�*on the national spent it yesterday on the national citizenship survey. who is put up taxes so much on working class and pensioners? it's the conservatives, i wouldn't believe the paper it's written on. i i wouldn't believe the paper it's written om— i wouldn't believe the paper it's written on— i wouldn't believe the paper it's written on. ., ., ., ., written on. i have to ask you about anuela written on. i have to ask you about angela rayner. — written on. i have to ask you about angela rayner, who's _ written on. i have to ask you about angela rayner, who's been - written on. i have to ask you about angela rayner, who's been told i written on. i have to ask you about. angela rayner, who's been told today there will be no police action over there will be no police action over the sale of her council house. it's come at the beginning of the campaign. but what have you as a party learned about this episode? we've learned that conservative mps are willing to waste police time. but what about how absolutely scrupulously open about every single aspect of your life you'll need to be shortly?— aspect of your life you'll need to be shortl ? ,, , ~ ., �* be shortly? sure, but angela didn't do anything — be shortly? sure, but angela didn't do anything wrong. _ be shortly? sure, but angela didn't do anything wrong, that's - be shortly? sure, but angela didn't do anything wrong, that's what - be shortly? sure, but angela didn't do anything wrong, that's what was concluded. this was conservative mps wasting police time to score political points, and frankly they should be ashamed of themselves. good to have you here, darrenjones, thanks for your time. live now to westminster,

and our political correspondent jack fenwick. another busy day of campaigning, what stood out for you today? there's quite a bit to choose from. it certainly has been another busy day. once again, a theme we've seen so far in this election is that the economy is really front and centre. we've heard in the last few minutes how labour have had this letter signed by various business leaders saying they think labour is the way to go in the selection, we've heard rachel reeves has been out talking about the economy as well. this is all part of labour trying to say they are a changed party since 2019 when jeremy corbyn they are a changed party since 2019 whenjeremy corbyn led the party into that particular election. keir starmer and rachel reeves, and the rest of the labour party think that voters want to be reassured that they will be a safe pair of hands, if you like, if they are in charge of the economy. but there's also a note of caution — darrenjones covid labour's shadow chief secretary to the treasury, means topic he'd be in

charge of public spending, figuring out which department gets which budget. he says labour has the toughest fiscal inheritance since the second world war — they clearly talk about the fact that if labour came into power, they wouldn't play fast and loose, the words they've been using. the conservatives of well have been talking about various economic things today, we've heard from them about this idea that the triple locked plus, raising the tax—free pension allowance pensioners get— that's because some pensioners get— that's because some pensioners could pay income tax because rates have been frozen for the last few years. pensioners are obvious the part of the real voter base, and i think this is a way of trying to get their base out to vote for them on polling day, and that's why we've heard various conservatives talking about that. they've also talked about the fact that in their mind, labour are not

willing, don't have the courage or conviction to go for tax cuts of their own. we've also been hearing from lots today, we've seen pictures of ed davey falling into the lake windermere talking about water quality. it's worth noting that after that fall into the water, ed davey did say that one of them might have been on purpose — that was seen as a good opportunity for him. richard tice making that speech a moment ago, he also has another event with nigel farage, who's not standing to be an mp, but clearly he still wants to have a big effect on this election campaign. he's been talking about how he believes that britain is moving towards a sectarian politics. he was also talking about how he believes he's been justified talking about how he believes he's beenjustified in talking about how he believes he's been justified in talking about small boat crossings across the channel for a number of years now. the snp have also been out campaigning today, and interestingly they've written to both labour and

they've written to both labour and the conservatives asking for the uk to recognise a palestinian state, so they could be something that crops up they could be something that crops up in the next few days again. finally, there's news of angela rayner this evening — i think it will come as a relief to labour, we knew greater manchester police had been investigating for some time over this potential controversy around her living arrangements. ranjit desecrated up to manchester police have said they're not taking that medication forward, but they said they've passed details to both stockport council and hmrc. we've heard since from hmrc, they are not going forward, and a labour source has told us that hmrc will not be going forward either. the conservatives have come onto that saying that potentially leaves the door open for further investigations, but the chances are we will not hear from hmrc, they never comment on the sort of thing. overall, it relief this evening for a labour when it comes to angela rayner�*s position.

a labour when it comes to angela rayner's position.— rayner's position. plenty to get our rayner's position. plenty to get your teeth _ rayner's position. plenty to get your teeth into, _ rayner's position. plenty to get your teeth into, you've - rayner's position. plenty to get| your teeth into, you've certainly done that for us. jack fenwick joining us from westminster. we'll be covering the election campaign across the to come, you can get all the information on the bbc website -- bbc the information on the bbc website —— bbc news website. it is now 7:20pm. israeli tanks have reportedly reached the centre of rafah, as it carries out its most intense bombardment of the city, since the war began. gaza's hamas—run health ministry says across the strip, dozens of people have been killed in the past 2a hours. international condemnation continues to grow over an israeli air strike on sunday, which led to a devastating fire in a camp for displaced palestinians — killing 45 people — including women and children. our correspondent lucy williamson reports. rafah was once gaza's refuge, the safest place in a dangerous war.

today, the city's west and centre was emptying, those still sheltering here fleeing again amid air strikes and artillery fire. taking whatever they need to survive, whatever they can't leave behind. there has been no evacuation order from israel's army and for many, no sense of where to go. translation: i'm just walking in the street, l i don't know where to go, there is nowhere safe. where should we go? this is not a life, this is not a life. they were packing up also in the displacement camp to the west of the city, still scarred by fires triggered in an israeli air strike on sunday. dozens dead, survivors spent. there is more than one

way to lose a life. israel says its operation in rafah is key to defeating hamas and that the strike on sunday on hamas commanders in the camp was carried out with precise munitions that would not, by themselves, have caused so many deaths. we are talking about munition with a 17 kilos of explosive material, the smallest munition that ourjets can use. following this strike, a large fire ignited for reasons that are still being investigated. our munition alone could not have ignited a fire of this size. while people fled today, gaza's health ministry said more than 20 were killed in fresh air strike to the west, over half of them women. as far beyond these borders, three european nations officially recognise a palestinian state, and gaza's last urban centre begins

to fall under israeli control. lucy williamson, bbc news, jerusalem. pope francis has apologised for using a derogatory word to describe gay men in discussions about whether they should be admitted to the priesthood. a warning here that there will be some offensive language coming up. during a closed—door meeting with italian bishops at the vatican, a week ago, the pope reportedly said there were already too many gay men in the theological schools, using an italian word that translates to the offensive term forget. the pope's spokesperson, matteo bruni, has now spoken to press in the vatican and said...

for more, here's our religion editor aleem maqbool. you have to remember popes before him talked about homosexuality as a disorder, but right from the beginning, he talked about welcoming gay people into the church, which is why these comments have caused so much shock, surprise in a lot of quarters. and this happened at an italian bishop's conference. he was asked, should gay men be allowed into the priesthood? and i am paraphrasing, but he said, "no, because there is already too much of that kind of thing around." the way he said that kind of thing was by using an offensive slur, one as offensive as you can when it is referring to gay men. so he has now issued something of an apology from the vatican, saying he did not mean to offend

and use homophobic language, and he apologised for the hurt caused by using a word that was reported by others. and it has been interesting, talking to catholic gay groups in this country — there are some who say that this has been a huge step back and they cannot forgive him. but there are others who say that they can, because of the progress that he has made over the years in the face of a lot of conservative criticism. but you have to remember what someone like the pope says, has a profound impact, a profound impact, much further afield than just gay catholics. please have released cctv images of a man they want to speak to. 34—year—old amy gray was stabbed to death, a 17—year—old boy arrested on

sunday has been released without charge. here's duncan kennedy. from first light to this afternoon's fading light, police have been searching for clues. it was near these cliffs that the woman named locally as amie gray was fatally stabbed. today, officers prodded the undergrowth, looking for evidence to help find who killed amie and attacked her friend. but it's notjust been in the surrounding cliffs that the police have carried out their investigation. they've sealed off hundreds of yards of this beach for three days as part of their enquiries, including forensic officers working at this spot looking for more evidence. the police say this is their main suspect. they haven't given any details about his age or height, but say the public should not approach him. they've put on extra patrols which have been welcomed by the public here. i think generally local people feel better if they can see somebody doing something locally. wherever it's in from warrington. so that's really, really good

to hear if they are. fingers crossed, everybody'll be safe. the 38—year—old woman stabbed in the same incident remains in a serious condition in hospital. four days after amie died, her friends continue to pay tribute, with one saying today, "we are all heartbroken." duncan kennedy, bbc news, in bournemouth. i had of the 2016 election. donald trump has denied all the allegations. _ trump has denied all the allegations. if _ trump has denied all the allegations. if found guilty, mr trump would become the first former us president with a criminal conviction and the first major party candidate to run for the white house as a convicted felon. nada tawfik brought us the latest from the trial as the defence made their closing statement. , , ., . ., .

statement. this is the final chance for the defence _ statement. this is the final chance for the defence to _ statement. this is the final chance for the defence to make _ statement. this is the final chance for the defence to make their- statement. this is the final chance for the defence to make their case j for the defence to make their case to the jury before they get handed donald trump's fate. that can happen as soonest tomorrow, matthew, because after today's closing arguments, thejudge because after today's closing arguments, the judge will instruct thejury on the arguments, the judge will instruct the jury on the caselaw that is central to of this. now we've so far had donald trump's defence lawyer going first — he started by saying that donald trump is innocent, and that donald trump is innocent, and that the prosecution had not proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt. remember, for them it is all about sowing doubt in just at least one juror�*s about sowing doubt in just at least onejuror�*s mind — because if at least onejuror does not onejuror�*s mind — because if at least one juror does not agree that donald trump is guilty or not guilty, this will result in a hung jury. robert blanch as being the case that donald trump was in the white house at the time these documents were allegedly falsified, that he was busy running the country and had no part in it. his lawyer was also saying that if they had

been involved in some large conspiracy, why would they have had his two sons, donjunior and eric trump, signing off on the vouchers for these checks to reimburse michael cohen? they also have said that cohen himself is a convicted felon, he was imprisoned in part for lying to congress, and therefore as the persecution's star witness, it is unbelievable in their view that this case is built around him, that he cannot be trusted. and that has really been what the defence has been leaning on throughout all of this, matthew — they essentially say it is michael cohen's word against donald trump's, and michael cohen has proven he has stolen from donald trump, he's admitted to that, that he has a personal stake in this case, and that he has lied when it's in his best interest to do so based on the past. so this really does now hinge, matthew, on whetherthejury believes that donald trump intended to cover up election fraud and

directed those documents to be falsified in business records. mada falsified in business records. nada tawfik sneaking — falsified in business records. nada tawfik speaking earlier _ falsified in business records. nada tawfik speaking earlier to my colleague. time now to digest the day's election campaigning in newscast — with adam fleming and the team. hello and welcome back to the newscast studio from the economics office. that will be are calling your office? it's on the second floor though, your office? it's on the second floorthough, isn't your office? it's on the second floor though, isn't it? your office? it's on the second floorthough, isn't it? it your office? it's on the second floor though, isn't it?- your office? it's on the second floorthough, isn't it? it is. more floor though, isn't it? it is. more details of the _ floorthough, isn't it? it 3 more details of the geography of the building coming up on the episode later. alex, where you?— building coming up on the episode later. alex, where you? hello. i am at radio coventry _ later. alex, where you? hello. i am at radio coventry and _ later. alex, where you? hello. i am at radio coventry and warwickshirel at radio coventry and warwickshire along _ at radio coventry and warwickshire along with — at radio coventry and warwickshire along with cushions branded to match — along with cushions branded to match. , ., , ., ., match. everyone is going for the branded. would _ match. everyone is going for the branded. would you _ match. everyone is going for the branded. would you like - match. everyone is going for the branded. would you like to - match. everyone is going for the j branded. would you like to show off the newscast branded cushions? look at that. broadcasting _ the newscast branded cushions? look at that. broadcasting accessories. - at that. broadcasting accessories. we have some — at that. broadcasting accessories. we have some must _ at that. broadcasting accessories. we have some must have - at that. broadcasting accessories. - we have some must have information today from the bbc, the line—up of election night. it is going to be clive miry and our very own laura k.

except, listeners of newscast knew that already because laura, who is super cautious and chooses her words carefully was a little bit and cautious on sunday morning when she said this. i cautious on sunday morning when she said this. . g , cautious on sunday morning when she said this. ., g , ., ~ cautious on sunday morning when she said this. ., g , ., ,, ., said this. i heard jenny lake on newscast and _ said this. i heard jenny lake on newscast and i _ said this. i heard jenny lake on newscast and i said _ said this. i heard jenny lake on newscast and i said she - said this. i heard jenny lake on newscast and i said she soundsj said this. i heard jenny lake on - newscast and i said she sounds like a marveiious— newscast and i said she sounds like a marvellous person _ newscast and i said she sounds like a marvellous person but _ newscast and i said she sounds like a marvellous person but i - newscast and i said she sounds like a marvellous person but i have a i a marvellous person but i have a strong _ a marvellous person but i have a strong feeling _ a marvellous person but i have a strong feeling anyone _ a marvellous person but i have a strong feeling anyone calling - a marvellous person but i have aj strong feeling anyone calling the general— strong feeling anyone calling the general election— strong feeling anyone calling the general election that _ strong feeling anyone calling the general election that shouldn't . strong feeling anyone calling the l general election that shouldn't be not a _ general election that shouldn't be not a lot— general election that shouldn't be not a lot to — general election that shouldn't be not a lot to do _ general election that shouldn't be not a lot to do so. _ general election that shouldn't be not a lot to do so. we _ general election that shouldn't be not a lot to do so.— not a lot to do so. we were wondering _ not a lot to do so. we were wondering in _ not a lot to do so. we were wondering in a _ not a lot to do so. we were wondering in a new- not a lot to do so. we were j wondering in a new modern not a lot to do so. we were - wondering in a new modern bbc what kind of punishment is allowed? exactly. i heard the bosses are thinking — exactly. i heard the bosses are thinking of— exactly. i heard the bosses are thinking of calling _ exactly. i heard the bosses are thinking of calling the - exactly. i heard the bosses are thinking of calling the election| thinking of calling the election night — thinking of calling the election night programme _ thinking of calling the election night programme genny- thinking of calling the election night programme genny elec.| thinking of calling the election - night programme genny elec. not with my name _ night programme genny elec. not with my name on— night programme genny elec. not with my name on it! — night programme genny elec. not with my name on it! you _ night programme genny elec. not with my name on it! you are _ night programme genny elec. not with my name on it! you are a _ night programme genny elec. not with my name on it! you are a proper- my name on it! you are a proper journalist _ my name on it! you are a proper journalist to — my name on it! you are a proper journalist to use _ my name on it! you are a proper journalist to use part _ my name on it! you are a proper journalist to use part of that - journalist to use part of that straightaway _ journalist to use part of that straightaway that _ journalist to use part of that straightaway that she - journalist to use part of that straightaway that she was . journalist to use part of that - straightaway that she was giving something — straightaway that she was giving something away _ straightaway that she was giving something away. you _ straightaway that she was giving something away.— straightaway that she was giving something away. you have to listen to the newscast _ something away. you have to listen to the newscast if _ something away. you have to listen to the newscast if you _ something away. you have to listen to the newscast if you want - something away. you have to listen to the newscast if you want the - to the newscast if you want the exclusives. d0 to the newscast if you want the exclusives— to the newscast if you want the exclusives. , ., ~ ., ., , ., exclusives. do you know what you will be doing? _ exclusives. do you know what you will be doing? i— exclusives. do you know what you will be doing? i hear, _ exclusives. do you know what you will be doing? i hear, i— exclusives. do you know what you will be doing? i hear, i have - exclusives. do you know what you will be doing? i hear, i have a - exclusives. do you know what you

will be doing? i hear, i have a hot date with a senior _ will be doing? i hear, i have a hot date with a senior politician. - will be doing? i hear, i have a hot date with a senior politician. notl will be doing? i hear, i have a hot| date with a senior politician. not a date with a senior politician. not a date with a senior politician. not a date with a senior hot politician, he may add. but yes. it will be revealed soon, to me, hopefully. although you have five and half weeks together. alex, which legislature would you be on the night? j legislature would you be on the niuht? ., ., _ night? i am more intrigued by the non-hot date. _ night? i am more intrigued by the non-hot date, date _ night? i am more intrigued by the non-hot date, date that _ night? i am more intrigued by the non-hot date, date that i - night? i am more intrigued by the non-hot date, date that i can't . night? i am more intrigued by the. non-hot date, date that i can't wait non—hot date, date that i can't wait to hear_ non—hot date, date that i can't wait to hear more — non—hot date, date that i can't wait to hear more about. i actually don't know— to hear more about. i actually don't know although it was a moment of sheer— know although it was a moment of sheerjoy_ know although it was a moment of sheerjoy for me today because it was in _ sheerjoy for me today because it was in the — sheerjoy for me today because it was in the press release about the bbc's _ was in the press release about the bbc's election night coverage and i thought. _ bbc's election night coverage and i thought, blimey, the media. sol don't _ thought, blimey, the media. sol don't know— thought, blimey, the media. sol don't know where i will be somewhere around _ don't know where i will be somewhere around the _ don't know where i will be somewhere around the country and likely a leisure — around the country and likely a leisure centre dipping out occasionally to a cold car park bring — occasionally to a cold car park bring you _ occasionally to a cold car park bring you the updates from another location. _ bring you the updates from another location, insert here. we bring you the updates from another location, insert here.— location, insert here. we will reveal more _ location, insert here. we will reveal more details - location, insert here. we will reveal more details about. location, insert here. we will l reveal more details about what newscast is going to do on the night. when we have worked it out. anyway, more details on what is on newscast right now because we are going to do it. newscast. newscast from the bbc.

adam in the studio. and dirt seen he in the studio- — adam in the studio. and dirt seen he in the studio. and _ adam in the studio. and dirt seen he in the studio. and alex _ adam in the studio. and dirt seen he in the studio. and alex at _ adam in the studio. and dirt seen he in the studio. and alex at bmc- in the studio. and alex at bmc coventry- _ in the studio. and alex at bmc coventry- l _ in the studio. and alex at bmc coventry. i can't _ in the studio. and alex at bmc coventry. i can't believe - in the studio. and alex at bmc coventry. i can't believe they l in the studio. and alex at bmc- coventry. i can't believe they have branded cushions, _ coventry. i can't believe they have branded cushions, local— coventry. i can't believe they have branded cushions, local radio - coventry. i can't believe they have branded cushions, local radio is i branded cushions, local radio is much more glamourous than when i was a studentjournalist. glad you are here because we have to do some number crunching because the day has been dominated by a new conservative pledge and it is on tax rates for pensioners. give us a simple version of where we got to what this pledge actually is. brute of where we got to what this pledge actuall is. ~ ., , ., ., actually is. we are being told that this is a tax _ actually is. we are being told that this is a tax cut _ actually is. we are being told that this is a tax cut and _ actually is. we are being told that this is a tax cut and if _ actually is. we are being told that this is a tax cut and if you - actually is. we are being told that this is a tax cut and if you do - actually is. we are being told that this is a tax cut and if you do not. this is a tax cut and if you do not go to signing up to it as labour say they will not, they say that it is a retirement tax but in actual fact, when is a tax cut not a tax cut? it is basically when you are cancelling a tax rise that is already in the system. because of that triple lock on pensions by which means we increase the state pension has worked really well over the years picketing pensioners out of poverty, but in an increasing number therefore had to pay income tax. what happens because of our

different fiscal drag which we talk about a bit on newscast, freezing those allowances which which different rates of income tax kickin, that state pension from the basic state pension has got the crossover the tax threshold as it stands, in a few years' time so, all pensioners basically getting that would have to pay some form of income tax. conservatives are sinkable beer with a place to give you an extra bit of allowance to counter that sea don't have to pay that. y, , counter that sea don't have to pay that. , , ., counter that sea don't have to pay that. basically the state pension was auoin that. basically the state pension was going up — that. basically the state pension was going up by _ that. basically the state pension was going up by the _ that. basically the state pension was going up by the triple - that. basically the state pension was going up by the triple lock. was going up by the triple lock every year which means by at least 2.5% increase but because of the tax thresholds were frozen, the fiscal drag you were talking about, we were going to get to the crossover point and then more people who were not used to paying income tax pay more income tax. brute used to paying income tax pay more income tax— income tax. we are talking about millions of— income tax. we are talking about millions of millions _ income tax. we are talking about millions of millions of _ income tax. we are talking about millions of millions of people. i millions of millions of people. there is a bigger question about this triple lock which is to say, is the greater of 2.5% inflation or average in earnings growth and that means earnings have actually grown more slowly than pensions on the

whole over the last 10— 15 euros. what does that mean? it means actually the bill particularly as we get older, we don't talk about that we are getting older, is grotesquely sharply. the longer term, who on earth is going to tackle that? i see no politicians talking about that right now. no politicians talking about that riaht now. . . no politicians talking about that riaht now. . , , no politicians talking about that riahtnow. . , , ,, no politicians talking about that riaht now. . , , ,, ., ,, right now. except rishi sunak happen to talk about — right now. except rishi sunak happen to talk about his _ right now. except rishi sunak happen to talk about his new _ right now. except rishi sunak happen to talk about his new pledge - right now. except rishi sunak happen to talk about his new pledge which i to talk about his new pledge which he did what he was at the bowling club playing bowls. what he did what he was at the bowling club playing bowls.— he did what he was at the bowling club playing bowls. what i believe is if ou club playing bowls. what i believe is if you work— club playing bowls. what i believe is if you work hard _ club playing bowls. what i believe is if you work hard all— club playing bowls. what i believe is if you work hard all your i club playing bowls. what i believe is if you work hard all your life, i is if you work hard all your life, you should _ is if you work hard all your life, you should have _ is if you work hard all your life, you should have dignity- is if you work hard all your life, you should have dignity in- you should have dignity in retirement. _ you should have dignity in retirement. that- you should have dignity in retirement. that is- you should have dignity in retirement. that is what i you should have dignity in. retirement. that is what we you should have dignity in- retirement. that is what we protect the triple _ retirement. that is what we protect the triple lock — retirement. that is what we protect the triple lock which _ retirement. that is what we protect the triple lock which is _ retirement. that is what we protect the triple lock which is going - retirement. that is what we protect the triple lock which is going up- retirement. that is what we protect the triple lock which is going up byl the triple lock which is going up by £900 _ the triple lock which is going up by £900 this— the triple lock which is going up by £900 this year— the triple lock which is going up by £900 this year for— the triple lock which is going up by £900 this year for pensioners. i the triple lock which is going up byj £900 this year for pensioners. but today— £900 this year for pensioners. but today what— £900 this year for pensioners. but today what we _ £900 this year for pensioners. but today what we have _ £900 this year for pensioners. but today what we have announced i £900 this year for pensioners. but today what we have announced asi £900 this year for pensioners. but i today what we have announced as the triple lock _ today what we have announced as the triple lock plus — today what we have announced as the triple lock plus. you're _ today what we have announced as the triple lock plus. you're going - today what we have announced as the triple lock plus. you're going to i triple lock plus. you're going to increase — triple lock plus. you're going to increase the _ triple lock plus. you're going to increase the personal— triple lock plus. you're going to| increase the personal allowance triple lock plus. you're going to i increase the personal allowance for pensioners — increase the personal allowance for pensioners delivering _ increase the personal allowance for pensioners delivering a _ increase the personal allowance for pensioners delivering a tax - increase the personal allowance for pensioners delivering a tax cut i pensioners delivering a tax cut worth— pensioners delivering a tax cut worth millions _ pensioners delivering a tax cut worth millions of _ pensioners delivering a tax cut worth millions of pounds i worth millions of pounds demonstrating _ worth millions of pounds demonstrating our- worth millions of pounds - demonstrating our commitment to worth millions of pounds _ demonstrating our commitment to them making _ demonstrating our commitment to them making sure _ demonstrating our commitment to them making sure that — demonstrating our commitment to them making sure that we _ demonstrating our commitment to them making sure that we can _ demonstrating our commitment to them making sure that we can deliver- demonstrating our commitment to them making sure that we can deliver a - making sure that we can deliver a secure _ making sure that we can deliver a secure future _ making sure that we can deliver a secure future on _ making sure that we can deliver a secure future on the _ making sure that we can deliver a secure future on the can't - making sure that we can deliver a secure future on the can't just i secure future on the can'tjust party— secure future on the can'tjust party say— secure future on the can'tjust party say they _ secure future on the can'tjust party say they oppose - secure future on the can'tjust party say they oppose that i secure future on the can't just i party say they oppose that policy which _ party say they oppose that policy which means _ party say they oppose that policy which means pensioners - party say they oppose that policy which means pensioners will- party say they oppose that policy which means pensioners will be i which means pensioners will be paying — which means pensioners will be paying tax— which means pensioners will be paying tax under— which means pensioners will be paying tax under any— which means pensioners will be paying tax under any future i which means pensioners will be i paying tax under any future labour government— paying tax under any future labour government and _ paying tax under any future labour government and that _ paying tax under any future labour government and that is _ paying tax under any future labour government and that is the - paying tax under any future labour government and that is the clear. government and that is the clear choice _ government and that is the clear choice on — government and that is the clear choice on offer— government and that is the clear choice on offer at _ government and that is the clear choice on offer at this _ government and that is the clear choice on offer at this election. i choice on offer at this election. the pm — choice on offer at this election. the pm doing _ choice on offer at this election. the pm doing his— choice on offer at this election. the pm doing his pitch - choice on offer at this election.

the pm doing his pitch there. i the pm doing his pitch there. dharshini alluded to some of the politics around this particularly around the language here. here is mike trick question to you. if you are about to go onto the news, would you call this a tax cut? lt is you call this a tax cut? it is exactly as _ you call this a tax cut? it is exactly as dharshini i you call this a tax cut? it is exactly as dharshini explained. the politics— exactly as dharshini explained. the politics is— exactly as dharshini explained. the politics is obvious wassup you just need _ politics is obvious wassup you just need to— politics is obvious wassup you just need to look at where rishi sunak was making that announcement today, a bowling _ was making that announcement today, a bowling club. i was on my way to said bowling club to catch up with the prime — said bowling club to catch up with the prime minister when i got diverted — the prime minister when i got diverted to do something else was his wife _ diverted to do something else was his wife just a guess and was wondering, i met coventry and berkshire _ wondering, i met coventry and berkshire with the wonderful branded cushions _ berkshire with the wonderful branded cushions. the politics is straightforward. this is a pitch to older— straightforward. this is a pitch to older voters. straightforward. this is a pitch to oldervoters. forthe straightforward. this is a pitch to older voters. for the conservatives, for all— older voters. for the conservatives, for all parties, older voters tend to be _ for all parties, older voters tend to be people who actually go and vote so _ to be people who actually go and vote so it — to be people who actually go and vote so it is an important constituency of voters. not least for the _ constituency of voters. not least for the conservative party which is why. _ for the conservative party which is why, politically, this is aimed firmly— why, politically, this is aimed firmly at— why, politically, this is aimed firmly at them. you've already heard the conservatives try to point the finger— the conservatives try to point the finger at— the conservatives try to point the finger at labour say that, labour are not— finger at labour say that, labour are not making the same commitment, we are _ are not making the same commitment, we are the, _ are not making the same commitment, we are the, therefore the

pensioners. arguing pensioners would be worse _ pensioners. arguing pensioners would be worse off under labour. a key couple _ be worse off under labour. a key couple of — be worse off under labour. a key couple of things, not the fact that it was— couple of things, not the fact that it was the — couple of things, not the fact that it was the conservatives who introduced these income tax threshold freezes, so how much you can earn— threshold freezes, so how much you can earn before you start paying income — can earn before you start paying income tax, they were the ones that froze _ income tax, they were the ones that froze those — income tax, they were the ones that froze those thresholds that they really _ froze those thresholds that they really are only here i'm doing a bit of their— really are only here i'm doing a bit of their own — really are only here i'm doing a bit of their own policy for when it comes— of their own policy for when it comes to _ of their own policy for when it comes to pensioners. something else worth— comes to pensioners. something else worth noting which is actually, back of the _ worth noting which is actually, back of the day, — worth noting which is actually, back of the day, there used to always be a bit more — of the day, there used to always be a bit more of an allowance for pensioners, but it was george osborne — pensioners, but it was george osborne when he was a conservative chancellor _ osborne when he was a conservative chancellor l — osborne when he was a conservative chancellor i got rid of that so once again. _ chancellor i got rid of that so once again. what— chancellor i got rid of that so once again, what labourare chancellor i got rid of that so once again, what labour are saying is the conservatives are just undoing their own policies around pensioners. it also raises — own policies around pensioners. it also raises another question not 'ust also raises another question not just about — also raises another question not just about obsolete what this means for pensioners, but of course, these tax thresholds are remaining in place _ tax thresholds are remaining in place for— tax thresholds are remaining in place for working age people when it comes— place for working age people when it comes to _ place for working age people when it comes to their income tax allowances so of course, — comes to their income tax allowances so of course, that posed a question for the _ so of course, that posed a question for the conservatives. they point things— for the conservatives. they point things on— for the conservatives. they point things on the national insurance tax cut they— things on the national insurance tax cut they have already implemented, but across _ cut they have already implemented, but across the board what you are

seeing _ but across the board what you are seeing is — but across the board what you are seeing is the shaping of the selection, a framing of the election _ selection, a framing of the election. as we've said from the beginning — election. as we've said from the beginning around the economy, because — beginning around the economy, because in an eb campaign the economy— because in an eb campaign the economy plays big because it is about— economy plays big because it is about how well—off you feel the country — about how well—off you feel the country is — about how well—off you feel the country is going and whether you feel better or worse off. but in this election in particular, what we will hear— this election in particular, what we will hear quite a lot of from the parties — will hear quite a lot of from the parties or— will hear quite a lot of from the parties or at least from people trying — parties or at least from people trying to— parties or at least from people trying to ask the parties, are about tax—and—spend plans. as we hear time and again. _ tax—and—spend plans. as we hear time and again. not— tax—and—spend plans. as we hear time and again, notjust for tax—and—spend plans. as we hear time and again, not just for political parties. — and again, not just for political parties, but from a calmness and think— parties, but from a calmness and think tanks— parties, but from a calmness and think tanks that the economy is in a tricky— think tanks that the economy is in a tricky position and you have to bear in mind _ tricky position and you have to bear in mind that — tricky position and you have to bear in mind that these are choices that the party— in mind that these are choices that the party is — in mind that these are choices that the party is making about where they are going _ the party is making about where they are going to prioritise things when it comes _ are going to prioritise things when it comes to— are going to prioritise things when it comes to tax and spend. i think there _ it comes to tax and spend. i think there is— it comes to tax and spend. i think there is still— it comes to tax and spend. i think there is still quite a lot of questions for all of the parties around — questions for all of the parties around the finer details of their plans— around the finer details of their plans on— around the finer details of their plans on most fronts. dharshini, do we know how _ plans on most fronts. dharshini, do we know how much _ plans on most fronts. dharshini, do we know how much this _ plans on most fronts. dharshini, do we know how much this pledge i plans on most fronts. dharshini, do l we know how much this pledge would cost the exchequer if it happens? and, how would that be paid for? that is an interesting question. it is a u—turn within a u—turn and then a u—turn on the policy that we have just seen. j a u-turn on the policy that we have 'ust seen. ., ., ., , a ,,

just seen. i have motion sickness. i am aidd just seen. i have motion sickness. i am giddy when _ just seen. i have motion sickness. i am giddy when l — just seen. i have motion sickness. i am giddy when i at _ just seen. i have motion sickness. i am giddy when i at to _ just seen. i have motion sickness. i am giddy when i at to close - just seen. i have motion sickness. i am giddy when i at to close this. i l am giddy when i at to close this. i remember when i was a political correspondent and rishi sunak was chancellor and would saying we need to put national insurance up by lot to put national insurance up by lot to pay for the nhs after covid and adults so this is a different direction from what he was going in for a long time. anyway... l direction from what he was going in for a long time. anyway. . .- for a long time. anyway... i think it looks and _ for a long time. anyway... i think it looks and it _ for a long time. anyway... i think it looks and it not _ for a long time. anyway... i think it looks and it not looking i for a long time. anyway... i think it looks and it not looking at i it looks and it not looking at it too much and just going about the job but how we fund this. £2.1i job but how we fund this. £2.4 billion is what they say it would cost. where does that come from? have you your bingo card out? l cost. where does that come from? have you your bingo card out? i know where it will— have you your bingo card out? i know where it will come _ have you your bingo card out? i know where it will come from _ have you your bingo card out? i know where it will come from because i have you your bingo card out? i know where it will come from because it i where it will come from because it is clamping down on tax avoidance. all of £6 billion all of the parties seem to be parading on a daily basis although it does not exist yet. lt although it does not exist yet. jit is a nice idea, and i have been in this business too long because he keeps here in government after government of all colours think this is like you turning on all of you think this is where we will get the extra money from. if you look at what has happened over the last decade over 15 years, there has been progress made and clamping down on tax avoidance which is what the

government has highlighted today alongside this pledge. then you look at what that means. the so—called tax gap of what is left is down to record lows. so what does that tell you? it means to actually, how much further can you squeeze it. is there always be some people who get away with it and how much further can you squeeze it without pouring more resources into actually clamping down on the tax avoiders? anyone who rings hmrc, i don't know if i'm saying that right, i hope so, can tell you that maybe you are not going to get a quick answer on anything. so that is simply big question above anything else. what anything. so that is simply big question above anything else. what i love is that both _ question above anything else. what i love is that both labour _ question above anything else. what i love is that both labour and - question above anything else. what i love is that both labour and the i love is that both labour and the tories are spending this money that they say they are going to raise from clapping down a tax avoidance, but as soon as one of the party says they are doing that, the other party because it an unfunded commitment, even though they then go and spend the same money on something else in their imaginations. yes. the same money on something else in their imaginations.— their imaginations. yes, it is exactly as — their imaginations. yes, it is exactly as dharshini - their imaginations. yes, it is exactly as dharshini says. i their imaginations. yes, it is. exactly as dharshini says. the parties — exactly as dharshini says. the parties are coming up with her estimates— parties are coming up with her estimates as how much they think they can _ estimates as how much they think they can raise from clamping down on

this. they can raise from clamping down on this there _ they can raise from clamping down on this there is— they can raise from clamping down on this. there is a genuine? over it and it— this. there is a genuine? over it and it comes _ this. there is a genuine? over it and it comes back to the other wider point _ and it comes back to the other wider point about— and it comes back to the other wider point about this is the wider announcement from the conservatives today~ _ announcement from the conservatives today we _ announcement from the conservatives today. we have heard from the labour parties _ today. we have heard from the labour parties reiterating sane people might— parties reiterating sane people might increase working taxes so income — might increase working taxes so income tax and national insurance, but when _ income tax and national insurance, but when you have party saying, the conservatives on one hand saying, they claim — conservatives on one hand saying, they claim this is a tax cut, of course, — they claim this is a tax cut, of course, as— they claim this is a tax cut, of course, as we've explained, but they actually _ course, as we've explained, but they actually are — course, as we've explained, but they actually are doing isjust not increasing the tax for pensioners or learn _ increasing the tax for pensioners or learn more — increasing the tax for pensioners or learn more pensioners to be dragged into the _ learn more pensioners to be dragged into the stacks. labour are saying they are _ into the stacks. labour are saying they are not — into the stacks. labour are saying they are not going to increase taxes on working — they are not going to increase taxes on working age people there comes a question— on working age people there comes a question about whether, you have to think all— question about whether, you have to think all the — question about whether, you have to think all the rounds here, where are you going _ think all the rounds here, where are you going to— think all the rounds here, where are you going to get money from to spend on public— you going to get money from to spend on public services or where are you going _ on public services or where are you going to _ on public services or where are you going to produce money on spending on public— going to produce money on spending on public services, if, you're going to do— on public services, if, you're going to do with — on public services, if, you're going to do with both parties are saying and stick— to do with both parties are saying and stick to self—imposed rules around — and stick to self—imposed rules around things like borrowing. sol think— around things like borrowing. sol think that — around things like borrowing. sol think that is what sits behind us. during _ think that is what sits behind us. during election campaigns of you get what we _ during election campaigns of you get what we have heard today and more as the campaign goes on, which is parties — the campaign goes on, which is parties trying to grab the headlines in sees _ parties trying to grab the headlines in sees the agenda and talk to the voters _ in sees the agenda and talk to the voters they really want to win over.

of course _ voters they really want to win over. of course that is the nature of election— of course that is the nature of election campaigns, but behind that there _ election campaigns, but behind that there is— election campaigns, but behind that there is this bigger question, labour— there is this bigger question, labour is— there is this bigger question, labour is keen to save their sums add up. _ labour is keen to save their sums add up, conservatives claiming that they have _ add up, conservatives claiming that they have cost at these policies, behind _ they have cost at these policies, behind all— they have cost at these policies, behind all of that i think there's a bi! behind all of that i think there's a big question about what all this is going _ big question about what all this is going to _ big question about what all this is going to mean for public services and the _ going to mean for public services and the longer term and what choices the parties _ and the longer term and what choices the parties are prepared to make around _ the parties are prepared to make around that. i the parties are prepared to make around that-— around that. i think that brings into question _ around that. i think that brings into question a _ around that. i think that brings into question a really - around that. i think that brings into question a really big i around that. i think that brings into question a really big point| into question a really big point behind but alex was saying there. regardless of what we have heard today from labour, all of the tussling over so—called retirement tax, on the background, working age people, many are going to see their tax bills rise in the coming years. because of the baked in freezing of thresholds. the fiscal drag. no one is backing away from that neither conservatives or labour and why, it is a big menu spender, over £40 billion which they are scrambling around trying to figure out how to fund public services, no one wants to relinquish that fund. ln fund public services, no one wants to relinquish that fund.— fund public services, no one wants to relinquish that fund. in terms of what flavour _ to relinquish that fund. in terms of what flavour is _ to relinquish that fund. in terms of what flavour is doing _ to relinquish that fund. in terms of what flavour is doing practically i what flavour is doing practically todayit what flavour is doing practically today it is all that rachel reeves starting with a leader in the times

newspaper from starting with a leader in the times newspaperfrom some starting with a leader in the times newspaper from some business figures but it is a mixture of current business figures but a lot of ex—business figures and also some business figures that you've never heard of because they are not super famous saying that labour�*s economic policies is great and will bring stability back which means businesses would start to invest. she did herself did a speech, rachel reeves, she did it at the royals for his factory amid plane engines and then a 0&a his factory amid plane engines and then a q&a with the keir starmer at then a q&a with the keir starmer at the airbus where they make actual plans i wonder if she is not an aviation geek i wonder if one of her team is. or maybe it is as we make a lot of plane stuff in this country. maybe that's what we want to do maybe you are a bit of a futurist. it's all aspirational. but then the labour story of the election is now being dominated by other things that are not there policies, it is labour personnel, for example, angela rayner the deputy leader. this was obviously a — rayner the deputy leader. this was obviously a cloud _ rayner the deputy leader. this was obviously a cloud that _ rayner the deputy leader. this was obviously a cloud that really i obviously a cloud that really threatened to hang over labour's

election— threatened to hang over labour's election campaign because there were questions _ election campaign because there were questions around angela rayner relating — questions around angela rayner relating to a house that she had as a council— relating to a house that she had as a council house and then underwrite to buy, _ a council house and then underwrite to buy, she — a council house and then underwrite to buy, she bought it and she went on to— to buy, she bought it and she went on to sell— to buy, she bought it and she went on to sell this. this was all of the number— on to sell this. this was all of the number of— on to sell this. this was all of the number of years ago we talked about on the _ number of years ago we talked about on the programme before but there was the _ on the programme before but there was the question about whether or not she _ was the question about whether or not she paid all the taxes she should — not she paid all the taxes she should have made on that property but also _ should have made on that property but also whether or not she register that property correctly where she was living — that property correctly where she was living at the time. what we have had today's _ was living at the time. what we have had today's news from greater manchester polices saying that they are taking no action against angela rayner— are taking no action against angela rayner because of course they were looking _ rayner because of course they were looking into this. it also the local authority— looking into this. it also the local authority says it is not taking any action— authority says it is not taking any action against angela rayner. also labour— action against angela rayner. also labour have told the bbc that hmrc are taking an action against angela rayner~ _ are taking an action against angela rayner~ so— are taking an action against angela rayner. so you can imagine, we have probably— rayner. so you can imagine, we have probably a _ rayner. so you can imagine, we have probably a pretty big sigh of relief echoing _ probably a pretty big sigh of relief echoing around the labour party camp that this _ echoing around the labour party camp that this is _ echoing around the labour party camp that this is not going to hang over now the _ that this is not going to hang over now the election campaign because those _ now the election campaign because those three agencies have reportedly said, those three agencies have reportedly said. no— those three agencies have reportedly said, no further action against deputy— said, no further action against deputy leader. so you would imagine that would _ deputy leader. so you would imagine that would stop any further questions at this point for angela rayner~ _ questions at this point for angela ra ner. , ., . questions at this point for angela ra ner. ,., . ., ,

rayner. the police and set in their statement. _ rayner. the police and set in their statement, following _ rayner. the police and set in their statement, following allegations l statement, following allegations around angela rayner greater manchester polices completed a thorough carefully considered and proportion investigation and concluded that no further police action will be taken. so that is said in the words of the police. why so breathless, chris? the real specific reason is our reason is oui’ steam reason is our steam coronavirus newscast colleague wrote a blog way back when this building opened about the merits of using the stairs. i think basically because he got fed

up think basically because he got fed up waiting for the lift also that it