gangs down. 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 there was a real consensus that this is the serious response to a serious problem. soiri, on ukraine, just in relation to the capabilities, there is no change in position, note new decisions we take in as a government that weren't taken by the government of two weeks ago. —— sorry, on ukraine... but the support for ukraine... but the support for ukraine is as strong as it was and obviously stronger by having had 46 european leaders here today, that's on top of the nato council we had last week recommitting, so that commitment is there, but there is no new decision or change in position in relation to the use of the capabilities that we are providing. thank you. prime minister, i think i'm going to say something _ prime minister, i think i'm going to say something that's _ prime minister, i think i'm going to say something that's a _ prime minister, i think i'm going to say something that's a bit obvious, |

say something that's a bit obvious, which _ say something that's a bit obvious, which is _ say something that's a bit obvious, which is that — say something that's a bit obvious, which is that the _ say something that's a bit obvious, which is that the arms _ say something that's a bit obvious, l which is that the arms manufacturing and defence — which is that the arms manufacturing and defence capability— which is that the arms manufacturing and defence capability of— which is that the arms manufacturing and defence capability of europe - which is that the arms manufacturing and defence capability of europe and | and defence capability of europe and the uk _ and defence capability of europe and the uk on _ and defence capability of europe and the uk on their— and defence capability of europe and the uk on their own _ and defence capability of europe and the uk on their own is _ and defence capability of europe and the uk on their own is completely. the uk on their own is completely inadequate — the uk on their own is completely inadequate to _ the uk on their own is completely inadequate to support _ the uk on their own is completely inadequate to support ukraine - inadequate to support ukraine without— americaside to seek a peace treaty of some _ americaside to seek a peace treaty of some sort— americaside to seek a peace treaty of some sort with _ americaside to seek a peace treaty of some sort with putin, _ americaside to seek a peace treaty of some sort with putin, there's i of some sort with putin, there's pretty— of some sort with putin, there's pretty nnich— of some sort with putin, there's pretty much nothing _ of some sort with putin, there's pretty much nothing we - of some sort with putin, there's pretty much nothing we can - of some sort with putin, there's pretty much nothing we can dol of some sort with putin, there's - pretty much nothing we can do about that. pretty much nothing we can do about that and _ pretty much nothing we can do about that and on— pretty much nothing we can do about that. and on asylum _ pretty much nothing we can do about that. and on asylum and _ that. and on asylum and on asylum—seekers— that. and on asylum and on asylum—seekers crossing i that. and on asylum and oni asylum—seekers crossing the that. and on asylum and on _ asylum—seekers crossing the channel, until you _ asylum—seekers crossing the channel, until you get _ asylum—seekers crossing the channel, until you get these _ asylum—seekers crossing the channel, until you get these intelligence - until you get these intelligence sharing — until you get these intelligence sharing policing _ until you get these intelligence sharing policing agreements i until you get these intelligence - sharing policing agreements across europe, _ sharing policing agreements across europe, or— sharing policing agreements across europe. oryou— sharing policing agreements across europe, or you simply— sharing policing agreements across europe, or you simply reconciled . sharing policing agreements across| europe, or you simply reconciled to the numbers— europe, or you simply reconciled to the numbers crossing _ europe, or you simply reconciled to the numbers crossing the _ europe, or you simply reconciled to the numbers crossing the channel. the numbers crossing the channel rising? _ the numbers crossing the channel rising? in — the numbers crossing the channel risin: ? ., ., ., , rising? in relation to the first oint, rising? in relation to the first point. one — rising? in relation to the first point. one of— rising? in relation to the first point, one of the _ rising? in relation to the first point, one of the things - rising? in relation to the first point, one of the things that| rising? in relation to the first - point, one of the things that came out today and the discussions we had with washington last week was this commitment to an industrial strategy behind the pure capability question, for the very real reason you posed which is the backfill capability

when it comes to that. so the industrial strategy was much discussed last week, and that discussion has carried on today. i won't preempt what may or may not happen later this year in relation to the election in america, but i can't underscore enough the shared commitment here today at the upc, hosted by the uk, and i'm really proud of the role we played in relation to ukraine, it has been a leading role, and that his credit to the last government which reunited with on this and have continued that work — but i won't preempt what may happen in the elections later this year, other than to say industrial strategy is a very important component of the package we need to put together. in relation to what's happening in relation to the channel, i've not resigned to anything, and the work we can do start straightaway, we started on the command but there's other things

we can do, sharing our intelligence and data, that's why we have more resources into europe already. when i was leader of the opposition, i went to the hague to have discussions with europol to get a head of this, essentially saying what we can do early on to increase capacity to work in a different way with europol, and of course we need to get on with the measures we can do here in this country. the tragedy of all this is notjust in the numbers, but in the poor souls that have been lost the last week and last night, and the last seven days or so, which is a reminder of the human cost of the vile trade these gangs are perpetuating, and that's why mia —— white we must take them down. beth. why mia -- white we must take them down- beth-— why mia -- white we must take them down. beth. prime minister, over 550 --eole down. beth. prime minister, over 550 peeple have — down. beth. prime minister, over 550 people have arrived _ down. beth. prime minister, over 550 people have arrived on _ down. beth. prime minister, over 550 people have arrived on small- down. beth. prime minister, over 550 people have arrived on small boats i people have arrived on small boats since _ people have arrived on small boats since he _ people have arrived on small boats since he became prime ministerjust

two weeks _ since he became prime ministerjust two weeks ago. you know this is a hard _ two weeks ago. you know this is a hard nut _ two weeks ago. you know this is a hard nut to— two weeks ago. you know this is a hard nut to crack, if the prisons crisis _ hard nut to crack, if the prisons crisis is, — hard nut to crack, if the prisons crisis is, in— hard nut to crack, if the prisons crisis is, in your word, shocking, what _ crisis is, in your word, shocking, what is _ crisis is, in your word, shocking, what is the — crisis is, in your word, shocking, what is the small boats crisis and when _ what is the small boats crisis and when do — what is the small boats crisis and when do you expect to make progress the government connection the measure — the government connection the measure you on? and if i may, donald trunrp's _ measure you on? and if i may, donald trump's running mate is a vocal critic— trump's running mate is a vocal critic of— trump's running mate is a vocal critic of aid _ trump's running mate is a vocal critic of aid to ukraine — are you worried — critic of aid to ukraine — are you worried about that, and how does it affect— worried about that, and how does it affect your— worried about that, and how does it affect your road map to spending 2~5%_ affect your road map to spending 25% of— affect your road map to spending 2.5% of gdp on defence? thank you. thanks. _ 2.5% of gdp on defence? thank you. thanks, beth, ithink 2.5% of gdp on defence? thank you. thanks, beth, i think that's three questions packed into one. but on the numbers and what's happened in relation to small boats crossing, we are inheriting a really bad problem here from the government who has not addressed this. nobody is suggesting it's easy — it is a test of government, it was a test of us as the opposition before we came into government, but we've wasted time here, resource — we had a home office dedicated to a gimmick that

didn't work, and therefore the work that could've been done in relation to border security hasn't been done, in my view, in the way it should have been done. the proof is in the pudding, we've got record numbers this year. we can't switch that in 24 hours, and hours earlier we were knocking on doors asking people to vote for us. you can't turn around that quickly, but the frustration i have in relation to prisons is across this, as well, because so much time and effort has been spent on rwanda — a scheme which, in my view, was never going to work, and the proof is it hasn't worked — when the proof is it hasn't worked — when the serious measures have been unaddressed. which is why i'm pleased we are making an announcement in relation to the border control so quickly, and here we are two weeks, 14 days after we were knocking on doors, posting on how we work together with our

colleagues across europe to do the coordinated work that we need to do. so i'm pleased we are making up ground, we will continue to do it at pace, but we've been left in a really difficult position and we need to get by this government, it's been a dereliction of duty because border control is about our national security, and rather than address it with a serious answer, they addressed it with a gimmick — the gimmick didn't work and we are left with a serious situation to turn around. then in relation to the situation in america, look — those elections will take place, it will be for the american people to decide who they want to elect into office, and we will work with whoever is elected into office, as you would expect. that is what i mean about maturity and leadership, notjust within europe but more widely, and of course with the us. in the

special relationship is there between the uk and us was forged in the most difficult of circumstances, endured a long time, and we are committed to it. i expressed my commitment to president biden and i spoke to donald trump on sunday evening after the assassination attempt, where again, the special relationship featured in our discussion. thank you, beth, i have karen from the guardian.— discussion. thank you, beth, i have karen from the guardian. thank you, ou soke karen from the guardian. thank you, you spoke today _ karen from the guardian. thank you, you spoke today to — karen from the guardian. thank you, you spoke today to the _ karen from the guardian. thank you, you spoke today to the primate -- i you spoke today to the primate —— albanian _ you spoke today to the primate —— albanian prime minister but their deal to— albanian prime minister but their deal to italy to the process asylum seekers— deal to italy to the process asylum seekers on— deal to italy to the process asylum seekers on italy's behalf. could such _ seekers on italy's behalf. could such a — seekers on italy's behalf. could such a deal work in the uk? i've alwa s such a deal work in the uk? i've always said _ such a deal work in the uk? i've always said i — such a deal work in the uk? i've always said i would _ such a deal work in the uk? he: always said i would look at what worked, focus today has primarily been that we that's what we need to do to take down the gangs. and obviously, albania and italy co—chair of the working group on

migration today, and that was predominantly dominated by the work we need to do sharing intelligence and taking down the gangs, and the sense that the focus has to be on that aspect if we are going to make progress. and the sense in the group that this is not a left— right divide, it's actually a really important pragmatic set of arrangements we need to put in place with our european partners. and i felt there was a real sense of progress over the course of the day in relation to those discussions. thank you, i've got david from the daily mail. thank you, i've got david from the dail mail. :, ~ , daily mail. thanks, prime minister. you didn't seem _ daily mail. thanks, prime minister. you didn't seem to _ daily mail. thanks, prime minister. you didn't seem to categorically - you didn't seem to categorically rule out — you didn't seem to categorically rule out the _ you didn't seem to categorically rule out the prospect _ you didn't seem to categorically rule out the prospect of- you didn't seem to categorically| rule out the prospect of offshore processing — rule out the prospect of offshore processing centres _ rule out the prospect of offshore processing centres in _ rule out the prospect of offshore processing centres in the - rule out the prospect of offshore processing centres in the future. can you — processing centres in the future. can you categorically— processing centres in the future. can you categorically rule - processing centres in the future. can you categorically rule out. processing centres in the future. can you categorically rule out that as part _ can you categorically rule out that as part of — can you categorically rule out that as part of the _ can you categorically rule out that as part of the solution _ can you categorically rule out that as part of the solution in - can you categorically rule out that as part of the solution in the - as part of the solution in the future? _ as part of the solution in the future? during _ as part of the solution in the future? during your- as part of the solution in the future? during your falette i as part of the solution in the - future? during your falette with president — future? during your falette with president macron_ future? during your falette with president macron later, - future? during your falette with president macron later, will- future? during your falette with president macron later, will youj president macron later, will you discuss — president macron later, will you discuss the _ president macron later, will you discuss the possibility— president macron later, will you discuss the possibility of- president macron later, will you discuss the possibility of her- discuss the possibility of her returns _ discuss the possibility of her returns deal— discuss the possibility of her returns deal and _ discuss the possibility of her returns deal and what - discuss the possibility of her returns deal and what that l discuss the possibility of her- returns deal and what that might look returns deal and what that might took tike? — returns deal and what that might look like? wouldn't _ returns deal and what that might look like? wouldn't just - returns deal and what that might look like? wouldn'tjust be - returns deal and what that might look like? wouldn'tjust be a - look like? wouldn'tjust be a bitaterai— look like? wouldn'tjust be a bilateral deal— look like? wouldn'tjust be a bilateral deal with _ look like? wouldn'tjust be a bilateral deal with france - look like? wouldn'tjust be a bilateral deal with france or| look like? wouldn'tjust be a i bilateral deal with france or the whole _ bilateral deal with france or the whole eu? _ bilateral deal with france or the whole eu? would _ bilateral deal with france or the whole eu? would you _ bilateral deal with france or the whole eu? would you be - bilateral deal with france or thej whole eu? would you be willing

bilateral deal with france or the i whole eu? would you be willing to accept _ whole eu? would you be willing to accept a _ whole eu? would you be willing to accept a share _ whole eu? would you be willing to accept a share of— whole eu? would you be willing to accept a share of migrants- whole eu? would you be willing to accept a share of migrants being . accept a share of migrants being sent here — accept a share of migrants being sent here try— accept a share of migrants being sent here by the _ accept a share of migrants being sent here by the eu _ accept a share of migrants being sent here by the eu as _ accept a share of migrants being sent here by the eu as part- accept a share of migrants being. sent here by the eu as part of any deal? _ sent here by the eu as part of any deal? :, :, ~ ., :, :, deal? look, in relation to the agreement — deal? look, in relation to the agreement between - deal? look, in relation to the agreement between albania i deal? look, in relation to the i agreement between albania and deal? look, in relation to the - agreement between albania and italy, obviously there's interest in how that might work, but that wasn't actually the central discussion in the task force in the roundtable we had, it was about the practical measures that we wanted to discuss, which is about how we deal with taking the gangs down in the first place. but look, i'm a practical person, i'm a pragmatist, and i've always said we will look at what works. and where cases can be processed closer to origin, then thatis processed closer to origin, then that is something which of course ought to be looked at. but the reason i'm putting it in this way is because the emphasis today was very much on the practicalities in dealing with the gangs in the first place. that's where the second part of your question resides — the returns agreement only comes into being at the end of the process, and

my focus is at the beginning of the process to make sure we actually secure our borders, because the problem we've got at the moment as we have tens of thousands of people who are here that shouldn't be who are not being processed. that's not are not being processed. that's not a sensible policy on any approach. and as for a returns agreement, i've always said we aren't going to be part of the eu scheme, that's for eu members, we are not an eu member, we've never asked to be part of that scheme and we won't be part of that scheme. thank you very much, i got george from the ft.— scheme. thank you very much, i got george from the ft. prime minister, can i ask george from the ft. prime minister, can i ask you — george from the ft. prime minister, can i ask you about _ george from the ft. prime minister, can i ask you about your _ george from the ft. prime minister, can i ask you about your desire - george from the ft. prime minister, can i ask you about your desire to i can i ask you about your desire to have _ can i ask you about your desire to have closer trade ties with the eu. i have closer trade ties with the eu. iiust_ have closer trade ties with the eu. ijust wondered if there's anything you've _ ijust wondered if there's anything you've heard it in the last few weeks — you've heard it in the last few weeks from your colleagues to encourage you to be more ambitious about— encourage you to be more ambitious about what— encourage you to be more ambitious about what you're seeking, and when talks on— about what you're seeking, and when talks on the _ about what you're seeking, and when

talks on the economy? | about what you're seeking, and when talks on the economy?— talks on the economy? i knew this would happen! _ talks on the economy? i knew this would happen! i— talks on the economy? i knew this would happen! i should've - talks on the economy? i knew this| would happen! i should've stopped it at the first one. i would happen! i should've stopped it at the first one.— at the first one. i think it's quite an important — at the first one. i think it's quite an important one, _ at the first one. i think it's quite an important one, you - at the first one. i think it's quite i an important one, you mentioned at the first one. i think it's quite - an important one, you mentioned the tragedy— an important one, you mentioned the tragedy on _ an important one, you mentioned the tragedy on the english channel on wednesday — the fact that some of the migrants were picked up by british— the migrants were picked up by british boats then returned to calais, — british boats then returned to calais, i— british boats then returned to calais, i think it's quite unusual, does _ calais, i think it's quite unusual, does that— calais, i think it's quite unusual, does that mean there's new spirit of cooperation? on does that mean there's new spirit of cooperation?— cooperation? on the economy, i've been pretty — cooperation? on the economy, i've been pretty explicit _ cooperation? on the economy, i've been pretty explicit here _ cooperation? on the economy, i've been pretty explicit here in - been pretty explicit here in previously that we want to seek a reset with our relationship with europe. i said that in my opening remarks here, i've said it before the election and since the election. and the impression i get is that there is a real appetite for that. you'll all have probably spoken to some of the other leaders who've beenin some of the other leaders who've been in the meetings with us today, you'll form your own view. but the appetite i think it is for a uk

which is, as it were, back on the international scene playing a leading part with maturity, and with a different stance in relation to our relations with europe, both inside the eu and beyond. and we want to get a better deal than the deal we've got at the moment, we understand the challenge and constraints, of course we do. but of course i think there is a closer relationship to be had that includes trade, education and research, and includes security. and that is partly what we mean by the reset, i think that's understood by our partners and colleagues here. our strong impression is that we've been able to make some real progress today, but as i say, you've interviewed some of them on the way out, i haven't, you'll have formed your own view in relation to that.

on the question of the operation that you referred to, yes, that was an operation that took people back to france — that's really an operational decision for those carrying out the exercise, and i think it's done on an operation by operation basis, there is no change of policy in relation to that. thank you, i've got madeleine. iii. of policy in relation to that. thank you, i've got madeleine. hi, thank ou, you, i've got madeleine. hi, thank you. prime — you, i've got madeleine. hi, thank you, prime minister. _ you, i've got madeleine. hi, thank you, prime minister. europe - you, i've got madeleine. hi, thank you, prime minister. europe is- you, prime minister. europe is rarkrng— you, prime minister. europe is talking about _ you, prime minister. europe is talking about building - you, prime minister. europe is talking about building a - you, prime minister. europe is. talking about building a stronger security— talking about building a stronger security architecture _ talking about building a stronger security architecture in - talking about building a stronger security architecture in the - talking about building a stronger security architecture in the uk, i security architecture in the uk, what _ security architecture in the uk, what would _ security architecture in the uk, what would that _ security architecture in the uk, what would that mean - security architecture in the uk, what would that mean for- security architecture in the uk, what would that mean for the i security architecture in the uk, . what would that mean for the uk's nuclear— what would that mean for the uk's nuclear deterrent? _ what would that mean for the uk's nuclear deterrent? german- what would that mean for the uk's - nuclear deterrent? german government officials _ nuclear deterrent? german government officials suggest _ nuclear deterrent? german government officials suggest the _ nuclear deterrent? german government officials suggest the uk _ nuclear deterrent? german government officials suggest the uk could _ officials suggest the uk could contribute _ officials suggest the uk could contribute to _ officials suggest the uk could contribute to a _ officials suggest the uk could contribute to a european - officials suggest the uk could i contribute to a european nuclear shield _ contribute to a european nuclear shield in— contribute to a european nuclear shield in case _ contribute to a european nuclear shield in case donald _ contribute to a european nuclear shield in case donald trump- contribute to a european nuclear| shield in case donald trump gets elected — shield in case donald trump gets elected is — shield in case donald trump gets elected. is not _ shield in case donald trump gets elected. is not something - shield in case donald trump gets elected. is not something you i shield in case donald trump gets i elected. is not something you would consider— elected. is not something you would consider -- — elected. is not something you would consider -- is — elected. is not something you would

consider —— is not _ elected. is not something you would consider —— is not something - elected. is not something you would consider —— is not something you i consider —— is not something you would _ consider —— is not something you would consider? _ consider -- is not something you would consider?— would consider? thank you for raising that. _ would consider? thank you for raising that. the _ would consider? thank you for raising that. the first - would consider? thank you for raising that. the first thing i l raising that. the first thing i should say is that we are committed to the new deal —— nuclear deal, which includes all the necessary upgrades that are there to keep the capability in place — that was something i was able to make clear in nato last week, and washington, and touched on on occasion today. i do think this is more nato related, that the uk does make a unique and really important contribution particularly in europe when it comes to security, because of the nuclear element, but because we stand. where on nato, as a labour government, we were proud to make her proud signatories to the original nato treaty, which is in brussels and nato headquarters with the signature of our secretary of state on it, and we are as committed today, it's an

unshakeable commitment to nato. my own view is that nato is as, if not more important today than it has been for many years, so that's where we stand on that question, thank you. all from the times. just following _ you. all from the times. just following op _ you. all from the times. just following up on _ you. all from the times. just following up on beth - you. all from the times. just following up on beth puzzlement question, both donald trump and jade have been— question, both donald trump and jade have been very clear and expressing scepticism _ have been very clear and expressing scepticism for american support for ukraine _ scepticism for american support for ukraine. without preempting the election— ukraine. without preempting the election result, what is your message _ election result, what is your message to their summit? and two weeks _ message to their summit? and two weeks ago. — message to their summit? and two weeks ago, you are in camden casting your vote _ weeks ago, you are in camden casting your vote in _ weeks ago, you are in camden casting your vote in the general election, know— your vote in the general election, know your— your vote in the general election, know your hosting world leaders at gtennon _ know your hosting world leaders at gtennon - — know your hosting world leaders at glennon — that's been a bit of a whirlwind — glennon — that's been a bit of a whirlwind - _ glennon — that's been a bit of a whirlwind — on a human level, how strange _ whirlwind — on a human level, how strange has — whirlwind — on a human level, how strange has it been? i whirlwind - on a human level, how strange has it been?— whirlwind - on a human level, how strange has it been? i won't preempt what may happen. — strange has it been? i won't preempt what may happen, but _ strange has it been? i won't preempt what may happen, but the _ strange has it been? i won't preempt what may happen, but the stance i strange has it been? i won't preempt what may happen, but the stance we| what may happen, but the stance we take is important. the stance we took in washington at the nato conference mattered because it was intended to show to russia in

particular the resolve last week of the nato countries, a bigger and stronger nato, a nato with increased resolve to stand up to russian aggression. that was then repeated today, that matters as a signal, as a stance, and what we are able to do both last weekend this week is to make clear that it is in relation to russian aggression in relation to ukraine, of course, but also russian aggression and other forms that pretty well all of the countries represented here have in relation to misinformation, cyber, you name it. mulled of course — so it's important that that stance is seen notjust mulled of course — so it's important that that stance is seen not just as a reflection of current mood, which it is, but also as a signal to russia of our resolve. look, in

relation to the situation, camden is a fine place and i was very proud to cast my vote in camden. but look, we've worked really hard to get into a position to win an election, we've spent 14 years in opposition arguing about what ought to happen, what must happen. now we get the chance to actually deliver for the country - i to actually deliver for the country — i hope that in the last two weeks, i've been able to at least give the sense of how we intend to go about that task, as a task of service, a government of service, serving those that voted for us and those that didn't, and a government that says it is country first, party second, and therefore no more gimmicks or party policies masquerading as a serious answer to my question, but driven by service. and to reset on the international stage alongside

that, the sense of a government of service, but the international stage as well to cement some of the relationships which we've been building in opposition, many of the meetings i've had today were not meetings i've had today were not meetings for the first time, but they are taking a different character. that's something i came into politics to do, i came into politics late in life, not to sit on the opposition benches voting and losing every night — i tried that, didn't like it very much, it's much better to be able to deliver on the change that i think is desperately needed across our country. thank you very much. antonella.— very much. antonella. thank you very much, very much. antonella. thank you very much. prime — very much. antonella. thank you very much, prime minister. _ very much. antonella. thank you very much, prime minister. your— much, prime minister. your predecessor— much, prime minister. your predecessor built— much, prime minister. your predecessor built up - much, prime minister. your predecessor built up a i much, prime minister. your. predecessor built up a special relationship _ predecessor built up a special relationship with— predecessor built up a special relationship with the - predecessor built up a special relationship with the italian i predecessor built up a special- relationship with the italian prime minister. — relationship with the italian prime minister, giorgia _ relationship with the italian prime minister, giorgia meloni. - relationship with the italian prime minister, giorgia meloni. will- relationship with the italian prime minister, giorgia meloni. willyouj minister, giorgia meloni. will you have _ minister, giorgia meloni. will you have the — minister, giorgia meloni. will you have the same _ minister, giorgia meloni. will you have the same friendly— minister, giorgia meloni. will you. have the same friendly relationship with her. _ have the same friendly relationship with her. and — have the same friendly relationship with her, and why? _

have the same friendly relationship with her, and why? and _ have the same friendly relationship with her, and why? and secondly, i have the same friendly relationshipl with her, and why? and secondly, if i with her, and why? and secondly, if i may, _ with her, and why? and secondly, if i may, it _ with her, and why? and secondly, if i may, it was — with her, and why? and secondly, if i may, it was here, _ with her, and why? and secondly, if i may, it was here, what— with her, and why? and secondly, if i may, it was here, what you - with her, and why? and secondly, if i may, it was here, what you think. i may, it was here, what you think of the _ i may, it was here, what you think of the appeasing _ i may, it was here, what you think of the appeasing behaviour - i may, it was here, what you think of the appeasing behaviour of i i may, it was here, what you think of the appeasing behaviour of the | of the appeasing behaviour of the hungarian— of the appeasing behaviour of the hungarian prime _ of the appeasing behaviour of the hungarian prime minister- of the appeasing behaviour of the | hungarian prime minister towards russia, _ hungarian prime minister towards russia, did — hungarian prime minister towards russia, did you _ hungarian prime minister towards russia, did you discuss— hungarian prime minister towards russia, did you discuss that i hungarian prime minister towards russia, did you discuss that with. russia, did you discuss that with him today? _ russia, did you discuss that with him today? thank— russia, did you discuss that with him today? thank you. - russia, did you discuss that with him today? thank you.— him today? thank you. look, in relation to _ him today? thank you. look, in relation to my _ him today? thank you. look, in relation to my predecessor, i him today? thank you. look, in i relation to my predecessor, firstly, can i say something which you didn't ask but i think it's important? i think he's been incredibly statesman—like in general since the election, if i may say so, and i thought he made that very clear in the way that he replied to the king's speech yesterday. the relationship that he struck up with italy was important, i think we've got a long history between our two countries, and we both have the opportunity today to make clear that we want to continue with that strength of relationship between the uk and italy. that is a good thing, so we build on the relationship that rishi sunak put in place, rather

than start in a different place. and i think that's been an important part of discussions i've been able to have here today. as for the discussion i've had with individual leaders, i won't start going into the details of those, as you would imagine — part of the purpose of these meetings is to have the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern with leaders of, in this case, 46 european countries or entities, and that's been very good for our point of view. this successful session today of the epc, i'm pleased we've been able to host it, and to be able to host it here in this splendid place with the weather, which we can't take the credit for, has added to the real sense that britain is back on the world stage, and i'm really pleased that most of the leaders are leading

here with a sense of renewed confidence in their relationship with the uk, with a real understanding of what we mean by a reset. and i think looking forward to deepening the bilateral relations we've had with all of them, that's been very much the theme of today. thank you very much indeed, thank you. 5ir thank you very much indeed, thank ou. ,, ,, :, you. sir keir starmer ending that news conference, _ you. sir keir starmer ending that news conference, he _ you. sir keir starmer ending that news conference, he was - you. sir keir starmer ending that news conference, he was asked i news conference, he was asked questions about migration, a lot of questions about migration, a lot of questions about migration, a lot of questions about that, about ukraine, about donald trump. let's go back to lewis vaughanjones, listening to all that. what was your assessment of just the central thrust all that. what was your assessment ofjust the central thrust of sir keir starmer�*s answers? ofjust the central thrust of sir keir starmer's answers? really interesting. — keir starmer's answers? really interesting, the _ keir starmer's answers? really interesting, the two _ keir starmer's answers? really interesting, the two main i keir starmer's answers? really i interesting, the two main themes at the start of the day echoing what keir starmer said there, in particular influence on the journalists questions, the journalists questions, the journalists at the beginning are

from the uk, so clearly beget more questions the attempts to tackle illegal migration bill stuck keir starmer was very keen to talk about that anyway, but that was double emphasised if you like by the questions from the uk journalists, obviously questions on ukraine as well. we got some bits of detail when it comes to illegal migration, areas that were talked about this morning in a slightly more vague way — ukraine increasing personnel at europol, a new border command which was the new command in the uk, sharing intelligence across the board. interesting details about those big themes we already knew about, matthew.— those big themes we already knew about, matthew. a, :, , :, about, matthew. more from you in the cominr about, matthew. more from you in the coming minutes. _ about, matthew. more from you in the coming minutes, thanks _ about, matthew. more from you in the coming minutes, thanks once - about, matthew. more from you in the coming minutes, thanks once again i coming minutes, thanks once again for taking us through just that snapshot after we heard from the prime minister. it gives me time to squeeze in one more story, an important story. some new reports out in the us, the washington post

reporting that brock obama telling allies in recent days thatjoe biden's path to victory has greatly diminished and he think the president needs to consider if his candidacy is viable. let's go back to milwaukee — this is really interesting, you've had chuck schumer, hakeem jeffries, adam schiff, nancy pelosi, now you have this — now your assessment on what is brewing again? it is this - now your assessment on what is brewing again?— is brewing again? it is purely significant. _ is brewing again? it is purely significant, it's _ is brewing again? it is purely significant, it's important i is brewing again? it is purely significant, it's important to | is brewing again? it is purely i significant, it's important to say that. on president obama itself, we must say at the bb say that's bbc have an independent e—verify he's made these comments, this is coming from the washington post. but if it did, it would add to this growing chorus of people calling on president biden to step down. we are now seeing that from i think 20 house democrats, and he mentioned some of the leadership in the senate and house of representatives have

been holding discussions with members to quell this discontent growing there. there are fears from many democrats thatjoe biden does not have a path to victory. it is important to mention however that president obama has only spoken to president obama has only spoken to president biden once since that poor debate performance, and it's not clear how solid their relationship is right now — remember president biden was very hurt by the fact in 2016, then president obama had endorsed hillary clinton as the democratic candidate, something that took some time to get over. i don't know if president obama prospect comments would be enough to convince president biden, but again, those calls are growing louder and it is something to certainly keep an eye on, matthew. something to certainly keep an eye on. matthew— on, matthew. thanks so much. joe biden saying _ on, matthew. thanks so much. joe biden saying if _ on, matthew. thanks so much. joe biden saying if doctors _ on, matthew. thanks so much. joe biden saying if doctors told - on, matthew. thanks so much. joe biden saying if doctors told him i biden saying if doctors told him there was a reason, he would stand aside. more coming up on that story and our other headlines in a moment or two.

hello. we've seen some very warm weather today, particularly across the south and the east of the uk. it's been a bit more complicated further north and west with more cloud, a little bit of rain, but tomorrow it will be warmer generally and hot for some of us. we could see the highest temperatures of the year so far 31 celsius possibly. quite a humid feel as well. thejet stream is running to the north of the uk at the moment, allowing us to bring in this feed of warm and humid airfrom the south. but with that increasing humidity, as we head through tonight, we will see quite a lot of mist, and murk, and low cloud rolling into coasts and hills in the west. today's rain, i think, tending to peter out. the best of the clear skies further south and east. certainly not a cold night — in fact, quite a warm one, temperatures holding up in most places between 13—17 celsius. so, into tomorrow morning, quite a warm start, and where we see that sunshine, the best of it across england and wales, while the temperatures really will start to climb. still some of this mist and murk clinging to western coasts. northern ireland and scotland

generally seeing a bit more in the way of cloud. and this frontal system will start to bring some outbreaks of rain at later. temperatures, though, 22 celsius for aberdeen, 25 celsius for liverpool, 30 celsius in london, somewhere in the southeast likely to get to 31 celsius, so well above the seasonal average. but into friday evening, we will see those misty, murky conditions out towards the west and some outbreaks of rain in northern ireland and western scotland, as this frontal system moves its way in. now this front is going to bring a big change through the weekend. it will eventually bring cooler air from the atlantic, but it looks like this front will take its time to move eastwards, so still a chance across eastern parts of england for some pretty warm weather on saturday. some spells of sunshine here. we may see some sharp showers and thunderstorms erupting as we head through the late afternoon. but out towards the west, our frontal system bringing a slow moving band of heavy rain. underneath the frontal system and behind it, it is going to turn cooler. so, 18 celsius for plymouth, 16 celsius for belfast. but ahead of that front, i wouldn't be at all surprised

if we got up into the high—20s celsius in some parts of eastern england. however, that weather front will then slide its way northwards and eastwards, and all of us will be in the cooler air for sunday. not a bad day weather—wise — some spells of sunshine, just one or two showers, but temperatures at best between 15—22 celsius.

at 6:00pm, a government ill—equipped to handle a major pandemic.

the verdict of the inquiry into the uk's readiness for covid. there were fundamental flaws in contingency planning before the outbreak, with the wrong choices being made. i have no hesitation in concluding that the processes, planning, and policy of the civil contingency structures across the united kingdom failed the citizens of all four nations. at least 235,000 deaths have been blamed on covid in the uk. also on the programme, a warning for the us president. barack obama is reported to have told alliesjoe biden must seriously consider his viability to win a second term. a major cosmetic surgery provider goes bust, leaving patients with unfinished treatments. and the weird, wonderful world of british hobbies. a new exhibition reveals what some of us love to collect.

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