for the people all of the working for the people all of the time, notjust at election time, and unlike some other candidates, we don'tjust unlike some other candidates, we don't just rock unlike some other candidates, we don'tjust rock up in your neighbourhood asking for votes a few days or weeks before the polls. in oui’ days or weeks before the polls. in our local government election campaign, we pledge that through councils we would commit to delivery —— delivering a real and lasting legacy for people with disabilities are so legacy for people with disabilities are so following the election i am pleased that the dup council is working with councillors from other parties have already started work on delivering more for people with disabilities, including work on greater provision of inclusive play parks. we are determined to make a real difference on every day issues. of course, in the european election injune, diane of course, in the european election in june, diane enclaves of course, in the european election injune, diane enclaves —— increased per voter preference by another percentage point and was the first candidate elected in northern ireland. through strong teamwork and a track record of delivery, diane dodds was and is the voice of

experience from northern ireland in the european parliament. come on, conference, show us what you think. applause. sadly, conference, diane is now the only representative standing strong for northern ireland in europe at a time when other representatives spend more time either attacking or ignoring the views and concerns of unionism. so whether in local council chambers, london or brussels, it is the democratic unionist party at the centre of the debate. sinn fein claimed to be shaping the debate, but in truth they have been reduced to glorified lobbyists posing for pictures to post on twitter. never before have we asa post on twitter. never before have we as a small regional party carried so we as a small regional party carried so much responsibility in parliament in particular and i do pay tribute

to the fortitude and to the wisdom of our deputy leader, nigel, as he leads us. applause and in the days and weeks ahead, we can be confident that all of our members of parliament will continue to speak up for the best interests of the people of northern ireland. because when we believe that the government is pursuing policies that are in the interests of the united kingdom as a whole and northern ireland in particular, we will work with them and indeed others in the pursuit of a more prosperous northern ireland because the votes given to us by people across northern ireland in 2017 meant we we re northern ireland in 2017 meant we were able to secure additional money, for schools, roads, and hospitals in northern ireland. this funding from our confidence and

supply agreement with the conservatives has been delivered. the money is here. it is funding extra gps, improving mental health services, it is funding breakfast clu bs services, it is funding breakfast clubs and after—school clubs in your area. and for those of you who still can't watch youtube, not that i'm a fan but i'm just saying, you still can't watch youtube without that frustrating buffering notice, i have good news. £150 million from the confidence and supply agreement is being used to transform rural broadband. faster broadband is on its way. so ladies and gentlemen, the 1 its way. so ladies and gentlemen, the1 billion its way. so ladies and gentlemen, the 1 billion extra its way. so ladies and gentlemen, the1 billion extra pounds its way. so ladies and gentlemen, the 1 billion extra pounds for northern ireland shows the difference it makes when you turn up, take your seats, and you use your vote for the betterment of eve ryo ne your vote for the betterment of everyone in northern ireland. marylou and michelle blamed the confidence and supply agreement for blocking the northern ireland assembly but the constituencies

impacted most by the broadband money have sinn fein mps. indeed, of over 450 have sinn fein mps. indeed, of over a50 schools receiving funding from the £1 billion, over 30 of those schools received funding to help them teach the irish language. so, whilst others talk, whilst others tweet, the dup delivers. applause we have used our ten votes to help everyone. so, this conference has a message for connolly house. stop making excuses, stop boycotting and get back to work! cheering applause

so, with our ten votes been so critical in parliament, there is a great responsibility to make sure we support the right decisions for northern ireland. to have the boldness and strength to stand up and say no, when we need to. anton brexit, we will not give support to the government when we believe they are fundamentally wrong and acting ina way are fundamentally wrong and acting in a way that is detrimental to northern ireland and taking us in the wrong direction. we will oppose them and use our votes to defeat them. let me say clearly from this platform today that we want to support a deal. a deal that works for the whole of the united kingdom and does not leave northern ireland behind. but without change, we will not vote for the prime minister is agreement. it would be bad for northern ireland economically and wea ken northern ireland economically and weaken the foundations of this great united kingdom. the brexit secretary says there will not be northern ireland and great britain paperwork.

then he says they're well. the prime minister says there will not be checks but then we are told there will be. now we are told it can be sorted by a joint committee with the european union. we've been clear, we've been honest with the government throughout this process, and we expect the same in return. the customs and consent arrangements must be reese's —— must be revisited. we worked intensively with the government in recent weeks to try and reach a fair and balanced deal. we were not seeking a perfect deal. we were not seeking a perfect deal because no such deal exists. we we re deal because no such deal exists. we were seeking a deal which delivers brexit without erecting barriers to trade. dublin and brussels belatedly reopened mrs may's deal having rigidly refused to do so. and having told us it could not be renegotiated, it was. i would encourage the prime minister to do the same again. the one—sided

approval mechanism for the assembly ta kes approval mechanism for the assembly takes no account of power—sharing. indeed it would lead to sinn fein, the sdlp and the alliance party ganging up to render unionist votes irrelevant. and if you believe in the principles of power—sharing, those principles must be enshrined in any deal. furthermore, the east—west checks as proposed would lead to excessively bureaucratic burdens for trade between britain and northern ireland, and consequently higher prices and less choice for consumers. because, as nigel has said, we trade far more with great britain than the republic of ireland, european union and the rest of the world combined. yet the proposals that see our east—west trade subject to the rules of the european union customs union, notwithstanding that we remain part of the customs union. we do not consider the proposals to be in northern ireland's long—term interests and they are clearly

without support within unionism. last saturday and tuesday of this week, it was the votes of the dup that altered the course of events. 0ur votes mattered, and our votes will matter in the coming days. we will matter in the coming days. we will continue to work to shape a solution in northern ireland's interests and we willjudge each situation against what is best for northern ireland economically and constitutionally within the union. there is much talk about the holding ofa there is much talk about the holding of a general election and this party is ready for any general election that may come. we have a strong record to put to the people. now, more than ever, we will seek a mandate to ensure northern ireland has the strongest team fighting for it. but make no mistake, this will be the most unpredictable election outcome in the united kingdom for a generation. many beyond northern ireland will eagerly be watching the results to determine how northern

ireland should be treated. northern ireland should be treated. northern ireland will need a strong, experienced and united voice that can speak for unionism and get northern ireland moving again. every vote cast in every constituency and the number of seats secured by this party will help shape the direction of northern ireland for our grandchildren. last month, i set out the principles of what i termed next—generation unionism, and our vision for northern ireland entering the next century. monday northern ireland has changed and will continue to. today, we are launching a detailed document on next—generation unionism and i look forward to engaging with everyone who values northern ireland's position about issues explored. i've written to other parties engaging with them around it and the first meeting is already taking place on monday. i will seek to stimulate interest among other groups and

interests as well and we want those engagements to extend far beyond political parties. it must be a much broader discussion right across the community. it is time to commence a conversation recognising that politicians don't have all the a nswe i’s. politicians don't have all the answers. unionism should be inclusive, welcoming and embracing to all. it should permit individuals to all. it should permit individuals to express the cultural issues that they choose and well many focus on ulster scots and unionism, let me be clear, it is not compatible to be an irish speaking unionist, there may be some here today! and because... because the background of unionists are many and varied, unionism should have many portals and multiple

gateways in. but the inescapable fa ct gateways in. but the inescapable fact remains that people value northern ireland's place in the united kingdom for a wide—ranging economic, social, historical, cultural reasons. and of course, culture can play a big part in the identity of who we are. too often they were northern ireland, culture has been demeaned, and demonised. all proven detrimental to progress here. northern ireland is rich in different cultures and we need to embrace and cherish them in a manner that threatens no one. those who seek to engage in a cultural war engage in a battle because northern ireland is big enough to accommodate everyone's culture. as unionists, it is in our long—term strategic interest to ensure that everyone, regardless of culture, feels at home in northern ireland. that is why in talks with other northern ireland political parties we have proposed

principles surrounding cultural expression, and identity, that can harness undeveloped all that is good about these pursuits. we must use them as a force for good to educate and help give people confidence, and develop as individuals. we are so much more than just my traditions in northern ireland now and we need to give our new identity space to grow and prosper. as northern ireland approaches its centenary, it is the opportunity to promote all that is good about where we live. there should be a broad range of events, something for everyone of every background and there should be the opportunity for investing in northern ireland and westminster‘s department for international trade, to promote investment in northern ireland. likewise for tourism northern ireland to reap rich rewards. we want to see a fund established for centenary events and we have proposed a centennial expo to showcase all northern ireland can

offer. a homecoming event ought to be pursued as other initiatives involving northern ireland across the world. materials and resources should be developed for youth engagement and tools, and the story of the northern ireland state should be told. however important our history is, the future is much more important. looking back at previous generations, it may be interesting and instructive patellar duty and responsibility is to look forward to the next generation. we must leave the next generation. we must leave the next generation a better northern ireland than the one we inherited. so we all need to get northern ireland moving again. we need to ensure that in the place we call home, we have decentjobs, real opportunities for young people, and education system that leaves no child behind, and a reformed health service able to deliver the best in class services. we want to rekindle

a generosity of spirit that has been missing for some time. we want to reach out and help our friends and neighbours value the contribution of older citizens, help them more vulnerable in society and importantly value the sanctity of life. ladies and gentlemen... applause last monday, this party was in the assembly chamber. while other parties stayed away or walked out. when it comes to the life of the unborn child, this party will not be found wanting. we will continue to work with all those who recognise that both lives matter. cheering applause

where there is diversity and difference of view, we should not hide from it, norfear it. but we must abate and seek to persuade in the spirit of respect and understanding for the other point of view. rightly, there will be many policy areas where we will differ from others and sometimes fundamentally so. but we can do that in an honest and gracious manner. people are proud of where they come from. proud of belfast, and of northern ireland. of game of thrones, and our tourism offer, and the cruise ships that come to belfast. they know that northern ireland needs a government. to have a better health care system, to really get to grips with organised gangs and criminality, and offer the

bestjob gangs and criminality, and offer the best job prospects gangs and criminality, and offer the bestjob prospects for gangs and criminality, and offer the best job prospects for young gangs and criminality, and offer the bestjob prospects for young people. too many fear that the peace process has stalled. and that we are heading in the wrong direction. taking decisions locally, it undoubtably helps with bread—and—butter issues but also provides vital stability and bolsters the peace and strengthens relations. that is good for northern ireland. so i want to see the assembly and executive rejuvenated, and re—energised. we are upfor rejuvenated, and re—energised. we are up for that. we know that northern ireland works best when we work together. and to get a deal to bring stormont back, there will need to be an agreement we can all support. i've already committed more than two years ago to seek accommodation and legislate in a balanced way for language and culture, including the irish language. unfortunately, we come in the west, have had to many painful

experiences of the manner in which councils, particularly in the west and south, have sought to implement english—language —— irish language policies. but we recognise there are many in northern ireland who love the language and its an intrinsic pa rt the language and its an intrinsic part of who they are. my offer stands, if we can find a way that facilitates those who speak their language and does not inappropriately infringe or threaten others, the dup will not be found wanting that —— that overall agreement needs to be a two—way street and the dup wants to see mechanisms to cultivate and grow relationships between northern ireland and great britain, through all walks of life. including educational and cultural connections. if stormont is to be returned on a long—term basis, that means sharing the responsibility of afair means sharing the responsibility of a fair deal. no winners or losers.

everyone putting their best foot forward to provide a brighterfuture forward to provide a brighterfuture for us all. some may seek to put obstacles for us all. some may seek to put o bsta cles in for us all. some may seek to put obstacles in our way but we will seek an agreement. when i became leader in december 2015, i said that i wanted this party to be a party of ideas, not ideology. i'm therefore delighted that as a party we are undertaking a much more complaints of policy development programme than ever before, ranging from the environment, childcare, mental health services for veterans, house of lords reform, productivity and skills. and we have a comprehensive agenda for government that we want to see delivered. making community stronger, street safer and rewarding ha rd stronger, street safer and rewarding hard work. providing betterjobs and family incomes. a healthy environment and landscape, taking pride in northern ireland. and doing oui’ pride in northern ireland. and doing

our politics so much better. in health, the reforms need to be fully implemented with some elements sitting ready to go, waiting on the appointment of a minister. we are supportive of transformation being clinically led and driven with the benefits of technology maximised. we stand by our commitment for an additional £1 billion to be invested in health by the end of the assembly term and resources should be prioritised in primary care. in education, we want a level playing field so all schools are treated equally. a reform fund should assist area —based changes and more money must go directly to the classroom. we support more shared education, leading ultimately to a single system, and sectors need to set aside their own interests and recognise the benefit for society and children being educated together. we want to see a fundamental review of how schools

are managed, which would incorporate the effectiveness and performance of the effectiveness and performance of the educational authority, and other bodies. to many parents and teachers are at their wits end with the very basics of our education system. the education and training inspectorate should be orientated into a northern ireland educational improvement service, and the commission should be established to make recommendations on improving the outcomes of boys from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly in the inner city. we want to get northern ireland moving again. whether a reform government is restored so decisions are taken by local people, thatis decisions are taken by local people, that is what most people want. northern ireland has great potential. it's people have great potential. it's people have great potential. but we will never resign from our belief that northern ireland is best served by being part of the united kingdom but unionism

is about all of us, and not anyone alone. it is about everyone working together as one for the greater good, to build a northern ireland we can all be proud of. so we have much to do in the months ahead. the challenge is great. but, you know what? the determination is greater. this... applause this... applause this party has always risen to the task. we have always led from the front. and with the support of the people, we will do so again. let us move forward with humility as we discharge our responsibilities. but confident and determined in what we can achieve together for the future and generations that will follow us. now, conference, more than ever, let us now, conference, more than ever, let us stand strong for the union. thank

you very much. cheering applause studio: so, we have been listening to the leader of the dup, arlene foster. addressing her parties annual conference. that was in belfast, demanding honesty from the government. 0n brexit. as she vowed to keep opposing the prime minister boris johnson's current to keep opposing the prime minister borisjohnson‘s current deal to keep opposing the prime minister boris johnson's current deal until changes are made. she told the party conference that the prime minister's withdrawal agreement would take northern ireland in the wrong direction and the ten votes of the dup have been so critical in parliament in recent weeks and months and arlene foster said that therefore, there was great responsibility that came with those votes, and on brexit she said we

will not give support to the government when we believe they are fundamentally wrong and acting in a way that is detrimental to northern ireland, and taking us in the wrong direction. she said, we will oppose them and we will use our votes to defeat them. let's cross over to essex. gray's police station in essex, this is the scene where we are waiting for a police news conference with the latest update after those tragic deaths in the lorry container. police, of course, investigating the deaths of 39 people in the lorry in essex. they are continuing to question four people. you can see the media waiting for an update from essex police. we will bring you that as

soon police. we will bring you that as soon we police. we will bring you that as soon we get it. as i say, 39 people died. those deaths being investigated by essex police. the vietnamese prime minister in the last half an hour has ordered an investigation into human trafficking allegations in the wake of the deaths in that container lorry. we are, of course, awaiting formal identification of the victims. that there is some suggestion that some, perhaps all of them, we do not know, we re perhaps all of them, we do not know, were from vietnam and, as i say, the vietnamese prime minister has ordered an investigation into allegations of human trafficking. we will bring you that news conference as soon will bring you that news conference as soon it happens but in the meantime, let's catch up with the

weather news. here is stav. a wet day in england and wales thanks to an almost stationary weather front. 2a—36 thanks to an almost stationary weatherfront. 2a—36 hours worth thanks to an almost stationary weather front. 2a—36 hours worth of rain across england and wales. this rain across england and wales. this rain pushing down to the south and east of the country. further north, some showers. 0ver high ground, just to give you an idea of how wet it has been, in south wales, 120 mil metres of rain, close to five inches. and further south, other places have seen three inches of rain. we do have several flood warnings in full is. most of those weather warnings have been lifted as the rain band moves south and eastwards, and low pressure to the north of scotland, bringing in blustery conditions through the afternoon with some showers. heavy and wintry over higher grounds. some improvement in northern and western

england, into wales. some late brightness in the south—east where we have rain. fairly strong and gusty winds close to the coast. a blustery day in most areas. windy in northern scotland, close to that area of low pressure. falling quickly behind that rain band in wales and into western england but mild. in the first part of the night, with strong winds, skies clearing and temperatures tumble away. blue arctic air sinks southwards behind the cold front. that is the rain band. staying blustery in northern scotland with some showers. not as cold as stornoway, 6 degrees or so. a touch of frost out of town. tonight, the clocks go back one hour. the good news is, an extra hour in bed on sunday morning. what a difference a day makes! chilly to begin the day

with, but plenty of sunshine around. a much better day after a wet couple of days. dry in the afternoon, low— pressure of days. dry in the afternoon, low—pressure to the north—east of country, strong winds, wintry on the hills. temperatures of nine to 12 or 13 degrees instead of 16 or 17. next week, high—pressure, staying largely dry. good of sunshine, the knights will be culled. a touch of frost, and some mist and fog. —— mike the knights will be cooler.

my my role in this investigation is to manage and oversee the recovery and re—conciliation of our victims. throughout this whole exercise, the important thing is that we do so with the utmost dignity and respect for those victims. from the moment we started this investigation... from the moment we started this investigation, removing the lorry from the scene and taking it into tilbury docks, into a large hangar, it was all about dignity and that was the right location to take the vehicle and for us to work. the first thing we needed to do was to establish quickly as we could whether or not there was any identification. that is what this is about. from my point of view, it is about. from my point of view, it is about identifying our deceased and

locating our families and trying to reunite them. the difficulty we have here is the nationality of those individuals. we quickly tried to assess that in the early few hours with getting onto the back of the lorry but in doing so, we could not disturb the evidence in there and realistically disturb those bodies at that particular time. so, we try and move through the process as we do with any disaster victim identification process, which is what we are trying to do here. we move forward through that. we cannot realistically speculate at this time about the nationality of all of our deceased within that vehicle. but i can say now that all of our victims have been recovered, they are all now at broomfield hospital and will be undergoing postmortems. the whole process is forensic and the recovery process is forensic and the recovery process was forensic. for those watching and thinking, why does it ta ke watching and thinking, why does it take so much time to recover bodies

in this manner and try and identify people? it is precisely for the reason of dignity which takes time to put into place but it must run through everything we do. and the recovery of those victims, the order in which we recover them and how, and we have to gain so much information as we go through, to make sure that we do not miss anything. all of that takes time and it will continue, unfortunately, to ta ke it will continue, unfortunately, to take time. what we are doing now is trying to appeal to any community that feel they have loved ones involved in this incident. from my perspective, it is to try and start building that trust. we know that, although we cannot speculate at this time on the nationality of our victims, it is clear from everybody that we are getting a large amount of engagement from the vietnamese population, from communities home and abroad. we need to try and separate those. i met with the viennese ambassador this morning and

we are building a