' right. much of a plan for the far right. restore security, afterwards we will talk about the economy. let's speak to mark lowen who's at the headquarters of rassemblement national, in the west of paris. we just heard wejust heard some we just heard some reaction from marine le pen, who's been speaking to reporters, saying, "our victor has been delayed," president macron�*s situation is untenable. it's a really interesting point, that, because other commentators said if there is this chaos in the national assembly, said if there is this chaos in the nationalassembly, if said if there is this chaos in the national assembly, if it goes on for another year — which you would presume it would do because constitutionally they can't hold another election for another year — where it the president? can he continue to stumble on after 2027 two or at some point, does he have to resign his post at the next election? i to resign his post at the next election? ~ to resign his post at the next election?— to resign his post at the next election? ~' . ., election? i think emmanuel macron

will sta in election? i think emmanuel macron will stay in power _ election? i think emmanuel macron will stay in power as _ election? i think emmanuel macron will stay in power as long _ election? i think emmanuel macron will stay in power as long as - election? i think emmanuel macron will stay in power as long as he - election? i think emmanuel macron will stay in power as long as he can | will stay in power as long as he can to block marine le pen. it is all about the blocking strategy, that's what we have seen in this parliamentary election, the centre and the left were willing to come together in this very divided grouping, really, two distinct groupings. it was all about holding noses and rallying around the unity candidate that could block the national rally. so even though macron is clearly aware of the hatred towards him and vast sways of the country, he knows that as long as he is occupying the palace, marine le pen won't. and the fact of the matter is that in 2027, he can't stand again constitutionally, he won't be a candidate, so there'll be someone else trying to present themselves as an alternative, as a way of blocking marine le pen from power, and possibly somebody much more popular. edward felipe has

talked about — all the polls show he's externally popular and will undoubtedly try to form an alliance in the centre to stand in presidential elections in 2027. marine le pen's strategy — ijust saw her a few minutes behind me, she was absolutely mobbed, journalists were being pushed over by the crowd around her — her strategy will be to hope desperately that whatever government emerges from this mess will be so divided and poor at governing france that she'll be able to say in 2027 at the election, "look what happens when we are blocked from power." will that work? who knows? but year end, year out for more than 20 years, her party has been at the gates of power and

capped out till the last minute. and the fact of the matter is, the majority of french people still look at this party and say, "we are not prepared to take a leap into the unknown with the national rally." 50 unknown with the national rally." so i unknown with the national rally." 50 i suppose unknown with the national rally." so i suppose in two ways, you could look at this result and say that yes, the gamble has paid off because emmanuel macron was calling for a moment of clarification — is this really the party you want to be ruling france? the people of france have turned around and said, "no it's not." but if it had gone against him, they would've been in power and tested, and i suppose in his calculation, he was thinking at that point, people might view marine le pen differently. and i suppose the risk for the centre and the left tonight is that if they make a mess of governing over the next year, out of governing over the next year, out of this, the national rally and marine le pen become that much

stronger. marine le pen become that much stronuer. ~ , , ., j stronger. absolutely, and they'll know that's _ stronger. absolutely, and they'll know that's their entire - stronger. absolutely, and they'll. know that's their entire motivation now in forming a government that could work and be stable, that could not collapse into hopeless factionalism, as often happens in this country, because they've seen with their bare eyes that the far right, the national rally is capable of getting to the gates of power and was supported in the first round at least by about a third of this country. and that figure will continue to rise if the opposition is hopeless, or if the government that comes out of it is hopeless. so they'll know they're absolutely motivation is to work together. will it work? who knows? but in terms of whether the gamble has worked, i don't think it has for president macron. he's managed to push the

national rally down, but he will have lost a huge number of mps in the process, he's massively increased the polarisation of the country, he's continued to push french people to extremes — because notjust french people to extremes — because not just the far right, but a lot notjust the far right, but a lot of people have been pushed the far left — and he is a very hated president in large sways of the country. yes, his coalition came out second tonight, but largely because of this deal between candidates to drop out and rally behind the one who would block the national rally. macron�*s legacy will be toxic now, everything that he stands for will be seen by many to have completely failed. and this was the president who came to power saying he would revive the centre, he would revive the fifth republic — as one analyst put it to me last week, this is the president who, ratherthan me last week, this is the president who, rather than reviving the fifth

republic, was on the brink of burying it. the national rally has not gone to power, but his gamble has not worked. france has pulled back from the brink perhaps, but possibly political paralysis beckons and possibly 2027, where marine le pen could be even stronger, beckons. good points you make, mark, we've not seen a revolving government in the fifth republic, which was supposed to put paid to that. it's a very good point he makes about the division and polarisation of the country, i really did feel it today. it's sclerotic here in paris because they are building a stands for the olympics, three weeks away from 0lympics, three weeks away from that, you see the stands are on the eiffel tower, the beach volleyball is going on — by went for lunch on

the champs—elysees this afternoon and there were shops boarded up, riot police on street corners, and looking at some of these pictures tonight from where the right police have showed up and for the macro flares are being fired, it feels tense, and you wonder if the rhetoric of telling supporters they've been cheated, whether that drives more division around the country. let's speak to dr marta lorimer — a fellow in european politics at the london school of economics. her research focuses on far—right politics in the eu. do you recognise some of what i'm saying there, that division that's growing in france? i don't get a sense that this result tonight has put paid to that.— sense that this result tonight has put paid to that. know, the results show us that _ put paid to that. know, the results show us that france _ put paid to that. know, the results show us that france is _ put paid to that. know, the results show us that france is still- put paid to that. know, the results show us that france is still quite i show us that france is still quite polarised between a centre, the left, and the far right. so we've almost lost a little bit of the

right wing space. so this'll be a very complex year ahead for the french system because you've got the try partition of politics where nobody wants to work with each other, some don't even recognise each other as legitimate contenders. how difficult has it been for the rally to put a group of potential assembly members together? one of theissues assembly members together? one of the issues we've had in the uk election when rishi sunak called a surprise july election election when rishi sunak called a surprisejuly election was that reform weren't able to test their candidates or properly vet who was standing for the party. have you seen some of that in this election, and have some of the hard right instincts attached to the party come to the four?— to the four? yes, the national rally has had a very _ to the four? yes, the national rally has had a very similar _ to the four? yes, the national rally has had a very similar problem in i has had a very similar problem in terms of sourcing good candidates.

this has been a problem for a very long time because it's a party that has a fairly limited local implementation. so while there have been some militants who have been very good at building local federation and identifying potential candidates that they could then present in the elections, other federations haven't been quite as goodin federations haven't been quite as good in terms of having a good vetting process and ensuring that the people that they put forward hadn't made some suspicious comments on the internet, or as with the case for a candidate for the national rally, taken a photo with a nazi helmet. they've set from the beginning that macron was ready for this election and had the right candidates for it. fine this election and had the right candidates for it.— this election and had the right candidates for it. one of the things we've been — candidates for it. one of the things we've been talking about _ candidates for it. one of the things we've been talking about tonight . we've been talking about tonight is that within the european parliament,

the national rally will form an alliance with the viktor 0rban�*s party, the national flemish party from denmark, from spain — there is a group now forming within the european parliament that is very much patriotic, nationalistic. i wonder if you're going to have two voices in europe from the french — will it look divided when people look at what they are hearing from the french government? in look at what they are hearing from the french government?— look at what they are hearing from the french government? in terms of what they are _ the french government? in terms of what they are hearing _ the french government? in terms of what they are hearing from - the french government? in terms of what they are hearing from the - what they are hearing from the french government, it won't depend on the national rally, because of course they are unlikely to be in government. but we will be hearing different voices from the french government because of course, the president might be pushing in one direction and the government in a different one. in the european parliament, the national rally itself won't be able to make much of a difference. they will belong to a group that is certainly sizeable at this point, but that is usually put

behind, so they are not really allowed to take part in a lot of the processes that other political parties particular. they are also a relatively small delegation — there one of the biggest delegations, the european parliament is quite big, so the french by themselves and the national rally won't be able to do much. finally the national rally is actually not showing up frequently. so you don't see in the national rally what's happening in italy with the brothers of italy and giorgia meloni taking that party sometimes into the mainstream? she's taking a role in the party with europe — you're saying that won't happen with marine le pen and less so here in france? it marine le pen and less so here in france? , ., , , marine le pen and less so here in france? , , ., �* marine le pen and less so here in france? ,,,,_ .,�* france? it probably won't happen with marine _ france? it probably won't happen with marine le pen, _ france? it probably won't happen with marine le pen, she's - france? it probably won't happen | with marine le pen, she's decided france? it probably won't happen . with marine le pen, she's decided to sit with the far right in european parliament that is to clearly not issue, or interested in

collaborating, whereas giorgia meloni sits in a group that slightly more open to compromise. giorgia meloni is also a leader in government who has a different interest than marine le pen, who instead needs to prepare for the next general election. her only interest in the european parliament is to use it as an arena to make herself respectful, but she's not engaging with that test respectable. what about her role in the national assembly? we talked earlier about this split within the republican movement, the centre—right, some of whom veered off towards the rally and were going to support the rally within any coalition in the assembly. they are now fractured — what do you see in terms of the position on the harder right of the assembly and how big is that grouping? i assembly and how big is that u-arouin ? ~ �* assembly and how big is that growing?— grouping? i think it'll be very interesting — grouping? i think it'll be very interesting to _ grouping? i think it'll be very interesting to see _ grouping? i think it'll be very interesting to see what - grouping? i think it'll be very interesting to see what he i grouping? i think it'll be very i interesting to see what he does

grouping? i think it'll be very - interesting to see what he does now, does he stick with marine le pen or does he stick with marine le pen or does he stick with marine le pen or does he —— did hejust unite with her because that was how he thought he would win, and that hasn't worked out, he decides what to do? it'll be very interesting to see how they position themselves. until now, they didn't present themselves as oppositional as the radical left, and this is really part of the strategy to making themselves respectable. i expected to be much more confrontational in this parliament because they will be a big opposition and they'll start making the point that they have to have a majority in the next parliament, and the presidency. thank you very much forjoining us, good to get your thoughts and expertise on the national rally here in france. we are seeing some of the celebrations out there in paris

tonight, particularly amongst supporters of melenchon and the new popular front. supporters of melenchon and the new popularfront. it remains supporters of melenchon and the new popular front. it remains to be seen what share of the vote melenchon's party has within that leftist coalition, votes are still being counted and we will keep you up—to—date because they are quite —— there are large spreads, yet we still don't have an idea at this point which is the biggest group in the assembly. it could be president macron's ensemble movement is not that far behind the leftist coalition, we'll have to wait and see. i'll be back with more analysis later in the evening, but now will hand it back to london. studio: christian, thank you. i metjust

i met just days i metjust days after scott and's political map was transformed in the general election. this is sir keir starmer speaking after that meeting. in a general election, we got a clear mandate for change, and one thing that needs to change and reset is the relationship between the uk government and scottish government, which is why i'm really pleased that my first official engagement as prime minister two days after i took up post is here in scotland, having a meeting with the first minister and deputy first minister. we discussed the economy, we discussed energy, and as you would expect, we discussed grange mouth, which is a cause for concern and our governments will work together on that issue straightaway, and we agreed steps to make sure that we can make sure the delivery for scotland is number one priority. i'll come back to grange mouth in a second — did you discuss scottish independence? that's clearly a big

issue for the scottish government here, 50% still support that in the polls. i here, 5096 still support that in the olls. ., �* ., ., ., , polls. i won't go into the details of what we _ polls. i won't go into the details of what we discussed, - polls. i won't go into the details of what we discussed, but - polls. i won't go into the details of what we discussed, but we i polls. i won't go into the details i of what we discussed, but we were polls. i won't go into the details - of what we discussed, but we were of the joint view that we could work constructively together. i'm absolutely clear that during the campaign, i've made a commitment that my labour government would deliver for scotland that my labour government would deliverfor scotland — that my labour government would deliver for scotland — that's why i'm back here making good on that commitment, that promise, and starting the work of change across scotland, and took this opportunity to reset relations with the deputy first minister, and we will take further steps to ensure that that is embedded. ., ., ., ,., embedded. forgive me for labouring the oint, embedded. forgive me for labouring the point. but _ embedded. forgive me for labouring the point, but clearly _ embedded. forgive me for labouring the point, but clearly independencel the point, but clearly independence is a big issue in scotland, and you are here on day two of your premiership — was that part of the discussion? because clearly, there is discussion across scotland about this question. is discussion across scotland about this question-—

this question. there is clearly differences — this question. there is clearly differences of _ this question. there is clearly differences of opinion - this question. there is clearly l differences of opinion between this question. there is clearly - differences of opinion between us on some constitutional issues, but the point of this meeting was to reset relationship in a respectful and constructive way, and to recognise on the economy and energy, and very presciently on grangemouth, there is room for us to have a constructive way of delivering for very many people across scotland. that's the mindset, the way we want to approach it, the change. i've said repeatedly that its country first, party second, that's the approach that we took in the election and what i take for a government of the service. john swinney seems to think there'll be an independence referendum in the next five years — is he correct on that? next five years - is he correct on that? ~ , next five years - is he correct on that? . , . ., next five years - is he correct on that? ~ , . ., ., ,., that? will be clear about the riorities that? will be clear about the priorities of _ that? will be clear about the priorities of my _ that? will be clear about the j priorities of my government, that? will be clear about the - priorities of my government, they are about delivering for scotland. we now have 37 labour mps in government, and i want them to start

straightaway on delivering. my secretary of state has already been in touch with the scottish government here on informed issues, so this is about my priorities, it's very much about the economy, about energy, and presently about grangemouth.— energy, and presently about grangemouth. let's talk about grangemouth _ grangemouth. let's talk about grangemouth than _ grangemouth. let's talk about grangemouth than - _ grangemouth. let's talk about grangemouth than - is - grangemouth. let's talk about grangemouth than - is there l grangemouth. let's talk about grangemouth than - is there a grangemouth than — is there a commitment from your government here to save thejobs commitment from your government here to save the jobs at grangemouth, and if you'll forgive me, also folding into this clearly a big issue in terms ofjobs is the toss a steel job —— tata steeljobs. will you save that and the grangemouth plant as well? i’m save that and the grangemouth plant as well? �* , _, . ., as well? i'm very concerned about grangemouth. _ as well? i'm very concerned about grangemouth, we _ as well? i'm very concerned about grangemouth, we discussed - as well? i'm very concerned about grangemouth, we discussed that. as well? i'm very concerned about i grangemouth, we discussed that this afternoon with the minister, and we have a shared determination to do everything we can, same with tata steel, these of the early days of my government but i've rolled up my sleeves and got on with this because it's so very important in relation to those jobs and the future jobs at

stake. to those “obs and the future “obs at stake. ., . , to those “obs and the future “obs at stake. ., ., , ., ,, ., stake. how many “obs are you willing to su ort stake. how many “obs are you willing to support to — stake. how many jobs are you willing to sunport to save — stake. how many jobs are you willing to support to save as _ stake. how many jobs are you willing to support to save as part _ stake. how many jobs are you willing to support to save as part of - to support to save as part of this support package? that to support to save as part of this sunport package?— to support to save as part of this support package? at the moment we are workin: support package? at the moment we are working constructively _ support package? at the moment we are working constructively in - are working constructively in relation to grangemouth and tata steel, which is what you would expect. finally, the two child benefit cap, you are cleared about dust clear about in your election campaign dust clear about in your election cam aiun ., dust clear about in your election camaian . ,, dust clear about in your election camaian ., ., dust clear about in your election camaian . ., , dust clear about in your election camaian ., ., , campaign that you will not be able to reverse that _ campaign that you will not be able to reverse that decision _ campaign that you will not be able to reverse that decision in - campaign that you will not be able to reverse that decision in the - to reverse that decision in the moment. now you are in office, can you see yourself ruling out changing that position within the next five years? are you ruling it out completely? it years? are you ruling it out completely?— years? are you ruling it out completely? years? are you ruling it out comletel ? ., �* ., completely? it won't come as a surrise completely? it won't come as a surprise to _ completely? it won't come as a surprise to you, _ completely? it won't come as a surprise to you, given - completely? it won't come as a surprise to you, given the - completely? it won't come as a surprise to you, given the way. completely? it won't come as a surprise to you, given the way i campaigned, that i'm not the sort of person that gave one answer to a question before the election and a different one afterwards. the fiscal position remains as it is in relation to that particular issue. but we are absolutely determined and will put in place a child poverty strategy. we had one under the last

labour government, we'll have one under this one, bearing on the fact that no child should be impoverished, and i'll set up a strategy to ensure we get to that place. strategy to ensure we get to that lace. ., , ., ., place. can you rule out reviewing this with in _ place. can you rule out reviewing this with in this _ place. can you rule out reviewing this with in this parliament? - place. can you rule out reviewing i this with in this parliament? wheel with a strategy _ this with in this parliament? wheel with a strategy in _ this with in this parliament? wheel with a strategy in place _ this with in this parliament? wheel with a strategy in place as - this with in this parliament? wheel with a strategy in place as soon - with a strategy in place as soon as we can. i'm giving the same answer i gave at the other side of the election, that we will put the strategy in place and work constructively to make sure that strategy does what it is intended to do, which was notjust to reduce, but make sure no child is living in poverty. but make sure no child is living in ove . �* �* but make sure no child is living in ove .�* �* but make sure no child is living in ove _ �* �* but make sure no child is living in ove .�* i but make sure no child is living in ove .�* �* ., poverty. but i'm asking you about at the end of this _ poverty. but i'm asking you about at the end of this parliament, - poverty. but i'm asking you about at the end of this parliament, will you | the end of this parliament, will you commit to a review of this? i appreciate what you're asking me, and with respect i'm telling you the same thing i said last week and the general election campaign, it's exactly what i'm saying now — we will set up a child poverty reduction strategy straightaway. we did under the last labour government, it took very many

children out of poverty, and we will do the same under this government. the scottish first minister also spoke after the meeting and had this to say. the prime minister has come to scotland — the prime minister has come to scotland within a couple of days of becoming — scotland within a couple of days of becoming prime minister, and i very much _ becoming prime minister, and i very much welcome that engagement and conversation. in between us, we've committed — conversation. in between us, we've committed to improving the relationship between the scottish and uk _ relationship between the scottish and uk governments. my experience over the _ and uk governments. my experience over the last five years is that's been _ over the last five years is that's been very— over the last five years is that's been very poor, i think the uk government has been really difficult to engage with. i do hope keir starmer, _ to engage with. i do hope keir starmer, and providing the leadership and volunteering to reset the relationship with the scottish government, he's able to fulfil that commitment. did government, he's able to fulfil that commitment-— government, he's able to fulfil that commitment. , , . _, commitment. did independence come u - ? we commitment. did independence come up? we made — commitment. did independence come up? we made clear— commitment. did independence come up? we made clear that _ commitment. did independence come up? we made clear that we _ commitment. did independence come up? we made clear that we have - up? we made clear that we have different views _ up? we made clear that we have different views on _ up? we made clear that we have different views on the _ up? we made clear that we have i different views on the constitution, and i_ different views on the constitution, and i set _ different views on the constitution, and i set out the fact that we take and i set out the fact that we take a different— and i set out the fact that we take a different view in scotland. i favour — a different view in scotland. i favour independence, but i made clear— favour independence, but i made clear as — favour independence, but i made clear as it— favour independence, but i made clear as it did on friday that the snp has — clear as it did on friday that the snp has to— clear as it did on friday that the snp has to take time to reflect and

consider— snp has to take time to reflect and consider the issues that the election— consider the issues that the election presents to us. and what i'm interested in, as first minister of scotland, is making a difference for the _ of scotland, is making a difference for the people of scotland, on delivering on my objectives of eradicating child poverty, improving public— eradicating child poverty, improving public services and delivering that zero _ public services and delivering that zero and — public services and delivering that zero. and on many of those questions, there is common ground to be achieved _ questions, there is common ground to be achieved by working with both the united _ be achieved by working with both the united kingdom government, and i've committed _ united kingdom government, and i've committed to us doing so. so united kingdom government, and i've committed to us doing so.— committed to us doing so. so you haven't given _ committed to us doing so. so you haven't given up _ committed to us doing so. so you haven't given up on _ committed to us doing so. so you j haven't given up on independence because it i believe in independence,- because it i believe in independence, because it i believe in inde endence, ., ., ., ,., independence, and nothing about the election make — independence, and nothing about the election make me _ independence, and nothing about the election make me change _ independence, and nothing about the election make me change that. - independence, and nothing about the election make me change that. the i election make me change that. the first minister of scotland has a determination to improve the lives of the _ determination to improve the lives of the people of our country, and there _ of the people of our country, and there are — of the people of our country, and there are opportunities to advance there are opportunities to advance the agenda by cooperating with the united _ the agenda by cooperating with the united kingdom government and eradicating child poverty, or about delivering — eradicating child poverty, or about delivering greater economic growth or achieving that zero, or about

improving — or achieving that zero, or about improving our public services. particularly by strengthening our public— particularly by strengthening our public services through increases in the public— public services through increases in the public finances, then i will seek— the public finances, then i will seek every opportunity to give that case to— seek every opportunity to give that case to the prime minister and his ministers — case to the prime minister and his ministers. , ._ case to the prime minister and his ministers. , ., , . , ., ministers. thursday was crushing for the snp. ministers. thursday was crushing for the sup. would — ministers. thursday was crushing for the snp. would you _ ministers. thursday was crushing for the snp. would you say _ ministers. thursday was crushing for the snp. would you say that - the snp. would you say that independence can be taken off the table? , ., , ., independence can be taken off the table? , .,, ., ., ., table? the people of scotland elected a scottish _ table? the people of scotland elected a scottish parliament| table? the people of scotland i elected a scottish parliament that exists _ elected a scottish parliament that exists today, that has majority sopport — exists today, that has majority support for a referendum on independence and establishment... but does _ independence and establishment... but does the results on thursday tell you this is something people aren't interested in? thea;r tell you this is something people aren't interested in?— tell you this is something people aren't interested in? they have the parliamentary _ aren't interested in? they have the parliamentary majority _ aren't interested in? they have the parliamentary majority in _ aren't interested in? they have the parliamentary majority in favour. aren't interested in? they have the parliamentary majority in favour of| parliamentary majority in favour of scottish _ parliamentary majority in favour of scottish independence, and the delivery— scottish independence, and the delivery of the independence... i think— delivery of the independence... i think the — delivery of the independence... i think the people of scotland should be respected, but we find ourselves in this— be respected, but we find ourselves in this situation today where there is a new_ in this situation today where there is a new united kingdom government, there is— is a new united kingdom government, there is an _

is a new united kingdom government, there is an opportunity for us to advance — there is an opportunity for us to advance the priorities that i have its first — advance the priorities that i have its first minister and eradicating child _ its first minister and eradicating child poverty, securing economic growth, — child poverty, securing economic growth, improving our public services, _ growth, improving our public services, strengthening the public finances _ services, strengthening the public finances and achieving the transition to net zero. as first minister. _ transition to net zero. as first minister. i_ transition to net zero. as first minister, i will use every opportunity to advance those ideas and policies, and i welcome the fact that i've _ and policies, and i welcome the fact that i've had that opportunity to prove _ that i've had that opportunity to prove those points to the prime minister— prove those points to the prime minister and agree to work constructively to achieve those objectives. constructively to achieve those objectives-— constructively to achieve those ob'ectives. ~ , ., , ., objectives. was the cause a question on the table — objectives. was the cause a question on the table today? _ objectives. was the cause a question on the table today? we _ objectives. was the cause a question on the table today? we didn't - on the table today? we didn't discuss the _ on the table today? we didn't discuss the question - on the table today? we didn't discuss the question of - on the table today? we didn't discuss the question of god i on the table today? we didn't i discuss the question of god suck, but the _ discuss the question of god suck, but the prime minister will be aware of the _ but the prime minister will be aware of the strength of feeling —— gaza, around _ of the strength of feeling —— gaza, around bute house, like me, concerned _ around bute house, like me, concerned about the continuation of the conflict in gaza. that is to be solved _ the conflict in gaza. that is to be solved with — the conflict in gaza. that is to be solved with an immediate cease—fire and the _ solved with an immediate cease—fire and the ending of arms sales to israet. — and the ending of arms sales to israet. and _ and the ending of arms sales to israel, and by the recognition of

palestine — israel, and by the recognition of palestine as an independent state, because _ palestine as an independent state, because that is the root demo corrective _ because that is the root demo corrective securing peace in gaza. john swinney. let's show you these live pictures from central paris, where many french people have gathered after france's far right national rally failed to win a majority in the elections, defying many expectations. all major french outlets are showing early victory for the left—wing alliance. stay with us on bbc news. hello there. the day's showers will ease quite quickly this evening, leaving clear skies overnight.

it'll turn quite chilly, as well. but as we head into tomorrow, it looks like more showers will develop across northern areas, and a new area of low pressure will push up from the south to bring cloud and rain. so the showers then easing away quickly under this brief ridge of high pressure, with a slightly cooler air mass around, clear skies and light winds. it'll turn quite chilly for many, with temperatures dipping in single digits for most. but cloud, breeze and rain pushing into southwest england and the channel islands will lift temperatures here — but a much chillier night further north under those clear skies. but it does mean monday starts off dry, bright — a lot of sunshine around before showers develop in central and northern areas. and then, we'll see this area of low pressure bring cloud and rain to southern britain as we move through the day, edging its way northwards into mid wales, the midlands by the end of the day. with more sunshine around, it could feel a little bit warmer after that cool start — top temperatures of 20—21 celsius. but it does look like, with low pressure close by both monday and tuesday, we're likely to see showers or longer spells of rain, so more disruption likely to play there. as we move through monday night, that area of rain pushes its way northwards.

it becomes heavier across the southwest, could even have some rumbles of thunder with it. to the north, certainly the far north of england, scotland, and much of northern ireland, where skies stay clear. and it's going to be another chilly night here with single—figure values. but further south, where we have the cloud, the wind and the rain, a lot milder — 12—14 celsius. tuesday, we see that rain continuing to journey northwards, moving out of northern england, into scotland and northern ireland. quite breezy, a strong easterly breeze there. england and wales will see the skies brighten up into tuesday afternoon, but we'll see a scattering of heavy, potentially thundery downpours. 20—2i celsius in the south, cooler in the north. that area of low pressure continues to pull away towards the end of the week — this area of high pressure tries to move in to settle things down, but it does look like low pressure will always be close by, i think, mainly towards eastern air. so quite a mixed bag of weather as we move towards the end of the week. showers or longer spells of rain, temperatures remaining below par for the time of year.

but there's just a small chance of it turning more settled by the end of the week, with that high pressure.

restore security, afterwards we will talk about the economy. live from london. this is bbc news. an unexpected result in the french elections. projections show the left—wing alliance on top — ahead of both president emmanuel macron's centrists and marine le pen's national rally — but with no group winning an absolute majority.

supporters of the french left leader jean—luc melenchon gather in place de stalingrad to celebrate the projected results. melenchon says he's is ready to form a new government. translation: the president has the power, the president has the duty to call menu popularfront power, the president has the duty to call menu popular front to cover —— the new popular front to govern. french prime minister gabriel attal says he will hand his resignation to president emmanuel macron on monday morning. and there's no party in the hq of the national rally. against every expectation, they have fallen from first place in round one a week ago, to third place in the final round. these electoral arrangements have thrown france intojean—luc melenchon's extreme left.