and also this lunchtime... the former post office chief executive, paula vennells, gives a second day of evidence at the horizon it inquiry. the ten—year—old girl killed in a mudslide in north yorkshire is named as leah harrison. and are vets charging us too much to treat our pets? an investigation is launched to find out. and coming up on bbc news... west ham united have a new boss. they announce thatjulen lopetegui willjoin the club on a two—year contract. good afternoon. party leaders have hit the campaign trail — with six weeks to go till the general election. the prime minister rishi sunak said only the conservatives offer

security and economic stability, while the labour leader sir keir starmer promised an end to what he called 1a years of decline and chaos under the tories. nigel farage said he won't be standing for reform uk but will campaign for them. so what happens next? over the next five days, parliament will try to get through unfinished business and pass remaining legislation. it will be dissolved next thursday, may the 30th. each party will launch its manifesto in the days to follow. then on the 4th ofjuly, the polls open for this snap summer general election and the people will cast their votes. our political correspondent damian grammaticas reports. to the man everyone has staked everything on this gamble calling an election now. quite a few of his mps

are not convinced by the timing and he has a huge poll deficit to become. i he has a huge poll deficit to become. ., ., , �* ., ., become. i want to build britain, a country where _ become. i want to build britain, a country where you _ become. i want to build britain, a country where you can _ become. i want to build britain, a country where you can have - country where you can have confidence, restored confidence and pride in our communities, society and our nation. pride in our communities, society and our nation-— and our nation. earlier he had an admission. _ and our nation. earlier he had an admission, he _ and our nation. earlier he had an admission, he promised - and our nation. earlier he had an - admission, he promised deportation flights to rwanda, now he says they will happen if he is elected. we have will happen if he is elected. - have already started detaining people, we have had the escort and we have an airfield on standby and we have an airfield on standby and we have an airfield on standby and we have booked the flights. all of that work is ongoing and the choice of the selection is clear, because if i'm as prime minister on the 5th ofjuly, these flights will go. the ofjuly, these flights will go. the labour leader _ ofjuly, these flights will go. the labour leader was 200 miles to the southin labour leader was 200 miles to the south in kent, keeping the tradition, he stopped for the first baby of his campaign. less traditional, at this location to launch, farfrom traditional, at this location to launch, far from the usual labour heartlands. launch, far from the usual labour heartlands-_ launch, far from the usual labour heartlands. . . ., . heartlands. this election is about a choice, heartlands. this election is about a choice. two — heartlands. this election is about a choice, two different _

heartlands. this election is about a choice, two different countries, - heartlands. this election is about a | choice, two different countries, two different futures. decline and chaos continuing under the tories, or rebuilding our country under labour. for the next few weeks, sir keir starmer will be pressed for more detail about the change and the plan he has already outlined. we detail about the change and the plan he has already outlined.— he has already outlined. we will make the economy _ he has already outlined. we will make the economy stable, - he has already outlined. we will make the economy stable, we l he has already outlined. we will l make the economy stable, we will ensure we bring down the waiting times with 40,000 appointments every week, extra appointments under a labour government. the security man to take control of our borders, which have been lost under this government. set up gd energy so we'll have prices down for good. richard tice, leader of reform uk launch without his party's best no member, nigel farage, the honorary president. he has chosen not to enter the fray. said he wants to help in the us election this autumn and here when he can. i am and here when he can. i am absolutely _ and here when he can. i am absolutely delighted, - and here when he can. i —n absolutely delighted, during this election campaign that my good friend nigel farage will be helping out significantly in campaigning to

drive home the message of reform uk and how we can save britain. bilge and how we can save britain. also hoinu to and how we can save britain. also hoping to siphon _ and how we can save britain. also hoping to siphon votes away from the conservatives of the liberal democrats. they launched yesterday. today the deputy leader said they are concentrating their efforts on several dozen target seats. i think we all know _ several dozen target seats. i think we all know the _ several dozen target seats. i think we all know the country _ several dozen target seats. i think we all know the country is - we all know the country is absolutely crying out for change. we all know that, we feel it in our bones. but there are places around the country, around 80 seats where it is the liberal democrats who can deliver the change. where liberal democrats are the key changes to the conservatives and it is in those areas we are really going after conservative mps because we are best place to beat them in the general election. ~ . ., . election. when he announced the selection, rishi _ election. when he announced the selection, rishi sunak _ election. when he announced the selection, rishi sunak hoped - election. when he announced the selection, rishi sunak hoped to l selection, rishi sunak hoped to catch other parties on the back foot, like the snp his new leader was installed just this month. the was installed 'ust this month. the manifesto is — was installed just this month. the manifesto is well advanced, we are hitting _ manifesto is well advanced, we are hitting the — manifesto is well advanced, we are hitting the road today to stop the

election— hitting the road today to stop the election campaign. we are ready to id election campaign. we are ready to go and _ election campaign. we are ready to go and i_ election campaign. we are ready to go and i will be out and about around — go and i will be out and about around the country and i intend to take my— around the country and i intend to take my message to every part of the country _ take my message to every part of the country i_ take my message to every part of the country i am — take my message to every part of the country. i am the first minister of all of— country. i am the first minister of all of scotland i intend to be present _ all of scotland i intend to be present in all of scotland. in westminster, mps were scrambling to see what of the legislation in progress could be rushed through. rishi sunak�*s own signature measure to ban smoking looks to be ditched. it was meant to be part of his legacy. damian grammaticas, bbc news, westminster. so what happens on election day, the 4th ofjuly? you cast your vote in your local polling station for your preferred candidate in your area or constituency. the candidate with the most votes in that constituency then becomes the member of parliament. across the uk, there are 650 constituencies, and the party with the most mps in the house of commons at the end wins the election. most people over the age of 18 can vote on polling day. just make sure that you've registered to vote by the 18th of june.

and there's been one important change since the last general election — you will now have to show a valid form of photo id at polling stations. a passport or a driving licence will do. now, this is a summer election — but if you plan on being away on election day, don't worry. there's also the option to vote by post — you can apply do that online. and if you're a uk citizen and living abroad, you can still register to vote in the constituency where you were previously on the electoral roll. let's talk now to our correspondents out and about on the campaign trail. nick eardley, following the conservative leader, iain watson's with labour and lucy manning with the latest on the reform party. nick, to you first, and after calling this snap election, rishi sunak straight out onto the campaign trail today? he has and he wants to persuade

voters he is full of beans, he is trying to get on the front foot to set the agenda, to set some of the debate we are going to see over the next six weeks. the messages this morning have been pretty familiar. he is talking about the economy, he believes turning a corner. he is talking about the conservatives, he argues having the best plan for immigration. but, election campaigns are never all plain sailing. it has been pretty awkward in some ways for rishi sunak. we had the net migration figures showing, yes that net migration has come down a bit, but it is well over 650,000, massively more than the conservatives want. the prime minister admitted this morning the plan to send some asylum seekers to rwanda will not get off the ground until the general election, the conservatives will have wanted to get something off the ground before then. and in the last few minutes in south wales, bit of an awkward quip

from the prime minister, asking voters if they are looking forward to the football. wales are not at the euroes! but rishi sunak knows he has an absolute mountain to climb and he is going to spend the next six weeks travelling round the country, including today, trying to persuade voters to give him another chance. ., ~ persuade voters to give him another chance. . ,, , ., persuade voters to give him another chance. ., ~' , ., , persuade voters to give him another chance. . ,, y., , . and to iain watson, who's following the labour leader. sir keir starmer said a vote for labour would be a vote for change? that is right. he actually concentrated on two words, change and also _ concentrated on two words, change and also chaos. as for the change, why is— and also chaos. as for the change, why is it _ and also chaos. as for the change, why is it going on about that? the key message he is getting from voters — key message he is getting from voters in — key message he is getting from voters in places like this like gillingham who last voted labour under— gillingham who last voted labour under tony blair, they feel it is time _ under tony blair, they feel it is time for— under tony blair, they feel it is time for change. as for chaos, he wants— time for change. as for chaos, he wants to — time for change. as for chaos, he wants to characterise the conservatives' time in office. he wants— conservatives' time in office. he wants to — conservatives' time in office. he wants to have a go at the conservatives 14 years of

government. interestingly in his speech— government. interestingly in his speech this morning, he also found time to— speech this morning, he also found time to attack liz truss, even though— time to attack liz truss, even though she spent about as much time in office _ though she spent about as much time in office as _ though she spent about as much time in office as this campaign it will last _ in office as this campaign it will last also— in office as this campaign it will last. also interestingly, i asked keir starmer about the conservatives attack _ keir starmer about the conservatives attack on _ keir starmer about the conservatives attack on him, that he didn't have a plan and he — attack on him, that he didn't have a plan and he seemed reluctant to put his own _ plan and he seemed reluctant to put his own policies front and centre of this campaign. he pointed out some of the _ this campaign. he pointed out some of the priorities he was highlighting last week from economic stability— highlighting last week from economic stability to tackling anti—social behaviour. but behind in the polls, the conservatives big business, scrutiny— the conservatives big business, scrutiny of— the conservatives big business, scrutiny of those policies will be all—important and they will vote in the political heat of a general election— the political heat of a general election campaign. —— wilts. iain election campaign. -- wilts. iain watson, thank _ election campaign. -- wilts. iain watson, thank you. _ and lucy manning with reform uk today. nigel farage saying he won't stand for the party but will campaign for them? yes, that's right, at the launch was the elephant— yes, that's right, at the launch was the elephant in— yes, that's right, at the launch was the elephant in the _ yes, that's right, at the launch was the elephant in the room _ yes, that's right, at the launch was the elephant in the room and - yes, that's right, at the launch was the elephant in the room and the l yes, that's right, at the launch was. the elephant in the room and the man who washt—

the elephant in the room and the man who wasn't in — the elephant in the room and the man who wasn't in the _ the elephant in the room and the man who wasn't in the room. _ the elephant in the room and the man who wasn't in the room. that - the elephant in the room and the man who wasn't in the room. that is- the elephant in the room and the man who wasn't in the room. that is a - who wasn't in the room. that is a blow— who wasn't in the room. that is a blow for— who wasn't in the room. that is a blow for reform _ who wasn't in the room. that is a blow for reform uk. _ who wasn't in the room. that is a blow for reform uk. he - who wasn't in the room. that is a blow for reform uk. he is- who wasn't in the room. that is a blow for reform uk. he is their. who wasn't in the room. that is a - blow for reform uk. he is their most well-known_ blow for reform uk. he is their most well—known person, _ blow for reform uk. he is their most well—known person, the _ blow for reform uk. he is their most well—known person, the founder, - blow for reform uk. he is their mostj well—known person, the founder, the honorary— well—known person, the founder, the honorary president _ well—known person, the founder, the honorary president of _ well—known person, the founder, the honorary president of the _ well—known person, the founder, the honorary president of the party, - well—known person, the founder, the honorary president of the party, the i honorary president of the party, the man who _ honorary president of the party, the man who appeared _ honorary president of the party, the man who appeared on _ honorary president of the party, the man who appeared on i'm _ honorary president of the party, the man who appeared on i'm a- honorary president of the party, the . man who appeared on i'm a celebrity, so he _ man who appeared on i'm a celebrity, so he has _ man who appeared on i'm a celebrity, so he has that— man who appeared on i'm a celebrity, so he has that popular— man who appeared on i'm a celebrity, so he has that popular cut _ man who appeared on i'm a celebrity, so he has that popular cut through. i so he has that popular cut through. the party— so he has that popular cut through. the party leader— so he has that popular cut through. the party leader said _ so he has that popular cut through. the party leader said he _ so he has that popular cut through. the party leader said he was - so he has that popular cut through. the party leader said he was happy| the party leader said he was happy that nigel— the party leader said he was happy that nigel farage _ the party leader said he was happy that nigel farage was— the party leader said he was happy that nigel farage was going - the party leader said he was happy that nigel farage was going to- that nigel farage was going to campaign _ that nigel farage was going to campaign for— that nigel farage was going to campaign forthe _ that nigel farage was going to campaign for the party - that nigel farage was going to campaign for the party and - that nigel farage was going to| campaign for the party and get that nigel farage was going to- campaign for the party and get out and about— campaign for the party and get out and about supporting _ campaign for the party and get out and about supporting them. - campaign for the party and get out and about supporting them. i - campaign for the party and get outj and about supporting them. i think the tories — and about supporting them. i think the tories will— and about supporting them. i think the tories will breathe _ and about supporting them. i think the tories will breathe a _ and about supporting them. i think the tories will breathe a small- and about supporting them. i thinkj the tories will breathe a small sigh of relief— the tories will breathe a small sigh of relief on — the tories will breathe a small sigh of relief on this. _ the tories will breathe a small sigh of relief on this. they— the tories will breathe a small sigh of relief on this. they will- the tories will breathe a small sigh of relief on this. they will hope - of relief on this. they will hope that the — of relief on this. they will hope that the absence _ of relief on this. they will hope that the absence of _ of relief on this. they will hope that the absence of nigel- of relief on this. they will hope. that the absence of nigel farage will diminish— that the absence of nigel farage will diminish the _ that the absence of nigel farage will diminish the number- that the absence of nigel farage will diminish the number of- that the absence of nigel farage i will diminish the number of voters that might — will diminish the number of voters that might vote _ will diminish the number of voters that might vote for— will diminish the number of voters that might vote for reform - will diminish the number of voters that might vote for reform uk. i will diminish the number of voters. that might vote for reform uk. the risk for— that might vote for reform uk. the risk for the — that might vote for reform uk. the risk for the tories _ that might vote for reform uk. the risk for the tories is _ that might vote for reform uk. the risk for the tories is that _ that might vote for reform uk. the risk for the tories is that in - that might vote for reform uk. the risk for the tories is that in the - risk for the tories is that in the seats— risk for the tories is that in the seats they— risk for the tories is that in the seats they won _ risk for the tories is that in the seats they won were _ risk for the tories is that in the seats they won were labour. risk for the tories is that in the . seats they won were labour were second, — seats they won were labour were second, reform _ seats they won were labour were second, reform could _ seats they won were labour were second, reform could take - seats they won were labour were second, reform could take votes| seats they won were labour were - second, reform could take votes from the tories _ second, reform could take votes from the tories letting _ second, reform could take votes from the tories letting labour _ second, reform could take votes from the tories letting labour in. _ the tories letting labour in. richard _ the tories letting labour in. richard tice _ the tories letting labour in. richard tice denied - the tories letting labour in. richard tice denied that - the tories letting labour in. | richard tice denied that and the tories letting labour in. . richard tice denied that and he the tories letting labour in. - richard tice denied that and he said he wants— richard tice denied that and he said he wants to — richard tice denied that and he said he wants to take _ richard tice denied that and he said he wants to take votes _ richard tice denied that and he said he wants to take votes and - richard tice denied that and he said he wants to take votes and seats i he wants to take votes and seats from _ he wants to take votes and seats from lahour— he wants to take votes and seats from labour and _ he wants to take votes and seats from labour and the _ he wants to take votes and seats i from labour and the conservatives, that they _ from labour and the conservatives, that they are — from labour and the conservatives, that they are both _ from labour and the conservatives, that they are both as _ from labour and the conservatives, that they are both as bad _ from labour and the conservatives, that they are both as bad as - from labour and the conservatives, that they are both as bad as each . that they are both as bad as each other— that they are both as bad as each other and — that they are both as bad as each other and they _ that they are both as bad as each other and they are _ that they are both as bad as each other and they are the _ that they are both as bad as each other and they are the only - that they are both as bad as each other and they are the only party| that they are both as bad as each . other and they are the only party of change _ other and they are the only party of change the — other and they are the only party of change the pitch _ other and they are the only party of change. the pitch today— other and they are the only party of change. the pitch today was - other and they are the only party of change. the pitch today was big - other and they are the only party of change. the pitch today was big on| change. the pitch today was big on immigration — change. the pitch today was big on

immigration. he _ change. the pitch today was big on immigration. he called _ change. the pitch today was big on immigration. he called it— change. the pitch today was big on immigration. he called it the - immigration. he called it the immigration _ immigration. he called it the immigration election. - immigration. he called it the immigration election. and i immigration. he called it the - immigration election. and reform are saying _ immigration election. and reform are saying they— immigration election. and reform are saying they will — immigration election. and reform are saying they will stand _ immigration election. and reform are saying they will stand candidates - immigration election. and reform are saying they will stand candidates in i saying they will stand candidates in every _ saying they will stand candidates in every seat — saying they will stand candidates in every seat in — saying they will stand candidates in every seat in england, _ saying they will stand candidates in every seat in england, wales - saying they will stand candidates in every seat in england, wales and l every seat in england, wales and scotland — every seat in england, wales and scotland. richard _ every seat in england, wales and scotland. richard tice _ every seat in england, wales and scotland. richard tice will- every seat in england, wales and scotland. richard tice will stand i every seat in england, wales and i scotland. richard tice will stand in boston _ scotland. richard tice will stand in boston and — scotland. richard tice will stand in boston and skegness, _ scotland. richard tice will stand in boston and skegness, a _ scotland. richard tice will stand in boston and skegness, a very- scotland. richard tice will stand in| boston and skegness, a very heavy lead voting — boston and skegness, a very heavy lead voting area. _ boston and skegness, a very heavy lead voting area. as _ boston and skegness, a very heavy lead voting area. as for— boston and skegness, a very heavy lead voting area. as for nigel- lead voting area. as for nigel farage — lead voting area. as for nigel farage he _ lead voting area. as for nigel farage, he will— lead voting area. as for nigel farage, he will be _ lead voting area. as for nigel farage, he will be on - lead voting area. as for nigel farage, he will be on the - lead voting area. as for nigel- farage, he will be on the election beat, _ farage, he will be on the election heat. but — farage, he will be on the election heat. but he _ farage, he will be on the election beat, but he will— farage, he will be on the election beat, but he will not _ farage, he will be on the election beat, but he will not be _ farage, he will be on the election beat, but he will not be on - farage, he will be on the election beat, but he will not be on the i beat, but he will not be on the ballot — beat, but he will not be on the ballot paper~ _ beat, but he will not be on the ballot paper-— beat, but he will not be on the ballot --aer. , . ~ y., , ballot paper. lucy, thank you very much. two key themes of this election will be the economy and migration. and to talk about them we have our chief economics correspondent, dharshini david, and our home editor, mark easton. thanks for being with us. the economy in every election is a central concern for voters? yes, what people _ central concern for voters? yes, what people mean _ central concern for voters? yes, what people mean is, _ central concern for voters? yes, what people mean is, am - central concern for voters? yes, what people mean is, am i- central concern for voters? yes what people mean is, am i going to be better off? it is a fundamental question. the numbers the prime minister was pointing to, we are growing again, prices are rising more slowly than they have been but many people are not feeling this. it

comes after a period of quite mediocre performance, particularly when you compare it to the financial crisis 15 years ago. the question is, what are you going to do to turbo boost our prospects, make us feel better off? it will involve investment, skills and things exciting to hear about, but they're crucial. and what is going to happen to those public services we all rely on? when you look at what is there, the mountain of debt building up partly due to the pandemic and partly due to the pandemic and partly due to the pandemic and partly due to the energy price crisis. to meet those rules, the chancellor has pencilled in some numbers that point to substantial cuts in some public services in the years ahead. things like local council services, justice, higher education. the question for all politicians, what i going to do about that? many experts say that is unrealistic, how will you square the

circle? will we see the cuts, or will we see tax rises come at a time when the tax burden is going to rise to a post—war high. lots of questions, there will be winners and losers, it is about asking the right questions and getting the answers. thank you very much. mark easton, net migration figures out today and thatis net migration figures out today and that is the number of people arriving in the uk at minus the number of people leaving. and that fell by 10% last year, but migration likely to be a core issue of this campaign?— likely to be a core issue of this campaign? likely to be a core issue of this cam-cain? �*, ., ~ ., ., campaign? let's talk about that net mi . ration campaign? let's talk about that net migration figure, _ campaign? let's talk about that net migration figure, 685,000. - campaign? let's talk about that net migration figure, 685,000. one - campaign? let's talk about that net migration figure, 685,000. one of| migration figure, 685,000. one of the biggest migrations to the uk in this nation's history. twice as high as it _ this nation's history. twice as high as it was _ this nation's history. twice as high as it was in — this nation's history. twice as high as it was in 2005, which was the peak— as it was in 2005, which was the peak year— as it was in 2005, which was the peak year when the polish people in east european people came from eu expansion — east european people came from eu expansion. very, very high. 10% lower— expansion. very, very high. 10% lower than— expansion. very, very high. 10% lower than it was in 2022 and it is that relatively small folder

conservatives will be consistent focusing — conservatives will be consistent focusing on during the campaign. worth— focusing on during the campaign. worth mentioning that immigration, the number of people arriving, it is pretty— the number of people arriving, it is pretty much— the number of people arriving, it is pretty much the same. 1.22 million people _ pretty much the same. 1.22 million people last — pretty much the same. 1.22 million people last year, just 40,000 fewer than in _ people last year, just 40,000 fewer than in 2022. the vast majority of those _ than in 2022. the vast majority of those were — than in 2022. the vast majority of those were given visas by the government. workers and students along _ government. workers and students along with — government. workers and students along with their close family. they were _ along with their close family. they were invited to the uk. the home office _ were invited to the uk. the home office is— were invited to the uk. the home office is introducing new restrictions on visas and some of those _ restrictions on visas and some of those have — restrictions on visas and some of those have been introduced. but these _ those have been introduced. but these are — those have been introduced. but these are the last net migration figures — these are the last net migration figures we will get before an election. these are the numbers they will be _ election. these are the numbers they will be fighting on and i think they will be fighting on and i think they will ensure immigration is one of the key— will ensure immigration is one of the key election battlegrounds. gk, the key election battlegrounds. 0k, thank ou the key election battlegrounds. ok thank you both very much. the former post office chief executive, paula vennells, is giving a second day of evidence at the horizon it inquiry. this morning she denied trying

to close down or limit a review into the horizon software that led to wrongful convictions of sub—postmasters. our business correspondent, theo leggett, reports. paula, are you telling the truth, paula? saying nothing and surrounded by police officers, paula vennells arrived at the inquiry for the second of her three days of testimony. for the former sub—postmasters who've been watching, her performance so far hasn't been impressive. it's the same culture of denial, of "i don't know", "i don't remember", "i don't recall", even though when she's shown evidence and documentation of her part that she was playing in the whole scandal. we need truthful facts, lots of paperwork to back up the facts, and not really recollections of what she thinks now. but actually to be able to read what was written at the time is really important. inside, the morning's exchanges focused on a report by forensic

accountants second sight, published in 2013. it reviewed the cases ofjust a handful of sub—postmasters. had the post office, ms vennells was asked, tried to narrow down its scope to get the answers it wanted? the second sight report addressed a very small number of cases. it contained the sentence about no systemic defects. and then forever after, the post office paraded that conclusion? it did come to that conclusion in its interim report. there is no way the post office... first of all, there is no way that i would have wanted to persuade second sight on something they were not prepared to say. and i don't believe second sight would ever have agreed to that. the time when i received this... then she was accused of accepting advice from a pr boss who told her to avoid re—examining older prosecutions because it would cause a media storm. the e—mail that you had sent to which this is a response, "should we look back 12 to 18

months since separation?" yes. "or should we go back further?" further, yes. "why aren't we going back further, five to ten years?" and this says, "you can't do that, you'll be on the front page." that's a grossly improper perspective, isn't it? yes, it is. the hard questions are far from over. her testimony continues tomorrow. theo leggett, bbc news. the time is 1.18. our top story this afternoon. party leaders hit the campaign trail after the prime minister fired the starting gun for a snap summer election. coming up, how the cost of vet care for our pets has prompted an official review. coming up on bbc news — andy murray and dan evans have been awarded a wild card to play in the french open doubles next week. murray has already signalled an intention to retire at the end of the year.

he's the country's top civil servant, and today, cabinet secretary simon case told the covid inquiry that downing street was "definitely dysfunctional" during the pandemic. his role during covid was especially controversial, after he had to withdraw from the initial investigation into the partygate scandal when it emerged that an event breaching lockdown rules was hosted in his office. ellie price reports. recognise him? you are forgiven if you don't. but simon case was britain's most senior civil servant during covid and significantly, he still is. he didn't give evidence along with all these more familiar faces at the end of last year because he was off sick, but he was

right at the centre of decision—making during the pandemic, becoming his most senior official adviser in september 2020. today, he was asked about a whatsapp he sent during that time and the personalities involved. crisis and - amies personalities involved. crisis and pygmies equals _ personalities involved. crisis and pygmies equals toxic _ personalities involved. crisis and| pygmies equals toxic behaviours. personalities involved. crisis and - pygmies equals toxic behaviours. the crisis is obviously a reference to covid—19, your reference to pygmies, was that an observation on the ability of individuals in the cabinet office and number ten? i can't remember precisely what it is but that— can't remember precisely what it is but that would be a fair conclusion to draw _ but that would be a fair conclusion to draw. he— but that would be a fair conclusion to draw. , ., but that would be a fair conclusion to draw. . ., , .., to draw. he seemed to become emotional— to draw. he seemed to become emotional about _ to draw. he seemed to become emotional about the _ to draw. he seemed to become emotional about the toll - to draw. he seemed to become emotional about the toll that i to draw. he seemed to become i emotional about the toll that took on other colleagues.— on other colleagues. good people were working _ on other colleagues. good people were working incredibly _ on other colleagues. good people were working incredibly hard - on other colleagues. good people were working incredibly hard and| were working incredibly hard and impossible circumstances with choices — impossible circumstances with choices where it seemed there was never— choices where it seemed there was never right, — choices where it seemed there was never right, never a right answer. but that _ never right, never a right answer. but that lack of sort of team spirit. — but that lack of sort of team spirit, the difficult atmosphere, we

were trying to run everything from the centre — were trying to run everything from the centre of government despite trying _ the centre of government despite trying to— the centre of government despite trying to run the response to global pandemic, — trying to run the response to global pandemic, good people were just being _ pandemic, good people were just being smashed to pieces. the pandemic, good people were 'ust being smashed to pieces. the inquiry has previously _ being smashed to pieces. the inquiry has previously heard _ being smashed to pieces. the inquiry has previously heard of— being smashed to pieces. the inquiry has previously heard of the _ being smashed to pieces. the inquiry| has previously heard of the whatsapp is from simon case in which he described borisjohnson as weak. i apologised for in the moment frustrations about the former prime minister. , ., , frustrations about the former prime minister. , . , ., minister. they are very raw, in the moment human _ minister. they are very raw, in the moment human expressions. - minister. they are very raw, in the moment human expressions. they minister. they are very raw, in the - moment human expressions. they are not the _ moment human expressions. they are not the whole story, but i recognise they are _ not the whole story, but i recognise they are part of the story. many of them _ they are part of the story. many of them now— they are part of the story. many of them now require apology for the things— them now require apology for the things that i said. and them now require apology for the things that i said.— things that i said. and when i introduced — things that i said. and when i introduced the _ things that i said. and when i introduced the furlough - things that i said. and when i i introduced the furlough scheme things that i said. and when i - introduced the furlough scheme i did so not _ introduced the furlough scheme i did so not because — introduced the furlough scheme i did so not because i— introduced the furlough scheme i did so not because i saw— introduced the furlough scheme i did so not because i saw a _ introduced the furlough scheme i did so not because i saw a country- introduced the furlough scheme i did so not because i saw a country not. so not because i saw a country not 'ust so not because i saw a country not just because — so not because i saw a country not just because we — so not because i saw a country not just because we were _ so not because i saw a country not just because we were in— so not because i saw a country not just because we were in need - so not because i saw a country not just because we were in need of. just because we were in need of desperate — just because we were in need of desperate help— just because we were in need of desperate help although - just because we were in need of desperate help although we - just because we were in need of- desperate help although we were... his role _ desperate help although we were... his role in _ desperate help although we were... his role in covid _ desperate help although we were... his role in covid was _ desperate help although we were... his role in covid was one _ desperate help although we were... his role in covid was one of- desperate help although we were... his role in covid was one of the - his role in covid was one of the first things rishi sunak reminded voters of yesterday. that's why simon case's evidence to date is

significant, and an helpful reminder of things going on at the time that the government now might like to forget. his evidence will continue this afternoon and will conclude about decision making during the pandemic. the report isn't expected until summer next year. ellie price, bbc news. at least nine people have died and more than a dozen are thought to have been injured after a stage collapsed during a presidential campaign rally in northern mexico. it's thought a gust of wind caused the accident near monterey. the centre—left presidential candidate was delivering a speech at the time. a ten—year—old girl who died in a mudslide in north yorkshire has been named as leah harrison, from darlington. herfamily have paid tribute to her as a "happy and bubbly" little girl. her school have called it a heartbreaking tragedy. the mudslide happened at carlton—in—cleveland yesterday afternoon. more now from danny savage, who's there. he is at the scene now.

yeah, we are on the hills above carlton, at the northern end of the north york moors national park. if we have a scan across to the right you can just see how we have a scan across to the right you canjust see how high up we we have a scan across to the right you can just see how high up we are on the hills, looking north towards teesside and middlesbrough land several hundred feet lower than we are at the moment. this area was sealed off yesterday as the search and rescue operation was under way. we knew yesterday if any one person had died and details today have emerged about what happened on this was a tragedy that happened on a school trip from what we understand that the victim was leah harrison, she is ten years old, she was in year six, from mount pleasant primary school in darlington and we understand she was on a school trip, she was described as a happy and bubbly girland in she was described as a happy and bubbly girl and in a statement from the school, they say leo was a much loved part of our school and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the school staff. counselling is being arranged for all those affected by what

happened. the weather yesterday he was horrendous. it's been raining for about 30 hours. it's onlyjust stopped. official weather records nearby say about 60 millimetres of rain in the one—day yesterday, that's more than a month's this time of year and that caused very difficult conditions and she was caught up in a mud slide somewhere upon these hills yesterday. she was obviously buried. they had a major operation with 30 mountain rescue volunteers, but they were unable to save her. danny savage, thank you. an undercover investigation into the probation service by bbc panorama has exposed serious failures at a hostel for high—risk criminals. the programme has also obtained figures showing that between 2016 and 2022, 800 murder or manslaughter charges were brought against offenders who were on probation in england and wales. the ministry ofjustice says protecting the public is its top priority. daniel de simone reports.

good morning, how are we doing? this is panorama going undercover in a town centre probation hostel housing convicted murderers, rapists and paedophiles. panorama's undercover reporter spent six weeks working at this hostel in kent, after investigating a series of previous incidents, including a resident killing a local man, and a sex offender grooming a 13—year—old girl while he lived there. there's 100 other hostels like this in england and wales, housing criminals too dangerous to be released straight from prison into the community. anything in your pockets? a pair of gloves. this is anthony bullman, a sex offender who has been assessed as a danger to teenage girls. he's repeatedly late signing in at the hostel, but here a residential worker is seen logging him in as on time.

two weeks later panorama's reporter spots bullman has missed another curfew, something the other workers don't seem to notice. bullman goes on the run for two days and was arrested miles away for breaching his licence conditions, near the home of a vulnerable woman who told panorama he'd previously groomed her. this is another resident, jordan battams. he was convicted of stabbing a vulnerable man. he should be fitted with an alcohol tag to check he's not been drinking, but the tagging company don't do it. when staff notice he's missing they ring him and realise he's under the influence.

he was arrested by police for theft and he is also suspected to have sexually harassed a teenage girl. this expert says it's crucial alcohol tags are fitted when required. it was a serious failure to not promptly get a tag fitted if that was a licence condition. obviously an effective system that's trying to control behaviour requires prompt implementation of all the controls. a freedom of information request by panorama reveals the scale of serious reoffending. offenders on probation faced 800 charges for murder or manslaughter between 2016 and 2022 and more than 1,000 charges for rape or sexual assault. the ministry ofjustice says it's investing £155 million a year extra to deliver tougher supervision,

reduce caseloads and recruit thousands more staff, and that reoffending rates have fallen from 31 to 24% since 2010. but behind closed doors, panorama's filming reveals a system failing to work for the public it's there to protect. daniel de simone, bbc news. you can watch panorama's undercover: can probation keep us safe? on iplayer and bbc one at 9pm. there's to be a formal investigation into prices charged by vets. the competition and markets authority has said pet owners may be overpaying for treatment, and might not be getting clear information from practices about the costs they face. the cma says it launched its investigation because more than half of practices are owned byjust six companies. jim connolly reports. things we love in this country — catching up over a brew... dog barks.

..and our pets. more than half of us own one and when they get sick it can mean some pretty big bills. i paid £185 last week for some tablets and a consultation — horrendous. the transparency of the costs — you never know until the procedure's finished. i haven't had any horror stories with the vets, it's just the cost for me — they should be putting it out there beforehand, really. expensive, yeah, definitely, i but it's the same everywhere, so there's nowhere else you can go because they're all in it _ together, so to speak. they would argue they're adding a better service, a better standard of care for your animal. they should be professional anyway, shouldn't they? come to any market and it's clear how much things cost, like here at the pet shop. £3 for this product. and if we take a walk up here, this butcher's shop, it's obvious what the prices are. but when it comes to veterinary costs, well, it maybe isn't so clear, and that is what the cma is looking into. the watchdog is also looking

at whether too many vets are owned byjust half a dozen big companies and the impact that has on transparency and prices. this recent shift also means your localjames herriot—style practice is often a thing of the past. i think it's important that every industry is open with consumers. everybody really needs to know who owns the business that they're going to. 25, 30 years ago, it would have been commonplace for a brass plaque to be outside every veterinary practice with the names of the partners on it. if a practice sells to a corporate and doesn't change its name — and this is something the cma has flagged up — that could create ambiguity for clients. all the vets i've spoken to fear we just don't understand how much medical care costs, because of our free nhs, and that leads to some unfair criticism. since the cma review started, there's been really significant — let's call it abuse of veterinary teams — people who work in veterinary practices, who are unconnected

with pricing decisions. they've chosen this profession because they really care, they want to deliver veterinary care for animals. but the main thing animal lovers worry about is the cost of treating their pets. everything's an extortionate prices, so theyjust - jump on the bandwagon, i think — they can - charge what they want. jim connolly, bbc news, clitheroe. time for a look at the weather. here's ben rich. good afternoon. the rain has felt relentless for many parts of the uk over the last couple of days. parts of cumbria in 48 hours have seen over 120 millimetres of rain. from a weather system that swelled its way in from the near continent, this pearl of cloud and rain became very slow moving. the rain heavy and persistent particularly across the northern half of the uk. there is still some further rain to come through the rest of today. this area of low pressure is still with us but it is weakening, its loosening its

grip,