hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. we will also provide the certainty that working people, businesses, and communities need. a clear direction — not the endless spinning around that successive tory governments have subjected us all to. this modern form of national service will mean that young people get the skills and the opportunities they need, which will serve them very well in life. it will foster a culture of service. if you vote liberal democrat, you get a local champion - who is going to campaign for your community, - for your families, stand up for them on the nhs, - and on the local environment. joining me on the panel tonight are mihir bose, author and broadcaster — simonjohnson, scottish political editor at the daily telegraph — and lord peter ricketts, former british ambassador to france and nato, and former uk national security adviser.

great panel to get into it all this evening. first, the latest headlines. israel's prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, has said that an israeli strike which hit a camp for displaced people in gaza was a "tragic incident" and was being investigated. dozens of people were killed when fire broke out at the camp in rafah. there has been widespread international condemnation of the attack. aid agencies in papua new guinea say they are unable to reach some of the people buried in friday's landslide because the ground is still moving. as many as 2,000 people are feared to have been trapped under the landslip. at least 21 people have been killed in the us, as storms and tornadoes swept acros several states. among the worst affected areas — arkansas, texas, and kentucky. forecasters have issued warnings for a severe thunderstorm on monday around newjersey,

new york, and pennsylvania. ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky, has called on western leaders to put more pressure on russia to end its attacks on his country. russian forces have been making battlefield gains in recent weeks — mr zelensky said moscow planned to destroy ukraine, and then move on. the big election announcement over the weekend was rishi sunak�*s pledge to bring back national service for 18—year—olds. this would either take the form of unpaid volunteering, or serving for 12 months in the armed forces, which would be paid. it seems to have caught many in the conservative party by surprise — including the defence minister andrew murrison, who just two days earlier in response to a written parliamentary question, said there were "no plans" for such a policy. today, the conservative mp steve baker complained on x that, as a minister of state for northern ireland, maybe he should have been consulted.

"this proposal was developed by a political adviser or advisers and sprung on candidates, some of whom are relevant ministers." in interviews since the policy was announced, its felt as though ministers were, in part, feeling their way through it. here's the deputy chair of the conservative party, james daly, on bbc news trying to answer a question on what punishment there might be for 18—year—olds who refused to take part. like any other potential civil or criminal offence, those will be developed with various agencies, and they will clearly — if this is to be a mandatory scheme — then there clearly will be some form of sanction if you do not take part in it. there will also be — if you are unable to take part in this scheme because you are unwell or ill, or whatever — then clearly there'll be no sanction in respect to that. even if conservative ministers and candidates support national service in principle,

they would hope to have answers to those type questions, and a fully worked—out policy — a theme that was picked up today by henry hill, editor of conservative home, who echoes the same complaints voiced by steve baker. "a handful of people" — he writes — "should not have a free hand to commit the entire party to new policies at zero notice. at least when a prime minister had to get policies through cabinet, their colleagues knew what they were going to be defending week to week." did it feel to you like ministers were going out slightly on the cuff here, trying to defend a policy they didn't know much about? yes. here, trying to defend a policy they didn't know much about? yes, because i think this policy _ didn't know much about? yes, because i think this policy was _ didn't know much about? yes, because i think this policy was developed - didn't know much about? yes, because i think this policy was developed in - i think this policy was developed in the downing street kitchen, where policy advisers were having chicken ticket masala — i hope that was better than the policy they came up with. i can't remember another election policy which has been so

half cooked and come up so suddenly without any thought as to how it would work. there are other countries which have national service, but it's a well thought out programme, it would be compulsory but people will not be punished, either fined but people will not be punished, eitherfined orjailed but people will not be punished, either fined orjailed for not taking part. and i can understand the difference between doing military service and doing voluntary work which is meant to improve the community. either it's one or the other. and frankly, it looks like trying to put labour on the back foot because security is an issue, which the conservatives feel labour is on the back foot, they are always dodgy on defence, not wanting to defend the country. that's how this whole thing has come up, and it's not something that's been well thought out at all, or how well it would work, or how it would benefit the community in the nation at large. the community in the nation at lane, ,, ., “ the community in the nation at lare. ,, ., ~ large. simon, i think the political roblem large. simon, i think the political problem here _ large. simon, i think the political problem here for— large. simon, i think the political problem here for the _ large. simon, i think the political problem here for the prime - large. simon, i think the political. problem here for the prime minister is that some of this funding — and

let's not forget, they often attack labour for not fully causing their plans — but some of this funding is coming from the levelling out budget. this would mean cuts in yorkshire to things that were already planned in redwall seats that presumably rishi sunak would hope to defend. i5 that presumably rishi sunak would hope to defend.— that presumably rishi sunak would hope to defend. is not a good look, taking money _ hope to defend. is not a good look, taking money away _ hope to defend. is not a good look, taking money away from _ hope to defend. is not a good look, taking money away from deprived l taking money away from deprived areas _ taking money away from deprived areas in _ taking money away from deprived areas in northern england and other parts _ areas in northern england and other parts of— areas in northern england and other parts of the — areas in northern england and other parts of the country, and putting into this — parts of the country, and putting into this i— parts of the country, and putting into this. i can understand the politics— into this. i can understand the politics on_ into this. i can understand the politics on one level, it is officially _ politics on one level, it is officially a move to shore up the tory— officially a move to shore up the tory base, — officially a move to shore up the tory base, it may stem were tracked back tory base, it may stem were tracked hack voters — tory base, it may stem were tracked back voters from reform, i think it will he _ back voters from reform, i think it will be popular with those people. but as_ will be popular with those people. but as you — will be popular with those people. but as you were saying, there's no detail— but as you were saying, there's no detail at— but as you were saying, there's no detail at the moment — the only thing _ detail at the moment — the only thing we — detail at the moment — the only thing we do know is around 30,000 of the 750.018— thing we do know is around 30,000 of the 750,018 —year—olds in the country— the 750,018 —year—olds in the country would go into military service — country would go into military service -- _ country would go into military service —— 750,00018—year—olds. but

it's not— service —— 750,00018—year—olds. but it's not clear— service —— 750,00018—year—olds. but it's not clear how that would work, but they— it's not clear how that would work, but they would do, and the rest would _ but they would do, and the rest would he — but they would do, and the rest would be going to volunteer at the nhs and _ would be going to volunteer at the nhs and other places. but the compulsory element is also hugely problematic. do you find these people. — problematic. do you find these people, do you jailed them? it's ridiculous— people, do you jailed them? it's ridiculous if they choose not to do it. ~ . . ., ., ., it. according to the world imputation _ it. according to the world population review, - it. according to the world population review, there| it. according to the world i population review, there are it. according to the world _ population review, there are around 80 countries that have some form of national service or conscription in place. the government pointed to the nordic countries, so we took a look at that. in sweden, all those aged between 18—47 are required to enlist for military service to help the country prepare for war if necessary, those called up are required to complete basic military training. in norway, those aged 19-44 training. in norway, those aged 19—44 are obliged to complete 19 months of military service. conscription in denmark is mandatory for all physically fit man over the age of 18. the country currently has 4500 age of 18. the country currently has a500 conscripts undergoing basic training per year, according to

officialfigures. what do training per year, according to official figures. what do you make us a policy, peter, setting aside the way it was rolled out and the costing of it, what national service would bring people out of their bubble? i would bring people out of their bubble? ~ �* , , ., ., bubble? i think it's trying to do two things _ bubble? i think it's trying to do two things and _ bubble? i think it's trying to do two things and not _ bubble? i think it's trying to do two things and not sure - bubble? i think it's trying to do two things and not sure which l bubble? i think it's trying to do i two things and not sure which one bubble? i think it's trying to do - two things and not sure which one is the more _ two things and not sure which one is the more important. _ two things and not sure which one is the more important. 0ne _ two things and not sure which one is the more important. one is- the more important. one is a community— the more important. one is a community service, - the more important. one is a community service, bringingl the more important. one is a - community service, bringing young people _ community service, bringing young people out— community service, bringing young people out of— community service, bringing young people out of their _ community service, bringing young people out of their bubble, - community service, bringing young people out of their bubble, giving i people out of their bubble, giving them _ people out of their bubble, giving them a _ people out of their bubble, giving them a sense _ people out of their bubble, giving them a sense of— people out of their bubble, giving them a sense of service, - people out of their bubble, giving them a sense of service, makingl people out of their bubble, giving - them a sense of service, making them work in _ them a sense of service, making them work in the _ them a sense of service, making them work in the community. _ them a sense of service, making them work in the community. i— them a sense of service, making them work in the community. i have - work in the community. i have different— work in the community. i have different views _ work in the community. i have different views on _ work in the community. i have different views on that, - work in the community. i have different views on that, but i work in the community. i have . different views on that, but that's one objective _ different views on that, but that's one objective. another— different views on that, but that's one objective. another is - different views on that, but that's one objective. another is talk - different views on that, but that's one objective. another is talk of i one objective. another is talk of increasing — one objective. another is talk of increasing national— one objective. another is talk of increasing national resilience i one objective. another is talk of increasing national resilience or| increasing national resilience or defence — increasing national resilience or defence capabilities, _ increasing national resilience or defence capabilities, and - increasing national resilience or defence capabilities, and therel increasing national resilience or| defence capabilities, and there i think— defence capabilities, and there i think it — defence capabilities, and there i think it makes _ defence capabilities, and there i think it makes absolutely - defence capabilities, and there i think it makes absolutely zero . think it makes absolutely zero contribution. _ think it makes absolutely zero contribution. in _ think it makes absolutely zero contribution. in fact, - think it makes absolutely zero contribution. in fact, it - think it makes absolutely zero i contribution. in fact, it probably decreases — contribution. in fact, it probably decreases the _ contribution. in fact, it probably decreases the armed _ contribution. in fact, it probably decreases the armed forces - contribution. in fact, it probably- decreases the armed forces because it settles— decreases the armed forces because it settles them — decreases the armed forces because it settles them with _ decreases the armed forces because it settles them with having _ decreases the armed forces because it settles them with having to - decreases the armed forces because it settles them with having to look i it settles them with having to look after 30,000 _ it settles them with having to look after 30,000 18—year—olds - it settles them with having to look after 30,000 18—year—olds every. after 30,000 18—year—olds every yeari _ after 30,000 18—year—olds every year. which — after30,00018—year—olds every year, which will— after 30,000 18—year—olds every year, which will absorb _ after 30,000 18—year—olds everyl year, which will absorb manpower after 30,000 18—year—olds every - year, which will absorb manpower and effort _ year, which will absorb manpower and effort as— year, which will absorb manpower and effort as they — year, which will absorb manpower and effort as they try— year, which will absorb manpower and effort as they try and _ year, which will absorb manpower and effort as they try and make _ effort as they try and make something _ effort as they try and make something of— effort as they try and make something of these - effort as they try and make something of these young i effort as they try and make - something of these young people in effort as they try and make _ something of these young people in a year. something of these young people in a year~ the _ something of these young people in a year. the countries— something of these young people in a year. the countries you _ something of these young people in a year. the countries you refer- something of these young people in a year. the countries you refer to, - year. the countries you refer to, the nordic— year. the countries you refer to, the nordic and _ year. the countries you refer to, the nordic and baltic _ year. the countries you refer to, the nordic and baltic countries, i the nordic and baltic countries, including — the nordic and baltic countries, including finland, _ the nordic and baltic countries, including finland, they- the nordic and baltic countries, including finland, they have - the nordic and baltic countries,

including finland, they have a l the nordic and baltic countries, - including finland, they have a whole society— including finland, they have a whole society approach _ including finland, they have a whole society approach in _ including finland, they have a whole society approach in which _ including finland, they have a whole society approach in which national. society approach in which national service for— society approach in which national service for young _ society approach in which national service for young people - society approach in which national service for young people is- society approach in which national service for young people isjust i society approach in which national. service for young people isjust one element, _ service for young people isjust one element, they— service for young people isjust one element, they often _ service for young people isjust one element, they often go _ service for young people isjust one element, they often go into - service for young people isjust one element, they often go into the - element, they often go into the reserves — element, they often go into the reserves get— element, they often go into the reserves, get called _ element, they often go into the reserves, get called up - element, they often go into the reserves, get called up for- reserves, get called up for training, _ reserves, get called up for training, and— reserves, get called up for training, and have - reserves, get called up for training, and have years. reserves, get called up forj training, and have years of commitment _ training, and have years of commitment — _ training, and have years of commitment — and - training, and have years of commitment — and it's - training, and have years of| commitment — and it's well understood _ commitment — and it's well understood in _ commitment — and it's well understood in these - commitment — and it's well. understood in these societies, commitment — and it's well- understood in these societies, it's very popular— understood in these societies, it's very popular in _ understood in these societies, it's very popular in sweden _ understood in these societies, it's very popular in sweden that - understood in these societies, it's very popular in sweden that they. very popular in sweden that they only take — very popular in sweden that they only take 8—9000 _ very popular in sweden that they only take 8—9000 a _ very popular in sweden that they only take 8—9000 a year- very popular in sweden that they only take 8—9000 a year into - very popular in sweden that they| only take 8—9000 a year into the armed _ only take 8—9000 a year into the armed forces _ only take 8—9000 a year into the armed forces and _ only take 8—9000 a year into the armed forces and a _ only take 8—9000 a year into the armed forces and a lot _ only take 8—9000 a year into the armed forces and a lot of- only take 8—9000 a year into the armed forces and a lot of people want _ armed forces and a lot of people want to— armed forces and a lot of people want to do— armed forces and a lot of people want to do it _ armed forces and a lot of people want to do it. but— armed forces and a lot of people want to do it. but it's _ armed forces and a lot of people want to do it. but it's a _ armed forces and a lot of people want to do it. but it's a well- want to do it. but it's a well thought— want to do it. but it's a well thought out, _ want to do it. but it's a well thought out, well— want to do it. but it's a well thought out, well rooted . want to do it. but it's a well- thought out, well rooted national approach — thought out, well rooted national approach to— thought out, well rooted national approach to greater— thought out, well rooted national approach to greater resilience. . thought out, well rooted national. approach to greater resilience. i'm afraid _ approach to greater resilience. i'm afraid this — approach to greater resilience. i'm afraid this plane _ approach to greater resilience. i'm afraid this plane gets _ approach to greater resilience. i'm afraid this plane gets nowhere - approach to greater resilience. i'mi afraid this plane gets nowhere near that at _ afraid this plane gets nowhere near that at all — afraid this plane gets nowhere near that at all. �* , ., ., afraid this plane gets nowhere near that at all. �*, ., ., g ., , that at all. let's hear from johnny mercer, that at all. let's hear from johnny mercer. wh0's — that at all. let's hear from johnny mercer, who's been _ that at all. let's hear from johnny mercer, who's been on _ that at all. let's hear from johnny mercer, who's been on the - that at all. let's hear from johnny mercer, who's been on the bbc . that at all. let's hear from johnny l mercer, who's been on the bbc this evening defending the planning — he's the veteran, let's listen. it’s he's the veteran, let's listen. it's ireat, it he's the veteran, let's listen. it's great. it gives — he's the veteran, let's listen. it�*s great, it gives people pride and purpose, and challenge, and obviously most needed for those communities left behind. 30,000 people, no one will be forced into the military or anything like the dark things i've read today. i think

it's fantastic to go into the military, it's a best thing a young person can do, to go to the military. if person can do, to go to the military-— military. if you listen to johnny mercer talk— military. if you listen to johnny mercer talk about _ military. if you listen to johnny mercer talk about his - military. if you listen to johnny mercer talk about his time - military. if you listen to johnny mercer talk about his time in i military. if you listen to johnny i mercer talk about his time in the military and read his book, he would say military service did an awful lot for him. in some way, maybe it's not national service, maybe we need to think about what we are facing in the shape of russia, whether we need to think about a bigger reserve corps then we have at that moment? yes, but we need to have a discussion about it, not a policy which has not been thought of unleashed on us. would military service for the young actually improve, as peter was saying there, our military strength? wouldn't give us the capacity and capability? and is the way for us to train or encourage the young people to become more part of the community? what we

need is much more technical training, things like that. there are ways to get the young part of the community, butjust to have military training, which i think would involve square bashing of the type that was illustrated in that famous film an officer and a gentleman, i don't think it'll do anything for the country or the community. in anything for the country or the community-— community. in defence of the government. _ community. in defence of the government, they _ community. in defence of the government, they did - community. in defence of the government, they did say - community. in defence of the| government, they did say that community. in defence of the i government, they did say that if community. in defence of the - government, they did say that if you weren't in the military, you would serve and flood defences or in a more voluntary capacity, there would only be limited places for people in the military side of this. but people going to be officers, community police workers, that sort of thing, is that not attractive in some way to get people feeling part of their community?— of their community? there is something — of their community? there is something good _ of their community? there is something good about - of their community? there is something good about that l of their community? there is| something good about that in of their community? there is - something good about that in theory. like something good about that in theory. like i_ something good about that in theory. like i say, _ something good about that in theory. like i say, the military aspect of it has— like i say, the military aspect of it has caught all the headlights,

but only— it has caught all the headlights, but only a% of those would go into the military, everybody else would io the military, everybody else would go into _ the military, everybody else would go into the community work or nhs, or what— go into the community work or nhs, or what have — go into the community work or nhs, or what have you. in practice you're supposed _ or what have you. in practice you're supposed to— or what have you. in practice you're supposed to be working a weekend every _ supposed to be working a weekend every month, if you're in a job, and university, — every month, if you're in a job, and university, in— every month, if you're in a job, and university, in some apprenticeship, do you _ university, in some apprenticeship, do you have — university, in some apprenticeship, do you have to throw everything up in the _ do you have to throw everything up in the air— do you have to throw everything up in the air and go do that? when you've— in the air and go do that? when you've got— in the air and go do that? when you've got other things you want to be you've got other things you want to he doing. _ you've got other things you want to be doing, how does actually work in practice? _ be doing, how does actually work in practice? in— be doing, how does actually work in practice? in theory, it's attractive. i think the polling shows— attractive. i think the polling shows that people like the idea of this, shows that people like the idea of this but— shows that people like the idea of this, but they don't like the mandatory element. keir starmer was appealing to those in lansing for those who are unsure about labour's credentials on national security. whatever the polls say,

i know there are countless people who haven't decided how they'll vote in this election. they are fed up with the failure, the chaos, and the division of the tories — but they still have questions about us. "has labour changed enough? "do i trust them with my money, our borders, our security?" my answer is, yes, you can, because i've changed this party permanently. applause in the first 100 days in office, labour is pledging to bring together mi5, police, and whitehall departments to address the myriad threats britain faces — including from russia and iran. just a few weeks ago, yvette cooper, the shadow home secretary, said labour would also be setting up a border security command in those first 100 days to address problems at the border. what labour is setting out that we need is, just as we had the counterterrorism strategy that was drawn up actually under the last labour government

but has endured ever since, what we need now is a new similar strategy around these different hostile state challenges and threats, and to make sure that we've got that same coordinated, high—level, strategic approach that takes immensely seriously those threats. because we're not seeing that from the government at the moment. it's like they've got their eye off the ball. i'm interested, as a former national security coordinator, peter, is this a merit in having all these reviews? it would seem to me that surely, these agencies are talking to each other, or m15 not talking to police or border security? why do we need a review? i’m or border security? why do we need a review? �* , , ., ., ,, review? i'm sure they are talking and the government _ review? i'm sure they are talking and the government has - review? i'm sure they are talking i and the government has something called _ and the government has something called the _ and the government has something called the national— and the government has something called the national security- and the government has something called the national security risk- called the national security risk register, — called the national security risk register, which— called the national security risk register, which tries _ called the national security risk register, which tries to - called the national security risk register, which tries to set - called the national security risk register, which tries to set out| called the national security risk. register, which tries to set out all the various— register, which tries to set out all the various threats _ register, which tries to set out all the various threats and _ register, which tries to set out all the various threats and risks - register, which tries to set out alli the various threats and risks there are out— the various threats and risks there are out there. _ the various threats and risks there are out there, and _ the various threats and risks there are out there, and gets— the various threats and risks there are out there, and gets people - are out there, and gets people planning, _ are out there, and gets people planning, making _ are out there, and gets people planning, making contingencyl are out there, and gets people - planning, making contingency plans for them _ planning, making contingency plans forthem~ but— planning, making contingency plans forthem~ but i_ planning, making contingency plans for them. but i think— planning, making contingency plans for them. but i think it's— planning, making contingency plans for them. but i think it's normal- for them. but i think it's normal that a _ for them. but i think it's normal that a new— for them. but i think it's normal that a new government - for them. but i think it's normal that a new government comingl for them. but i think it's normal- that a new government coming into office _ that a new government coming into office wants — that a new government coming into office wants to _ that a new government coming into office wants to take _ that a new government coming into office wants to take a _

that a new government coming into office wants to take a look - that a new government coming into office wants to take a look at - that a new government coming into office wants to take a look at that l office wants to take a look at that register _ office wants to take a look at that register and — office wants to take a look at that register and all— office wants to take a look at that register and all the _ office wants to take a look at that register and all the various - register and all the various risks and threats _ register and all the various risks and threats, and _ register and all the various risks and threats, and make - register and all the various risks and threats, and make sure - register and all the various risksl and threats, and make sure they agree _ and threats, and make sure they agree that — and threats, and make sure they agree that the _ and threats, and make sure they agree that the priorities - and threats, and make sure they agree that the priorities are - and threats, and make sure they| agree that the priorities are right. that's_ agree that the priorities are right. that's what— agree that the priorities are right. that's what the _ agree that the priorities are right. that's what the conservative - agree that the priorities are right. | that's what the conservative party did in _ that's what the conservative party did in 2010 — that's what the conservative party did in 2010 when _ that's what the conservative party did in 2010 when i _ that's what the conservative party did in 2010 when i was _ that's what the conservative party did in 2010 when i was a _ that's what the conservative party did in 2010 when i was a national. did in 2010 when i was a national security— did in 2010 when i was a national security adviser, _ did in 2010 when i was a national security adviser, we _ did in 2010 when i was a national security adviser, we did - did in 2010 when i was a national security adviser, we did the - security adviser, we did the national— security adviser, we did the national security— security adviser, we did the national security strategy . security adviser, we did the| national security strategy at security adviser, we did the - national security strategy at that point _ national security strategy at that point if — national security strategy at that point. if you— national security strategy at that point. if you look— national security strategy at that point. if you look at _ national security strategy at that point. if you look at the - national security strategy at that point. if you look at the policiesl point. if you look at the policies they— point. if you look at the policies they are — point. if you look at the policies they are talking _ point. if you look at the policies they are talking about, - point. if you look at the policies they are talking about, there's. point. if you look at the policies . they are talking about, there's not much _ they are talking about, there's not much change _ they are talking about, there's not much change on _ they are talking about, there's not much change on ukraine _ they are talking about, there's not much change on ukraine or- they are talking about, there's not much change on ukraine or the . they are talking about, there's not - much change on ukraine or the middle east, on _ much change on ukraine or the middle east, on china, — much change on ukraine or the middle east, on china, on— much change on ukraine or the middle east, on china, on commitments - much change on ukraine or the middle east, on china, on commitments to. much change on ukraine or the middlej east, on china, on commitments to do 1.5% east, on china, on commitments to do l5% of— east, on china, on commitments to do l5% of defence — east, on china, on commitments to do 1.5% of defence as _ east, on china, on commitments to do 1.5% of defence as a _ east, on china, on commitments to do 1.5% of defence as a target. _ east, on china, on commitments to do 1.5% of defence as a target. the - east, on china, on commitments to do 1.5% of defence as a target. the big i 1.5% of defence as a target. the big issue _ 1.5% of defence as a target. the big issue is— 1.5% of defence as a target. the big issue is they — 1.5% of defence as a target. the big issue is they come _ 1.5% of defence as a target. the big issue is they come up _ 1.5% of defence as a target. the big issue is they come up with - 1.5% of defence as a target. the big issue is they come up with very - issue is they come up with very much the same _ issue is they come up with very much the same approach, _ issue is they come up with very much the same approach, if— issue is they come up with very much the same approach, if they— issue is they come up with very much the same approach, if they get - the same approach, if they get elected — the same approach, if they get elected but— the same approach, if they get elected. but i— the same approach, if they get elected. but i think— the same approach, if they get elected. but i think it's- the same approach, if they get elected. but i think it's fair- elected. but i think it's fair enough _ elected. but i think it's fair enough that— elected. but i think it's fair enough that they - elected. but i think it's fair enough that they should i elected. but i think it's fair. enough that they should look elected. but i think it's fair- enough that they should look at the prioritisation, — enough that they should look at the prioritisation, all— enough that they should look at the prioritisation, all these _ enough that they should look at the prioritisation, all these new- prioritisation, all these new risks— people _ prioritisation, all these new risks— people talk— prioritisation, all these new risks— people talk about _ prioritisation, all these new risks— people talk about al _ prioritisation, all these new risks— people talk about al for— prioritisation, all these new risks— people talk about al for example i prioritisation, all these new risks—| people talk about al for example — prioritisation, all these new risks— i people talk about al for example — i think— people talk about al for example — i think the _ people talk about al for example — i think the security _ people talk about al for example — i think the security agencies - people talk about al for example — i think the security agencies will i people talk about al for example — i think the security agencies will be . think the security agencies will be ready— think the security agencies will be ready to _ think the security agencies will be ready to open _ think the security agencies will be ready to open the _ think the security agencies will be ready to open the books - think the security agencies will be ready to open the books and i think the security agencies will be | ready to open the books and show think the security agencies will be i ready to open the books and show the work that's— ready to open the books and show the work that's been _ ready to open the books and show the work that's been done, _ ready to open the books and show the work that's been done, and _ ready to open the books and show the work that's been done, and they- ready to open the books and show the work that's been done, and they can l work that's been done, and they can set their— work that's been done, and they can set their own — work that's been done, and they can set their own priorities _ work that's been done, and they can set their own priorities as _ work that's been done, and they can set their own priorities as a - work that's been done, and they can set their own priorities as a new- set their own priorities as a new government it's— set their own priorities as a new government-— set their own priorities as a new iovernment. �* , , , , government. it's interesting he puts trust at the forefront _ government. it's interesting he puts trust at the forefront here, - government. it's interesting he puts trust at the forefront here, "you i trust at the forefront here, "you can trust me on borders," but when people say you set out a very leftist policy when you became a leader, now you're setting out a

entirely different centrist policy and have ditched all the other policies stop what he's trying to deal with his witnesses earlier in the campaign, i think that issue of trust, that may be labour is seen as weak— trust, that may be labour is seen as weak or— trust, that may be labour is seen as weak or on— trust, that may be labour is seen as weak or on defence than the tories. so he's _ weak or on defence than the tories. so he's going to address this had on and do _ so he's going to address this had on and do it— so he's going to address this had on and do it early before it can get any traction during the campaign and the tories _ any traction during the campaign and the tories can be the role of the and get — the tories can be the role of the and get some clinical momentum. so he's obvious — and get some clinical momentum. so he's obvious he tried to use today to address — he's obvious he tried to use today to address that nice and quickly, to say to— to address that nice and quickly, to say to people, "look, i've changed to the _ say to people, "look, i've changed to the party, — say to people, "look, i've changed to the party, it's different now, this is— to the party, it's different now, this is what i stand for." a to the party, it's different now, this is what i stand for. " this is what i stand for." a quick ioint this is what i stand for." a quick point where _ this is what i stand for." a quick point where you _ this is what i stand for." a quick point where you are, _ this is what i stand for." a quick point where you are, obviously l point where you are, obviously he's talked in recent weeks about being prepared to push the button — that's a dividing line in scotland where you are between labour and the snp. it certainly is, the snp are basically wanting to abolish it and

iet basically wanting to abolish it and get off— basically wanting to abolish it and get off the client right away. it's not one — get off the client right away. it's not one of— get off the client right away. it's not one of the top issues that people — not one of the top issues that people in— not one of the top issues that people in scotland will go to the ballot _ people in scotland will go to the ballot box on, i think it will be the economy, the health service, what _ the economy, the health service, what you — the economy, the health service, what you expect. but i still think there's— what you expect. but i still think there's a — what you expect. but i still think there's a majority of people who basically— there's a majority of people who basically support the nuclear deterrence, especially given what's happening in the role of the moment, you don't— happening in the role of the moment, you don't have to look too far, i don't _ you don't have to look too far, i don't see — you don't have to look too far, i don't see that being a vote loser for keir— don't see that being a vote loser for keir starmer.— don't see that being a vote loser for keir starmer. what did you make ofthe for keir starmer. what did you make of the personal— for keir starmer. what did you make of the personal touch _ for keir starmer. what did you make of the personal touch today - for keir starmer. what did you make of the personal touch today that i of the personal touch today that we got from sir keir starmer? he talked about himself and members of his family growing up in west sussex, and how his party would go beyond party politics, that they would put the country first — did that cut across for you? i the country first - did that cut across for you?— the country first - did that cut across for ou? ~ ., _, , across for you? i think what comes across for you? i think what comes across with — across for you? i think what comes across with keir _ across for you? i think what comes across with keir starmer _ across for you? i think what comes across with keir starmer is - across for you? i think what comes across with keir starmer is first i across with keir starmer is first of all, he's borrowing from the playbook of tony blair. tony blair campaigned on new labour, and keir

starmer is saying, "i have fundamentally changed and altered labour." he's emphasising that he hasn't come from great wealth, and we must remember that rishi sunak and his wife are among the richest persons in this country, with the wealth estimated at £651 million — richer than the king. so even though, without emphasising that are mentioning it, keir starmer wants to say, "look, i'm not part of that rich bracket whose resident in number ten. rich bracket whose resident in numberten. i've rich bracket whose resident in number ten. i've grown up like you, i understand you." a touch here of what you hear from american presidential candidates who are always saying, "when i grew up, i didn't have a pair of proper trousers to wear." keir starmer hasn't gone quite that far, but we are getting to that stage, the contrast between the man of the people who you can trust, who knows

what it's like to be a working person, and one who is rich and his wife is even a wrister. that should be contrasted more and more in the election. we be contrasted more and more in the election. ~ ., be contrasted more and more in the election. ~ . ., ., ., ., election. we hear that a lot from joe biden. _ election. we hear that a lot from joe biden. it's — election. we hear that a lot from joe biden, it's the _ election. we hear that a lot from joe biden, it's the scranton i election. we hear that a lot from | joe biden, it's the scranton effect joe biden, it's the scranton effect in pennsylvania, he returns to his roots quite a bit. we will talk more about the other parties who have been launching campaigns today as well. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's look at some of the other stories making headlines in the uk today. cases of melanoma skin cancer are at an all—time high in the uk, with more than 20,000 people expected to be diagnosed with it this year. the charity cancer research uk is warning people to do more to protect themselves from the sun, and say there's been a particularly big increase in cases among older people. a woman who was stabbed to death on bournemouth beach on friday night has been named locally as amie gray. another woman remains in hospital with serious injuries. police are still at the scene

of the stabbings and a section of the beachfront remains cordoned off. the raf has grounded the battle of britain memorial flights following the death of one of its pilots in a spitfire crash on saturday. squadron leader mark long was flying near raf coningsby in lincolnshire when the aircraft came down. a spokesman said a pause has been implemented while a formal investigation is carried out. snp leaderjohn swinney says his party can remove the tories from "every single one of the conservative—held seats in scotland" on election night. the new first minister was in dumfries today, part of alisterjack�*s dumfries and galloway seat, calling on people to "get rid of the conservatives". the tories won six scottish seats at the last general election, the snp�*s lisa cameron later crossed the floor to join the conservatives. so seven seats in all which the snp are targeting.

meanwhile, the lib dem leader, sir ed davey, was also in scotland, launching his party's election campaign in north queensferry, with one eye on some of those snp seats. sir ed said they will be targeting mid dunbartonshire and inverness, skye, and west rossshire, with renewed optimism that his party can overtake the snp as the third largest party at westminster. liberal democrats can win a lot of seats in scotland. we've got some fantastic candidates. if you vote liberal democrat, you get a local champion who's going to campaign for your community, for your family, stand up for them on the nhs and on the local environment. and there's a chance that we can have more liberals than nationalists in the westminster parliament after this election, and be the third party again, and make sure that we all really stand up for scotland and strengthen our precious family of nations.

let's talk about the first minister in dumfries today. he must be looking at those seven seats today were the snp is running second in all of them, thinking if he can take all of them, thinking if he can take all of them, thinking if he can take all of those at a time when the conservatives are deeply unpopular in scotland, judging by the polls, then maybe he can limit some of the damage. i then maybe he can limit some of the damaue. ~ �* , , then maybe he can limit some of the damaue. ~ �*, , ., damage. i think he's being rather optimistic. _ damage. i think he's being rather optimistic. if _ damage. i think he's being rather optimistic, if i'm _ damage. i think he's being rather optimistic, if i'm being _ damage. i think he's being rather optimistic, if i'm being honest. . optimistic, if i'm being honest. it's a _ optimistic, if i'm being honest. it's a totally different election than — it's a totally different election than what's being fought in england. it's worth_ than what's being fought in england. it's worth rewinding to the 2014 independence referendum when we first saw _ independence referendum when we first saw the surgeon support for the snp — first saw the surgeon support for the snp. what's happened in every election— the snp. what's happened in every election since then —— surge in suriport — election since then —— surge in support. the 40% that voted yes and the referring them all back the snp, whereas_ the referring them all back the snp, whereas the 50% who voted no split their votes — whereas the 50% who voted no split their votes three—way between the three _ their votes three—way between the three unionist parties. that's benefited the snp massively in every election— benefited the snp massively in every election because of the first past

the post— election because of the first past the post system, so they've won election — the post system, so they've won election after election here. but what's _ election after election here. but what's happening now is that relationship between how people voted _ relationship between how people voted in — relationship between how people voted in that referendum and how they are _ voted in that referendum and how they are voting in elections and has started _ they are voting in elections and has started to _ they are voting in elections and has started to break down for the first time, _ started to break down for the first time, and — started to break down for the first time, and we are seeing lots of independent supporters moving particularly to labour, but also there's— particularly to labour, but also there's opportunities for other parties — there's opportunities for other parties as— there's opportunities for other parties as well. so there's no coincidence that we've seen rishi sunak— coincidence that we've seen rishi sunak up— coincidence that we've seen rishi sunak up here last thursday, then keir starmer on friday, ed davey today— keir starmer on friday, ed davey today - _ keir starmer on friday, ed davey today — they are all scenting blood and sensing opportunities. the tories — and sensing opportunities. the tories cah— and sensing opportunities. the tories can pick up seats in scotland. _ tories can pick up seats in scotland, it's quite an extraordinary difference compared to england _ extraordinary difference compared to england. the polls seem to suggest they will_ england. the polls seem to suggest they will hold the six that they one last time, — they will hold the six that they one last time, but there's also a couple others _ last time, but there's also a couple others simply because the snp, even though— others simply because the snp, even though they aren't the uk government, have an incumbency problem _ government, have an incumbency problem because they've been in power—

problem because they've been in power here for 17 years. just problem because they've been in power here for 17 years.- power here for 17 years. just a cuick power here for 17 years. just a quick one _ power here for 17 years. just a quick one. _ power here for 17 years. just a quick one. you _ power here for 17 years. just a quick one, you were _ power here for 17 years. just a quick one, you were there - power here for 17 years. just a quick one, you were there for| quick one, you were there for secure's trip on friday, he pledged to make scotland's central to the mission of a labour government — what does that mean? i mission of a labour government - what does that mean?— mission of a labour government - what does that mean? i asked him that question. _ what does that mean? i asked him that question, he _ what does that mean? i asked him that question, he said _ what does that mean? i asked him that question, he said that - what does that mean? i asked him l that question, he said that scotland was central to his mission in two ways _ was central to his mission in two ways. obviously labour did appallingly bad last time, and they need to— appallingly bad last time, and they need to pick up a lot of seats, and scotland. — need to pick up a lot of seats, and scotland. if — need to pick up a lot of seats, and scotland, if they can pick up 35 seats, — scotland, if they can pick up 35 seats, then that helps him enormously in terms of getting into number— enormously in terms of getting into number ten. enormously in terms of getting into numberten. but enormously in terms of getting into number ten. but also, enormously in terms of getting into numberten. but also, he said it enormously in terms of getting into number ten. but also, he said it was personal— number ten. but also, he said it was personal for— number ten. but also, he said it was personal for him — number ten. but also, he said it was personalfor him — i:e., he said he wanted to— personalfor him — i:e., he said he wanted to be — personalfor him — i:e., he said he wanted to be prime minister of the entire _ wanted to be prime minister of the entire united kingdom, and by that he meant _ entire united kingdom, and by that he meant having a good cohort of labour _ he meant having a good cohort of labour mps he meant having a good cohort of labour mp5 from scotland on his government benches, so he's resetting _ government benches, so he's resetting the whole of the uk. | government benches, so he's resetting the whole of the uk. i was auoin to resetting the whole of the uk. i was

going to say. _ resetting the whole of the uk. i was going to say. if _ resetting the whole of the uk. i was going to say, if that _ resetting the whole of the uk. i —" going to say, if that happens and you've got prominent scottish ministers and the government again, does that go some way to healing the rift that there's been since the snp took all those seats in the 2019 election? it took all those seats in the 2019 election? .. . took all those seats in the 2019 election? ., , . . ., . , election? it does, and traditionally if ou've election? it does, and traditionally if you've seen. _ election? it does, and traditionally if you've seen, labour _ election? it does, and traditionally if you've seen, labour does - election? it does, and traditionally if you've seen, labour does not. election? it does, and traditionally| if you've seen, labour does not win power in westminster until it has some solid scottish mps. one of the consequent as of devolution was labour has been wiped out in scotland, and it's very important for labour to get back some foothold in scotland to claim to be a party that represents the entire united kingdom. it's always had support in wales, otherwise it's difficult. but it's possible, in the past ed miliband was undone by the fact that conservatives said, "if you vote for labour, they'll go into an alliance

with the snp," and that factor probably, and simon will know more about that, is less likely to play on this occasion because the snp will not do all that well. so there's less chance of the conservatives being able to say that a vote for labour means you are really voting for the snp in a disguised form. so for labour, it's very important to show that it is a party that can represent all of the country and various sections of the country, and notjust a small element of the country. figs country, and notjust a small element of the country. as we've heard from _ element of the country. as we've heard from labour— element of the country. as we've heard from labour mps _ element of the country. as we've heard from labour mps on - element of the country. as we've heard from labour mps on this i heard from labour mps on this programme, the path to westminster certainly runs through scotland — polling at the moment currently puts them five points ahead, certainly want to watch. on the other side of the break, we'll get the panel's thoughts on what we've seen in rafah and also the developing situation in ukraine. do stay with us for that, we'll be back right —— right back.

hello. after a day of sunny spells and heavy showers, 1—2 rumbles of thunder, as well. the evening is looking quieter across most of the uk. the showers are easing right now, and we'll see some clear skies developing at least across most of the uk. the opposite is true for south—western parts of england and wales, though. a weather front is approaching — and that does spell rain through the early hours, which should reach the irish sea and also northern ireland by around 5—6am in the morning. but towards the north and the east, it's going to be dry. temperatures early in the morning, nine celsius in edinburgh. more typically, it'll be into double figures. so, the low pressure will be moving slowly across the uk during the course of tuesday, and at the very least, it's going to bring a lot of cloud. the last place to see the thick cloud and the rain will be the north—east of scotland — but i think for most of us, it's a pretty cloudy

day with rain at times. temperatures, nothing spectacular, between around 15—18 celsius. and the evening tomorrow is also looking fairly cloudy, but i think, towards the end of the day, we will see some sunshine developing, so at least the second half of tuesday's looking a little bit better. now, that low pressure will continue to move away towards the east early on wednesday, but behind it, i think showers will develop from eastern scotland, the borders, all the way towards yorkshire and lincolnshire — really quite heavy showers here. but out towards the west, i think the weather's looking absolutely fine for wales, for south—western england, for northern ireland, too, plenty of sunny weather and relatively light winds. now, let's have a look at the forecast for thursday — the winds will be blowing in from the north, fairly cool winds for some of us. showers will develop, i think, this time in central parts of the uk, down that spine — so anywhere from the lowlands of scotland, across the pennines, the peak district may catch a few showers on thursday. there could be 1—2 in the midlands, as well. temperatures about the same. now, if you're wondering about the end of the week

and into this coming weekend, well, here's some good news — high pressure is expected to establish itself across the uk. we're not promising particularly warm weather, but at least it'll be generally dry and really quite sunny. if you're checking the apps, they should already indicate that weather settling as we head into friday, saturday, and sunday. i mean, look at that in belfast — lots of sunshine, and really not bad at all on the thermometer.