the new prime minister keir starmer will soon make remarks. he has come of the last couple of hours have seen 50 european leaders talking about things like the war in ukraine. we will get a sense of what has happened when we hear from the uk prime minister potentially in the next few minutes. figs uk prime minister potentially in the next few minutes.— next few minutes. as soon as that news conference _ next few minutes. as soon as that news conference starts, _ next few minutes. as soon as that news conference starts, we - next few minutes. as soon as that news conference starts, we will. news conference starts, we will bring it to you live. our other headlines... the uk covid inquiry delivers a damning first report, saying the last government "failed citizens" with flawed pandemic plans. in reality, the uk was ill—prepared for dealing with the whole system civil emergency of a pandemic, let alone the coronavirus pandemic

that actually struck. student—led protests in bangladesh intensify again. the death toll is growing, and a national tv station has been set on fire. donald trump will later formally accept his party's nomination, on the fourth and final day of the republican national convention. and — the skeleton of a stegasaurus — fetches a record price at auction. king charles hasjoined european leaders gathered for a political summit at blenheim palace in the south of england. he'll have a number of private meetings on the sidelines of the summit, including one with the ukrainian president, volodymyr zelensky. prime minister keir starmer wants to use this meeting to �*reset the uk's relationship with the whole of europe. some of the key points on the summit�*s agenda are the war in ukraine and illegal migration. we expect to hearfrom sir keir in the next few minutes ,

some of the key points on the summit�*s agenda are the war in ukraine and illegal migration. we expect to hearfrom sir keir in the next few minutes , we have the podium and the cameras set up. we will carry it live. and speak to lewis vaughanjones. a packed day ending with an beaning with the king. a packed day ending with an beaning with the king-— with the king. that's right. the kin: and with the king. that's right. the king and really _ with the king. that's right. the king and really symbolising - with the king. that's right. the king and really symbolising in l with the king. that's right. the | king and really symbolising in a with the king. that's right. the - king and really symbolising in a way what this summit from the uk �*s point of view. we believe we believe we have those conversations, as you mentioned with volodymyr zelensky, also with a manual background. the day started with this word, resets, it is the uk government saying it wants to reset its relationship with its european partners. so this isn't a day of big announcements. it's not a day of big announcements. it's not a day of big announcements. it's not a day where we are going to find

some new policy detail, but really that emphasis and building new relationships for the uk notjust across the european union but european leaders more broadly. just think about this for a moment. behind those very substantial doors there and in that building, nearly 50 european leaders have been meeting and talking about big issues for them, things like the war in ukraine, things like how to tackle illegal migration. when he comes up to the podium that's on your screen, we will get a sense of what those conversations have been like behind blenheim palace. just in the last few minutes and you might be able to be the background we have police motorbikes going by, a long trail of vehicles leaving just before we came on air, so things certainly wrapping up on air, so things certainly wrapping up for some people here. when we do hearfrom the prime minister, we will get a sense of exactly what was talked about. we know what the focus

was. kind of clearfrom was. kind of clear from the beginning of the day, two big issues, one, the war in ukraine and secondly, how to tackle illegal migration. now, volodymyr zelensky arrived here and spoke when he arrived. he is one of the first people to speak, actually come after keir starmer in the opening and appealed for unity, notjust within the eu, but brought her across the rest of europe. unity in its support and cooperation for ukraine. when it comes to illegal migration, that was a particular issue that keir starmer was focusing on this session. he sat in in one of those sessions, actually about different ways and when i asked about what specifics are we talking here is my cooperation like intelligence sharing of information sharing, things like that, so you may hear a bit of fat from keir starmer when he comes back to that lectern in a moment. i want to bring you one interview done by the bbcjust in the last couple of hours with

stoltenberg, a crucialfigure, seemingly stepping down from nato. but given so many leaders here, european leaders, talking about the war in ukraine, talking about those potential security threats. let's have a listen to what he said. the stronger our support for ukraine and for the longer we are willing to commit, the sooner this war can end. the paradox is that now president putin believes that he can wait us out, so therefore the war continues. when we communicate very clearly that we are there for the long haul, that we have strong enduring support for ukraine, then we create conditions for the solution where ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent state and putin realises that he cannot win on the battlefield. that issue of what is happening in the united states if, of course it is a big if, there is a change of residence after elections in november. and you have donald trump and his new running mate not is committed to supporting the war in

ukraine. as perhaps previous administrations. what does that mean for these nearly 50 leaders here? increasing the share of the burden, no doubt those conversations going on in those bilateral meetings with leaders and also group discussions the other issue being talked about is the illegal migration and how to tackle it. and there are ways of cooperation of the intelligence sharing and i spoke to the uk home secretary and asked herjust sharing and i spoke to the uk home secretary and asked her just that. i don't think they have the scale of idon't think they have the scale of operations— i don't think they have the scale of operations to go what we need. the border_ operations to go what we need. the border security was too weak, too fragmented, we've alreadyjust in the past — fragmented, we've alreadyjust in the past few days have had substantially increased officers including engagement with the european task force, the operational

task forces_ european task force, the operational task forces and the partnership that you need _ task forces and the partnership that you need to share intelligence and to get— you need to share intelligence and to get those agreements in place to id to get those agreements in place to go after_ to get those agreements in place to go after the gangs. the to get those agreements in place to go after the gange— go after the gangs. the sharing of intelligence. _ go after the gangs. the sharing of intelligence, those _ go after the gangs. the sharing of intelligence, those partnerships, l intelligence, those partnerships, wouldn't that i'll be easier inside the european union? this wouldn't that i'll be easier inside the european union?— wouldn't that i'll be easier inside the european union? this is about us havin: a the european union? this is about us having a new — the european union? this is about us having a new relationship _ the european union? this is about us having a new relationship from - having a new relationship from outside. — having a new relationship from outside, resetting that relationship so it outside, resetting that relationship 50 it is_ outside, resetting that relationship so it is a _ outside, resetting that relationship so it is a close one working in partnership... we are not going back into the _ partnership... we are not going back into the european union, so that is settied~ _ into the european union, so that is settied~ we — into the european union, so that is settled. we need that new partnership from outside the european union and a lot of those security— european union and a lot of those security things, we should still be able security things, we should still be ahie to— security things, we should still be able to work together. now, it's true, _ able to work together. now, it's true, a — able to work together. now, it's true, a lot— able to work together. now, it's true, a lot of cooperation was lost as part _ true, a lot of cooperation was lost as part of— true, a lot of cooperation was lost as part of the agreement the previous— as part of the agreement the previous conservative government set out, that's — previous conservative government set out, that's why we want to strengthen that cooperation. labour is absolutely — strengthen that cooperation. labour is absolutely clear _ strengthen that cooperation. labour is absolutely clear about _ strengthen that cooperation. labour is absolutely clear about this, - strengthen that cooperation. labour is absolutely clear about this, they i is absolutely clear about this, they are not rejoining the single markets, so when they talk about a reset . markets, so when they talk about a rese i ., ., . , markets, so when they talk about a i’ese | ., ., . , ., , markets, so when they talk about a

reset . y ., , ., reset what exactly do they mean? that's a really _ reset what exactly do they mean? that's a really good _ reset what exactly do they mean? that's a really good question, - that's a really good question, matthew. i asked exactly that to yvette cooper and i frankly asked wouldn't all of this be easier if you are inside the european union and the frank answers straight to where it was, but we are not in the european union, so it is about those alternative ways, so when it comes to things like cooperation and a reset, in practice, that means ways of intelligence sharing with various different agencies across europe in different agencies across europe in different european countries and not just the european union, that was something that was being stressed, and again, emphasised with the visuals here as well, showing those pictures of the family photo early around, which really gives a sense of the scale of all of this, because we have 40—50 leaders all talking to each other, so this isn't a time where we are going to get a big communique, as it's called, often you get these summits where a communique which is a form of words

where all the different parties are arguing about commas and phrases and the right to sign off for the right language for some contrary on the outcome, but that was never the intention here. you might be able to see the blue sign behind me, european political community, that is a new name for you when it comes to summits, well that's not surprising because this is only a couple of years old. this summit was born effectively after russia post book invasion of ukraine. —— russia's invasion of ukraine. emmanuel background wanted a space for european leaders outside of the european union. —— emmanuel background, to demonstrate that unity, and what it means is when you have that many leaders all together in one place at one time not necessarily worrying is aware about specific language and trying to get down to really granular details and commitment, it is a more open discussion there for what some of the priorities are and how to move

forward. , , ., ~ forward. lewis, let me 'ust take viewers through h forward. lewis, let me 'ust take viewers through what _ forward. lewis, let mejust take viewers through what we - forward. lewis, let mejust take viewers through what we are - forward. lewis, let me just take i viewers through what we are likely to see in the coming minutes, because the podium set up and we have different pictures coming into the bbc. let me put those onto the screen as well because all the journalists are there in that room. i don't think we are very far away from that news conference starting from that news conference starting from the new uk prime minister and, of course it's only two weeks and he won that election. lewis, it has been a whirlwind, because we have the nato summit, the king �*s speech, he has had this gathering. the commonality of all of that is trying to send out a very clear message about a reset.— about a reset. that is absolutely ri . ht. about a reset. that is absolutely right- and _ about a reset. that is absolutely right. and that _ about a reset. that is absolutely right. and that long _ about a reset. that is absolutely right. and that long list - about a reset. that is absolutely right. and that long list ending l right. and that long list ending with this summit here, it was put earlier on that this is a very generous gifts from rishi sunak to keir starmer, and thatjust needs a tiny bit of explanation and that does this summit, this new form of

summit was already in the planning. it was already going to be held here. the uk was already going to host it and the work had started. so when the change of government came and the new prime minister in keir starmer come into power and taking over as prime minister, this effectively landed on his lap. and if you are a new prime minister and you have an awful lot of world leaders to meets, well, washington with that conference that you mentioned, and then, of course, you have lots of european leaders, not just in the eu, but european countries who will be crucial in building any relationships when it comes to things like tackling migration because it's notjust an eu issue, it is a europe—wide issue. so to have the opportunity for keir starmer to stand on the steps behind me, keeping our live pictures inside, just behind me the grand steps where he met and welcomed leaders as they arrived, a golden

opportunity interpersonal and adviser to many prime ministers. i asked him exactly that, how much does actually matter. if you got so many leaders here, only a couple of minutes with each one, what difference does it actually make? in his opinion it really does come of those connections, those moments really can help when you pick up the phone later and try to get more solid concrete, for example, intelligence sharing cooperation deals done. the moment here may potentially have helped that. it's a big maybe, there are a couple caveats here. keir starmer isn't even two weeks into the job. so there is a limit on expectations of what actually can be achieved. but as we stay with these life pictures, i want to bring in our political correspondent. things are drying towards the end here, but the big crucial centrepiece now is keir starmer coming up to that lecture there on stage and giving his thoughts and reflections on the day.

what will you be listening out for? you are doing a sterling job there and painting the picture, because i think_ and painting the picture, because i think that — and painting the picture, because i think that is right. it's been above all else, _ think that is right. it's been above all else, it's — think that is right. it's been above all else, it's been a fantastic opportunity for keir starmer and of course _ opportunity for keir starmer and of course a _ opportunity for keir starmer and of course a good opportunity for president zelensky to try to make that argument for ukrainian unity. i think— that argument for ukrainian unity. i think the _ that argument for ukrainian unity. i think the message first to keir stanner— think the message first to keir starmer will trot out of the lectern as he _ starmer will trot out of the lectern as he did _ starmer will trot out of the lectern as he did earlier. he has done repeatedly. the bricks that years of bitterness _ repeatedly. the bricks that years of bitterness are behind us. that's what _ bitterness are behind us. that's what he — bitterness are behind us. that's what he wants to say, and this new relationship — what he wants to say, and this new relationship with the european union — relationship with the european union. the magic of oxfordshire, it's all— union. the magic of oxfordshire, it's all done, but experts always hear— it's all done, but experts always hear -- — it's all done, but experts always bear —— brexit's over. it's a dynamic— bear —— brexit's over. it's a dynamic process talking to officials and diplomats here i think the uk isn't entirely sure what it can get from _ isn't entirely sure what it can get from the — isn't entirely sure what it can get from the european union. the european _ from the european union. the european union isn't entirely sure what _ european union isn't entirely sure what it— european union isn't entirely sure what it is— european union isn't entirely sure what it is prepared to give, which

is now— what it is prepared to give, which is now outside of the club. so this was the _ is now outside of the club. so this was the important restarts. one couldn't— was the important restarts. one couldn't restate, one couldn't overstate _ couldn't restate, one couldn't overstate just how important it is, but the _ overstate just how important it is, but the actual tricky bit in terms of where — but the actual tricky bit in terms of where do the uk and that you go from here, — of where do the uk and that you go from here, that work starts now, really _ from here, that work starts now, reall . �* , from here, that work starts now, reall . v . ., from here, that work starts now, reall. �*, ., ,, ., from here, that work starts now, reall . �*, ., ,, ., ., ., ., really. let's talk about that one of the big issues. — really. let's talk about that one of the big issues, the _ really. let's talk about that one of the big issues, the war _ really. let's talk about that one of the big issues, the war in - really. let's talk about that one of| the big issues, the war in ukraine, that we heard from president zelensky, of course, we are familiar with his calls for unity and he stressed that again. interestingly he was talking about the fact that in his opinion, vladimir putin's attempt to divide different european countries to try approaches to allies to try and blackmail or persuade, he was highlighting the potential threat of division and that speaks to perhaps one of the fears here are volodymyr zelensky. i think he used blackmail and there was another word as well, tempt,

cajole, _ was another word as well, tempt, cajole, all— was another word as well, tempt, cajole, all of those things come he could _ cajole, all of those things come he could tell— cajole, all of those things come he could tell what zelinski meant, and ithink— could tell what zelinski meant, and i think by— could tell what zelinski meant, and i think by and large, the ukrainians and their— i think by and large, the ukrainians and their allies in the west from other— and their allies in the west from other staunchest allies are actually despite _ other staunchest allies are actually despite no doubt attempts by vladimir putin to try and divide western— vladimir putin to try and divide western countries to make them think. _ western countries to make them think. my— western countries to make them think, my goodness, this is a struggle _ think, my goodness, this is a struggle that is not worth it. i don't — struggle that is not worth it. i don't think the russians have been massively— don't think the russians have been massively successful on that front. but, of _ massively successful on that front. but, of course, if you are volodymyr zelensky, _ but, of course, if you are volodymyr zelensky, this is a constant struggle, right? this is a huge strain— struggle, right? this is a huge strain that _ struggle, right? this is a huge strain that it's been on european countries — strain that it's been on european countries in _ strain that it's been on european countries in the us providing money, funding _ countries in the us providing money, funding and — countries in the us providing money, funding and weapons. more countries in the us providing money, funding and weapons.— countries in the us providing money, funding and weapons. more from you in 'ust ten funding and weapons. more from you in just ten seconds, _ funding and weapons. more from you in just ten seconds, just _ funding and weapons. more from you in just ten seconds, just want - funding and weapons. more from you in just ten seconds, just want to - in just ten seconds, just want to explain the life pictures we are on. we are at blenheim palace here in oxfordshire. rob and i arejust outside the beautiful facade, oxfordshire. rob and i arejust outside the beautifulfacade, but inside of the live pictures here, we are expecting at effectively the conclusion of this summit to hear from sir keir starmer when he comes injust a few from sir keir starmer when he comes in just a few minutes' time. we are expecting him. and this summit, just

to remind you, the european political community may be a new one between 40—50 european leaders getting together in a more informal way. it hardly strikes you as an informal, its rather majestic, budget is more informal, there isn't a hard policy coming out. this is a chance to talk about crucial issues for many countries across europe and migration was one of those. i want to ask you about that. why was that so high on the agenda here?- so high on the agenda here? that is one issue that _ so high on the agenda here? that is one issue that you _ so high on the agenda here? that is one issue that you are _ so high on the agenda here? that is one issue that you are asking us - so high on the agenda here? that is one issue that you are asking us to l one issue that you are asking us to cast forward — one issue that you are asking us to cast forward to sir keir starmer news _ cast forward to sir keir starmer news conference. i think that is one thing _ news conference. i think that is one thing he _ news conference. i think that is one thing he will— news conference. i think that is one thing he will be pressed on, why is it a big _ thing he will be pressed on, why is it a big issue, because the scale of the problem from the scale of the problem. — the problem from the scale of the problem, the scale of the issue, they're — problem, the scale of the issue, they're just so many hundreds of thousands— they're just so many hundreds of thousands of people coming from outside _ thousands of people coming from outside the european union outside europe _ outside the european union outside europe into the block and of course, beyond _ europe into the block and of course, beyond to _ europe into the block and of course, beyond to europe. and because it is such an _ beyond to europe. and because it is such an incredibly sensitive political _ such an incredibly sensitive political issue for voters, right? in political issue for voters, right? in the _ political issue for voters, right? in the recent election here in the

uk, it— in the recent election here in the uk, it was— in the recent election here in the uk, it was a _ in the recent election here in the uk, it was a very important issue for a _ uk, it was a very important issue for a segment of the electorate to 'ust for a segment of the electorate to just thought we should not be having people _ just thought we should not be having people coming over in boats. so if you like. _ people coming over in boats. so if you like. it — people coming over in boats. so if you like. it is _ people coming over in boats. so if you like, it is one of those issues that's— you like, it is one of those issues that's very— you like, it is one of those issues that's very visible, it matters to the voters _ that's very visible, it matters to the voters. and i guess the other reason _ the voters. and i guess the other reason why— the voters. and i guess the other reason why it is a big issue here is because _ reason why it is a big issue here is because most countries recognise you couldn't— because most countries recognise you couldn't solve it on your own and that is— couldn't solve it on your own and that is without is the pitch that keir starmer has been trying to make to the _ keir starmer has been trying to make to the other— keir starmer has been trying to make to the other leaders. to be fair i think— to the other leaders. to be fair i think they— to the other leaders. to be fair i think they all get this and the pitch— think they all get this and the pitch has— think they all get this and the pitch has been made before that we have to _ pitch has been made before that we have to work together, would have to work together on the courses of climate — work together on the courses of climate change, poverty, conflict, but we _ climate change, poverty, conflict, but we also — climate change, poverty, conflict, but we also have to do some of the things— but we also have to do some of the things which are, you know, a bit more _ things which are, you know, a bit more difficult, which is the police enforcement, breaking up the gangs that make _ enforcement, breaking up the gangs that make these boat crossings possible — that make these boat crossings ossible. , , that make these boat crossings ossible. g , , that make these boat crossings ossible. , , ., possible. just remind us about the rwanda scheme, _ possible. just remind us about the rwanda scheme, because - possible. just remind us about the rwanda scheme, because many i possible. just remind us about the rwanda scheme, because many of european leaders who are here, the last i heard from the uk position was that this was the scheme, this was that this was the scheme, this was the idea, that is now ditched. just talk us through it. the

previous — just talk us through it. the previous government led by rishi sunak. _ previous government led by rishi sunak, the previous conservative government, one of its leading proposals was to say yes we've got to work — proposals was to say yes we've got to work with other countries in europe, — to work with other countries in europe, the criminal gangs, but they needed _ europe, the criminal gangs, but they needed a _ europe, the criminal gangs, but they needed a deterrent by boat from the uk you _ needed a deterrent by boat from the uk you will— needed a deterrent by boat from the uk you will be sent to rwanda for processing via third country. not in order— processing via third country. not in order to _ processing via third country. not in order to maybe come back from the uk, but _ order to maybe come back from the uk, but that is at, you will be sent to rwanda — uk, but that is at, you will be sent to rwanda and that is where you will stay if _ to rwanda and that is where you will stay if your— to rwanda and that is where you will stay if your asylum claim is successful. interestingly, rishi sunak— successful. interestingly, rishi sunak and made the case that lots of other— sunak and made the case that lots of other european countries far from saying _ other european countries far from saying britney some kind of cruel and nasty— saying britney some kind of cruel and nasty pariah were thinking keir stanner— and nasty pariah were thinking keir starmer is — and nasty pariah were thinking keir starmer is utterly dismissed, and britain _ starmer is utterly dismissed, and britain wouldn't want to do anything back out— britain wouldn't want to do anything back out on— britain wouldn't want to do anything back out on the wrong side of human rights _ back out on the wrong side of human rights legislation. we back out on the wrong side of human rights legislation.— rights legislation. we will continue to stay here _ rights legislation. we will continue to stay here and _ rights legislation. we will continue to stay here and monitor _ rights legislation. we will continue to stay here and monitor those - to stay here and monitor those pictures as we wait for keir starmer to come out and give that statement as and when he does, we will bring

that to you. for now, though, from here in blendon palace, and around the world come across the uk, this is bbc news.

welcome back. we were showing the pictures from blendon palace, we will put them on the screen as soon as that news conference starts we will go in here the very latest from sir keir starmer. but as we wait, let's wait to another really important story, because the first report published —— the first report published by the uk's covid inquiry has found significant flaws in the government's pandemic preparations — resulted in coronavirus causing more deaths and economic damage than it should have done. the damning report — the first of at least nine that will be released by the inquiry — said the government and devolved nations had "failed their citizens", and that "radical reform" was needed to prepare for future emergencies. let's speak to our correspondent

nicky schiller — who is outside the inquiry in central london. over to you. yes, as you say, this is the first report of the covid require here in the uk, it's nearly still going on and will be going on until 2026, but the inquiry chair, baroness hallett wanted to get this report out because she felt it was so important and what it looked at was the bit before covid hit the world in 2020 and how well the uk plan for it. and we have to say that in her over 200 page report, it is pretty damning. as you said, she said more people died and there was a greater economic loss because of the significant flaws in the planning. she went on to say that the government failed its citizens on co—bid by planning the wrong pandemic and what she meant there was that the focus and planning before covid hit was on influenza. and that was not right. when covid

hit and the fact that another parts of the world, particularly asia, they had already had two coronaviruses and they had a different way of dealing with it when covid hit. they use track and trace, they had quarantines and they tried to close the borders. at the uk didn't do that. now, in her report, she makes ten recommendations it must be one overriding independent body that co—ordinates everything to do with emergency planning across the whole of the united kingdom. the lives that were lost in the lives that were wasted. 0f that were lost in the lives that were wasted. of course, those who lost family members during covid. 235,000 people in the uk have died from covid and covid related

illnesses. here is a little of what they said. illnesses. here is a little of what the said. , , . , illnesses. here is a little of what the said. , , , they said. this is a very pertinent re ort they said. this is a very pertinent report today- _ we hope that baroness hallett will take it a step further and does not just say should happen, but to give them a timeframe, because the further into how the timeframe is monitored, because it cannot and we will not let it be another report that gathers dust because our loved ones are worth so much more and that is what we are here about that is what we are campaigning for. straight to sir keir starmer. 46 straight to sir keir starmer. 45 european leaders, together, including president zelensky, who addressed the primary this morning as i thank you know. we discussed once again our commitment to stand with ukraine, a very important

commitment made again today, including supporting their energy needs ahead of winter, so getting ahead of this winter and cracking down on the ships that are helping russia to evade sanctions. now we would need to be clear, ukraine is fighting notjust for the ukrainian people, though, of course it is. but for the european people, for freedom, democracy and the rule of law. and our security therefore starts in ukraine. we pledged to president zelensky once again that we will stand with ukraine for as long as it takes. we also had a productive discussion on wider european security. defending our democracies against russian interference and supporting countries like mulled over who are dealing with more direct threats. it's notjust a good idea to work with our partners, it is essential

and i sat on the steps of downing street that i would govern for the whole country. —— said on the steps of downing street. including those who didn't vote for us. and i meant it. we can only make progress on the issues that so many people kjaer about, like illegal migration, national security, about, like illegal migration, nationalsecurity, if about, like illegal migration, national security, if we have the maturity and leadership to reach out a hand to our european friends. i want to congratulate ursula boundary line for her reelection today as president of the european commission. we are going to deepen our cooperation on defence and security and on illegal migration where we are resetting the approach, that has been central today. —— ursula von der leyen. you that has been central today. -- ursula von der leyen.— ursula von der leyen. you are watching _ ursula von der leyen. you are watching bbc— ursula von der leyen. you are watching bbc news. -

ursula von der leyen. you are watching bbc news. we - ursula von der leyen. you are watching bbc news. we will l ursula von der leyen. you are l watching bbc news. we will do ursula von der leyen. you are - watching bbc news. we will do this not by committing _ watching bbc news. we will do this not by committing taxpayer - watching bbc news. we will do this not by committing taxpayer money | watching bbc news. we will do this l not by committing taxpayer money to gimmicks, but with practical solutions that are in line with international law. as director of public, i saw the work that can be done across borders to bring terrorists to justice and break up their networks, and i simply do not accept that we cannot do the same with organised migration. we started on that today, where increasing the uk presence at the euro pole in the hague to play our full part in the european smuggling centre. it created new cooperation arrangements with partners like slovenia and slovakia to disrupt organised crime. with our new border security command, we are going to work with our european partners to share intelligence, data, expertise and

put the gangs out of business. but to stop illegal migration, we must also tackle it at source. so today, i am announcing £81; million of new funding for projects across africa and the middle east. that includes humanitarian and health support, skills training, help with job opportunities and access to education. this is a vital part of gripping the migration crisis. and it shows how we are going to do business on the world stage. we are facing up to the huge problems beyond our shores because these problems echo at home. the effects play out on our streets and in a dangerous world, we serve no one and solve nothing by turning inward. we have to step forward and lead. and

thatis have to step forward and lead. and that is what we are doing. that is what we have shown here today, because it is the best way to uphold our values and keep our people safe. so i am proud to leave this summit with stronger relationships across europe and to leave the epc in a stronger position as well. with a clear agenda for the coming months and the next summit confirmed in hungary this year and albania and denmark in 2025. thank you very much and i will now take a number of questions from the media, starting, i think, with nick from the bbc. nick. . , i think, with nick from the bbc. nick. ., , . ., ~' i., nick. thanks very much. thank you, prime minister. _ nick. thanks very much. thank you, prime minister. president _ nick. thanks very much. thank you, prime minister. president mack - nick. thanks very much. thank you, i prime minister. president mack brown said this _ prime minister. president mack brown said this morning that there is no silver— said this morning that there is no silver bullets when it comes to solving — silver bullets when it comes to solving the issue of small boats crossing — solving the issue of small boats crossing the channel. —— president emmanuel— crossing the channel. —— president emmanuel macron. it is going to be

very difficult to deliver tangible progress on that. and if i mayjust quickly— progress on that. and if i mayjust quickly on — progress on that. and if i mayjust quickly on ukraine, is there anything _ quickly on ukraine, is there anything extra that you as prime minister— anything extra that you as prime minister are offering president zelensky when it comes to weapons or to money _ zelensky when it comes to weapons or to money. are you open to it? well, let me take — to money. are you open to it? well, let me take both. _ to money. are you open to it? well, let me take both. there _ to money. are you open to it? well, let me take both. there is _ to money. are you open to it? well, let me take both. there is no - to money. are you open to it? well, let me take both. there is no easy l let me take both. there is no easy silver bullet. if there was, it had been fired a long time ago. it is difficult, it is hard, it is challenging. but i am absolutely convinced. it is a very serious problem and it requires a very serious response. and that is why we have put to one side the gimmick of rwanda and are pursuing the serious response, which is to smash the gangs that are running this vile trade. i have said it before but i will say it again. i have seen this, i have been in the room when operations have been conducted to take down terrorist gangs, sharing data, intelligence, thinking strategy, including where you are going to prosecute, which has to be the first decision, not the last

decision, to take those gangs down. i'm convinced it can be done. what happened today which is really important, because this is the first time that the epc has actually discussed this as a primary issue and say that is really important, and say that is really important, and the consensus, notjust at the plenary, but particularly in the workshop is the focus to be on the gangsif workshop is the focus to be on the gangs if we are going to... and that is a really important moment for us all. there is a high degree of consensus that we need to work on of real interest in working with our border security command and how quickly we can get on with that. there are no silver bullets. nothing is going to solve this overnight, and as i made clear in my opening, we also have to tackle the problem upstream in relation to the drivers of migration, whether that is climate, poverty or whether that is conflict. and that is why it is really important that i've set out the money that we have pledged to

that here today. but i can tell you