labour say the tories have lost control of the issue. london's king's college hospital confirms cyber attack tests have revealed a newborn baby discovered in an east london park earlier this year is the sister of two other children abandoned by the same parents. early trends in the indian election results show by minister narendra modi eyeing up a third term, but without the landslide he had hoped for. hello, i'm annita mcveigh. thank you forjoining us on bbc news this afternoon. we will get you right up to date with all the general election using just a moment. first i want to bring you some breaking news coming into us in the last few minutes. it is

news of another cyber this time affecting several large london hospitals, being described as a major cyber attack. services including the delivery of blood transfusions have been affected, according to memos are sent to nhs staff. we know that the king's couege staff. we know that the king's college hospital and guy's and saint thomases are amongst the hospital is experiencing problems, with some operations reported to have been cancelled or redirected. we will talk to one of a health correspondence about this shortly. more on that story, the breaking story coming up for you. let's continue with the general election campaign. the big news today is rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will go head—to—head in their first televised debate of the general election campaign tonight. the hour—long programme on itv will be filmed in front of a live studio audience. it comes as the conservatives have promised to introduce a yearly cap on the number of migrant visas, while labour has accused the tories of letting

immigration get out of control. our political correspondent jessica parker has the details. a home secretary with a point to make. the conservatives say they'll reduce migrant visas year by year, but the party's haunted by highly visible old pledges to bring immigration down. net migration, the difference between numbers arriving and leaving, hit a record high in 2022. we are the only party with a credible plan to professionally manage migration so that it supports the british economy without putting undue pressure on local communities. the tories have broken so many promises to bring down migration, why on earth should voters believe you now? so we have seen a 10% fall in illegal migration because of the actions that i've taken, with the full support of the prime minister, since becoming home secretary. labour's refraining from diving into the numbers game, promising to bring immigration down,

but also without saying by how much. on immigration, we have to tackle the central— on immigration, we have to tackle the central issue, which is we need a skilled _ the central issue, which is we need a skilled strategy in this country so we _ a skilled strategy in this country so we don't have to have so many people _ so we don't have to have so many people arriving on work visas. do ou people arriving on work visas. dr? you guarantee that you will cut net migration every year? met you guarantee that you will cut net migration every year? net migration is far too migration every year? net migration is fartoo high- _ migration every year? net migration is far too high. this _ migration every year? net migration is far too high. this government - migration every year? net migration is far too high. this government has | is far too high. this government has lost control — politicians know many voters worry about social change and pressure on public services, but that can rub up against a demand for foreign workers and student arrivals. immigration has long been a hot button issue in british politics but promises to bring numbers down have frequently ended up at odds with reality. and the conservatives may notjust be worried about being squeezed by their own record on this topic, but now an old political foe as well. mr farage, are you standing? well, we'll find out in a moment, won't we? nigel farage yesterday announced he's standing for parliament and leading reform uk.

he says net migration should be zero, but seemed to rewrite his party's own policy on air to process certain asylum claims in british overseas territories. which overseas territories would be open to this? i don't think it's terribly practical. what, the policy you've put forward, it's not practical? i think it's a very difficult policy to work, and i haven't put it forward, by the way. why is it on your website? i took over yesterday so give me more than 12 hours and i'll sort a few things out. tonight, in a tv debate, the conservatives' rishi sunak and labour's keir starmer go head—to—head — the two men fighting it out to be your next prime minister. both want to show you, on immigration and on many other issues, that they can take control. jessica parker, bbc news, in westminster. our political correspondent susan hulme is in westminister. afternoon to you. although he will not be on the podium tonight and i wonder how much of a presence nigel farage will be in that debate,

certainly in terms of the comments he has made about immigration. yes. he has made about immigration. yes, i think his explosion _ he has made about immigration. yes i think his explosion onto the he has made about immigration. 1l: i think his explosion onto the stage of the election is certainly going to overshadow that. i think certainly the prime minister, rishi sunak, is going to feel the hot breath of what nigel farage has had to say breathing down the back of his neck. it is a moment ofjeopardy for both the people actually taking part in that debate. it is a really intense moment because they are live on air, anything could go wrong, even from a personal point of view, a physical point of view, a slip of the tongue. these things can be re—played and replayed and seen over and over again. however, re—played and replayed and seen over and overagain. however, it re—played and replayed and seen over and over again. however, it is also and over again. however, it is also a huge moment of potential that you can actually achieve that breakthrough moment that will really cut through with the voters as well. thank you very much, susan.

let's return to the breaking news i brought you a few minutes ago, the news that several major hospitals in london have been affected by a cyber attack, affecting, among other things, the delivery of blood transfusions. let's go to our health correspondent, sharon barbourfor this. what more detail do you have about this attack? we this. what more detail do you have about this attack?— about this attack? we heard it was affectina about this attack? we heard it was affecting king's — about this attack? we heard it was affecting king's college _ about this attack? we heard it was affecting king's college and - about this attack? we heard it was affecting king's college and then l affecting king's college and then guy's and st thomases and other hospitals across london, the royal brompton and harefield have had to stop doing transplants, we understand blood transfusions have been impacted, accident and emergency services have been impacted. this is because the bit of it that has been affected by the cyberattack is pathology, a massive pathology system. there may even be other systems that these hospitals are connected to which has been impacted by this. patients are certainly being impacted, operations

are being cancelled and in some patients are being transferred out of the affected hospitals into other hospitals, we know that will have a huge impact and put pressure on hospitals right across the capital. we understand that the attack happened yesterday, letters went out to staff last night and in one letter, the management told staff this was having a major impact on the delivery of services, blood transfusions being particularly affected. some activities already being cancelled are redirected to other providers at short notice as we prioritise the work they can safely do. how long this will go on for, it is not clear, but there are some reports this will take weeks, not days to sort out. find some reports this will take weeks, not days to sort out.— some reports this will take weeks, not days to sort out. and do we know at this stage — not days to sort out. and do we know at this stage whether _ not days to sort out. and do we know at this stage whether any _ not days to sort out. and do we know at this stage whether any ransom - not days to sort out. and do we know at this stage whether any ransom is l at this stage whether any ransom is being sought over this. 17 at this stage whether any ransom is being sought over this.—

at this stage whether any ransom is being sought over this. ? we do not know anything _ being sought over this. ? we do not know anything about _ being sought over this. ? we do not know anything about who _ being sought over this. ? we do not know anything about who is - being sought over this. ? we do not know anything about who is behind l know anything about who is behind the attack, we do not know much about the attack at all. we know the pathology system is being impacted, but it is really at the heart of all medicine, particularly for patients going into a&e. the test results been done urgently, that can't happen. we don't know any more details, it is an ongoing critical incident and it will be all hands on deck across all the hospitals in london, particularly those trying to move patients now.— london, particularly those trying to move patients now. thank you very much for that. _ move patients now. thank you very much for that, our _ move patients now. thank you very much for that, our health _ much for that, our health correspondent sharon barbour. we will keep a close eye on that cyberattack and the impact it is having. let's return to the election campaign now. labour leader xi keir starmer has said his great british energy plan because they do putin by reducing

the reliance on overseas energy —— labour leader sir keir starmer. what is the timeframe for closing the door on the reliance on russian energy? since russia panic invasion of ukraine, this has been pushed up the agenda —— russia's invasion. ladle the agenda -- russia's invasion. we want our the agenda —— russia's invasion. l want our system to be reliant on clean and home—grown energy by 2030, so we will start at the moment we get in if we are lucky enough to win the election. in setting up great british energy, the national wealth fund and reforming the planning laws that we can get great connections into all our new paris supplies and get the work done as soon as possible. what we are aiming for his saving people £300 on bills per year by the first pilot —— are new powers supplies. we have a

lot of struggles to deal with after 14 lot of struggles to deal with after ia years of conservative government, planning system is in disarray, our energy system not doing what we needed to do, so there is a lot of work to be done, but this is one of care's main priorities, one of our first steps is setting up great british energy, so we want to move at pace —— one of keir�*s's main priorities. at pace -- one of keir's's main priorities-— at pace -- one of keir's's main riorities. ., ., ., ., priorities. how can labour guarantee that it will not _ priorities. how can labour guarantee that it will not be _ priorities. how can labour guarantee that it will not be passed _ priorities. how can labour guarantee that it will not be passed on - priorities. how can labour guarantee that it will not be passed on into - that it will not be passed on into their bills, ? that it will not be passed on into their bills,? it that it will not be passed on into their bills,?— that it will not be passed on into their bills, ? their bills,? it will be the renewal enerr their bills,? it will be the renewal energy that _ their bills,? it will be the renewal energy that is _ their bills,? it will be the renewal energy that is cheaper. _ their bills,? it will be the renewal energy that is cheaper. oil- their bills,? it will be the renewal energy that is cheaper. oil and i their bills,? it will be the renewall energy that is cheaper. oil and gas provision, it is already much smaller than it was in the north sea and we want to transition people into the newjobs of the future and bring down those costs as soon as we can. having a windfall tax on the oil and gas companies is the right thing to do. it is what it says, a windfall tax so as soon as their profits are back down to the levels

you would expect, they windfall tax stops. it is designed to tax the excessive profits people have been making, not to stop them functioning, so it is there to help us deliver great british energy and we also have the national wealth fund, which will be investing in the industry of the future as well. the whole purpose here is to say, we know renewable energy is the energy of the future, we know people in other countries will be creating this energy and we willjust end up having to buy it if we do not create it ourselves and to take the opportunity of the newjobs that can bring. opportunity of the new “obs that can brina. . ., _, opportunity of the new “obs that can brina. . ., i, ,, , , opportunity of the new “obs that can brina. ., ., i, ,, , , ., bring. some analysis suggests that in order to reach _ bring. some analysis suggests that in order to reach those _ bring. some analysis suggests that in order to reach those 2030 - in order to reach those 2030 targets, the uk offshore wind generating capacity we need to triple in the next six years. is that feasible? if triple in the next six years. is that feasible?— triple in the next six years. is that feasible? if you look at the offshore wind, _ that feasible? if you look at the offshore wind, the _ that feasible? if you look at the offshore wind, the way - that feasible? if you look at the offshore wind, the way the - offshore wind, the way the government have handled the auction

last year, not a single company applied because of the way it was bungled by this government, so it is possible to increase, of course, our investment into offshore and onshore wind and solar, nuclear and tidal. we need all of these systems working together which is why we have an industrial strategy, why we have great british energy and the national wealth fund that will work alongside business. six. national wealth fund that will work alongside business.— alongside business. six years is doable, alongside business. six years is doable. is _ alongside business. six years is doable, is that _ alongside business. six years is doable, is that what _ alongside business. six years is doable, is that what you're - alongside business. six years is - doable, is that what you're saying? yes, i think if you listened to patrick vallance earlier in the week, he was saying the same. it is a challenge, of course it is, and we need to move at pace, but we think the benefits in terms of energy security so we are not reliant on putin and others in terms of costs, if you look at the 0br risk reports, they say if we do not change what we're doing, they will be another shock like ukraine which will affect

people's bills massively, affects agility, national debt, so we have to put these systems in place to save money from these really awful shocks we have seen under this conservative government when they have not put in place the policies to protect us. have not put in place the policies to protect us— to protect us. moving on to the sub'ect to protect us. moving on to the subject of _ to protect us. moving on to the subject of emigration. - to protect us. moving on to the subject of emigration. sir - to protect us. moving on to the subject of emigration. sir keirl subject of emigration. sir keir starmer singh today the conservatives have met immigration get out of control —— subject of immigration. that the numbers are too high. is it an easy criticism to make if labour are not putting a figure on what they would reduce immigration by? met figure on what they would reduce immigration by?— figure on what they would reduce immigration by? net migration has triled immigration by? net migration has tripled since _ immigration by? net migration has tripled since the _ immigration by? net migration has tripled since the election _ immigration by? net migration has tripled since the election since - immigration by? net migration has tripled since the election since the| tripled since the election since the policies of this government and they got rid of the cap that they know is that they're bringing back. we know from the last few elections that when they petty number on it, is the conservatives had tried to do, they have failed every time. we have a conversation our people are saying, all these promises have been made, they have not been kept. that

all these promises have been made, they have not been kept.— they have not been kept. that is a recognition. _ they have not been kept. that is a recognition, though, _ they have not been kept. that is a recognition, though, that - they have not been kept. that is a recognition, though, that clearly l they have not been kept. that is a l recognition, though, that clearly no party ellipse neck sorry to interrupt. clearly no party wants to dashed forward and petty number on it because it is a very difficult to do. if you're going to criticise another party, do not to put a number on it, saying, it may be difficult, but this is what we are aiming? irate difficult, but this is what we are aimin: ? ~ :, difficult, but this is what we are aimin: ? ~ . ., ., . aiming? we are aiming to reduce net miaration aiming? we are aiming to reduce net migration and — aiming? we are aiming to reduce net migration and we _ aiming? we are aiming to reduce net migration and we have _ aiming? we are aiming to reduce net migration and we have to _ aiming? we are aiming to reduce net migration and we have to do - aiming? we are aiming to reduce net migration and we have to do it - aiming? we are aiming to reduce net migration and we have to do it interl migration and we have to do it inter ways, one by having good, fair visa system which works —— do it in two ways. and it is designed to make sure people are only coming in when we need them. the flip side of the coin comedy that the conservatives had ignored is making sure we are skilling up people in this country to do thejobs skilling up people in this country to do the jobs we need them to do. so engineers are on the list of people who are allowed to come into this country to work because we are not training enough engineers in this country. so the labour party, through skills england, the

migration of a government advisory council on the industrial strategy cancel together will say we have a shortage of engineer, we know, we will set up a strategy to recruit more engineers and train more engineers in this country so we get rid of the need to import those skills from elsewhere. 0n the flip side of the occasion is that the tories have failed to tackle this. and all of the parties are talking about upskilling people here in the uk. i want to move on, if i may, to tonight's debate. how are you feeling about that? and what would you like to see from sir keir starmer?— starmer? i'm please visit opportunity _ starmer? i'm please visit opportunity for _ starmer? i'm please visit opportunity for people i starmer? i'm please visit opportunity for people in | starmer? i'm please visit. opportunity for people in the country to see from keir, understand him, hearwhat country to see from keir, understand him, hear what his values and policies are, how he has changed the labour party and how he would change the country. i think it will be a very good opportunity for people to see first hand at the kind of man that keir starmer is and those of us

who know him already know him to be a man of integrity and also a man who will stick to his word, i think these things are important for people to see and tonight will be a really good opportunity to do just that. really good opportunity to do 'ust that. .. . really good opportunity to do 'ust that, ., g :, , really good opportunity to do 'ust that. ., , that. sarah jones, i appreciate your time this afternoon. _ that. sarah jones, i appreciate your time this afternoon. labour - that. sarah jones, i appreciate your time this afternoon. labour shadow ministerfor industry time this afternoon. labour shadow minister for industry and decarbonisation. the liberal democrats are today setting out what they describe as bold plans to fix the crisis in care services in england. the party says it will provide free personal care to support older or disabled people in their own homes, which they claim will ease pressure on the nhs. the lib dems calculate the plans will cost an extra £2.7 billion a year, but independent experts suggest it's likely to be higher. here is what the leader said. it's very close to my heart. i've been a carer most of my life,

a carerfor my mum when she was terminally ill, then my gran looked after me and i looked after my nana when she was frail, and now i look after my disabled son with my wife. and so i sort of understand about how family carers are under pressure because there are millions of families who are looking after their loved ones and they need more support. we also need to invest in social care. these are the care workers who are paid. we need to make sure they get a decent minimum wage, and we're saying £2 an hour above the national wage at least, because we need more people to be supported in care, to look after loved ones who are either waiting to be discharged from hospital so they don't have to go into hospital. if we do that, we rescue our nhs. 0ur nhs is on its knees and one of the main reasons it is on its knees is people haven't invested in social care and they haven't looked after family carers, and our package today does just that. of course it's a interesting plan, but how much is it going to cost? how could it be funded? yeah, well, the personal care costs 2.7 billion a year and the extra money for care workers would cost about a billion,

so 3.7 billion. we're saying that the tax cuts to the big banks, which the conservatives have given, should be reversed. that would raise £a.3 billion more than our policy. ——that would raise £a.3 billion — more than our policy. there are other aspects of it. and we think this is just an essential investment to save our nhs and to provide the care that people need. ed davey there. our political correspondent damian grammaticas is travelling with the lib dems today. you're seeing ed davey engaged in some flower arranging, first it was django towers. what is the political analogy, the symbolism with all of this —— jenga analogy, the symbolism with all of this ——jenga paris. the analogy, the symbolism with all of this -- jenga paris.— this -- jenga paris. the lib dems 'ust like this -- jenga paris. the lib dems just like to _ this -- jenga paris. the lib dems just like to surprise _ this -- jenga paris. the lib dems just like to surprise you, - just like to surprise you, basically. sir ed now engaging in

flower arranging, something we are told it doesn't really know much about, but is giving it a go. these flowers are all grown here on this farm in shropshire. in the middle you can make out, not an expert, irises, roses, and there is an amazing smell around this garden, there is mint, honeysuckle, i think. he is learning the art of flower arranging. if we bring you around, it will give you a bit of a sense of what happens on these events, all of the media travelling with lined up here. waiting for the photo opportunity. and we give you a sense of our location here. this beautiful couege of our location here. this beautiful college cottage country garden here that was all created by the owners, we understand. so i think really there is not so much for political analogy here, it is just a photo opportunity, an opportunity to see something a bit different. that is kind of what the lib dems have been doing, trying to latch onto these different things. this is not so

make ed davey careering down the hill on a bike or something, this is him doing something a little different. it is about getting those pictures and images, of course, then behind it talking about the serious policies which today, your healing a minute or two ago, was the policy plans for free social in england. and in terms of the bill for that, independent expert suggesting it could be higher than the figure the lib dems are putting on it, an extra £2.7 billion a year, they say. has there been any response from ed davey to that?— there been any response from ed davey to that? there been any response from ed dave to that? : . , , , ., davey to that? what the lib dems and sir ed davey — davey to that? what the lib dems and sir ed davey say _ davey to that? what the lib dems and sir ed davey say is _ davey to that? what the lib dems and sir ed davey say is that _ davey to that? what the lib dems and sir ed davey say is that 2.7 _ davey to that? what the lib dems and sir ed davey say is that 2.7 billion - sir ed davey say is that 2.7 billion they believe it is reasonably costed and outside organisations, experts have looked at it and given that costing. they think there is also a benefit and one of the reasons for doing this is your save the nhs

money because there are people sitting in beds in the nhs waiting for spaces in care homes, waiting for spaces in care homes, waiting for care to be provided for them in their own homes. some a000 people, i think at the last count in april sitting on those beds. if you can free that up, you can free up more space in hospitals, free up money for the nhs too. the cost of that but at some 3 billion you might save there. so that is one way, they say, this would benefit. 0n there. so that is one way, they say, this would benefit. on top of that, i think they believe that this is something that can deliver wider benefits too. one of the reasons he is pushing this policy, he said it is pushing this policy, he said it is because he is also a carer, he understands the needs and pressures, he cares for his son at home and his own grandmother cared for him after his mother died. he said he understands the need to provide extra help for people caring at homes, respite care and that sort of

thing, which frees up people to then be able to go and take jobs and contribute to the economy. so there are wider economic benefits, if you like, that flow from it, is at the lib dems argument, rather than you have to look but order at the cost. thank you, damien. we spoke earlier to susan hulme in westminster. some developing is coming to those in the last few moments that a labour candidate faiza shaheen has resigned from the party. what can you tell us? , , . , from the party. what can you tell us? , , ., , ., , us? this is really the latest development _ us? this is really the latest development in _ us? this is really the latest development in what - us? this is really the latest development in what has i us? this is really the latest. development in what has been us? this is really the latest - development in what has been keir starmer trying to have at the candidates that he wants to stand in this general election. that has meant some people arguably on the left of the party have not been able to stand in the seats they had

expected to. faiza shaheen is one of them. she was the labour candidate in chingford and wood green in a north—east london. it has been a very angry situation where she found herself deselected as the candidate. you might think by this stage in the election campaign all the candidates are settled, but not quite yet. in fact, the labour party had its final meeting today to settle who was on that list. she says that she was with very little notice last week asked to appear virtually in front of a labour party meeting. she had not had time to get childcare for her very young baby and commended, channel a news, there was audio of the very difficult circumstances, she is trying to argue her case why she is trying to argue her case why she should still be the candidate in that constituency with a crying

baby. she was not selected for the seat, she is very angry about it, today, she hasjust this seat, she is very angry about it, today, she has just this afternoon issued a statement saying she is resigning from the labour party and she has an extremely tough words to say. she said that she had been faced with the relentless campaign of unfair treatment, bullying and hostility and she has been penalised for describing her own experiences of islamophobia and been dismayed at the hierarchy of racism that exists in her own party. very strong words. 0bviously in her own party. very strong words. obviously a very, very angry woman. this is at the difficult process that we have seen labour and keir starmer going through over a number of candidates. there has been a lot of candidates. there has been a lot of bad feeling and anger over this. he will hope that moving on, this is an early stage in the campaign, once the list is settled that he can move forward and put some of these

accusations are behind him. and go ahead with the candidates he wants. but obviously a great deal of bad feeling in some sections of the party. feeling in some sections of the -a . , , . feeling in some sections of the party. difficult allegations for the -a party. difficult allegations for the party under _ party. difficult allegations for the party under sir — party. difficult allegations for the party under sir keir _ party. difficult allegations for the party under sir keir starmer - party. difficult allegations for the party under sir keir starmer to i party. difficult allegations for the i party under sir keir starmer to deal with heading into tonight's debate. they really are. hand with heading into tonight's debate. they really are-— they really are. and she is absolutely _ they really are. and she is absolutely not _ they really are. and she is absolutely not pulling - they really are. and she is absolutely not pulling her| they really are. and she is - absolutely not pulling her punches on this. of course, underjeremy corbyn, the party faced accusations of anti—semitism. to now be dealing with accusations of islamophobia is also very, very difficult for him. whether it is and i guess is that against him are with your questions about it, he is to sure face questions about what some of the left to see as a purge of the left in his party. left to see as a purge of the left in his party-— left to see as a purge of the left in his - . ,, ., , in his party. susan, thank you very much for that _ in his party. susan, thank you very much for that susan _ in his party. susan, thank you very much for that susan keir— in his party. susan, thank you very much for that susan keir in -

let's ta ke let's take a look at the latest figures released on immigrationjust before the general election was called. net migration in the uk, the difference between a number of people arriving and leaving, hit 10% last year after hitting a record high in 2022. in the year to december 2023, the number stood at 685,000 according to the office for national statistics. that's down from 76a,000 the year before. but the 0ns said it's "too early to say if this is the start of a new downward trend". the biggest driver of migration last year was work. ben brindle is a researcher at the migration observatory at the university of oxford. he told us what the options are for filling the almosti million job vacancies across the uk. so migration is certainly one way of filling vacancies across the economy, but it's not the only way that they can be filled. so things that employers

and policymakers can do include improving pay and working conditions to make jobs more attractive to workers who are already in the uk. they don't need to have labour at all, in fact, as well. in fact, they can automate processes and so we use machinery rather than using workers full stop. and migration is one of the options available, but these are just two examples of the other things that can be done instead. the migration advisory committee, when it recommended that care workers were added to the skilled worker route and so migrant care workers were able to get visas, they also recommended that pay and working conditions in the sector were improved because that's what they considered the underlying issue to be. so really this comes to a bit of a trade off in thatjobs can be made more attractive by improving pay and conditions, but that may be difficult for some employers

if profit margins are quite tight which obviously there are many priorities for the government and so spending money in one area means not spending money in another area. we see quite an interesting difference in opinion surveys between people who, at least until fairly recently, said they were going to vote for the labour party and people who said fairly recently they were going to vote for the conservative party. so among labour voters, people who said they were going to, as a whole they tend to be quite ambiguous about migration, no real strong feelings, positively or negatively, and it was fairly low down on their list of issues in terms of how important migration was. but for people who recently said they were going to vote for the conservative party, it's one of the biggest issues among these voters and they tend to be more negative about the issue. so it's certainly not the case that all voters think the same way

about migration and some think about it as a more important issue than others do. harjab bhangal is an immigration lawyer in london. he believes none of the parties have presented a viable solution to deal with immigation. it could be an amalgamation of perhaps everything. first of all, a processing centre in france like the greens propose in order, just like italy have signed a deal with albania, in order to stop people, at least some of them, journey across the channel and to offer a safe route in order to apply for asylum. the other one is to talk to businesses and sectors, talk about numbers, talk effectively to fill their vacancies and at the same time get them to train british people. this is a long—term project. there is no immediate fix to this, as we've seen. so to call it in an immigration election, i'm not sure whether that actually works. the other thing is to use the people who are here living illegally — give them some sort of earned amnesty, not making them indefinite or giving them visas

straightaway, but show that you've got a skill, and then perhaps we'll think about it. if you pay a fee and earn a certain amount, we'll perhaps give you visas every year, yearly rolling, like they do in dubai. so in dubai you can go on a work permit, but they'll never make you permanent or a citizen there. as long as you're working and your employer's looking after you and you're not a burden on the state. something similar to that. remember, we've got 1.5 million people already here. some of them are in... half of them are in the black economy working cash in hand. so what do we do with them? we can'tjust leave them in limbo. no party has offered a solution to that other than saying, well, we're going to try and send them all back, which is impossible. scottish party leaders have clashed in their first televised debate of the general election campaign — with disagreements on the future of oil and gas and austerity. the 90—minute debate was on stv last night and our scotland political correspondent david wallace lockhart was watching. for the very first time in this campaign, scottish party leaders go head to head in debate.

the first scottish election debate. none of these four leaders are personally standing at this election, but an opportunity to pitch to voters, nonetheless. in key seats up and down scotland, if everyone who wants to beat the snp votes together for the scottish conservatives, we can end their obsession with independence for good. our country is crying out for change. and after ia years of tory chaos and failure, this is an opportunity scotland cannot afford to miss. we all know the westminster system is broken. _ it's delivered austerity, brexit, and the cost—of—living crisis. . scotland deserves better. i'm asking you to vote snp to put scotland's interests first. - we badly need some hope and a change of direction. well, scottish liberal democrats are all about hope, and we're part of the change that's coming. first topic — the oil and gas sector. well, i'm in favour of a just transition to net zero.

and the problem with what anas has set out is that there is a very direct damage going to be done to the oil and gas sector as a consequence of the tax plans that he's put forward, and which the conservatives have put into place. just to make this clear, you support higher taxes for people earning £29,000 a year in scotland — for example, nurses — but not higher taxes, windfall taxes, on the oil and gas giants making record profits. are you personally, and the snp, in favour of granting _ new oil and gas licences? yes or no? i'm in favour of there being a climate compatibility test. why can't you just give a straight answer? - i think what we've just seen here is an example of two parties that have been in power for far too long. the snp and labour will be key rivals at this election. this is good for scotland, john! you cannot escape the fact that you've signed up to the tories' fiscal agenda. you have said you're desperate - to get rid of this tory government, i but all you've done in this electionl campaign is attack the labour party. douglas ross admitted

the preparation for liz truss' mini budget wasn't there. and that hadn't been done, and i hold my hands up — i assumed that had been done. the greens called their exclusion from this event outrageous. stv said they were comfortable with their decision. there'll be more arguments, more questions, and more debate to come. david wallace lockhart, bbc news. we will have more on elections from scotland later in the programme. we want you to help shape how we cover this general election campaign, so if you have a question for a politician or perhaps an issue that you're concerned about. you can get in touch as part of your voice, your vote — by going to bbc.co. uk/news on your phone, tablet or laptop. the bagpipes have stopped just as we come to the live shot. they were

playing just a moment ago. they are there to cheer on a ferry bringing d—day veterans to normandy for the 80th anniversary celebrations. we can have a listen for a moment. bagpipes play stirring stuff. to welcome d—day veterans to france and we will bring you more on the commemorations during the day. this is bbc news, the headlines:

major london hospitals are hit by a cyber attack leading to cancelled operations and emergency patients being moved. rishi sunak and keir starmer will go head—to—head in a tv debate tonight for the first time in the general election campaign. the conservatives pledged to cut the number of visas available to migrants if they win the election. labour say the tories have lost control of the issue. tests reveal a newborn baby discovered in an east london park earlier this year is the sister of two other children abandoned by the same parents. coming up, early trends in the indian election .2 by minister mo d eyeing up a third term but without the landslide he had hoped for —— in the landslide he had hoped for —— in the india election would prime minister narendra modi.

we have been taking a look at the figures. we have been taking a look at the fiaures. ., , ., , figures. the conservatives say their visa reforms _ figures. the conservatives say their visa reforms are _ figures. the conservatives say their visa reforms are already _ figures. the conservatives say their visa reforms are already working i figures. the conservatives say their. visa reforms are already working and getting net migration numbers down and their new plans for an annual cap on visas would help. specifically the home secretary is claiming his government has successfully cut net migration by a tenth and the existing visa restrictions will help 300,000 people —— will cut 300,000 people from being eligible to coming in the uk in the future. is that correct? it fell to 685,000 from 76a,000 the year before, but this was largely because of a major drop in people coming to settle in the uk from hong kong and ukraine via humanitarian rates, not the visa measures which only came into effect this year. james cleverly claimed the reason his government did not deliver lower net migration before 2016 was that

the uk was in the eu and subject to its freedom of movement rules but the really big rise in net migration came after we finally left the eu in 2021. the tories are also claiming labour would let a quota of 250,000 more people come into the uk from the eu every year as part of a supposedly sweetheart deal they want to negotiate with the eu. this is based on a think tank report which assumes a future labour government would have to accept a large eu migrant quota to get a deal where it can return at some asylum seekers to the eu. much of the rest of this figure is based on the idea labour would reverse the new rule blocking care workers from bringing their co—dependence but that does not correspond with anything labour and their leader have actually said. labour are seeking a returns agreement would the eu but they have also said they would not sign up to any panic eu scheme with a migrant quoter biggest uk is not member

state. labour has not indicated it would scrap the new care worker visa rules. what about the wider implications of a new hard cap on visas? a lot of people for whom a desire for another migration is not motivated by economics but rather the idea of the country changing and there is evidence that migration creates additional pressure on public services. however, at the same time, there is evidence it helps relieve pressure on public services, and there are shortages of doctors and editors and social care workers which have been filled by migrants in recent years, and training were domestic workers to a nhs workers would likely come at a cost to taxpayers and higher wages to attract domestic workers into social care would likely be reflected in care costs. the government's official forecaster projects what would happen to the national debt if net migration falls from 350,000 per year to 150,000 per

year, and the black liner becomes the red line, so debt is still rising in five years' time, this means the government will not be on course to hit its fiscal rule which means a trade—off in the short term between lower net migration and the possibility of tax cuts which does not justify possibility of tax cuts which does notjustify in itself more migration and the impact of migrants on the public finances monger term is thought to be more neutral, and many people will nevertheless feel this is a price worth paying for what they see as the social cohesion benefits of lower migration but it is a price worthy of consideration in the debate.— in the debate. thanks for “oining us. we in the debate. thanks for “oining we wrufi in the debate. thanks for “oining us. we will be i in the debate. thanks for “oining us. we will be back i in the debate. thanks for “oining us. we will be back to i in the debate. thanks forjoining us. we will be back to election l in the debate. thanks forjoining i us. we will be back to election news in a few moments. newborn baby who was found in a carrier bag in east london is the third child abandoned by the same parents. dna tests established that baby elsa is the sibling of a boy and girl found in sibling ofa boy and girl found in similar sibling of a boy and girl found in similar circumstances in 2017 and

2019. our correspondent has the story. it was a bitterly cold day injanuary when a baby girl, less than an hour old, was found here in east london. hospital staff called her elsa, after the frozen character. the bbc can now report that elsa has two full siblings, harry and roman. all three babies were abandoned in similar circumstances within two miles of each other. harry was found in plaistow in september 2017, abandoned shortly after he was born. newborn roman came 16 months later, injanuary 2019, in a park close to the roman road, after which she was named. and elsa, also newborn, was discovered this year, a few hundred yards away. all three children's names have since been changed. this is where baby harry was found back in 2017. since then, two of his siblings have

been abandoned in very similar circumstances, just hours after they were born. judge carol atkinson said it was very, very unusual for one baby to be abandoned in modern britain. for three babies to be left in this way, by the same parents, was, she said, of enormous interest. i asked one of the leading experts whether she'd come across a similar case. well, i've done research in various ways for over 20 years and the answer is absolutely no. but i personally have never come across three brand—new newborns from the same parents, both parents, it seems. the three children are safe — adopted or in care. their mother has not come forward, despite multiple appeals over nearly seven years by the metropolitan police. they said today their investigation continues. sanchia berg, bbc news. narendra modi looks likely to win a third consecutive term as the indian

prime minister as his bjp alliance is currently ahead in the general election. early results show it is falling well short of the landslide exit polls predicted. 0ur correspondent has this report from delhi. . ., a, ., ., correspondent has this report from delhi. . ., ~ , ., delhi. narendra modi looks likely to win a third consecutive _ delhi. narendra modi looks likely to win a third consecutive term, i delhi. narendra modi looks likely to win a third consecutive term, as i delhi. narendra modi looks likely to win a third consecutive term, as the bjp alliance is currently ahead in the general election vote count but the general election vote count but the numbers at the moment are well short of the landslide victory that he and his party were expecting. markets in india have fallen and rarely do we see a result coming up this late in the game. it is a tally that could change as more votes are counted and certainly not at all what narendra modi was expecting. cruising into this election,

prime minister narendra modi. shouting fuelled by adulation and a hindu—centric ideology. his main opponent, rahul gandhi — heir of a political dynasty, leader of the indian national congress. it formed a coalition with dozens of other political parties to counter mr modi. and outside party headquarters, supporters rejoicing, their alliance paying dividends. despite not winning enough seats to form a government so far, they have fared better than expected. it is a war to save democracy. it is for saving lives of women,

farmers, unemployed youth. translation: rahul gandhi's march across the country i helped to unite india. he talked about jobs for youth, safeguarding the constitution. people voted against the government. and rahul gandhi carries on. the mood more subdued inside bjp headquarters, expecting a landslide victory but so far delivered a disappointing result. we will look into the reasons as to why we did badly, because there is indeed some disconcerting news from certain quarters, but overall we have done very well considering this is third time around. a positive spin for what is a disheartening result for the bjp. but if you move over and look at congress, they are actually celebrating, they have done exceptionally well, much better than they had anticipated, and earlier we

heard from the head of the... the international congress party, who attributed a lot of their success to the hard work of people on the ground. the hard work of people on the round. :, the hard work of people on the round. . . ., ground. the main thing the election has shown. — ground. the main thing the election has shown. the _ ground. the main thing the election has shown, the country _ ground. the main thing the election has shown, the country has - has shown, the country has unanimously and clearly stated, we do not want mr narendra modi to be involved in the running of this country. we do not like the way they run this country and we do not appreciate the way they have attacked the constitution and we do not appreciate the way they have run this country for the last ten years so that is a huge message to mr narendra modi. i would like to thank everybody who has participated in this election. i'm extremely proud of the people of india and i'm extremely proud of the people who have resisted this onslaught on the constitution.

have resisted this onslaught on the constitution-— constitution. when mr gandhi was asked whether _ constitution. when mr gandhi was asked whether he _ constitution. when mr gandhi was asked whether he would - constitution. when mr gandhi was asked whether he would be i constitution. when mr gandhi was asked whether he would be able l constitution. when mr gandhi was| asked whether he would be able to form a government, he left the option open, which means there is a lot of politicking happening and it is possible that those parties that have already pledged their allegiance to the bjp may switch teams and now support the india alliance under the congress party, so for now we still don't know who is going to be controlling the building behind me. many of you will remember the pictures from the 2ath of april when we had horses galloping through central london. the regiment involved is pleased to announce that the five horses injured in the incident and the lifeguard soldiers involved are all making really good progress. we have been told that three of the horses injured are now back on duty and against all expectations, they are looking

likely to take part in the kings birthday parade on the 15th ofjune. the remaining two are being cared for at the horses trust in the countryside which includes the white horse here in the images and the army and the horse trust said they are overwhelmed by the amount of public interest in the recovery of the soldiers and indeed the horses affected by this incident on the 2ath of april. the horses were startled by noise from a nearby construction site and that led to a number of them escaping from their riders. so good news that both soldiers and horses are doing well and recovering well. 36 second world war veterans have set sail on a very from portsmouth to normandy to take part in a special service commemorating the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. the veterans are travelling with a torch from the

commonwealth will graves commission which will feature tomorrow. —— war. these are some of the final few veterans able to make the voyage to normandy to pay their respects and share their experience of what d—day was really like. they got a proper sendoff from portsmouth, escorted by sea and by air on a journey made in recognition of service and in remembrance of sacrifice. i have 32 reasons for going back, and those 32 reasons are the 32 guys who never came home. i made that promise to myself that every opportunity, i would go back and pay my respects and honour those guys. i do remember my comrades. you never forget your tank crew. honestly, it is very sad because they are no longer with us. if they were with us, i wouldn't have to talk, they would do all the talking and we would make silly

jokes between us and you would have a rough time! we have to honouru them - as well as their fallen comrades, because they are the ones who came home having seen what they saw, i having done what they had to do. we have to remember and celebrate them as they come and celebrate i their comrades and their mates who didn't come home. - d—day was the turning point of the second world war. after months of secret planning, an audacious invasion of thousands of landing craft delivering 150,000 troops onto the normandy beaches on the first day alone. they liberated france and set the nazis on their way to losing the war. the legacy of liberation, the legacy of freedom, the legacy of democracy, we run the risk sometimes of taking that for granted, and now that we are celebrating this focus of 80 years since d—day, it gives us a real opportunity to think about liberation,

to think about the freedoms that we have, the democracy we are fortunate to have and to make sure that we continue that legacy and we guard it preciously. those serving king and country today were admiring the bravery of those who went before, and generations were out to wave the veterans off. absolutely fantastic, and i wouldn't have missed it for the world. yes, i'm so pleased we are here. my grandfather fought in the war for five years as well with monty's army for the commonwealth, so it is always important to remember this. it is emotional, very emotionall because they are about 98 now, nearly 100, so it could be the last time. _ it's good for the kids. history, and. . .yeah, lovely. and that sense of handing down guardianship of d—day and its legacy is important in this 80th anniversary, acknowledging the advancing years of these veterans. and this is just the start of two days of commemorative events, both here and in northern france.

danjohnson, bbc news, portsmouth. nigel farage has had a drink thrown over him as he campaigned in clacton, we understand. this was as he left a pub where he carried out interviews. we understand a woman threw a drink over him with the liquid landing on his suitjacket. the women told the bbc that she had not come to the launch to throw the liquid —— woman. she said nigel farage did not stand for her. no pictures at the moment of this actually happening but that is what we are hearing from the nigel farage campaign. this is a list of the candidates standing in the clacton constituency. we have a complete

list on the bbc news website once they are all confirmed. rishi sunak and keir starmer will debate some of the key issues facing the uk and their plans to address them in front of a live studio audience this evening. the televised debate is the first time they'll go head to head in this general election campaign. 0ur political correspondent alex forsyth can show us around the studio. so there is something that could be quite significant happening in the election campaign tonight. it is the first debate between rishi sunak and keir starmer, and i can show you the studio where it is taking place. this is where all of the action is going to happen. so up on that stage there, you're going to have the host of this debate, julie etchingham from itv, and you're going to have rishi sunak and keir starmer on those two podiums.

and we can take a little look around because these chairs, a little later on, are going to be filled with a live studio audience. there's going to be about 80 to 100 people, and some of the audience are going to get a chance to put their questions to the two candidates for that job of prime minister. we just need to watch our step and i will take you up here onto the stage itself, where it's all going to take place. so the way it's going to work is this is going to be the podium at which the host is going to stand. julie etchingham is going to moderate the debate. and then behind me, you will see the two podiums where you're going to have keir starmer and rishi sunak. now, you can expect those two men, clearly, they're going to have been prepping for this debate for the last couple of days. they are going to be asked questions, i suspect, about the key themes of this campaign — so the nhs, the economy, immigration, national security. they're going to be trying to navigate this debate without any slip ups. now, you might ask yourself, "why is there so much hype around these tv debates?"

well, they can sometimes produce really pivotal moments in an election campaign. they can also set the mood and the tone. and don't forget, of course, that they provide an opportunity for real scrutiny of policy and position. and you must remember, standing at those two podiums a little later this evening will be the two men who are vying to be the next prime minister of the uk. so if you want to watch it, you just might learn something about what they stand for. we will have much more on the build—up to that debate over the next few hours. less than 2a hours after the first leaders debate in scotland, john swinney is on the campaign trail today for the snp with a focus on child poverty. we can listen to what he said. making sure we generate _ can listen to what he said. making sure we generate the _ can listen to what he said. making sure we generate the wealth i can listen to what he said. making sure we generate the wealth in i can listen to what he said. making | sure we generate the wealth in our society and invest in our public services to help us eradicate child poverty, that is the central mission of our government and we have taken significant steps to do that by keeping 100,000 children out of

poverty through measures like the scottish child payment, and by supporting development in the economy and the work we are undertaking with renewable energy we can generate the boost to employment and growth that is significant and which we have demonstrated already by improving the performance of the scottish economy since we came to office, so these will be the foundations of the steps that we take to push the economy and to make sure we can invest in eradicating child poverty. sure we can invest in eradicating child poverty-— sure we can invest in eradicating child ove . ., ., ., child poverty. turning to migration, is the position _ child poverty. turning to migration, is the position in _ child poverty. turning to migration, is the position in scotland _ child poverty. turning to migration, is the position in scotland if - child poverty. turning to migration, is the position in scotland if and i is the position in scotland if and when _ is the position in scotland if and when it— is the position in scotland if and when it comes _ is the position in scotland if and when it comes to _ is the position in scotland if and when it comes to the _ is the position in scotland if and when it comes to the issue i is the position in scotland if and when it comes to the issue of i when it comes to the issue of migration? _ when it comes to the issue of migration? what— when it comes to the issue of migration? what about - when it comes to the issue of migration? what about the i migration? what about the conservatives— migration? what about the conservatives announcing i migration? what about the | conservatives announcing a migration? what about the i conservatives announcing a cap migration? what about the - conservatives announcing a cap on visas? _ conservatives announcing a cap on visas? ., .,, , .., visas? one of the most significant contributors _ visas? one of the most significant contributors to _ visas? one of the most significant contributors to economic - visas? one of the most significant contributors to economic growth l visas? one of the most significant| contributors to economic growth is population growth so i completely reject the anti—migration agenda of the labour and conservative parties because we have to recognise what fuels economic growth is the movement of people, we attract people into our economy and we have

very low unemployment, we have skills shortages and a shortage of people in certain areas especially like social care, and if we did not have brexit which was imposed on scotland by westminster, we could have had more free movement of individuals coming into the scottish economy, contributing to society and fuelling economic growth, and this is another example of the most opportunities inflicted on us by westminster this will only be exacerbated by what the labour party and the conservatives are saying about migration.— about migration. niger -- nigel farate about migration. niger -- nigel farage would — about migration. niger -- nigel farage would say, _ about migration. niger -- nigel farage would say, why - about migration. niger -- nigel farage would say, why not i about migration. niger -- nigel farage would say, why not take j about migration. niger -- nigel- farage would say, why not take the people _ farage would say, why not take the people who — farage would say, why not take the people who are _ farage would say, why not take the people who are coming _ farage would say, why not take the people who are coming over- farage would say, why not take the people who are coming over on i farage would say, why not take the people who are coming over on the | people who are coming over on the boats? _ people who are coming over on the boats? uk— people who are coming over on the boats? ,., ., , ., ,, ., boats? uk government has taken a hostile approach _ boats? uk government has taken a hostile approach and _ boats? uk government has taken a hostile approach and there - boats? uk government has taken a hostile approach and there is i boats? uk government has taken a hostile approach and there is no i hostile approach and there is no credible rate for people to undertake migration towards uk. there has to be a managed approach to migration and i think we have got to migration and i think we have got to be welcoming to people because we have low unemployment and shortage of people to undertake essential

services especially in areas like social care, so we should be welcoming to people and not putting up welcoming to people and not putting up barriers as the labour party and the conservatives and nigel farage are all prepared today.— are all prepared today. thank you very much- _ are all prepared today. thank you very much- a _ are all prepared today. thank you very much. a reminder _ are all prepared today. thank you very much. a reminder that i are all prepared today. thank you very much. a reminder that we i are all prepared today. thank you i very much. a reminder that we want ou to very much. a reminder that we want you to help — very much. a reminder that we want you to help shape — very much. a reminder that we want you to help shape how _ very much. a reminder that we want you to help shape how we _ very much. a reminder that we want you to help shape how we cover- very much. a reminder that we want you to help shape how we cover the| you to help shape how we cover the general election campaign. so if you have a question for a politician or perhaps an issue that you're concerned about. you can get in touch as part of your voice, your vote — by going to... we have a lot more coming up about the election. do stay with us here on bbc news.

live from london, this is bbc news. major london hospitals are hit by a cyber attack, leading to cancelled operations and emergency patients being moved. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will go head to head in a tv debate tonight for the first time in this general election campaign.

i'm reggie dividing if i live in salford as the hours get closer to the televised debate and the excitement is building up —— rajini vaidyanathan. the conservatives pledge to cut the number of visas available to migrants if they win the election. labour say the tories have lost control of the issue. tests have revealed a newborn baby discovered in an east london park earlier this year, is the sister of two other children abandoned by the same parents. hello, i'm annita mcveigh. thank you forjoining us on bbc news this afternoon. we will bring you right up to date on the latest election news in just a moment. more now on the breaking news that some major london hospitals have been hit by a cyber attack,

leading to cancelled operations. as well as cancelled blood transfusions. let's get more on this with our health correspondent, sharon barbour. what is the latest you have been able to find out about the developed story? ah, you have been able to find out about the developed story?— the developed story? a number of trusts have _ the developed story? a number of trusts have been _ the developed story? a number of trusts have been impacted, i the developed story? a number of trusts have been impacted, a i trusts have been impacted, a critical impact and emergency services are impacted, blood tests and other results cannot be urgently turned around. we know there were serious problems with things like blood transfusions and some hospitals are unable to carry on with the transplants, so what is happening now as a result of this incident, the it incident, it is being reported by some it is a cyber attack, that has not been 100% confirmed. i'm trying to make contact with synnovis, who run the pathology service, but some say it was an it outage, so systems were

down. but whatever it is, it is having a major impact on a number of hospital trusts. having a major impact on a number of hospitaltrusts. it having a major impact on a number of hospital trusts. it started yesterday, and last night staff were sent an email to explain what was happening. they were told it was having a major impact on the delivery of services, with blood transfusions being particularly affected. some activity has already been cancelled, patients' results —— patients and results are being redirected to other providers. this will be putting a huge strain on hospitals right across london. how long will it go on for it is not clear. we have been told not days, but a weeks, so a serious incident, one of the most serious it incidents that the uk has seen. hat one of the most serious it incidents that the uk has seen.— one of the most serious it incidents that the uk has seen. not days, but weeks, so that the uk has seen. not days, but weeks. so a — that the uk has seen. not days, but weeks. so a huge — that the uk has seen. not days, but weeks, so a huge problem - that the uk has seen. not days, but weeks, so a huge problem at i that the uk has seen. not days, but weeks, so a huge problem at an i weeks, so a huge problem at an institutional level for the hospitals. 0bviously for individuals affected by this as well who were expecting to have an operation and

having it cancelled, that is a huge impact. yes, we are already hearing from patients, and we are keen to hear from from patients, and we are keen to hearfrom any from patients, and we are keen to hear from any patients or clinicians impacted to tell us what is going on. we are already hearing from patients who were contacted last night to say there was a problem and their appointment had been cancelled. their appointment had been cancelled-— their appointment had been cancelled. ., ., cancelled. that is one part of it, but of course — cancelled. that is one part of it, but of course going _ cancelled. that is one part of it, but of course going into - cancelled. that is one part of it, | but of course going into theatre, having surgeons not able to carry out urgent operations are get those blood tests, and for any urgent situation, you need those blood tests done. so a really serious incident, and it is not the first time it has happened to guy's and st thomas is. in 2022, with a different software system, they had a different it crash, which led to patients being moved across london. it wasn't until a year later that we saw the critical incident report on it which put real pressure on hospitals across london. they were put at substantial risk. that was one trust, this is a number of

trusts, so it is a really serious incident for the capital. you may find some patients, if they become unable to cope, i moved outside the capital. unable to cope, i moved outside the caital. ,, . ~' unable to cope, i moved outside the caital. ,, ., ,, ., ,, , unable to cope, i moved outside the caital. ,, ., ,, ., , . capital. shank thank you very much for the update. _ capital. shank thank you very much for the update. sharon _ capital. shank thank you very much for the update. sharon barbour, i capital. shank thank you very much j for the update. sharon barbour, we will keep a check on that story as it develops. heading back to the election campaign. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will go head—to—head in theirfirst televised debate of the general election campaign tonight. the hour—long programme on itv will be filmed in front of a live studio audience. it comes as the conservatives have promised to introduce a yearly cap on the number of migrant visas, while labour has accused the tories of letting immigration get out of control. 0ur political correspondent jessica parker has the details. a home secretary with a point to make. the conservatives say they'll reduce migrant visas year by year, but the party's haunted by highly visible old pledges to bring immigration down. net migration, the difference between numbers arriving

and leaving, hit a record high in 2022. we are the only party with a credible plan to professionally manage migration so that it supports the british economy without putting undue pressure on local communities. the tories have broken so many promises to bring down migration, why on earth should voters believe you now? so we have seen a 10% fall in illegal migration because of the actions that i've taken, with the full support of the prime minister, since becoming home secretary. labour's refraining from diving into the numbers game, promising to bring immigration down, but also without saying by how much. on immigration, we have to tackle the central issue which is that we need a skills strategy in this country so we don't have to have so many people arriving on work visas. is that a guarantee that you will cut net migration every year? net migration is far too high. this government has lost control. politicians know many voters

worry about social change and pressure on public services, but that can rub up against a demand forforeign workers and student arrivals. immigration has long been a hot button issue in british politics, but promises to bring numbers down have frequently ended up at odds with reality, and the conservatives may notjust be worried about being squeezed by their own record on this topic, but now an old political foe as well. mr farage, are you standing? well, we'll find out in a moment, won't we? nigel farage yesterday announced he's standing for parliament and leading reform uk. he says net migration should be zero but seemed to rewrite his party's own policy on air to process certain asylum claims in british overseas territories. which overseas territories would be open to this? i don't think it's terribly practical. what, the policy you've put forward, it's not practical? i think it's a very difficult policy to work.

and i haven't put it forward, by the way. why is it on your website? i took over yesterday so give me more than 12 hours and i'll sort a few things out. tonight, in a tv debate, the conservatives' rishi sunak and labour's keir starmer go head—to—head — the two men fighting it out to be your next prime minister. both want to show you, on immigration and many other issues, that they can take control. jessica parker, bbc news, in westminster. meanwhile, labour leader sir keir starmer is facing more questions about how his party are selecting candidates. faiza shaheen has resigned from the party after finding out her days ago that she had been blocked from running in the chingford and greenwood constituency. anna millarjoins me. clearly a difficult time for the party. faiza shaheen making

allegations about how she has been treated. any response from the party centrally to this? irate treated. any response from the party centrally to this?— centrally to this? we have asked for a direct response, _ centrally to this? we have asked for a direct response, but _ centrally to this? we have asked for a direct response, but we _ centrally to this? we have asked for a direct response, but we have i centrally to this? we have asked for a direct response, but we have not. a direct response, but we have not had one. what the labour party has been saying throughout the day in relation to questions around this kind of issue is that they have what one shadow cabinet member described as a inspiringly talented candidates and the party is focused "on top to bottom on bringing change". peter kyle, one shadow minister said, all i see as a group of candidates who truly represented the potential that the labour party has to change the country. while we do not have a direct response in relation to this resignation statement, that is the kind of language the labour party

has been using throughout today to try to move on, essentially, from these types of rows, but this resignation this afternoon does not help to die down these rumours. at the end of her resignation letter, faiza shaheen suggested she would be making an announcement tomorrow. if it was that she would be standing as an independent candidate, it would again make this royal rumble on into yet another day when the labour party is hoping to move on and talk about their policies —— would make this row rumble on. they would rather talk about other issues rather talk about other issues rather than a candidate selection. what is the mood amongst the labour campaign ahead of the debate? i spoke to keir starmer this morning and he said he was looking forward

to the opportunity to address the country. he has gone off now to do debate preparation, as i'm sure rishi sunak will also have done. it is a big moment for them. they put the hours of preparation into these debates because they know they will create social media moments that can be shared, people do see, even if they do not necessarily watch the debate themselves. the other thing that was quite funny when i asked keir starmer how he is preparing, he suggested in his arguments with his team as he works through the kind of questions he might come up against any debates, his team quite enjoy the opportunity to ask any difficult questions. so i think the labour party are looking to this as an opportunity to restate their lines, they hope they will get through and get their messages on policy very clearly out there, but they do not necessarily want to create a huge moment of it all, given they are so far ahead at the moment in terms of the polls that we have seen. they

are ahead and want people to get their messages, they do not want it to be a huge turning point at all in the campaign. to be a huge turning point at all in the campaign-— to be a huge turning point at all in the cam-tain. :, :, . ~' , the campaign. hannah, thank you very much. the campaign. hannah, thank you very much- hannah — the campaign. hannah, thank you very much. hannah miller— the campaign. hannah, thank you very much. hannah miller on _ the campaign. hannah, thank you very much. hannah miller on the _ the campaign. hannah, thank you very much. hannah miller on the labour- campaign bus there. all eyes turn to salford tonight where rishi sunak and sir keir starmer go head for theirfirst televised general election debate. my colleague rajini vaidyanathan is there for us. speaking of mood, i'm sure there's quite a lot of excitement building up in salford ahead of the debate.— excitement building up in salford ahead of the debate. indeed, this is like the of an _ ahead of the debate. indeed, this is like the of an election _ ahead of the debate. indeed, this is like the of an election and _ ahead of the debate. indeed, this is like the of an election and this i ahead of the debate. indeed, this is like the of an election and this is i like the of an election and this is the first time, as you have been saying, that sir keir starmer and rishi sunak will go head—to—head in a televised debate. it airs at 9pm on itv. there will be a studio audience who will be asking the leaders questions and the whole thing will be moderated by itv�*s julie etchingham. in some ways, you can see tv debates as either a blessing or a curse. a lot of the

leaders had a lot to lose, and it depends on what they say, how they sell their policies, but it also depends on the way they communicate, the way they look at the camera, their body language. we may remember, of course, the first televised debate here in the uk was in 2010 between gordon brown, david cameron and, remember, nick clegg was also on the stage then. after that debate, it was nick clegg who was seen to have come at the best and prompted the phrase clegg—mania. it did not necessarily translate to any more seats for the liberal democrats in the election, but what many strategists say is with the televised debate is that can turn some undecided voters, as hannah was income it is notjust about the error in ten minutes when the debate takes place, but also what the write—ups are in the newspapers tomorrow, the clips that are shared on social media might say as well. so that is why there is a lot riding on it. and as hannah was saying, the

leaders had been preparing intensely as the weeks before —— in the weeks before, but rishi sunak has also not done campaigning he has been with oliver dowden, his deputy, acting at 0liver dowden, his deputy, acting at the scenarios, debates, and we understand sir your test armour has been prepping with the team that normally helps him on pmqs prep —— sir keir starmer. every wednesday, the two face off in the house of commons, but this is an entirely different platform. rishi sunak is just a televised debate, he appeared in leadership debate against liz truss. some are keir starmer, in many ways, is trained in public speaking in the art of debate. so it is really anyone's to play for. what is really anyone's to play for. what is significant as well as it is happening in salford, a very important part in terms of the election, the northwest, home to the so—called red wool, many safe labour seats that went to the conservatives in the last election —— red wall.

i'm joined by bbc by kevin fitzpatrick, political reporter for bbc radio manchester. exciting to have this in your car. much of a battleground as this question out there has always been a real mix of seats.— real mix of seats. here in greater manchester _ real mix of seats. here in greater manchester and _ real mix of seats. here in greater manchester and across _ real mix of seats. here in greater manchester and across the i manchester and across the north—west, it has been known as the wood _ north—west, it has been known as the wood red _ north—west, it has been known as the wood red wall, but back in 2019 with boris _ wood red wall, but back in 2019 with borisjohnson's promised wood red wall, but back in 2019 with boris johnson's promised to wood red wall, but back in 2019 with borisjohnson's promised to get brexit— borisjohnson's promised to get brexit on— borisjohnson's promised to get brexit on a level of the country, the conservatives swept to power in seats _ the conservatives swept to power in seats they _ the conservatives swept to power in seats they never had luck on before, picking _ seats they never had luck on before, picking up— seats they never had luck on before, picking up five extra seats can often — picking up five extra seats can often with a small majority in places— often with a small majority in places where they had had a labour mp for— places where they had had a labour mp for over— places where they had had a labour mp for over a century. a part of the change. _ mp for over a century. a part of the change, potentially, this election is that— change, potentially, this election is that there is a potential for labour— is that there is a potential for labour to— is that there is a potential for labour to pick up there was an even more _ labour to pick up there was an even more from — labour to pick up there was an even more from the conservatives as it appears _ more from the conservatives as it appears that there is a swing away from _ appears that there is a swing away from the _ appears that there is a swing away from the tories this time. we appears that there is a swing away from the tories this time.- from the tories this time. we only have to look _ from the tories this time. we only have to look at _ from the tories this time. we only have to look at where _ from the tories this time. we only have to look at where the - from the tories this time. we only have to look at where the leaders | have to look at where the leaders have to look at where the leaders have been so far in quite a shock

campaign thus far, if you more weeks to go until the ath ofjuly. if you plot out the map, we have seen quite a the visits here.— a the visits here. very north are seen as a _ a the visits here. very north are seen as a real _ a the visits here. very north are seen as a real bellwether i a the visits here. very north are seen as a real bellwether seats| a the visits here. very north are i seen as a real bellwether seats in terms _ seen as a real bellwether seats in terms of— seen as a real bellwether seats in terms of the national picture, whoever— terms of the national picture, whoever wins there tends to win at the general election —— verse michael— the general election —— verse michael debate has been conservatives with a tiny majority of 300, _ conservatives with a tiny majority of 300, so — conservatives with a tiny majority of 300, so rishi sunak has been there _ of 300, so rishi sunak has been there to — of 300, so rishi sunak has been there to talk up what people have done _ there to talk up what people have done in _ there to talk up what people have done in a — there to talk up what people have done in a bury with levelling up grants— done in a bury with levelling up grants there. so keir starmer was there _ grants there. so keir starmer was there yesterday, chose the fuser layer _ there yesterday, chose the fuser layer museum in bury north to launch his plans _ layer museum in bury north to launch his plans -- — layer museum in bury north to launch his plans. —— fusilier. rishi sunak has also— his plans. —— fusilier. rishi sunak has also been on the edge of macclesfield and tatton, those areas in which _ macclesfield and tatton, those areas in which previous elections it would be unheard—of that there would be a potential— be unheard—of that there would be a potential target. today sir ed davey, — potential target. today sir ed davey, the lib dem leader has been in stockport, building up a jenga

pile of— in stockport, building up a jenga pile of glue breaks, saying he is knocking — pile of glue breaks, saying he is knocking it down as part of their stop— knocking it down as part of their stop today to illustrate how he wants — stop today to illustrate how he wants to — stop today to illustrate how he wants to take conservative seats. about _ wants to take conservative seats. about to — wants to take conservative seats. about to make key seats in the stockport — about to make key seats in the stockport area, hazel grove and cheadle. — stockport area, hazel grove and cheadle, they have been the conservatives for a couple of elections _ conservatives for a couple of elections now and the liberal democrats are looking to win those back _ democrats are looking to win those back the _ democrats are looking to win those back. the conservatives in this area are really— back. the conservatives in this area are really being attacked on all corners — are really being attacked on all corners. ~ :, are really being attacked on all corners. ~ . ., ., ., , ., are really being attacked on all corners. ~ . ., ., ., corners. we had another opinion poll that came out _ corners. we had another opinion poll that came out yesterday _ corners. we had another opinion poll that came out yesterday which i that came out yesterday which confirmed so far that a labour is, according to the polls, quite far ahead. what do those polls tell us about which way this region might go? if about which way this region might to? about which way this region might o? , ., , about which way this region might o? , :, , ., about which way this region might to? . go? if the polls are correct, it would be _ go? if the polls are correct, it would be absolutely - go? if the polls are correct, it i would be absolutely devastating for the conservatives, wiped out completely in greater manchester. even in _ completely in greater manchester. even in seats where they have had the seats — even in seats where they have had the seats considered to be safer decades, — the seats considered to be safer decades, including one where the former— decades, including one where the former chair of the 1922 committee sir graham — former chair of the 1922 committee sir graham brady has been, he has stepped _ sir graham brady has been, he has stepped down. according to the

polls. _ stepped down. according to the polls, that seat could go. it would potentially be across the north—west, conservatives down from 32 currently _ north—west, conservatives down from 32 currently down to just the way that labour picking up the vast majority— that labour picking up the vast majority of those, which would be an incredible _ majority of those, which would be an incredible sea change in the politics _ incredible sea change in the politics of this region. kevin fit2patrick _ politics of this region. kevin fitzpatrick from _ politics of this region. kevin fitzpatrick from bbc - politics of this region. kevin fitzpatrick from bbc radio | fitzpatrick from bbc radio manchester, thank you very much for the moment. of course the focus tonight is on the debate here, but as kevin was saying, this is a really key part of the country when it comes to the campaign and a general election. just to recap. the debate kicks off at 9pm. we will have coverage throughout the day here on the news channel and i will be back in a short while discussing a bit more about which way the debate might go and some of the strategies and techniques the leaders will use.— strategies and techniques the leaders will use. yes, we will see ou ve leaders will use. yes, we will see you very soon- — leaders will use. yes, we will see you very soon. thank— leaders will use. yes, we will see you very soon. thank you. i meanwhile, the conservatives say they have a credible plan to manage migration if they win the general election. they want to introduce a

cap. election. they want to introduce a ca -. , election. they want to introduce a ca i _ , , ., , , election. they want to introduce a ca i _ , , , ., election. they want to introduce a ca n , , , . , cap. they say there is a firm is already working _ cap. they say there is a firm is already working to _ cap. they say there is a firm is already working to get - cap. they say there is a firm is already working to get net i cap. they say there is a firm is i already working to get net migration down and new plans for an annual cap on visas would help. specifically, the home secretary james cleverly is claiming his government has successfully cut net migration by tent last year and their existing visa restrictions have prevented 300,000 people from being eligible to come to the uk in future. is it accurate? well, it is correct that net migration fell by around 10% in 2023 to 685,000 from 76a,000 the year before. however, this was largely due to a major drop in people coming to the uk from hong kong and ukraine via humanitarian roots, not the government has �*s these are measures which only came in this year. james cleverly kim named his government did not deliver

lower net migration before was because the uk was in the eu and subject to freedom of movement rules. the big net migrationjump came formally after we left the eu in 2021. the tories are claiming labour would let 250,000 more people come to the uk from the eu every year as part of a supposedly sweet hot deal they want to negotiate with the european union, based on a think tank support that assumes a future labour government would have to accept a larger eu migrant quarter in order to get a deal where it could return some asylum seekers to the eu. much of the rest of the figures based on the idea labour would reverse that new rule blocking care workers from bringing their dependents. that does not really correspond with anything labour and its leader keir starmer had actually said. labourare its leader keir starmer had actually said. labour are seeking an eager return agreement if they are in power, but also said it would not sign up to any pan— eu scheme with a migrant quarter because the uk is

not a member state. they have not indicated they would scrap the new visa care worker roles. but what about the wider implications of a new hard cap on visas? there are a lot of people for whom a desire for lower migration is not nominated by economics but the country changing. there is some evidence that migration creates additional pressure on public services. however, the same time, there is evidence it relieve public pressure on public services, there is a shortage of doctors, care workers, nurses that have been filled by migrant workers in recent years. training these... higher wages to attract domestic workers into social care would likely be reflected in social care costs. the government's official forecaster projects what would happen to the national debt if net migration falls from 350,000 a year to 150,000 a year. the black

line becomes at the red line, so thatis line becomes at the red line, so that is still rising in five years' time. this means the government would not be on course to hit its fiscal rule. that implies a trade—off, at least in the short term between lower net migration and the possibility of tax cuts. this of course in itself does notjustify higher net migration and in the longer term, the impact of migrants on the public is thought to be more neutral. this many people will nevertheless feel this is a price worth paying for what they see as the social cohesion benefits of lower migration. but it is a price worthy of consideration in the debate. bbc verify with that analysis. the biggest driver of migration last year was work. ben brindle is a researcher at the migration observatory at the university of oxford. he told us what the options are for filling the almost1 million at the university of oxford. he told us what the options are for filling the almost1 million job vacancies across the uk

so migration is certainly one way of filling vacancies across the economy, but it's not the only way that they can be filled. so things that employers and policymakers can do include improving pay and working conditions to make jobs more attractive to workers who are already in the uk. they don't need to have labour at all, in fact, as well. in fact, they can automate processes and so we use machinery rather than using workers full stop. and migration is one of the options available, but these are just two examples of the other things that can be done instead. the migration advisory committee, when it recommended that care workers were added to the skilled worker route and so migrant care workers were able to get visas, they also recommended that pay and working conditions in the sector were improved because that's what they considered the underlying issue to be. so really this comes to a bit of a trade off in thatjobs can be made more attractive by improving pay and conditions, but that may be

difficult for some employers if profit margins are quite tight or in the case of public services, it comes with a financial cost, which obviously there are many priorities for the government and so spending money in one area means not spending money in another area. we see quite an interesting difference in opinion surveys between people who, at least until fairly recently, said they were going to vote for the labour party and people who said fairly recently they were going to vote for the conservative party. so among labour voters, people who said they were going to, as a whole they tend to be quite ambiguous about migration, no real strong feelings, positively or negatively, and it was fairly low down on their list of issues in terms of how important migration was. but for people who recently said they were going to vote for the conservative party, it's one of the biggest issues among these voters and they tend to be more negative about the issue.

so it's certainly not the case that all voters think the same way about migration and some think about it as a more important issue than others do. harjab bhangal is an immigration lawyer in london. he believes none of the parties have presented a viable solution to deal with immigation. it could be an amalgamation of perhaps everything. first of all, a processing centre in france like the greens propose just like italy have signed a deal with albania, in order to stop people, at least some of them, making thatjourney across the channel and to offer a safe route in order to apply for asylum. the other one is to talk to businesses and sectors, talk about numbers, talk effectively to fill their vacancies and at the same time get them to train british people. this is a long—term project. there is no immediate fix to this, as we've seen. so to call it in an immigration election, i'm not sure whether that actually works. the other thing is to use the people

who are here living illegally — give them some sort of earned amnesty, not making them indefinite or giving them visas straightaway, but show that you've got a skill, and then perhaps we'll think about it. if you pay a fee and earn a certain amount, we'll perhaps give you visas every year, yearly rolling, like they do in dubai. so in dubai you can go on a work permit, but they'll never make you permanent or a citizen there. as long as you're working and your employer's looking after you and you're not a burden on the state. something similar to that. remember, we've got 1.5 million people already here. some of them are in... half of them are in the black economy working cash in hand. so what do we do with them? we can'tjust leave them in limbo. no party has offered a solution to that other than saying, "well, we're going to try and send them all back," which is impossible. we wa nt we want you to help shape how we cover this general election campaign, so if you have a question for a politician or an issue you're concerned about, remind you can get in touch as part of your voice, your

vote, and you can go to bbc.co.uk/news to get involved. a newborn baby who was found this year inside a carrier bag in east london is the third child abandoned by the same parents. dna tests established that baby elsa is the sibling of a boy and girl found in very sibling ofa boy and girl found in very similar sibling of a boy and girl found in very similar circumstances in 2017 and 2019. our correspondent has been following the story. it was a bitterly cold day injanuary when a baby girl, less than an hour old, was found here in east london. hospital staff called her elsa, after the frozen character. the bbc can now report that elsa has two full siblings, harry and roman. all three babies were abandoned in similar circumstances within two miles of each other. harry was found in plaistow in september 2017, abandoned shortly after he was born. newborn roman came 16 months later,

injanuary 2019, in a park close to the roman road, after which she was named. and elsa, also newborn, was discovered this year, a few hundred yards away. all three children's names have since been changed. this is where baby harry was found back in 2017. since then, two of his siblings have been abandoned in very similar circumstances, just hours after they were born. judge carol atkinson said it was very, very unusual for one baby to be abandoned in modern britain. for three babies to be left in this way, by the same parents, was, she said, of enormous interest. i asked one of the leading experts whether she'd come across a similar case. well, i've done research in various ways for over 20 years and the answer is absolutely no. but i personally have never come across three brand—new newborns from the same parents, both parents, it seems.

the three children are safe — adopted or in care. their mother has not come forward, despite multiple appeals over nearly seven years by the metropolitan police. they said today their investigation continues. sanchia berg, bbc news. let's catch up with the weather forecast with ben. hello, after what was the uk's warmest may and warmest spring on record, we are now into the meteorological summer and temperatures are dropping. it is going to be rather cool, quite breezy over the next few days. sunshine and showers, and, yes, over some of the highest ground in scotland, some of those showers will be wintry. a couple of different frontal systems pushing south and east right now with some outbreaks of rain, and behind those weather fronts, we get into this decidedly cool north—westerly breeze. temperatures, if anything, dropping away as we head towards the end of the afternoon.

these are the values at 5pm. still up to 19 degrees in london. once the rain clears through, all areas will be into that chilly air overnight. some clear spells, some showers, particularly across northern and north—western parts, and temperatures will drop away. a much chillier night — in fact, temperatures getting close to freezing across some parts of northern scotland where we will see some wintriness in the showers up over the highest ground, say, above 800 metres elevation during the day tomorrow. those showers tomorrow mostly focused across the north and the west of the uk. further south, particularly south—east, not as many showers, more dry weather, some sunshine. it is going to be quite breezy, in fact, quite windy across the north and temperatures really below par for the time of year. at this time of year, we should be seeing temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees. tomorrow, values of 11 to 17 degrees. that said, get yourself into some sunshine in southern parts, it won't feel too bad. as we move into thursday, low pressure is still with us, still quite windy across northern areas for some showers which, again,

will be wintry over the highest mountains in scotland. further south, not as many showers, we will see some areas of cloud, some spells of sunshine, too, and those temperatures still a touch below the average for the time of year. as we get into friday, it could be that we see some widespread rain moving across scotland and generally more cloud further south with the odd shower. although temperatures need to start to edge upwards, we could get back to 19 degrees across the south—east of england, still only 11 or 12 in the north of scotland. temperatures, though, continue to rise a little bit as we head into the weekend. still some showers, particularly in the north, drier and brighterfurther south and east.

this is bbc news, the headlines: major london hospitals are hit by a cyber attack leading to cancelled operations and emergency patients being moved. rishi sunak and keir starmer will go head—to—head in a tv debate tonight for the first time in the general election campaign. results come forward in indian elections with prime minister narendra modi set to win a record third term but the bjp is set to lose its majority in the parliament.

we can return to the uk election. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will go head to head in theirfirst televised debate of the general election campaign tonight. the hour long programme, on itv, will be filmed in front of a live studio audience. it comes as the conservatives have promised to introduce a yearly cap on the number of migrant visas, while labour has accused the tories of letting immigration get out of control. to help cut through the spin we have been looking into some of the statistics. ah, been looking into some of the statistics. : , been looking into some of the statistics-— been looking into some of the statistics. : , ., statistics. a big moment in the cam -aain statistics. a big moment in the campaign but _ statistics. a big moment in the campaign but which _ statistics. a big moment in the campaign but which claims i statistics. a big moment in the campaign but which claims can| statistics. a big moment in the i campaign but which claims can you trust and which can't you? we will be looking at exactly that tonight, and we don't know exactly what will come up and we have been preparing based on some of the claims we have heard from keir starmer and rishi

sunak in the past couple of days and i wanted to mention a couple of things, and if you hear them tonight should cast a sceptical eye over them. the economy is a key battleground with both parties making big claims about the other�*s policies, so what are the facts? the conservatives claim there is a 30 april inbound gap in the labour spending plans —— £38 billion gap. taxes will have to go up, but it is worth being sceptical about the figures because the assumptions come from political advisers and some of those are questionable. for example, that doing things to the public sector is always a lot less efficient. labour claim that we wanted to scrape a night —— have a claim of their own we wanted to scrutinise. the conservatives have £71 billion of unfunded spending commitments. this includes the assumption that the conservatives will scrap national insurance and

the tories have said they would like to do that eventually but not any time soon and they say they will not do this unless the money is available. here both of these claims you know politics is at play and both parties are trying to persuade you that they would be better at handling the money of the country but the most important figures are not necessarily these ones but the ones we will get in the manifestos later this month when we were scrutinise it again. one other thing i want to touch on, a question that might come up tonight, is the economy moving in the right direction? rishi sunak would like to persuade you yes and keir starmer would like you to be more sceptical. we can look at a couple of matches, first, inflation, inflation has gone down significantly since rishi sunak became prime minister, and he will want some the credit for that and labour will question how much you feel that in your pocket. another way of looking at where the economy is heading is economic growth and it

is heading is economic growth and it is true to say at the start of the year there was economic growth of 0.6% but that was after the uk officially entered a recession at the end of last year, and if you look back, the picture is a lot less positive. certainly when compared to other major economies like the rest. so keep this in mind tonight. there will be a lot of these claims flying about and we will have a look at them and we will explain a bit more tomorrow across the bbc. hick them and we will explain a bit more tomorrow across the bbc. nick would some of the — tomorrow across the bbc. nick would some of the talking _ tomorrow across the bbc. nick would some of the talking points _ tomorrow across the bbc. nick would some of the talking points to - tomorrow across the bbc. nick would some of the talking points to look i some of the talking points to look out ahead of the debate. scottish party leaders have already clashed in their televised debate with disagreements on the future of oil and gas and austerity. the 90 minute debate was on stv last night and our political correspondent was watching.

for the very first time in this campaign, scottish party leaders go head to head in debate. the first scottish election debate. none of these four leaders are personally standing at this election, but an opportunity to pitch to voters, nonetheless. in key seats up and down scotland, if everyone who wants to beat the snp votes together for the scottish conservatives, we can end their obsession with independence for good. our country is crying out for change. and after ia years of tory chaos and failure, this is an opportunity scotland cannot afford to miss. we all know the westminster system is broken. _ it's delivered austerity, brexit, and the cost—of—living crisis. i scotland deserves better. i'm asking you to vote snp to put scotland's interests first. - we badly need some hope and a change of direction. well, scottish liberal democrats are all about hope, and we're part of the change that's coming. first topic — the oil and gas sector. well, i'm in favour of a just

transition to net zero. and the problem with what anas has set out is that there is a very direct damage going to be done to the oil and gas sector as a consequence of the tax plans that he's put forward, and which the conservatives have put into place. just to make this clear, you support higher taxes for people earning £29,000 a year in scotland — for example, nurses — but not higher taxes, windfall taxes, on the oil and gas giants making record profits. are you personally, and the snp, in favour of granting _ new oil and gas licences? yes or no? i'm in favour of there being a climate compatibility test. why can't you just give a straight answer? i i think what we've just seen here is an example of two parties that have been in power for far too long. the snp and labour will be key rivals at this election. this is good for scotland, john! you cannot escape the fact that you've signed up to the tories' fiscal agenda. you have said you're desperate i to get rid of this tory government, i but all you've done in this electionl campaign is attack the labour party. douglas ross admitted the preparation for liz truss' mini

budget wasn't there. and that hadn't been done, and i hold my hands up — i assumed that had been done. the greens called their exclusion from this event outrageous. stv said they were comfortable with their decision. there'll be more arguments, more questions, and more debate to come. david wallace lockhart, bbc news. we want you to help shape how we cover this general election campaign. so if you have a question for a politician or perhaps an issue that you're concerned about you can get in touch as part of your voice, your vote. this is the scene in delhi at bjp headquarters. narendra modi says this is an unprecedented moment in the history of india with what looks

like a rare third election victory for him. this is with a reduced majority, though, and exit polls had predicted an overwhelming victory for narendra modi but it looks like his majority, that of the bjp, is down on the previous election. narendra modi said it is an unprecedented moment and he's expected to speak to supporters at party headquarters shortly. it looks like a rare third consecutive term as the indian prime minister. the bjp led alliance is ahead in the vote count although the results show it is falling short of the landslide exit polls which were predicted. 0ur correspondent has got theirs from delhi.

narendra modi looks likely to win a third consecutive term as the indian prime minister as his bjp alliance is currently ahead in the general election. but the numbers at the moment are well short of the landslide victory that he and his party were expecting. markets in india have fallen and rarely do we see a result coming up this late in the game. it is a tally that could change as more votes are counted and certainly not at all what narendra modi was expecting. cruising into this election, prime minister narendra modi. shouting fuelled by adulation and a hindu—centric ideology. his main opponent, rahul gandhi — heir of a political dynasty,

leader of the indian national congress. it formed a coalition with dozens of other political parties to counter mr modi. and outside party headquarters, supporters rejoicing, their alliance paying dividends. despite not winning enough seats to form a government so far, they have fared better than expected. it is a war to save democracy. it is for saving lives of women, farmers, unemployed youth. translation: rahul gandhi's march across the country i helped to unite india. he talked about jobs for youth, safeguarding the constitution. people voted against the government. and rahul gandhi carries on. the mood more subdued inside bjp headquarters, expecting a landslide victory but so far delivered

a disappointing result. we will look into the reasons as to why we did badly, because there is indeed some disconcerting news from certain quarters, but overall we have done very well considering this is third time around. a positive spin for what is a disheartening result for the bjp. but if you move over and look at congress, they are actually celebrating, they have done exceptionally well, much better than they had anticipated. earlier we heard from the indian congress party, who attributed a lot of their success to the hard work of people on the ground. this is the main thing the election has shown, the country has unanimously and clearly stated, we do not want mr narendra modi

to be involved in the running of this country. we do not like the way they run this country and we do not appreciate the way they have attacked the constitution and we do not appreciate the way they have run this country for the last ten years so that is a huge message to mr narendra modi. i would like to thank everybody who has participated in this election. i'm extremely proud of the people of india and i'm extremely proud of the people who have resisted this onslaught on the constitution. when mr gandhi was asked whether he would be able to form a government, he left the option open, which means there is a lot of politicking happening and it is possible that those parties that have already pledged their allegiance to the bjp may switch teams and now support the india alliance under the congress party, so for now we still don't know who is going to be controlling the

building behind me. ticker tape celebrations in new delhi and somewhere in the middle you canjust about delhi and somewhere in the middle you can just about see narendra modi, although tricky to see at the moment. he is outside his bjp party headquarters. huge celebrations going on for a third term. pretty unusualfor a single going on for a third term. pretty unusual for a single prime going on for a third term. pretty unusualfor a single prime minister to win a third term in office. he is heading for this election victory, although the opposition, the congress party, is saying that they have punished narendra modi's party to confound predictions and to

reduce the bjp's majority. the bjp is relying on its alliance partners but narendra modi says this is an unprecedented moment in the history of india. we are expecting to hear him address his supporters in a few moments. we can now listen in. narendra modi, we are anticipating he will address supporters any moment now and we will bring that to you. he was re—elected in his constituency which represents the hindu holy city, with a margin of 152,000 votes. that compares to nearly half a million votes margin

nearly half a million votes margin nearly five years ago. the election commission in india showing the bjp and its allies leading in at least 292 seats out of a total of 543. so 292 seats out of a total of 543. 50 clearly enough for a parliamentary majority. the bjp in its own right winning or leading in 240 seats, down from the 303 it took five years ago in its own right. we can now listening to these scenes from new delhi. translation: this listening to these scenes from new delhi. translation:— listening to these scenes from new delhi. translation: this has given him bi delhi. translation: this has given him his applause — delhi. translation: this has given him big applause and _ delhi. translation: this has given him big applause and let's _ delhi. translation: this has given him big applause and let's welcome| him big applause and let's welcome him... narendra modi, long live...

studio: we are looking at the celebrations outside the headquarters of the bjp in new delhi. with the party and its allies heading for a majority. in these elections. meaning that narendra modi will have a third term as prime minister of india. they majority for the bjp, though, reduced compared to the bjp, though, reduced compared to the last election five years ago. we will now hear what narendra modi has got to say about that. the congress party calling it a moral defeat but narendra modi saying that this is an unprecedented moment in history.

this of course has been a mammoth election campaign across india. the voting itself comprising of many rounds before getting to the result today. it is an epic task, a general election in india, given the number of voters. the main opposition congress party looks set to nearly double the number of its parliamentary seats. its alliance of parties gathering steam during the election campaign, to lead to this result for them today. rahul gandhi of the gandhi dynasty and the leader of the gandhi dynasty and the leader of congress, saying that voters have punished the bjp, that is his take, we will hear a different take from

narendra modi, obviously. and at present we think about 95% of the votes counted, so almost all of them. 36.9% is the vote for the bjp, marginally less than it was in 2019. we are at the delhi headquarters of the bjp, clearly there is a celebrate remote, irrespective of the reduced majority, ticker tape flying through the air. the bjp campaign very well funded and well practised. delivering another victory for narendra modi. party members speaking in advance of modi himself. he is waiting on the stage

to take his turn to speak. formerly claimed a third election victory with about 95% of the votes counted. just to recap, this is the same in new delhi where narendra modi has claimed a third consecutive general election victory. we are going to keep an eye on when he begins to speak and bring that to you. while we do that, we can tell you. while we do that, we can tell you about another story which is

that 36 veterans of the second world war have set sail on a ferry from portsmouth to normandy to take part in a special service commemorating the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. they are travelling with a torch from the commonwealth war graves commission which will feature tomorrow. danjohnson has this report. these are some of the final few veterans able to make the voyage to normandy to pay their respects and share their experience of what d—day was really like. they got a proper sendoff from portsmouth, escorted by sea and by air on a journey made in recognition of service and in remembrance of sacrifice. i have 32 reasons for going back, and those 32 reasons are the 32 guys who never came home. i made that promise to myself that every opportunity, i would go back and pay my respects and honour those guys. i do remember my comrades. you never forget your tank crew. honestly, it is very sad

because they are no longer with us. if they were with us, i wouldn't have to talk, they would do all the talking and we would make silly jokes between us and you would have a rough time! we have to honouru them - as well as their fallen comrades, because they are the ones who came home having seen what they saw, i having done what they had to do. we have to remember and celebrate them as they come and celebrate i their comrades and their mates who didn't come home. - d—day was the turning point of the second world war. after months of secret planning, an audacious invasion of thousands of landing craft delivering 150,000 troops onto the normandy beaches on the first day alone. they liberated france and set the nazis on their way to losing the war. the legacy of liberation, the legacy of freedom, the legacy of democracy, we run the risk sometimes of taking that for granted,

and now that we are celebrating this focus of 80 years since d—day, it gives us a real opportunity to think about liberation, to think about the freedoms that we have, the democracy we are fortunate to have and to make sure that we continue that legacy and we guard it preciously. those serving king and country today were admiring the bravery of those who went before, and generations were out to wave the veterans off. absolutely fantastic, and i wouldn't have missed it for the world. yes, i'm so pleased we are here. my grandfather fought in the war for five years as well with monty's army for the commonwealth, so it is always important to remember this. it is emotional, very emotionall because they are about 98 now, nearly 100, so it could be the last time. _ it's good for the kids. history, and. . .yeah, lovely. and that sense of handing down guardianship of d—day and its legacy is important in this 80th

anniversary, acknowledging the advancing years of these veterans. and this is just the start of two days of commemorative events, both here and in northern france. danjohnson, bbc news, portsmouth. the post office's most senior in—house lawyer has been challenged by bbc news in australia. jane mcleod refused to answer the inquiry. this is the moment the former post office council was challenged by the bbc outside her house in sydney. i’m challenged by the bbc outside her house in sydney.— challenged by the bbc outside her house in sydney. i'm wondering why ou will house in sydney. i'm wondering why you will not — house in sydney. i'm wondering why you will not be _ house in sydney. i'm wondering why you will not be coming _ house in sydney. i'm wondering why you will not be coming to _ house in sydney. i'm wondering why you will not be coming to the - you will not be coming to the inquiry? _ you will not be coming to the inquiry? lie _ you will not be coming to the inuui ? ., . ., you will not be coming to the inquiry?_ do i you will not be coming to the | inquiry?_ do you you will not be coming to the - inquiry?_ do you feel you inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty — inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to — inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go _ inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go to _ inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go to answer _ inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go to answer those - have a duty to go to answer those people _ have a duty to go to answer those people who — have a duty to go to answer those people who have _ have a duty to go to answer those people who have been _ have a duty to go to answer those people who have been wronged? i

have a duty to go to answer those - people who have been wronged? what would _ people who have been wronged? what would you _ people who have been wronged? what would you say— people who have been wronged? what would you say to — people who have been wronged? what would you say to those _ people who have been wronged? what would you say to those people, - people who have been wronged? what would you say to those people, the - would you say to those people, the supposed _ would you say to those people, the supposed masters? _ would you say to those people, the supposed masters? the— would you say to those people, the supposed masters?— would you say to those people, the supposed masters? the indian prime minister narendra _ supposed masters? the indian prime minister narendra modi _ supposed masters? the indian prime minister narendra modi has - supposed masters? the indian prime minister narendra modi has claimed l supposed masters? the indian prime| minister narendra modi has claimed a victory at the general election, despite the party performance falling below last time. a member of the party is speaking outside of bjp headquarters in new delhi at the moment. randa modi said a third term for his governing party and its allies was a historic achievement —— narendra modi. they are poised to win the most seats but not with as big a majority as previously. we will have more on that but now we have the weather. hello, after what was the uk's warmest may and warmest spring on record, we are now into the meteorological summer and temperatures are dropping. it is going to be rather cool, quite breezy over the next few days. sunshine and showers, and, yes,

over some of the highest ground in scotland, some of those showers will be wintry. a couple of different frontal systems pushing south and east right now with some outbreaks of rain, and behind those weather fronts, we get into this decidedly cool north—westerly breeze. temperatures, if anything, dropping away as we head towards the end of the afternoon. these are the values at 5pm. still up to 19 degrees in london. once the rain clears through, all areas will be into that chilly air overnight. some clear spells, some showers, particularly across northern and north—western parts, and temperatures will drop away. a much chillier night — in fact, temperatures getting close to freezing across some parts of northern scotland where we will see some wintriness in the showers up over the highest ground, say, above 800 metres elevation during the day tomorrow. those showers tomorrow mostly focused across the north

and the west of the uk. further south, particularly south—east, not as many showers, more dry weather, some sunshine. it is going to be quite breezy, in fact, quite windy across the north and temperatures really below par for the time of year. at this time of year, we should be seeing temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees. tomorrow, values of ii to 17 degrees. that said, get yourself into some sunshine in southern parts, it won't feel too bad. as we move into thursday, low pressure is still with us, still quite windy across northern areas for some showers which, again, will be wintry over the highest mountains in scotland. further south, not as many showers, we will see some areas of cloud, some spells of sunshine, too, and those temperatures still a touch below the average for the time of year. as we get into friday, it could be that we see some widespread rain moving across scotland and generally more cloud further south with the odd shower. although temperatures need to start to edge upwards, we could get back to 19 degrees across the south—east of england,

still only 11 or 12 in the north of scotland. temperatures, though, continue to rise a little bit as we head into the weekend. still some showers, particularly in the north, drier and brighterfurther south and east. live from london, this is bbc news. major london hospitals are hit by a cyber attack, leading to cancelled operations and emergency patients being moved. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will go head to head in a tv debate tonight for the first time in this general election campaign.

i'm rajini vaidyanathan live in salford as the hours get closer to the televised debate. the conservatives pledge to cut the number of visas available available to migrants if they win the election. labour say the tories have lost control of the issue. tests have revealed a newborn baby discovered in an east london park earlier this year, is the sister of two other children abandoned by the same parents. results come thick and fast in india elections. prime minister narendra modi is expected to win a rare start time but his party is set to lose its outright majority. hello, annita mcveigh, welcome to bbc news. we'll bring you up—to—date in the latest election use any moment but moronic story that has been developing over

the last couple of hours. the news that's a major london hospitals have been hit by a ransomware cyberattack. the nhs says it began yesterday and it has had a significant impact with some operations cancelled. our health correspondent sharon barbour give us this update. it barbour give us this update. it is havin: a barbour give us this update. it is having a major— barbour give us this update. it 3 having a major impact on a number of hospital trusts. having a major impact on a number of hospitaltrusts. it having a major impact on a number of hospital trusts. it started yesterday. last night, staff were sent an email to explain what was happening. they were told it was having a major impact on the delivery of our services, with blood transfusions being particularly affected. some activity has already been cancelled. patients and results are being redirected where possible to other providers at short notice of this will be putting a huge strain on hospitals right across london. how long will this go on for, it is not clear, but we have been told not days, weeks, so a

serious incident, one of the most serious incident, one of the most serious it incidents in the uk has seen. ., , , ., . seen. not days, but two so a huge roblem seen. not days, but two so a huge problem at — seen. not days, but two so a huge problem at an _ seen. not days, but two so a huge problem at an institutional- seen. not days, but two so a huge problem at an institutional level i problem at an institutional level for the hospitals. obviously for individuals affected by this as well who were expecting to have an operation and to have the operation cancelled. ., , ., operation and to have the operation cancelled. . , . . cancelled. that is a huge impact. we are keen to — cancelled. that is a huge impact. we are keen to hear— cancelled. that is a huge impact. we are keen to hear from _ cancelled. that is a huge impact. we are keen to hear from patients - are keen to hearfrom patients impacted or clinicians to tell us what is going on. they were contacted last night and told there was a problem, their appointment had been cancelled, but going into theatre, having surgeons not able to carry out urgent operations, not able to get those blood tests and for any urgent situation, you need those blood tests done. so a really serious incident. it is not the first time this has happened at guy's and st thomas' in 2022, with a different software system, they had a major it crash which led to

patients being moved across london. it was not until a year later that we saw the critical incident report on that which put real pressure on hospitals across london. they were put at substantial risk. that was one trust, this is a number of trusts. this is a serious incident for the capital and you may find that some patients, if they become unable to cope, moved outside the capital. irate unable to cope, moved outside the caital. ~ ., unable to cope, moved outside the caital. ~ . ., unable to cope, moved outside the caital. ~ . . ., unable to cope, moved outside the caital. ~ . . . . capital. we are hearing that a 25-year-old _ capital. we are hearing that a 25-year-old women - capital. we are hearing that a 25-year-old women has - capital. we are hearing that a 25-year-old women has beenj capital. we are hearing that a - 25-year-old women has been arrested 25—year—old women has been arrested on suspicion of assault after a drink was thrown at the leader of every former uk, nigel farage, following a campaign event earlier today —— the leader of reform uk. officers have made two arrests after responding to report a milkshake was thrown at mr farage in clacton. that is all the information we have on

that at the moment. we had reported a little earlier there was an incident in which a drink was thrown at nigel farage. now police in essex at nigel farage. now police in essex a 25—year—old women is one of two people arrested. tonight all eyes turn to salford. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will go head—to—head in theirfirst televised debate of the general election campaign tonight. rajini vaidya nathan is rajini vaidyanathan is there for us. the build—up continues. tell us more. the build-up continues. tell us more. . , ., the build-up continues. tell us more. . , . ' z: more. that debate will begin at 90 and this evening, _ more. that debate will begin at 90 and this evening, the _ more. that debate will begin at 90 and this evening, the first - more. that debate will begin at 90 l and this evening, the first showdown between keir starmer and rishi sunak of this election campaign and it is going to be televised, lasting just over an hour. we know both leaders had been prepping intensely notjust in the last 24 hours, but in the weeks ahead. in many ways, these televised debates can be make or break moments of the campaign. the politicians have a lot to gain, but also have a lot to lose. i'm pleased

to say i am joined by my colleague, our political editor chris mason. this is like the super bowl a politics for people like us, isn't it? it politics for people like us, isn't it? , . politics for people like us, isn't it? , �* ., , . ., , politics for people like us, isn't it? ,�* it? it is. and what is curious as these are _ it? it is. and what is curious as these are relatively _ it? it is. and what is curious as these are relatively new- it? it is. and what is curious as these are relatively new in - it? it is. and what is curious as these are relatively new in the| it? it is. and what is curious as i these are relatively new in the uk political— these are relatively new in the uk political context, younger back to 2010 _ political context, younger back to 2010 where debates are started. every _ 2010 where debates are started. every single time now in an election there _ every single time now in an election there is— every single time now in an election there is this — every single time now in an election there is this long protracted investigation between the political parties _ investigation between the political parties and the broadcasters at the corporate _ parties and the broadcasters at the corporate level to try to make these things— corporate level to try to make these things happen. and everything is fought— things happen. and everything is fought over, the venue, the presenter, the format, how the studio— presenter, the format, how the studio looks. where the various later— studio looks. where the various later stand, who stands on the left, who stands — later stand, who stands on the left, who stands on the right, is there an audience _ who stands on the right, is there an audience in — who stands on the right, is there an audience in the studio, and what role do _ audience in the studio, and what role do they have, what kind of questions — role do they have, what kind of questions are the asking. those ntatter— questions are the asking. those matter because millions of people are watching and they get clipped up into tv _ are watching and they get clipped up into tv reporting, radio reporting, nmans— into tv reporting, radio reporting, means on— into tv reporting, radio reporting, means on social media, you name it.

so the _ means on social media, you name it. so the half—life or afterlife of a particular— so the half—life or afterlife of a particular moment can go for ages. youtl— particular moment can go for ages. you'll wind — particular moment can go for ages. you'll wind a — particular moment can go for ages. you'll wind a decade and a half to the "i _ you'll wind a decade and a half to the "i agree — you'll wind a decade and a half to the "i agree with nick" a reference to nick— the "i agree with nick" a reference to nick clegg, the then reader of the liberal democrats that still .ets the liberal democrats that still gets quoted in political circles now — gets quoted in political circles now. political leaders i think about whether— now. political leaders i think about whether attending them is a good idea, _ whether attending them is a good idea, which ones you want to attend, whether— idea, which ones you want to attend, whether or— idea, which ones you want to attend, whether or not attending has more advantages than attending. so what's at stake _ advantages than attending. so what's at stake. here's the dampener to these _ at stake. here's the dampener to these things. often they are perhaps not as— these things. often they are perhaps not as exciting as the hype in advance, _ not as exciting as the hype in advance, but they have the potential to be game — advance, but they have the potential to be game changing, positively or negatively, which is why the leaders are set— negatively, which is why the leaders are set out— negatively, which is why the leaders are set out so much time in advance to do— are set out so much time in advance to do their— are set out so much time in advance to do their platter, which is e>

barrel, to so subtle how things can be won and lost.— be won and lost. particularly for the leader— be won and lost. particularly for the leader has _ be won and lost. particularly for the leader has less _ be won and lost. particularly for the leader has less well - be won and lost. particularly for the leader has less well known l be won and lost. particularly for. the leader has less well known to the leader has less well known to the public — the leader has less well known to the public. nick clegg, then leader of the _ the public. nick clegg, then leader of the liberal democrats, not particularly well known so that the thing _ particularly well known so that the thing that— particularly well known so that the thing that was seen as revolutionary at the _ thing that was seen as revolutionary at the time — thing that was seen as revolutionary at the time to talk straight into the camera to a viewer on the sofa rather— the camera to a viewer on the sofa rather than — the camera to a viewer on the sofa rather than there in the studio. it gives— rather than there in the studio. it gives you — rather than there in the studio. it gives you a — rather than there in the studio. it gives you a sense of the dynamic toniqht~ — gives you a sense of the dynamic tonight. rishi sunak is any better known _ tonight. rishi sunak is any better known of— tonight. rishi sunak is any better known of the two because he had been prime _ known of the two because he had been prime minister for a little while. keir starmer much less well known. he is— keir starmer much less well known. he is miles — keir starmer much less well known. he is miles ahead in the opinion polls. _ he is miles ahead in the opinion polls, though. rishi sunak miles behind — polls, though. rishi sunak miles behind so— polls, though. rishi sunak miles behind. so a no score draw even a score _ behind. so a no score draw even a score draw— behind. so a no score draw even a score draw for rishi sunak is not really— score draw for rishi sunak is not really good enough. he needs some sort of— really good enough. he needs some sort of game changing moment really or at least— sort of game changing moment really or at least something that props up the morale — or at least something that props up the morale of conservatives who look at opinion— the morale of conservatives who look at opinion polls at the moment and they look— at opinion polls at the moment and they look from their perspective very bleak. from keir starmer's perspective, he will want to try to ensure _ perspective, he will want to try to ensure he — perspective, he will want to try to ensure he does not do anything that erodes— ensure he does not do anything that erodes the _ ensure he does not do anything that erodes the lead, but he will also know— erodes the lead, but he will also

know there is a fair chunk of the audience — know there is a fair chunk of the audience who perhaps have a not yet fully formed a view of him and he will want — fully formed a view of him and he will want to paint in those gaps rather— will want to paint in those gaps rather than let his opponent and in those _ rather than let his opponent and in those gaps. so that's taken that is why both — those gaps. so that's taken that is why both teams so much at stake and that is— why both teams so much at stake and that is why— why both teams so much at stake and that is why both teams have been prepping, — that is why both teams have been prepping, exploring the lines they can use, _ prepping, exploring the lines they can use, both on the attack but also on defence — can use, both on the attack but also on defence. are there particular sound _ on defence. are there particular sound bites they might want to deliver— sound bites they might want to deliver which are remembered? and then being _ deliver which are remembered? and then being acutely aware of what they are — then being acutely aware of what they are wearing, their body language, the kind of moments where they are _ language, the kind of moments where they are caught perhaps reacting to their opponent. they are not even sayinq _ their opponent. they are not even saying anything, but a facial expression that could become a meme somethinq _ expression that could become a meme something that gets clipped up. so these _ something that gets clipped up. so these things are really quite something because it is the beginning of politics going mainstream. we still have several weeks _ mainstream. we still have several weeks of — mainstream. we still have several weeks of this ahead, but it is the beginning — weeks of this ahead, but it is the beginning of the moment where politics—

beginning of the moment where politics becomes prime tv to a mass audience _ politics becomes prime tv to a mass audience for — politics becomes prime tv to a mass audience for more than an hour. that only happens — audience for more than an hour. that only happens in an election cycle. exciting _ only happens in an election cycle. exciting stuff. we will let you get on with everything you have to do it. various things you have to do, we hope we will have you back on the channel later today. chris mason, our political editor giving us an analysis on that debate today. i'm joined by catherine mcleod and christopher white to discuss this any little more detail. catherine used to advise alistair darling, is that right? and christopher used to advise a number of leading conservative politicians, including william hague. let's start with you, christopher. chris was touching on that, but what do you think rishi sunak really needs to pull out of the bag tonight in this debate to try to turn some of those opinion polls around? i try to turn some of those opinion polls around?— polls around? i think it is even a aood polls around? i think it is even a good opportunity _ polls around? i think it is even a good opportunity for _ polls around? i think it is even a good opportunity for the - polls around? i think it is even a good opportunity for the prime l good opportunity for the prime minister— good opportunity for the prime minister tonight— good opportunity for the prime minister tonight because - good opportunity for the prime minister tonight because it- good opportunity for the prime minister tonight because it is. good opportunity for the prime minister tonight because it is aj minister tonight because it is a first chance _ minister tonight because it is a first chance for— minister tonight because it is a first chance for him _ minister tonight because it is a first chance for him to - minister tonight because it is a first chance for him to really. minister tonight because it is a| first chance for him to really go head—to—head _ first chance for him to really go head—to—head with _ first chance for him to really go head—to—head with the - first chance for him to really go head—to—head with the leader. first chance for him to really goi head—to—head with the leader of first chance for him to really go - head—to—head with the leader of the opposition— head—to—head with the leader of the opposition in— head—to—head with the leader of the opposition in what _ head—to—head with the leader of the opposition in what is _ head—to—head with the leader of the opposition in what is an _ head—to—head with the leader of the

opposition in what is an unscripted l opposition in what is an unscripted format _ opposition in what is an unscripted format~ yes. — opposition in what is an unscripted format~ yes. it— opposition in what is an unscripted format. yes, it happens _ opposition in what is an unscripted format. yes, it happens every- opposition in what is an unscriptedl format. yes, it happens every week and prime _ format. yes, it happens every week and prime minister's _ format. yes, it happens every week and prime minister's questions, - format. yes, it happens every week| and prime minister's questions, but this is— and prime minister's questions, but this is the _ and prime minister's questions, but this is the first _ and prime minister's questions, but this is the first chance _ and prime minister's questions, but this is the first chance he _ and prime minister's questions, but this is the first chance he will- this is the first chance he will have — this is the first chance he will have to — this is the first chance he will have to really _ this is the first chance he will have to really dig _ this is the first chance he will have to really dig into - this is the first chance he will have to really dig into the - this is the first chance he will. have to really dig into the detail and a _ have to really dig into the detail and a challenge _ have to really dig into the detail and a challenge keir— have to really dig into the detail and a challenge keir starmer. have to really dig into the detail and a challenge keir starmer on have to really dig into the detail. and a challenge keir starmer on a raft of— and a challenge keir starmer on a raft of policy— and a challenge keir starmer on a raft of policy issues, _ and a challenge keir starmer on a raft of policy issues, things - and a challenge keir starmer on a raft of policy issues, things like . raft of policy issues, things like immiqration _ raft of policy issues, things like immigration issues, _ raft of policy issues, things like immigration issues, defence, l raft of policy issues, things like immigration issues, defence, it raft of policy issues, things like . immigration issues, defence, it is raft of policy issues, things like - immigration issues, defence, it is a chance for— immigration issues, defence, it is a chance for him _ immigration issues, defence, it is a chance for him to _ immigration issues, defence, it is a chance for him to press _ immigration issues, defence, it is a chance for him to press home - immigration issues, defence, it is a| chance for him to press home some immigration issues, defence, it is a i chance for him to press home some of these _ chance for him to press home some of these issues _ chance for him to press home some of these issues and — chance for him to press home some of these issues and actually _ chance for him to press home some of these issues and actually get - chance for him to press home some of these issues and actually get keir - these issues and actually get keir starmer— these issues and actually get keir starmer really _ these issues and actually get keir starmer really on _ these issues and actually get keir starmer really on the _ these issues and actually get keir starmer really on the back- these issues and actually get keir starmer really on the back foot . these issues and actually get keir i starmer really on the back foot and thinking _ starmer really on the back foot and thinking about _ starmer really on the back foot and thinking about it _ starmer really on the back foot and thinking about it because _ starmer really on the back foot and thinking about it because as - starmer really on the back foot and thinking about it because as chris. thinking about it because as chris mason _ thinking about it because as chris mason pointed _ thinking about it because as chris mason pointed out, _ thinking about it because as chris mason pointed out, he _ thinking about it because as chris mason pointed out, he is - thinking about it because as chris mason pointed out, he is the - thinking about it because as chris- mason pointed out, he is the unknown fiqure _ mason pointed out, he is the unknown figure in— mason pointed out, he is the unknown figure in this _ mason pointed out, he is the unknown figure in this and — mason pointed out, he is the unknown figure in this and given _ mason pointed out, he is the unknown figure in this and given he _ mason pointed out, he is the unknown figure in this and given he has- mason pointed out, he is the unknown figure in this and given he has so- figure in this and given he has so far ahead — figure in this and given he has so farahead in— figure in this and given he has so far ahead in the _ figure in this and given he has so far ahead in the polls, _ figure in this and given he has so farahead in the polls, he- figure in this and given he has so farahead in the polls, he has- farahead in the polls, he has probably— farahead in the polls, he has probably got _ farahead in the polls, he has probably got the _ farahead in the polls, he has probably got the most - farahead in the polls, he has probably got the most to - farahead in the polls, he has. probably got the most to lose. sometimes _ probably got the most to lose. sometimes leaders _ probably got the most to lose. sometimes leaders do - probably got the most to lose. sometimes leaders do not - probably got the most to lose. i sometimes leaders do not even probably got the most to lose. - sometimes leaders do not even agree to do these. do you think it was a goodidea to do these. do you think it was a good idea from a conservative perspective for rishi sunak to take part in this?— part in this? absolutely. this is an opportunity _ part in this? absolutely. this is an opportunity to really put _ part in this? absolutely. this is an opportunity to really put the - opportunity to really put the positive _ opportunity to really put the positive case _ opportunity to really put the positive case forward - opportunity to really put the positive case forward for- opportunity to really put the i positive case forward for what opportunity to really put the - positive case forward for what the next five — positive case forward for what the next five years _ positive case forward for what the next five years can _ positive case forward for what the next five years can look _ positive case forward for what the next five years can look like. - positive case forward for what the next five years can look like. i- next five years can look like. i think— next five years can look like. i think the _ next five years can look like. i think the challenge _ next five years can look like. i think the challenge that - next five years can look like. i think the challenge that he i next five years can look like. ll think the challenge that he will have _ think the challenge that he will have is— think the challenge that he will have is to _ think the challenge that he will have is to try— think the challenge that he will have is to try to _ think the challenge that he will have is to try to put _ think the challenge that he will have is to try to put forward i think the challenge that he willi have is to try to put forward and set apart — have is to try to put forward and set apart from _ have is to try to put forward and set apart from the _ have is to try to put forward and set apart from the labour- have is to try to put forward and | set apart from the labour party, have is to try to put forward and i set apart from the labour party, who are basically— set apart from the labour party, who are basically trying _ set apart from the labour party, who are basically trying to _ set apart from the labour party, who are basically trying to rip _ set apart from the labour party, who are basically trying to rip into- are basically trying to rip into downinq _ are basically trying to rip into downing street _ are basically trying to rip into downing street on _ are basically trying to rip into downing street on the i are basically trying to rip into downing street on the back. are basically trying to rip intoi downing street on the back of are basically trying to rip into- downing street on the back of some quite favourable _ downing street on the back of some quite favourable polls. _ downing street on the back of some

quite favourable polls. so _ downing street on the back of some quite favourable polls. so what i downing street on the back of some quite favourable polls. so what thisi quite favourable polls. so what this is actually — quite favourable polls. so what this is actually trying _ quite favourable polls. so what this is actually trying to _ quite favourable polls. so what this is actually trying to do _ quite favourable polls. so what this is actually trying to do is _ quite favourable polls. so what this is actually trying to do is present i is actually trying to do is present a choice — is actually trying to do is present a choice of— is actually trying to do is present a choice of the _ is actually trying to do is present a choice of the country. - is actually trying to do is present a choice of the country. there i is actually trying to do is presenti a choice of the country. there are only— a choice of the country. there are only two — a choice of the country. there are only two people _ a choice of the country. there are only two people who _ a choice of the country. there are only two people who can - a choice of the country. there are only two people who can be i a choice of the country. there are| only two people who can be prime minister— only two people who can be prime minister after— only two people who can be prime minister after the _ only two people who can be prime minister after the next _ only two people who can be prime minister after the next election, i only two people who can be prime minister after the next election, it is either— minister after the next election, it is either rishi _ minister after the next election, it is either rishi sunak, _ minister after the next election, it is either rishi sunak, the - is either rishi sunak, the incumbent, _ is either rishi sunak, the incumbent, or— is either rishi sunak, the incumbent, or keir- is either rishi sunak, the i incumbent, or keir starmer, the leader— incumbent, or keir starmer, the leader of— incumbent, or keir starmer, the leader of the _ incumbent, or keir starmer, the leader of the labour— incumbent, or keir starmer, the leader of the labour party. i incumbent, or keir starmer, the leader of the labour party. and i incumbent, or keir starmer, the| leader of the labour party. and a lot of— leader of the labour party. and a lot of people _ leader of the labour party. and a lot of people know— leader of the labour party. and a lot of people know what - leader of the labour party. and a lot of people know what keir- leader of the labour party. and a i lot of people know what keir starmer stands _ lot of people know what keir starmer stands for. _ lot of people know what keir starmer stands for. but — lot of people know what keir starmer stands for, but do _ lot of people know what keir starmer stands for, but do they— lot of people know what keir starmer stands for, but do they understand i stands for, but do they understand the full— stands for, but do they understand the full implications _ stands for, but do they understand the full implications of— stands for, but do they understand the full implications of that? i stands for, but do they understand the full implications of that? that. the full implications of that? that is what _ the full implications of that? that is what he — the full implications of that? that is what he will _ the full implications of that? that is what he will try— the full implications of that? that is what he will try to _ the full implications of that? that is what he will try to get - the full implications of that? that is what he will try to get across. i is what he will try to get across. catherine. — is what he will try to get across. catherine, what _ is what he will try to get across. catherine, what is— is what he will try to get across. catherine, what is your- is what he will try to get across. i catherine, what is your perspective? what do you think is a keir starmer needs to do tonight to score a win from the labour perspective? he hasn't got to make any mistakes. he hasn't got to make any mistakes. he has got _ hasn't got to make any mistakes. he has got the _ hasn't got to make any mistakes. he has got the most to lose, i guess, because _ has got the most to lose, i guess, because he's so far ahead in the polls _ because he's so far ahead in the polls i— because he's so far ahead in the polls. i think what keir starmer needs— polls. i think what keir starmer needs to — polls. i think what keir starmer needs to do is reach out to the public, — needs to do is reach out to the public, let— needs to do is reach out to the public, let then any bit to get to know— public, let then any bit to get to know the — public, let then any bit to get to know the man. a very good book was written _ know the man. a very good book was written about keir starmer, but by and large — written about keir starmer, but by and large he's still quite a private fiqure _ and large he's still quite a private figure and — and large he's still quite a private figure and people don't actually know— figure and people don't actually know what makes him tick, so the more _ know what makes him tick, so the more we _ know what makes him tick, so the more we see of keir starmer and the

man tonight, the better for him. sometimes these are not focus on policy, they focus on the personal, but that can go either way, but you're seeing it could be a good thing for keir starmer? i you're seeing it could be a good thing for keir starmer?- you're seeing it could be a good thing for keir starmer? i think so. he has been _ thing for keir starmer? i think so. he has been seen _ thing for keir starmer? i think so. he has been seen to _ thing for keir starmer? i think so. he has been seen to be i thing for keir starmer? i think so. he has been seen to be a i thing for keir starmer? i think so. he has been seen to be a very i he has been seen to be a very private — he has been seen to be a very private man, he has been a very successful— private man, he has been a very successful private barrister and director — successful private barrister and director of the crown prosecution service. — director of the crown prosecution service, but these are quite anonymousjobs, really forthe anonymous jobs, really for the general— anonymousjobs, really forthe general public. i think because rishi _ general public. i think because rishi sunak has been the prime minister. — rishi sunak has been the prime minister, he has had more airtime, understandably, so i think for keir starmer— understandably, so i think for keir starmer tonight, understandably, so i think for keir starmertonight, it understandably, so i think for keir starmer tonight, it will be trying to let _ starmer tonight, it will be trying to let the — starmer tonight, it will be trying to let the public in to see what kind _ to let the public in to see what kind of— to let the public in to see what kind of man he is, what he is motivated _ kind of man he is, what he is motivated on, why he is in politics and what — motivated on, why he is in politics and what he — motivated on, why he is in politics and what he wants to do to change the country. and what he wants to do to change the country-— and what he wants to do to change the country. let's bring christopher back in. the country. let's bring christopher back in- we — the country. let's bring christopher back in. we have _ the country. let's bring christopher back in. we have time _ the country. let's bring christopher back in. we have time for- the country. let's bring christopher back in. we have time for one i the country. let's bring christopher| back in. we have time for one more question with each of you. how do you think rishi sunak will engage with those audience questions? it is a tricky one sometimes. we have seen him out and about doing meet and

greets during this campaign, but how do you access he may do with an unexpected audience question? the key thing for rishi sunak as to what he is _ key thing for rishi sunak as to what he is good — key thing for rishi sunak as to what he is good at. — key thing for rishi sunak as to what he is good at, being _ key thing for rishi sunak as to what he is good at, being empathetic- key thing for rishi sunak as to what| he is good at, being empathetic and listening _ he is good at, being empathetic and listening carefully— he is good at, being empathetic and listening carefully and _ listening carefully and understanding i listening carefully and understanding the - listening carefully and - understanding the challenges listening carefully and _ understanding the challenges people face. understanding the challenges people face the _ understanding the challenges people face. the country— understanding the challenges people face. the country has— understanding the challenges people face. the country has been— understanding the challenges people face. the country has been to - understanding the challenges people face. the country has been to a - face. the country has been to a really— face. the country has been to a really challenging _ face. the country has been to a really challenging period - face. the country has been to a really challenging period over. face. the country has been to a l really challenging period over the last few _ really challenging period over the last few years _ really challenging period over the last few years and _ really challenging period over the last few years and actually, - really challenging period over the last few years and actually, rishi| last few years and actually, rishi sunak— last few years and actually, rishi sunak has— last few years and actually, rishi sunak has been— last few years and actually, rishi sunak has been at— last few years and actually, rishi sunak has been at the _ last few years and actually, rishi sunak has been at the forefront. last few years and actually, rishi i sunak has been at the forefront of really _ sunak has been at the forefront of really trying — sunak has been at the forefront of really trying to _ sunak has been at the forefront of really trying to alleviate _ sunak has been at the forefront of really trying to alleviate that. - sunak has been at the forefront of really trying to alleviate that. he i really trying to alleviate that. he was the — really trying to alleviate that. he was the person— really trying to alleviate that. he was the person who _ really trying to alleviate that. he was the person who put - really trying to alleviate that. he was the person who put forward i really trying to alleviate that. he l was the person who put forward a full and _ was the person who put forward a full and comprehensive _ was the person who put forward a full and comprehensive furlough i full and comprehensive furlough scheme — full and comprehensive furlough scheme in — full and comprehensive furlough scheme in terms _ full and comprehensive furlough scheme in terms of _ full and comprehensive furlough scheme in terms of protecting . scheme in terms of protecting pe0ple's— scheme in terms of protecting pe0ple'siobs_ scheme in terms of protecting people'sjobs and _ scheme in terms of protecting people's jobs and are - scheme in terms of protecting people's jobs and are really i scheme in terms of protecting - people's jobs and are really trying to bring _ people's jobs and are really trying to bring people _ people's jobs and are really trying to bring people out _ people's jobs and are really trying to bring people out over- people's jobs and are really trying to bring people out over the - people's jobs and are really trying | to bring people out over the really difficult _ to bring people out over the really difficult covid _ to bring people out over the really difficult covid period, _ to bring people out over the really difficult covid period, so _ to bring people out over the really difficult covid period, so he - to bring people out over the really difficult covid period, so he has. to bring people out over the really| difficult covid period, so he has an empathy— difficult covid period, so he has an empathy and — difficult covid period, so he has an empathy and understanding - difficult covid period, so he has an empathy and understanding of - difficult covid period, so he has an| empathy and understanding of that and it— empathy and understanding of that and it will— empathy and understanding of that and it will be — empathy and understanding of that and it will be really— empathy and understanding of that and it will be really important - empathy and understanding of that and it will be really important to i and it will be really important to draw _ and it will be really important to draw on — and it will be really important to draw on that— and it will be really important to draw on that and _ and it will be really important to draw on that and show- and it will be really important to draw on that and show what - and it will be really important to draw on that and show what the | draw on that and show what the conservatives _ draw on that and show what the conservatives can _ draw on that and show what the conservatives can over- draw on that and show what the conservatives can over the - draw on that and show what the conservatives can over the nexti draw on that and show what the - conservatives can over the next five years _ conservatives can over the next five years and _ conservatives can over the next five years and contrasted _ conservatives can over the next five years and contrasted with _ conservatives can over the next five years and contrasted with the - conservatives can over the next fivel years and contrasted with the labour party. _ years and contrasted with the labour party. which— years and contrasted with the labour party. which is— years and contrasted with the labour party, which is really— years and contrasted with the labour party, which is really a _ years and contrasted with the labour party, which is really a party- years and contrasted with the labour party, which is really a party that - party, which is really a party that is relatively— party, which is really a party that is relatively short _ party, which is really a party that is relatively short of _ party, which is really a party that is relatively short of ideas - party, which is really a party that is relatively short of ideas and i is relatively short of ideas and long _ is relatively short of ideas and long on— is relatively short of ideas and long on rhetoric. _ is relatively short of ideas and long on rhetoric.— long on rhetoric. let's get kathleen's _ long on rhetoric. let's get kathleen's take _ long on rhetoric. let's get kathleen's take on - long on rhetoric. let's get kathleen's take on that. l long on rhetoric. let's get i kathleen's take on that. how long on rhetoric. let's get - kathleen's take on that. how do long on rhetoric. let's get _ kathleen's take on that. how do you think soma keir starmer will connect when it comes to questions, we are

people asking what they want from him if he is by minister? i people asking what they want from him if he is by minister?— him if he is by minister? i think he should have _ him if he is by minister? i think he should have credible _ him if he is by minister? i think he should have credible answers. - him if he is by minister? i think he should have credible answers. he | should have credible answers. he knows _ should have credible answers. he knows what he wants to do in government. i think it does have ideas. _ government. i think it does have ideas. he — government. i think it does have ideas, he has a well thought out and prepared _ ideas, he has a well thought out and prepared mission statement. i think he knows _ prepared mission statement. i think he knows what his priorities are, the cost — he knows what his priorities are, the cost of— he knows what his priorities are, the cost of living, education, health— the cost of living, education, health and security, so i think he will be _ health and security, so i think he will be ready for any questions the audience _ will be ready for any questions the audience put. and i think he will be very keen _ audience put. and i think he will be very keen to— audience put. and i think he will be very keen to see, as we have seen a bit of— very keen to see, as we have seen a bit of today. — very keen to see, as we have seen a bit of today, that while he was working — bit of today, that while he was working for the crown prosecution service. _ working for the crown prosecution service, rishi sunak was making money— service, rishi sunak was making money through the financial crisis. as i money through the financial crisis. as i think— money through the financial crisis. as i think we can expect a bit of that _ as i think we can expect a bit of that what _ as i think we can expect a bit of that. what i think rishi sunak has not been — that. what i think rishi sunak has not been very good at, though chris thinks _ not been very good at, though chris thinks he _ not been very good at, though chris thinks he may be empathetic, i think sometimes _ thinks he may be empathetic, i think sometimes he tends to get a bit tetchy— sometimes he tends to get a bit tetchy and that will not come over well if _ tetchy and that will not come over well if that — tetchy and that will not come over well if that is what happens to him tonight _ well if that is what happens to him tonight. keir starmer's training area _ tonight. keir starmer's training area is— tonight. keir starmer's training area is a — tonight. keir starmer's training area is a barrister should stand him in good _

area is a barrister should stand him in good stead and whether he will do enough _ in good stead and whether he will do enough to— in good stead and whether he will do enough to support the public, in this case — enough to support the public, in this case the jury, time will tell. catherine — this case the jury, time will tell. catherine and christopher, speaking on behalf of your party leaders, thank you very much for sharing your perspectives. as we were saying, neater, that debate kicks off at nine o'clock. we will have full coverage on any build up here on the bbc news channel. in many ways, these debates have become a sort of americanisation of british politics, as chris was saying, the first one was in 2010, though there have been called for televised debates in the uk for many, many decades. there will be another debate with all the other parties, so we sat in my debate, on friday on the bbc. tonight is all about the two main party leaders. tonight is all about the two main party leaders— tonight is all about the two main -a leaders. ., ~' , . party leaders. thank you very much, ra'ini party leaders. thank you very much, rajini vaidyanathan. _ party leaders. thank you very much, rajini vaidyanathan. a _ party leaders. thank you very much, rajini vaidyanathan. a little - rajini vaidyanathan. a little earlier we were showing a picture is from new delhi, seems of ticker tape celebrations as narendra modi arrived at his party headquarters. here he is speaking to his

supporters. we arejust here he is speaking to his supporters. we are just about to listen in. he is claiming victory in the general election, despite his party and their allies gaining a narrow parliamentary majority, certain images on last time round. let's listening. translation: edflh let's listening. translation: each and every worker _ let's listening. translation: fact and every worker who worked can i want to thank them from a heart deep from my heart. friends, in this election, there is a mandate, there are many things to it after 1962. first time no government after fulfilling two cycles of winning elections has never come back the third time.

crowd chants rajini vaidyanathan! crowd chants ra'inivaid anathan! ., rajini vaidyanathan! ra'ini vaidyanathan! i —— modi! modi! modi! maybe if it is around the british, pixar or seeking —— in uttar pradesh, seeking. in the states, congress had a clear defeat. ido i do not have the details, but maybe we can't even save them on bail.

the government will be formed with the performance has been outstanding. this is the first time when there will be a chief minister for bgp investment. attachment bjp. in canada, bgp also won a seat. ——

in kerala bjp. they have sacrificed and in many generations have gone through cases and they have also the services. through generations, i'm not saying yours, through generations they have been waiting for this moment, today, they have been successful and a success is kissing them. crowd chants translation: �* ., crowd chants translation: ., , , translation: and our numbers in another province _ translation: and our numbers in another province have _ translation: and our numbers in another province have doubled. - translation: and our numbers in another province have doubled. in| another province have doubled. in mother pradesh, gujarat, delhi

i , etc, many similarstates , etc, many similar states our party has taken clean sweeps. wonderful. i am going to say to all the states, the constitutional leaders, ijust want to say that i'm very grateful to them. i also want to remind the state public that the central government will always fight for your development. they will not let any tables

be unturned. great work has been displayed in many states and in bihar�*s leadership for nda, has been wonderful. friends, ten years ago, the country has made changes when they made a change in the mandate. at that time, the country, because it was a time the country was going deep into loss. even in 2024, the country was going down side. and everything was going down, every day there were headlines of the newspapers. .

there were headlines of the newspapers-_ there were headlines of the newsa ers. ,, , . . there were headlines of the newsuaers. ,, , . . a, newspapers. . studio: narendra modi s-reakin to newspapers. . studio: narendra modi speaking to his — newspapers. . studio: narendra modi speaking to his bjp _ newspapers. . studio: narendra modi speaking to his bjp supporters - speaking to his bjp supporters claiming a third consecutive victory in india's general election. describing it as the biggest victory in the world and as a victory for indians. thanking the election committee for its work, especially in the extreme hot weather which india has been having. thanking his supporters this. of course, the bjp, while it is claiming victory, hasn't met the mark with a lot of the votes counted, to form a government independently, and will rely on its democratic alliance partners to form

the next government, but mr modi on track to win that rare third term in office, claiming victory in the elections. the main rival, the indian national congress, led by rahul gandhi, doing better than expected, with leeds in a more than 230 seats. back to the uk election. the conservatives say they have a credible plan to manage migration if they win. they want turned reges a yearly cap on the number of migrant visas. knowing look from bbc verify. yes. the conservatives say their visa reforms are already working in getting net migration numbers down and that their new plans for an annual cap on visas would help. specifically, the home secretary,

james cleverly is claiming his government has successfully cut net migration by a 10th last year and that their existing visa restrictions would prevent 300,000 people from being eligible to come to the uk in future. is that accurate? well, it's correct that net migration fell by around 10% in 2023 to 68,5000 from 764,000 the year before. however, this was largely due to a major drop in people coming to settle in the uk from hong kong and ukraine via humanitarian routes, not the government's visa measures, which only came into effect this year. by the way, james cleverly claimed today that the reason his government did not deliver lower net migration before 2016 was that the uk was in the european union and subject to its freedom of movement rules, but as you can see, the really big rise in net migration came after we formally left the eu in 2021. now, the tories are also claiming labour would let a quota of 250,000 more people come to the uk from the eu every year as part

of a supposed sweetheart deal they want to negotiate with the european union. this is based on a think tank report which assumes a future labour government would have to accept a large eu migrant quota in order to get a deal where it could return some asylum seekers to the eu. much of the rest of this figure is based on the idea labour would reverse that new rule blocking care workers from bringing their dependants. but that doesn't really correspond with anything labour and its leader, keir starmer, have actually said. labour are seeking an eu returns agreement if they win power, but they've also said they would not sign up to any pan—eu scheme with a migrant quota because the uk is not a member state. labour has also not indicated it would scrap the new care worker visa rules. but what about the wider implications of a new hard cap on visas? there are lots of people for whom a desire for lower migration is not motivated by economics, but rather the idea of the country changing. and there is some evidence that migration creates additional pressure on public services. however, at the same time,

there's evidence that it helps relieve pressure on public services through shortages of doctors and nurses and social care workers which have been filled by migrants in recent years. training more domestic workers to replace nhs workers would likely come at a cost to taxpayers, and higher wages to attract domestic workers into social care would likely be reflected in ca re costs. the government's official forecaster also projects what would happen to the national debt if net migration falls from 350,000 a year to 150,000 a year. the black line becomes the red line, so debt is still rising in five years' time. this means the government would not be on course to hit its fiscal rule. that implies a trade off, at least in the short term, between low and net migration and the possibility of tax cuts. this, of course, doesn't in itself justify higher net migration, and in the longer term, the impact of migrants

on the public finances is thought to be more neutral, and many people will nevertheless feel this is a price worth paying for what they see as the social cohesion benefits of lower migration. but it's a price that's worthy of consideration in the debate. ben chu from bbc verify. the liberal democrats are setting up a bow plans for fixing the social care crisis in england. they will provide free care for older and disabled people in their own homes, easing pressure on lib dems calculate the plans will cost an extra £2.7 billion a year, but independent experts suggest it is likely to be higher. here is what party leader sir ed davey said. apologies, we do not have the clip for you. we can speak to our political correspondent, damian grammaticas, who is with the lib dems, travelling on their campaign bus. tell us a little more than figure on social care that the lib dems are talking

about as we mentioned in the introduction, and there are some suggestions it would cost more to make these plans take shape. how have the lib dems responded to that? don't worry, we have been with sir ed davey all day, so i can help you out with what he has been saying. they put that figure two 7p on this they say to provide free social care -- 2.7 they say to provide free social care —— 2.7 billion so that all care needs of adults in england would be met. this is whether you are receiving care in your own home or a residential care home. they have costed that at 2.7 billion. what they say as it is independently costed by people who have looked at theirs, who know about this stuff. and that therefore that is a credible figure. as you say, there are others who say it would be a pretty big commitment and might

cause quite a bit more. what the lib dems do say is the money for it would come from taxes, banks, restoring ten to the rates they use to be before 2016 when the conservatives lowered them. and they reckon it would raise over 4 billion, so more than would be needed for this. on top of that, what they do say is that our further cost benefits that you should take into account. there is the cost benefit from hospital beds being freed up, thousands of them could be freed up, thousands of them could be freed up, thousands of them could be freed up by having care home places for people to move into or proper care setup for people to be able to go home and receive care in their own homes. that would free up resources for the nhs and also free up resources for the nhs and also free up families who are providing a lot of care themselves anyway to be able to go back into the workforce while

relatives received care and, therefore, be productive and contribute to the economy and all of those economic factors should be built into the mixture. taste those economic factors should be built into the mixture.— built into the mixture. we are talkin: a built into the mixture. we are talking a lot _ built into the mixture. we are talking a lot about _ built into the mixture. we are talking a lot about the - built into the mixture. we are talking a lot about the debatej talking a lot about the debate tonight between keir starmer and rishi sunak, so when a party, like the lib dems, is not directly involved any big tv debate, give us an insight into how they try to respond to that, how they try to draw the attention back to them? ina in a couple of ways, ed davey has pulled out a django set and pulled outbreaks until the wall came tumbling down, that is a way of having fun and getting a bit of attention, but equally, what will

happen this evening, while you have the leaders, the conservative and labour leader going head—to—head, ed davey will take part afterwards, there will be a separate programme with leaders of other parties interviewed. he has left the bus and is now heading back to london for that. he says he will have a chance to have his own views and his team say he will not be there in order to critique what has just been on air from the other leaders, he would like to put forward his own case. and already he had some words of criticism, i said and already he had some words of criticism, isaid how and already he had some words of criticism, i said how are you feeling, should you be part of this? he said he will have his own chance to put forward his views and he went on to give his opinion, he thought viewers may switch off the tv debate, when they hear rishi sunak they may want to turn up, he said,

and he said people are fed up hearing from the conservatives and some may even switch off their tvs and he criticised some of the policies that rishi sunak has been putting out, saying they are not well thought through, and people will not be interested in hearing more about that, that was his view. thanks forjoining us. we want you to help shape how we cover this general election campaign. so if you have a question for a politician or perhaps an issue that you're concerned about you can get in touch as part of your voice, your vote. now it is time for the weather forecast. hello, after what was the uk's

warmest may and warmest spring on record, we are now into the meteorological summer and temperatures are dropping. it is going to be rather cool, quite breezy over the next few days. sunshine and showers, and, yes, over some of the highest ground in scotland, some of those showers will be wintry. a couple of different frontal systems pushing south and east right now with some outbreaks of rain, and behind those weather fronts, we get into this decidedly cool north—westerly breeze. temperatures, if anything, dropping away as we head towards the end of the afternoon. these are the values at 5pm. still up to 19 degrees in london. once the rain clears through, all areas will be into that chilly air overnight. some clear spells, some showers, particularly across northern and north—western parts, and temperatures will drop away. a much chillier night — in fact, temperatures getting close to freezing across some parts of northern scotland where we will see some wintriness in the showers up over the highest ground, say, above 800 metres elevation during the day tomorrow. those showers tomorrow mostly focused across the north

and the west of the uk. further south, particularly south—east, not as many showers, more dry weather, some sunshine. it is going to be quite breezy, in fact, quite windy across the north and temperatures really below par for the time of year. at this time of year, we should be seeing temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees. tomorrow, values of 11 to 17 degrees. that said, get yourself into some sunshine in southern parts, it won't feel too bad. as we move into thursday, low pressure is still with us, still quite windy across northern areas for some showers which, again, will be wintry over the highest mountains in scotland. further south, not as many showers, we will see some areas of cloud, some spells of sunshine, too, and those temperatures still a touch below the average for the time of year. as we get into friday, it could be that we see some widespread rain moving across scotland and generally more cloud further south with the odd shower. although temperatures need to start to edge upwards, we could get back to 19 degrees across the south—east of england, still only 11 or 12 in the north of scotland. temperatures, though, continue to rise a little bit as we head into the weekend.

still some showers, particularly in the north, drier and brighterfurther south and east. this is bbc news, the headlines: major london hospitals are hit by a cyber attack leading to cancelled operations and emergency patients being moved. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will go head—to—head in a tv debate tonight for the first time in the general election campaign. the conservatives pledge to cut the number of visas available to migrants if they win the election. labour say the tories have lost control of the issue. tests reveal a newborn baby discovered in an east london park earlier this year is the sister of two other children abandoned by the same parents. results come through in indian elections with prime minister

narendra modi set to win a record third term but the bjp is set to lose its outright majority. thanks forjoining us. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer will debate some of the key issues facing the uk — and their plans to address them — in front of a live studio audience this evening. the conservatives have promised to introduce a yearly cap on the number of migrant visas, and labour have accused the tories of letting immigration get out of control. the debate tonight will feature a lot of claims and counter claims and to help you cut through the spin we have been looking into some of the statistics. a big moment in the campaign but which claims can you

trust and which can't you? bbc verify will be looking at exactly that tonight, and we don't know exactly what will come up. but we have been preparing based on some of the claims we have heard from keir starmer and rishi sunak in the past couple of days and i wanted to mention a couple of things, and if you hear them tonight you should cast a sceptical eye over them. the economy is a key battleground with both parties making big claims about the other�*s policies, so what are the facts? the conservatives claim there is a £38 billion gap in the labour spending plans. taxes will have to go up, but it is worth being sceptical about the figures because the assumptions come from political advisers and some of those are questionable. for example, that doing things to the public

sector is always a lot less efficient. labour have a claim of their own we wanted to scrutinise. the conservatives have £71 billion of unfunded spending commitments. this includes the assumption that the conservatives will scrap national insurance and the tories have said they would like to do that eventually but not any time soon and they say they will not do this unless the money is available. when you hear both of these claims you know politics is at play and both parties are trying to persuade you that they would be better at handling the money of the country but the most important figures are not necessarily these ones but the ones we will get in the manifestos later this month when we will scrutinise it again. one other thing i want to touch on, a question that might come up tonight, is the economy moving in the right direction? rishi sunak would like to persuade you "yes" and keir starmer would like you to be more sceptical. we can look at a couple of things. first, inflation, inflation has gone

down significantly since rishi sunak became prime minister, and he will want some the credit for that and labour will question how much you feel that in your pocket. another way of looking at where the economy is heading is economic growth and it is true to say at the start of the year there was economic growth of 0.6% to say at the start of the year but that was after the uk officially entered a recession at the end of last year, and if you look back, the picture is a lot less positive. certainly when compared to other major economies like the us. so, keep this in mind tonight. there will be a lot of these claims flying about and we will have a look at them and we will explain a bit more tomorrow across the bbc. we can talk to our political correspondent in westminster. not a focus on tv debate tonight but looking at what else is happening politically, what has caught your

eye? —— a lot of focus on the tv debate. eye? -- a lot of focus on the tv debate. ., , . , . , debate. the conservatives have been talkin: debate. the conservatives have been talking about — debate. the conservatives have been talking about immigration _ debate. the conservatives have been talking about immigration and - debate. the conservatives have been talking about immigration and this i talking about immigration and this is always a hot potato politically. we have had these claims in the past about getting immigration down, but nobody has ever quite managed it. in the days of david cameron, he talked about getting it down to the tens of thousands, that never happened. neither the conservatives or labour are putting any figures on this but they say that immigration needs to come down. the conservatives say they would have this cap on illegal migration, people coming on visas and family visas, and that this would be assessed each year and parliament would have to vote on the cap. it is hard to say whether that would make an effect because there are so many factors making an impact. interestingly, the former cabinet minister, of the

conservatives, jacob rees—mogg, he is out campaigning, and he said actually even though immigration is not a huge thing in that area where his campaigning, it was still something he was asked about, it is something he was asked about, it is something that voters do care about, the impact on public services, and cultural change perhaps. it is a really live issue and the conservatives have focused on that, especially with nigel farage coming back into the campaign dramatically yesterday with reform uk, and he is promising that they will campaign for zero net migration.— promising that they will campaign for zero net migration. speaking of niel for zero net migration. speaking of nigel farage. _ for zero net migration. speaking of nigel farage, some _ for zero net migration. speaking of nigel farage, some arrests - for zero net migration. speaking of nigel farage, some arrests have i for zero net migration. speaking of. nigel farage, some arrests have been made in relation to an incident when he was campaigning earlier where a drink was thrown over him. he he was campaigning earlier where a drink was thrown over him.- drink was thrown over him. he was doinr a drink was thrown over him. he was doing a walkabout, _ drink was thrown over him. he was doing a walkabout, meeting - drink was thrown over him. he was l doing a walkabout, meeting people, and somebody through what looks like and somebody through what looks like

a banana milkshake over him, pretty unpleasant, and it shows that there is a danger in doing that. i was listening to somebody earlier in said the party leaders have not really been out mixing with the public very much in this campaign, so far, and you cannot blame them if that kind of thing is going to happen. it could be something worse than a banana milkshake.— than a banana milkshake. susan, thanks forjoining _ than a banana milkshake. susan, thanks forjoining us. _ than a banana milkshake. susan, thanks forjoining us. scottish - thanks forjoining us. scottish party leaders have already clashed in their first televised debate of the election campaign were disagreements on the future of oil and gas and austerity. the 90 minute debate was on stv last night and our political correspondent was watching. our political correspondentjessica parker has the details. for the very first time in this campaign, scottish party leaders go head to head in debate. the first scottish election debate. none of these four leaders are personally standing at this election, but an opportunity

to pitch to voters, nonetheless. in key seats up and down scotland, if everyone who wants to beat the snp votes together for the scottish conservatives, we can end their obsession with independence for good. our country is crying out for change. and after 14 years of tory chaos and failure, this is an opportunity scotland cannot afford to miss. we all know the westminster system is broken. _ it's delivered austerity, brexit, and the cost—of—living crisis. . scotland deserves better. i'm asking you to vote snp to put scotland's interests first. - we badly need some hope and a change of direction. well, scottish liberal democrats are all about hope, and we're part of the change that's coming. first topic — the oil and gas sector. well, i'm in favour of a just transition to net zero. and the problem with what anas has set out is that there is a very direct damage going to be done to the oil and gas sector as a consequence of the tax plans

that he's put forward, and which the conservatives have put into place. just to make this clear, you support higher taxes for people earning £29,000 a year in scotland — for example, nurses — but not higher taxes, windfall taxes, on the oil and gas giants making record profits. are you personally, and the snp, in favour of granting _ new oil and gas licences? yes or no? i'm in favour of there being a climate compatibility test. why can't you just give a straight answer? - i think what we've just seen here is an example of two parties that have been in power for far too long. the snp and labour will be key rivals at this election. this is good for scotland, john! you cannot escape the fact that you've signed up to the tories' fiscal agenda. you have said you're desperate - to get rid of this tory government, i but all you've done in this electionl campaign is attack the labour party. douglas ross admitted the preparation for liz truss' mini budget wasn't there. and that hadn't been done, and i hold my hands up — i assumed that had been done.

the greens called their exclusion from this event outrageous. stv said they were comfortable with their decision. there'll be more arguments, more questions, and more debate to come. david wallace lockhart, bbc news. we want you to help shape how we cover this general election campaign. so if you have a question for a politician or perhaps an issue that you're concerned about you can get in touch as part of your voice, your vote. we would love to hear from you. an inquest heard there were delays in sending the paperwork to recall to prison a man who murdered a woman in london. zara aleena was brutally murdered two years ago. mcsweeney is serving a life sentence in jail murdered two years ago. mcsweeney is serving a life sentence injailfor and sexual assault. he had been released on licence nine days before

he murdered the 35—year—old zara aleena, and an inquest looking into the circumstances surrounding her death was told that mcsweeney had breached the conditions of his licence which led to a recall report four days before zara aleena was killed. a newborn baby who was found earlier this year inside a carrier bag in east london is the third child abandoned by the same parents. dna tests establish the baby is the sibling of a boy and girl found in very sibling ofa boy and girl found in very similar sibling of a boy and girl found in very similar circumstances in 2017 and 2019. our correspondent reports. it was a bitterly cold day injanuary when a baby girl, less than an hour old, was found here in east london. hospital staff called her elsa, after the frozen character. the bbc can now report that elsa has two full siblings, harry and roman. all three babies were abandoned in similar circumstances within two

miles of each other. harry was found in plaistow in september 2017, abandoned shortly after he was born. newborn roman came 16 months later, injanuary 2019, in a park close to the roman road, after which she was named. and elsa, also newborn, was discovered this year, a few hundred yards away. all three children's names have since been changed. this is where baby harry was found back in 2017. since then, two of his siblings have been abandoned in very similar circumstances, just hours after they were born. judge carol atkinson said it was very, very unusual for one baby to be abandoned in modern britain. for three babies to be left in this way, by the same parents, was, she said, of enormous interest. i asked one of the leading experts whether she'd come across a similar case. well, i've done research in various ways for over 20 years

and the answer is absolutely no. but i personally have never come across three brand—new newborns from the same parents, both parents, it seems. the three children are safe — adopted or in care. their mother has not come forward, despite multiple appeals over nearly seven years by the metropolitan police. they said today their investigation continues. sanchia berg, bbc news. prime minister narendra modi is claiming victory in the indian election. although his alliance is short of the 400 seats he set out to win. he thanked voters for their mandate and vowed to end poverty. narendra modi looks likely to win a rare third consecutive term as indian prime minister as his bjp led alliance is ahead in the general election vote count but early results show it is falling short of the landslide exit polls predicted. our correspondent has this from

delhi. we are keeping track of all the election moves. narendra modi looks likely to win a rare third consecutive term as his bjp alliance is currently ahead in the general election. but the numbers at the moment are well short of the landslide victory that he and his party were expecting. markets in india have fallen and rarely do we see a result coming out this late in the game. it is a tally that could change as more votes are counted and certainly not at all what mr modi was expecting. cruising into this election, prime minister narendra modi. shouting fuelled by adulation and a hindu—centric ideology.

his main opponent, rahul gandhi — heir of a political dynasty, leader of the indian national congress. it formed a coalition with dozens of other political parties to counter mr modi. and outside party headquarters, supporters rejoicing, their alliance paying dividends. despite not winning enough seats to form a government so far, they have fared better than expected. it is a war to save democracy. it is for saving lives of women, farmers, unemployed youth. translation: rahul gandhi's march across the country - helped to unite india. he talked about jobs for youth, safeguarding the constitution. people voted against the government. and rahul gandhi carries on.

the mood more subdued inside bjp headquarters, expecting a landslide victory but so far delivered a disappointing result. we will look into the reasons as to why we did badly, because there is indeed some disconcerting news from certain quarters, but overall we have done very well considering this is third time around. a positive spin for what is a disheartening result for the bjp. but if you move over and look at congress, they are actually celebrating, they have done exceptionally well, much better than they had anticipated. earlier we heard from the head of the indian congress party, who attributed a lot

of their success to the hard work of people on the ground. the main thing the election has shown, the country has unanimously and clearly stated, we do not want mr narendra modi to be involved in the running of this country. we do not like the way they run this country and we do not appreciate the way they have attacked the constitution and we do not appreciate the way they have run this country for the last ten years so that is a huge message to mr narendra modi.| to mr narendra modi. i would like to thank everybody who has participated in this election. i'm extremely proud of the people of india and i'm extremely proud of the people who have resisted this onslaught on the constitution. when mr gandhi was asked whether he would be able to form a government, he left the option open, which means there is a lot of politicking happening and it is possible that those parties that have already pledged their

allegiance to the bjp may switch teams and now support the india alliance under the congress party, so for now we still don't know who is going to be controlling the building behind me. the most senior in—house lawyer for the post office when it fought the case brought by alan bates and others has been challenged by bbc news in australia. joe mcleod refused to appear before the public inquiry into the horizon scandal —— jane mcleod. this is the moment when she was questioned outside her home in sydney. i’m she was questioned outside her home in s dne . �* . she was questioned outside her home in s dne . �* , ., , in sydney. i'm 'ust wondering why ou will in sydney. i'm 'ust wondering why you will not — in sydney. i'm just wondering why you will rrot be — in sydney. i'm just wondering why you will not be coming _ in sydney. i'm just wondering why you will not be coming to - in sydney. i'm just wondering why you will not be coming to the - you will not be coming to the inquiry? _ you will not be coming to the inquiry? bio _ you will not be coming to the inrui ? ., . ., you will not be coming to the inquiry?_ do i you will not be coming to the | inquiry?_ do you you will not be coming to the - inquiry?_ do you feel you inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty — inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to — inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go _ inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go to _ inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go to be _ inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go to be able _ inquiry? no comment. do you feel you have a duty to go to be able to - have a duty to go to be able to answer— have a duty to go to be able to answer to— have a duty to go to be able to answer to those _ have a duty to go to be able to answer to those people - have a duty to go to be able to answer to those people who i have a duty to go to be able to i answer to those people who have have a duty to go to be able to - answer to those people who have been wronged? _ answer to those people who have been wronged? what — answer to those people who have been wronged? what would _ answer to those people who have been wronged? what would you _ answer to those people who have been wronged? what would you say- answer to those people who have been wronged? what would you say to -

answer to those people who have been| wronged? what would you say to those people. _ wronged? what would you say to those people. the _ wronged? what would you say to those people. the supposed _ wronged? what would you say to those people, the supposed masters? - we want you to help shape how we cover this general election campaign. so if you have a question for a politician or perhaps an issue that you're concerned about you can get in touch as part of your voice, your vote. now it is time for an update on the weather— now it is time for an update on the weather forecast. _ hello, after what was the uk's warmest may and warmest spring on record, we are now into the meteorological summer and temperatures are dropping. it is going to be rather cool, quite breezy over the next few days. sunshine and showers, and, yes, over some of the highest ground in scotland, some of those showers will be wintry. a couple of different frontal systems pushing south and east right now with some outbreaks of rain, and behind those weather fronts, we get into this decidedly cool north—westerly breeze.

temperatures, if anything, dropping away as we head towards the end of the afternoon. these are the values at 5pm. still up to 19 degrees in london. once the rain clears through, all areas will be into that chilly air overnight. some clear spells, some showers, particularly across northern and north—western parts, and temperatures will drop away. a much chillier night — in fact, temperatures getting close to freezing across some parts of northern scotland where we will see some wintriness in the showers up over the highest ground, say, above 800 metres elevation during the day tomorrow. those showers tomorrow mostly focused across the north and the west of the uk. further south, particularly south—east, not as many showers, more dry weather, some sunshine. it is going to be quite breezy, in fact, quite windy across the north and temperatures really below par for the time of year. at this time of year, we should be seeing temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees.

tomorrow, values of 11 to 17 degrees. that said, get yourself into some sunshine in southern parts, it won't feel too bad. as we move into thursday, low pressure is still with us, still quite windy across northern areas for some showers which, again, will be wintry over the highest mountains in scotland. further south, not as many showers, we will see some areas of cloud, some spells of sunshine, too, and those temperatures still a touch below the average for the time of year. as we get into friday, it could be that we see some widespread rain moving across scotland and generally more cloud further south with the odd shower. although temperatures need to start to edge upwards, we could get back to 19 degrees across the south—east of england, still only 11 or 12 in the north of scotland. temperatures, though, continue to rise a little bit as we head into the weekend. still some showers, particularly in the north, drier and brighterfurther south and east.

live from london, this is bbc news. major london hospitals are hit by a cyber attack leading to cancelled operations and emergency patients being moved. pretty soon and keir starmer will go head—to—head in a tv debate tonight for the first time in this general campaign —— rishi

sunak. abs. this general campaign -- rishi sunak. �* ., , ., ., , sunak. a few hours from now, this will be the — sunak. a few hours from now, this will be the epicentre _ sunak. a few hours from now, this will be the epicentre of _ sunak. a few hours from now, this will be the epicentre of british - will be the epicentre of british politics as spokespeople for the main parties will be trying to convince us here that their candidate has done the best. in a few hours, as you can see, sunak versus starmer.— versus starmer. tessa revealed a newborn baby _ versus starmer. tessa revealed a newborn baby discovered - versus starmer. tessa revealed a newborn baby discovered in - versus starmer. tessa revealed a newborn baby discovered in east| newborn baby discovered in east london park and the sister of two other children found dominated by the same parents. —— abandoned by. narendra modi is claiming victory of the third term, but the result is yet to be confirmed. hello, i'm annita mcveigh, thanks forjoining us. so major london hospitals have been hit by a ransomware cyberattack. the nhs has a laxative began yesterday and had a significant impact with some operations cancelled. the hospitals

confirmed to of been affected are eyes and think thomas is an the foundation trucks. joe, what can you tell us about this attack? the foundation trucks. joe, what can you tell us about this attack?— tell us about this attack? the blast radius is increasing. _ tell us about this attack? the blast radius is increasing. we _ tell us about this attack? the blast radius is increasing. we know- tell us about this attack? the blast radius is increasing. we know that| radius is increasing. we know that evelina london children's hospital has been affected and we've heard from gp services across bexley, greenwich, lewisham, bromley, suffolk and landless. this is a serious of a cyberattacks. as an attack on the provider of the nhs. interestingly, they can't do any transfusion because they need to check the blood that they are using for those seizures. lots of had had that operations cancelled or moved. others of been diverted to critical care esquire. others of been diverted to critical care esquire-—

others of been diverted to critical care esruire. . . . ,, ., , ., care esquire. attack on the provider that works by _ care esquire. attack on the provider that works by the _ care esquire. attack on the provider that works by the nhs, _ care esquire. attack on the provider that works by the nhs, but - care esquire. attack on the provider that works by the nhs, but by - that works by the nhs, but by extension is an attack on the nhs. what sort of groups behind the scenes are going for these kinds of targets? scenes are going for these kinds of tar: ets? . scenes are going for these kinds of taraets? , . ,., . scenes are going for these kinds of taraets? , . . . , scenes are going for these kinds of taruets? , . ,., . . , ., targets? these ransomware crews, who are makin: targets? these ransomware crews, who are making hundreds— targets? these ransomware crews, who are making hundreds of— targets? these ransomware crews, who are making hundreds of millions - targets? these ransomware crews, who are making hundreds of millions from . are making hundreds of millions from this kind of operation, where the victims pay them to get them out of trouble. at one stage, they said they don't attack hospitals and things that will harm people. that went away about a year and half ago. we mormon attacks on your services because this is the kind of attack that has an instant impact on people. i don't know if you know you're listening to the news at couple weeks ago. we had these giant acts involving hundreds of millions who have had data stolen, and that is externally serious and we are still trying to work out the ramifications. here's an attack was instant.

all that data that they've been storing cannot be accessed because it's been stolen or encrypted by the hackers. that is a knock—on effect all them. that is unfortunately many hospital trust. the nhs as they are working with the national cybersecurity centre to overcome this. they will work out how to get around this. the impact is instant and will last a long time. jae. and will last a long time. joe, thank you _ and will last a long time. joe, thank you very _ and will last a long time. joe, thank you very much. - and will last a long time. joe, thank you very much. joe - and will last a long time. joe, thank you very much. joe tidy. rishi sunak and keir starmer will go head—to—head in their first televised debate. the hour—long programme on a tv will be filmed in front of a live studio audience. it comes as the conservatives have promised to introduce a yearly camp of the number of migrant visas while

labour accuse the tories of letting immigration get out of control. joining me is michael tomlinson, whose endorsement. he is a conservative candidate and minister of state for countering illegal migration. thank you very much for your time. migration. thank you very much for yourtime. let's migration. thank you very much for your time. let's begin with immigration and it is a hot topic for the election. let's talk about the conservatives' pledge. labour is saying this is meaningless. if the previous rehash. what is new about it? ., ., , ., it? there are a few things. for the first time. — it? there are a few things. for the first time, there _ it? there are a few things. for the first time, there will _ it? there are a few things. for the first time, there will be _ it? there are a few things. for the first time, there will be a - it? there are a few things. for the first time, there will be a legal i first time, there will be a legal cap, a number, a filler, of maximum that will be sent out. the second thing is a parliamentary moment. there'll be advice from independent experts body, the migration advisory

committee. they will advise ministers, who will decide the number and put that to parliament. it will be a vote in each year of next parliament and the number will go down. the bottom line is the figure has been too high. it's been down 10% last year, but it still too high. 300,000 fewer than there would have been with the prime minister and the home secretary's plans that they announced. this is part of that. �* . �* they announced. this is part of that. ,�* ,, ., that. but isn't spreading responsibility, _ that. but isn't spreading responsibility, if- that. but isn't spreading responsibility, if you i that. but isn't spreading l responsibility, if you like, that. but isn't spreading i responsibility, if you like, a tacit admission that it is impossible for your party to deal with this on his own? i your party to deal with this on his own? ., �* ~' your party to deal with this on his own? ., �* ,, ,., own? i don't think so, the responsibility _ own? i don't think so, the responsibility will i own? i don't think so, the responsibility will be i own? i don't think so, the responsibility will be with | responsibility will be with ministers. it's not too the similar. —— dissimilar. i disagree with some,

i agree with lots, i challenge a lot as well. but at the end of the day, it's my decision, and that's what will happen. you're right that there will happen. you're right that there will be advice that goes to ministers from this independent expert body, and they'll be consulting businesses bodies such as the nhs. but the buck stops with the minister, and that's the right course of action.— minister, and that's the right course of action. you're asking voters to _ course of action. you're asking voters to accept _ course of action. you're asking voters to accept that _ course of action. you're asking voters to accept that this i course of action. you're asking voters to accept that this plan | voters to accept that this plan would work. obviously, in 2022, we have the highest level of net migration. it came down a bit last year. but why do you think voters should believe that this will work with their plans from the conservative government haven't? because we say in each year of the next parliament, this will result in a number going down. the numbers have been too high. they've been coming down by 10% last year. let's just take a step back. part of the reason they've been higher because of schemes such as the ukraine

scheme and such as the hong kong scheme and such as the hong kong scheme — and i'm here in mid dorset and i know many families have welcomed ukrainians into their home — but part of that generosity is at risk because numbers have been so high. we're welcoming of the country, but i think the numbers keep on being too high, that puts at risk are welcoming nature. that's why it's so important to get the numbers down and that's what the scheme will do.— scheme will do. labour are saying that the party _ scheme will do. labour are saying that the party would _ scheme will do. labour are saying that the party would reduce i scheme will do. labour are saying that the party would reduce the i scheme will do. labour are saying i that the party would reduce the need for overseas workers by improving training of british workers, so upskilling british workers. is that roughly the same of what you what you want to do? do you think labour's plan is good? fit you want to do? do you think labour's plan is good? of course i don't. it labour's plan is good? of course i don't- it do _ labour's plan is good? of course i don't. it do not _ labour's plan is good? of course i don't. it do not think it's - labour's plan is good? of course i don't. it do not think it's good i labour's plan is good? of course i don't. it do not think it's good to l don't. it do not think it's good to u scale don't. it do not think it's good to upscale british _ don't. it do not think it's good to upscale british workers? i- don't. it do not think it's good to i upscale british workers? i disagree with their plan. _ upscale british workers? i disagree with their plan. this _ upscale british workers? i disagree with their plan. this is _ upscale british workers? i disagree with their plan. this is keir i with their plan. this is keir starmer who is saying he wants to can plan —— campaign. there will

inevitably be higher immigration we have already started that work. the back to work scheme getting 1.1 million people back into work. of course that's right, our scheme will set out a parliamentary moment. there will be a debate in parliament each year and those numbers will come down. the conservatives believe the numbers have been too high, the labour party do not. there is a key difference on you to make a decision with the and there'll be a straight choice —— on legal migration. i do believe this will be an important part of the election debate in the run—up tojuly the 4th. i do part of the election debate in the run-up to july the 4th. i do believe labour said — run-up to july the 4th. i do believe labour said the _ run-up to july the 4th. i do believe labour said the numbers _ run-up to july the 4th. i do believe labour said the numbers are i run-up to july the 4th. i do believe labour said the numbers are too i labour said the numbers are too high, although like yourself, they are not setting an overall target. just on the entry of nigel farage into this debate yesterday, will not

just yesterday, but hand—outs you'd be leader of reform uk. do you think that will lead to some recalibrating of what rishi sunak is going to say in tonight's debate? i’m of what rishi sunak is going to say in tonight's debate?— of what rishi sunak is going to say in tonight's debate? i'm not sure it will. i've been _ in tonight's debate? i'm not sure it will. i've been knocking _ in tonight's debate? i'm not sure it will. i've been knocking on - in tonight's debate? i'm not sure it will. i've been knocking on doors . will. i've been knocking on doors and there's going to be a straight choice. the debate is between keir starmer and rishi sunak. it will be a straight choice. one of those people is going to be prime minister onjuly the 5th. that is the choice that the british electric face. it's a good moment tojuly the lith to how this... until now, we haven't had those policies. people don't know what keir starmer stands for. tonight's debate is an important moment and it will put keir starmer on the spot, and he will have to say what his policy is. does he still believe in freedom of movement? does he actually really believe that migration figures are too high? i

think it will be a real challenge tonight. think it will be a real challenge toniaht. . , . . , think it will be a real challenge toniaht. ., , ., , , ., tonight. finally and briefly, what do ou tonight. finally and briefly, what do you want _ tonight. finally and briefly, what do you want to — tonight. finally and briefly, what do you want to see _ tonight. finally and briefly, what do you want to see from - tonight. finally and briefly, what do you want to see from rishi i tonight. finally and briefly, what - do you want to see from rishi sunak this evening, given those obvious difficult pulling numbers? i this evening, given those obvious difficult pulling numbers?- this evening, given those obvious difficult pulling numbers? i want to see the same _ difficult pulling numbers? i want to see the same clarity _ difficult pulling numbers? i want to see the same clarity of— difficult pulling numbers? i want to see the same clarity of purpose - see the same clarity of purpose we've seen for the last week of the campaign. iwas we've seen for the last week of the campaign. i was there in the xl stadium. i was there at the launch, the energy that i saw in the room that wednesday night just after cabinet, just have the prime minister announced there would be an election, such as our policy on national service. and on legal migration. i want to see that same energy, and i'm sure i will, from energy, and i�*m sure i will, from the prime energy, and i'm sure i will, from the prime minister.— the prime minister. michael tomlinson, _ the prime minister. michael tomlinson, thank _ the prime minister. michael tomlinson, thank you - the prime minister. michael tomlinson, thank you very l the prime minister. michael- tomlinson, thank you very much for your time. all the other candidates standing in the mid dorset and north poole them to sit on the bbc website. let's look a bit more detail at that debate tonight

between rishi sunak answer keir starmer, the head to —— and sir keir starmer. it's an hour—long programme on itv and will be filmed incredible life to the audience. jessica parker has more. a home secretary with a point to make. the conservatives say they'll reduce migrant visas year by year, but the party's haunted by highly visible old pledges to bring immigration down. net migration, the difference between numbers arriving and leaving, hit a record high in 2022. we are the only party with a credible plan to professionally manage migration so that it supports the british economy without putting undue pressure on local communities. the tories have broken so many promises to bring down migration, why on earth should voters believe you now? so, we have seen a 10% fall in illegal migration because of the actions that i've taken, with the full support of the prime minister,

since becoming home secretary. labour's refraining from diving into the numbers game, promising to bring immigration down, but also without saying by how much. on immigration, we have to tackle the central issue which is that we the central issue, which is that we need a skills strategy in this country so we don't have to have so many people arriving on work visas. is that a guarantee that you will cut net migration every year? net migration is far too high. this government has lost control. politicians know many voters worry about social change and pressure on public services, but that can rub up against a demand forforeign workers and student arrivals. immigration has long been a hot button issue in british politics, but promises to bring numbers down have frequently ended up at odds with reality, and the conservatives may notjust be worried about being squeezed by their own record on this topic, at odds with reality, and the conservatives may notjust be worried about being squeezed by their own record on this topic, but now an old political foe as well.

mr farage, are you standing? well, we'll find out in a moment, won't we? nigel farage yesterday announced he's standing for parliament and leading reform uk. he says net migration should be zero, but seemed to rewrite his party's own policy on air to process certain asylum claims in british overseas territories. which overseas territories would be open to this? i don't think it's terribly practical. what, the policy you've put forward, it's not practical? i think it's a very difficult policy to work, and i haven't put it forward, by the way. why is it on your website? i took over yesterday. give me more than 12 hours and i'll sort a few things out. tonight, in a tv debate, the conservatives' rishi sunak and labour's keir starmer go head—to—head — the two men fighting it out to be your next prime minister. both want to show you, on immigration and many other issues, that they can take control. jessica parker, bbc news, in westminster. let's get the view from our

political correspondent susan human in westminster. based on the conversations you've heard, what do you think will be the key issues emerging from this debate? i you think will be the key issues emerging from this debate? i think immigration _ emerging from this debate? i think immigration will _ emerging from this debate? i think immigration will probably - emerging from this debate? i think immigration will probably be - emerging from this debate? i think immigration will probably be one . immigration will probably be one of them that we've just been hearing about. it is a usually hot issue for about. it is a usually hot issue for a lot of voters, and as i was hearing, jacob rees—mogg, firmer conservative cabinet minister, saying even in his area, very rural — not a lot of immigration — still a big issue for voters. i think that will come up. possibly both parties very pleased that nigel farage is not in the room because he is not going to become the prime minister. one of those two men taking part in debate are the ones who are going to be... one of the other will be prime minister. therefore, that's why neither of them want to be too explicit about what level they think they can bring immigration down. i

think there will be talked about the economy. we haven't heard much about the campaign so far, but of course, remember it is always the economy that matters. whether people are feeling better off, whether the cost of living that has caused so much trouble for the conservatives in recent years, whether people are still feeling that or whether that's slightly better economic news — possibly the thing that triggered rishi sunak to call this election — whether that is feeding true. rishi sunak to call this election - whether that is feeding true. susan, thank ou. whether that is feeding true. susan, thank you- the _ whether that is feeding true. susan, thank you. the conservatives - whether that is feeding true. susan, thank you. the conservatives say . thank you. the conservatives say they have a credible plan to manage they have a credible plan to manage the subject of migration if they win. they want to introduce a yearly cap on the number of visas available to migrants. ben hsu has been looking at the figures.

yes, the conservatives say their visa reforms are already working in getting net migration numbers down and that their new plans for an annual cap on visas would help. specifically, the home secretary, james cleverly is claiming his government has successfully cut net migration by a tenth last year and that their existing visa restrictions would prevent 300,000 people from being eligible to come to the uk in future. is that accurate? well, it's correct that net migration fell by around 10% in 2023 to 68,5000 from 764,000 the year before. however, this was largely due to a major drop in people coming to settle in the uk from hong kong and ukraine via humanitarian routes, not the government's visa measures, which only came into effect this year. by the way, james cleverly claimed today that the reason his government did not deliver lower net migration before 2016 was that the uk was in the european union and subject to its freedom of movement rules, but as you can see, the really big rise in net migration came after we formally left the eu in 2021. now, the tories are also claiming labour would let a quota of 250,000 more people come to the uk

from the eu every year as part of a supposed sweetheart deal they want to negotiate with the european union. this is based on a think tank report which assumes a future labour government would have to accept a large eu migrant quota in order to get a deal where it could return some asylum seekers to the eu. much of the rest of this figure is based on the idea labour would reverse that new rule blocking care workers from bringing their dependants. but that doesn't really correspond with anything labour and its leader, keir starmer, have actually said. labour are seeking an eu returns agreement if they win power, but they've also said they would not sign up to any pan—eu scheme with a migrant quota because the uk is not a member state. labour has also not indicated it would scrap the new care worker visa rules. but what about the wider implications of a new hard cap on visas? there are lots of people for whom a desire for lower migration is not motivated by economics, but rather the idea

of the country changing. and there is some evidence that migration creates additional pressure on public services. however, at the same time, there's evidence that it helps relieve pressure on public services through shortages of doctors and nurses and social care workers which have been filled by migrants in recent years. training more domestic workers to replace nhs workers would likely come at a cost to taxpayers, and higher wages to attract domestic workers into social care would likely be reflected in care costs. the government's official forecaster also projects what would happen to the national debt if net migration falls from 350,000 a year to 150,000 a year. the black line becomes the red line, so debt is still rising in five years' time. this means the government would not be on course to hit its fiscal rule. that implies a trade—off, at least in the short term, between low and net migration and the possibility of tax cuts. this, of course, doesn't in itself

justify higher net migration, and in the longer term, the impact of migrants on the public finances is thought to be more neutral, and many people will nevertheless feel this is a price worth paying for what they see as the social cohesion benefits of lower migration. but it's a price that's worthy of consideration in the debate. —— a lower net migration. well, the election focus tonight moves to salford, where the debate between sir keir starmer and rishi sunak is being held. let'sjoin rajini vaidyanathan, who was there in the press room. slightly more loaded term is the spin room. looking very, the moment. i suspect it won't be that way. this will be the epicentre of british politics. right now, it's pretty com as you say. that screen is where we will be watching that

debate. we can't go into the bridge into the actual whole, but the spin room does play a key role. as you are saying, this is where the representatives from both the conservative and labour party try to spin that their candidate has performed the best. the first head—to—head between rishi sunak in the election. as a televised debate on nine o'clock at itv. it goes on forjust over an hour. in many ways, people say this will set the tone for the election. there'll be people who haven't really paying attention. tonight, as this is to be deemed into living rooms, a whole new audience will be introduced to some of the issues of the campaign. as we've been saying throughout the afternoon, it's not about issues, it's about personality. in many

ways, these debates have shown sort of americanisation of british politics. but in many ways, we will be looking at the two men, how their body language will be, how they will be performing, how they'll react to the other people on the stage and how they'll interact with the audience. the islamic state because people say that these are make and break moments —— there is a lot at stake. it could be disastrous if not. also in the room with me, he or she is, deputy political editor vicki young. —— here she is. we're talking about personality versus the policies. what's your take on what we should look out for?— policies. what's your take on what we should look out for? that's true, and i think— we should look out for? that's true, and i think we _ we should look out for? that's true, and i think we can say _ we should look out for? that's true, and i think we can say about - we should look out for? that's true, and i think we can say about both i and i think we can say about both these people tonight taking part is that they will know their stuff. they one of the detail, the one of the policy detail, and i think it's about more than that. in the end, spinners will be here from both sides saying their guy won, but what's great about this is the view

on the listener can decide for themselves. they're coming out this from two very different places. if the lead has been showing up correctly, rishi sunak has a lot to do to try it even begin to close that gap. he's announced also —— lots of policies. he seems to be way ahead. i think with rishi sunak, we've seen him do this before. i think he has to be careful not to sound touchy if he's under pressure. but he's got to defend the record and that is the problem because the pack tea and long record of ia years. that comes with its own problems. people will say why didn't you do this before everything you announce. sir keir starmer is the opposite. also people look at them and he will be the first time they have seen them in the long debate,

this kind of format. but this is very different. they might tune in and think for the first time about this person being the prime minister. of course, you could argue he's got a lot to lose because he's so far ahead. he's got a lot to lose because he's so far ahead-— so far ahead. vicki young, she will be with us — so far ahead. vicki young, she will be with us throughout _ so far ahead. vicki young, she will be with us throughout the - so far ahead. vicki young, she will| be with us throughout the evening. as we know, both keir starmer and rishi sunak have been prepping hard and almost acting out those scenarios they could get in the debate tonight. the only time that really matters is when they take to the stage at nine o'clock. we'll have lots of coverage here on the bbc news channel. rajini, thank you very much. we want you to help shape how we cover this campaign. if you got a question for a politician or an issue that you are concerned about, you can get in touch. to the general election in india,

and prime minister narendra modi is claiming victory in the election although his alliance is going short of the 400 seats he needs to win. it looks as though he will serve a rare third consecutive term as prime minister with his bjp alliance. the numbers at the moment are well short of a landslide, predicted by exit polls. he spoke to supporters of for moment ago. translation: today's victory, the biggest in the world _ today's victory, the biggest in the world this— today's victory, the biggest in the world. this is the biggest democracy in the _ world. this is the biggest democracy in the world — world. this is the biggest democracy in the world and this is the victory of this_ in the world and this is the victory of this democracy. and this is on indias— of this democracy. and this is on india's constitution. a very big win _ india's constitution. a very big win. brothers and sisters, today, i am very— win. brothers and sisters, today, i am very much grateful to the

election— am very much grateful to the election committee. the whole system of the _ election committee. the whole system of the selections. in the process of the credibility of this election. every— the credibility of this election. every indian feels proud of it. and the every indian feels proud of it. jifuc the opposition congress every indian feels proud of it. jific the opposition congress party every indian feels proud of it. a"ic the opposition congress party spoke to the media and had this to say about the results. translation: this is the main thing the election has said — this is the main thing the election has said the _ this is the main thing the election has said. the country— this is the main thing the election has said. the country has - has said. the country has unanimously— has said. the country has unanimously and - has said. the country has unanimously and clearly. has said. the country has - unanimously and clearly stated, has said. the country has _ unanimously and clearly stated, "we do not _ unanimously and clearly stated, "we do not want — unanimously and clearly stated, "we do not want mr— unanimously and clearly stated, "we do not want mr derringer— unanimously and clearly stated, "we do not want mr derringer modi - unanimously and clearly stated, "we do not want mr derringer modi and l unanimously and clearly stated, "we i do not want mr derringer modi and mr shaw to— do not want mr derringer modi and mr shaw to he_ do not want mr derringer modi and mr shaw to be involved." _ do not want mr derringer modi and mr shaw to be involved." we _ do not want mr derringer modi and mr shaw to be involved." we do - do not want mr derringer modi and mr shaw to be involved." we do not like i shaw to be involved." we do not like the way _ shaw to be involved." we do not like the way they— shaw to be involved." we do not like the way they run _ shaw to be involved." we do not like the way they run the _ shaw to be involved." we do not like the way they run the country, we - shaw to be involved." we do not like the way they run the country, we dol the way they run the country, we do not appreciate — the way they run the country, we do not appreciate the _ the way they run the country, we do not appreciate the way— the way they run the country, we do not appreciate the way they - the way they run the country, we do not appreciate the way they have i not appreciate the way they have attacked — not appreciate the way they have attacked the _ not appreciate the way they have attacked the constitution, - not appreciate the way they have attacked the constitution, we - not appreciate the way they have attacked the constitution, we do| not appreciate the way they have - attacked the constitution, we do not appreciate _ attacked the constitution, we do not appreciate the — attacked the constitution, we do not appreciate the way— attacked the constitution, we do not appreciate the way they _ attacked the constitution, we do not appreciate the way they have - attacked the constitution, we do not appreciate the way they have run - appreciate the way they have run this country— appreciate the way they have run this country for— appreciate the way they have run this country for the _ appreciate the way they have run this country for the last - appreciate the way they have run this country for the last decade. i this country for the last decade. that— this country for the last decade. that is a — this country for the last decade. that is a huge _ this country for the last decade. that is a huge message - this country for the last decade. that is a huge message for- this country for the last decade. that is a huge message for mr. that is a huge message for mr narendra _ that is a huge message for mr narendra modi. _ that is a huge message for mr narendra modi. i— that is a huge message for mr narendra modi. i would - that is a huge message for mr narendra modi. i would like i that is a huge message for mrj narendra modi. i would like to that is a huge message for mr- narendra modi. i would like to thank

everybody— narendra modi. i would like to thank everybody who — narendra modi. i would like to thank everybody who has _ narendra modi. i would like to thank everybody who has participated - narendra modi. i would like to thank everybody who has participated in. everybody who has participated in the selection. _ everybody who has participated in the selection. i'm _ everybody who has participated in the selection. i'm externally- everybody who has participated in| the selection. i'm externally proud of the _ the selection. i'm externally proud of the people — the selection. i'm externally proud of the people of— the selection. i'm externally proud of the people of india, _ the selection. i'm externally proud of the people of india, i'm - of the people of india, i'm externally— of the people of india, i'm externally proud - of the people of india, i'm externally proud of - of the people of india, i'm externally proud of the . of the people of india, i'm - externally proud of the people who have resisted — externally proud of the people who have resisted this _ externally proud of the people who have resisted this onslaught - externally proud of the people who have resisted this onslaught on - externally proud of the people whoj have resisted this onslaught on the constitution — our reporter is in delhi and has this update. figs our reporter is in delhi and has this update-— our reporter is in delhi and has this udate. r ., ., ., ~::f this update. as of now, almost 6096 ofthe this update. as of now, almost 6096 of the votes — this update. as of now, almost 6096 of the votes have _ this update. as of now, almost 6096 of the votes have been _ this update. as of now, almost 6096 of the votes have been counted - this update. as of now, almost 6096 of the votes have been counted and | of the votes have been counted and it's a process which the indian commission says it will continue overnight. the bgp claims nearing the 400 -- 300 overnight. the bgp claims nearing the 400 —— 300 mark. it isjust falling short. the opposition, india block alliance, or near 230 mark, and there are the others were hovering around 10—15, independence. that is the current situation at the moment. the prime minister, as we just heard, had a speech. he addressed party workers at the bgp

headquarters in delhi. they were quite sombre in the day. the exit polls have protected a huge victory, the prime minister himself is claiming, of having won more than 400 seats in the elections. they said they crossed the 400 mark this time around. the exit polls were our also quite near that figure. in the department of england, india, 272 is the mark required for a political party to form the government. the bgp on its own appears to be now falling short and this is something which was quite expected as the opposition says. it has about the people �*s mandate, the coalition called the nda, which they had. they said they will go back to the people, the voters, they will

continue working for the poor, the underprivileged and for the youth. let's take a look at the weather. hello. after what was the uk's warmest may and warmest spring on record, we are now into the meteorological summer and temperatures are dropping. it is going to be rather cool, quite breezy over the next few days. sunshine and showers, and, yes, over some of the highest ground in scotland, some of those showers will be wintry. a couple of different frontal systems pushing south and east right now with some outbreaks of rain, and behind those weather fronts, we get into this decidedly cool north—westerly breeze. temperatures, if anything, dropping away as we head towards the end of the afternoon. these are the values at 5pm — still up to 19 degrees in london. once the rain clears through, all areas will be into that chilly air overnight. some clear spells, some showers, particularly across northern and north—western parts, and temperatures will drop away. a much chillier night —

in fact, temperatures getting close to freezing across some parts of northern scotland where we will see some wintriness in the showers up over the highest ground, say, above 800 metres elevation during the day tomorrow. those showers tomorrow mostly focused across the north and the west of the uk. further south, particularly south—east, not as many showers, more dry weather, some sunshine. it is going to be quite breezy, in fact, quite windy across the north and temperatures really below par for the time of year. at this time of year, we should be seeing temperatures around 15—20 degrees. tomorrow, values of 11—17 degrees. that said, get yourself into some sunshine in southern parts, it won't feel too bad. as we move into thursday, low pressure is still with us, still quite windy across northern areas for some showers which, again, will be wintry over the highest mountains in scotland. further south, not as many showers, we will see some areas of cloud, some spells of sunshine, too, and those temperatures still a touch below the average for the time of year. as we get into friday, it could be that we see some widespread rain moving across scotland and generally more cloud further south with the odd shower. although temperatures need to start to edge upwards, we could get back to 19 degrees across the south—east of england, still only 11 or 12 in the north of scotland.

temperatures, though, continue to rise a little bit as we head into the weekend. still some showers, particularly in the north, drier and brighterfurther south and east.

this is bbc news. the headlines... major london hospitals are hit by a cyber attack leading to cancelled operations and emergency patients being moved. rishi sunak and sir keir starmer go head to head in a tb debate tonight for the first time in this general election campaign. india's prime minister is claiming election victory and a third term, but the result is yet to be confirmed. let's go straight to the bbc sport centre and jane. we are going to start at the women's european championship qualifiers were scotland have beaten israel

5-0. qualifying action later as they take on france in saint—etienne. it's been a mixed start for the defending champions, who currently sit third in their qualfying group after losing the reverse fixture to the hosts, ——england's women are in european championship qualifying action later as they take on france in saint—etienne. it's been a mixed start for the defending champions, who currently sit third in their qualfying group after losing the reverse fixture to the hosts, so victory is essential for sarina wiegman's side in their quest for qualification for next summer's tournament. we always want to win games. of course, it would really help us to put us up for a position when we win the game. of course that's how we are going to approach it and we think with the experience we have on friday, we feel comfortable that we can get a good result. breaking news this hour, the french open defending champion

novak djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament before his quarter—final with a knee injury. a scan revealed djokovic has a "torn medial meniscus" in his right knee, having blamed the roland garros clay courts for aggravating the problem during his fourth—round victory yesterday. that means casper ruud gets a walkover into the semi—finals and it will also see jannik sinner will replace djokovic as the world numberi when the next list is published on monday. coco gauff is the first woman to book her place in the french open semi—finals on day 10 at roland garos. the us open champion came from a set down to beat three—time grand slam finalist ons jabeur. gauff will take on top seed and defending champion iga swiatek in a rematch of the 2022 final. there's been some criticism of the scheduling and the small crowds as patrick gearey reports. paris rises slowly for a matinee. a

crowd that did not quite match the occasion. coco goff against her opponent guarantees entertainment, power and magic. opponent guarantees entertainment, powerand magic. in opponent guarantees entertainment, power and magic. in the first set, her opponent to let her imagination... until in the third game of the second set a jump at the shot. the set and assumed control in the third. even then, she could not fully switch off. jabeur would not surrender in heart or head. the problem? not every idea is a winner. coco gauff the third seed matches into the semifinal while jabeur is out in every sense a little earlier than ideal. i out in every sense a little earlier than ideal-— than ideal. i would have loved a quarterfinal _ than ideal. i would have loved a quarterfinal at _ than ideal. i would have loved a quarterfinal at night, _ than ideal. i would have loved a quarterfinal at night, not - than ideal. i would have loved a quarterfinal at night, not at - than ideal. i would have loved a quarterfinal at night, not at 11 i quarterfinal at night, not at 11 azmw — quarterfinal at night, not at 11 am, for— quarterfinal at night, not at 11 a:m., for me, it doesn't make sense.

you achieve _ a:m., for me, it doesn't make sense. you achieve a — a:m., for me, it doesn't make sense. you achieve a quarterfinal, you do not play _ you achieve a quarterfinal, you do not play at — you achieve a quarterfinal, you do not play at 11, you know?- not play at 11, you know? another month or so. _ not play at 11, you know? another month or so, the _ not play at 11, you know? another month or so, the wind _ not play at 11, you know? another month or so, the wind up - not play at 11, you know? another month or so, the wind up with... | month or so, the wind up with... wimbledon champion. but today she walked into a whirlwind. up against her, particularly eager swiatek. she didn't drop a game her last match nor in the first set of this. eventually managing two games, but swiatek was too good. she looks a champion in waiting with little need for patience. patrick geary, bbc news. england and scotland are playing each other in barbados scotland won the toss and chose to bat first against the champions and after a rain delay they made a solid start with michael jones damaging england in the stadium owners. unfortunately, the heavens reopened and play is currently suspended. scotland or 51 without loss in the seventh over.

and that's all the sport for now. a newborn baby found earlier this year inside a carrier bag in east london is the third child abandoned tjy london is the third child abandoned by the same parents. dna tests establish that baby else it is the sibling of a boy and girl found in very sibling ofa boy and girl found in very similar sibling of a boy and girl found in very similar circumstances in 2017 and 2019. our correspondent reports. it was a bitterly cold day injanuary when a baby girl, less than an hour old, was found here in east london. hospital staff called her elsa, after the frozen character. the bbc can now report that elsa has two full siblings, harry and roman. all three babies were abandoned in similar circumstances within two miles of each other. harry was found in plaistow in september 2017, abandoned shortly after he was born. newborn roman came 16 months later, injanuary 2019, in a park close to the roman road, after which she was named.

and elsa, also newborn, was discovered this year, a few hundred yards away. all three children's names have since been changed. this is where baby harry was found back in 2017. since then, two of his siblings have been abandoned in very similar circumstances, just hours after they were born. judge carol atkinson said it was very, very unusual for one baby to be abandoned in modern britain. for three babies to be left in this way, by the same parents, was, she said, of enormous interest. i asked one of the leading experts whether she'd come across a similar case. well, i've done research in various ways for over 20 years and the answer is absolutely no. but i personally have never come across three brand—new newborns from the same parents, both parents, it seems. the three children are safe — adopted or in care. their mother has not come forward, despite multiple appeals over nearly

seven years by the metropolitan police. they said today their investigation continues. sanchia berg, bbc news. an inquest has heard there were delays sending paperwork to recall a man to prison just days before he murdered a law graduate in east london. the 35—year—old was beaten to death and sexually assaulted after a night out in ilford two years ago. jordan mcsweeney, who had 28 previous convictions is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 38 years. he'd been released from jail on licence just nine days before the attack. the inquest was told mcsweeney had breached the conditions of his licence, which led to a recall report for days before she was killed. returning now to rishi sunak and sir keir starmer going head—to—head in their first televised debate of the general

election campaign tonight. the hour—long programme on itv will be filled in front of a live studio audience. our political correspondent can show us around the studio. so there is something that could be quite significant happening in the election campaign tonight. it is the first debate between rishi sunak and keir starmer, and i can show you the studio where it is taking place. this is where all of the action is going to happen. so up on that stage there, you're going to have the host of this debate, julie etchingham from itv, and you're going to have rishi sunak and keir starmer on those two podiums. and we can take a little look around because these chairs, a little later on, are going to be filled with a live studio audience. there's going to be about 80 to 100 people, and some of the audience are going to get a chance to put their questions to the two candidates for that job of prime minister. we just need to watch our step and i will take you up here onto the stage itself, where it's all going to take place.

so the way it's going to work is this is going to be the podium at which the host is going to stand. julie etchingham is going to moderate the debate. and then behind me, you will see the two podiums where you're going to have keir starmer and rishi sunak. now, you can expect those two men, clearly, they're going to have been prepping for this debate for the last couple of days. they are going to be asked questions, i suspect, about the key themes of this campaign — so the nhs, the economy, immigration, national security. they're going to be trying to navigate this debate without any slip ups. now, you might ask yourself, "why is there so much hype around these tv debates?" well, they can sometimes produce really pivotal moments in an election campaign. they can also set the mood and the tone. and don't forget, of course, that they provide an opportunity for real scrutiny of policy and position. and you must remember, standing at those two podiums a little later this evening will be the two men who are vying to be the next prime minister of the uk.

so if you want to watch it, you just might learn something about what they stand for. let's speak now to three people who know all about preparing for election debates and the impact they might have. we arejoined by sir craig oliver, the former downing street director of communications for david cameron. scarlett mcguire, the director of the polling company jail partners and also shawn kemp, former downing street special adviser who worked for the liberal democrats. craig, scarlett, sean, really good to happy with this evening. foranyone really good to happy with this evening. for anyone with the slightest interest in politics, there is always events like a tb debate. just how crucial can they be in an election campaign and the eventual outcome?— in an election campaign and the eventual outcome? there is, and that's because _ eventual outcome? there is, and that's because people _ eventual outcome? there is, and that's because people hope - eventual outcome? there is, and that's because people hope that| that's because people hope that maybe, just maybe there will be a knockout blow or something that really reveal something about the

candidate and changes everything. actually in the history of tb debates in the uk and in the us, there's never really been a true knockout blow. —— tv debates. the only time they did make a huge difference was the very first one in the uk, which sean will remember very well, when clegg mania started. and actually the liberal democrats show that they perfectly understood how to do the tb events, they gained them very well and i think david cameron and gordon brown hadn't and they were on the back foot as a result of that. since then, the put the parties have kind of worked them out and they are really a message delivery system. figs out and they are really a message delivery system.— out and they are really a message delivery system. as alluded to, you heled the delivery system. as alluded to, you helped the liberal— delivery system. as alluded to, you helped the liberal democrat - delivery system. as alluded to, you helped the liberal democrat leader| helped the liberal democrat leader prepare for that 2010 general election debate. so take us behind the scenes and give us an insight into what is happening with the party leaders and their advisers and the hours running up to the debate. and the hours and days running up to, what— and the hours and days running up to, what we — and the hours and days running up to, what we tend to do his rehearsals, really, it sounds obvious— rehearsals, really, it sounds obvious to say, but that's the most important — obvious to say, but that's the most important thing. and unlock a lot of

media _ important thing. and unlock a lot of media events that you do proper dry runs: _ media events that you do proper dry runs. so— media events that you do proper dry runs, so someone will play all the relevant _ runs, so someone will play all the relevant party leaders, you might even _ relevant party leaders, you might even have — relevant party leaders, you might even have people playing members of the audience, and you will run through— the audience, and you will run through it _ the audience, and you will run through it and try to make sure, as craig _ through it and try to make sure, as craig said. — through it and try to make sure, as craig said, really, using the debates— craig said, really, using the debates as a way to deliver your key messages _ debates as a way to deliver your key messages and try to look out for any tactical— messages and try to look out for any tactical slip—ups, any sort of strategic— tactical slip—ups, any sort of strategic advantages. it's quite a time—consuming process, in the middle — time—consuming process, in the middle of— time—consuming process, in the middle of a _ time—consuming process, in the middle of a general election, but they will— middle of a general election, but they will be doing quite a bit of rehearsat— they will be doing quite a bit of rehearsal particularly over the last weekend — rehearsal particularly over the last weekend. ., ., ., , rehearsal particularly over the last weekend. . , ., , weekend. scarlett, what has previous elections shown _ weekend. scarlett, what has previous elections shown about _ weekend. scarlett, what has previous elections shown about the _ weekend. scarlett, what has previous elections shown about the impact - elections shown about the impact these debates can have on voting intentions?— intentions? craig is absolutely ri . ht. intentions? craig is absolutely riuht. it's intentions? craig is absolutely right. it's sexy _ intentions? craig is absolutely right. it's sexy quite _ intentions? craig is absolutely right. it's sexy quite rare - intentions? craig is absolutely right. it's sexy quite rare for l right. it's sexy quite rare for these — right. it's sexy quite rare for these debates— right. it's sexy quite rare for these debates to _ right. it's sexy quite rare for these debates to impact - right. it's sexy quite rare for. these debates to impact voting intention _ these debates to impact voting intention. it's _ these debates to impact voting intention. it's also _ these debates to impact voting intention. it's also right - these debates to impact voting intention. it's also right that i these debates to impact voting intention. it's also right that it| intention. it's also right that it is rare — intention. it's also right that it is rare for— intention. it's also right that it is rare for them _ intention. it's also right that it is rare for them to _ intention. it's also right that it is rare for them to produce - intention. it's also right that it is rare for them to produce a i is rare for them to produce a knockout _ is rare for them to produce a knockout blow. _ is rare for them to produce a knockout blow. the - is rare for them to produce a knockout blow. the one - is rare for them to produce ai knockout blow. the one thing is rare for them to produce a . knockout blow. the one thing i is rare for them to produce a - knockout blow. the one thing i would say that _ knockout blow. the one thing i would say that going — knockout blow. the one thing i would say that going into— knockout blow. the one thing i would say that going into this _ knockout blow. the one thing i would say that going into this evening - knockout blow. the one thing i would say that going into this evening is - say that going into this evening is that rishi — say that going into this evening is that rishi sunak— say that going into this evening is that rishi sunak desperately - say that going into this evening is. that rishi sunak desperately needs say that going into this evening is i that rishi sunak desperately needs a knockout _ that rishi sunak desperately needs a knockout htow— that rishi sunak desperately needs a knockout blow to _ that rishi sunak desperately needs a knockout blow to try— that rishi sunak desperately needs a knockout blow to try and _ that rishi sunak desperately needs a knockout blow to try and alter - that rishi sunak desperately needs a knockout blow to try and alter the i knockout blow to try and alter the course _ knockout blow to try and alter the course of — knockout blow to try and alter the course of the _ knockout blow to try and alter the course of the election _ knockout blow to try and alter the course of the election campaign. knockout blow to try and alter the . course of the election campaign that has been _ course of the election campaign that has been really— course of the election campaign that has been really quite _ course of the election campaign that has been really quite disastrous- course of the election campaign that has been really quite disastrous for. has been really quite disastrous for him so _ has been really quite disastrous for him so far~ — has been really quite disastrous for him so far. . him so far. craig, given the intervention _ him so far. craig, given the intervention from _ him so far. craig, given the

intervention from nigel- him so far. craig, given the i intervention from nigel farage yesterday, do you think there will be some tweaking of rishi sunak�*s talking points giving those develop it —— given those developments? rishi sunak �*s really got himself in a position where he's got nothing to lose. i thank you can expect him to come out and really look like the enthusiastic one, really try to take the debate to keir starmer. i suspect keir starmer will have a few lines, have a few singers, a few things he wants to drop there. it actually kind of knows he's more than 20 points ahead the polls. he will be much more careful... careful and risk—averse in terms of dealing with it. rishi sunak is in a position where he is being squeezed from left and right and that does make his messaging quite hard. he's also got a long record to defend and it's always the insurgents that these debates actually work for. the person who doesn't have a record to defend or the person who is new and fresh and can present themselves as exciting who often finds it a bit more straightforward. and i think

that's why in the past, leaders have been very careful about the debates they do. this debating season that we've got in this election campaign labour described it quite tightly, but actually, after that, it drops off quite steadily, and actually there's going to be a massive free—for—all and a couple of weeks' time which i think keir starmer is not even taking part in. i time which i think keir starmer is not even taking part in.- not even taking part in. i guess this kind of _ not even taking part in. i guess this kind of debate _ not even taking part in. i guess this kind of debate is _ not even taking part in. i guess this kind of debate is a - not even taking part in. i guess this kind of debate is a mix - not even taking part in. i guess this kind of debate is a mix of. this kind of debate is a mix of those planned talking points and perhaps opportunities to ad lib., but i guess the candidates want to be really careful about that. if someone wants to win a debate, sean, what are the key pitfalls to avoid? i think they keep it pitfalls to avoid, — i think they keep it pitfalls to avoid, it— i think they keep it pitfalls to avoid, if he wants to win the debate and give _ avoid, if he wants to win the debate and give himself some momentum, he has to— and give himself some momentum, he has to let _ and give himself some momentum, he has to let a _ and give himself some momentum, he has to let a texan keir starmer, the problem _ has to let a texan keir starmer, the problem is — has to let a texan keir starmer, the problem is there is a fine line between _ problem is there is a fine line between looking punchy and looking

aggressive in the right way and looking — aggressive in the right way and looking sort of petulant and sort of stv _ looking sort of petulant and sort of snippy. and if you look at the debate, — snippy. and if you look at the debate, rishi sunak he tried to be a bit more _ debate, rishi sunak he tried to be a bit more aggressive with liz truss and it— bit more aggressive with liz truss and it didn't work out for him. there — and it didn't work out for him. there is— and it didn't work out for him. there is a _ and it didn't work out for him. there is a pitfall to not look like an identity— there is a pitfall to not look like an identity politician and land that cliche _ an identity politician and land that cliche knockout blow, but you can come _ cliche knockout blow, but you can come across as weirdly aggressive, so getting — come across as weirdly aggressive, so getting that balance right is a difficult — so getting that balance right is a difficult act. so getting that balance right is a difficult act-— difficult act. scarlett in terms of ollina difficult act. scarlett in terms of polling about — difficult act. scarlett in terms of polling about debates, - difficult act. scarlett in terms of polling about debates, what - difficult act. scarlett in terms of polling about debates, what do | difficult act. scarlett in terms of- polling about debates, what do polls tell us about the qualities that voters are looking to see? voters aenerall voters are looking to see? voters generally are _ voters are looking to see? voters generally are looking _ voters are looking to see? voters generally are looking for- voters are looking to see? voters| generally are looking for someone who looks — generally are looking for someone who looks like _ generally are looking for someone who looks like they— generally are looking for someone who looks like they can _ generally are looking for someone who looks like they can take - generally are looking for someone l who looks like they can take strong and decisive — who looks like they can take strong and decisive action. _ who looks like they can take strong and decisive action. and _ who looks like they can take strong and decisive action. and actually. and decisive action. and actually that's— and decisive action. and actually that's one — and decisive action. and actually that's one of— and decisive action. and actually that's one of the _ and decisive action. and actually that's one of the ways _ and decisive action. and actually that's one of the ways that - and decisive action. and actually that's one of the ways that rishi| that's one of the ways that rishi sunak— that's one of the ways that rishi sunak has— that's one of the ways that rishi sunak has really— that's one of the ways that rishi sunak has really fallen - that's one of the ways that rishi sunak has really fallen short - that's one of the ways that rishi| sunak has really fallen short over the last— sunak has really fallen short over the last year— sunak has really fallen short over the last year in _ sunak has really fallen short over the last year in the _ sunak has really fallen short over the last year in the eyes - sunak has really fallen short over the last year in the eyes of- sunak has really fallen short overl the last year in the eyes of voters. when _ the last year in the eyes of voters. when he _ the last year in the eyes of voters. when he first— the last year in the eyes of voters. when he first became _ the last year in the eyes of voters. when he first became prey- the last year in the eyes of voters. . when he first became prey minister, he came _ when he first became prey minister, he came within — when he first became prey minister, he came within touching _ when he first became prey minister, he came within touching distance - when he first became prey minister, he came within touching distance ofl he came within touching distance of keir starmer— he came within touching distance of keir starmer often— he came within touching distance of keir starmer often a _ he came within touching distance of keir starmer often a better- keir starmer often a better predictor— keir starmer often a better predictor of— keir starmer often a better predictor of what— keir starmer often a better predictor of what will- keir starmer often a better. predictor of what will happen keir starmer often a better- predictor of what will happen in the general— predictor of what will happen in the general election— predictor of what will happen in the general election and _ predictor of what will happen in the

general election and we _ predictor of what will happen in the general election and we have - predictor of what will happen in the general election and we have seenl general election and we have seen that deteriorate _ general election and we have seen that deteriorate quite _ general election and we have seen that deteriorate quite drastically. that deteriorate quite drastically over the — that deteriorate quite drastically over the last _ that deteriorate quite drastically over the last year— that deteriorate quite drastically over the last year in _ that deteriorate quite drastically over the last year in particular. i over the last year in particular. now, _ over the last year in particular. now. when— over the last year in particular. now. when we _ over the last year in particular. now, when we talk— over the last year in particular. now, when we talk to - over the last year in particular. now, when we talk to voters . over the last year in particular. - now, when we talk to voters that's because _ now, when we talk to voters that's because he's— now, when we talk to voters that's because he's starting _ now, when we talk to voters that's because he's starting to _ now, when we talk to voters that's because he's starting to come - now, when we talk to voters that's because he's starting to come up l because he's starting to come up short— because he's starting to come up short on— because he's starting to come up short on things _ because he's starting to come up short on things like _ because he's starting to come up short on things like strength, - because he's starting to come up short on things like strength, on| short on things like strength, on competence _ short on things like strength, on competence and _ short on things like strength, on competence and to _ short on things like strength, on| competence and to decisiveness. short on things like strength, on- competence and to decisiveness. this is what _ competence and to decisiveness. this is what voters — competence and to decisiveness. this is what voters are _ competence and to decisiveness. this is what voters are looking _ competence and to decisiveness. this is what voters are looking for - competence and to decisiveness. this is what voters are looking for this - is what voters are looking for this evening _ is what voters are looking for this evening and — is what voters are looking for this evening and from _ is what voters are looking for this evening and from rishi _ is what voters are looking for this evening and from rishi sunak- is what voters are looking for this evening and from rishi sunak asi evening and from rishi sunak as welcome — evening and from rishi sunak as welcome of— evening and from rishi sunak as welcome of the _ evening and from rishi sunak as welcome of the worst _ evening and from rishi sunak as welcome of the worst thing - evening and from rishi sunak as welcome of the worst thing he . evening and from rishi sunak as - welcome of the worst thing he could do tonight— welcome of the worst thing he could do tonight is— welcome of the worst thing he could do tonight is come _ welcome of the worst thing he could do tonight is come across _ welcome of the worst thing he could do tonight is come across as - welcome of the worst thing he could do tonight is come across as out - do tonight is come across as out of touch _ do tonight is come across as out of touch that's— do tonight is come across as out of touch. that's something _ do tonight is come across as out of touch. that's something we - do tonight is come across as out of touch. that's something we are - touch. that's something we are hearing — touch. that's something we are hearing again _ touch. that's something we are hearing again and _ touch. that's something we are hearing again and again- touch. that's something we are hearing again and again and - touch. that's something we are . hearing again and again and again as voters— hearing again and again and again as voters biggest — hearing again and again and again as voters biggest problems, _ hearing again and again and again as voters biggest problems, the - hearing again and again and again as voters biggest problems, the lens i voters biggest problems, the lens through— voters biggest problems, the lens through which _ voters biggest problems, the lens through which they _ voters biggest problems, the lens through which they see _ voters biggest problems, the lensj through which they see everything else and _ through which they see everything else and measure _ through which they see everything else and measure him _ through which they see everything else and measure him up. - through which they see everything else and measure him up.- through which they see everything else and measure him up. craig, you will know from _ else and measure him up. craig, you will know from your _ else and measure him up. craig, you will know from your background - else and measure him up. craig, you will know from your background in i will know from your background in tv as well that so much of this is about what voters see, what the public sees, not necessarily what the party leaders say. to what extent would you agree that it is a huge factor in these televised debates? i huge factor in these televised debates? .. �* . huge factor in these televised debates? ~ �*, ., debates? ithink it's enormous. i used to be _ debates? ithink it's enormous. i used to be an — debates? ithink it's enormous. i used to be an editor _ debates? ithink it's enormous. i used to be an editor at _ debates? ithink it's enormous. i used to be an editor at tv - debates? ithink it's enormous. i used to be an editor at tv news. | used to be an editor at tv news. one thing you've got to understand is that quite often television can be a superficial media. it can be short, it can be based on how somebody looks, how they appear. so a lot of this is about what they say in their

opening statement, how they stand at the lectern. i think sean makes a very good point there, you are being expected to be 70 who is going to be prime ministerial, which means maybe not too aggressive, not showing that you care too much, that's kind of thing. i think rishi sunak has got a very, very hard job tonight, somebody is 22 polls ahead of him —— 22 points ahead of him. it is a very hard and it will be interesting to see how he tries to do it. by, hard and it will be interesting to see how he tries to do it. a brief question. _ see how he tries to do it. a brief question. the — see how he tries to do it. a brief question, the spin _ see how he tries to do it. a brief question, the spin room, - see how he tries to do it. a brief question, the spin room, we - see how he tries to do it. a brief| question, the spin room, we saw my colleague they in salford. how important is what goes on in that room as the debate is taking place to the reporting of it? it’s to the reporting of it? it's nonsense. _ to the reporting of it? it's nonsense. there's - to the reporting of it? it's nonsense. there's a - to the reporting of it? it's nonsense. there's a lot of press officers — nonsense. there's a lot of press officers like me wandering around, did you _ officers like me wandering around, did you notice how my leader one. most people make up their minds and actually— most people make up their minds and actually the end of debate opinion polls are — actually the end of debate opinion polls are way more important. we can

we exect polls are way more important. we can we expect polls in the aftermath of this debate to give an idea of what voters thought of it? taste this debate to give an idea of what voters thought of it?— voters thought of it? we definitely can. we voters thought of it? we definitely can- we are _ voters thought of it? we definitely can. we are actually _ voters thought of it? we definitely can. we are actually turning - voters thought of it? we definitely can. we are actually turning one i can. we are actually turning one around — can. we are actually turning one around that— can. we are actually turning one around that will— can. we are actually turning one around that will be _ can. we are actually turning one around that will be ready, - can. we are actually turning one around that will be ready, you i can. we are actually turning one - around that will be ready, you know, very quickly— around that will be ready, you know, very quickly after _ around that will be ready, you know, very quickly after the _ around that will be ready, you know, very quickly after the debate - very quickly after the debate finishes _ very quickly after the debate finishes which _ very quickly after the debate finishes which will— very quickly after the debate finishes which will come - very quickly after the debate finishes which will come up. very quickly after the debate i finishes which will come up with very quickly after the debate - finishes which will come up with who the public— finishes which will come up with who the public about _ finishes which will come up with who the public about one _ finishes which will come up with who the public about one and _ finishes which will come up with who the public about one and lost - finishes which will come up with who the public about one and lost and a i the public about one and lost and a more _ the public about one and lost and a more detailed _ the public about one and lost and a more detailed appraisal— the public about one and lost and a more detailed appraisal of- the public about one and lost and a more detailed appraisal of the - the public about one and lost and a more detailed appraisal of the ton more detailed appraisal of the two candidates — more detailed appraisal of the two candidates performance _ more detailed appraisal of the two candidates performance tomorrowj candidates performance tomorrow morning — candidates performance tomorrow morninu. . .. candidates performance tomorrow morninu. ., ~ candidates performance tomorrow morninu. ., ., candidates performance tomorrow morninu. . . , candidates performance tomorrow morninu. ., ., , . ., morning. thank you all very much for that conversation. _ morning. thank you all very much for that conversation. now, _ morning. thank you all very much for that conversation. now, just - morning. thank you all very much for that conversation. now, just to - morning. thank you all very much for that conversation. now, just to say, l that conversation. now, just to say, earlier we spoke to the conservative candidate from mid dorset and north poole, and there are several candidates running in that seat. the full list of candidates is on the screen for you. i am elongating my sentence while i wait for those names to appear. there we go. sorry that took a little bit longer than expected. ok, let's go now to salford, the location for that debate this evening between rishi

sunak and sir keir starmer. my colleague is there. i hope the leaders were listening to the interviews i was just doing about how to win a debate and what the voters are looking to see. bring us up voters are looking to see. bring us up to date. voters are looking to see. bring us up to date-— up to date. well, i we heard from sean there. _ up to date. well, i we heard from sean there, saying _ up to date. well, i we heard from sean there, saying that _ up to date. well, i we heard from sean there, saying that he - up to date. well, i we heard from sean there, saying that he didn't| sean there, saying that he didn't think much of the spin room, but certainly a lot of politicians do make a lot of it because this is where a lot of people will be in the next few hours, trying to talk of their candidate �*s chances before andindeed their candidate �*s chances before and indeed after that debate. i'm joined by labour'sjonathan to do exactly that. it's quiet in here but it's going to get busier. things can only get worse for keir starmer, can't they? he is riding high in the polls. he's got much more to lose, hasn't he?— hasn't he? not a single vote has been cast _ hasn't he? not a single vote has been cast in _ hasn't he? not a single vote has been cast in this _ hasn't he? not a single vote has been cast in this general - hasn't he? not a single vote has| been cast in this general election campaign — been cast in this general election campaign. there still a long way to lo. campaign. there still a long way to go but— campaign. there still a long way to go but we — campaign. there still a long way to go. but we do believe that after 14 years— go. but we do believe that after 14 years of— go. but we do believe that after 14 years of chaos and decline with the conservatives, it's time for change.

and i_ conservatives, it's time for change. and i think— conservatives, it's time for change. and i think a — conservatives, it's time for change. and i think a fundamental question people _ and i think a fundamental question people are asking themselves in this election— people are asking themselves in this election is— people are asking themselves in this election is do they want to wake up to five _ election is do they want to wake up to five more — election is do they want to wake up to five more years of rishi sunak, five more — to five more years of rishi sunak, five more years of the chaos and decline _ five more years of the chaos and decline continuing? and i thank you will see _ decline continuing? and i thank you will see tonight keir starmer showing _ will see tonight keir starmer showing the strength of character, that strength that has helped him or led him _ that strength that has helped him or led him to— that strength that has helped him or led him to change the labour party in the _ led him to change the labour party in the same — led him to change the labour party in the same way he will want to change — in the same way he will want to change the country with a clear plan to grow _ change the country with a clear plan to grow our— change the country with a clear plan to grow our economy, create good well— paying jobs, to grow our economy, create good well—paying jobs, to to grow our economy, create good well— paying jobs, to fix the to grow our economy, create good well—paying jobs, to fix the nhs, to .ive well—paying jobs, to fix the nhs, to give our— well—paying jobs, to fix the nhs, to give our children the best start with— give our children the best start with more _ give our children the best start with more teachers in our schools, to help _ with more teachers in our schools, to help those young people that are priced _ to help those young people that are priced out _ to help those young people that are priced out of the housing market and also a _ priced out of the housing market and also a plan _ priced out of the housing market and also a plan to stop the boats as well _ also a plan to stop the boats as well and — also a plan to stop the boats as well. and in contrast with rishi sunak. — well. and in contrast with rishi sunak, you have had a scatter—gun of him splurging out unfunded commitments, £70 billion worth of commitments. no idea how he will pay for them _ commitments. no idea how he will pay for them i_ commitments. no idea how he will pay for them. i will tell you commitments. no idea how he will pay for them. iwill tell you how commitments. no idea how he will pay for them. i will tell you how he will pay— for them. i will tell you how he will pay for them, by putting up taxes _ will pay for them, by putting up taxes or— will pay for them, by putting up taxes or people 's mortgages going up. taxes or people 's mortgages going u -. , ~ taxes or people 's mortgages going u l . ,, ., , " ., taxes or people 's mortgages going up. sounds like a good warm up from what we might _ up. sounds like a good warm up from what we might hear _ up. sounds like a good warm up from what we might hear from _ up. sounds like a good warm up from what we might hear from your - up. sounds like a good warm up from what we might hear from your leader| what we might hear from your leader later. all the talking points there. but let me ask you this, there were a lot of people up and down the

country who are not that familiar with sir keir starmer. don't really engage in the minutia of westminster politics like people like us do. what do you think he needs to do so that the public can get to know who keir starmer is? who is the real keir starmer is? who is the real keir starmer?— keir starmer is? who is the real keir starmer? these debates are a aood keir starmer? these debates are a good opportunity _ keir starmer? these debates are a good opportunity to _ keir starmer? these debates are a good opportunity to get _ keir starmer? these debates are a good opportunity to get to - keir starmer? these debates are a good opportunity to get to know i keir starmer? these debates are a l good opportunity to get to know the two candidates for prime minister in this election. it's either going to be a _ this election. it's either going to be a conservative government carrying — be a conservative government carrying on or it's going to be a labour— carrying on or it's going to be a labour government fixing our nhs and dealing _ labour government fixing our nhs and dealing with the cost of living crisis — dealing with the cost of living crisis. and i thank you will see keir_ crisis. and i thank you will see keir starmer tonight talk about the people _ keir starmer tonight talk about the people that he has met on his journey— people that he has met on his journey about the way in which people — journey about the way in which people are really struggling in this country— people are really struggling in this country after 14 years of the conservatives. struggling to get an operation _ conservatives. struggling to get an operation in the nhs, struggling because — operation in the nhs, struggling because the cost of living has become — because the cost of living has become so severe for people under the conservatives. but i thank you will see _ the conservatives. but i thank you will see a — the conservatives. but i thank you will see a lot of that tonight and you will— will see a lot of that tonight and you will also see rishi sunak, again — you will also see rishi sunak, again, with his scatter—gun splurging out these desperate promises with no idea how he will pay for— promises with no idea how he will pay for them. £70 billion worth of promises — pay for them. £70 billion worth of promises. the only way he is going to fund _ promises. the only way he is going to fund that — promises. the only way he is going to fund that is putting up tax or

mortgages going up againjust like happened with liz truss. jellinek i'm sure — happened with liz truss. jellinek i'm sure he — happened with liz truss. jellinek i'm sure he will have his own answers— i'm sure he will have his own answers to _ i'm sure he will have his own answers to that point when he takes to the _ answers to that point when he takes to the debate floor. i want to pick up to the debate floor. i want to pick up on _ to the debate floor. i want to pick u e ., ., to the debate floor. i want to pick up on that point to 'ust a little bit more. * up on that point to 'ust a little bit more. who _ up on that point to just a little bit more. who is the - up on that point to just a little bit more. who is the real- up on that point to just a little | bit more. who is the real clear up on that point to just a little - bit more. who is the real clear .net keir starmer? what a lot of people want to know is what he is like and who he is. you know him. this is his chance for the nation and in many ways, this will be the first real introduction for people who are really engaging with this campaign for the first time with tonight's debate. just tell us a bit about what you would like people to know about the kind of leader he will be if he wins the election. i(eir if he wins the election. keir starmer — if he wins the election. keir starmer is _ if he wins the election. keir starmer is strong _ if he wins the election. keir starmer is strong and - if he wins the election. keir starmer is strong and he i if he wins the election. keir starmer is strong and he is absolutely committed and passionate about knowing and determining to make _ about knowing and determining to make this — about knowing and determining to make this country better than it is today— make this country better than it is today because he knows this country can be _ today because he knows this country can be so _ today because he knows this country can be so much better. he knows we don't _ can be so much better. he knows we don't have _ can be so much better. he knows we don't have to — can be so much better. he knows we don't have to have 7 million or so on and _ don't have to have 7 million or so on and nhs — don't have to have 7 million or so on and nhs waiting list waiting in painand— on and nhs waiting list waiting in pain and agony. he knows young families— pain and agony. he knows young families don't have to be priced out of the _ families don't have to be priced out of the housing market. he knows our, these _ of the housing market. he knows our, these are _ of the housing market. he knows our, these are important first steps that

he will— these are important first steps that he will take if he is elected, fortunate his priorities are rooted in the _ fortunate his priorities are rooted in the reality of those who have had such a _ in the reality of those who have had such a hard — in the reality of those who have had such a hard time under 14 years of the tories — such a hard time under 14 years of the tories. and he knows things can be so _ the tories. and he knows things can be so much — the tories. and he knows things can be so much better for working people in this— be so much better for working people in this country. that's why he's changed — in this country. that's why he's changed the labour party things can only get— changed the labour party things can only get better. thank you very much we will _ only get better. thank you very much we will be _ only get better. thank you very much we will be speaking to conservatives who will— we will be speaking to conservatives who will be — we will be speaking to conservatives who will b- . . we will be speaking to conservatives who will b~. , , ., we will be speaking to conservatives who willb ,, ., , ., we will be speaking to conservatives who will b~. ,, ., , ., ., who will be spinning on behalf of their candidate _ who will be spinning on behalf of their candidate as _ who will be spinning on behalf of their candidate as well. - who will be spinning on behalf of their candidate as well. we - who will be spinning on behalf of their candidate as well. we will i who will be spinning on behalf of. their candidate as well. we will be back. as that debate edges ever closer, we will have full coverage year on the bbc news channel. thank you very much. lots of focus, of course on that debate tonight. there was a debate of the scottish party leaders last night but this is the

first meeting between rishi sunak and sir keir starmer. let's take a look at our life page as well lots more analysis and information about what is happening with all the parties and of course there will be lots of detail about the run up in the debate tonight and as it happens, lots more analysis from our team of reporters. right now, time for a look at the weather forecast. hello. after what was the uk's warmest may and warmest spring on record, we are now into the meteorological summer and temperatures are dropping. it is going to be rather cool, quite breezy over the next few days. sunshine and showers, and, yes, over some of the highest ground in scotland, some of those showers will be wintry. a couple of different frontal systems pushing south and east right now with some outbreaks of rain, and behind those weather fronts, we get into this decidedly cool north—westerly breeze. temperatures, if anything,

dropping away as we head towards the end of the afternoon. these are the values at 5pm. once the rain clears through, all areas will be into that chilly air overnight. some clear spells, some showers, particularly across northern and north—western parts, and temperatures will drop away. a much chillier night — in fact, temperatures getting close to freezing across some parts of northern scotland where we will see some wintriness in the showers up over the highest ground, say, above 800 metres elevation during the day tomorrow. those showers tomorrow mostly focused across the north and the west of the uk. further south, particularly south—east, not as many showers, more dry weather, some sunshine. it is going to be quite breezy, in fact, quite windy across the north and temperatures really below par for the time of year. at this time of year, we should be seeing temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees. tomorrow, values of ii to 17 degrees. more dry weather, some sunshine. it is going to be quite breezy, in fact, quite windy across the north and temperatures really below par for the time of year. at this time of year, we should be seeing temperatures around 15 to 20 degrees. tomorrow, values of ii to 17 degrees.

that said, get yourself into some sunshine in southern parts, it won't feel too bad. as we move into thursday, low pressure is still with us, still quite windy across northern areas for some showers which, again, will be wintry over the highest mountains in scotland. further south, not as many showers, we will see some areas of cloud, some spells of sunshine, too, and those temperatures still a touch below the average for the time of year. as we get into friday, it could be that we see some widespread rain moving across scotland and generally more cloud further south with the odd shower. although temperatures need to start to edge upwards, we could get back to 19 degrees across the south—east of england, still only 11 or 12 in the north of scotland. temperatures, though, continue to rise a little bit as we head into the weekend. still some showers, particularly in the north, drier and brighterfurther south and east.

today at six: a number of major hospitals declare a critical incident, after a cyber attack. operations have been cancelled and blood transfusion services affected. nhs england described the impact as significant but say emergency care is still available.

a newborn baby found in a carrier bag in east london is the third child abandoned by the same parents over several years. a #w078 is arrested after a drink is thrown over nigel farage, on and the military horses injured after bolting through the streets of london — we follow their remarkable recovery. later on bbc london: an end to this? novak djokovic pulls out of the french open with a knee injury made worse by the court. hello, welcome to the bbc news at six. several major hospitals in london have declared a critical incident because of a cyber attack.

some operations have been cancelled, and there have been problems