a chilling of the english channel, a chilling reminder of the human cost of this vile trade. and this summit is an opportunity to set a new path on illegal migration, to transform the way that we work together on border security and law enforcement, and to say together no more. in the uk are new border control will work in partnership with humus we must combine our resources, share tactics and intelligence and shut down the smuggling routes and smashed the gangs. before i came into politics i was the director of public prosecutions in britain. a job i held forfive public prosecutions in britain. a job i held for five years and i saw and participated in the work that can be done across borders on issues like counterterrorism. sophisticated gangs working across our borders. and we used those same techniques to

take those gangs are down to ensure the safety across europe of its citizens. ifor one to the safety across europe of its citizens. i for one to do the safety across europe of its citizens. ifor one to do not the safety across europe of its citizens. i for one to do not accept and will never accept that we cannot do the same with the smuggling gangs. that somehow they are the only gangs that can operate across europe with impunity. ijust never will except that having been involved myself in taking down of terrorist gangs. we must do more together, we must also do more to tackle the problem at source. to recognise the root causes. we know what they are, conflicts, climate change, extreme poverty. the crisis we face is the fault of the gang is no question but the decisions people take to leave their homes cannot be separated from the wider issues. it is global inequality and that deserves our attention, as well. let me say something here very clearly,

we are resetting our approach here. this government will not commit taxpayer money to gimmicks, we are here to serve our country in the national interest. in pursuit of solutions that will actually deliver results. more than that, we will approach this issue with humanity. and with a profound respect for international law. that is why we scrapped the unworkable rwanda scheme on day one. it is why we will never withdraw from the european convention on human rights. churchill himself was among the chief architects of the convention, it was built on the blood bond of 1945 and our shared sacrifice for freedom. i myself first read about the principles of the convention and international law in a law library international law in a law library

in leeds about 40 years ago now. and that inspired me and everything that i have done since. i draw strength from it and value from it every day. because they speak about the dignity of every human being and that word dignity is there in the universal declaration of human rights, one of the most important words in it, dignity of every human being. the very essence of what it is to be human. that is our legacy. so, the nations of europe must lead again today, together we have the opportunity to make the world a safer, fairer, and more prosperous. let's use this moment to do more for ukraine, defend our democracies, secure our energy suppliers and tackle illegal immigration. it is a pleasure today on behalf of my country to extend a hand to all of you. to say that under my leadership, britain will be a friend

and a partner. ready to work with you, not part of the european union but are very much a part of europe. not focused on the differences between us, but on the value that we share. united on our determination to defend them and certain about what we can achieve together. and now, i would like to invite a true champion of european freedom to address the plenary, ourfriend, president zelensky. slaver ukraine. —— slave ukraine. president zelensky. slaver ukraine. -- slave ukraine.— -- slave ukraine. thank you very much and — -- slave ukraine. thank you very much and thank _ -- slave ukraine. thank you very much and thank you _ -- slave ukraine. thank you very much and thank you for- -- slave ukraine. thank you very much and thank you for your - -- slave ukraine. thank you very l much and thank you for your words about_ much and thank you for your words about us, _ much and thank you for your words about us, the ukraine and our fight.

confirming — about us, the ukraine and our fight. confirming relations and collaboration between britain and ukraine _ collaboration between britain and ukraine as well as between britain and all_ ukraine as well as between britain and all of— ukraine as well as between britain and all of europe it remains cruciai _ and all of europe it remains crucial. friends, partners, we are now— crucial. friends, partners, we are now at— crucial. friends, partners, we are now at blenheim palace and indeed this place _ now at blenheim palace and indeed this place is associated with winston _ this place is associated with winston churchill and however this palace _ winston churchill and however this palace is _ winston churchill and however this palace is not solely connected to hint _ palace is not solely connected to him. among many, it is him who we remember_ him. among many, it is him who we remember with special esteem and it is he who— remember with special esteem and it is he who adds grandeur to blenheim. we hold _ is he who adds grandeur to blenheim. we hold dear churchill'sjokes and remarks _ we hold dear churchill'sjokes and remarks although we probably would not want _ remarks although we probably would not want to be the subject of such biting _ not want to be the subject of such biting humour. we are drawn to his speeches— biting humour. we are drawn to his speeches and measures our own principles— speeches and measures our own principles against is his decisions. aspiring _ principles against is his decisions. aspiring to — principles against is his decisions. aspiring to similar heights. yet, ——

and measure — aspiring to similar heights. yet, —— and measure our own principles against — and measure our own principles against his— and measure our own principles against his decisions. he elected to be a steadfast between history and cowardice — be a steadfast between history and cowardice. that is the key reason people _ cowardice. that is the key reason people still look up to him. bravery made _ people still look up to him. bravery made churchill churchill. bravery one the — made churchill churchill. bravery one the greatest battle of his life. it one the greatest battle of his life. it was _ one the greatest battle of his life. it was the — one the greatest battle of his life. it was the battle for britain and, of course, — it was the battle for britain and, of course, all of europe. will europe — of course, all of europe. will europe he _ of course, all of europe. will europe be a continent that neither surrenders— europe be a continent that neither surrenders nor sells itself to tyrants? _ surrenders nor sells itself to tyrants? will europe be a continent of nations— tyrants? will europe be a continent of nations and communities not of furies? _ of nations and communities not of furies? we — of nations and communities not of furies? we all see how much bravery of previous— furies? we all see how much bravery of previous generations has won for us. of previous generations has won for us they— of previous generations has won for us. they secured this europe for us, which _ us. they secured this europe for us, which has _ us. they secured this europe for us, which has been peaceful for so long. and now— which has been peaceful for so long.

and now our— which has been peaceful for so long. and now our bravery must achieve no less so— and now our bravery must achieve no less so that _ and now our bravery must achieve no less so that the children of our nations— less so that the children of our nations can someday look back at us, at what _ nations can someday look back at us, at what we _ nations can someday look back at us, at what we have done, at what we have _ at what we have done, at what we have chosen, as what we have promised _ have chosen, as what we have promised and see the pillars of peace — promised and see the pillars of peace. they are security and their justice _ peace. they are security and their justice witt— peace. they are security and their justice will see as we look back as the most — justice will see as we look back as the most famous from blenheim. dear tadies _ the most famous from blenheim. dear ladies and _ the most famous from blenheim. dear ladies and gentlemen, dear leaders, our focus _ ladies and gentlemen, dear leaders, our focus on — ladies and gentlemen, dear leaders, our focus on three points today. first. _ our focus on three points today. first. we — our focus on three points today. first, we have to maintain unity in europe _ first, we have to maintain unity in europe and — first, we have to maintain unity in europe and acting together, which means— europe and acting together, which means that vladimir putin has missed his primary— means that vladimir putin has missed his primary target. he has failed to create _ his primary target. he has failed to create division in europe. the more decisive _ create division in europe. the more decisive europe is in pursuing this unity, _ decisive europe is in pursuing this unity, the — decisive europe is in pursuing this unity, the longer lasting peace we will ensure. vladimir putin cannot sustain— will ensure. vladimir putin cannot

sustain relationships with truly a strong _ sustain relationships with truly a strong leaders. this is our advantage but it remains an advantage but it remains an advantage only as long as we are united _ advantage only as long as we are united he — advantage only as long as we are united. he may try to approach you or go— united. he may try to approach you or go to _ united. he may try to approach you or go to some of your partner is individually— or go to some of your partner is individually trying to tempt or pressure _ individually trying to tempt or pressure you, to blackmail you, so that one _ pressure you, to blackmail you, so that one of — pressure you, to blackmail you, so that one of you betrays the rest. it weakens _ that one of you betrays the rest. it weakens our unity, yes, everyone chooses _ weakens our unity, yes, everyone chooses for— weakens our unity, yes, everyone chooses for themselves how to act, of course, — chooses for themselves how to act, of course, and what legacy to live but if _ of course, and what legacy to live but if someone in europe tries to resolve _ but if someone in europe tries to resolve issues behind other's backs or even— resolve issues behind other's backs or even at— resolve issues behind other's backs or even at the expense of someone else, _ or even at the expense of someone else, if— or even at the expense of someone else, if someone wants to make some trips to _ else, if someone wants to make some trips to the _ else, if someone wants to make some trips to the capital of war, to talk and perhaps promise something against — and perhaps promise something against our common interests or at the expense of ukraine or another country. _ the expense of ukraine or another country, why should we consider such

a person— country, why should we consider such a person that — country, why should we consider such a person that they can address their issues _ a person that they can address their issues in _ a person that they can address their issues in the eu without this one individual? — issues in the eu without this one individual? second, the reality on the battlefield is more convincing than any— the battlefield is more convincing than any abstract deliberations. we have stopped the russian advance on car period _ have stopped the russian advance on car period. vladimir putin has sacrificed _ car period. vladimir putin has sacrificed tens of thousands of his citizens _ sacrificed tens of thousands of his citizens but has achieved nothing significant. this was made possible by the _ significant. this was made possible by the bravery of our warriors and the bravery— by the bravery of our warriors and the bravery of our partners who have lifted _ the bravery of our partners who have lifted limitations on the use of weapons — lifted limitations on the use of weapons along our borders. did this lead to— weapons along our borders. did this lead to escalation? no. on the contrary, — lead to escalation? no. on the contrary, it— lead to escalation? no. on the contrary, it blocked vladimir putin's— contrary, it blocked vladimir putin's attempted to expand the war. did vladimir putin have any response? no. even when the russian

missites _ response? no. even when the russian missiles strike children with cancer, _ missiles strike children with cancer, as happened recently, it only— cancer, as happened recently, it only repeats the evil we already have _ only repeats the evil we already have seen — only repeats the evil we already have seen in russia from this war. we must _ have seen in russia from this war. we must act — have seen in russia from this war. we must act as brave as necessary to achieve _ we must act as brave as necessary to achieve results. we can steer this war to _ achieve results. we can steer this war to its — achieve results. we can steer this war to itsjust ending with the power— war to itsjust ending with the power of— war to itsjust ending with the power of our weapons and our diplomacy— power of our weapons and our diplomacy and we should not fear these _ diplomacy and we should not fear these capabilities. the more effective our air defence is, the more _ effective our air defence is, the more helpless vladimir putin will be. more helpless vladimir putin will be the _ more helpless vladimir putin will be. the fewer restrictions we have on the _ be. the fewer restrictions we have on the use — be. the fewer restrictions we have on the use of effective weapons, the more _ on the use of effective weapons, the more russia will seek peace. mititary— more russia will seek peace. military airfields from which russian _ military airfields from which russianjets take off military airfields from which russian jets take off with bombs against — russian jets take off with bombs against our cities, our people, our children. — against our cities, our people, our children, and the launch sites of russian — children, and the launch sites of russian missiles, all of these must be destroyed. this will not only etiminate — be destroyed. this will not only eliminate only some targets but also reduce _ eliminate only some targets but also reduce russia's capability to continue _ reduce russia's capability to continue this war. the missiles and

drones— continue this war. the missiles and drones are — continue this war. the missiles and drones are not the errors of state sovereignty so there must be a collective — sovereignty so there must be a collective will, to shoot them down as it was _ collective will, to shoot them down as it was within iranians missiles and drones _ as it was within iranians missiles and drones. i appeal to all of you to att— and drones. i appeal to all of you to all leaders who can contribute to the required bravery, these steps must _ the required bravery, these steps must be — the required bravery, these steps must be taken. i address privately, the us, _ must be taken. i address privately, the us, united kingdom, france, germany, — the us, united kingdom, france, germany, and other friends, your bravery— germany, and other friends, your bravery can— germany, and other friends, your bravery can be decisive for us. and so, third. — bravery can be decisive for us. and so, third, diplomacy, everything that adds— so, third, diplomacy, everything that adds to our collective strength is useful— that adds to our collective strength is useful for bringing peace close. ithink— is useful for bringing peace close. i think att— is useful for bringing peace close. i think all of you —— i thank all of you for— i think all of you —— i thank all of you for supporting the opening of the ukraine's membership of the eu. this proves _ the ukraine's membership of the eu. this proves that in the most difficult _ this proves that in the most difficult circumstances, the eu can keep its— difficult circumstances, the eu can keep its promises and give ukraine a moral— keep its promises and give ukraine a

moral strength. to keep providing for ukraine — moral strength. to keep providing for ukraine and if europe should feel that — for ukraine and if europe should feel that europe is becoming ctoserw _ feel that europe is becoming closer,... and i also want to thank yet those — closer,... and i also want to thank yet those of— closer,... and i also want to thank yet those of you who firmly support ukraine _ yet those of you who firmly support ukraine on — yet those of you who firmly support ukraine on its path to nato. although, ukraine's membership has not been _ although, ukraine's membership has not been granted to nato state we have achieved a complete elimination of this— have achieved a complete elimination of this security deficit in europe through— of this security deficit in europe through ukraine's ukraine's accession to nato becomes irreversible. and what we must do at most _ irreversible. and what we must do at most is _ irreversible. and what we must do at most is peace summits, i am grateful to switzerland, and all the partners who helped us organise at the first peace _ who helped us organise at the first peace summit, it was a success for everyone _ peace summit, it was a success for everyone who wants a just end to this war — everyone who wants a just end to this war. now we are preparing for the second — this war. now we are preparing for the second summit and some working groups— the second summit and some working groups will— the second summit and some working groups will begin on the process of peace _

groups will begin on the process of peace. these are energy security, food _ peace. these are energy security, food security, and humanitarian group _ food security, and humanitarian group that will deal with that release — group that will deal with that release of prisoners and return of peace _ release of prisoners and return of peace. laterthere release of prisoners and return of peace. later there will be other groups— peace. later there will be other groups and i ask all of you to support— groups and i ask all of you to support these efforts during the common— support these efforts during the common work and choose for yourself the points— common work and choose for yourself the points of— common work and choose for yourself the points of peace and where you can show — the points of peace and where you can show your leadership. and, please, — can show your leadership. and, please, this is very important, convinced _ please, this is very important, convinced the partners around the globe _ convinced the partners around the gtobe that— convinced the partners around the globe that they also have to be brave _ globe that they also have to be brave regardless of threats and blackmail, theirjoint efforts are needed — blackmail, theirjoint efforts are needed for the sake of peace. when the aggressor loses, we win. this has happened repeatedly in human history— has happened repeatedly in human history it _ has happened repeatedly in human history it must happen at this time too to— history it must happen at this time too to the — history it must happen at this time too to the russian aggression. thank you very— too to the russian aggression. thank you very much, thank you for every life you very much, thank you for every tife saved _ you very much, thank you for every tife saved by— you very much, thank you for every life saved by your support, thank you for—

life saved by your support, thank you for your recommendation, prime minister _ you for your recommendation, prime minister. slave ukraine. -- you for your recommendation, prime minister. slave ukraine.— minister. slave ukraine. -- slava ukraine. thank _ minister. slave ukraine. -- slava ukraine. thank you. _ minister. slave ukraine. -- slava ukraine. thank you. i _ minister. slave ukraine. -- slava ukraine. thank you. i would - minister. slave ukraine. -- slava ukraine. thank you. i would now| minister. slave ukraine. -- slava - ukraine. thank you. i would now like to invite the president of the swiss administration to address the plenary. administration to address the lena . ., ~ administration to address the lena . . ~' administration to address the lena. ., ., , administration to address the lena . ., ., plenary. thank you, ladies and gentlemen _ plenary. thank you, ladies and gentlemen and _ plenary. thank you, ladies and gentlemen and dear _ plenary. thank you, ladies and gentlemen and dear friends, i plenary. thank you, ladies and gentlemen and dear friends, itj plenary. thank you, ladies and l gentlemen and dear friends, it is plenary. thank you, ladies and - gentlemen and dear friends, it is an honour— gentlemen and dear friends, it is an honour for— gentlemen and dear friends, it is an honour for mew _ gentlemen and dear friends, it is an honour for me. . ._ honour for me... there we have the summit as — honour for me... there we have the summit as it — honour for me... there we have the summit as it is _ honour for me... there we have the summit as it is under— honour for me... there we have the summit as it is under way _ honour for me... there we have the summit as it is under way proper. honour for me... there we have the summit as it is under way proper as j summit as it is under way proper as we start to hear from the various politicians from right across europe. volodymyr zelensky there and before that keir starmer opening up the plenary session. you are watching bbc news. life here at blenheim palace and just outside you can see the rather splendid view from the palace, this palace's birthplace of winston churchill which is significant for a couple of reasons. clearly, it has some historical echoes and we herd their blood and zelensky referencing that

saying bravery made churchill churchill and urging that unity between european countries in the face a vladimir putin. talking about the nato accession being really irreversible. and talk about the peace summits coming up. before that we heard from keir starmer and this is a big moment for him on the european stage and clearly this is not a meeting of the eu, 27 countries that the uk is not part of any more, this is wider than that. this is a relatively new summit, relatively new body, it has a name, the european little community on the big sign in case you missed that, it does not come up with formal communiques like we used to get at the end of those big summits, there is no formal agreements made at the end but it is a crucial opportunity for european leaders to get together and a crucial opportunity too for keir starmer to set a slightly new direction for the uk, new government in power, labour government and the

word that they have been choosing to use today is reset. just a little earlier, we had david lammy standing just about where i was standing emphasising that when it comes to the uk and its relations with european countries and the eu specifically, this is an opportunity for a reset. —— reset. let specifically, this is an opportunity for a reset. -- reset.— specifically, this is an opportunity for a reset. -- reset. let me answer a question _ for a reset. -- reset. let me answer a question and — for a reset. -- reset. let me answer a question and it _ for a reset. -- reset. let me answer a question and it i _ for a reset. -- reset. let me answer a question and it i want to _ for a reset. -- reset. let me answer a question and it i want to say - for a reset. -- reset. let me answer a question and it i want to say that l a question and it i want to say that the european union is not up and running after elections last month, they will be up and running till december. this is not a gathering of the european union it is a gather dilemma gathering of the whole european family. of course, we are entering into discussions but we are nowhere near a negotiation on the trade agreements, the paper—thin trade agreements, the paper—thin trade agreements that borisjohnson struck, the veterinary deal that we said we wanted to get, the mutual qualifications that we want to work on and uk, eu security pact that we

are proposing to europe where want to discuss a whole range of issues across the european family. we are at that stage two weeks into office and here we have this meeting, a gathering of 44 leaders from the wider european family, discussing issues of mutual concern, central to thatis issues of mutual concern, central to that is security and ukraine, second to that is migration and it is an issue that all european leaders want to discuss and talk about. so issue that all european leaders want to discuss and talk about.— to discuss and talk about. so david lammy they're _ to discuss and talk about. so david lammy they're outlining _ to discuss and talk about. so david lammy they're outlining the - to discuss and talk about. so david lammy they're outlining the two i to discuss and talk about. so david l lammy they're outlining the two big issues that the politicians in that building are going to be talking about. illegal migration and ways to try and stop it, which is a priority for the last conservative government being picked up as a priority for the labour government too. and of course, the war in ukraine. this whole organisation, this whole summit was effectively set up in the aftermath of the war in ukraine, it was present macron of france wanting a forum for notjust the eu but why

do countries in europe to get together and talk about things like security and the war in ukraine. i picked over those issues just a little earlier with the former latvian interior minister and now at the centre for european policy analysis. the centre for european policy anal sis. , _, , , , analysis. these countries represent different approaches _ analysis. these countries represent different approaches to _ analysis. these countries represent different approaches to the - analysis. these countries represent different approaches to the war - analysis. these countries represent different approaches to the war in l different approaches to the war in ukraine and to europe support for ukraine, some of them are very committed some of them are less committed some of them are less committed both in terms of the shared support given to ukraine aid and also an editor is statements was not with france, rather weakened now by present macron's position and it is up to germany, poland, and the uk to basically agree on the future shape of europe's support for ukraine in this war. ultimately, to support ukraine's piece on their own terms. that gives a chance to talk about it because it's a political platform where both europe and the uk are represented. haifa platform where both europe and the

uk are represented.— platform where both europe and the uk are represented. how much, even thou:h this uk are represented. how much, even though this is — uk are represented. how much, even though this is 45 _ uk are represented. how much, even though this is 45 odd _ uk are represented. how much, even though this is 45 odd european - though this is 45 odd european leaders, how much will they be talking about america pick? we have donald trump and his new running matejd vance and their commitment to ukraine not want some here would want. what does that mean for the leaders here? i want. what does that mean for the leaders here?— leaders here? i would imagine at least behind _ leaders here? i would imagine at least behind closed _ leaders here? i would imagine at least behind closed doors, - leaders here? i would imagine at least behind closed doors, some| leaders here? i would imagine at l least behind closed doors, some of them will speak a lot about it because jd vance's them will speak a lot about it becausejd vance's position reaffirms the most isolationist side of former president trump's position, which is you pay for your defence and if america does not deem that you have not paid enough you are left up to your own devices which might also be the message to ukraine if trump becomes president again. i'm sure that behind closed doors, those european leaders will talk to their uk counterparts and think about ways to make europe, including uk, stronger in terms of security and defence policies in the future. ironically, that is the same

topic that was underlined in the european parliament say as ursula von der leyen fights for re—election. more funding for defence, i'm sure that europe and uk would have common interests there. thank you for that. things are under way as i mentioned, i am here at blenheim palace 0xfordshire, the sun has come out i have my sun cream on and with me is rob watson, uk political correspondent, i hope you have your sun cream on too! we've heard from lord amir zelensky, we've heard from lord amir zelensky, we've heard from lord amir zelensky, we've heard from keir starmer setting out the stall on the opening of the summit, what are be made of it? the most striking summit, what are be made of it? tte: most striking thing summit, what are be made of it? t“t9: most striking thing offers summit, what are be made of it? tt9: most striking thing offers the summit, what are be made of it? t“t9 most striking thing offers the very different tone from the uk from prime minister keir starmer making absolutely no secret of what his desire is and that is a complete reset of relationships between the uk and notjust the european union but all the countries of europe. it

could not be more startling if boris johnson had not been standing here. essentially what keir starmer wants to do to put the bitterness of the brexit years firmly behind the uk and the european union, it won't be easy and it won't happen overnight, britain is not rejoining the european union but they will see it as a very important start. fin european union but they will see it as a very important start.— as a very important start. on that, what are some _ as a very important start. on that, what are some of _ as a very important start. on that, what are some of the _ as a very important start. on that, what are some of the things - as a very important start. on that, j what are some of the things then? as a very important start. on that, - what are some of the things then? we have been very clear from david lammy this is not a specific renegotiation even broadly with the european union or on any specific issues, going forward, what are the kind of areas that the uk will be looking to change in its relationship with the eu with yellow thatis relationship with the eu with yellow that is exactly the question that the people in there will be asking sir keir starmer and his team because he has other ministers there. :, �* , :, because he has other ministers there. . �*, . .,, ., there. that's what the european union wants _ there. that's what the european union wants to _ there. that's what the european union wants to know. _ there. that's what the european union wants to know. what - there. that's what the european union wants to know. what is i there. that's what the european | union wants to know. what is the there. that's what the european - union wants to know. what is the ask from the uk for stock keir starmer said we are not rejoining the european union, we are not rejoining

the single european market and the customs union, the most important aspects of the european union so what is meant by the reset? we don't know. that's why i say that this is the start of a process. ideally, britain would make like much closer trade relationship that will be tricky. the european union has not changed its view that it does not want the uk cherry picking as the expression goes, getting the best bits of the eu but without all the burdens of the membership. this is the start of the process. we don't know what keir starmer wants, we know what keir starmer wants, we know in broad terms they want a better relationship but i also think that he is being very careful about dealing as a labour government calibrates expectations. yes we do want egg to limit any relationship there is a as to what can be achieved. there is a as to what can be achieved-— there is a as to what can be achieved. . �* , , ., ~ achieved. that's the resetting taken care of and the _ achieved. that's the resetting taken care of and the other _ achieved. that's the resetting taken care of and the other big _ care of and the other big message that they want us to talk about and they will be talking about inside there is this issue of illegal migration across europe. tell us why thatis migration across europe. tell us why that is a focus here in the uk and why there will be talking about it

now? :, , :, why there will be talking about it now? ., , :, , , why there will be talking about it now? , , , :, now? the reason why its focus not 'ust in now? the reason why its focus not just in the — now? the reason why its focus not just in the uk _ now? the reason why its focus not just in the uk but _ now? the reason why its focus not just in the uk but in _ now? the reason why its focus not just in the uk but in other - just in the uk but in other countries of the european union, particularly where front line states where migrants are first arriving is that it's a massive domestic issue. it is something that really bothers a lot of voters in this country but notjust here in the uk but in other countries of europe. in a way, because of the numbers, the numbers keep on going up and the more instability, the kind of issues that keir starmer was talking about, confit, climate change, poverty, everybody knows this form is not going away. combination if you like of popular pressure, pressure from the voters, across europe, and also just because of the challenge to the very states of europe. what you do about people arriving on your show? whether, as sir keir starmer says and hopes, they'll be some kind of reset and people will work closely, more closely together on trying to combat their sharing intelligence, sharing police informants meant and i guess that's what will go going to see over the next few months and

years. see over the next few months and ears. :, , , see over the next few months and ears. . , , �* , , years. lastly, let's finish where we started, this _ years. lastly, let's finish where we started, this whole _ years. lastly, let's finish where we started, this whole european - started, this whole european political community, was born after the war in ukraine broke out, the full invasion, it was president macron's idea. we are talking about it there and we saw president zelensky arrive walking the red carpet and giving the opening speech in the plenary session, is there anything in practical terms that he is hoping to get out of today or this is more about signalling? t this is more about signalling? i think it's a bit of both. this is more about signalling? t think it's a bit of both. present zelensky�*s message is, europe, stay together, don't let putin tempt you, corrupt you or bribe you a bully you, we need to stay together. i'm sure there will be some more specific asks behind the scenes but actually what the epc is all about to reduce it down to its acronym, it's about geopolitics. the world has changed around us and may be in

2016 when brexit happened the world looked kind of stable and it was ok for britain to leave the european union but now if you look around you have this more aggressive russia, you have a china with ambiguous as europe would see it in tensions in the middle east and certainly transatlantic politics. this is made all this coming together, it's geopolitics that is forcing these europeans together. whether that means really operation or whether it's a bit less grand, who knows. but the no doubt that there are big forces in the world that have created the epc. . ,: . ., ~ created the epc. fascinating, thank ou ve created the epc. fascinating, thank you very much- _ created the epc. fascinating, thank you very much- l — created the epc. fascinating, thank you very much. i know _ created the epc. fascinating, thank you very much. i know that - created the epc. fascinating, thank you very much. i know that you'll. created the epc. fascinating, thank| you very much. i know that you'll be keeping surveillance over the course of the day. rob watson there. we will be keeping across events of course inside as there are 45 plus leaders getting together talking throughout the day. we will have the very latest to from blenheim palace a little later on. i'm lewis vaughan jones, this is bbc news.

hello there. where we have the sunshine today, it will be a very warm day. warmer than yesterday. the heat is building, perhaps only briefly, and it is not going to be hot everywhere by any means. scotland and northern ireland, cooler, cloudier conditions. this was the picture earlier on this morning. also, a bit of light rain or drizzle affecting western scotland and through the irish sea and northern ireland. eastern scotland may be drier and brighter. the best of the sunshine away from some irish sea coasts will be across england and wales. here the temperatures will be higher than yesterday, widely into mid 20s, could reach 27 in the south—east of england. scotland and northern ireland, temperatures several degrees lower. the rain will become lighter and more patchy in scotland and northern ireland and tending to move away overnight, drying off. more in the way of clearer skies for england and wales. quite a warm night, humidity rising,

so typical overnight temperatures, 15—16 . tomorrow, before the rain arrives in the western isles, a bit more sunshine and drier weather for scotland and northern ireland. plenty of sunshine again for england and wales. we all have a southerly breeze, bringing the warmth, a warmer day than today everywhere, and the temperatures will probably peak again in the south—east of england at 30, even 31. that is going to be the peak of the heat. pressure will be falling this weekend and we have some weather fronts moving across from the west to bring rain which should clear away by sunday. this is the picture for saturday. there may well be sunshine for a while and warmth across eastern parts of england, but the risk of thundery showers developing. the wetter weather will move across northern ireland, scotland, into wales, western parts of england. temperatures here will be around 17—19. ahead of any cloud and storms in eastern parts of england,

temperatures a bit higher, but not as high as friday. the rain clearing away overnight, left with very few showers on sunday. many places dry with some sunshine. rather than a southerly breeze, it is a westerly breeze, so temperatures lower and a bit below average for the time of year.

the virus, which has he had twice before has forced him to cancel a speech. the white house has said that he had to self—isolate in his house in delaware where he will continue his duties. before his diagnosis, he gave a television interview saying that he would consider dropping out of the election if his doctor said that he would need to. a poor performance in his tv debate against donald trump. the top two democrats in congress both reportedly met him to express concerns. in a statement regarding his

the