(00v)all the while — the humanitarian crisis all the while — the humanitarian crisis in the terroritory is getting worse, and the families of the hostages who were taken on october 7th, are desperate for them to return home. and it's against this backdrop that that israel's defence minister yoav gallant has been in washington dc today. he's at the state department where's he's meeting us secretary of state antony blinken, who'll press him on the importance of a realistic plan for the governance of gaza once the war is over. here's the state department spokesperson with more on what the two men will discuss. he is going to emphasise the need to avoid further escalation of the conflict, and he will as always, emphasised the need to improve humanitarian access where we have seen somewhat of a slowdown in excess in the south and the secretary is going to emphasise to the minister that we want to see

that situation reversed. and he will hope to hear concrete commitments from him to work on that problem. our north america correspondent nomia iqbal has more on the talks. mr yoav gallant is here for the second time in washington, dc. last time he was here in march, he is meeting his counterpart, the defence secretary lloyd austin and you mentioned the secretary of state antony blinken as well as the head of the cia and he will be discussing the next phase of the war in gaza, but also those increasing tensions on the lebanese border, which is of huge concern for the americans because of concern about what that might open up in the middle east. the prosecutor for the international criminal court has requested an arrester for yoav gallant, alleging he is responsible for war crimes in gaza and crimes against humanity but the us has rejected that, and they see yoav gallant as a crucial voice and a crucial ally, especially since mr vote once a day

——voice and a crucial ally, especially since mr gallant has said he wants a day after plan in gaza once the war is over and a plan that does not want this really is occupying gaza, which is what the us wants, and that is at odds with mr netanyahu and there has been tension between yoav gallant, mr netanyahu and the us administration. in terms of lebanon, the escalating tension there is of huge concern, notjust to the israelis but also to the americans and it could end up as a nightmare scenario and we know the biden administrator is committed to israel but they do consider his hezbollah different to hamas and they would not commit to troops on the ground, for example. it's expected all of that will be discussed with mr gallant and his counterparts here in washington, dc.

at least 22 people have been killed in a large fire that broke out at a lithium battery factory near the south korean capital, seoul. speaking after the incident, a local firefighter gave more details. translation: including the first victim and 21 _ translation: including the first victim and 21 missing _ translation: including the first victim and 21 missing people - translation: including the first victim and 21 missing people out| translation: including the first | victim and 21 missing people out of 22, we have recovered a total of 22 bodies and sent the bodies to hospitals funeral homes. we were going to wrap things up at a factory official told us of one person who was unaccounted for. we could not confirm whether the person was somewhere and couldn't be contacted or inside the factory. the rescue workers are going back into search for the person. south korea's president, yoon suk yeol, has also visited the site. mr yoon inspected the site and spoke to authorities there urging them to thoroughly investigate the cause of the blaze. it appears to have started after batteries exploded while workers were examining and packaging them at the factory. our reporter in seoul — david oh —

told us that most of those killed were chinese nationals. as of 7pm local time in south korea, those where it is confirmed, 22 people confirmed dead. and among the 22 people, most of them are foreign nationals. most of them are chinese nationals. i mean, initially, the fire started at 10 in the morning and the fire brigade went into the place. and, initially, the report was saying that there was one person, one dead and 20 people are missing. but it turned out that the massive fire has engulfed the entire factory. the factory itself, this is a massive factory area, and the fire started at the second floor of a three—storey building. as you can see in the pictures, the fire became a massive fire and in the afternoon,

the fire brigade found more bodies and it turns out that there are more than 20 people who are dead. and at the moment the fire has been almost extinguished, according to authorities, but still one person is missing. authorities are still looking for the missing. we still don't know if the person is inside the factory at the moment or outside of the factory, because they are just saying that he lost the contact. so, still, the search operation is still ongoing in the area. to southern russia now where 20 people — including 15 police officers and an orthodox church priest — have been killed — and dozens injured — in a series of attacks on police posts, churches and a synagogue. gun battles took place in the predominantly muslim, north caucasus republic of dagestan, one of the poorest regions of russia. the apparently coordinated attacks targeted the cities of makhachkala and derbent on the orthodox festival of pentecost. the kremlin has yet to comment, but local authorites suggest they know who is behind the shootings.

our russia editor, steve rosenberg has more. gunshots. southern russia under attack. in the russian republic of dagestan, gunmen opened fire into cities. they targeted places of worship. this was the synagogue in derbent. security forces battled the insurgents long into the night. by morning, what was called an anti—terrorist operation was over and the scale of destruction in derbent and makhachkala became clear. the head of dagestan went to see for himself. in this church, the attackers had killed a russian orthodox priest. and the synagogue, now a burnt—out shell. translation: today is a day

of tragedy for dagestan - and not only for dagestan but for our entire country. of course, we understand who is behind these terrorist attacks. we understand what they were trying to achieve. the suspicion is, there is a link here to radical islam. in recent years, the islamic state group has claimed to have carried out a string of attacks in dagestan, and yet one russian mp has gone on state tv here to suggest that ukraine and nato orchestrated this latest attack. now, that's a narrative we've heard before. gunshots, woman screams. earlier this year, after the mass shooting at a concert hall near moscow, the kremlin had pointed the finger of blame at kyiv and the west — even though islamic state had claimed responsibility for the attack. the authorities keen to make sure that russians view ukraine and the west as public enemy number one.

but after the last 2a hours in dagestan, and attacks that left a string of police officers and civilians dead, one senior russian senator has said this. "if russia was to blame every terrorist attack on scheming "by ukraine and nato, the pink mist will bring "russia bigger problems." steve rosenberg, bbc news, moscow. the cargo ship which caused the collapse of a huge bridge in baltimore earlier this year, has headed out of the city. the dali lost power and crashed into the francis scott key bridge in the early hours of march 26th. six construction workers died, and investigations are still under way into why the ship lost power and veered off course. the 984—foot container vessel is now headed to norfolk in virginia, to remove the remaining containers on board and undergo further repairs. the crew of 21, who are mostly indian, had been stuck on the ship in the channel. some of that number are due

to return home next week. do stay with us here on bbc news. in just a few moments time, we will be joining the bbc news at ten p.m. just a few moments time, we will be joining the bbc news at ten pm. so stay with us. princess anne is in hospital with concussion tonight, after apparently being injured by a horse. the princess, who's 73, was walking on her estate in gloucestershire yesterday when the incident happened. a man goes on trial, accused of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder the tv presenter holly willoughby. england are through to the last 16 at the euros — but fans in germany say they're

hoping for a more convincing performance when they play slovenia tomorrow. still feeling confident? oh, come on. yes, 100%. i'm here in belfast, looking at whether the political landscape might change in this general election. also, how much more tax might we be paying? the main parties are accused of a conspiracy of silence over their election proposals. a scathing assessment from key economic experts about the major parties�* tax—and—spend plans and what they are not telling voters. and the issues that matter to you — we speak to a mother who got in touch over the lack of support for carers. tonight on bbc london...

good evening. princess anne is in hospital with concussion tonight, after apparently being injured by a horse while walking on her estate in gloucestershire yesterday. buckingham palace says the princess, who's 73, is expected to make a full recovery, but is likely to remain in hospital for some days. a working trip to canada planned for later this week has been postponed. here's our senior royal correspondent, daniela relph. just over a week ago, trooping the colour. the princess royal was on horseback where she loved to be. an accomplished horsewoman, she played a leading part in the event. but last night, princess anne was injured on her estate, gatcombe park, in gloucestershire.

it is understood she was hurt after coming into contact with a horse's head or legs while on a walk. she was taken by ambulance to southmead hospital in bristol where she is in a comfortable condition. she has not been able to recall what happened. in a statement, buckingham palace said... the princess royal has sustained minor injuries and concussion, following an incident on the gatcombe park estate yesterday evening. the king has been kept closely informed an joins the whole royal family in sending his fondest love and well wishes to the princess for a speedy recovery. year on year, princess anne tops the list of royals who carry out the most public engagements. her work is often under the radar, without the glamour and attention others receive. but in a year when the royal family has faced serious health issues, her contribution has been more important than ever, especially her support

for her older brother. their closeness and his appreciation of his sister have become more obvious since he became king. princess anne's accident adds to the depleted number of full—time working royals at the moment. these have been challenging months, but there are now real gaps in terms of who can carry out public duties. princess anne is notoriously keen to avoid a fuss at all costs, but her injuries mean her engagements this week have been postponed, including a trip to canada. she is likely to remain in hospital until later this week. and daniela is here. she's someone with a full diary. the royal family is really going to notice princess anne's absence. that absence will be noticeable because of the sheer number of engagements she does. we don't always see what princess anne has

been doing widely reported but it is significant. this week she was due to be in scotland and hampshire and, as you said, in canada as well, all of which have been postponed. these remain tricky times for the royal family to stop we now have the king, whose diary is being carefully managed because of his cancer treatment, the princess of wales, still largely out of the public eye because of her own cancer diagnosis, and the prince of wales is stepping up and the prince of wales is stepping up his public engagements a bit but it's clear that his wife's recovery it's clear that his wife's recovery it is parity, and now princess anne is out of action, so limitations on foot of the highest profile senior royals. we are heading into a quieter time over the summer but it's a challenge for a royal family which wants and needs to be visible. thank you, danny rowe. now, let's turn to the general election. for more on that, let's go to reeta, who's in belfast. we are here in the iconic titanic quarter, which celebrates the city's proud shipbuilding past

and which has become a monument to lessons learned from the tragedy. in a moment, we'll be looking at how the political landscape in northern ireland is changing and at what that means for people's priorities as they cast their vote in the general election. but first, the uk's main political parties have ducked addressing some of the stark choices over tax and spend in their manifestos. that's according to the leading think—tank the institute for fiscal studies. our economics editor, faisal islam, is with me. and they've got harsh words about the parties. quote several hundred pages of manifesto ideas but the ifs say, well, we haven't had a clear plan on what levels of taxation, just some promises about tax rates, on public services, some ideas of what's going wrong some public services but not a clear plan for their funding wrong some public services but not a clear plan for theirfunding and, on the general issue of where plans are

for the size of the state, no clear idea about whether this state needs to be bigger or smaller. so some vague plans but what about the public? do they deserve to know better? that's the message from the ifs. ten days out from the election, we are in a position to be able to compare the main parties�* big offers, their promises to the electorate in the manifestos, with the help of the institute for fiscal studies. first, the size of the manifesto, in tax and spend terms. this chart compares the cash into the exchequer, so tax rises and spending cuts above the line, and the reverse below the line. conservatives say they want about £30 billion of cash into the exchequer, like squeezing benefits, with the same amount out, including that national insurance cut. labour's plans are half as big, targeting health and schools and green investment, funded by smaller tax rises, for example on private schools. the liberal democrats and greens are pushing for better resourced public services,

funded by significant tax rises, and reform thinks it can shrink government and taxes radically. so how does all that affect tax? this is a chance since the second world war of all the tax as a percentage of the size of the economy. you can see the pattern here, the liberal democrats and labour would take this tax burden on to the highest level since 19118, the conservatives would stabilise it at the highest since 1950. but the big picture is that all the parties would leave intact this rise in the tax burden we have seen over the past parliament, this parliament of emergencies, the pandemic, and the energy crisis, and it wouldn't really fall. so why this talk about spending cuts when the tax burden is doing that? well, the conservatives say they do want to spend more on defence, labour on schools, but the real mystery here is about what is happening in unprotected departments, important spending on councils, courts, higher education, for example. there we are not being

told the full story. we are either going to see some big tax increases or spending cuts given where we are with the public finances at the moment, and we don't know which way either party would go, post—election. neither of them want to say "we are going to cut this," neither want to say "we are going to increase taxes here," but if they are going to keep to their self imposed fiscal discipline, they are likely to have to do one or the other. the pm responded today by saying his plans are fully costed and will deliver tax cuts at every age. the labour leader said labour's plans were about growing the economy after 111 years of flatlining. the liberal democrats also said their plans were fully costed, and the greens in a bbc panorama interview said their big plans to grow spending were not out of the ordinary internationally. you are promising things that can't be delivered. well, and i have quoted to you what other experts have said, welcoming our proposals,

other economists, financial experts who have said the green party is bringing in a different way of thinking that, by european standards, is fairly normal, and we can't expect to have the level of health services, the quality of education system, that other countries have if we don't put the investment in that is needed. we aren't getting a full picture from any of these parties�* manifesto, but you get a sense of the instincts on tax and spend and on the size of government going forward. but it is worth remembering that experience of the past five years, is that when the economic waters get choppy, many of these grand plans get dumped in the deep sea. and, if you want to hear more of nick robinson's interview with adrian ramsay, you can watch the whole discussion — along with all the other leader interviews — on the bbc�*s iplayer. rishi sunak has said he's "not aware" of any other conservative candidates being looked

at by the gambling commission over allegations of bets being placed on the election date. he also confirmed that the party was conducting its own internal inquiry. four conservatives, including two candidates, are being investigated by the gambling watchdog, and the prime minister is coming under increasing pressure over his handling of the matter. here's our political editor, chris mason. rishi sunak on the campaign trail in london tonight. this is a church hall in true blue chelsea. irate london tonight. this is a church hall in true blue chelsea. we have uruent hall in true blue chelsea. we have urgent work _ hall in true blue chelsea. we have urgent work to _ hall in true blue chelsea. we have urgent work to do, _ hall in true blue chelsea. we have urgent work to do, ten _ hall in true blue chelsea. we have urgent work to do, ten days - hall in true blue chelsea. we have urgent work to do, ten days to - hall in true blue chelsea. we have l urgent work to do, ten days to save britain from a labour government. mr sunak defensive in his arguments and in his geography, where he is visiting. as polls suggest a labour government is imminent and so many conservatives are vulnerable. the

prime minister in chelsea, of all places, trying to focus his argument on what he sees as the dangers of a labour government and turn the page from all of those questions about the betting saga. earlier, he was at the betting saga. earlier, he was at the sun newspaper for a the betting saga. earlier, he was at the sun newspaperfor a question and answer session beginning with the saga about alleged betting on the timing of the election. he said the conservative party was looking into it as well as the gambling regulator. it as well as the gambling regulator-— it as well as the gambling reaulator. ~ . , . regulator. we have been conducting internal inquiries, _ regulator. we have been conducting internal inquiries, very _ regulator. we have been conducting internal inquiries, very sensitive - internal inquiries, very sensitive matters which have to be done in a way which doesn't compromise the integrity of police head of investigations.— integrity of police head of investigations. integrity of police head of investirations. ., , ., , investigations. you see what this looks like voters, _ investigations. you see what this looks like voters, the _ investigations. you see what this looks like voters, the last - investigations. you see what this looks like voters, the last days . investigations. you see what this | looks like voters, the last days of roma _ looks like voters, the last days of roma i — looks like voters, the last days of rome. ., ., , looks like voters, the last days of rome. . . , . , looks like voters, the last days of rome. . ., , looks like voters, the last days of rome. . rome. i am as angry as anybody when i learnt about — rome. i am as angry as anybody when i learnt about these _ rome. i am as angry as anybody when i learnt about these things. _ rome. i am as angry as anybody when i learnt about these things. the - i learnt about these things. the prime minister _ i learnt about these things. the prime minister claimed this about keir starmer.— prime minister claimed this about keir starmer. , ., , keir starmer. they are queueing up in calais waiting _

keir starmer. they are queueing up in calais waiting for— keir starmer. they are queueing up in calais waiting for a _ keir starmer. they are queueing up in calais waiting for a keir- keir starmer. they are queueing up in calais waiting for a keir starmerl in calais waiting for a keir starmer government so they can come and stay here. is government so they can come and stay here. , ., ., :: :: :: government so they can come and stay here. , ., ., 11:11: , here. is more than 13,000 people have crossed _ here. is more than 13,000 people have crossed the _ here. is more than 13,000 people have crossed the channel - here. is more than 13,000 people have crossed the channel so - here. is more than 13,000 people have crossed the channel so far. here. is more than 13,000 people l have crossed the channel so far this year, a higher number than at this point in the last four years. keir starmer said the current system is a failure. ., starmer said the current system is a failure. . :: :: :: :: , ., , failure. there are 50,000 people here not been _ failure. there are 50,000 people here not been processed. - failure. there are 50,000 people here not been processed. if - failure. there are 50,000 people here not been processed. if we . failure. there are 50,000 people i here not been processed. if we carry on with rishi sunak, it will be 100,000 by the end of the one thing we know if you are not processed is you can't be returned anywhere so you can't be returned anywhere so you are staying here paying for the accommodation? you are. this pain the hotel bills? you are. this is such an absurd position. b, the hotel bills? you are. this is such an absurd position.- the hotel bills? you are. this is such an absurd position. a final set iece such an absurd position. a final set piece moment _ such an absurd position. a final set piece moment for _ such an absurd position. a final set piece moment for the _ such an absurd position. a final set piece moment for the two - such an absurd position. a final set piece moment for the two men - such an absurd position. a final set i piece moment for the two men hoping to be prime minister on bbc one on wednesday night as this campaign approaches its final stages. and we can talk to chris in westminster. in the last hour or so, on the

gambling row, the regulator has had more to say. the gambling row, the regulator has had more to say-— gambling row, the regulator has had more to say. the row has chugged on toda , not more to say. the row has chugged on today. not least _ more to say. the row has chugged on today, not least because _ more to say. the row has chugged on today, not least because the - today, not least because the opponent parties to the conservatives keep talking about it. we have seen ed davey of the liberal democrats adjusting rishi sunak hasn't been doing enough and then the actions of the labour party. over the weekend, labour wrote to the gambling condition suggesting the gambling condition suggesting the names that the commission were looking into should be made public. tonight, a response from the gambling commission, in which they have said they won't be naming those they are looking into and also they have said they have asked those they are looking into to treat the matter confidentially, which gives you some insight into why it's quite difficult for reporters like me and others to bring you more names of those who might be being looked into. i spent much of the last few days trying to do that and, frankly, it has not proved easy. not least

because the gambling commission suggests those being looked into do not comment public. what i have been reporting in the last 2a hours as there are more that are being looked into than those names already out there, and so every prospect, even if it isn't making the headlines it was a couple of days ago, we haven't heard the end of it. thank you, chris. well, in northern ireland, the focus is not on the main british political parties but on parties which have reflected the central historical faultline in politics here. unionism — those who want to see northern ireland remain part of the uk — is currently dominated by the democratic unionist party, the dup, who had eight seats in westminster at the last election. the dominant force among nationalists — who want to see northern ireland united with the republic of ireland — is sinn fein, who had seven seats, while the sdlp had two.

there's also the alliance party — here in yellow — which remains neutral on the issue. but the debate in this part of the uk has also been strongly affected by the issue of brexit. northern ireland voted to remain in the eu, and it's the only part of the uk to share a land border with an eu state — ireland. since the referendum, the alliance party has grown significantly. it is pro—remain and it's strongly challenging the pro—leave dup in some of their strongholds. chris page looks at how these two thorny issues — northern ireland's place in the uk and its place in the eu — could be changing the face of politics here. the brexitjourney has taken northern ireland in a different direction to the rest of the uk and the final destination is still uncertain.

at this music festival, people say there have been years of political disharmony since the referendum. there was a lot of misinformation that maybe led to a vote that people didn't want. northern ireland really isn't capitalising on the position that we're in, being the link between the uk and the rest of europe. i feel like that's been a completely wasted opportunity. northern ireland is in the unique position of having full access to the eu and british markets. but there's also been a trade border in the irish sea — checks on goods arriving here from great britain. that led the democratic unionist party to veto the formation of a power—sharing devolved government for two years until a new agreement four months ago. it's not a job done, but it's significant work progress and we're going to build on that in the future. eight years ago today, the brexit referendum result was declared, a result the dup welcomed at the time. there are those who will say brexit�*s fundamentally damaged the union. the people chose what they wished to see the future of this country being.

it was delivered for great britain, it has not been delivered for northern ireland — and in that respect, democracy has been dishonoured. another pro—brexit party, the traditional unionist voice, is accusing the dup of compromising too much. but unionists who opposed brexit say they've been proved right. those brexit purists, they haven't got the brexit they wanted. that's the problem. but the brexit they wanted could never be delivered. the whole cohesion of the union has been damaged because of brexit, but the irish sea border needs to go. irish nationalists ultimately want to remove another border — the land frontier with the republic of ireland. they argue that most people in northern ireland would want to rejoin the eu and irish unity is the only way to do it. i don't think it's likely, given the political context, particularly in england, that any government will rejoin the european union. i genuinely believe that will be very difficult to get back into the european union as full

members while we're still part of the uk. in recent years, sinn fein has become the first nationalist party to win the most seats in councils and the devolved assembly. it says brexit has caused too much blockage. people want to see us move forward. people want to see that strong leadership. people want to see the positive change in their communities. unionists say they want to work with the next westminster government to remove any remaining trade barriers between here and the rest of the uk. are you prepared to work with them on that? we will work with anybody at the end of the day to eradicate any barriers there may be, but as we said from the outset of brexit, brexit was always going to mean friction. brexit was always going to mean barriers and new borders. brexit has arguably increased the focus on constitutional issues, but the party, which is neither unionist nor nationalist, has grown strongly. alliance isn't advocating for a united ireland or for the united kingdom. what we're advocating for is the best possible outcome for northern ireland.

i believe that closer alignment between the uk and the eu is best for northern ireland. i also believe it has benefits for the rest of ireland and the rest of the uk. concert—goers suggest historical identity politics is weakening. issues that matter. education is always very important on the economy, —— education is always very important and the economy, so we're getting to real politics here in northern ireland. elections show which way politics is moving. in northern ireland, perspectives are shifting, not least because of brexit. chris page, bbc news, belfast. throughout this election, we've been asking you to get in touch with us to tell us what issues you would jacqueline wood, who lives ten miles from here, in lisburn, contacted us about the issue of support for those caring for people with learning difficulties. colletta smith went to meet her. hello, jacqueline. sometimes the quietest people can have the most powerful voices.

jacqueline's one of them — a full—time carer for her daughter emma, who has special needs. she knows everyone. she's just a wonderful person. do you want to say hello to colletta? why did you contact us? because absolutely nobody is talking about the learning disabled. jacqueline only gets half her allocated hours of home support because of a constant battle for staff. they're the most vulnerable people in society from the day they are born until the day they die, and they have to put them into a special category, and to pay a special category salary to the people who are doing such a good job caring for them. if they don't do that, they will never solve the problem. jacqueline's knitted a support network of other carers and families around her, but they're all struggling with the local respite centre closed at the moment. i have no idea why we come bottom of the list. i think other things just, i don't know, other thingsjust seem to get priority.

the trust in charge told us they are working to provide local respite care again, but it can't come soon enough for beth, in her 80s, who cares for her sisterjenny. we carers are saving the government a mint of money over the years. you know, and i think they should be able to help. my biggest heartache... ..is that emma has nowhere to go when i die. the politicians in westminster and in all the devolved assemblies have been weighed in the balance and they have been found wanting. i don't know how they look in the mirror. this election, jacqueline and herfriends are hoping someone will hear their voices, and support them in daily life. what we all say is the sun rises and we get up with it and you get through that day.

stories of such anxiety and concern. what are the political party saying they will do about it? you what are the political party saying they will do about it?— they will do about it? you can understand — they will do about it? you can understand the _ they will do about it? you can understand the frustration - they will do about it? you can understand the frustration forj understand the frustration for millions of carers across the uk to have had such little detail about what support or provisions will be potentially put in place for those who care for people with special needs. there is broad agreement across the political parties that the system is struggling to cope at the system is struggling to cope at the moment and needs major reform. the liberal democrats have promised a rise in that minimum wage for carers to try and solve the recruitment crisis that we were hearing about. the labour party have promised to consider something similar but, of course, funding for respite or day care centres here is a devolved issue which means it is “p a devolved issue which means it is up to the stormont political parties to decide how much to spend, way to spend it. but in the westminster election now it is the same political parties that are standing here who are in power instalment so for voters here they are still trying to hold those same politicians feet to the fire. there

isn't all that much hope that things may change. people aren't necessarily holding their breath but it is a moment where, potentially, the burden could be lifted from those struggling the most. thank you ve much. and that's it for the titanic quarter in belfast. back to jane in the studio. studio: thank you. a man has gone on trial accused of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder the tv presenter holly willoughby. gavin plumb, who's 37 and from essex, is alleged to have developed an obsession with the star over a number of years. he denies the charges. our correspondent lizo mzimba was in court. good morning and welcome to your wednesday's this morning. holly willoughby is one of tv�*s best—known faces, a presenter on itv�*s this morning for 1h years. it was during her final two years on the popular daytime show that the prosecution say that gavin plumb was planning the presenter�*s kidnap and rape and, later, her murder.

the prosecution said plumb had initially spoken online with a man known only as mark about his plans in 2021. it was alleged that the defendant told him, i'm going to be living out my ultimate fantasy. prosecutor alison morgan kc told the court, it was notjust the ramblings of a fantasist, the defendant had carefully planned what he would do. later, the jury heard that plumb, who was present in court, was communicating online with another individual about his plans in graphic detail and that he sought to encourage that individual to commit kidnap, rape and murder with him. the prosecution added that what the defendant didn't know was that the person was an undercover police officer, based in the usa. the court was told that the 37—year—old security guard had a sexual obsession with holly willoughby, and that he'd previously made kidnap attempts against other women — trying to force two women from a train under the threat

of a gun, and trying to tie the hands of two 16—year—old girls, at knife—point. any alleged victim of a sexual crime like incitement to rape automatically receives lifelong anonymity. in this case, holly willoughby has chosen to waive that. the prosecution also said she wouldn't be a witness as the case was only concerned with gavin plumb's planning, which they say was interrupted when his home was raided by police, followed by his arrest. the trial is expected to last two weeks. gavin plumb denies the charges. lizo mzimba, bbc news, chelmsford crown court. now a look at some other stories making the news today. lucy letby has told a jury she has never intended, or tried to, harm any baby in her care. the former neonatal nurse is being re—tried over the alleged attempted murder of a baby girl, known as child k, at a hospital

in chester in 2016. she denies the charge. a verdict could not be reached in the case last year, when letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others. the father of the missing british teenagerjay slater says he's experiencing "a living hell", as the search for his son in tenerife enters a second week. the search teams are working in challenging conditions at rural de teno national park, which is the 19 year old's last known location. an actor in one of the pirates of the caribbean films, has died after being attacked by a shark while surfing. tamayo perry, who played one of the buccaneers in pirates of the caribbean: on stranger tides, died yesterday in hawaii. the 49—year—old had worked as a surfing instructor and lifeguard for more than 10 years. now, it's official, england have qualified for the knockout stages of the euros without kicking a ball — after other results tonight

ensured they'd go through, whatever the result of their final group game against slovenia tomorrow. our sports correspondent andy swiss is in cologne — andy, england fans breathing a sigh of relief tonight. yes. it is a bit of a strange one. why are england through? it's because albania lost tonight and that means even if england don't finish in the top two in their group they will go through as one of the best third placed teams. confusing? well, one thing is for sure, england fans will be hoping for a much improved performance against slovenia here tomorrow. england fans in cologne, out enjoying a cruise on the river rhine. but after their team's stodgy start to the euros, it's hardly been plain sailing. we've got the best attacking players, i think, in the whole tournament, but we just haven't been using them right. having watched the first two games,

are you still feeling confident? laughter. oh, come on! that's a trick question. yes, 100%. it will get better. england were booed off by some supporters after last week's frustrating draw with denmark, but they are still top of their group, and these fans are keeping the faith. i think once they've scored, they go on the defence rather than the attack, and i think they need to change that side of things. but you're still confident? oh, yeah. southgate's got it, kid, no problem. england haven't been short of critics, though. captain harry kane says former players who are now pundits should be more supportive, but the manager says he's not bothered. it's not important to me. there's nothing to be gained from us that's going to help improve us listening to external criticism. we know what we've done well — we're very honest about that. we know where we need to be better — we're brutally honest about that. well, on paper, the match

here in cologne should be england's easiest of their group. slovenia are ranked just 57th in the world. but so far in this tournament, not much has been straightforward. but it's been far harder for scotland. after their agonising exit, they headed home this afternoon. england will be hoping their euros journey still has plenty of mileage. andy swiss, bbc news, cologne. that

have the tories closed down the betting scandal or is there more to come? and a small crossings reach a record high, we ask, do the parties have a credible plan? welcome to newsnight for your weeknightly interviews and insight. interviews with the conservatives' gillian keegan and labour's jonathan ashworth coming up. let me introduce you to your panel this evening — former universities minister, conservative peer lord jojohnson is here, alongside mhairi black, former snp mp and she was their deputy leader at westminster, and also prof sirjohn curtice,

elections guru. welcome all of you. nick is here as well. first, take a look at this — conservative candidate james cracknell on facebook. two weeks out from the olympics, and if we were competing against the conservative party, my team—mates and i would be saying, "they are a shower of shit." and if one of my team—mates got caught for cheating, they'd be dead to me. that abuse of trust is unforgivable. jojohnson, what jo johnson, what you jojohnson, what you think of that response to the betting scandal, compared to the prime minister's? it is an odd introduction to the message. he is an odd introduction to the message-— is an odd introduction to the messaue. , ., ., , ., message. he is a conservative candidate- _ message. he is a conservative candidate- i — message. he is a conservative candidate. i think— message. he is a conservative candidate. i think he _ message. he is a conservative candidate. i think he is - candidate. i think he is paraphrasing _ candidate. i think he is paraphrasing the - candidate. i think he is - paraphrasing the immense candidate. i think he is _ paraphrasing the immense frustration of our candidates and activists that the story is still rumbling on two weeks since it first broke. and it

shows every sign of continuing because number ten hasn't managed to get to the bottom of it, hasn't flushed out exactly whom may have been involved or not and dealt with it. ., ., , ., been involved or not and dealt with it. how would you close it down if ou are it. how would you close it down if you are advising _ it. how would you close it down if you are advising rishi _ it. how would you close it down if you are advising rishi sunak? - it. how would you close it down if you are advising rishi sunak? he | it. how would you close it down if. you are advising rishi sunak? he has not to take you are advising rishi sunak? he has got to take very _ you are advising rishi sunak? he has got to take very firm _ you are advising rishi sunak? he has got to take very firm action. - got to take very firm action. clearly no one can understand why people haven't been suspended when in comparable situations other than might�*ve been. i think there is a need forfirm, decisive might�*ve been. i think there is a need for firm, decisive action. might�*ve been. i think there is a need forfirm, decisive action. i don't think they have yet seen that. john curtis, is is cutting 30 voters? , ., john curtis, is is cutting 30 voters? , . . ., , ., . voters? they are certainly noticing the sto , voters? they are certainly noticing the story. it _ voters? they are certainly noticing the story. it is _ voters? they are certainly noticing the story. it is a — voters? they are certainly noticing the story, it is a story _ voters? they are certainly noticing the story, it is a story that - the story, it is a story that perhaps— the story, it is a story that perhaps reminds them of the already rather— perhaps reminds them of the already rather critical view of the operation of 10 downing street by the conservative party since 2019, obviously — the conservative party since 2019, obviously with respect to the way in which _ obviously with respect to the way in which 10 _ obviously with respect to the way in which 10 downing street seem to have a strange _ which 10 downing street seem to have a strange interpretation of the covid — a strange interpretation of the covid regulations during the lockdown. now we discover the seem to have _ lockdown. now we discover the seem to have a _ lockdown. now we discover the seem to have a more liberal attitude towards. —

to have a more liberal attitude towards, perhaps, only an allegation, gambling on the basis of information to which some are privy. but insofar— information to which some are privy. but insofar as therefore it is a reminder— but insofar as therefore it is a reminder rather than new information, people should not be surprised — information, people should not be surprised that the three poles that have come — surprised that the three poles that have come out today, really the first post — have come out today, really the first post to be conducted since the revival _ first post to be conducted since the revival of _ first post to be conducted since the revival of the story over the course of the _ revival of the story over the course of the weekend, all three of them have absolutely no change in the conservative vote. to that extent, it is not _ conservative vote. to that extent, it is not clear so far at least that the story— it is not clear so far at least that the story is— it is not clear so far at least that the story is necessarily reducing the story is necessarily reducing the conservative vote, which is already— the conservative vote, which is already so _ the conservative vote, which is already so low that it is very difficult _ already so low that it is very difficult to see it falling much further~ — difficult to see it falling much further. ~ ., ., , ., ~' difficult to see it falling much further. ~ ., ., ~ ., ., further. what do you think of that, that it is not _ further. what do you think of that, that it is not so _ further. what do you think of that, that it is not so far— further. what do you think of that, that it is not so far at _ further. what do you think of that, that it is not so far at least - that it is not so far at least cutting 30 boaters? it that it is not so far at least cutting 30 boaters? that it is not so far at least cuttin: 30 boaters? , , , , cutting 30 boaters? it surprises me. is it cutting 30 boaters? it surprises me. is it possible — cutting 30 boaters? it surprises me. is it possible that _ cutting 30 boaters? it surprises me. is it possible that the _ cutting 30 boaters? it surprises me. is it possible that the vote _ cutting 30 boaters? it surprises me. is it possible that the vote would - is it possible that the vote would be if it higher in the absence of this? , ., . ., , be if it higher in the absence of this? , ., . , this? given the tra'ectory has been araduall this? given the trajectory has been gradually downwards. _ this? given the trajectory has been gradually downwards. having - this? given the trajectory has been gradually downwards. having three opinion— gradually downwards. having three opinion polls and which a vote hold steady— opinion polls and which a vote hold steady might be a relatively good performance.

steady might be a relatively good performance-— steady might be a relatively good erformance. ~ . ., ., , performance. mhairi black, how does the scandal compared _ performance. mhairi black, how does the scandal compared to _ performance. mhairi black, how does the scandal compared to recent - performance. mhairi black, how does the scandal compared to recent snp| the scandal compared to recent snp scandals? i the scandal compared to recent snp scandals? ., ., , ., , , ,, scandals? i mean, obviously the snp have had quite _ scandals? i mean, obviously the snp have had quite a _ scandals? i mean, obviously the snp have had quite a tumultuous - scandals? i mean, obviously the snp have had quite a tumultuous year, i scandals? i mean, obviously the snp have had quite a tumultuous year, if| have had quite a tumultuous year, if you can _ have had quite a tumultuous year, if you can put — have had quite a tumultuous year, if you can put it— have had quite a tumultuous year, if you can put it that _ have had quite a tumultuous year, if you can put it that way. _ have had quite a tumultuous year, if you can put it that way. but - have had quite a tumultuous year, if you can put it that way. but the - you can put it that way. but the most _ you can put it that way. but the most recent _ you can put it that way. but the most recent thing... _ you can put it that way. but the most recent thing... i- you can put it that way. but the most recent thing... i assume i you can put it that way. but the i most recent thing... i assume you are talking — most recent thing... i assume you are talking about _ most recent thing... i assume you are talking about the _ most recent thing... i assume you are talking about the stamps - most recent thing... i assume youj are talking about the stamps story that has _ are talking about the stamps story that has been_ are talking about the stamps story that has been going _ are talking about the stamps story that has been going round. - are talking about the stamps story that has been going round. i- are talking about the stamps story that has been going round. i am . that has been going round. i am grateful— that has been going round. i am grateful that _ that has been going round. i am grateful that there _ that has been going round. i am grateful that there doesn't - that has been going round. i am i grateful that there doesn't appear to he _ grateful that there doesn't appear to be any— grateful that there doesn't appear to be any actual _ grateful that there doesn't appear to be any actual evidence - grateful that there doesn't appear to be any actual evidence that - to be any actual evidence that anything — to be any actual evidence that anything has _ to be any actual evidence that anything has happened - to be any actual evidence that anything has happened there, to be any actual evidence that - anything has happened there, but it is not _ anything has happened there, but it is not good — anything has happened there, but it is not good for— anything has happened there, but it is not good for any— anything has happened there, but it is not good for any political - anything has happened there, but it is not good for any political party i is not good for any political party to he _ is not good for any political party to he going — is not good for any political party to he going into— is not good for any political party to be going into a _ is not good for any political party to be going into a campaign- is not good for any political party to be going into a campaign with| to be going into a campaign with question— to be going into a campaign with question marks _ to be going into a campaign with question marks over— to be going into a campaign withi question marks over themselves. to be going into a campaign with i question marks over themselves. but i am question marks over themselves. but i am grateful— question marks over themselves. but i am grateful that _ question marks over themselves. but i am grateful that it _ question marks over themselves. but i am grateful that it is _ question marks over themselves. but i am grateful that it is not _ question marks over themselves. but i am grateful that it is not on - question marks over themselves. but i am grateful that it is not on the i i am grateful that it is not on the scale _ i am grateful that it is not on the scale of— i am grateful that it is not on the scale of c— i am grateful that it is not on the scale of c covid _ i am grateful that it is not on the scale of c covid contracts - i am grateful that it is not on the scale of c covid contracts or i i am grateful that it is not on thel scale of c covid contracts or such. for those — scale of c covid contracts or such. for those who _ scale of c covid contracts or such. for those who aren't _ scale of c covid contracts or such. for those who aren't up _ scale of c covid contracts or such. for those who aren't up to - scale of c covid contracts or such. for those who aren't up to speedl scale of c covid contracts or such. i for those who aren't up to speed and want to learn more about the stamps issue, nick? he want to learn more about the stamps issue, nick?— issue, nick? he was talking about it on the laura — issue, nick? he was talking about it on the laura kuenssberg _ issue, nick? he was talking about it on the laura kuenssberg show i on the laura kuenssberg show yesterday, as essentially what you're sing as though stamps are allowed for campaigning, but what they are not allowed is for use in a general election campaign. i think i have understood that correctly. he has consulted his party, yet spoken

to people in the party, and he has been given assurances— and he knew he had to get good assurances before he had to get good assurances before he went on the show— that nothing untoward had happened in terms of using those four general election purposes. that using those four general election --uroses. �* w' using those four general election --uroses. �* ., using those four general election --uroses. ~ ., ., ., purposes. at risk of exaggerating the relative _ purposes. at risk of exaggerating the relative importance _ purposes. at risk of exaggerating the relative importance of- purposes. at risk of exaggerating the relative importance of the i the relative importance of the allegations about the snp, with respect — allegations about the snp, with respect to the demise of the conservative party, in the case of the conservative party, their difficulties start with partygate. in difficulties start with partygate. in the _ difficulties start with partygate. in the case of the snp, there are difficulties predate the revelation that the — difficulties predate the revelation that the police were actually going so far— that the police were actually going so far as _ that the police were actually going so far as to arrest peter murrell and subsequent arrest. the problem for the _ and subsequent arrest. the problem for the snp starts with the leadership contest that nicola sturgeon instigated in february last year~ _ sturgeon instigated in february last year. during that leadership contest. _ year. during that leadership contest, snp support fell by five points — contest, snp support fell by five points i— contest, snp support fell by five points. i think the problem contest, snp support fell by five points. ithink the problem is contest, snp support fell by five points. i think the problem is much more _ points. i think the problem is much more to— points. i think the problem is much more to do— points. i think the problem is much more to do with it as a political institution, _ more to do with it as a political institution, its record in government, the readership is now able to— government, the readership is now able to offer, rather than the various— able to offer, rather than the various allegations that some people

might— various allegations that some people might regard as a scandal. enter various allegations that some people might regard as a scandal.— might regard as a scandal. enter was what jo johnson were _ might regard as a scandal. enter was what jo johnson were saying, - might regard as a scandal. enter was what jo johnson were saying, that i whatjojohnson were saying, that downing street need firm action to somehow called this down, is that going to come —— close this down? so going to come -- close this down? so far going to come —— close this down? sr far no. the premise of last about this again this evening on the debate this evening. he essentially said that the gambling commission is looking into this. as james cleverly said on the bbc yesterday, the gambling commission have told us, the conservative party, that we cannot talk about it. therefore we cannot talk about it. therefore we cannot act because to do so would prejudge. but there are instances where there are allegations that are made when there are mps, they will have the whip taken off them. so the nearest parallel would be, why are they not suspended as a candidate, as labour did with their candidate in the rochdale by—election? the problem with that is you cannot change the ballot paper, so it will still have their name and it will still have their name and it will still say the conservative party. that is why they are not acting. but there are a number of people in the

conservative party who are saying, we need much firmer action, because they say this is looking weak. hagar they say this is looking weak. how would ou they say this is looking weak. how would you describe this scandal? they say this is looking weak. how| would you describe this scandal? it is catastrophic in terms of public confidence in politics, in the priorities of people engaged in it, and i can see it gradually haemorrhaging conservative support to the extent it hasn't already leached away over the course of the last few weeks. decisive action needs to be taken rapidly if they're going to salvage anything from the last ten days this campaign. the conservatives _ last ten days this campaign. the conservatives clearly entered this campaign, but in whatjohn conservatives clearly entered this campaign, but in what john would probably— campaign, but in what john would probably describe as a structurally challenging situation after 14 years of power. — challenging situation after 14 years of power, and all that has gone with that, _ of power, and all that has gone with that, then _ of power, and all that has gone with that, then it— of power, and all that has gone with that, then it is book ended at the beginning — that, then it is book ended at the beginning with d day, which is clearly— beginning with d day, which is clearly a — beginning with d day, which is clearly a personal failing by the prime — clearly a personal failing by the prime minister, then towards the end of the _ prime minister, then towards the end of the campaign we have something that looks _ of the campaign we have something that looks like a potential corporate failing that place and.

this is— corporate failing that place and. this is what happens to the election campaigns. the weaknesses exposed in office in the last four or five years often get brought up in the election campaign. the conservative party in 1987, the whole rally about neil hamilton, arguments about sleaze, which have been a leitmotif ofjohn major's regime from 1982 until 1997. ofjohn major's regime from 1982 until1997. surprise, ofjohn major's regime from 1982 until 1997. surprise, surprise, this gets picked up again during the election campaign. it is probably true that if party gait had never happened, this gambling story might have got a bit of attention, but it wouldn't necessarily have the likes it has. it has the likes because it seems to be part of a wider narrative. seems to be part of a wider narrative-— seems to be part of a wider narrative. . , .. , ., seems to be part of a wider narrative. . , , ., ., narrative. that is exactly what i am viewinu . narrative. that is exactly what i am viewing. politics _ narrative. that is exactly what i am viewing. politics is _ narrative. that is exactly what i am viewing. politics is often _ narrative. that is exactly what i am viewing. politics is often about i viewing. politics is often about perception. _ viewing. politics is often about perception. no— viewing. politics is often about perception, no more _ viewing. politics is often about perception, no more than- viewing. politics is often abouti perception, no more than when viewing. politics is often about - perception, no more than when you're in the _ perception, no more than when you're in the middle — perception, no more than when you're in the middle of— perception, no more than when you're in the middle of an _ perception, no more than when you're in the middle of an election _ in the middle of an election campaign _ in the middle of an election campaign the— in the middle of an election campaign. the same - in the middle of an election campaign. the same is- in the middle of an electionj campaign. the same is true in the middle of an election i campaign. the same is true of in the middle of an election - campaign. the same is true of any political— campaign. the same is true of any political party, _ campaign. the same is true of any political party, but _ campaign. the same is true of any political party, but particularly i political party, but particularly the conservatives, _ political party, but particularly the conservatives, given - political party, but particularly the conservatives, given the l political party, but particularly i the conservatives, given the level and amount— the conservatives, given the level and amount of— the conservatives, given the level and amount of scandals _ the conservatives, given the level and amount of scandals that i the conservatives, given the level and amount of scandals that have|

and amount of scandals that have happened — and amount of scandals that have happened over— and amount of scandals that have happened over their— and amount of scandals that have happened over their tenure - and amount of scandals that have happened over their tenure in- and amount of scandals that have happened over their tenure in the last four— happened over their tenure in the last four or— happened over their tenure in the last four or five _ happened over their tenure in the last four or five years. _ happened over their tenure in the last four or five years. i— happened over their tenure in the last four or five years. i think i happened over their tenure in the last four or five years. i think it i last four or five years. i think it is exactly— last four or five years. i think it is exactly that, _ last four or five years. i think it is exactly that, it _ last four or five years. i think it is exactly that, it is _ last four or five years. i think it is exactly that, it is playing i last four or five years. i think it| is exactly that, it is playing into muscle — is exactly that, it is playing into muscle memory— is exactly that, it is playing into muscle memory within - is exactly that, it is playing into muscle memory within the i is exactly that, it is playing into i muscle memory within the public. this evening, the prime minister, rishi sunak, and the labour leader, sir keir starmer, were interviewed in front of an audience of sun readers. they were questioned about tax and people crossing the channel in small boats, amongst other things. afterwards, i spoke briefly to the education secretary gillian keegan before she dashed off for another interview. i asked her why the pm hadn't withdrawn support from the conservative candidates who were being investigated by the gambling commission for alleged illegal betting on the timing of the election. well, i guess it's because there is a gambling commission and obviously we need to see what they say. i mean, normally you would wait until process is actually... due process has taken its course, and then you would take decisions. i mean, the key thing, i guess, is who knew what when. i mean, that's what the gambling... so, the prime minister could literally ask craig williams and the candidate in bristol... well, he answered that, didn't he? he answered that very clearly and said, "look, you know, there was a process, they were going on with it."

also there was an internal process, as well... sure. so, has he asked them now already? well, i don't know because i haven't been there, but he answered that very clearly, didn't he? because it could take him five minutes, couldn't it, to find out? well, i mean, you know, the guy said... one of them has said that he has placed a bet, but the whole thing is not placing a bet, it whether there is insider knowledge, you know, they knew about it, or whether it was based on a rumour or not. but i think he answered that quite clearly. i mean, the most important thing for the country, this issue, you know, will be come and gone like many other issues, the most important thing this election is who you choose to be your next prime minister. and who you trust. and who has got the plans to deal with... and who you trust. and who you trust, yeah. and who has got the plans to deal with the difficult situation that we still face. i mean, everyone will remember that when rishi sunak became prime minister, he stood on the steps of downing street and talked about running a government with integrity, professionalism, and accountability. under his premiership, other tory mps have been suspended. mark menzies in april this year after allegations he misused campaign funds after he made a late night phone call to pay off some bad people.

lee anderson was suspended under prime minister rishi sunak in february after claiming sadiq khan was under the control of islamists. another tory mp, scott benton, was suspended last april. so, he did it then, but not now. why? well, look, there is more than 350 mps, and it really... for someone like me, you pick out obviously some bad cases of people who have done the wrong things and then they have been dealt with once the facts have come to light. but all across the country, every day there is mps like me, conservative mps, working their best for people, and you never hear about the other 350—odd of us. well, if you are someone who is working their best, working their hardest... yes, absolutely. would you campaign for those two candidates, then? i would campaign for candidates. i mean, at the moment, we are all campaigning for ourselves. sure, but would you spend conservative campaign money, resources and time in those areas? that is a decision for the prime minister and it's a decision for the campaign. ok, well, let me ask you personally,

would you go to those two areas and campaign for those candidates? i would always want due process to be done. if i was accused of anything or if anybody else was, i would always want due process to be done. right, so would you... you're a straight talker... you're a straight talker. i am a straight talker. so is it yes or no? i answered the question. i would want due process to be done first. i would never sit there... but if due process doesn't conclude until after the election, would you campaign now for them? due process has to be done, yeah, you have to be fair. you can't be judge and jury. so you are saying no? it is not the journalist's role, it's not my role to be judge and jury. there's other people who do have that role, and they should do thatjob, and hopefully they can do it as quickly as possible. 0k. and what they will be trying to work out is who knew what when. just to check, you didn't put a bet on the date of the election? of course i didn't, no. i didn't, no. do you know anyone who did? no, absolutely not. the prime minister tonight said labour would put up people's taxes. the conservatives would put up people's taxes in the next

parliament, won't they? no, but what we have said differently is, in terms of the spending, we want to go back... i'm going to pause you right there, if i may, miss keegan. the conservatives would put up taxes in the next parliament. that is true. it is not. so, we have said we will reduce taxes. and of course, when you are talking about taxes, you can talk about the overall tax take, you can talk about taxes on working people, you can talk about taxes on pensioners. so, we have said for average working people, we will introduce another tax... so i am talking about tax take. i am talking about the tax burden. ok, so that includes everything, that includes businesses... so they are going up? i mean, literally, what we have focused on is the impact on working people, trying to make sure that we reduce the taxes for working people, and we do not tax state pension. the tax take, the ifs today showed calculations that mean total taxes, as a share of gdp, will rise under the conservatives' plans. that is correct. that is true. well, i will look at those calculations. so, share of gdp and it will take into account, i guess, what they are forecasting gdp to be, which is growing, and also

what they are forecasting the increase, i guess, in corporation tax and other things. so, right now, underyou, tax take 24-25, 36.5% of gdp, rising to 36.8% in 2028—29. you can acknowledge that is going up, can't you? i want your viewers to know the taxes for them— because the whole taxation system of an economy is really complex... so, you won't answer it because you know it is going up. no, no, not at all. i will look at those calculations. but what i do know is that for the viewers that are here, that are listening, if you are a pensioner, if you vote for the conservatives, you will not be taxed on your state pension, and if you are a working person, then your tax will come down under the conservatives, it will not come down under labour. that's the most important thing. now, looking at some aspects of the overall tax take, which is much, much more complicated than that, for people who are paying tax today, they are the two most important differences that they need to make a choice on at this election on taxation.

thank you very much, gillian keegan. thank you. now turning to another election issue. the number of boats crossing the channel with people trying to reach this side has reached a record high. and the parties are talking about this again tomorrow. nick. de conservative party, this is their big issue of the day tomorrow, talking about their rwanda scheme, saying it provides a deterrent and claiming labour do not have a plan. labour say they will use counterterrorism legislation to go after the criminal gangs. but any last half an hour or so, labour heavily some figures and they are saying that the number of people have crossed the channel in small boats since rishi sunak became prime minister well, within the next 24 hours, passed 50,000. they are saying that that will happen just before he completes his 20th month as prime minister. it took 35 months

for borisjohnson to reach that same total. the average number of arrivals under rishi sunak they say is 575 per week. under boris johnson, it was 404. to get an idea of how we reach these figures, we have done a little breakdown of the figures. if we take a look at this graph we have compiled, chose the figures comparing the last six months with the figures comparing the last six months with the previous figures comparing the last six months with the previous six figures comparing the last six months with the previous six months of last year. the crucial thing about that is we haven't got the food june, only up to yesterday and on that basis if you get the full jane that is how eventually that gets you over the 50,000. the prime minister was asked about this on the son debate with harry: and he was saying the numbers were coming down and the reason why he says going down is if you can compare the

previous 12 months, where we are now back to the 12 months with a previous troubles answer for that is is going down but it is literary apples and pears. jahh is going down but it is literary apples and pears. john curtice is laughing at _ apples and pears. john curtice is laughing at that _ apples and pears. john curtice is laughing at that and _ apples and pears. john curtice is laughing at that and mhairi i apples and pears. john curtice is| laughing at that and mhairi black apples and pears. john curtice is i laughing at that and mhairi black is laughing at that and mhairi black is laughing at that and mhairi black is laughing at that, john, why do you react like that? he laughing at that, john, why do you react like that?— react like that? he is saying to us it is better _ react like that? he is saying to us it is better that _ react like that? he is saying to us it is better that was _ react like that? he is saying to us it is better that was two - react like that? he is saying to us it is better that was two years i react like that? he is saying to us| it is better that was two years ago but it— it is better that was two years ago but it is— it is better that was two years ago but it is worse on last year. essentially the store that this emerges is this is a persistent problem. _ emerges is this is a persistent problem, that so further measures that have _ problem, that so further measures that have been passed by the government have not been particularly successful with people crossing _ particularly successful with people crossing the channel and the honest truth is _ crossing the channel and the honest truth is a _ crossing the channel and the honest truth is a history of asylum seeking is one _ truth is a history of asylum seeking is one where it is very difficult to stop— is one where it is very difficult to stop the — is one where it is very difficult to stop the flow of asylum seekers and it is innocence by simply saying we will try— it is innocence by simply saying we will try and — it is innocence by simply saying we will try and draw up the drawbridge, the underlying problem is the number of parts _ the underlying problem is the number of parts of— the underlying problem is the number of parts of the world where people are fleeing persecution or political difficulty— are fleeing persecution or political difficulty of one kind or another is so large _ difficulty of one kind or another is so large that these folk are wanting to get— so large that these folk are wanting to get across and until that initial

source _ to get across and until that initial source problem is solved, probably neither— source problem is solved, probably neither a _ source problem is solved, probably neither a conservative nor labour government will succeed in stopping the votes _ government will succeed in stopping the votes. ~ ., government will succeed in stopping thevotes. ~ . ., ., government will succeed in stopping thevotes. ~ . ., the votes. mhairi black, how do you view this contest _ the votes. mhairi black, how do you view this contest between _ the votes. mhairi black, how do you view this contest between labour. the votes. mhairi black, how do you | view this contest between labour and the conservatives which you can't argue with their motivation, they don't want to see people drowning in the channel but the way the conversation and the discourse has run through this? it is conversation and the discourse has run through this?— run through this? it is depressing frankl . run through this? it is depressing frankly- why _ run through this? it is depressing frankly- why is — run through this? it is depressing frankly. why is it _ run through this? it is depressing frankly. why is it depressing i run through this? it is depressing frankly. why is it depressing notl run through this? it is depressing i frankly. why is it depressing not to want to see — frankly. why is it depressing not to want to see people _ frankly. why is it depressing not to want to see people drown? - frankly. why is it depressing not to l want to see people drown? because frankly. why is it depressing not to i want to see people drown? because i think it is exposing _ want to see people drown? because i think it is exposing the _ want to see people drown? because i think it is exposing the fact _ want to see people drown? because i think it is exposing the fact that i think it is exposing the fact that behind — think it is exposing the fact that behind this— think it is exposing the fact that behind this stop _ think it is exposing the fact that behind this stop the _ think it is exposing the fact that behind this stop the boats - think it is exposing the fact that. behind this stop the boats slogan there _ behind this stop the boats slogan there is— behind this stop the boats slogan there is not— behind this stop the boats slogan there is not any— behind this stop the boats slogan there is not any real— behind this stop the boats slogan there is not any real valued - behind this stop the boats slogan there is not any real valued plan, there _ there is not any real valued plan, there is— there is not any real valued plan, there is nothing _ there is not any real valued plan, there is nothing really— there is not any real valued plan, there is nothing really practical. there is nothing really practical about— there is nothing really practical about it — there is nothing really practical about it we _ there is nothing really practical about it. we have _ there is nothing really practical about it. we have to— there is nothing really practical about it. we have to start i there is nothing really practical. about it. we have to start looking at how _ about it. we have to start looking at how we — about it. we have to start looking at how we can _ about it. we have to start looking at how we can open _ about it. we have to start looking at how we can open up _ about it. we have to start looking at how we can open up cyprus i about it. we have to start looking i at how we can open up cyprus again for people _ at how we can open up cyprus again for people to — at how we can open up cyprus again for people to enter— at how we can open up cyprus again for people to enter the _ at how we can open up cyprus again for people to enter the country, i at how we can open up cyprus again for people to enter the country, we| for people to enter the country, we have to _ for people to enter the country, we have to start — for people to enter the country, we have to start working _ for people to enter the country, we have to start working with - have to start working with predominantly _ have to start working with predominantly the - have to start working with predominantly the eu i have to start working with predominantly the eu as i have to start working with i predominantly the eu as well have to start working with - predominantly the eu as well but i’ilht predominantly the eu as well but right now— predominantly the eu as well but right now britain _ predominantly the eu as well but right now britain seems - predominantly the eu as well but| right now britain seems obsessed with banging _ right now britain seems obsessed with banging this _ right now britain seems obsessed with banging this rule _ right now britain seems obsessed with banging this rule britannia l with banging this rule britannia drum _ with banging this rule britannia drum and — with banging this rule britannia drum and as— with banging this rule britannia drum and asjohn _

with banging this rule britannia drum and asjohn says- with banging this rule britannia drum and as john says almost l with banging this rule britannia - drum and as john says almost drawing up drum and as john says almost drawing up the _ drum and as john says almost drawing up the drawbridge _ drum and as john says almost drawing up the drawbridge for— drum and as john says almost drawing up the drawbridge for everybody- up the drawbridge for everybody else _ up the drawbridge for everybody else it— up the drawbridge for everybody else. , �* ., , ~ up the drawbridge for everybody else. ,�* . ,~ else. it isn't healthy. when you look at legal — else. it isn't healthy. when you look at legal and _ else. it isn't healthy. when you look at legal and illegal - else. it isn't healthy. when you i look at legal and illegal migration in terms of the figures to this country from last year, there were 30,000 people came across on votes, the government gave 1.44 million visas illegally to people which shows he's a different even though so much attention is on illegal arrivals, what do you think, joe johnson, about the promise of prime minister made to stop the boats? i think it was misconceived or misjudged to make a promise to do something which he couldn't control. he raised the issue to which he didn't have a proper answer and he is paying a very heavy price for it because hero and a policy hasn't proved to be a deterrent as everybody said would be the case. that was boris johnson everybody said would be the case. that was borisjohnson pulls my cancer, it was his policy? the

reality is _ cancer, it was his policy? the reality is rishi _ cancer, it was his policy? the reality is rishi sunak - cancer, it was his policy? tis: reality is rishi sunak made