with 48 hours to go until voters head to the polls, political parties make their final pitches to voters. hurricane beryl strengthens to a category five storm, causing death and destruction in the caribbean. in france, parties opposing the far right have until today to nominate candidates ahead of sunday's second round. joe biden condemns the supreme court's decision to grant presidents partial immunity from prosecution. and portugal hold their nerve to beat slovenia on penalties — to earn a place in the quarterfinals of the euros. hello, i'm geeta guru—murthy, thanks forjoining us today. there's just 48 hours to go until voters head to the polls,

and candidates across the uk are trying to gather as much support as possible ahead of thursday's general election. sir keir starmer is calling for a summer of change, and focusing today on labour plans to use high street opticians to cut nhs waiting lists. rishi sunak is warning voters not to hand labour a super majority. he's told the bbc that he will continue to fight for every vote until the last minute of the campaign. the lib dem leader ed davey is calling on voters to kick out over the conservatives over the so—called sewage scandal. the snp'sjohn swinney says he's asking scotland to reject more westminster austerity cuts from the next labour government. education is the theme of the green party, which is announcing a package of education measures including replacing ofsted and scrapping tuition fees. here's our political correspondent, helen catt. the labour leader says this morning he wants people to have more money in their pockets. and if labour win on thursday, he says he wants them

to be better off in five years�* time than they are now. he also told the times he wants public services to improve by then too. but he said he would need a strong mandate, lots of votes and support, to do it, as there would be difficult choices. a message he was reiterating yesterday on the campaign trail. if you want change, you have to vote for it. the polls do not predict the future. constituencies like this will be very, very tight on thursday, so every single vote counts, every single vote has to be earned, and we have to make sure that until the polls close at ten o'clock on thursday, we are earning the respect and the trust and the confidence of voters across the country, because change will only come if you absolutely vote for it. rishi sunak will aim his message directly at wavering voters later. the tories will claim a small number of people in tight races could stop a big labourwin by lending the conservatives they vote.

he will agree that a big labour majority is not a foregone conclusion, but unlike keir starmer, he will warn it would be damaging if it happened, as he did in a speech to supporters last night. on thursday it is not a by—election. it is not a referendum on our party or the past. it is a choice about the future of our country, and what that future means for you and your family. if there is an unchecked, unaccountable labour party in power with a supermajority, think what that would mean, for everyone. a labour party with a blank cheque to do whatever they want. also talking about lending votes, the liberal democrat leader. sir ed davey told the guardian he thinks people are getting into the swing of tactical voting, where people who usually back different parties support the candidate best placed to beat the tories. he claims that will make this election a once in a century chance to change

the political geography of the uk. we fought a really strong campaign... yesterday he challenged the conservatives' ability.- yesterday he challenged the conservatives' ability. they were a failed government, _ conservatives' ability. they were a failed government, they _ conservatives' ability. they were a failed government, they will - conservatives' ability. they were a failed government, they will be i conservatives' ability. they were a failed government, they will be a l failed government, they will be a failed government, they will be a failed opposition, they can't even provide a strong opposition. if people want a party with principles, values ideas and great local champions to oppose whoever is in government, the liberal democrats are here to do that. we government, the liberal democrats are here to do that.— are here to do that. we fought a really strong _ are here to do that. we fought a really strong campaign... - the snp is claiming today that the result in scotland is too close to call, and says a labour majority in scotland would mean more austerity, which labour hast previously denied. all parties know they don't have long left now make up voters' minds. helen catt, bbc news. the prime minister has just been talking to sally nugent on bbc breakfast. she put to him the view of the bbc�*s polling expert sirjohn curtice — that lightning would have to strike twice for the conservatives to win.

that's his view, that's not going to stop me from working as hard as i can over these final few days to talk to as many as people as possible about the choice. i was up at four this morning talking to workers at a distribution facility, i am talking to you, i will be out until the last moment of this campaign because i think it is a really important moment for the country. if we stick with this we can continue to cut taxes, bring down migration, a clear plan to stop the boats and protect pensions. i think that it's really important, i do not want to see a labour government raise taxes, damage people's financial security and make immigration even higher. that is why i will continue fighting for every vote until the last minute of the campaign. let's go now to our correspondent nick eardley, who is on the conservative campaign trail. sounds like an early start. obviously you are in the home

straight, it has been really intense but this is when the parties know the public will really set up and pay attention?— the public will really set up and pay attention? yes, but what it's really interesting _ pay attention? yes, but what it's really interesting about - pay attention? yes, but what it's really interesting about rishi - really interesting about rishi sunak�*s core messaging is it is not really about what the conservatives are offering. when they send out press releases overnight with their top lines, the things they want to hammer home every day, it is not what the conservatives are offering the electorate, it is warning about what they would say labour would deliver. the big thing mr sunak is talking about this morning is the possibility that if he reckons 130,000 people, presumably mostly in england, change their vote and vote for the conservatives rather than someone else, perhaps labour or the lib dems, it could stop labour getting the supermajority mr sunak always talks about. supermajority is not a defined term in british politics but he is talking about

labour getting a big majority. it feels over the past couple of days that mr sunak�*s core message for the next few days, the last few days, we'll all be pretty negative, warning about labour rather than talking about what the conservatives are offering. i think that is reflected in where the pm is travelling, we are in 0xfordshire this morning, we are driving through lovely rural 0xfordshire although you probably cannot see because it is pretty dark. the seats mr sunak visited yesterday and the ones he is visiting today are traditionally pretty safe tory seats, we have just beenin pretty safe tory seats, we have just been in what you might remember was david cameron's seats, witney, the type of place where the tories used to weigh their votes rather than counter it. these are the types of places he has been, perhaps a sign that they still need to shore up their votes in parts of the country like this, which points to the

defensive campaign we have spoken about over the last couple of weeks, the conservatives' core messaging about the risks of labour, as they see it, rather than the positives of what they are offering. i5 see it, rather than the positives of what they are offering.— what they are offering. is there an hinu what they are offering. is there anything from _ what they are offering. is there anything from the _ what they are offering. is there anything from the campaign, . what they are offering. is there i anything from the campaign, even unofficially, about what they would consider a good result. they are getting these conflicting messages that it getting these conflicting messages thatitis getting these conflicting messages that it is still possible for the conservatives to win, yet warning against a huge labour victory? it feels a bit contradictory at times. mr sunak is saying i still think there is a possibility i will be prime minister on friday but in the next breath saying you could have this stonking labour majority of historic proportions. we had chatted to rishi sunak, he does huddled with journalists involving us all asking him questions, he also chose pool clips as well as interviews with places like bbc breakfast. he says that they are not throwing in the

challenge of for every vote, but chatting to tory candidates privately there is not as much of a fighting spirit, i think most think they are headed for defeat. the question they ask themselves and ask privately is the number is likely to be in the next parliament of conservative mps. they hope it will be higher than the polls suggest, lots of do not think things are as bad on the ground as the national polls suggest, but i think rishi sunak probably knows and the reason he keeps talking about a supermajority is for him to still be in downing street on friday would take a sort of minor miracle, the sort of thing that would make gareth southgate blush, so he is trying to hammer that message to wavering voters, to people who voted tory in the past but maybe about not doing at this time, to vote reform or stay at this time, to vote reform or stay at home, he is trying to say, don't do it, can still have a big outcome

on the final result. nick eardley, thank you. iamjoined by i am joined by henry zeffman. 0n the question of undecided voters, do we have a clear sense of that? hot have a clear sense of that? not reall , have a clear sense of that? not really. to _ have a clear sense of that? not really. to be — have a clear sense of that? iirrt really, to be honest. the parties will have an unscientific sensibility in particular parts of the country because that is what they do when they go door knocking over the course of a campaign, it is not merely an effort to persuade individual voters on the doorstep to vote for the party, although i am sure they would like to, it is an effort to identify who hasn't has not made their minds. the conservatives way before this campaign started when they were well behind labour in the polls for the past 18 months, two years, they have always recited by hoping undecided voters, they had said a number of voters, they had said a number of voters have not decided on one server is a focal choice between

rishi sunak and sir keir starmer as prime minister, those conservative candidates have always said people will come back to the conservative party. polling suggests that has not happened, certainly not in the volume and quantity the conservative campaign would have hoped or perhaps even expected. polling is imperfect, we have had lesson after lesson about that in recent times. not long to find out, we will find out on thursday. to find out, we will find out on thursday-— to find out, we will find out on thursda . , ., ., ., , thursday. the parties traditionally have had a very — thursday. the parties traditionally have had a very big _ thursday. the parties traditionally have had a very big operations - thursday. the parties traditionally have had a very big operations to| have had a very big operations to get their supporters out. what do we know about that? you get their supporters out. what do we know about that?— know about that? you are absolutely riaht, know about that? you are absolutely right. wherever— know about that? you are absolutely right, wherever you _ know about that? you are absolutely right, wherever you are _ know about that? you are absolutely right, wherever you are in _ know about that? you are absolutely right, wherever you are in the - right, wherever you are in the country, if you see campaigners from a particular political party on thursday, polling day, they are not trying to make a last—ditch effort to persuade you to vote for their party, they are trying to find their supporters, that is why they have been knocking on the stores earlier in the campaign, and get them out to

the polls. there was another variable, it is not he was undecided, it is who is enthusiastic. it is one thing to know which party will vote for if you go to the polls, it is another thing to decide to go to the polls and we know there are varying degrees of commitment to political parties among potential voters. what i think all the party leaders are trying to do in the final frantic 48 hours of this campaign as they dash around the country is notjust make closing arguments about why you should vote for them but to make sure those voters who will probably vote for them to vote for them, because there are all sorts of questions about what turned might be on thursday, some people think the country is more apathetic than ever, others think the stakes are really high and there will be a similar turn out to the last couple of general elections, which was pretty high in relation to recent times. all of those variables still to play out and all of those variables

trying to be influenced by party leaders in this final couple of days. leaders in this final couple of da s. , ., , , ., leaders in this final couple of das. .,., leaders in this final couple of das. ., days. obviously we do not know the outcome of — days. obviously we do not know the outcome of what _ days. obviously we do not know the outcome of what happens _ days. obviously we do not know the outcome of what happens on - days. obviously we do not know the i outcome of what happens on thursday but i noticed in your piece online you mentioned a piece in the telegraph looking ahead to a potential conservative leadership election if they lose this time. there is potentially a lot at play even after thursday? it is there is potentially a lot at play even after thursday?— there is potentially a lot at play even after thursday? it is not me t in: to even after thursday? it is not me trying to force — even after thursday? it is not me trying to force the _ even after thursday? it is not me trying to force the conservative i trying to force the conservative party to talk about potential leadership elections should they lose the general election, it is fun, conservative candidates to privately and in some cases publicly seen as focused if not more focused on the leadership election they believe will come after thursday than the general election taking place first. jessye norman, a conservative candidate and former minister, wrote a long piece in the telegraph yesterday about the rules of a conservative leadership election, what they should be. that

is extraordinary during a general election which the conservative party is at least in theory fighting to win. steve baker, another conservative candidate, was talking about potentially standing for the leadership yesterday. in the first instance he is standing for election as a conservative mp, so the conservative party has moved the conversation back, which gives you a flavour of the mood and optimism or lack thereof in the conservative campaign about what will happen on thursday. campaign about what will happen on thursda . . ~ campaign about what will happen on thursda . ., ,, , ., campaign about what will happen on thursda . ., ~' , ., , campaign about what will happen on thursda . ., ,, , . campaign about what will happen on thursda . . ~ , . ., thursday. thank you very much for now, thursday. thank you very much for now. henry — thursday. thank you very much for now, henry zeffman. _ hurricane beryl has strengthened to a category five storm and continues to sweep through the caribbean. at least one person has died in st vincent and the grenadines, according to the country's prime minister. thousands of people remain without power or living in temporary shelters. here's our reporter aruna iyengar. hurricane beryl has been unleashing its power across the eastern caribbean. jamaica is the next in its path, bringing life—threatening winds and massive storm surges.

earlier the storm crashed into the island of carriacou, part of grenada. it whipped up winds of 150 mph, communications were cut off, power lines were down. this was the capital of grenada, st george's, drowned in torrential rain. but there's relief. many feel it could have been worse. to some extent we have dodged a bazooka. a category four, almost category five hurricane, is almost as severe as it gets. further north—east barbados was also hit, but it seems so far to have dodged the worst effects. people are clearing boats and debris. they're being warned that gusts are still coming, and to batten down the hatches and stay indoors. these scenes were filmed by a bbc reporter in barbados, out there to cover the cricket. this is what hurricane beryl looks like from space, the eye of the storm over the caribbean. the image was taken from the international space station. and this satellite footage shows

lightning flashing around the hurricane's eye. meteorologists have been surprised how quickly beryl developed from a tropical depression to a major hurricane injust 42 hours. they say it's unusual for a hurricane of this strength to form this early in the year. so we're seeing the season expand a little bit. the waters are getting warmer earlier in the year. in this case they're a near—record warm. the oceans look like september, they really do. they don't look like july. water temperatures are running two to three celsius above average right now, hence why there's so much more fuel to get these storms going. beryl has been upgraded to a category five hurricane. it's expected to be at major intensity as it moves westwards towards jamaica on wednesday, and onwards to mexico. weather experts say the north atlantic could get as many as seven major hurricanes this year, up from the average of three in a season. aruna iyengar, bbc news.

let's speak to bbc cricket reporter henry moeran, who is in barbados, where he's been covering the recent t20 world cup. i don't know if it was your pictures mentioned in that report. bring us up mentioned in that report. bring us up to date on what is going on exactly where you are, first of all. it has been a fascinating 2a hours and the built to what we knew was coming was perhaps the most interesting part of it. there was just such a sense of foreboding, knowing that this huge storm was going to arrive at some point early in the day on monday. certainly you looked around businesses and the way that hotels and beaches were preparing for what was to come, there were sandbags, all of the normal paraphernalia you would see on the beach, the deck all packed away, safely stowed and ready for

the worst. i think there is a real feeling in barbados that the country has judged the worst of what could have been something pretty horrible. the storm that came was a lot further south than initially anticipated and in the end it was very traumatic see in those gusts of around 70, 80 very traumatic see in those gusts of around 70,80 mph but compared to what's happening in st vincent and the grenadines a few hours later it was an awful lot better than it could have been for barbados. you go around the streets and see some of the damage brought, absolutely you can sense quite a major meteorological event has happened in the sense that even simple things, road signs blown over, trees have shared a lot of their leads, there is a real sense that something dramatic has happened but i think the feeling among many people here as it could have been so much worse. it is not over for the caribbean, what are you seeing in terms of what is expected? a, what are you seeing in terms of what is “netted?— is expected? a real expectation not 'ust in the

is expected? a real expectation not just in the next _ is expected? a real expectation not just in the next few _ is expected? a real expectation not just in the next few days _ is expected? a real expectation not just in the next few days and - is expected? a real expectation not just in the next few days and talk i just in the next few days and talk of potentially the remnants of the storm and perhaps more to come over the next few days, but perhaps more widely i think the concern is this being so early in the year, it is what is to come over the rest of the hurricane season because while we have been for the cricket world cup there has been talked about how many games will be washed out due to the weather and that sort of thing and questions about where to host the tournament at this point in the air. and speaking to people in this part of the world there were such concern that a storm of this magnitude at this point in the year, what could be to come as we move through the rest of the summer months is a real concern. they are used to dealing with weather conditions and weather systems but something building up as quickly and dramatically as this, i think, is a real concern. life is getting back to normal, the all clear was given at around 6pm last night in barbados and things are starting to get more back to normal but there is a real sense that we

got through that one, what is to come in the coming days and weeks and i think that is the wider concern for people, certainly here in barbados. henry moeran, thank you. today is the deadline for political parties in france to pick their candidates for sunday's run—off general election. some candidates on the left and centre have pulled out — in an effort to avoid splitting the anti—right vote and prevent another victory for marine le pen's national rally party, which came top in the first round. 0ur paris correspondent andrew harding has the story. paris, the day after. and for many here, a profound sense of shock. "it's like having a hangover," says sandrine, a legal assistant. "people are fed up with politics," says caroline, "so they're turning to the extremes." "it's the people's choice," says margarita. "and given the high turnout, we'll get the government we deserve."

they're all talking about this woman, marine le pen, whose party, the national rally, took the lead in sunday's vote. if the surname is familiar, that's because her father, jean—marie le pen, was a notorious far right politician, a racist and anti—semite. but his daughter has softened the national rally�*s image and platform and won big across the nation. her party's populist, anti—immigrant, eurosceptic message and its 28—year—old candidate for the prime minister's job finding broad appeal. formerly, it was more people that were workers in complicated economic situations, now you have also white collars voting for national rally, you have women voting for national rally, you have young people. meanwhile, france's president is in trouble.

no wonder it looked like emmanuel macron was trying to hide yesterday. his election gamble has backfired, his centrist party on track to lose heavily. so what of plans to block the far right from sweeping to victory? different parties began arriving at parliament, aiming to forge a united front against the national rally, but the divisions are all too evident. the leader of the green party here brought to tears of frustration during this debate. love it or loathe it, the national rally is now at the heart of france's political mainstream. more than that, it is the most powerful party across the country. but can it translate that into enough seats in parliament to win outright? if it can, france will be changed utterly. andrew harding, bbc news, paris.

let's get more on this with hugh schofield in paris. can you explain more ., ., ., ,, , , more about what happens in this next round of voting _ more about what happens in this next round of voting and _ more about what happens in this next round of voting and what _ more about what happens in this next round of voting and what the - more about what happens in this next round of voting and what the centre i round of voting and what the centre and the left—wing groups are trying to do in the next few days? i and the left-wing groups are trying to do in the next few days?- to do in the next few days? i can't redict to do in the next few days? i can't predict what _ to do in the next few days? i can't predict what will _ to do in the next few days? i can't predict what will happen, - to do in the next few days? i can't predict what will happen, i - to do in the next few days? i can't predict what will happen, i can - to do in the next few days? i can't| predict what will happen, i can tell you how it works. how it works is the second round of voting next sunday will in most constituencies comprise a run—off between two candidates, the two frontrunners from the first, multi—candidate round. in many constituencies will be a third candidate because a third candidate can get through if they reach a threshold the first round. in this particular election next sunday there will be a large number of these triangular votes, three—way fights, and that is where the crux is now, because in all of these seats there is pressure on one or other of the non—nr candidates, the

centrists or the like, to stand down, to make way for one anti rn vote. it looks like around 180 will turn into two way fights, bad news for the national rally because there is focus for the vote against it and in each of these constituencies it can become an anti rn majority keeping them out even though centrists will be voting for leftists and leftists for centrists in many places. that is why a lot of thickly and the uplift that the national rally had on sunday when the results came through with a very big triumph is somehow watered down because it does not look like they will get this sweeping majority on sunday. will get this sweeping ma'ority on sunda . ., ., , sunday. hugh schofield in paris, thank you- _ let's speak to dr marta lorimer — a lecturer in politics at cardiff university,

who joins us from paris. can you explain more about how this two round system works at the french elections, and what is being decided today? {iii elections, and what is being decided toda ? .., , . today? of course. the french electoral— today? of course. the french electoral system _ today? of course. the french electoral system basically - today? of course. the french - electoral system basically functions with two runs. in the first round several candidates are competing on than the one who make it past a threshold of 12.5% of registered voters go into a run—off which happens one week after. the ones who then win the run—off become mps in then win the run—off become mps in the french assembly. this is what is being decided on sunday this week. it is what will the next french parliament look like? in it is what will the next french parliament look like? in terms of the position _ parliament look like? in terms of the position of— parliament look like? in terms of the position of the _ parliament look like? in terms of the position of the national- parliament look like? in terms of| the position of the national rally, politically, how far have they moved from those roots set out by marine le pen's father? hot from those roots set out by marine le pen's father?—

from those roots set out by marine le pen's father? not very far. since nafine le pen's father? not very far. since narine took — le pen's father? not very far. since narine took over _ le pen's father? not very far. since narine took over the _ le pen's father? not very far. since narine took over the national- le pen's father? not very far. since narine took over the national rally| narine took over the national rally it has been through a process of detoxification of its image —— since marine le pen took over. she has dropped some of the most controversial policies like the death penalty in particular, which the national rally supported until relatively recently. but in terms of a substantive change of policies, they are very much sticking to their guns, particularly a very strong opposition to migration and this idea of national preference. so if you are in a situation where for example with social housing or assigning jobs, example with social housing or assigningjobs, if example with social housing or assigning jobs, if there was competition between a french national and a foreigner then the french person should always come first. , , ., ., _, first. depending on the outcome obviously will _ first. depending on the outcome obviously will determine - first. depending on the outcome obviously will determine what i obviously will determine what potential strength they have, what are the potential outcomes? several ossible are the potential outcomes? several possible outcomes, _ are the potential outcomes? several possible outcomes, the _ are the potential outcomes? several possible outcomes, the most - possible outcomes, the most straightforward is the national

rally gets a majority and if they have a clear majority they can form a government. if they do not have an absolute majority, a relative majority, they are the biggest party but do not command over 50% of the vote in the national assembly, then things get trickier because they have stated they will not form a government in that case, we will have to see if they stand by that promise or if they try to form a coalition with national rally friendly parties such as some members of one central rights party, and if they do not manage to form a government it is only one's gas. we could see a caretaker government be informed, a coalition between the other forces, informed, a coalition between the otherforces, a large republican government. it is really unclear for now. we will have a better picture on monday morning. dr

now. we will have a better picture on monday morning.— now. we will have a better picture on monday morning. dr marta lorimer, thank ou on monday morning. dr marta lorimer, thank you for— on monday morning. dr marta lorimer, thank you for explaining _ on monday morning. dr marta lorimer, thank you for explaining those - thank you for explaining those options, i am sure we will speak again. the lib dem campaign trail is continuing too. let's speak to tom symonds, on the lib dem campaign trail. where are you today and what do you expect to see? just where are you today and what do you exoect to see?— expect to see? just to give you the rehisto expect to see? just to give you the prehistory of _ expect to see? just to give you the prehistory of this, _ expect to see? just to give you the prehistory of this, we _ expect to see? just to give you the prehistory of this, we started - expect to see? just to give you the prehistory of this, we started and i prehistory of this, we started and john 0'groats, the furthest most point on the mainland of great britain, today we are heading for land's britain, today we are heading for lands end, the most southerly and westerly point on the mainland of great britain. with the liberal democrats it is stunts all the way, these are obviously blue dominoes and the message is not really hard to work out, they will be knocking down what they called the blue wall in the liberal democrats, those seats that have been for a long time

conservative, especially in the 2019 election. this is one of them, a constituency that used to be called taunton deane but the boundaries have changed and lots of british constituencies in advance of this election so it is now called taunton and wellington and you can't quite work out what the majority would be, but nominally, as they say in political circles, it has a majority of 10,000 for the conservatives. that is quite a big wall to knock down but the liberal democrats tell me they think they are edging ahead of the conservatives in this constituency, which i think it's quite significant because there are quite significant because there are quite a few constituencies now where the liberal democrats feel they can take seats they did not expect to take seats they did not expect to take at the beginning of this election campaign from the conservatives. yesterday we were in a seat in the cotswolds and we have beenin a seat in the cotswolds and we have been in 0xfordshire where there are seats, again they did not expect to

take them at the beginning of this election campaign and now they think they can. we want to know from the lib dems, and we have been on the bus asking the people for some time, how many seats would be a good night for you? currently they have 15 seats in parliament but you have to look at the boundary changes again so post boundary changes they have about eight seats. they think they can beat their previous best increase in an election, in 1997 when they got 26 new seats, again allowing for boundary changes. that would be 34. they think they will do better than that and reading between the lines you to be looking at 40 or 50 seats as a good night from the liberal democrats, but some polls are putting them on 60 or 70, so all to be looking at 40 or 50 seats as a good night from the liberal democrats, but some polls are putting them on 60 or 70, so all too playful. i putting them on 60 or 70, so all too -la ul. ., �* putting them on 60 or 70, so all too .la ul. ., �* 4' ., .,, playful. i don't know if there has been, playful. i don't know if there has been. that _ playful. i don't know if there has been. that is _ playful. i don't know if there has been, that is there _ playful. i don't know if there has been, that is there any - playful. i don't know if there has been, that is there any evidence j playful. i don't know if there has i been, that is there any evidence of perhaps the labour and liberal democrat parties all voters seeking to work together in an anti—tory

move? 0bviously different seats have different strengths? in terms of words that anti—government votes might be, if that is their main aim? there are various levels of it. the latest version is tactical voting, saying to voters, labour can't win in a constituency where the conservatives are in power, and the liberal democrats are second. so vote for us if you want to be sure there won't be a conservative mp in that seat as their selection finishes. i think what we aren't seeing is the other end of the spectrum, where literary liberal democrat and labour are organising not to fight against each other in constituencies. at least if they are doing it, they aren't talking about it. perhaps somewhere in the middle there is a feeling labour are staying away from seeds where they won't push away the liberal democrats. they aren't put in their

campaign effort there. liberal democrat campaign this time is highly targeted. it is built on where there are liberal democrat councils after the local elections, where they have a good body of activists who can't run the sort of ground campaign you need to win a seat like this. and where they can motivate and mobilise those people to do the doorsteps, which is where the real battle of the campaign is being fought. 0f the real battle of the campaign is being fought. of course, there is the air war, which in this case is ed davey, over there, the leader and his many stunts which he feels, and the party feels, have been supremely successful in getting the liberal democrats attention in the media and on social media in particular. i reported yesterday on ed davey�*s bungeejumping, and i puta reported yesterday on ed davey�*s bungeejumping, and i put a video of it on twitter, it's had tens of thousands of years, shared widely, and of course there has been a range of views. looking at the comments,

generally people have been positive. ed davey, some people say, is a human being were some politicians aren't. it is equally worth saying that if ed db was going to be the next prime minister, i would have a question over whether he would do these stunts. it is horses for courses in election campaigning in the uk. i courses in election campaigning in the uk. , ., ., ., courses in election campaigning in theuk. , ., ., ., ., the uk. i see eamonn coming out of ed davey's — the uk. i see eamonn coming out of ed davey's campaign stunts -- - the uk. i see eamonn coming out of ed davey's campaign stunts -- a - ed davey's campaign stunts —— a montage. if you're planning to stay up montage. if you're planning to stay up late, you will hear a lot of talk about bellwether seats. sheep on this farm near lincoln

may appear about as distant from westminster as you can get. but farms like this are where a key election night phrase was born. we look at a group of sheep and there's normally a leader. that leader often historically has been a wether, which is a castrated male. the wether would lead the flock to warn of danger, etc. so how would you keep track of those wethers leading the flock down ravines, or round bends in hundreds of acres of pasture? well... ..with a bell, of course. combine the two — bell, wether — you've got a term that still means an indicator of trends hundreds of years later. while nick struggles to put a bell on a sheep, he's also grappling with his decision at the polls. i've narrowed it down. i know a certain party i will not be voting for. but i'm still awaiting. i've got a couple of meetings coming up. i shall decide when i've heard the individual candidates speak. it may be as clear as muck as to who farmer nick is going to vote for, but whether you're in a bellwether seat or not, thousands will be flocking to the polls to vote on thursday.

who will you baa—ck to be the biggest party in westminster? harry parkhill, bbc news, lincoln. we apologise for that. the candidates for the general election will be fighting for every last vote in these final 48 hours. and it's in the battleground seats where we are seeing some of the fiercest campaigning. today we're focussing on two constituencies. nuneaton — currently held by the conservatives and now a major target for labour. yesterday, the prime minister admitted keeping hold of the constituency would be critical for the tories. and then there's cheltenham — famous for horse racing. and in politics, known to be a two—horse race as well, the tories and lib dems exclusively exchanging the seat since the 19505. i am joined now by two of the bbc�*s political reporters — joshua nevett in nuneaton, and edward rowe in cheltenham. joshua, let me start with you in nuneaton. tell me about why the seat is so key.

nuneaton. tell me about why the seat is so ke . , , ,, . nuneaton. tell me about why the seat issoke. , , ,, . is so key. yes, this... since 1997, it has been _ is so key. yes, this... since 1997, it has been known _ is so key. yes, this... since 1997, it has been known as _ is so key. yes, this... since 1997, it has been known as a _ is so key. yes, this... since 1997,| it has been known as a bellwether seat, just as your piece reflected on. that means it has backed the wedding party over role in every general election since new labour's landslide in 1997. that has given it an elevated, even fabled status on election nights. if you cast your mind back to 2015, david cameron, when he was watching the results overnight, said when nuneaton came in for the conservatives, when they won it, he knew the conservatives had won the election overall. it has been an electoral prize. that is why labour has been putting a lot of resources in, so keir starmer visited to promote his party's childcare policy at a primary school up childcare policy at a primary school up the road. angela rayner came in

on the battle bus, and i spoke to her and she said winning here for labour would be a symbolic moment for the party. we have had rishi sunak, he visited here last night, albeit quite late in the campaign. he had a spot of batting practice, he's a lover of cricket, and he had a knock around with the junior teams. apparently he was drawing himself so much he didn't want to leave, but there was a serious side to his visit. he said it would be critical for the conservatives. 0n election night, we may see rishi sunak and keir starmer taking a leaf out of david cameron's brooke and keeping a close eye on nuneaton. irate keeping a close eye on nuneaton. we will come back to you, let's cross to edward in cheltenham. how much campaigning have you seen from the key players there, because that is a very, very tightly run seat,

historically.— very, very tightly run seat, historically. yes, absolutely. reau historically. yes, absolutely. really interesting _ historically. yes, absolutely. really interesting because i historically. yes, absolutely. | really interesting because ed historically. yes, absolutely. - really interesting because ed davey started _ really interesting because ed davey started his campaign right here where — started his campaign right here where i'rn — started his campaign right here where i'm standing on the promenade in cheltenham. it's been a key target — in cheltenham. it's been a key target for— in cheltenham. it's been a key target for the liberal democrats for a number— target for the liberal democrats for a number of years. they had the seat from 1992— a number of years. they had the seat from 1992 until 2015. it was taken over from1992 until 2015. it was taken over by— from 1992 until 2015. it was taken over by the — from 1992 until 2015. it was taken over by the current justice secretary, and it would be a huge win for— secretary, and it would be a huge win for the — secretary, and it would be a huge win for the liberal democrats if they— win for the liberal democrats if they could unseat alex chalk at the selection — they could unseat alex chalk at the selection. interestingly, the conservatives have been campaigning hard. conservatives have been campaigning hard we _ conservatives have been campaigning hard. we have seen some visits from the health _ hard. we have seen some visits from the health secretary, just a few weeks _ the health secretary, just a few weeks ago. yesterday, in fact, lord cameron— weeks ago. yesterday, in fact, lord cameron came along and spoke to conservative party activist in a cafe _ conservative party activist in a cafe here _ conservative party activist in a cafe here. the conservatives have been _ cafe here. the conservatives have been trying — cafe here. the conservatives have been trying to make sure they retain their seat _ been trying to make sure they retain their seat. obviously, with the liberal— their seat. obviously, with the liberal democrats it would be a huge win for— liberal democrats it would be a huge win for them because of that

high—profile job that alex chalk has asjustice _ high—profile job that alex chalk has asjustice secretary. it is interesting to see the two parties ready— interesting to see the two parties ready and — interesting to see the two parties ready and neck trying to win cheltenham.— ready and neck trying to win cheltenham. ., ., ,, , ,, , cheltenham. what are the key issues eo - le cheltenham. what are the key issues --eole are cheltenham. what are the key issues people are voting _ cheltenham. what are the key issues people are voting on, _ cheltenham. what are the key issues people are voting on, and _ cheltenham. what are the key issues people are voting on, and what - cheltenham. what are the key issues people are voting on, and what is - people are voting on, and what is yoursense people are voting on, and what is your sense of the voter moods in the seat? fit. your sense of the voter moods in the seat? �* ., ., , seat? a lot of the interesting thin . s seat? a lot of the interesting things about _ seat? a lot of the interesting things about cheltenham - seat? a lot of the interesting things about cheltenham is l seat? a lot of the interesting j things about cheltenham is it seat? a lot of the interesting - things about cheltenham is it was the only_ things about cheltenham is it was the only constituency to vote remain in the _ the only constituency to vote remain in the eu _ the only constituency to vote remain in the eu referendum. alex chalk's majority_ in the eu referendum. alex chalk's majority has bucked the national trend. _ majority has bucked the national trend. we — majority has bucked the national trend, we saw the big 2019 majority. alex chalk's — trend, we saw the big 2019 majority. alex chalk's majority has gone down to less _ alex chalk's majority has gone down to less than 1000. it is a tight seat. — to less than 1000. it is a tight seat. but _ to less than 1000. it is a tight seat, but we've had things like empty— seat, but we've had things like empty shops. in front of me here on the promenade is cavendish house, a department— the promenade is cavendish house, a department store which opened two years— department store which opened two years after the death of napoleon. it years after the death of napoleon. it has _ years after the death of napoleon. it has been around for a long time,

but house — it has been around for a long time, but house of fraser closed in january. _ but house of fraser closed in january, orapril. it is but house of fraser closed in january, or april. it is one of those — january, or april. it is one of those institutions, and empty shops have been— those institutions, and empty shops have been a feature, not a future, but concern — have been a feature, not a future, but concern from residents. the other— but concern from residents. the other thing _ but concern from residents. the other thing is cheltenham is known for its _ other thing is cheltenham is known for its cyber industries, with gcho in the _ for its cyber industries, with gcho in the town, a cyber intelligence for the _ in the town, a cyber intelligence for the uk — in the town, a cyber intelligence for the uk government. and the borough — for the uk government. and the borough council he had been trying to capitalise on it and make it an innovation — to capitalise on it and make it an innovation hub, and the council and local mp _ innovation hub, and the council and local mp had tried to support the cyber— local mp had tried to support the cyber industry and get more tech companies into cheltenham to make up a cyber— companies into cheltenham to make up a cyber capital of the uk. we companies into cheltenham to make up a cyber capital of the uk.— a cyber capital of the uk. we will watch the results _ a cyber capital of the uk. we will watch the results on _ a cyber capital of the uk. we will watch the results on thursday . a cyber capital of the uk. we will. watch the results on thursday night, friday morning. thank you both very much. and here are the candidates who have been selected to battle it out in the constituency of nuneaton. and these are the candidates in cheltenham. all of the candidates in all the seats are on the bbc website. in

scotland the campaign has been about the debate on north sea oil. politicians are under pressure from environmentalists to tackle climate change, and businesses to protect profits and jobs. scotland reporter reports from aberdeen. when bp struck oil in the north sea, aberdeen struck gold. the boom broughtjobs for the aberdeen struck gold. the boom brought jobs for the city, aberdeen struck gold. the boom broughtjobs for the city, profits for energy giants and taxes for the treasury. but now the pressure is on to on to shift to green power, and workers are worried. if to on to shift to green power, and workers are worried.— to on to shift to green power, and workers are worried. if you stopped it tomorrow. _ workers are worried. if you stopped it tomorrow, you _ workers are worried. if you stopped it tomorrow, you would _ workers are worried. if you stopped it tomorrow, you would bankrupt i workers are worried. if you stopped i it tomorrow, you would bankrupt this area. this place would be devastated. they have no plan at all, none of them, labour, snp, not the tories, nobody. this is how i make my living, how i feed my kids and put them through education. ianthem

and put them through education. when the ukraine walk. _ and put them through education. when the ukraine walk. prices, _ and put them through education. when the ukraine walk. prices, labour wants to invest the proceeds in renewable energy.— wants to invest the proceeds in renewable energy. business leaders have concerns- _ renewable energy. business leaders have concerns. you _ renewable energy. business leaders have concerns. you can't _ renewable energy. business leaders have concerns. you can't cut - renewable energy. business leaders have concerns. you can't cut off- renewable energy. business leaders have concerns. you can't cut off oill have concerns. you can't cut off oil and gas when the jobs on there. hoop and gas when the 'obs on there. how concerned and gas when the 'obs on there. how and gas when the jobs on there. how concerned are you about the future of the industry and city? the windfall tax _ of the industry and city? the windfall tax was _ of the industry and city? the windfall tax was a _ of the industry and city? tia: windfall tax was a one—off, it's been extended for six years. it's an arbitrary 75% tax on one of the biggest industries in scotland added having an impact onjobs. we are concerned. having an impact on “obs. we are concerned. ., ., . concerned. unions are also concerned about 'ob concerned. unions are also concerned about job losses. _ concerned. unions are also concerned about job losses. unite _ concerned. unions are also concerned about job losses. unite is— concerned. unions are also concerned about job losses. unite is a _ concerned. unions are also concerned about job losses. unite is a labour. aboutjob losses. unite is a labour donor, but also a critic. irate about job losses. unite is a labour donor, but also a critic.— donor, but also a critic. we are sa in: donor, but also a critic. we are saying no _ donor, but also a critic. we are saying no more _ donor, but also a critic. we are saying no more blank- donor, but also a critic. we are saying no more blank chequesl donor, but also a critic. we are i saying no more blank cheques for donor, but also a critic. we are - saying no more blank cheques for the labour party. if they don't sign with people, but funding will fund campaigns instead of the party. north sea ahlin gas production keeps a quarter of a century ago. there is no debate here about whether this industry needs to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy, but there

is disagreement about the speed of that change and how it is managed. but our warnings of tens of thousands ofjob losses credible? if we see we have no support for the industry, complete decline, everything stops and we have a massive impact. it is unlikely to happen because what we will see is an offset from the renewable sector. we need to get a just right. 50. we need to get a 'ust right. so, should any h we need to get a 'ust right. so, should any new — we need to get a just right. so, should any new oil exploration be approved? the tory so yes, the snp and lib dems may be, labour, no. climate campaigners say it is not enough. climate campaigners say it is not enou:h. ~ . climate campaigners say it is not enou:h. ., climate campaigners say it is not enou~h.~ ., .,�* , , enough. what i don't see is true leadership. _ enough. what i don't see is true leadership, brave _ enough. what i don't see is true leadership, brave leadership- enough. what i don't see is true leadership, brave leadership to | enough. what i don't see is true - leadership, brave leadership to take is to net zero. i want to see more of stopping new oil and gas production. what i mean is notjust the licences to be granted, those licenses in the pipeline. that the licences to be granted, those licenses in the pipeline.— licenses in the pipeline. at this election, the _ licenses in the pipeline. at this election, the question - licenses in the pipeline. at this election, the question is - licenses in the pipeline. at this election, the question is not i

licenses in the pipeline. at this | election, the question is notjust who governs britain, but who powers it? president biden has condemned a us supreme court ruling giving donald trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution. the us president said the decision has set a dangerous precedent. mr trump hailed the court's verdict as a big win for democracy. 0ur north america correspondent peter bowes reports. america's most powerful court, and a victory for donald trump. it relates to this. the riot in washington onjanuary the 6th 2021, when the then president is alleged to have encouraged his supporters to invade the capitol building, all in an effort to overturnjoe biden's election win. we fight like hell, and if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country any more. the supreme court has ruled that the president's words on that day, including his social media activity, were all official acts, and that he is immune from prosecution. but for any unofficial acts in a private capacity, the now

former president can still be held criminally responsible for his actions. it will be up to a lower courtjudge to decide which aspects of his behaviour are relevant to the trial, which is now on hold. in a post on his truth social platform, mr trump celebrated the court decision. "big win for our constitution and democracy," he wrote. "proud to be an american." speaking at the white house, president biden told a different story. this nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in america. each, each of us, is equal before the law. no one, no one, is above the law. not even the president of the united states. with today's supreme court decision on presidential immunity, that fundamentally changed. for all, for all practical purposes, today's decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no limits on what a president can do.

the supreme court's 6—3 ruling, split along ideological lines, is an landmark decision, and could have far—reaching consequences for future presidents. for donald trump it is almost certain he'll face no more trials during the election campaign, although the cases haven't completely gone away. it was another exciting day of football in the euros yesterday as france and portugal both progressed to the quarter finals in tense fashion. france required a late goal to get the best of belgium in their first knock out match and portugal required a penalty shout out to beat slovenia, after an emotional ronaldo missed a spot kick in extra—time. for the latest on last night's action and a look ahead to today's matches, let's speak to our correspondent john watson, who's in essen for us this morning. rinaldo looking tearful online today. rinaldo looking tearful online

toda . ., , ., ., , today. there were lots of tears. i think probably — today. there were lots of tears. i think probably cristiano - today. there were lots of tears. i think probably cristiano ronaldo | think probably cristiano ronaldo missed that penalty in extra time which would have sent portugal through. forthose which would have sent portugal through. for those tears, which would have sent portugal through. forthose tears, it which would have sent portugal through. for those tears, it was a reflection of recognition it may be his last ever major tournament. he's 39 and perhaps he thought with the mess, his chance of only winning silverware with portugal, but the chance of representing his country. he had another chance to take another penalty against slovenia, because it went to penalties, the first shoot—out of this year rose. he scored this time. in doing so, bernardo silva scored to send portugal through at the expense of slovenia, who missed a number of that spot kicks. diego cost that was the star of the show, not cristiano ronaldo, with a string of saves. portugal will face france in the quarterfinals, who squeeze through, perhaps yet to set the world alight.

they didn't finish top of their group, which is something of a surprise with some supremely talented players. it's been fairly defensive from their manager. they did enough, squeezing past belgian, a deflected goal late on which knocked belgium out. we know belgium have come to major tournament with a number of star players of their own, but a number have since retired, and there are still a number of players still the, but for kevin de bruyne, he looked crestfallen as belgium exited. perhaps he realises the chances of winning some silverware with his country may well have passed him by with those players now into their 30s. it is france who progress and will play portugal. we have two more games, which will see the quarterfinal line—up complete. just tell us the line—up, who is playing? just tell us the line-up, who is

-la inc? ~ . just tell us the line-up, who is -la in? ~ ., ., ., ., ., ., , playing? we have romania against holland. romania _ playing? we have romania against holland. romania into _ playing? we have romania against holland. romania into the - playing? we have romania against holland. romania into the last - playing? we have romania against holland. romania into the last 16 l holland. romania into the last 16 for the second time. turkey in action against austria. austria had been one of the surprise packages, and turkey will have a huge number cheering them on, huge turkish population in germany. some frustration because they pay a fee for state broadcasting. some disgruntled fans packing into the bars watching it because it appears they can't watch it at home. that is interesting- — they can't watch it at home. that is interesting. thank _ they can't watch it at home. that is interesting. thank you _ they can't watch it at home. that is interesting. thank you very - they can't watch it at home. that is interesting. thank you very much l interesting. thank you very much indeed for the update. in the early 1900s, the 0sprey became extinct as a breeding bird in britain, but in 1955 a single pair set up home in scotland and the population began to bounce back. now, thanks to successful reintroduction programmes, their numbers are growing across england and wales too — but when it comes to nesting sites, they still need a bit of a helping hand, as janine jansen reports. high up above poole harbour in dorset, ospreys

are making a comeback. the birds were persecuted to extinction in england in 1847, but now there's a drive to bring them back. elsa kent, from plymouth, is passionate about wildlife and she's setting her sights high. i've fallen completely in love with ospreys. they are such inspiring birds. and if they can inspire more people to get enthusiastic about nature and about connecting to our local ecosystem, then that's what i get really passionate about. the birds have been visiting this farm alongside the tamar and the tavy for 40 years, but they've never bred here. but they come here while they're on their migration to west africa. and so they stay for about two to three months of the year, and they use this as a sort of port of call or refuge place to fish and to kind of build up their energy before making the next big leg of theirjourney down to senegal and other countries in west africa.

earlier this year, they put up three huge nests, hoping to tempt them to breed. so by building the nests, we're supplying them with the equivalent of a bed and breakfast for them that when they see them, they can come and land and they know that it's ok and they check it out. they will come. they are positioned so that they are solitary nests. they're away from other predators that might be in trees like goshawks or birds that could damage their eggs. and they've got a good vantage point and they've got easy access to fishing. they particularly like the mullet in the tavy estuary, which is right here for them. but it's not going quite to plan. so up here in this osprey nest, we've actually got an egyptian goose, who after two days of the nest being up, she found the nest and thought, this is perfect. and so she's called it her home and laid a large clutch of eggs.

and it's a lovely... it's lovely to see the nest used. she's warming up the nest, ready for the ospreys to arrive soon. well, the team here are absolutely delighted that an egyptian goose is making good use of the vacant nest. but they really are hoping, fingers crossed, that next spring the magic will happen and the ospreys will breed here. if we have baby ospreys in these nests, my life's mission will be complete. it's so, it's been so huge for me. and i think there's nothing more... it doesn't feel like there could be anything more meaningful in my life than giving back to nature and encouraging opportunities for the natural world to re—establish itself. janine jansen reporting there. it's a sport that combines the power and grace of gymnastics,

with the technique and strength of swimming — and this summer marks the 40th anniversary of artistic swimming as an olympic sport. when it made its debut at the 1984 los angeles games, two young women were at the heart of the sport's evolution, blazing a trail as great britain's first ever synchronised swimmers — and setting a path for our paris olympians. lewis coombes has been to meet one of them. los angeles, 1984. in the searing heat, a young 0lympic duet were tasked with keeping their cool. caroline holmyard and carolyn wilson from great britain. _ it was very nerve—racking, but i think we trained for such a long time and we practised it time and time again. and of course, any routine, you're trying to make it the most difficult thing that you can possibly achieve. we had to smile. we had to make it look easy. and unfortunately, when you make something look easy, people think it's easy. that's me. yeah. assisted boost. carolyn underwater.

we put quite a lot of risky moves in because it was, you know, important. at this point, i imagine you're thinking, get to the finish without making a mistake. yeah, yeah, yeah. hours of training alongside caroline holmyard was all for this moment. big smiles at the end. it's gone well. relief. excellent marks. four 9.5s. we went in as european champions and we were placed fourth, which was the top european nation. so we definitely achieved our potential and it was amazing for our sport because up till then we'd had world championships and european championships, but not the olympics. so to go to la and be part of the first one was amazing. this is your costume, then? this is the costume. yes. look at that. we had to buy some sequins and sew them on ourselves.

wow. the glamour. oh, i know. artistic swimming has been a lifelong passion for carolyn, who still competes at masters level and has won medals at european and world level. you know, the sport is still there 40 years on. they've now added the team events and this year men, for the first time, are permitted to, um, take part in the team event. among the men with dreams of competing at the olympics is ranjuo tomblin from horsham. you always think, synchronised swimming, oh, that's a girl's sport. so i definitely want to change that perception of people. and you know, it's a sport foranyone, really. definitely at the beginning it was like, you know, all the girls and it was just me. and it was like a bit scary. but it's nice to encourage more boys in sport to, you know, make it more of a balanced sport. having dedicated her life to the sport, carolyn's impact on gb's success is still being felt. i've been involved with the olympic team all the way through the 40 years. the current duet, izzy and kate,

i taught their mothers to do synchro. they were in my great britain team. so the question is, can carolyn still remember the la routine 40 years on? a smile that was never in doubt. that is pretty impressive. let's catch up with the weather. hello again. as we go through the rest of this week, the temperatures are going to be around average or below average. the other thing is it's going to be windy at times as well. windy in the north of the country on thursday and in the southern half on friday. also expecting some rain. so, cool for earlyjuly. today we've got this ridge of high pressure across us,

but weather fronts coming in from the atlantic enhancing the showers, and later on we'll see some heavier rain come into the northwest. so a lot of cloud developing as we go through the course of the day. there'll be a little bit of brightness around. a lot of the showers will be in the northern half of the country, the driest conditions, wales, the southwest and the west midlands, and temperatures 13 to about 20 degrees for wimbledon today. while it's going to be mostly cloudy, there is, like yesterday, the chance some of that cloud could be thick enough for the odd spot of drizzle. and we're looking at 19 degrees, but it should be mostly dry tomorrow. there's a greater chance we could catch a shower. so then through this evening and overnight, we hang on to a few showers. then the rain comes in from the atlantic, pushing from the west towards the east. some of this will be heavy. the wind strengthens across the northwest and across southern areas. once again it's going to be fairly cloudy with some spots of drizzle overnight. 9 to 12 degrees. so then into tomorrow we've

got our weather fronts crossing us. you can see from the isobars it's going to be a breezy day. the windiest conditions across the north of the country. the rain continues to push off into the north sea, only to be followed in hot pursuit by some showers, and some of those could be heavy and prolonged, particularly so across parts of scotland. these are our sustained wind speeds. the gusts will be a bit higher than this, but the strongest winds, as we saw from the isobars, will be in the northern half of the country with temperatures 12 to about 19 degrees, so below average for the time of year. as we head from wednesday into thursday, the low pressure pulls away. you can see how the isobars tighten. so across the north of the country on thursday, we are looking at windy conditions and then we've got another area of low pressure coming our way into friday. so for thursday, wet and windy in the north, sunshine and showers further south and then it does remain changeable right the way through to the weekend.

live from london, this is bbc news. with less than 48 hours to go until voters head to the polls, parties make their final pitches to voters. i will be out until the last moments of this campaign, because i think it is a really important choice for the country. hurricane beryl strengthens to a category five storm, as it sweeps across the caribbean. in france, parties opposing the far right have until today to nominate candidates ahead of sunday's second round. joe biden condemns the supreme court's decision to grant presidents partial immunity from prosecution. hello, i'm geeta guru—murthy. thanks forjoining us today. there's less than 48 hours to go until voters head to the polls, and candidates across the uk are trying to gather as much

support as possible ahead of thursday's general election. sir keir starmer is calling for a summer of change, and focusing today on labour plans to use high street opticians to cut nhs waiting lists. rishi sunak is warning voters not to hand labour a super majority. he's told the bbc that he will continue to fight for every vote until the last minute of the campaign. the lib dem leader ed davey is calling on voters to kick out the conservatives over the so—called sewage scandal. the snp'sjohn swinney says he's asking scotland to reject more westminster austerity cuts from the next labour government. education is the theme of the green party, which is announcing a package of education measures including replacing ofsted and scrapping tuition fees. here's our political correspondent, helen catt. the labour leader says this morning he wants people to have more money in their pockets. and if labour win on thursday, he says he wants them to be better off in five years' time than they are now.

he also told the times he wants public services to improve by then too. but he said he would need a strong mandate, lots of votes and support, to do it, as there would be difficult choices. a message he was reiterating yesterday on the campaign trail. if you want change, you have to vote for it. the polls do not predict the future. constituencies like this will be very, very tight on thursday, so every single vote counts, every single vote has to be earned, and we have to make sure that until the polls close at ten o'clock on thursday, we are earning the respect and the trust and the confidence of voters across the country, because change will only come if you absolutely vote for it. rishi sunak will aim his message directly at wavering voters later. the tories will claim a small number of people in tight races could stop a big labourwin by lending the conservatives they vote. he will agree that a big labour majority is not

a foregone conclusion, but unlike keir starmer, he will warn it would be damaging if it happened, as he did in a speech to supporters last night. on thursday it is not a by—election. it is not a referendum on our party or the past. it is a choice about the future of our country, and what that future means for you and your family. if there is an unchecked, unaccountable labour party in power with a supermajority, think what that would mean, for everyone. a labour party with a blank cheque to do whatever they want. also talking about lending votes, the liberal democrat leader. sir ed davey told the guardian he thinks people are getting into the swing of tactical voting, where people who usually back different parties support the candidate best placed to beat the tories. he claims that will make this election a once in a century chance to change the political geography of the uk.

we fought a really strong campaign... the snp is claiming today that the result in scotland is too close to call, and says a labour majority in scotland would mean more austerity, which labour hast previously denied. all parties know they don't have long left now make up voters' minds. helen catt, bbc news. john swinney of the snp has urged scots to back his party to avoid more austerity cuts from westminster, claiming the election there is on a knife edge. let's speak to our scotland reporter katie hunter who is following the s&p's campaign today. the snp took a long time to get their campaign bus going. what was the cause of that delay and what are they expecting to do today? the delay and what are they expecting to do toda ? ,, ., . do today? the snp launch their so-called battlebus _ do today? the snp launch their so-called battlebus last - do today? the snp launch their so-called battlebus last week, | do today? the snp launch their- so-called battlebus last week, john so—called battlebus last week, john swinney has made the point that he

is snp leads are that he is also first minister in this election campaign which has been ongoing, it has been business as usual in the scottish parliament with various new legislation being passed. john swinney has started today during another live radio phone in, taking questions from members of the public. he did a similar thing yesterday. today he was asked about single sex spaces for women, carer�*s allowance, benefit payments, all sorts of issues, and he is spending today across the highlands with the message you said that the election in scotland, according to what the polls are suggesting, will be a very close race between the snp and labour, a very different picture to what we are seeing in england where the polls suggest labour are very much ahead of the conservatives. john swinney will be hammering home some familiar messages today that we

have been hearing from the snp throughout the campaign, has been talking about abc, as he puts it, austerity, brexit and the cost of living crisis, blaming westminster for all three. living crisis, blaming westminster forall three. his living crisis, blaming westminster for all three. his message throughout the campaign has been much in his words there is not much to separate the conservatives and labour and he makes the case that is, and it is an ace, keir starmer gets into downing street on friday, he argues that will be a continuation of the austerity and he is calling on people to vote snp so in his words they can stand up for scotland. if, and it is an if, labour get in on friday. the school holida s labour get in on friday. the school holidays are _ labour get in on friday. the school holidays are on _ labour get in on friday. the school holidays are on in _ labour get in on friday. the school holidays are on in scotland, - labour get in on friday. the school holidays are on in scotland, is - labour get in on friday. the school holidays are on in scotland, is that| holidays are on in scotland, is that a concern? will people be away, have postal votes got out in time? one voting hall was opened in person for people who did not have postal votes

yet? people who did not have postal votes et? , . ., ., , yet? yes, when the election was called, yet? yes, when the election was called. and _ yet? yes, when the election was called. and i _ yet? yes, when the election was called, and i think— yet? yes, when the election was called, and i think it _ yet? yes, when the election was called, and i think it surprised i called, and i think it surprised many, eyebrows were raised in scotland because byjuly the 4th, by thursday, the vast majority of schools in scotland have broken up. some have been on holiday for well over a week now and those first few weeks of the summer holidays are a really popular time for scottish families to go abroad because english schools still have not broken up so there are some cheap deals to be had on families want to make the most about. what we heard last week was people who had applied for the postal vote who were going away on holiday, but that postal ballot still had not arrived. 0ver ballot still had not arrived. over the weekend we saw some councils opening emergency facilities. they were suggesting labour opening emergency facilities so people could pick up a replacement postal votes. as of yesterday we heard two areas in edinburgh and fife had more than 500 people making use of those.

there are certainly people who have gone abroad, whose postal vote did not turn up before they went abroad and they will not be voting in the election on thursday. hour and they will not be voting in the election on thursday.— and they will not be voting in the election on thursday. how much is independence _ election on thursday. how much is independence a _ election on thursday. how much is independence a factor— election on thursday. how much is independence a factor in _ election on thursday. how much is independence a factor in how - election on thursday. how much is i independence a factor in how people will vote? the independence a factor in how people will vote? ,., , independence a factor in how people will vote? , ., , , will vote? the polls have suggested for some time _ will vote? the polls have suggested for some time that _ will vote? the polls have suggested for some time that around - will vote? the polls have suggested for some time that around 5096 - will vote? the polls have suggested for some time that around 5096 of l will vote? the polls have suggested l for some time that around 5096 of the for some time that around 50% of the population of scotland supports independence. the polls also suggest that support for the snp has been dropping. when the snp launched its manifesto we were told independence would be page one, line one of our manifesto, and so it was. john swinney has been keen to stress throughout the campaign that in his view independence is key to protecting public services in scotland, it comes back to the abc message, austerity, brexit, the cost of living crisis. he says the only

way to protect scotland's public services is to vote for independence. some independence supporters would like to have seen independence more front and centre but this is a westminster election and many of the issues being debated in this campaign are devolved. the snp has been in power at holyrood in edinburgh for 17 years now. we will see what happens on thursday when people go to the polls to have their say. people go to the polls to have their sa . a , people go to the polls to have their sa. , ., people go to the polls to have their sa. n,’ ., ., ., say. many thanks, katie hunter. i am “oined b say. many thanks, katie hunter. i am joined by our — say. many thanks, katie hunter. i am joined by our political _ joined by our political correspondentjess parker on the labour campaign trail in nottinghamshire. the last 48 hours, and that message obviously is warning against complacency despite other parties and the conservatives in particular saying they are warning voters against a so—called supermajority? warning voters against a so-called supermajority?— supermajority? there is a sort of interesting _ supermajority? there is a sort of interesting too _ supermajority? there is a sort of interesting too and _

supermajority? there is a sort of interesting too and fro _ supermajority? there is a sort of interesting too and fro going - supermajority? there is a sort of interesting too and fro going onl supermajority? there is a sort of. interesting too and fro going on at the moment between labour and the conservatives on that very point. prime minister rishi sunak, his conservative colleagues, they have been going around saying do not give labour a supermajority, obviously a reference to the polls which have consistently provided labour with a significant lead over the conservatives. so that has been the conservatives. so that has been the conservative messaging. the labour leader sir keir starmer has spoken to the times newspaper saying he wants a strong mandate in order to deliver difficult changes he says the country needs in order to grow the country needs in order to grow the economy etc. it is not entirely surprising of course that a leader in the midst of an election campaign, right towards the end of the campaign, would say they wanted a strong mandate, but what is notable is it is actually quite unusualfor notable is it is actually quite unusual for the conservatives to send out the message indicating, although rishi sunak insists he has

not given up, that they at least expect labour could win this election by some numbers. the labour party i think are concerned this could lead to complacency, so over the next 48 hours as far as sir keir starmer is concerned it is about trying to get out the vote and his message of change has evolved a little to reflect that, he has been going around saying that if you want change you have to vote for rates, so expect that message over and over as we rush around the country, we will follow keir starmer over the next couple of days as he continues to try to take that message to different parts of the uk. jess parker, thank _ different parts of the uk. jess parker, thank you _ different parts of the uk. jess parker, thank you very much indeed. what is the impact of people's background in terms of who gets voted into parliament have on the way politics in this country works? as millions of voters head to the polling stations this week on thursday, could there be a cultural shift in westminster coming at this

direction? sam freedman is professor of sociology at the lse and his new book, born to rule explores the family backgrounds of the current cabinet and shadow cabinet members. thank you for your time. the backgrounds of the conservative and labour party frontbenchers is quite different, and you think that might affect policy?— affect policy? yes, it is certainly true that there _ affect policy? yes, it is certainly true that there is _ affect policy? yes, it is certainly true that there is a _ affect policy? yes, it is certainly true that there is a radical - affect policy? yes, it is certainly. true that there is a radical change potentially about to happen in terms of the class backgrounds of these two cabinets, according to our analysis 46% of the labour shadow cabinet are from working class backgrounds in terms of what their parents did for a living, a figure incidentally well above the national average, compared tojust incidentally well above the national average, compared to just 7% among the current conservative cabinet. no one knows for sure but based on our

analysis on our new book we think the change in class profile could have a significant political implication. we conducted a survey with over 3000 in britain because mikey decision—makers which revealed that when elites are drawn from working class backgrounds they tend to tilt to the left politically and socially, they are more likely to think we should increase taxes on the rich, prioritise reducing poverty, more likely to be progressive on issues of race and empire, for example. the visors in terms of deposit —— the policies we have seen from the two main parties who can provide a prime minister, are you seeing that in the manifesto is, if we look at labour and by focus on non—dom some private schools, is there a danger it looks a bit anti—aspirational and is not driven by the composition of the shadow cabinet?

guest: but i think the important caveat is that _ guest: but i think the important caveat is that attitudes - guest: but i think the important caveat is that attitudes do - guest: but i think the important caveat is that attitudes do not i caveat is that attitudes do not necessarily map actions and these labour are elected they will not be operating in a vacuum, they will be operating in a vacuum, they will be operating alongside elites in business, the civil service, which shows that —— which has been shown they are still likely to come from privileged backgrounds which might mediate any tilt to the left and we see that in terms of labour courting the business community quite hard. it is not necessarily a straightforward relationship, there is a lot of cross pressure for politicians and lots of different directions which perhaps mediate the fact that there is this sensibility rooted in people's backgrounds which perhaps inform the political

identity. ts perhaps inform the political identi . , ., , . ., identity. is there any evidence that erha -s identity. is there any evidence that perhaps the _ identity. is there any evidence that perhaps the wealthy _ identity. is there any evidence that perhaps the wealthy cabinet - identity. is there any evidence that. perhaps the wealthy cabinet members and leaders we have seen in the conservative party in recent years, that directly affects their policy choices? , . , , that directly affects their policy choices? . , , ., ., that directly affects their policy choices? . , , ., choices? directly it is hard to say for sure, choices? directly it is hard to say for sure. but _ choices? directly it is hard to say for sure, but certainly _ choices? directly it is hard to say for sure, but certainly as - choices? directly it is hard to say for sure, but certainly as i - choices? directly it is hard to say for sure, but certainly as i say, l choices? directly it is hard to say. for sure, but certainly as i say, we can see very clearly that those in the british elite more generally, key decision—makers in the country, those privately educated to have come from very wealthy backgrounds tend to tilt to the right on lots of important policy and cultural issues. i think there is definitely an element and to come back, the other interesting element is the shift in the labour cabinet is significant in terms of previous labour cabinet. this will be a more

state educated, for example, labour cabinet if it is in than that of tony blair or clement attlee, harold wilson, so quite a significant shift. in wilson, so quite a significant shift. , ., shift. in terms of the constituencies - shift. in terms of the constituencies that i shift. in terms of the - constituencies that people represent, traditionally i guess the conservatives have held more wealthy areas and the concerns they hear week in and week out are different to those from labour, but that is shifting and could shift a lot with this election. would that not affect how a government chooses to go forward? ~ ,,., , , , ., forward? absolutely, this is what i was saying. _ forward? absolutely, this is what i was saying. it _ forward? absolutely, this is what i was saying. it is — forward? absolutely, this is what i was saying, it is very _ forward? absolutely, this is what i was saying, it is very hard, - forward? absolutely, this is what i was saying, it is very hard, we - forward? absolutely, this is what i was saying, it is very hard, we can j was saying, it is very hard, we can see something about people's political identities, their attitudes, operating outside of all the other forces that affect what they do when they are in a particularjob and obviously they

are cross pressured by important forces and other elites as well as the constituents they represent, and i think that is why we perhaps have an indication of what the intentions in an ideal world might be of this incoming labour cohort, buti in an ideal world might be of this incoming labour cohort, but i think it very much remains to be seen whether it will map onto significant policy change in a left direction. sam freedman, very good to speak to you, thank you so much. just to bring you some breaking news we are getting in on the tennis, andy murray is not going to play the singles at wimbledon, it has been announced that despite working incredibly hard on his recovery he has taken the difficult decision not to play the singles this year. straight back to the campaign trail. rishi sunak is speaking lies, let's

listen in. taste rishi sunak is speaking lies, let's listen in. ~ ., ., ., .«r listen in. we have also overtaken the netherlands, _ listen in. we have also overtaken the netherlands, japan _ listen in. we have also overtaken the netherlands, japan and - listen in. we have also overtaken. the netherlands, japan and france listen in. we have also overtaken - the netherlands, japan and france to become the fourth biggest exporter in the world, which is down to the success of businesses like yours, so thank you very much and congratulations ads, victoria, thank you for the warm introduction. victoria clearly works her socks off for you in westminster, she is a very dearfriend of mine, she for you in westminster, she is a very dear friend of mine, she was born at the horton and it is a massive point of pride for her to represent her own hometown, so can you please say thank you to victoria. applause let me get straight to edge, i know many of you will have supported us in the past you are a bit more hesitant this time around. i get it, right? i am hesitant this time around. i get it, right? iam not hesitant this time around. i get it, right? i am not blind to the frustrations many of you will have had, it has been a difficult few years with covid and ukraine and we have not got everything right or made as much progress as we would

like. but thursday is not a by—election, not a referendum about the past, it is a really important choice about our future as a country, and the choice you make will have enormous consequences for you and your family will have enormous consequences for you and yourfamily and i would urge you and yourfamily and i would urge you to think very hard about it. you will have seen all the polls and what they are saying, if you get a blank cheque will be collectively give a blank cheque to the labour party it will have a massive impact on you and your finances, your family and indeed our country. many of you will care about issues like making sure we can control immigration, we will not get any progress on much, which you will have seen if you watch the tv debates the other day. making sure we invest in security and defence, keeping everyone safe any more uncertain world, that will not happen under a future labour government. getting to net zero, which we all care about and i want to get there for my two daughters that we need to do so in a way that prioritises energy security and

family finances and does not have you with extra bills, those changes i made would be reversed. and most importantly given the last few years economically, it means your taxes which, by thousands of pounds and if we give labour that bank —— blank cheque you will not get it back and you will all end up paying much more in taxes. i don't want to see that happen, so if you think about voting on thursday, a concept micro—vote is a vote for lower taxes so i believe you will work incredibly hard and i want you to enjoy the benefits about hard work and keep more of your money for yourselves to spend on what you want and spend on your families, that is the type of country i believe and so we will keep putting your taxes if elected, we will cut taxes for people at every stage of their lives, not just those of you n—word but those people setting out on their own, small businesses and the self—employed, we will cut for them, and for young couples wanting to own their own

home, i want everybody to be able to fulfil but experience that we will abolish stamp duty for first—time buyers come effectively. families, for all of you, like for me, is the most important thing in my life, i want to support families and expand the generosity of child benefit. and pensioners, i believe if you work out all of your life and put in then you deserve dignity and security in retirement and even if many of you are not in that bracket, you will have parents and grandparents and want them to be looked after which is why we will introduce the triple lock plans to make sure the state pension is never, ever tax, not something the labour party will do, something the labour party will do, so for the first time in the country's history pensioners face paying income tax on the state pension, which i do not think it is right. the in no doubt, a vote for the conservatives on thursday, a vote for victoria and for me and just, it is an opportunity to lower your taxes aren't built on

improvements we have made. before i take your questions, i will say my grandparents came to this country with very little and a couple of generations later i am starting in front of you with the incredible privilege of having been notjust your chancellor, especially through a difficult time with the pandemic, but also know your prime minister. that is why i love our country so much, i'm very grateful for everything it has done for my family and that is why i work so hard to make a difference in all of your lives in the same way that this country makes a difference to my family's. but it's what you will always get family. you know i share your values of aspiration, opportunity, rewarding hard work and family. i want to make sure we deliver financial security and take the action required. most importantly, we will always stand up for what is right for you and what is right for our country. but it is the choice ahead if you want thursday. do not sleepwalk into something you have not thought properly about, think very hard

about what it means for you and your family and in spite of all these polls, every vote matters. you can make a difference, you can vote to make a difference, you can vote to make sure there was not a labour supermajority and there is not an unchecked power with a blank cheque to do what they want, you can vote for lower taxes, secure borders of the more secure future for all of you and yourfamilies. if the more secure future for all of you and your families. if you re—elect me and victoria, it will be the privilege of our lives to continue serving you and try to make a difference to you and your families. thank you very much for having me this morning. applause i know victoria said to take any and all questions, the first couple of questions?— all questions, the first couple of cuestions? ., ., , questions? character and integrity are my main _ questions? character and integrity are my main focus _ questions? character and integrity are my main focus and _ questions? character and integrity are my main focus and how- questions? character and integrity are my main focus and how i - questions? character and integrity are my main focus and howl lead| questions? character and integrity i are my main focus and howl lead my are my main focus and how i lead my team _ are my main focus and how i lead my team here _ are my main focus and how i lead my team here at — are my main focus and how i lead my team here at dcs, with transparency and remaining true to my principles being _ and remaining true to my principles being key— and remaining true to my principles being key to this. how will you convince — being key to this. how will you convince me that the character and

integrity _ convince me that the character and integrity of — convince me that the character and integrity of your government will change? — integrity of your government will chan . e? . integrity of your government will chance? . , . integrity of your government will chanue? ., , ., , ., change? yeah. great question. policies are _ change? yeah. great question. policies are all _ change? yeah. great question. policies are all good _ change? yeah. great question. policies are all good and - change? yeah. great question. policies are all good and well i change? yeah. great question. i policies are all good and well but character and integrity come before that. let me tell you a few important things about me. i have the courage of my convictions. i stand for a certain set of principles, a set of beliefs, and appreciate not everyone will agree with them all, but i would rather you know where i stand on things, so i will be honest and transparent with you. you have seen that throughout my career on all the big things, whether net zero, migration, defence, economic policy, whether it was on what used to be very controversial and saying what sex means, biologicalsex, that controversial and saying what sex means, biological sex, that is how we protect women and girls' spaces. when i first said that that was a big thing but that is who i am, i will not change with the weather on these really important things. i am totally fine to accept people do not always agree with me. the second

thing is being accountable. in the same way you lead your team is, when i got thisjob i set same way you lead your team is, when i got this job i set out five priorities, right? somebody interviewed me on tv this morning and said you set out these very clear priorities, let me have a go at how you did on that. i was like,, i set out five things you could hold me accountable for, that is quite rare for a politician. i am 0k me accountable for, that is quite rare for a politician. i am ok with people asking how i have done, that is the whole point. he can go through and see what we have made more or less progress but that is who i am as a person. i am not afraid to do what i think it's right for this country even when not politically convenient, and you saw that during the leadership contest a couple of summers ago when people didn't really want to hear what i had to say about the economy and the right way to do it, but i kept going, everyone said you are going to lose and all the rest, and i said i think this is right, even if people do not want to hear it now i

want to argue the case, and i was proved right on the big economic debate where nobody thought i would succeed, that is why you can trust me now when i am warning about the dangers of what labour would do if in power with our economy. i had the courage of my conviction is that even though it was tough, i'm doing the same now because i do not want all the progress over the last 18 months to be washed away and you all to pay the price in higher taxes. i hope that it is enough of an answer to your question. des hope that it is enough of an answer to your question.— to your question. dcs finished our fiscal ear to your question. dcs finished our fiscal year on _ to your question. dcs finished our fiscal year on friday _ to your question. dcs finished our fiscal year on friday with - to your question. dcs finished our fiscal year on friday with sales - to your question. dcs finished our fiscal year on friday with sales of| fiscal year on friday with sales of £350 _ fiscal year on friday with sales of £350 million, we have grown every year for— £350 million, we have grown every year for the — £350 million, we have grown every year for the last 30 years by putting _ year for the last 30 years by putting the customer at the heart of how we _ putting the customer at the heart of how we do— putting the customer at the heart of how we do business. finding growth has become increasingly hard with the economy working against us. what will you _ the economy working against us. what will you do— the economy working against us. what will you do to restore economic growth? — will you do to restore economic growth? 20 will you do to restore economic .rowth? ii , ., , will you do to restore economic urowth? :: , ., , growth? 20 years of uninterrupted urowth in growth? 20 years of uninterrupted growth in £350 _ growth? 20 years of uninterrupted growth in £350 million, _ growth? 20 years of uninterrupted growth in £350 million, but- growth? 20 years of uninterrupted growth in £350 million, but it's - growth in £350 million, but it's worth a round of applause. well

done, all of you. applause 0ne applause one very quick thing, tax cuts. i believe if we have a lower tax economy that is a higher growth economy. there are two tax cuts i want to focus your attention on which are good for your business, what is cutting taxes specifically for your business, which is what we did a little while ago, so for businesses like yours investing in things, expanding in warehouses and distribution, in the machinery you have, we now have the most generous tax treatment anywhere in the world, hundreds of leading businesses call that tax cuts, full expensing, to give its technical term, the single most transformational thing we could do for productivity and investment in our country and the chancellor and title of it and you are starting to see the benefits, because businesses like yours when you look at expanding or growing, you will see there is a big tax cut if you want to grow your business.

secondly, you are in a consumer orientated business and that is why tax cuts are so important. when people are working hard, if we can cut their taxes and they have more money they will spend it, and on things you supply, that is how we can also grow the economy. tax cuts for businesses investing and doing the right thing and tax cuts for every family at every stage so they can spend more on the things they want which will ultimately also help. there's two things are really important and there is a choice in this election, if i'm not standing here next week we will get those tax cuts, not only that, angela rayner will introduce french style union laws into this country, 70 of them, in fact, 70 new regulations which will mean more strikes which will damage the economic recovery and costjobs, because that is what those types of regulations too. we do not have french levels of unemployment in this country, we have a growing economy, that will be all put at risk so that is a very

clear choice for you about growth. you have come prepared, i can see that. has you have come prepared, i can see that. �* , you have come prepared, i can see that. a ., you have come prepared, i can see that. �* , ., ., you have come prepared, i can see that. a ., ., , you have come prepared, i can see that. ~ , ., ., , ., that. as you have heard, it is our 30th anniversary _ that. as you have heard, it is our 30th anniversary this _ that. as you have heard, it is our 30th anniversary this year - that. as you have heard, it is our 30th anniversary this year and i that. as you have heard, it is our| 30th anniversary this year and we are very— 30th anniversary this year and we are very proud to have grown every year over— are very proud to have grown every year over those years. the cost of doing _ year over those years. the cost of doing business over recent governments hasjust been increasing consistently. corporation tax has increased — consistently. corporation tax has increased from 19% to 25% which puts quite a _ increased from 19% to 25% which puts quite a burden on us and hampers us investing _ quite a burden on us and hampers us investing for — quite a burden on us and hampers us investing for growth, so along with inflation _ investing for growth, so along with inflation, interest rates, national living _ inflation, interest rates, national living wage increases it puts pressure _ living wage increases it puts pressure on us. i'm interested to know— pressure on us. i'm interested to know why— pressure on us. i'm interested to know why the conservatives have the policies _ know why the conservatives have the policies for _ know why the conservatives have the policies for growth going forward? a little policies for growth going forward? little bit of the answer to the previous question, right? we have given a tax cut on the things that drive growth, so if you are investing in your business or any

other as a company in expanding, growing, expanding yourfactory, growing, expanding your factory, putting growing, expanding yourfactory, putting on a manufacturing line, buying kits or equipment, expanding the warehouse, that attracts a very significant tax cuts more generous than any other country and that is how we will drive growth long term, thatis how we will drive growth long term, that is where we have targeted tax cuts. but there have been global supply chain challenges, you have experience that, very high inflation which is why i prioritise bringing inflation down. it is not technocratic, inflation was causing all the challenges notjust with your business but your bills, right? everything just going up and up and up. because of everyone's hard work and resilience we have got inflation back to normal, where it should be, 2%, meaning interest rates can start to be cut so you will start to feel the benefits, those pleasures of the past few years are dissipating and thatis past few years are dissipating and that is the foundation we have to build up —— there was precious. that

is why things are so important, i do not want to undo the progress when we have got through the hardest bits, energy bills coming down, interest rates to follow, we are on the downhill slope and could look forward with confidence and optimism, but not if there is a change in government and all those things are reversed, taxes increase the unions are in charge, public sector pay causes inflation to spiral, mortgage rates will not come down, that is the alternative and i down, that is the alternative and i do not want to go back to that and i do not want to go back to that and i do not want to go back to that and i do not think any of you do. yes? t do not think any of you do. yes? i have been back 12 months now after my maternity leave, dcs has been fantastic _ my maternity leave, dcs has been fantastic at allowing me the flexibility i need is a working mother— flexibility i need is a working mother but enabling me to forward my career— mother but enabling me to forward my career too~ _ mother but enabling me to forward my careertoo in— mother but enabling me to forward my careertoo. in september mother but enabling me to forward my career too. in september my daughter will qualify _ career too. in september my daughter will qualify for the 15 i was childcare but due to inflation because _ childcare but due to inflation because pressure and the cost of living _ because pressure and the cost of living crisis— because pressure and the cost of living crisis my nursery has increased _ living crisis my nursery has increased their fees so any belief we would — increased their fees so any belief we would have experienced will

actually — we would have experienced will actually be pretty much eroded. i'd like to— actually be pretty much eroded. i'd like to know more about what your party _ like to know more about what your party is _ like to know more about what your party is doing to support parents that want— party is doing to support parents that want to return to work but are faced _ that want to return to work but are faced with — that want to return to work but are faced with limited nursery spaces, in affordable childcare and increasing household bills? is that your first? congratulations. both victoria and i have two girls, so we are big champions for girls. even our dog is a girl. i talked about family being important. i was raised in a very loving family, i wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my parents, their love and sacrifice. i want to support families that are iugghng want to support families that are juggling kids, childcare, careers. that is what modern families want to do, and we have your box. we are expanding free childcare. what we are trying to get to, which we will do, is for every family, work and set of families, to have 30 hours of

free childcare from the time their child turned diamond sold until they go to school. we are in the midst of that —— child turned nine months old. you have your little one, finish maternity, 30 hours of childcare until they get to school. to support mums and dads like you around the country. in terms of the raids, we have increased them and agreed a formula to make sure they go agreed a formula to make sure they 9° up, agreed a formula to make sure they go up, and we are paying a little bit more than the private sector rates are, which is properly 0kjust about. you see the number of places expand. the sector has been happy because we have agreed with them. it comes back to values, family matters to me and all of you. i want to support mums like you juggling that career and your kids. with 30 hours of childcare from nine months after

school, hopefully that will help. 0ne school, hopefully that will help. one of the tax cuts is what child benefits. there is a view have kids, it is a complicated system where if one view earns over £6,000, get takes it gets taken in curl taken away. we will look at your entire household and you will keep the child benefit. instead of the charge with taxes due. it is worth £1500. again, that is something i promise to deliver. i think we have one more. last one. has think we have one more. last one. as a family, we've been waiting for three _ a family, we've been waiting for three years on the nhs waiting list for an— three years on the nhs waiting list for an autism and adhd assessment. during _ for an autism and adhd assessment. during that _ for an autism and adhd assessment. during that time, we've had to pay for a _ during that time, we've had to pay

for a private — during that time, we've had to pay for a private assessment through a clinic, _ fora private assessment through a clinic, which— for a private assessment through a clinic, which was arranged in a matter— clinic, which was arranged in a matter of— clinic, which was arranged in a matter of weeks but at a cost of £2000, — matter of weeks but at a cost of £2000, which many people will struggle — £2000, which many people will struggle to afford. there are already— struggle to afford. there are already long waiting lists in oxfordshire, and the number of people — oxfordshire, and the number of people waiting a diagnosis is growing. shocking statistics such as 22% of— growing. shocking statistics such as 22% of adults with an autism diagnosis out of employment, so what are you _ diagnosis out of employment, so what are you planning to do to reduce nhs waiting _ are you planning to do to reduce nhs waiting list— are you planning to do to reduce nhs waiting list but support those people — waiting list but support those people who do have a diagnosis through— people who do have a diagnosis through education and into work? if through education and into work? if you through education and into work? you don't through education and into work? hf you don't mind saying, he was, who were you waiting for? your son. hogs were you waiting for? your son. how old his he? — were you waiting for? your son. how old his he? he _ were you waiting for? your son. how old his he? he is _ were you waiting for? your son. how old his he? he is 12, _ were you waiting for? your son. how old his he? he is 12, so has started secondary— old his he? he is 12, so has started secondary school. we wanted the private _ secondary school. we wanted the private assessment. 1 secondary school. we wanted the private assessment.— secondary school. we wanted the private assessment. i can understand that. it's a similar— private assessment. i can understand that. it's a similar age _ private assessment. i can understand that. it's a similar age to _ private assessment. i can understand that. it's a similar age to my - private assessment. i can understand that. it's a similar age to my two i that. it's a similar age to my two girls. there is a challenge in the nhs, and one of the areas we haven't made as much progress i would have

liked, is the waiting list. children are important, making sure they get the support needed is vital. 0ne are important, making sure they get the support needed is vital. one of the support needed is vital. one of the things we are doing... you said you chose to go private. 0ne the things we are doing... you said you chose to go private. one thing we are doing is making it available on the nhs in more and more areas. i don't have any ideological disagreement with the private sector, the independent sector providing nhs care. what i have told the nhs is there is a private provider that can do the thing, whatever it might be, whether an assessment or hip replacement, and they can do it at the same tariff rates, people should be able to choose whether they get their treatment. that is being rolled out across the nhs, but on the app. if you and yourfamily across the nhs, but on the app. if you and your family get referred for some secondary care, make sure you ask your gp, the prime minister said i should be able to choose where i get the treatment because if i don't

like the weight, the one you normally would use, i want to see if there is somewhere i can go that does it faster. that is helping to bring down the waiting list, and we are rolling it out to more areas. it is not overnight, but that is an example of what will help in the future. more generally, i come from an nhs family. i was at a pharmacy yesterday, my mum was a pharmacist, i grew up working for her. i know how important health is. we are putting record money in, hiring more doctors and nurses, and using private providers, but using pharmacies. now gracie or your certain, if you get an infection, so throat, you don't need to see your gp any more, for the appointment. you can go to your pharmacy. some

practical things, think indefinitely so you can get the care you need. the last thing i would say it is challenging for the simple reason we had a pandemic where 6 million, 6 million referrals for treatment didn't happen. during the pandemic. 6 million. that is what we are catching up with. in spite is doing more the nhs during an extraordinary job, more than in their history, it just takes time as though 6 million referrals come back into the system and we are having to work through them. the pressure will dissipate over time, them. the pressure will dissipate overtime, i promise, and you are starting to see waiting list coming down over the last few months, which is positive progress. we have a long way to go, but i care, the nhs is safe with me. i grew up in an nhs family and you have the peace of mind it is therefore you and your families. thank you so much for having me.

applause rishi sunak on the campaign trail in 0xfordshire. a save for receipt, but the prime minister pushing for every possible vote there. let me bring you one piece of breaking news, which is positive for the conservatives. a reform uk candidate has defected to the conservatives and they say this is because of the quotes racist, misogynistic and bigoted views of some of her former colleagues, from georgie david, issued a statement saying i am announcing my decision to leave reform uk and stand down as a candidate with immediate effect. georgie david previously of reform uk said i'm in no doubt the party are not racist. the vast majority are not racist. the vast majority are indeed racist, misogynist and bigoted and i do not wish to be associated with those who hold views

opposing to my own. the reform uk candidate previously says that people should endorse the conservative party instead. let others move on. has there been a lot of false information out there? rather than bein: a information out there? rather than being a soon _ information out there? rather than being a soon army _ information out there? rather than being a soon army of _ information out there? rather than being a soon army of deep - information out there? rather than being a soon army of deep breaks, | being a soon army of deep breaks, there's been some examples of where political activists have supported false narratives using the simple tactics, videos, sometimes using stop which is doctored or deep fakes. 0ne stop which is doctored or deep fakes. one thing important over the next few days is to be super aware of what you are recommended. some will be for political content,

attack lines. quite a lot of it, and i been investigating with my undercover voters, 24 fictional characters, across all the sites. they let me interrogate what different people are being targeted work. one of the main things i've seen is not paid for adverts, but organic content, otherwise created by political supporters and can be helpful but also misleading. t am by political supporters and can be helpful but also misleading. i am so sor , i helpful but also misleading. i am so sorry. i had — helpful but also misleading. i am so sorry, i had more _ helpful but also misleading. i am so sorry, i had more questions - helpful but also misleading. i am so sorry, i had more questions but i sorry, i had more questions but we've got the campaign trail continuing. let me take you to keir starmer�*s campaign in nottinghamshire. let's listen to the labour leader. brute nottinghamshire. let's listen to the labour leader.— nottinghamshire. let's listen to the labour leader. we are running such a ositive labour leader. we are running such a positive campaign. — labour leader. we are running such a positive campaign, we _ labour leader. we are running such a positive campaign, we are _ positive campaign, we are campaigning with a positive case to take to the electorate, all about change. and what a contrast to the increasingly desperate negative campaign that the tories are reading. they've literally got

nothing to say to the electorate as we go into thursday. we've got plenty to say because this campaign is about change, it is about turning the page and rebuilding our country. and whether you are a family struggling with the cost of living crisis for months if not years with bills bearing down on you, whether a business struggling locally and across the country, with the damage done to the economy, or whether you have served your country, or whether you have served your country in uniform in your community, this campaign is foryou. uniform in your community, this campaign is for you. the change we are campaigning for is for you. we've got onejob are campaigning for is for you. we've got one job this summer, that is to make it a summer of change and you have a labour government returned on thursday the 4th of july. applause and we are able to be so positive because we have changed our labour

party. brute because we have changed our labour pa . ~ ., , , , party. we have pushed gesture olitics to party. we have pushed gesture politics to one _ party. we have pushed gesture politics to one side, _ party. we have pushed gesture politics to one side, and - party. we have pushed gesture politics to one side, and we i party. we have pushed gesture i politics to one side, and we proudly say country first, party second. that is the change we brought about in our party. that is the approach we take to this campaign, and we are asking for the opportunity to change our country for the better and put it back in the surface of working people. that is what it is all about, and the contrast could not be starker. because believe you me, if you don't vote labour on thursday, if you vote for the conservatives or anybody else, then we could end up on friday morning with five more years of the same. we've had 14 years of the same. we've had 14 years of the same. we've had 14 years of chaos and division and failure. and have you seen anything in their campaign that suggest they changed? chaos and division and failure, and negativity. negativity

as we go into the last 48 was. that is what will be back on friday morning if we don't persuade people for the case of change. forget the polls, you all know inconsistencies like this every single those change, it will go down to just 100 vote either way. it will go down to just 100 vote eitherway. every it will go down to just 100 vote either way. every boat has to be earned, and we have to work our way through —— every vote. making the case that if you want change, you have to vote for it. i believe the country wants change. you will have been out on the doors, we've been campaigning fora been out on the doors, we've been campaigning for a long time now. i'm yet to meet a single person who has said everything is great, don't change anything. it is fine. nobody is saying that. people want change, but change will only happen if you vote for us. we campaign through all the way to ten o'clock on thursday

inconsistencies like this across the country, with ambition for our country, with ambition for our country, a plan on day one. we will roll up our sleeves and get on with the urgent work needed, setting up those 40,000 extra appointments in the nhs to get waiting this down, recruiting the 13,000 police officers we need in our neighbourhoods, making sure we got the teachers in our school so every single child, whatever their background or circumstances, gets a chance they need to go as far as their talents will take them as we rebuild our country. with the nhs not on its feet but for for the purpose, with the new energy company keeping your bills down for good with energy security and the next generation ofjobs. and making sure that across britain people are better off, living standards are going up, people feel better off because their public services are working, the nhs is working as they would expect and are entitled to.

that is the choice at the election. the choice between continuing as we are, chaos, division, failure, it will be worse because they will feel emboldened. all turning the page with a smile and spring in our step, which is how we've campaigned, and rebuilding our country, starting from day one. that is a change worth happening, but if you want change, you have to vote for it. thank you very much! i will take a number of media questions, so we will do that and then mingle. i will take the bbc first, i think. then mingle. i will take the bbc first, i think-— first, ithink. just barca, bbc news. first, ithink. just barca, bbc news- keir— first, ithink. just barca, bbc news. keir starmer, - first, ithink. just barca, sscj news. keir starmer, imagine first, ithink. just barca, bbc- news. keir starmer, imagine you are prime _ news. keir starmer, imagine you are prime minister on friday, you walk through— prime minister on friday, you walk through the door of downing street. what is _ through the door of downing street. what is the very first thing you do? the very— what is the very first thing you do? the very first thing i do is change

the mindset of politics and the mindset needs to be politics of service. we've had 14 years of self entitlement under the tories, 14 years of seeing the partygate, the breaking of the rules that everybody else was following, the ppe contracts in covid, the gambling in this campaign. politics needs to return to service. that is the first thing we have to do on day one. we've got ourfirst thing we have to do on day one. we've got our first steps, we will start our work on the waiting list, on the police we need, teachers, the border security we desperately need. but returning politics to service, where we can, as we've campaigned, say it is always, always country first, party second. thank you very much. i will now go to sky. the cost of livin:

much. i will now go to sky. the cost of living crisis _ much. i will now go to sky. the cost of living crisis is _ much. i will now go to sky. the cost of living crisis is easy _ much. i will now go to sky. the cost of living crisis is easy because i of living crisis is easy because europe — of living crisis is easy because europe is— of living crisis is easy because europe is still reliant on russian .as europe is still reliant on russian gas imports. uk companies are facilitating through ownership. would — facilitating through ownership. would you toughen sanctions to clampdown on british companies which facilitate _ clampdown on british companies which facilitate it? we clampdown on british companies which facilitate it? ~ ., . ., facilitate it? we need a clear framework — facilitate it? we need a clear framework when _ facilitate it? we need a clear framework when it _ facilitate it? we need a clear framework when it comes i facilitate it? we need a clear framework when it comes to | facilitate it? we need a clear i framework when it comes to trade. what i would say, you started with energy. 0ne what i would say, you started with energy. one of the reasons we paid such high prices in energy is because we are overreliant on the international market, and that is precisely why we want to start the work on day one, setting out great british energy. a home—grown, renewable energy company, because that will give us lower bills for good because we control it, give us independence and security because whatever happens in ukraine and russia will not impact in the way it has done. it carries with it the next generation ofjobs. that is one of the examples we put forward when we say we will rebuild the country

and make sure people feel better off, living standards going up, cost going down. thank you so much. i will come to itv. i'm sorry about the market the order up. pare will come to itv. i'm sorry about the market the order up. are you concerned _ the market the order up. are you concerned about _ the market the order up. are you concerned about reports - the market the order up. are you concerned about reports that i the market the order up. are you i concerned about reports that people have not— concerned about reports that people have not been getting their postal votes _ have not been getting their postal votes in _ have not been getting their postal votes in time to take part in this week's_ votes in time to take part in this week's election? i wonder if i could .et week's election? i wonder if i could get your— week's election? i wonder if i could get your response to conservative claims — get your response to conservative claims spending time with your family— claims spending time with your family on— claims spending time with your family on a friday evening would make _ family on a friday evening would make you — family on a friday evening would make you a part—time prime minister. look, _ make you a part—time prime minister. look, on— make you a part—time prime minister. look, on the _ make you a part—time prime minister. look, on the series part of your question, i am concerned about the postal ballots because it is really important in this election that every single person has the ability to vote, and i hope vote for change. i think it is on all of us, non—party political basis to say we must do everything we can to ensure

those ballot papers get two people and they can fill them in and have the vote to which they are entitled. so the country can move forward with the change i hope will be delivered at this election. 0n the second part, this isjust increasingly desperate stuff. i actually can hardly believe that 48—hour is before an election, the conservative party has got nothing possible, positive to say. i've been arguing, you will have heard me say they haven't changed, they are just the same, nothing will change. they are proving it because they aren't saying if you vote tory on thursday, these things will happen. they are in this negative, desperately. it is really desperate. my family is important to me, as every single person watching, and i think it is increasing desperation bordering on

historical now. and i think i've got channel 4. j historical now. and i think i've got channel 1c— channel 4. i wonder if in the spirit of chance channel 4. i wonder if in the spirit of change i _ channel 4. i wonder if in the spirit of change i can — channel 4. i wonder if in the spirit of change i can lose _ channel 4. i wonder if in the spirit of change i can lose you _ channel 4. i wonder if in the spirit of change i can lose you away i channel 4. i wonder if in the spirit| of change i can lose you away from sound _ of change i can lose you away from sound bites— of change i can lose you away from sound bites to a more reflective answer~ — sound bites to a more reflective answer. some people are saying, as they watch— answer. some people are saying, as they watch events around europe and in america. _ they watch events around europe and in america, that may be brexit was britain's _ in america, that may be brexit was britain's populist right moment, and we threw— britain's populist right moment, and we threw it — britain's populist right moment, and we threw it at the other end, and if you are _ we threw it at the other end, and if you are elected it might be proof. is it you are elected it might be proof. is it right— you are elected it might be proof. is it right or— you are elected it might be proof. is it right or is there still a popular— is it right or is there still a popular spa right threat here? could a popular— popular spa right threat here? could a popular labour party be a false dawn? _ a popular labour party be a false dawn? �* , . a popular labour party be a false dawn? �*, .,, ., , ,, a popular labour party be a false dawn? ,, , dawn? it's a serious issue in terms ofthe dawn? it's a serious issue in terms of the tides — dawn? it's a serious issue in terms of the tides of _ dawn? it's a serious issue in terms of the tides of currents _ dawn? it's a serious issue in terms of the tides of currents of - dawn? it's a serious issue in terms of the tides of currents of politics i of the tides of currents of politics in this country across europe. i believe that there are many challenges in this country, across europe and the world which are more volatile now than for a number of years, and within that there has

been a lot of confidence in politics itself as the answer to those challenges, a sort of disaffection. i believe progressive parties, our party and other parties and governments across the world, the answers to the challenges. we have to understand why people have lost faith in politics. if you look at the last 14 years here, you can see why because those partygate, breaking the rules impose on the rest of the country, was a moment of trust with the electorate, as was the ppe contracts handed out at a great cost, as was the first instinct of so many in the conservative where there was not how i take my message to the country, but how quickly i get to the bookies. it goes deep into the psyche, so the change to return politics is so important for the future of our country. but also

important to the point you put to me, which is how do we take on the populism and nationalism taken hold in some places, and we can see it in europe and other part of the world. a really serious political challenge that we have to rise to, and that is why the first answer i gave in relation the first change will be returning politics to service and ensuring we have progressive answers to the challenges we face. thank you very much indeed. we have some time to ourselves now. thank you. keir starmer the. _ to ourselves now. thank you. keir starmerthe, campaigning in starmer the, campaigning in nottinghamshire starmerthe, campaigning in nottinghamshire and taken questions, including one at the end on the threats from the far right in europe and also some of the lines of attack from the conservatives. but like rishi sunak, basically the leaders repeating their main themes we have

seen just 48—hour is before everyone can vote on thursday. let's have a change for a moment. have you ever heard of a walk in football. it's played at slower pace with no tackling and was designed to help older men socialise but is proving beneficial for people with parkinson's. with me is colin wells, who was diagnosed with parkinson's and plays football.— and plays football. thank you for highlighting _ and plays football. thank you for highlighting it — and plays football. thank you for highlighting it today, _ and plays football. thank you for highlighting it today, because i and plays football. thank you for highlighting it today, because it | and plays football. thank you for. highlighting it today, because it is important for people with parkinson's disease it doesn't stop you with people with the condition. can you explain how it works? lt was can you explain how it works? it was a name can you explain how it works? it was a game invented _ can you explain how it works? it was a game invented in _ can you explain how it works? it was a game invented in 2011, _ can you explain how it works? it was a game invented in 2011, and - can you explain how it works? it was a game invented in 2011, and on i can you explain how it works? it was a game invented in 2011, and on the| a game invented in 2011, and on the basic premise of football. you aren't allowed to run, you walk, and

it is five aside on a much smaller pitch. i would encourage people to look at it because it is very inclusive, critically the walking for bliss association. [30 inclusive, critically the walking for bliss association.— inclusive, critically the walking for bliss association. do you have men and women _ for bliss association. do you have men and women playing - for bliss association. do you have. men and women playing together? for bliss association. do you have i men and women playing together? it men and women playing together? tit is very inclusive, yes. if you haven't played before, we would encourage you to take it up. it's notjust encourage you to take it up. it's not just the encourage you to take it up. it's notjust the physical encourage you to take it up. it's not just the physical attributes encourage you to take it up. it's notjust the physical attributes and physical health benefits, it is the mental well—being. physical health benefits, it is the mentalwell—being. it physical health benefits, it is the mental well—being. it helps to take part in a team sport, rather than sitting around and you're staying at home. i would encourage people to look at it. ., ., ., , ., home. i would encourage people to look at it. ., ., ., , look at it. how long have you been -la int? look at it. how long have you been playing? you _ look at it. how long have you been playing? you had _ look at it. how long have you been playing? you had a _ look at it. how long have you been playing? you had a high-poweredl look at it. how long have you been i playing? you had a high-powered job playing? you had a high—powered job in earlier days. playing? you had a high-powered “0b in earlier days.— in earlier days. yes, i still am a practising _ in earlier days. yes, i still am a practising barrister, _ in earlier days. yes, i still am a practising barrister, i _ in earlier days. yes, i still am a practising barrister, i still- in earlier days. yes, i still am a practising barrister, i still have| practising barrister, i still have my ticket. but i use football along with dancing at the national ballet and exercise, i bang the drum for parkinson's advocates, and walking football is a good way to do it.

what does it give you, what do you feel when you play and come off the pitch? lt feel when you play and come off the itch? ., ., , ., .., feel when you play and come off the itch? ., ., , ., ., pitch? it allows me to indicate an activity i'm _ pitch? it allows me to indicate an activity i'm passionate _ pitch? it allows me to indicate an activity i'm passionate about. i i activity i'm passionate about. i remember my diagnosis in 2017, the consultant said to me, it won't stop you doing things, just in a different way. walking football is a more tactical game. it is better than some of the running football you see. it gives you camaraderie because you are no longer isolated, you get out there and take part in a team sport you feel passionate about. ., ., , ., about. how popular is it? where are we seeinr about. how popular is it? where are we seeing it? _ about. how popular is it? where are we seeing it? everywhere, - about. how popular is it? where are we seeing it? everywhere, all- about. how popular is it? where are we seeing it? everywhere, all over. | we seeing it? everywhere, all over. one of my — we seeing it? everywhere, all over. one of my friend _ we seeing it? everywhere, all over. one of my friend said _ we seeing it? everywhere, all over. one of my friend said he _ we seeing it? everywhere, all over. one of my friend said he hopes i we seeing it? everywhere, all over. one of my friend said he hopes to i one of my friend said he hopes to have every team, he has a regular team, but they should have a merit parkinson team, for men and women, old and young. i'm particularfor those people who haven't played

football before, we encourage them. is itjust football before, we encourage them. is it just for football before, we encourage them. is itjust for people with parkinson's? and other peoplejoin as well? parkinson's? and other people 'oin as well? ~ . ~ parkinson's? and other people 'oin as well? ~ ., ,, as well? walking football, if you look on their _ as well? walking football, if you look on their website, _ as well? walking football, if you look on their website, they i as well? walking football, if you look on their website, they have i as well? walking football, if you l look on their website, they have it for all age groups and abilities. we arduous exclusive, but everyone, yourself could play if you wanted to. . , ., ,~~ ~ to. that is more my pace. are the euros providing — to. that is more my pace. are the euros providing inspiration? - to. that is more my pace. are the euros providing inspiration? are l to. that is more my pace. are the i euros providing inspiration? are you having group matches and watching as well? i having group matches and watching as well? ., �* ~' u, having group matches and watching as well? ., �* ~ _, ., well? i don't think we could do the jude bellingham _ well? i don't think we could do the jude bellingham manoeuvre - well? i don't think we could do the jude bellingham manoeuvre when| well? i don't think we could do the i jude bellingham manoeuvre when he jude bellingham manoeuvre when he scored the goal. i do encourage people with parkinson's to look at it, and the wider community because walking football has great benefits. they give me... i walking football has great benefits. they give me- - -_ they give me... i hope you are ok. you been — they give me... i hope you are ok. you been waiting _ they give me... i hope you are ok. you been waiting very _ they give me... i hope you are ok. you been waiting very patiently - you been waiting very patiently whilst we watched the politicians. colin, in terms of, as the condition

progresses, is it something you see people stop and start at a get quite difficult? the people stop and start at a get quite difficult? . ., ., , , ., difficult? the condition itself is a lack of dopamine _ difficult? the condition itself is a lack of dopamine that _ difficult? the condition itself is a lack of dopamine that other - difficult? the condition itself is a i lack of dopamine that other people have. with exercise, it really does counter it. when you get the touch of a ball, it is quite cathartic. i see people who come to a much in a wheelchair or with a walking stick and by the time they get onto the pitch, they are able to move. that is absolutely _ pitch, they are able to move. that is absolutely amazing. thank you so much, and thank you for waiting patiently. much, and thank you for waiting atientl . . , ., patiently. really grateful, fantastic. _ patiently. really grateful, fantastic. thank _ patiently. really grateful, fantastic. thank you - patiently. really grateful, fantastic. thank you so i patiently. really grateful, - fantastic. thank you so much. we patiently. really grateful, _ fantastic. thank you so much. we are back in a few — fantastic. thank you so much. we are back in a few minute _ fantastic. thank you so much. we are back in a few minute with _ fantastic. thank you so much. we are back in a few minute with more - fantastic. thank you so much. we are back in a few minute with more on . back in a few minute with more on the latest in politics. a very busy morning, and more on the website. this is bbc news.

live from london. this is bbc news. with 48 hours to go until voters head to the polls, parties make their final pitches to the country. iam i am alive in darlington. withjust days to go to the general election we will be speaking to people here about what matters in north east england. in france, parties opposing the far right choose their candidates ahead of sunday's second round election. hurricane beryl strengthens to a category five storm, as it sweeps across the caribbean. andy murray withdraws from the singles at wimbledon, ten days after surgery on his back. with less than 48 hours to go until the general election, candidates from all the parties are beginning their

final pitch for votes. sir keir starmer, is calling for �*a summer of change', and setting out labour plans to use high street opticians to help cut nhs waiting lists. rishi sunak is warning against a labour �*super majority'. he's told the bbc he'll �*continue to fight for every vote until the last minute of the campaign'. the lib dem leader, sir ed davey, is accusing the conservatives of creating a �*sewage scandal�*. the snp�*sjohn swinney is warning that both labour and the conservatives would introduce more austerity measures. the green party�*s talking eduction, it wants to replace ofsted and scrap tuition fees. and a second reform candidate has defected to the conservatives, claiming the vast majority of reform candidates are �*racist, mysogynistic and bigoted�*. the prime minister spoke to sally nugent on bbc breakfast. she put to him, the view of the bbc�*s polling expert sirjohn curtice, that lightning would have to strike twice for the conservatives to win.

i set out a very clear things you can hold me accountable for. i�*m 0k can hold me accountable for. i�*m ok for people to say how have you done that? that is what i want to fog on. we can go through and see where we have made more or less progress but thatis have made more or less progress but that is who i am as a person. i am not afraid to do what i think is right for this country even when it is not politically convenient and you saw that during the leadership contest a couple of summers ago. people did not really want to hear what i had to say about the economy in the right way to do it when i was in the right way to do it when i was in that contest but i kept going and everyone said you are going to lose a dollar mess of it but i said, i think this is right and even if people don�*t want to hear it now i want to make i argue the case. i was proved right then on that big economic debate when no one thought that i would succeed. that is where you can trust me now and i�*m warning you can trust me now and i�*m warning you about the dangers of what labour will do if they are in power with

our economy. had the courage of my convictions than to say what i thought was right even though it was tough and i�*m doing the same thing now because i don�*t want all the progress we have made over the past 18 months to be washed away and for all of you to pay the price and high taxes. , ., ., all of you to pay the price and high taxes. , . ., , , ., taxes. there is a real sense of uruen taxes. there is a real sense of urgency building _ taxes. there is a real sense of urgency building on _ taxes. there is a real sense of urgency building on the - taxes. there is a real sense of - urgency building on the campaigns, isn�*t there? as people get the chance to vote in less than 48 hours. let me start, if i can, to ask you to tell us more about this latest reform candidate defection. yes, piece of good news, i guess, for veggie sunak. he yes, piece of good news, i guess, for veggie sunak.— for veggie sunak. he is obviously campaigning _ for veggie sunak. he is obviously campaigning to _ for veggie sunak. he is obviously campaigning to hold _ for veggie sunak. he is obviously campaigning to hold onto - campaigning to hold onto conservative seats but he will be giving a little bit of a boost when he hears that a reform candidate for a seat in east london is now endorsing the conservatives. she is suspending her campaign. she is urging people to vote conservative in stead. she says she does not want to be associated with so many people

in the reform uk party, she sees it, who are racist or misogynistic or bigoted or perhaps all three. that is her view. she does exonerate the leadership of the party from that. she does not think they are racist in any way but she is she said, at the lack of action by the reform leadership to take, really, enhance, those candidates that she thinks are saying unacceptable things. she has effectively urged people to vote for the conservatives instead. she is the conservatives instead. she is the second reform candidate to do so. another candidate in did the exact same thing so the chairman of reform uk is now accusing the conservatives of dirty tricks and is questioning whether they are offering jobs are safe seats to reform candidates who choose to defect before polling day but he was not addressing had on her criticism of some of the fellow candidates for reform. , , , ., , ., reform. just tell us a bit more about what _ reform. just tell us a bit more about what we _ reform. just tell us a bit more about what we have _ reform. just tell us a bit more about what we have heard - reform. just tell us a bit more | about what we have heard from reform. just tell us a bit more - about what we have heard from reggie sunak and keir starmer. we sell

better than taking questions. their main messages, obviously, are familiar but they are also being asked, you know, further details. that is right. they�*re going to hear until we are sick of hearing it, the same messages between now and thursday and indeed, we will be broadcasting messages on thursday during polling day but people get them on the doorstep so keir starmer once again saying if you want change you have to vote for it. visually sunak warning against a labour supermajority as he sees it and also suggesting that taxes will go up and they have not ruled out tax rises where as he would give tax cuts to everyone. those will be the familiar messages. it is interesting where they are campaigning rather than what they are saying. for example, visually sunak was there in 0xfordshire in a seat once

represented by a previous conservative prime minister david cameron. should normally be considered safe and the lib dems think they have a good chance of winning it and yesterday ijoined the labour campaign reporting and was taken to banbury, a seat that has been conservative since it has been formed. it has effectively never had a labour or lib dem mp and labour say they are competitive in that seat. and moving resources away from other seats which they felt they had to put resources into an order to win, they think they are now in the bag and they�*re going deep into conservative held territories i think that gives you some idea why reggie sunak is talking about, as he sees it, the dangers of super majorities and warning about what a labour government might do because he is having to fight in areas which i think even at the start of this campaign some people would have regarded as relatively safe. and campaign some people would have regarded as relatively safe. and yet the conservatives _ regarded as relatively safe. and yet the conservatives and _ regarded as relatively safe. and yet the conservatives and the _ regarded as relatively safe. and yet the conservatives and the price - the conservatives and the price information are repeating the message that it is a relatively

small number of people they think, if they switch their vote, could stop labour majority.- if they switch their vote, could stop labour majority. stop labour ma'ority. they have said 130,000 votes— stop labour majority. they have said 130,000 votes might _ stop labour majority. they have said 130,000 votes might determinism i stop labour majority. they have said i 130,000 votes might determinism they think, to some extent, i cannot endorse that specific figure but to some extent, yes, there are going to be seats which might have been conservative for a very long time are certainly since 2010 where if you votes may make a difference and thatis you votes may make a difference and that is by the parties are targeting. in almost a laser like fashion but if you even look at these big bills and some kind of spectacular predictions, and they are called. 40,000 people being interviewed online. some are suggesting at the far end of the scale of the conservatives could be reduced to a rump of 50 or 60 seats but then you look at just reduced to a rump of 50 or 60 seats but then you look atjust how close some of the contest are its a pacific seat even according to those polls and some are reallyjust kind of almost too close to call in about 100 other seats between the conservatives, you know, a

relatively good representation in parliament and being on the brink of disaster is quite on a knife edge and it has to be otherwise prissy cynic and his colleagues would not be issuing those messages. i think, also, what is interesting, too, is that many individual fights, some things don�*t tally with the post so i was told yesterday that while labour were expecting to win seats they had ever won their seats which had been labour or conservative. they had switched over the years and they were finding it much tougher going and saying they were not quite sure how they would cast their vote. where there is life there is hope. rishi sunak would say if there are these people have not quite decided they have a couple of days to turn this around. about a disaster. one of the problems he has got, and this is where we started on this, is reform. there is a couple of defections but the more that reform

eats into the vote in particular does make lots of seats, not necessarily unwinnable but potentially very vulnerable. many thanks indeed. _ we are in darlington which has been fought over by labour and conservatives since the second world war. my colleague is there with the political editor for bbc north—east. we are here in the north—east to assess which seats you will want to watch on thursday night and there are many here that switch to the conservatives in 2019. darlington, from where i am speaking to you, is one such seat. before that it had been held by the labour party since 92 so, for nearly three decades. and thenit 92 so, for nearly three decades. and then it switched in 2019. i am joined now by the political editor for bbc�*s north—east region. in a

mere moment, richard, we�*re going to speak to a couple of edges that set the scene here. this speak to a couple of edges that set the scene here.— the scene here. this you need to win, the scene here. this you need to win. basically. — the scene here. this you need to win, basically, if— the scene here. this you need to win, basically, if you _ the scene here. this you need to win, basically, if you want - the scene here. this you need to win, basically, if you want a - win, basically, if you want a majority— win, basically, if you want a majority government. according to the post— majority government. according to the post it — majority government. according to the post it should be hopeless for the post it should be hopeless for the conservatives here. the majority with boundary changes is about 4000. the conservatives believe they have a good _ the conservatives believe they have a good tale to tell because treasury 'obs a good tale to tell because treasury jobs and _ a good tale to tell because treasury jobs and civil service jobs have made — jobs and civil service jobs have made clear they are revamping the station _ made clear they are revamping the station i _ made clear they are revamping the station i believe it is an example of delivering on levelling up promises. what labour would say is some _ promises. what labour would say is some of— promises. what labour would say is some of this — promises. what labour would say is some of this is a work in progress and it— some of this is a work in progress and it is— some of this is a work in progress and it is welcome and people have endured _ and it is welcome and people have endured a — and it is welcome and people have endured a cost of living crisis. and that is— endured a cost of living crisis. and that is what— endured a cost of living crisis. and that is what may help deliver their bets and _ that is what may help deliver their bets and a — that is what may help deliver their bets and a constituency like is a crucial — bets and a constituency like is a crucial one _ bets and a constituency like is a crucial one. talking of a supermajority, they will not have a decent _ supermajority, they will not have a decent majority if they do not winning — decent majority if they do not winning a _ decent majority if they do not winning a seat like this. that is wh this winning a seat like this. that is why this is _ winning a seat like this. that is why this is one _ winning a seat like this. that is why this is one to _ winning a seat like this. that is

why this is one to watch. - winning a seat like this. that is why this is one to watch. we i winning a seat like this. that is i why this is one to watch. we must beat a couple of photos here. it is all about testing the opinions. i�*ve been speaking to irene and i�*m going to go and find irene. you are live on bbc news. i�*m to go and find irene. you are live on bbc news-— to go and find irene. you are live on bbc news. i'm 'ust going to sit down. i should i on bbc news. i'm just going to sit down. i should put _ on bbc news. i'm just going to sit down. i should put some - on bbc news. i'm just going to sit| down. i should put some make-up on bbc news. i'm just going to sit i down. i should put some make-up on. tell me who — down. i should put some make-up on. tell me who you _ down. i should put some make-up on. tell me who you are _ down. i should put some make-up on. tell me who you are thinking - down. i should put some make-up on. tell me who you are thinking about i tell me who you are thinking about voting for on thursday. ihligell voting for on thursday. nigel faraae. voting for on thursday. nigel farage- uk — voting for on thursday. nigel farage. uk reform _ voting for on thursday. nigel farage. uk reform party. i voting for on thursday. nigelj farage. uk reform party. he voting for on thursday. nigeli farage. uk reform party. he is probably— farage. uk reform party. he is probably a _ farage. uk reform party. he is probably a little _ farage. uk reform party. he is probably a little bit _ farage. uk reform party. he is probably a little bit outspoken, | probably a little bit outspoken, like myself _ probably a little bit outspoken, like myself. but— probably a little bit outspoken, like myself. but i— probably a little bit outspoken, like myself. but i think- probably a little bit outspoken, like myself. but i think we i probably a little bit outspoken, like myself. but i think we just| like myself. but i think we just need _ like myself. but i think we just need a — like myself. but i think we just need a new— like myself. but i think we just need a new face, _ like myself. but i think we just need a new face, new - like myself. but i think we just need a new face, new blood, i like myself. but i think we just. need a new face, new blood, new ideas _ need a new face, new blood, new ideas and — need a new face, new blood, new ideas. and hopefully, _ need a new face, new blood, new ideas. and hopefully, with - need a new face, new blood, new ideas. and hopefully, with the i ideas. and hopefully, with the emigration _ ideas. and hopefully, with the emigration that— ideas. and hopefully, with the emigration that is _ ideas. and hopefully, with the emigration that is going - ideas. and hopefully, with the emigration that is going on, i ideas. and hopefully, with the| emigration that is going on, we ideas. and hopefully, with the - emigration that is going on, we want some _ emigration that is going on, we want some change — emigration that is going on, we want some change and _ emigration that is going on, we want some change and something - emigration that is going on, we want some change and something to- emigration that is going on, we want some change and something to workj some change and something to work for both— some change and something to work for both sides — some change and something to work for both sides of _ some change and something to work for both sides of people _ some change and something to work for both sides of people that - some change and something to work for both sides of people that want i for both sides of people that want to come _ for both sides of people that want to come into _ for both sides of people that want to come into the _ for both sides of people that want to come into the country, - for both sides of people that want to come into the country, for- for both sides of people that want i to come into the country, for people who want— to come into the country, for people who want to — to come into the country, for people who want to work _ to come into the country, for people who want to work and _ to come into the country, for people who want to work and make - to come into the country, for people who want to work and make a - to come into the country, for peoplej who want to work and make a living. and have _ who want to work and make a living. and have a _ who want to work and make a living. and have a better— who want to work and make a living. and have a better life. _ who want to work and make a living. and have a better life. nigel- who want to work and make a living. and have a better life. nigel faragel and have a better life. nigel farage is not necessarily a new face. you

normally vote conservative, did you? i have voted conservative, yes. itruth? i have voted conservative, yes. why don't ou i have voted conservative, yes. why don't you want _ i have voted conservative, yes. why don't you want to _ i have voted conservative, yes. don't you want to stick with them? don�*t you want to stick with them? we met ijust think don�*t you want to stick with them? we met i just think a don�*t you want to stick with them? we met ijust think a change. it is basically a change. mr; we met ijust think a change. it is basically a change.— basically a change. my father was labour all his _ basically a change. my father was labour all his life. _ basically a change. my father was labour all his life. so _ basically a change. my father was labour all his life. so that - basically a change. my father was labour all his life. so that is i basically a change. my father was labour all his life. so that is it. i labour all his life. so that is it. perform — labour all his life. so that is it. perform a _ labour all his life. so that is it. perform a uk_ labour all his life. so that is it. perform a uk vote _ labour all his life. so that is it. perform a uk vote for - labour all his life. so that is it. perform a uk vote for you. i labour all his life. so that is it. i perform a uk vote for you. thank labour all his life. so that is it. - perform a uk vote for you. thank you so much, irene. let�*s move on. are going to speak to somebody else tucking into his breakfast here. live on bbc news. how are you doing? may benefit. you are you going to vote for? — may benefit. you are you going to vote for? the _ may benefit. you are you going to vote for? the conservative - may benefit. you are you going to vote for? the conservative party. | vote for? the conservative party. and why— vote for? the conservative party. and why are _ vote for? the conservative party. and why are you _ vote for? the conservative party. and why are you voting _ vote for? the conservative party. and why are you voting for- vote for? the conservative party. and why are you voting for the i and why are you voting for the conservatives?— and why are you voting for the conservatives? because i am a pensioner— conservatives? because i am a pensioner and _ conservatives? because i am a pensioner and he _ conservatives? because i am a pensioner and he is _ conservatives? because i am a pensioner and he is the - conservatives? because i am a pensioner and he is the only i conservatives? because i am a i pensioner and he is the only one whos— pensioner and he is the only one who's going _ pensioner and he is the only one who's going to _ pensioner and he is the only one who's going to guarantee - pensioner and he is the only one who's going to guarantee the i pensioner and he is the only one i who's going to guarantee the triple lock and _ who's going to guarantee the triple lock and is— who's going to guarantee the triple lock and is going _ who's going to guarantee the triple lock and is going to _ who's going to guarantee the triple lock and is going to take _ who's going to guarantee the triple lock and is going to take us - who's going to guarantee the triple lock and is going to take us out i who's going to guarantee the triple lock and is going to take us out ofi lock and is going to take us out of the taxi _ lock and is going to take us out of the taxi so— lock and is going to take us out of the taxi so are _ lock and is going to take us out of the taxi so are not _ lock and is going to take us out of the taxi so are not paying - lock and is going to take us out of the taxi so are not paying taxes i lock and is going to take us out of| the taxi so are not paying taxes on pensions — the taxi so are not paying taxes on ensions. . . , . pensions. that was the deciding factor for you. _ pensions. that was the deciding factor for you. do _ pensions. that was the deciding factor for you. do you _ pensions. that was the deciding factor for you. do you normally | pensions. that was the deciding i factor for you. do you normally vote conservative? that factor for you. do you normally vote conservative?—

conservative? not always. usually labour conservative? not always. usually labour but — conservative? not always. usually labour but i _ conservative? not always. usually labour but i don't _ conservative? not always. usually labour but i don't like _ conservative? not always. usually labour but i don't like your- labour but i don't like your stammer. _ labour but i don't like your stammer, he _ labour but i don't like your stammer, he is— labour but i don't like your stammer, he is a - labour but i don't like your stammer, he is a snake. i labour but i don't like yourl stammer, he is a snake. he labour but i don't like your. stammer, he is a snake. he is labour but i don't like your- stammer, he is a snake. he is a “an _ stammer, he is a snake. he is a “an he— stammer, he is a snake. he is a “an he keeps— stammer, he is a snake. he is a liar. he keeps you _ stammer, he is a snake. he is a liar. he keeps you turning - stammer, he is a snake. he is a liar. he keeps you turning and l stammer, he is a snake. he is a. liar. he keeps you turning and you cannot— liar. he keeps you turning and you cannot believe _ liar. he keeps you turning and you cannot believe him. _ liar. he keeps you turning and you cannot believe him. he _ liar. he keeps you turning and you cannot believe him. he wants i liar. he keeps you turning and you cannot believe him. he wants to. liar. he keeps you turning and you i cannot believe him. he wants to get us back— cannot believe him. he wants to get us back into — cannot believe him. he wants to get us back into the _ cannot believe him. he wants to get us back into the eu _ cannot believe him. he wants to get us back into the eu which— cannot believe him. he wants to get us back into the eu which we - cannot believe him. he wants to get us back into the eu which we votedl us back into the eu which we voted to come _ us back into the eu which we voted to come out— us back into the eu which we voted to come out of _ us back into the eu which we voted to come out of. i— us back into the eu which we voted to come out of. [do _ us back into the eu which we voted to come out of.— to come out of. i do not think you said that as _ to come out of. i do not think you said that as such. _ to come out of. i do not think you said that as such. is _ to come out of. i do not think you said that as such. is going - to come out of. i do not think you said that as such. is going on i to come out of. i do not think you said that as such. is going on the| said that as such. is going on the back door and _ said that as such. is going on the back door and that _ said that as such. is going on the back door and that is _ said that as such. is going on the back door and that is why - said that as such. is going on the back door and that is why you i said that as such. is going on the i back door and that is why you cannot trust the _ back door and that is why you cannot trust the man — back door and that is why you cannot trust the man. whereas _ back door and that is why you cannot trust the man. whereas the - back door and that is why you cannot trust the man. whereas the prime i trust the man. whereas the prime minister— trust the man. whereas the prime minister has — trust the man. whereas the prime minister has kept _ trust the man. whereas the prime minister has kept his— trust the man. whereas the prime minister has kept his promises. i trust the man. whereas the prime i minister has kept his promises. what would ou minister has kept his promises. what would you say — minister has kept his promises. what would you say to _ minister has kept his promises. would you say to people who will take on the debate between them, mr sunak was seen to have not told the accurate picture in fact when it came to the tax cut of 1000? i accurate picture in fact when it came to the tax cut of 1000? i would sa that came to the tax cut of 1000? i would say that only — came to the tax cut of 1000? i would say that only half _ came to the tax cut of 1000? i would say that only half of _ came to the tax cut of 1000? i would say that only half of cynic's _ came to the tax cut of 1000? i would say that only half of cynic's lies i say that only half of cynic's lies are true — say that only half of cynic's lies are true i_ say that only half of cynic's lies are true. i was _ say that only half of cynic's lies are true. i was about— say that only half of cynic's lies are true. i was about that? i say that only half of cynic's lies i are true. i was about that? whereas starmer, _ are true. i was about that? whereas starmer, all— are true. i was about that? whereas starmer, all his— are true. i was about that? whereas starmer, all his lies _ are true. i was about that? whereas starmer, all his lies are _ are true. i was about that? whereas starmer, all his lies are true. - are true. i was about that? whereas starmer, all his lies are true. that. starmer, all his lies are true. that is our starmer, all his lies are true. that is your view. _ starmer, all his lies are true. that is your view, your _ starmer, all his lies are true. is your view, your feeling starmer, all his lies are true. tjhj’h is your view, your feeling and starmer, all his lies are true.- is your view, your feeling and that is your view, your feeling and that is why you are going to vote for the

conservatives then. thank you very much, barry. some strong opinions here. in the end, that this is not a presidential election when you travel about the country, a lot of people do bring up the westminster leaders, not necessarily the local candidates running in to gain a strong feeling there about mr starmer from strong feeling there about mr starmerfrom barry. he is going to stick with rishi sunak. from those two interviews, impassioned but also quite insightful, really. of how they were still people who are going to stay loyal to the conservatives. sometimes the narrative one way, doesn�*t it, when it you look at the polls? doesn't it, when it you look at the olls? , . polls? some believe their hearing are much more _ polls? some believe their hearing are much more apocalyptic - polls? some believe their hearing i are much more apocalyptic situation from the _ are much more apocalyptic situation from the party there then perhaps here but. — from the party there then perhaps here but, it has to be said, there has not _ here but, it has to be said, there has not been a lot of national campaigning by the conservatives or labour— campaigning by the conservatives or labour in _ campaigning by the conservatives or labour in the past week or two which suggest _ labour in the past week or two which suggest that a lot of the fighting is going — suggest that a lot of the fighting is going on in the south of england at the _ is going on in the south of england at the moment but there is some

sense _ at the moment but there is some sense that — at the moment but there is some sense that either these are local campaigns here and now are, very often, _ campaigns here and now are, very often, done— campaigns here and now are, very often, done deals. there are a whole host of— often, done deals. there are a whole host of seats — often, done deals. there are a whole host of seats here that labour needs to win _ host of seats here that labour needs to win if _ host of seats here that labour needs to win if they're going to get into government and have a very good majority _ government and have a very good majority was that they need to take back much— majority was that they need to take back much of what they lost in 2090. the polls— back much of what they lost in 2090. the polls suggest they are going to do that— the polls suggest they are going to do that but there is only one which counts _ do that but there is only one which counts and — do that but there is only one which counts and that is two days away. thank _ counts and that is two days away. thank you — counts and that is two days away. thank you so much for taking the time tojoin us. i know you have thank you so much for taking the time to join us. i know you have a busy last few days covering this campaign. if you want to see a list of all the candidates standing in darlington you can go to the bbc news website and of course, wherever you are, across the uk, you can put in the constituency you might be interested in and we�*ll be here throughout the day but it is a reminder, as richard was saying, that these are the seas. here in the north—east that really well help determine if labour wins the next election as the polls are predicting or, you know, whether they want. this is an area to watch even though, as richard was saying, many other politicians have not come here

as much as he would expect. thank ou ve as much as he would expect. thank you very much _ as much as he would expect. thank you very much indeed. _ could thursday�*s election lead to another attempt to redraw the uk�*s post—brexit relationship with the eu? labour has said it wants closer trade and security ties with europe. rishi sunak has repeatedly said he doesn�*t want to reopen any negotiations. let�*s speak to the rte europe editor, tony connelly who joins us from brussels. we sell one vote are just now talking to other colleagues up in darlington saying they thought labour were going to take the uk back into europe. keir starmer has specifically said that he is not going to do that. but what do you think there is a�*s result could do to change the uk�*s relationship with the eu? to change the uk's relationship with the eu? ., , ., .,, to change the uk's relationship with the eu? ., , ., ., ~ the eu? certainly, labour has talked relationship with _ the eu? certainly, labour has talked relationship with the _ the eu? certainly, labour has talked relationship with the eu _ the eu? certainly, labour has talked relationship with the eu and - the eu? certainly, labour has talked relationship with the eu and a i the eu? certainly, labour has talked relationship with the eu and a more | relationship with the eu and a more pragmatic relationship but nonetheless, keir starmer has had three red lines in particular.

number one, no membership of the single market. number two, number one, no membership of the single market. numbertwo, no membership of the customs union and number three, membership of the customs union and numberthree, no membership of the customs union and number three, no freedom of movement. so those red lines, if you keep those red lines after the election, will constrain the scope and ambition of any new relationship with the european union. certainly, many member states would like a closer relationship with britain but, you know, there are certain things that will cost britain if they want a closer trading relationship. for example, one of the areas that labour has talked about is a veteran of the agreement with the eu and that would remove the need for very expensive animal for checks and animal health controls on goods going back and forth between the european union and britain. if you had a veterinary agreement that could reduce that fiction substantially but the president that the eu has would say that switzerland and norway is that

they have two follow the eu�*s food safety rules and that is topical dynamic alignments over the eu changes its rules those countries accessing the single market, or the single food safety area would have to follow suit. they would have to be a role for the european court of justice in disputes. so that would be quite a big stride for labour to have to take, to get that veterinary agreement. there are other areas as well that labour has talked about but i think we�*ll have to wait and see how ambitious they do want to be once the election results are known. we have seen, of course, john curtis doing reporting, saying some of the probe exit voters and people most the question of trust so if there was an incoming labour government they still face pressure there. but there were also pledging to focus on wealth creation and those who voted to remain say that they do want, you

know, bettertrading to remain say that they do want, you know, better trading relations. within what labour has said, is that possible? it within what labour has said, is that ossible? , . ., , within what labour has said, is that ossible? , . . , , possible? it is certainly possible but i think we _ possible? it is certainly possible but i think we would _ possible? it is certainly possible but i think we would be - possible? it is certainly possible but i think we would be looking | possible? it is certainly possible i but i think we would be looking at tinkering around the margins. i mean, if labour says that they are not going to have, not going to back to the single market or customs union and that means that all that fiction will still be there and from estimates so far, it looks like britain�*s gdp has fallen by about 5% since brexit because of those fictions so people might dispute those figures but, certainly, there has been an impact. i mean, it is a bit of a hard fact of life that if britain wants to remove their speech and then there will be a cost on the other side and the eu will, certainly, want to make sure that relaxation of the rules for britain were not upset other countries to don�*t have the same access to the european union and you would have an obligation to follow the eu�*s will

be conferred safety, for example, and they can make customs procedures easier in a sense and there is work ongoing in that direction but, as pera ongoing in that direction but, as per a sweeping revamp of the relationship, it is hard to see that happening unless labour is prepared to swallow some pain on the other side. . ~' ,. , . side. thank you very much indeed. obviously we _ side. thank you very much indeed. obviously we do _ side. thank you very much indeed. obviously we do not _ side. thank you very much indeed. obviously we do not know- side. thank you very much indeed. obviously we do not know the i side. thank you very much indeed. i obviously we do not know the outcome of the election but we will obviously go over these issues once we know. thank you so much. we are going tojust take we know. thank you so much. we are going to just take eli to we know. thank you so much. we are going tojust take eli to nairobi because we are seeing these pictures come in of some protests on the streets. and, of course, there has been a number of ongoing protests there. as a result of proposed tax changes. in the law which the

president backed down on but these pictures just coming into as from the kenyan capital. with further protests, large crowds, we see, had been building. the police using tear gas in the kenyan capital. some of the protesters had been wanting a number of different demands including the president to step down but you can see, it looks like a bus stop, potentially, has been set on fire. there is tear being set up by the police and had a police deployment around parliament and other key institutions. you can see some there who have gathered and road leading up to the statehouse also cordoned off. we are also told

that the president�*s stronghold, the tanks are present and there have been protests around tanya. there are peaceful protests in mombasa but gangs have also got involved, looting businesses, in some cases. and in western kenya, tires have been set on fire. that is what we have heard from our teams there and can you but you can see crowds there in nairobi sparked by an a plan to increase taxation. the president backed down on that a few days ago but the protests are ongoing, as you can see and hear there. police out and the armed forces also had been deployed in some cases there. we will keep you date and there is more online, too.

some news about what could be andy murray�*s last wimbedlon appearance. this statement just in unfortunately, despite working incredibly hard on his recovery since his operation just over a week ago, andy has taken the very difficult decision not to play the singles this year. as you can imagine, he is extremely disappointed but has confirmed that he will be playing in the doubles with jamie. so andy murray won�*t be playing singles at wimbledon this year, and possibly may have played his final singles match there. today is the deadline for political parties in france to pick their candidates for sunday�*s run—off general election. some candidates on the left and centre have pulled out, to avoid splitting the anti—right vote and to prevent another victory for marine le pen�*s national rally party, which came top in the first round. our paris correspondent andrew harding has the story. paris, the day after. and for many here, a profound sense of shock. "it�*s like having a hangover," says

sandrine, a legal assistant. "people are fed up with politics," says caroline, "so they�*re turning to the extremes." "it�*s the people�*s choice," says margarita. "and given the high turnout, we�*ll get the government we deserve." they�*re all talking about this woman, marine le pen, whose party, the national rally, took the lead in sunday�*s vote. if the surname is familiar, that�*s because her father, jean—marie le pen, was a notorious far right politician, a racist and anti—semite. but his daughter has softened the national rally�*s image and platform and won big across the nation. her party�*s populist, anti—immigrant, eurosceptic message and its 28—year—old candidate for the prime minister�*s job finding broad appeal.

formerly, it was more people that were workers in complicated economic situations, now you have also white collars voting for national rally, you have women voting for national rally, you have young people. meanwhile, france�*s president is in trouble. no wonder it looked like emmanuel macron was trying to hide yesterday. his election gamble has backfired, his centrist party on track to lose heavily. so what of plans to block the far right from sweeping to victory? different parties began arriving at parliament, aiming to forge a united front against the national rally, but the divisions are all too evident. the leader of the green party here brought to tears of frustration during this debate. love it or loathe it, the national rally is now at the heart of france�*s political mainstream.

more than that, it is the most powerful party across the country. but can it translate that into enough seats in parliament to win outright? if it can, france will be changed utterly. andrew harding, bbc news, paris. now it�*s time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again. as we go through the rest of this week, the temperatures are going to be around average or below average. the other thing is it�*s going to be windy at times as well. windy in the north of the country on thursday and in the southern half on friday. also expecting some rain. so, cool for earlyjuly. today we�*ve got this ridge of high pressure across us, but weather fronts coming in from the atlantic enhancing the showers, and later on we�*ll see some heavier rain come into the northwest. so a lot of cloud developing as we go through the course of the day. there�*ll be a little bit of brightness around. a lot of the showers will be in the northern half of the country, the driest conditions, wales, the southwest and the west midlands, and temperatures 13 to about 20 degrees.

for wimbledon today, well, it�*s going to be mostly cloudy, there is, like yesterday, the chance some of that cloud could be thick enough for the odd spot of drizzle. and we�*re looking at 19 degrees, but it should be mostly dry tomorrow. there�*s a greater chance we could catch a shower. so then through this evening and overnight, we hang on to a few showers. then the rain comes in from the atlantic, pushing from the west towards the east. some of this will be heavy. the wind strengthens across the northwest and across southern areas. once again it�*s going to be fairly cloudy with some spots of drizzle. overnight lows, 9 to 12 degrees. so then into tomorrow we�*ve got our weather fronts crossing us. you can see from the isobars it�*s going to be a breezy day. the windiest conditions across the north of the country. the rain continues to push off into the north sea, only to be followed in hot pursuit by some showers, and some of those could be heavy and prolonged, particularly so across parts of scotland. these are our sustained wind speeds. the gusts will be a bit higher than this, but the strongest winds, as we saw from the isobars,

will be in the northern half of the country with temperatures 12 to about 19 degrees, so below average for the time of year. as we head from wednesday into thursday, the low pressure pulls away. you can see how the isobars tighten. so across the north of the country on thursday, we are looking at windy conditions and then we�*ve got another area of low pressure coming our way into friday. so for thursday, wet and windy in the north, sunshine and showers further south and then it does remain changeable right the way through to the weekend.

this is bbc news, the headlines... with 48 hours to go until voters head to the polls, parties make their final pitches to the country. joe biden condemns the supreme court�*s decision to grant presidents partial immunity from prosecution. and portugal hold their nerve to beat slovenia on penalties and earn a place in the quarterfinals of the euros. and they marry with draws from the singles at days after surgery.

in the north east of scotland, one key election issue is the debate around the future of north sea oil. john swinney has been urging voters to support his party. i spoke to our scotland reporter. the to support his party. i spoke to our scotland reporter.— to support his party. i spoke to our scotland reporter. the snp launched their battle bus _ scotland reporter. the snp launched their battle bus last _ scotland reporter. the snp launched their battle bus last week. _ scotland reporter. the snp launched their battle bus last week. john i their battle bus last week. john swinney made the point he is snp leader but also first minister of scotland and while the election campaign has been ongoing, it has been business as usual in the scottish parliament with various new legislation being passed. john swinney started his day doing another live phone in taking questions from members of the public. he did a similar thing yesterday, today he was asked about single six bases for women, carer�*s allowance and benefit payments, all

sorts of issues. he is spending the day across the highlands with the issue that you set according to the polls the polls are suggesting it is going to be a close race between the snp and labour. a very different lecture to what we are seeing in england where the polls are suggesting that labour are very much ahead of the conservatives. he will be hammering home familiar messages. he has been talking about abc. austerity, brexit and the cost of living crisis. he blames westminster 403. his message through the campaign has been that there is not much to separate the conservatives and labour. he is making the case that if keir starmer gets into downing street he argues there will be continuation of that austerity and he is calling for people to vote

snp so they can stand for scotland. when the election was called there was some concern about the timing of it because it is the school holidays. has that become a concern because light is any evidence a lot of people will be away, have postal votes got out in time? one voting hall was opened in person for people who had not had their postal vote? uri. when the election was called, i think it surprised a lot of people, by the 4th ofjuly the vast majority of schools in scotland have broken up, some schools have been on holiday for well over a week now. those first few weeks of the school holidays are really popular times for scottish families to go abroad. that is because english schools have not broken up so there are cheap deals to be had and families want to make the most of that. what we started to hear last week was that

people who had applied for their postal vote were going away on holiday but their postal alec still had not arrived. over the weekend we saw councils in the opening emergency facilities. so that people could come along and pick up replacement postal votes. as of yesterday we heard into areas, edinburgh and fife more than 500 people have been use of those but there are certainly people who have gone abroad whose postal vote did not turn up before they went abroad and so they will not be voting in the election. in this general election, over 10% of candidates are independents. over 4,000 candidates are standing across the uk, 459 of them have no affiliation to a political party. that�*s more than double the figure at the last in this general election, over 10% of candidates are independents. over 4,000 candidates

are standing across the uk, 459 of them have no affiliation to a political party. that�*s more than double the figure at the last general election in 2019. for voters, there�*s been this rise in distrust of the main parties, of mps at westminster and a real mood for looking for something else outside of those main parties. some independent candidates reject traditional westminster party politics as a whole. others are campaigning focussed on single issues such as the israel—gaza war. but winning as an independent at a general election is hard. since 1950, only three people have done it. former bbc correspondent martin bell won as an anti—sleaze candidate in tatton in 1997. doctor richard taylor campaigned in wyre forest on local hospital issues. he won in 2001 and in 2005. that same year, peter law resigned from labour over all—women shortlists and won in blaenau gwent, but most independents

struggle to make an impact. independent candidates really only have their name and perhaps the particular cause that they're fighting for, and that's not really enough normally anyway, to go up against an organisation with a big brand, with big resources, who are able to support their candidates with all sorts of advertising. one potential cost is the £500 deposit. if any candidate fails to get 5% of the votes, they lose that money. that, though, isn�*t putting off hundreds of independents in this election, and this may be part of a broader trend. there's a broader recognition i across society that the old, uh, tectonic plates of politics _ are shifting, and lots of people now believe that there are opportunities for new insurgent parties, - and also for independents to play | a role in a way that simply didn't| exist just a few years ago. independents offer an alternative to the major parties and a route to a different political landscape. we�*ll soon find out how many voters want that.

with me now is cleo watson and helen macnamara. cleo and helen�*s programme launches today at 4pm on bbc radio 4, and you can listen back on bbc sounds after. first of all, you have worked together, tellers before your time in government. taste together, tellers before your time in government.— in government. we have worked toaether in government. we have worked together for— in government. we have worked together for 20 _ in government. we have worked together for 20 years. _ in government. we have worked together for 20 years. you i in government. we have worked together for 20 years. you work| in government. we have worked i together for 20 years. you work for both main parties? _ together for 20 years. you work for both main parties? i— together for 20 years. you work for both main parties? i did _ together for 20 years. you work for both main parties? i did the - both main parties? i did the preparations _ both main parties? i did the preparations for _ both main parties? i did the preparations for the - both main parties? i did the preparations for the 20 i both main parties? i did the| preparations for the 20 time both main parties? i did the - preparations for the 20 time general elections and the government elections and the government elections in 2015 and 2019. which incomin: elections in 2015 and 2019. which incoming governments _ elections in 2015 and 2019. which incoming governments were i elections in 2015 and 2019. which incoming governments were you | incoming governments were you involved in?—

incoming governments were you involved in? ~._ ., involved in? theresa may after the 2019 general— involved in? theresa may after the 2019 general election _ involved in? theresa may after the 2019 general election which - involved in? theresa may after the 2019 general election which she i 2019 general election which she technically won. it comes out in our show— technically won. it comes out in our show today — technically won. it comes out in our show today i— technically won. it comes out in our show today. i worked until 2020 with borisjohnson. we have some overlap. quite _ borisjohnson. we have some overlap. quite often _ borisjohnson. we have some overlap. quite often the only women in the room _ quite often the only women in the room together. we quite often the only women in the room together.— quite often the only women in the room together. we don't know who's auoin to room together. we don't know who's going to win. — room together. we don't know who's going to win, there _ room together. we don't know who's going to win, there has _ room together. we don't know who's going to win, there has been - room together. we don't know who's going to win, there has been a i room together. we don't know who's going to win, there has been a lot i going to win, there has been a lot of speculation labour will win after 14 years of conservatives. but anything can happen. let�*s proceed on that basis. if there is a change and it is labour, the civil service are obviously politically neutral. they have been working predominantly for one party. how big a turn is it and is there a danger of civil servants put forward policies which ministers will be wanting into the previous process? thea;t ministers will be wanting into the previous process?— ministers will be wanting into the previous process? they will not be

recommending _ previous process? they will not be recommending policies _ previous process? they will not be recommending policies but - previous process? they will not be i recommending policies but spending a lot of time _ recommending policies but spending a lot of time thinking about how they can analyse and look into all the policies — can analyse and look into all the policies being put forward by political parties and get ready to serve _ political parties and get ready to serve whoever comes in. the civil service _ serve whoever comes in. the civil service have _ serve whoever comes in. the civil service have shown they are really quite _ service have shown they are really quite good — service have shown they are really quite good at changing will be ready for it and _ quite good at changing will be ready for it and thinking they were not 'ust for it and thinking they were not just be — for it and thinking they were not just be presuming there is a labour government, they will be ready for day one _ government, they will be ready for day one of— government, they will be ready for day one of any party that comes in. the other— day one of any party that comes in. the other party that helps with policy delivery of any manifestos or misses. on the political side whether it is rishi sunak who comes with a fresh team potentially because some of his cabinet ministers might change or whether it is labour, they bring in a whole load of political appointees. it is about chefs campaigning to governing isn�*t it? about chefs campaigning to governing isn't it? it about chefs campaigning to governing isn�*t it? it is about decision—making. isn't it? it is about decision-making.

isn't it? it is about decision-makinu. . , decision-making. what people don't realise is the — decision-making. what people don't realise is the campaigns _ decision-making. what people don't realise is the campaigns are - realise is the campaigns are exhausting enough, government is another— exhausting enough, government is another step up. after weeks of running — another step up. after weeks of running around the country and doing what you _ running around the country and doing what you can take it every voter out to vote _ what you can take it every voter out to vote for — what you can take it every voter out to vote for you there is no sense of resting _ to vote for you there is no sense of resting on— to vote for you there is no sense of resting on your laurels. it is not like lots — resting on your laurels. it is not like lots of— resting on your laurels. it is not like lots of other foreign countries where _ like lots of other foreign countries where they have the time between november and the new year, this happens _ november and the new year, this happens in — november and the new year, this happens in minutes. people's desks are declaimed and the new people are in straightaway. what comes out in our show— in straightaway. what comes out in our show is — in straightaway. what comes out in our show is that there can be terrorist _ our show is that there can be terrorist incidents, major events that you — terrorist incidents, major events that you have to be ready to take decisions — that you have to be ready to take decisions on. in that you have to be ready to take decisions on.— decisions on. in terms of the speech. _ decisions on. in terms of the speech. we _ decisions on. in terms of the speech, we have _ decisions on. in terms of the speech, we have seen i decisions on. in terms of the speech, we have seen for i decisions on. in terms of the i speech, we have seen for example very senior staff changes within downing street. how long does that take and how important is it that ministers have people around them

they can trust. it ministers have people around them they can trust-— they can trust. it does matter at, it matters — they can trust. it does matter at, it matters that _ they can trust. it does matter at, it matters that ministers - they can trust. it does matter at, it matters that ministers are i they can trust. it does matter at, i it matters that ministers are served well but as i said the civil services good preparing for change. we have had to prepare for lots of prime minister is recently and they will be thing very carefully. one thing that came forward is how much thought goes into thinking about tiny things like do the pictures look right, is the font and the way we are using this word right? can we serve the government whoever they are? ,. , . serve the government whoever they are? , . , are? often departments are shifted around as reorganisation _ are? often departments are shifted around as reorganisation which i are? often departments are shifted l around as reorganisation which could happen with labour talking about their missions, missions as well as departments, will that cause complications in terms of responsibility? in terms of the political stuff, responsibility? in terms of the politicalstuff, i responsibility? in terms of the political stuff, i have heard you talk about the very minute looking after a borisjohnson. talk through

some of your role in that. itttut’hat after a boris johnson. talk through some of your role in that. what gets left out in campaigns _ some of your role in that. what gets left out in campaigns and _ some of your role in that. what gets i left out in campaigns and government is the _ left out in campaigns and government is the human element and downing street— is the human element and downing street is— is the human element and downing street is the prime minister's home and that— street is the prime minister's home and that does need to... find street is the prime minister's home and that does need to. . .— and that does need to... and his famil . and that does need to... and his family- and _ and that does need to... and his family. and that _ and that does need to... and his family. and that needs - and that does need to... and his family. and that needs thinking l family. and that needs thinking about. family. and that needs thinking about- they _ family. and that needs thinking about. they have _ family. and that needs thinking about. they have the _ family. and that needs thinking about. they have the shortest i about. they have the shortest commute _ about. they have the shortest commute in the world, it is about 1.5 commute in the world, it is about 15 minutes — commute in the world, it is about 1.5 minutes from the flat to their office _ 1.5 minutes from the flat to their office i— 1.5 minutes from the flat to their office. i was looking after boris johnson — office. i was looking after boris johnson during code which had added complications. he got coved himself and nearly— complications. he got coved himself and nearly died. so much thought goes _ and nearly died. so much thought goes on _ and nearly died. so much thought goes on between the political teens and the _ goes on between the political teens and the civil service in a very discreet— and the civil service in a very discreet way. how you can help on family— discreet way. how you can help on family leave and one family come in and that— family leave and one family come in and that also gets underwritten, the extent _ and that also gets underwritten, the extent to _ and that also gets underwritten, the extent to which you have this team and downing street who are waving off colleagues and friends and people — off colleagues and friends and people who they have got to know really _ people who they have got to know really well and that is quite hard.

there _ really well and that is quite hard. there is— really well and that is quite hard. there is a — really well and that is quite hard. there is a real, it sounds disingenuous but theirjob is to serve _ disingenuous but theirjob is to serve the — disingenuous but theirjob is to serve the prime minister and the prime _ serve the prime minister and the prime minister changes very quickly and they— prime minister changes very quickly and they have to just adapt to that and they have to just adapt to that and try— and they have to just adapt to that and try and — and they have to just adapt to that and try and be as human in the whole thing _ and try and be as human in the whole thing is _ and try and be as human in the whole thing is possible. it and try and be as human in the whole thing is possible.— thing is possible. it was really strikina thing is possible. it was really striking listening _ thing is possible. it was really striking listening to _ thing is possible. it was really striking listening to david i striking listening to david cameron's deputy chief of staff talking about what that felt like in the tiny things that made a difference. the downing street team identified the type of mint david cameron lights and they were in his study. cameron lights and they were in his stud . ., . , , cameron lights and they were in his stud . ., ., , , , ' cameron lights and they were in his stud. ., , , , ., study. two has been the shuffling of number 10 and _ study. two has been the shuffling of number10 and number— study. two has been the shuffling of number10 and number“. - study. two has been the shuffling of number10 and number“. this- study. two has been the shuffling of number10 and number“. this is. study. two has been the shuffling of| number 10 and number 11. this is the other thing. — number 10 and number 11. this is the other thing. she _ number 10 and number 11. this is the other thing, she says _

other thing, she says diplomatically, how superstitious politicians are. they both need to plan and want to plan but are petrified of looking like we have been measuring the curtains. so there is still quite a lot to do. they cannot, they actually cannot plan. untilthe they cannot, they actually cannot plan. until the results are in. and they cannot be seen to plan and it is a huge change. so much more to ask you i'm sorry we are out of time. it is going to be on radio four. it is going to be on radio four. the bbc is listening to the issues that matter to you. we can now go live to rajini

vaidyanathan who is in darlington if labour wants to form a government has to win some of the key seats you in the north—west. darlington is one many people are watching on that note. it is a marginal seat. watching on that note. it is a marginalseat. in 1992 watching on that note. it is a marginal seat. in 1992 labour won, i'd held the seat 27 years. in 2019 the conservatives seat. this is seen in the bellwether in a way which could reflect a national picture. a lot of the issues at play here when it comes to living, investment, all those things resonate nationally. i am joined by chris lloyd. set out some of the issues. what is darlington one of the seats to watch? it darlington one of the seats to watch? ., , darlington one of the seats to watch? ., ., ., , darlington one of the seats to watch? ., , ., ., ., , ., watch? it has traditionally voted for whatever _ watch? it has traditionally voted for whatever government - watch? it has traditionally voted for whatever government ends l watch? it has traditionally voted l for whatever government ends up watch? it has traditionally voted - for whatever government ends up in. in this _ for whatever government ends up in.

in this area _ for whatever government ends up in. in this area there was a tory sue nami _ in this area there was a tory sue nami in — in this area there was a tory sue nami in 2019 where boris johnson convinced — nami in 2019 where boris johnson convinced voters in places like this to turn— convinced voters in places like this to turn conservative just for the first time — to turn conservative just for the first time since 1885. there were huge _ first time since 1885. there were huge changes and we are seeing how much _ huge changes and we are seeing how much of— huge changes and we are seeing how much of that is going to unravel which _ much of that is going to unravel which is — much of that is going to unravel which is why these seats with fairly small— which is why these seats with fairly small tory— which is why these seats with fairly small tory majorities, darlington is 50th on _ small tory majorities, darlington is 50th on the labour hitless, labour needs— 50th on the labour hitless, labour needs to _ 50th on the labour hitless, labour needs to get these seats back if it is going _ needs to get these seats back if it is going to — needs to get these seats back if it is going to get into power. interesting because we spoke to someone the last hour he was a lifelong conservative voter who said he was going to stick with the conservatives because he did not like sir keir starmer. there are people who like sir keir starmer here and the labour party but it shows you how it's not an easy win for the labour party even if it is one of their targets. the for the labour party even if it is one of their targets.— one of their targets. the tories have a semblance _ one of their targets. the tories have a semblance of _ one of their targets. the tories have a semblance of opn - one of their targets. the tories have a semblance of opn that| one of their targets. the tories i have a semblance of opn that the local elections, just five weeks

ago. _ local elections, just five weeks ago. at — local elections, just five weeks ago, at tees valley mayor was the only conservative successor that night _ only conservative successor that night he — only conservative successor that night. he held onto his seat winning the council— night. he held onto his seat winning the council areas, the district counciim _ the council areas, the district council- - -_ the council areas, the district council... ., ., ., , . council... female oral districts? that's right- _ council... female oral districts? that's right. the _ council... female oral districts? that's right. the swing - council... female oral districts? that's right. the swing against l council... female oral districts? | that's right. the swing against is enormous, — that's right. the swing against is enormous, all of these seats were felt. enormous, all of these seats were felt he _ enormous, all of these seats were felt. he was able to demonstrate their were — felt. he was able to demonstrate their were some levelling up of toadies— their were some levelling up of toadies on the ground that is the real hope — toadies on the ground that is the real hope that they are climbing ont0~ _ real hope that they are climbing onto. ., ~ real hope that they are climbing onto. . ,, i. ., ., . onto. thank you for the moment. we are in a cafe — onto. thank you for the moment. we are in a cafe so _ onto. thank you for the moment. we are in a cafe so it _ onto. thank you for the moment. we are in a cafe so it would _ onto. thank you for the moment. we are in a cafe so it would be _ onto. thank you for the moment. we are in a cafe so it would be weird - are in a cafe so it would be weird if we did not speak to people here. let's canvas some people. thank you for standing by for us. you are normally a conservative voter? who are you going to go for on thursday? reform uk. because they are taking my boxes _ my boxes. |

|naud|ble inaudible inaudible i think it is time for a change. a change — i think it is time for a change. a change from _ i think it is time for a change. a change from the _ i think it is time for a change. a change from the two _ i think it is time for a change. a change from the two parties. i change from the two parties. inaudible _ and you talk about issues and boxes that are ticked. for you emigration? that was the main one, immigration. inaudible _ inaudible it is unlikely they are going to form a government? ihia.

it is unlikely they are going to form a government? no, they won't net. .. inaudible and they might be able to form a government _ and they might be able to form a government-— and they might be able to form a government. and they might be able to form a rovernment. ., ,, , ., ., ., ,, government. thank you for taking the time to speak — government. thank you for taking the time to speak to _ government. thank you for taking the time to speak to us. _ government. thank you for taking the time to speak to us. obviously - government. thank you for taking the time to speak to us. obviouslyjust i time to speak to us. obviouslyjust one view but it's interesting throughout our travels in the last few weeks the number of people who told us they are going to... reform as an alternative to the main two parties. obviously the polls are showing they have had a bit of a bomb since nigel farage became the leader of the party. it is interesting because this is a conservative held seat. but it is on

the labour target list. as a reminder, the candidate standing in darlington constituency can be found... here's a full list of all the candidates standing in the constituency of darlington, you can find more details on the bbc news website. we will be in the north—east through the day but that is that for the moment. hurricane beryl has strengthened to a category five storm and continues to sweep through the caribbean. at least one person has died in st vincent and the grenadines according to the country's prime minister. thousands of people remain without power or living in temporary shelters. here's our reporter aruna iyengar.

the storm is expected to move westwards towards jamaica and mexico, losing some of its power by the end of the week. weather experts say the north atlantic could get as many hurricane beryl has been unleashing its power across the eastern caribbean. jamaica is the next in its path, bringing life—threatening winds and massive storm surges. earlier the storm crashed into the island of carriacou, part of grenada. it whipped up winds of 150 mph, communications were cut off, power lines were down. this was the capital of grenada, st george's, drowned in torrential rain. but there's relief. many feel it could have been worse. to some extent we have dodged a bazooka. a category four, almost category five hurricane, is almost as severe as it gets. further north—east barbados was also hit, but it seems so far to have dodged the worst effects. people are clearing boats and debris. they're being warned that gusts are still coming, and to batten down the hatches and stay indoors. these scenes were filmed by a bbc reporter in barbados, out there to cover the cricket. this is what hurricane beryl looks like from space, the eye of the storm over the caribbean. the image was taken from

the international space station. and this satellite footage shows lightning flashing around the hurricane's eye. meteorologists have been surprised how quickly beryl developed from a tropical depression to a major hurricane injust 42 hours. they say it's unusual for a hurricane of this strength to form this early in the year. so, we're seeing the season expand a little bit. the waters are getting warmer earlier in the year. in this case, they're near—record warm. the oceans look like september, they really do. they don't look like july. water temperatures are running two to three celsius above average right now, hence why there's so much more fuel to get these storms going. beryl has been upgraded to a category five hurricane. it's expected to be at major intensity as it moves westwards towards jamaica on wednesday, and onwards to mexico. weather experts say the north atlantic could get as many as seven major hurricanes this year, up from the average of three in a season.

president biden has condemned a us supreme court ruling giving donald trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution. the us president said the decision has set a dangerous precedent. mr trump hailed the court's verdict as a big win for democracy. our north america correspondent peter bowes reports. america's most powerful court, and a victory for donald trump. it relates to this. the riot in washington on january the 6th 2021, when the then—president is alleged to have encouraged his supporters to invade the capitol building, all in an effort to overturn joe biden's election win. we fight like hell, and if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country any more. the supreme court has ruled that the president's words on that day, including his social media activity, were all official acts, and that he is immune from prosecution. but for any unofficial acts

in a private capacity, the now former president can still be held criminally responsible for his actions. it will be up to a lower courtjudge to decide which aspects of his behaviour are relevant to the trial, which is now on hold. in a post on his truth social platform, mr trump celebrated the court decision. "big win for our constitution and democracy," he wrote. "proud to be an american." speaking at the white house, president biden told a different story. this nation was founded on the principle that there are no kings in america. each, each of us, is equal before the law. no—one, no—one is above the law. not even the president of the united states. with today's supreme court decision on presidential immunity, that fundamentally changed. for all, for all practical purposes, today's decision almost certainly means that there are virtually no

limits on what a president can do. the supreme court's 6—3 ruling —split along ideological lines — is an landmark decision, and could have far—reaching consequences for future presidents. for donald trump, it is almost certain he'll face no more trials during the election campaign, although the cases haven't completely gone away. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again. as we go through the rest of this week, the temperatures are going to be around average or below average. the other thing is it's going to be windy at times as well. windy in the north of the country on thursday and in the southern half on friday. also expecting some rain. so, cool for earlyjuly. today, we've got this ridge of high pressure across us, but weather fronts coming in from the atlantic enhancing the showers and later on we'll see some heavier rain come into the northwest.

so, a lot of cloud developing as we go through the course of the day. there'll be a little bit of brightness around. a lot of the showers will be in the northern half of the country, the driest conditions wales, the southwest and the west midlands, and temperatures 13 to about 20 degrees. for wimbledon today, well, it's going to be mostly cloudy, if it is like yesterday, the chance some of that cloud could be thick enough for the odd spot of drizzle. and we're looking at 19 degrees, but it should be mostly dry. tomorrow there's a greater chance we could catch a shower. so then through this evening and overnight, we hang on to a few showers. then the rain comes in from the atlantic, pushing from the west towards the east. some of this will be heavy. the wind strengthens across the northwest and across southern areas, once again it's going to be fairly cloudy with some spots of drizzle overnight. lows 9 to 12 degrees. so then into tomorrow we've got our weather fronts crossing us. you can see from the isobars it's going to be a breezy day. the windiest conditions across the north of the country. the rain continues to push

off into the north sea, only to be followed in hot pursuit by some showers, and some of those could be heavy and prolonged, particularly so across parts of scotland. these are our sustained wind speeds. the gusts will be a bit higher than this, but the strongest winds, as we saw from the isobars, will be in the northern half of the country with temperatures 12 to about 19 degrees, so below average for the time of year. as we head from wednesday into thursday, the low pressure pulls away. you can see how the isobars tighten. so across the north of the country on thursday, we are looking at windy conditions and then we've got another area of low pressure coming our way into friday. so for thursday, wet and windy in the north, sunshine and showers further south and then it does remain changeable right the way through to the weekend.

live from london. this is bbc news. with 48 hours to go until voters head to the polls, parties make their final pitches to the country. data obtained by the bbc says almost 1.8 million people are now in at least £50,000 of student debt. police in nairobi fire tear gas at protesters as further anti—government protests are staged in ten year's capital. hurricane beryl strengthens to a category five storm as it sweeps across the caribbean and andy murray from the singles at wimbledon ten days after back surgery. singles at wimbledon ten days after back surgery. with less than 48 hours to go until the general election, the parties are beginning

their final pitch for votes. sir keir starmer, is calling for 'a summer of change', and setting out labour plans to use high street opticians to help cut nhs waiting lists. the local government association has called for the postal vote system to be reviewed saying there's been an unprecedented increase in applications and a second reform candidate has defected to the conservatives claiming the vast majority of reform candidates are, quite, racist, misogynistic and bigoted. earlier rishi sunak was taking questions at a distribution warehouse in oxfordshire and here is what he had to say when asked about the character and integrity of his government. i the character and integrity of his government.— the character and integrity of his government. i actually did set out b ve government. i actually did set out by very clear _ government. i actually did set out by very clear thing _ government. i actually did set out by very clear thing is _ government. i actually did set out by very clear thing is that - government. i actually did set out by very clear thing is that you i by very clear thing is that you could hold me accountable for. that is quite rare for a politician to do. and i'm ok for people to say, well, how are you done that? ijust want to be open with you. that is what i want to focus on and we can

go through to see where we have made more or less progress and that is who i am as a person. in the last thing i would say is not afraid to do what i think is right for this country in when it not politically convenient and you saw that during the leadership contest a couple of summers ago when people did not really want to hear what i had to say about the economy and the right way to do it when i was in that contest but i kept going. everyone said you are going to lose it all the rest of it but i said, i think this is right and even people don't want to hear it now i want to make sure i argue the case and, look, i was proved right there on that date economic debate when no one thought i would succeed. and that is where you can trust me now. and i'm warning you about the dangers of what labour would do at they are in power with our economy. i had the courage of my convictions than to say what i thought was right and i'm doing the same thing now because i don't want to do it by all the progress we've made over the past 18 months to be washed away and for you to pay the price in higher taxes.

campaigning infairly campaigning in fairly safe tory seats. what does that tell us? that is absolutely _ seats. what does that tell us? that is absolutely right. _ seats. what does that tell us? trust is absolutely right. the scene yesterday in stratford—upon—avon. today and david cameron's old seat. the sort of place for the tories to win pretty comfortably. i think that tells us that, with 48 article, rishi sunak thinks it is important to shore up the vote in what should be tory blue areas of the country. most of the fight that has been happening over the past 24 hours or so has been roundabout here. we are in oxfordshire, round the midlands and cotswolds, keir starmer and sir ed davey had been buy of the past few days. keir starmer was in this constituency yesterday so you get a sense of where the real battle is

happening with 48 hours to go. that said, despite all the... we'vejust been chatting to rishi sunak in a huddle which is basically where he goes round and... and it is all on the record. rishi sunak, ijust asked him if he had any chance of winning this election and he said yes. i would not be doing what i am doing if i did not think we could. i'm interesting in working hard for every vote. the poll that matters is the one at 30. i keep telling, fighting for every vote. it would be absolutely wrong not to. so there is absolutely wrong not to. so there is a bit of a sense of defiance, i think, there. after saying yesterday that a vote for the conservatives was ace vote to stop a labour supermajority for the black people looking like that and saying it sounds a bit like throwing the towel in and saying it is about for a strong opposition. trying to hone in that message and make it a bit clearer today. that message and make it a bit clearertoday. he that message and make it a bit clearer today. he still thinks he can win despite all the polling evidence suggesting that the

conservatives are in for a pretty tough time on thursday despite the pessimism from tory candidates when you speak to them privately, mr sunak not giving upjust you speak to them privately, mr sunak not giving up just yet. the sunak not giving up 'ust yet. the conservatives i sunak not giving upjust yet. the conservatives are saying it only takes 130,000 people in the country to change their vote, to change the outcome. and yet they are also warning of a supermajority so can you explain how all of that is consistent? i you explain how all of that is consistent?— you explain how all of that is consistent? . ., , .., consistent? i am not sure i can with an ureat consistent? i am not sure i can with any great certainty _ consistent? i am not sure i can with any great certainty but _ consistent? i am not sure i can with any great certainty but i _ consistent? i am not sure i can with any great certainty but i suppose, i any great certainty but i suppose, if you are trying to dissect that, the suggestion is there are constituencies which could be close and if people change their vote and vote one way instead of another that could swing some of those seats and it could conceivably mean the difference between labour getting a big majority and not. they know for certain what that is based on but that would be, i suppose, certain what that is based on but that would be, isuppose, one certain what that is based on but that would be, i suppose, one way of interpreting it. and that the speed

internet narrative of the conservative sort of saying to voters don't abandon us because, if you do, you will end up with a stumping labour majority. it is a core vote strategy. what rishi sunak are saying to voters who voted tory in the past and are thinking about not, other sitting on a hand or perhaps voting for nigel farage's's reform party, mr sunak are saying, don't do it. be careful what you wish for. if you do that there will be more chance of getting a labour government with a big majority but i should, by the way, say, and the story that we have been running on the bbc about a reform candidate quitting, saying that candidates for the party, for reform, that is, racist and misogynistic, the prime minister was asked about that as well and it was a similar message we have heard over the past few days from him. he said, look, there is a question for nigel farage about the culture in his party, suggesting that racism is not being properly challenged like in that channel for undercover clip that we saw last

week so i think there is probably, probably a bit of for the conservatives that this reform candidate, albeit one that most people would have heard of, is saying she is going to back the conservatives now but bigger picture is that, with 24 hours to go, 48 hours to go before the polls are fully open across the uk, rishi sunak is still fighting in constituencies like 0xfordshire, where i am just now, we expect the conservatives to win pretty comfortably.— conservatives to win pretty comfortabl . , ., ., , , ., comfortably. everyone has been out dail fora comfortably. everyone has been out daily for a few _ comfortably. everyone has been out daily for a few weeks _ comfortably. everyone has been out daily for a few weeks now. - comfortably. everyone has been out daily for a few weeks now. it - comfortably. everyone has been out daily for a few weeks now. it has i daily for a few weeks now. it has been big campaign, hasn't it? a couple of days to go. before maybe everyone gets a tiny bit of breathing space but, for now, thank you very much indeed. keir starmer was speaking at a

football club. he was asked what he would do in his very first day in government should labour win. this is what he said. _ government should labour win. try 3 is what he said. the very first thing i would do is change the mindset of politics and the mindset needs to be politics of service. we have had 14 years of self entitlement under the tories. 14 years of seeing the partygate, the breaking of the rules, that everybody else was following. ppp contracts in covid, the gambling that we've seen in this campaign. politics needs to be returned to service and that is the first thing that we have to do on day one. we've got our first steps. we'll start our work on the waiting list, and the police we need, the teachers we need on the border security we desperately need but returning politics to service where we can, as we have campaigned, say it is

always, always country first, party second. b. always, always country first, party second. �* , ., ., ., ., second. a short time ago i spoke to our political — second. a short time ago i spoke to our political correspondent - second. a short time ago i spoke to our political correspondent about i our political correspondent about some of the key messages we've been hearing from rishi sunak and keir starmer in the past few hours. we are starmer in the past few hours. , are going to hear until we are sick of hearing it, the same messages between now and thursday and indeed, we wait for broadcasting the messages on thursday during polling day but people will hear them on the doorstep. keir starmer once again saying, if you want to change you have to vote for it. rishi sunak is warning against a labour supermajority as he sees it and has also suggested that taxes will go up under labour and not ruled out tax rises variety with cut taxes for everyone. going to be the familiar messages. for me, but was more interesting, was where they are campaigning by that and what they are saying so, for example, rishi sunak was there in there in oxfordshire, in a seat once 0xfordshire, in a seat once represented by a previous conservative prime minister david cameron. should normally be

considered safe is that the lib have a good chance of winning it and yesterday ijoined the labour campaign reporter and was taken to banbury, a seat that has been conservative since it has been formed. it has never had a lib dem mp for labour formed. it has never had a lib dem mpfor labourand formed. it has never had a lib dem mp for labour and labour think they are competitive their moving resources away from other seats that they felt they had to put resources into an order to win. they think they are now in the bag and they're going into, deep into conservative held territory so i think that gives you some idea of why rishi sunak is talking about, as he sees it, the dangers of supermajority is at one quarter labour government might do because he is having to fight in areas i think even at the start of this campaign some people would have regarded as relatively safe. deust regarded as relatively safe. ad'ust the conservatives i regarded as relatively safe. ad'ust the conservatives in i regarded as relatively safe. ad'ust the conservatives in their i regarded as relatively safe. adjust the conservatives in their press i the conservatives in their press information are repeating the message that it is a relatively small number of people, they can,

who, if they switch their vote, could stop a labour majority. that could stop a labour ma'ority. that is riuht. could stop a labour ma'ority. that is right. they've i could stop a labour ma'ority. that is right. they've said i could stop a labour majority. trust is right. they've said something like 130,000 votes might determine this anything, to some extent, cannot endorse that specific figure but to some extent, yes, there are going to be seats which have been conservative for very long time certainly since 2010 by a few votes might make a difference and that is why the parties are targeting in almost a laser—like fashion. ile almost a laser-like fashion. ian watson almost a laser—like fashion. ian watson there. could thursday's election lead to another attempt to redraw the uk's post—brexit relationship with the eu? labour has said it wants closer trade and security ties with europe. rishi sunak has repeatedly said he doesn't want to reopen negotiations, and that the current deal is the best one. i spoke about the impact thursday's result could now have on our own

going relationship with the eu. ihla going relationship with the eu. in; membership of the single market. no membership of the single market. no membership or customs union and no freedom of movement so if you keep those lines after the election it will constrain scope and ambition. many member states would like a closer relationship with britain but there are certain things that will cost britain.

if you had a veterinary agreement that could reduce that fiction substantially but the president that the eu has would say that switzerland and norway is that they have two follow the eu's food safety rules and that is topical dynamic alignments over the eu changes its rules those countries accessing the single market, or the single food safety area would have to follow suit. they would have to be a role for the european court of justice in disputes. so that would be quite a big stride for labour to have to take, to get that veterinary agreement. there are other areas as well that labour has talked about but i think we'll have to wait and see how ambitious they do want to be once the election results are known. we have seen, of course, john curtis doing reporting, saying some of the

pro brexit voters and people most the question of trust so if there was an incoming labour government they still face pressure there. but there were also pledging to focus on wealth creation and those who voted to remain say that they do want, you know, better trading relations. within what labour has said, is that possible? it is certainly possible but i think we would be looking at tinkering around the margins. i mean, if laboursays that they are not going to have, not going to back to the single market or customs union and that means that all that friction will still be there and from estimates so far, it looks like britain's gdp has fallen by about 5% since brexit because of those frictions so people might dispute those figures but, certainly, there has been an impact. i mean, it is a bit of a hard fact of life that if britain wants to remove their speech and then there will be a cost

on the other side and the eu will, certainly, want to make sure that relaxation of the rules for britain were not upset other countries to don't have the same access to the european union and you would have an obligation to follow the eu's will be conferred safety, for example, and they can make customs procedures easier in a sense and there is work ongoing in that direction but, as per a sweeping revamp of the relationship, it is hard to see that happening unless labour is prepared to swallow some pain on the other side. let's catch up on the labour campaign. i let's catch up on the labour campaign-— let's catch up on the labour campaign. let's catch up on the labour camaiun. , ., ., ., ., campaign. i 'ust want to run to a coule of campaign. ijust want to run to a couple of questions _ campaign. ijust want to run to a couple of questions that - campaign. ijust want to run to a couple of questions that keir i couple of questions that keir starmer was facing after his speech

earlier today. starmer was facing after his speech earliertoday. he starmer was facing after his speech earlier today. he was asked