the european commission has strongly criticised georgia for passing its foreign influence law, targetting overseas—funded ngos. the move by georgia's parliament is divisive in the former—soviet republic as opinion polls show that the majority of the population wants to join the european union. let's speak to tinatin khidasheli, former georgian minister of defence and now chair of the ngo civic idea. thank you to much forjoining us here on bbc news. what do you make of the increasing fraud divisions in georgia?

of the increasing fraud divisions in geora ia? . ~ of the increasing fraud divisions in georaia? . ~ i. of the increasing fraud divisions in georaia? . ~ ., of the increasing fraud divisions in georaia? . ~' ., ., georgia? thank you for having me here. unfortunately, _ georgia? thank you for having me here. unfortunately, for— georgia? thank you for having me here. unfortunately, for the - georgia? thank you for having me | here. unfortunately, for the second time cover the government has decided to challenge the people of georgia. they have sent a bill in parliament already and it did not work. the government was forced to withdraw so at the beginning of april, became rep with legislation which basically is an exact copy of the one adopted in 2012 by the kremlin in moscow and causing the dissolution. that is the idea of my government as well. 50. dissolution. that is the idea of my government as well.— dissolution. that is the idea of my government as well. so, what impact would it have. _ government as well. so, what impact would it have, you _ government as well. so, what impact would it have, you as _ government as well. so, what impact would it have, you as chair _ government as well. so, what impact would it have, you as chair of - government as well. so, what impact would it have, you as chair of an - would it have, you as chair of an ngo, what impact would this have on

the way you operate? it ngo, what impact would this have on the way you operate?— the way you operate? if the law is finalised and _ the way you operate? if the law is finalised and this _ the way you operate? if the law is finalised and this bill _ the way you operate? if the law is finalised and this bill becomes - finalised and this bill becomes actual law, it means that in a matter of six months, there will be no ngos left in the country because according to the procedure, were all supposed to go to the mystery of justice, declare ourselves as spies of foreign countries, which minibus is planning to do, obviously. we are portraits of georgia so it has nothing to do with spying or being agents of anywhere. legally speaking, it means that once we refuse to make those declarations, and were not paid those fines either because paying the fine means we agree with the procedure, that would get would have us all together. this is how simple the language of the legislation is to abolish the entire

human rides community and not only that, it concerns every single country including the media outlets so even the georgian red cross, if they decide not to obey, even the georgian red cross will be abolished as a result of this. figs georgian red cross will be abolished as a result of this. $5 a georgian red cross will be abolished as a result of this.— as a result of this. as a former mp, but ou as a result of this. as a former mp, but you make _ as a result of this. as a former mp, but you make of — as a result of this. as a former mp, but you make of the _ as a result of this. as a former mp, but you make of the scenes - as a result of this. as a former mp, but you make of the scenes inside i but you make of the scenes inside the parliament building yesterday? there were protests outside but inside as well, scuffles between politicians?— politicians? that is very unfortunate _ politicians? that is very unfortunate that - politicians? that is very unfortunate that that i politicians? that is very unfortunate that that is| politicians? that is very - unfortunate that that is how part politicians? that is very _ unfortunate that that is how part of the new world is getting to know georgia. the fights in parliament, particularly targeting members of the parliament for the last couple of months. it is a shame but

fortunately, there is not long left fortunately, there is not long left for this parliament. they are entering the last month before the election and hopefully, as we have elections at the end of october, will have a change of government and there will be more civilised people, more democracy minded, more european politicians coming to power in taking georgia out of this chain that we are in right now. is taking georgia out of this chain that we are in right now. is that the only way — that we are in right now. is that the only way you _ that we are in right now. is that the only way you can _ that we are in right now. is that the only way you can see - that we are in right now. is that the only way you can see that i that we are in right now. is that i the only way you can see that this law won't pass? the the only way you can see that this law won't pass?— law won't pass? the country is exoeeting _ law won't pass? the country is exoeeting from _ law won't pass? the country is expecting from the _ law won't pass? the country is expecting from the president i law won't pass? the country is i expecting from the president and according to our legislation, parliament cannot cannot avoid verging, all different from the proposals that have been ignored for the last two months. the prime

minister yesterday, the last two months. the prime ministeryesterday, in the last two months. the prime minister yesterday, in the presence of lots of foreign delegations, from the us, from the european countries, made a promise that they will take it seriously, whatever proposals. if they wanted to change it, they could have changed it already. but the chanceis have changed it already. but the chance is still there so before the end of the month, takes about two weeks altogether before the end of month we will know if it is a low or not. if they will still decide to go with that, we very much hope that they will be kept accountable for those sections and with this baggage of the ruling party, huge optimism on the streets around the big cities of the country, with the crowds chanting daily for 25 consecutive

days now for the european georgia, i very much hope that european georgia will be in october. we very much hope that european georgia will be in october.— will be in october. we appreciate our will be in october. we appreciate your time. _ will be in october. we appreciate your time, thank _ will be in october. we appreciate your time, thank you. _ the trial of the man regarded as the main suspect in the disappearance of madeleine mccann, will hear evidence today from one of his alleged victims. german national,christian brueckner, is accused of raping three women, and the attempted indecent assault of two minors. earlier we spoke to our correspondentjessica parker, in the next couple of days, the expectation is we will hear from somebody who is regarded as a key witness in this trial. so, hazel behan, an irish woman, who has previously waived her right to anonymity, it is alleged that christian brueckner, 47 years old, raped her in her apartment in praia da rocha on the algarve all the way back in 200a. now, hazel behan has previously talked about how

she connected her own assault to christian brueckner after reading about another rape that he had been convicted of, and she said it bore a striking similarity to the attack that she suffered, as i say, 200a. now, this is one of five alleged sex offences that christian brueckner has been charged with. as you say, three alleged rapes and two sexual abuse charges against children. well, christian brueckner�*s defence team have said before, as regards to hazel behan, is they don't deny that she was attacked, but they say their client was not the person responsible. he's a legend of modern music — a star of motown — and a multi—grammy award winner. but there's another title you can now add to that list — citizen of ghana.

i am of course talking about stevie wonder. on monday — the musical icon�*s 74th birthday — he was granted citizenship by the nation's president. he told the bbc�*s thomas naadi what being ghanaian means to him. when i first came, the first time i felt the essence of it, as if i had been here before. and that was really the key, i said this is where i need to be. when i first came, the first time i felt the essence of it, - how do you see this impacting your life and work? i see me having hr to just do great things, bringing ourfamily together, to celebrate the greatness of africa. and obviously the greatness of ghana because i was able to know the history of the first president, kwame nkrumah.

are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you plan to undertake in this country? what i would like to see happen is africa have an awards show, and where they can really acknowledge the greatness of people that have done great things in the world. how do you see this impacting your life and work? i see me having hr to just do great things, obviously, i would love to work with allowing there to be an opportunity for people to have jobs, opportunities, to really build the nation and the nations, with their own hands. i think that when you think about it, the youngest generation is in africa. so we need to think about how their greatness can shine. how do you envision your platform to promote positive change in ghana and beyond?

conversation, obviously, action! in the spirit of not just talking about it, but being a part of it, and understanding that in that we are the original people of this whole planet. it is only meant to be that we are the ones who really take this world to a better and brighter place... for all humanity. i want to take you to kyiv. there is a roundtable ongoing, you mayjust able to make out the us secretary of state, antony blinken, on the right of your picture there. this

roundtable just getting under way. you will be aware that he has been travelling around ukraine for the past couple of days, repeatedly stressing washington cosmic enduring support for the country. meanwhile, president zelensky has cancelled all foreign trips. we bring the right up—to—date with that here on bbc news. stay with us. hello again. it's been quite a murky start to the day across parts of eastern scotland and north—east england in particular. a lot of low cloud, mist and fog has been coming in. and we've also got this weather front here, which has produced a fair bit of cloud around central areas and the odd spot of rain. low pressure, once again, is driving our weather. so we hang on to the cloud as we go through the course of the afternoon, with some spots of rain on it. some of that will be heavy. to the north, a lot of dry weather. to the south of that weather front, there'll be sunshine and also some showers. but some of the showers could well be heavy, and we could hang on to quite a bit

of low cloud along parts of the east coast, even through the afternoon. temperatures today, 21 in the highlands, possibly up to 23. widely, 18 to 20. now, as we head through the evening and overnight, a weather front weakens, becomes not much more than a band of cloud, but then it starts to rejuvenate by the end of the night, bringing in some more rain. there'll be some clear skies, and temperatures a little bit lower for some of us than they were last night. we're looking at 8 to about 11 degrees. so, then, into tomorrow. tomorrow, we start off with a weather front producing rain in east anglia and lincolnshire. it spreads a bit further westwards through the course of the day. to the north of that, variable amounts of clouds, some sunny skies and a few showers for scotland and northern ireland. the showers developing through the afternoon. and sunshine and some heavy, potentially thundery, showers in the south of england. temperatures widely between 17 and 20. but again, it's the highlands that are likely to see the highest temperatures. then for friday, quite a bit of cloud around across england and wales, with some splashes of rain.

a few showers getting in across the north. and here, too, you'll notice a little bit of a difference in the temperatures. we've got 16 in stornoway, 16 in newcastle, but still 20 in london and norwich. the average at this time of year is very roughly between about 13 and 17, north to south. saturday also sees quite a bit of cloud around. still producing some showers. in the south, some of those could merge to give some longer spells of rain. but equally, there will be a lot of dry weather and a fair bit of sunshine. and temperatures, 12 to about 20 degrees, north to south. so for most, still a bit above average. then for sunday, we could well see some showers across parts of northern scotland, in through northern ireland. but generally, the north will be dry, and the south will be drier and still quite warm.

boeing could face prosecution in the us for two deadly crashes involving its 737 max aircraft. european markets hit record highs ahead of crucial us inflation figures — as the fed boss hints interest rates may stay higher for longer. and we take a look at the money reshaping india's media landscape. welcome to business today.

we are going to start with the plane—maker boeing. department ofjustice says it can be criminally prosecuted for two deadly crashes involving its 737 max aircraft. that's after it breached the terms of a settlement. the do] say boeing broke the terms of an agreement made in 2021 that shielded the firm from criminal charges. boeing has denied that it violated the agreement. the crashes — one in indonesia in 2018, and another in ethiopia in 2019 — killed a total of 346 people. joining us now is terry tozer, former airline pilot, author and aviation commentator. good to have you with us. another setback for boeing, but what a significant development. one that boeing hoped was in the past, that they had drawn a line under it. talk to me about the terms of that agreement and why the doj now says

it can be criminally prosecuted. it is not my area of expertise, i have written about going max and suggested in fact that they should have faced criminal prosecution. i was very disappointed in the terms that they reached in order to avoid criminal prosecution. i am not a lawyer, so i don't know what the fine detail is that may relate to breaches. ., fine detail is that may relate to breaches. . ., breaches. that deal with the settlement, _ breaches. that deal with the settlement, they _ breaches. that deal with the settlement, they settled - breaches. that deal with the l settlement, they settled $2.5 billion and prosecutors were asking the court to criminal charges. boeing wants to shake off some of these concerns, some of the worry is that not only passengers may have but also the industry about the safety of these planes.- but also the industry about the safety of these planes. yes, indeed. it has been — safety of these planes. yes, indeed. it has been an _ safety of these planes. yes, indeed. it has been an absolute _ safety of these planes. yes, indeed. it has been an absolute disaster- safety of these planes. yes, indeed. it has been an absolute disaster forl it has been an absolute disaster for boeing, my principle has always been that the single most important thing aside from safety as culture. it is

the change of culture in boeing that has led to this. it is very easy to destroy a reputation, but to rebuild it again is a herculean task. they are being faced with the awful crashes are you referred to earlier... subsequently, it has been a trip of subsequent problems. the last one without alaska airlines. it makes it look as if they have not got the grips of the issue. we have talked a lot — got the grips of the issue. we have talked a lot about _ got the grips of the issue. we have talked a lot about the _ got the grips of the issue. we have talked a lot about the culture - got the grips of the issue. we have talked a lot about the culture of. talked a lot about the culture of boeing and whether this is a problem that stems from the very top, and whether it is about cost or a staff not being involved in the right way on that production line. last week we were saying that a number of planes were faulty as they came off that production line. what needs to change? and boeing cannot fail, it has such a dominant position. it

doesn't hold any sort of say in the market just yet. doesn't hold any sort of say in the marketjust yet. boeing is not facing an existential threat, but it is in a really perilous position, isn't it? it is in a really perilous position, isn't it? , ., �* ~ ., isn't it? it is, i don't know about the existential _ isn't it? it is, i don't know about the existential threat, _ isn't it? it is, i don't know about the existential threat, but - the existential threat, but certainly i am sure they have been very happy with what has been going on in boeing. it is a change from the top, the chief executive said quite proudly that he changed boeing from an engineering company into a business. that is the very issue that has caused all of these problems. boeing had an outstanding reputation for quality. the management had systematically destroyed that.— management had systematically destroyed that. good to talk you, thank you- _ destroyed that. good to talk you, thank you- a _ destroyed that. good to talk you, thank you. a former _ destroyed that. good to talk you, thank you. a former airline - thank you. a former airline pilot and we are grateful for a time. a former airline pilot and we are grateful for a time. in the us, the latest inflation numbers are due out in a couple of hours. that could influence the cost of borrowing

but also the value of the dollar. it's strengthened as the pace of rate cuts looks set to slow — that's been enough to push markets in the uk to record highs once again. european indexes are also seeing gains as they await the numbers. in march us, prices rose faster than expected at 3.5% in a sign that the fight to slow inflation has stalled. as a result america's central bank the federal reserve kept interest rates on hold in the range of 5.25—5.5%. speaking on tuesday, the chair of the fed jay powell said the central bank was looking at keeping rates on hold as his confidence in inflation falling was "not as high as it was". joining me now is kathleen brooks, research director at trading platform xtb. always good to talk to you. look, we have discussed this before, talk to me about how that has ricochet effect around the world and why it is driving uk markets? i

effect around the world and why it is driving uk markets?— is driving uk markets? i think certainly that _ is driving uk markets? i think certainly that was _ is driving uk markets? i think certainly that was the - is driving uk markets? i think certainly that was the case i is driving uk markets? i think| certainly that was the case for is driving uk markets? i think- certainly that was the case for the last six months. we have gotten so used to pressing out expectations of cuts from the us. it looks like we have maybe peaked with inflation, there is an expectation that inflation will come down to the lowest level survey this year. a lot is resting on that, stocks have reached record highs. what is interesting, is that in the us that is being led by it stocks. but in the uk we see another record high today on the back of industrials riding. we have much broader—based than before, just like bait tech. what is really boosting that rally at this moment is the prospect that the federal reserve will cut interest rates. we know that it is data dependent, they said yesterday they would remain on hold until they reach the inflation target, but if we see the inflation come down later today that could give as a sign that may be the interest rates are coming

in later this year. potentially in the item, maybe even in the summer, not that far off from what is expected in europe and the uk. either injune or it later in the summer. either in june or it later in the summer-— summer. this is 'ust pure speculationh summer. this isjust pure speculation until - summer. this isjust pure speculation until we - summer. this isjust pure speculation until we get l summer. this isjust pure i speculation until we get that numbers, but it is funny because just a couple of weeks ago we were talking about the divergence in what is happening in the us and some parts of europe. now we are talking about maybe then coming back together once again. i about maybe then coming back together once again.— about maybe then coming back together once again. i think when it comes to such _ together once again. i think when it comes to such a _ together once again. i think when it comes to such a big changes - together once again. i think when it comes to such a big changes in - comes to such a big changes in monetary policy like this, interest rates in the us and europe are at almost a decade highs now. whether or not people... whether there is a few months difference, in the big scheme of things it does not matter. but in the micros, in the day—to—day, it matters a lot. if inflation comes in around and about where the market is expected to come in, down a bit from march, then i

will move onto the next data point, retail sales in the us coming out today. the strength of the consumer will be really important. putting those two things together could really shape the view and we will know more in the coming weeks. eager to talk to you. — know more in the coming weeks. eager to talk to you, thank _ know more in the coming weeks. eager to talk to you, thank you. _ know more in the coming weeks. eager to talk to you, thank you. grateful for your time. grateful for your time. to india, now where the media landscape has changed dramatically in the last decade, since prime minister modi's hindu nationalist bjp swept to power. there's been growing corporatization, with several national news channels once owned by independent media entrepreneurs, now controlled by billionaire tycoons. and analysis shows big money appears to have squeezed out dissenting voices from tv news. 0ur india business correspondent nikhil inamdar has this report. brand modi is the only thing this election is about. hashtag brand modi is continuing to peak. the prime minister has vanquished all the opposition. india's tv screens night after night

dishing out flattering coverage of the prime minister. and prime minister modi... prime minister narendra modi... for long, ndtv was widely considered a lone independent voice. last year it was snapped up in a hostile takeover by billionaire tycoon gautam adani. it would not be the channel that it was. journalist nidhi razdan became part of a mass exodus of star anchors as things began changing at the channel. if you look at the channel today, it is far more sympathetic to the government, far more hostile to the opposition. there was a series of documentaries months after the takeover. it was like an advertorial for the achievements of the modi government. the adani group denied these allegations, saying ndtv operates with editorial freedom, impartiality and the highest ethical standards.

india has hundreds of tv news channels. the opposition runs many regional ones, but at the national level most are owned or controlled by ruling politicians or select business barons. a pre—election analysis of prime time coverage, and some of these channels have startling findings. half of them had anti—opposition themes. over a quarter praised the prime minister. and just 1% spoke of substantive issues like jobs and education. this perceived bias has a direct link to how these channels are funded. modi! modi! a big chunk of the money that many of these television channels earn is through government ads. prime minister narendra modi's government, for instance, has spent over $700 million on print and tv ads in their first eight years in office. there's news, there's sense and there's nuisance.

manisha pande closely tracks the media. tv news' favourite villain the opposition. large section of media owners today have business interests other than the media. it's very difficult for them to have a news channel that questions the government, the very government that they're working with, that they're in business. the opposition says the media is no longer asking tough questions to the government. however, a government adviser told us it wasn't the journalists' job. all this new fangled notion of holding power to account, interrogating power, speaking truth to power, that is language for activists. as mr modi seeks a third mandate, critics say the current tv media landscape gives him a distinct advantage, as big money appears to have squeezed out many independent voices. nikhil inamdar, bbc news, new delhi.

it is something entirely different, now. news that taylor swift's tour will boost spending by more than £1 billion. more than 15 dates that she will perform in uk in the summer with an average of £848 on tickets, accommodation, and crucially, fancy outfits. that is your business today, by by.

hello, from the bbc sport centre. i'm anne—marie batson.

manchester city's win at tottenham in the premier league means sunday's final day of the season will see something that's never happened before. either manchester city will become the first side to win the english title four years in a row, or they will become the first premier league side to be overtaken on the final day. second—half goals from erling haaland have put manchester city two points clear of arsenal in the race for the title. a win at home to west ham on sunday would see pep guardiola's side crowned champions again. any other result would give arsenal the chance to snatch the title instead. and guardiola's already thinking about what can happen. of course it is a pleasure to give us the chance for the last game against this contender at lake arsenal. we have experienced for a short time and we still don't know what happened, 17 or so minutes, 0—2 down. the most famous goal in our

club, we were at 1—2 down more or less... so, manchester city top the premier league table while arsenal drop to second place. the gunners final match is at home to everton, they must win and hope west ham can do them a favour. former arsenal title winner david seaman says he still has hope, but admits they're competing against the best. they have gone through this season without their two best players for at least half the season. itjust shows you how good their sport is. they were out there quite a while, they have got a chance of going for in a row, which is a fantastic achievement. there is still a chance of a double being added to that as well. they are a proper, proper team. they are a proper, proper team.

tottenham's defeat also led to these scenes at aston villa's end of season awards nights. look at the face of unai emery... the villa manager celebrating champions league qualification. it was all smiles for the players and staff as they watched last night's game. the champagne was flowing as the former european champions celebrated a return to europe's top table for the first time in 41 years. in the nba playoffs denver nuggets are one win away from the western conference finals.... nikola jokic scored a0 points as the reigning champions beat the timberwolves112—97 in denver. the serb — who was named the nba's most valuable player for the third time last week — added 13 assists and seven rebounds. the nuggets have turned the series around after losing the first two games. minnesota must now win game six in minneapolis to force a decider back in denver. meanwhile in the eastern conference semi—finals, jalen brunson scored 44 points as the new york knicks beat

the indiana pacers 121—91. a win on friday night in indianapolis will see the knicks reach the eastern conference finals for the first time in 2a years. staying in the nba, it's been rare for bronnyjames, son of four—time nba champion lebronjames, to speak to the media. but he's done so ahead of the nba draft. james has been speaking about how grateful he is to have the chance of fulfilling his dream of playing in the nba. last summer, he went into cardiac arrest because of a congenital heart defect during a training session with his college side usc. he says his goal is to get to the nba — but not necessarily play on the same team as his dad. my my dream has always just been to put my name out, make a name for myself and, of course, get to the nba. that

is everyone's in goal here. i never thought about explaining to my dad, but he has prodded up of a couple times. i don't think about it. i don't think about it. caitlin clark's much anticipated wnba debut was a struggle for her and the indiana fever. clark rewote the record books during her college career but missed her first four shots, eventually scoring her first points as a pro in the second quarter of her sides defeat to the connecticut sun. her 10 turnovers is also a record for a wnba player on debut. i think, definitely the physicality, and also some uncharacteristic staff... i pick up the ball and travel, i pass it, iturn staff... i pick up the ball and travel, i pass it, i turn it over... just a few things that are, you have to be crisp for it. those are situations when you are just giving the other team the ball.

golf now, and this week sees scottie scheffler return for the pga championship following the birth of his first child. the world number one is going for his third major title after three weeks away with his new young family. well, scheffler says he's been able to reflect on his career so far, but he's also looking ahead notjust to this week, but the olympics in paris later this year, too. i definitely plan on playing. i think becoming an 0lympian would be a dream come true, for sure. it would be nice, a nice thing to be able to trash talk might buddies about. i could claim i am an 0lympian. i think that is definitely a tournament that has been on my schedule and i will definitely be praying that. schedule and i will definitely be praying that. and that's all the sport for now. thanks to all of the sports team. you're watching bbc news. i'm nicky schiller.

very shorly we will be live in the house of commons for prime minister's questions. this is the scene live in the house. this week's pmqs comes after rishi sunak warned on monday that the uk faced both a time of danger but also of transformation. this time last week we ofcourse had that dramatic defection of natalie elphicke from the conservatives to labour will it be as dramatic this week? we will find out in about 10 minutes time. the health service might be raised during question time. a new way of working the nhs in england has left some patients in hospital corridors for days. dozens of hospitals have introduced what is called the continuous flow model, which can move patients to wards which are already full to release ambulances.

0ur correspondent has been investigating. two years ago, these scenes were the norm. dozens of ambulances waiting for hours to off—load patients. now the queues have reduced, but the problems have moved inside the hospital. this is footage filmed secretly by a patient�*s relative around a&e at queen's in romford in march. we showed it to the president of the royal college of emergency medicine. we can'tjust park people in an emergency department as like a sort of dumping ground. emergency departments are overcrowded as they take ambulance patients quicker. the hospital says it was designed to see half the number it does now. that the footage shows, in their words, the sad reality of corridor care. and they've approached nhs england to discuss additional funding. these are elderly, frail people and they're just not being looked after with privacy or dignity. how common are these scenes? they are depressingly common. i think this is a national shame.

queen's added that march was the busiest month they'd ever seen. to reduce pressure on a&e, more than 36 hospitals have introduced a new model of care called continuous flow. patients are moved to wards even if they're already full. so more are in corridors across the hospital. it was cram packed. i would say there's probably 13 about that corridor, 13 beds. my possessions were all on the bottom of bed. the actual fact was it was horrendous. gregory knowles is home from the norfolk and norwich hospital. he stayed on a ward corridorfor three days. one day when i got up there his catheter had actually leaked in the bed and i had to get him out of the bed, he was wet and walk him with no covers or any screens around the bed to the bathroom to get him washed and then even had to come back and make his bed up.

the chief executive of the norfolk and norwich hospital told us... demand for our services means we sometimes need to take tough choices on where patients are safety treated. but in some places, like north bristol, this new way of working is saving lives. two years ago, patients who were having a stroke or a heart attack, it would take about 75 minutes to get an ambulance to them. today, it's about 30. two years ago, there were 139 hours of ambulance time outside of our emergency department here. yesterday it was six. others think it's wrong for corridors to be used as regular bed spaces. sadly, we are normalising the abnormal and if we don't make a stand to say enough is enough, let's properly solve the issues of the nhs, i think the real concern is that the public will

lose faith in the nhs. the department of health says 5,000 extra hospital beds have opened in the past year, but the health foundation says the ageing population means 21,000 more are needed by 2030. the continuous flow model has helped significantly reduce ambulance delays, but in romford, moving people toward corridors isn't making enough of a difference and there are very few places left for them to go. nikki fox, bbc news. so we'll be live in the commons shortly for prime minister's questions. watching with me is our political correspondent, hannah miller. hannah, we had that dramatic defection from the tories to labour last week. i assume lots of people are watching to see if there might be another one.— are watching to see if there might be another one. yes, lots of chatter in 'okes

be another one. yes, lots of chatter in jokes around _ be another one. yes, lots of chatter in jokes around westminster, - be another one. yes, lots of chatter in jokes around westminster, aboutj in jokes around westminster, about if there is going to be a third defection... i don't think there is a huge amount in that, we are not currently expecting anything, but these things have surprised us before. the sensible viewers kind of potentially note that is not likely to happen. 0n the substance of what we are expecting to from the prime minister's questions, there is potentially a bit more of interest, we are expecting to hear a lot from keir starmer, the labour leader, pressing the prime minister and prisons, crime... and justice in particular. that comes after this morning, the government had to activate something called operation early don, which involves court appearances in england being delayed for some people because the local prison is full. we can expect keir starmer to be making quite a big deal of that. all parties would want

to be seen as tough on crime, to have the answer is that people want on that particular issue. particularly, after the prime minister made a big pre—election speech earlier this week, talking about security. to most people, security it might mean their personal finances, security it might mean their personalfinances, the security it might mean their personal finances, the global picture... a lot of people would suggest that it means things like crime and keeping their own homes and those kinds of things secure. it is deeply inconvenient for the government that this morning it has had to activate this emergency measure. it is not the first time it has been activated, but it is very significant thing that has happened. prison overcrowding is a huge problem, one that we can expect to hear more about in prime minister's questions. it is not one that gets a huge amount of attention on the political stage, huge amount of attention on the politicalstage, but huge amount of attention on the political stage, but from next week, some prisoners will be released. 70 days earlier than had been

originally planned, because of capacity issues. 0nce originally planned, because of capacity issues. once upon a time, they might have been released 18 days earlier, then that went up to 35 days just over a month, and days earlier, then that went up to 35 daysjust over a month, and now it will double again to around two months. we expect to hear labour talking quite a lot about that, and being tough on crime. the prime minister will respond about plans to increase prison capacity, perhaps also try to shift the attention away and get a jive in about a labour's plans on defence spending. he has been very keen to attack the labour party and that particular issue, the prime minister and the conservative party have pledged to increase defence to 2.5% by 2030. labour, while they say they are aiming for a similar target, while they say they are aiming for a similartarget, have while they say they are aiming for a similar target, have not set an exact time on that. i think we can expect some deflection, some issues

on that that the prime minister will no doubt push back on keir starmer. rishi sunak are always looking for something to have a goal back at the labour leader. labour have been talking with the unions this week of work? , ., , ., talking with the unions this week of work? , ., ,., ., , talking with the unions this week of work? , ., ., , .,, talking with the unions this week of work? , ., , , work? yes, the labour party has been in discussion — work? yes, the labour party has been in discussion with _ work? yes, the labour party has been in discussion with the _ work? yes, the labour party has been in discussion with the unions, - work? yes, the labour party has been in discussion with the unions, the - in discussion with the unions, the unions because nature base of labour party support. this so—called new deal for working party support. this so—called new dealfor working people, it involves things with promising zero—hour contracts, taking up worker rights... there is some discussion going on between the labour party and the unions about exactly which rates it will protect and increase and move into government. the labour party crack trying to get to the point where it has a clear manifesto. the union is worried that the party might be backpedalling from some of its earlier promises. 0ur from some of its earlier promises. our understanding on that is that the talks are ongoing around it, but of course rishi sunak will want to

use the opportunity, if you can, to suggest that the labour party is... lets head into the comments. this morning i had meetings with colleagues and i shall have further such meetings later today. residents across the villages of woking have seen a large number of proposed developments in recent years. of particular concern is an area are beautiful feels where over area are beautiful feels where over a thousand of my constituents have written back to me in recent weeks expressing their deep concerns about the lack of provision for local infrastructure and the potential effects on the local environment. my residence and i will fight on, but does the prime minister agreed with me that the labour proposals to concrete over vast swathes of the green belt in surrey and the south—east would be a complete calamity? my

south-east would be a complete calami ? g ., south-east would be a complete calami ? y ., south-east would be a complete calami ? g ., , calamity? my own boyfriend is absolutely _ calamity? my own boyfriend is absolutely right, _ calamity? my own boyfriend is absolutely right, unlike - calamity? my own boyfriend is absolutely right, unlike both l calamity? my own boyfriend is l absolutely right, unlike both the liberal debts on the labour party —— my honourable friend is absolutely right. we believe in local people having a say over their local community which is why we are making sure we make best use of brownfield land and ensure we conserve and enhance our precious countryside for generations to come.— generations to come. thank you, mr seaker generations to come. thank you, mr speaker on — generations to come. thank you, mr speaker on monday _ generations to come. thank you, mr speaker on monday the _ generations to come. thank you, mr speaker on monday the prime - generations to come. thank you, mr i speaker on monday the prime minister treated us to his seventh relaunch in 18 months. he vowed to take on the dangers that threaten the country, so it was good to see the minister for common sense immediately take up that mantle by announcing a vital crackdown on the gravest of threats, colourful land yards. in the real world, after 1a years of tory government, the prison system is in chaos. does the prime

minister think that his decision to let prisoners out 70 days early makes our more secure? {krill let prisoners out 70 days early makes our more secure? civil service impartiality — makes our more secure? civil service impartiality is — makes our more secure? civil service impartiality is an _ makes our more secure? civil service impartiality is an important _ impartiality is an important principle we are right to support. perhaps he can ask his chief of staff about that. but actually on monday what i did do was outline the serious security threats that our country faces through an axis of authoritarian states, russia are poisoning people on our streets, china targeting democracy, iranians proxies firing on british ships, and yet, he won't back our plan to increase defence spending. we all know why, especially with the deputy leader and the shadow foreign secretary who voted to scrap our nuclear deterrent. it is clear that you simply can't trust labour with our country's security. i appreciate

he has been _ our country's security. i appreciate he has been busy _ our country's security. i appreciate he has been busy on _ our country's security. i appreciate he has been busy on the _ our country's security. i appreciate he has been busy on the front - our country's security. i appreciate he has been busy on the front line | he has been busy on the front line in the war against lanyards, but he must have missed this. i was the first to call for 2.5% on defence spending in the last time it happened was under the last labour government and it needs a plan, not his fantasy economics. but i am disappointed to see that version 7.0 of his time in office doesn't extend as far as answering questions or giving any information on the prisoners he is releasing early. basic details like how many, where are they, what crimes they committed? so will he at least guarantee that none of the criminals he is instructing prisoners to release early are considered high risk? ., release early are considered high risk? . , . , , risk? there are strict eligibility criteria in place, _ risk? there are strict eligibility criteria in place, where - risk? there are strict eligibility criteria in place, where the - criteria in place, where the exclusions based on public safety and no one will be put under the

scheme if they were a threat to public safety, but he talks about 2.5%, so if he does think it is important, as i think he stood up and acknowledged that it was the right thing to do, we have got a fully funded plan to deliver and improve on defence spending and it's him and his party who have refused to match the commitment. just like his £46 billion — to match the commitment. just like his £46 billion is _ to match the commitment. just like his £46 billion is fully _ to match the commitment. just like his £46 billion is fully funded. - to match the commitment. just like his £46 billion is fully funded. if - his £46 billion is fully funded. if anybody was looking for the perfect metaphor of the shambolic government we saw on monday, the prime minister woke up deciding his latest rebrand was as mr security. within hours, the tory party was being investigated for accidentally publishing the personal details of hundreds of people. he must be the only... he must be the only

technological advancement individual who cannot use a debit card or answer an e—mail. is not answered my question, so i'll try again. are any of the prisoners he is currently letting out early considered to be high risk? mr letting out early considered to be hiih risk? ~ ,,, ., ,, , high risk? mr speaker, he 'ust showed spectacularly �* high risk? mr speaker, he 'ust showed spectacularly why h high risk? mr speaker, hejust showed spectacularly why he l high risk? mr speaker, hejust| showed spectacularly why he is high risk? mr speaker, hejust - showed spectacularly why he isjust showed spectacularly why he is just not fit to lead this country into the future. this country has a proud tradition of leading the world. we lead the world when it came to the industrial revolution, but if he was around, he would have properly called james what the steam bro. let me be crystal clear, nobody will be put on the scheme if they are deemed a threat to the public and offenders are subject to the toughest of licensing conditions and if those conditions are broken, they are back in prison for considerably longer, but what is his record on this? he

voted against tougher sentences for violent criminals. the actually opposed new powers for the police to tackle violent crime. he voted against new laws that would have have arrested thousands of crystal —— people smugglers, the message is crystal clear, it cannot be trusted to keep the countryside. i appreciate all of this rebranding is taking all of his time but he might want to read the recent expections report into lewes prison. 0n want to read the recent expections report into lewes prison. on this topic i have asked him twice, it documents, on page five, high risk prisoners being released at short notice without sufficient planning. page 46. a high risk prisoner had his release date brought forward, despite a history of stalking, domestic abuse and a restraining order. their words, domestic abuse and a restraining order. theirwords, he domestic abuse and a restraining order. their words, he was a risk to children. does the early release of

stalkers, domestic abusers and those considered a risk to children sound like the work of someone who is making the country more secure? $5 making the country more secure? as i've said, nobody should be put on this scheme if they are a threat to the public. let me be crystal clear. it does not apply, let me be clear, it does not apply to anyone serving a life sentence, anyone convicted of a life sentence, anyone convicted of a serious violent offence and anyone convicted of terrorism or anyone convicted of terrorism or anyone convicted of terrorism or anyone convicted of a six offence, and in contrast to the system that labour had put in place, governors in the prison service have an absolute lock so no one is put on the scheme who shouldn't be, but thankfully mr speaker their scheme let out thousands upon thousands of violent offenders onto our streets and even the two terrorists. thankfully we've toughened up sentencing against those criminals with new

legislation, but he voted against it. �* ., ., ., ., legislation, but he voted against it. i'm glad to hear that those on life sentences _ it. i'm glad to hear that those on life sentences aren't _ it. i'm glad to hear that those on life sentences aren't being - it. i'm glad to hear that those on i life sentences aren't being released early and he might not think that releasing domestic abusers is a problem, but the labour party has repeatedly called for domestic abusers to be exempt from his scheme to release prisoners early. his government has shamefully ignored those calls, so now we have the evidence that domestic abusers are being released early and the lewes prison report, will he finally changed course and back labour�*s calls? $5 changed course and back labour's calls? �* , ., , changed course and back labour's calls? . , calls? as i have been crystal clear, there is an — calls? as i have been crystal clear, there is an absolute _ calls? as i have been crystal clear, there is an absolute governor- calls? as i have been crystal clear, there is an absolute governor lock| there is an absolute governor lock on people put on the scheme and in contrast to the last labour scheme, prisoners were let out with no supervision, no electronic tags. in fact 80,000 offenders were let out, 16 thousands were violent, leading to multiple murders committed. we

fixed that system, but when it comes to the question, not only are we building the biggest prison programme in history we are also deploying rapid deployment cells and is on this side of the house we understand the importance of prison, unlike one of his front bench as he said and i quote, prison doesn't prevent crime. it's always the same with the labour party, soft on crime and soft on criminals. iie with the labour party, soft on crime and soft on criminals.— and soft on criminals. he is literally letting _ and soft on criminals. he is literally letting criminals i and soft on criminals. he is| literally letting criminals out early. mr speaker, the only answer to the question i asked, whether domestic abusers should be exempt from his early release scheme, from anyone serious about security is yes. perhaps the most ludicrous part of the prime minister's beach on monday was when he said he won't accept the idea —— prime minister's beach. he won't accept the idea that problems are caused by 14 years of

conservative government. we won't say how many prisoners they have released early, whether they are burglars, accuser —— abusers or stalkers. he won't say where they are or what support victims are getting. yet he thinks he has the right to tell people they cannot blame his government for any of it. doesn't he think that rather than confiscating lanyards like a jumped up confiscating lanyards like a jumped up milk monitor, he should stop issuing get out ofjail free cards to prisoners considered a risk to children? �* ., ~' to prisoners considered a risk to children? �* ., ~ ., ., , children? another week with no ideas and absolutely _ children? another week with no ideas and absolutely no _ children? another week with no ideas and absolutely no plan _ children? another week with no ideas and absolutely no plan for _ children? another week with no ideas and absolutely no plan for the - and absolutely no plan for the country. they've had 14 years to think about nothing but the future, but all they can do is talk about the past. i am surprised because what he didn't bring up that has happened in the last week we met is that statistics confirm we now have the joint fastest growth rate in the g7 this year. the bank of england

said the economy had turned a corner. it was said our growth was impressive and the chief economist of the independent 0ffice impressive and the chief economist of the independent office for national statistics said the economy is going gangbusters. the shadow chancellor may want to copy and paste their comments into her next speech, or does she think they are all gas lighting the british public as well? ., ~ all gas lighting the british public as well? ., ,, , ., all gas lighting the british public as well? ., ,, i. ~ all gas lighting the british public as well? ., ,, ~ .,~ as well? thank you, mr speaker. while i understand _ as well? thank you, mr speaker. while i understand the _ as well? thank you, mr speaker. while i understand the need - as well? thank you, mr speaker. while i understand the need to i while i understand the need to upgrade our broadband infrastructure it cannot be right that a company called brisk is electing to erect telegraph poles in my constituency, so would the prime minister agree with me that residents are 100% opposed to the proposals and that they go against the guidance, so with the prime minister agree with me that they should abandon these proposals and they should we should have a review of the development

rights in relation to this type of infrastructure, and he should give 0fcom greater power to investigate breaches. ofcom greater power to investigate breaches. ~ .., ofcom greater power to investigate breaches. ~ .. ., ,, ofcom greater power to investigate breaches. ~ ., ,, , breaches. well, can i thank my honourable _ breaches. well, can i thank my honourable friend _ breaches. well, can i thank my honourable friend for _ breaches. well, can i thank my honourable friend for rightly i honourable friend for rightly championing the views of my constituents on this important topic. network operators have to follow legal obligations when employing networks and 0fcom can investigate reports of failure to follow the obligations, and i know the minister for digital infrastructure has met the sector and 0fcom recently to raise concerns about reports of poor siting of poles and asked the office to share infrastructure and i will ask to provide viable friend with a more detailed update. mr provide viable friend with a more detailed update.— detailed update. mr speaker, on udate detailed update. mr speaker, on update -- _ detailed update. mr speaker, on update -- on — detailed update. mr speaker, on update -- on monday— detailed update. mr speaker, on update -- on monday the - detailed update. mr speaker, on update -- on monday the prime| update —— on monday the prime minister outlined what he considered to be extremist threats to our

society and in doing so he actively compared north korea, iran and russia with those people in scotland who believe in independence. so can i ask him to rise once to the standards befitting of his office and apologise for those puerile and pathetic remarks?— pathetic remarks? that's not what i said, buti pathetic remarks? that's not what i said, but i would _ pathetic remarks? that's not what i said, but i would say _ pathetic remarks? that's not what i said, but i would say to _ pathetic remarks? that's not what i said, but i would say to the - said, but i would say to the honourable gentleman is indeed a threat to the integrity of the united kingdom. and i hate to remind him that that is literally their entire purpose, because when the people of scotland accepted the referendum in 2014 it was the snp who didn't. they went on creating a minister for independence, focusing on constitutional wrangling and ignoring the needs of the people. education standards falling, taxes rising, so maybe he should do the right thing and end of the obsession with independence and put the needs of the scottish people first? let’s

of the scottish people first? let's be clear, what _ of the scottish people first? let's be clear, what the _ of the scottish people first? let's be clear, what the prime - of the scottish people first? let�*s be clear, what the prime minister did was notjust equate my colleagues and i to despotic and dangerous despots across the world, he proactively compared almost half of the scottish population with a war criminal like vladimir putin. and he did so as their prime minister. as the man who represents them on the world stage and in these isles is tasked with defending their liberties and their democracy. now we know that he is sorry time in office is rapidly coming to a conclusion. is this really how he wants to be remembered? distracting from the actual record of what the snp are doing? in scotland and scottish school—children are plummeting down

league tables, the scottish nhs, the only place where funding is falling and taxes going up for ordinary hard working families and small businesses. that is what the snp are doing in scotland while this uk government is delivering for them. mr speaker will the prime minister 'oin mr speaker will the prime minister join me _ mr speaker will the prime minister join me in— mr speaker will the prime minister join me in congratulating uxbridge college _ join me in congratulating uxbridge college who have entered a partnership with a massachusetts institute — partnership with a massachusetts institute of technology. this is ground — institute of technology. this is ground breaking work for the sector and will_ ground breaking work for the sector and will have great benefits for local_ and will have great benefits for local businesses, local students and the economy. | local businesses, local students and the economy-— the economy. i 'oin my honourable friend in the economy. ijoin my honourable friend in congratulating _ the economy. ijoin my honourable friend in congratulating uxbridge i friend in congratulating uxbridge couege friend in congratulating uxbridge college for their collaboration. this is equipping students with the

skills of the future and that local businesses require. that is the story of this government, the biggest long—term settlements for post—16 education in years. a proud record of creating 5.5 million apprenticeships, providing opportunities for all and while the party opposite wants to half the number of apprenticeships and put a brake on people's aspirations. plaid c mru brake on people's aspirations. plaid cymru secured _ brake on people's aspirations. plaid cymru secured a _ brake on people's aspirations. plaid cymru secured a win _ brake on people's aspirations. plaid cymru secured a win for farmers as labour— cymru secured a win for farmers as labour in _ cymru secured a win for farmers as labour in wales _ cymru secured a win for farmers as labour in wales are _ cymru secured a win for farmers as labour in wales are forced - cymru secured a win for farmers as labour in wales are forced to - cymru secured a win for farmers as| labour in wales are forced to pause the sustainable _ labour in wales are forced to pause the sustainable farming _ labour in wales are forced to pause the sustainable farming scheme. i labour in wales are forced to pause i the sustainable farming scheme. now it is time _ the sustainable farming scheme. now it is time the — the sustainable farming scheme. now it is time the prime _ the sustainable farming scheme. now it is time the prime minister- the sustainable farming scheme. now it is time the prime minister did - it is time the prime minister did his hit — it is time the prime minister did his bit. harmful— it is time the prime minister did his bit. harmful trade _ it is time the prime minister did his bit. harmful trade deals- it is time the prime minister did his bit. harmful trade deals andj his bit. harmful trade deals and brekit— his bit. harmful trade deals and brexit checks _ his bit. harmful trade deals and brexit checks are _ his bit. harmful trade deals and brexit checks are hitting - his bit. harmful trade deals and brexit checks are hitting our. his bit. harmful trade deals and i brexit checks are hitting our welsh bmb brexit checks are hitting our welsh lamb and _ brexit checks are hitting our welsh lamb and beef _ brexit checks are hitting our welsh lamb and beef. will— brexit checks are hitting our welsh lamb and beef. will he _ brexit checks are hitting our welsh lamb and beef. will he guarantee i brexit checks are hitting our welshi lamb and beef. will he guarantee to welsh _ lamb and beef. will he guarantee to welsh farmers — lamb and beef. will he guarantee to welsh farmers that _ lamb and beef. will he guarantee to welsh farmers that he _ lamb and beef. will he guarantee to welsh farmers that he will - lamb and beef. will he guarantee to welsh farmers that he will never - welsh farmers that he will never again— welsh farmers that he will never again sign— welsh farmers that he will never again sign a _ welsh farmers that he will never again sign a deal— welsh farmers that he will never again sign a deal that _ welsh farmers that he will never again sign a deal that threatensl again sign a deal that threatens their— again sign a deal that threatens their interests? _ again sign a deal that threatens their interests?— again sign a deal that threatens their interests? well, perhaps if their interests? well, perhaps if the honourable _ their interests? well, perhaps if the honourable lady— their interests? well, perhaps if

the honourable lady cared - their interests? well, perhaps if the honourable lady cared about welsh farmers she should stop propping up the welsh labour government and it was the work of the welsh conservatives that ensured there was a spotlight on the labour government's propose ls that would led to job losses, less food security. farmers described it as bleak, damaging and shocking — just like the labour party's approach to rural britain.— rural britain. barnett hospital is ex-iandin rural britain. barnett hospital is expanding me. _ rural britain. barnett hospital is expanding a&e, one _ rural britain. barnett hospital is expanding a&e, one hospital. rural britain. barnett hospital is. expanding a&e, one hospital has rural britain. barnett hospital is - expanding a&e, one hospital has had it boosted and there are more appointments in general practice, but i still have constituents waiting too long for nhs care. can i unch urge the prime minister to grow the nhs workforce and get waiting times down. i’m the nhs workforce and get waiting times down-— times down. i'm delighted to hear about the new _ times down. i'm delighted to hear about the new community -

times down. i'm delighted to hear. about the new community diagnostic centre and we are working to reduce the nhs waiting list which has come down by around 200,000 since last year. that is an achievement in light of the pressures from industrial action. light of the pressures from industrialaction. but light of the pressures from industrial action. but there is more to do and our productivity plan will free up clinicians and our long—term plans will ensure we train more doctors and nurses to meet the workforce requirements of nhs in the future. q; :: :: :: :: workforce requirements of nhs in the future. ;;:: :: :: :: ., , ., ., , future. 30,000 palestinian deaths, not enou . h future. 30,000 palestinian deaths, not enough to _ future. 30,000 palestinian deaths, not enough to move _ future. 30,000 palestinian deaths, not enough to move this _ future. 30,000 palestinian deaths, not enough to move this prime - not enough to move this prime minister— not enough to move this prime minister to not enough to move this prime ministerto end arms not enough to move this prime minister to end arms sales to israel~ — minister to end arms sales to israel. the killing of british aid workers — israel. the killing of british aid workers not enough to move the prime minister— workers not enough to move the prime minister to— workers not enough to move the prime ministerto end arms workers not enough to move the prime minister to end arms sales. it seems that unlike _ minister to end arms sales. it seems that unlike the united states an assault— that unlike the united states an assault on rafah with the death and destruction that would entail would not be _ destruction that would entail would not be enough. what on earth would be enough _

not be enough. what on earth would be enough to finally move this prime minister— be enough to finally move this prime minister into the same position as the majority of the british public and end — the majority of the british public and end arms sales to israel? | the majority of the british public and end arms sales to israel? ijust and end arms sales to israel? i 'ust oint out and end arms sales to israel? i 'ust point out to — and end arms sales to israel? i 'ust point out to the fi and end arms sales to israel? inst point out to the honourable gentleman that the uk government does not directly sell arms to israel. unlike the united states and nor does the uk government offer lethal aid packages. as part of the government's arms control regime, we ensure compliance with international law and ministers act in accordance with that advice. it is in line with other partners, including the united states. $5 other partners, including the united states. �* , ., other partners, including the united states. �* , . , other partners, including the united states. ~ , . , ., other partners, including the united states. , ., ., ., states. as a member of common wealth war craves states. as a member of common wealth war graves commission, _ states. as a member of common wealth war graves commission, i _ states. as a member of common wealth war graves commission, i was _ war graves commission, i was delighted _ war graves commission, i was delighted the _ war graves commission, i was delighted the prime _ war graves commission, i was delighted the prime minister. war graves commission, i was - delighted the prime minister found time yesterday _ delighted the prime minister found time yesterday to _ delighted the prime minister found time yesterday to ignite _ delighted the prime minister found time yesterday to ignite the - delighted the prime minister found time yesterday to ignite the light i time yesterday to ignite the light of liberation _ time yesterday to ignite the light of liberation at _ time yesterday to ignite the light of liberation at the _ time yesterday to ignite the light of liberation at the start -

time yesterday to ignite the light of liberation at the start of- time yesterday to ignite the light of liberation at the start of its . of liberation at the start of its journey — of liberation at the start of its journey to _ of liberation at the start of its journey to normandy - of liberation at the start of its journey to normandy to - of liberation at the start of its - journey to normandy to commemorate sacrifices _ journey to normandy to commemorate sacrifices made — journey to normandy to commemorate sacrifices made. will— journey to normandy to commemorate sacrifices made. will my— journey to normandy to commemorate sacrifices made. will my honourable i sacrifices made. will my honourable friend _ sacrifices made. will my honourable friend join— sacrifices made. will my honourable friend join me — sacrifices made. will my honourable friend join me in _ sacrifices made. will my honourable friend join me in confirming - sacrifices made. will my honourable friend join me in confirming that - friend join me in confirming that standing — friend join me in confirming that standing up _ friend join me in confirming that standing up to— friend join me in confirming that standing up to tyrants _ friend join me in confirming that standing up to tyrants who - friend join me in confirming that standing up to tyrants who bring about _ standing up to tyrants who bring about war — standing up to tyrants who bring about war in _ standing up to tyrants who bring about war in europe _ standing up to tyrants who bring about war in europe is— standing up to tyrants who bring about war in europe is as - standing up to tyrants who bring about war in europe is as muchi standing up to tyrants who bring i about war in europe is as much in our interest — about war in europe is as much in our interest today _ about war in europe is as much in our interest today as _ about war in europe is as much in our interest today as it _ about war in europe is as much in our interest today as it was - about war in europe is as much in our interest today as it was 80 i our interest today as it was 80 years — our interest today as it was 80 years ago? _ our interest today as it was 80 years ago?— our interest today as it was 80 ears ao? ., ., ~ , years ago? can i thank my right honourable _ years ago? can i thank my right honourable friend _ years ago? can i thank my right honourable friend for _ years ago? can i thank my right honourable friend for his - years ago? can i thank my right honourable friend for his work. years ago? can i thank my rightl honourable friend for his work as years ago? can i thank my right i honourable friend for his work as a commissioner on the common wealth war graves commission and he raises an important about authoritarian states with different values to ours being assertive. it is right that we build our security in uncertain times, defending and protecting our country and values and our interests. that is why we have mane the decision to increase our defence spending and it is clear it is only the conservative party that can be trusted with our nation's security. 0n 2nd june the leven railway re—opens, but now tsb have announced

they're closings their branch bank. this hollows out communities. cash access uk have said they're going to roll out 100 banking hubs. access uk have said they're going to roll out100 banking hubs. can access uk have said they're going to roll out 100 banking hubs. can the prime minister accept the government has been too slow on this and what else is he going to do? $5 i has been too slow on this and what else is he going to do?— else is he going to do? as i have said, it else is he going to do? as i have said. it is — else is he going to do? as i have said, it is important _ else is he going to do? as i have said, it is important that - else is he going to do? as i have said, it is important that banks l else is he going to do? as i have i said, it is important that banks and building societies recognise the needs of all customers, including those who need to use in person services. so we legislated to protect access to cash as part of the financial services act and as a result customers can access cash and banking services through a range of channels, including post offices and telephone and community initiatives like banking hubs.— like banking hubs. double child raist and like banking hubs. double child rapist and murder _ like banking hubs. double child rapist and murder colin - like banking hubs. double childi rapist and murder colin pitchfork like banking hubs. double child - rapist and murder colin pitchfork is again—

rapist and murder colin pitchfork is again having another parole hearing. as well _ again having another parole hearing. as well as— again having another parole hearing. as well as the murders this man exposed — as well as the murders this man exposed himself to over a thousand -irls exposed himself to over a thousand girls and _ exposed himself to over a thousand girls and women. as the mp for south leicestershire i distributed a survey— leicestershire i distributed a survey asking my constituents about parole _ survey asking my constituents about parole board reform. because the problem — parole board reform. because the problem is — parole board reform. because the problem is that the reconsideration mechanism allow mr pitchfork to keep asking _ mechanism allow mr pitchfork to keep asking for— mechanism allow mr pitchfork to keep asking for a _ mechanism allow mr pitchfork to keep asking for a reconsideration of a reconsidered decision. limitless times— reconsidered decision. limitless times and — reconsidered decision. limitless times and cost free to him. so, can iask— times and cost free to him. so, can i ask the _ times and cost free to him. so, can i ask the prime minister if he will arrange _ i ask the prime minister if he will arrange a — i ask the prime minister if he will arrange a meeting between myself and the justice _ arrange a meeting between myself and the justice secretary to discuss necessary changes to the reconsideration mechanism rules and will he _ reconsideration mechanism rules and will he arrange for me to be able to deliver— will he arrange for me to be able to deliver the — will he arrange for me to be able to deliver the findings of survey, where — deliver the findings of survey, where thousands have responded, to his no— where thousands have responded, to his no 10 _ where thousands have responded, to his no 10 policy team? canl

where thousands have responded, to his no 10 policy team? can i commend my honourable — his no 10 policy team? can i commend my honourable friend _ his no 10 policy team? can i commend my honourable friend for— his no 10 policy team? can i commend my honourable friend for his _ my honourable friend for his tireless campaigning about this case. and i know the whole house will recognise the horror of the crimes committed by colin pitchfork. we are reforming the parole system to add a ministerial check on the release of the most dangerous criminals and changing the law so life means life. i will arrange for the findings of survey to be considered and will ensure that he meets with the justice considered and will ensure that he meets with thejustice secretary considered and will ensure that he meets with the justice secretary to to discuss this further. in meets with the justice secretary to to discuss this further.— to discuss this further. in gaza, israel to discuss this further. in gaza, israel has _ to discuss this further. in gaza, israel has attacked _ to discuss this further. in gaza, israel has attacked hospitals, i israel has attacked hospitals, refugee — israel has attacked hospitals, refugee camps, _ israel has attacked hospitals, refugee camps, and - israel has attacked hospitals, refugee camps, and killed - israel has attacked hospitals, j refugee camps, and killed aid workers _ refugee camps, and killed aid workers. israel— refugee camps, and killed aid workers. israel has _ refugee camps, and killed aid workers. israel has blocked i refugee camps, and killed aid i workers. israel has blocked vital aid, turned _ workers. israel has blocked vital aid, turned off— workers. israel has blocked vital aid, turned off water— workers. israel has blocked vital aid, turned off water supplies i workers. israel has blocked vital. aid, turned off water supplies and denied _ aid, turned off water supplies and denied access— aid, turned off water supplies and denied access to _ aid, turned off water supplies and denied access to food. _ aid, turned off water supplies and denied access to food. israel- aid, turned off water supplies and denied access to food. israel hasi denied access to food. israel has killed _ denied access to food. israel has killed thousands _ denied access to food. israel has killed thousands of _ denied access to food. israel has killed thousands of innocent - killed thousands of innocent civilians _ killed thousands of innocent civilians as _ killed thousands of innocent civilians as the _ killed thousands of innocent civilians as the world - killed thousands of innocent i

civilians as the world watches. trampling _ civilians as the world watches. trampling all _ civilians as the world watches. trampling all over— civilians as the world watches. i trampling all over international law _ trampling all over international law no — trampling all over international law no other— trampling all over international law. no other country- trampling all over international law. no other country would . trampling all over international law. no other country would bej law. no other country would be allowed — law. no other country would be allowed to _ law. no other country would be allowed to act _ law. no other country would be allowed to act with _ law. no other country would be allowed to act with such - law. no other country would be i allowed to act with such impunity. so, allowed to act with such impunity. so. can— allowed to act with such impunity. so. can the — allowed to act with such impunity. so, can the prime _ allowed to act with such impunity. so, can the prime minister- allowed to act with such impunity. so, can the prime minister tell- allowed to act with such impunity. | so, can the prime minister tell me why he _ so, can the prime minister tell me why he allows _ so, can the prime minister tell me why he allows israel _ so, can the prime minister tell me why he allows israel to _ so, can the prime minister tell me why he allows israel to get - so, can the prime minister tell me why he allows israel to get away. why he allows israel to get away with it _ why he allows israel to get away with it unchallenged _ why he allows israel to get away with it unchallenged and - why he allows israel to get away with it unchallenged and why- why he allows israel to get away with it unchallenged and why he| with it unchallenged and why he continues— with it unchallenged and why he continues to _ with it unchallenged and why he continues to act _ with it unchallenged and why he continues to act as _ with it unchallenged and why he continues to act as a _ with it unchallenged and why he continues to act as a by- with it unchallenged and why he continues to act as a by stander| with it unchallenged and why he i continues to act as a by stander to such— continues to act as a by stander to such horror? — continues to act as a by stander to such horror? we _ continues to act as a by stander to such horror?— continues to act as a by stander to such horror? ~ ., , , ., ., such horror? we do support and i do su ort such horror? we do support and i do support israel's _ such horror? we do support and i do support israel's right _ such horror? we do support and i do support israel's right to _ such horror? we do support and i do support israel's right to defend - support israel's right to defend itself. and remove the threat that hamas, the terrorist organisation poses. but i'm concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis in gaza and have made that point and to prime minister binyamin netanyahu, we news see further action to —— we must see further action so aid arrives. we are doing we everything we can, and working with allies to build a temporary peer. she can rest

assured that we will continue to do everything we can to get support to the people in gaza who need it. thank you, last week along with apprentices from a nuclear company i voted a site. the students were excited, but they need to be confidence in the future of wylfa and will he decide when my students with expect to see spades in the ground and can his nuclear minister visit again to announce good news. my visit again to announce good news. my honourable friend is a tireless campaigner for the wylfa site. british nuclear has reached an agreement to purchase the site and that will be vital to achieving our

aim of energy security. decisions haven't been made on the final site to be yuzed. but she is makes a stroll and compelling case and as soon as the decision has been made, energy secretary is keen to update here. in energy secretary is keen to update here. a . energy secretary is keen to update here. . ., ., ., , here. in march, the parliamentary and health — here. in march, the parliamentary and health services _ here. in march, the parliamentary and health services ombudsman i here. in march, the parliamentary- and health services ombudsman report made clear— and health services ombudsman report made clear that the department for work and _ made clear that the department for work and pensions was guilty of mal administration and these women suffered — administration and these women suffered injustice and were owed compensation and parliament must identify— compensation and parliament must identify a _ compensation and parliament must identify a mechanism for redress. nearly— identify a mechanism for redress. nearly 279,000 women have already died waiting forjustice. when will the prime — died waiting forjustice. when will the prime minister finally place before — the prime minister finally place before this house a mechanism for appropriate redress?— before this house a mechanism for appropriate redress? well, as i said last week, i — appropriate redress? well, as i said last week, i understand _ appropriate redress? well, as i said last week, i understand the - appropriate redress? well, as i said last week, i understand the strong i last week, i understand the strong feelings across the chamber about these matters and the desire for

urgency. following the investigation it is important that we take the time to review the findings and i'm not sure i agree with her characterisation of all of them, but we are committed to making sure that pensioners have the dignity and security they deserve, including through the triple lock, which is increasing pensions by £900 this year. i welcome tomorrow's debate on the report and we will of course take all views into account as we identify and implement the next step. i identify and implement the next ste -. ~' ., identify and implement the next ste. ~' ., . , step. i know that my right honourable _ step. i know that my right honourable friend - step. i know that my right honourable friend the - step. i know that my right i honourable friend the prime step. i know that my right _ honourable friend the prime minister takes _ honourable friend the prime minister takes an— honourable friend the prime minister takes an interest _ honourable friend the prime minister takes an interest in _ honourable friend the prime minister takes an interest in community- takes an interest in community pharmacy, _ takes an interest in community pharmacy, pharmacists - takes an interest in community pharmacy, pharmacists play. takes an interest in community pharmacy, pharmacists play an essential— pharmacy, pharmacists play an essential role _ pharmacy, pharmacists play an essential role in _ pharmacy, pharmacists play an essential role in preventing - essential role in preventing pressure _ essential role in preventing pressure. community- essential role in preventing - pressure. community pharmacies are under— pressure. community pharmacies are under pressure — pressure. community pharmacies are under pressure and _ pressure. community pharmacies are under pressure and some _ pressure. community pharmacies are under pressure and some are - pressure. community pharmacies are | under pressure and some are closing.

this year— under pressure and some are closing. this year 170 — under pressure and some are closing. this year 170 pharmacies _ under pressure and some are closing. this year 170 pharmacies have - this year 170 pharmacies have closed — this year 170 pharmacies have closed will— this year 170 pharmacies have closed. will my _ this year 170 pharmacies have closed. will my right - this year 170 pharmacies have i closed. will my right honourable friend _ closed. will my right honourable friend do — closed. will my right honourable friend do everything _ closed. will my right honourable friend do everything that - closed. will my right honourable friend do everything that he - closed. will my right honourable friend do everything that he cani closed. will my right honourable i friend do everything that he can to ensure _ friend do everything that he can to ensure funds — friend do everything that he can to ensure funds are _ friend do everything that he can to ensure funds are directed - friend do everything that he can to ensure funds are directed to - ensure funds are directed to community— ensure funds are directed to community pharmacy, - ensure funds are directed to community pharmacy, so i ensure funds are directed to i community pharmacy, so that ensure funds are directed to - community pharmacy, so that our pharmacy— community pharmacy, so that our pharmacy friends— community pharmacy, so that our pharmacy friends can _ community pharmacy, so that our pharmacy friends can help - community pharmacy, so that our- pharmacy friends can help government to deliver— pharmacy friends can help government to deliver nhs — pharmacy friends can help government to deliver nhs services _ pharmacy friends can help government to deliver nhs services where - pharmacy friends can help government to deliver nhs services where and - to deliver nhs services where and when _ to deliver nhs services where and when they— to deliver nhs services where and when they are _ to deliver nhs services where and when they are most _ to deliver nhs services where and when they are most needed? - to deliver nhs services where and when they are most needed? is i to deliver nhs services where and when they are most needed? as my honourable — when they are most needed? as my honourable friend _ when they are most needed? as my honourable friend knows, _ when they are most needed? as my honourable friend knows, i - when they are most needed? as my honourable friend knows, i care - honourable friend knows, i care about the future of community pharmacies, there are many work rg hard to serve their patients. around 80% of people live within a 20 minute walk of a pharmacy. and we are backing them with pharmacy first with extra funding, where people can see their pharmacist to get treatment for the seven most common ailments like ear infections. this will ensure not only will they get treatment closer to home, but it will help to cut waiting lists. three north tyneside schools have been identified with a structural

problem, not raac, with hundreds of pupils taught off site. costs of putting the schools right significantly outweigh the 3.5 million fund for all of north tyneside. will the prime minister ensure that the department for education applies the policy that if it is alerted to issues with a building that cannot be managed with local resources, it will provide additional support on a case by case basis. i additional support on a case by case basis. ., ~ additional support on a case by case basis. . ,, ., ., ., , basis. i thank the honourable lady for raising the _ basis. i thank the honourable lady for raising the case, _ basis. i thank the honourable lady for raising the case, the _ basis. i thank the honourable lady i for raising the case, the department for raising the case, the department for education has provided funding to those schools that had raac that was less than 1% of all schools, and more generally given the amounts that we are investing in school rebuilding, i'm sure the education secretary will have heard her concern and will write to her in due course.

the clear message from yesterday's four —— farm to fork summit shows that food matters, so as we talk about ground mounted solar, come my honourable member assure me that the proposal for solar panels in honourable member assure me that the proposalfor solar panels in my constituency from the 200 acre enclosure to the smaller but equally destructive one such is near the village of kimball wick, now have my my honourable friend is absolutely right to raise this, particularly at a time of geopolitical risk. we must protect the food security and therefore our most valuable agricultural land. we can achieve our solar deployment targets and do that on brownfield sites, rooftops, and away from our best farmland. i know that he will look forward to the energy secretary's straight mentor, ensuring that we do avoid using our best agricultural land. like him, i agree that we need to be backing british farmers to produce more food which is good for our

country, economy, and food security. thank you, mr speaker. i have seen for myself the mouldy and damp accommodation our military families are sometimes forced to live in. i was disappointed this week to find that the officer in charge of accommodation wrote to families this month to say that requests for non—urgent repairs are not currently affordable. the prime minister has spent this week claiming that defence is a priority. when is he going to prioritise a safe, warm, and decent home for the service men and decent home for the service men and women who put their lives on the line for hours? mr and women who put their lives on the line for hours?— line for hours? mr speaker, we are committed — line for hours? mr speaker, we are committed to _ line for hours? mr speaker, we are committed to putting _ line for hours? mr speaker, we are committed to putting our - line for hours? mr speaker, we are committed to putting our armed i committed to putting our armed forces personnel and their families into safe and well maintained accommodation, at this point, 96% of service family accommodation meets or exceeds the government's decent homes standards, and last year, we put aside a £400 million investment to improve things. when issues are reported, the ministry of defence

has set up a dedicated helpline to ensure that those complaints are investigated by a professional surveyor. i know there have been several improvements made, specifically to the economy in her area. again, we are able to continue backing our armed forces personnel and for thejob backing our armed forces personnel and for the job that they do for us because we are the only party in this play is committed to increasing our defence spending. mr this play is committed to increasing our defence spending.— our defence spending. mr speaker, this week, our defence spending. mr speaker, this week. the _ our defence spending. mr speaker, this week, the all _ our defence spending. mr speaker, this week, the all party _ this week, the all party parliamentary group on birth trauma published our first report called less to mums, ending the postcode lottery on perinatal health, the first national inquiry by cross—party politicians on this issue, and we received over 1300 pasta manuals from the public. can i thank the health secretary for attending the launch on monday. i'm delighted she has agreed to our headline recommendation for a national comprehensive maternity strategy to be published by nhs england. can i ask the prime minister to fully back of a report

and implement all of our recommendations to ensure that all mothers in this country get the after care they deserve? cannot thank the honourable _ after care they deserve? cannot thank the honourable member i after care they deserve? cannot i thank the honourable member for thank the honourable memberfor stafford for her incredible campaigning on this issue? when we met, she presented me personally with a copy of this important report, i am with a copy of this important report, iam hugely with a copy of this important report, i am hugely grateful to her and the appg on birth trauma for carefully considering the report, and indeed, all of the brave women who have come forward to share their stories. i am delighted the secretary of state and ceo both support the overarching recommendation for a comprehensive national strategy to improve maternity services. we will update the house on the next steps in due course but are fully committed to improving the quality and consistency of care for women throughout pregnancy, birth, and the critical months that follow. ianthem critical months that follow. when aduu critical months that follow. when adult rain cases _ critical months that follow. when adult rain cases are _ critical months that follow. when adult rain cases are taking - critical months that follow. when adult rain cases are taking two i adult rain cases are taking two years to complete, it is no wonder that 62% of rain survivors dropped

out of the process. when only 2.5% of rain cases reported last year result in a charge and view n conviction, it is no wonder that the commissioner, and others have argued rain has essentially been decriminalised in this country. as the prime minister not ashamed that because of his government failings, victims and survivors are being put through a living hell in our criminaljustice through a living hell in our criminal justice system? through a living hell in our criminaljustice system? mr through a living hell in our criminaljustice system? criminal 'ustice system? mr speaker, while it criminaljustice system? mr speaker, while it is right _ criminaljustice system? mr speaker, while it is right that _ criminaljustice system? mr speaker, while it is right that the _ while it is right that the honourable lady raises this incredibly important topic, i completely disagree with her characterisation of how the government has treated it. this government has treated it. this government previously introduced the rain review action plan which is showing significant improvements for how we treat this in the criminal justice system. violence against women and girls as a policing requirement for the first time ever. we have rolled out an operation so that police forces have the

expertise that they need. we have quadrupled funding for victim support with more independent domestic violence. there is a new 24-7 domestic violence. there is a new 24—7 report for victims. we have ended the digital strip search, provided pre—trial cross examination, all of which has been an improvement in the process, and we have seen an increase in the average sentence to sentence by a third since labour were in office. we did that using a power her party voted against. that we did that using a power her party voted against-— voted against. that completes -remises voted against. that completes premises questions. _ premises questions. studio: sir keir starmerwent premises questions. studio: sir keir starmer went on the issue of prison overcrowding. we are going to stay in the house of commons as we are expecting an urgent question on the situation both in ukraine and georgia. we are expecting the defence secretary, grant shapps, to answer that. in

these cases, the commons clears of a lot of mps, and the front bench will change that urgent question to be asked. we will be back in the commons to hear that. and prime minister's questions, keir starmer first said that on monday, the prime minister treated us to a seventh relaunch in 18 months, vowing to take on the dangers of the future in a pre—election speech. 0k, take on the dangers of the future in a pre—election speech. ok, i take on the dangers of the future in a pre—election speech. 0k, ithink that the urgent question is going to happen. let us go back. the secretary — happen. let us go back. the secretary of _ happen. let us go back. the secretary of state _ happen. let us go back. tia: secretary of state for defence, will he make satan on russia's aggression relating to ukraine and the situation in georgia? thank you. mr speaker, we are on day 811 of putin's so—called special military operation, an operation that was supposed to last three days, and he has failed in all of his objectives. of course, the conflict is involving of course, the conflict is involving and challenging. russia's newly norman group in forces have attacked

in the ukraine's kharkiv region and are taking control of several villages. by opening up an additional attack access, rash is almost certainly trying to divert ukrainian resources away from other parts of the front line and to threaten khakis, the second largest city in ukraine. —— kharkiv. we will not be distracted from our commitments. they need to prevail. ukraine will prevail. 0ur commitments. they need to prevail. ukraine will prevail. our most comprehensive package of equipment from the united kingdom, as well as long range strike, air defences, protected mobility, development in ukraine's ability and airfield enablement, ammunition to support the implementation of the f—16. the prime minister also announced £5 million in additionalfunding taking us to £3 billion annually in the uk military aid to ukraine this financial year. we continue to work with international allies and partners to cohere and coordinate

our support to ukraine, including through the international capability coalitions, where we co—lead the maritime and drone coalition. we recently announced a complete package of £325 million in cutting—edge trains, delivering more than 10,000 drinks at the ukrainian armed forces. in march, we were pleased to congratulate the first ten ukrainian pilots to complete their training ten ukrainian pilots to complete theirtraining in ten ukrainian pilots to complete their training in the united kingdom, joining more than 65,000 ukrainians training in the uk since 2014, including a 39,000 since 2022 to be operation into flex. in georgia, we continue to observe with concern the events into pc including the violent clashes yesterday in and around the georgian parliament. and the peaceful processes. —— back in to police e. we are concerned about the law of transparency and foreign influence. the uk is a close friend of georgia and as such we call for calm and restraint on all sides. we

have a deep and long—standing partnership with georgia and want to support the legitimate aspirations of the georgian people as they pursue a free sovereign and democratic future. flan pursue a free sovereign and democratic future.— pursue a free sovereign and democratic future. can i thank you for granting _ democratic future. can i thank you for granting this, _ democratic future. can i thank you for granting this, it _ democratic future. can i thank you for granting this, it is _ democratic future. can i thank you for granting this, it is much - for granting this, it is much appreciated. can i thank the ministerfor his appreciated. can i thank the minister for his helpful response and to the members who have stayed behind? reports of ukraine attempting to push back into the kharkiv region only to find russian defence ministries have claimed the air force have destroyed ten long—range missiles known as ap cms which ukraine's ministry launched overnight at crimea. the media report that they have settled down, that situation there is as volatile as it has ever been and the effect on the region is continuing. at a time when blinken from biden's administration visits ukraine to give physical and military

assistance ukraine and encouragement, —— for school, the government understands georgia is pushing forward registration as russia tries to restore its empire of old and control of all of its former satellite states. the russian threat is clearly undermining the democratic process of this entire region. whilst i understand and agree with the united kingdom's clear and public stance for ukraine, and i congratulate the government and i congratulate the government and the minister on what has been done and what will be done in the future, the current situation has, i believe, demand further action. future, the current situation has, i believe, demand furtheraction. i'm keen to get the minister's response on what that will be. i asked the minister what further enhanced help we can give to facilitate the democratic process, as well as a vital military aid necessary in this region. the war which began in 2022 is on the precipice. i am asking how we can ensure that the result is a

victory for freedom, we can ensure that the result is a victory forfreedom, liberty, democracy, not only for ukraine, but also fought georgia and all others globally. thank you. i am also fought georgia and all others globally. thank you.— globally. thank you. i am grateful to the honourable _ globally. thank you. i am grateful to the honourable gentleman - globally. thank you. i am grateful to the honourable gentleman fori to the honourable gentleman for asking this question. it is extremely good and valid a question, he sets the question of ukraine within the reasonable context of the influence russia has sought to exert over its former satellite states. he is right to point out, mr speaker, the front line in ukraine is turbulent, a full picture is still yet to emerge. what we can be certain of, mr speaker, is how i continue to resolve to ensure our ukrainian friends prevail. the ongoing secretary reminds as that the heft and scale of western support, in which we proudly pay our part, and i think that that is the unavoidable direction of travel, the resolute support of the friends of

ukraine will help prevailing despite the turbulence and attempts of russia to create a new dynamic in what is a very turbulent front line. he asked the very cogent questions about georgia, and his right to point out that georgia knows better than any country about the deprivations of a russian invasion, the horrifying events of two thirds of their boot. we are clear that georgia has a sovereign right to pursue its own autonomous and suffering path. if it seeks to turn its eyes to the west, towards nato membership and possibly membership of the eu, that is a sovereign right of the eu, that is a sovereign right of georgian to forge their own destiny. we will continue to cooperate in earnest and sincere partnership with the georgians, with whom we have a very meaningful defence relationship. i had the pleasure of visiting tbilisi as foreign office minister and seeing the tremendous institutional work we

do with the georgians, who have a fine defence tradition. studio: that is the defence minister answering an urgent question from the dup mp on the situation in ukraine and georgia. if you want to continue watching that, you can do so on bbc, he said that ukraine would prevail and talk about the ammunition the uk was providing and the funding. he said that they would be working with the international allies and partners to provide aid to ukraine on that. the us secretary of state, antony blinken, has, in the last half an hour, announced a further $2 billion from the us in the military aid of ukraine. now, on the military aid of ukraine. now, on the protest we saw in georgia, the minister said that uk was committed to the right of peaceful protest, and called for calm and restraint on all sides. you will know that there have been demonstrations in georgia after parliament passed a law on tuesday barring what the government

because foreign influence. that law would see any organisation receiving more than 20% of its funding from abroad being served stronger government scrutiny. more and all that on the bbc news website, we have a life page up and running on the latest, both from prime minister's questions and also the urgent question on ukraine and georgia you just heard. we are going to turn our attention now to the caving inquiry, the first minister of northern ireland, arlene foster, has been giving evidence to the inquiry. now, she wasjointly responsible for leading northern ireland's response during the pandemic, along with michelle o'neill. pandemic, along with michelle 0'neill. the pandemic, along with michelle o'neill. the xtb pandemic, along with michelle 0'neill. the xtb leader spoke of her deep regret over the covert grid response. this was arlene foster's response. this was arlene foster's response to suggestions that she pass blame on the department of health. it pass blame on the department of health. , ., ., pass blame on the department of health. , . ., .,

health. it is a feature of the witness statement - health. it is a feature of the witness statement that - health. it is a feature of the witness statement that you | health. it is a feature of the - witness statement that you blame a number of people or other departments for what happened in northern ireland with the pandemic. do you agree? i northern ireland with the pandemic. do you agree?— we - northern ireland with the pandemic. | do you agree?— we will do you agree? i don't agree. we will have a look— do you agree? i don't agree. we will have a look at _ do you agree? i don't agree. we will have a look at your _ do you agree? i don't agree. we will have a look at your witness - have a look at your witness statement, but throughout it, you refer to your responsibility borne by the department of health, do you not, for the initial response of the pandemic? i not, for the initial response of the andemic? ., ., not, for the initial response of the pandemic?— not, for the initial response of the andemic? . ., , ., pandemic? i had an opportunity to look at the — pandemic? i had an opportunity to look at the emergency _ pandemic? i had an opportunity to look at the emergency response i look at the emergency response structure last night, again, and it is very clear, from those documents, that health was a leaked department, and that is why both michelle and i looked to the health department for information to the coronavirus. that is not a passing of the back, it is the reality we didn't have the information in relation to what was

happening. i’m information in relation to what was ha -ienin. �* ., information in relation to what was hauenini. �* ., ., , information in relation to what was hauienin. �* ., ., , happening. i'm going to ask why you didn't have the _ happening. i'm going to ask why you didn't have the information. - happening. i'm going to ask why you didn't have the information. are - happening. i'm going to ask why you didn't have the information. are we | didn't have the information. are we to take it, pay your witness statement, that it is a department of health which is largely to blame for what happened in northern ireland during the first wave of the pandemic? do you accept responsibility for that? i don't think it was _ responsibility for that? i don't think it was the _ responsibility for that? i don't think it was the department i responsibility for that? i don't| think it was the department of health's fault for what happened in the first wave of the pandemic. it was the virus causing the damage to northern ireland, and we were trying to deal with what was coming at it. nobody had any appreciation of this scale of what was coming, and actually, in mid march, at the meeting we had with the republic of ireland ministers, in those minutes, you can see that the chief medical officer, our chief medical officer, 0fficer, our chief medical officer, is saying he felt the peak was

around 14 weeks from then. so, wrongly, and i say, absolutely wrongly, and i say, absolutely wrongly, we felt we had time. and we didn't have time. that is a source of great regret. studio: arlene foster giving evidence at the cave eid inquiry. this afternoon, they will be —— covid inquiry. they will be speaking to alan taj. you will be able to watch that on the bbc i player live from tpm this afternoon. next, intense competition between tenants is creating a race to rent as the amount of time listings is shorter according to figures compiled for the bbc. high demand and a lack of available properties are forcing potential tenants to make an almost immediate decision on whether to apply for a tenancy. a cost of living correspondent has been looking atjust how difficult it is to find somewhere to live. new newly

married and with a newjob, it was important to get a new flat almost immediately. important to get a new flat almost immediately-— important to get a new flat almost immediately. they were the perfect fit, and immediately. they were the perfect fit. and then. _ immediately. they were the perfect fit, and then, we _ immediately. they were the perfect fit, and then, we saved _ immediately. they were the perfect fit, and then, we saved it _ immediately. they were the perfect fit, and then, we saved it for - fit, and then, we saved it for later, went back later that day, and it had already disappeared. it later, went back later that day, and it had already disappeared.- it had already disappeared. it was extremely- -- _ it had already disappeared. it was extremely... aggravating. - it had already disappeared. it was extremely... aggravating. you i it had already disappeared. it was i extremely... aggravating. you would see a place- — extremely... aggravating. you would see a place- 0ne _ extremely... aggravating. you would see a place. one minute _ extremely... aggravating. you would see a place. one minute it _ extremely... aggravating. you would see a place. one minute it is - extremely... aggravating. you would see a place. one minute it is there, i see a place. one minute it is there, the exit is gone. i've had before the exit is gone. i've had before the pandemic, listings for a two—bedroom flat bottom line on average for 35 days. such was the demand among tenants like adrian, that last year that dropped 25 days. in some areas of the country, like here in liverpool, lettings agents say renters need to be even more fleetfooted. the say renters need to be even more fleetfooted— fleetfooted. the average time in seven days- _ fleetfooted. the average time in seven days. we _ fleetfooted. the average time in seven days. we advertise - fleetfooted. the average time in seven days. we advertise a - fleetfooted. the average time in - seven days. we advertise a property, listed _ seven days. we advertise a property, listed one _ seven days. we advertise a property, listed one day, how 500 fees that they online, get 50 inquiries online, _ they online, get 50 inquiries online, and following that, we carry

out some _ online, and following that, we carry out some viewings, it is gone within seven— out some viewings, it is gone within seven days — out some viewings, it is gone within seven days. bike competition between tenants _ seven days. bike competition between tenants is _ seven days. bike competition between tenants is intense, and as a result, gusts _ tenants is intense, and as a result, gusts have — tenants is intense, and as a result, gusts have shot up. one impact of that is— gusts have shot up. one impact of that is young people living on longer— that is young people living on longer in _ that is young people living on longer in the family home. official figures _ longer in the family home. official figures show over a third of men under— figures show over a third of men under 35— figures show over a third of men under 35 still live with their parents _ under 35 still live with their arents. ., ., ., ., ., parents. for them to move on and secure one — parents. for them to move on and secure one of— parents. for them to move on and secure one of a _ parents. for them to move on and secure one of a dwindling - parents. for them to move on and secure one of a dwindling number| parents. for them to move on and i secure one of a dwindling number of homes to rent, the advice is to be prepared. homes to rent, the advice is to be --reared. ., , homes to rent, the advice is to be --reared. . _ ., homes to rent, the advice is to be --reared. ., , ., , ., prepared. tenancy to ensure that the have prepared. tenancy to ensure that they have all _ prepared. tenancy to ensure that they have all of _ prepared. tenancy to ensure that they have all of their _ prepared. tenancy to ensure that they have all of their ducks - prepared. tenancy to ensure that they have all of their ducks in - prepared. tenancy to ensure that they have all of their ducks in a i they have all of their ducks in a row, with paperwork and deposit ready to move so that when they find the right place they can immediately move rather than waiting to three days. i'd like adrian and his wife found a place to live eventually. for others like them, putting down roots will be a challenge.— roots will be a challenge. almost a ear since roots will be a challenge. almost a year since grace _ roots will be a challenge. almost a year since grace o'malley-kumar, | year since grace o'malley—kumar, barnaby webber, and ian coates were killed in a devastating attack in nottingham. valdo calocane admitted manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility and were a

sentence earlier this year. the attorney general returned or referred the case to the court of appeal saying it was too lenient. judges ruled that was not the case and deem no error had been made in the sentences. barnaby�*s lamb said that the response came as no surprise to her all the families there was no other outcome than this. we don't see it as a.. we have never seen it as a major part of what we are trying to do. of course, it is traumatic. it is awful. having to see that person up on the screen again. it doesn't give you the chance to grieve. like you said, we are nearly a year in, it was 11 months ago to the day that valdo calocane murdered my son. the irony, at the same time, this morning, we were having to watch his face in

court. it was the same time, 11 months ago that we were being told that barnaby was dead. itrufheh months ago that we were being told that barnaby was dead.— months ago that we were being told that barnaby was dead. when you say that barnaby was dead. when you say that this is not _ that barnaby was dead. when you say that this is not a. , _ that barnaby was dead. when you say that this is not a. , what _ that barnaby was dead. when you say that this is not a. , what is _ that barnaby was dead. when you say that this is not a. , what is a _ that this is not a., what is a continuation of that sentence? 50. continuation of that sentence? so, we are still— continuation of that sentence? so, we are still in _ continuation of that sentence? ’sr. we are still in this continuation of that sentence? 5r. we are still in this vortex, this melee of everything going on. there are eight different lines of inquiry in review. our concern is that they are all going to come up to different levels of quality potentially. therefore, the answers will not be there that we need. and, therefore...the more this goes along, jon, the more we're beginning to believe we do probably need to call for a public inquiry. and throughout all this, you've met with the prime minister, attorney general, leader of the opposition, mps of all parties. do you get the feeling that...the political establishment will accept,

will go for a public inquiry, that it's going to happen, the will is there? i think that we're being listened to, and i think we're being genuinely listened to, and i appreciate the support that we've had thus far. unfortunately, i'm slightly suspicious, and i think because of what's happened to us and the trust and faith that we put in our criminaljustice system has been so badly tarnished that i'm apprehensive about putting trust and saying anything definitively. the last thing we want is a public inquiry if it wasn't needed — it's just dragging this horror and this trauma out. but...i can't — i know that the kumars and the coates also can't — let this lie until we've properly got answers and appropriate justice. just remembering when i first met you back at the start of the year — and that was before the main part of the court case happened, before the conviction happened, and obviously the sentencing —

and at that point, you had no idea where this was going to lead, that you were going to become a campaigner. ijust — you know, what is life like for you now? i mean, how much of your day, every day, is tied up with trying to get the justice that you want? a lot. too much. we shouldn't be in this position at all. as victims, we aren't even getting the support that we need from victim support. we aren't even allowed any more therapy sessions, so we're trying to navigate all of this on our own, and it's taking its toll emotionally, financially and physically. and, yeah, i don't want to be, you know, that campaigner. i don't want to be "oh, that woman on the tv again who can't shut up". because, you know, this happened to us. it could have happened to anybody, anywhere. they were doing absolutely nothing wrong. and obviously, every case is different, but when you hear about other attacks in other parts of the country over the last

few weeks and months, when those headlines appear, what goes through your mind? how do you deal with that? i think it's a visceral reaction, actually, because when the north london attack with daniel that happened i think it's a visceral reaction, actually, because when the north london attack with daniel that happened a couple of weeks ago — that hit especially hard because, unfortunately, he also was at the same school that grace and her brother were at. and i... i see it from the public horror perspective, but i also know what that family are going through. and i can remember those awful early hours, days, weeks and months and, you know, the trust that we had in the legal system, and hoping that we would find a way to deal with our grief and our loss. but, you know, that is something that we're still not really able to fully. . .to fully start confronting because we're having to do all of this. and itjust... it just feels so wrong.

and so, as we approach the anniversary of what happened in nottingham, how will you and the other families be marking that day injune? that's really a good question, but it's a really painful question because it's a little bit like when something you know is going to happen, but you just don't want to... you park it, you don't really want to face it. so the honest answer is, from our perspective, we don't really know yet. what we do know is that we have to... we have to face it. of all of the firsts, this will be by far the worst, obviously. but by talking about it and facing it head—on — somehow — i know is the only way that we can do it. looking ahead, we've got lots of plans, you know, for barney to try and, you know, promote his foundation that we've got, to raise those monies and use those in his name, his honour, and his memory. so we'll try and treasure those. but...at the moment, with regards to the actual anniversary, i...

i don't know. it's a month away. i can't believe it's a month away. it's... yeah, it's been a long 11 months. emma webber, barnaby�*s mum. you are here with bbc news. time to look at the weather. feeling warm out there. this type of cloud. over the front bring some outbreaks of rain. quite messy and murky, close to the north sea coasts. we do have some sunshine to speak of. parts of wales, southern counties of england, the odd shower here. also a lot of sunshine across northern ireland, warranty shells, and northern scotland, the sunny spot team highs of 24 or 25 degrees. so,

blue skies overhead, feeling quite warm out there. through this evening and overnight, the weatherfront bringing some splashes of rain. also misty and murky for some north sea coasts. clear skies which may well fill in with patches of mist and file. slightly cooler than the last few nights for some of us, generally between nine and 12 degrees. for thursday, our weather front bringing cloud and splashes of rain. some heavy rain possibly developing across east anglia and the north midlands, north wales, in the parts of northern england. to the north of that, sunny spells, warmth, 22—22 #20 three degrees. showers and thunderstorms breaking out, some of those in northern ireland, far north of england two. here is the rain, some uncertainty about the position of the rain, it may be further south. south wales, southern england seeing spells of warm sunshine. also, a smattering of heavy showers.

enter finally, also, a smattering of heavy showers. enterfinally, heavy also, a smattering of heavy showers. enter finally, heavy cloud, also, a smattering of heavy showers. enterfinally, heavy cloud, such also, a smattering of heavy showers. enter finally, heavy cloud, such of rain, sunny spells, one or two sharp showers, especially in western scotland, temperatures reaching 22-23 . scotland, temperatures reaching 22—23 . cool for some north sea coasts. into her weekend, weather systems between them. moving eastwards, high pressure building from the west. not making an awful lot of progress. so, we will see some dry weather and spells of sunshine, particularly across the uk, scotland is not as warm as they happen. furthersouth, a uk, scotland is not as warm as they happen. further south, a greater chance of seeing some showers, even longer spells of rain, still feeling warm in any sunshine.

today at one: the prime minister promises no prisoner will be released early if they're a risk to the public.

it comes as new measures are due, to tackle prison overcrowding. the bbc understands that schools in england are to be banned from teaching about gender identity. a huge manhunt is continuing in northern france for the prisoner who escaped after an ambush. here in normandy, hundreds of police officers are now involved in the search. so far, there has been no sign of the man, the men who are so far some of france's most wanted. why some of our most—loved seabirds are unexpectedly at the centre of a brexit row. the uk has used its post—brexit powers to ban fishing for the favourite food of puffins out there in the north sea and now the eu is challenging that van. and... record—breaking. we meet the british climber who's conquered everest 18 times. and coming up on bbc news:

manchester city edge closer to the premier league title,