joining me tonight are leslie vinjamuri, the director of the us & americas at the chatham house, and republican strategist mike shields in washington. we will get to mike and leslie very shortly. first, the latest headlines — president biden has warned benjamin netenyahu that the us will stop more weapons bound for israel if it launches a major ground operation in the gaza city of rafah. despite the concerns expressed by the white house, israel appears ready to mount a large—scale assault on the city, which they say is hamas�*s last major stronghold in the territory. thousands of people have joined pro—palestinian protests a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman in her 60s was fatally stabbed in north london. paramedics and an air ambulance

attended the incident and treated the woman for stab injuries, but she died at the scene. a 22—year—old man was arrested in the colindale area on thursday afternoon and remained in custody. thousands of people have joined pro—palestinian protests in the swedish city of malmo ahead of israel's appearance in the semifinal of the eurovision song contest. the climate activist greta thunberg was among the crowds that gathered in the city's main square, waving flags and chanting. the man performing for israel, eden golan, was booed during the rehearsals. a bbc investigation has revealed the saudi authorities have permitted the use of lethal force to clear land for a futuristic desert city that is being built by dozens of western companies. a former intelligence officer says he was ordered to evict villagers to make way for the line, part of the neom eco—project. you are very welcome to the programme. the people living in rafah say the last two days have been punctuated by the almost constant sound of shelling. there are reports tonight that israeli tanks are

close to built—up areas. one humanitarian group operating in the city says it is impossible to get staff in or out in the face of daily bombardment and gunfire. the ceasefire talks are ongoing in cairo, but there is a sense that things are escalating quickly. the fear of a much bigger assault has caused president biden and the white house to make clear repeatedly the us opposition to any such campaign. this evening, the us national security advisor, john kirby, said "smashing into rafah wil not advance the objective of defeating hamas". the president has tasked his team to continue to work with israel to refine their strategy to inflict an enduring defeat on hamas. and i want to repeat that — an enduring defeat on hamas certainly remains the israeli goal, and we share that goal with them. smashing into rafah, in his view, will not advance that objective, will not get to that sustainable

and enduring defeat of hamas. a shipment of 2000—pound bombs has already been suspended. the president made it clear last night further shipments will be delayers if the operation goes ahead. that sparked a furious response from the israeli security minister, itamar ben—gvir, who wrote this on x. "hamas loves biden," a comment that was described as "irresponsible" by the israeli president. and in washington, republicans lined up to condemn the president for his "interference" in israel's war. ijust want to emphasise one thing — this is all about president biden and lloyd austin trying to take over the war from israel. i've got one message for israel — don't let them do it. tragically, joe biden has been the greatest friendj to hamas and hezbollah - that there is on planet earth.

now, those sound like - extraordinary statements. what are the facts? the biden administration is sending money right now to gaza. _ many of us said, "if you send the money to gaza, it - will be seized by hamas." what happened? the first shipment came in and, - boom, immediately seized by hamas, exactly like we said. but they are combining it - with blocking weapons to israel. i'm joined by? brian katulis, senior fellow at the middle east institute. maybe i could to start with the first of all. just to make clear to our viewers will a seismic step this is because the united states has never done this before. they have never done this before. they have never suspended weapons not since the 1980s, and there is a law, a congressional law, that guarantees $3.8 billion of aid every year. so it's a big step. it’s

$3.8 billion of aid every year. so it's a big step-— it's a big step. it's a big step onl a it's a big step. it's a big step only a particular _ it's a big step. it's a big step only a particular type - it's a big step. it's a big step only a particular type of- it's a big step. it's a big step - only a particular type of weapon, and it's part of this debate that's been ongoing for several months now, mostly private debate but what is different now is is now public in a very big way about the difference between israel and the biden administration right now on how does this all end. what is the best way to eliminate hamas, asjohn kirby said? both countries agree on this, but there is a sharp disagreement about the tactics and the next steps in all of this, and it's driven mostly by the concerns of the height loss of civilian life in gaza amongst palestinians and the concerns about humanitarian aid and not aid, but a million plus people living in rafah which is where the hamas leadership is right now. there is a practical concern about keeping palestinians say that the united states is trying to voice here, and the israelis have a concern about

the israelis have a concern about the threat hamas continues to pose. i want to get the thinking from joe biden because there is been a flurry of phone calls withjerusalem. they were urging him according to the washington post not to do this, and they were quite angry at some of these exchanges. and then there have been phone calls with regional leaders. he had king abdullah of jordan in the white house as the other day. is he trying to pick a way through that? is the under enormous pressure now among some of his other middle east allies? yeah. his other middle east allies? yeah, the middle east _ his other middle east allies? yeah, the middle east allies _ his other middle east allies? yeah, the middle east allies of _ his other middle east allies? yeah, the middle east allies of the - his other middle east allies? ir—u the middle east allies of the united states has, they have all been consistent and wanting to see an immediate cease—fire and also consist in wanting to see the creation of a palestinian state eventually. that's their condition for support for rebuilding gaza once this war is over, but that's their condition for years now. the problem is you have gotten government in israel that refuses to do two things. one, it is not actually have a clear plan to define what end

state they want inside gaza. this is cause for consternation within their own security system because people who are working in the military are really worried that they don't have an answer the question of how does this end. in the second challenge is you've have gotten government in israel that has rejected a state of palestine. and that's at odds with what saudi arabia, jordan, egypt and others want. i think what you're going to see in the next few weeks is this confluence of events come to a head which will really, i think, isolate benjamin netanyahu from the region that he himself once integrated into. he wants to have and continue to prosecute the war against hamas in the us will support that to some degree, but he also wants to deny a state of palestine which is what the rest of the region and us policy actually wants and many of our european partners do. mike, i watched many of our european partners do. mike, iwatched republicans many of our european partners do. mike, i watched republicans limit today and was reminded of this quote that i read in the morning from ryan graham, the bureau chief in austin

for the intercept. he wrote this. and that's the point really. you have to pick a political line on these things, and now he does not sue anyone. these things, and now he does not sue anyone-— sue anyone. yeah, and inherent in that question _ sue anyone. yeah, and inherent in that question and _ sue anyone. yeah, and inherent in that question and this _ sue anyone. yeah, and inherent in that question and this issue - sue anyone. yeah, and inherent in that question and this issue is - that question and this issue is domestic_ that question and this issue is domestic politics, right? so that is what _ domestic politics, right? so that is what is _ domestic politics, right? so that is what is angering some and people on both sides _ what is angering some and people on both sides of this issue in america is that_ both sides of this issue in america is that it _ both sides of this issue in america is that it looks like he is being extremely political on an issue that should _ extremely political on an issue that should be _ extremely political on an issue that should be above politics, both foreign — should be above politics, both foreign policy and as middle east policy— foreign policy and as middle east policy in — foreign policy and as middle east policy in general. there is always domestic— policy in general. there is always domestic politics imputed everything president— domestic politics imputed everything president does, but itjust seems so they about _ president does, but itjust seems so they about domestic politics for him in his— they about domestic politics for him in his decision—making on this in the same — in his decision—making on this in the same as— in his decision—making on this in the same as they made where they will simultaneously increase support

for the _ will simultaneously increase support for the weapons to israel whilst putting — for the weapons to israel whilst putting out statements saying don't use them _ putting out statements saying don't use them at times. and so those conflicting — use them at times. and so those conflicting things feel like he is talking — conflicting things feel like he is talking to different audiences in swing _ talking to different audiences in swing states as opposed to thinking about— swing states as opposed to thinking about what's best for america and what's _ about what's best for america and what's best for our allies and what's — what's best for our allies and what's the best way to prosecute this war— what's the best way to prosecute this war and was the best way to reach _ this war and was the best way to reach a — this war and was the best way to reach a conclusion to it. and so you are right, _ reach a conclusion to it. and so you are right, he — reach a conclusion to it. and so you are right, he is looking little damage _ are right, he is looking little damage on all side from that and will wind — damage on all side from that and will wind up really being hurt by, by voters — will wind up really being hurt by, by voters on both sides of the issue — by voters on both sides of the issue. , , ., ., by voters on both sides of the issue. , ,., ., .,, issue. interesting point, that most ofthe issue. interesting point, that most of the point _ issue. interesting point, that most of the point is _ issue. interesting point, that most of the point is he _ issue. interesting point, that most of the point is he has _ issue. interesting point, that most of the point is he has been - issue. interesting point, that most| of the point is he has been patient. he has cajoled, urged benjamin netanyahu not to do this, and they don't have a particularly good personal relationship. the important relationship and he has been supportive of him since october the 7th but is not a good relationship. what happens next if netanyahu goes into rafah in the full operation unfolds was meant well, this, president biden has said and this made it very clear that this would in effect be a red line for us

support for israel and this is why we are seeing the president come out for the first time publicly yesterday say that he would hold back those specific weapons that he sees and deems to be just a very unnecessary and very catastrophic risk for those well over one who are crowded into rafah with nowhere to go. crowded into rafah with nowhere to no. �* crowded into rafah with nowhere to .o_ �* , crowded into rafah with nowhere to io, �* , , crowded into rafah with nowhere to go. and this is the critical thing. it's very difficult _ go. and this is the critical thing. it's very difficult now _ go. and this is the critical thing. it's very difficult now to - go. and this is the critical thing. it's very difficult now to get - it's very difficult now to get humanitarian _ it's very difficult now to get humanitarian relief- it's very difficult now to get humanitarian relief in, - it's very difficult now to getl humanitarian relief in, food, it's very difficult now to get - humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, _ humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, and — humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, and so _ humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, and so it— humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, and so it is— humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, and so it is a _ humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, and so it is a crisis. - humanitarian relief in, food, fuel, water, and so it is a crisis. and i. water, and so it is a crisis. and i think— water, and so it is a crisis. and i think biden _ water, and so it is a crisis. and i think biden has _ water, and so it is a crisis. and i think biden has been _ water, and so it is a crisis. and i think biden has been very- water, and so it is a crisis. and i think biden has been very clearl water, and so it is a crisis. and i. think biden has been very clear the whole _ think biden has been very clear the whole time, — think biden has been very clear the whole time, he _ think biden has been very clear the whole time, he clearly _ think biden has been very clear the whole time, he clearly supports - whole time, he clearly supports israet. — whole time, he clearly supports israet. he — whole time, he clearly supports israel, he has— whole time, he clearly supports israel, he has wanted _ whole time, he clearly supports israel, he has wanted to - whole time, he clearly supports israel, he has wanted to help i whole time, he clearly supports . israel, he has wanted to help them iet israel, he has wanted to help them get the _ israel, he has wanted to help them get the hostages _ israel, he has wanted to help them get the hostages back— israel, he has wanted to help them get the hostages back to _ israel, he has wanted to help them get the hostages back to defeat - get the hostages back to defeat the threat _ get the hostages back to defeat the threat that— get the hostages back to defeat the threat that hamas _ get the hostages back to defeat the threat that hamas presents, - get the hostages back to defeat the threat that hamas presents, but. threat that hamas presents, but with some _ threat that hamas presents, but with some balance — threat that hamas presents, but with some balance. and _ threat that hamas presents, but with some balance. and he _ threat that hamas presents, but with some balance. and he has _ threat that hamas presents, but with some balance. and he has tried - threat that hamas presents, but with some balance. and he has tried to i some balance. and he has tried to pursue _ some balance. and he has tried to pursue this — some balance. and he has tried to pursue this two—pronged - some balance. and he has tried to pursue this two—pronged strategyl some balance. and he has tried to i pursue this two—pronged strategy of publicly— pursue this two—pronged strategy of publicly supporting _ pursue this two—pronged strategy of publicly supporting netanyahu - pursue this two—pronged strategy of publicly supporting netanyahu but . publicly supporting netanyahu but pursuing _ publicly supporting netanyahu but pursuing a — publicly supporting netanyahu but pursuing a harder— publicly supporting netanyahu but pursuing a harder set _ publicly supporting netanyahu but pursuing a harder set of— publicly supporting netanyahu but pursuing a harder set of policies l publicly supporting netanyahu but| pursuing a harder set of policies in private. _ pursuing a harder set of policies in private. pursuing _ pursuing a harder set of policies in private, pursuing negotiations, - private, pursuing negotiations, trying —

private, pursuing negotiations, trying to— private, pursuing negotiations, trying to get _ private, pursuing negotiations, trying to get a _ private, pursuing negotiations, trying to get a deal. _ private, pursuing negotiations, trying to get a deal. those - private, pursuing negotiations, i trying to get a deal. those talks are still— trying to get a deal. those talks are still going _ trying to get a deal. those talks are still going on, _ trying to get a deal. those talks are still going on, but _ trying to get a deal. those talks are still going on, but very- trying to get a deal. those talks i are still going on, but very clearly struggling — are still going on, but very clearly struggling to _ are still going on, but very clearly struggling to deliver. _ are still going on, but very clearly struggling to deliver. and - are still going on, but very clearly struggling to deliver. and as - are still going on, but very clearly struggling to deliver. and as we l struggling to deliver. and as we have _ struggling to deliver. and as we have heard, _ struggling to deliver. and as we have heard, getting _ struggling to deliver. and as we have heard, getting a _ struggling to deliver. and as we have heard, getting a lot - struggling to deliver. and as we have heard, getting a lot of - have heard, getting a lot of pushback_ have heard, getting a lot of pushback on— have heard, getting a lot of pushback on all— have heard, getting a lot of pushback on all sides, - have heard, getting a lot of pushback on all sides, and i have heard, getting a lot of| pushback on all sides, and i have heard, getting a lot of - pushback on all sides, and i think trying _ pushback on all sides, and i think trying again — pushback on all sides, and i think trying again to _ pushback on all sides, and i think trying again to look _ pushback on all sides, and i think trying again to look strategically. trying again to look strategically at a very— trying again to look strategically at a very complex _ trying again to look strategically at a very complex and _ trying again to look strategically at a very complex and very- trying again to look strategically- at a very complex and very harrowing situation, _ at a very complex and very harrowing situation, especially _ at a very complex and very harrowing situation, especially for— at a very complex and very harrowing situation, especially for civilians. - situation, especially for civilians. a final— situation, especially for civilians. a final one — situation, especially for civilians. a final one to _ situation, especially for civilians. a final one to you, _ situation, especially for civilians. a final one to you, if— situation, especially for civilians. a final one to you, if netanyahul a final one to you, if netanyahu does go in and this full operation unfolds, how does it leave the united states in the region? because if the us has no leverage over him, what do the other allies think about that? ~ ,, , . , ., that? well, the us perception about the us is already _ that? well, the us perception about the us is already been _ that? well, the us perception about the us is already been damaged - that? well, the us perception aboutj the us is already been damaged and notjust by the us is already been damaged and not just by this the us is already been damaged and notjust by this war, but by successive us administrations starting with george w. bush and the continuing into obama and donald trump. and the damage is done in the sense that we are not a reliable strategic partner. i actually think

on the domestic politics here, it's much ado about nothing because most voters are not really focused on this. they are focused on immigration, or our democracy. with the image of america in the region has already been damaged as a result of this. i think if netanyahu moves forward what i would worry for someone who supports israel is that it further isolates them from the rest of the region. it's notjust fissure between the us and israel, and for sure it republicans and democrats will go after each other like they do and every other issue, but strategically i think the real challenge here for israel is if it moves forward with his operation, i was just in moves forward with his operation, i wasjust in saudi arabia moves forward with his operation, i was just in saudi arabia recently and for sure a lot of the things they like to see get done won't happen. and i think the bigger challenge then is of the united states and israel still stand together against threats like iran and their network across the region, but we have this big gap on the gaza operation. but we have this big gap on the gaza

o eration. , operation. interesting. it will continue to _ operation. interesting. it will continue to follow _ operation. interesting. it will continue to follow it. - operation. interesting. it will continue to follow it. 20 - operation. interesting. it will| continue to follow it. 20 more operation. interesting. it will. continue to follow it. 20 more on the bbc website, thank you for coming on the programme. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's take a look at some of the other stories in the headlines. official figures show that five babies died from whooping cough in the first three months of this year in england as cases rose sharply. 2700 people had the bacterial infection betweenjanuary and march. that's more than three times the number for the whole of last year. a self—styled "eunuch—maker" who mutilated paying customers and streamed it online has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years. marius gustavson admitted offences including five counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. he was described at a three—day sentencing at the old bailey as "a lunatic", "an arch manipulator" and "a butcher". king charles joked about being "allowed out of his cage" during a surprise visit to an army barracks in hampshire. he was speaking during a visit to the 3 royal school of military engineering at gibraltar barracks in minley. it's his latest engagement

since returning to public duties after his cancer diagnosis. stormy daniels, the adult film star at the centre of the criminal case against trump, took the stand this morning for a second day of testimony. and as promised, trump's attorneys went after her in cross—examination to establish the ways she gained publicity and the money from going public. but the jury are not being asked in this case to judge whether donald trump had sex with stormy daniels and the truthfulness of her account. this is not a moraljudgment on him. what they are being asked to decide is whether he falsified business records to win an election. trump has pleaded not guilty to 3a counts of falsifying business records. here's what he had to say on his way into court. here we sit after two and a half weeks, and i think you'll see some

very revealing things today. and i want to thank my lawyers. they've done a very good job, and i'd rather thank them after it's over, as opposed to now, because we don't want them to get carried away. let's speak to former us federal prosecutor sarah krissoff. it was a pretty feisty encounter this morning. what do we get out of it? . ., , , ., ., it? the defence did a pretty good 'ob it? the defence did a pretty good job cross-examining _ it? the defence did a pretty good job cross-examining stormy - it? the defence did a pretty good - job cross-examining stormy daniels. job cross—examining stormy daniels. they were _ job cross—examining stormy daniels. they were aggressive with her. i'm not sure _ they were aggressive with her. i'm not sure i— they were aggressive with her. i'm not sure i would have taken that same _ not sure i would have taken that same tact, — not sure i would have taken that same tact, but they were very aggressive with her. they have had a lot to _ aggressive with her. they have had a lot to work _ aggressive with her. they have had a lot to work with. she has been sort of all— lot to work with. she has been sort of all over— lot to work with. she has been sort of all over the place in her statements about what happened between her and trump. she has told her story, _ between her and trump. she has told her story, she has denied her story so they— her story, she has denied her story so they had — her story, she has denied her story so they had a lot, she had a lot of baggage _ so they had a lot, she had a lot of baggage and trump's lawyers reported that during her cross—examination. why do— that during her cross—examination. why do you — that during her cross—examination. why do you say you would not have done that? , ~

done that? listen, i think for someone _ done that? listen, i think for someone like _ done that? listen, i think for someone like stormy - done that? listen, i think forj someone like stormy daniels done that? listen, i think for- someone like stormy daniels who is perhaps— someone like stormy daniels who is perhaps a _ someone like stormy daniels who is perhaps a victim here in certain ways, _ perhaps a victim here in certain ways, i— perhaps a victim here in certain ways, i think maybe you want to be aggressive — ways, i think maybe you want to be aggressive but try to tread a little bit lighter in the aggression category. but, you know, it's all about— category. but, you know, it's all about tone, _ category. but, you know, it's all about tone, right, as a defence attorney, — about tone, right, as a defence attorney, what kind of don't you take _ attorney, what kind of don't you take with — attorney, what kind of don't you take with a _ attorney, what kind of don't you take with a witness will so i'm not surprised — take with a witness will so i'm not surprised that the female defence attorney _ surprised that the female defence attorney took on miss daniels in cross—examination. that's not a surprise — cross—examination. that's not a surprise here, but she was perhaps a little bit _ surprise here, but she was perhaps a little bit more aggressive in town that i_ little bit more aggressive in town that i would have been. 30 little bit more aggressive in town that i would have been.— little bit more aggressive in town that i would have been. so we then et a that i would have been. so we then get a witness _ that i would have been. so we then get a witness that _ that i would have been. so we then get a witness that talks _ that i would have been. so we then get a witness that talks about - get a witness that talks about checks being sent to the white house unsigned for the president to sign, and then one presumes that they bring all this together with michael cohen, his former legal adviser. bring all this together with michael cohen, his former legaladviser. how are they going to do that? so cohen, his former legaladviser. how are they going to do that? 50 i are they going to do that? so i think they _ are they going to do that? so i think they do _ are they going to do that? so i think they do need _ are they going to do that? sol think they do need him. at the beginning of this, the prosecution team _ beginning of this, the prosecution team tried — beginning of this, the prosecution team tried to corroborate his testimony up front, talked about all

of these _ testimony up front, talked about all of these other witnesses that are going _ of these other witnesses that are going to — of these other witnesses that are going to tell the story of what happened here, but they really need him to— happened here, but they really need him to connect the dots. and i think that was— him to connect the dots. and i think that was clear in the cross—examination of stormy daniels. she just _ cross—examination of stormy daniels. she just does not connect the dots frankly— she just does not connect the dots frankiy to — she just does not connect the dots frankly to the president and these payments and what is really at issue herei _ payments and what is really at issue here, which — payments and what is really at issue here, which is the falsification of business — here, which is the falsification of business records. so, you know, we know— business records. so, you know, we know really— business records. so, you know, we know really what happened, but it's the cover— know really what happened, but it's the cover up, the falsification of the cover up, the falsification of the records or the alleged falsification of the records that's the crime — falsification of the records that's the crime. . ~ falsification of the records that's the crime. ., ,, , ., , falsification of the records that's the crime. . ~' ,, , . falsification of the records that's the crime. ., ,, i. , . ., the crime. thank you very much for briniiin the crime. thank you very much for bringing us — the crime. thank you very much for bringing us up _ the crime. thank you very much for bringing us up to — the crime. thank you very much for bringing us up to date _ the crime. thank you very much for bringing us up to date with - bringing us up to date with that. there was just one thing that i read in the new york times at the thought was pretty pertinent to have the jury was pretty pertinent to have the jury are going to interpret this. jesse whitman said there is a sense of lowered expectations about politics in america this is affects us all, including those something forjury duty. donald trump has ministered to be conducting what many part set of people warned he

would do which is incur large part of the public to his depredations against honesty, integrity and decency. have wejust against honesty, integrity and decency. have we just seen that on full display in the last couple of days? full display in the last couple of da s? ~ ., .,~ full display in the last couple of da s? ~ ., ., ,, , ., days? well, i would take umbrage with that little — days? well, i would take umbrage with that little bit _ days? well, i would take umbrage with that little bit in _ days? well, i would take umbrage with that little bit in the _ days? well, i would take umbrage with that little bit in the sense - with that little bit in the sense that i— with that little bit in the sense that i don't— with that little bit in the sense that i don't think— with that little bit in the sense that i don't think that- with that little bit in the sense i that i don't think that politicians in america — that i don't think that politicians in america or— that i don't think that politicians in america or the _ that i don't think that politicians in america or the uk _ that i don't think that politicians in america or the uk for - that i don't think that politicians in america or the uk for that. that i don't think that politicians - in america or the uk for that matter are held _ in america or the uk for that matter are held in _ in america or the uk for that matter are held in massively— in america or the uk for that matter are held in massively high _ in america or the uk for that matter are held in massively high regard i are held in massively high regard before donald _ are held in massively high regard before donald trump _ are held in massively high regard before donald trump showed - are held in massively high regard before donald trump showed upl are held in massively high regard . before donald trump showed up on are held in massively high regard - before donald trump showed up on the scene _ before donald trump showed up on the scene and _ before donald trump showed up on the scene and he _ before donald trump showed up on the scene and he will _ before donald trump showed up on the scene and he will thought _ before donald trump showed up on the scene and he will thought they - before donald trump showed up on the scene and he will thought they were . scene and he will thought they were paragons— scene and he will thought they were paragons of— scene and he will thought they were paragons of honesty. _ scene and he will thought they were paragons of honesty. so _ scene and he will thought they were paragons of honesty. so in - scene and he will thought they were paragons of honesty. so in fact - scene and he will thought they were paragons of honesty. so in fact one | paragons of honesty. so in fact one of the _ paragons of honesty. so in fact one of the reasons _ paragons of honesty. so in fact one of the reasons why _ paragons of honesty. so in fact one of the reasons why donald - paragons of honesty. so in fact one of the reasons why donald trump l paragons of honesty. so in fact one . of the reasons why donald trump has been successful— of the reasons why donald trump has been successful in _ of the reasons why donald trump has been successful in politics _ of the reasons why donald trump has been successful in politics is - been successful in politics is because _ been successful in politics is because of— been successful in politics is because of that _ been successful in politics is because of that fact, - been successful in politics isl because of that fact, because been successful in politics is - because of that fact, because people already— because of that fact, because people already bake — because of that fact, because people already bake that _ because of that fact, because people already bake that evil— because of that fact, because people already bake that evil something - because of that fact, because people already bake that evil something of i already bake that evil something of that politicians _ already bake that evil something of that politicians are _ already bake that evil something of that politicians are a _ already bake that evil something of that politicians are a certain - that politicians are a certain thing. — that politicians are a certain thing. any— that politicians are a certain thing. any sort _ that politicians are a certain thing, any sort of _ that politicians are a certain thing, any sort of has - that politicians are a certain thing, any sort of has the l that politicians are a certain - thing, any sort of has the attitude of im _ thing, any sort of has the attitude of im not— thing, any sort of has the attitude of im not going _ thing, any sort of has the attitude of i'm not going to— thing, any sort of has the attitude of i'm not going to try— thing, any sort of has the attitude of i'm not going to try to hide - thing, any sort of has the attitude of i'm not going to try to hide it. i of i'm not going to try to hide it. i of i'm not going to try to hide it. i am _ of i'm not going to try to hide it. i am who— of i'm not going to try to hide it. i am who i— of i'm not going to try to hide it. iam who i am. _ of i'm not going to try to hide it. i am who i am, as opposed - of i'm not going to try to hide it. i am who i am, as opposed to i i am who i am, as opposed to other politicians _ i am who i am, as opposed to other politicians were _ i am who i am, as opposed to other politicians were going _ i am who i am, as opposed to other politicians were going to _ i am who i am, as opposed to other politicians were going to lie to - politicians were going to lie to pretend — politicians were going to lie to pretend they _ politicians were going to lie to pretend they are _ politicians were going to lie to pretend they are they're - politicians were going to lie to pretend they are they're not. i politicians were going to lie to . pretend they are they're not. and politicians were going to lie to - pretend they are they're not. and so that's— pretend they are they're not. and so that's why— pretend they are they're not. and so that's why these _ pretend they are they're not. and so that's why these court _ pretend they are they're not. and so that's why these court cases, - pretend they are they're not. and so that's why these court cases, whichl that's why these court cases, which were _ that's why these court cases, which were really— that's why these court cases, which were really politically _ that's why these court cases, which were really politically motivated - that's why these court cases, which were really politically motivated on| were really politically motivated on muttiple _ were really politically motivated on multiple levels, _ were really politically motivated on multiple levels, are _ were really politically motivated on multiple levels, are not— were really politically motivated on multiple levels, are not really- multiple levels, are not really working — multiple levels, are not really working in— multiple levels, are not really working in the _ multiple levels, are not really working in the favour- multiple levels, are not really working in the favour of- multiple levels, are not really- working in the favour of democrats from _ working in the favour of democrats from a _ working in the favour of democrats from a political— working in the favour of democrats from a political perspective. -

working in the favour of democrats from a political perspective. the i from a political perspective. the president's— from a political perspective. the president's leading _ from a political perspective. the president's leading in _ from a political perspective. the president's leading in a - from a political perspective. the president's leading in a lot- from a political perspective. the president's leading in a lot of. from a political perspective. thei president's leading in a lot of the polls— president's leading in a lot of the polls across _ president's leading in a lot of the polls across the _ president's leading in a lot of the polls across the country - president's leading in a lot of thel polls across the country nationally and in _ polls across the country nationally and in swing — polls across the country nationally and in swing states, _ polls across the country nationally and in swing states, and - polls across the country nationally and in swing states, and the - polls across the country nationally and in swing states, and the legalj and in swing states, and the legal issues _ and in swing states, and the legal issues he — and in swing states, and the legal issues he is — and in swing states, and the legal issues he is facing _ and in swing states, and the legal issues he is facing in _ and in swing states, and the legal issues he is facing in some - and in swing states, and the legal issues he is facing in some ways i issues he is facing in some ways are 'ust issues he is facing in some ways are just solidifying — issues he is facing in some ways are just solidifying his _ issues he is facing in some ways are just solidifying his base _ issues he is facing in some ways are just solidifying his base under- issues he is facing in some ways are just solidifying his base under him. i just solidifying his base under him. and it's _ just solidifying his base under him. and it's not — just solidifying his base under him. and it's not working _ just solidifying his base under him. and it's not working in— just solidifying his base under him. and it's not working in the - just solidifying his base under him. and it's not working in the favour. and it's not working in the favour the democrats, _ and it's not working in the favour the democrats, and _ and it's not working in the favour the democrats, and i— and it's not working in the favour the democrats, and i think- and it's not working in the favour the democrats, and i think this l the democrats, and i think this particular— the democrats, and i think this particular case _ the democrats, and i think this particular case is— the democrats, and i think this particular case is kind - the democrats, and i think this particular case is kind of- the democrats, and i think this particular case is kind of an- particular case is kind of an example _ particular case is kind of an exampte of— particular case is kind of an example of the _ particular case is kind of an example of the underlying i particular case is kind of an- example of the underlying issue of violating _ example of the underlying issue of violating federal— example of the underlying issue of violating federal election _ example of the underlying issue of violating federal election law - example of the underlying issue of violating federal election law by i violating federal election law by sending — violating federal election law by sending her— violating federal election law by sending her money— violating federal election law by sending her money was - violating federal election law by sending her money was alreadyj violating federal election law by - sending her money was already thrown out by— sending her money was already thrown out by a _ sending her money was already thrown out by a federai— sending her money was already thrown out by a federaljudge, _ sending her money was already thrown out by a federaljudge, and _ sending her money was already thrown out by a federaljudge, and so- sending her money was already thrown out by a federaljudge, and so this - out by a federaljudge, and so this is a state — out by a federaljudge, and so this is a state issue _ out by a federaljudge, and so this is a state issue in— out by a federaljudge, and so this is a state issue in a _ out by a federaljudge, and so this is a state issue in a state - out by a federaljudge, and so this is a state issue in a state this - is a state issue in a state this room and _ is a state issue in a state this room and democrats - is a state issue in a state this room and democrats with - is a state issue in a state this - room and democrats with democrat prosecutors — room and democrats with democrat prosecutors to — room and democrats with democrat prosecutors to get _ room and democrats with democrat prosecutors to get him _ room and democrats with democrat prosecutors to get him in _ room and democrats with democrat prosecutors to get him in court - room and democrats with democrat| prosecutors to get him in court have all these _ prosecutors to get him in court have all these salacious_ prosecutors to get him in court have all these salacious things _ prosecutors to get him in court have all these salacious things that - prosecutors to get him in court have all these salacious things that are l all these salacious things that are over and — all these salacious things that are over and are _ all these salacious things that are over and are not _ all these salacious things that are over and are not even _ all these salacious things that are over and are not even pertinent . all these salacious things that are | over and are not even pertinent to the case _ over and are not even pertinent to the case to sort of— over and are not even pertinent to the case to sort of damage - over and are not even pertinent to the case to sort of damage him. . over and are not even pertinent to. the case to sort of damage him. and guess— the case to sort of damage him. and guess what— the case to sort of damage him. and guess what equipment _ the case to sort of damage him. and guess what equipment people - the case to sort of damage him. and guess what equipment people have i guess what equipment people have known _ guess what equipment people have known this— guess what equipment people have known this since _ guess what equipment people have known this since 2016 _ guess what equipment people have known this since 2016 about - guess what equipment people have known this since 2016 about who i known this since 2016 about who donald _ known this since 2016 about who donald trump _ known this since 2016 about who donald trump is, _ known this since 2016 about who donald trump is, and _ known this since 2016 about who donald trump is, and it- known this since 2016 about who donald trump is, and it does- donald trump is, and it does not work _ donald trump is, and it does not work sow _ donald trump is, and it does not work sow is— donald trump is, and it does not work- so- - -_ donald trump is, and it does not work. so... is an important point and will have _ work. so... is an important point and will have democrats - work. so... is an important point and will have democrats talk - work. so... is an important point l and will have democrats talk about this this week so i'm going to move on about when to get your thoughts on about when to get your thoughts on the story, leslie. when the... when donald trump came out of court this morning,

one of the questions shouted at him was, "what did you tell the oil executives?" the question relates to a story that ran in the washington post this morning suggesting that trump met with some of the nation's top oil executives at his mar—a—lago resort in palm beach, florida last month, where it's clamed he asked them to raise $1 billion for his presidential campaign. the former president is being outspent byjoe biden and is looking to supplement that spending with new money from outside donors, but what is he promising in return? the paper says he vowed to reverse dozens ofjoe biden's climate policies and environmental regulations on drilling, renewables and electric vehicles. "giving me $1 billion would be a deal," trump is reported to have told them, "because of the taxation and regulation you will avoid if i am elected." let's speak to maxine joselow, climate policy and politics reporter at the washington post. you are very welcome to the programme. there is a very big gulf between the policies when it comes to climate ofjoe biden and donald trump, so maybe we should not be entirely surprised by this. i trump, so maybe we should not be entirely surprised by this.— entirely surprised by this. i have heard from _

entirely surprised by this. i have heard from a — entirely surprised by this. i have heard from a lot _ entirely surprised by this. i have heard from a lot of _ entirely surprised by this. i have heard from a lot of readers - entirely surprised by this. i have heard from a lot of readers and | heard from a lot of readers and observers of climate politics that they are not actually that surprised by this story. they did not know that donald trump made this ask of oil executives until they read the story, but they were not surprised given that trump can be very transactional in his business dealings and dealings with executives. it dealings and dealings with executives.— executives. it is intensely transactional _ executives. it is intensely transactional but - executives. it is intensely transactional but what - executives. it is intensely transactional but what is| executives. it is intensely l transactional but what is he promising? so transactional but what is he promising?— transactional but what is he riomisin? , ., ., promising? so trump told oil executives — promising? so trump told oil executives at _ promising? so trump told oil executives at a _ promising? so trump told oil executives at a dinner - promising? so trump told oil executives at a dinner at - promising? so trump told oil| executives at a dinner at mara promising? so trump told oil- executives at a dinner at mara lago that if they donated $1 billion or helped raise $1 million for his campaign, it would be a deal because of all the environmental regulations that his administration in a second term would undo, and he mentioned a few specific regulations in particular. he said that he would reverse on day one the biden administration's paws on approvals of new liquefied natural gas

exports. he would target what he called a ridiculous electric vehicle mandate which seem to be a reference to the environmental protection agency's climate change rules for cars. ., ., agency's climate change rules for cars. ., ._ , , cars. right. you may bring in leslie on this because _ cars. right. you may bring in leslie on this because people _ cars. right. you may bring in leslie on this because people are - cars. right. you may bring in leslie on this because people are saying l on this because people are saying can we afford four years of donald trump if he is going to cut back all the climate policy that's gone through in the last few years? but then you have to look atjoe biden profit record and he is really more oil than any country has ever drilled before.— oil than any country has ever drilled before. ,, , drilled before. sure, he is drilling oil in as a store _ drilled before. sure, he is drilling oil in as a store that _ drilled before. sure, he is drilling oil in as a store that does - drilled before. sure, he is drilling oil in as a store that does not get| oil in as a store that does not get a lot— oil in as a store that does not get a lot of— oil in as a store that does not get a lot of public press actually, but we have — a lot of public press actually, but we have seen president biden put climate at — we have seen president biden put climate at the time of his agenda and at _ climate at the time of his agenda and at some of that is through legislation very well known to those in europe _ legislation very well known to those in europe who don't necessarily like it. in europe who don't necessarily like it the _ in europe who don't necessarily like it. the inflation reduction act which — it. the inflation reduction act which really is subsidising and creating — which really is subsidising and creating incentives for companies to invest— creating incentives for companies to invest in— creating incentives for companies to invest in america and electric vehicles _ invest in america and electric vehicles and other things, and donald —

vehicles and other things, and donald trump... this is a critical thing. _ donald trump... this is a critical thing. right? _ donald trump... this is a critical thing, right? if donald trump were reelected. — thing, right? if donald trump were reelected, inasmuch as he would like to, he _ reelected, inasmuch as he would like to, he cannot reverse that. that is legislation — to, he cannot reverse that. that is legislation. he can repurpose any money— legislation. he can repurpose any money that has not so far been spent were he _ money that has not so far been spent were he to _ money that has not so far been spent were he to come the office after january— were he to come the office after january the 20th of next year, but what _ january the 20th of next year, but what he _ january the 20th of next year, but what he would do is drill more. he would _ what he would do is drill more. he would lease more public lands that are not— would lease more public lands that are not available for drilling right now _ are not available for drilling right now he — are not available for drilling right now. he would lift those restrictions on exporting lng, and i think— restrictions on exporting lng, and i think the _ restrictions on exporting lng, and i think the biggest thing is that we would _ think the biggest thing is that we would see in the white house the headline — would see in the white house the headline coming out from the president of the united states that climate _ president of the united states that climate change is simply a spoon. that is— climate change is simply a spoon. that is not— climate change is simply a spoon. that is not real. he would be denying _ that is not real. he would be denying the science as he has, and that has— denying the science as he has, and that has or— denying the science as he has, and that has or that kind of statement from _ that has or that kind of statement from the — that has or that kind of statement from the top would reverberate across — from the top would reverberate across the globe. there are some who would _ across the globe. there are some who would push _ across the globe. there are some who would push back, right? the auto industrym — would push back, right? the auto industry- - -_ industry... that's it, i was in a ut industry... that's it, i was in a put that _ industry... that's it, i was in a put that to _ industry... that's it, i was in a put that to my _ industry... that's it, i was in a put that to my cash _ industry... that's it, i was in a put that to my cash and - industry... that's it, i was in a put that to my cash and you i industry... that's it, i was in a i

put that to my cash and you look industry... that's it, i was in a - put that to my cash and you look at investment and we had a similar issue here with rolling back the commitment to get rid of the combustion engine by 2030. a lot of the car companies that we don't know whether we are coming and going and we need a strategy and stick to the strategy and that's how we invest. if you are forever, a democrat who puts on the through interpublic and who removes it all, is not good for industry, is it? who removes it all, is not good for industry. is it?— industry, is it? yeah, welcome to messy democracy. _ industry, is it? yeah, welcome to messy democracy. exactly - industry, is it? yeah, welcome to messy democracy. exactly right. l messy democracy. exactly right. there _ messy democracy. exactly right. there are — messy democracy. exactly right. there are very— messy democracy. exactly right. there are very big _ messy democracy. exactly right. there are very big domestic- there are very big domestic political— there are very big domestic political aspect— there are very big domestic political aspect of— there are very big domestic political aspect of this. - there are very big domesticj political aspect of this. first there are very big domestic. political aspect of this. first of all, political aspect of this. first of all. these _ political aspect of this. first of all, these are _ political aspect of this. first of all, these are the _ political aspect of this. first of all, these are the policies- political aspect of this. first of all, these are the policies thatj all, these are the policies that president _ all, these are the policies that president trump _ all, these are the policies that president trump is _ all, these are the policies that president trump is going - all, these are the policies that president trump is going to i president trump is going to pursue your list— president trump is going to pursue your list give — president trump is going to pursue your list give him _ president trump is going to pursue your list give him any— president trump is going to pursue your list give him any money. - president trump is going to pursue your list give him any money. thisl your list give him any money. this is what _ your list give him any money. this is what he — your list give him any money. this is what he believes, _ your list give him any money. this is what he believes, and _ your list give him any money. this is what he believes, and so- your list give him any money. this is what he believes, and so he - is what he believes, and so he is little _ is what he believes, and so he is little to — is what he believes, and so he is little to go— is what he believes, and so he is little to go with _ is what he believes, and so he is little to go with these _ is what he believes, and so he is little to go with these guys - is what he believes, and so he is little to go with these guys and i is what he believes, and so he is. little to go with these guys and say you should — little to go with these guys and say you should buck— little to go with these guys and say you should buck up _ little to go with these guys and say you should buck up because - little to go with these guys and say you should buck up because i'm . little to go with these guys and say i you should buck up because i'm going to -o you should buck up because i'm going to go to _ you should buck up because i'm going to go to the _ you should buck up because i'm going to go to the stuff— you should buck up because i'm going to go to the stuff and _ you should buck up because i'm going to go to the stuff and it's _ you should buck up because i'm going to go to the stuff and it's going - you should buck up because i'm going to go to the stuff and it's going to - to go to the stuff and it's going to help you — to go to the stuff and it's going to help you but _ to go to the stuff and it's going to help you but if— to go to the stuff and it's going to help you but if i need _ to go to the stuff and it's going to help you but if i need to - to go to the stuff and it's going to help you but if i need to be - to go to the stuff and it's going to help you but if i need to be in- help you but if i need to be in the office _ help you but if i need to be in the office to do — help you but if i need to be in the office to do it. _ help you but if i need to be in the office to do it. but for _ help you but if i need to be in the office to do it. but for instance i office to do it. but for instance michigan — office to do it. but for instance michigan is _ office to do it. but for instance michigan is a _ office to do it. but for instance michigan is a battleground - office to do it. but for instance . michigan is a battleground state, and if— michigan is a battleground state, and if donald _ michigan is a battleground state, and if donald trump _ michigan is a battleground state, and if donald trump wins - michigan is a battleground state, i and if donald trump wins michigan, it is very— and if donald trump wins michigan, it is very hard — and if donald trump wins michigan, it is very hard for— and if donald trump wins michigan, it is very hard forjoe _ and if donald trump wins michigan, it is very hard forjoe biden- and if donald trump wins michigan, it is very hard forjoe biden to - it is very hard forjoe biden to win _ it is very hard forjoe biden to win and _ it is very hard forjoe biden to win and the _ it is very hard forjoe biden to win. and the electric- it is very hard forjoe biden to win. and the electric vehicle i win. and the electric vehicle mandate are _ win. and the electric vehicle mandate are very— win. and the electric vehicle mandate are very unpopularj win. and the electric vehicle - mandate are very unpopular they are so it's— mandate are very unpopular they are so it's beyond — mandate are very unpopular they are so it's beyond the _ mandate are very unpopular they are so it's beyond the climate _ mandate are very unpopular they are so it's beyond the climate issue - mandate are very unpopular they are so it's beyond the climate issue but. so it's beyond the climate issue but there _ so it's beyond the climate issue but there is— so it's beyond the climate issue but there is a _ so it's beyond the climate issue but there is a real— so it's beyond the climate issue but there is a real pocketbook - there is a real pocketbook issue with american— there is a real pocketbook issue with american consumers - there is a real pocketbook issue with american consumers and l there is a real pocketbook issue - with american consumers and workers this impacts — with american consumers and workers this impacts-—

this impacts. political winds blowin i this impacts. political winds blowing in _ this impacts. political winds blowing in that _ this impacts. political winds blowing in that direction - this impacts. political winds blowing in that direction in l this impacts. political winds - blowing in that direction in europe as well as much as we know about the science. maxine, great story, they were coming in the programme to say that out for us. it was in a short break and talk about the polls the other sides of stay with us. hello there. temperatures have been creeping up day by day. high pressure has brought plenty of sunshine around, but a weather front launching across northern scotland has brought thicker cloud here, some spots of rain and thursday was another grey day here with outbreaks of rain. now, as we move through tonight, it does look like that weather front will eventually move northwards, become confined to the northern isles for a while through the night before it clears away. it becomes drier here, but a dry night to come for most areas. bit of mist and fog here and there, temperatures ranging from 9—12 celsius. friday, then, our area of high pressure continues to bring a lot of fine and settled weather. we lose that weather front from northern scotland, so, apart from a bit of early cloud, some mist and fog, most places should have a fine dry day. widespread sunshine, particularly for england and wales, into northern ireland, central and southern

scotland, but some sunshine into the highlands as well. that'll lift temperatures up to 22 celsius perhaps in aberdeen. 23—24, perhaps, in the warmest spots in england and wales. through friday night, it looks like we'll see mist and fog returning in places. a bit of low cloud, sea fog pushing into eastern england, east anglia and the south—east. that could creep a little bit further westwards into the midlands first thing on saturday. but again, those temperatures, 9—12 celsius. now for the weekend. it does stay warm, there will be some good spells of sunshine around, but the shower risk will start to increase, particularly as we head into sunday. that's because we've got a weather front and low pressure developing, pushing towards our shores, particularly by sunday. and into next week, it'll be a lot more unsettled than we've had this week. saturday, though, another warm day to come, a bit of early mist and fog and some low cloud across eastern england. otherwise, plenty of sunshine, though we could see a few heavy showers develop across the high ground of northern england, central and southern scotland into the afternoon. that could be thundery as well.

but a warm day to come, quite humid too, the low—to—mid—20s quite widely. sunday probably the warmest day of the week across southern areas. it could be up to 26 celsius, plenty of sunshine. but then the showers and thunderstorms could become a bit more widespread through the afternoon. and the temperatures may be coming down a little bit across western areas as the clouds build up in the sky. then as we head into next week low pressure takes over, it will become a lot more unsettled, showers or longer spells of rain at times. but there will still be a little bit of sunshine too, take care.

flock you're watching the context on bbc news. who will take a look at the polling for the next few minutes. labour well ahead of the conservatives. the biggest lead they have had over them since the tenure of liz truss. britain's opposition labour party has gained its largest polling lead over the governing conservative party since liz truss was prime minister. the new yougov poll for the times puts labour 30 point ahead of the tory's. welcome news for sir keir starmer. not so good for rishi sunak who is still reeling from some

disastrous local election results this weekend. and then yesterday came the surprise defection of dover mp natalie elphicke, who put the boot in on her way out. so let's have a quick look how the numbers. the labour party out ahead on 48%. the conservatives on 18% — that is the party's lowest support since sunak became prime minister in october 2022. they're just five points ahead of nigel farage's right—wing reform on 13%. the liberal democrats were on 9%. and the greens on 7%. let's bring in the reaction of the let's bring in the reaction of the governor of the bank of england today who is actually been talking about the economy. the conservatives are trying to point to what they see as an improving economic picture. the big global shocks that caused inflation to rise have faded, and monetary policy is working to bring inflation back

towards the 2% target.