it will feel a little bit warmer and quite pleasant.

hello, i'm ben thompson. you're watching the context on bbc news. british prime minister rishi sunak launches the conservative election campaign after calling a snap general election forjuly fourth. 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. let's speak to my colleague geeta

guru murthy who's in downing street. you have been following the story of the day. farcical at some point in the day. farcical at some point in the rain with the loud music but the conservatives and rishi sunak launching his campaign in somewhat dryer circumstances a bit later in the evening, focus or what went on today. the evening, focus or what went on toda . ~ , ,., , the evening, focus or what went on today. absolutely, an extraordinary few hours, today. absolutely, an extraordinary few hours. just _ today. absolutely, an extraordinary few hours, just to _ today. absolutely, an extraordinary few hours, just to explain _ today. absolutely, an extraordinary few hours, just to explain to - few hours, just to explain to viewers, so much speculation about whether an election would happen, the consensus was building, and having not been in me, just after the local elections, that it was meant to be in the autumn, october or november, and the fact that rishi sunak has called it today has taken many in his own party by surprise, i certainly —— i personally got a bit of a tip yesterday that some diaries had been cleared and there was going to be a big announcement, farfrom certain, and it certainly has taken a lots of people by surprise in westminster. the announcement itself

was difficult for rishi sunak physically because it was pouring with rain. he came out of the door, at the podium, and basically got completely drenched as he gave his address. music from the labour 1997 election campaign, things can only get better, has been blared out of the speakers here just outside the gates of downing street, but that was the immediate kick—off launch moment. some criticism about if the prime minister's team can even organise an umbrella for him can they organise a campaign? they organised a event in the drive for him tonight, arranged at speed in london for the full cabinet, with his wife there, lots of supporters, a much more upbeat feel to that, but again, the same message that we are going to hearfrom again, the same message that we are going to hear from the conservatives about stability, sticking with the plan, knowing what you can trust, as

they would put it, and the election campaign will know fully get under way. we can get a bit more on all of that because damian grammaticas is with me, and you have been here as well all afternoon. with me, and you have been here as wellall afternoon. lots with me, and you have been here as well all afternoon. lots of coloured elliptical correspondence here and lots of cameras, lesser people still here, butjust in terms of setting the stage and understanding what a big moment it is, ifeel like i am here quite a for changes of government, it has been a really turbulent time in the british politics and this is another moment of potential big change. it is politics and this is another moment of potential big change.— of potential big change. it is going to be a huge _ of potential big change. it is going to be a huge moment _ of potential big change. it is going to be a huge moment of— of potential big change. it is going to be a huge moment of decision, | of potential big change. it is going . to be a huge moment of decision, but cast your— to be a huge moment of decision, but cast your mind back, the last election. _ cast your mind back, the last election, then, much has happened since _ election, then, much has happened since theft — election, then, much has happened since then. the last election was two different people, borisjohnson versus_ two different people, borisjohnson versusjeremy corbyn, a conservative landslide, — versusjeremy corbyn, a conservative landslide, 80 seat majority, barney—smith —— borisjohnson then delivered _ barney—smith —— borisjohnson then delivered brexit, a huge if you act i don't _ delivered brexit, a huge if you act i don't think will be mentioned much

in the _ i don't think will be mentioned much in the campaign, and we are noticing this huge _ in the campaign, and we are noticing this huge change in our trading relationship with our biggest neighbour, but following that, boris johnson _ neighbour, but following that, boris johnson 90 scandals, his downfall, liz truss_ johnson 90 scandals, his downfall, liz truss and her downfall, rishi sunak. — liz truss and her downfall, rishi sunak, during during the pandemic, vladimir— sunak, during during the pandemic, vladimir putin and the war in the ukraine, — vladimir putin and the war in the ukraine, on— vladimir putin and the war in the ukraine, on the big events we have had, _ ukraine, on the big events we have had, rishi — ukraine, on the big events we have had, rishi sunak pointed to some of them, _ had, rishi sunak pointed to some of them, he _ had, rishi sunak pointed to some of them, he wants to point to some of those _ them, he wants to point to some of those and _ them, he wants to point to some of those and say it is the evidence of the dangers of the world we live in an these _ the dangers of the world we live in an these things have been driven, change _ an these things have been driven, change inflation, and that he is now sought— change inflation, and that he is now sought to _ change inflation, and that he is now sought to bring some order and stability. — sought to bring some order and stability, stick with him and explain _ stability, stick with him and explain. the labour party will say they have — explain. the labour party will say they have changed completely from those _ they have changed completely from those days, keir starmer was a he has reshaped the labour party, it's a different— has reshaped the labour party, it's a different party, now it is time for change _ a different party, now it is time for change and to deliver to change the country. so both, drawing, if you like. — the country. so both, drawing, if you like. on— the country. so both, drawing, if you like, on that to see the reasons to vote _

you like, on that to see the reasons to vote for— you like, on that to see the reasons to vote for them. the you like, on that to see the reasons to vote for them.— to vote for them. the labour party team will really _ to vote for them. the labour party team will really piece _ to vote for them. the labour party team will really piece in _ to vote for them. the labour party team will really piece in the - team will really piece in the scrutiny in the fact they have not faced until now. most of those shadow cabinet ministers have not beenin shadow cabinet ministers have not been in government, they have a young team around them, they are still working at policies they would want to implement in government if they want to win. thea;t want to implement in government if they want to win.— want to implement in government if they want to win. they are massively ahead in the — they want to win. they are massively ahead in the polls. _ they want to win. they are massively ahead in the polls. but _ they want to win. they are massively ahead in the polls. but the _ they want to win. they are massively ahead in the polls. but the campaigni ahead in the polls. but the campaign can change that. it is ahead in the polls. but the campaign can change that-— can change that. it is certainly rishi sunak's _ can change that. it is certainly rishi sunak's hope, _ can change that. it is certainly rishi sunak's hope, because l can change that. it is certainly i rishi sunak's hope, because this gambler— rishi sunak's hope, because this gambler that called and this is into points— gambler that called and this is into points or so behind in the polls, but there's— points or so behind in the polls, but there's often a bump the premise or can _ but there's often a bump the premise or can get _ but there's often a bump the premise or can get from calling the election. _ or can get from calling the election, historically the sub it doesn't — election, historically the sub it doesn't always happen, but there might— doesn't always happen, but there might be — doesn't always happen, but there might be some focus on that, but it is worth— might be some focus on that, but it is worth saying there'll be scrutiny under— is worth saying there'll be scrutiny under labour but also in rishi sunak and there _ under labour but also in rishi sunak and there are some that feel that under— and there are some that feel that under scrutiny rishi sunak can sometimes not perform, he can come across— sometimes not perform, he can come across as _

sometimes not perform, he can come across as tetchy or short tempered, so he _ across as tetchy or short tempered, so he would — across as tetchy or short tempered, so he would be under scrutiny as well _ so he would be under scrutiny as well keir— so he would be under scrutiny as well. keir starmerwill so he would be under scrutiny as well. keir starmer will be under scrutiny— well. keir starmer will be under scrutiny for the detail on with he delivers — scrutiny for the detail on with he delivers in— scrutiny for the detail on with he delivers. in some ways, what we saw today— delivers. in some ways, what we saw today perhaps not the most auspicious week for rishi sunak delivering it, standing here, soaked in the _ delivering it, standing here, soaked in the rain. — delivering it, standing here, soaked in the rain, lots of comments about that one _ in the rain, lots of comments about that one coming in the last few nrinutes— that one coming in the last few minutes from someone who is in his government. — minutes from someone who is in his government, said the optics of that were awful. . . ~ government, said the optics of that were awful-— government, said the optics of that were awful. ,, ., ,, , , were awful. sunak versus dahmer, in a way similarities, _ were awful. sunak versus dahmer, in a way similarities, both _ a way similarities, both technocratic, done drugs beforehand, starmer was a lawyer, sunak and finance, both seen as hard—working and driven, seen as light —— unlike someone like borisjohnson, but lacking the charisma of the thatcher or a tony blair, great communication skills, but their supporters will say we are in a different age and these men who are going to be under these men who are going to be under the most scrutiny, these are the

right man for the times. i the most scrutiny, these are the right man for the times.- the most scrutiny, these are the right man for the times. i think you will see them _ right man for the times. i think you will see them being _ right man for the times. i think you will see them being followed - right man for the times. i think you will see them being followed every| will see them being followed every moment of this campaign, and any slip-up— moment of this campaign, and any slip-up will— moment of this campaign, and any slip—up will be seized on, but a lot of this— slip—up will be seized on, but a lot of this campaign will be fought out of this campaign will be fought out of vision _ of this campaign will be fought out of vision it— of this campaign will be fought out of vision. it would be a digital campaign _ of vision. it would be a digital campaign on social media, appearing in your— campaign on social media, appearing in your social media feeds, your facehook— in your social media feeds, your facebook feed, on your ex or twitter or whatever— facebook feed, on your ex or twitter or whatever you want to call it now, it will— or whatever you want to call it now, it will he _ or whatever you want to call it now, it will be targeted messages and a lots of— it will be targeted messages and a lots of campaign messages pushed. i think many— lots of campaign messages pushed. i think many feel that this is going to he _ think many feel that this is going to be quite a brutally fought camping on those levels to, so that is something to watch. it camping on those levels to, so that is something to watch.— is something to watch. it could be re is something to watch. it could be pretty divisive. — is something to watch. it could be pretty divisive, language - is something to watch. it could be pretty divisive, language has - is something to watch. it could be i pretty divisive, language has become very course, of course, in politics among the just in the very course, of course, in politics among thejust in the uk but in many art of the well, but damien, thank you. for people who love politics as we do, probably, it is an exciting day because the campaigning is not going to begin and it is all to play

forfor all involved, going to begin and it is all to play for for all involved, lots of parties fighting for seats right across country. been.- parties fighting for seats right across country. been. thank you geeta guru _ across country. been. thank you geeta guru murthy. _ across country. been. thank you geeta guru murthy. let's - across country. been. thank you geeta guru murthy. let's talk. across country. been. thank you geeta guru murthy. let's talk to | across country. been. thank you - geeta guru murthy. let's talk to the panel, summershould geeta guru murthy. let's talk to the panel, summer should talk about, and will come onto the issues in a second. i want to talk first of all, jenny, about the number of mps standing down at this election. just look at the numbers, 65 conservatives, 20 labour, nine snp and independence, we might even see that number tick up depending on how this campaign goes, but a significant number of conservatives, some would suggest, going before they are pushed.— some would suggest, going before they are pushed. yes, and there were rumours that — they are pushed. yes, and there were rumours that there _ they are pushed. yes, and there were rumours that there were _ they are pushed. yes, and there were rumours that there were many - they are pushed. yes, and there were rumours that there were many more i rumours that there were many more who are planning to, perhaps it is one of the reasons why the election was called as soon as it has been rather than waiting until the autumn. we had another, a labour mp said she was not quick to stand only this even after the announcement, so

there will be probably many more in there will be probably many more in the days to come. it is a bruising and think to be campaigning when you think you are not going to win, i think you are not going to win, i think amma or if you think you're going to be in opposition and you came into politics because you wanted to lead, but these are enormous numbers, huge numbers, and it means that there is everything to play for. it means that there is everything to -la for. ., �* , it means that there is everything to -la for. ., �*, ., ,, it means that there is everything to -la for. ., �*, ., ~',, it means that there is everything to .la for. ., �*, . ~' play for. zoe, let's talk about some ofthe play for. zoe, let's talk about some of the issues. _ play for. zoe, let's talk about some of the issues, where _ play for. zoe, let's talk about some of the issues, where would - play for. zoe, let's talk about some of the issues, where would be - play for. zoe, let's talk about some of the issues, where would be the i of the issues, where would be the biggest actors in terms of election issues? we talked briefly about the economy, we will talk more about that because it is a big one, but where else, migration of course, front and centre of the conservative party plans, but whether key issues will be here about on this campaign trail? i will be here about on this campaign trail? ~ . trail? i think what the conservatives - trail? i think what the conservatives want i trail? i think what the conservatives want to i trail? i think what the - conservatives want to talk trail? i think what the _ conservatives want to talk about his national— conservatives want to talk about his national security and immigration, and although those issues are important to the public, especially in terms _ important to the public, especially in terms of— important to the public, especially in terms of national security, it is not something people feel density when _ not something people feel density when you are at home and go to the shops— when you are at home and go to the shops and _ when you are at home and go to the shops and taking your kids to school. —

shops and taking your kids to school, you're not thinking about how secure — school, you're not thinking about how secure our borders are our heart we are _ how secure our borders are our heart we are doing — how secure our borders are our heart we are doing with russia and china, you're _ we are doing with russia and china, you're thick— we are doing with russia and china, you're thick and about the cost of living _ you're thick and about the cost of living and — you're thick and about the cost of living and whether you can get a gp appointment. you're thinking about the state _ appointment. you're thinking about the state of your kids schools and things _ the state of your kids schools and things like — the state of your kids schools and things like that, so as much as the conservatives might want to campaign on this— conservatives might want to campaign on this because it requires labour to commit— on this because it requires labour to commit to a lots of money which they do— to commit to a lots of money which they do not— to commit to a lots of money which they do not want to do, i think the biggest _ they do not want to do, i think the biggest issues will still be the cost of— biggest issues will still be the cost of living and of course the nhs~ _ cost of living and of course the nhs. just— cost of living and of course the nhs. just earlier this week and last week— nhs. just earlier this week and last week we _ nhs. just earlier this week and last week we had lots of conversation about _ week we had lots of conversation about the — week we had lots of conversation about the state of the nhs, particularly maternity services, which _ particularly maternity services, which is — particularly maternity services, which is brought into contrast the kind of— which is brought into contrast the kind of issues that are going on, notjust— kind of issues that are going on, notjust with staffing, kind of issues that are going on, not just with staffing, but the infrastructure in the health services _ infrastructure in the health services as well, so that would be huge. _ services as well, so that would be huge, and the public will really want _ huge, and the public will really want to— huge, and the public will really want to know whether the labour party. _ want to know whether the labour party. with — want to know whether the labour party, with its plans on the nhs, can actually deliver reform and change — can actually deliver reform and change and create an health service that is _ change and create an health service that is sustainable. and then the final issue — that is sustainable. and then the final issue will be, do the public trust _ final issue will be, do the public trust the — final issue will be, do the public trust the labour party? because of the past _ trust the labour party? because of the past years we have seen lots of

cities _ the past years we have seen lots of cities and _ the past years we have seen lots of cities and scandals touching the tories. — cities and scandals touching the tories, people don't trust politicians the way they do to, and keir starmer has tried to meet front of he _ keir starmer has tried to meet front of he has _ keir starmer has tried to meet front of he has been a public servant and a former— of he has been a public servant and a former lawyer and the labour party will be _ a former lawyer and the labour party will be trusted with the economy and trustworthy in government, sol think— trustworthy in government, sol think he — trustworthy in government, sol think he would really try to point out that— think he would really try to point out that the labour party are a party _ out that the labour party are a party full — out that the labour party are a party full of integrity and transparency, and would be pointed to all— transparency, and would be pointed to all the _ transparency, and would be pointed to all the issues and scandals the tory party— to all the issues and scandals the tory party have faced over the last five years — tory party have faced over the last five ears. �* . tory party have faced over the last five ears. . . ., five years. and kathleen, on the economy. _ five years. and kathleen, on the economy, we know _ five years. and kathleen, on the economy, we know elections - five years. and kathleen, on thei economy, we know elections are normally one unless and how inflation is coming down, interest rate at some point this year might start to fall, but the imf purchasing this week, upgrading for a class for growth for the uk economy, so good news for the prime minister, but they warned of things —— born—again things like further tax cuts, and one that who are next in downing street in parliament, they will face some interesting

financial situations, not a lots of money. financial situations, not a lots of mone . ~ , financial situations, not a lots of mone. , .,, financial situations, not a lots of mone. ..,.,_ financial situations, not a lots of mone. ., financial situations, not a lots of mone. , ., . money. why the economy is a massive deal for everything _ money. why the economy is a massive deal for everything in _ money. why the economy is a massive deal for everything in this _ money. why the economy is a massive deal for everything in this action, - deal for everything in this action, there'll— deal for everything in this action, there'll be — deal for everything in this action, there'll be some _ deal for everything in this action, there'll be some sound _ deal for everything in this action, there'll be some sound bites, - deal for everything in this action, i there'll be some sound bites, they will be _ there'll be some sound bites, they will be talking _ there'll be some sound bites, they will be talking about _ there'll be some sound bites, they will be talking about both - there'll be some sound bites, they will be talking about both being i will be talking about both being higher— will be talking about both being higher and _ will be talking about both being higher and infection _ will be talking about both being higher and infection lower- will be talking about both being i higher and infection lower during his tenure. — higher and infection lower during his tenure, and _ higher and infection lower during his tenure, and the _ higher and infection lower during his tenure, and the labour- higher and infection lower during his tenure, and the labour party| his tenure, and the labour party will talk— his tenure, and the labour party will talk about— his tenure, and the labour party will talk about what _ his tenure, and the labour party will talk about what they - his tenure, and the labour party will talk about what they want. his tenure, and the labour partyi will talk about what they want to do to increase — will talk about what they want to do to increase productivity, _ will talk about what they want to do to increase productivity, but the - to increase productivity, but the fact is— to increase productivity, but the fact is there _ to increase productivity, but the fact is there physically - to increase productivity, but thel fact is there physically restrained in this— fact is there physically restrained in this country, _ fact is there physically restrained in this country, whoever- fact is there physically restrained in this country, whoever is - fact is there physically restrained . in this country, whoever is elected, we are _ in this country, whoever is elected, we are already _ in this country, whoever is elected, we are already on _ in this country, whoever is elected, we are already on course _ in this country, whoever is elected, we are already on course to - in this country, whoever is elected, we are already on course to borrow| we are already on course to borrow £18 million — we are already on course to borrow £18 million in— we are already on course to borrow £18 million in this _ we are already on course to borrow £18 million in this fiscal— we are already on course to borrow £18 million in this fiscal year, - we are already on course to borrow £18 million in this fiscal year, not l £18 million in this fiscal year, not the money— £18 million in this fiscal year, not the money for— £18 million in this fiscal year, not the money for any _ £18 million in this fiscal year, not the money for any election - £18 million in this fiscal year, not i the money for any election pledges, and it— the money for any election pledges, and it would — the money for any election pledges, and it would be _ the money for any election pledges, and it would be watching _ the money for any election pledges, and it would be watching the - the money for any election pledges, i and it would be watching the market close it _ and it would be watching the market close it because _ and it would be watching the market close it because when _ and it would be watching the market close it because when we _ and it would be watching the market close it because when we had - and it would be watching the market close it because when we had the i close it because when we had the lizard _ close it because when we had the lizard trust — close it because when we had the lizard trust - _ close it because when we had the lizard trust — kwasi _ close it because when we had the lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng - lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng budget. _ lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng budget. that _ lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng budget, that blew— lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng budget, that blew a - lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng budget, that blew a hole - lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng budget, that blew a hole in l lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng . budget, that blew a hole in the lizard trust — kwasi kwarteng - budget, that blew a hole in the uk balance _ budget, that blew a hole in the uk balance sheet— budget, that blew a hole in the uk balance sheet because _ budget, that blew a hole in the uk balance sheet because they- budget, that blew a hole in the uk balance sheet because they try - budget, that blew a hole in the uk balance sheet because they try to| balance sheet because they try to push _ balance sheet because they try to push through _ balance sheet because they try to push through unfunded _ balance sheet because they try to push through unfunded tax - balance sheet because they try to push through unfunded tax cuts l balance sheet because they try to . push through unfunded tax cuts and there _ push through unfunded tax cuts and there cannot — push through unfunded tax cuts and there cannot be _ push through unfunded tax cuts and there cannot be any— push through unfunded tax cuts and there cannot be any messing - push through unfunded tax cuts and| there cannot be any messing around with the _ there cannot be any messing around with the physical— there cannot be any messing around with the physical state _ there cannot be any messing around with the physical state of _ there cannot be any messing around with the physical state of the - there cannot be any messing around with the physical state of the uk - with the physical state of the uk because — with the physical state of the uk because we _ with the physical state of the uk because we are _ with the physical state of the uk because we are borrowing - with the physical state of the uk because we are borrowing too i with the physical state of the uk - because we are borrowing too much, our deficit— because we are borrowing too much, our deficit is — because we are borrowing too much, our deficit is high, _ because we are borrowing too much, our deficit is high, and _ because we are borrowing too much, our deficit is high, and we _ because we are borrowing too much, our deficit is high, and we are - because we are borrowing too much, our deficit is high, and we are in - our deficit is high, and we are in the cross— our deficit is high, and we are in the cross hairs _ our deficit is high, and we are in the cross hairs of _ our deficit is high, and we are in the cross hairs of the _

our deficit is high, and we are in the cross hairs of the final- our deficit is high, and we are in the cross hairs of the final —— i the cross hairs of the final —— financial— the cross hairs of the final —— financial markets, _ the cross hairs of the final —— financial markets, and - the cross hairs of the final —— financial markets, and they l the cross hairs of the final —— . financial markets, and they will determine _ financial markets, and they will determine how— financial markets, and they will determine how much _ financial markets, and they will determine how much we - financial markets, and they will determine how much we can i financial markets, and they will - determine how much we can spend and how much— determine how much we can spend and how much we _ determine how much we can spend and how much we can — determine how much we can spend and how much we can borrow _ determine how much we can spend and how much we can borrow and _ determine how much we can spend and how much we can borrow and we - how much we can borrow and we know we are _ how much we can borrow and we know we are in— how much we can borrow and we know we are in a _ how much we can borrow and we know we are in a tight— how much we can borrow and we know we are in a tight leach _ how much we can borrow and we know we are in a tight leach when it- we are in a tight leach when it comes— we are in a tight leach when it comes to _ we are in a tight leach when it comes to that, _ we are in a tight leach when it comes to that, so _ we are in a tight leach when it comes to that, so i— we are in a tight leach when it comes to that, so i think - we are in a tight leach when it comes to that, so i think if. we are in a tight leach when it. comes to that, so i think if they can torn— comes to that, so i think if they can torn down _ comes to that, so i think if they can torn down their _ comes to that, so i think if they can torn down their messages i comes to that, so i think if they. can torn down their messages and focus _ can torn down their messages and focus on _ can torn down their messages and focus on other— can torn down their messages and focus on other issues, _ can torn down their messages and focus on other issues, using - can torn down their messages and focus on other issues, using the l focus on other issues, using the sound _ focus on other issues, using the sound bites— focus on other issues, using the sound bites regarding _ focus on other issues, using the sound bites regarding the - focus on other issues, using the - sound bites regarding the economy. i'm sound bites regarding the economy. im interested — sound bites regarding the economy. i'm interested in— sound bites regarding the economy. i'm interested in as— sound bites regarding the economy. i'm interested in as well, _ sound bites regarding the economy. i'm interested in as well, talked - i'm interested in as well, talked about the money markets and that liz truss plan, what do they make of their announcement on the election today, what does their make of the timing of this election announcement?- timing of this election announcement? . .. .. ~ announcement? they have taken it in their stride. — announcement? they have taken it in their stride, there _ announcement? they have taken it in their stride, there is _ announcement? they have taken it in their stride, there is a _ announcement? they have taken it in their stride, there is a lots _ announcement? they have taken it in their stride, there is a lots of - their stride, there is a lots of movement— their stride, there is a lots of movement in— their stride, there is a lots of movement in the _ their stride, there is a lots of movement in the bond - their stride, there is a lots of. movement in the bond market, their stride, there is a lots of- movement in the bond market, bond yields— movement in the bond market, bond yields reason— movement in the bond market, bond yields reason today, _ movement in the bond market, bond yields reason today, and _ movement in the bond market, bond yields reason today, and we - movement in the bond market, bond yields reason today, and we saw- movement in the bond market, bond. yields reason today, and we saw some shifting _ yields reason today, and we saw some shifting in— yields reason today, and we saw some shifting in interest _ yields reason today, and we saw some shifting in interest rate _ shifting in interest rate expectations, - shifting in interest rate expectations, but- shifting in interest rate expectations, but that| shifting in interest rate - expectations, but that was shifting in interest rate _ expectations, but that was known to the inflation — expectations, but that was known to the inflation data, _ expectations, but that was known to the inflation data, we _ expectations, but that was known to the inflation data, we have - expectations, but that was known to the inflation data, we have seen - the inflation data, we have seen barely— the inflation data, we have seen barely any— the inflation data, we have seen barely any movement _ the inflation data, we have seen barely any movement in - the inflation data, we have seen barely any movement in the - the inflation data, we have seen . barely any movement in the pound, that has— barely any movement in the pound, that has been— barely any movement in the pound, that has been stable, _ barely any movement in the pound, that has been stable, bond - barely any movement in the pound, that has been stable, bond yields. that has been stable, bond yields have stabilised, _ that has been stable, bond yields have stabilised, so _ that has been stable, bond yields have stabilised, so expect- that has been stable, bond yields have stabilised, so expect more i that has been stable, bond yieldsi have stabilised, so expect more of the same — have stabilised, so expect more of the same whoever— have stabilised, so expect more of the same whoever comes - have stabilised, so expect more of the same whoever comes in, - have stabilised, so expect more of the same whoever comes in, not. have stabilised, so expect more of. the same whoever comes in, not big enough _ the same whoever comes in, not big enough game — the same whoever comes in, not big enough game -- _ the same whoever comes in, not big enough game —— economic- the same whoever comes in, not big enough game —— economic shifts. i

the same whoever comes in, not big. enough game —— economic shifts. more enough game -- economic shifts. more ofthe enough game -- economic shifts. more of the same. — enough game -- economic shifts. more of the same, that _ enough game -- economic shifts. more of the same, that is _ enough game -- economic shifts. more of the same, that is not _ enough game —— economic shifts. of the same, that is not what enough game —— economic shifts. hun; of the same, that is not what the politicians they are expecting tonight, we'll talk more in a moment, around the world and across the bbq -- across moment, around the world and across the bbq -— across the uk, your russian bbc news.

you are watching a special edition of the context on bbc news, on the day we learned the uk will go to the polls on july four was stuck with me, the panel, jenny is with me also, also kathleen and zoe, so talk some more about what we might expect. the campaign and gets under way and there's not a lot of time. five weeks, and also play for. and i want pick up on that point i want this being about choices, not choices just for the election, but choices just for the election, but choices about what the politicians spend money on the sub we often hear the idea about there not being much money or wiggle room that it is about choices about what we stand for as a country and our priorities.

absolutely, that is a key point, there _ absolutely, that is a key point, there is— absolutely, that is a key point, there is money, it is about how the government— there is money, it is about how the government decide to spend it, and one big _ government decide to spend it, and one big point of contention between the two _ one big point of contention between the two parties is this idea of public— the two parties is this idea of public spending or tax rises. we know— public spending or tax rises. we know the — public spending or tax rises. we know the conservative party are heavily — know the conservative party are heavily pressured and committed to more _ heavily pressured and committed to more tax _ heavily pressured and committed to more tax cuts. we are already heard two successive national insurance tax cuts. — two successive national insurance tax cuts, they want to abolish national— tax cuts, they want to abolish national insurance entirely, but that did — national insurance entirely, but that did not move the dial in terms of approval— that did not move the dial in terms of approval ratings because looking at public— of approval ratings because looking at public polling people want to see more _ at public polling people want to see more money in public services. they know— more money in public services. they know that _ more money in public services. they know that the nhs, local councils, schools. _ know that the nhs, local councils, schools. all— know that the nhs, local councils, schools, all of these things are in dire need — schools, all of these things are in dire need of more money and to some ektent— dire need of more money and to some extent reform, but they don't want to see _ extent reform, but they don't want to see more cuts to public services at the _ to see more cuts to public services at the expense of a few, between 50 and hundred opponents in their pay packet _ and hundred opponents in their pay packet every month, so it does not move _ packet every month, so it does not move the _ packet every month, so it does not move the dial for the tories, but

labour— move the dial for the tories, but labour party, traditionally the party— labour party, traditionally the party you _ labour party, traditionally the party you associate with tax rises, is also _ party you associate with tax rises, is also being really nervous about this issue — is also being really nervous about this issue. they do not want to be beaten with— this issue. they do not want to be beaten with the statement tories always _ beaten with the statement tories always beat that with which is that labour _ always beat that with which is that labour will take more money out of your pockets and pump money into services _ your pockets and pump money into services that do not work, so the labour— services that do not work, so the labour party are talking about wants to reform _ labour party are talking about wants to reform. keir starmer is leading on the _ to reform. keir starmer is leading on the fact— to reform. keir starmer is leading on the fact he's a public servant and knows _ on the fact he's a public servant and knows how to reform institutions like he _ and knows how to reform institutions like he did _ and knows how to reform institutions like he did when he was director for public— like he did when he was director for public prosecutions, but i think most _ public prosecutions, but i think most of— public prosecutions, but i think most of the public know that reform only goes _ most of the public know that reform only goes a — most of the public know that reform only goes a small fraction of the way to— only goes a small fraction of the way to actually complete this, and there _ way to actually complete this, and there are — way to actually complete this, and there are some things that really need _ there are some things that really need money now. it will be interesting to see whether there's any movement on this because i think there's— any movement on this because i think there's a _ any movement on this because i think there's a proportion of the public who would — there's a proportion of the public who would not mind paying a bit extra _ who would not mind paying a bit extra if— who would not mind paying a bit extra if they felt they were getting better _ extra if they felt they were getting better value for money in public services — better value for money in public services. �* g , . better value for money in public services. �* g . . .. ., .. services. and jenny, 'ust a word of what we know h services. and jenny, 'ust a word of what we know is _ services. and jenny, just a word of what we know is over _ services. and jenny, just a word of what we know is over -- _ services. and jenny, just a word of what we know is over -- labour i what we know is over —— labour party government would look like, we had the pledges from keir starmer my he put them on a card, his pledges about what he stands for, but that

is just an opening about what he stands for, but that isjust an opening gambit. irate about what he stands for, but that isjust an opening gambit.- isjust an opening gambit. we are not isjust an opening gambit. we are rrot allowed _ isjust an opening gambit. we are not allowed to _ isjust an opening gambit. we are not allowed to call— isjust an opening gambit. we are not allowed to call them - isjust an opening gambit. we are not allowed to call them pages, l isjust an opening gambit. we are | not allowed to call them pages, an old—fashioned term he would not want to use, there were six of them, none particularly radical. ideas about recruiting 6500 more teachers, border security, and, cutting and waiting list, having a tight rein on spending rules, various things like that, but he did not seem very radical to stop what struck me today, seen starmer behind the in that prepared to deal and throughout, is coming through this era of three word political slogans, get brexit done might take back control, and the labour party has one word, which is change, and if thatis one word, which is change, and if that is going to be enough, relying on the fact that people are weary, they have not heard much from the labour party, the labour party would say it is because they have had ideas nicked in the past, like their

lifting nondominant policies, they would say that they were only going to make clear what their policies are once the election is called. now is the time for that. they are banking on the fact that all people want is something else. eta? banking on the fact that all people want is something else.— want is something else. stay with us, want is something else. stay with us. jenny. — want is something else. stay with us. jenny. we _ want is something else. stay with us, jenny, we will _ want is something else. stay with us, jenny, we will continue - want is something else. stay with us, jenny, we will continue this i us, jenny, we will continue this composition, but i want to say goodbye to viewers watching around the world. so, we will talk some more briefly about what we have learned today, but. let's take a look back at the last five years of the conservative party's governance.

and i want you to know how sad i am to be giving up the bestjob in the world. but thems the breaks. and pay taxes here in london, in london! i have therefore spoken to his majesty the king| to notify him that i am resigning. as leader of the conservative party. and we will have a general election on the 4th ofjuly. make of that what you will. let's talk to jenny and kathleen and make of that what you will. let's talk tojenny and kathleen and zoe, so i want to call them highlights

but it sort of speaks, that clip, to quite how chaotic honorifics has been over the last few years. i my rights insane, zoe, that people would go to the polls injuly and see, that'sjust would go to the polls injuly and see, that's just have a to something more normal, something more boring and, to get us through what comes next? i and, to get us through what comes next? ~' .. ~' . . next? i think so, the key thing is there are lots _ next? i think so, the key thing is there are lots of _ next? i think so, the key thing is there are lots of people - next? i think so, the key thing is there are lots of people out - next? i think so, the key thing is| there are lots of people out there who will— there are lots of people out there who will say, i should not have to worry— who will say, i should not have to worry about — who will say, i should not have to worry about who the chancellor is or worry— worry about who the chancellor is or worry about — worry about who the chancellor is or worry about what is going on at westminster, the government should be working _ westminster, the government should be working for me, it should be making — be working for me, it should be making sure our public services run correctly— making sure our public services run correctly and people should get on with it _ correctly and people should get on with it i_ correctly and people should get on with it. i don't want to know about the tory— with it. i don't want to know about the tory psychodrama that is dominated political decision—making in this— dominated political decision—making in this country, and i think people are fed _ in this country, and i think people are fed up — in this country, and i think people are fed up with it. it really is quite — are fed up with it. it really is quite extraordinary, even when you take into _ quite extraordinary, even when you take into account how many prime ministers — take into account how many prime ministers we have had in that time, there _ ministers we have had in that time, there are _ ministers we have had in that time, there are plenty of other ministerial positions where the turn

over has— ministerial positions where the turn over has been higher than that, so a huge _ over has been higher than that, so a huge amount of instability, which speaks _ huge amount of instability, which speaks to— huge amount of instability, which speaks to the fact that we have not had major— speaks to the fact that we have not had major policies, especially over the last— had major policies, especially over the last five years, hsz was one of the last five years, hsz was one of the big _ the last five years, hsz was one of the big pieces of infrastructure that was— the big pieces of infrastructure that was to improve connectivity in the north. — that was to improve connectivity in the north, that got kind because the treasury— the north, that got kind because the treasury was quite short—sighted about— treasury was quite short—sighted about it. — treasury was quite short—sighted about it, and i think people would be going — about it, and i think people would be going to the ballot box and thinking — be going to the ballot box and thinking there has not really been that much— thinking there has not really been that much that has happened for the better— that much that has happened for the better in— that much that has happened for the better in that period of time. and too much — better in that period of time. and too much personal politics. jenny, keir starmer— too much personal politics. jenny, keir starmer says _ too much personal politics. jenny, keir starmer says country - too much personal politics. jenny, keir starmer says country first, i keir starmer says country first, party at second, do you think the electorate will be leaving given what we've seen over the past 13 years? it what we've seen over the past 13 ears? . . . years? it is a clever line because it does remind _ years? it is a clever line because it does remind the _ years? it is a clever line because it does remind the electorate - years? it is a clever line because i it does remind the electorate about the tory infighting and instability at the heart of the conservative party at the time when rishi sunak, he began his announcement today by reminding everyone that she was mr furlow, this is how he wants us all to think of him, as a serif —— safe

pair of hands guiding the country through choppy waters. and keir starmer is making a major point that he is the figure of change, he has managed to change the labour party and have a stable front bench. and kathleen, a final word from you, investors liked rishi sunak as chancellor, they have not been quite so convinced with him as prime minister, have they?— so convinced with him as prime minister, have they? there was an economic risk _ minister, have they? there was an economic risk premium _ minister, have they? there was an economic risk premium attached i minister, have they? there was an | economic risk premium attached to minister, have they? there was an - economic risk premium attached to uk asset prices— economic risk premium attached to uk asset prices for— economic risk premium attached to uk asset prices for quite _ economic risk premium attached to uk asset prices for quite a _ economic risk premium attached to uk asset prices for quite a while _ economic risk premium attached to uk asset prices for quite a while on - asset prices for quite a while on the back— asset prices for quite a while on the back of— asset prices for quite a while on the back of all— asset prices for quite a while on the back of all the _ asset prices for quite a while on the back of all the instability . asset prices for quite a while onl the back of all the instability and chaos— the back of all the instability and chaos as — the back of all the instability and chaos as you _ the back of all the instability and chaos as you mentioned. - the back of all the instability and chaos as you mentioned. that i the back of all the instability and chaos as you mentioned. that is| the back of all the instability and - chaos as you mentioned. that is come down _ chaos as you mentioned. that is come down a _ chaos as you mentioned. that is come down a bit _ chaos as you mentioned. that is come down a bit i_ chaos as you mentioned. that is come down a bit. ithink— chaos as you mentioned. that is come down a bit. i think by— chaos as you mentioned. that is come down a bit. i think by and _ chaos as you mentioned. that is come down a bit. i think by and large, - down a bit. i think by and large, the financial— down a bit. i think by and large, the financial markets _ down a bit. i think by and large, the financial markets in - down a bit. i think by and large, the financial markets in the - the financial markets in the uk, they— the financial markets in the uk, they looked _ the financial markets in the uk, they looked at _ the financial markets in the uk, they looked at things _ the financial markets in the uk, they looked at things beyond i they looked at things beyond politics. _ they looked at things beyond politics, that _ they looked at things beyond politics, that is _ they looked at things beyond politics, that is only- they looked at things beyond politics, that is only one - they looked at things beyond i politics, that is only one factor that— politics, that is only one factor that moves— politics, that is only one factor that moves the _ politics, that is only one factor that moves the financial - politics, that is only one factor. that moves the financial markets, there _ that moves the financial markets, there is— that moves the financial markets, there is a — that moves the financial markets, there is a whole _ that moves the financial markets, there is a whole world _ that moves the financial markets, there is a whole world of - that moves the financial markets, there is a whole world of events l there is a whole world of events going _ there is a whole world of events going on— there is a whole world of events going on and _ there is a whole world of events going on and one _ there is a whole world of events going on and one could - there is a whole world of events going on and one could even- there is a whole world of events i going on and one could even argue even _ going on and one could even argue even the _ going on and one could even argue even the us— going on and one could even argue even the us election _ going on and one could even argue even the us election in _ going on and one could even argue even the us election in novemberl even the us election in november will be _ even the us election in november will be more — even the us election in november will be more important _ even the us election in november will be more important for- even the us election in november will be more important for uk - even the us election in november. will be more important for uk assets and companies — will be more important for uk assets and companies as— will be more important for uk assets and companies as well, _ will be more important for uk assets and companies as well, and - will be more important for uk assets and companies as well, and i- will be more important for uk assets

and companies as well, and i think. and companies as well, and i think what _ and companies as well, and i think what this— and companies as well, and i think what this may— and companies as well, and i think what this may do _ and companies as well, and i think what this may do in _ and companies as well, and i think what this may do in the _ and companies as well, and i think what this may do in the near - and companies as well, and i thinki what this may do in the near term, there _ what this may do in the near term, there have — what this may do in the near term, there have been _ what this may do in the near term, there have been expectations- what this may do in the near term, there have been expectations that| there have been expectations that did not— there have been expectations that did not wish— there have been expectations that did not wish to _ there have been expectations that did not wish to share _ there have been expectations that did not wish to share still- there have been expectations that did not wish to share still happen, that has— did not wish to share still happen, that has been— did not wish to share still happen, that has been kind _ did not wish to share still happen, that has been kind no,. _ did not wish to share still happen, that has been kind no,.— did not wish to share still happen, that has been kind no,. another time left for some — that has been kind no,. another time left for some of _ that has been kind no,. another time left for some of the _ that has been kind no,. another time left for some of the things _ that has been kind no,. another time left for some of the things to - that has been kind no,. another time left for some of the things to get - left for some of the things to get through, some key policies, thank you for being with us, kathleen and joey and —— zoe and jenny, thank you for being with us. i hello there. for most of us, wednesday was a particularly miserable day. quite wet, in fact, in hartfordshire and warwickshire, we had a months worth of rain in a 2k hour period, ranging from 55 to almost 65 mm of rainfall. 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, quite 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, but 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 start to pull away, but it stays rather cloudy, 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 at time to time. hopefully some brightness down to the south, but it would be dry here and top temperatures once again likely into 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, possibly thundershowers to develop a little later on.

tonight at ten, the election is on — the uk will vote on the 4th ofjuly. in a move that took most of his own mps by surprise — the announcement came from the prime minister here in downing street this afternoon: 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. on the 4th ofjuly, you have the choice, and together we can stop the chaos, we can turn the page,

we can start to rebuild britain and change our country. well, it's out of. the blue, isn't it? i thought it was the autumn. i am really pleased to hear we are having a general election, i think it's about time. i thought he would leave it a bit longer or as long as possible. as campaigning begins for 650 seats here at westminster, we'll take you through a dramatic day as early rumours turned into a trip to the palace. over the next 45 minutes, we'll have the view from every uk nation and look at the political battleground as parties try to capture your vote. also coming up: paula vennells — former post office chief executive — appears at the inquiry into the scandal, admitting to mistakes and apologising: i fully accept now that the post office — excuse me...