is trying to drive. a crackdown on distracted drivers who are putting lives at risk. in sport, good morning on cup final day. while in scotland, rangers will be trying to stop celtic doing the double. here at wembley, manchester united will be trying to do the sameto their neighbours and great rivals, manchester city, in the fa cup. and i'll have your full bank holiday weekend forecast. watch out for some wet weather at times. it's saturday, 25 may. our main story: former conservative ministers michael gove and dame andrea leadsom are among more than 100 mps to reveal they won't be contesting their seats at the general election. the announcements came as the parliamentary session was officially closed last night, allowing full—scale campaigning to begin. 0ur political correspondent hannah miller has the latest.

through the brexit campaign, borisjohnson�*s friend, but at times his greatest foe, michael gove wasn't afraid to make enemies, pushing through education reforms and serving under four prime ministers over nearly 20 years in parliament. but he says he has now concluded, "there comes a moment when you know it's time to leave, that a new generation should lead. rishi has the plan our country needs," he added. "i will do everything i can to support him." but as rishi sunak toured the titanic quarter in belfast, the list of mps jumping ship continued to grow. among more than 100 other mps standing down, the former prime minister theresa may, the former leader of the house of commons, andrea leadsom, and former defence secretary ben wallace. while the conservatives are now seeing more mps walk away than in 1997, labour's losses are less substantial.

keir starmer took his campaign to glasgow, hoping scotland will pave his way to a win. after mps lined up to mark the close of parliament last night, the campaign is well and truly underway, with both potential prime ministers constructing their arguments to the country as they try to build up support to win. hannah miller, bbc news. we have the rest of the day �*s news now. israeli peace activists have started to organise patrols at one of the main crossings into gaza to make sure aid convoys get through unscathed. it comes after a spate of attacks by other israelis on lorries carrying food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies. 0ur diplomatic correspondent paul adams has the story. not everyone wants aid to reach gaza. some israelis are growing to great lengths to stop it. seems like

this increasingly common in recent weeks. social media flooded with images of aid lorries blocked and ransacked. no—one too young to join in. ransacked. no-one too young to “oin in. �* ,, �* �* , ransacked. no-one too young to 'oin in. translation: it's important to sto the in. translation: it's important to step the aid. _ in. translation: it's important to stop the aid, this _ in. translation: it's important to stop the aid, this right-wing - stop the aid, this right—wing activist says. it's the only way will win — the only way we'll get our hostages back. figs will win - the only way we'll get our hostages back.— will win - the only way we'll get our hostages back. as night falls, the protesters, _ our hostages back. as night falls, the protesters, mostly _ our hostages back. as night falls, the protesters, mostly made - our hostages back. as night falls, the protesters, mostly made up l our hostages back. as night falls, | the protesters, mostly made up of israeli settlers, finish the job. and celebrate a successful operation. the police unable or unwilling to intervene. the ending, by now, inevitable. but some israelis are fighting back, getting in the way and trying to stop the attack, and when they can't... doing their best to salvage every precious

package. and now, standing guard at key checkpoints. this is where the occupied west bank meets israel. this is the crossing where a week ago and aid convoy was attacked and ransacked by right—wing israelis. any aid coming from jaws and donna jordan and heading to gaza has to come through here. it's a chokepoint, and that's why we've seen attacks taking place right here. signs of gratitude from the lorry drivers — the presence of peace activists, they hope, providing some badly needed security — something they don't think they're getting from the authorities. this driver says they are forcing the police to act. driver says they are forcing the police to act-— driver says they are forcing the olice to act. ~ ., police to act. whenever we get into a lace police to act. whenever we get into a place and — police to act. whenever we get into a place and see _ police to act. whenever we get into a place and see that _ police to act. whenever we get into a place and see that the _ police to act. whenever we get into a place and see that the extremistsl a place and see that the extremists are here, we call the police to encourage them to come to the area. a lot of the times the police were in the area when attacks occur, but they didn't have someone to push them to act. and it's very sad, because the police should keep the

law. ., , , , ., g , law. the group brings togetherjews and arabs from _ law. the group brings togetherjews and arabs from all— law. the group brings togetherjews and arabs from all over _ law. the group brings togetherjews and arabs from all over israel. - law. the group brings togetherjews and arabs from all over israel. i - and arabs from all over israel. i feel very empowered. all these seven, eight months of war, and the killing of gazans — now, finally, i have something to do to help these people that are starving. but have something to do to help these people that are starving.— people that are starving. but the attacks have _ people that are starving. but the attacks have spread. _ people that are starving. but the attacks have spread. in - people that are starving. but the l attacks have spread. in jerusalem, attacks have spread. injerusalem, vigilantes have been seen stopping palestinian lorries, demanding to see papers, acting with what looks like complete impunity. and in the west bank, palestinian driver was dragged from his cab and beaten. he wasn't transporting aid, but it didn't matter. paul adams, wasn't transporting aid, but it didn't matter. pauladams, bbc wasn't transporting aid, but it didn't matter. paul adams, bbc news, jerusalem. a murder investigation has been launched after a woman was found stabbed to death on a beach in bournemouth. dorset police said officers were called to reports of a double stabbing on durley chine beach after 11:30pm last night. one woman was pronounced dead at the scene and another was taken

to hospital with very serious injuries. the former post office boss paula vennells has completed three days of public questioning at the inquiry into the horizon it scandal, in which more than 900 sub—postmasters were wrongly prosecuted after faulty software said money was missing from their accounts. her answers included more than 20 apologies, four tearful moments and boos from the gallery. 0ur international business correspondent theo leggett has more on how it unfolded. will you take responsibility, ms paula vennells?— paula vennells? after years of keein: paula vennells? after years of keeping a _ paula vennells? after years of keeping a low _ paula vennells? after years of keeping a low profile, - paula vennells? after years of keeping a low profile, paula i keeping a low profile, paula vennells was thrust into the spotlight this week, and making her way through a scrum of cameras may have been the easy part. she started with an apology. i have been the easy part. she started with an apology-— with an apology. i would “ust like to sa - with an apology. i would “ust like to say - and i with an apology. i would “ust like to say - and m h with an apology. i would “ust like to say - and i'm grateful_ with an apology. i would just like to say - and i'm grateful for- with an apology. i would just like to say - and i'm grateful for thel to say — and i'm grateful for the opportunity to do this in person — how sorry i am for all the sub— postmasters and their families, and others who suffered as a result of

all of the matter is that the enquiry has been looking into for so long. enquiry has been looking into for so lonu. ., , ., , , enquiry has been looking into for so lonu. ., ,, long. there were tears as she was asked about _ long. there were tears as she was asked about the _ long. there were tears as she was asked about the death _ long. there were tears as she was asked about the death of- long. there were tears as she was asked about the death of a - long. there were tears as she was asked about the death of a sub- i asked about the death of a sub— postmaster who took his own life after being financially ruined by the post office. find after being financially ruined by the post office.— the post office. and i imagine that. . . the post office. and i imagine that- -- i'm _ the post office. and i imagine that... i'm sorry. _ the post office. and i imagine that... i'm sorry. i— the post office. and i imagine that... i'm sorry. i imagine i the post office. and i imagine l that... i'm sorry. i imagine that the post office. and i imagine i that... i'm sorry. i imagine that i was probably... that... i'm sorry. i imagine that i was probably. . ._ that... i'm sorry. i imagine that i was probably... just pause. try and com ose was probably. .. just pause. try and compose yourself— was probably. .. just pause. try and compose yourself if— was probably... just pause. try and compose yourself if you _ was probably... just pause. try and compose yourself if you can, - was probably... just pause. try and compose yourself if you can, and i compose yourself if you can, and then_ compose yourself if you can, and then continue your evidence, please. she defended her role. she may have been the boss, she said, but she wasn't responsible for everything, and she wasn't told every thing either. ., ., ., , , , and she wasn't told every thing either. ., ., ., , , ., either. you are not responsible for eve hinu either. you are not responsible for everything that — either. you are not responsible for everything that happens _ either. you are not responsible for. everything that happens underneath you. you have to rely on the advice of internal and external experts. you still continue to live in a cloud — you still continue to live in a cloud of— you still continue to live in a cloud of denial. by you still continue to live in a cloud of denial.— you still continue to live in a cloud of denial. by day three of heafina cloud of denial. by day three of hearing her— cloud of denial. by day three of hearing her evidence, - cloud of denial. by day three of hearing her evidence, the - cloud of denial. by day three of. hearing her evidence, the lawyers for the sub— postmasters were clearly unimpressed, and they went on the attack. i clearly unimpressed, and they went on the attack-— on the attack. i didn't, though. nobody told — on the attack. i didn't, though. nobody told me. _ on the attack. i didn't, though. nobody told me. i _ on the attack. i didn't, though.

nobody told me. i can't - on the attack. i didn't, though. - nobody told me. i can't remember. i wasn't _ nobody told me. i can't remember. i wasn't shown — nobody told me. i can't remember. i wasn't shown this. _ nobody told me. i can't remember. i wasn't shown this. i— nobody told me. i can't remember. i wasn't shown this. i relied _ nobody told me. i can't remember. i wasn't shown this. i relied on- nobody told me. i can't remember. i wasn't shown this. i relied on the - wasn't shown this. i relied on the lawyers — wasn't shown this. i relied on the lawyers l— wasn't shown this. i relied on the la ers. ., ., ., , ., lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best _ lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best of _ lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best of my _ lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best of my ability. - lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best of my ability. it - lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best of my ability. it is l the very best of my ability. it is extraordinary, _ the very best of my ability. it is extraordinary, though, isn't it? because — extraordinary, though, isn't it? because cartwright— extraordinary, though, isn't it? because cartwright king, - extraordinary, though, isn't it? because cartwright king, your. because cartwright king, your external— because cartwright king, your external lawyers, _ because cartwright king, your external lawyers, know - because cartwright king, your external lawyers, know all - because cartwright king, your. external lawyers, know all about because cartwright king, your- external lawyers, know all about it, and yet _ external lawyers, know all about it, and yet you're — external lawyers, know all about it, and yet you're saying _ external lawyers, know all about it, and yet you're saying that _ external lawyers, know all about it, and yet you're saying that you - and yet you're saying that you didn't, — and yet you're saying that you didn't, the _ and yet you're saying that you didn't, the board _ and yet you're saying that you didn't, the board didn't. - and yet you're saying that you didn't, the board didn't. i- and yet you're saying that you i didn't, the board didn't. i mean, this is_ didn't, the board didn't. i mean, this is la-la _ didn't, the board didn't. i mean, this is la—la land, _ didn't, the board didn't. i mean, this is la—la land, isn't - didn't, the board didn't. i mean, this is la—la land, isn't it? - didn't, the board didn't. i mean, this is la—la land, isn't it? find i this is la-la land, isn't it? and the sub- _ this is la-la land, isn't it? and the sub- postmasters - this is la—la land, isn't it? ayn} the sub— postmasters who this is la—la land, isn't it?- the sub— postmasters who were watching also seemed unconvinced. the crocodile tears did not faze me whatsoever. i was blown away by the solicitor, and ijust wish she'd answered the questions instead of going round and round in circles with the same answer. i think she knows a lot more than what she is letting on. i think basically she is lying. letting on. i think basically she is l inc. �* , ., lying. after three days of testimony. _ lying. after three days of testimony, paula - lying. after three days of l testimony, paula vennells lying. after three days of - testimony, paula vennells left,

flanked by police — the end of another major chapter in one of the biggest scandals the uk has ever seen. theo leggett, bbc news. royal mail is facing an investigation by the communications regulator, 0fcom, into its failure to meet delivery targets. 0fcom rules state that 93% of first—class post should be delivered within one working day of collection, but last year this happened just 75% of the time. 0fcom said it will consider a financial penalty if there isn't a satisfactory explanation. officials in papua new guinea say they fear hundreds of people have been killed by a massive landslide which struck remote villages. 0ne mp said more than 1,000 homes had been buried in the enga province. emergency crews are being hampered by damage to roads. ajudge has denied a motion by the actor alec baldwin to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge over a fatal shooting on a film set in 2021. halyna hutchins was killed during a rehearsalfor the movie rust in new mexico. mr baldwin pleaded not guilty to the indictment and is set

to stand trial injuly. a total ban on smartphones for under—16s is something the next government should consider within its first year, according to a cross—party group of mps. the education select committee says children's mental and physical health is being harmed by the amount of time they spend using technology, which it has found has increased significantly in recent years. we recognise that there is value in children being able to engage with the digital world, but in a supervised and supported way. and i think the concern is that with internet enabled mobile phones, that simply isn't possible to provide that supervision and support all the time. so that's something that we decided more needed to be done about. applying make—up, eating fast food and using a laptop computer — these are just some of the activities drivers have been filmed doing while on the motorway. they were caught by warwickshire police officers in an unmarked lorry, and the footage was released

by national highways ahead of a safety campaign. laura tra nt reports. 0ur our customers for you — car near side, lady is putting her make—up on while she is trying to drive... footage released by national highways has revealed some of the reckless behaviour of drive drivers behind the wheel. these two offences are among over 46,150 detected as part of national highways' 0peration tramline campaign, which aims to improve safety on roads. the

campaign, which aims to improve safety on roads.— safety on roads. the reason she kee -s safety on roads. the reason she keeps swerving _ safety on roads. the reason she keeps swerving is _ safety on roads. the reason she keeps swerving is because - safety on roads. the reason she keeps swerving is because he i safety on roads. the reason she l keeps swerving is because he was looking in the mirror, not on the road. �* , , looking in the mirror, not on the road. ~ , , road. the rac says being distracted behind the wheel _ road. the rac says being distracted behind the wheel seems _ road. the rac says being distracted behind the wheel seems to - road. the rac says being distracted behind the wheel seems to be - road. the rac says being distracted behind the wheel seems to be on i road. the rac says being distracted l behind the wheel seems to be on the rise. , , , ., , , rise. this is unbelievably dangerous. _ rise. this is unbelievably dangerous. having - rise. this is unbelievably dangerous. having no i rise. this is unbelievably - dangerous. having no hands on rise. this is unbelievably _ dangerous. having no hands on the wheel beggars belief. the dangers, the consequences, are absolutely frightening. the latest government data shows there have been more fatal collisions due to distraction than at any other point in the last ten years — 488 people lost their lives due to distraction, and we have this kind of behaviour on our roads. it is absolutely frightening. just don't need this kind of behaviour on roads. driving is dangerous enough without people not properly concentrating and being distracted. {lin properly concentrating and being distracted. ~ :: , distracted. on the m40, this driver was captured _ distracted. on the m40, this driver was captured using _ distracted. on the m40, this driver was captured using her— distracted. on the m40, this driver was captured using her phone - distracted. on the m40, this driver was captured using her phone and l was captured using her phone and laptop, oblivious to her actions being caught on camera by the campaign's unmarked hdv.

the offence of using a phone behind the wheel carries a six penalty points on the licence and a £200 fine. warwickshire police said their aim is to save lives, but that while education of drivers is their priority, due to the high stakes involved in some driving offences, officers will be robust in their actions. laura trent, bbc news. a plant that went extinct in the wild has been reintroduced to the uk mainland. rosy saxifrage was last seen in the mountains of north wales in 1962, having been killed off by collectors, grazing animals and habitat loss. a cutting was saved by a schoolteacher, who grew it in his garden, and now the flower has been replanted in a secret location in eryri, also

known as snowdonia. rosie sucks approach. —— rosy saxifrage. it is like a detective's alter ego, or children's book. saturday morning, lots of sport. reliant a little bit on the weather today. how will it be for everyone? i have a typical bank holiday weather we can for you, somewhat weather we can for you, somewhat weather at times but also sunny spells. —— weekend. also warmer than usual at this time of year. if you have outdoor plans especially on sunday and monday, be ready to run for cover because they will be heavy and boundary downpours around. today probably the better looking day of the long weekend for the vast majority of us, and that is because we are sandwiched between two weather fronts, we are sandwiched between two weatherfronts, one out we are sandwiched between two weather fronts, one out towards the

east and another towards the west. let's deal with this one first. it is going to bring in some cloud across east anglia, outbreaks of rain for parts of norfolk, pushing up rain for parts of norfolk, pushing up towards lincolnshire and other parts of the east midlands perhaps through the afternoon. this just introduce a bit more cloud across southwest england. for the vast majority of us, lots of dry weather around, the chance for a few isolated showers, some decently long sunny spells also, and temperatures just slightly above the seasonal average, 16—21 average. not about day at all. your evening could perhaps be ruined by some of this rain creeping in from the south. a bit of a messy picture overnight tonight. we will see cloud and outbreaks of rain, it is a mild start to the day tomorrow. a rather disappointing one, i suspect, start to the day tomorrow. a rather disappointing one, isuspect, if start to the day tomorrow. a rather disappointing one, i suspect, if you are up early enough. we expect to keep that cloud towards the northern half of the uk, breaks of rain on and off here. the exception to that is northern scotland where it will stay largely dry with perhaps a bit of sunshine around. across the

southern half of england and across much of wales as well, expect to see sunny spells, but if you do get the sunshine and watch out, because there could be some heavy and slow—moving thundery showers around, especially slow—moving so they last a long time across the midlands and parts of wales. not raining all the time, slight drops in temperature, the same again a bank holiday monday. we still have these left weather fronts and they will be more showers sparking off as well. the focus for the showers will be mostly out towards the west in the morning, then they will start to track further east. if you are out towards the east you may well get away with a drier bank holiday on monday, certainly a drier second half of the day, but again it will be feeling warm in the best of the sunshine. just a little lookahead, it is after next week, quite pessimistic, this chart, but we do think there will be a lot of dry weather around as well. it will not be raining all the time, they will also be sunny spells. so

all isn't lost. temperatures around the seasonal average for most of us, sunny spells and showers is the theme, notjust this weekend but also as we head through much of next week as well. thank you, you're absolutely right, some classic wet bank holiday weather. bit some classic wet bank holiday weather. �* ., , .., weather. bit of everything. i can confirm this _ weather. bit of everything. i can confirm this morning _ weather. bit of everything. i can confirm this morning it - weather. bit of everything. i can confirm this morning it was - weather. bit of everything. i can confirm this morning it was a . confirm this morning it was a beautiful sunrise. really nice. let's take a look at the papers on saturday morning. the times' front page story focuses on conservative mp michael gove standing down ahead of the upcoming election. the paper reports that more than 70 tories have also quit, describing their departures as a "exodus." the mirror also leads on the resignations. its headline says "now gove quits sunak�*s sinking ship" — in a nod to the prime minister's visit to belfast�*s titanic quarter on friday.

away from the election, the guardian reports that the un's international court ofjustice has ruled that israel must halt its military offensive on rafah because of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in gaza. and the financial times says that more of us are choosing to spend our summer holidays in the uk, with holiday park bosses telling the paper they've seen an increase in visitors following a lull in bookings last year. that is interesting, because there was a brief boost for people jumping on cheap flights again. maybe people got fed up with the airport. bind on cheap flights again. maybe people got fed up with the airport.— got fed up with the airport. and how about people working _ got fed up with the airport. and how about people working from - got fed up with the airport. and how about people working from home, i got fed up with the airport. and how i about people working from home, how about people working from home, how about that? , , ., about that? yes, there is a report in the times _ about that? yes, there is a report in the times today, _ about that? yes, there is a report in the times today, this _ about that? yes, there is a report in the times today, this is - about that? yes, there is a report in the times today, this is the - in the times today, this is the headline, i didn't write it, working from home can make you feel depressed. research analysis of 5000 employees from lots of uk businesses, those who work remotely five days a week are twice as likely to take sick days, those with hybrid working plans, some in the office and some at home, are the happiest

and some at home, are the happiest and healthiest and have the highest productivity levels. it doesn't give detail on the weight gain. but i suppose 87% of those working from home had at least one moscow skeletal condition, compared with 80% of hybrid workers. you skeletal condition, compared with 80% of hybrid workers.— 80% of hybrid workers. you are sittin: 80% of hybrid workers. you are sitting down — 80% of hybrid workers. you are sitting down the _ 80% of hybrid workers. you are sitting down the same - 80% of hybrid workers. you are sitting down the same amountl 80% of hybrid workers. you are l sitting down the same amount of time, but you don't have the commute, which is exercise of the sort. , _, commute, which is exercise of the sort. , ~ , commute, which is exercise of the sort. , ~ sort. yes, commute can keep you active. sort. yes, commute can keep you active- anyway. — sort. yes, commute can keep you active. anyway, there _ sort. yes, commute can keep you active. anyway, there you - sort. yes, commute can keep you active. anyway, there you go. - sort. yes, commute can keep you i active. anyway, there you go. mike is at wembley for us this morning. i am seeing sunshine and i am seeing a big set piece occasion, mike. what a day. big set piece occasion, mike. what a da . , ., , , , big set piece occasion, mike. what a da. , , , ., day. yes, absolutely. cup final day here at wembley _ day. yes, absolutely. cup final day here at wembley and _ day. yes, absolutely. cup final day here at wembley and in _ day. yes, absolutely. cup final day here at wembley and in scotland l day. yes, absolutely. cup final day| here at wembley and in scotland as well. blue skies above, there is sunshine, but even so they are paying such attention to the pitch they have put heaters on the penalty area just behind me here, just to get that grass extra specially prepared for the big occasion today, a repeat of last year's make up

final as well. this is the manchester united and with all their flags, just over the halfway line you have the manchester city members. it is a tale of two cities. what a day ahead, because you have ranges and celtic as mentioned in glasgow, and then the whole of manchester descending on london. —— rangers. there are fears the manchester united manager's erik ten hag'sjob, even if he wins manchester united manager's erik ten hag's job, even if he wins today, such a difficult season it has been for the club. the club has not commented, but they have been lots of rumours swirling that he could be sacked whatever happens today. as for manchester city, a very different story, of course. they are trying to do the double double, winning the league title and fa cup for the second season running. natalie pirks looks ahead. commentator: and on his whistle, we are under way. lafit

commentator: and on his whistle, we are under way-— are under way. last year fans were still taking — are under way. last year fans were still taking their _ are under way. last year fans were still taking their seats _ are under way. last year fans were still taking their seats in _ are under way. last year fans were still taking their seats in wembley| still taking their seats in wembley sunshine when manchester city's captain had them on theirfeet again. a, captain had them on their feet aaain. �* ., ., captain had them on their feet aaain. �* , . , not again. a good try. incredible! not many would _ again. a good try. incredible! not many would bet _ again. a good try. incredible! not many would bet against _ again. a good try. incredible! not many would bet against more - again. a good try. incredible! not many would bet against more of i again. a good try. incredible! not i many would bet against more of the same today, such as city's domination. after winning the league for the fourth successive time, they are now attempting another historic feat, the first team in history to achieve back—to—back doubles. abs, achieve back—to—back doubles. final against teams like united, united is always united. and of course and the premier league we have been better than them, more consistent than them. one game especially this season, the top six important games, always perform well. so... and the players feel it, the players know it, that it will be completely different game, the fact that this is not the premier league. while city have continued evolving, united's managerial door has been revolving. after a terrible season

in which they saw about lowest place finish in more than 30 years, erik ten hag's future looks shaky, with reports that today's much could be his last regardless of the result. see how it goes with the new owner, but he has not really had a fair crack of the whip, really, to be honest. so hopefully we will see how it goes in the future and see what happens, but i think, give it a couple of years and we should be back up there, i reckon. i am nervous- _ back up there, i reckon. i am nervous- i— back up there, i reckon. i am nervous. i would _ back up there, i reckon. i am nervous. iwould never- back up there, i reckon. i am nervous. i would never go . back up there, i reckon. i am nervous. i would never go against my own team, _ nervous. i would never go against my own team, but it is going to be hard _ own team, but it is going to be hard. , ., . ., , ., own team, but it is going to be hard. . ., , ., hard. they are clearly a better team and a more — hard. they are clearly a better team and a more talented _ hard. they are clearly a better team and a more talented team, - hard. they are clearly a better team and a more talented team, but - hard. they are clearly a better team and a more talented team, but it i hard. they are clearly a better team and a more talented team, but it is| and a more talented team, but it is and a more talented team, but it is a cup _ and a more talented team, but it is a cup final. — and a more talented team, but it is a cup final, anything _ and a more talented team, but it is a cup final, anything can _ and a more talented team, but it is a cup final, anything can happen. i a cup final, anything can happen. we've _ a cup final, anything can happen. we've just — a cup final, anything can happen. we've just got _ a cup final, anything can happen. we've just got to _ a cup final, anything can happen. we've just got to hope _ a cup final, anything can happen. we've just got to hope it - a cup final, anything can happen. we've just got to hope it is - a cup final, anything can happen. we've just got to hope it is on . a cup final, anything can happen. | we've just got to hope it is on our side and _ we've just got to hope it is on our side and we — we've just got to hope it is on our side and we can— we've just got to hope it is on our side and we can do— we've just got to hope it is on our side and we can do the _ we've just got to hope it is on our side and we can do the job. - we've just got to hope it is on our side and we can do the job. take i we've just got to hope it is on our| side and we can do the job. take a bit of— side and we can do the job. take a bit of glory— side and we can do the job. take a bit of glory for— side and we can do the job. take a bit of glory for ourselves _ side and we can do the job. take a bit of glory for ourselves for - side and we can do the job. take a bit of glory for ourselves for a - bit of glory for ourselves for a change — bit of glory for ourselves for a chance. ., .,, bit of glory for ourselves for a chance. ., ,, ., bit of glory for ourselves for a chane. ., ,, ., ., change. united almost missed out on the final after — change. united almost missed out on the final after chucking _ change. united almost missed out on the final after chucking away - change. united almost missed out on the final after chucking away a - the final after chucking away a commanding 3—0 lead of a championship side, coventry city, eventually needing penalties to scrape through. it was symptomatic of a season where injuries in key positions or united leak goals for

fun. no goalkeeperfaced more shots than andre and honour, admits that life has been tough. you than andre and honour, admits that life has been tough.— life has been tough. you have to take it, life has been tough. you have to take it. but _ life has been tough. you have to take it, but of _ life has been tough. you have to take it, but of course, _ life has been tough. you have to take it, but of course, winning i life has been tough. you have to i take it, but of course, winning this game, it has been a difficult season for all of us, for me, my teammates learn from it. for all of us, for me, my teammates learn from it— learn from it. same teams, same venue, learn from it. same teams, same venue. same _ learn from it. same teams, same venue, same outcome? - learn from it. same teams, same venue, same outcome? united i learn from it. same teams, same l venue, same outcome? united will learn from it. same teams, same - venue, same outcome? united will be praying their season to forget doesn't end in a case of deja blue. natalie pirks, bbc news, wembley. now, manchester united trying to deny city to double here. it is the same story in glasgow, arranges hoping to stop there great rivals celtic doing the double at hampden park. it is the first time they are going head—to—head in the showpiece cup final event for over 20 years. it'll be packed out at hampden park, with a 50/50 ticket split for supporters.

rangers didn't manage to beat celtic in any of the four premiership games this season but their manager is still confient his side can compete. it has been one goal difference, at the end, the two games that we lost, and one draw where you come back after two zero. so it is not that we lost with a lot of difference but it was always close until the last second of the game, we were in again. it is now about taking these moments also and to be better than we were in those games. so i want to see more quality from the team. the supporters is everything. they live their life _ supporters is everything. they live their life celtic and especially a celtic— their life celtic and especially a celtic rangers game, so to be able to do— celtic rangers game, so to be able to do it _ celtic rangers game, so to be able to do it for— celtic rangers game, so to be able to do it for them would be great. the players feel the reward of what their discipline has been to season. discipline _ their discipline has been to season. discipline is — their discipline has been to season. discipline is one of the key elements of notjust

discipline is one of the key elements of not just football on the pitch. _ elements of not just football on the pitch. but— elements of not just football on the pitch, but off the pitch. we stay very— pitch, but off the pitch. we stay very focused. wayne rooney is expected to be confirmed as the new plymouth argyle manager later today. should all go according to plan this will be the former england captain's third managerial role in england after spells at derby county and birmingham city, the latter of which saw him lose 9 of his 15 matches before being sacked. plymouth surviving in the championship in theirfirst plymouth surviving in the championship in their first season back. european rugby's champions cup comes to climax today as irish giants leinster take on a toulouse side featuring antoine dupont, arguably the world's best player, at the tottenham hotspur stadium. last night at the same venue the sharks of south africa had too much for a game gloucester side in the final of the european challenge cup. featuring a number of springbok multiple world cup winners including tryscorer makazole mapimpi, they ran out winners by 36—22 in north london.

st helens moved to the top of super league last night with a convincing 40—10 victory over leeds. jack welsby ran in two tries to take his tally for the season to 11 in 12 matches as saints added a further five to jump above wigan into first until sunday at least. in other matches there were wins for castleford over hull fc, while leigh leopards beat huddersfield giants. the winner of cycling's first grand tour of the year, the giro d'italia, will be decided on today's penultimate stage, along with the podium places, as tomorrow's final stage to rome is pretty much a ceremonial affair. barring an accident or misfortune worse than what he suffered yesterday geraint thomas will be hopeful of finishing at least third, with the runner�*s up spot within his reach. slovenia's tadej pogacar has a lead

of more than 7.5 minutes and has as good as won the race. there are a lot of guys who are going to be attacking. it will be interesting. about 18 or 19 k. a big, big climb. you do that twice. yeah, one last push. andrea spendolini—sirieix won the women's ten metres platform event at the british diving championships. the victory confirms her place in the individual event at the paris 0lympics this year. spendolini—sirieix said she was "elated" with her performance afterwards. she won gold in this event at both the commonweath games and european championships two years ago.

back here at wembley, look at the size of these flags they are placing on every cto, the attention to detail to make the occasion extra special. i wouldn't see anything else behind one of these, would i? the logistics really gets me. after the match today they have to clear all these flags that flags and replace them with southampton and leeds ones for the play—off cup final tomorrow. there we go, i will put these back indices otherwise somebody will go short. flagography on breakfast this morning... did you see that? hopefully nobody was watching. i will put it back together and put it on their seat. i hope that is not an omen for manchester united.- hope that is not an omen for manchester united. ., �* , manchester united. no... laughter. i cannot curse — manchester united. no... laughter. i cannot curse it — manchester united. no... laughter. i cannot curse it like _ manchester united. no... laughter. i cannot curse it like that, _ manchester united. no... laughter. i cannot curse it like that, don't - cannot curse it like that, don't worry for manchester united fans, nothing going on here. it nothing going on here. laughter. it is fine! it nothing going on here. laughter. it is fine! it wru— nothing going on here. laughter. it is fine! it will be _ nothing going on here. laughter. it is fine! it will be fixed, _ nothing going on here. laughter. it is fine! it will be fixed, ok? - nothing going on here. laughter. it is fine! it will be fixed, ok? it - nothing going on here. laughter. it is fine! it will be fixed, ok? it is - is fine! it will be fixed, 0k? it is fine. is fine! it will be fixed, ok? it is fine. , , is fine! it will be fixed, ok? it is fine. , ., �* is fine! it will be fixed, ok? it is fine. , .,�* ., . is fine! it will be fixed, ok? it is fine. , .,�* .,. ._ .,

fine. just don't touch anymore. or ma be fine. just don't touch anymore. or maybe touched — fine. just don't touch anymore. or maybe touched a _ fine. just don't touch anymore. or maybe touched a blue _ fine. just don't touch anymore. or maybe touched a blue ones, - fine. just don't touch anymore. or| maybe touched a blue ones, mike. well done. ., ., , ~ well done. look at that, it is like nothin: well done. look at that, it is like nothing has _ well done. look at that, it is like nothing has happened. _ well done. look at that, it is like nothing has happened. i - well done. look at that, it is like nothing has happened. i like - well done. look at that, it is like nothing has happened. i like that well done. look at that, it is like . nothing has happened. i like that we sta ed with nothing has happened. i like that we stayed with him _ nothing has happened. i like that we stayed with him for— nothing has happened. i like that we stayed with him for an _ nothing has happened. i like that we| stayed with him for an uncomfortably long amount of time. we stayed with him for an uncomfortably long amount of time.— stayed with him for an uncomfortably long amount of time. we will be back with mike throughout _ long amount of time. we will be back with mike throughout this _ long amount of time. we will be back with mike throughout this morning, i with mike throughout this morning, lots of build up there. we will keep you up to date with the weather as well. the timeout is just coming up to 6:30am. there was an extraordinary moment in parliament this week when the conservative mp craig mackinlay returned to the commons with four prosthetic limbs after losing them to sepsis last year. alex lewis from hampshire went through a similar ordeal ten years ago, also losing four limbs to sepsis. he has been speaking to linzi kinghorn about his rehabilitation. everything fell off my limbs. it has always been how to approve to my son that i can still live an amazing life, do some great things? alex is a quadruple amputee after having contracted strap pay in 2013. doctor jeff watson was one of the team who saved his life. he

jeff watson was one of the team who saved his life.— saved his life. he came in having colla sed saved his life. he came in having collapsed on _ saved his life. he came in having collapsed on a — saved his life. he came in having collapsed on a sunday _ saved his life. he came in having| collapsed on a sunday afternoon, having been a bit unwell for a few days, and my colleagues that admitted him to the icu, severely septic, so i came in and began him on absolutely massive life support, everything. that was my first meeting with alex, and met with his family and explained he was going to die, and he failed to achieve that target. die, and he failed to achieve that taruet. ., ., ., , die, and he failed to achieve that tariet. ., ., ., , ., target. now, both are teaming up to take on an extraordinary _ target. now, both are teaming up to take on an extraordinary challenge, | take on an extraordinary challenge, growing in cycling across the south coast — something they think has never been done before. coast - something they think has never been done before.- coast - something they think has never been done before. there is no information — never been done before. there is no information anywhere _ never been done before. there is no information anywhere on _ never been done before. there is no information anywhere on any - never been done before. there is no information anywhere on any other i information anywhere on any other quad amputee doing it, so we have two attachments, i am attached to the or with my us prosthetics, so what happens if i fall in the water? we have done all sort of capsize drills, drowning drills, to learn what happens if i do go in the water. ~ . . what happens if i do go in the water. ~ ., ., , , water. what are your biggest concerns? — water. what are your biggest concerns? see, _ water. what are your biggest concerns? see, and - water. what are your biggest concerns? see, and the - water. what are your biggest -

concerns? see, and the weather. althou~h concerns? see, and the weather. although we _ concerns? see, and the weather. although we are _ concerns? see, and the weather. although we are doing _ concerns? see, and the weather. although we are doing it - concerns? see, and the weather. although we are doing it in - concerns? see, and the weather. although we are doing it in june, | concerns? see, and the weather. i although we are doing it in june, it although we are doing it injune, it still can be pretty unpredictable, especially in the uk. prosthetics — how do they cope in saltwater? we don't really know. how do i cope in saltwater and extreme heat? if the days get to about 25 degrees, it is going to be really hot out there. and we're hot all the time, so how am i going to cope with that? the sores, the rubbing, the physical degradation of my right arm over that period of time in the water. another quadruple amputee, the kent mp craig mackinlay, made headlines this week after returning to parliament after suffering a life—threatening episode of sepsis which led to the amputation of his hands and feet. i which led to the amputation of his hands and feet.— hands and feet. i don't think an bod hands and feet. i don't think anybody had _ hands and feet. i don't think anybody had a _ hands and feet. i don't think anybody had a dry _ hands and feet. i don't think anybody had a dry eye - hands and feet. i don't think anybody had a dry eye when| hands and feet. i don't think- anybody had a dry eye when they saw him go back into the commons. it was just amazing, the reception. i sat there watching it, and i was tingling, thinking i've had similar experiences like that. and it's unbelievable. you know, when i left hospital, i think the military had

about 2500 charity supporting injured servicemen, and i think the uk had about fourfor injured servicemen, and i think the uk had about four for civilians, injured servicemen, and i think the uk had about fourfor civilians, so we were a real minority. bled. uk had about four for civilians, so we were a real minority.— we were a real minority. alex is hoinu we were a real minority. alex is hoping to _ we were a real minority. alex is hoping to raise _ we were a real minority. alex is hoping to raise money - we were a real minority. alex is hoping to raise money for - we were a real minority. alex is hoping to raise money for three j hoping to raise money for three charities, including his own, the alex lewis trust.— charities, including his own, the alex lewis trust. living life as an amutee alex lewis trust. living life as an amputee has _ alex lewis trust. living life as an amputee has been _ alex lewis trust. living life as an amputee has been the _ alex lewis trust. living life as an amputee has been the best - alex lewis trust. living life as an amputee has been the best thingj alex lewis trust. living life as an i amputee has been the best thing for me ever. if you could give me my legs and arms back, i wouldn't take them, because the last ten years we have packed in so much. it'sjust been incredible. impressive stuff. best of luck to them. we'll be back with the headlines at 7:00am. now it's time for unspun world withjohn simpson. hello, and welcome to another edition of unspun world. thank you forjoining me. after the summit between vladimir putin and xijinping,

what have we learned about the russia—china relationship? it's a very useful relationship, i think, for the chinese. i think they feel themselves very much now the senior partner — russia, the junior partner. does the old idea of a two—state solution between israel and the palestinians have any future at all after the gaza war? there was always, at the heart of it, almost a denial of the other perspective. now there's a complete rejection of it wholesale. and, following the attempt on the life of the slovak prime minister, we look at the worrying stresses and strains in european politics. these are times of crisis in europe, and these are times of confrontation. and i think very worrying for many is the fact that robert fico, divisive and controversial as he is, there was an attempt at an assassination.

vladimir putin and xijinping have already met more than 40 times over the years, and, after their meeting last week, they've agreed to get together yet again in july. but the balance of power has clearly switched from the days when the soviet union was dominant and china was the junior partner. as the old chinese saying goes, "same bed, different dreams". i asked the bbc�*s russia editor, steve rosenberg, for his thoughts. certainly if you look at, you know, this russia—china relationship, what does russia get out of it? i think a lifeline, really, you know, since vladimir putin has burnt his bridges with the west, he's had to turn east. and china provides this lifeline, both in terms of political support foeradimir putin, and economic support, in terms of trade.

and china is a place where russia can sell its energy to, since it can't really sell much gas now to europe, so it sells it to china. what does china get out of this relationship? well, it's not a lifeline, but it's a very useful relationship, i think, for the chinese. i think they feel themselves very much now the senior partner — russia, the junior partner. for the chinese, they can get energy at a cheaper price. and also, having this relationship with russia, that's quite useful for china in its continuing standoff with the united states. how's the russian press responded to the xi—putin meeting? some of the papers expressed some scepticism about the relationship. 0ne newspaper, the headline was, "china is a very complicated partner". there was one quote that said, you know, "when you have chinese officials talking on the "one hand about a no—limits friendship,

"contrast that with their tough pragmatism," as the paper put it. that makes russian officials and russian businessmen start to think they're being deceived, which is quite interesting. but it also talks about the so—called russian mentality, which, according to the newspaper, meant that a lot of russians are — don't trust china. they say, "we just don't trust them," and that's it. and the war itself, how do you feel it's, er, going? certainly for several months now, the russians have insisted that they now have the military initiative on the battlefield. and, you know, judging from vladimir putin's speeches over the last few months, he has grown increasingly confident in predicting victory at some point for russia. i think the changes in the government, bringing

an economist into the defence ministry is a sign that actually, russia is preparing for quite a long war here, and a sign that the economy in russia's being put on a war footing. when you say "long—term", what are we talking? imean, years? i think that what we're seeing now is a country which, as i say, is being put on a war footing economically. the message is being put out from morning till night that the west is increasingly russia's enemy, that the west wants to destroy russia, to carve russia up into pieces. that is the message you get in the state media here. and having the west as an enemy, and ukraine as an enemy, to a large extent helps the kremlin distract attention from problems at home. what happens if the war ends, and there is no external enemy? people are being prepared here for a long conflict. i was in a town recently, a couple of hours' drive from moscow, where they were

unveiling a new war memorial — and it was to the victims of the soviet war in afghanistan, russia's war in chechnya, and to those russian soldiers who've been killed in the so—called "special military operation". and there were far more names on the memorial of people who've been killed in the ukraine war than in the other wars. and the speeches that were being made by local officials at the unveiling of this war memorial were quite astonishing, basically preparing the crowd — and there were adults and there were children there — but preparing them for a long conflict and making it clear that, "well, you know, "we always had war before, wars take place, "wars will always take place. "so, get used to it." and i thought that was quite astonishing because, for so many years after 1945, after the soviet victory in what's known here as the great patriotic

war, the big slogan that you heard in this country and the phrase that you heard from people across the country, towns, and villages was, "we just don't want any more war. "there shouldn't be any more war." you have the normalisation of war. and that, to me, is another indication that russians, the russian public, is being prepared here for a long conflict. after six months of fighting in gaza, binyamin netanyahu hasn't managed to destroy hamas root and branch as he promised. but he must hope he's finally killed off the only long—term solution to the problem that most people can come up with — the two—state idea, with palestinian towns cut off from one another in the west bank, and israeli settlers carrying out regular attacks. the notion that the west bank and gaza could somehow form a self—governing country has shrunk dramatically — though ireland, norway,

and spain now say they'll formally recognise a palestinian state. sebastian usher is the bbc world service's middle east editor. i asked him what he thought. you'll have the immediate future, obviously, of gaza, which will be a very, very pressing issue. all the people who've been displaced, all the homes that have been destroyed, all the infrastructure that's no longer there, the basic governance of it, just a massive, massive, huge issue. i don't know if you have any confidence in the world pulling together to be able to deal with that. i certainly don't, i have to say. or an interest in doing it. well, i mean, there's an interest, but that interest will fade inevitably, because other, more immediate issues will take their place once again. so, what is needed — and what's been needed for a very long time — is a huge amount of highly—directed money at all the infrastructure and building of civil society. then you have, in the occupied

west bank, you have the issue which was the dominant issue, such as the conflict between israel and palestine was concerned, up until october the 7th, had been festering and getting worse. that is not going away. the institutions that are in place within the palestinian territory are not able to get to grips with this. so, it's really kind of almost banal, and it sounds inhumane, but to say that there isn't really a way forward on this. i mean, we've had all the talk from the us, from the un, from western countries suddenly about the two—state solution again, but no pathway towards that. there wasn't one before. and all the issues that meant that never happened — the return of the refugees, the status of eastjerusalem, the settlers in the occupied west bank — none of those have improved since it all fell apart years ago.

in fact, they've only got worse. and i think one thing that we've seen with what's happened in gaza is that already, the two parallel narratives that existed have just completely gone off—road from each other, and i can't see anyway back at the moment. there was always, at the heart of it, almost a denial of the other perspective. now, there's a complete rejection of it wholesale. something will have to come for the palestinian people, the people of gaza, the people of the west bank at some stage to centre around. and physically, geographically, where could that be? these scattered areas of the west bank, or...? well, i mean, that's the issue. i mean, the two—state solution, as it stands at the moment, is essentially rejected by the palestinians as being a state that just doesn't work. it's not contiguous with the settlements. essentially, palestinians would have

to be crossing and recrossing. palestinians just don't believe that the state — even if on paper, it looks substantial — would amount to anything that could actually be a properly autonomous, self—governing entity. the palestine authority, as far as i think the majority of palestinians are concerned, is not seen as anything to be taken seriously now. and you're talking about people in gaza who've experienced something, a trauma that goes so far and so deep that it's unmatched by what the palestinians in the occupied west bank have done. so, two separate experiences — similar but separate now — how do you bring those together? you expect, and one believes, that somehow, something will emerge from this organically in some way that will be more hopeful. but you know, and what you need for that, in a sense, is some level of discourse, some level of debate, some level of compromise, some level of mutual respect. i mean, none of that exists at the moment. it barely existed before — now... now it's impossible.

..it doesn't exist in any sense. when i talk to israeli friends of mine, i find that even the most outward—looking ones of them don't really understand the extent to which israel is isolated and criticised. the us, i think, still has israel's back. and i think we see this time and time again — we've seen this in the latest thing with the icc application for arrest warrants for netanyahu and the defence minister that, you know, president biden came up very quickly to denounce it as " ou trageous" when it really matters, when it really matters, the us hasn't changed its position, i think one would have to say. but in europe, support for israel is very low, isn't it? yes, yes. and you've seen countries like germany — which obviously, historically has been incredibly loath to seem as if it is being critical of israel, particularly

when it's at war. there's been a very, er, a strong change from there. diplomatically, it is highly significant, you know, for those historical reasons. these have been worrying days in europe, too. in the baltic states, there's been talk of parallels with 1939 — only with russia, rather than germany, as the possible aggressor. and then came what some people instinctively thought of as a july 1914 moment when the slovak prime minister, robert fico, was lucky to survive a murder attempt. how dangerous is the situation really? i spoke to katya adler, the bbc�*s europe editor. slovakia, in the polarised times that we're all living in, john, is a deeply, deeply, deeply polarised country. i mean, earlierthis month, we had thousands of people taking

to the streets to demonstrate against the policies of robert fico. we heard from the interior minister following his shooting, suggesting that the country was on the brink of civil war. and, whereas i think that is, you know, emotional speech, it really is a hugely divided society where there are frequent death threats made against politicians. and, in fact, the current president — she's now the outgoing president — didn't stand for re—election, partly because of the number of death threats that she'd received. after the fall of the soviet union, slovakia, you know, started turning west in its model, it has joined nato. it did join the eu as well, in fact, you know, on the same year. but, with time, there are people in slovakia who hark back to what they see now as the good old days of communism, where they said everybody was taken care of, everybody had an education, everybody has a job. but many feel disappointed

by democracy and the west, and feeling poor. and you have this character, robert fico — he's a very colourful character who loves a headline, john. i mean, he's known for his love of football and fast cars, and body—building — but also open admiration for vladimir putin. he very famously said that if there is an international arrest warrant made for vladimir putin, you know, he wouldn't get into trouble in slovakia, for example. this is his fourth time as prime minister, when he was on the campaign trail back in autumn, he said there should be no more military aid by slovakia for ukraine. he called for an end to sanctions against russia, since its full—scale invasion of ukraine.

he's been introducing laws that are very reminiscent of what we've seen in hungary — so ngos, you know, civil organisations, if they receive foreign funding above a certain amount, they have to declare it. and, you know, that's led them to say, "well, this is like hungary "and we'll get labelled foreign agents". he's trying to change the laws around the public broadcaster. people say, "you're cracking down on the freedom of the press, you're having a go at the judiciary" — he's closed down the prosecutor's office looking at corruption in the country. but really, i suppose everything you've said indicates that slovakia is actually rather different from most countries round about. i would disagree. i see lots echoes of other countries there. i see echoes definitely of hungary, as i said, because of this very close friendship between robert fico and viktor 0rban of hungary, who's also known as being, you know, very close to the kremlin. so, i see echoes of the now former government in poland, following elections there with, you know, similar, what get labelled illiberal tendencies. this sort of disappointment in the west and feeling left behind. i see in east germany, for example, where the far—right afd is very strong.

and we're heading now, in just a few weeks, to the european parliamentary elections, and we have projections that the far—right, or the nationalist right, or nostalgic nationalist, anti—eu sentiment kind of parties, and that they are tipped to go first in eight or nine countries, and second or third in a further nine countries. now, that can change decision—making within the eu. we've just seen an interview in the british press with the estonian prime minister, saying, "this looks to me very much like 1939". i mean, it does bring back these sentiments, whether they're true or not, doesn't it? why would estonia say this? well, estonia would say this because it feels directly threatened by russia's full—scale invasion of ukraine, and saying this is like 1930s europe is going to make people, they hope, sit up and listen. is this 1930s?

i mean, again, it could be a big debate. i think we should always be careful about being too alarmist. aware ? yes. alarmist? not really. so, these are times of crisis in europe, and these are times of confrontation. and i think very worrying for many is the fact that robert fico, divisive and controversial as he is, was... there was an attempt at an assassination. and we're seeing more and more of our lawmakers coming under threat. so, in germany, just in the last few weeks alone, there were a number of assaults on german politicians. you know, that is worrying on very many levels because that's like silencing democracy. of course, there's a potential threat to human existence as completely different from all this — the rise of artificial intelligence. is that too alarmist?

well, maybe — there are plenty of authorities who think that human beings will take ai in their stride and carry on. britain and south korea have developed a partnership over ai. it was launched last november with a conference at bletchley park — the wartime code—breaking centre in southern england. now it's been followed up by a joint summit based in seoul, which was billed as being about al safety. the bbc technology editor, zoe kleinman, told me more. the conversation in the last six months has massively changed, i think, on the subject of safety. if you remember the discussions back then, it was real kind of terminator, doomsday scenarios — that has kind of gone away now. it's got a much broaderfocus. i've just read a report that's come from the ai safety institute in which it says, "actually, we think ai is probably less likely "to create a lethal bio—weapon "or orchestrate a sophisticated cyber attack. "and we kind of don't really think

that humans are in "any danger as yet of losing control of ai and it doing, "you know, something horrendous to civilisation". but is it less dangerous than it was? surely not. we heard a lot, in november, the phrase "marking your own homework", and it does still feel a little bit like that is what's happening. and bear in mind, everything that's been agreed both at bletchley and in seoul is voluntary. and i think when we see more legislation come in — we'vejust seen now the eu ai act come in — there you are, that's law now, these companies have got to abide by european law. and i wonder whether this goodwill that we've seen so far between policy—makers and the industry might become slightly less amicable once they're forced to do something. tell me, what sort of breathtaking advances have there been? we've just seen some new products come out, which i think are more sophisticated than anything we've seen before. so, ai released a tool called gpt—4o. and in a demonstration

of that, it has a voice. there's no latency, there's no gap between you asking it something and it replying to you. it guided the demonstrators through a maths problem onstage that they had written down — so it could see text, it could interpret text, it could interpret video. that is very new. google has a product called gemini. we saw, 24 hours later, this tool being shown, using a smartphone camera to look around an office. and it was picking out various things, you know, where's the speaker? where's the dog? where's, you know, what is this on screen? and it's correctly identifying everything. right at the end of the demo, the woman who was holding the phone said, "where are my glasses"? having never mentioned it — and this thing replied and said, "your glasses are on the table behind you "next to an apple" — and they were. it feels like this is actually very new, we haven't had this before. we've been writing to these chat bots and have them write back, but this is it becoming much more embedded in our everyday lives, using sound, using pictures, using images like we do. 0bservation.

at the moment, down at my, er, level, the sort of pre—tech level, i'm just concerned about things like scarlettjohansson, the film actress, having her voice copied, but not quite copied, but it does sound like her, and there's been all sorts of fuss. i mean, i know this is not a grand problem, but it is a problem all the same, isn't it? what this, i think shows us is that for everything these companies say about, you know, "we're not like that any more. "we're not the kind of big, arrogant silicon valley giants, "you know, moving fast, breaking things, "doing what we want — "we're not like that now, we're listening". but when it comes to it, if they want something and they set their sights on it, this suggests that actually,

that attitude still exists, doesn't it? scarlettjohansson said she was approached about being the voice of this ai tool, and she declined. 0penai says there was no intent to imitate her, that it worked with other voice artists, that it would've liked to have used her, but it didn't. but she is — she says she's shocked and angry that this has happened, and you can see why. you know, that's her livelihood, that's her profession, and... ..she needs to protect it. but does this — will this seoul conference do anything about that kind of thing? in order to be truly useful, these tools have to be able to do lots of different things. if you stop them from doing lots of stuff, theyjust become less useful. and also, they need to be trained on lots of data. and that basically means you feed these things with hundreds, millions, as much as you can get hold of different bits of data largely scraped from the internet.

but there is an issue there, because that data belongs to people. and, while some people have embraced the opportunity to help build these tools, others have put the drawbridge up and said, "you know what? this is our content. "we pay our professionals to make it, "and we don't want you to have it for free to train something "that can then do it for us. "so, we're not going to do it." when president raisi's death was confirmed in iran after his helicopter crash, fireworks were let off and some people danced in the streets. 0thers openly wept. the usual estimate of opinion inside iran is that one third of the people support the islamic regime, one third is strongly against it, and the remaining third is pretty undecided. when the late president raisi was elected in 2021, the people who were undecided stayed away from the polls, together with the people who were strongly anti the regime. raisi won by the lowest turnout in the islamic republic's history. not perhaps surprisingly, he had an unenviable reputation. amnesty international identified him as being one of the main figures responsible for widespread torture and the judicial murder of around

5,000 people, perhaps more executed in a mass clear—out of political prisoners in 1988. under his presidency, the laws on women's dress have been brutally enforced. iran now has 50 days of selection and campaigning for a new presidential election. but turnout�*s likely to be even lower than in 2021. it'll be an unsettling time for a regime which is anyway extremely nervous about its growing lack of support among the population as a whole. there's a kind of end—of—days feel about iran at the moment. it's done pretty well in its partnership with russia and china. but the supreme leader, ayatollah khamenei, who ranks above the president, is 85 and noticeably frail. a lengthy succession crisis at some point for choosing a new supreme leader will weaken the islamic republic even more

than this new presidential election will. the regime's leaders know they're unpopular, and they've only had one solution up to now — pile on the repression. well, that's it from this edition of unspun world this week. thank you for being with me. from the unspun team and from me, goodbye. until we meet again.

for those historical reasons. good morning. welcome to breakfast, with nina warhurst and charlie stayt. 0ur headlines today: mps michael gove and andrea leadsom announce they won't stand at the next election — the highest—profile figures to quit out of nearly 80 conservatives. former post office boss paula vennells finishes giving evidence to the horizon it scandal inquiry, and former sub—postmasters give us their verdict on her performance losing their liberty — we'll hear from the young people who feel they've been failed by the authorities that should have been looking after them.

she's putting her make—up on while she's trying to drive. so near side, trying to put her blusher on while she's trying to drive. a crackdown on distracted drivers who are putting lives at risk. in sport, good morning on cup final day. here at wembley it will be the second successive manchester derby fa cup final later, with united hoping to gain revenge on city. while at hampden park, rangers will be trying to stop rivals celtic doing the double in the scottish cup final. and i'll have your full bank holiday weekend forecast. watch out for some wet weather at times. it's saturday 25 may. our main story: former conservative ministers michael gove and dame andrea leadsom are among more than 100 mps to reveal they won't be contesting their seats at the general election. the announcements came as the parliamentary session was officially closed last night, allowing full—scale campaigning to begin. 0ur political correspondent

hannah miller has the latest. through the brexit campaign, borisjohnson's friend, but at times his greatest foe. michael gove wasn't afraid to make enemies, pushing through education reforms and serving under four prime ministers over nearly 20 years in parliament. but he says he has now concluded: but as rishi sunak toured the titanic quarter in belfast, the list of mps jumping ship continued to grow. among more than 100 other mps standing down, the former prime minister theresa may, the former leader of the house of commons, andrea leadsom, and former defence secretary ben wallace. while the conservatives are now

seeing more mps walk away than in 1997, labour's losses are less substantial. keir starmer took his campaign to glasgow, hoping scotland will pave his way to a win. after mps lined up to mark the close of parliament last night, the campaign is well and truly underway, with both potential prime ministers constructing their arguments to the country as they try to build up support to win. hannah miller, bbc news. 0ur political correspondent helen cattjoins us now from our london newsroom. good morning to you, helen. good morning to you, helen. as good morning to you, helen. as we good morning to you, helen. as we all know, the economy will be one of the key issues that is debated. it has already arisen several times, and there are warnings today from outside sources about what might be happening next. outside sources about what might be happening next-— are right about the importance of the economy. this morning we have a newspaper �*s two different articles

from the shadow chancellor and the chancellor setting out their stories, but this warning that you are talking about has come from a leading think—tank, the institute for fiscal studies, and they are saying the country's financial situation is a dark cloud hanging over the election. now, why do they say that? they say it is because both parties, labour and conservatives, have set themselves rules that they want to stick within when they work out what to do with the country's finances. 0ne when they work out what to do with the country's finances. one of those is they to get debt falling as a share of national income. the iss �*s warning that they are already having to pay high interest repayments and that they already have —— ifs. economic growth is expected to be pretty low and at the moment to make it fit the current rules that the government has got in place, they have to pencil in quite tight spending, which means in effect spending, which means in effect spending cuts coming down the road. what the ifs is saying is that, unless there is some sort of a miraculous growth in the economy and

it grows a lot more than expect it, then actually any government that comes in is going to have to look at either squeezing spending more, raising taxes or increasing borrowing. and the ifs is saying that there needs to be an open and robust discussion about the financial position during this election campaign.- financial position during this election campaign. thank you very much. and nina has more on how israel will react to that court ruling. yes. react to that court ruling. yes, lots of questions _ react to that court ruling. yes, lots of questions around i react to that court ruling. yes, lots of questions around that. l israel has shown no signs of abiding by a ruling of the united nations' top court, the international court ofjustice, that it should immediately halt its military offensive in rafah. 0ur diplomatic correspondent paul adams is injerusalem. paul, the effects of air strikes were being felt even as this ruling was delivered. what are the implications if israel do not abide by this ruling? goad

do not abide by this ruling? good mornin: , do not abide by this ruling? good morning. and _ do not abide by this ruling? good morning, and you _ do not abide by this ruling? good morning, and you are _ do not abide by this ruling? (lime morning, and you are right, israel has absolutely not indicated that it is going to change course when it comes to rafah, in regards that as an essential part of its military campaign in the wider gaza strip. as for the implications, the court is not able to enforce this, so it is really a question of what israel's allies do, and principally we are talking about the united states. so far washington has not indicated that it far washington has not indicated thatitis far washington has not indicated that it is unhappy with the course of the israeli military operation in rafah as we've seen it over the past couple of weeks. they continue to warn, and the secretary of state, anthony lincoln, did again last night, the importance increasing humanitarian assistance even as that operation goes on —— antony blinken. what we don't know is exactly how far the israeli military intense ago. they are right on the edge of rafah city but are yet to really going on the ground. meantime, shockin: going on the ground. meantime, shocking pictures _ going on the ground. meantime, shocking pictures we _ going on the ground. meantime, shocking pictures we saw - going on the ground. meantime, shocking pictures we saw in i going on the ground. meantime, shocking pictures we saw in the l shocking pictures we saw in the

report that has been broadcast around the world of peace convoys attempting to protect humanitarian aid getting into palestinian territory, because it is coming under attack by israelis.- territory, because it is coming under attack by israelis. yes, so this has been _ under attack by israelis. yes, so this has been something - under attack by israelis. yes, so this has been something that i under attack by israelis. yes, so | this has been something that has been an issue for some time now. efforts by israelis who are opposed to aid coming into gaza, either because they believe it is all being stolen by hamas or because they think that nothing should go in until israeli hostages are rescued from gaza, they have mounted in some cases really violent attacks on aid convoys, coming sometime through the west bank. if aid is coming through jordan, it needs to pass through the west bank before it reaches the gaza strip, and in response to those actions, we have seen israeli peace activists mobilising and trying to make sure they are in the same place, knowing when the convoys are coming, getting in the way, preventing the right wing demonstrators from repeating these scenes of vandalism and ransacking. so we have seen them literally

standing in keyjunctions on patrol and, in their view, standing in keyjunctions on patrol and, in theirview, training standing in keyjunctions on patrol and, in their view, training the israeli authorities into doing their job properly. israeli authorities into doing their job properly-— israeli authorities into doing their 'ob --roerl . ~ . , ., ., job properly. with that update from jerusalem, thank _ job properly. with that update from jerusalem, thank you. _ job properly. with that update from jerusalem, thank you. we - job properly. with that update from jerusalem, thank you. we will- job properly. with that update from jerusalem, thank you. we will have j jerusalem, thank you. we will have paul's full report after eight a.m.. a murder investigation has been launched after a woman was found stabbed to death on a beach in bournemouth. dorset police said officers were called to reports of a double stabbing on durley chine beach after 11:30pm last night. one woman was pronounced dead at the scene and another was taken to hospital with very serious injuries. the former post office boss paula vennells has completed three days of public questioning at the inquiry into the horizon it scandal, in which more than 900 sub—postmasters were wrongly prosecuted after faulty software said money was missing from their accounts. her answers included more than 20 apologies, four tearful moments and boos from the gallery. 0ur international business

correspondent theo leggett has more on how it unfolded. reporter: will you take - responsibility, ms vennells? after years of keeping a low profile, paula vennells was thrust into the spotlight this week, and making her way through a scrum of cameras may have been the easy part. she started with an apology. i would just like to say — and i'm gratefulfor the opportunity to do this in person — how sorry i am for all the sub—postmasters and theirfamilies, and others, who suffered as a result of all of the matters that the inquiry has been looking into for so long. there were tears as she was asked about the death of a sub—postmaster who took his own life after being financially ruined by the post office. and i imagine that...i'm sorry. i imagine that i was probably... just pause. yes, 0k. try and compose yourself if you can and then continue your evidence, please. she defended her role. she may have been the boss, she said, but she wasn't responsible

for everything, and she wasn't told everything either. you are not responsible for everything that happens underneath you. you have to rely on the advice of internal and external experts. you still continue to live in a cloud of denial. i by day three of hearing her evidence, the lawyers for the sub—postmasters were clearly unimpressed, and they went on the attack. i didn't know. i nobody told me. i can't remember. i i wasn't shown this. i relied on the lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best of my ability. it is extraordinary, though, isn't it? i because cartwright king, your external lawyers, i know all about it, and yet you're saying that you didn't, _ the board didn't. i mean, this is la—la land, isn't it? - and the sub—postmasters who were watching also seemed unconvinced.

her crocodile tears did not faze me whatsoever. i had to talk to my solicitor, and ijust wish she'd answered the questions instead of going round and round in circles with the same answer. i think she knows a lot more than what she's letting on. i think basically she's lying. after three days of testimony, paula vennells left, flanked by police — the end of another major chapter in one of the biggest scandals the uk has ever seen. theo leggett, bbc news. royal mail is facing an investigation by the communications regulator, 0fcom, into its failure to meet delivery targets. 0fcom rules state that 93% of first—class post should be delivered within one working day of collection, but last year this happened just 75% of the time. 0fcom said it will consider a financial penalty if there isn't a satisfactory explanation. officials in papua new guinea say they fear hundreds of people have

been killed by a massive landslide which struck remote villages. 0ne mp said more than 1,000 homes had been buried in the enga province. emergency crews are being hampered by damage to roads. ajudge has denied a motion by the actor alec baldwin to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge over a fatal shooting on a film set in 2021. halyna hutchins was killed during a rehearsalfor the movie rust in new mexico. mr baldwin pleaded not guilty to the indictment and is set to stand trial injuly. a total ban on smartphones for under—16s is something the next government should consider within its first year, according to a cross—party group of mps. the education select committee says children's mental and physical health is being harmed by the amount of time they spend using technology, which it has found has increased significantly in recent years. we recognise that there is value in children being able to engage

with the digital world, but in a supervised and supported way. and i think the concern is that with internet—enabled mobile phones, that it simply isn't possible to provide that supervision and support all the time. so that's something that we've decided more needed to be done about. applying make—up, eating fast food and using a laptop computer — these are just some of the activities drivers have been filmed doing while on the motorway. they were caught by warwickshire police officers in an unmarked lorry, and the footage was released by national highways ahead of a safety campaign. laura tra nt reports. footage released by national highways has revealed some of the reckless behaviour of drivers behind the wheel.

these two offences are among over 46,150 detected as part of national highways' 0peration tramline campaign, which aims to improve safety on roads. the rac says being distracted behind the wheel seems to be on the rise. this is unbelievably dangerous. having no hands on the wheel beggars belief. the dangers, the consequences, are absolutely frightening. the latest government data shows there've been more fatal collisions

due to distraction than at any other point in the last ten years. 458 people lost their lives due to distraction, and we have this kind of behaviour on our roads. it is absolutely frightening. we just don't need this kind of behaviour on our roads. driving is dangerous enough without people not properly concentrating and being distracted. 0n the m40, this driver was captured using her phone and laptop, oblivious to her actions being caught on camera by the campaign's unmarked hdv. the offence of using a phone behind the wheel carries six penalty points on the licence and a £200 fine. warwickshire police said their aim is to save lives, but that while education of drivers is their priority, due to the high stakes involved in some driving offences, officers will be robust in their actions. laura trant, bbc news.

a plant that went extinct in the wild has been re—introduced to the uk mainland. rosy saxifrage was last seen in the mountains of north wales in 1962, having been killed off by collectors, grazing animals and habitat loss. a cutting was saved by a schoolteacher, who grew it in his garden, and now the flower has been replanted in a secret location in eryri, also known as snowdonia. that is amazing, isn't it, that he saved a clipping and it is back in its natural habitat. hopefully rosy saxifrage will thrive.— its natural habitat. hopefully rosy saxifrage will thrive. elizabeth has the weather _ saxifrage will thrive. elizabeth has the weather for _ saxifrage will thrive. elizabeth has the weather for this _ saxifrage will thrive. elizabeth has the weather for this weekend. i saxifrage will thrive. elizabeth has| the weather for this weekend. lots of people doing things, barbecues, bank holiday weekend, going to sporting events.— bank holiday weekend, going to sporting events. yes, and we need

the weather _ sporting events. yes, and we need the weather to _ sporting events. yes, and we need the weather to play _ sporting events. yes, and we need the weather to play ball _ sporting events. yes, and we need the weather to play ball as - sporting events. yes, and we need the weather to play ball as well. i the weather to play ball as well. but i am afraid it is not going to all the time. also north wales, the scene earlier today was so picturesque. we saw clear skies here last night so there has been a bit of missed developing. a promising start to the day for many of us. this is north yorkshire, where of course we have seen a lot of heavy rain recently. plenty of blue sky and sunshine to kick off this morning. is it going to last? well, i think there will be some more sunshine around at times through the weekend. a bit of everything, to be honest. we are expecting some more heavy and thundery downpours to develop, and that is especially true on sunday and bank holiday monday. if you are still trying to decide what to do and when, just bear in mind that today is the best looking down the long weekend for the vast majority of us. we are sandwiched in between these two fronts, the jammy bit in the middle, with all the sunshine for most of us today. 0ut towards the east, towards lincolnshire, we see outbreaks of rain, more cloud towards the east coast and through the east midlands

as we head through the afternoon and as we head through the afternoon and a bit more cloud over the southwest of england as well. plenty of sunshine in between long sunny spells, a few isolated showers and in the best of the sunshine temperatures will be above the seasonal average, so 16—21. not a bad looking day at all. as we have drew tonight, watch out if you've got plans for this evening, this area of rain gradually pushing further north. it is a messy looking picture and it will be mild, of course. underneath that cloud outbreaks of rain as we head into sunday morning. a disappointing start to the day. the outbreaks of rain for much of the northern half of the uk could see brighter spells developing towards the south. here, watch out for some heavy and thundery downpours. slow—moving, those showers, so they could last for some time with those light winds. the exception to all of that is across northern areas of scotland, where we could keep the

drier and possibly sunny weather for much of the day. temperatures that little bit lower. as we go into bank holiday monday, it is more of the same. we still have this weather front around and that will still be giving us outbreaks of rain, heavy and thundery showers on and off through the day. those will be tracking further east, a bit drier towards the west by the time we get towards the west by the time we get to the end of the afternoon. it's been called a national scandal by the children's commissioner and a crisis by england's most senior family courtjudge. increasing numbers of the most vulnerable children in england and wales are being detained by local authorities, under measures known as deprivation of liberty orders. they're intended as a last resort when suitable places in registered children's homes aren't available. if a local authority is concerned that a child is at serious risk — either from themselves or others — they can apply to the family court

to deprive them of their freedom to keep them safe. the numbers are stark. seven years ago, there were just over 100 applications recorded. but in the last year more than 1,200 children were subject to one of these orders. some of them were placed in hotels, short—term holiday lets and even on canal boats, sometimes overseen by untrained workers. 0ur reporter ashleyjohn—baptiste has been speaking to some of the young people who've lived under them. hanging with friends, making music, posting on socials. everyday things for many young people. but zari's childhood was far from normal. she was in care before she had even started school. i was in care before she had even started school.— started school. i “ust remember bein: started school. i “ust remember being hungry. _ started school. i “ust remember being hungry. a _ started school. ijust remember being hungry, a lot— started school. ijust remember being hungry, a lot of— started school. ijust remember being hungry, a lot of fighting, | being hungry, a lot of fighting, seeing my mum get beat up on stuff

like that. having no food, having to eat dog food. sexual abuse, stuff like that. its, eat dog food. sexual abuse, stuff like that. �* ., ., like that. a decade of failed foster placements _ like that. a decade of failed foster placements followed. _ like that. a decade of failed foster placements followed. she - like that. a decade of failed foster. placements followed. she repeatedly ran away, putting herself at risk of sexual and criminal exploitation. when she was 13, her local authority applied for what is cold a deprivation of liberty order. i ieit deprivation of liberty order. i felt like i needed _ deprivation of liberty order. i felt like i needed help _ deprivation of liberty order. i felt like i needed help and _ deprivation of liberty order. i felt like i needed help and i - deprivation of liberty order. i felt like i needed help and i wasn't given help. i was put into place, locked away. that is not how deal with someone that has been through trauma. . with someone that has been through trauma. , ., , ., ., ., trauma. these orders allow local authorities— trauma. these orders allow local authorities to _ trauma. these orders allow local authorities to take _ trauma. these orders allow local authorities to take away - trauma. these orders allow local. authorities to take away vulnerable children's most basic freedoms when they are deemed at serious risk. the order was meant to keep zara safe, but she says it did anything but. it was literally horrible. i felt trapped, i couldn't do nothing. everything i was doing, they was there. whether i am going to the toilet, cooking something, just

simply going down to the kitchen, they was watching.— they was watching. zarha was detained in _ they was watching. zarha was detained in a _ they was watching. zarha was detained in a care _ they was watching. zarha was detained in a care home i they was watching. zarha was detained in a care home 60 i they was watching. zarha was i detained in a care home 60 miles away. she wasn't allowed a phone or internet access. two workers, often male, would observe her 24 hours a day. male, would observe her 24 hours a da . , .., , ., , ., male, would observe her 24 hours a da. ,., ., day. they could restrain you for the simple fact — day. they could restrain you for the simple fact of _ day. they could restrain you for the simple fact of you _ day. they could restrain you for the simple fact of you going _ day. they could restrain you for the simple fact of you going into i simple fact of you going into crisis, so you could cry and then they will think that you are going to harm yourself, so they can put you on the floor. i don't believe that a teenager that has been sexually exploited should be restrained by two guys. we sexually exploited should be restrained by two guys. we are in contact with _ restrained by two guys. we are in contact with people _ restrained by two guys. we are in contact with people back - restrained by two guys. we are in contact with people back home? | restrained by two guys. we are in i contact with people back home? no, friends contact with people back home? iirr, friends would think i was dead because they had not heard of me. throughout her life, zarha has only had one consistent adult, werner, social worker who supported one of the old foster parents. windows placements broke down, werner stayed in touch. i placements broke down, werner stayed in touch. ~ .., , in touch. i felt like i could trust her. in touch. i felt like i could trust her- she _ in touch. i felt like i could trust her. she was _ in touch. i felt like i could trust her. she was always _ in touch. i felt like i could trust her. she was always there. i in touch. i felt like i could trust| her. she was always there. how in touch. i felt like i could trust i her. she was always there. how is that for you to here, werner? well,

it is a compliment that shows in terms of what the professional roles for zarha should be in herjourney through care, there were gaps. bind through care, there were gaps. and what do you — through care, there were gaps. and what do you think about the fact that she was often restrained by men? ~ , ,., , , , men? absolutely disgusting. i feel that that added _ men? absolutely disgusting. i feel that that added to what _ men? absolutely disgusting. i feel that that added to what she i men? absolutely disgusting. i feel that that added to what she has i men? absolutely disgusting. i feel. that that added to what she has now carried with her. she has been let down multiple times.— carried with her. she has been let down multiple times. when the high court first begun _ down multiple times. when the high court first begun to _ down multiple times. when the high court first begun to issue _ down multiple times. when the high court first begun to issue these i court first begun to issue these orders it was meant to be a last resort, but their use has rocketed in the last seven years. the government recently set up a task force and the children's commissionerfor force and the children's commissioner for england sits on it. this is an absolute national scandal. these are the most vulnerable of our children. they have in affected over the terms of their lives now, often isolated, locked up, taken away from their families, but they have also been affected in their longer term. some miiht sa affected in their longer term. some might say in — affected in their longer term. some might say in some _ affected in their longer term. some might say in some instances, i affected in their longer term. some might say in some instances, a i might say in some instances, a deprivation of liberty order is a necessary resort. what would you say to that? ii a

necessary resort. what would you say to that? . . , ., ., ., to that? if a child is going to harm themselves. _ to that? if a child is going to harm themselves, i'm _ to that? if a child is going to harm themselves, i'm somebody i to that? if a child is going to harm themselves, i'm somebody else i to that? if a child is going to harm| themselves, i'm somebody else or harm others, we might need to protect them, but i can't think there are better ways to achieve this. ., , ., ., , , this. the orders are not “ust used for children in i this. the orders are not “ust used for children in care i this. the orders are not “ust used for children in care and i this. the orders are notjust used for children in care and foster i for children in care and foster homes. some are removed from their families. that is what happened to katie, who spent more than two years in her mid teens separated from her nana and sister. mi; in her mid teens separated from her nana and sister.— nana and sister. my noun, she lived near to the — nana and sister. my noun, she lived near to the place, _ nana and sister. my noun, she lived near to the place, so _ nana and sister. my noun, she lived near to the place, so i _ nana and sister. my noun, she lived near to the place, so i used - nana and sister. my noun, she lived near to the place, so i used to i nana and sister. my noun, she lived near to the place, so i used to run. | near to the place, so i used to run. i obviously didn't want to be in his care home, they want my family, so obviously i ran off. i'm getting dragged, literally getting dragged, back. i didn't know they were hiding around the corner from me. these around the corner from me. these were workers? _ around the corner from me. these were workers? yes, _ around the corner from me. these were workers? yes, these - around the corner from me. these were workers? yes, these were i were workers? yes, these were workers. _ were workers? yes, these were workers. they — were workers? yes, these were workers, they literally - were workers? yes, these were workers, they literally draggedl were workers? yes, these were i workers, they literally dragged me. it was not the only time where katie felt the workers people's actions were excessive. i felt the workers people's actions were excessive.— felt the workers people's actions were excessive. . , , ., were excessive. i was in the shower, ah, an were excessive. i was in the shower, yah. an of— were excessive. i was in the shower, yah. an of se! _ were excessive. i was in the shower, yah. an of se! 14 _ were excessive. i was in the shower, yah, an of se! 14 at _ were excessive. i was in the shower, yah, an of se! 14 at the _ were excessive. i was in the shower, yah, an of se! 14 at the time. - were excessive. i was in the shower, yah, an of se! 14 at the time. the i yah, an of se! 14 at the time. the sky was supervising me. a bit weird. he was knocking on the door saying, if you don't come out, i'm going to

bust it all down. and then, anyway, so... and hejumped on me, obviously when i was, like, naked. this so... and hejumped on me, obviously when i was, like, naked.— when i was, like, naked. this was a worker? yes. _ when i was, like, naked. this was a worker? yes. a _ when i was, like, naked. this was a worker? yes, a guy, _ when i was, like, naked. this was a worker? yes, a guy, a _ when i was, like, naked. this was a worker? yes, a guy, a support- worker? yes, a guy, a support worker. worker? yes, a guy, a support worker- why— worker? yes, a guy, a support worker. why did _ worker? yes, a guy, a support worker. why did he _ worker? yes, a guy, a support worker. why did he do - worker? yes, a guy, a support worker. why did he do that? i worker? yes, a guy, a support- worker. why did he do that? because it is about power. _ worker. why did he do that? because it is about power. children _ worker. why did he do that? because it is about power. children services i it is about power. children services sa the it is about power. children services say they only _ it is about power. children services say they only use _ it is about power. children services say they only use these _ it is about power. children services say they only use these orders i it is about power. children services. say they only use these orders when a child is extremely vulnerable and the increase is due to more young people with serious needs entering the care system. for zarha, was she views being deprived of liberty is something that has worsened her trauma, at least she has verna. essen trauma, at least she has verna. even to now, i trauma, at least she has verna. even to now. i have _ trauma, at least she has verna. even to now. i have my — trauma, at least she has verna. even to now, i have my bad _ trauma, at least she has verna. even to now, i have my bad days. - trauma, at least she has verna. even to now, i have my bad days. so i feel, like, yeah, she has saved me, she has definitely saved me. you have! because i would be dead, i promise you i would be dead. i have never been loved. i actually ain't been loved, you know what i'm trying to say? and you taught me what it feels like to be loved. and it's real, as well, innit? i feels like to be loved. and it's real, as well, innit?— feels like to be loved. and it's real, as well, innit? i am really

t in: to real, as well, innit? i am really trying to contain _ real, as well, innit? i am really trying to contain myself. - real, as well, innit? i am really trying to contain myself. i - real, as well, innit? i am really trying to contain myself. i love| trying to contain myself. i love ou. that report by ashleyjohn—baptiste, who joins us now. good morning to you. we were really shocked by these numbers and the thing that struck me was whether or not this would happen if these young people were in a position to advocate for themselves or if there was somebody advocating for them. it is as if there is an absence of resources in every area. yeah. for this report — resources in every area. yeah. for this report i _ resources in every area. yeah. for this report i have _ resources in every area. yeah. for this report i have spoken - resources in every area. yeah. for this report i have spoken to - resources in every area. yeah. for this report i have spoken to six - this report i have spoken to six young people who have all been deprived of liberty, and these are really vulnerable and hard to reach young people. ispoke really vulnerable and hard to reach young people. i spoke to an 18—year—old. she was too vulnerable to film, but she spoke about being made to go without a bed for nearly a year because there were concerns that she would use a mattress to hurt herself. i spoke to a 17—year—old boy, at 1a years old he was put under one of these orders to —— for nearly two years. now, as a teenager he also spent time in custody, in a young offenders institution. on remand for an

offence that he was ultimately acquitted of. he said that he preferred prison to being deprived of his liberty. all the young people i spoke to, they all said they felt they were worse off as a result of being deprived of their liberty. i wonder, then, hearing those stories and the young people you spoke to, it is very harrowing hearing their experiences, very damaging. the wider question, i suppose, experiences, very damaging. the wider question, isuppose, is is experiences, very damaging. the wider question, i suppose, is is the problem with the deprivation of liberty orders themselves, is that something that should be stopped within the court system or is it the way they are administered? the budgets, if you like, that becomes irrelevant at some point, doesn't it? , , irrelevant at some point, doesn't it? , it? experts across the board acknowledge _ it? experts across the board acknowledge there - it? experts across the board acknowledge there are - it? experts across the board - acknowledge there are instances where a child whose vulnerable needs to be detained, and they freedoms need to be restricted to keep them safe. it is a last resort measure. the problem, according to the

children's commissioner for england, rachel desousa, is that this measure is extremely punitive. she says it fails to provide therapeutic care. she calls for more therapeutic children's homes as a means to support some of these vulnerable children. . , support some of these vulnerable children. ., , ., ., , ., children. immediately that leads to mone , children. immediately that leads to money. doesn't _ children. immediately that leads to money, doesn't it? _ children. immediately that leads to money, doesn't it? as— children. immediately that leads to money, doesn't it? as i _ children. immediately that leads to i money, doesn't it? as i understand it, and i know that you spoke to shandra mcfarlane, who was a very seniorjudge and looking after family issues, and the impression i am getting, and you tell me what he said, was thatjudges find themselves having to make these orders almost knowing that they are not going to be good for the young person, but in the absence of other alternatives. person, but in the absence of other alternatives-— alternatives. absolutely. i spoke to the most senior— alternatives. absolutely. i spoke to the most senior family _ alternatives. absolutely. i spoke to the most senior family court - alternatives. absolutely. i spoke to| the most senior family court judge, the most senior family courtjudge, sandra mcfarlane, and he says there is a lack of what is called secure accommodation, that is bespoke accommodation, that is bespoke accommodation to keep children secure. so he has no alternative but

to grant one of these orders, and he does it through gritted teeth. he does it through gritted teeth. he does it through gritted teeth. he does it reluctantly. he is really concerned about the accommodation, many children are being placed on properties not designed for care. he told me about having to make grant applications to children who cannot be deprived their liberty. some applications to children who cannot be deprived their liberty.— be deprived their liberty. some of the workers _ be deprived their liberty. some of the workers are _ be deprived their liberty. some of the workers are completely - the workers are completely untrained, the locum staff, that have been called in without any training. the association of directors for children's services say it is fuel artefact that there are just many more young people with serious and diverse needs entering the care system. so that is a wider issue. what is going on there? indeed. more children with complex needs entering the care system. we have more children in the care system than ever. find have more children in the care system than ever.— have more children in the care system than ever. and that is huge, isn't it? because _ system than ever. and that is huge, isn't it? because we _ system than ever. and that is huge, isn't it? because we know— system than ever. and that is huge, isn't it? because we know that - isn't it? because we know that social workers, isn't it? because we know that socialworkers, it isn't it? because we know that social workers, it is a massive decision to take children away from theirfamilies. decision to take children away from their families.—

their families. yeah, and they are touchin: their families. yeah, and they are touching on _ their families. yeah, and they are touching on should _ their families. yeah, and they are touching on should have - their families. yeah, and they are touching on should have been - touching on should have been deprived of their liberty, he touched on the fact that some children are young offenders and previously they would have been placed in the criminaljustice system, in young offenders institutions, but now they are being put on these orders, equally, children with mental health problems who would previously be placed in inpatient units are now being deprived of their liberty. so as more children with these complex needs are entering the system, local authorities are increasingly resorting to this tool is a measure to keep children safe.— resorting to this tool is a measure to keep children safe. because they have no other _ to keep children safe. because they have no other options? _ to keep children safe. because they have no other options? no - to keep children safe. because they have no other options? no other. have no other options? no other 0 tions. laura trant, bbc news. dame rachel desousa, the children's commissioner, said that this is a national scandal. when you see stories like this, you would hope that it would get looked at officially. what officially have you heard in terms of the response to what you've witnessed in the stories you've heard? 50 what you've witnessed in the stories you've heard?— what you've witnessed in the stories ou've heard? ., ., ,~' you've heard? so the government task force has recently _ you've heard? so the government task force has recently been _ you've heard? so the government task

force has recently been established . force has recently been established to tackle the growing use of this order. the children's commissioner for england, dame rachel desousa, sits on the task force, which i suppose shows that there is some level of concern about the growing use of this order. i should say that the department for education say they are investing more than £400 million to expand the provision of children's services.— million to expand the provision of children's services. finally, what a leaend children's services. finally, what a legend werner _ children's services. finally, what a legend werner appears _ children's services. finally, what a legend werner appears to - children's services. finally, what a legend werner appears to be. - children's services. finally, what a legend werner appears to be. she j children's services. finally, what a l legend werner appears to be. she is an unsun: legend werner appears to be. she is an unsung hero. _ legend werner appears to be. she is an unsung hero. she _ legend werner appears to be. she is an unsung hero. she has _ legend werner appears to be. she is an unsung hero. she has gone - legend werner appears to be. sue: 3 an unsung hero. she has gone above and beyond to support us, and her undying support and care for zara is the best of humanity, i would say. zara saying she taught me i could be loved was so moving, isn't it? interesting amongst those stories that you _ interesting amongst those stories that you do also hear stories of amazing — that you do also hear stories of amazing good, good people shining through _ amazing good, good people shining through. she amazing good, good people shining throuuh. ,, , , , through. she is living her best life. she through. she is living her best life- she is — through. she is living her best life. she is in _ through. she is living her best life. she is in tokyo _ through. she is living her best

life. she is in tokyo on - through. she is living her best. life. she is in tokyo on holiday, well—deserved, i would say. she is an absolute star. well-deserved, iwould say. she is an absolute star.— an absolute star. hope you are havin: a an absolute star. hope you are having a great _ an absolute star. hope you are having a great time, _ an absolute star. hope you are having a great time, werner. l you can hear more about this later. one way to help vulnerable children is to become a foster carer. fostering groups say the experience can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. our reporter debbie tubby has been speaking to one foster family about how it has shaped their lives. my my mother, i didn't know this at the time, but she wanted to keep me a little longerfor time, but she wanted to keep me a little longer for christmas so we could have that last time. later on it was at school that i got brought home. there were some people, as

clear as i can remember, told me just say goodbye to mum and everyone give him a hug. just say goodbye to mum and everyone give him a hug-— give him a hug. michaelwas eight ears old give him a hug. michaelwas eight years old when — give him a hug. michaelwas eight years old when he _ give him a hug. michaelwas eight years old when he was _ give him a hug. michaelwas eight years old when he was taken - give him a hug. michaelwas eight years old when he was taken into | years old when he was taken into foster care. he is now taking gcse art and hoping to study at college. he prefers to concentrate on the present then talk about his past. six years ago he was fostered by clive and his husband. i six years ago he was fostered by clive and his husband.— clive and his husband. i never thouuht clive and his husband. i never thought i _ clive and his husband. i never thought i could _ clive and his husband. i never thought i could do _ clive and his husband. i never thought i could do that, - clive and his husband. i never. thought i could do that, actually, because as a gay man you weren't allowed to. but things changed, society changed, and that's where the opportunity came from. my husband that i considered it, and thought, yes, we've got a room, we've got love to give. he really pushed himself forward and dedicated himself to learning and stuff like that, so really proud of him. so they are two brothers, but she doesn't — they are two brothers, but she doesn't know what the long—term plan is going _ doesn't know what the long—term plan is going to _ doesn't know what the long—term plan is going to be for them, and they are iooking — is going to be for them, and they are looking to separate them. at the local charity. —

are looking to separate them. at the local charity. they — are looking to separate them. at the local charity, they are _ are looking to separate them. at the local charity, they are discussing - local charity, they are discussing the latest fostering case. what the latest fostering case. what would be the _ the latest fostering case. what would be the reason _ the latest fostering case. what would be the reason for - the latest fostering case. what would be the reason for separating them, _ would be the reason for separating them, does — would be the reason for separating them, does he _ would be the reason for separating them, does he say? _ would be the reason for separating them, does he say?— would be the reason for separating them, does he say? there are more children in — them, does he say? there are more children in the _ them, does he say? there are more children in the system _ them, does he say? there are more children in the system wanting - them, does he say? there are more children in the system wanting the l children in the system wanting the home that foster carers. i children in the system wanting the home that foster carers.— home that foster carers. i think that is probably _ home that foster carers. i think that is probably because - home that foster carers. i think that is probably because there l home that foster carers. i think i that is probably because there are home that foster carers. i think - that is probably because there are a lot that is probably because there are a iot of— that is probably because there are a lot of misconceptions about it and we know — lot of misconceptions about it and we know that people think about foster _ we know that people think about foster caring for a long time, sometimes years, before they finally take a _ sometimes years, before they finally take a ieap— sometimes years, before they finally take a leap to find the right child. finding _ take a leap to find the right child. finding the right child is critical, thus— finding the right child is critical, thus knowing that when they move that they _ thus knowing that when they move that they can stay there.— that they can stay there. foster carers are _ that they can stay there. foster carers are paid _ that they can stay there. foster carers are paid around - that they can stay there. foster carers are paid around £660 . that they can stay there. foster carers are paid around £660 a i that they can stay there. foster - carers are paid around £660 a week, but it is not easy money. it has its challenges and rewards. it but it is not easy money. it has its challenges and rewards.— challenges and rewards. it wasn't about the rewards. _ challenges and rewards. it wasn't about the rewards. it _ challenges and rewards. it wasn't about the rewards. it was - challenges and rewards. it wasn't about the rewards. it was about | about the rewards. it was about providing that opportunity for somebody, so regardless of what they bring to the door, we just hope that we have helped and provided that support that michael feels he can explore the world. ii support that michael feels he can explore the world.— explore the world. if you give it time, explore the world. if you give it time. the _ explore the world. if you give it time, the things _ explore the world. if you give it time, the things that _ explore the world. if you give it time, the things that have - explore the world. if you give it. time, the things that have stopped them _ time, the things that have stopped them from living normally fade away.

when _ them from living normally fade away. when you _ them from living normally fade away. when you foster, it is going to be difficult _ when you foster, it is going to be difficult at — when you foster, it is going to be difficult at first, but when you get to know _ difficult at first, but when you get to know each other, you are going to be to know each other, you are going to he like _ to know each other, you are going to he like a _ to know each other, you are going to be like a normal family. the weekend is here, but there won't be much rest for the political hopefuls canvassing for votes. since rishi sunak�*s general election announcement on wednesday, we've seen the party leaders out and about setting out their priorities. over the next six weeks, candidates from all 650 constituencies across the uk will be trying to win your vote. this morning we're focusing on bedford, which saw one of the slimmest labour majorities in the last election. in 2019 labour beat the conservatives byjust 145 votes, but will it be as close this time round? our reporter simon ward has been meeting constituents.

bedford, a melting pot of communities that straddles the great ouze, known for its festivals celebrating the river and the population. but what are the issues facing the town? i population. but what are the issues facing the town?— population. but what are the issues facing the town? i was referred here from the doctors _ facing the town? i was referred here from the doctors and _ facing the town? i was referred here from the doctors and i _ facing the town? i was referred here from the doctors and i went - facing the town? i was referred here from the doctors and i went to - facing the town? i was referred here from the doctors and i went to the l from the doctors and i went to the doctors to talk about my mental health. ., . ' ., , , health. pro'ect 229, a community hub where kaz health. project 229, a community hub where kaz volunteers. _ health. project 229, a community hub where kaz volunteers. it _ health. project 229, a community hub where kaz volunteers. it can - health. project 229, a community hub where kaz volunteers. it can be - health. project 229, a community hub where kaz volunteers. it can be a - where kaz volunteers. it can be a stru: ale where kaz volunteers. it can be a struggle because _ where kaz volunteers. it can be a struggle because you _ where kaz volunteers. it can be a struggle because you don't - where kaz volunteers. it can be a struggle because you don't want| where kaz volunteers. it can be a i struggle because you don't want to go out, you don't want to face people. is go out, you don't want to face --eole. , ., , ., people. is there enough support for --eole in people. is there enough support for people in your _ people. is there enough support for people in your situation? _ people. is there enough support for people in your situation? there - people. is there enough support for people in your situation? there are | people in your situation? there are some people _ people in your situation? there are some people that _ people in your situation? there are some people that have _ people in your situation? there are some people that have got - people in your situation? there are l some people that have got additional needs. they do suffer with mental health, and i don't think there's enough support for them at all. i think the cost of living and the financial crisis and how hard people found that, and the impact of that on mental health, as much as anything, they are very wrapped up. for the manager here, the cost of

living crisis, driving debt and anxiety. living crisis, driving debt and anxie . ~ . , living crisis, driving debt and anxie .~ ., __ living crisis, driving debt and anxie. ., anxiety. we are very busy, yes, and all the services _ anxiety. we are very busy, yes, and all the services are _ anxiety. we are very busy, yes, and all the services are busy. _ anxiety. we are very busy, yes, and all the services are busy. people - all the services are busy. people are struggling with increased costs, cost of living. it is a massive one. i think people are struggling since covid. a lot of people that have had ill health or may be other vulnerabilities have struggled getting back into the world again. i had a local counsellor saying, oh, is exportation an issue in bedford, then? _ is exportation an issue in bedford, then? i_ is exportation an issue in bedford, then? i was— is exportation an issue in bedford, then? i was like, yes, is exportation an issue in bedford, then? iwas like, yes, really is exportation an issue in bedford, then? i was like, yes, really big issue _ then? i was like, yes, really big issue 0h. _ then? i was like, yes, really big issue 0h. i_ then? i was like, yes, really big issue. 0h, ididn't then? i was like, yes, really big issue. oh, i didn't think we had that— issue. oh, i didn't think we had that around _ issue. oh, i didn't think we had that around here. at issue. oh, i didn't think we had that around here.— issue. oh, i didn't think we had that around here. at link to change, which works — that around here. at link to change, which works in _ that around here. at link to change, which works in bedford _ that around here. at link to change, which works in bedford and - that around here. at link to change, which works in bedford and across i which works in bedford and across the country, financial problems driving childhood crime.- the country, financial problems driving childhood crime. where we ma have driving childhood crime. where we may have had _ driving childhood crime. where we may have had some _ driving childhood crime. where we may have had some young - driving childhood crime. where we may have had some young people| driving childhood crime. where we - may have had some young people that were on— may have had some young people that were on the _ may have had some young people that were on the fringes of exploitation, they are _ were on the fringes of exploitation, they are really becoming more and more _ they are really becoming more and more entrenched because of that lure for the _ more entrenched because of that lure for the money to be able to have that home — for the money to be able to have that home environment and support, whatever— that home environment and support, whatever their situation is at home. we are _ whatever their situation is at home. we are at— whatever their situation is at home. we are at an — whatever their situation is at home. we are at an over 300% increase

within— we are at an over 300% increase within the _ we are at an over 300% increase within the last three years. if something isn't done now, it's going to continue — something isn't done now, it's going to continue to get worse.— to continue to get worse. bedford she has more _ to continue to get worse. bedford she has more police _ to continue to get worse. bedford she has more police officers - to continue to get worse. bedford she has more police officers than| she has more police officers than ever before. the crime survey in england and wales also reported overall crime is falling. in bedford, where in the census just 55% identified as white and british, another reason for optimism. diversity... another reason for optimism. diversity- - -— diversity... libby runs a town centre cafe. _ diversity... libby runs a town centre cafe. we've _ diversity... libby runs a town centre cafe. we've got - diversity... libby runs a town . centre cafe. we've got universal turnini centre cafe. we've got universal turning up. _ centre cafe. we've got universal turning up, we've _ centre cafe. we've got universal turning up, we've got _ centre cafe. we've got universal turning up, we've got new- centre cafe. we've got universal turning up, we've got new ideas| centre cafe. we've got universal - turning up, we've got new ideas with town shops, town centre is going to be redone. ~ . ,, , town shops, town centre is going to be redone-— be redone. whichever issues rise to the centre in _ be redone. whichever issues rise to the centre in bedford, _ be redone. whichever issues rise to the centre in bedford, in _ be redone. whichever issues rise to the centre in bedford, in a - be redone. whichever issues rise to the centre in bedford, in a seat - be redone. whichever issues rise to the centre in bedford, in a seat so i the centre in bedford, in a seat so marginal, every vote might count. less tha n less than six weeks and we will be looking at lots of those constituencies where every single vote workout. fast forward to — i think i have got this right, at 3pm kick off this afternoon and two

teams, great rivals from one city, will be emerging from where you are now. , g; , , now. they will indeed. 3pm this afternoon. _ now. they will indeed. 3pm this afternoon, actually _ now. they will indeed. 3pm this afternoon, actually about - now. they will indeed. 3pm this afternoon, actually about 2:50 i now. they will indeed. 3pm this - afternoon, actually about 2:50 p.m. , afternoon, actually about 2:50 p.m., the players will be coming down from one of the most famous spots on any sporting arena in the world, the tunnel at wembley. just inside that you've got the manchester united dressing room on that side, the manchester city one on that side, and they will be coming out here. the pinnacle for many players in their career, many players don't get to do this, to walk out with the eyes of the world and 92,000 fans watching on. the fireworks, but manchester city and manchester united will have the second year running they are doing this, to face each other, which is pretty incredible. very different stories from the different camps, as pep guardiola and manchester city take their seats in the management dugout, trying to do that double — double, so the league and fa cup trophies, for the second year running. on this side, you have to feel for erik ten hag and his team.

pressure and speculation on the manchester united manager, even if they were to win the fa cup. there are rumours swirling around that he will be sacked anyway. how about that, going into a match with that on your mind. he is trying to put it out of his mind, of course, because the club hasn't commented on that and there has been, according to bbc sport, no official communication between the club and ten hag about that speculation. ten hag has come out fighting and has been defending his record at manchester united. will be in a very different place if we win— will be in a very different place if we win on— will be in a very different place if we win on saturday, because we will be we win on saturday, because we will he in _ we win on saturday, because we will he in europe — we win on saturday, because we will be in europe and we will have another— be in europe and we will have another trophy, be in europe and we will have anothertrophy, but be in europe and we will have another trophy, but still, three finais _ another trophy, but still, three finals in — another trophy, but still, three finals in two seasons, that is very good. _ finals in two seasons, that is very good, i_ finals in two seasons, that is very good, i would say, finals in two seasons, that is very good, iwould say, because finals in two seasons, that is very good, i would say, because this club, _ good, i would say, because this club, when _ good, i would say, because this club, when i entered, was not in a good— club, when i entered, was not in a good state. — club, when i entered, was not in a good state, absolutely not. i think we proved — good state, absolutely not. i think we proved a lot, and even when you consider— we proved a lot, and even when you consider aii— we proved a lot, and even when you consider all the injuries we have,

it is a _ consider all the injuries we have, it is a horrible season for us, and absoluter— that had to change. in that long eriod, that had to change. in that long period. we _ that had to change. in that long period, we have _ that had to change. in that long period, we have been _ that had to change. in that long period, we have been better- that had to change. in that long i period, we have been better than that had to change. in that long - period, we have been better than we have in— period, we have been better than we have in years — period, we have been better than we have in years in— period, we have been better than we have in years. in fact, _ period, we have been better than we have in years. in fact, every- period, we have been better than we have in years. in fact, every game i have in years. in fact, every game we are _ have in years. in fact, every game we are there _ have in years. in fact, every game we are there. but— have in years. in fact, every game we are there. but the _ have in years. in fact, every game we are there. but the one - have in years. in fact, every game we are there. but the one game, i we are there. but the one game, everything — we are there. but the one game, everything can— we are there. but the one game, everything can happen, - we are there. but the one game, everything can happen, and - we are there. but the one game, everything can happen, and the i everything can happen, and the players — everything can happen, and the players know— everything can happen, and the players know it _ everything can happen, and the players know it and _ everything can happen, and the players know it and feel- everything can happen, and the players know it and feel it, - everything can happen, and the players know it and feel it, and | everything can happen, and thei players know it and feel it, and i hope _ players know it and feel it, and i hope we — players know it and feel it, and i hope we are _ players know it and feel it, and i hope we are ready _ players know it and feel it, and i hope we are ready to _ players know it and feel it, and i hope we are ready to play- players know it and feel it, and i hope we are ready to play at - players know it and feel it, and i hope we are ready to play at thej hope we are ready to play at the last game — hope we are ready to play at the last game of— hope we are ready to play at the last game of the _ hope we are ready to play at the last game of the season - hope we are ready to play at the last game of the season and - hope we are ready to play at the last game of the season and to. hope we are ready to play at the i last game of the season and to try, if i can _ last game of the season and to try, if i can the — last game of the season and to try, if i can the fa_ last game of the season and to try, if i can. the fa cup— last game of the season and to try, if i can. the fa cup is— last game of the season and to try, if i can. the fa cup is the _ last game of the season and to try, if i can. the fa cup is the fa - last game of the season and to try, if i can. the fa cup is the fa cup, i if i can. the fa cup is the fa cup, and that— if i can. the fa cup is the fa cup, and that is— if i can. the fa cup is the fa cup, and that is why— if i can. the fa cup is the fa cup, and that is why it _ if i can. the fa cup is the fa cup, and that is why it deserves - if i can. the fa cup is the fa cup, and that is why it deserves our. and that is why it deserves our focus — yes, it would make such a difference if manchester united can upset the oddsin if manchester united can upset the odds in terms of what they have to show for this very difficult season, to actually lift the fa cup against their great rivals. that is the story here. it is the same sort of story here. it is the same sort of story in scotland on cup final day. at 3pm kick off and the two great glasgow rivals, the old firm, celtic

against ranges for the scottish cup, and rangers are trying to deny celtic the double in scotland. it is the first time they have gone head—to—head in a showpiece event in over 20 years. it'll be packed out at hampden park, with a 50—50 ticket split for supporters. looking ahead to the big game is our sports news correspondent chris mclaughlin. once again hampton park is the setting for the most important date in scotland's soccer calendar, the cup final. in scotland's soccer calendar, the cu final. �* ,., in scotland's soccer calendar, the cu final. �* in scotland's soccer calendar, the cufinal. �* , cup final. and so it has been, unchanged. _ cup final. and so it has been, unchanged, for _ cup final. and so it has been, unchanged, for the _ cup final. and so it has been, unchanged, for the past - cup final. and so it has been, unchanged, for the past 150 i cup final. and so it has been, - unchanged, for the past 150 years. making this the oldest trophy in association foot pole. what making this the oldest trophy in association foot pole.— association foot pole. what an occasion. _ association foot pole. what an occasion, what _ association foot pole. what an occasion, what a _ association foot pole. what an occasion, what a setting. - association foot pole. what an | occasion, what a setting. celtic association foot pole. what an - occasion, what a setting. celtic on the left in the cup final against the left in the cup final against the famous rangers... glasgow's big two have contested _ the famous rangers... glasgow's big two have contested the _ the famous rangers... glasgow's big two have contested the final - the famous rangers... glasgow's big two have contested the final 15 - two have contested the final 15 times, their names carved collectively 75 times. but they haven't played each other in the final for over 20 years. now, haven't played each other in the finalfor over 20 years. now, add to that a close title race where celtic came out on top and a 50—50 split of

fans this time and it has the ingredients of a cracker. i5 fans this time and it has the ingredients of a cracker. is a fans this time and it has the ingredients of a cracker. is a great showiece ingredients of a cracker. is a great showpiece for _ ingredients of a cracker. is a great showpiece for scottish _ ingredients of a cracker. is a great showpiece for scottish football, i ingredients of a cracker. is a great. showpiece for scottish football, and like i said, brilliant to be involved in as a player. this is why you play football. and if this doesn't get you excited then you are probably in the wrong sport. we doesn't get you excited then you are probably in the wrong sport.- probably in the wrong sport. we fell short in a few _ probably in the wrong sport. we fell short in a few games _ probably in the wrong sport. we fell short in a few games this _ probably in the wrong sport. we fell short in a few games this season, i short in a few games this season, but we _ short in a few games this season, but we also — short in a few games this season, but we also have the league cup, and we have _ but we also have the league cup, and we have the _ but we also have the league cup, and we have the chance to get another trophy. _ we have the chance to get another trophy, and we will do everything possible — trophy, and we will do everything possible to try to get that. the ran . es possible to try to get that. the ranges are _ possible to try to get that. the ranges are a — possible to try to get that. the ranges are a strong chance for a penalty — ranges are a strong chance for a enal . ., ., ., .., . penalty. for over a decade, celtic have dominated _ penalty. for over a decade, celtic have dominated the _ penalty. for over a decade, celtic have dominated the scottish - penalty. for over a decade, celtic i have dominated the scottish game. this was the last time they met in a final in 2002. back in the days when rangers winning trophies was the norm. not the case these days. we know norm. not the case these days. , know that over his two spells in charge, brendan rodgers has lost us, i think it is one defeat in 17. that is an extraordinary record. unless that changes, ranges aren't going to

win the major trophies in scotland because they will have to get past celtic. and under rodgers in the cups especially, his record is perfect, ten out of ten visits. there is little doubting the holders are the favourites. the focus on the trophy on the 150th birthday, one of the biggest derbies in the game. one other football story. wayne rooney is expected to be confirmed as the new plymouth argyle boss later today. should all go according to plan, this will be the former england captain's third managerial role in england after spells at derby county and birmingham city, the latter of which saw him lose nine of his 15 matches before being sacked. european rugby's champions cup comes to climax today as irish giants leinster take on a toulouse side featuring antoine dupont, arguably the world's best player, at the tottenham hotspur stadium. last night at the same venue, the sharks of south africa had too much for a game gloucester side in

the final of the european challenge cup. featuring a number of springbok multiple world cup winners, including tryscorer makazole mapimpi, they ran out winners by 36—22 in north london. st helens moved to the top of super league last night with a convincing 40—10 victory over leeds. jack welsby ran in two tries to take his tally for the season to 11 in 12 matches, as saints added a further five to jump above wigan into first, until sunday at least. in other matches, there were wins for castleford over hull fc, while leigh leopards beat huddersfield giants. it's looking like it could be another tricky weekend for formula one world champion max verstappen. he complained his car was bouncing like a kangaroo as he finished

fourth in practice for the monaco grand prix. he believes home favourite charles leclerc is miles ahead of the field after the ferrari driver topped the timesheets in friday practice on the tight and twisty street circuit in his home town. surprisingly, lewis hamilton was second for mercedes in one of his best performances of the season. it has been a good day, definitely been the best day we have had on track. i think the car was feeling really positive, really enjoying driving it. the track is amazing. it has been quite good. we still have some challenges with the balance, but it was looking strong. back here at wembley — but it was looking strong. back here at wembley the _ but it was looking strong. back here at wembley the sun _ but it was looking strong. back here at wembley the sun is _ but it was looking strong. back here at wembley the sun is starting - but it was looking strong. back here at wembley the sun is starting to i at wembley the sun is starting to shine on the manchester city and, at least, the way it is poking through, and there are, i am counting, ten lawnmowers out on the pitch now. it has really come to life. i was

thinking about the collective noun for lawnmowers. how about, a "mow—tion"? a "mow—tion" of lawnmowers. i am sure you can do better. the grass looks incredible anyway but they are making sure it is even more pristine for the big match. . is even more pristine for the big match. , ,., ., ., match. there is something amazing about those — match. there is something amazing about those stadiums, _ match. there is something amazing about those stadiums, mike, - match. there is something amazing about those stadiums, mike, when| about those stadiums, mike, when they are empty, before the occasion. i know you have in their many times, you just get a real sense of the scale of the place, don't you? you do. it is scale of the place, don't you? you do- it is such _ scale of the place, don't you? you do. it is such a _ scale of the place, don't you? you do. it is such a privilege to go and look around and there is no—one else here, literally, apart from a few of the other night security staff, and you can touch the dressing rooms. you can't go into them, of course, they are locked. but being there and thinking, this is where the likes of him higher are going to be afternoon, getting motivated, and then when you come out here there is nobody ever sees yet but you get the feeling, the imagination of the scale of it, 92,000 fans, and you think about the worldwide audience as well. it is huge.—

there is no feeling like a football fan walking up to wembley. we'll be back with the headlines at 8:00am, but now it's time for newswatch. six busy weeks had the politicians and the bbcjournalists. welcome to newswatch with me, reginie vinaldin, standing infor newswatch with me, reginie vinaldin, standing in for some error. —— rajini vaidyanathan. coming up, as the prime ministerfires rajini vaidyanathan. coming up, as the prime minister fires the starting gun for the election, how should the bbc enforce different coverage for different parties. and how will audiences remain engaged during the blizzard of speeches and photo opportunities to come? expectation, speculation and rumours about the date of the general election have been growing for months. but during the day on wednesday they reached fever pitch.

it was already a busy newsday with the former chief executive of the post office, paula vennells, giving evidence to the enquiry of the horizon it scandal, much of it covered live on the bbc news channel. if you are steve smith was watching, and he takes up the story. the enquiry had reached a crucial point and the kc was just about to question her on a briefing note which was put up on the screen, the first line was highlighted, there were 13 minutes to go, and what happened then? . make an election called today, hasn't _ . make an election called today, hasn't given an answer. so we wait to hear— hasn't given an answer. so we wait to hear anything official. the screen switched _ to hear anything official. tue: screen switched over to hear anything official. ti2 screen switched over to to hear anything official. ii2 screen switched over to your presenter standing outside ten downing st. telling us that at some point, the prime minister was about to announce the date of the next election. we knew this anyway because the right—hand side of the screen, during the enquiry, had been given over to the statement that

only election was going to happen in the second half of the year. i can understand that you don't want to be scooped by itv news and i won the election was going to be announced, but it hadn't been announced at that point. there was nothing to report. how are sub— postmaster who had waited years to see paula vennells up waited years to see paula vennells up before the kc, had they must�*ve felt, i cannot imagine. they must have been absolutely furious. so i think it was a dreadful editorial decision. , , ., , decision. so, this is it, general is on... of course, _ decision. so, this is it, general is on... of course, since _ decision. so, this is it, general is on... of course, since then - decision. so, this is it, general is on... of course, since then we i decision. so, this is it, general is i on... of course, since then we have been given — on... of course, since then we have been given wall-to-wall _ on... of course, since then we have been given wall-to-wall coverage i on... of course, since then we have| been given wall-to-wall coverage of been given wall—to—wall coverage of the election. you wonder why people get turned off of politics. quite frankly, there is your answer right there. ,, ., , �* frankly, there is your answer right there. ,, �* ., ., frankly, there is your answer right there. ,, ., , �* ., ., ., ~' there. steve wasn't alone in making that complaint- _ there. steve wasn't alone in making that complaint. so _ there. steve wasn't alone in making that complaint. so we _ there. steve wasn't alone in making that complaint. so we put _ there. steve wasn't alone in making that complaint. so we put it - there. steve wasn't alone in making that complaint. so we put it to - there. steve wasn't alone in making that complaint. so we put it to bbc| that complaint. so we put it to bbc news, and they gave us this response.

well, about an hour after that, prime finally confirmed the rumours with a very wet and rather noisy statement outside number ten. earlier today i spoke with his majesty the king, to request the dissolution of parliament. the king has granted to this request and we will have a general election on the fourth ofjuly. will have a general election on the fourth ofjuly— fourth ofjuly. well, come rain or shine, fourth ofjuly. well, come rain or shine. bbc— fourth ofjuly. well, come rain or shine, bbcjournalists _ fourth ofjuly. well, come rain or shine, bbc journalists will - fourth ofjuly. well, come rain or shine, bbcjournalists will be - shine, bbcjournalists will be spending much of the next few weeks

out and about following politicians speaking to voters and examining the key issues. so we asked you on social media what your hopes and requests were for the bbc�*s coverage of the campaign. here were some of the many responses we received, starting with this plea from tim burns. aaron hoare's advice: tea m wa nted team wanted bbc news to make both parties address brexit. its legacy to date, and some honesty about what should happen next. in four different viewers summed up their

wish injust one different viewers summed up their wish in just one word, "impartiality". well, we plan to hearfrom "impartiality". well, we plan to hear from the bbc "impartiality". well, we plan to hearfrom the bbc in "impartiality". well, we plan to hear from the bbc in the coming weeks about how they are addressing those requests, but let's explore some of the challenges it will be facing with craig oliver, a former executive here at bbc news and former director of communications former director of communications for david cameron while he was prime minister, and jane martinson, former head of media for the guardian, now an author and journalism professor at city university in london. welcome to both of you. jane, i will begin with you. one of the challenges of course, as we heard from some of the viewers there, is ensuring due impartiality. one of the bbc�*s definition says "defining impartiality is easy. it means reflecting all sides of arguments and not favouring any side". of course, that in itself comes with challenges. course, that in itself comes with challenges-— challenges. yeah, the notion of impartiality _ challenges. yeah, the notion of impartiality may _ challenges. yeah, the notion of impartiality may sound - challenges. yeah, the notion of impartiality may sound easy, i challenges. yeah, the notion of. impartiality may sound easy, but challenges. yeah, the notion of - impartiality may sound easy, but as we have found over many years, that the bbc has been held to the account of its license fee settlement, it is

not as easy to put into practice. in terms of the challenges the bbc faces with this particular election, some of them are the same challenges as all media organisations, you know, there are fears over fake news, verification, making sure that there is a sense of what is actually going on and notjust being bound by photo opportunities and announcements by, typically, the two main parties, or set pieces. but of course the bbc, because of its special place, because it longs to us all, a universal service by everybody in the uk he watches it, it has special demands on it, really. the issue of impartiality, it is something it really is held to, and it is something that has been really difficult, because of possibly the rise of social media, so it is going to be really interesting to see how the bbc handles the next six weeks. craig, i'm 'ust handles the next six weeks. craig, i'm just going _ handles the next six weeks. craig, i'm just going to —

handles the next six weeks. craig, i'm just going to pick _ handles the next six weeks. craig, i'm just going to pick up _ handles the next six weeks. craig, i'm just going to pick up on - i'm just going to pick up on something jane was talking about there, how she said politicians can bamboozle the bbc or indeed other broadcasters to try to get their message out. used to be one of those bamboozle is, perhaps, when he worked for david cameron. do you think there is a lot of focus, or maybe too much focus, on having journalists following the party leaders around? i journalists following the party leaders around?— journalists following the party leaders around? i mean, look, i wouldn't use — leaders around? i mean, look, i wouldn't use the _ leaders around? i mean, look, i wouldn't use the word _ leaders around? i mean, look, i. wouldn't use the word bamboozle. these are parties that are trying to get elected and they are trying to put their best foot forward in doing that. it is a perfectly legitimate thing for a party to do, to try to put its message across in the clearest possible way. i think it is then incumbent on an organisation like the bbc to say, look, we will take so much about but we're also going to do some of our own investigations around this. one of theissues investigations around this. one of the issues that has been a problem recent elections is the sheer pace of events, the sheer volume of material out there has often meant that the media gets caught up in a very specific narrative or a very binary debate that repeats itself

over and over again, and actually, the reality as it would be far more interesting to go off and do some of your own journalism.— your own 'ournalism. i'm 'ust going to ick your own journalism. i'm 'ust going to ick u- your own journalism. i'm 'ust going to pick up on — your own journalism. i'm 'ust going to pick up on it h your own journalism. i'm 'ust going to pick up on it again _ your own journalism. i'm just going to pick up on it again with - your own journalism. i'm just going to pick up on it again with you - to pick up on it again with you craig, sometimes in election campaign can be hijacked by one off—camera moment, whether it is gordon brown and that bigoted woman, or borisjohnson hiding in a fridge freezer. you know, those moments can become much bigger than the issues, can't they? become much bigger than the issues, can't the ? , .., become much bigger than the issues, can't the ? , , ., , can't they? they can, but what is interesting _ can't they? they can, but what is interesting about _ can't they? they can, but what is interesting about those - can't they? they can, but what is interesting about those is - can't they? they can, but what is interesting about those is to - interesting about those is to question how much they actually change the votes of people and change the votes of people and change the votes of people and change the result. i think that is another thing that journalists change the result. i think that is another thing thatjournalists and another thing that journalists and editors another thing thatjournalists and editors need to do when they are covering these things, say, look, we actually get into the heart of things, the meat of things? it is very easy to take someone that feels very easy to take someone that feels very dramatic at the time and put it front and centre and magnify and amplify and continually beat it up, but in reality, i think that actually what needs to be happening, going on, is discovering what is

going on, is discovering what is going on, is discovering what is going on beneath the surface. jane. going on beneath the surface. jane, aaron hoare — going on beneath the surface. jane, aaron hoare saying _ going on beneath the surface. jane, aaron hoare saying don't _ aaron hoare saying don't bother with the endless interviews with bob in birmingham or sue in suffolk. how else do broadcasters, notjust the bbc, ensure that the voices of the voters are heard. i bbc, ensure that the voices of the voters are heard.— voters are heard. i think the views ofthe voters are heard. i think the views of the people _ voters are heard. i think the views of the people on _ voters are heard. i think the views of the people on the _ voters are heard. i think the views of the people on the street - voters are heard. i think the views of the people on the street really| of the people on the street really matter, but that is not the whole story. where i really agree with craig, and web media in general has failed over the years, is really trying to engage with what matters to the population, how is the crisis in the nhs really affecting people ahead of this election, and how will it make the vote? same with the economy. brenda saying "oh my god, not another one", but flies around the world even faster before you can even start an investigation into what is really going on in dover and how people really feel about the effect of immigration. that how people really feel about the

effect of immigration.— effect of immigration. that is something — effect of immigration. that is something that _ effect of immigration. that is something that render - effect of immigration. that is something that render from i effect of immigration. that is - something that render from distal made the point of, the feeling that people have had enough of elections. whether you're a politician or a broadcaster, it is getting people engaged in what is important democratic exercise. it is certainly true there has _ democratic exercise. it is certainly true there has been _ democratic exercise. it is certainly true there has been an _ democratic exercise. it is certainly true there has been an awful- democratic exercise. it is certainly true there has been an awful lot i democratic exercise. it is certainly | true there has been an awful lot of electoral events, certainly since 2015, there has been a lot going on, there has been referenda and that kind of thing. i do think it is not just the volume of it, it is whether you are getting to the heart of things and whether or not people feel there is a proper debate and they are hearing interesting and new and fresh things which are going to change the way in which they look at things. i think that is part of the issue as well, it is very easy to get swept up and he said, she said kind of thing, the herd mentality of the media. another thing that i think is really worth explaining to people who are watching this is the degree to which organisations like the bbc are really held prisoner by rules and regulations about how they

covered things, about how much emphasis they give to certain parties, if you have a certain number of seats in the house of commons that affects the amount of coverage you get and the parties veryjealously coverage you get and the parties very jealously watch that coverage you get and the parties veryjealously watch that kind of thing. the effect of that kind of thing. the effect of that kind of thing can be to be fair, but it also binds the hands of the coverage and makes it formulaic and makes it quite boring, frankly.— makes it formulaic and makes it quite boring, frankly. thank you for the moment. _ quite boring, frankly. thank you for the moment, craig _ quite boring, frankly. thank you for the moment, craig and _ quite boring, frankly. thank you for the moment, craig and jane. - quite boring, frankly. thank you for the moment, craig and jane. if- quite boring, frankly. thank you for the moment, craig and jane. if you| the moment, craig and jane. if you want to share your opinions about what you see or hear on bbc news on tv, radio, online and social media, you can email newswatch or you can find us on x, formerly known as twitter. you can call us and to have a look at the previous interviews on our website. that is all from us for

now, but thanks forjoining us this week. do you think about getting in touch and perhaps even coming on the programme. samira's back next week to hear more of your thoughts on how the bbc covers the news. buy from me and the team. good morning welcome to breakfast with nina warhurst and charlie stayt. our headlines today: mps michael gove and andrea leadsom announce they won't stand at the next election — the highest profile figures to quit out of nearly 80 conservatives. former post office boss paula vennells finishes giving evidence to the horizon it scandal inquiry. former sub—postmasters give us their verdict on her performance. in the week that mp craig mackinlay returned to parliament after losing four limbs to sepsis, campaigners want to see more

awareness of the condition and better care for those affected. good morning on cup final day. here at wembley, it will be the second successive manchester derby fa cup final later, with united hoping to gain revenge on city. while at hampden park, rangers will be trying to stop rivals celtic doing the double in the scottish cup final. i will have your photo bank holiday forecast. watch out for some wet weather at times. it's saturday the 25th of may. our main story: former conservative ministers michael gove and dame andrea leadsom are among more than 100 mps to reveal they won't be contesting their seats at the general election. the announcements came as the parliamentary session was officially closed last night, allowing full—scale campaigning to begin. our political correspondent hannah miller has the latest.

through the brexit campaign, borisjohnson's friend, but at times his greatest foe, michael gove wasn't afraid to make enemies, pushing through education reforms and serving under four prime ministers over nearly 20 years in parliament. but he says he's now concluded, "there comes a moment when you know "it's time to leave, that a new generation should lead. "rishi has the plan our country needs," he added, "i will do everything i can to support him." but as rishi sunak toured the titanic quarter in belfast, the list of mps jumping ship continued to grow. among more than 100 other mps standing down, the former prime minister theresa may, the former leader of the house of commons, andrea leadsom,

and former defence secretary ben wallace. while the conservatives are now seeing more mps walk away than in 1997, labour's losses are less substantial. keir starmer took his campaign to glasgow, hoping scotland will pave his way to a win. after mps lined up to mark the close of parliament last night, the campaign is well and truly under way, with both potential prime ministers constructing their arguments to the country as they try to build up support to win. hannah miller, bbc news. our political correspondent helen cattjoins us now from our london newsroom. the politicians will have their say in the general election, but information comes from all sorts of sources and around the economy there is some stuff emerging today that is relevant. . , . is some stuff emerging today that is relevant. , , , .., ., , relevant. there is, yes. the economy will clearly — relevant. there is, yes. the economy will clearly be — relevant. there is, yes. the economy will clearly be a _ relevant. there is, yes. the economy will clearly be a big _ relevant. there is, yes. the economy will clearly be a big issue. _ relevant. there is, yes. the economy will clearly be a big issue. there - will clearly be a big issue. there are pieces in the newspaper this

morning from the shadow chancellor and chancellor setting out what they would do if they were brought back into government. as you said, there are other things that come from other sources and today there are some questions being raised by a leading think tank, the institute for fiscal studies, and they are saying that the current financial situation for the country is a dark cloud hanging over the election. this is because both labour and the conservatives have put in some self—imposed rules on their own spending plans and they both want to get borrowing falling as a share of national income. to do that there are already some type spending plans pencilled in. they are having to spend a lot of money on the debt we have got, the economy is not expected to grow much, so bear

barring any unexpected growth in the economy, they say they will have to reduce spending or higher taxes or increased borrowing and they say there needs to be an open, robust conversation about that during this election campaign. nina, you have a story on aid convoys to gaza. israeli peace activists have started to organise patrols at one of the main crossings into gaza to make sure aid convoys get through unscathed. it comes after a spate of attacks by other israelis on lorries carrying food, medicine and other humanitarian supplies. our diplomatic correspondent paul adams has the story. not everyone wants aid to reach gaza. some israelis are going to great lengths to stop it.

scenes like this increasingly common in recent weeks. social media flooded with images of aid, lorries blocked and ransacked. no one too young to join in. it's important to stop the aid, this right wing activist says, it's the only way we'll win. the only way we'll get our hostages back. as night falls, the protesters, mostly made up of israeli settlers, finished the job and celebrate a successful operation. the police are unable or unwilling to intervene. the ending by now inevitable. but some israelis are fighting back, getting in the way, trying to stop the attack and, when they can't, doing their best to salvage every precious package and now standing

guard at key checkpoints. this where the occupied west bank meets israel. this is the crossing where a week ago an aid convoy was attacked and ransacked by right wing israelis. any aid coming from jordan and heading to gaza has to come through here. it's a choke point and that's why we've seen attacks taking place right here. signs of gratitude from the lorry drivers, the presence of peace activists they hope providing some badly needed security. something they don't think they're getting from the authorities. this man says they're forcing the police to act. whenever we're getting to a place and see that the extremists are here, we call the police to encourage them to come to the area. a lot of time the police were in the areas when attacks occurred, but they didn't have someone to push them to act. and it's very sad because the police should keep the law. the group brings togetherjews and arabs from all over israel.

i feel very empowered. all, all these seven, eight months of war and the killing of gazans. now, finally, i have something to do. to help to help these people that are starving. to help to help these people that are starving. but the attacks have spread. injerusalem, vigilantes have been seen stopping palestinian lorries, demanding to see papers, acting with what looks like complete impunity. and in the west bank, a palestinian driver was dragged from his cab and beaten. he wasn't transporting aid. it didn't matter. paul adams, bbc news, jerusalem. a murder investigation has been launched after a woman was found stabbed to death on a beach in bournemouth. dorset police said officers were called to reports of a double stabbing on durley chine beach after 11.30pm last night. one woman was pronounced dead at the scene and another was taken to hospital with very serious injuries.

royal mail is facing an investigation by the communications regulator, 0fcom, into its failure to meet delivery targets. 0fcom rules state that 93% of first class post should be delivered within one working day of collection, but last year this happened just 75% of the time. 0fcom said it will consider a financial penalty if there isn't a satisfactory explanation. officials in papua new guinea say they fear hundreds of people have been killed by a massive landslide which struck remote villages. one mp said more than a thousand homes had been buried in the enga province. emergency crews are being hampered by damage to roads. ajudge has denied a motion by the actor alec baldwin to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge over a fatal shooting on a film set in 2021. halyna hutchins was killed during a rehearsalfor the movie rust in new mexico. mr baldwin pleaded not guilty to the indictment and is set to stand trial injuly.

a total ban on smartphones for under—16s is something the next government should consider within its first year, according to a cross—party group of mps. the education select committee says children's mental and physical health is being harmed by the amount of time they spend using technology, which it's found has increased significantly in recent years. we recognise that there is value in children being able to engage with the digital world, but in a supervised and supported way. i think the concern is that with internet—enabled mobile phones, that simply isn't possible to provide that supervision and support all the time, so that's something that we've decided more needs to be done about. a plant that went extinct in the wild has been re—introduced to the uk mainland. rosy saxifrage was last seen in the mountains of north wales in 1962 having been

killed off by collectors, grazing animals and habitat loss. a cutting was saved by a school teacher who grew it in his garden and now the flower has been re—planted in a secret location in eryri, also known as snowdonia. here's elizabeth with a look at the weather. this sunrise was really nice, as well. is that reflected elsewhere? nobody tell the weather that it is a bank holiday! it will change by the time we get to sunday and monday. it is quite cloudy for many parts of scotland but where we have the cloud it should break up. not a bad beach day of weather, at all. not a great

beach day in cromer. it is raining here today and will continue to do so off and on. we are expecting some heavy, thundery showers. today is definitely the best day of the long weekend because we are sandwiched between these two weather fronts, one in the far east and one in the far west. this one is giving us rain across norfolk. that will push its way further northwards into lincolnshire. more cloud will move into the east midlands and south—west england. but there will be a lot of sunshine developing even though we have that morning cloud. it will feel warm and the best of the sunshine. highs of around 16-21 . a the sunshine. highs of around 16—21 . a few isolated showers, but lots of dry weather until we get to this evening were many places are set to cloud over and we will see this rain gradually creep its way

further northwards. feeling quite wet overnight tonight. it is a mild start to the day tomorrow. it is a rather damp and disappointing day and we are likely to see a cloudy start to the day, possibly a cloudy end to the day, as well. apart from northern scotland where we could stay largely dry with plenty of sunshine here. heavy, thundery showers getting going across much of england and wales. we will see brighter skies at times and in the best of the sunshine it will feel warm. where we see the showers, there could be quite slow moving, as well. temperatures lower than today. more showers on bank holiday monday and we still have this area of low pressure. most of the showers will be out towards the west as we head out towards the morning. then the focus of the showers transfers further eastwards through the afternoon. it could dry out towards western spots by the time we get to

the day. that is not the end of it, either. it is half term next week. our outlook here is rather pessimistic but it would be raining all the time. do you expect to see some showers. it will feel warm in the best of the sunshine. hundreds of sub—postmasters affected by the post office scandal have spent years campaigning forjustice and this week marked some of the biggest moments since theirfight began. a bill passed in parliament meaning many of those wrongly convicted — after faulty software said money was missing from their accounts — would see their conditions quashed. former post office boss paula vennells broke a near decade—long silence in her three—day—long evidence at the public inquiry. our international business correspondent theo leggett has more on how it unfolded.

after years of keeping a low profile, paula vennells was thrust into the spotlight this week and making her way through a scrum of cameras may have been the easy part. she started with an apology. i would just like to say, and i'm gratefulfor the opportunity to do this in person, how sorry i am for all the sub—postmasters and theirfamilies and others have suffered as a result of all of the matters that the inquiry has been looking into for so long. there were tears as she was asked about the death of a sub—postmaster who took his own life after being financially ruined and i imagine... i'm sorry. i imagine that i was probably... just pause. yes. 0k. try and compose yourself if you can, and then continue

your evidence, please. she defended her role. she may have been the boss, she said, but she wasn't responsible for everything. and she wasn't told everything either. you are not responsible for everything that happens underneath you. you have to rely on the advice of internal and external experts. you still continue to live in a cloud of denial. by day three of hearing her evidence, the lawyers for the sub—postmasters were clearly unimpressed and they went on the attack. i didn't know. nobody told me. ican't remember. i wasn't shown this. i relied on the lawyers. i have tried to do this to the very best of my ability. it is extraordinary, though, isn't it, because cartwright king, your external lawyers know all about it, and yet you're saying that you didn't. the board didn't. i mean, this is la la land, isn't it? and the sub—postmasters who were watching also seemed unconvinced. the crocodile tears did not faze me whatsoever. i was sat right at the front with my solicitor and i just wish she'd answer the questions instead

of going round and round in circles with the same answers. i think she knows a lot more than what she's letting on. i think, basically, she's lying. after three days of testimony, paula venables left flanked by police, the end of another major chapter in one of the biggest scandals the uk has ever seen. theo leggett, bbc news. former sub—postmasters lee castleton and janet skinner have been watching paula vennells giving evidence for the last three days — we heard from them on breakfast on wednesday — and theyjoin us now. you have both been in the inquiry over the last three days.

janet, you were given a nine—month sentence in 2007 and she served three months in prison. i got sentence in 2007 and she served three months in prison.- sentence in 2007 and she served three months in prison. i got out on aood three months in prison. i got out on good behaviour— three months in prison. i got out on good behaviour with _ three months in prison. i got out on good behaviour with our _ three months in prison. i got out on good behaviour with our tag. - three months in prison. i got out on good behaviour with our tag. you i good behaviour with our tag. you were directly _ good behaviour with our tag. you were directly in _ good behaviour with our tag. you were directly in the image that we can see. how is it for you listening to paula vennells giving her evidence? i to paula vennells giving her evidence?— to paula vennells giving her evidence? ~ , ., evidence? i think it is part of the rocess. evidence? i think it is part of the process- i _ evidence? i think it is part of the process. i think— evidence? i think it is part of the process. i think it _ evidence? i think it is part of the process. i think it is _ evidence? i think it is part of the process. i think it is good - evidence? i think it is part of the process. i think it is good to - evidence? i think it is part of the process. i think it is good to be i process. i think it is good to be there _ process. i think it is good to be there and — process. i think it is good to be there and see all the things that are going — there and see all the things that are going on. it is part of the process— are going on. it is part of the process that we need to see, it needs— process that we need to see, it needs to — process that we need to see, it needs to be open, in the public eye and it— needs to be open, in the public eye and it needs — needs to be open, in the public eye and it needs to be in a way that people — and it needs to be in a way that people can _ and it needs to be in a way that people can question and look at what is going _ people can question and look at what is going on~ — people can question and look at what is aioin on. ~ . .«i people can question and look at what is aioin on. ~ ., .«i ., is going on. what did you make of her testimony? _ is going on. what did you make of her testimony? probably - is going on. what did you make of her testimony? probably both - is going on. what did you make of her testimony? probably both of. is going on. what did you make of. her testimony? probably both of us felt a lot of— her testimony? probably both of us felt a lot of empathy _ her testimony? probably both of us felt a lot of empathy because - her testimony? probably both of us felt a lot of empathy because we i felt a lot of empathy because we have _ felt a lot of empathy because we have beenjudged, sat in that lonely seat where — have beenjudged, sat in that lonely seat where you are being looked at and picked — seat where you are being looked at and picked out by legal people. it and picked out by legal people. if! is and picked out by legal people. it is interesting on a human level,

janet. your heart went out to her a little bit? {lin janet. your heart went out to her a little bit? ~ , ., , little bit? on wednesday when it bean and little bit? on wednesday when it began and she — little bit? on wednesday when it began and she did _ little bit? on wednesday when it began and she did the _ little bit? on wednesday when it began and she did the apology, i felt that was really sincere, but to be fair, the empathy that i had to watch is because she was just sat there and she has all this hatred towards her, it must be the most intense feeling ever, but i think i lost my apathy. intense feeling ever, but i think i lost my apathy-— intense feeling ever, but i think i lost my apathy. there are so many thins lost my apathy. there are so many things that you _ lost my apathy. there are so many things that you look _ lost my apathy. there are so many things that you look at _ lost my apathy. there are so many things that you look at e-mails - lost my apathy. there are so many| things that you look at e-mails that things that you look at e—mails that she wrote _ things that you look at e—mails that she wrote at the time that she is trying _ she wrote at the time that she is trying to— she wrote at the time that she is trying to explain away now and she could _ trying to explain away now and she could have — trying to explain away now and she could have been a bit more honest, really _ could have been a bit more honest, reall . ,, ., , . , ., ., really. she had the perfect platform to net her really. she had the perfect platform to get her evidence _ really. she had the perfect platform to get her evidence heard, - really. she had the perfect platform to get her evidence heard, and - really. she had the perfect platform to get her evidence heard, and be i to get her evidence heard, and be able tojust open to get her evidence heard, and be able to just open up about everything and i don't think that happened. i everything and i don't think that ha ened. ~ ., , everything and i don't think that ha ened. ~ . , happened. i think that is something that caused a _ happened. i think that is something that caused a lot _ happened. i think that is something that caused a lot of _ happened. i think that is something that caused a lot of anxiety - happened. i think that is something that caused a lot of anxiety in - happened. i think that is something that caused a lot of anxiety in the i that caused a lot of anxiety in the room _ that caused a lot of anxiety in the room. people hoped she could have been more — room. people hoped she could have

been more candid. you room. people hoped she could have been more candid.— room. people hoped she could have been more candid. you know with this story because — been more candid. you know with this story because you _ been more candid. you know with this story because you left _ been more candid. you know with this story because you left it, _ been more candid. you know with this story because you left it, but - been more candid. you know with this story because you left it, but where i story because you left it, but where there that you heard in her evidence that shocked you even given what you have been through? ila. that shocked you even given what you have been through?— have been through? no, not really. the wa i have been through? no, not really. the way i see _ have been through? no, not really. the way i see it _ have been through? no, not really. the way i see it with _ have been through? no, not really. the way i see it with paula - have been through? no, not really. | the way i see it with paula vennells is, yes, she was the ceo, but she stonewalled the mediation. we were part of that mediation group, second sight, we were part of that investigation. knowing how much they tried to stonewall its. it investigation. knowing how much they tried to stonewall its.— tried to stonewall its. it was such a close grip _ tried to stonewall its. it was such a close grip and _ tried to stonewall its. it was such a close grip and there _ tried to stonewall its. it was such a close grip and there were - tried to stonewall its. it was such a close grip and there were so i tried to stonewall its. it was such i a close grip and there were so many people _ a close grip and there were so many people who — a close grip and there were so many people who were really living in hope _ people who were really living in hope that it would finally come to an end _ hope that it would finally come to an end ten — hope that it would finally come to an end ten years ago, that they were finally— an end ten years ago, that they were finally listening and were going to do something to help us, and when you read _ do something to help us, and when you read the e—mails from the time

that we _ you read the e—mails from the time that we can — you read the e—mails from the time that we can now see, that was never going _ that we can now see, that was never going to _ that we can now see, that was never going to happen. at that we can now see, that was never going to happen-— going to happen. at that point she had the power _ going to happen. at that point she had the power and _ going to happen. at that point she had the power and it _ going to happen. at that point she had the power and it would - going to happen. at that point she had the power and it would have i had the power and it would have saved that decade. that decision stood by her. going back to what you said a moment to go, you were in prison in the sure knowledge that you had done nothing wrong. yes. yet you had done nothing wrong. yes. yet you were able to sit and watch paula vennells and have empathy. it speaks volumes to you that, given what happened to you, that you were still able to think that way.— able to think that way. because she wasn't in position _ able to think that way. because she wasn't in position when _ able to think that way. because she wasn't in position when i _ able to think that way. because she wasn't in position when i was - able to think that way. because she wasn't in position when i was sent i wasn't in position when i was sent to prison. i had a private meeting with alan cooke after he gave evidence and he offered the apology personally, because he was in position when i was sent to prison.

paula vennells was just coming into thatjob. i was sent to prison in february, she started injanuary. it is the organisation. people scapegoating her and putting a lot of hatred towards her, but actually forgetting he was in position when a lot of this happened.— lot of this happened. there are so many facets _ lot of this happened. there are so many facets to — lot of this happened. there are so many facets to what _ lot of this happened. there are so many facets to what went - lot of this happened. there are so many facets to what went on. - lot of this happened. there are so many facets to what went on. if i lot of this happened. there are so i many facets to what went on. if you step back _ many facets to what went on. if you step back and look at the key players — step back and look at the key players at the time, the head of communications, the head of legal, all the _ communications, the head of legal, all the different people into playing this kind of cover—up. all the different people into playing this kind of cover-up. which is sadly why — playing this kind of cover-up. which is sadly why accountability - playing this kind of cover-up. which is sadly why accountability is - playing this kind of cover—up. hisi cs! is sadly why accountability is very tricky to put your finger on. when you look at this battle for justice thatis you look at this battle for justice that is taken over hundreds of lives and the ripple effect for families and the ripple effect for families and communities, when you think about the incremental realisation of what is going on, where does this weak state within that, how significant does it feel? for

weak state within that, how significant does it feel? for me the amount of paperwork _ significant does it feel? for me the amount of paperwork that - significant does it feel? for me the amount of paperwork that is - significant does it feel? for me the amount of paperwork that is being | amount of paperwork that is being uncovered. — amount of paperwork that is being uncovered, it is now out there and people _ uncovered, it is now out there and people can — uncovered, it is now out there and people canjudge the people who were making _ people canjudge the people who were making decisions based on what they wrote _ making decisions based on what they wrote at— making decisions based on what they wrote at the time, not on what has been _ wrote at the time, not on what has been recollected now. it is absolutely shameful what happened. if it distributor view, a feeling that this should be investigated as a criminal matter. i don't know if you have already made your mind up on that. ~ ., , ., you have already made your mind up on that. ~ ., ,, , .~ on that. where do you sit, janet? i was sent to — on that. where do you sit, janet? i was sent to prison. _ on that. where do you sit, janet? i was sent to prison. i _ on that. where do you sit, janet? i was sent to prison. i was _ on that. where do you sit, janet? i was sent to prison. i was in - on that. where do you sit, janet? i was sent to prison. i was in charge| was sent to prison. i was in charge of one post office. lee was made bankrupt, he was in charge of one post office. they had 11,500 post offices that they were all accountable for. somebody needs to take a hot —— somebody needs to take account of what was wrong. there were a lot — account of what was wrong. there were a lot of _

account of what was wrong. there were a lot of people _ account of what was wrong. there were a lot of people involved - account of what was wrong. there were a lot of people involved in i were a lot of people involved in this. _ were a lot of people involved in this, people we haven't heard from yet. this, people we haven't heard from yet the _ this, people we haven't heard from yet. the government, the shareholders, people around that group~ _ shareholders, people around that group. one of the key things paula vennells _ group. one of the key things paula vennells answered was that the shareholders knew exactly what was going _ shareholders knew exactly what was going on~ _ shareholders knew exactly what was going on. she has an influence on the placing — going on. she has an influence on the placing of the shares, she had a paragraph _ the placing of the shares, she had a paragraph taken out of the documents because _ paragraph taken out of the documents because it _ paragraph taken out of the documents because it was unhelpful in floating the company. all of these things in my mind _ the company. all of these things in my mind or— the company. all of these things in my mind or something that needs to be really— my mind or something that needs to be really looked into. are my mind or something that needs to be really looked into.— be really looked into. are you in any degree _ be really looked into. are you in any degree able _ be really looked into. are you in any degree able to _ be really looked into. are you in any degree able to breathe - be really looked into. are you in any degree able to breathe a i be really looked into. are you in l any degree able to breathe a little bit easier after these three days? there was a lot of talk in the build—up to her evidence, particularly. does it make much difference?— difference? no, not really. it started off — difference? no, not really. it started off with _ difference? no, not really. it started off with me - difference? no, not really. it

started off with me feeling i difference? no, not really. it. started off with me feeling sorry for her, but i was full of anger because she had that perfect opportunity to open up, to protect yourself, because she has had a lot of stuff chucked at her, i thought she would have opened up more. it was a huge stage, she could have laid it— was a huge stage, she could have laid it out— was a huge stage, she could have laid it out there, the world is listening _ laid it out there, the world is listening-— laid it out there, the world is listenini. , ., ., listening. there won't be another moment like _ listening. there won't be another moment like that. _ listening. there won't be another moment like that. but _ listening. there won't be another moment like that. but it - listening. there won't be another moment like that. but it is - listening. there won't be another moment like that. but it is also i listening. there won't be another moment like that. but it is also a hue ste moment like that. but it is also a huge step to _ moment like that. but it is also a huge step to actually _ moment like that. but it is also a huge step to actually hear - moment like that. but it is also a huge step to actually hear from i moment like that. but it is also a l huge step to actually hear from the person— huge step to actually hear from the person that has chosen not to do any interviews _ person that has chosen not to do any interviews. . , ., person that has chosen not to do any interviews. ,, , ., ., ., interviews. seeing you altogether this week and _ interviews. seeing you altogether this week and hearing _ interviews. seeing you altogether this week and hearing about - interviews. seeing you altogether this week and hearing about the i this week and hearing about the friendships that have built beyond the last decade, how important have those relationships been? it is beini those relationships been? it is being able _ those relationships been? it is being able to _ those relationships been? it 3 being able to share with that person and that person knowing exactly what you have gone through, so you don't have to explain it. it is

you have gone through, so you don't have to explain it.— have to explain it. it is quite a comforting — have to explain it. it is quite a comforting part _ have to explain it. it is quite a comforting part of— have to explain it. it is quite a comforting part of the - have to explain it. it is quite a comforting part of the whole i have to explain it. it is quite a - comforting part of the whole thing. we appreciate you coming in. let's go to wembley. there is some sort of football match happening there this afternoon? it isa it is a huge game today. in glasgow, celtic versus rangers in the scottish cup final, and here at wembley and other manchester derby. this is where the winning team, the winning captain will come up, shake the hands of the dignitaries, get the hands of the dignitaries, get the trophy, turn around and lift it aloft for the world to see. 92000 and here. the winning fans's and going bonkers. it is a special moment in any player because my

career. i was speaking to the commentary captain from 1987 and he said he didn't realise at the time how big it was but all these years later he still gets people stopping him to talk about it. here's our sports correspondent natalie pirks. last year, fans were still taking their seats in the wembley sunshine when manchester city's captain had them on their feet again. commentator incredible! not many would bet against more of the same today, such has been city's domination. after having won the league for the fourth successive time, they are now attempting another historic feat, the first time in history to have back—to—back doubles. time in history to have back-to-back doubles. . time in history to have back-to-back doubles. , ., , doubles. united is always united. in the premier— doubles. united is always united. in the premier league _ doubles. united is always united. in the premier league we _ doubles. united is always united. in the premier league we have - doubles. united is always united. in the premier league we have been i the premier league we have been better than them, more consistent

than them, but in a one—off game... we feel it, the players feel it, the players notes, that it will be a completely different game, the fact this is in the premier league. united's managerial door has been revolving and after a terrible season in which they saw the lowest place finish in more than 30 years, erik ten hag's future looked shaky, with reports that today's match could be his last, regardless of results. ~ �* . could be his last, regardless of results. ~ �* , ., ., , results. we'll see how it goes with the new ownership. _ results. we'll see how it goes with the new ownership. he _ results. we'll see how it goes with the new ownership. he has- results. we'll see how it goes with the new ownership. he has not - results. we'll see how it goes with i the new ownership. he has not really had a fair crack of the web, to be honest. hopefully, we will see how it goes in the future, but give it a couple of years and we will be back up couple of years and we will be back up there, i reckon. i’m couple of years and we will be back up there, i reckon.— up there, i reckon. i'm nervous. i would never— up there, i reckon. i'm nervous. i would never go — up there, i reckon. i'm nervous. i would never go against _ up there, i reckon. i'm nervous. i would never go against my - up there, i reckon. i'm nervous. i would never go against my own i up there, i reckon. i'm nervous. i- would never go against my own team, but it _ would never go against my own team, but it is—

would never go against my own team, but it is going to be hard. there are clearly _ but it is going to be hard. there are clearly a _ but it is going to be hard. there are clearly a better _ but it is going to be hard. there are clearly a better team, - but it is going to be hard. there are clearly a better team, morej are clearly a better team, more talented — are clearly a better team, more talented team, _ are clearly a better team, more talented team, but _ are clearly a better team, more talented team, but it _ are clearly a better team, more talented team, but it is - are clearly a better team, more talented team, but it is a - are clearly a better team, more talented team, but it is a cup i talented team, but it is a cup final. — talented team, but it is a cup final. anything _ talented team, but it is a cup final, anything can— talented team, but it is a cup final, anything can happen, i talented team, but it is a cup i final, anything can happen, we talented team, but it is a cup - final, anything can happen, we just have to _ final, anything can happen, we just have to hope — final, anything can happen, we just have to hope that _ final, anything can happen, we just have to hope that luck _ final, anything can happen, we just have to hope that luck is _ final, anything can happen, we just have to hope that luck is on - final, anything can happen, we just have to hope that luck is on our - have to hope that luck is on our side _ have to hope that luck is on our side and — have to hope that luck is on our side and take _ have to hope that luck is on our side and take a _ have to hope that luck is on our side and take a bit— have to hope that luck is on our side and take a bit of— have to hope that luck is on our side and take a bit of glory- have to hope that luck is on our side and take a bit of glory fori side and take a bit of glory for ourselves— side and take a bit of glory for ourselves for— side and take a bit of glory for ourselves for a _ side and take a bit of glory for ourselves for a change! - side and take a bit of glory for ourselves for a change! united threw awa a ourselves for a change! united threw away a 3-0 — ourselves for a change! united threw away a 3-0 lead _ ourselves for a change! united threw away a 3-0 lead over _ ourselves for a change! united threw away a 3-0 lead over coventry - ourselves for a change! united threw away a 3-0 lead over coventry city, i away a 3—0 lead over coventry city, eventually needing penalties to squeak through. it was symptomatic of a season where injuries in key positions saw united league goals forfun. no goalkeeperfaced more shots than andre onana, who admits life has been tough. hate shots than andre onana, who admits life has been tough.— life has been tough. we have the opportunity _ life has been tough. we have the opportunity to — life has been tough. we have the opportunity to beat _ life has been tough. we have the opportunity to beat the _ life has been tough. we have the opportunity to beat the blues - life has been tough. we have the opportunity to beat the blues so | life has been tough. we have the i opportunity to beat the blues so we have to take it, no? it has been a difficult season for all of us, for me, for all of my team—mates, we learn from it and move on. me, for all of my team-mates, we learn from it and move on.- learn from it and move on. same teams, learn from it and move on. same teams. same _ learn from it and move on. same teams, same venue, _ learn from it and move on. same teams, same venue, same - learn from it and move on. same - teams, same venue, same outcome? united will be playing their season to forget doesn't end with a case of

deja vu blue. well, of course it's also cup final day in scotland as well celtic and rangers will go head to head in the showpiece event for the first time in over 20 years. it'll be packed out at hampden park with a 50/50 ticket split for supporters. rangers didn't manage to beat celtic in any of the four premiership games this season but their manager is still confient his is still confident his side can compete. it's been a one goal difference and one draw where he had after it�*s been a one goal difference and one draw where he had after 2— it's been a one goal difference and one draw where he had after 2— nil. so it's not that we lost with a lot of difference. but it was always closed until the last second of the game, we were in the game. it's about taking these moments and being better than we were in those games,

so i want to see more quality from the team. , , ,., , so i want to see more quality from the team. , , ., the team. the supporters are everything- — the team. the supporters are everything. they _ the team. the supporters are everything. they are - the team. the supporters are everything. they are the - the team. the supporters are everything. they are the life | the team. the supporters are i everything. they are the life for celtic. — everything. they are the life for celtic, especially as it's a celtic rangers— celtic, especially as it's a celtic rangers game. they are playing for the rewards for the discipline this season _ the rewards for the discipline this season. discipline is one of the key elements— season. discipline is one of the key elements notjust on season. discipline is one of the key elements not just on the season. discipline is one of the key elements notjust on the pitch but off the _ elements notjust on the pitch but off the pitch. we elements not 'ust on the pitch but off the pitch.— elements not 'ust on the pitch but off the pitch. we stay very focused. t in: to off the pitch. we stay very focused. trying to do — off the pitch. we stay very focused. trying to do what — off the pitch. we stay very focused. trying to do what manchester- off the pitch. we stay very focused. | trying to do what manchester united are doing here. a domestic double. wayne rainey is expected to be confirmed as the new manager for plymouth argyle later today if all goes to plan. this will be the england captain's third position.

european rugby's champions cup comes to climax today as irish giants leinster take on a toulouse side featuring antoine dupont, arguably the world's best player, at the tottenham hotspur stadium. last night at the same venue, the sharks of south africa had to much for a game gloucester side in the final of the european challenge cup. featuring a number of springbok multiple world cup winners including tryscorer makazole mapimpi, they ran out winners by 36 points to 22 in north london. st helens moved to the top of super league last night with a convincing 40 points to 10 victory over leeds. it finished 40—10.

jack welsby ran in two tries to take his tally for the season to 11 in 12 matches as saints added a further five to jump above wigan into first until sunday at least. in other matches there were wins for castleford over hull fc, while leigh leopards beat huddersfield giants. it's looking like it could be another tricky weekend for formula one world champion max verstappen. he complained his car was "bouncing like a kangaroo" as he finished fourth in practice for the monaco grand prix. he believes home favourite charles leclerc is "miles ahead" of the field after the ferrari driver topped the timesheets in friday practice on the tight and twisty street circuit in his home town. surprisingly, lewis hamilton was second for mercedes in one of his best performances of the season. from four wheels to two wheels. the winner of cycling's first grand tour of the year, the giro d'italia will be decided on today's penultimate stage, along with the podium places, as tomorrow's final stage to rome is pretty much a ceremonial

affair. barring an accident or misfortune worse than what he suffered yesterday geraint thomas will be hopeful of finishing at least third, with the runner�*s up spot within his reach. slovenia's taday pogarcher has a lead of more than seven and a half minutes and has as good as won the race. yes, it's close. it's close to second, third and fourth places. they will be a lot of guys attacking then. it will be interesting day. it's 18-19 k, then. it will be interesting day. it'518-19 k, it's a then. it will be interesting day. it's18—19 k, it's a big ascent. one last push. andrea spendolini—sirieix won the women's 10 metres platform event at the british diving championships. the victory confirms her place

in the individual event at the paris olympics this year. spendolini—sirieix said she was "elated" with her performance afterwards. she won gold in this event at both the commonweath games and european championships two years ago. the other great thing about standing by the royal box is that you get a great view of the whole pitch. we've got the formation lawnmower racing going on at the moment. the motion of lawnmowers out there. the goals are up at one end so we will clearly have goals for the cup final and dozens and dozens of people putting flags on all the seats. they've told me tonight that after the cup final, they will be thousands of people working through the night to do all the rebranding, get rid of all of the rebranding, get rid of all of the manchester united, manchester city flags and get the leeds southampton flags and it will be transformed by 12pm tomorrow. just incredible, the logistics that go on

here. a busy weekend in north london. i'm so envious of you, mike. you are going tomorrow, aren't you yes. it's more of a personal matter because my wife is southampton fan. i'm a leeds fan and we will be sitting next to each other. will you be sitting next to each other on the way home? that's a question. enjoy. there was an extraordinary moment in parliament this week when the conservative mp craig mackinlay reutrned to the commons with four prosthetic limbs — after losing them to sepsis last year. alex lewis from hampshire went through a similar ordeal ten years ago — also losing four limbs to sepsis. he's been speaking to linzi kinghorn about his rehabilitation. ever since i lost my limbs, it's always been how do i prove to my son that i can still live an amazing life, do some great things. alex is a quadruple amputee after having contracted strep a in 2013.

dr geoff watson was one of the team who saved his life. he'd come in having collapsed on a sunday afternoon, having been a bit unwell for a few days, and my colleagues had admitted him to the icu severely septic. so i came in on the monday morning and found him on absolutely maximum life support everything. that was my first meeting with alex and then met with his family and explained that he was going to die and he failed to achieve the target. now both are teaming up to take on an extraordinary challenge rowing and cycling across the south coast, something they think has never been done before. no information anywhere on any other quad amputee, even attempting it. so we've had to develop attachments i can release from because obviously i'm attached to the all in my prosthetics. so what happens if i

fall in the water? so we've done all sorts of capsize drills, drowning drills and to learn, you know, what happens when i do go in the water. what are your biggest concerns? the sea and the weather. you know, they were doing it injune. it still can be pretty unpredictable, especially in the uk. and prosthetics, how do they cope in saltwater? we don't really know how to how i cope in saltwater in extreme heat. you know days get to about 25 degrees. it's going to be really hot out there and we're anyway as quad amps. so, you know how am i going to cope with that and sores, the rubbing the physical degradation of my right arm, i would think over that period of time in the water. another quadruple amputee, the kent mp, craig mckinlay, made headlines this week after returning to parliament after suffering a life threatening episode of sepsis, which led to the amputation of his hands and feet. i don't think anybody had a dry eye when we saw him go back

into the commons. it was just amazing. and the reception and i was sat there watching it and i was tingling, thinking. i've had similar experiences like that and it is unbelievable. you know, when i left hospital, i think the military had about two and a half thousand charities supporting injured servicemen, and i think the uk had about four for civilians. so we were a real minority. alex is hoping to raise money for three charities, including his own, the alex lewis trust. living life as an amputee has been the best thing for me ever. and if you could give me my legs and arms back, i wouldn't take them. because the last ten years we've packed in so much. it's just been incredible. linzi kinghorn, bbc news in hampshire. we wish them the best of luck. the actorjason watkins has been campaigning for better sepsis awareness since the death of his two—year—old daughter maude in 2011. hejoins us now from north london. good morning. thanks for speaking with us. i imagine moments like we saw in parliament are bittersweet.

on the one hand, you campaign hard for sepsis awareness but on the other hand is what you lost when you lost maud. can you tell us what you went through?— lost maud. can you tell us what you went through? good morning. in 2010 towards the end _ went through? good morning. in 2010 towards the end of _ went through? good morning. in 2010 towards the end of the _ went through? good morning. in 2010 towards the end of the year _ went through? good morning. in 2010 towards the end of the year maud, - towards the end of the year maud, our two and a half year old daughter became ill with a chest infection. we took her to the gp and then ana. she was given the diagnosis of sore throat and croup. we were discharged and the symptoms became worse. we came to the hospital and after further treatment, just modest treatment, she was discharged again on new year's eve and she died in the night. so we woke up to a very different world for us on new year's

day 2011. we've been through... we found out in the inquest that it was actually sepsis and sepsis was a key part of her death so we've been campaigning for better awareness of sepsis since then. it's a very bittersweet moment. it's a remarkable story that craig and alex there, good luck on his charity work and his quest. with craig, yes, it highlights of course what can happen with sepsis. tragically our maude lost her life. she was just the most wonderful girl and she had a wisdom to her which was probably more

wisdom than i've got and she was strangely centred and kindly and full of life and joy. this it was our tragic loss. full of life and joy. this it was ourtragic loss. it full of life and joy. this it was our tragic loss. it is our other daughter has her birthday this week and she should be with her sister. she is without her sister. you said you woke up to a different world, one that will never be the same but your world is campaigning. what does it mean for you to help parents with the signs to look out for? mr; it mean for you to help parents with the signs to look out for?— the signs to look out for? my wife, clara, the signs to look out for? my wife, clara. and — the signs to look out for? my wife, clara. and i — the signs to look out for? my wife, clara, and i have _ the signs to look out for? my wife, clara, and i have been _ the signs to look out for? my wife, clara, and i have been made - the signs to look out for? my wife, clara, and i have been made into i clara, and i have been made into different people. just listening to alex about what it has given him. i wouldn't wish this on anybody but

i'm a better person for it. i know clara would say the same. we work with child bereavement uk, talking to families about their loss and how to families about their loss and how to come to terms with it. within the uk sepsis trust which i've been campaigning for the ten years, you can find out all the information about sepsis, although symptoms, extreme shivering, mottled skin, not passing you're in for 24 hours, although symptoms are on the site and that is for adults and children which are slightly different. what i want to say is that... craig has had an incredible journey but i have found out he won't be returning to parliament because his commitments will be too great post election so it shows how difficult it will be to deal with it. out of the 250 that ——

25,000 cases, people are left with these significant injuries and conditions, some of which are not visible because what sepsis does is to the immune system. the immune system tries to get rid of the thing it attacking it, but then it closes down the organ and isolates the limbs and then that can often mean removal is the only option. internal organs can be severely affected and seeps his career occur —— back sepsis can re—occur. i'm sure many of your viewers have seen me talking

a lot about the ombudsman reports, which looks at the last ten years of sepsis, treatment and awareness, the ombudsman suggested that they hadn't really been much movement in the last ten years. so there is so much we need to do. i'm calling on the next government and i've spoken to both parties, not all three but both about this, is that we need a national awareness campaign, funded by central government. because there are 8% of people have heard of sepsis but only one in three know that it sepsis but only one in three know thatitis sepsis but only one in three know that it is a medical emergency and needs to be treated as such. if it all happened on a day or in many cases happened like there was an awful accident, cases happened like there was an awfulaccident, but suddenly, cases happened like there was an awful accident, but suddenly, that would be a huge item and what i think should happen is cross party

subcommittee hearings and meetings to talk about what we can do. we can pool our resources which i think means a national awareness campaign, share data, so you have a national database of cases across all the trusts within the nhs. you know, i have to say that all the medical people i meet are extraordinary, but they are very frustrated. i was speaking to a pioneer of sepsis treatment and he is so frustrated by the resources, this ability to have incredible tools to treat it cannot be fully implemented because of the time restrictions on staff. they don't have time to be taught these new skills. it's a very frustrating

scenario, when there is a preventable death. was your child a preventable death. was your child a preventable death? iauntie preventable death. was your child a preventable death?— preventable death. was your child a preventable death? we are listening intentl and preventable death? we are listening intently and it _ preventable death? we are listening intently and it is _ preventable death? we are listening intently and it is so _ preventable death? we are listening intently and it is so moving - preventable death? we are listening intently and it is so moving to - preventable death? we are listening intently and it is so moving to hear i intently and it is so moving to hear experience and we appreciate you, because i know it's never easy for you going through your own personal experience. can you give us a sense, because you are talking about parents of children where you get into a situation where something is wrong and this is not to disparage doctors of the nhs but instinctively you are thinking, something is going on here. it's hugely important that parents feel confident enough to ask the questions at the right time? yes, that's right. if you are worried at all, there is an instinct as a parent which, even though your child might have a cold orflu, if there something else, something that feels strange and you look at those

symptoms, just ask your gp or whoever or whoever the medical person is in front of you, could this be sepsis? i think medical people will understand completely because it's a difficult thing to diagnose and they may be entertaining scenario in their heads already. but ask, could it be sepsis? don't be ashamed of it. martha's rule which was brought in with that tragic case of martha mills losing her life to sepsis, you now have the right to ask for a second opinion and that will help. that's one part of the scenario. just ask. don't feel afraid to ask. don't think, well, it's not something i really know about. if there is something that you feel a strange or unusual —— is strange or

unusual then ask. it’s strange or unusual -- is strange or unusual then ask.— unusual then ask. it's a very good ractical unusual then ask. it's a very good practical way _ unusual then ask. it's a very good practical way to — unusual then ask. it's a very good practical way to end _ unusual then ask. it's a very good practical way to end our _ unusual then ask. it's a very good i practical way to end our discussion. thank you so much, jason watkins, advocate for sepsis. ii thank you so much, jason watkins, advocate for sepsis.— advocate for sepsis. if your instinct is _ advocate for sepsis. if your instinct is to _ advocate for sepsis. if your instinct is to get _ advocate for sepsis. if your instinct is to get that - advocate for sepsis. if your. instinct is to get that second opinion— instinct is to get that second opinion then you can. if you're planning your summer holiday and looking for a bit of inspiration.... how about cycling the length of africa on a tandem? failing that, you could trek across a war zone or hitch a lift on the poland's answer to air force one. it might sound far—fetched but helen and david barr, from chichester, have done all this....and more besides. simon marks went to meet them. setting off from home in their trip

to chichester, we like escaping from real periods of time like three months. s . .. real periods of time like three months. . ., ,, ., months. and we rather like going off to stranae, months. and we rather like going off to strange, unusual— months. and we rather like going off to strange, unusual places _ months. and we rather like going off to strange, unusual places that - to strange, unusual places that people don't normally go to. it started back in 1990 when the road across india on locally sourced bikes using st children's school statues is luggage panniers. ila statues is luggage panniers. no . ears, statues is luggage panniers. ihv gears, no breaks and then gave them away on the other side. thea;r gears, no breaks and then gave them away on the other side.— away on the other side. they peddled 800 miles and _ away on the other side. they peddled 800 miles and acquired _ away on the other side. they peddled 800 miles and acquired a _ away on the other side. they peddled 800 miles and acquired a taste - away on the other side. they peddled 800 miles and acquired a taste for i 800 miles and acquired a taste for adventure. 18 years later and our two daughters, they are on a trekking holiday in georgia when this happened. good afternoon. the president of georgia has said his country is officially in a state of war with russia. iauntie country is officially in a state of war with russia.— country is officially in a state of war with russia. we had to do quite a scary escape. _ war with russia. we had to do quite a scary escape. going _ war with russia. we had to do quite a scary escape, going through - war with russia. we had to do quite a scary escape, going through one i a scary escape, going through one town that was being bombed. daeid

town that was being bombed. david and helen managed _ town that was being bombed. david and helen managed to _ town that was being bombed. david and helen managed to find a driver to take them for turkey where a friendly polish ambassador offered them a ride to warsaw on the polish equivalent of f1. the them a ride to warsaw on the polish equivalent of f1.— equivalent of f1. the pilot said, do the little girls _ equivalent of f1. the pilot said, do the little girls want _ equivalent of f1. the pilot said, do the little girls want to _ equivalent of f1. the pilot said, do the little girls want to see - equivalent of f1. the pilot said, do the little girls want to see the - the little girls want to see the cockpit and so they spent the whole journey there. cockpit and so they spent the whole iourney there-— journey there. you'd think after that experience _ journey there. you'd think after that experience that _ journey there. you'd think after that experience that the - journey there. you'd think after that experience that the family | that experience that the family would come home to recover. well, no. of the doing interviews for polish tv they just carried no. of the doing interviews for polish tv theyjust carried on their holiday and walked over the mountains into slovakia. ten years, the girls have grown up and left home so david and helen are taking the tandem on another epicjourney. the length of the himalayas, north of delhi _ the length of the himalayas, north of delhi and then heading east as far as _ of delhi and then heading east as far as we — of delhi and then heading east as far as we could find roads and then at the _ far as we could find roads and then at the last— far as we could find roads and then at the last bit there were no roads

so we _ at the last bit there were no roads so we left — at the last bit there were no roads so we left our bikes and started walking — so we left our bikes and started walking right up to the river where it meets _ walking right up to the river where it meets the chinese border. then they tackled _ it meets the chinese border. then they tackled africa, _ it meets the chinese border. ’isi2si they tackled africa, peddling the length of the continent from north to south. . . , length of the continent from north to south. , , , �* length of the continent from north tosouth. ,, , �* to south. this is why we can't stay awa , to south. this is why we can't stay away. because _ to south. this is why we can't stay away, because the _ to south. this is why we can't stay away, because the people - to south. this is why we can't stay away, because the people are - to south. this is why we can't stay away, because the people are so i away, because the people are so welcoming. b. away, because the people are so welcoming-— away, because the people are so welcomin.. . ., , ., . welcoming. a comfortable distance in a about 60 miles. _ welcoming. a comfortable distance in a about 60 miles. when _ welcoming. a comfortable distance in a about 60 miles. when not - welcoming. a comfortable distance in a about 60 miles. when not fit, - welcoming. a comfortable distance in a about 60 miles. when not fit, keen| a about 60 miles. when not fit, keen no l cra. a about 60 miles. when not fit, keen no lycra- the — a about 60 miles. when not fit, keen no lycra. the route _ a about 60 miles. when not fit, keen no lycra. the route isn't _ no lycra. the route isn't predetermined - no lycra. the route isn't predetermined by - no lycra. the route isn't predetermined by any i no lycra. the route isn't - predetermined by any means at no lycra. the route isn't _ predetermined by any means at all. even our destination isn't decided on. we don't have a flight home. you r , when you camp in a village, you have to find someone to take you in but people are so kind. iauntie have to find someone to take you in but people are so kind.— but people are so kind. we are this weird,

but people are so kind. we are this weird. white _ but people are so kind. we are this weird, white couple _ but people are so kind. we are this weird, white couple on _ but people are so kind. we are this weird, white couple on a _ but people are so kind. we are this weird, white couple on a tandem. i but people are so kind. we are this i weird, white couple on a tandem. we love life here so are not escaping from _ love life here so are not escaping from it _ love life here so are not escaping from it but — love life here so are not escaping from it but one of the nice things about— from it but one of the nice things about the — from it but one of the nice things about the trips makes you appreciate life back— about the trips makes you appreciate life back here and you even appreciate going back to work. they are both appreciate going back to work. isi2 are both approaching 60 appreciate going back to work. isi21: are both approaching 60 years of age. iauntie are both approaching 60 years of are. ~ . are both approaching 60 years of ale, . ., ., are both approaching 60 years of are.~ . ., are both approaching 60 years of are.~ ., ., ., , are both approaching 60 years of are. ., ., ._ ,, age. we have got so many trips lanned. age. we have got so many trips planned- we — age. we have got so many trips planned. we have _ age. we have got so many trips planned. we have got - age. we have got so many trips planned. we have got to - age. we have got so many trips planned. we have got to be... i age. we have got so many trips i planned. we have got to be... will need to live to 100!— need to live to 100! they even are -alannin need to live to 100! they even are planning a — need to live to 100! they even are planning a trip _ need to live to 100! they even are planning a trip to _ need to live to 100! they even are planning a trip to kazakhstan. i now we have done from money box. he's been digging into the scale of scams. it's shocking, isn't it? yes, this week we got

the annualfraud report from uk finance, outlining how many people had money stolen from them by scammers. the type of fraud we're talking about is known as authorised payment fraud, it's when criminals trick victims into sending money directly to them. one of the common ones we've been talking about in the last year is these "hi mum" texts, pretending to be from someone's son or daughter contacting them from a new number. that's just the start, with the real scam starting once you've been drawn in and they start asking for money. almost four hundred and sixty million pounds was stolen across all authorised payment fraud last year — that's down around five percent from the year before so a slither of good news there. but the overall number of cases in that same time has risen 12 per cent, withjust over a quarter of a million victims impacted by this kind of fraud. of course, numbers are only ever just that — numbers. they don't convey the emotional and financial damage done to victims. victims like gary and kate who had

£60,000 stolen through one of the "hi mum" text message scams, and who have not been refunded by their bank. so, emotionally and mentally, it was absolutely horrendous. you feel completely violated. i remember, 12 years ago, we were burgled. that was a big deal but at least you could see how the burglars got into your home and he could take steps to make things good again. and you could understand what happened. you could see what they take and how. this is completely different. flan see what they take and how. this is completely different.— completely different. can you exlain a completely different. can you explain a bit _ completely different. can you explain a bit about _ completely different. can you explain a bit about that, i completely different. can you explain a bit about that, hi, i completely different. can you i explain a bit about that, hi, mum? so lots of people get targeted and they get whatsapp messages, hire, mum, hi, dad, i've lost my phone

could you reply on this number. for every thousand messages for just send it takes one or two of those victims to think, that's real, that's happening. looking at kate and gary, lots of us might think we will never have that happen to us. but actually they could be any of us! we need to remember when we are talking about victims they are targeted by ruthlessly efficient criminals. you don't fall victim to fraud, you are targeted by horrible people who are very good at what they do. it's very sophisticated. remember that's the first message, as soon as they've got you under their spell that's when problems begin. we are all vulnerable as

parents. fraudsters, criminals, they prey on your worst fears and will exploit those. immediately, if it does not apply to you, if you don't have children, people fall for this all the time and they never think it will happen to them until they do. the one kate and gary fell for was extremely sophisticated. £60,000 and they weren't refunded. what makes they weren't refunded. what makes the difference as to whether you would get their money back or not of the bank? ijust want would get their money back or not of the bank? i just want to would get their money back or not of the bank? ijust want to give you some of the numbers from the fraud report. 68 pages. there is a good number in the air of that £459 million stolen through this fraud, 62% was refunded to victims. that's up 62% was refunded to victims. that's up on the year before and that is because the industry is making the right direction. not as quickly as campaigners would like but essentially comes down to whether or

not your bank is part of the crm code whereby banks are obliged to refund most innocent victims. it's voluntary but that is changing in october when there is a mandatory set of regulations that all payment service providers, banks, have to follow and then that will be a significant change in october. how do you find out if your banker signed up it? as of october the seven your bank will be, automatically. your bank should have that kind of information. if it is a main high street bank, chances are it's already signed up but the rest of the industry will be brought with it on the 7th of october. i of the industry will be brought with it on the 7th of october.— it on the 7th of october. i think i miaht it on the 7th of october. i think i might have _ it on the 7th of october. i think i might have done _ it on the 7th of october. i think i might have done something, i it on the 7th of october. | think | - might have done something, watched would people do they think that? what you do if you worry about it? the first thing you should do is contact your bank. tell them you are at risk of fraud and then call the

police and they will pass you want to action fraud. always call your bank. they can help you. they may be able to stop the transfer going through or claw it back. tell your bank. important stuff. stay with us. we have the headlines coming up.

live from london, this is bbc news. party leaders hit the campaign trail in the uk's general election and there is a growing list of tory mps who announce they will be standing down. the eu's top diplomat says the bloc will have to choose between supporting israel or international law — that's after the un ruled that israel must stop its assault on rafah. with south africa's general election just days away, will nelson mandela's legacy be enough to secure another anc win or will voters turn away? and i am injohannesburg. thousands of the anc supporters are streaming

into the stadium behind me singing and dancing, but this is going to be and dancing, but this is going to be a challenging election for the ruling party. hello. i'm lucy gray. former conservative ministers michael gove and dame andrea leadsom are among more than 100 mps to reveal they won't be contesting their seats at the general election. the announcements came as the parliamentary session was officially closed last night, allowing full—scale campaigning to begin. political leaders are touring the uk on the third full day of the campaign before voting begins on 4th july. rishi sunak will be heading to the north—east as sir keir starmer campaigns in the west midlands. our political correspondent hannah miller has the latest. through the brexit campaign, borisjohnson's friend, but at times his greatest foe, michael gove wasn't afraid to make enemies, pushing through education reforms and serving under four prime ministers over nearly 20 years in parliament.