this is it. a general election is on. power will leave these most powerful of streets and you will be able to decide whether he stays or whether he goes. a uk election date is set. we'll have a special edition of the context tonight. we'll discuss a busy day in westminster and ask what happens next with journalist and author, jenny kleeman, and westminster editor at the lead, zoe grunewald. but first, the latest bbc news headlines. so now we know — britain will go to the polls on july the fourth. prime minister rishi sunak said only his conservatives could deliver bold action, and hailed his record on the economy. leader of the opposition labour party — keir starmer, said m years of conservative government had led to chaos and it was time for change.

the white house has reiterated its opposition to a unilateral recognition of a palestinian state, after three european countries announced they would do so. palestinians have hailed the move by norway, ireland and spain as historic. more than a0 high—ranking foreign delegations have been taking part in a ceremony in tehran to commemorate president ebrahim raisi, who died in a helicopter crash. prayers were led by the nation's supreme leader. the former boss of the post office has admitted that evidence she gave to mps in 2012, looking into problems with the horizon it system, was not true. paula vennells broke down as she was questioned over the scandal. so — we begin with the big story of the day here in the uk — news that the prime minister rishi sunak has announced a general election will be

held onjuly fourth. speaking in a rainy downing street, battling against baring music from a nearby street, it's probably not the image the prime minister would have wanted to kick start his election campaign. the announcement ends months of uncertainty over when uk voters would go to the polls. here's some of that announcement from the prime minister. now is the moment for britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty. earlier today, i spoke with his majesty the king to request the dissolution of parliament. the king has granted this request and we will have a general election on the 4th ofjuly. this election will take place at a time when the world is more dangerous than it has been since the end of the cold war. putin's russia is waging a brutal war in ukraine and will not stop there if he succeeds. that war has also made it all too clear the risk

to our energy security. in the middle east, the forces of islamist extremism threaten regional and ultimately global stability. these tensions are exploited by extremists who seek to undermine our values and divide our society here at home. china is looking to dominate the 21st century by stealing a lead in technology, and migration is being weaponised by hostile states that threaten the integrity of our borders. rishi sunak and a rainy, noisy downing street. opposition leader keir starmer welcomed the announcement of an election injuly, and said a vote for labour is a chance to change the future. tonight, the prime minister has finally announced the next general election, a moment the country needs and has been waiting for and where, by the force of our democracy, power returns to you. a chance to change for

the better, yourfuture, your community, your country. now, it will feel like a long campaign, i'm sure of that, but no matter what else is said and done, that opportunity for change is what this election is about. over the course of the last four years, we have changed the labour party, returned it once more to the service of working people. all we ask now humbly is to do exactly the same for our proud country and return it to the service of the working people. as for the liberal democrats, leader sir ed davey said the general election would be a chance to remove the conservative government. liberal democrats are fighting a really strong campaign across the country.

in many parts of the countries it is the liberal democrats who can beat the conservatives. we're the only party that can beat them. we're here in surrey, everyone knows the battle here is between the liberal democrats in the conservatives. so many other counties in the southwest of england and many other places, the people want to get rid if people want to get rid of the conservative mp, they need to vote liberal democrat. and they can get that local champion that will stand up for them. liberal democrat leader ed davey. a busy day west minister. i take you to my colleague, geeta guru—murthy. you've taken us through events on this busy day but ends a lot of speculation about when the uk will go to the pole. we finally have a date. , , . , , a date. july the 4th. it has been in an extraordinary _ a date. july the 4th. it has been in

an extraordinary few _ a date. july the 4th. it has been in an extraordinary few hours. - a date. july the 4th. it has been in an extraordinary few hours. we'vei an extraordinary few hours. we've seen an incredible amount of campaigning straight off the local elections in this countryjust in the last couple of weeks from all the last couple of weeks from all the party leaders but especially the prime minister and labour leader. they both seemed in full campaign mode. obviously he leftjournalist thinking, what is going on, when is sunak going to announce? i actually heard a tip yesterday evening that something was happening. i didn't broadcasted or put it on social media because you've got to be sure about these things. it was obviously correct. there was further information this morning that all proved to be correct. these things are kept very, very tight. their reaction that we see at the moment, there has been a lot of surprise from conservative mps. i'm hearing from conservative mps. i'm hearing from extremely senior members of the government and former governments, surprised at the timing. this was

political logic seems to point towards the autumn or better economic news, potentially a fuller energy prices. if nothing else for something to turn out. because the conservatives are so far behind in the polls after 14 years in the polls put up the political fallout, the divisive debate around brexit, the divisive debate around brexit, the divisions of borisjohnson's time in office which was seen as chaotic by many. the liz truss and corsi kwarteng budget which cause a lot of economic difficulty for people, soaring mortgage rates and thenit people, soaring mortgage rates and then it rishi sunak who hasn't been elected by the public, he wasn't even the favourite of the conservative party. there was a lot of hope for him from many of his supporters, he seen as diligent and hard—working buddies had a torrid time, to be fair. in the polls reflect a very strong labour lead

for keir starmer and the labour party. is there there election to lose. ~ . ~ . party. is there there election to lose. ~ ., ~' ., party. is there there election to lose. ~ . ~ . ., lose. we will talk about some of the olicies lose. we will talk about some of the policies and — lose. we will talk about some of the policies and issues _ lose. we will talk about some of the policies and issues that _ lose. we will talk about some of the policies and issues that will - lose. we will talk about some of the policies and issues that will be - policies and issues that will be front and centre in this campaign throughout the programme tonight. i want to start with the imagery of today. rishi sunak in a rather rainy downing street, drowned out by music being played from nearby, it is not the start to an election campaign that he will have wanted, is it? ha. that he will have wanted, is it? no. some peeple _ that he will have wanted, is it? tic. some people have in saying he can even organise an umbrella then can you organise a campaign that is garage five weeks? obviously, the british weather is very unpredictable. we had some glorious sunset but the heavens have opened up sunset but the heavens have opened up on and off all day. when we heard the timing was going to be five o'clock uk time, that was the indication i heard, it slipped, we heard that maybe because they're waiting and hoping that the rain will stop for that in the end he had to come out because it was very wet.

he stood just behind us here at a lectern in front of downing street as is the tradition and spoke for a few minutes and he got absolutely drenched. there is no covering for him. the visual image of a loan person looking wet and bedraggled, twice the got quite a down beach speech as you can imagine. given the weather circumstances, people ask what are his team doing? it's always first be a good operational team that organises events for prime ministers why did they not do it indoors, why did they not get shelterfor him? or had they indoors, why did they not get shelter for him? or had they looked at the weather forecast before deciding to make this decision? they could've waited for tomorrow. you need to have a minimum period before the election is actually called and the election is actually called and the vote happens. it's going to be thursday, july the 4th. obviously,

the prime minister want to capitalise on inflation figures which were good today. some good news for them, the lowest they've been for some time. questions about the politicaljudgment of the prime minister. not only in the fundamental question of timing, not only leadership academy at the presentation message right on the first day of the campaign?- first day of the campaign? that's the image- _ first day of the campaign? that's the image. let's _ first day of the campaign? that's the image. let's discuss - first day of the campaign? that's the image. let's discuss this - first day of the campaign? that's the image. let's discuss this a i the image. let's discuss this a little more later but in terms of the message, really being painted as a battle between labour and the conservatives. labour saying the choice is clear for the conservatives. labour saying the choice is clearfor the basic country first, party 2nd. they say this is the opportunity for change and yet the conservatives say this is about stick with us, the plan is working. that's what it will come down to in the selection. it working. that's what it will come down to in the selection.- down to in the selection. it will. labour will _ down to in the selection. it will. labour will frame _ down to in the selection. it will. labour will frame this _ down to in the selection. it will. labour will frame this as - down to in the selection. it will. labour will frame this as a - down to in the selection. it will. | labour will frame this as a battle not just for the last year and a half of rishi sunak government, rishi sunak took over from liz truss who took over for borisjohnson put

up who took over for borisjohnson put up neither elected by the british public. the prime minister will want to mention his record. but labour party sake this is ia years of government look at the state of the national health service, the economy with a huge cost of living crisis, people feeling poorer. inflation is fallen, prices are still high or food and essentials and people are struggling in many parts of the uk. what about basic public services, can we get clean drinking water? there's been a scandal in the southwest of denver with parasites and water. scandal and upset, water the rivers and you can't swim in the uk because it is so polluted. how are utilities being run? for heart doing that perhaps it's one party in government for ia years you go through a lot of difficulty. in the end the public looking for, and my

better off or worse off when you first came in over a decade ago? is been unbelievably turbulent with covid, brexit, ukraine. well the public bejudging the covid, brexit, ukraine. well the public be judging the conservatives and rishi sunakfor the public be judging the conservatives and rishi sunak for the whole ia years or will they be saying do i trust the government to keep running things? do i think i do feel safe with them or safer with them, that's a tory message or keir starmer, is it time for change, do we need a fresh crowd to command with fresh ideas, a fresh team? keir starmer says that he has completely changed the labour party for that they were rock—bottom underjeremy corbyn, rock—bottom under jeremy corbyn, he's rock—bottom underjeremy corbyn, he's completely rushed out a lot of thoseissues he's completely rushed out a lot of those issues and difficult questions for his party and he turned it around in a relatively short period of time for the many people didn't think you could do it as quickly and

is now massively and consistently ahead in polls. he had a big success with the local elections. he has looked very confident last couple of weeks for the obviously, they are very cautious because they know that eddie mistakes and pressure in the whole campaign, the intensity of a political campaign, that can change how people vote for the people will be looking properly, who is keir starmer, who is rachel reeve who is going to be running the economy if they lead? and for making the economy more productive and growth better for them everyone is economy more productive and growth betterfor them everyone is going economy more productive and growth better for them everyone is going to better for them everyone is going to be under a lot of scrutiny for the elections are great funk of the are fondled those who love politics as i do. but obviously a lot of pressure the key players who the public will be watching. —— a lot of fun. the key players who the public will be watching. -- a lot of fun. geeta guru-murthy. _ be watching. -- a lot of fun. geeta guru-murthy. get _ be watching. -- a lot of fun. geeta guru-murthy, get some _ be watching. -- a lot of fun. geeta guru-murthy, get some rest - be watching. -- a lot of fun. geeta guru-murthy, get some rest at - be watching. -- a lot of fun. geetaj guru-murthy, get some rest at the guru—murthy, get some rest at the start of a busy election campaign. good to have you there.

let's talk more good evening to you all. there's a lot for us to get there on the programme tonight. quite a day it has been in west ministerfor the quite a day it has been in west minister for the zoey, let me start with you. what do you make about how today played out? probably not with the prime minister wanted but we now know that we will go to the polls in july for that talk me through the day how did you see a? if july for that talk me through the day how did you see a?- day how did you see a? if you're auoin to day how did you see a? if you're going to give — day how did you see a? if you're going to give sunak— day how did you see a? if you're going to give sunak a _ day how did you see a? if you're going to give sunak a credit - day how did you see a? if you're. going to give sunak a credit today we should give them credit for managing to keep it a secret for a fair amount managing to keep it a secret for a fairamount of time managing to keep it a secret for a fair amount of time the west minister wedded to overdrive as it often does but actually, it was kept fairly secret until it's quite clear during pm cues that rishi sunak was a give a straight answer to the question, which i think set alarm going. of course richey speech in itself was a bit of a day squid. not

only did he get soaking wet but he was drowned out by labours very famous campaign slogan, things can only get better. i'm sure he was hoping the objects would've been slightly better today. overall, the messages this could be a general election and there is time for campaigning. election and there is time for campaigning-— election and there is time for camaiuanin. , . ., campaigning. jenny, what do you make ofthe campaigning. jenny, what do you make of the time and? _ campaigning. jenny, what do you make of the time and? some _ campaigning. jenny, what do you make of the time and? some suggesting - campaigning. jenny, what do you make of the time and? some suggesting he i of the time and? some suggesting he is going early on the selection. we sort of expected this might happen in the autumn. of course he had to call it before january of next year. i was listening to a poster earlier and he said look, this is the election for labour to lose with the pain this task is to hold onto the support of the party has. that will be the challenge now. sort of taken us by surprise. it means that labour, lib dems at all the other parties have to get their act together to start campaigning now. yes, it was a surprise was that there — yes, it was a surprise was that there were _ yes, it was a surprise was that there were elements the governments this morning were given advice that we should _ this morning were given advice that we should all be doing doomsday prepping — we should all be doing doomsday prepping and getting canned goods and non—prayer during that perishable items in case of

emergency. clearly the message hadn't _ emergency. clearly the message hadn't a — emergency. clearly the message hadn't a gun foreign government. there _ hadn't a gun foreign government. there are — hadn't a gun foreign government. there are two interpretations for that one — there are two interpretations for that one is — there are two interpretations for that one is a bit more sympathetic to sunak— that one is a bit more sympathetic to sunak in — that one is a bit more sympathetic to sunak in times of terming. this isas_ to sunak in times of terming. this is as good — to sunak in times of terming. this is as good as _ to sunak in times of terming. this is as good as it gets for sunak where — is as good as it gets for sunak where the _ is as good as it gets for sunak where the inflation figures being slightly— where the inflation figures being slightly positive with the country no longer being in a recession and a sense _ no longer being in a recession and a sense that _ no longer being in a recession and a sense that now is the best time and at least _ sense that now is the best time and at least they have the element of surprise — at least they have the element of surprise. the less generous interpretation when looking at timing — interpretation when looking at timing is — interpretation when looking at timing is that things are going to -et timing is that things are going to get a _ timing is that things are going to get a whole lot worse, potentially. with the _ get a whole lot worse, potentially. with the summer, when more people are going _ with the summer, when more people are going to— with the summer, when more people are going to try and cross the channel— are going to try and cross the channel on small boats, if we get higher— channel on small boats, if we get higher numbers that's going to be a catastrophe for sunak. perhaps party conference _ catastrophe for sunak. perhaps party conference season will be a disaster for hint _ conference season will be a disaster for him. perhaps you will have more defections _ for him. perhaps you will have more defections on the conservative party~ — defections on the conservative party. perhaps nigel faraj will become — party. perhaps nigel faraj will become a bigger character or have time to— become a bigger character or have time to make his move. i have rishi sunak— time to make his move. i have rishi sunak cannot — time to make his move. i have rishi sunak cannot face a cold autumn and winter—

sunak cannot face a cold autumn and winter of— sunak cannot face a cold autumn and winter of this. everyone's been talking — winter of this. everyone's been talking about how he has his eyes on california _ talking about how he has his eyes on california for the he doesn't care about— california for the he doesn't care about the — california for the he doesn't care about the rain, he's looking forward to christmas in california. there are two— to christmas in california. there are two different interpretations. if are two different interpretations. if the _ are two different interpretations. if the best we can do, the most positive — if the best we can do, the most positive spin is that this is as good — positive spin is that this is as good as— positive spin is that this is as good as it _ positive spin is that this is as good as it gets for rishi sunak some at 22 points— good as it gets for rishi sunak some at 22 points behind in the polls, it still looks— at 22 points behind in the polls, it still looks incredibly, incredibly grim _ still looks incredibly, incredibly grim for— still looks incredibly, incredibly grim for the conservative party. yes _ grim for the conservative party. yes all — grim for the conservative party. yes. all law for them all to play for as the election campaign kicks off. it's no coincidence that he's chosen to do this on the day that inflation got back to somewhere a little more normal. his message is very much that the economy is safe in her hands, the plan is working, stick with us. i in her hands, the plan is working, stick with us.— stick with us. i think you're right. definitely timing _ stick with us. i think you're right. definitely timing is _ stick with us. i think you're right. definitely timing is everything . definitely timing is everything maybe — definitely timing is everything maybe this _ definitely timing is everything maybe this is _ definitely timing is everything maybe this is as _ definitely timing is everything maybe this is as good - definitely timing is everything maybe this is as good as - definitely timing is everything maybe this is as good as it- definitely timing is everything i maybe this is as good as it gets from _ maybe this is as good as it gets from an— maybe this is as good as it gets from an economic _ maybe this is as good as it gets from an economic standpoint i maybe this is as good as it gets| from an economic standpoint as maybe this is as good as it gets - from an economic standpoint as well. we know— from an economic standpoint as well. we know the — from an economic standpoint as well. we know the inflation _ from an economic standpoint as well. we know the inflation pressure - from an economic standpoint as well. we know the inflation pressure is- we know the inflation pressure is building — we know the inflation pressure is building for— we know the inflation pressure is building for that _ we know the inflation pressure is building for that there's - we know the inflation pressure is building for that there's big - building for that there's big increases _ building for that there's big increases in _ building for that there's big increases in commodity- building for that there's big - increases in commodity prices, we as welt _

increases in commodity prices, we as welt that _ increases in commodity prices, we as welt that could — increases in commodity prices, we as well. that could be _ increases in commodity prices, we as well. that could be thrown _ increases in commodity prices, we as well. that could be thrown to - increases in commodity prices, we as well. that could be thrown to higheri well. that could be thrown to higher inflation _ well. that could be thrown to higher inflation for — well. that could be thrown to higher inflation for the _ well. that could be thrown to higher inflation for the probably— well. that could be thrown to higher inflation for the probably not - inflation for the probably not before — inflation for the probably not before the _ inflation for the probably not before the election - inflation for the probably not before the election but - inflation for the probably not before the election but later| inflation for the probably not - before the election but later maybe into autumn — before the election but later maybe into autumn it— before the election but later maybe into autumn. it was _ before the election but later maybe into autumn. it was a _ before the election but later maybe into autumn. it was a bit _ before the election but later maybe into autumn. it was a bit of- before the election but later maybe into autumn. it was a bit of an - into autumn. it was a bit of an auspicious _ into autumn. it was a bit of an auspicious day _ into autumn. it was a bit of an auspicious day as _ into autumn. it was a bit of an auspicious day as well- into autumn. it was a bit of an auspicious day as well that - into autumn. it was a bit of ani auspicious day as well that was seeing — auspicious day as well that was seeing a — auspicious day as well that was seeing a massive _ auspicious day as well that was seeing a massive recalibrationi auspicious day as well that was i seeing a massive recalibration of interest— seeing a massive recalibration of interest rates _ seeing a massive recalibration of interest rates on _ seeing a massive recalibration of interest rates on the _ seeing a massive recalibration of interest rates on the back - seeing a massive recalibration of interest rates on the back of - seeing a massive recalibration ofj interest rates on the back of that inflation — interest rates on the back of that inflation report— interest rates on the back of that inflation report while _ interest rates on the back of that inflation report while it _ interest rates on the back of that inflation report while it was - interest rates on the back of that inflation report while it was good it wasn't— inflation report while it was good it wasn't as — inflation report while it was good it wasn't as good _ inflation report while it was good it wasn't as good as _ inflation report while it was good it wasn't as good as expected. i inflation report while it was good - it wasn't as good as expected. there is now— it wasn't as good as expected. there is now no— it wasn't as good as expected. there is now no chance _ it wasn't as good as expected. there is now no chance of _ it wasn't as good as expected. there is now no chance of a _ it wasn't as good as expected. there is now no chance of a rate _ it wasn't as good as expected. there is now no chance of a rate hike, - it wasn't as good as expected. there is now no chance of a rate hike, thei is now no chance of a rate hike, the market _ is now no chance of a rate hike, the market even — is now no chance of a rate hike, the market even before _ is now no chance of a rate hike, the market even before had _ is now no chance of a rate hike, thei market even before had pretty much priced _ market even before had pretty much priced out _ market even before had pretty much priced out the — market even before had pretty much priced out the chance _ market even before had pretty much priced out the chance of— market even before had pretty much priced out the chance of a _ market even before had pretty much priced out the chance of a rate - market even before had pretty much priced out the chance of a rate cut. priced out the chance of a rate cut injune _ priced out the chance of a rate cut injune they— priced out the chance of a rate cut injune they are _ priced out the chance of a rate cut in june they are now _ priced out the chance of a rate cut injune they are now not - priced out the chance of a rate cut in june they are now not looking l priced out the chance of a rate cut. in june they are now not looking for one until— in june they are now not looking for one until november. _ in june they are now not looking for one until november. we've - in june they are now not looking forj one until november. we've actually seen going — one until november. we've actually seen going from _ one until november. we've actually seen going from three _ one until november. we've actually seen going from three rate - one until november. we've actually seen going from three rate cuts - seen going from three rate cuts price _ seen going from three rate cuts price in— seen going from three rate cuts price in financial— seen going from three rate cuts price in financial markets - seen going from three rate cuts price in financial markets to - seen going from three rate cutsi price in financial markets to now 'ust price in financial markets to now just about — price in financial markets to now just about one _ price in financial markets to now just about one cut _ price in financial markets to now just about one cut for _ price in financial markets to now just about one cut for this - price in financial markets to now just about one cut for this year. i just about one cut for this year. that— just about one cut for this year. that could _ just about one cut for this year. that could feed _ just about one cut for this year. that could feed into _ just about one cut for this year. that could feed into higher- just about one cut for this year. - that could feed into higher mortgage rates in _ that could feed into higher mortgage rates in the _ that could feed into higher mortgage rates in the next _ that could feed into higher mortgage rates in the next couple _ that could feed into higher mortgage rates in the next couple of _ that could feed into higher mortgage rates in the next couple of weeks. i rates in the next couple of weeks. it's rates in the next couple of weeks. it's interesting _ rates in the next couple of weeks. it's interesting times. _ rates in the next couple of weeks. it's interesting times. the - rates in the next couple of weeks. it's interesting times. the economy clearl one it's interesting times. the economy clearly one of— it's interesting times. the economy clearly one of the _ it's interesting times. the economy clearly one of the big _ it's interesting times. the economy clearly one of the big issues - it's interesting times. the economy clearly one of the big issues in - it's interesting times. the economy clearly one of the big issues in ourl clearly one of the big issues in our election for that we will talk about that and some of the other key areas in this battleground race shortly. for now, thank you. around the world and across the globe disses bbc

news. this is bbc news.

you're watching a special addition of the context tonight is uk prime minister announces that the uk will go to the bowl onjuly four. let's talk to adam payne who is political editor. a lot for us to digest right now. i want to start first of all not with that announcement from the prime minister about this first campaign rally that he held this evening in east london. it was really him kicking off his pitch for why he should be the prime minister injuly. they were very why he should be the prime minister in july. they were very few opportunities for the media there. he had a cabinet around him, there are people with placards but we didn't get much sense about what the conservatives would look like after the selection, did we?— conservatives would look like after the selection, did we? that's right. the prime minister _ the selection, did we? that's right. the prime minister shortly - the selection, did we? that's right. the prime minister shortly after - the prime minister shortly after making that announcement about the

dues on a wet downing street went to do his first campaign rally nearby in london, the first of many rallies were going to see of the next six weeks. in that room we had his cabinet stood around him and some tory party members who could make it. you're right and that we saw reporters from sky news and elsewhere weren't allowed into the room. it was delivered to what we call pool cameras which are a limited number ofjournalists limited number of journalists allowed in limited number ofjournalists allowed in a room. what we did see, we did get anything new, we got what we did get anything new, we got what we always knew the rishi sunak election campaign would sound like, would entail with the selection happens which is essentially look, i know we've been through tough times but the economy is starting to turn a corner. as you and the panels at a few minutes ago, as you discussed inflation hitjust about few minutes ago, as you discussed inflation hit just about 2% today. the prime minister said at that

rally and easy to keep saying for the next six weeks, that is because of me and my government and you should stick with me to let me finish thejob as should stick with me to let me finish the job as far as fixing the economy goes. at a vote for labour would be a vote to jeopardise all that could work his election message is going to be centred on the economy. as geppetto said, the tory party is in a dire situation. —— the panel said the prime minister is personal ratings are pretty appalling. if the tories are to avoid defeat onjuly the ath it would take probably the most stunning election turn around this country is ever seen.— stunning election turn around this country is ever seen. while i called the election _ country is ever seen. while i called the election early? _ country is ever seen. while i called the election early? does _ country is ever seen. while i called the election early? does he - country is ever seen. while i called the election early? does he really. the election early? does he really hope he can win or is he just saying look, let's get it over and done with? . �* , ., look, let's get it over and done with? . �*, ., a with? that's the million quick question- _ with? that's the million quick question. the _ with? that's the million quick question. the expectation - with? that's the million quick| question. the expectation was minister was that while a summer election was being looked at it was

an option. the expectation was that the prime minister would wait until the prime minister would wait until the autumn, october or november time because that would mean more time for the economy to improve, for people to feel the effects of the economy improving. it's one thing inflation coming down in terms of headline figure but do people actually feel it in their pockets and their lived experience? most people expected this to happen in the autumn. but there some conversations i've had with people in the conservative party this afternoon, it sounds like they are thinking of rishi sunak and the people around him is that this week centred on that inflation news. it's come down from just about to present, is probably the best is going to get for rishi sunak. look at what's can happen between now and the autumn, they are not many obvious bits of good news for the prime minister. illegal migration daring, small boats is good to be a prominent issue in this campaign.

they are worried to think that if you wait to the autumn you could have a long summer of small boats crossing which will undermine their message on that.— crossing which will undermine their message on that. thank you for being with us was upstart _ message on that. thank you for being with us was upstart of _ message on that. thank you for being with us was upstart of the _ message on that. thank you for being with us was upstart of the busy - message on that. thank you for being with us was upstart of the busy time i with us was upstart of the busy time for you adam payne, for the christine jardine joins us. good to have you. both keir starmer and rishi sunak painting this is a choice between labour and the conservatives. where did the liberal democrats fit into this? well. conservatives. where did the liberal democrats fit into this?— democrats fit into this? well, the liberal democrats _ democrats fit into this? well, the liberal democrats of _ democrats fit into this? well, the liberal democrats of the - democrats fit into this? well, the liberal democrats of the party - democrats fit into this? well, the | liberal democrats of the party who in so many seats up and down the country can be the difference between more of the same or a change for the about 80 seats were second to the conservatives and if you are jays to the conservatives and if you are jays that you vote for us. we have shown in by elections over the past couple of years, four astounding by elections that no one thought was possible that we can beat the conservatives in their heartland, in the blue wall seats and in scotland.

we're in prime position to stop the snp winning many seats. this is an election where liberal democrats in choosing a party that can deliver change for you if you don't want to conservative party, both of the liberal democrats. you can make a real difference. it liberal democrats. you can make a real difference.— real difference. it seems that in olitics real difference. it seems that in politics right — real difference. it seems that in politics right now, _ real difference. it seems that in politics right now, correct - real difference. it seems that in politics right now, correct me . real difference. it seems that in politics right now, correct me if| real difference. it seems that in | politics right now, correct me if i am wrong about the politics of hope, optimism, both for me and it will get better has sorta disappeared. it's like we're the least bad option can the liberal democrats offer that to voters and say a vote for us as a vote for hope? is about voting for something better notjust the least bad option. we something better not 'ust the least bad 0 tion. �* , bad option. i've never believed in bein: the bad option. i've never believed in being the least _ bad option. i've never believed in being the least bad _ bad option. i've never believed in being the least bad option. - bad option. i've never believed in being the least bad option. i've i being the least bad option. i've always believed of it that's probably why i am a liberal democrats that you have the best solution that you can. it may not be the best solution that is populous but it is the solution which aims to improve life for more people, which aims to create that society. i

genuinely think that in this election people elected point with i've had enough of this conservative government. they had enough of crumbling hospitals and nhs on its knees with the education system that's falling, rivers full of sewage and they want change. when i came with the least bad option, we're saying there's a better way, you can change it. this is the opportunity to do that. where do you exect to opportunity to do that. where do you expect to make _ opportunity to do that. where do you expect to make the _ opportunity to do that. where do you expect to make the biggest gains? i opportunity to do that. where do you | expect to make the biggest gains? we always talk about this, the bookit split and actually we end up with a very messy house of commons. where are you hoping to make the biggest progress in this election? iadore are you hoping to make the biggest progress in this election?— progress in this election? we're in second place. _ progress in this election? we're in second place, about _ progress in this election? we're in second place, about 80 _ progress in this election? we're in second place, about 80 seats - progress in this election? we're in second place, about 80 seats in i second place, about 80 seats in england. many in the south and southwest. we've been making big inroads in places like dorset, somerset, devin. and it where we have won by elections over the last

two years was up in those seats if people vote liberal democrats they can make a real difference to what is happening in the country. i think thatis is happening in the country. i think that is where we can make a real difference. we will also be challenged.— difference. we will also be challenged. difference. we will also be challenaed. . , ., . ~ ., challenged. really good to talk to ou. challenged. really good to talk to you thank _ challenged. really good to talk to you thank you — challenged. really good to talk to you. thank you for _ challenged. really good to talk to you. thank you for being - challenged. really good to talk to you. thank you for being with - challenged. really good to talk to i you. thank you for being with us on the context. headlines coming up next. wednesday was a particularly miserable day. in fact in heart for and work sure we had rain in a 2a—hour period, ranging from 55 to 65 mm of rain. throughout the day, the rain gradually drifted its way steadily north and west. here, it is going to linger for quite some time, so we still

have weather warnings out. in fact, the met office has an amber warning now, with the emphasis on the heavy and persistent rain across parts of north wales and northwest england. we could see, to higher ground, as much as 100 mm or more, and that could lead to some localised flooding. so that weather warning and will remain in force until lunchtime on thursday, the brighter colours denoting the intensity of the rainfall. some clearer skies further south, so it could be a misty and murky start, but a relatively mild start to thursday morning. on the whole, grey for most of us and some of the rain persistent, but it will gradually start to ease as we go through the day, and hopefully the cloud across east anglia and southeast england should break up to allow for some glimpses sunshine from time to time. winds light to moderate, but the strongest gusts perhaps to the far northwest where the heaviest bursts are likely to be. we are going to see temperatures peaking at around 18 or 19 degrees, where the cloud and rain lingers, certainly a disappointing feel. as we go to thursday evening into the early hours of friday morning, gradually, that low pressure will drift its way further north and east and pull away,

but it stays rather cloudy and damp and murky. so a pretty murky start to friday morning, and we will be chasing cloud around on friday. cloud thick enough further north for a spot or two of light drizzle from time to time. hopefully some brightness down to the south, but it would be dry here and top temperatures once again likely to the high teens. into the start of the weekend, this little ridge of high pressure keeps things quite on sunday. it is a bank holiday weekend, i know, there is a weatherfront starting to push in from the west giving us a level of uncertainty. it is likely the beginning of the three day weekend will be the best in terms of drier and sunny weather, and there is the potential for some sharp and possibly thundershowers to develop a little later on.

it will feel a little bit warmer and quite pleasant.