lam i am live here in cornwall as we continue to travel around key constituencies and look at the issues that matter to you. today we are focusing on housing and in particular here in conroe the issue of second homes, holiday lets and affordable homes and rent for local people. kimjong un backs russia's invasion of ukraine, as vladimir putin visits north korea for the first time in 2a years. and in today's euro 2024 action, scotland are looking to return to winning form, as the side takes on switzerland tonight in cologne. welcome to bbc news. i'm maryam moshiri. figures out this morning show inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years, meeting the bank of england's key target.

prices rose at 2% in the year to may, down from 2.3% in april. in october 2022 the figure peaked at 11.1%. the prime minister, rishi sunak, said the conservatives�* economic plan hadn't been easy but today showed "we've got there". shadow chancellor rachel reeves also welcomed the news, but added she wasn't going to say that everything in the economy "was fine". the lib dems said "millions of people won't be feeling better off today". on the election campaign trail, the scottish national party launches its manifesto today. first ministerjohn swinney will call for increased spending on public services. later on we'll also see the manifesto launches of sinn fein and george galloway�*s workers�* party of great britain. but first, speaking on lbc, rishi sunak said the 2% figure showed the economy had "turned a corner" because of what he called "bold action" by the conservatives.

it is very good news. the last few years have been really tough for everybody. i know that and we've had lots of shocks, inflation putting up people's bills, but, you know, stuck to a plan, we've taken the action, wasn't always easy, but we've got there and inflation is back to target. and that means people will start to feel the benefits and ease some of the burdens on the cost of living. and it's because of that economic stability that we've restored, which was my priority when i got this job, that we've now been able to start cutting people's taxes. and if i win this election, i'm going to keep doing more of that, cutting people's taxes at every stage of their life. labour's shadow chancellor, rachel reeves, welcomed the news that inflation has fallen, but said working people are still worse off. unlike conservative government ministers, i'm not going to say that everything is fine. i'm not going to say that the cost of living crisis is over. i know that for many families and pensioners, the cost of living crisis is still acute, because although inflation has returned to its target, it doesn't mean that prices are falling. itjust means they're going up at a lower rate than they were previously.

and those higherfood prices, higher energy prices, higher rents and mortgages, they are still very real for very many people and putting big pressure on family finances. and the choice really at this election is whether you want to carry on like that, five more years of chaos that we've seen under the conservatives, or the labour party who have got a real plan for growth, because it is by growing the economy that we can make working families, people across our country, better off. and that is what i'm determined to do. the scottish national party will launch its general election manifesto in edinburgh today with a call for an additional £1 billion a yearfor the health service in scotland. with more on this, here's our scotland correspondent lorna gordon. john swinney has been leader of the snp forjust over six weeks. he's now leading it into a general election and aware that photo opportunities while out campaigning can have challenges. i'm very concerned about alliances.

his party, though, argue the challenges will come from policies devised at westminster and claim that both the conservatives and labour present a danger to the nhs. mr swinney argues the snp will fight any cuts, which it says are coming, and will today propose ways to increase funding on health. its manifesto will, he says, include measures to protect the nhs against privatisation. it will set out support for families struggling with the cost of living and will also detail plans for investment in public services. we want to make sure that the damage that's been done to our country, for example, from brexit, is reversed by this westminster election, so that we can rejoin the european union. i want us to take measures to assist the cost of living, such as implementing a social tariff that will protect vulnerable households from high energy costs and from connectivity costs. these are some of the ideas that would make a difference to people's lives in scotland. and, of course, all of that could be achieved if scotland was an independent country

and the possibility of independence will be right at the heart of the snp manifesto. the snp say they offer an alternative to the spending squeeze both the conservatives and labour will, the party claims, implement should they win. mr swinney points to policies they've brought in at holyrood, like the scottish child payment, as proof that his party is different. you stole my seat! have i stolen your seat? i'm so sorry. child's play here, but manifestos are a serious moment to set out a party's stall. the aim for the snp to win seats through the measures being proposed today. let's speak to geoff aberdein, former chief of staff to the former snp leader and first minister of scotland, alex salmond. he joins us from aberdeen. the snp haven't had a properfight with labour since 2007, have they,

however going to set about doing that this time? you however going to set about doing that this time?— however going to set about doing that this time? you are right and i was there in _ that this time? you are right and i was there in 2007 _ that this time? you are right and i was there in 2007 when _ that this time? you are right and i was there in 2007 when we - that this time? you are right and i i was there in 2007 when we unseated labour and we had a very substantial victory four years later, a majority in a proportional representation voluntary action scotland. the key to that was competent government. i think it is fair to say and even most snp members would say quietly, they haven't been that competent of late. get the government back to being a more efficient, competent government and i thinkjohn swinney has started to make inroads in that respect. appointing kate forbes as deputy and steven that westminster is quite a formidable performer was. but i don't think it will be that beneficial in this contest. it has to be viewed as a two—year project ahead of 2026 holyrood elections. time not really on mr swinney�*s side, he has barely had any time at all. ., side, he has barely had any time at all. . . , , , side, he has barely had any time at all. . ., , , , ., side, he has barely had any time at all. . , ,., all. that has benefits and risks.

the benefit _ all. that has benefits and risks. the benefit as _ all. that has benefits and risks. the benefit as he _ all. that has benefits and risks. the benefit as he can _ all. that has benefits and risks. the benefit as he can say - all. that has benefits and risks. the benefit as he can say if - all. that has benefits and risks. the benefit as he can say if we | all. that has benefits and risks. - the benefit as he can say if we lose a lot of seats to labour it is hardly my fault, i was getting my feet under the table, but alternatively they do need to stem the tide that is a labourjuggernaut coming in their direction just now and i think what you'll see today from the manifesto is attempts to try and stave it off, buy on labour's traditional territory and stem the losses at this election and have a somewhat decent platform ahead of the election in two years. it is battling with labour and trying to place itself to the left of labour. i trying to place itself to the left of labour. ~ trying to place itself to the left of labour-— of labour. i think there is an interesting _ of labour. i think there is an interesting battle _ of labour. i think there is an interesting battle going - of labour. i think there is an interesting battle going on l of labour. i think there is an - interesting battle going on here. i do a podcast separately which anas sarwar has been on a number of times. he has openly said he looks at the snp model of 2007 and tries to emulate that and that was a centre—left proposition, that recognised we needed economic growth but the benefits of that economic growth should go towards better public services. i think bear in mind john swinney was part of that government, he was finance secretary

seven years. i think we will see this battle placed on the centre ground proposition of seeking economic growth but also trying to make sure we better fund public services as a benefit of that economic growth and that is why we have seen the nhs pledged today. talk me through the nhs pledged, because it is now putting a spotlight on major investment in the nhs but unlike labour it does not actually talking about making changes to the nhs, it is basically throwing money at it, isn't it, disposal? i throwing money at it, isn't it, dismal?— throwing money at it, isn't it, disposal? throwing money at it, isn't it, disosal? ., ., , disposal? i agree with that. it is nondescript _ disposal? i agree with that. it is nondescript enough. _ disposal? i agree with that. it is nondescript enough. that's - disposal? i agree with that. it is nondescript enough. that's a i disposal? i agree with that. it is i nondescript enough. that's a look disposal? i agree with that. it is - nondescript enough. that's a look at the politics of this. this is why john swinney has taken this approach. the labour party and the scottish parliament have had some success in scrutinising the snp's record on health and the nhs, but john swinney also knows there will be a labour government, certainly if the polls are to be believed, so he is using this as a tactic going

forward and getting into the 2026 election to save we called for this, you can't trust it, only the snp can send up for scotland. that is clearly the strategy he wants to adopt, a medium to long game as opposed to an immediate game. what opposed to an immediate game. what would be a respectable number of seats for the snp to win at the end when all the dust has settled? zf}. seats for the snp to win at the end when all the dust has settled? 25}. i when all the dust has settled? 20. i have it in my _ when all the dust has settled? 20. i have it in my head. _ when all the dust has settled? 20. i have it in my head. it _ when all the dust has settled? 20. i have it in my head. it will— when all the dust has settled? 20. i have it in my head. it will be - when all the dust has settled? 20. i have it in my head. it will be a - have it in my head. it will be a stretch for the snp to win this election in terms of seats. they have been around about neck and neck in popular vote but that means a lot of seats in the central parts of scotland wilful to the labour party if that materialises, so in my head if that materialises, so in my head if he can keep 20 i think that is a solid platform and look it wasn't as bad as it was predicted, and it is a decent platform to take forward. it might rejuvenate the current programme for government. that is what they were trying to but i have to hold onto at least 20 in opinion. good to talk to you.

it has been an interesting day for the conservative party, we have had inflation figures and rishi sunak on the radio answering this morning on lbc. let's speak to our political correspondent, tom symonds, who is following the conservative campaign. those inflation figures i'm sure at tory hq would have been something to smile about. , ,, ., ~ ., _, , smile about. rishi sunak of course has been criticised _ smile about. rishi sunak of course has been criticised for _ smile about. rishi sunak of course has been criticised for starting - has been criticised for starting this election process so early in the year. he could have waited some more months. hope i think the conservative party was that there would be some good economic news that would help give him a little bit of a boost in this very arduous election campaign that he is facing. that 2% inflation figure is obviously good news for the government. he has used it to say today that he is sticking to his plan, the government's planet to improve the economy and still

offering to reduce taxes in the long run. we are heading to a location in the east of england, as usual we can show you where for security reasons. interestingly rishi sunak are still in the studios of lbc answering the listeners of that radio station's questions. it isn't entirely clear to us how we will get to their to where we are supposed to be meeting him a new surveying in. but in those questions he has been answering he has been pushed on familiar territory, for those who have been watching this campaign closely. he has been asked for example whether borisjohnson should be entering the fray, currently on holiday, and rishi sunak said boris is supporting the conservative party and endorsing candidates from afar. he was asked whether he would welcome a nigel farage into the conservative fold in the coming years and he said i am focused on winning the election, this election. he was put under pressure about the donation from

frank hester, the businessman who has been criticised for making racist comments. he said again people should apologise when they have done something wrong and that that apology should be accepted. 0n that apology should be accepted. on it went, he was put under pressure about if he couldn't repeat liz truss in the leadership election in 2022, whether that showed he couldn't win this general election. he said, i was right in the election against liz truss and i am right now. finally again on taxes, he was found by a junior doctor who has phoned him before in an lbc phone him and asked how he might resolve thejunior him and asked how he might resolve the junior doctors him and asked how he might resolve thejunior doctors pay him and asked how he might resolve the junior doctors pay dispute, him and asked how he might resolve thejunior doctors pay dispute, they are asking for 35% and rishi sunak said, i do not want to put everyone's taxes up to paper that pay offer forjunior doctors. very familiar territory. the election campaign goes on for rishi sunak and he is sticking to core messages.

thank you. let's hope the prime minister makes it to meet you. what has the labour reaction been? let's speak to our chief political correspondent, henry zeffman, at westminster. the reaction from labour to those of 2% inflation figures? the? the reaction from labour to those of 2% inflation figures?— 2% inflation figures? they are careful to _ 2% inflation figures? they are careful to say _ 2% inflation figures? they are careful to say it _ 2% inflation figures? they are careful to say it is _ 2% inflation figures? they are careful to say it is good - 2% inflation figures? they are j careful to say it is good news, 2% inflation figures? they are - careful to say it is good news, that inflation is falling, but then very quickly after that they are going to start and have been attacking the conservatives because their argument is that inflation would have come down faster under a more stable economic regime, the argument rachel reeves keeps making about stability being the daughter of good economic policy. they also argue thatjust as the conservatives say inflation has come down faster than it otherwise would have done because of decisions they have made, labour argue

inflation went up as fast as it did because of decisions the conservatives had made. you very much have this economic debate which has already been playing out for the four weeks of this election campaign, now we're going to see parties, conservative and labour and other parties armed with a new statistic, and their arguments will have to take account of the fact that inflation is now down to its bank of england target rate. let’s bank of england target rate. let's talk about this _ bank of england target rate. let's talk about this week _ bank of england target rate. let's talk about this week generally in terms of voting because those who want to start voting can do postal votes, so it is a really important week for the election. how is it looking right now in terms of where the parties stand? we had a few bits of, a few issues with certain mps or candidates on the ballot paper for parties such as the labour party in scotland, reform, talk me through what we have seen so far.- scotland, reform, talk me through what we have seen so far. there is a sto , what we have seen so far. there is a story, embarrassing _ what we have seen so far. there is a story, embarrassing story, -

what we have seen so far. there is a story, embarrassing story, for- what we have seen so far. there is a story, embarrassing story, for the i story, embarrassing story, for the labour party today, which is about one of their candidates, a man called andy brown who is standing for labour in aberdeenshire north and marie east. the press and journal newspaper up in aberdeen found some comments he had made on social media back in 2018. this was in the weeks after the salisbury poisonings, the there was a claim that he shared from rt that novichok was never produced in russia but was in service in the uk and other nato states and he also shared a post appearing to downplay allegations of anti—semitism in the labour party. 0nce those posts were uncovered yesterday scottish labour rapidly disowned mr brown and said the fact they have done so was assigned they had changed the labour party, but nominations have long closed in this general election. some people have voted already by post and that means

mr brown will still appear on the ballot paper and also appear with labour next to him. if he were to win, which in that constituency happens to be a very colourful labour party you are doing, he would be an independent environment. that is embarrassing for labour and it comes after a string of allegations being uncovered about candidates standing for reform uk. there is one today the bbc has uncovered a man called lee bunker, the candidate in exeter, he called for the deportation of diane abbott the labour politician, said migrants were brain diseases to the country, were brain diseases to the country, we had another reform candidate the other day saying britain would have beenin other day saying britain would have been in a far better state if it had been in a far better state if it had been neutral against hitler in the 19305. been neutral against hitler in the 1930s. is pushing setup was that it was rubbish but another reform candidate said hitler was as brilliant as he was evil and this 1's likely ditched by reform unlike the others because it emerged he had previously urged people to vote for the british national party. the

election is _ the british national party. the election is different this time in terms of social media investigations. 0ne terms of social media investigations. one wonders whether why these candidates were invited properly before they got their names on the ballot paper? it properly before they got their names on the ballot paper?— on the ballot paper? it will certainly — on the ballot paper? it will certainly be _ on the ballot paper? it will certainly be a _ on the ballot paper? it will certainly be a question - on the ballot paper? it will. certainly be a question asked on the ballot paper? it will- certainly be a question asked in scottish labour h keep and reform hq today. it has been a development over the last three or so general elections, because people have so much more social media presence and so many more years worth of stuff that they have often put out online in contrast to earlier times, there is more therefore rival parties or enterprising journalists to come through and find out. the parties will often say that that is not a guide to how the parties see things but obviously the risk for the political parties is that voters decide that it reflects on them what their candidates have been saying evenif their candidates have been saying even if the parties weren't necessarily aware of what they have said when they selected them. thank

ou. you can read more you can read more on you can read more on all the candidates and constituencies on the bbc website before the general election this year. the deadline to apply for a postal vote in england, scotland and wales is 5pm today. the deadline for northern ireland has already passed. applications can be made online at gov.uk. as we count down to election day, we're speaking to people across the uk to find out what's important to them, and what might win their vote next month. we're in constituencies all over the country. today our correspondent nicky schiller is in hayle, cornwall in the constituency of camborne and redruth. tell me why you are there and what it people there are talking about.

good morning from the beautiful cornish town of hayle. just to give you an idea of where we are, we are 300 miles from the at broadcasting house, and we are about seven miles from penzance. we are here to discuss a number of issues, including housing. this area is part of the world heritage site for the mining landscape. back in the 19th century this report would have been absolutely bustling, world famous as absolutely bustling, world famous as a port for the mining industry. there were iron foundries that helped build the steam engines. the mining industry has long gone from goneril and what has taken over as a tourist industry but that produces theissue tourist industry but that produces the issue of where people locally live versus the people who want to come down here to spend time here in second homes. someone who was lucky enough to live here in cornwall is jams in melbourne who was from the

bbc south—west team. i wonder if you could start byjust giving us an idea of this constituency here. i think as a bit of a belt across cornwaih _ think as a bit of a belt across cornwall. it stretches from beautiful hayle here on the north coast _ beautiful hayle here on the north coast of — beautiful hayle here on the north coast of cornwall through the historic— coast of cornwall through the historic mining towns of camborne and redruth. it used to be so wealthy— and redruth. it used to be so wealthy because of copper and tin mining _ wealthy because of copper and tin mining but because of the decline of those _ mining but because of the decline of those industries they have above—average levels of deprivation i’ilht above—average levels of deprivation right down— above—average levels of deprivation right down to the beautiful south coast, _ right down to the beautiful south coast, the more affluent areas around — coast, the more affluent areas around the passage, so it is a buried — around the passage, so it is a buried constituency, politically it has also — buried constituency, politically it has also been very varied historically. whoever prevails here on the _ historically. whoever prevails here on the 4th — historically. whoever prevails here on the 4th ofjuly there is going to be a on the 4th ofjuly there is going to he a new_ on the 4th ofjuly there is going to be a new mp and that is because the incumbent _ be a new mp and that is because the incumbent george eustice conservative who has been the mp here since — conservative who has been the mp here since 2010 is standing down. he was a _ here since 2010 is standing down. he was a former— here since 2010 is standing down. he was a former environment secretary. it is was a former environment secretary. it is all— was a former environment secretary. it is all to— was a former environment secretary. it is all to play for. it is also old — it is all to play for. it is also old to— it is all to play for. it is also old to paper because it was historically, cornwall is only three rate marginal in recent history. the constituency boundaries were redrawn in 2010 _ constituency boundaries were redrawn in 2010. before that there was a labour— in 2010. before that there was a labour mp, the only mp in recent

history— labour mp, the only mp in recent history between 97 and 2005. then a lib history between 97 and 2005. then a lib mmp_ history between 97 and 2005. then a lib mmp from 2005 to 2010. it is interesting politically. | lib mmp from 2005 to 2010. it is interesting politically.— interesting politically. i have already mentioned - interesting politically. i have already mentioned it, - interesting politically. i have i already mentioned it, housing interesting politically. i have - already mentioned it, housing is a massive issue, one of the first things people were talking to me about when i arrived yesterday. i will give you some stats for what the problem is here. the average salary— the problem is here. the average salary in — the problem is here. the average salary in cornwall according to the ons is— salary in cornwall according to the ons is £17,000 salary in cornwall according to the 0ns is £17,000 gross a year, average house _ 0ns is £17,000 gross a year, average house price — 0ns is £17,000 gross a year, average house price just over 300,000, average — house price just over 300,000, average rent 885 a month, but if you're _ average rent 885 a month, but if you're looking at a three or four bedroom — you're looking at a three or four bedroom home easily that could be 14 or £1500 _ bedroom home easily that could be 14 or £1500 a _ bedroom home easily that could be 14 or £1500 a month so the maths doesn't — or £1500 a month so the maths doesn't add up. we also have a lot of people — doesn't add up. we also have a lot of people in— doesn't add up. we also have a lot of people in emergency housing, cornwall— of people in emergency housing, cornwall council is saying that is doubled — cornwall council is saying that is doubled in the last three years and there _ doubled in the last three years and there is— doubled in the last three years and there is 27,000 people on the social housing _ there is 27,000 people on the social housing register. 50 there is 27,000 people on the social housing register.— housing register. so the issue is ou 'ust housing register. so the issue is you just don't — housing register. so the issue is you just don't have _ housing register. so the issue is you just don't have enough - housing register. so the issue is i you just don't have enough houses here at. me you just don't have enough houses here at. ~ ., �* ., ., here at. we don't have enough rivate here at. we don't have enough private rented _ here at. we don't have enough private rented houses, - here at. we don't have enough private rented houses, social. private rented houses, social housing, _ private rented houses, social housing, enough of the right sort of affordable _ housing, enough of the right sort of affordable housing being built. but is essentially the issue people in cornwall— is essentially the issue people in cornwall are facing.— is essentially the issue people in

cornwall are facing. then you bring in the second _ cornwall are facing. then you bring in the second homes. _ cornwall are facing. then you bring in the second homes. cornwall- cornwall are facing. then you bring in the second homes. cornwall i i in the second homes. cornwall i think has the most second homes have any english county because people want to come here and want to spend time here and in particular drink covid there was a massive boom in the people who bought second homes. you can see why, the background here in hayte. _ you can see why, the background here in hayte. you _ you can see why, the background here in hayle, you can see why people want _ in hayle, you can see why people want to _ in hayle, you can see why people want to come on holiday and may be by a second — want to come on holiday and may be by a second home. we also have the issue _ by a second home. we also have the issue with _ by a second home. we also have the issue with the proliferation of air b8b issue with the proliferation of air b85 and — issue with the proliferation of air b8b and holiday lets that maybe if you own _ b8b and holiday lets that maybe if you own a — b8b and holiday lets that maybe if you own a property here you will want _ you own a property here you will want to — you own a property here you will want to cash in and rent out short—term rather than long—term private _ short—term rather than long—term private rental. all of this is added to the _ private rental. all of this is added to the problem.— private rental. all of this is added to the problem. what you will hear overtime. — to the problem. what you will hear over time, what _ to the problem. what you will hear over time, what the _ to the problem. what you will hear over time, what the locals - to the problem. what you will hear over time, what the locals say i to the problem. what you will hear over time, what the locals say to l over time, what the locals say to you about this issue? in over time, what the locals say to you about this issue?— you about this issue? in this election along _ you about this issue? in this election along with - you about this issue? in this election along with the i you about this issue? in this election along with the cost| you about this issue? in this i election along with the cost of living, — election along with the cost of living, housing is a key issue. we speak— living, housing is a key issue. we speak to — living, housing is a key issue. we speak to people all the time that are being — speak to people all the time that are being served section 21 notices and being — are being served section 21 notices and being told at short notice they had to— and being told at short notice they had to find — and being told at short notice they had to find on the property. we speak— had to find on the property. we speak to — had to find on the property. we speak to people that have been in temporary accommodation whether that is b8b— temporary accommodation whether that is 585 or— temporary accommodation whether that is b&b or hotels. huge cost of the council— is b&b or hotels. huge cost of the council and — is b&b or hotels. huge cost of the council and the taxpayer, with young families— council and the taxpayer, with young families it _ council and the taxpayer, with young families it is not ideal for anybody and everybody says this has to be

tackled _ and everybody says this has to be tackled. it'sjust how you do that is problem _ tackled. it'sjust how you do that is problem. a lot of experts say tinkering — is problem. a lot of experts say tinkering with the tax system whether— tinkering with the tax system whether it is doubling council tax per second home owners or maybe changing _ per second home owners or maybe changing in — per second home owners or maybe changing in the budget, the furnished holiday letting tax changes isn't enough. there needs to be a root _ changes isn't enough. there needs to be a root and — changes isn't enough. there needs to be a root and branch reform of housing — be a root and branch reform of housing and that is building the right— housing and that is building the right sort— housing and that is building the right sort of houses but as we can see here — right sort of houses but as we can see here there is a development of those _ see here there is a development of those gone into administration, it isn't always easy for that to happen _ isn't always easy for that to happen. a isn't always easy for that to ha en. �* . . isn't always easy for that to hauen. . , ., ., happen. a beautiful part of the count . happen. a beautiful part of the country- we — happen. a beautiful part of the country. we will— happen. a beautiful part of the country. we will be _ happen. a beautiful part of the country. we will be discussing | happen. a beautiful part of the i country. we will be discussing these issues that we have brought up with throughout the day. the one thing i haveis throughout the day. the one thing i have is my bbc election mug with me. the problem is it doesn't have any copy on it at the moment so i needed. has already told me there is a very nice pasty shop just around the corner so i think i will head for a coffee and maybe a cornish pasty. for a coffee and maybe a cornish as . ., ., for a coffee and maybe a cornish as , ., ., ., for a coffee and maybe a cornish pasty. can a coffee and a cornish as no pasty. can a coffee and a cornish pasty go well _ pasty. can a coffee and a cornish pasty go well together. - pasty. can a coffee and a cornish pasty go well together. i - pasty. can a coffee and a cornish pasty go well together. i would i pasty go well together. i would assume coffee would be nice with a croissant or a doughnut. cornish pasty is savoury and coffee is kind

of like a breakfast thing. what do you think? of like a breakfast thing. what do ou think? ., .., of like a breakfast thing. what do ou think? ., ., ., , of like a breakfast thing. what do outhink? ., ., ., , ., you think? you can have any sort of as you think? you can have any sort of pasty down — you think? you can have any sort of pasty down here — you think? you can have any sort of pasty down here in _ you think? you can have any sort of pasty down here in cornwall, - you think? you can have any sort of pasty down here in cornwall, and i you think? you can have any sort of. pasty down here in cornwall, and the pasty down here in cornwall, and the pasty shop i think has been open a few hours. so definitely you could have a pasty for breakfast in cornwall. i have a pasty for breakfast in cornwall-— have a pasty for breakfast in cornwall. ., , ., cornwall. i would say bring one back for me but i'm _ cornwall. i would say bring one back for me but i'm not _ cornwall. i would say bring one back for me but i'm not sure _ cornwall. i would say bring one back for me but i'm not sure it _ cornwall. i would say bring one back for me but i'm not sure it would i for me but i'm not sure it would keepin for me but i'm not sure it would keep in the 300 miles it would take. i would have eaten it by then. thank ou. you'll be able to see a list of all the candidates standing in camborne and redruth at this general election on your screen now. and you can see a list of all the candidates standing in all the constituencies across the country on the bbc news website. you can watch non—stop coverage of the election campaign now, until the results are called and beyond on bbc iplayer. just look for election 2024 live.

north korea's president has held talks with vladimir putin at the start of the russian president's first visit to the country for almost a quarter of a century. the two nuclear powers have vowed to strengthen military ties, and kimjong un has said he "fully supports" russia's war on ukraine. the us and south korea accuse north korea of supplying moscow with artillery in exchange for food and military aid. speaking in pyongyang, president putin thanked north korea for its support on ukraine, and took aim at his western critics. translation: we highly| appreciate your consistent and unwavering support for russian policy, including the ukrainian direction. i mean, ourfight against the hegemonic imperialist policy imposed for decades by the united states and its satellites towards the russian federation.

in the last few minutes, vladimir putin and kimjong—un have signed a strategic partnership agreement. 0ur correspondent shaimaa khalil has more from seoul. we did know from the beginning of the meeting when they sat down together that there was going to be a document of some sort. the president, vladimir putin, said that there was going to a document that is going to be the basis of the relationship going forward between russia and north korea. we also heard from the presidential adviser yesterday that, again, an agreement is going to be... 0r crucial documents are going to be signed that have to do with partnership, whether that's economic, military or security. he did say it was going to touch on security. but, yes, i think it has to do again with what we've been talking about in terms of this deepening relationship between the two countries and the two leaders, something that the west, especially the united states, have voiced their concern about, because of what it would mean

in terms of the war in ukraine, as they again levelled those charges against north korea for supplying russia with munitions, with artillery, with missiles, that have been used in the battlefield in ukraine, in areas like kharkiv, for example, despite denials from both pyongyang and moscow. we know that russia needs more munitions, as its stockpile is depleting as the war continues on the ground. we know that pyongyang is in a position to provide them with plenty of that right now, especially that north korean weaponry is based on soviet—era technology, so it's quite transferable. and as we keep hearing from the united states and from officials here in south korea, that big shipments have already taken place. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. hello there. the weather for the next few days is looking fine and settled with some warm spells ofjune sunshine. today, no exception. it's been a beautiful start

to the day with a fine sunrise here in redcar in cleveland. but it has been a morning where we've seen quite a few patches of cloud around, particularly for england and wales, even thick enough for an odd spit of rain and a bit of hill fog. however, any cloud through the morning should tend to break up, and by the time we get to the afternoon, spells of sunshine forecast to come through pretty widely. the only real exception, the far north of scotland, where it turns windier through the afternoon and there will be a few spots of rain. 14 for stornoway, 11 for lerwick. away from that we're looking at temperatures 17 to 21 celsius. it will feel warm in thatjune sunshine. but for those that are sensitive to the very high levels of grass and nettle pollen that we have in the forecast, it could be one of those sneezy afternoons. now, overnight tonight, a weak weatherfront across scotland still with us, could bring a few patches of rain into northern ireland as well. otherwise, it's dry. temperatures about nine or ten degrees celsius. a bit colder than that in some rural areas. thursday, another fine—looking day.

we do start off with cloudy weather this time for scotland and northern ireland. a few patches of rain here through the morning. the afternoon looking dry with increasing amounts of sunshine. and if anything, those temperatures will be creeping a little bit higher. so we're looking at 19 for belfast, 18 degrees for glasgow, but it's across england and wales that we'll see temperatures more widely reach the low 20s, which will feel very nice indeed. the end of the week, we see a more active weather front move in off the atlantic. so this is going to be bringing cloudier weather to northern ireland and scotland and more in the way of rain here as well. eastern scotland, england and wales drier with sunshine. there will be some areas of high cloud working across the skies which will make the sunshine a bit hazy at times. but it's another warm day. temperatures about 19 to 22 degrees celsius for most of you. now, into the weekend, the dregs of that same weather front will bring a few showers on saturday. then the weather should become largely dry once again. so, saturday, showers around, some of them could be heavy and thundery for a time.

then more in the way of sunshine and higher temperatures. could see highs reach 25 degrees in the warmest spots into the early part of next week. bye for now. this is bbc news, the headlines... new figures show inflation in the year to may fell to 2%, hitting the bank of england's target for the first time in nearly three years. the snp will launch its election manifesto this morning, with a call for an additional £1 billion a yearfor the health service in scotland. kim jong—un has said he "fully supports" russia's invasion of ukraine, as vladimir putin visits north korea for the first time in 24 years. and in today's euro 2024 action, scotland are looking to return to winning form, as the side takes on switzerland tonight in cologne.

let's return to our main story, and for the first time since the middle of the pandemic, inflation has fallen to the bank of england's target of 2%. it's down from 2.3% in april. rishi sunak said the figures showed the economy had "turned a corner" because of what he called "bold action" by the conservatives. labour's shadow chancellor, rachel reeves, welcomed the fall, but insisted that people were still worse off. let's speak to our chief economics correspondent, dharshini david. what has been driving this inflation rate down? it what has been driving this inflation rate down? . . what has been driving this inflation rate down? ., , , ., rate down? it has been quite a “ourne , rate down? it has been quite a journey. hasn't _ rate down? it has been quite a journey, hasn't it, _ rate down? it has been quite a journey, hasn't it, as - rate down? it has been quite a journey, hasn't it, as you i rate down? it has been quite a journey, hasn't it, as you say, | journey, hasn't it, as you say, almost three years since we have been at this point of seeing inflation at the target. the short answer is, if you look at the factors that caused the spike in the cost of living, the war in ukraine driving up wholesale global food and energy costs, those have come down

somewhat. you can see the respite being reflected in the bills we pay. so groceries for example, bread, sugar, chocolate if you have a sweet tooth, those kind of things, vegetables, if you prefer something a little bit different, those kind of things, prices are coming down somewhat, although prices remain higher perhaps than a few years ago. and we mustn't forget those 40 interest rate rises deployed by the bank of england aimed at squeezing finances and therefore limiting the amount by which prices do go up, that too has had an impact. if we look at what's going on here, inflation of 2%, still means some prices are rising. pull that apart, to use the football cliche, a game of two halves here. what we are seeing is on the good side you have prices on the whole falling back, largely reflecting the fall in global wholesale costs, and also the fact that some retailers are having to discount goods to get them off the shelves. when it comes to

services on the likes of restaurants, hotels, travel, and also concert tickets and the like, we are still seeing prices rising at a faster rate there, what is called services inflation still tops 5%. that reflects the fact that some people are willing to shell out, to treat themselves, not least after pandemic years. but that does make some people nervous that we could see inflation perhaps start to rise just a little bit again in the coming months.— just a little bit again in the coming months. just a little bit again in the cominu months. ~ , ., ., coming months. when you mentioned chocolate and — coming months. when you mentioned chocolate and vegetables _ coming months. when you mentioned chocolate and vegetables i'm - chocolate and vegetables i'm struggling to work out which one i prefer. joke. rishi sunak said the figures showed the economy has turned a corner but labour says people are still worse off. it's one of those true or are they both true? economists answer is that both can be true, and you can have your chocolate and vegetables, all in the name of balance. but inflation has hit the target once again and we are seeing on average incomes overtaking

the rate at which prices are rising, so the cost of living squeeze has eased. having said that, look at our growth pattern over recent years and frankly it has been pretty disappointing. if you take away what has happened with inflation and if you take away what has happened with population growth and looking back over those last few years, many people will actually be relatively worse off than they were a couple of years ago. they are still going to feel like they have a way to go before they turned the corner. and a quick word for borrowers out there, they will wonder if it means interest rates are about to come down. we have an announcement from the bank of england tomorrow. however, the bank needs to see inflation notjust come down to target but stay there in the coming months and years and there is still a question mark over that so we will have to wait a little bit longer, i'm afraid, for the first cut in interest rates.— i'm afraid, for the first cut in interest rates. chocolate and vegetables — interest rates. chocolate and vegetables are _ interest rates. chocolate and vegetables are both - interest rates. chocolate and vegetables are both good i interest rates. chocolate and vegetables are both good forj interest rates. chocolate and i

vegetables are both good for you. dharshini david, our chief economics correspondent, running through those inflation figures. a key issue for many voters in this election is housing, with many young people struggling to get onto the ladder. the conservatives have pledged to scrap stamp duty forfirst—time buyers, on properties worth up to £425,000. they've also said they'll oversee the building of 1.6 million homes over the next parliament. labour say they'll deliver the biggest increase in social and affordable housing in a generation. and the lib dems are promising to build nearly 2 million homes over the next five years, as well as giving extra rights to private renters. with me is our social affairs correspondent, michael buchanan. what have you found about the housing needs and housing proposals we are seeing this year?— we are seeing this year? certainly i think there — we are seeing this year? certainly i think there is _ we are seeing this year? certainly i think there is an _ we are seeing this year? certainly i think there is an acceptance, i we are seeing this year? certainly i think there is an acceptance, if- we are seeing this year? certainly i think there is an acceptance, if you j think there is an acceptance, if you look at the private rented sector, that one of the key bills the conservatives tried to get through in the previous parliament, which was to scrap, introduce a ban on

no—fault evictions, that has now been accepted by the labour party as well, it was in the 2019 conservative party manifesto. this is hugely important to a lot of private renters because private renters understand that if you fall behind in your rent that there might come a time when the landlord knocks on your door and says we need to discuss this and if you don't eventually pay up then you will have to move out. but for a lot of people who get no—fault evictions, section 21 evictions, it could mean people could have been living in their house for ten or 15 years, it could be considered the family home, and all of a sudden the landlord decides, through no fault of the tenant, that they want to reclaim the property and that can throw the entire family into complete chaos because the children might be going to a local school, the parents might be employed in the local area. these are the kind of thing is that both the conservatives and the labour party, and indeed the liberal democrats, would support going forward into the new parliament because it's hugely important for those families and hugely important in trying to reduce the numbers of

homeless people as well.- homeless people as well. private rents are incredibly _ homeless people as well. private rents are incredibly high - homeless people as well. private rents are incredibly high across i homeless people as well. private i rents are incredibly high across the country. rents are incredibly high across the count . . . rents are incredibly high across the count . , , ., , country. this is it, the latest fi . ures country. this is it, the latest figures from _ country. this is it, the latest figures from the _ country. this is it, the latest figures from the office i country. this is it, the latest figures from the office for i country. this is it, the latest i figures from the office for national statistics for april show private rents across great britain, scotland, england and wales, increased by 8.9% in the year to april. that is just a small amount lower than it was in march of 9.2%, which was a record increase according to the office for national statistics across great britain. scotland saw the largest increase, up scotland saw the largest increase, up by 10% in one year. london within england saw the largest rise of nearly 11%. we have been focusing on cornwall this morning as well. looking at corner, it didn't see as great a rise in the past year or so at 3%, but what's interesting with cornwall, a lot of people are looking at what happened to rents since the pandemic, april 2020, the latest statistics give a four year look and in cornwall in a time it has gone up 17%. what actually

matters other than the rise, is the rise in comparison to local wages. in a lot of parts of the country wages have not kept up with that. in certain parts of the world jobs are seasonal and in some cases accommodation goes alongside with a job as well. when the job ends the whole housing ends. the other thing that has massively changed the rental market in the uk in recent years has been the rise in short—term lets. the most famous companies like airbnb, but other companies like airbnb, but other companies do it as well, those kinds of businesses have been hugely successful and hugely valuable to a lot of individuals but they have removed thousands and thousands of properties out of the rental market, putting a squeeze on the availability of properties, making that even greater.— availability of properties, making that even greater. michael buchanan, thank ou. now, to find out what matters most to you ahead of the vote next month, the bbc is in constituencies all over the uk to hear

what you have to say. today, we're going to look at the issues affecting two constituencies in scotland — caithness, sutherland and easter ross, and west aberdeenshire and kincardine. in a moment we will cross to caithness, sutherland and easter ross where our highlands and islands reporter iain macinnes is on the black isle near inverness. let's begin with west aberdeenshire and kincardine, and speak to our reporter in aberdeen, ben philip. talk me through what the issues are where you are. talk me through what the issues are where you are-— where you are. good morning from stonehaven. _ where you are. good morning from stonehaven, one _ where you are. good morning from stonehaven, one of— where you are. good morning from stonehaven, one of the _ where you are. good morning from stonehaven, one of the largest i where you are. good morning from i stonehaven, one of the largest towns in scotland, famous for its hogmanay fireballs festival, and being the birthplace of the bbc found a john reith. and also the infamous deep—fried mars bar is said to have been created in a local chip shop here as well. stonehaven is in the

west aberdeenshire and kincardine constituency. i think like any area of the country people are thinking about the same issues. i have been speaking to voters over the last few weeks and many mention the cost of living crisis, the nhs, education. indeed, some people say they still don't know how they will vote or if they will vote at all. one of the main talking points of the campaign in this part of the world has been the future of the oil and gas industry. thousands ofjobs rely on it here. nearby aberdeen has been the oil and gas capital since the 19605. the oil and gas capital since the 1960s. we know that climate targets are now really important. we know the energy industry has been transitioning towards greener and cleaner energy, but industry experts have been arguing that oil and gas will still be required as part of the energy mix for some time to come. the direction of travel for the oil and gas industry is very

important to many people living in this area. it has been a hot topic of debate throughout this campaign. it's very important to people living here in areas like stonehaven. ben. here in areas like stonehaven. ben, thank you- — here in areas like stonehaven. ben, thank you- we _ here in areas like stonehaven. ben, thank you. we can _ here in areas like stonehaven. ben, thank you. we can cross _ here in areas like stonehaven. ben, thank you. we can cross to - here in areas like stonehaven. ben, thank you. we can cross to iain macinnes and talk about what's happening where you are. the political make—up of the area is key this year. it political make-up of the area is key this ear. . ., this year. it is indeed. one of the big things. _ this year. it is indeed. one of the big things. one — this year. it is indeed. one of the big things, one of— this year. it is indeed. one of the big things, one of the _ this year. it is indeed. one of the big things, one of the big - this year. it is indeed. one of the big things, one of the big talking| big things, one of the big talking points, is the boundary changes will stop the seat i am in just now, caithness, sutherland and easter ross, is now the largest uk constituency by area, and it is huge. it covers most of northern scotland, stretching from nearby inverness, where i am close to today, taking a lot of suburbs of the city of inverness, stretching up the city of inverness, stretching up the east coast as far as john 0'groats and the furthest part of northern mainland scotland, heading over to the other side of the north coast at durness, all the way down the west coast to ullapool and back

across. it is a huge area, really diverse as well with a lot of towns and villages but also rural agricultural plants as well. there are a lot of issues that need to be looked at. one of the key ones we are hearing about in this constituency is about depopulation, young people leaving this area and not coming back, especially through in the more northern parts of the constituency, especially in the more rural parts. another big issue and talking point is around energy pricing, a huge amount of green, clean energy has been created in the north of scotland, both onshore and offshore, yet people in many of these parts are paying more for their electricity. there is no mains gas in much of the constituency so people have higher energy bills, there is lot of fuel poverty, and at there is lot of fuel poverty, and at the same time they see energy being exported. people we are speaking to see it as an injustice that they want to see rectified by the incoming government. the political make—up is quite interesting. this

equivalent seat was previously won by the liberal democrats but it now takes on a much greater swathes of the central highlands, including places like dingwall and ullapool which in the past i've had a lot of support for the snp. it will be a hugejob for whoever is support for the snp. it will be a huge job for whoever is chosen to be the mp for this area. it will also notjust be about the distances involved and travel, but about trying to address individual issues the smaller communities have. but i think it's also an honour to represent an area as beautiful as this. ., ., ~' represent an area as beautiful as this. ., ., ~ . represent an area as beautiful as this. ., ., ~ , i. ., ., this. looking behind you, it looks gorgeous- _ this. looking behind you, it looks gorgeous- we — this. looking behind you, it looks gorgeous. we can _ this. looking behind you, it looks gorgeous. we can go _ this. looking behind you, it looks gorgeous. we can go back - this. looking behind you, it looks gorgeous. we can go back to i this. looking behind you, it looks| gorgeous. we can go back to ben. this. looking behind you, it looks. gorgeous. we can go back to ben. a beautiful background to where you are as well. how is the attitude towards politics these days? do you think there is an apathy and indifference amongst people you talk to on their doorsteps, or are they all revved up for the election? it has been a turbulent time in scotland politically.- scotland politically. yeah, it certainly has. _

scotland politically. yeah, it certainly has. speaking i scotland politically. yeah, it certainly has. speaking to i scotland politically. yeah, it- certainly has. speaking to some voters over the last few weeks, some people still don't know how they will vote, or if indeed they will vote at all. some people have been voicing that opinion to me that they arejust a bit voicing that opinion to me that they are just a bit fed up voicing that opinion to me that they arejust a bit fed up of voicing that opinion to me that they are just a bit fed up of everything that has been going on and through that has been going on and through that turbulent time in scottish politics. this constituency of west aberdeenshire and kincardine, as part of the north—east, this region has a very divided political make up which makes it a rather key battleground in this election. the two nearby seats in aberdeen city, they are being defended by the snp, but certainly here in aberdeenshire and parts of moray, they are being defended by the conservatives. historically this seat was a liberal democrat stronghold through the 90s and early 2000s. it wasn't until 2015 when it was gained by the snp, it was then gained by the

conservatives in 2017 and held again at the last election in 2019. but only by around 800 votes. the snp were hot on the heels of the conservatives as runners—up. but it is a vast constituency, like any area, and it is not without its challenges. but there are many communities that could largely be described as quite affluent. given its historic election results, i think it is a rather interesting seat to keep an eye on. will it be held by the conservatives or will it change hands once again? interesting times, ben change hands once again? interesting times. then and _ change hands once again? interesting times, ben and iain _ change hands once again? interesting times, ben and iain, _ change hands once again? interesting times, ben and iain, good _ change hands once again? interesting times, ben and iain, good to - change hands once again? interesting times, ben and iain, good to talk- change hands once again? interesting times, ben and iain, good to talk to i times, ben and iain, good to talk to you, and beautiful locations you have picked to talk to us. we are grateful to both of you. you'll be able to see a list of all the candidates standing in west aberdeenshire and kincardine at this general election on your screen 110w. let's have a quick look now at the list of all the candidates standing in caithness, sutherland and easter ross at this general election.

and again, you can see a list of all the candidates standing in all the constituencies across the country on the bbc news website. you're watching bbc news. you can stay up to date with all of our election coverage on the bbc news website and app. great swathes of the united states are in the midst of a blistering heatwave that could last into the weekend. about 80 million americans are subject to an extreme heat warning as a huge dome of hot air hovers over midwestern and eastern states — while in the west, firefighters are still battling to bring several wildfires under control, as peter bowes reports. the view from space as california's biggest wildfire of the year engulfs a vast area to the north of los angeles. 25 square miles have burned. strong winds have hampered the firefighting effort. the area is sparsely populated and no homes have been destroyed but the terrain is steep, hard to reach and thick with dry brush.

we've had very wet winters. what that does is it causes a lot of grass to grow, a lot of shrubs get happy because they have the moisture that they need. but, in the summertime, we don't get rain here and it dries out. the blaze started at the weekend in searing heat. but slightly cooler temperatures have helped bring it partially under control and the fire is now about 25% contained. in new mexico, an entire town had to be hurriedly evacuated when it was surrounded by flames. about 7,000 people from ruidoso had to flee for their lives. more than 500 structures have been damaged. in the american midwest, record—breaking temperatures in the high 30s celsius are putting lives at risk. a heatwave of this intensity hasn't been seen for decades. cities like detroit, chicago and new york on the east coast are in the thick of it. we just don't have enough data yet

to understand how the heightened temperatures of the atmosphere and ocean are going to impact firefighting, coral reef die—off, things like this. so we're in a time of extreme climate. a slow moving heat dome is to blame for the sweltering temperatures. forecasters say it will get worse in the next couple of days, even before the official start of summer. peter bowes, bbc news, los angeles. some breaking news coming to us in the last few minutes. according to the last few minutes. according to the latest home office figures, 882 people were detected crossing the english channel on tuesday, yesterday, and that is the highest number on a single day so far this year. the channel crossings and the small boats are a huge issue for the election this year, particularly for rishi sunak, who has a number of

times promised to stop those illegal crossings of the channel. the latest figures show 882 people were detected crossing the channel in just one day. we will bring more analysis of those figures and what they mean later in the programme. a year ago the former footballer graeme souness took part in a gruelling swim across the english channel to raise funds and awareness for people living with a rare skin condition known as eb. graeme was inspired to take on the challenge after meeting teenager isla grist, whose had to endure countless operations since the day she was born, and lives in constant pain. this year, graeme souness wants to attempt another feat of endurance but he's facing his own injury struggles asjohn maguire found out when he went to catch up with him. a football legend, graeme souness is well used to stopping for photos. but this is a picture he'd rather not have taken. so this is where the tear was and this is the repair.

an ultrasound showing a serious injury to his shoulder. i think it's very likely the swim contributed to this going. so on top of some degeneration, the challenge of swimming in water, in waves, the unpredictability of it, ploughing your way throughjellyfish... we joined graeme at a recent appointment with dr phil batty. they've known each other for almost 25 years, since he was team physician at blackburn rovers while graeme was the manager. but now, at 71 years old, a lifetime of sport seems to have taken its toll. and the physical challenge of the cross—channel charity swim this time last year may well have played a part. he's in obvious pain, especially when trying to rotate his shoulder as if swimming. and just bring this arm down the back as far as you can. they're planning a much tougher challenge this year, but the key question is, can and will graeme be ready to swim again?

there's getting in a nice swimming pool and just moving your shoulder. there's doing a few lengths in a swimming pool and moving your shoulder. there's going for a swim in the sea and then there's going for a swim in the sea with some mad men. right. 0k. those are different things. i hear you. 0k. thanks for today. good to see you. how was it? good. you know, i've made enormous leaps and bounds in the last even two weeks since i've started to go and see a physio. so has this put any doubt in your mind about doing another challenge? i'm still really hopeful. no, i'll rephrase that — i've got to do it. i've got to do it because i'm getting absolute dog's abuse from my mates. so—called mates. ex—mates. so—called mates. but, all good banter. it's 6am on the beach at poole in dorset. this time last year, graeme and the team were building up to their relay swim — a feat that raised more than £1.6 million.

but, this morning, he's on the bench and he doesn't like it at all. when i was a football player, i rarely got injured. but when i did, i was a quick healer. and this is taking forever, which is a bit of a blow. luckily, his friend and swimming coach sean is full of sympathy. i mean, i didn't know a lot about shoulder injuries before, but, you know, it's one of those injuries that you have to rest it and you have to get the operation done. those ligaments don't join themselves. so he was in a bit of denial initially before the operation and then denialfrom getting physio. but i think we finally, you know, we finally got there and he's getting the physio and it's improving. he's inspired and driven by his relationship with isla grist. born with a genetic skin disorder, epidermolysis bullosa, known as eb, she's endured countless operations and lives her life in constant pain. last week, graeme was honoured with a cbe, in large part due to his commitment to working

for people with the disease. with our charity, you know, this is not something that i can flit in and out of. you know, i've said to lindsey and isla that, you know, i'm in. when i'm in, i'll be in. that's me, i'm properly in. so that'll be me. i'll keep doing it, and keep trying to raise awareness, keep doing daft things to where people go, "0h!" you know, it's an automatic, "oh, that's to do with the skin disease, debra." and we've just got to keep reminding people this thing does exist and how it devastates notjust the sufferer, but the families. it's also a rare journey south for isla's dad, andy, from the family home in inverness. part of the team last year, he knows better than anyone the importance of the work done by the charities debra and cure eb and says raising money and awareness is vital. so obviously we've stopped doing the challenges over the winter and i stopped training, but obviously eb doesn't stop and isla and all the community, all the kids and adults with eb,

have been fighting through that period as well. and their worry is the whole time and they get no break from it. you know, we choose when we do challenges, we choose when we train. but, for them, it's absolutely constant and they are the heroes in this, and that's why we're doing it. last time, the challenge was to turn graeme from an occasional holiday swimmer to somebody capable of taking on the english channel. they hope to go again. but, this year, with such a debilitating injury, the task is far tougher. it's a race notjust against tides but also against time. john maguire, bbc news, dorset. now to the football, and a crucial day for scotland's euro 2024 team if they're to stay in germany for the competition's knockout stages. meanwhile, for their own stay

in germany, one group of fan, called blairgary berry pickers tartan army booked into a hotel which they didn't know doubled as an old people's home. let's speak to paul casey, a group member and scotland fan. paul, you have frozen. can you hear me? that's a shame. to tell you the story, they booked a hotel in cologne, a big group of scottish lads, keen to watch the football and have few german beers, they walked into the hotel and saw some 80 and 19—year—olds men and women in their separate rooms and realise they hadn't booked a hotel but part of an old people's home. the story has a happy ending, they have all enjoyed their stay. happy ending, they have all enjoyed theirstay. i'm happy ending, they have all enjoyed their stay. i'm sure we'll try to get paul back to speak about it but

now it's time for the weather with chris fawkes. hello there. the weather for the next few days is looking fine and settled with some warm spells ofjune sunshine. today, no exception. it's been a beautiful start to the day with a fine sunrise here in redcar in cleveland. but it has been a morning where we've seen quite a few patches of cloud around, particularly for england and wales, even thick enough for an odd spit of rain and a bit of hill fog. however, any cloud through the morning should tend to break up, and by the time we get to the afternoon, spells of sunshine forecast to come through pretty widely. the only real exception, the far north of scotland, where it turns windier through the afternoon and there will be a few spots of rain. 14 for stornoway, 11 for lerwick. away from that we're looking at temperatures 17 to 21 celsius. it will feel warm in thatjune sunshine. but for those that are sensitive to the very high levels of grass and nettle pollen that we have in the forecast, it could be one of those sneezy afternoons. now, overnight tonight, a weak weatherfront across scotland still with us, could bring a few patches of rain into northern ireland as well.

otherwise, it's dry. temperatures about nine or ten degrees celsius. a bit colder than that in some rural areas. thursday, another fine—looking day. we do start off with cloudy weather this time for scotland and northern ireland. a few patches of rain here through the morning. the afternoon looking dry with increasing amounts of sunshine. and if anything, those temperatures will be creeping a little bit higher. so we're looking at 19 for belfast, 18 degrees for glasgow, but it's across england and wales that we'll see temperatures more widely reach the low 20s, which will feel very nice indeed. the end of the week, we see a more active weather front move in off the atlantic. so this is going to be bringing cloudier weather to northern ireland and scotland and more in the way of rain here as well. eastern scotland, england and wales drier with sunshine. there will be some areas of high cloud working across the skies which will make the sunshine a bit hazy at times. but it's another warm day. temperatures about 19 to 22 degrees celsius for most of you. now, into the weekend, the dregs of that same weather front will bring a few showers on saturday.

then the weather should become largely dry once again. so, saturday, showers around, some of them could be heavy and thundery for a time. then more in the way of sunshine and higher temperatures. could see highs reach 25 degrees in the warmest spots into the early part of next week. bye for now.

live from london. this is bbc news. the inflation rate falls to 2%, the first time in almost three years that the bank of england's target has been met. the snp is set to launch its election manifesto, with the spotlight on plans for a "major investment" in the nhs.

iam i am alive in hayle in cornwall as we visit key constituencies across the country. we are here to discuss housing and also maybe try a pasty or two. kimjong—un backs russia's invasion of ukraine, as vladimir putin visits north korea for the first time in 24 years. and in today's euro 2024 action, scotland are looking to return to winning form, as the side takes on switzerland tonight in cologne. hello, i'm maryam moshiri. figures out this morning show inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years — meeting the bank of england's key target. prices rose at 2% in the year to may — down from 2.3% in april. in october 2022 the figure peaked at 11.1%. the prime minister rishi sunak said the conservatives' economic plan hadn't been easy but today showed

"we've got there". shadow chancellor rachel reeves also welcomed the news, but added she wasn't going to say that everything in the economy "was fine". the lib dems said "millions of people won't be feeling better off today". 0n the election campaign trail — the scottish national party launches its manifesto this morning. at around 11am. first ministerjohn swinney will call for increased spending on public services. later on we'll also see the manifesto launches of sinn fein and george galloway�*s workers' party of great britain. but first, speaking on lbc, rishi sunak said the 2% figure showed the economy had "turned a corner" because of what he called "bold action" by the conservatives. it is very good news, because the last few years have been really tough for everybody. i know that and we've had lots of shocks, inflation putting up people's bills, but, you know, stuck to a plan, we've taken the action, wasn't always easy, but we've got there and inflation

is back to target. and that means people will start to feel the benefits and ease some of the burdens on the cost of living. and it's because of that economic stability that we've restored, which was my priority when i got this job, that we've now been able to start cutting people's taxes. and if i win this election, i'm going to keep doing more of that, cutting people's taxes at every stage of their life. labour's shadow chancellor, rachel reeves, welcomed the news that inflation has fallen — but said working people are still worse off. unlike conservative government ministers, i'm not going to say that everything is fine. i'm not going to say that the cost of living crisis is over. i know that for many families and pensioners, the cost of living crisis is still acute, because although inflation has returned to its target, it doesn't mean that prices are falling. itjust means they're going up at a lower rate than they were previously. and those higherfood prices, higher energy prices, higher rents and mortgages, they are still very real for very many people and putting big

pressure on family finances. and the choice really at this election is whether you want to carry on like that, five more years of chaos that we've seen under the conservatives, or the labour party who have got a real plan for growth, because it is by growing the economy that we can make working families, people across our country, better off. and that is what i'm determined to do. why is the rate of inflation falling in this way? here is our economics correspondent. it is in this way? here is our economics correspondent-— correspondent. it is almost three ears correspondent. it is almost three years since _ correspondent. it is almost three years since we — correspondent. it is almost three years since we have _ correspondent. it is almost three years since we have seen - correspondent. it is almost three years since we have seen the i correspondent. it is almost three i years since we have seen the point of inflation at the target and the short answer to that is if you look at the factors that caused that spike in the cost of living, the war in ukraine which drove up wholesale global food and energy costs, those have come down somewhat. you can see that respite being reflected in the bills we pay. groceries for example, bread, sugar, chocolate, those kind

of things, vegetables if you prefer something a bit different, those kind of things, the prices are coming down somewhat although prices remain higher than a few years ago perhaps. we mustn't forget those 14 interest rate rises deployed by the independent bank of england aimed at squeezing finances and therefore limiting the amount by which prices do go up. that has had an impact. if you look at what is going on here, inflation at 2% still mean some prices are rising stop pulled it apart, to use that football cliche, apart, to use that football cliche, a game of two halves. what we are seeing is on the good side you have prices on the whole building back. largely reflecting that fall in global wholesale costs. and also the fact some retailers are having to discount goods to get them off the shelves. when it comes to services, the likes of restaurants, hotels, travel, also of course concert tickets and the like, we are still seeing prices rising at a faster rate there. services inflation still

tops 5%. but of course reflects the fact that some people are willing to she“ fact that some people are willing to shell out to treat themselves, not least up to the pandemic years. but it does make some people nervous that we could see inflation start to rise just a little bit again that we could see inflation start to risejust a little bit again in that we could see inflation start to rise just a little bit again in the coming months.— rise just a little bit again in the cominu months. ~ , ., ., coming months. when you mention chocolate and _ coming months. when you mention chocolate and vegetables _ coming months. when you mention chocolate and vegetables i'm i chocolate and vegetables i'm struggling to work out which one i prefer, rishi sunak said the figures show the economy had turned a corner but labour have said that people are still worse off. which of the two or three already butchery? i will still worse off. which of the two or three already butchery?— three already butchery? i will give ou the three already butchery? i will give you the economist _ three already butchery? i will give you the economist answered, i three already butchery? i will give| you the economist answered, both three already butchery? i will give - you the economist answered, both can be true and you can have both your chocolate and vegetables, all in the name of balance, but what we are seeing here is inflation has hit the target once again. we are seeing on average incomes overtaking the rate at which prices are rising, so the cost of living squeeze has eased. having said that, look at our growth pattern over recent years, and

frankly it has been pretty disappointing. if you take away what has happened with inflation and if you are taking away what has happened with population growth and looking back over those last few years, many people will actually be relatively worse off than they were a couple of years ago. they are still going to feel they have a way to go before they turn the corner and we should say a quick word for all the borrowers out there because they will be wondering if this means interest rates are about to come down. we have got an announcement from the bank of england tomorrow. however at the bank needs to see inflation notjust come down to stay there in the coming months and years and there is still a question over that so we may have to wait a little bit longer i'm afraid for that first cut in interest rates. let's speak to our political correspondent alicia mccarthy, who's in westminster for us. let's talk through just appropriately because we have had all the information on why inflation has dropped and what it means, but

politically this must have made for relief within conservative hq this morning. relief within conservative hq this morninu. , . relief within conservative hq this mornin. , ., .,, ., morning. yes, and as we heard their rishi sunak — morning. yes, and as we heard their rishi sunak was _ morning. yes, and as we heard their rishi sunak was on _ morning. yes, and as we heard their rishi sunak was on abound - morning. yes, and as we heard their rishi sunak was on abound in - morning. yes, and as we heard their rishi sunak was on abound in this i rishi sunak was on abound in this morning asking questions and the first thing he wanted to talk about was inflation. it allowed him to say it is now bang on target, so this is the target that has been set by the bank of england. today it has hit that figure, so rishi sunak very keen to stress because it comes into his narrative of i have brought stability to the economy, i have steadied the ship, the figures are now ogling in the right direction, so he was really keen to point that out. rachel reeves and the liberal democrats. , but of course this isn't the end of it. people won't necessarily be feeling better of the day and rachel reeves saying we know this is not the end of the story, times are still tough.— this is not the end of the story, times are still tough. let's talk a bit about labour— times are still tough. let's talk a bit about labour today. - times are still tough. let's talk a bit about labour today. they - times are still tough. let's talk a l bit about labour today. they have also reacted to these figures put up

rachel reeves talking about ties being pretty tough. what does the labour campaign look like this week? i knew the economy is very much in focus for them.— focus for them. their focus this week is on _ focus for them. their focus this week is on the _ focus for them. their focus this week is on the economy. - focus for them. their focus this week is on the economy. that l focus for them. their focus this i week is on the economy. that was always a plan. coinciding with those figures out today, rachel reeves and sir keir star merah out and about today and i are visiting a supermarket. this is what they are up supermarket. this is what they are up to today and they will be talking about those inflation figures and the cost of living and increases people have seen in their food the cost of living and increases people have seen in theirfood bills for example over recent months and years. for example over recent months and ears. �* , . ~' for example over recent months and ears. �*, . ~' . for example over recent months and ears. h . ~ ., , ., years. let's talk a little bit more about the rest _ years. let's talk a little bit more about the rest of _ years. let's talk a little bit more about the rest of the _ years. let's talk a little bit more about the rest of the political. about the rest of the political outlook today, because we are seeing a number of parties coming out with their manifesto, the snp, sinn fein, george galloway�*s workers' party, and more importantly perhaps than anything there is a deadline for postal voting today, election day is looming, it is coming fast. ht postalvoting today, election day is looming, it is coming fast.- looming, it is coming fast. it will be here before _ looming, it is coming fast. it will be here before you _ looming, it is coming fast. it will be here before you know - looming, it is coming fast. it will be here before you know it. - looming, it is coming fast. it will| be here before you know it. let's take one or two of those things in

turn. the snp manifesto is the biggest one of all of those and it comes out today. they are very much talking about the nhs in scotland, because health like education is default. what goes on in scotland is very much down to the snp government, but what they are saying is they want to see an end to westminster cuts. they are calling for more money to be spent on the nhs in scotland. that is what we are expecting to hear from them. the workers' party and sinn fein also putting their manifesto is up—to—date, a more from them. if you want to vote by post, if you can't get to a polling station, if you will be on your holidays, if you have something else you are going to be doing, although i can't imagine what that is, this is the deadline for you applying for a postal vote. you have to get that done today if you want to vote by post. fix, you have to get that done today if you want to vote by post. a holiday sounds lovely- _ you want to vote by post. a holiday sounds lovely. when _ you want to vote by post. a holiday sounds lovely. when will— you want to vote by post. a holiday sounds lovely. when will we - you want to vote by post. a holiday sounds lovely. when will we get i you want to vote by post. a holiday i sounds lovely. when will we get one? probably not untiljuly. thank you for that.

probably not untiljuly. thank you forthat. let's probably not untiljuly. thank you for that. let's talk... probably not untiljuly. thank you forthat. let's talk... let's probably not untiljuly. thank you for that. let's talk... let's hear a bit from tom symonds who is with the conservative campaign. rishi sunak of course has been criticised for starting this election process so early in the year. he could have waited some more months. the hope i think the conservative party was that there would be some good economic news that would help give him a little bit of a boost in this very arduous election campaign that he is facing. that 2% inflation figure is obviously good news for the government. he has used it to say today that he is sticking to his plan, the government's plan to improve the economy and still offering to reduce taxes in the long run. we are heading to a location in the east of england, as usual we can't show you where for security reasons. interestingly rishi sunak are still in the studios of lbc answering the listeners of that radio

station's questions. it isn't entirely clear to us how he will get to where we are supposed to be meeting him. but in those questions he has been answering he has been pushed on familiar territory, for those who have been watching this campaign closely. he has been asked for example whether borisjohnson should be entering the fray, currently on holiday, and rishi sunak said boris is supporting the conservative party and endorsing candidates from afar. he was asked whether he would welcome nigel farage into the conservative fold in the coming years and he said, i am focused on winning the election, this election. he was put under pressure about the donation from frank hester, the businessman who has been criticised for making racist comments. he said again people should apologise when they have done something wrong and that that apology should be accepted. on it went, he was put under pressure

about if he couldn't beat liz truss in the leadership election in 2022, whether that showed he couldn't win this general election. he said, i was right in the election against liz truss and i am right now. finally again on taxes, he was phoned by a junior doctor who has phoned him before in an lbc phone in and asked how he might resolve the junior doctors pay dispute, they are asking for 35% and rishi sunak said, i do not want to put everyone�*s taxes up to pay for that pay offer forjunior doctors. very familiar territory. the election campaign goes on for rishi sunak and he is sticking to core messages. let's turn to the scottish national party — launching its manifesto in edinburgh injust under an hour — with a call for an additional £1 billion a yearfor the health service in scotland. with more on this, here's our

scotland correspondent lorna gordon. john swinney has been leader of the snp forjust over six weeks. he's now leading it into a general election and aware that photo opportunities while out campaigning can have challenges. i'm very concerned about how i will manage this. his party, though, argue the challenges will come from policies devised at westminster and claim that both the conservatives and labour present a danger to the nhs. mr swinney argues the snp will fight any cuts, which it says are coming, and will today propose ways to increase funding on health. its manifesto will, he says, include measures to protect the nhs against privatisation. it will set out support for families struggling with the cost of living and will also detail plans for investment in public services. we want to make sure that the damage that's been done to our country, for example, from brexit, is reversed by this westminster election, so that we can rejoin the european union. i want us to take measures

to assist the cost of living, such as implementing a social tariff that will protect vulnerable households from high energy costs and from connectivity costs. these are some of the ideas that would make a difference to people's lives in scotland. and, of course, all of that could be achieved if scotland was an independent country and the possibility of independence will be right at the heart of the snp manifesto. the snp say they offer an alternative to the spending squeeze both the conservatives and labour will, the party claims, implement should they win. mr swinney points to policies they've brought in at holyrood, like the scottish child payment, as proof that his party is different. you stole my seat! have i stolen your seat? i'm so sorry. child's play here, but manifestos are a serious moment to set out a party's stall. the aim for the snp to win seats through the measures being proposed today.

let's speak to bbc scotland reporter katie hunter. he may have only had about six weeks to lodge this manifesto butjohn swinney has been here before, it isn't his first manifesto launch, he launched one when he was eight between 2000 and 2004 but the key thing this time he has a real battle on his hands with labour. absolutely. politicians, journalists, candidates are gathering in the building behind me ahead of this manifesto launch. i think we can expect to see and hear attacks on both the conservatives and labour, as you mentioned, there will be key seats across the country where there really will be a big fight between the snp and labour. to give you some of the context, at the last general election in 2019, the snp won 48 seats in scotland, compared to labour's just one seat.

the snp were miles ahead of labour. the snp were miles ahead of labour. the polls have been suggesting that gap is closing and some polls are suggesting labour are now ahead. in key seats across the central belt those two parties will really be fighting one another. i think we can expect to hear some attacks on labour from expect to hear some attacks on labourfrom john swinney expect to hear some attacks on labour from john swinney when he gets on his feet in the next hour or so. ~ ., gets on his feet in the next hour or so. ~ . ., ., , gets on his feet in the next hour or so. ~ . ., ._ ., ., so. we have already heard about the investment in _ so. we have already heard about the investment in the _ so. we have already heard about the investment in the nhs _ so. we have already heard about the investment in the nhs in _ so. we have already heard about the investment in the nhs in scotland i investment in the nhs in scotland but what about independence, how important is that going to be in this manifesto, so? we important is that going to be in this manifesto, so? we already know independence — this manifesto, so? we already know independence will _ this manifesto, so? we already know independence will be _ this manifesto, so? we already know independence will be page _ this manifesto, so? we already know independence will be page one, i this manifesto, so? we already know independence will be page one, line | independence will be page one, line one of the manifesto. we know that because the snp have already told us. i am sure it will be a key thread running through the manifesto and john swinney�*s speech. we can also expect to hear a lot about austerity, brexit, the cost of living crisis. they have been mentioned in every snp campaign event i have been apt and i am sure it will be no different today. the

snp and john swinney say austerity, brexit and the cost of living have been imposed on scotland by westminster. yes, independence will be a big theme and we are expecting the nhs to come up as well. i was speaking tojohn swinney a few days ago, asking him, the nhs is such a priority for so many voters, so why not have the nhs as line one and page one of the manifesto, but he is saying independence is key to the future of the nhs, to safeguarding the nhs. we are expecting him to say today the westminster consensus between the tories, and labour represents a clear and present danger to the nhs. {line represents a clear and present danger to the nhs.— represents a clear and present dancer to the nhs. ., , ., danger to the nhs. one more question before ou danger to the nhs. one more question before you go. — danger to the nhs. one more question before you go. i _ danger to the nhs. one more question before you go, i was _ danger to the nhs. one more question before you go, i was talking _ danger to the nhs. one more question before you go, i was talking to - danger to the nhs. one more question before you go, i was talking to a i before you go, i was talking to a couple of scotland reporters in various constituencies and they were talking to me about the real voter apathy that they have experienced in the areas where they are. it is not a problem do you think this time in

scotland, are people after the turbulent time we have had in scottish politics a little fed up? i scottish politics a little fed up? i think it depends who you speak to. it depends on the constituencies you are in. in the last general election scotland had the highest turnout out of any of the four nations and i think it depends where you go. we know among some younger voters, many of them aren't registered to even vote in this general election but you are right to point out there has been a lot going on in scottish politics over the last couple of months. don't forget back in april humza yousaf was the first minister and no one was expecting john swinney to be taking over as first minister and as snp leader, let alone leading the snp into a july general election. a lot has changed over the last couple of months and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the vote in a couple of weeks. ., ~ , ., for more on the snp's

election campaign i've been speaking to geoff aberdein, who was chief of staff to the former snp leader and first minister of scotland, alex salmond. i began by asking him how much of threat labour now posed to the snp in scotland. i was there in 2007 when we unseated labour and we had a very substantial victory four years later, a majority in a proportional representation parliament re—election in scotland. the key to that was competent government. i think it is fair to say and even most snp members would say quietly, they haven't been that competent of late. get the government back to being a more efficient, competent government and i think john swinney has started to make inroads in that respect. appointing kate forbes as deputy and stephen flynn at westminster is quite a formidable performer. but i don't think it will be that beneficial in this contest. it has to be viewed as a two—year project ahead of 2026 holyrood elections. time not really on mr swinney�*s side, he has barely had any time at all.

that has benefits and risks. the benefit is he can say if we lose a lot of seats to labour it is hardly my fault, i was getting my feet under the table, but alternatively they do need to stem the tide that is a labourjuggernaut coming in their direction just now and i think what you'll see today from the manifesto is attempts to try and stave it off, play on labour's traditional territory and stem the losses at this election and have a somewhat decent platform ahead of the election in two years. it is battling with labour and trying to place itself to the left of labour. i think there is an interesting battle going on here. i do a podcast separately which anas sarwar has been on a number of times. he has openly said he looks at the snp model of 2007 and tries to emulate that and that was a centre—left proposition, that recognised we needed economic growth but the benefits of that economic growth should go towards better public services. i think bear in mind

john swinney was part of that government, he was finance secretary seven years. i think we will see this battle placed on the centre ground proposition of seeking economic growth but also trying to make sure we betterfund public services as a benefit of that economic growth and that is why we have seen the nhs pledge today. talk me through the nhs pledge, because it is now putting a spotlight on major investment in the nhs but unlike labour it does not actually talk about making changes to the nhs, it is basically throwing money at it, isn't it, this policy? i agree with that. it is nondescript enough. let's look at the politics of this. this is whyjohn swinney has taken this approach. the labour party in the scottish parliament have had some success in scrutinising the snp's record on health and the nhs, butjohn swinney also knows there will be a labour government,

almost certainly if the polls are to be believed, so he is using this as a tactic going forward into the 2026 election to say we called for this, you can't be trusted, only the snp can stand up for scotland. that is clearly the strategy he wants to adopt, a medium to long game as opposed to an immediate game. what would be a respectable number of seats for the snp to win at the end when all the dust has settled? 20. i have it in my head. it will be a stretch for the snp to win this election in terms of seats. they have been around about neck and neck in popular vote but that means a lot of seats in the central parts of scotland will fall to the labour party if that materialises, so in my head if you can keep 20 i think that is a solid platform and think it wasn't as bad as it was predicted, and it is a decent platform to take forward.

it might rejuvenate the current programme for government. that is what they were trying to but they have to hold on to at least 20 in opinion. as we count down to election day, we're speaking to people across the uk to find out what's important to them, and what might win their vote next month. we're in constituencies all over the country. let's speak to our correspondent nicky schiller, who is in hayle, cornwall — which is part of the cambourne and redruth constituency. earlier only talked to me about going to get a pasty with a cup of coffee. the issue i have with a pasty and a cup of coffee at this time of the morning is not a pasty because they are ok, it is a pasty with coffee, surely it is at pasty with coffee, surely it is at pasty with tea or a can of cola, talk me through this, let's have a debate, it is election time. you through this, let's have a debate, it is election time.— through this, let's have a debate, it is election time. you know me, it has to be coffee _ it is election time. you know me, it has to be coffee for _ it is election time. you know me, it has to be coffee for me. _ it is election time. you know me, it has to be coffee for me. you i it is election time. you know me, it has to be coffee for me. you are i has to be coffee for me. you are talking about having a pasty for breakfast. we are in a pasty shop, family run since 1958. it has been very busy here all morning. look,

breakfast pasties have completely sold out, but amy he was here, you saved me a breakfast pasty. go and grab it because maryam moshiri wants to see may have one. what is in a breakfast pasty?— to see may have one. what is in a breakfast pasty? sausage, bacon, e: rs breakfast pasty? sausage, bacon, e: as and breakfast pasty? sausage, bacon, eggs and beans- _ breakfast pasty? sausage, bacon, eggs and beans. thank— breakfast pasty? sausage, bacon, eggs and beans. thank you i breakfast pasty? sausage, bacon, eggs and beans. thank you very i breakfast pasty? sausage, bacon, i eggs and beans. thank you very much to the team — eggs and beans. thank you very much to the team here. _ eggs and beans. thank you very much to the team here. they _ eggs and beans. thank you very much to the team here. they have - eggs and beans. thank you very much to the team here. they have been i to the team here. they have been very busy with people, real queues. they say during the peak times you will see they have got the barrier appeared, because they have so many people queueing at the open at 7:30am in the morning for the building trade, a lot of builders have a pasty before they go off to their sites. have a pasty before they go off to theirsites. building have a pasty before they go off to their sites. building sort of ties in with my here in cornwall today because we are talking about housing. looking up some of the key election issues, housing is particularly one here in cornwall because of the number of second homes that are here. during the

overt pandemic a lot of people wanted to come down to the west country and a lot of houses were sold which means locals find it a struggle to find here. joining me here in hayle is deborah who runs a lettings agency here in the town and also bill, who is from quest, another lettings agency in cornwall. we have talked about the amount properties here. how difficult is it to get a home in cornwall? extremely difficult. it to get a home in cornwall? extremely difficult. it has— to get a home in cornwall? extremely difficult. it has got _ to get a home in cornwall? extremely difficult. it has got better _ to get a home in cornwall? extremely difficult. it has got better since i difficult. it has got better since the pandemic but you are talking often _ the pandemic but you are talking often really high base. as an example _ often really high base. as an example we advertise a one—bedroom flatiust _ example we advertise a one—bedroom flatjust over a week example we advertise a one—bedroom flat just over a week ago, example we advertise a one—bedroom flatjust over a week ago, i advertised it and we had 30 inquiries _ advertised it and we had 30 inquiries in less than 48 hours. i turned _ inquiries in less than 48 hours. i turned the — inquiries in less than 48 hours. i turned the advert off because i knew there _ turned the advert off because i knew there was_ turned the advert off because i knew there was no way we were going to need _ there was no way we were going to need to— there was no way we were going to need to show any more people. and that is_ need to show any more people. and that is the _ need to show any more people. and that is the problem. we were only able that is the problem. we were only abte to— that is the problem. we were only able to offer that property to one

person. — able to offer that property to one person, which means 29 people don't have somewhere to live at the moment _ have somewhere to live at the moment. ~ have somewhere to live at the moment-— have somewhere to live at the moment. ~ ., ., ~ moment. when i arrived here we talk to the ladies — moment. when i arrived here we talk to the ladies inside _ moment. when i arrived here we talk to the ladies inside and _ moment. when i arrived here we talk to the ladies inside and they - moment. when i arrived here we talk to the ladies inside and they say i to the ladies inside and they say the amount brent is costing them compared to their income, it is a huge part of their income, sometimes half of that, how much does a property costa? if it half of that, how much does a property costa?— property costa? if it is a one-bedroom _ property costa? if it is a one-bedroom property | property costa? if it is a i one-bedroom property you are property costa? if it is a _ one-bedroom property you are looking one—bedroom property you are looking around _ one—bedroom property you are looking around about 675, and it goes up from _ around about 675, and it goes up from there. — around about 675, and it goes up from there, two bedrooms, 850. get the family— from there, two bedrooms, 850. get the family home you would be struggling to get one below 1200 these _ struggling to get one below 1200 these days, at the push 1000 but 1200, _ these days, at the push 1000 but 1200, which is a huge amount of money— 1200, which is a huge amount of money on — 1200, which is a huge amount of money on the wages locally. a lot of the properties _ money on the wages locally. a lot of the properties here _ money on the wages locally. a lot of the properties here are _ money on the wages locally. a lot of the properties here are second i the properties here are second homes. a, the properties here are second homes. �* ., ., , ., , homes. a lot are second homes. there are holiday lets — homes. a lot are second homes. there are holiday lets as _ homes. a lot are second homes. there are holiday lets as well— homes. a lot are second homes. there are holiday lets as well but _ homes. a lot are second homes. there are holiday lets as well but that - homes. a lot are second homes. there are holiday lets as well but that is i are holiday lets as well but that is are holiday lets as well but that is a different — are holiday lets as well but that is a different area completely. there are a _ a different area completely. there are a lot _ a different area completely. there are a lot of — a different area completely. there are a lot of properties left empty for the _ are a lot of properties left empty for the best part of the year. what do ou for the best part of the year. what do you think _ for the best part of the year. what do you think the _ for the best part of the year. what do you think the answer _ for the best part of the year. transit do you think the answer is? for the best part of the year. what do you think the answer is? those j do you think the answer is? those should be taxed _ do you think the answer is? those should be taxed more _ do you think the answer is? those should be taxed more which i i do you think the answer is? those should be taxed more which i believe is happening. it is a bit of a fine

line because i don't want to see all the holiday— line because i don't want to see all the holiday let owners lumped into that, _ the holiday let owners lumped into that, because this is a tourist town — that, because this is a tourist town but _ that, because this is a tourist town. but at the same time, the second _ town. but at the same time, the second home owners, needs to be curtailed, — second home owners, needs to be curtailed, because they are far too many _ curtailed, because they are far too many you — curtailed, because they are far too many. you can see them, you walk around _ many. you can see them, you walk around at _ many. you can see them, you walk around at night and you can see how many— around at night and you can see how many are _ around at night and you can see how many are just empty properties. phil. _ many are just empty properties. phil. one — many are just empty properties. phil, one of the issues is getting housing for local workers and one of theissues housing for local workers and one of the issues in this election has been the issues in this election has been the health service. you are actually trying to help health service workers, how did that come about? it was a bbc spotlight interview in november— was a bbc spotlight interview in november 21 _ was a bbc spotlight interview in november 21 where _ was a bbc spotlight interview in november 21 where there - was a bbc spotlight interview in november 21 where there was l was a bbc spotlight interview in november 21 where there was a j november 21 where there was a radiologist— november 21 where there was a radiologist struggling _ november 21 where there was a radiologist struggling to - november 21 where there was a radiologist struggling to find i november 21 where there was a i radiologist struggling to find and november 21 where there was a . radiologist struggling to find and i couldnt— radiologist struggling to find and i couldn't think— radiologist struggling to find and i couldn't think why— radiologist struggling to find and i couldn't think why he _ radiologist struggling to find and i couldn't think why he couldn't i radiologist struggling to find and i. couldn't think why he couldn't find, i made _ couldn't think why he couldn't find, i made a _ couldn't think why he couldn't find, i made a few— couldn't think why he couldn't find, i made a few inquiries— couldn't think why he couldn't find, i made a few inquiries and - couldn't think why he couldn't find, i made a few inquiries and they. i made a few inquiries and they don't _ i made a few inquiries and they don't have _ i made a few inquiries and they don't have the _ i made a few inquiries and they don't have the luxury— i made a few inquiries and they don't have the luxury of - i made a few inquiries and they| don't have the luxury of making i made a few inquiries and they. don't have the luxury of making a phone _ don't have the luxury of making a phone call— don't have the luxury of making a phone call straightaway— don't have the luxury of making a phone call straightaway to - don't have the luxury of making a phone call straightaway to an i don't have the luxury of making a i phone call straightaway to an estate agent— phone call straightaway to an estate agent and _ phone call straightaway to an estate agent and saying _ phone call straightaway to an estate agent and saying can _ phone call straightaway to an estate agent and saying can i— phone call straightaway to an estate agent and saying can i view- phone call straightaway to an estate agent and saying can i view this, i agent and saying can i view this, they— agent and saying can i view this, they have — agent and saying can i view this, they have to— agent and saying can i view this, they have to wait _ agent and saying can i view this, they have to wait until _ agent and saying can i view this, they have to wait until the - agent and saying can i view this, they have to wait until the rightl they have to wait until the right time _ they have to wait until the right time when _ they have to wait until the right time when they— they have to wait until the right time when they are _ they have to wait until the right time when they are not - they have to wait until the rightj time when they are not working they have to wait until the right i time when they are not working and by that— time when they are not working and by that time — time when they are not working and by that time they _ time when they are not working and by that time they are _ time when they are not working and by that time they are told _ time when they are not working and by that time they are told it - time when they are not working and by that time they are told it is - by that time they are told it is gone — by that time they are told it is gone or— by that time they are told it is gone or no— by that time they are told it is gone or no more _ by that time they are told it is gone or no more viewings- by that time they are told it is gone or no more viewings or. gone or no more viewings or

whateven _ gone or no more viewings or whateven we _ gone or no more viewings or whatever. we work - gone or no more viewings or whatever. we work with i gone or no more viewings or whatever. we work with the| gone or no more viewings or- whatever. we work with the trusts, they are _ whatever. we work with the trusts, they are accommodation _ whatever. we work with the trusts, they are accommodation teams, i whatever. we work with the trusts, i they are accommodation teams, and we -ive they are accommodation teams, and we give them _ they are accommodation teams, and we give them exclusive _ they are accommodation teams, and we give them exclusive access _ they are accommodation teams, and we give them exclusive access to _ they are accommodation teams, and we give them exclusive access to the - give them exclusive access to the properties— give them exclusive access to the properties for— give them exclusive access to the properties for 7—14 _ give them exclusive access to the properties for 7—14 days - give them exclusive access to the properties for 7—14 days prior i give them exclusive access to the properties for 7—14 days prior to l properties for 7—14 days prior to putting — properties for 7—14 days prior to putting it — properties for 7—14 days prior to putting it onto _ properties for 7—14 days prior to putting it onto the _ properties for 7—14 days prior to putting it onto the open - properties for 7—14 days prior to| putting it onto the open market. properties for 7—14 days prior to i putting it onto the open market. if we do _ putting it onto the open market. if we do put — putting it onto the open market. if we do put it— putting it onto the open market. if we do put it on— putting it onto the open market. if we do put it on the _ putting it onto the open market. if we do put it on the open— putting it onto the open market. if we do put it on the open market i putting it onto the open market. ifl we do put it on the open market we then put— we do put it on the open market we then put nhs— we do put it on the open market we then put nhs preferred _ we do put it on the open market we then put nhs preferred with - we do put it on the open market we then put nhs preferred with every. then put nhs preferred with every single _ then put nhs preferred with every single listing — then put nhs preferred with every single listing to _ then put nhs preferred with every single listing to try _ then put nhs preferred with every single listing to try and _ then put nhs preferred with every single listing to try and place i then put nhs preferred with every single listing to try and place as i single listing to try and place as many— single listing to try and place as many nhs — single listing to try and place as many nhs staff— single listing to try and place as many nhs staff as _ single listing to try and place as many nhs staff as we _ single listing to try and place as many nhs staff as we can. i single listing to try and place as many nhs staff as we can. hasl single listing to try and place as many nhs staff as we can. has it been successful? _ many nhs staff as we can. has it been successful? yes, _ many nhs staff as we can. has it been successful? yes, this i many nhs staff as we can. has it i been successful? yes, this morning we had given _ been successful? yes, this morning we had given the _ been successful? yes, this morning we had given the keys _ been successful? yes, this morning we had given the keys to _ been successful? yes, this morning we had given the keys to the i been successful? yes, this morning we had given the keys to the 171st l we had given the keys to the 171st nhs tenant~ — we had given the keys to the 171st nhs tenant-— nhs tenant. simple but it works. throughout _ nhs tenant. simple but it works. throughout the _ nhs tenant. simple but it works. throughout the day _ nhs tenant. simple but it works. throughout the day we _ nhs tenant. simple but it works. throughout the day we will i nhs tenant. simple but it works. throughout the day we will be i throughout the day we will be looking at the issues of housing here in cornwall. we will be talking a little later to homelessness charity about how they try and help people here in cornwall. i have now got my pasty, my breakfast pasty which i will have a little taste of for you, shall i do it now? i which i will have a little taste of for you, shall i do it now? for you, shalli do it now? i want to watch you _ for you, shalli do it now? i want to watch you do _ for you, shalli do it now? i want to watch you do that _ for you, shalli do it now? i want to watch you do that and - for you, shalli do it now? i want to watch you do that and feel i for you, shalli do it now? i want| to watch you do that and feel the hurt in my heart and tummy while i am stuck here for the next two or three hours, with no food and barely any drink, no sustenance.—

any drink, no sustenance. there we no. any drink, no sustenance. there we to. wow. any drink, no sustenance. there we go- wow- nicky _ any drink, no sustenance. there we go. wow. nicky schiller, _ any drink, no sustenance. there we go. wow. nicky schiller, what i any drink, no sustenance. there we go. wow. nicky schiller, what can l any drink, no sustenance. there we go. wow. nicky schiller, what can i | go. wow. nicky schiller, what can i sa , go. wow. nicky schiller, what can i say. reckless _ go. wow. nicky schiller, what can i say, reckless pasty _ go. wow. nicky schiller, what can i say, reckless pasty live _ go. wow. nicky schiller, what can i say, reckless pasty live on - go. wow. nicky schiller, what can i say, reckless pasty live on air, i say, reckless pasty live on air, only he can achieve that i'm still look great. you'll be able to see a list of all the candidates standing in camborne and redruth at this general election on your screen now. and you can see a list of all the candidates standing in all the constituencies across the country on the bbc news website. michelle hussain will be hosting this debate on wednesday the 26th of june. how many times can i say bbc, i don't know,. you can watch nonstop coverage

of the election campaign now, until the results are called — and beyond — on bbc iplayer. just look for election 2024 live. this is bbc news, the headlines... new figures show inflation in the year to may fell to 2%, hitting the bank of england's target for the first time in nearly three years. the snp will launch its election manifesto this morning with a call for an additional £1 billion a year

for the health service in scotland. kim jong—un has said he "fully supports" russia's invasion of ukraine, as vladimir putin visits north korea for the first time in 24 years. and in today's euro 2024 action, scotland are looking to return to winning form, as the side takes on switzerland tonight in cologne. more than 800 migrants arrived in the uk after crossing the channel in a single day, making it the busiest day so far this year. with me now is our correspondent torres magill. talk us through the figures. the home office _ talk us through the figures. tue: home office released figures in the last hour saying 882 people made the journey across and were picked up in small boats crossing yesterday. that was 15 boats brought to dover

yesterday, the busiest day for crossings in the english channel so far this year. the previous busiest day was in may, 711. this means the total number so far this year to just over 12,300. so not a great day for people, you may be asking why yesterday, and of course it was a good day in terms of the weather, that may be one of the reasons why. immigration and illegal crossings, boat crossings and small boats is a big political issue this year. we have had a _ big political issue this year. - have had a lot in the last couple of weeks in the election campaign from all the main parties. the conservative party has relentlessly said they will stop the boats with their plans. although no figures have been released they are suggesting a possible cap but again the party is not willing... they said they are willing to take bold action to reduce immigration if they are elected. the labour party pledge that they will promise to cut net

migration to the uk if they win. but again they are reluctant to set out any of the figures in that context. reform have said they will stop nonessential migration. as you say, a big political hot potato and these figures will not come as good news for any party promising to bring down migration.— for any party promising to bring down migration. for any party promising to bring down miaration. ., ., , ., ~ down migration. thomas magill, thank ou. north korea's president has held talks with vladimir putin, at the start of the russian president's first visit to the country for almost a quarter of a century. the two nuclear powers have vowed to strengthen military ties, and kimjung—un has said he "fully supports" russia's war on ukraine. the us and south korea accuse north korea of supplying moscow with artillery in exchange for food and military aid. speaking in pyongyang, president putin thanked north korea for its support on ukraine, and took aim at his western critics. translation: we highly| appreciate your consistent

and unwavering support for russian policy, including the ukrainian direction. i mean, ourfight against the hegemonic imperialist policy imposed for decades by the united states and its satellites towards the russian federation. in the last hour, vladimir putin and kimjong—un have signed a strategic partnership agreement. our correspondent shaimaa khalil has more from seoul. we did know from the beginning of the meeting when they sat down together that there was going to be a document of some sort. the president, vladimir putin, said that there was going to a document that is going to be the basis of the relationship going forward between russia and north korea. we also heard from the presidential adviser yesterday that, again, an agreement is going to be... or crucial documents are going to be signed that have to do with partnership, whether that's economic, military or security.

he did say it was going to touch on security. but, yes, i think it has to do again with what we've been talking about in terms of this deepening relationship between the two countries and the two leaders, something that the west, especially the united states, have voiced their concern about, because of what it would mean in terms of the war in ukraine, as they again levelled those charges against north korea for supplying russia with munitions, with artillery, with missiles, that have been used in the battlefield in ukraine, in areas like kharkiv, for example, despite denials from both pyongyang and moscow. we know that russia needs more munitions, as its stockpile is depleting as the war continues on the ground. we know that pyongyang is in a position to provide them with plenty of that right now, especially that north korean weaponry is based on soviet—era technology, so it's quite transferable. and as we keep hearing from the united states and from officials here

in south korea, that big shipments have already taken place. now, to find out what matters most to you ahead of the vote next month, the bbc is in constituencies all over the uk to hear what you have to say. today, we're going to look at the issues affecting two constituencies in scotland. our reporter ben philip is in the west aberdeenshire and kincardine constituency. and iain macinnes is in the caithness, sutherland and easter ross constituency. whyte and mackay spoke to both of them a little bit earlier. this is what they had to say about the key issues affecting the areas where they are. good morning from stonehaven, one of the largest towns in north—east scotland,

famous for its hogmanay fireballs festival, and being the birthplace of the bbc founder, john reith. and also the infamous deep—fried mars bar is said to have been created in a local chip shop here as well. stonehaven is in the west aberdeenshire and kincardine constituency. i think like any area of the country people are thinking about the same issues. i have been speaking to voters over the last few weeks and many mention the cost of living crisis, the nhs, education. indeed, some people say they still don't know how they will vote or if they will vote at all. one of the main talking points of the campaign in this part of the world has been the future of the oil and gas industry. thousands ofjobs rely on it here. nearby aberdeen has been the oil and gas capital since the 1960s. we know that climate targets are now really important. we know the energy industry has been transitioning towards greener and cleaner energy, but industry experts have been arguing that oil and gas will still be required as part

of the energy mix for some time to come. the direction of travel for the oil and gas industry is very important to many people living in this area. it has been a hot topic of debate throughout this campaign. it's very important to people living here in areas like stonehaven. ben, thank you. we can cross to iain and talk about what's happening where you are. the political make—up of the area is key this year. it is indeed. one of the big things, one of the big talking points, is the boundary changes. the seat i am in just now, caithness, sutherland and easter ross, is now the largest uk constituency by area, and it is huge. it covers most of northern scotland, stretching from nearby inverness, where i am close to today, taking a lot of suburbs of the city of inverness, stretching up the east coast as far asjohn o'groats and the furthest part of northern mainland scotland, heading over to the other side

of the north coast at durness, all the way down the west coast to ullapool and back across. it is a huge area, really diverse as well with a lot of towns and villages but also rural agricultural parts as well. there are a lot of issues that need to be looked at. one of the key ones we are hearing about in this constituency is about depopulation, young people leaving this area and not coming back, especially through in the more northern parts of the constituency, especially in the more rural parts. another big issue and talking point is around energy pricing, a huge amount of green, clean energy has been created in the north of scotland, both onshore and offshore, yet people in many of these parts are paying more for their electricity. there is no mains gas in much of the constituency so people have higher energy bills, there is lot of fuel poverty, and at the same time they see energy being exported. people we are speaking to see it as an injustice

that they want to see rectified by the incoming government. the political make—up is quite interesting. this equivalent seat was previously won by the liberal democrats but it now takes in a much greater swathe of the central highlands, including places like dingwall and ullapool which in the past have had a lot of support for the snp. it will be a huge job for whoever is chosen to be the mp for this area. it will also notjust be about the distances involved and travel, but about trying to address individual issues the smaller communities have. but i think it's also an honour to represent an area as beautiful as this. looking behind you, it looks gorgeous. we can go back to ben. a beautiful background to where you are as well. how is the attitude towards politics these days? do you think there is an apathy and indifference amongst people you talk to on their doorsteps, or are they all revved up for the election? it has been a turbulent time

in scotland politically. yeah, it certainly has. speaking to some voters over the last few weeks, some people still don't know how they will vote, or if indeed they will vote at all. some people have been voicing that opinion to me that they are just a bit fed up of everything that has been going on and through that turbulent time in scottish politics. this constituency of west aberdeenshire and kincardine, as part of the north—east, this region has a very divided political make—up which makes it a rather key battleground in this election. the two nearby seats in aberdeen city, they are being defended by the snp, but certainly here in aberdeenshire and parts of moray, they are being defended by the conservatives. historically this seat was a liberal democrat stronghold through the �*90s and early 2000s. it wasn't until 2015

when it was gained by the snp, it was then gained by the conservatives in 2017 and held again at the last election in 2019. but only by around 800 votes. the snp were hot on the heels of the conservatives as runners—up. but it is a vast constituency, like any area, and it is not without its challenges. but there are many communities that could largely be described as quite affluent. given its historic election results, i think it is a rather interesting seat to keep an eye on. will it be held by the conservatives or will it change hands once again? you'll be able to see a list of all the candidates standing in west aberdeenshire and kincardine at this general election on your screen 110w. and here is a list of all the candidates standing in caithness, sutherland and easter ross. you can see a list of all the candidates standing in every constituency on the bbc news website.

you're watching bbc news — you can stay up to date with all of our election coverage on the bbc news website and app. ina in a moment we will look ahead to scotland boss my crucial second game at the european championships against switzerland. now let's shine against switzerland. now let's shine a light on another scottish football legend. a year ago the former footballer graeme souness took part in a gruelling swim across the english channel to raise funds and awareness for people living with a rare skin condition known as eb. you might remember that graeme was inspired to take on the challenge after meeting teenager isla grist, whose had to endure countless operations since the day she was born, and lives in constant pain. this year, graeme wants to attempt another feat of endurance but he's facing his own injury struggles asjohn maguire found out when he went to catch up with him. a football legend, graeme souness is well used to stopping for photos.

but this is a picture he'd rather not have taken. so this is where the tear was and this is the repair. an ultrasound showing a serious injury to his shoulder. i think it's very likely the swim contributed to this going. so on top of some degeneration, the challenge of swimming in water, in waves, the unpredictability of it, ploughing your way throughjellyfish... we joined graeme at a recent appointment with dr phil batty. they've known each other for almost 25 years, since he was team physician at blackburn rovers while graeme was the manager. but now, at 71 years old, a lifetime of sport seems to have taken its toll. and the physical challenge of the cross—channel charity swim this time last year may well have played a part. he's in obvious pain, especially when trying to rotate his shoulder as if swimming. and just bring this arm down the back as far as you can. they're planning a much tougher challenge this year, but the key

question is, can and will graeme be ready to swim again? there's getting in a nice swimming pool and just moving your shoulder. there's doing a few lengths in a swimming pool and moving your shoulder. there's going for a swim in the sea and then there's going for a swim in the sea with some mad men. right. 0k. those are different things. i hear you. 0k. thanks for today. good to see you. how was it? good. you know, i've made enormous leaps and bounds in the last even two weeks since i've started to go and see a physio. so has this put any doubt in your mind about doing another challenge? i'm still really hopeful. no, i'll rephrase that — i've got to do it. i've got to do it because i'm getting absolute dog's abuse from my mates. so—called mates. ex—mates. so—called mates. but, all good banter. it's 6am on the beach at poole in dorset. this time last year, graeme and the team were building up to their relay swim — a feat that raised more than £1.6 million.

but, this morning, he's on the bench and he doesn't like it at all. when i was a football player, i rarely got injured. but when i did, i was a quick healer. and this is taking forever, which is a bit of a blow. luckily, his friend and swimming coach sean is full of sympathy. i mean, i didn't know a lot about shoulder injuries before, but, you know, it's one of those injuries that you have to rest it and you have to get the operation done. those ligaments don't join themselves. so he was in a bit of denial initially before the operation and then denialfrom getting physio. but i think we finally, you know, we finally got there and he's getting the physio and it's improving. he's inspired and driven by his relationship with isla grist. born with a genetic skin disorder, epidermolysis bullosa, known as eb, she's endured countless operations and lives her life in constant pain. last week, graeme was honoured with a cbe, in large part due to his commitment to working

for people with the disease. with our charity, you know, this is not something that i can flit in and out of. you know, i've said to lindsey and isla that, you know, i'm in. when i'm in, i'll be in. that's me, i'm properly in. so that'll be me. i'll keep doing it, and keep trying to raise awareness, keep doing daft things to where people go, "0h!" you know, it's an automatic, "oh, that's to do with the skin disease, debra." and we've just got to keep reminding people this thing does exist and how it devastates notjust the sufferer, but the families. it's also a rare journey south for isla's dad, andy, from the family home in inverness. part of the team last year, he knows better than anyone the importance of the work done by the charities debra and cure eb and says raising money and awareness is vital. so obviously we've stopped doing the challenges over the winter and i stopped training, but obviously eb doesn't stop and isla and all the community, all the kids and adults with eb, have been fighting through that

period as well. and their worry is the whole time and they get no break from it. you know, we choose when we do challenges, we choose when we train. but, for them, it's absolutely constant and they are the heroes in this, and that's why we're doing it. last time, the challenge was to turn graeme from an occasional holiday swimmer to somebody capable of taking on the english channel. they hope to go again. but, this year, with such a debilitating injury, the task is far tougher. it's a race notjust against tides but also against time. john maguire, bbc news, dorset. now to euro 2023, and a crucial day for scotland's euro 2024 team if they're to stay in germany for

the competition's knockout stages. meanwhile, for their own stay in germany, one group of fans called blairgowrie berry pickers tartan army booked into a hotel which they didn't know doubled as an old people's home. incredible story. we thought we have to speak to these guys. paul and ross are both members of the group, big scotland fans, obviously, and now honorary residents of an old people's home. how did that happen? we turned up, we had a 14 hour delayed train from geneva because of flooding and we turned up at the hotel here and it turns up it doubles as an old folks' home. so ou doubles as an old folks' home. so you walked in and what did you see, what made you raise your eyebrows and say, wait a minute? what made you raise your eyebrows and say, waita minute? i what made you raise your eyebrows and say, wait a minute?— and say, wait a minute? i think firstl it and say, wait a minute? i think firstly it was — and say, wait a minute? i think firstly it was their _ and say, wait a minute? i think firstly it was their zimmer i and say, wait a minute? i think. firstly it was their zimmer frames laid across— firstly it was their zimmer frames laid across the corridor is that we had to— laid across the corridor is that we had to avoid on the way to the bedrooms, quite a few zimmer frames

and whatnot. bedrooms, quite a few zimmer frames and whatnot-— and whatnot. every room, the hotel is worked out. _ and whatnot. every room, the hotel is worked out, there _ and whatnot. every room, the hotel is worked out, there is _ and whatnot. every room, the hotel is worked out, there is a _ and whatnot. every room, the hotel is worked out, there is a hotel i and whatnot. every room, the hotel| is worked out, there is a hotel room and then a resident of�*s room, and then a hotel room and a resident's room. so you have frauleinjames on one side and then us. you room. so you have fraulein james on one side and then us.— one side and then us. you are in this house _ one side and then us. you are in this house with _ one side and then us. you are in this house with these _ one side and then us. you are in | this house with these pensioners one side and then us. you are in - this house with these pensioners and oaps. has it been enjoyable? yes! oaps. has it been en'oyable? yes, it's been oaps. has it been en'oyable? yes, we been very h oaps. has it been enjoyable? yes, it's been very enjoyable. _ oaps. has it been enjoyable? yes, it's been very enjoyable. what i would _ it's been very enjoyable. what i would say— it's been very enjoyable. what i would say is they are very well looked — would say is they are very well looked after. there is a swimming pool, _ looked after. there is a swimming pool. a _ looked after. there is a swimming pool, a sauna, lots of activities for them — pool, a sauna, lots of activities for them. they have aqua aerobics, which _ for them. they have aqua aerobics, which pdul— for them. they have aqua aerobics, which paul took part in the other day as_ which paul took part in the other day as well. which paul took part in the other day as well-— day as well. and the food is amazing- — day as well. and the food is amazing. even _ day as well. and the food is amazing. even just - day as well. and the food is amazing. even just going i day as well. and the food is . amazing. even just going along day as well. and the food is - amazing. even just going along the amazing. even 'ust going along the corridor and —

amazing. even just going along the corridor and saying _ amazing. even just going along the corridor and saying guten - amazing. even just going along the corridor and saying guten tag - amazing. even just going along the corridor and saying guten tag to . corridor and saying guten tag to them _ corridor and saying guten tag to them it— corridor and saying guten tag to them, it brightens their day a little — them, it brightens their day a little bit _ them, it brightens their day a little bit. , ., , little bit. they have been looking at us this morning _ little bit. they have been looking at us this morning as _ little bit. they have been looking at us this morning as we - little bit. they have been looking at us this morning as we get - little bit. they have been looking at us this morning as we get our| at us this morning as we get our kilts on ready to go to the match. they have all come out to say good luck. it hasjust they have all come out to say good luck. it has just been brilliant. they have all come out to say good luck. it hasjust been brilliant. it luck. it hasjust been brilliant. it sounds amazing, and the aqua aerobics sounds fun, i love a bit of aqua aerobics. tell me a bit about scotland's chances tonight against switzerland because they simply have to win. l switzerland because they simply have to win. ., �* ~' 3 switzerland because they simply have to win. ., �* ~ �*, .,, to win. i don't think it's quite as clear-cut _ to win. i don't think it's quite as clear-cut as _ to win. i don't think it's quite as clear-cut as a _ to win. i don't think it's quite as clear-cut as a must _ to win. i don't think it's quite as clear-cut as a must win, - to win. i don't think it's quite as clear-cut as a must win, but. to win. i don't think it's quite as clear-cut as a must win, but i l to win. i don't think it's quite as . clear-cut as a must win, but i think clear—cut as a must win, but i think it is a _ clear—cut as a must win, but i think it is a musi— clear—cut as a must win, but i think it is a must not lose. if we could even _ it is a must not lose. if we could even get — it is a must not lose. if we could even get a — it is a must not lose. if we could even get a point and then take it into the — even get a point and then take it into the last game against hungary, having _ into the last game against hungary, having to _ into the last game against hungary, having to win that game and may be finish _ having to win that game and may be finish on _ having to win that game and may be finish on four point sound to be one of the _ finish on four point sound to be one of the best— finish on four point sound to be one of the best third places. i�*ve of the best third places. i've already said _ of the best third places. i've already said we _ of the best third places. i've already said we will - of the best third places. i�*e: already said we will see the of the best third places. i"e: already said we will see the germans in the final so we can't let all these people down living here! fantastic and thank you forjoining us. the best of luck and i hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in your

old people's home and hotel. and of course best of luck to scotland. thanks for having us. shell! thanks for having us. auf wiedersehen. _ we can go to scotland and we are waiting forjohn swinney, the leader of the snp, to stand up and launch the snp manifesto. the nhs in scotland, public spending and independence are some of the themes john swinney will be underlining to those waiting reporters and members of the party. we will carry the full coverage of the manifesto launch for the snp here on bbc news. we can take you to the weather, and it's hot in many parts of europe.

great swathes of the united states are in the midst of a blistering heatwave that could last into the weekend. about 80 million americans are subject to an extreme heat warning as a huge dome of hot air hovers over midwestern and eastern states — while in the west, firefighters are still battling to bring several wildfires under control, as peter bowes reports. the view from space as california's biggest wildfire of the year engulfs a vast area to the north of los angeles. 25 square miles have burned. strong winds have hampered the firefighting effort. the area is sparsely populated and no homes have been destroyed but the terrain is steep, hard to reach and thick with dry brush. we've had very wet winters. what that does is it causes a lot of grass to grow, a lot of shrubs get happy because they have the moisture that they need. but, in the summertime, we don't get rain here and it dries out. the blaze started at the weekend in searing heat. but slightly cooler temperatures have helped bring it partially under control and the fire is now about 25% contained. in new mexico, an entire town had

to be hurriedly evacuated when it was surrounded by flames. about 7,000 people from ruidoso had to flee for their lives. more than 500 structures have been damaged. in the american midwest, record—breaking temperatures in the high 30s celsius are putting lives at risk. a heatwave of this intensity hasn't been seen for decades. cities like detroit, chicago and new york on the east coast are in the thick of it. we just don't have enough data yet to understand how the heightened temperatures of the atmosphere and ocean are going to impact firefighting, coral reef die—off, things like this. so we're in a time of extreme climate. a slow moving heat dome is to blame for the sweltering temperatures. forecasters say it will get worse in the next couple of days, even before the official start of summer. peter bowes, bbc news, los angeles.

now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes. hello there. the weather for the next few days is looking fine and settled with some warm spells ofjune sunshine. today, no exception. it's been a beautiful start to the day with a fine sunrise here in redcar in cleveland. but it has been a morning where we've seen quite a few patches of cloud around, particularly for england and wales, even thick enough for an odd spit of rain and a bit of hill fog. however, any cloud through the morning should tend to break up, and by the time we get to the afternoon, spells of sunshine forecast to come through pretty widely. the only real exception, the far north of scotland, where it turns windier through the afternoon and there will be a few spots of rain. iii for stornoway, ii for lerwick. away from that we're looking at temperatures 17 to 2! celsius. it will feel warm in thatjune sunshine. but for those that are sensitive to the very high levels of grass and nettle pollen that we have in the forecast, it could be one

of those sneezy afternoons. now, overnight tonight, a weak weatherfront across scotland still with us, could bring a few patches of rain into northern ireland as well. otherwise, it's dry. temperatures about nine or ten degrees celsius. a bit colder than that in some rural areas. thursday, another fine—looking day. we do start off with cloudy weather this time for scotland and northern ireland. a few patches of rain here through the morning. the afternoon looking dry with increasing amounts of sunshine. and if anything, those temperatures will be creeping a little bit higher. so we're looking at 19 for belfast, 18 degrees for glasgow, but it's across england and wales that we'll see temperatures more widely reach the low 20s, which will feel very nice indeed. the end of the week, we see a more active weather front move in off the atlantic. so this is going to be bringing cloudier weather to northern ireland and scotland and more in the way of rain here as well. eastern scotland, england and wales drier with sunshine. there will be some areas of high cloud working across the skies which will make the sunshine a bit

hazy at times. but it's another warm day. temperatures about 19 to 22 degrees celsius for most of you. now, into the weekend, the dregs of that same weather front will bring a few showers on saturday. then the weather should become largely dry once again. 50, saturday, showers around, some of them could be heavy and thundery for a time. then more in the way of sunshine and higher temperatures. could see highs reach 25 degrees in the warmest spots into the early part of next week. bye for now.

live from london. this is bbc news. the snp is about to launch its election manifesto, pledging a "major investment" in the nhs. we'll bring that to you live. the inflation rate falls to two—percent, the first time in almost three years that the bank of england's target has been met.

vladimir putin and kim jong—un sign a strategic partnership pact, during the russian leader's first visit to north korea in 2a years. and it's another big day in the euros — as scotland go head to head with switzerland — but can they turn things around after their defeat to germany? hello. we start this hour in edinburgh because the scottish national party are about to launch their manifesto — with a call for an additional £1 billion a yearfor the health service in scotland. we'll go to that when it happens, but first, let's speak to bbc scotland correspondent katie hunter let's talk about the big issues that john swinney is going to be

covering. in john swinney is going to be covering-— john swinney is going to be coverinr. .,, _, , ., covering. in the last couple of minutes i've _ covering. in the last couple of minutes i've just _ covering. in the last couple of minutes i've just been - covering. in the last couple of| minutes i've just been handed covering. in the last couple of. minutes i've just been handed a covering. in the last couple of- minutes i've just been handed a copy minutes i'vejust been handed a copy of the manifesto. we have it here. we were told that independence would be page one, line one and, and if we turn... on the next page we have some of the snp is key pledges. the top ones aren't a huge surprise, we have delivering independence, ending 14 have delivering independence, ending iii years of austerity. they're very critical of the conservatives iii year end power at westminster. the next one should be rejoin the uae eu

again. full stop tackling the cost of living crisis. a key theme of this election campaign. i suspect when i get round to reading more, they will be policies to try, in the snp size... we were expecting a lot on the nhs. john swinney... the manifesto is saying to protect our nhs. it is important to say the nhs is a devolved issue. spending decisions do you have an impact on the money that comes to holyrood. we will hear a call today for whoever

forms the next government to invest more in the nhs. lots of pleasures here so far. i'm only on page five. no surprises. ida here so far. i'm only on page five. no surprises-— no surprises. no surprises. it has been a tumultuous _ no surprises. no surprises. it has been a tumultuous time - no surprises. no surprises. it has been a tumultuous time for - no surprises. no surprises. it has been a tumultuous time for the l no surprises. no surprises. it has i been a tumultuous time for the snp. having focus must�*ve been pretty for him. having focus must've been pretty for him. , �* .., , having focus must've been pretty for him. ,�*, ., having focus must've been pretty for him. ,, ., ., , having focus must've been pretty for him. , ., ., ., him. yes. a couple of months ago hamza yusuf _ him. yes. a couple of months ago hamza yusuf was _ him. yes. a couple of months ago hamza yusuf was the _ him. yes. a couple of months ago hamza yusuf was the leader. - him. yes. a couple of months ago hamza yusuf was the leader. i - him. yes. a couple of months ago l hamza yusuf was the leader. i don't think anyone could have predicted what would happen in scottish politics in the next few months. john swinney came in as snp leader and then first minister. within

weeks a general election had been called. i thinkjohn swinney along with the rest of us were expecting that hype happen later in the year. i was at the launch for the election campaign. i'm paraphrasing. one of the first things he said was that he did not expect to be leading the snp into the general election. injuly. he said it was the loveliest of surprises. don't forget that business is continuing as usual in the scottish parliament. fn peas are still... �* , the scottish parliament. fn peas are still... 2 ., ~ .,

still... let's talk about... independence. _ still... let's talk about... independence. yes - still... let's talk about... independence. yes we i still... let's talk about... i independence. yes we were still... let's talk about... - independence. yes we were told it would be line _ independence. yes we were told it would be line one _ independence. yes we were told it would be line one page _ independence. yes we were told it would be line one page one. - independence. yes we were told it would be line one page one. i- independence. yes we were told it would be line one page one. i am| would be line one page one. i am sure it will be a recurrent theme in the pages that follow. i was interviewing john swinney the other day on the campaign trail and i put it to him why not make the nhs the most line one? he said that independent in his view independence is crucial to the future of the nhs, a line we have heard from the nhs the snp campaign. in their view neither labour nor the conservatives are being honest about the scale of the spending cuts that will follow

this general election. john swinney are saying there is little to can separate the conservatives and labour. and the nhs will only be safe with independence. hate labour. and the nhs will only be safe with independence.- labour. and the nhs will only be safe with independence. we are now lookinr at safe with independence. we are now looking at a — safe with independence. we are now looking at a pre-emptive _ safe with independence. we are now looking at a pre-emptive speech - looking at a pre—emptive speech before john looking at a pre—emptive speech beforejohn swinney, tell me more about what the snp hopes to achieve in terms of how many seats would be enough seats? every snp politician i've been speaking to over the last two days, i've been trying to pin them down on how many seats they need. i think john swinney is now getting to his

feet... good morning and welcome to the launch— good morning and welcome to the launch of— good morning and welcome to the launch of the snp manifesto for the 2024 westminster election. this election— 2024 westminster election. this election takes place at a time when people _ election takes place at a time when people are — election takes place at a time when people are hurting. the aftermath of covid-19 _ people are hurting. the aftermath of covid—19 has left... we are living in a period — covid—19 has left... we are living in a period of rapid change, with new technology with new technology and the _ new technology with new technology and the implications of an ageing population will have a profound impact — population will have a profound impact on the way we live our lives in the _ impact on the way we live our lives in the future. given this atmosphere of turmoil. _ in the future. given this atmosphere of turmoil, more than ever, i believe — of turmoil, more than ever, i believe that political leaders and political — believe that political leaders and political parties need a set of values — political parties need a set of values from which to respond to

those _ values from which to respond to those challenges. i believe people are crying — those challenges. i believe people are crying out for principled leadership. so today as i launch this manifesto, let me set out the core values — this manifesto, let me set out the core values of the scottish national party that _ core values of the scottish national party that anchor our proposition to the people — party that anchor our proposition to the people of scotland. we are a modern — the people of scotland. we are a modern left of centre party, firmly rooted _ modern left of centre party, firmly rooted in _ modern left of centre party, firmly rooted in the ideas of inclusion and internationalism. we will always put the interest of scotland first... at the interest of scotland first... at the very— the interest of scotland first... at the very heart of our... the people the very heart of our... the people the decisions about scotland should be the decisions about scotland should he made _ the decisions about scotland should be made by the people of scotland. no one _ be made by the people of scotland. no one else cares as much about this wonderful— no one else cares as much about this wonderful country and no one else will do _ wonderful country and no one else will do a _ wonderful country and no one else will do a betterjob of taking care of it now— will do a betterjob of taking care of it now and in the future than the people _ of it now and in the future than the people who — of it now and in the future than the people who live here. it is through

independence that we believe we can build a _ independence that we believe we can build a prosperous future. not independence for its own sake sake independence, independence for a independence, independence fora stronger— independence, independence for a stronger economy for a stronger economy— stronger economy for a stronger economy and happier and healthier lives _ economy and happier and healthier lives it— economy and happier and healthier lives it is— economy and happier and healthier lives. it is those values that govern— lives. it is those values that govern our overall approach and the constant _ govern our overall approach and the constant content of this manifesto. so let _ constant content of this manifesto. so let me _ constant content of this manifesto. so let me outline the choice that is offered _ so let me outline the choice that is offered to — so let me outline the choice that is offered to the people of scotland this election. we are the only party arguing _ this election. we are the only party arguing for— this election. we are the only party arguing foran end this election. we are the only party arguing for an end to the spending cuts _ arguing for an end to the spending cuts the — arguing for an end to the spending cuts. the arbitrary tory fiscal rules — cuts. the arbitrary tory fiscal rules adopted by labour are £18 billion— rules adopted by labour are £18 billion of— rules adopted by labour are £18 billion of cuts. the snp manifesto

argues _ billion of cuts. the snp manifesto argues for— billion of cuts. the snp manifesto argues for new, sensible, fiscal rules _ argues for new, sensible, fiscal rules. reverse the cuts and invest in public— rules. reverse the cuts and invest in public services, starting with the health services. we willjoin with progressive politicians south of the _ with progressive politicians south of the border to press for greater funding _ of the border to press for greater funding for the of the border to press for greater funding forthe nhs, and of the border to press for greater funding for the nhs, and for the of the border to press for greater funding forthe nhs, and forthe uk government to match the pay deals that we've — government to match the pay deals that we've given our in scotland. that _ that we've given our in scotland. that would — that we've given our in scotland. that would see in extra one point £6 billion— that would see in extra one point £6 billion for— that would see in extra one point £6 billion for the nhs in scotland. we would _ billion for the nhs in scotland. we would introduce a bill in westminster, a legal guarantee for a publicly— westminster, a legal guarantee for a publicly owned and operated health service _ publicly owned and operated health service. the snp message on the nhs

is clear~ _ service. the snp message on the nhs is clear~ the _ service. the snp message on the nhs is clear. the ns... the nhs is not for sale — is clear. the ns... the nhs is not for sale. voting snp is a vote to protect— for sale. voting snp is a vote to protect our— for sale. voting snp is a vote to protect our public services and our precious _ protect our public services and our precious national health service. friends — precious national health service. friends, i've made clear the focus for my— friends, i've made clear the focus for my government will be to eradicate _ for my government will be to eradicate child poverty. the two child _ eradicate child poverty. the two child benefit cap makes things much, much _ child benefit cap makes things much, much worse. it is the opposite of what _ much worse. it is the opposite of what the — much worse. it is the opposite of what the government should be doing. introduced _ what the government should be doing. introduced by the conservative government, it is frankly beyond me that lahour— government, it is frankly beyond me that labour plan to keep this deeply damaging _ that labour plan to keep this deeply damaging policy. snp will press for the two _ damaging policy. snp will press for the two child benefit to be scrapped. this is a simple test are

you in— scrapped. this is a simple test are you in government to help children out of— you in government to help children out of poverty, or are you so morally — out of poverty, or are you so morally lost that you push kids into povertv~ _ morally lost that you push kids into poverty. our choice is obvious and it is driven — poverty. our choice is obvious and it is driven by our values, and we will assert— it is driven by our values, and we will assert that in the house of commons _ will assert that in the house of commons after this election. those valuesr _ commons after this election. those values that— commons after this election. those values, that demand the removal of the two _ values, that demand the removal of the two child cap, also drive the snp on — the two child cap, also drive the snp on so — the two child cap, also drive the snp on so many issues, not least nuclear— snp on so many issues, not least nuclear weapons. we will demand an end to _ nuclear weapons. we will demand an end to the _ nuclear weapons. we will demand an end to the obscene waste of weapons of mass _ end to the obscene waste of weapons of mass destruction. snp will demand that the _ of mass destruction. snp will demand that the house of lords is abolished. ourvalues, scotland's abolished. our values, scotland's choices — abolished. ourvalues, scotland's choices. lift the two child cap, not

the cap— choices. lift the two child cap, not the cap on— choices. lift the two child cap, not the cap on bankers bonuses. investments not cuts. i believe those _ investments not cuts. i believe those represent the values that most of us share — those represent the values that most of us share. a vote for the snp, and a vote _ of us share. a vote for the snp, and a vote for— of us share. a vote for the snp, and a vote for this — of us share. a vote for the snp, and a vote for this manifesto is a vote for scotland. every election is a choice — for scotland. every election is a choice. over recent years the outrageous westminster power grab has been _ outrageous westminster power grab has been designed to reduce the choices— has been designed to reduce the choices scotland can make that itself — choices scotland can make that itself. must stop. the devolution husting _ itself. must stop. the devolution busting internal market at must be revoked _ busting internal market at must be revoked. westminster are continually... for scotland's

workers _ continually... for scotland's workers we will end the exploitative practice _ workers we will end the exploitative practice of— workers we will end the exploitative practice of zero—hours contracts. we will fight _ practice of zero—hours contracts. we will fight to — practice of zero—hours contracts. we will fight to scrap the so—called minimum — will fight to scrap the so—called minimum service act which is an attack— minimum service act which is an attack on — minimum service act which is an attack on the right to strike. fighting _ attack on the right to strike. fighting for the nhs for better working — fighting for the nhs for better working conditions,. thus that is what _ working conditions,. thus that is what the — working conditions,. thus that is what the snp is offering scotland this election. we will stand up for scotland — this election. we will stand up for scotland at westminster and we will put the _ scotland at westminster and we will put the interests of scotland first in the _ put the interests of scotland first in the westminster parliament. we know— in the westminster parliament. we know that — in the westminster parliament. we know that the westminster system is broken. _ know that the westminster system is broken. no _ know that the westminster system is broken, no matter how much we try to mitigate _ broken, no matter how much we try to mitigate its _ broken, no matter how much we try to mitigate its impact. ourambition broken, no matter how much we try to mitigate its impact. our ambition is to transfer— mitigate its impact. our ambition is to transfer power from westminster into the _ to transfer power from westminster into the hands of the people of

scotland — into the hands of the people of scotland. taking decision for scotland _ scotland. taking decision for scotland in scotland works. the snp has introduced a more progressive tax system — has introduced a more progressive tax system to help fund the nhs and other public services. we've developed delivered the best performing call services in the uk. where _ performing call services in the uk. where helping it with the cost of living _ where helping it with the cost of living through through free prescriptions. and free bus travel for young — prescriptions. and free bus travel for young people. we've overseen a massive _ for young people. we've overseen a massive expansion in renewable energv — massive expansion in renewable energy. we've delivered many more affordable _ energy. we've delivered many more affordable houses per population than anywhere in england and wales. we must _ than anywhere in england and wales. we must constantly strive to extend our work _ we must constantly strive to extend our work to — we must constantly strive to extend our work to transform the lives of people _ our work to transform the lives of people in— our work to transform the lives of people in scotland. we are keeping

an estimated 100,000 children out of povertv~ _ an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty. that is the snp and government at holyrood, working day in, government at holyrood, working day in. day _ government at holyrood, working day in. day out _ government at holyrood, working day in, day out to earn the trust of people — in, day out to earn the trust of people in— in, day out to earn the trust of people in scotland. we will not always — people in scotland. we will not always get everything right but we will always, always put the people of scotland first. far too often the interest _ of scotland first. far too often the interest of— of scotland first. far too often the interest of scotland are ignored altogether. i spoken a lot in this campaign — altogether. i spoken a lot in this campaign of the abc of westminster austerity— campaign of the abc of westminster austerity cuts and brexit. scotland wanted _ austerity cuts and brexit. scotland wanted none of that but they were imposed _ wanted none of that but they were imposed on us against our will. so today i_ imposed on us against our will. so today i want to add something to that list— today i want to add something to that list id. democracy. that's how

democracy— that list id. democracy. that's how democracy should work respectful communication, taking into account everybody's view, working together. it's through the power of democracy that we _ it's through the power of democracy that we will end independence. there is no other— that we will end independence. there is no other way to lou to do it we must _ is no other way to lou to do it we must never— is no other way to lou to do it we must never lose faith in the democratic voice of the people of scotland — democratic voice of the people of scotland. in 2021 they voted for a scottish _ scotland. in 2021 they voted for a scottish parliament with a clear manritv — scottish parliament with a clear majority for a referendum on independence. that must be respected. at this election we have the opportunity to enforce the case for scottish independence. and that starts _ for scottish independence. and that starts with— for scottish independence. and that starts with the economy. scotland has resources and talent in abundance. we have extraordinary energy— abundance. we have extraordinary energy was abundant... we have

brilliant — energy was abundant... we have brilliant universities, thriving universities... since coming to office — universities... since coming to office the _ universities... since coming to office the snp has grown both productivity and the scottish economy faster per head than the united _ economy faster per head than the united kingdom. but most economic power— united kingdom. but most economic power still— united kingdom. but most economic power still lies with westminster. the uk _ power still lies with westminster. the uk economy is failing to far too many— the uk economy is failing to far too many people. in an independent scotland. — many people. in an independent scotland, we could be back in the eu as a first _ scotland, we could be back in the eu as a first time as an equal member in our— as a first time as an equal member in our own— as a first time as an equal member in our own right. we would enjoy once _ in our own right. we would enjoy once again — in our own right. we would enjoy once again the benefits of european free movement, vital for so many scottish— free movement, vital for so many scottish businesses. our young people — scottish businesses. our young people would have the opportunity again— people would have the opportunity again to _ people would have the opportunity again to study and work freely across— again to study and work freely across europe. and in turn, we would

welcome _ across europe. and in turn, we would welcome our— across europe. and in turn, we would welcome our fellow europeans to scotland — welcome our fellow europeans to scotland. the snp has funded one of europes— scotland. the snp has funded one of europe's finest programmes dedicated to the _ europe's finest programmes dedicated to the growth of businesses. with a potential— to the growth of businesses. with a potential market of 450 million people — potential market of 450 million people in the single market. think of the _ people in the single market. think of the massive opportunity for further— of the massive opportunity for further growth. an independent scotland — further growth. an independent scotland like all countries would face challenges, success would not be guaranteed. that would be determined by our own decisions as a country— determined by our own decisions as a country and _ determined by our own decisions as a country and the decisions we make. but when _ country and the decisions we make. but when we look at independent countries — but when we look at independent countries similar to scotland, there are grounds— countries similar to scotland, there are grounds for hope. countries like ireland _ are grounds for hope. countries like ireland and — are grounds for hope. countries like ireland and denmark have lower povertv~ — ireland and denmark have lower poverty. with all of our resources

and all _ poverty. with all of our resources and all of — poverty. with all of our resources and all of our ambition why not scotland? _ in an independent scotland people would _ in an independent scotland people would have a constitutional right to access _ would have a constitutional right to access health care free at the point of need _ access health care free at the point of need. the threat of creeping westminster privatisation would be over for— westminster privatisation would be over for good. staffing for our services — over for good. staffing for our services would not be subject to a hostile _ services would not be subject to a hostile immigration policy. never let anyone tell you that independence is separate from people's — independence is separate from people's daily lives and concerns. it is fundamental to their lives and

concerns — it is fundamental to their lives and concerns it — it is fundamental to their lives and concerns. it is about where decisions _ concerns. it is about where decisions about scotland are made. decisions _ decisions about scotland are made. decisions over our economy, our health— decisions over our economy, our health service, our living standards. onjuly the health service, our living standards. on july the 4th health service, our living standards. onjuly the 4th i'm asking — standards. onjuly the 4th i'm asking you to vote snp. i'm asking you to _ asking you to vote snp. i'm asking you to vote — asking you to vote snp. i'm asking you to vote snp to put the interests of scotland the interest of people in scotland first. i'm asking you to vote snp— in scotland first. i'm asking you to vote snp for a future made in scotland _ vote snp for a future made in scotland for scotland.

applause there'sjohn swinney applause there's john swinney with applause there'sjohn swinney with the there's john swinney with the manifesto being held aloft. i think were going to have some questions now let's have a listen. your manifesto says if you win a majority of scottish seats you will begin negotiations to giving effect of independence. are you suggesting

scotland could become independent without a referendum?— without a referendum? whatever rosition is without a referendum? whatever position is the _ without a referendum? whatever position is the manifesto. - without a referendum? whatever position is the manifesto. , - without a referendum? whatever position is the manifesto. , is i without a referendum? whateverl position is the manifesto. , is that if the _ position is the manifesto. , is that if the scottish government wins a majority— if the scottish government wins a majority of— if the scottish government wins a majority of seats is that the we will embark on a negotiation... the wishes _ will embark on a negotiation... the wishes of— will embark on a negotiation... the wishes of the scottish people... i have _ wishes of the scottish people... i have long — wishes of the scottish people... i have long made clear my view that the best— have long made clear my view that the best way to secure independence is through— the best way to secure independence is through a democratic referendum. the obstacle to that is the intransigence of the united kingdom

government. this election gives people — government. this election gives people the chance to intensify the pressure — people the chance to intensify the pressure to secure scottish independence and to bring that about by voting _ independence and to bring that about by voting snp in orders for us to achieve — by voting snp in orders for us to achieve a — by voting snp in orders for us to achieve a majority of westminster seats _ achieve a majority of westminster seats if— achieve a majority of westminster seats. if anyone out there is keen for scottish — seats. if anyone out there is keen for scottish independence then the only vote _ for scottish independence then the only vote they should cast is for snp because that's the only way it will happen. lastly, forgive me for not predicting the outcome of the election— not predicting the outcome of the election today i'll leave that to those — election today i'll leave that to those who attend the polling stations. can you be clear how you would find

this additional money for the nhs and the investment that you talked about today does it involve tax rises? �* , ., ., �* , about today does it involve tax rises? �*, ., ., �*, , rises? it's not me that's putting forward that _ rises? it's not me that's putting forward that analysis. _ rises? it's not me that's putting forward that analysis. one - rises? it's not me that's putting forward that analysis. one of i rises? it's not me that's puttingl forward that analysis. one of the most _ forward that analysis. one of the most respected health commentating organisations said that any increase in health— organisations said that any increase in health service expenditure from the labour— in health service expenditure from the labour party or the conservatives would be lower than the worst — conservatives would be lower than the worst years of austerity under the worst years of austerity under the cameron government. it's not 'ust the cameron government. it's not just me — the cameron government. it's not just me that saying there is austerity coming down the track. the labour— austerity coming down the track. the labour party— austerity coming down the track. the labour party have signed up to that

by their— labour party have signed up to that by their acceptance of the rules the fiscal— by their acceptance of the rules the fiscal rules — by their acceptance of the rules the fiscal rules of the conservative government. i think that's a terrible _ government. i think that's a terrible position for the labour party— terrible position for the labour party to — terrible position for the labour party to arrive at. i've also said that _ party to arrive at. i've also said that we've _ party to arrive at. i've also said that we've taken some hard decisions in as the _ that we've taken some hard decisions in as the scottish government. we've done that— in as the scottish government. we've done that so— in as the scottish government. we've done that so we got £1.5 billion available — done that so we got £1.5 billion available to us that we can invest in public— available to us that we can invest in public services, a lot of which goes _ in public services, a lot of which goes to— in public services, a lot of which goes to the _ in public services, a lot of which goes to the nhs. that will be just one measure uk government could taker _ one measure uk government could take to _ one measure uk government could take, to end of story austerity and invest— take, to end of story austerity and invest in— take, to end of story austerity and invest in a — take, to end of story austerity and invest in a public services. some further— invest in a public services. some further deep dangers coming our way could be _ further deep dangers coming our way could be to _ further deep dangers coming our way could be to reverse our diss to could —

could be to reverse our diss to could be — could be to reverse our diss to could be to _ could be to reverse our diss to could be to reverse our diss to could be to reverse ida's decisions taken _ could be to reverse ida's decisions taken on _ could be to reverse ida's decisions taken on tax. people need to be really aware of what _ people need to be really aware of what the — people need to be really aware of what the consequences of voting labour— what the consequences of voting labour in — what the consequences of voting labour in scotland are. voting labour — labour in scotland are. voting labour in _ labour in scotland are. voting labour in scotland are. voting labour in scotland will get you to spending — labour in scotland will get you to spending cuts. vote scotland vote snp full independence. you are the party putting independence on the ballot paper this election. how can they express their view that they do not want scottish independence in a way that you will listen to and respect?

the wishes of the people of scotland are pretty— the wishes of the people of scotland are pretty clear on this matter. they— are pretty clear on this matter. they elected to parliament in 2021 that has _ they elected to parliament in 2021 that has a — they elected to parliament in 2021 that has a majority that are committed to independence. i think we should _ committed to independence. i think we should get on with that. i've been _ we should get on with that. i've been working very hard around the country— been working very hard around the country to— been working very hard around the country to make sure we get our message _ country to make sure we get our message across and when the selection _ message across and when the selection and that is the focus of our efforts. selection and that is the focus of our efforts-— selection and that is the focus of ourefforts. y., , , our efforts. many of your supporters don't seem — our efforts. many of your supporters don't seem to _ our efforts. many of your supporters don't seem to agree, _ our efforts. many of your supporters don't seem to agree, while - our efforts. many of your supporters don't seem to agree, while support| don't seem to agree, while support for independence is about where it was ten years ago, support for your

party has fallen. why would supporters of independence be turning away from the snp at this election? we turning away from the snp at this election? ~ . turning away from the snp at this election? . . , ., election? we are strengthening our rosition election? we are strengthening our position and — election? we are strengthening our position and we _ election? we are strengthening our position and we are _ election? we are strengthening our position and we are working - election? we are strengthening our position and we are working hard i election? we are strengthening ourj position and we are working hard to command _ position and we are working hard to command the trust of people in scotland — command the trust of people in scotland. people are desperate to -et scotland. people are desperate to get rid _ scotland. people are desperate to get rid of— scotland. people are desperate to get rid of the tories. they are considering voting labour. but i find it— considering voting labour. but i find it my— considering voting labour. but i find it my duty to say to people be careful— find it my duty to say to people be careful what you wish for. because the labour— careful what you wish for. because the labour party is going to pick up where _ the labour party is going to pick up where the — the labour party is going to pick up where the tories left off with spending cuts and that would be disastrous for scotland. without snp is in government to protect from...

this manifesto is like the manifesto before, you talk about independence, reversing brexit... are you not asking voters to send snp mps to parliament he won't be able to deliver? , ., ~ ., , ., parliament he won't be able to deliver? ~ ., , ., �* deliver? everyone knows that brexit has been a catastrophe, _ deliver? everyone knows that brexit has been a catastrophe, a _ deliver? everyone knows that brexit has been a catastrophe, a total - has been a catastrophe, a total disaster~ — has been a catastrophe, a total disaster. it is undermining our economv~ _ disaster. it is undermining our economy. it is undermining the tax take of— economy. it is undermining the tax take of the — economy. it is undermining the tax take of the united kingdom, because of suppressed levels of economic growth _ of suppressed levels of economic growth. that's got to be said out loud _ growth. that's got to be said out loud it's — growth. that's got to be said out loud. it's got to be confronted we can't _ loud. it's got to be confronted we can'tiust— loud. it's got to be confronted we can'tjust revert resign ourselves

to the _ can'tjust revert resign ourselves to the fact — can'tjust revert resign ourselves to the fact that united kingdom has~~ _ to the fact that united kingdom has~~ we — to the fact that united kingdom has... we got to reverse that which is why— has... we got to reverse that which is why that — has... we got to reverse that which is why that policy commitment is so central— is why that policy commitment is so central to— is why that policy commitment is so central to what we are putting forward — central to what we are putting forward in the selection. that objective _ forward in the selection. that objective will drive the commitments and the _ objective will drive the commitments and the priority of snp at previous elections you have said for snp to deliver independence, it has not been delivered. you said, vote snp to stop brexit but it has not been stopped. you also haven't delivered on climate change. i'm wondering what is your message to scots and labour? and wondering, what is the point of voting snp? the labour party looks like a party that has got _ labour party looks like a party that

has got to — labour party looks like a party that has got to prolong child poverty by keeping _ has got to prolong child poverty by keeping need two child limit. i can't _ keeping need two child limit. i can't fathom that! i with think... this— can't fathom that! i with think... this selection is about to be about change _ this selection is about to be about change. where is the change? we are going _ change. where is the change? we are going to _ change. where is the change? we are going to carry on with brexit... where — going to carry on with brexit... where is — going to carry on with brexit... where is the change? we all know that the _ where is the change? we all know that the two child limit is keeping children— that the two child limit is keeping children in— that the two child limit is keeping children in poverty. we know that brexit _ children in poverty. we know that brexit is — children in poverty. we know that brexit is damaging the economy. the labour— brexit is damaging the economy. the labour party says that that represents a change. that represents the continuation of the conservative government which is a disaster for scotland — government which is a disaster for scotland i— government which is a disaster for scotland. i would encourage people in scotland to look carefully at that — in scotland to look carefully at that. . .. in scotland to look carefully at that. . ,, , ., , in scotland to look carefully at that. . ,, , ~ , ., that. thank you, first minister. you will acce rt that. thank you, first minister. you will accept that _ that. thank you, first minister. you will accept that if _ that. thank you, first minister. you will accept that if you _ that. thank you, first minister. you will accept that if you don't - that. thank you, first minister. you will accept that if you don't get - will accept that if you don't get the majority of seats, you can progress with quotations until the

next election?— progress with quotations until the next election? what i am going to sa is that next election? what i am going to say is that there _ next election? what i am going to say is that there is _ next election? what i am going to say is that there is a _ next election? what i am going to say is that there is a basic - say is that there is a basic democratic point. the scottish parliament was elected in 2021 and the majority of members within it committed to having a referendum independence and warning a democratic state to be established. that should be respected. if we get to the _ that should be respected. if we get to the point in the united kingdom where _ to the point in the united kingdom where we — to the point in the united kingdom where we just had a casual attitude to respecting the democratic outcomes of elections, i think we are in— outcomes of elections, i think we are in really, really dangerous territorv _ are in really, really dangerous territory. so i would... what i want to see _ territory. so i would... what i want to see happen is respecting of the mandate — to see happen is respecting of the mandate that has been given by the people _ mandate that has been given by the people of— mandate that has been given by the people of scotland to enable scotland to become an independent countrv~ _ scotland to become an independent country. that should be at the height — country. that should be at the height of— country. that should be at the height of the selection.- country. that should be at the height of the selection. thank you. labour suspended _ height of the selection. thank you. labour suspended one _ height of the selection. thank you. labour suspended one of _ height of the selection. thank you. labour suspended one of its - labour suspended one of its candidates today because of a past

post they made about russia. it has also been reported that the candidate previously made posts expressing doubts whether the regime expressed that chemical attacks in syria. is this appropriate? i expressed that chemical attacks in syria. is this appropriate?- syria. is this appropriate? i think that it has _ syria. is this appropriate? i think that it has been _ syria. is this appropriate? i think that it has been proven - syria. is this appropriate? i think that it has been proven beyond l syria. is this appropriate? i think that it has been proven beyond doubt that it has been proven beyond doubt that the _ that it has been proven beyond doubt that the assad regime has taken out chemical— that the assad regime has taken out chemical attacks in syria which i deplore — chemical attacks in syria which i deplore. let it be crystal clear that _ deplore. let it be crystal clear that we — deplore. let it be crystal clear that we condemn the actions of the assad _ that we condemn the actions of the assad regime in relation to, not 'ust assad regime in relation to, not just chemical warfare, but the actions — just chemical warfare, but the actions of— just chemical warfare, but the actions of his regime.- just chemical warfare, but the actions of his regime. thank you. you have talked _ actions of his regime. thank you. you have talked a _ actions of his regime. thank you. you have talked a lot _ actions of his regime. thank you. you have talked a lot about - actions of his regime. thank you. i you have talked a lot about deficits in your speeches today, both fiscal

and democratic. i am just thinking back to previous elections in much bigger venues than this there were four when smp were in a stronger position in the polls. i'm wondering if the biggest problem for snp in the selection is deficit enthusiasm. laughter the last time i looked at this remit was full _ the last time i looked at this remit was full i— the last time i looked at this remit was full. i have found plenty of enthusiasm. let me just think to -ive enthusiasm. let me just think to give you — enthusiasm. let me just think to give you an — enthusiasm. let me just think to give you an accurate number, ciaran. i give you an accurate number, ciaran. l have _ give you an accurate number, ciaran. l have now— give you an accurate number, ciaran. i have now visited 40 campaigns around _ i have now visited 40 campaigns around the country and encountered large _ around the country and encountered large numbers of very enthusiastic party— large numbers of very enthusiastic party members engaging with members of the public. i think our party is working — of the public. i think our party is working very hard on the ground. i am delighted with what is going on. in relation— am delighted with what is going on. in relation to the polls, i

acknowledge that... we have had a tough _ acknowledge that... we have had a tough time — acknowledge that... we have had a tough time. we have progress to make in the _ tough time. we have progress to make in the polls _ tough time. we have progress to make in the polls i_ tough time. we have progress to make in the polls. i am determined that we will— in the polls. i am determined that we will make that progress for when it matters _ we will make that progress for when it matters on the 4th ofjuly. our enthusiastic campaign around the country— enthusiastic campaign around the country will dojust enthusiastic campaign around the country will do just that. paul? enthusiastic campaign around the country will dojust that. paul? he gone _ gone. laughter ruby? yesterday scottish labour manifesto didn't include the devolution of immigration law or employment law despite there being multiple cores for that. what makes you think that keir starmer is going to listen to you? to you think that keir starmer is going to listen to you?— to listen to you? to be honest, libb , i to listen to you? to be honest, libby. i think — to listen to you? to be honest, libby, i think it _ to listen to you? to be honest, libby, i think it was _ to listen to you? to be honest, libby, i think it was a - to listen to you? to be honest, libby, i think it was a question | libby, ! think it was a question that— libby, i think it was a question that would be better put to the labour — that would be better put to the labour party because the labour party— labour party because the labour party have — labour party because the labour party have got a big test coming up. they stood _

party have got a big test coming up. they stood with us in recognising the threat — they stood with us in recognising the threat from devolution in the internal— the threat from devolution in the internal market. what is the labour party— internal market. what is the labour party going — internal market. what is the labour party going to do with that? they will pick— party going to do with that? they will pick up where the tories left off. will pick up where the tories left off also — will pick up where the tories left off. also on austerity. also any question— off. also on austerity. also any question of brexit. are theyjust going _ question of brexit. are theyjust going to — question of brexit. are theyjust going to carry on on that line of argument? this is a moment for devolution — argument? this is a moment for devolution to be respected for the wishes _ devolution to be respected for the wishes of— devolution to be respected for the wishes of the people of scotland to be respected, and for scotland to be able to _ be respected, and for scotland to be able to make choices about our own future _ able to make choices about our own future that — able to make choices about our own future. that will only come about if there _ future. that will only come about if there is— future. that will only come about if there is a _ future. that will only come about if there is a strong but for the snp at there is a strong but for the snp at the selection. can i come to a member— the selection. can i come to a member from the the selection. can i come to a memberfrom the cmp? the selection. can i come to a member from the cmp? it the selection. can i come to a member from the (mp? it seems that we still don't — member from the (mp? it seems that we still don't have _ member from the (mp? it seems that we still don't have any _ member from the (mp? it seems that we still don't have any clarity - member from the (mp? it seems that we still don't have any clarity from - we still don't have any clarity from the manifesto regarding gas licences. do not feel that it might be to have, rather thanjust

be to have, rather than just talking vaguely about the climate assessment, should we give the licences we need for the future or appeal to the climate obsessed voters and rule them out? what appeal to the climate obsessed voters and rule them out? what we are doinr voters and rule them out? what we are doing in — voters and rule them out? what we are doing in the _ voters and rule them out? what we are doing in the manifesto - voters and rule them out? what we are doing in the manifesto is - are doing in the manifesto is setting — are doing in the manifesto is setting out a rational basis for taking — setting out a rational basis for taking decisions about oil and gas licences. — taking decisions about oil and gas licences, which i would remind everybody our decisions for the westminster government. and we've set out _ westminster government. and we've set out in _ westminster government. and we've set out in the manifesto the importance of achieving the transition to net zero. doing that with the — transition to net zero. doing that with the oil and gas sector in a fashion — with the oil and gas sector in a fashion that is managed and orderly, to ensure _ fashion that is managed and orderly, to ensure that they are able to continue — to ensure that they are able to continue making a contribution. in

every— continue making a contribution. in every circumstance, any application has to— every circumstance, any application has to be _ every circumstance, any application has to be the subject of a climate compatibility assessment. i think that compatibility assessment. ! think that is— compatibility assessment. i think that is the — compatibility assessment. i think that is the orderly, rational way to do it _ that is the orderly, rational way to do it the — that is the orderly, rational way to do it. the prime minister has said that he _ do it. the prime minister has said that he would authorise a hundred new licences. i think that is new licences. ! think that is utterly— new licences. i think that is utterly irresponsible because there is no process involved in that. it is no process involved in that. it isiust_ is no process involved in that. it isiust a — is no process involved in that. it isjust a commitment is no process involved in that. it is just a commitment to continue without— is just a commitment to continue without interruption the development of oil and _ without interruption the development of oil and gas, which we know is a serious _ of oil and gas, which we know is a serious issue _ of oil and gas, which we know is a serious issue and is incompatible with the — serious issue and is incompatible with the long—term journey towards net zero _ with the long—term journey towards net zero so — with the long—term journey towards net zero. so the process we are setting _ net zero. so the process we are setting out — net zero. so the process we are setting out is a rational, orderly process— setting out is a rational, orderly process to — setting out is a rational, orderly process to ensure that we achieve net zero _ process to ensure that we achieve net zero and that we guarantee securitv — net zero and that we guarantee security and support individuals who are employed in the gas sector to be able to— are employed in the gas sector to be able to transition to new opportunities. andrew mcdonald. hi,

john. opportunities. andrew mcdonald. h , john. looking round in this room there are two banners boasting about there are two banners boasting about the achievements of the scottish government. the both of them boast things from over a decade ago. is that not a bit of a sign that your government has run out of steam? free childcare was delivered by this government in 2021 and it now offers double. _ government in 2021 and it now offers double, double the level of free childcare — double, double the level of free childcare than before. so we are continuing — childcare than before. so we are continuing to put in place the investments and the steps that are required _ investments and the steps that are required to— investments and the steps that are required to ensure that families are supported — required to ensure that families are supported. a family in scotland has seen a _ supported. a family in scotland has seen a lot— supported. a family in scotland has seen a lot of money because of that banner— seen a lot of money because of that banner up _ seen a lot of money because of that banner up there, free childcare. we could _ banner up there, free childcare. we could have — banner up there, free childcare. we could have had one appear about 100,000 — could have had one appear about

100,000 children kept out of poverty because _ 100,000 children kept out of poverty because of— 100,000 children kept out of poverty because of the scottish trial payment introduced in the last couple — payment introduced in the last couple of— payment introduced in the last couple of years. so i'm going to take _ couple of years. so i'm going to take no— couple of years. so i'm going to take no lessons from anybody when our government is delivering measures lifting children out of poverty— measures lifting children out of poverty and we are doing all that we can to _ poverty and we are doing all that we can to protect families at a time such— can to protect families at a time such difficulty that they face at the present moment. applause just to be crystal clear and to go back to the issue of independence and a selection, is it true that no matter how many people vote in the selection even if the snp loses seats, is that still amended of independence? is that what you are saying? i independence? is that what you are sa inr ? ., independence? is that what you are sa inr ? ~ , ., , independence? is that what you are sa inr? ~ , ., saying? i think the people of scotland should _ saying? i think the people of scotland should have - saying? i think the people of scotland should have their. scotland should have their democratic wishes respected. in

2021. _ democratic wishes respected. in 2021, they called for a referendum on the _ 2021, they called for a referendum on the question of independence on the consequence of electing a parliamentary majority. in this election. — parliamentary majority. in this election, people want to intensify the pressure for that to be the case — the pressure for that to be the case then— the pressure for that to be the case, then their opportunity is to vote _ case, then their opportunity is to vote for— case, then their opportunity is to vote for the scottish national party to make _ vote for the scottish national party to make that happen. i stress that that to make that happen. ! stress that that will— to make that happen. i stress that that will only happen if votes for the national party outcasts because it is only— the national party outcasts because it is only these votes that will make — it is only these votes that will make a — it is only these votes that will make a difference. it it is only these votes that will make a difference.— it is only these votes that will make a difference. it has been said that a speech _ make a difference. it has been said that a speech by — make a difference. it has been said that a speech by putin _ make a difference. it has been said that a speech by putin has - make a difference. it has been said that a speech by putin has been i that a speech by putin has been illuminating. you have stood by those candidates. do you support?

no, under no circumstances. i think the putin— no, under no circumstances. i think the putin regime is evil. i 'ust wanted to fl the putin regime is evil. i 'ust wanted to ask i the putin regime is evil. i 'ust wanted to ask you i the putin regime is evil. i 'ust wanted to ask you about i the putin regime is evil. inst wanted to ask you about preparations for negotiations for independence. there doesn't seem to be anything in the manifesto saying what you are doing for that. also can you give any reassurance to the people who think you are backing up the topic of independence? by, think you are backing up the topic of independence?— of independence? a free and independent _ of independence? a free and independent scholar -- - of independence? a free and - independent scholar -- scotland - i independent scholar —— scotland — i think— independent scholar —— scotland — i think that _ independent scholar —— scotland — i think that is — independent scholar —— scotland — i think that is quite clear. in relation _ think that is quite clear. in relation to the preparations, as you will be _ relation to the preparations, as you will be familiar with, there has been _ will be familiar with, there has been good work done within the scottish— been good work done within the scottish government and a series of documents — scottish government and a series of documents to prepare the mechanisms

around _ documents to prepare the mechanisms around independence and that is ekactly— around independence and that is exactly what the scottish government will take _ exactly what the scottish government will take forward in the aftermath of this— will take forward in the aftermath of this election to prepare for independence and to ensure that we are successful in delivering the outcome — are successful in delivering the outcome of this election. jessica north _ outcome of this election. jessica north. , ., ., ., . outcome of this election. jessica north. , ., ., ., north. hi. i 'ust wanted to touch on oil and north. hi. ijust wanted to touch on oil and gas- — north. hi. ijust wanted to touch on oil and gas- can — north. hi. ijust wanted to touch on oil and gas. can you _ north. hi. ijust wanted to touch on oil and gas. can you set _ north. hi. ijust wanted to touch on oil and gas. can you set out - north. hi. ijust wanted to touch on oil and gas. can you set out today. oil and gas. can you set out today what specific measures about drilling in the north sea would have to meet to get your government's approval? it to meet to get your government's a- rroval? , ., ., approval? it is important that we look at this... _ approval? it is important that we look at this... our _ approval? it is important that we look at this... our undertaking . approval? it is important that we l look at this... our undertaking and if we _ look at this... our undertaking and if we can— look at this... our undertaking and if we can basis and looking at what are the _ if we can basis and looking at what are the implications of this. we assess— are the implications of this. we assess the _ are the implications of this. we assess the implications of this and the methodologies that will need to

be undertaken. the implications of all aspects — be undertaken. the implications of all aspects of the preparations for and the _ all aspects of the preparations for and the delivery of that policy and commitment. so that is the framework that we _ commitment. so that is the framework that we have _ commitment. so that is the framework that we have put in place to make that we have put in place to make that be _ that we have put in place to make that be able to be achieve so that everybody — that be able to be achieve so that everybody knows where we stand. oil and gas _ everybody knows where we stand. oil and gas companies have know where we standr _ and gas companies have know where we stand. the _ and gas companies have know where we stand, the government knows where we standr _ stand, the government knows where we stand. any— stand, the government knows where we stand, any steps that we had taken on climate — stand, any steps that we had taken on climate measures are clear in every— on climate measures are clear in every respect. what we to do is make sure that _ every respect. what we to do is make sure that we — every respect. what we to do is make sure that we have a rational process that enables people to explore those questions _ that enables people to explore those questions and to assess those policy options _ questions and to assess those policy options to— questions and to assess those policy options to the satisfaction of the climate — options to the satisfaction of the climate compatibility assessment that we _ climate compatibility assessment that we set out in the manifesto. this is— that we set out in the manifesto. this is a — that we set out in the manifesto. this is a 30 — that we set out in the manifesto. this is a 30 page document which is then on detail, full of rehash

policies, many of which the snp has failed to deliver on. this is the sign of a party who has given up, is in a? laughter no, it's not, connor. ifi laughter no, it's not, connor. if i come back to child _ no, it's not, connor. if i come back to child poverty, it is being annoyed _ to child poverty, it is being annoyed that we have kept children out of _ annoyed that we have kept children out of poverty or that we have seen measures _ out of poverty or that we have seen measures being taken to deliver the transition _ measures being taken to deliver the transition towards renewable energy that has— transition towards renewable energy that has essentially the carbonised electricity within scotland. we are halfway _ electricity within scotland. we are halfway towards our journey towards net zero _ halfway towards our journey towards net zero i _ halfway towards our journey towards net zero. i would seriously dismissing these elements of progress? what this manifesto does is present—

progress? what this manifesto does is present elements that shows that we can— is present elements that shows that we can strengthen scotland to the greatest _ we can strengthen scotland to the greatest and maximum effect toward scotland _ greatest and maximum effect toward scotland. that is the opportunity that is— scotland. that is the opportunity that is available for people to vote for in _ that is available for people to vote for in scotland today. i am to ask paul— for in scotland today. i am to ask paul hutcheon.— paul hutcheon. think you. since 2015, a barrel— paul hutcheon. think you. since 2015, a barrel load _ paul hutcheon. think you. since 2015, a barrel load of _ paul hutcheon. think you. since 2015, a barrel load of snp - 2015, a barrel load of snp candidates elected to westminster. apart from a decent salary, squabble amongst themselves, what have they actually delivered to the people of scotland to? because i can think of a single thing. the mac lets... let's take one particular example. my let's take one particular example. my colleague, marion, has been in the vanguard for the rising post

office _ the vanguard for the rising post office scandal for years before it was a _ office scandal for years before it was a significant issue in the united — was a significant issue in the united kingdom. she was working hard to get— united kingdom. she was working hard to get that _ united kingdom. she was working hard to get that issue addressed of that absolute _ to get that issue addressed of that absolute injustice. steven here in the front— absolute injustice. steven here in the front row has led the pressure on the _ the front row has led the pressure on the united kingdom government about— on the united kingdom government about gaza and the atrocities that are happening there as a consequence and the _ are happening there as a consequence and the war— are happening there as a consequence and the war on gaza. someone is here in front— and the war on gaza. someone is here in front of— and the war on gaza. someone is here in front of me — and the war on gaza. someone is here in front of me who took part in significant _ in front of me who took part in significant processes that challenged the united kingdom about the presence of russian money, the united _ the presence of russian money, the united kingdom economy and system. those _ united kingdom economy and system. those are _ united kingdom economy and system. those are just three examples of what _ those are just three examples of what snp — those are just three examples of what snp has been up to, as well as pressing _ what snp has been up to, as well as pressing the uk government on the two child _ pressing the uk government on the two child limit. just because we

don't _ two child limit. just because we don't get — two child limit. just because we don't get a completed outcome on that issue. — don't get a completed outcome on that issue, and it isjust beyond me that issue, and it isjust beyond me that the _ that issue, and it isjust beyond me that the labour party is not prepared to take the step that is necessary— prepared to take the step that is necessary in the two child limit, should — necessary in the two child limit, should mean that we take the pressure _ should mean that we take the pressure off, that we just say, oh, that's— pressure off, that we just say, oh, that's all— pressure off, that we just say, oh, that's all right. let's just that's all right. let'sjust resign yourself— that's all right. let'sjust resign yourself to market impalas —— market poverty~ _ yourself to market impalas —— market poverty~ i_ yourself to market impalas —— market poverty i am — yourself to market impalas —— market poverty. i am committed to fighting against _ poverty. i am committed to fighting against that. applause thank you, first minister. in a foreign to the manifesto you said that you honestly don't believe scotland can afford more cuts. yet there are big cuts in the city schools. snp would like to support a plan that would cut support to vulnerable children. how can you justify that?—

vulnerable children. how can you 'usti that? ., ., , justify that? there are two elements in the money — justify that? there are two elements in the money available _ justify that? there are two elements in the money available here. - justify that? there are two elements in the money available here. the - in the money available here. the money— in the money available here. the money that we raise and control ourselves — money that we raise and control ourselves, we are taking appropriate decisions _ ourselves, we are taking appropriate decisions on. for example, we have to be _ decisions on. for example, we have to be careful— decisions on. for example, we have to be careful in how we are raising business _ to be careful in how we are raising business rates, we had taken some hard decisions on tax. so we have £1.5 hard decisions on tax. so we have 515 billion — hard decisions on tax. so we have £1.5 billion available to us to spend — £1.5 billion available to us to spend in— £1.5 billion available to us to spend in scotland today that we wouldn't — spend in scotland today that we wouldn't have if we didn't have those — wouldn't have if we didn't have those decisions on tax. so we have expanded — those decisions on tax. so we have expanded those resources. the problem — expanded those resources. the problem is that the other, much larger— problem is that the other, much larger amount of money that is available — larger amount of money that is available from the united kingdom government is being undermined because — government is being undermined because of austerity. the price of a

story— because of austerity. the price of a story comes — because of austerity. the price of a story comes to us from the united kingdom _ story comes to us from the united kingdom government. that's why i think— kingdom government. that's why i think it _ kingdom government. that's why i think it has — kingdom government. that's why i think it has got to stop, because that is— think it has got to stop, because that is the — think it has got to stop, because that is the biggest contributor to to our— that is the biggest contributor to to our government and funder to the uk government that comes from our black— uk government that comes from our black grant— uk government that comes from our black grant which is being ruined by austerity _ black grant which is being ruined by austerity. local government received austerity. local government received a budget— austerity. local government received a budget last year, so we are making the maximum available resources to government that we can do, but that is in and _ government that we can do, but that is in and atmosphere of austerity. when _ is in and atmosphere of austerity. when i _ is in and atmosphere of austerity. when i say— is in and atmosphere of austerity. when i say our government services cannot— when i say our government services cannot work— when i say our government services cannot work under austerity, i make that point— cannot work under austerity, i make that point seriously. i know the government inside out. i've been here _ government inside out. i've been here ten— government inside out. i've been here ten years. i thought i was dealing — here ten years. i thought i was dealing with financial challenges, but they — dealing with financial challenges, but they are nothing compared to what _ but they are nothing compared to what we — but they are nothing compared to what we are dealing with now. there are real _ what we are dealing with now. there are real human consequences of that.

this consensus between the labour party— this consensus between the labour party and _ this consensus between the labour party and the conservatives sticking to the _ party and the conservatives sticking to the same fiscal rules and same approach — to the same fiscal rules and same approach to the budget is going to deeply— approach to the budget is going to deeply undermine scottish public services — deeply undermine scottish public services and the people of scotland need to _ services and the people of scotland need to hear about it. louise wilson? _ need to hear about it. louise wilson? , , ., wilson? things. i listen to your comments _ wilson? things. i listen to your comments today _ wilson? things. i listen to your comments today and _ wilson? things. i listen to your comments today and read - wilson? things. i listen to your comments today and read what wilson? things. i listen to your- comments today and read what your manifesto says budget to be absolutely when it says that the government will start immediate negotiate government will start immediate nerotiate ., ., ., , negotiate negotiations, . .. the second thing _ negotiate negotiations, . .. the second thing is _ negotiate negotiations, . .. the second thing is that _ negotiate negotiations, . .. the second thing is that our - negotiate negotiations, . .. the - second thing is that our government has had _ second thing is that our government has had a _ second thing is that our government has had a bad relationship. would you be willing to improve that relationship? {lin you be willing to improve that relationship?— you be willing to improve that relationshi . ? . , ,., relationship? on that first point, i believe that _ relationship? on that first point, i believe that the _ relationship? on that first point, i believe that the base _ relationship? on that first point, i believe that the base for - relationship? on that first point, i believe that the base for scotland | believe that the base for scotland to become an independent country is

for there _ to become an independent country is for there to _ to become an independent country is for there to be a referendum for independence. that would be the negotiations that i would take for it in the _ negotiations that i would take for it in the aftermath of the election. in terms— it in the aftermath of the election. in terms of— it in the aftermath of the election. in terms of your second question about— in terms of your second question about relationships, i would say that relations between the scottish and united kingdom government have deteriorated since borisjohnson became — deteriorated since borisjohnson became prime minister and brexit happen _ became prime minister and brexit happen it — became prime minister and brexit happen. it is not ten years, louise. that— happen. it is not ten years, louise. that is— happen. it is not ten years, louise. that is the — happen. it is not ten years, louise. that is the moment. i have got extensive — that is the moment. i have got extensive experience. we have collaborated as extensively as we can with — collaborated as extensively as we can with various governments. it was hard with— can with various governments. it was hard with some governments because we just— hard with some governments because we just didn't agree fundamentally about— we just didn't agree fundamentally about brexit. since 2019, the

relationship has been characterised by total— relationship has been characterised by total and utter disrespect from the united kingdom government, both at a level— the united kingdom government, both at a level of— the united kingdom government, both at a level of legislative activity and attitude, at times personal behaviour. having said all of that, i would _ behaviour. having said all of that, i would hope that if there was a change — i would hope that if there was a change in — i would hope that if there was a change in government, this would be the opportunity to make some more progress _ the opportunity to make some more progress collaboratively. i think people — progress collaboratively. i think people know me well enough to know that i am _ people know me well enough to know that i am interested in getting things— that i am interested in getting things done and making things happen — things done and making things happen. i think the climate has been appalling _ happen. i think the climate has been appalling with the united kingdom government since 2019 and i hope that there — government since 2019 and i hope that there is an opportunity to remedy— that there is an opportunity to remedy that. last question from simon _ remedy that. last question from simonjohnson. hi, remedy that. last question from simon johnson.— remedy that. last question from simon johnson. hi, first minister. and independence _ simon johnson. hi, first minister. and independence related - simon johnson. hi, first minister. l and independence related question. you said in response to alistair that if you get a majority of seats in the election but this would intensify a mandate that you add in 2021. on the flip side of that coin

also replied that if young get a majority also undermines the mandate that you have from 2021. secondly, given the focus on independence and the manifesto, should voters out there for whom independence is not a priority, should they vote different party? i priority, should they vote different -a ? ., priority, should they vote different .a ? ~ , ., , ., ~' ' party? i think people make different choices in the _ party? i think people make different choices in the election. _ party? i think people make different choices in the election. i _ party? i think people make different choices in the election. i will- choices in the election. i will say why i— choices in the election. i will say why i think— choices in the election. i will say why i think they should vote for the scottish— why i think they should vote for the scottish national party. my view is that if— scottish national party. my view is that if people want scotland to be able to _ that if people want scotland to be able to progress to become an independent country, they should vote for— independent country, they should vote for the scottish national party because _ vote for the scottish national party because that is the way in which that all— because that is the way in which that all happens. that will enable us to— that all happens. that will enable us to pursue a legitimate democratic wish of— us to pursue a legitimate democratic wish of the _ us to pursue a legitimate democratic wish of the people of scotland. one of the _ wish of the people of scotland. one of the things that you said in the question— of the things that you said in the question was that i claim to have a mandate _ question was that i claim to have a mandate for independence. i don't claim _ mandate for independence. i don't claim that —

mandate for independence. i don't claim that. that is what the people voted _ claim that. that is what the people voted for— claim that. that is what the people voted for in — claim that. that is what the people voted for in 2021 and it should be put into _ voted for in 2021 and it should be put into effect. think you are very much _ put into effect. think you are very much we — put into effect. think you are very much. we will see all of you on the campaign _ much. we will see all of you on the campaign trail. applause that was the launching of the snp manifesto taking questions from reporters and journalists. he put forward all of the ideas that the snp has been trailing on in the last few years, talking about major investment in the nhs and putting independence front and centre of the manifesto. we are going to be coming through the manifesto figures and claims and promises. we are going to have our chief corresponding talking to us in a short while as well as bbc verifies then. let's talk to someone who has been talking to that manifesto launch, katie. what do you make of what you heard? you are

correct in your assertion, no surprises today. i correct in your assertion, no surprises today.— correct in your assertion, no surprises today. i think that's ri . ht, surprises today. i think that's right. what — surprises today. i think that's right, what you _ surprises today. i think that's right, what you pointed - surprises today. i think that's right, what you pointed out l surprises today. i think that's - right, what you pointed out there is what we heard. what i've seen of the manifesto, what is in their independence front and centre. there is no surprise. we heard about in the peninsula and attacks on both the peninsula and attacks on both the conservatives and labour. a fairly chunk about the nhs as well, along with the housing crisis and austerity. i'm on page 15 of the manifesto and that does talk about tackling the cost of living crisis. butjohn sweeney was making the point there that for him independence is fundamental. he was talking a lot about the nhs. he is arguing for the westminster government to spend an extra £10

million annually on the nhs. let's remember that the nhs has developed in scotland. the ministers in edinburgh take the decisions around that. what the westminster government spends also takes precedent. scott then we need an extra £1 billion from the westminster government. he is also calling for the government to match the staff pay deals which have been agreed here in scotland. he wants the westminster government to do that. he says that that would mean more money coming to scotland. he has tucked in the past about the threat of creeping privatisation. he said very firmly that the nhs is not for sale. said very firmly that the nhs is not forsale. he said very firmly that the nhs is not for sale. he also attacked labour, which again, is a theme we heard

before that the two child cap. you wants labour to commit to becoming the next government is scrapping that. he said that it was a longing child poverty. at one point, he question, where is the change? it is one thing that we have heard a lot from the snp, that there isn't that much difference between the conservatives and labour. of course, but those parties would refute that. katie, thank you very much indeed. as always, we are going to bring you a full analysis of the snp's manifesto here and bbc news throughout the day and afternoon, so do stay with us here at the bbc.

live from london. this is bbc news. the snp launches its election manifesto, pledging a major investment in the nhs, and a promise to deliver independence. the inflation rate falls to 2%, the first time in almost three years that the bank of england's target has been met. vladimir putin and kim jong—un sign a 'strategic partnership pact�*, during the russian leader's first visit to north korea in 24 years. and it's another big day in the euros — as scotland go head—to—head with switzerland — but can they turn things around after their defeat to germany? hello. a warm welcome to bbc news. the snp have launched their general election manifesto. the party leader — scotland's first minister, john swinney — promised "a better future for scotland" — based on delivering independence, rejoining the eu, and major new investment in scotland's nhs

and public services. mr swinney pledged an end to what he called "westminster austerity" — with a new set of tax and spending rules aimed at boosting the scottish economy. it comes as figures out this morning show uk inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years — meeting the bank of england's target. prices rose at 2% in the year to may — down from 2.3% in april. in october 2022 the figure peaked at 11.1%. speaking at the snp manifesto launch in edinburgh, scotland's first ministerjohn swinney began by outlining his case for independence. we will always put the interests of people in scotland first, wherever our people are born, wherever they have come from. and of the very heart of our beliefs is the principal that decisions about scotland should be made by the people who live in scotland. why? for the simple reason that no one

else cares as much about this wonderful country and no one else will do a betterjob of taking care of it now and in the future and the people who live here. it is through independence, therefore, that we feel we can build a fairer country and a more prosperous economy we know is possible. not independence for its own sake, independence for the powers to protect our national health service and to help people through tough times. independence for a stronger economy and happier, healthier lives and independence for a betterfuture healthier lives and independence for a better future for scotland... the snp leader _ a better future for scotland... the snp leader called for more investment in the nhs. brute snp leader called for more investment in the nhs. we will 'oin with progressive i investment in the nhs. we will 'oin with progressive politician * investment in the nhs. we willjoin with progressive politician south i investment in the nhs. we willjoin with progressive politician south of| with progressive politician south of the border to press for greater funding for the nhs and for the uk government to match the pay deals we have given our health staff in scotland. that would see an extra £1.6 billion for the national health

service in scotland and we will introduce a keep the nhs in public has built in westminster, a legal guarantee for a publicly owned, publicly operated health service. the snp message on the health service is clear — it's simple and it will never change, the nhs is not for sale, voting snp... for sale, voting snp. .. applause voting snp is a vow to protect public services and our precious national health service. we will get a bit more on that in a moment. you can, as always, watch nonstop coverage of the election campaign now and until the results are called in july and beyond now and until the results are called injuly and beyond on the bbc�*s iplayer. look for election 24 live.

we have kt so we can talk about the scottish manifesto and you have read the manifesto, katie, not particularly long and that was pointed out by a journalist. yes. particularly long and that was pointed out by a journalist. pointed out by a 'ournalist. yes, i must oonessf — pointed out by a 'ournalist. yes, i must confess i — pointed out by a journalist. yes, i must confess i haven't _ pointed out by a journalist. yes, i must confess i haven't read - pointed out by a journalist. yes, i must confess i haven't read the i pointed out by a journalist. yes, i i must confess i haven't read the full manifesto, and on page 15, but i think the manifesto is fewer than 30 pages long and for people who have been following the snp was my campaign, there weren't any huge surprises in that speech from john swinney who talked a lot about independence. on page one he talked about austerity, brexit, the cost of living crisis, he blames westminster for imposing all of those things on scotland. also a big chunk of the speech on the nhs and you heard in the section from john swinney that he said clearly the nhs is not for sale and he has spoken before about what he describes as the threat of

creeping privatisation so all the main issues they are covered byjohn swinney as we would have expected, independence, tax and the conservative and labour and the nhs. and what he said of the nhs, as we talked about before, he is calling on westminster to spend an extra £10 billion annually on the nhs, but did he outline how he's going to persuade westminster do that? the nhs it's persuade westminster do that? the: nhs it's worth pointing persuade westminster do that? ti9 nhs it's worth pointing out is devolved so ministers here in edinburgh are responsible for running the nhs but as we discussed before, spending decisions in westminster impact the money bus into scotland so as you point out, whatjohn swinney is arguing for is an extra £10 billion annually to be spent by the next westminster government and he says that will

result in an extra £1 billion of funding for scotland and he has talked in the past about choices and in scotland how the government has chosen to tax people on higher earnings more so that that can be spent on public services. that's a thing that he has talked about over the last few weeks and i'm sure we will hear more about that in the next few weeks and of course, in two weeks' time we will find out what the voters make of it. he weeks' time we will find out what the voters make of it.— weeks' time we will find out what the voters make of it. he hasn't had lonr to the voters make of it. he hasn't had long to get — the voters make of it. he hasn't had long to get his _ the voters make of it. he hasn't had long to get his head _ the voters make of it. he hasn't had long to get his head around - the voters make of it. he hasn't had long to get his head around all - long to get his head around all of this given all the two most us time of six weeks ago.— of six weeks ago. yes, absolutely. as i was saying — of six weeks ago. yes, absolutely. as i was saying after— of six weeks ago. yes, absolutely. as i was saying after 11am - of six weeks ago. yes, absolutely. as i was saying after 11am that - of six weeks ago. yes, absolutely. as i was saying after 11am that if i as i was saying after 11am that if you go back to april, humza yousaf was first minister, the snp were in a power—sharing agreement with the green party, but then collapsed, humza yousaf resigned and i don't think anyone was expecting at that point forjohn swinney to become first minister and to become the snp leader and indeed, to be leading the

snp into a july before the election. i think that took everybody by surprise but when the snp launched the election campaign a few weeks ago, it was one of the first things he got up and said that he wasn't expecting to be herbert in his words he described it as the loveliest of surprises but it has certainly been a busy six weeks forjohn swinney, but out on the campaign trail and business is continuing at the scottish parliament.- business is continuing at the scottish parliament. katie, thank ou ve scottish parliament. katie, thank you very much — scottish parliament. katie, thank you very much indeed _ scottish parliament. katie, thank you very much indeed for - scottish parliament. katie, thank you very much indeed for that. i scottish parliament. katie, thank. you very much indeed for that. you can keep up—to—date with all the election news on bbc sounds. head to the app now and look for the latest new section to get more on that. let's return to those inflation figures, which have fallen to their lowest level in almost three years. speaking on lbc, rishi sunak said the 2% figure showed the economy had "turned a corner" because of what he called "bold action" by the conservatives.

it is very good news, because the last few years have been really tough for everybody. i know that and we've had lots of shocks, inflation putting up people's bills, but, you know, stuck to a plan, we've taken the action, wasn't always easy, but we've got there and inflation is back to target. and that means people will start to feel the benefits and ease some of the burdens on the cost of living. and it's because of that economic stability that we've restored, which was my priority when i got this job, that we've now been able to start cutting people's taxes. and if i win this election, i'm going to keep doing more of that, cutting people's taxes at every stage of their life. labour's shadow chancellor, rachel reeves, welcomed the news that inflation has fallen — but said working people are still worse off. unlike conservative government ministers, i'm not going to say that everything is fine. i'm not going to say that the cost of living crisis is over. i know that for many families and pensioners, the cost of living crisis is still acute, because although inflation has returned to its target, it doesn't mean that prices are falling. itjust means they're going up at a lower rate than they were previously. and those higher food prices, higher energy prices, higher rents and mortgages, they are still very real for very

many people and putting big pressure on family finances. and the choice really at this election is whether you want to carry on like that, five more years of chaos that we've seen under the conservatives, or the labour party who have got a real plan for growth, because it is by growing the economy that we can make working families, people across our country, better off. and that is what i'm determined to do. our chief economics correspondent dharshini david has been taking a closer look at the latest inflation figures. it has been quite a journey, almost three years since we are at this point of saying inflation target in the short answer is that if you look at the factors that caused a spike in the cost of living, the war in ukraine, and that drove up wholesale global food and energy costs, those have come down somewhat so you can see that respite being reflected in the bills we pay so groceries, bread, sugar, chocolate if you have a sweet tooth, those things,

vegetables if you prefer something different, those things that prices are coming down somewhat, although prices remain higher perhaps than a few years ago and we mustn't forget those 40 interest rate rises employed by the bank of england aimed at squeezing finances and therefore limiting the amount by which prices do go up. that also has had an impact so if you look at what's going on here, inflation of 2% still means prices are rising, pulled apart, to use a football cliche, a game of two halves here. what we are seeing is that on the good side you have prices on the whole falling back, largely reflecting that fall in global wholesale costs and also the fact that some retailers are having to discount goods to get them off shelves, one comes to services, the likes of restaurants, hotels, travel, also of course concert tickets and the like, we are still seeing prices rising at a faster rate there and escort services

inflation and a top 5% and that reflects the fact that some people are willing to shell out and treat themselves after the pandemic years but that does make some people nervous that we could see inflation perhaps start to rise just a little bit again in the coming months. lorfnfheh bit again in the coming months. when ou bit again in the coming months. when you mention — bit again in the coming months. when you mention chocolate _ bit again in the coming months. when you mention chocolate and _ bit again in the coming months. when you mention chocolate and vegetables and struggling to work which i prefer. joke. rishi sunak says figures had meant the economy turned a corner but labour says people are still worse off. which is true wuzzle i will give you an economist answer to that which means both can be true and you can have both your chocolate and vegetables. lorfnfhnzit be true and you can have both your chocolate and vegetables. what we are seeinr chocolate and vegetables. what we are seeing here _ chocolate and vegetables. what we are seeing here is _ chocolate and vegetables. what we are seeing here is inflation - chocolate and vegetables. what we are seeing here is inflation has - chocolate and vegetables. what we are seeing here is inflation has hit. are seeing here is inflation has hit the target once again and we are seeing on average incomes overtaking the rate at which prices are rising so the cost of living squeeze has eased. having said that, look at our growth pattern over recent years and

it has been disappointing. the sticker what happened with inflation and you are taking what happens with population growth, and looking back over the last few years, many people will be relatively worse off than they were a couple of years ago. they are still going to feel they have a way to go before they turn the corner and we should say a word for bowlers are there because they will be wondering if this means interest rates are about to come down. we have an announcement from the bank of england tomorrow, however, the bank needs to see inflation notjust come down to target but to stay there in the coming months and years and there is to do? over that so we may have to wait a bit longer and afraid for that first cut in interest rates. vegetables and chocolate are equally nice i'm sure. as ta ke as take you to the bbc website and you can see a number of stories on the goal happening right now and we have a live page on the snp

manifesto which will take you through everything we heard from john swinney a bit earlier, including the pledges towards independence in scotland if the snp win enough seats and also towards more investment in the nhs. you will also see a live page what's happening in north korea because there is a big international story happening as we speak and that is russian president vladimir putin is in north korea for the first time in 24 years and there is a strategic agreement, a partnership between the two countries which has been agreed between the two and finally you can read a bit more about those inflation figures that you heard about theirs. it's always good to go on the website to want to step away from the television. let's return to the snp manifesto launch and speak to the snp's former deputy leader, and current campaign director, stewart hosie. thanks so much forjoining us. what did you make of the performance today? six weeks in the making, not

a long time to get things together. are you happy? i’m a long time to get things together. are you happy?— a long time to get things together. are ouha-n? , are you happy? i'm extremely happy, i thou~ht are you happy? i'm extremely happy, i thought was — are you happy? i'm extremely happy, i thought was a _ are you happy? i'm extremely happy, i thought was a very _ are you happy? i'm extremely happy, i thought was a very progressive - i thought was a very progressive manifesto, a very positive and a different vision to the kind of austerity ridden brexit broken westminster system so i was extremely pleased with what i heard. talk to a brexit and it's interesting that what we are seeing or heard a bit of therefore mr swinney is talking about reversing brexit and an independent scotland and rejoining the eu and independent scotland pushing towards another referendum. these are all things that have happened. are you not therefore looking backwards instead of forwards to what people are really thinking of these days and thatis really thinking of these days and that is the money in the pocket? ida. that is the money in the pocket? no, i'm in the bricks _ that is the money in the pocket? irirr, i'm in the bricks or referendum was in 2016, it wasn't until 2019 or 2020 that it really kicked in and we

are now seeing the damage it is causing. the uk is going to lose 40 billion in tax revenues because of reduced growth and we did have an independence referendum in 2014 and the snp went on to win the general elections in 2015 and 2017 and 2019 and the scottish parliament election of 2021 so the pointjohn was making today and it was a profound point is that this is about democracy. if we win a majority of seats and win the general election in scotland, that strengthens our mandate and we will give effect of that in scotland but in a democracy you would expect the uk government to give effect to that as well. :, �* , uk government to give effect to that as well. . �*, ,., uk government to give effect to that as well. . �* , , ., ., as well. that's if you win a majority — as well. that's if you win a majority of _ as well. that's if you win a majority of seats - as well. that's if you win a majority of seats which i as well. that's if you win a - majority of seats which means at that point you would be empowered to push forward towards independence. but if you don't win a majority of seats what happens then?- but if you don't win a majority of seats what happens then? well, i'm the campaign _ seats what happens then? well, i'm the campaign director _ seats what happens then? well, i'm the campaign director and _ seats what happens then? well, i'm the campaign director and my - seats what happens then? well, i'm the campaign director and my job i seats what happens then? well, i'm the campaign director and my job is| the campaign director and myjob is to make sure we do what we did in sub15 or to make sure we do what we did in sub 15 or 15, 17 and 19 and that's

to win the general election in scotland on the