third highest swing from the conservatives to labour in a post-war— conservatives to labour in a post—war by—election and that saw us .et post—war by—election and that saw us get an— post—war by—election and that saw us get an mp _ post—war by—election and that saw us get an mp in — post—war by—election and that saw us get an mp in parliament, but if you look at _ get an mp in parliament, but if you look at the — get an mp in parliament, but if you look at the council results across

the country, one thing that is important _ the country, one thing that is important is we are winning in all parts _ important is we are winning in all parts of— important is we are winning in all parts of the — important is we are winning in all parts of the country and we took control— parts of the country and we took control of— parts of the country and we took control of the council in hartlepool and in _ control of the council in hartlepool and in the — control of the council in hartlepool and in the south—east in rushmore and in the south—east in rushmore and in _ and in the south—east in rushmore and in thurrock in the east and redditch — and in thurrock in the east and redditch in the midlands which shows people _ redditch in the midlands which shows people are putting their trust in labour— people are putting their trust in labour in — people are putting their trust in labour in every part of the country. -- the _ labour in every part of the country. -- the labour— labour in every part of the country. —— the labour party has clearly had great success in these elections on the facts speak for themselves anew so you can have success in all parts of the country, but that is not the case. if you look at somewhere like dorset, the liberal democrats are up 13 on down 13 and labour are flatlining and there are places where you are simply not breaking through. where you are simply not breaking throuuh. ~ ., ., where you are simply not breaking throuuh. ~ . ., ., ., ~' where you are simply not breaking throu h, . ., ., ., ., ~' ., , through. what we are looking at is where the battleground _ through. what we are looking at is where the battleground seats - through. what we are looking at is where the battleground seats are i through. what we are looking at is i where the battleground seats are at the general election and whether we are making gains in those areas and are making gains in those areas and a good _ are making gains in those areas and a good barometer is the east midlands mare for example. the new

mayoralty. _ midlands mare for example. the new mayoralty, so are not facing an incumbent _ mayoralty, so are not facing an incumbent there. we were in tees valley— incumbent there. we were in tees valley or— incumbent there. we were in tees valley or the west midlands, and that's— valley or the west midlands, and that's a _ valley or the west midlands, and that's a mayoralty area that we won and contains a large number of battleground seats we need to win at the election in order to form a government, mansfield, south derbyshire, so we are pleased to win that but— derbyshire, so we are pleased to win that but also pleased to win in areas — that but also pleased to win in areas we — that but also pleased to win in areas we noted we need to win back at the _ areas we noted we need to win back at the general election are looking at the general election are looking at north— at the general election are looking at north yorkshire on the prime mr's doorstep _ at north yorkshire on the prime mr's doorstep it— at north yorkshire on the prime mr's doorstep it shows we are trusted across _ doorstep it shows we are trusted across the — doorstep it shows we are trusted across the country by people. my career— across the country by people. my career question was about where you are not manifesting breaking through at somewhere like dorset where your float is _ at somewhere like dorset where your float is flatlining, you are writing it off. _ float is flatlining, you are writing it off. you — float is flatlining, you are writing it off. you look along the south coast. — it off. you look along the south coast. and _ it off. you look along the south coast, and the council we took

control— coast, and the council we took control of. _ coast, and the council we took control of, but one of the things we are looking — control of, but one of the things we are looking at is where we are making — are looking at is where we are making gains in the battleground areas _ making gains in the battleground areas that we need to win in order to win _ areas that we need to win in order to win at _ areas that we need to win in order to win at the — areas that we need to win in order to win at the general election, so dorset _ to win at the general election, so dorset was — to win at the general election, so dorset was not one of the battleground areas for us. gk. dorset was not one of the battleground areas for us. ok. in amonust battleground areas for us. ok. in amongst what — battleground areas for us. ok. in amongst what is _ battleground areas for us. ok. in amongst what is clearly - battleground areas for us. ok. in amongst what is clearly a - battleground areas for us. 0k. in| amongst what is clearly a success story, and i say that clearly, because it is, for labour, no question, there are manifestly some problems. can you address for me the problems. can you address for me the problem that seems to have arisen this time around in areas with high muslim populations that you are seeing a manifest drop in people supporting the labour party and they are going elsewhere. it's not necessarily clear where they are going on they could be going to the green party, but can you explain the scale of the problem you are facing and more importantly tell me what you will do to address it?— you will do to address it? sure. in old and there _

you will do to address it? sure. in old and there are _ you will do to address it? sure. in old and there are a _ you will do to address it? sure. in old and there are a couple - you will do to address it? sure. in old and there are a couple of - old and there are a couple of points. — old and there are a couple of points. firstly we have been losing council— points. firstly we have been losing council seats in oldham for a number of years— council seats in oldham for a number of years now. — council seats in oldham for a number of years now, before the conflict in the middle — of years now, before the conflict in the middle east, and that is clearly an issue. _ the middle east, and that is clearly an issue, but so too is gaza and we know— an issue, but so too is gaza and we know we _ an issue, but so too is gaza and we know we have a great deal of work to do to _ know we have a great deal of work to do to rebuild trust with muslim communities and all of those who are very concerned, and i understand peoples concerns about what is happening in gaza, the loss of life there _ happening in gaza, the loss of life there has— happening in gaza, the loss of life there has been intolerable and that's— there has been intolerable and that's why we have called for an immediate ceasefire. we've said there _ immediate ceasefire. we've said there should be absolutely no ground offensive and we also need a long lasting _ offensive and we also need a long lasting political solution which includes — lasting political solution which includes recognising the state of palestine. we know there is a lot of work— palestine. we know there is a lot of work to— palestine. we know there is a lot of work to do— palestine. we know there is a lot of work to do between now and the general— work to do between now and the general election to rebuild support.

what does the work look like? it means engaging and listening and making sure that people understand our position on it in terms of calling for the immediate ceasefire but there is a lot of listening that needs to be done. talk to us about tees valley and the win for ben houchen, that's been pointed at for the tories as a moment of success in disappointing night. why did the labour party not do better in the circumstance given the picture emerging from elsewhere? there's a few thins emerging from elsewhere? there's a few things about _ emerging from elsewhere? there's a few things about the _ emerging from elsewhere? there's a few things about the tees _ emerging from elsewhere? there's a few things about the tees valley - few things about the tees valley campaign, and ben houchen did a lot to distance— campaign, and ben houchen did a lot to distance himself from the conservative brand, if you look at his leaflets, there is very little mention— his leaflets, there is very little mention of the conservatives and i think— mention of the conservatives and i think he _ mention of the conservatives and i think he himself said that people were _ think he himself said that people were coming up and saying they would vote for— were coming up and saying they would vote for him _ were coming up and saying they would vote for him but not the conservatives come the general election. — conservatives come the general election. he certainly has his own

personal— election. he certainly has his own personal recognition and branding but also _ personal recognition and branding but also if— personal recognition and branding but also if you look at the results, he won _ but also if you look at the results, he won with — but also if you look at the results, he won with a much smaller majority than he _ he won with a much smaller majority than he did _ he won with a much smaller majority than he did last time and there was a swing _ than he did last time and there was a swing to labour of about 16% in the mayoral contest, and that is enough — the mayoral contest, and that is enough for us to be able to win back battleground seats in the area, seats _ battleground seats in the area, seats like — battleground seats in the area, seats like hartlepool where we won the council — seats like hartlepool where we won the council and darlington and stockton — the council and darlington and stockton west, so it's disappointing we didn't— stockton west, so it's disappointing we didn't win but we were always up against _ we didn't win but we were always up against it— we didn't win but we were always up against it when you have an incumbent mayor with their own brand _ incumbent mayor with their own brand but — incumbent mayor with their own brand. but we were encouraged by the swing _ brand. but we were encouraged by the swing in— brand. but we were encouraged by the swing in the _ brand. but we were encouraged by the swing in the battleground seats. ellie reeves, you will be looking at the results in the next day and into tonight when we will probably know the full picture and you are the deputy campaign coordinator. we'll have more on the elections throughout the programme. you can of course follow

all the results, reaction and analysis for councils, mayoral, and police and crime commissioner elections on bbc news online and the app — and across bbc tv, radio and special podcasts. here's simon with a look at the weather. it isa it is a bank holiday weekend. it is, and it doesn't _ it is a bank holiday weekend. it is, and it doesn't look _ it is a bank holiday weekend. it is, and it doesn't look like _ it is a bank holiday weekend. it is, and it doesn't look like it - it is a bank holiday weekend. it is, and it doesn't look like it will be and it doesn't look like it will be a wash-out _ and it doesn't look like it will be a wash—out for a bank holiday. for many— a wash—out for a bank holiday. for many of— a wash—out for a bank holiday. for many of us — a wash—out for a bank holiday. for many of us it— a wash—out for a bank holiday. for many of us it should be ok and a lovely— many of us it should be ok and a lovely start — many of us it should be ok and a lovely start for southern areas of the uk _ lovely start for southern areas of the uk and it has been quite chilly this morning with one or two mist and fog _ this morning with one or two mist and fog patches but the sunshine is coming through and that is the scene in devon— coming through and that is the scene in devon at— coming through and that is the scene in devon at the moment from our weather— in devon at the moment from our weather watchers, so lovely in the south _ weather watchers, so lovely in the south and it — weather watchers, so lovely in the south and it will stay mostly dry with sunshine across southern areas into the _ with sunshine across southern areas into the afternoon but further north a bit more — into the afternoon but further north a bit more cloudy and some outbreaks of rain. _ a bit more cloudy and some outbreaks of rain, particularly for northern ireland. — of rain, particularly for northern ireland, northern england and southern _ ireland, northern england and southern scotland and patches of rain and — southern scotland and patches of rain and drizzle here. there will be some _ rain and drizzle here. there will be some showers in the far north west of scotland — some showers in the far north west of scotland and to the south while there _ of scotland and to the south while there will— of scotland and to the south while there will be some sunny spells, mcleod — there will be some sunny spells, mcleod will build up this afternoon

with the _ mcleod will build up this afternoon with the risk of heavy downpours in the far— with the risk of heavy downpours in the far south—east but quite warm in the sunshine. northern england and into scotland, northern ireland, staying — into scotland, northern ireland, staying cloudy with outbreaks of rain and — staying cloudy with outbreaks of rain and heavy showers in the north—west with thunderstorms but in the far— north—west with thunderstorms but in the far north—west you might get some _ the far north—west you might get some sunshine and temperatures between — some sunshine and temperatures between 19 and 20 degrees, not as warm _ between 19 and 20 degrees, not as warm as _ between 19 and 20 degrees, not as warm as yesterday but still pleasant and in _ warm as yesterday but still pleasant and in the _ warm as yesterday but still pleasant and in the south, 16 or 17 degrees but slightly cooler beneath the cloud — but slightly cooler beneath the cloud. tonight we continue with outbreaks— cloud. tonight we continue with outbreaks of rain, especially for northern— outbreaks of rain, especially for northern ireland, central and southern _ northern ireland, central and southern scotland and the risk of one or— southern scotland and the risk of one or two — southern scotland and the risk of one or two sundry downpours in the far north—west, and with the cloudy skies. _ far north—west, and with the cloudy skies, temperatures no lower than nine to— skies, temperatures no lower than nine to 11_ skies, temperatures no lower than nine to 11 degrees and clearer skies in the _ nine to 11 degrees and clearer skies in the south — nine to 11 degrees and clearer skies in the south but italy start a sunday— in the south but italy start a sunday morning at about six or 7 degrees. — sunday morning at about six or 7 degrees. during sunday, lots of sunshine — degrees. during sunday, lots of sunshine across areas of england and wales— sunshine across areas of england and wales and _ sunshine across areas of england and wales and some cloud in the far south—west with a few outbreaks of rain and _ south—west with a few outbreaks of rain and some heavy showers in the north-east — rain and some heavy showers in the north—east of scotland through the day on _ north—east of scotland through the day on sunday but elsewhere it

should — day on sunday but elsewhere it should be dry and there will be some warm _ should be dry and there will be some warm sunshine with temperatures for many— warm sunshine with temperatures for many getting into the mid to high teens. _ many getting into the mid to high teens. how about bank holiday monday? — teens. how about bank holiday monday? we will have a bit of cloud and showers across southern areas of england _ and showers across southern areas of england associated with the weather front there and further north there will be _ front there and further north there will be showers across north—east scotland — will be showers across north—east scotland and central areas and maybe northern _ scotland and central areas and maybe northern england and some of the showers _ northern england and some of the showers could be heavy or thundery as well. _ showers could be heavy or thundery as well. north wales and the midlands and eastern england, largely— midlands and eastern england, largely dry with sunny spells but mostly _ largely dry with sunny spells but mostly dry for northern ireland and temperatures perhaps a little bit lower— temperatures perhaps a little bit lower than sunday's values, about 16 or 17 degrees put into next or17 degrees put into next week, higher— or 17 degrees put into next week, higher pressure is going to build and with— higher pressure is going to build and with that area of high pressure is looking — and with that area of high pressure is looking largely settled for the rest of— is looking largely settled for the rest of the week. there will be some warm _ rest of the week. there will be some warm sunny— rest of the week. there will be some warm sunny spells with temperatures getting _ warm sunny spells with temperatures getting up— warm sunny spells with temperatures getting up to warm sunny spells with temperatures --ettin up to maybe warm sunny spells with temperatures getting up to warm sunny spells with temperatures --ettin up to maybe 17 warm sunny spells with temperatures getting up to warm sunny spells with temperatures --ettin up to maybe 17 or warm sunny spells with temperatures getting up to warm sunny spells with temperatures --ettin up to maybe 17 or 22 getting up to maybe 17 or 22 degrees. _ getting up to maybe 17 or 22 decrees. ., ., ., ., ~ degrees. not too bad at all. thank you. simon- _

when clare milford haven and nick wentworth—stanley lost their sonjames to suicide, they set out to improve mental health support for men, founding james' place in 2018. after opening two male suicide prevention centres in london and liverpool, they added a third this week in newcastle — and werejoined by the prince of wales for the opening. our reporter, mark denton, has the story. while his family have been facing their own physical health challenges, prince william arrived in newcastle to officially open a project that helps mental health. welcoming the prince, claire milford haven. her sonjames took his own life in 2008, aged just 21. now this centre called james' place supports men at risk of suicide. we always felt as a family that we didn't want any family going through what we went through. and, you know, losing a child in any circumstances is tough. but this has been very tough and is very tough for all the other parents.

so that's what we want to stem. and also, we want men to know that there is help out there. and it's not a weakness to look for help. actually, it's a strength. already over 100 men have been given counselling here. and the prince met some of them, including tyrone, 26, who was the first client here. a bit of a conglomerate of things going on and sort of personal, professional and relationships and family or whatnot. so i think it was more of a, you know, a few events that sort of the straw that broke the camel's back. the staff have been fantastic. every call, every email have been just warm and welcoming, but not too intense to the point where you can't sort of you feel like pressure to talk. for tyrone the speed of the response after he contacted a friend for help was absolutely key. he actually passed my details on to james's place. this was i think it was about 5pm on a tuesday. i actually got the call from james's place the next morning.

of course, prince william has faced well—documented family health challenges. this is only his fourth official visit since kate's confirmation of her cancer diagnosis. that's not lost on the organisers here. it means a lot to me. it means a lot to my family. it means a lot to to james' place. and and we wish the princess well as well. and the king and the entire family, they do an amazing job. suicide is still the leading cause of death for men under 35, the prince's visit shining a light on a project trying to change that picture. mark denton, bbc news. we can speak now to clare milford haven, who founded james' place, and geoff gascoigne who's been using the service good morning. due to met on tuesday. we did. it must be really lovely for you to see when you set up this third centre, it making a difference.—

third centre, it making a difference. �* , . , ., �* , difference. it's incredible and it's ve , difference. it's incredible and it's very. very _ difference. it's incredible and it's very. very moving _ difference. it's incredible and it's very, very moving for— difference. it's incredible and it's very, very moving for me - difference. it's incredible and it's very, very moving for me to - difference. it's incredible and it's| very, very moving for me to meet difference. it's incredible and it's - very, very moving for me to meet the guys who have been through our centre and know that we have been able to help them and able to give them back in the hope that they lost, so to meetjeff, and dean and tyrone on tuesday were special for me. ~ . tyrone on tuesday were special for me. . ., ., ., it was me. what did it mean to you? it was me. what did it mean to you? it was my sanctuary — me. what did it mean to you? it was my sanctuary to _ me. what did it mean to you? it was my sanctuary to go _ me. what did it mean to you? it was my sanctuary to go when _ me. what did it mean to you? it was my sanctuary to go when i _ me. what did it mean to you? it was my sanctuary to go when i was - my sanctuary to go when i was poorly. _ my sanctuary to go when i was poorly. somewhere i wanted to go. i needed _ poorly. somewhere i wanted to go. i needed so _ poorly. somewhere i wanted to go. i needed so much help. were poorly. somewhere i wanted to go. i needed so much help.— needed so much help. were you in a osition needed so much help. were you in a position where _ needed so much help. were you in a position where you _ needed so much help. were you in a position where you could _ needed so much help. were you in a position where you could ask - needed so much help. were you in a position where you could ask for - position where you could ask for help? t position where you could ask for hel ? . �* position where you could ask for hel ? ., �* ,., position where you could ask for help? i did and i'm so pleased i did. in whatever _ help? i did and i'm so pleased i did. in whatever sense, - help? i did and i'm so pleased i did. in whatever sense, you - help? i did and i'm so pleased i did. in whatever sense, you are comfortable _ did. in whatever sense, you are comfortable talking _ did. in whatever sense, you are comfortable talking about, - did. in whatever sense, you are| comfortable talking about, what did you need from the centre? just comfortable talking about, what did you need from the centre?- you need from the centre? just so i could aet you need from the centre? just so i could get my _ you need from the centre? just so i could get my life — you need from the centre? just so i could get my life back _ you need from the centre? just so i could get my life back together. i could get my life back together. obviously i was having awful thoughts. i wasn't me any more, which i _ thoughts. i wasn't me any more, which i dislike so much. and thoughts. i wasn't me any more, which i dislike so much.- which i dislike so much. and in terms of the _ which i dislike so much. and in terms of the first _ which i dislike so much. and in terms of the first steps, - which i dislike so much. and in terms of the first steps, i - which i dislike so much. and in - terms of the first steps, i suppose talking is the most important thing. it was ringing somebody up to get

the help. — it was ringing somebody up to get the help, and they referred us, the crisis _ the help, and they referred us, the crisis team — the help, and they referred us, the crisis team to james' place and i'd crisis team tojames' place and i'd never— crisis team to james' place and i'd never heard — crisis team to james' place and i'd never heard of it in my life and i kept _ never heard of it in my life and i kept thinking of saint james park. anyway. _ kept thinking of saint james park. anyway, they rang me within 24—hour is which i _ anyway, they rang me within 24—hour is which i thought was amazing. i was assessed the next day, which was even better— was assessed the next day, which was even better and i started feeling as if i was _ even better and i started feeling as if i was getting help straightaway. and that — if i was getting help straightaway. and that makes a massive difference. just knowing someone will hold you. yes, ijust felt just knowing someone will hold you. yes, i just felt confident. just knowing someone will hold you. yes, ijust felt confident. hagar just knowing someone will hold you. yes, i just felt confident.— yes, i 'ust felt confident. how well do yes, i just felt confident. how well do ou yes, i just felt confident. how well do you remember, _ yes, i just felt confident. how well do you remember, because - do you remember, because you described it well a moment ago, the first conversation you are having when you are saying the reality of what is happening to you. presumably, you are in shock about your own thoughts and then for the first time there someone going, you talk, we listen. do you remember that vividly? t talk, we listen. do you remember that vividly?— that vividly? i remember vividly auoin into that vividly? i remember vividly going into such _ that vividly? i remember vividly going into such a _ that vividly? i remember vividly going into such a welcoming i that vividly? i remember vividly i going into such a welcoming place that it _ going into such a welcoming place that it felt — going into such a welcoming place

that it felt like a home, james' place. — that it felt like a home, james' place. it — that it felt like a home, james' place, it was more than a building. it was _ place, it was more than a building. it was that— place, it was more than a building. it was that everyone was so inviting and relaxing, and then meeting k. sorry. _ and relaxing, and then meeting k. sorry. kay— and relaxing, and then meeting k. sorry, kay was my therapist and counsellor. _ sorry, kay was my therapist and counsellor. ijust didn't want to leave — counsellor. ijust didn't want to leave and _ counsellor. ijust didn't want to leave. and i had my session and i wanted _ leave. and i had my session and i wanted to— leave. and i had my session and i wanted to stay there. it was my sanctuary. _ wanted to stay there. it was my sanctuary, my safety net.- wanted to stay there. it was my sanctuary, my safety net. i can only imaaine sanctuary, my safety net. i can only imagine as — sanctuary, my safety net. i can only imagine as you _ sanctuary, my safety net. i can only imagine as you hear— sanctuary, my safety net. i can only imagine as you hear that _ sanctuary, my safety net. i can only imagine as you hear that and - sanctuary, my safety net. i can only imagine as you hear that and i - sanctuary, my safety net. i can onlyi imagine as you hear that and i know you have met before but that must give you so much satisfaction because the whole reason you did this in the first place was because of the tragic loss of your own son and the things you knew afterwards about the lack of help available at that time. . about the lack of help available at that time. , , . ., , about the lack of help available at that time. , , .. , ., ., that time. yes, we became very aware as we reflected — that time. yes, we became very aware as we reflected on what _ that time. yes, we became very aware as we reflected on what happened - as we reflected on what happened to james _ as we reflected on what happened to james and _ as we reflected on what happened to james and the — as we reflected on what happened to james and the help _ as we reflected on what happened to james and the help seeking - as we reflected on what happened to james and the help seeking that - as we reflected on what happened to james and the help seeking that he i james and the help seeking that he attempted. — james and the help seeking that he attempted, there _ james and the help seeking that he attempted, there just _ james and the help seeking that he attempted, there just wasn't - james and the help seeking that he attempted, there just wasn't the i attempted, there just wasn't the help out— attempted, there just wasn't the help out there _ attempted, there just wasn't the help out there. so _ attempted, there just wasn't the help out there. so i, _ attempted, there just wasn't the help out there. so i, as - attempted, there just wasn't the help out there. so i, as i was - help out there. so i, as i was reflecting _ help out there. so i, as i was reflecting on _ help out there. so i, as i was reflecting on this, _ help out there. so i, as i was reflecting on this, i— help out there. so i, as i was

reflecting on this, i kept- help out there. so i, as i was - reflecting on this, i kept thinking what _ reflecting on this, i kept thinking what we — reflecting on this, i kept thinking what we really _ reflecting on this, i kept thinking what we really need _ reflecting on this, i kept thinking what we really need to _ reflecting on this, i kept thinking what we really need to do - reflecting on this, i kept thinking what we really need to do is - reflecting on this, i kept thinking what we really need to do is seti reflecting on this, i kept thinking l what we really need to do is set up a place _ what we really need to do is set up a place that— what we really need to do is set up a place that james _ what we really need to do is set up a place that james would _ what we really need to do is set up a place that james would have - a place that james would have accessed. _ a place that james would have accessed, that _ a place that james would have accessed, that would - a place that james would have accessed, that would have - a place that james would have i accessed, that would have made a place that james would have - accessed, that would have made the difference _ accessed, that would have made the difference as — accessed, that would have made the difference as it has _ accessed, that would have made the difference as it has two _ accessed, that would have made the difference as it has twojeff- accessed, that would have made the difference as it has two jeff and - difference as it has two jeff and over— difference as it has two jeff and over nearly _ difference as it has two jeff and over nearly two _ difference as it has two jeff and over nearly two and _ difference as it has two jeff and over nearly two and a _ difference as it has two jeff and over nearly two and a half - difference as it has two jeff and - over nearly two and a half thousand men through— over nearly two and a half thousand men through our— over nearly two and a half thousand men through our seat _ over nearly two and a half thousand men through our seat —— _ over nearly two and a half thousand men through our seat —— three - men through our seat —— three centres. — men through our seat —— three centres. and _ men through our seat —— three centres. and most _ men through our seat —— three centres. and most of- men through our seat —— three centres. and most of the - men through our seat —— three centres. and most of the menl men through our seat —— three i centres. and most of the men in these _ centres. and most of the men in these prices _ centres. and most of the men in these prices are _ centres. and most of the men in these prices are not _ centres. and most of the men in these prices are not suffering. centres. and most of the men in i these prices are not suffering from a long-standing _ these prices are not suffering from a long—standing mental— these prices are not suffering from a long—standing mental health- these prices are not suffering from i a long—standing mental health issues so they— a long—standing mental health issues so they don't — a long—standing mental health issues so they don't need _ a long—standing mental health issues so they don't need to _ a long—standing mental health issues so they don't need to go _ a long—standing mental health issues so they don't need to go into a - so they don't need to go into a clinical— so they don't need to go into a clinical setting, they— so they don't need to go into a clinical setting, theyjust - so they don't need to go into a clinical setting, theyjust need | so they don't need to go into a i clinical setting, theyjust need to id clinical setting, theyjust need to go somewhere _ clinical setting, theyjust need to go somewhere that _ clinical setting, theyjust need to go somewhere that makes - clinical setting, theyjust need to go somewhere that makes them i go somewhere that makes them feel valued. _ go somewhere that makes them feel valued, nurtured _ go somewhere that makes them feel valued, nurtured and _ go somewhere that makes them feel valued, nurtured and heard. - go somewhere that makes them feel valued, nurtured and heard.- valued, nurtured and heard. and you can't ignore — valued, nurtured and heard. and you can't ignore the _ valued, nurtured and heard. and you can't ignore the stigma _ valued, nurtured and heard. and you can't ignore the stigma that - valued, nurtured and heard. and you can't ignore the stigma that is - can't ignore the stigma that is still around asking for help. we talk about how difficult, or how it seems difficult for men to ask for help as well, so to know that somewhere is there, which it is fair to say is less formal or intimidating? than you might have imagined? the intimidating? than you might have imauined? , ,, imagined? the place felt like i didn't want— imagined? the place felt like i didn't want to _ imagined? the place felt like i didn't want to leave, - imagined? the place felt like i didn't want to leave, i - imagined? the place felt like i didn't want to leave, i was - didn't want to leave, i was so comfortable being there. ifelt secure, and obviously opening up,

what's even better is, you can tell people your issues and problems, as much as the support i was getting off work, family and friends, especially work, i didn't to create bother for the people i especially work, i didn't to create botherfor the people i work especially work, i didn't to create bother for the people i work for and i didn't want them to know it. if that makes sense? th i didn't want them to know it. if that makes sense?— i didn't want them to know it. if that makes sense? in some ways it's easier to talk— that makes sense? in some ways it's easier to talk to _ that makes sense? in some ways it's easier to talk to a _ that makes sense? in some ways it's easier to talk to a stranger. - that makes sense? in some ways it's easier to talk to a stranger. it - that makes sense? in some ways it's easier to talk to a stranger. it was i easier to talk to a stranger. it was so much easier _ easier to talk to a stranger. it was so much easier and _ easier to talk to a stranger. it was so much easier and i _ easier to talk to a stranger. it was so much easier and i got - easier to talk to a stranger. it was so much easier and i got on - so much easier and i got on great with k and was more than a friend, it was like sitting with a friend. the prince of wales was at your event, immediately afterjames's event, immediately after james's event, immediately afterjames's event, you said you had a vision of being able to do something. it has gone from that to this. was a place when he walked through the door and you thought, i have, from the worst places, you must have had a moment like that? t places, you must have had a moment like that? ., , , ,

like that? i was sitting here seven ears a . o like that? i was sitting here seven years ago with _ like that? i was sitting here seven years ago with my _ like that? i was sitting here seven years ago with my other _ like that? i was sitting here seven years ago with my other son, - like that? i was sitting here seven years ago with my other son, he i like that? i was sitting here seven i years ago with my other son, he rode across— years ago with my other son, he rode across the _ years ago with my other son, he rode across the atlantic _ years ago with my other son, he rode across the atlantic and _ years ago with my other son, he rode across the atlantic and raised - years ago with my other son, he rode across the atlantic and raised the - across the atlantic and raised the money— across the atlantic and raised the money so — across the atlantic and raised the money so we _ across the atlantic and raised the money so we cope _ across the atlantic and raised the money so we cope in _ across the atlantic and raised the money so we cope in the - across the atlantic and raised the money so we cope in the first - across the atlantic and raised the i money so we cope in the first centre in liverpool— money so we cope in the first centre in liverpool in— money so we cope in the first centre in liverpool in 2018, _ money so we cope in the first centre in liverpool in 2018, so _ money so we cope in the first centre in liverpool in 2018, so it's- in liverpool in 2018, so it's incredible _ in liverpool in 2018, so it's incredible for— in liverpool in 2018, so it's incredible for me - in liverpool in 2018, so it's incredible for me to - in liverpool in 2018, so it's incredible for me to think i in liverpool in 2018, so it's. incredible for me to think that in liverpool in 2018, so it's- incredible for me to think that we have _ incredible for me to think that we have opened _ incredible for me to think that we have opened at— incredible for me to think that we have opened at three _ incredible for me to think that we have opened at three centres - incredible for me to think that we i have opened at three centres since then and _ have opened at three centres since then and the — have opened at three centres since then and the last _ have opened at three centres since then and the last being _ have opened at three centres since then and the last being newcastle. t then and the last being newcastle. and obviously— then and the last being newcastle. and obviously having _ then and the last being newcastle. and obviously having the _ then and the last being newcastle. and obviously having the support i then and the last being newcastle. i and obviously having the support of the prince _ and obviously having the support of the prince of— and obviously having the support of the prince of wales _ and obviously having the support of the prince of wales is _ and obviously having the support of the prince of wales isjust- and obviously having the support of the prince of wales isjust huge. . the prince of wales isjust huge. everybody— the prince of wales isjust huge. everybody says _ the prince of wales isjust huge. everybody says in _ the prince of wales isjust huge. everybody says in the _ the prince of wales isjust huge. - everybody says in the circumstances how good many members of the royal family are but particularly the prince of wales, mental health is something he has talked about a lot, did you watch that and see it in that place on that day? t did you watch that and see it in that place on that day?- did you watch that and see it in that place on that day? i think the prince of wales _ that place on that day? i think the prince of wales has _ that place on that day? i think the prince of wales has a _ that place on that day? i think the prince of wales has a huge - that place on that day? i think the| prince of wales has a huge interest in men's _ prince of wales has a huge interest in men's mental— prince of wales has a huge interest in men's mental health— prince of wales has a huge interest in men's mental health and - prince of wales has a huge interest in men's mental health and wants. prince of wales has a huge interest. in men's mental health and wants to learn _ in men's mental health and wants to learn more _ in men's mental health and wants to learn more about _ in men's mental health and wants to learn more about suicide _ in men's mental health and wants to learn more about suicide prevention| learn more about suicide prevention and is _ learn more about suicide prevention and is very— learn more about suicide prevention and is very invested _ learn more about suicide prevention and is very invested in _ learn more about suicide prevention and is very invested in it— and is very invested in it emotionally— and is very invested in it emotionally and - and is very invested in it emotionally and it's - and is very invested in it- emotionally and it's something and is very invested in it— emotionally and it's something that he has _ emotionally and it's something that he has really— emotionally and it's something that he has really been _ emotionally and it's something that he has really been keen— emotionally and it's something that he has really been keen to - emotionally and it's something that he has really been keen to be - emotionally and it's something that he has really been keen to be more involved _ he has really been keen to be more involved in. — he has really been keen to be more involved in— he has really been keen to be more involved in. was he easy to talk to?

it was such — involved in. was he easy to talk to? it was such a _ involved in. was he easy to talk to? it was such a nervous _ involved in. was he easy to talk to? it was such a nervous occasion - involved in. was he easy to talk to? it was such a nervous occasion but i it was such a nervous occasion but once _ it was such a nervous occasion but once we _ it was such a nervous occasion but once we talked... waiting for him is probably— once we talked... waiting for him is probably the hardest part! but he came _ probably the hardest part! but he came in— probably the hardest part! but he came in and puts you at ease and he was so _ came in and puts you at ease and he was so passionate about it. his questions — was so passionate about it. his questions were not scripted, he said them _ questions were not scripted, he said them to— questions were not scripted, he said them to each individual and he knew a lot and _ them to each individual and he knew a lot and was so calming.— a lot and was so calming. genuine interest? absolutely. _ a lot and was so calming. genuine interest? absolutely. and - a lot and was so calming. genuine interest? absolutely. and that - a lot and was so calming. genuine interest? absolutely. and that is i a lot and was so calming. genuine | interest? absolutely. and that is a common theme, _ interest? absolutely. and that is a common theme, isn't _ interest? absolutely. and that is a common theme, isn't it. _ interest? absolutely. and that is a common theme, isn't it. listening| interest? absolutely. and that is a i common theme, isn't it. listening is so crucial. — common theme, isn't it. listening is so crucial, isn't _ common theme, isn't it. listening is so crucial, isn't it? _ common theme, isn't it. listening is so crucial, isn't it? you _ common theme, isn't it. listening is so crucial, isn't it? you have - common theme, isn't it. listening is so crucial, isn't it? you have to - so crucial, isn't it? you have to find someone who can listen and it can be a game changer. for find someone who can listen and it can be a game changer.— find someone who can listen and it can be a game changer. for the men who come into _ can be a game changer. for the men who come into james' _ can be a game changer. for the men who come into james' place, - can be a game changer. for the men who come into james' place, that. can be a game changer. for the men who come into james' place, that is | who come into james' place, that is the most _ who come intojames' place, that is the most crucial— who come into james' place, that is the most crucial thing, _ who come intojames' place, that is the most crucial thing, to— who come into james' place, that is the most crucial thing, to be - the most crucial thing, to be listened _ the most crucial thing, to be listened to. _ the most crucial thing, to be listened to, to _ the most crucial thing, to be listened to, to be _ the most crucial thing, to be listened to, to be heard, - the most crucial thing, to be| listened to, to be heard, and the most crucial thing, to be i listened to, to be heard, and to find hope — listened to, to be heard, and to find hope-—

listened to, to be heard, and to find hoe. .,, ., �* ., ~ , find hope. please don't take this the wron: find hope. please don't take this the wrong way! _ find hope. please don't take this the wrong way! i _ find hope. please don't take this the wrong way! i have _ find hope. please don't take this the wrong way! i have one - find hope. please don't take this the wrong way! i have one more| the wrong way! i have one more question. you look like a normal quy- question. you look like a normal guy. and you had issues and things were building up in your head, and perhaps somebody is watching this this morning who will say, oh, he looksjust this morning who will say, oh, he looks just like this morning who will say, oh, he looksjust like one of this morning who will say, oh, he looks just like one of us. tt looksjust like one of us. it spiralled out of control, the accumulation of things happened in my life _ accumulation of things happened in my life stop someone is watching now and is _ my life stop someone is watching now and is worried, struggling. what would ou and is worried, struggling. what would you say? _ and is worried, struggling. what would you say? you _ and is worried, struggling. what would you say? you have - and is worried, struggling. “.ngng would you say? you have been and is worried, struggling. wngt would you say? you have been there. i would say to get the help you need. — i would say to get the help you need. its— i would say to get the help you need, it's there for you, it's so easy— need, it's there for you, it's so easy to — need, it's there for you, it's so easy to do. _ need, it's there for you, it's so easy to do-_ need, it's there for you, it's so easy to do. need, it's there for you, it's so eas to do. �* , ., i. ., ., easy to do. and glad you are in a better place- _ easy to do. and glad you are in a better place. it's _ easy to do. and glad you are in a better place. it's great _ easy to do. and glad you are in a better place. it's great to - easy to do. and glad you are in a better place. it's great to have i easy to do. and glad you are in a i better place. it's great to have you on the sofa. thank you, claire. helping to thousand 500, did you say? 50 helping to thousand 500, did you sa ? ., ., ., . , say? so far, and our next centre is due to open _

say? so far, and our next centre is due to open in _ say? so far, and our next centre is due to open in birmingham - say? so far, and our next centre is due to open in birmingham next i say? so far, and our next centre is i due to open in birmingham next year and then— due to open in birmingham next year and thenwe— due to open in birmingham next year and then we have _ due to open in birmingham next year and then we have plans _ due to open in birmingham next year and then we have plans for— due to open in birmingham next year and then we have plans for another. and then we have plans for another 100 onwards — and then we have plans for another 100 onwards and _ and then we have plans for another 100 onwards and upwards. - and then we have plans for another 100 onwards and upwards. —— - and then we have plans for another. 100 onwards and upwards. —— 2500. and then we have plans for another- 100 onwards and upwards. —— 2500. we want people _ 100 onwards and upwards. —— 2500. we want people to — 100 onwards and upwards. —— 2500. we want people to be — 100 onwards and upwards. —— 2500. we want people to be within— 100 onwards and upwards. —— 2500. we want people to be within two _ 100 onwards and upwards. —— 2500. we want people to be within two hours - want people to be within two hours of eight _ want people to be within two hours of eightjames' _ want people to be within two hours of eight james' place. _ want people to be within two hours of eight james' place. that - want people to be within two hours of eight james' place. that is - want people to be within two hours of eight james' place. that is the l of eight james' place. that is the plan. _ of eight james' place. that is the lan. �* . of eight james' place. that is the . ian, �* , ., of eight james' place. that is the lan. �*, ., ., ., plan. it's an amazing achievement. and thank you _ plan. it's an amazing achievement. and thank you for _ plan. it's an amazing achievement. and thank you for sharing - plan. it's an amazing achievement. and thank you for sharing your - and thank you for sharing your story, it's amazing.— and thank you for sharing your story, it's amazing. thank you. if ou have story, it's amazing. thank you. if you have been — story, it's amazing. thank you. if you have been affected _ story, it's amazing. thank you. if you have been affected by - story, it's amazing. thank you. if you have been affected by any i story, it's amazing. thank you. if you have been affected by any of| story, it's amazing. thank you. if- you have been affected by any of the issues raised this morning, help and support is available. stay with us, we'll be back shortly.

hello, this is breakfast with naga munchetty and charlie stayt. good morning, here's a summary of today's main stories from bbc news. let's return to our top story — the results of local elections

in england and wales. there are a handful of council results still to be announced, while the outcome of seven mayoral contests will be declared later. our political correspondent nick eardley has been taking a look at some of the key numbers and joins us now. there has been a lot of information, statistics that everybody is trying to cope with and understand over what the last 24—hours also, and it's not quite over yet. give us a sense of what we have seen so far. good morning, everyone. we are in a pretty— good morning, everyone. we are in a pretty good _ good morning, everyone. we are in a pretty good place to paint a big picture — pretty good place to paint a big picture. there will be results today which _ picture. there will be results today which could change that slightly but in terms _ which could change that slightly but in terms of the overall vote share, we have _ in terms of the overall vote share, we have a — in terms of the overall vote share, we have a pretty good idea of where things— we have a pretty good idea of where things are — we have a pretty good idea of where things are. let's start with the state — things are. let's start with the state of— things are. let's start with the state of the parties, with 102 of 107 councils declared. labour have had a _ 107 councils declared. labour have had a pretty good set of results, they are — had a pretty good set of results, they are up 173. maybe not as good

as the _ they are up 173. maybe not as good as the upper end of expectations but we will— as the upper end of expectations but we will return to that shortly. look at the _ we will return to that shortly. look at the conservatives, down 448, a really _ at the conservatives, down 448, a really bad — at the conservatives, down 448, a really bad result. they are on course — really bad result. they are on course to _ really bad result. they are on course to lose just under half of all of— course to lose just under half of all of the — course to lose just under half of all of the seats they were defending. a really bad result for them. _ defending. a really bad result for them. and — defending. a really bad result for them, and how many times have we said that _ them, and how many times have we said that over the past couple of years? _ said that over the past couple of years? results proving bad for the conservatives, so it's worrying that keeps _ conservatives, so it's worrying that keeps happening for the tories. this is the _ keeps happening for the tories. this is the vote _ keeps happening for the tories. this is the vote share, for the conservatives down 12%, labour up 3%. conservatives down 12%, labour up % not _ conservatives down 12%, labour up 3%. not bad but maybe not as much as some _ 3%. not bad but maybe not as much as some had _ 3%. not bad but maybe not as much as some had hoped. let's focus on the conservatives, because what's really interesting _ conservatives, because what's really interesting is the areas where they are losing — interesting is the areas where they are losing votes and losing control of councils. — are losing votes and losing control of councils. here's a list of some other— of councils. here's a list of some other conservative losses we have seen _ other conservative losses we have seen local— other conservative losses we have seen local councils. places like rushmore _ seen local councils. places like rushmore in hampshire, we have nuneaton. — rushmore in hampshire, we have nuneaton, gloucester, redditch, one

ofthose _ nuneaton, gloucester, redditch, one of those bellwether seats that normally votes the same way as the country. _ normally votes the same way as the country, that will worry the tories. dorset _ country, that will worry the tories. dorset in _ country, that will worry the tories. dorset in the south—west was taken by the _ dorset in the south—west was taken by the lib— dorset in the south—west was taken by the lib dems and they say that shows— by the lib dems and they say that shows the — by the lib dems and they say that shows the conservatives have a real fi-ht shows the conservatives have a real fight on _ shows the conservatives have a real fight on their hands in that part of the country. really interesting to see whether conservatives are losing. — see whether conservatives are losing. i— see whether conservatives are losing. i want to talk about losing. ! want to talk about tactical— losing. i want to talk about tactical voting as well. this is what — tactical voting as well. this is what has _ tactical voting as well. this is what has happened in areas where the conservatives finished first last time _ conservatives finished first last time and — conservatives finished first last time and labour finished second. labour's — time and labour finished second. labour's vote is up quite a lot more than _ labour's vote is up quite a lot more than it— labour's vote is up quite a lot more than it is— labour's vote is up quite a lot more than it is nationally, 9%, whereas for others — than it is nationally, 9%, whereas for others it's not really up. that suggests— for others it's not really up. that suggests those who don't want the conservatives in our voting labour. the same — conservatives in our voting labour. the same is — conservatives in our voting labour. the same is true in areas where last time _ the same is true in areas where last time the _ the same is true in areas where last time the conservatives earnest first and the _ time the conservatives earnest first and the lib— time the conservatives earnest first and the lib dems finished second. the conservative vote is right down and this— the conservative vote is right down and this time the liberal democrats are the _ and this time the liberal democrats are the main beneficiaries. that's really— are the main beneficiaries. that's really interesting. have a look at

this. _ really interesting. have a look at this. this — really interesting. have a look at this. this is — really interesting. have a look at this, this is where the reform party have stood. — this, this is where the reform party have stood, they are a threat to the conservatives have stood. where they have stood. _ conservatives have stood. where they have stood, the conservative vote is down _ have stood, the conservative vote is down nearly— have stood, the conservative vote is down nearly 20%, a lot more than the national— down nearly 20%, a lot more than the national average and that will worry conservatives who have a reform candidate — conservatives who have a reform candidate standing against them in the general election, which is almost — the general election, which is almost every conservative mp in england — almost every conservative mp in england. this is labour, one thing that will_ england. this is labour, one thing that will worry them is the extent to which— that will worry them is the extent to which their vote has gone down with areas— to which their vote has gone down with areas with a high muslim population. if you are in labour hq this morning, you will be thinking about— this morning, you will be thinking about that — this morning, you will be thinking about that and will be slightly worried — about that and will be slightly worried when it comes to the west midlands _ worried when it comes to the west midlands may oral race, birmingham, and london _ midlands may oral race, birmingham, and london as well. this is the projected — and london as well. this is the projected national share, this is how the — projected national share, this is how the bbc team thinks it would have went —

how the bbc team thinks it would have went if everybody had voted nationally in the same way. conservatives, 25%, theirjoint lowest — conservatives, 25%, theirjoint lowest ever result in a bbc projected national share at a local election. — projected national share at a local election. it's a really bad result. the labour— election. it's a really bad result. the labour one is good but maybe not quite as— the labour one is good but maybe not quite as high— the labour one is good but maybe not quite as high as it might have been. if you're _ quite as high as it might have been. if you're conservative mauling these results. _ if you're conservative mauling these results, that would really worry you. _ results, that would really worry you. -- — results, that would really worry you. —— mulling overthese results. rishi sunak has described significant losses for his party in england's local elections as "disappointing". with most results in, the conservatives have lost more than 450 seats on councils across the country. joining us now is the science minister, andrew griffith. thank you for your time with us this morning. 450, was that an expected loss, where you brace for that? tt’s loss, where you brace for that? it's very disappointing to lose a single conservative councillor or mayor or police _ conservative councillor or mayor or police commissioner because we know

how hard _ police commissioner because we know how hard they work for their communities. we are coming off a difficult _ communities. we are coming off a difficult backdrop of when these were _ difficult backdrop of when these were last fought, and everybody will understand that the last years have been very— understand that the last years have been very difficult. we have had to make _ been very difficult. we have had to make some — been very difficult. we have had to make some really hard decisions that no conservative loves doing. the geopolitical situation, a pandemic, what is _ geopolitical situation, a pandemic, what is happening over in ukraine with russia's war, all of that set for a _ with russia's war, all of that set for a difficult backdrop. that is not to— for a difficult backdrop. that is not to take away from the fact these are a _ not to take away from the fact these are a disappointing set of results but they— are a disappointing set of results but they very clearly frame the choice — but they very clearly frame the choice we _ but they very clearly frame the choice we will see at the next general— choice we will see at the next general election. labour didn't make as much— general election. labour didn't make as much progress in places like harlow. — as much progress in places like harlow, where keir starmer said on wednesday they must win places like harlow. _ wednesday they must win places like harlow. also, you see that where labour— harlow. also, you see that where labour is — harlow. also, you see that where labour is in — harlow. also, you see that where labour is in power, where people are actually— labour is in power, where people are actually experiencing the impact of their policies, they are losing. they— their policies, they are losing. they lost— their policies, they are losing. they lost a by—election in wandsworth and lost to some

independents against the low traffic neighbourhoods in oxford. perhaps i mix, neighbourhoods in oxford. perhaps i mix. but— neighbourhoods in oxford. perhaps i mix. but i— neighbourhoods in oxford. perhaps i mix, but i don't want to take away from _ mix, but i don't want to take away from the _ mix, but i don't want to take away from the fact that the result disappointing. —— perhaps mixed. labour— disappointing. —— perhaps mixed. labouralso— disappointing. —— perhaps mixed. labour also won a by—election yesterday. i want to talk about the mayoral votes. interesting you had ben houchen win. and we're waiting for another result. are you interested in how they campaign, how little mention now was of them being conservatives? they were campaigning on their personalities and not on being conservatives. t on their personalities and not on being conservatives.— on their personalities and not on being conservatives. i don't accept that premise- _ being conservatives. i don't accept that premise. with _ being conservatives. i don't accept that premise. with respect - being conservatives. i don't accept that premise. with respect to - being conservatives. i don't accept i that premise. with respect to them, two of— that premise. with respect to them, two of the _ that premise. with respect to them, two of the most famous conservatives

in the _ two of the most famous conservatives in the whole _ two of the most famous conservatives in the whole country and i don't think— in the whole country and i don't think people in those mayoral authorities casting their ballots had any— authorities casting their ballots had any ambiguity in their minds about— had any ambiguity in their minds about which policy we met party affiliation they had. i�*m about which policy we met party affiliation they had.— affiliation they had. i'm thinking ofthe affiliation they had. i'm thinking of the literature _ affiliation they had. i'm thinking of the literature used _ affiliation they had. i'm thinking of the literature used in - affiliation they had. i'm thinking of the literature used in the - of the literature used in the campaign, so for example ben houchen used blue and white, and the street used blue and white, and the street used green, not blue, not conservative colours, there is a very deliberate decisions, aren't they. —— andy street. very deliberate decisions, aren't they. -- andy street.— very deliberate decisions, aren't they. -- andy street. andy has used ureen they. -- andy street. andy has used green ever— they. -- andy street. andy has used green ever since _ they. -- andy street. andy has used green ever since he _ they. -- andy street. andy has used green ever since he was _ they. -- andy street. andy has used green ever since he was elected, - green ever since he was elected, that is— green ever since he was elected, that is my— green ever since he was elected, that is my understanding. i'm sure there _ that is my understanding. i'm sure there is— that is my understanding. i'm sure there is no— that is my understanding. i'm sure there is no ambiguity when people go to the _ there is no ambiguity when people go to the polls about which party affiliation they have. the broader point _ affiliation they have. the broader point is _ affiliation they have. the broader point is that the message i take and the message we are focusing on is that you _ the message we are focusing on is that you have to deliver. ben has a

very clear — that you have to deliver. ben has a very clear track record of delivery, people _ very clear track record of delivery, people understand his policies. the 'ob people understand his policies. the job for— people understand his policies. the job for us— people understand his policies. the job for us as a party over the next six months — job for us as a party over the next six months is to frame super clearly for the _ six months is to frame super clearly for the electorate what that choice is. we _ for the electorate what that choice is. we have a set of plans and they are starting — is. we have a set of plans and they are starting to work on the economy, inflation _ are starting to work on the economy, inflation is _ are starting to work on the economy, inflation is down to 3.4%, we are controlling — inflation is down to 3.4%, we are controlling migration at our borders. _ controlling migration at our borders, which has an impact on everybody's quality—of—life. we have tot everybody's quality—of—life. we have got plans— everybody's quality—of—life. we have got plans in— everybody's quality—of—life. we have got plans in place for that. some of those _ got plans in place for that. some of those are _ got plans in place for that. some of those are relatively recent. the impact — those are relatively recent. the impact of — those are relatively recent. the impact of cutting tax on work, national— impact of cutting tax on work, national insurance, has probably only been— national insurance, has probably only been in one payslip going into these _ only been in one payslip going into these elections but going into a general— these elections but going into a general election, let's assume that will be _ general election, let's assume that will be this— general election, let's assume that will be this autumn, there will be a lot more _ will be this autumn, there will be a lot more opportunity for people to see the _ lot more opportunity for people to see the impact of our plans working and to— see the impact of our plans working and to look— see the impact of our plans working and to look at that in sharp contrast— and to look at that in sharp contrast to the other choices that they have — contrast to the other choices that they have got. the

contrast to the other choices that they have got-— contrast to the other choices that the have not. ., ., they have got. the reform uk leader has said his — they have got. the reform uk leader has said his party _ they have got. the reform uk leader has said his party is _ they have got. the reform uk leader has said his party is becoming - they have got. the reform uk leader has said his party is becoming the i has said his party is becoming the real opposition to labour. not the conservatives. he has told the bbc, and i quote, it's clear the tories on the way down. when we were doing analysis of how the conservatives perform in seats where reform stood, the fall in the conservative vote was markedly higher. in terms of strategy, how concerned are you about reform uk's progression. i think anybody who wants to see a conservative government as opposed to keir starmer _ conservative government as opposed to keir starmer in _ conservative government as opposed to keir starmer in number— conservative government as opposed to keir starmer in number ten - conservative government as opposed | to keir starmer in number ten should be concerned about that and the contours — be concerned about that and the contours of that choice super clear. i agree _ contours of that choice super clear. i agree with — contours of that choice super clear. i agree with nick's analysis. if you vote for— i agree with nick's analysis. if you vote for reform uk, you will get a labour— vote for reform uk, you will get a labour governor, a labour councillor, a labour mayor. from the conversations— councillor, a labour mayor. from the conversations i have had, by and

large _ conversations i have had, by and large with— conversations i have had, by and large with reform voters, they would support _ large with reform voters, they would support more defence spending, a tougher— support more defence spending, a tougher approach to controlling our borders. _ tougher approach to controlling our borders, the ability to get back to a position— borders, the ability to get back to a position where we can cut taxes. all of— a position where we can cut taxes. all of those — a position where we can cut taxes. all of those things are things the conservatives have a plan for, and if they— conservatives have a plan for, and if they vote — conservatives have a plan for, and if they vote for reform uk, you get keir starmer in number ten, the if they vote for reform uk, you get keir starmer in numberten, the most left-wing _ keir starmer in numberten, the most left—wing government we have ever had as— left—wing government we have ever had as a _ left—wing government we have ever had as a country, and an illegal immigrant _ had as a country, and an illegal immigrant amnesty. that's a choice, that is— immigrant amnesty. that's a choice, that is democracy, and people will have that — that is democracy, and people will have that choice, but i think it's very— have that choice, but i think it's very clear— have that choice, but i think it's very clear we need is conservatives to make _ very clear we need is conservatives to make that choice clear to people so they— to make that choice clear to people so they can — to make that choice clear to people so they can make that decision whenever— so they can make that decision whenever the election funds and lots of people _ whenever the election funds and lots of people didn't vote. we are talking — of people didn't vote. we are talking about turnout at a third, one in— talking about turnout at a third, one in three people voted typically in these _ one in three people voted typically in these elections. come the general election. _ in these elections. come the general election, people say it will be a lot more. — election, people say it will be a lot more, at least twice that, so lots of _ lot more, at least twice that, so lots of people even in blackpool south. — lots of people even in blackpool south, the number of votes even for labour— south, the number of votes even for

labour went— south, the number of votes even for labour went down. there is a lot to play for. _ labour went down. there is a lot to play for. no— labour went down. there is a lot to play for. no one should call this one too— play for. no one should call this one too early. you wouldn't call a premier— one too early. you wouldn't call a premier league football match after 30 minutes. there is a lot more people — 30 minutes. there is a lot more people who _ 30 minutes. there is a lot more people who have got their view... but you _ people who have got their view... but you are — people who have got their view... but you are at the end of the end of a government term, not at the start of an a government term, not at the start ofan incoming a government term, not at the start of an incoming conservative government. of an incoming conservative government-— of an incoming conservative government. of an incoming conservative covernment. ., , government. that's fair, but people make a choice _ government. that's fair, but people make a choice at _ government. that's fair, but people make a choice at the _ government. that's fair, but people make a choice at the election, - government. that's fair, but people make a choice at the election, very| make a choice at the election, very clear— make a choice at the election, very clear choice — make a choice at the election, very clear choice about who will walk through — clear choice about who will walk through the door of number ten. that is a forward—looking choice at a general— is a forward—looking choice at a general election. lots of people don't _ general election. lots of people don't engage with the minutiae of politics— don't engage with the minutiae of politics and day—to—day and just as they have — politics and day—to—day and just as they have not in these elections. there _ they have not in these elections. there is— they have not in these elections. there is a — they have not in these elections. there is a clear choice, we have a set of— there is a clear choice, we have a set of plans— there is a clear choice, we have a set of plans that are starting to work. _ set of plans that are starting to work. i— set of plans that are starting to work, i understand people's frustrations, and i would argue the opposition— frustrations, and i would argue the opposition do not have a set of plans— opposition do not have a set of plans that _ opposition do not have a set of plans that hang together well. i look forward to the election campaign revealing that. thank you

ve much campaign revealing that. thank you very much for— campaign revealing that. thank you very much for your _ campaign revealing that. thank you very much for your time _ campaign revealing that. thank you very much for your time with - campaign revealing that. thank you very much for your time with us - campaign revealing that. thank you i very much for your time with us here on breakfast. mike is here with the sport, a world of drama! thy, mike is here with the sport, a world of drama! �* ., mike is here with the sport, a world of drama! �* ._ ., , of drama! a day that will send shivers down _ of drama! a day that will send shivers down your— of drama! a day that will send shivers down your spine. - of drama! a day that will send shivers down your spine. ed . of drama! a day that will send - shivers down your spine. ed sheerin will be watching ipswich this time! in just a few hours' time, the outcome of a whole season's toil will be decided on the final day of the regular championship season. all 24 sides play at the same time, with the likes of birmingham, plymouth, sheffield wednesday and blackburn fighting to survive. while at the top, it should be promotion party time for ipswich town. theyjust need a draw at home against huddersfield, who are all but relegated, to return to the premier league for the first time in 22 years. we know it would be an incredible achievement. we know what it would mean to the town, to the football club,

to the players, to the staff, to everyone. and we're going to do our absolute best to try and make that happen, as we have done all year. there's no more we can do than that. we can't give more than 100%. a group have been giving 100% day in, day out for a really long period of time and showed an incredible, consistent level of that. nottingham forest are one of the teams in the top tier looking to avoid the drop, and they can go three points clear of the bottom three with a win against sheffield united later, that's after luton town missed the chance to escape the relegation zone, last night after being held to a 1—1 with everton, who themselves are now safe. dominic calvert lewin had put the visitors ahead, before elijah adebayo levelled the game before half time, but they couldn't find a winner and the draw leaves luton level on points with nottingham forest. but they stay in 18 place, because of their inferior

goal difference. burnley can go above luton if they beat newcastle united. this week, we've been following kris kim, the 16—year old, taking a break from school exams in surrey to make his debut on the pga tour in texas, and it's so far been an a star perfomance. he's become the youngest player to make the cut on the tour in nearly a decade, finishing on seven under par after two rounds. six birdies yesterday for the teenager from surrey. he's seven shots off the leaderjake knapp, the former night club bouncer, with england's matt wallace tied in second. it's semifinals day in european rugby union, with gloucester and sharks at home in the challenge cup and in the big one, the champions cup northampton saints are at leinster. we will have a full preview a little later. fostering a child is a unique act of care, and experts are warning that thousands of new foster families will be needed to keep up with the rising number of children in the care system. one couple in their 80s are still going above and beyond to help. margaret and her husband

robert have fostered more than 150 children, and they have no plans to stop. we've been fostering for 46 years. # if you're happy and you know it clap your hands...# _ just because we enjoy children, - and i think the house would be empty without children there. well, we just love looking after the kids. we love giving them different experiences. we've had all sorts of kids from all sorts of backgrounds, and it'sjust nice to give them a safe, comfortable home for a period. sometimes it's been very difficult. we had a little boy who had a very serious heart condition. and, in fact, when he was ten months old, we were returning from holiday in scotland and he passed away in our camper van on the way back, which was rather devastating. a few weeks later, margaret said that she'd been asked to have a look at a little down syndrome girl who was in hospital.

she's got a heart condition. "should we?" i said, "no, no way." the nurses took a polaroid - photograph of kim and myself. i showed rob when we got home. and he said, "when are - you going to see her again?" we were given prognosis of between six and nine months life expectancy for kim. so we thought, well, we'll give her the best life we could in that time. and in fact, she was with us for 21 years before she passed away. and in that time, she'd been all over the world with us. she'd been to australia, new zealand, the gambia. she was lovely. she was just our life for so long. we've got the energy to do it. we've still got the energy. why not? it keeps us young, i suppose, in a sense. you're never too old. as long as you're fit and able, you're never too old. to help them to move on to something else is reward in itself.

we can speak now to foster carer karenjones and brenda farrell, who's the uk head of adoption and fostering at barnardo's. margaret and robert, there's is an extraordinary story in the biggest meaning of the word, because their dedication is above and beyond. that's not the normal tale of foster carers. ., �* , . that's not the normal tale of foster carers. ., h ., ., that's not the normal tale of foster carers. ., �*, ., ., , ., , carers. no, it's a wonderful story and they have — carers. no, it's a wonderful story and they have dedicated - carers. no, it's a wonderful story and they have dedicated their. carers. no, it's a wonderful story i and they have dedicated their lives to fostering but on a day—to—day basis. _ to fostering but on a day—to—day basis. the — to fostering but on a day—to—day basis, the ideas we want to have members — basis, the ideas we want to have members of the public consider fostering. — members of the public consider fostering, and karen will tell you a story— fostering, and karen will tell you a story surely of those who start offers — story surely of those who start offers short—term foster families and then— offers short—term foster families and then longer term. some who become — and then longer term. some who become foster carers, doing something once a month as their contribution, and then there are others _ contribution, and then there are others like — contribution, and then there are others like back—up who give a

lifetime — others like back—up who give a lifetime of care. —— like that couple _ lifetime of care. -- like that coule. . lifetime of care. -- like that coule. , ., lifetime of care. -- like that cou-le. ,., couple. tells about your posturing, karen. couple. tells about your posturing, karen- -- — couple. tells about your posturing, karen- -- tell— couple. tells about your posturing, karen. -- tell us _ couple. tells about your posturing, karen. -- tell us about _ couple. tells about your posturing, karen. -- tell us about your - karen. —— tell us about your fostering. t karen. -- tell us about your fostering-— karen. -- tell us about your fostering. i work in a primary school and — fostering. i work in a primary school and you _ fostering. i work in a primary school and you see _ fostering. i work in a primary school and you see lots - fostering. i work in a primary school and you see lots of i fostering. i work in a primary- school and you see lots of distant things. _ school and you see lots of distant things. me — school and you see lots of distant things. me and— school and you see lots of distant things, me and my— school and you see lots of distant things, me and my husband - school and you see lots of distanti things, me and my husband talked about— things, me and my husband talked about it _ things, me and my husband talked about it and — things, me and my husband talked about it and then— things, me and my husband talked about it and then just _ things, me and my husband talked about it and then just decided - things, me and my husband talked about it and then just decided we i about it and thenjust decided we could _ about it and thenjust decided we could do— about it and thenjust decided we could do more. _ about it and thenjust decided we could do more. my— about it and thenjust decided we could do more. my husband - about it and thenjust decided we could do more. my husband saidl about it and then just decided we i could do more. my husband said put your money— could do more. my husband said put your money where _ could do more. my husband said put your money where your _ could do more. my husband said put your money where your mouth - could do more. my husband said put your money where your mouth is, i could do more. my husband said put| your money where your mouth is, so we looked _ your money where your mouth is, so we looked into— your money where your mouth is, so we looked into it _ your money where your mouth is, so we looked into it and _ your money where your mouth is, so we looked into it and at _ your money where your mouth is, so we looked into it and at the - we looked into it and at the beginning _ we looked into it and at the beginning we _ we looked into it and at the beginning we just _ we looked into it and at the beginning we just did - we looked into it and at the beginning we just did a - we looked into it and at the i beginning we just did a respite we looked into it and at the - beginning we just did a respite and holidays _ beginning we just did a respite and holidays to— beginning we just did a respite and holidays to see _ beginning we just did a respite and holidays to see if _ beginning we just did a respite and holidays to see if it _ beginning we just did a respite and holidays to see if it was _ beginning we just did a respite and holidays to see if it was something t holidays to see if it was something we could _ holidays to see if it was something we could cope _ holidays to see if it was something we could cope with. _ holidays to see if it was something we could cope with. then- holidays to see if it was something we could cope with. then we - holidays to see if it was something we could cope with. then we went| holidays to see if it was something i we could cope with. then we went for it full— we could cope with. then we went for it full time _ we could cope with. then we went for it full time. ~ . . we could cope with. then we went for it full time-— we could cope with. then we went for it full time._ yes. - we could cope with. then we went for it full time._ yes.- it full time. was it scary? yes. the responsibility. _ it full time. was it scary? yes. the responsibility, but _ it full time. was it scary? yes. the responsibility, but also _ it full time. was it scary? yes. the responsibility, but also it - it full time. was it scary? yes. the responsibility, but also it changesl responsibility, but also it changes your life completely.— your life completely. yes, but in lots of positive _ your life completely. yes, but in lots of positive ways _ your life completely. yes, but in lots of positive ways as - your life completely. yes, but in lots of positive ways as well. - your life completely. yes, but in | lots of positive ways as well. you cannot _ lots of positive ways as well. you cannot explain _ lots of positive ways as well. you cannot explain how _ lots of positive ways as well. you

cannot explain how you _ lots of positive ways as well. you cannot explain how you feel - lots of positive ways as well. you i cannot explain how you feel when, like prom — cannot explain how you feel when, like prom or— cannot explain how you feel when, like prom or the _ cannot explain how you feel when, like prom or the first _ cannot explain how you feel when, like prom or the first day- cannot explain how you feel when, like prom or the first day of - like prom or the first day of school. _ like prom or the first day of school. you _ like prom or the first day of school, you get— like prom or the first day of school, you get so - like prom or the first day of school, you get so much. like prom or the first day of i school, you get so much back. like prom or the first day of - school, you get so much back. you have _ school, you get so much back. you have to _ school, you get so much back. you have to give — school, you get so much back. you have to give so _ school, you get so much back. you have to give so much _ school, you get so much back. you have to give so much but - school, you get so much back. you have to give so much but you - school, you get so much back. you have to give so much but you get i school, you get so much back. youi have to give so much but you get so much _ have to give so much but you get so much back. — have to give so much but you get so much back. did _ have to give so much but you get so much back-— much back. did you think you would be doinu much back. did you think you would be doin: it much back. did you think you would be doing it for _ much back. did you think you would be doing it for this _ much back. did you think you would be doing it for this long? _ much back. did you think you would be doing it for this long? no, - much back. did you think you would be doing it for this long? no, we i be doing it for this long? no, we did not. be doing it for this long? no, we did not- i — be doing it for this long? no, we did not. i don't _ be doing it for this long? no, we did not. i don't think— be doing it for this long? no, we did not. i don't think we - be doing it for this long? no, we did not. i don't think we ever - did not. idon't think we ever thought— did not. i don't think we ever thought about _ did not. i don't think we ever thought about it. _ did not. i don't think we ever thought about it. when - did not. i don't think we ever- thought about it. when somebody comes— thought about it. when somebody comes along — thought about it. when somebody comes along and _ thought about it. when somebody comes along and says, _ thought about it. when somebody comes along and says, this - thought about it. when somebody comes along and says, this is - thought about it. when somebody comes along and says, this is a i comes along and says, this is a long-term _ comes along and says, this is a long—term placement, - comes along and says, this is a long—term placement, you - comes along and says, this is a l long—term placement, you think long-term — long—term placement, you think long-term and _ long—term placement, you think long—term and you _ long—term placement, you think long—term and you think- long—term placement, you think long—term and you think 18 - long—term placement, you think long—term and you think 18 and i long—term and you think 18 and beyond — long—term and you think 18 and beyond it— long—term and you think 18 and beyond it is— long—term and you think 18 and beyond. it is 18 _ long—term and you think 18 and beyond. it is 18 and _ long—term and you think 18 and beyond. it is 18 and beyond. . long—term and you think 18 and beyond. it is 18 and beyond. iti long—term and you think 18 and i beyond. it is 18 and beyond. it is until— beyond. it is 18 and beyond. it is until that — beyond. it is 18 and beyond. it is until that person— beyond. it is 18 and beyond. it is until that person is— beyond. it is 18 and beyond. it is until that person is old _ beyond. it is 18 and beyond. it is until that person is old enough. beyond. it is 18 and beyond. it is| until that person is old enough to id until that person is old enough to go out _ until that person is old enough to go out into— until that person is old enough to go out into the _ until that person is old enough to go out into the world _ until that person is old enough to go out into the world on - until that person is old enough to go out into the world on their- until that person is old enough to. go out into the world on their own. 0bviously— go out into the world on their own. obviously you _ go out into the world on their own. obviously you are _ go out into the world on their own. obviously you are not _ go out into the world on their own. obviously you are not asking - go out into the world on their own. obviously you are not asking for i obviously you are not asking for details on individuals but when you talk about long—term, what's the longest foster care situation you have been doing. you been doing it 11 years now. just have been doing. you been doing it 11 years now-— 11 years now. just over five years with a little _ 11 years now. just over five years with a little family _ 11 years now. just over five years with a little family we _ 11 years now. just over five years with a little family we foster - 11 years now. just over five years with a little family we foster at i with a little family we foster at the moment. _ with a little family we foster at the moment.— with a little family we foster at the moment. ~ . ., ., the moment. right. well we can all

see enfield emotions _ the moment. right. well we can all see enfield emotions involved - the moment. right. well we can all see enfield emotions involved in i see enfield emotions involved in this because there are lots of logistics, you have be practical and no that you are capable and there's enough space, and then there is the emotional part, which is also huge. it is huge and you get emotionally involved. — it is huge and you get emotionally involved. but— it is huge and you get emotionally involved, but it's _ it is huge and you get emotionally involved, but it's not _ it is huge and you get emotionally involved, but it's notjust- it is huge and you get emotionally involved, but it's notjust a - it is huge and you get emotionally involved, but it's notjust a job. i involved, but it's notjust a job. it's how— involved, but it's notjust a job. it's how you _ involved, but it's notjust a job. it's how you are. _ involved, but it's notjust a job. it's how you are. you _ involved, but it's notjust a job. it's how you are. you are - involved, but it's notjust a job. i it's how you are. you are actually bringing — it's how you are. you are actually bringing children _ it's how you are. you are actually bringing children up, _ it's how you are. you are actually bringing children up, you - it's how you are. you are actually bringing children up, you are - bringing children up, you are parenting _ bringing children up, you are parenting children, - bringing children up, you are parenting children, so- bringing children up, you are parenting children, so they i bringing children up, you are . parenting children, so they are bringing children up, you are - parenting children, so they are just family. _ parenting children, so they are just family. that's— parenting children, so they are just family. that's all— parenting children, so they are just family. that's all i— parenting children, so they are just family. that's all i can _ parenting children, so they are just family. that's all i can say. - parenting children, so they are 'ust family. that's all i can say.�* family. that's all i can say. karen aives a family. that's all i can say. karen gives a great _ family. that's all i can say. karen gives a great account _ family. that's all i can say. karen gives a great account of - family. that's all i can say. karen gives a great account of the - family. that's all i can say. karen i gives a great account of the rewards and the benefits and those are almost plain to see in any child thatis almost plain to see in any child that is thriving and able to thrive in an environment where they might not have been able to. however, there is a reason there is a search for more foster carers, because it is seen as an insurmountable challenge. if someone is thinking, i can do this and will put my money

where my mouth is, what support is available? ,, , , where my mouth is, what support is available? ,, ,. available? support is critical, trainina available? support is critical, training and _ available? support is critical, training and support, - available? support is critical, training and support, at - available? support is critical, - training and support, at barnardos, we take _ training and support, at barnardos, we take a _ training and support, at barnardos, we take a team approach, because to have a _ we take a team approach, because to have a family and give that amount of care _ have a family and give that amount of care to _ have a family and give that amount of care to children with a range of experiences, it's important the support— experiences, it's important the support is— experiences, it's important the support is there. talking about training. — support is there. talking about training, it's helping families like karen's _ training, it's helping families like karen's bring children into their home _ karen's bring children into their home to — karen's bring children into their home to understand those children's experiences, understand them, support— experiences, understand them, support them, nurture them, but also guide _ support them, nurture them, but also guide them. _ support them, nurture them, but also guide them. many children, it's working — guide them. many children, it's working with the birth family to help child go back again. that team working _ help child go back again. that team working with the foster carer is so important. — working with the foster carer is so im ortant. . working with the foster carer is so im ortant. , ., ., important. there is the thought that if ou are important. there is the thought that if you are foster _ important. there is the thought that if you are foster carer, _ important. there is the thought that if you are foster carer, you - important. there is the thought that if you are foster carer, you must - important. there is the thought that if you are foster carer, you must be | if you are foster carer, you must be at home and cannot work, you must be 100% committed, but that is not the case, is it? you can still work and have a life and continue to earn and how that part of your life that you

treasure. . ' treasure. there are different children with _ treasure. there are different children with different - treasure. there are different| children with different needs. treasure. there are different - children with different needs. some children— children with different needs. some children might need just weekend care. _ children might need just weekend care. but— children might need just weekend care, but other children need forever— care, but other children need forever families. care, but other children need foreverfamilies. depending on care, but other children need forever families. depending on their needs— forever families. depending on their needs and _ forever families. depending on their needs and their age ranges, some carers _ needs and their age ranges, some carers might need to be at home all the time _ carers might need to be at home all the time because the young child is not at _ the time because the young child is not at preschool, then some need to pick up _ not at preschool, then some need to pick up their— not at preschool, then some need to pick up their children from school, so it is— pick up their children from school, so it is family life and dynamics. karen.. — so it is family life and dynamics. karen,, brenda, if someone is listening to this and thinking, i hear what you're saying, but i don't want the authorities nosing around my business, judging me as a person and whether i am good enough or capable enough and they worry about that part of it, what would you say to somebody, hearing what you both are saying? to somebody, hearing what you both are sa inc ? ., ., , to somebody, hearing what you both are sa inc? ., ., , ., to somebody, hearing what you both aresa inc? ., ., , ., , , are saying? there are lots of myths in our society _ are saying? there are lots of myths

in our society about _ are saying? there are lots of myths in our society about what _ are saying? there are lots of myths in our society about what a - are saying? there are lots of myths in our society about what a good i in our society about what a good foster _ in our society about what a good foster carer is and what the assessment process is, but it's detailed — assessment process is, but it's detailed and clear. we get to understand if it's the right time for you — understand if it's the right time for you to — understand if it's the right time for you to foster. if somebody is interested, for example, go to the barnardos— interested, for example, go to the barnardos website, pick up the phone. — barnardos website, pick up the phone, have a conversation and meet some _ phone, have a conversation and meet some carers— phone, have a conversation and meet some carers and find out if it is the right— some carers and find out if it is the right time for you.- some carers and find out if it is the right time for you. karen, what would ou the right time for you. karen, what would you say _ the right time for you. karen, what would you say to — the right time for you. karen, what would you say to someone - the right time for you. karen, what would you say to someone who - the right time for you. karen, what would you say to someone who is i would you say to someone who is unsure? we would you say to someone who is unsure? ~ . ~ would you say to someone who is unsure? ~ ., ~ ., ,., , unsure? we were talking about this before, it usually _ unsure? we were talking about this before, it usually takes _ unsure? we were talking about this before, it usually takes the - unsure? we were talking about this before, it usually takes the foster i before, it usually takes the foster carer— before, it usually takes the foster carer on— before, it usually takes the foster carer on average _ before, it usually takes the foster carer on average five _ before, it usually takes the foster carer on average five years - before, it usually takes the foster carer on average five years to - carer on average five years to decide — carer on average five years to decide they— carer on average five years to decide they want _ carer on average five years to decide they want to _ carer on average five years to decide they want to foster- carer on average five years to| decide they want to foster and carer on average five years to - decide they want to foster and that is about— decide they want to foster and that is about right. _ decide they want to foster and that is about right, because _ decide they want to foster and that is about right, because we - decide they want to foster and that is about right, because we startedl is about right, because we started off doing — is about right, because we started off doing respite _ is about right, because we started off doing respite and _ is about right, because we started off doing respite and holiday- is about right, because we started| off doing respite and holiday care, so i could — off doing respite and holiday care, so i could continue _ off doing respite and holiday care, so i could continue working - off doing respite and holiday care, so i could continue working and i so i could continue working and foster _ so i could continue working and foster at — so i could continue working and foster at the _ so i could continue working and foster at the same _ so i could continue working and foster at the same time, - so i could continue working and foster at the same time, the i so i could continue working and - foster at the same time, the school i worked _ foster at the same time, the school i worked out — foster at the same time, the school i worked out where _ foster at the same time, the school i worked out where very— foster at the same time, the school i worked out where very good - foster at the same time, the school i worked out where very good at - i worked out where very good at letting _ i worked out where very good at letting you — i worked out where very good at letting you do— i worked out where very good at letting you do that. _ i worked out where very good at letting you do that. so - i worked out where very good at letting you do that.— letting you do that. so there is flexibility- _ letting you do that. so there is flexibility. lovely _ letting you do that. so there is flexibility. lovely to _ letting you do that. so there is flexibility. lovely to meet - letting you do that. so there is flexibility. lovely to meet you | flexibility. lovely to meet you both. we will be back shortly with the headlines.

live from london. this is bbc news. the cia chief is in cairo to try to help mediate a gaza ceasefire deal between israel and hamas. thousands of pro—palestinians demonstrators have marched through new york city — following the shut down of another protest encampment. canadian police charge three indian nationals with murder over the killing of a prominent sikh activist last year.

and coming up, the mystery of the reappearing pine marten. how new sightings of the creature — thought to be extinct in parts of england — is puzzling scientists. we start with the latest on the israel gaza war. the head of the us central intelligence agency, william burns, is in cairo to help try to mediate a ceasefire deal between israel and hamas. hamas has confirmed that its delegation will travel to cairo today to resume talks. its delegation will travel foreign mediators have been waiting for a response from the group to an israeli proposal to halt the fighting for forty days and to exchange hostages for palestinian prisoners. it comes amid us media reports that israel has given hamas a week to agree to the current proposal or it will begin its long—threatened offensive in gaza's southernmost city, rafah. israel insists that is necessary to defeat hamas's remaining

fighters.