turned hisjournalism into a successful stage performance. and with me here, lyse doucet — a canadian — whose passports must be thick with immigration stamps by now, having reported from so many parts of the world. no wonder she's our chief international correspondent. good to have you with us. when in london, british prime ministers live over the shop, as it were. borisjohnson, his partner and their young son, occupy an upstairs flat in downing street. for the entire week, the news media here been transfixed by this question: who originally paid for it to be refurbished to the prime ministerial family's taste? �*though mrjohnson says he's paid for it, his coyness over the alleged involvement of his conservative party and perhaps one of its donors, has now prompted an official investigation into a possible breach of election law.

the could be people who think, i don't really care who paid for boris johnson's refurbishment, provided its not me. johnson's refurbishment, provided it's not me-— it's not me. there is evidence around the — it's not me. there is evidence around the country _ it's not me. there is evidence around the country were - it's not me. there is evidence - around the country were elections in britain scheduled for next week where that is a view. i think it is a misguided view for several reasons. first of all, it's not about the details, it is the principal. whether a prime minister should go with the rules outlined to some extent, constrain and hold prime ministers to account as to who funds what. and it's also part of a pattern for boris johnson funds what. and it's also part of a pattern for borisjohnson appears, if i can put it politely, more casual with the rules then many of his predecessors. and a much bigger stage and breaking international law, breaking the law or for parliament. questions of integrity but very briefly, they are obvious

and common. i think it raises issues aboutjudgment and trust and common. i think it raises issues about judgment and trust for and common. i think it raises issues aboutjudgment and trust for prime minister trusts, what people are leaking all over the place, apparently allegedly summoned number ten who work for him. what does it say about hisjudgment ten who work for him. what does it say about his judgment and dominic cummings putting him at the most powerful place, and accusing him of being just a liar, but also a deranged liar. it raises many deeper issues beyond his taste for wallpaper it probably isn't his taste, it's his fiancee states. that raises another issue about the nature of their relationship which is never been talked about publicly and probably does not have to. he will hate that because he doesn't like talking about his personal life. for many reasons, a lot of talk in britain about no cut through the voters but it will affect the mood of number ten and the government and johnson's leadership in quite profound ways. it is

government and johnson's leadership in quite profound ways.— in quite profound ways. it is an extraordinary _ in quite profound ways. it is an extraordinary distraction - in quite profound ways. it is an l extraordinary distraction because the media can report whatever stories they want and it doesn't matter but it is consuming the amount of time the prime minister, the cabinet secretary was the most senior official in government, the cabinet ministers desperately trying to find words that don't look like a commentary on it and answer questions on it. parliaments seems obsessed about it and frankly, they're probably much more important things of the government should be focused on. ., �* ., , , focused on. you're absolutely right. the foreign — focused on. you're absolutely right. the foreign policy — focused on. you're absolutely right. the foreign policy since _ focused on. you're absolutely right. the foreign policy since the - focused on. you're absolutely right. the foreign policy since the 1970s, | the foreign policy since the 19705, which _ the foreign policy since the 19705, which is _ the foreign policy since the 19705, which is indeed true, i came here when _ which is indeed true, i came here whenjames — which is indeed true, i came here whenjames cameron wa5 which is indeed true, i came here whenjames cameron wa5 prime minisier— whenjames cameron wa5 prime minister and whenjames cameron wa5 prime mini5terand i can whenjames cameron wa5 prime minister and i can say this much, no prime _ minister and i can say this much, no prime minister in my memory has been prime mini5ter in my memory has been under_ prime minister in my memory has been under so _ prime minister in my memory has been under so much pressure as bori5 under so much pressure as boris johnson — under so much pressure as boris johnson has been in the past one week— johnson has been in the past one week for— johnson has been in the past one week for his personal conduct. and

this is— week for his personal conduct. and this is serious because now that the electoral_ this is serious because now that the electoral commission has taken up the matter, it has been investigated and ii— the matter, it has been investigated and it seems reasonable grounds for and it seems reasonable grounds for an offence _ and it seems reasonable grounds for an offence or offences that have occurred~ — an offence or offences that have occurred. that is a very serious statement _ occurred. that is a very serious statement for the electoral commission and this story, whether it impacts _ commission and this story, whether it impacts on the local elections in the mayoral elections on the 6th of may or— the mayoral elections on the 6th of may or not. — the mayoral elections on the 6th of may or not, this is probably not going _ may or not, this is probably not going to — may or not, this is probably not going to go away so easily and could have a _ going to go away so easily and could have a long—lasting impact and therefore, i think there should be reasons— therefore, i think there should be reasons for— therefore, i think there should be reasons for concern in the party because — reasons for concern in the party because it — reasons for concern in the party because it is the party that is now under_ because it is the party that is now under attack because it will look into the — under attack because it will look into the parties conduct as well and analyse _ into the parties conduct as well and analyse the party if any wrongdoing has been _ analyse the party if any wrongdoing has been discovered and this may not be has been discovered and this may not he the _ has been discovered and this may not he the only— has been discovered and this may not be the only inquiry because the standards commission looks at the

matter— standards commission looks at the matter as — standards commission looks at the matter as well. as standards commission looks at the matter as well.— matter as well. as you have said, this is now _ matter as well. as you have said, this is now the _ matter as well. as you have said, this is now the eighth _ matter as well. as you have said, this is now the eighth prime - this is now the eighth prime minister and if my maths is right, he is reported on this from london, you travel internationally and constantly. how do you think this compares with the treatment of political leaders? he is one of the most important politicians in our country. how do you think this looks internationally? i country. how do you think this looks internationally?— internationally? i think even domestically _ internationally? i think even domestically begin - internationally? i think even domestically begin the - internationally? i think even . domestically begin the morning internationally? i think even - domestically begin the morning and you hear— domestically begin the morning and you hear and — domestically begin the morning and you hear and read _ domestically begin the morning and you hear and read and _ domestically begin the morning and you hear and read and it's _ domestically begin the morning and you hear and read and it's all- domestically begin the morning and you hear and read and it's all about| you hear and read and it's all about curtains _ you hear and read and it's all about curtains and — you hear and read and it's all about curtains and sofas _ you hear and read and it's all about curtains and sofas and _ you hear and read and it's all about curtains and sofas and wallpaper i you hear and read and it's all about. curtains and sofas and wallpaper and when _ curtains and sofas and wallpaper and when there _ curtains and sofas and wallpaper and when there are — curtains and sofas and wallpaper and when there are huge _ curtains and sofas and wallpaper and when there are huge issues, - curtains and sofas and wallpaper and when there are huge issues, steve . when there are huge issues, steve mentioned — when there are huge issues, steve mentioned the _ when there are huge issues, steve mentioned the trust _ when there are huge issues, steve mentioned the trust but _ when there are huge issues, steve mentioned the trust but also - mentioned the trust but also transparency. _ mentioned the trust but also transparency, d— mentioned the trust but also transparency, d we - mentioned the trust but also transparency, d we really. mentioned the trust but also . transparency, d we really know mentioned the trust but also - transparency, d we really know what really _ transparency, d we really know what really happened _ transparency, d we really know what really happened and _ transparency, d we really know what really happened and i5 _ transparency, d we really know what really happened and is this - transparency, d we really know what really happened and is this a - really happened and is this a micro—chasm _ really happened and is this a micro—chasm of— really happened and is this a micro—chasm of where - really happened and is this a micro—chasm of where we i really happened and is this a i micro—chasm of where we are really happened and is this a - micro—chasm of where we are not getting _ micro—chasm of where we are not getting the — micro—chasm of where we are not getting the full— micro—chasm of where we are not getting the full story, _ micro—chasm of where we are not getting the full story, and - micro—chasm of where we are not getting the full story, and not - micro—chasm of where we are not| getting the full story, and notjust for boris _ getting the full story, and notjust for borisjohnson _ getting the full story, and notjust for boris johnson the _ getting the full story, and notjust for boris johnson the politics - getting the full story, and notjust for boris johnson the politics in i for borisjohnson the politics in generat — for borisjohnson the politics in generat it— for borisjohnson the politics in generat it is— for borisjohnson the politics in general. it is emblematic- for borisjohnson the politics in general. it is emblematic of. general. it is emblematic of something _ general. it is emblematic of something white _ general. it is emblematic of

something white or, - general. it is emblematic of something white or, if- general. it is emblematic of something white or, if you i general. it is emblematic of- 5omething white or, if you like. it something white or, if you like. it internationally, _ something white or, if you like. it internationally, downing - something white or, if you like. it internationally, downing street. something white or, if you like. it internationally, downing street isj internationally, downing street is 'u5t internationally, downing street is just not— internationally, downing street is just not a — internationally, downing street is just not a property, _ internationally, downing street is just not a property, it— internationally, downing street is just not a property, it is- internationally, downing street is just not a property, it is a - internationally, downing street is just not a property, it is a symbolj just not a property, it is a symbol of british— just not a property, it is a symbol of british status, _ just not a property, it is a symbol of british status, the _ just not a property, it is a symbol of british status, the whole - just not a property, it is a symbol of british status, the whole aura, j of british status, the whole aura, if you _ of british status, the whole aura, if you like — of british status, the whole aura, if you like-— if you like. the silver lettering. peo - le if you like. the silver lettering. people do _ if you like. the silver lettering. people do find _ if you like. the silver lettering. people do find it _ if you like. the silver lettering. people do find it odd _ if you like. the silver lettering. people do find it odd that - if you like. the silver lettering. people do find it odd that the l if you like. the silver lettering. - people do find it odd that the prime minister. _ people do find it odd that the prime minister. to— people do find it odd that the prime minister, to use _ people do find it odd that the prime minister, to use your— people do find it odd that the prime minister, to use your expression, . minister, to use your expression, lives _ minister, to use your expression, lives above — minister, to use your expression, lives above the _ minister, to use your expression, lives above the flat _ minister, to use your expression, lives above the flat and _ minister, to use your expression, lives above the flat and when - minister, to use your expression, lives above the flat and when i. lives above the flat and when i travel. — lives above the flat and when i travel. i— lives above the flat and when i travel, i have _ lives above the flat and when i travel, i have interviewed - lives above the flat and when ii travel, i have interviewed many world _ travel, i have interviewed many world leaders _ travel, i have interviewed many world leaders and _ travel, i have interviewed many world leaders and they - travel, i have interviewed many world leaders and they live, - world leaders and they live, sometimes _ world leaders and they live, sometimes in _ world leaders and they live, sometimes in literally- world leaders and they live, sometimes in literally in. world leaders and they live, - sometimes in literally in palaces and sometimes _ sometimes in literally in palaces and sometimes it— sometimes in literally in palaces and sometimes it is— sometimes in literally in palaces and sometimes it is surreal- sometimes in literally in palaces - and sometimes it is surreal because of notices— and sometimes it is surreal because of notices that — and sometimes it is surreal because of notices that sometimes - and sometimes it is surreal because of notices that sometimes the - of notices that sometimes the country— of notices that sometimes the country is _ of notices that sometimes the country is falling _ of notices that sometimes the country is falling apart - of notices that sometimes the country is falling apart in - of notices that sometimes the i country is falling apart in some areas. — country is falling apart in some areas. but _ country is falling apart in some areas, but they— country is falling apart in some areas, but they still— country is falling apart in some areas, but they still have - country is falling apart in some areas, but they still have the l areas, but they still have the china. — areas, but they still have the china. the _ areas, but they still have the china, the curtains, - areas, but they still have the china, the curtains, the - areas, but they still have the i china, the curtains, the lovely sofas. — china, the curtains, the lovely sofas. and _ china, the curtains, the lovely sofas, and everything - china, the curtains, the lovely| sofas, and everything properly china, the curtains, the lovely. sofas, and everything properly in its place — sofas, and everything properly in its place even _ sofas, and everything properly in its place even though _ sofas, and everything properly in its place even though it's - sofas, and everything properly in. its place even though it's complete pandemonium _ its place even though it's complete pandemonium outside. _ its place even though it's complete pandemonium outside. i've - its place even though it's complete pandemonium outside. i've never. pandemonium outside. i've never heard _ pandemonium outside. i've never heard people _ pandemonium outside. i've never heard people discussing - pandemonium outside. i've never heard people discussing the - heard people discussing the curtains. _ heard people discussing the curtains, but _ heard people discussing the curtains, but renovations, l heard people discussing the . curtains, but renovations, but heard people discussing the - curtains, but renovations, but not in this— curtains, but renovations, but not in this way — curtains, but renovations, but not in this way and _ curtains, but renovations, but not in this way. and not _ curtains, but renovations, but not in this way. and not connecting i curtains, but renovations, but not. in this way. and not connecting the leaders _

in this way. and not connecting the leaders is — in this way. and not connecting the leaders. is this _ in this way. and not connecting the leaders. is this really— in this way. and not connecting the leaders. is this really 5ymptomatic| leaders. is this really symptomatic of the _ leaders. is this really symptomatic of the politics— leaders. is this really symptomatic of the politics of— leaders. is this really symptomatic of the politics of the _ leaders. is this really symptomatic of the politics of the living - leaders. is this really symptomatic of the politics of the living where l of the politics of the living where nothing — of the politics of the living where nothing is — of the politics of the living where nothing is beyond _ of the politics of the living where nothing is beyond the _ of the politics of the living where nothing is beyond the pale? - of the politics of the living where . nothing is beyond the pale? where especially— nothing is beyond the pale? where especially the _ nothing is beyond the pale? where especially the social— nothing is beyond the pale? where especially the social media, - especially the social media, especially— especially the social media, especially with— especially the social media, especially with really- especially the social media, | especially with really divisive especially the social media, - especially with really divisive and fracture — especially with really divisive and fracture politics, _ especially with really divisive and fracture politics, that— especially with really divisive and fracture politics, that these - especially with really divisive and fracture politics, that these sorts of issues — fracture politics, that these sorts of issues are _ fracture politics, that these sorts of issues are fair— fracture politics, that these sorts of issues are fair game, - fracture politics, that these sorts of issues are fair game, if- fracture politics, that these sorts of issues are fair game, if you'd i of issues are fair game, if you'd like? _ of issues are fair game, if you'd like? i— of issues are fair game, if you'd like? ., ., like? i wonder that, given the detachment _ like? i wonder that, given the detachment you _ like? i wonder that, given the detachment you get - like? i wonder that, given the detachment you get from - like? i wonder that, given the i detachment you get from being like? i wonder that, given the - detachment you get from being an outsider looking in prior many years in your mentionjim callahan, who most would say, regardless of parties, was a model of rectitude. you will be quite appalled with people talking about things like sofas and curtains. —— he would be. do you think one solution would be to stop paying our prime ministers like this? i to stop paying our prime ministers like this? ~ ., , to stop paying our prime ministers like this? ~ . , ., like this? i think that is an argument _ like this? i think that is an argument which _ like this? i think that is an argument which is - like this? i think that is an argument which is open i like this? i think that is an | argument which is open for like this? i think that is an - argument which is open for debate and talked about in parliament. but some _ and talked about in parliament. but some that _

and talked about in parliament. but some that the prime minister says is, some that the prime minister says is. out _ 5ome that the prime minister says is. out of— some that the prime minister says is, out of pocket for any reason, then— is, out of pocket for any reason, then there — is, out of pocket for any reason, then there must be something to it. obviously. _ then there must be something to it. obviously, he earned a lot more money— obviously, he earned a lot more money writing for the telegraph and also doing _ money writing for the telegraph and also doing lectures, including india where _ also doing lectures, including india where he _ also doing lectures, including india where he was very handsomely made this into _ where he was very handsomely made this into thousand 19, if not mistaken. income has come down, but he also _ mistaken. income has come down, but he also has _ mistaken. income has come down, but he also has even while being —— 2019. _ he also has even while being —— 2019. he — he also has even while being —— 2019, he comes from royalty from his books. _ 2019, he comes from royalty from his books. he _ 2019, he comes from royalty from his books, he has got to properties and discover— books, he has got to properties and discover rental income. so, it is adding — discover rental income. so, it is adding up _ discover rental income. so, it is adding up. it's not as if he is living — adding up. it's not as if he is living in— adding up. it's not as if he is living in poverty. but, in this case. — living in poverty. but, in this case. it— living in poverty. but, in this case. it is— living in poverty. but, in this case. it is a _ living in poverty. but, in this case, it is a matter of principle. i am reminded of a case more than 20 years— am reminded of a case more than 20 years ago— am reminded of a case more than 20 years ago for— am reminded of a case more than 20 years ago for a lot of you may remember— years ago for a lot of you may remember this, which is peter mendelson having to step down from

secretary _ mendelson having to step down from secretary of state because he borrowed money from a fellow mp and a fellow _ borrowed money from a fellow mp and a fellow minister forjeffrey robinson. the actual loan dose given to him _ robinson. the actual loan dose given to him to _ robinson. the actual loan dose given to him to buy a house in london took place _ to him to buy a house in london took place or— to him to buy a house in london took place or was— to him to buy a house in london took place or was given to him before the lahour— place or was given to him before the labour party came into government in 1987~_ labour party came into government in i987~ but— labour party came into government in 1987. but since the matter came to li-ht 1987. but since the matter came to light while — 1987. but since the matter came to light while he was the secretary of state. _ light while he was the secretary of state. he — light while he was the secretary of state, he had to step down and there was certainly the standard that was applied _ was certainly the standard that was applied and therefore in this case, whether— applied and therefore in this case, whether the original money came from a loan _ whether the original money came from a loan or— whether the original money came from a loan or a _ whether the original money came from a loan or a grant, whether the original money came from a loan ora grant, i whether the original money came from a loan or a grant, i think that's had _ a loan or a grant, i think that's bad enough because we all know of the people, business men in particular, do not lend or give aid unless— particular, do not lend or give aid unless there is something in return and that— unless there is something in return and that is— unless there is something in return and that is where it gets really murky— and that is where it gets really murky and it gets so murky that the level of— murky and it gets so murky that the level of prime minister is a little disturbing.

level of prime minister is a little disturbinu. ., , ., disturbing. the details of the prime minister, i have _ disturbing. the details of the prime minister, i have paid _ disturbing. the details of the prime minister, i have paid for _ disturbing. the details of the prime minister, i have paid for it - disturbing. the details of the prime minister, i have paid for it and - disturbing. the details of the prime minister, i have paid for it and as l minister, i have paid for it and as far as the end of the subject, this may not eminently bring boris johnson's career to an end but is it possible that this will shorten the amount of time has left in downing street, do you think? it amount of time has left in downing street, do you think?— amount of time has left in downing street, do you think? it depends on what happens _ street, do you think? it depends on what happens with _ street, do you think? it depends on what happens with the _ street, do you think? it depends on what happens with the opinion - street, do you think? it depends on | what happens with the opinion polls. if he what happens with the opinion polls. if he finds _ what happens with the opinion polls. if he finds it alljust to hellish if he finds it all just to hellish in the coming months —— too. he also has this protective shield and while they are in place and colleagues, while viewing him privately with some wariness these days and all the way through, will not move against him because he still seems to be a winner. if that changes, he is on a really slippery slope. but i want to contextualize this. there's the smith in britain that sleeves alone

can bring down prime ministers —— mist. otherfactors have to play into it, economic incompetence was major when it came to falling of the exchange rate. there has to be a dynamic alternative as there was seemingly in the mid—90s with tony blair in new labour. there have to be other factors for it to have that fatal impact and sleeves alone, there is a pattern where voters turned away and actually, you mentioned callahan, a lot of sleaze allegations and one for elections at allegations and one for elections at a five. there needs to be other issues whirling around as well him this vaccine roll—out being very successful in britain, that does not apply at the moment. but it might well do when the economic consequences of the pandemic are

addressed along with all the other chaotic things going on in number ten and including brexit. so, other factors might also come into play. what do people think because it will be a crew neck assistance the political classes, as they said, there's three possibly for investigations but there has to be something serious in this. but the sun is shining _ something serious in this. but the sun is shining and _ something serious in this. but the sun is shining and britain - something serious in this. but the sun is shining and britain as - something serious in this. but the sun is shining and britain as one l something serious in this. but the | sun is shining and britain as one of the most _ 5un is shining and britain as one of the most successful— sun is shining and britain as one of the most successful vaccine - the most successful vaccine roll-outs _ the most successful vaccine roll-outs in _ the most successful vaccine roll—outs in the _ the most successful vaccine roll—outs in the world. - the most successful vaccine roll—outs in the world. we i the most successful vaccine . roll—outs in the world. we are curing — roll—outs in the world. we are curing this— roll—outs in the world. we are curing this going _ roll—outs in the world. we are curing this going to— roll—outs in the world. we are curing this going to be - roll—outs in the world. we are curing this going to be an - roll—outs in the world. we are - curing this going to be an economic revival— curing this going to be an economic revival and — curing this going to be an economic revival and wet _ curing this going to be an economic revival and wet it _ curing this going to be an economic revival and wet it how _ curing this going to be an economic revival and wet it how are - curing this going to be an economic revival and wet it how are people . revival and wet it how are people going _ revival and wet it how are people going to — revival and wet it how are people going to vote? _ revival and wet it how are people going to vote? does _ revival and wet it how are people going to vote? does this - revival and wet it how are people going to vote? does this really . going to vote? does this really matter— going to vote? does this really matter to _ going to vote? does this really matter to the _ going to vote? does this really matter to the british _ going to vote? does this really matter to the british public- going to vote? does this really matter to the british public in. going to vote? does this really . matter to the british public in the same _ matter to the british public in the same way— matter to the british public in the same way that _ matter to the british public in the same way that it _ matter to the british public in the same way that it matters - matter to the british public in the same way that it matters to - matter to the british public in the same way that it matters to our. same way that it matters to our conversation _ same way that it matters to our conversation today _ same way that it matters to our conversation today into - same way that it matters to our conversation today into the - same way that it matters to ourl conversation today into the pond same way that it matters to our- conversation today into the pond and some _ conversation today into the pond and some parliamentarians? _ conversation today into the pond and some parliamentarians? infill- conversation today into the pond and some parliamentarians?— some parliamentarians? will be discussina some parliamentarians? will be discussing this _ some parliamentarians? will be discussing this next _ some parliamentarians? will be discussing this next weekend i some parliamentarians? will be | discussing this next weekend on dateline. the predecessor, if you want to know what that is all about,

just go to your internet search engine on the internet search engine and just type in raincoats. and see what comes up. journalism is rapidly running out of words descriptive enough to capture the scale and horror of the covid crisis gripping india. as the world's second most populous country, it's no surprise that the number of people who've contracted the virus is measured in millions, or the number of deaths in hundreds of thousands. almost every day recently, the number of infections has reached a record high. yet, measured as a percentage of population, india's fatality rate is relatively low — much lower, say, than the united states or britain. i was looking at the figures on one of the sites, thejohn hopkins university site and they have india down at 1a point five people in the thousand in terms of mortality rate. even the uk's 191. thousand in terms of mortality rate. even the uk's191. slightly worse than the us because we were hit

particularly bad in the first way. how credible are these mortality figures in the light of the international comparison? the official figures _ international comparison? the official figures are two fatalities in india — official figures are two fatalities in india not being at the level of what _ in india not being at the level of what has — in india not being at the level of what has occurred in the united kingdom — what has occurred in the united kingdom or the united states. and we are talking _ kingdom or the united states. and we are talking about the percentage of the population. but i would venture to say— the population. but i would venture to say and — the population. but i would venture to say and this is an expert opinion that is— to say and this is an expert opinion that is come — to say and this is an expert opinion that is come from the medical fraternity— that is come from the medical fraternity and it has come from eyewitness accounts and has come from _ eyewitness accounts and has come from what — eyewitness accounts and has come from what i — eyewitness accounts and has come from what i would call circumstantial evidence, the figures do not _ circumstantial evidence, the figures do not appear to be correct. and this is— do not appear to be correct. and this is not— do not appear to be correct. and this is not merely pertaining to this is not merely pertaining to this year. — this is not merely pertaining to this year, but also last year. what is being _ this year, but also last year. what is being said is that right at this moment. — is being said is that right at this moment, the figures are way below what is _ moment, the figures are way below what is reality and that being the case. _ what is reality and that being the case. i— what is reality and that being the case, i think there is reason to worry— case, i think there is reason to worry and _ case, i think there is reason to worry and i—

case, i think there is reason to worry and i don't know if nd and other— worry and i don't know if nd and other towns will go past other countries _ other towns will go past other countries but for the moment, it is a very— countries but for the moment, it is a very grim — countries but for the moment, it is a very grim situation. if you take an aerial— a very grim situation. if you take an aerial view of delhi it would appear— an aerial view of delhi it would appear as _ an aerial view of delhi it would appear as if there has been a bomhing _ appear as if there has been a bombing raid over the city because fires are _ bombing raid over the city because fires are burning everywhere. fires are burning — fires are burning everywhere. fires are burning in car parks,, public parks— are burning in car parks,, public parks funeral fires because the crematorium us cannot cope. it is a devastating — crematorium us cannot cope. it is a devastating scene and i think that tells you — devastating scene and i think that tells you how serious this storm is. the government is at its wits and in india _ the government is at its wits and in india has— the government is at its wits and in india has a — the government is at its wits and in india has a very good team of doctors — india has a very good team of doctors nationwide and it does not have infrastructure and this is a monumental crisis because we had one year to— monumental crisis because we had one year to prepare for the second wave, but didn't. _

year to prepare for the second wave, but didn't, he declared victory and he tore _ but didn't, he declared victory and he tore the — but didn't, he declared victory and he tore the world, the form, that he save humanity and yet, this was always— save humanity and yet, this was always a — save humanity and yet, this was always a possibility and so when it struck. _ always a possibility and so when it struck. he — always a possibility and so when it struck, he and india were completely unprepared. its struck, he and india were completely unprepared-— unprepared. as he says, there was a ear of unprepared. as he says, there was a year of grace — unprepared. as he says, there was a year of grace period _ unprepared. as he says, there was a year of grace period almost, - unprepared. as he says, there was a year of grace period almost, some i year of grace period almost, some government saying that the worst is over and that we've got vaccines that solve the problem. a vaccination on its own is not enough, if you can roll it out, india has had some difficulty with that. reporting this weekend, the tribal area which has, not a lot of money but spent his budget on things like ensuring all hospitals could generate their own oxygen. other people thought ahead and others set on their hands waiting for political direction from above. but that underlines, mix the governments performance in this look even worse, doesn't it? ~ .

performance in this look even worse, doesn't it? ~ , . ,, performance in this look even worse, doesn't it? ~ , . , , ., , doesn't it? musee crisis of these proportions. _ doesn't it? musee crisis of these proportions. it — doesn't it? musee crisis of these proportions, it is _ doesn't it? musee crisis of these proportions, it is in _ doesn't it? musee crisis of these proportions, it is in these - doesn't it? musee crisis of these proportions, it is in these most l proportions, it is in these most inhumane _ proportions, it is in these most inhumane moments _ proportions, it is in these most inhumane moments where - proportions, it is in these most inhumane moments where you| proportions, it is in these most- inhumane moments where you see these moments _ inhumane moments where you see these moments of— inhumane moments where you see these moments of shining — inhumane moments where you see these moments of shining humanity. _ inhumane moments where you see these moments of shining humanity. you - moments of shining humanity. you mentioned — moments of shining humanity. you mentioned this _ moments of shining humanity. you mentioned this person— moments of shining humanity. you mentioned this person who - moments of shining humanity. you mentioned this person who took i moments of shining humanity. you mentioned this person who took it| mentioned this person who took it upon _ mentioned this person who took it upon himself— mentioned this person who took it upon himself to _ mentioned this person who took it upon himself to prepare, - mentioned this person who took it upon himself to prepare, but - mentioned this person who took iti upon himself to prepare, but every time you _ upon himself to prepare, but every time you see — upon himself to prepare, but every time you see absolutely _ time you see absolutely heartbreaking _ time you see absolutely heartbreaking report. time you see absolutely . heartbreaking report from time you see absolutely - heartbreaking report from new time you see absolutely _ heartbreaking report from new delhi or mumhai _ heartbreaking report from new delhi or mumhai or— heartbreaking report from new delhi or mumhai or any— heartbreaking report from new delhi or mumbai orany other— heartbreaking report from new delhi or mumbai or any other part - heartbreaking report from new delhi or mumbai or any other part of- or mumbai or any other part of india. — or mumbai or any other part of india, there's— or mumbai or any other part of india, there's also _ or mumbai or any other part of india, there's also the - india, there's also the heart—warming - india, there's also the | heart—warming stories india, there's also the - heart—warming stories about india, there's also the _ heart—warming stories about how local— heart—warming stories about how local people _ heart—warming stories about how local people are _ heart—warming stories about how local people are coming - heart—warming stories about how local people are coming together| local people are coming together with whatever _ local people are coming together with whatever means. _ local people are coming together with whatever means. you - local people are coming together with whatever means. you have. local people are coming together. with whatever means. you have the local businessman _ with whatever means. you have the local businessman electing - with whatever means. you have the local businessman electing oxygenl local businessman electing oxygen canisters. — local businessman electing oxygen canisters. the _ local businessman electing oxygen canisters, the big _ local businessman electing oxygen canisters, the big businessmen - canisters, the big businessmen providing — canisters, the big businessmen providing helicopters— canisters, the big businessmen providing helicopters to - canisters, the big businessmen providing helicopters to fly - canisters, the big businessmen i providing helicopters to fly people to places — providing helicopters to fly people to places where _ providing helicopters to fly people to places where there _ providing helicopters to fly people to places where there are - providing helicopters to fly people to places where there are hospital beds available _ to places where there are hospital beds available in _ to places where there are hospital beds available in nicu _ to places where there are hospital beds available in nicu units. - beds available in nicu units. they're — beds available in nicu units. they're pulling _ beds available in nicu units. they're pulling together, - beds available in nicu units. they're pulling together, is i beds available in nicu units. | they're pulling together, is it because _ they're pulling together, is it because they're _ they're pulling together, is it because they're such - they're pulling together, is it because they're such a - they're pulling together, is it because they're such a largel because they're such a large community— because they're such a large community with _ because they're such a large community with ancestry - because they're such a large community with ancestry ori because they're such a large. community with ancestry or is because they're such a large - community with ancestry or is it 'u5t community with ancestry or is it just because _ community with ancestry or is it just because the _ community with ancestry or is it just because the skill— community with ancestry or is it just because the skill of- community with ancestry or is it just because the skill of the - just because the skill of the crisis. — just because the skill of the crisis. but _ just because the skill of the crisis, but every _ just because the skill of the crisis, but everyjournalist i| just because the skill of the i crisis, but everyjournalist i do not know— crisis, but everyjournalist i do not know if— crisis, but everyjournalist i do not know if it's _ crisis, but everyjournalist i do not know if it's the _ crisis, but everyjournalist i do not know if it's the same, - crisis, but everyjournalist i do not know if it's the same, buti crisis, but everyjournalist i do - not know if it's the same, but every time _ not know if it's the same, but every time your— not know if it's the same, but every time yourjournals _ not know if it's the same, but every time yourjournals reporting - not know if it's the same, but every time yourjournals reporting from . time yourjournals reporting from india. _ time yourjournals reporting from

india. they— time yourjournals reporting from india, they also _ time yourjournals reporting from india, they also have _ time yourjournals reporting from india, they also have a _ time yourjournals reporting from india, they also have a personal. india, they also have a personal note _ india, they also have a personal note for— india, they also have a personal note for they _ india, they also have a personal note for they say, _ india, they also have a personal note for they say, i _ india, they also have a personal note for they say, i have - india, they also have a personal note for they say, i have lost. india, they also have a personal note for they say, i have lost a. note for they say, i have lost a friend. — note for they say, i have lost a friend. i— note for they say, i have lost a friend, i have _ note for they say, i have lost a friend, i have lost _ note for they say, i have lost a friend, i have lost a _ note for they say, i have lost a friend, i have lost a family- note for they say, i have lost a - friend, i have lost a family member and when _ friend, i have lost a family member and wheni— friend, i have lost a family member and when i wake _ friend, i have lost a family member and when i wake up _ friend, i have lost a family member and when i wake up in _ friend, i have lost a family member and when i wake up in the - friend, i have lost a family member| and when i wake up in the morning, the first— and when i wake up in the morning, the first thing — and when i wake up in the morning, the first thing i— and when i wake up in the morning, the first thing i do— and when i wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is— and when i wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is check- and when i wake up in the morning, the first thing i do is check who - the first thing i do is check who have _ the first thing i do is check who have i— the first thing i do is check who have i lost— the first thing i do is check who have i lost but— the first thing i do is check who have i lost but is— the first thing i do is check who have i lost but is close - the first thing i do is check who have i lost but is close to - the first thing i do is check who have i lost but is close to me . the first thing i do is check who l have i lost but is close to me and we have — have i lost but is close to me and we have a — have i lost but is close to me and we have a wonderful _ have i lost but is close to me and we have a wonderful team - have i lost but is close to me and we have a wonderful team of- have i lost but is close to me and l we have a wonderful team of strong teams _ we have a wonderful team of strong teams in _ we have a wonderful team of strong teams in india — we have a wonderful team of strong teams in india doing _ we have a wonderful team of strong teams in india doing fantastic- teams in india doing fantastic reporting _ teams in india doing fantastic reporting but _ teams in india doing fantastic reporting but they're - teams in india doing fantastic reporting but they're also - teams in india doing fantastic- reporting but they're also worried about _ reporting but they're also worried about their— reporting but they're also worried about their friends _ reporting but they're also worried about their friends and _ reporting but they're also worried about their friends and family, i about their friends and family, they're — about their friends and family, they're worried _ about their friends and family, they're worried about - about their friends and family, i they're worried about themselves about their friends and family, - they're worried about themselves and they're worried about themselves and the number— they're worried about themselves and the number of— they're worried about themselves and the number of social— they're worried about themselves and the number of social media _ they're worried about themselves and the number of social media people i the number of social media people saying _ the number of social media people saying my— the number of social media people saying my friend. _ the number of social media people saying my friend, december- the number of social media people saying my friend, december no - the number of social media people i saying my friend, december no wreck and get. _ saying my friend, december no wreck and get, december— saying my friend, december no wreck and get, december no— saying my friend, december no wreck and get, december no work— saying my friend, december no wreck and get, december no work where . saying my friend, december no wreck and get, december no work where i. and get, december no work where i can get— and get, december no work where i can get a _ and get, december no work where i can get a bed? _ and get, december no work where i can get a bed? the _ and get, december no work where i can get a bed? the social— and get, december no work where i can get a bed? the social media - and get, december no work where i can get a bed? the social media isl can get a bed? the social media is pulsating — can get a bed? the social media is pulsating and _ can get a bed? the social media is pulsating and the _ can get a bed? the social media is pulsating and the fear _ can get a bed? the social media is pulsating and the fear and - can get a bed? the social media is pulsating and the fear and the - can get a bed? the social media i5| pulsating and the fear and the cries for help _ pulsating and the fear and the cries for help as— pulsating and the fear and the cries for hel. �* ., , pulsating and the fear and the cries for hel. �* . , , for help. a reminder that this is one of the _ for help. a reminder that this is one of the situations _ for help. a reminder that this is one of the situations were - for help. a reminder that this is | one of the situations were social media really earns its spurs and justifies the amount of attention and resources that is thrown into a facade where it really matters. it is life—and—death for many communities. is life-and-death for many communities.— is life-and-death for many communities. , ., ., , ., communities. yes, social media is an enabler and — communities. yes, social media is an enabler and does _ communities. yes, social media is an enabler and does empower— communities. yes, social media is an

enabler and does empower people i communities. yes, social media is an enabler and does empower people atj communities. yes, social media is an i enabler and does empower people at a local level, not the least and the crisis where there has been leadership vacuum but it is odd that india escaped early on but it has this complacency engendered at the top and the lack of leadership, the lack of smart ways of networks to distribute, especially vaccine has led to this panic stricken dependency on goodwill and local communities acting in this way but it is watchable and that image of the equivalent of a bomb hitting delhi is unbearable to contemplate and the worry is that although social media can mean the people can communicate and co—ordinate, the power to resolve and to instruct remains with leaders as we know from our experiences here. and that has

been lacking with terrible consequences.— been lacking with terrible conseuuences. .. ., been lacking with terrible conseuuences. ., ., �* ., , consequences. you mentioned boris johnson and — consequences. you mentioned boris johnson and you _ consequences. you mentioned boris johnson and you said _ consequences. you mentioned boris johnson and you said that _ consequences. you mentioned boris johnson and you said that the - johnson and you said that the scandal in inverted commas about refurbishment may not have much impact on his prospects of remaining prime minister, but this is a real scandal and it's costing thousands of lives on a weekly basis. do you think there will be a significant political backlash, notjust the kind is from strangers to help people in a crisis, whether the anger of voters will actually be demonstrated against them in the coming months? that demonstrated against them in the coming months?— demonstrated against them in the cominu months? �* ., coming months? at the moment, there is dee and coming months? at the moment, there is deep and rising _ coming months? at the moment, there is deep and rising anger, _ coming months? at the moment, there is deep and rising anger, it _ coming months? at the moment, there is deep and rising anger, it is _ coming months? at the moment, there is deep and rising anger, it is too - is deep and rising anger, it is too early— is deep and rising anger, it is too early to— is deep and rising anger, it is too early to tell — is deep and rising anger, it is too early to tell with them having to step down. at the moment, he has done _ step down. at the moment, he has done everything wrong. for instance, india done everything wrong. for instance, india has—

done everything wrong. for instance, india has a _ done everything wrong. for instance, india has a company called serum institute — india has a company called serum institute which is the biggest manufacturer of vaccines in the world _ manufacturer of vaccines in the world and — manufacturer of vaccines in the world and serum institute has acquired — world and serum institute has acquired the licence from oxford to manufacture the vaccine. and what did they _ manufacture the vaccine. and what did they do? they asked the institute _ did they do? they asked the institute to export the vaccine to other— institute to export the vaccine to other countries to win points rather than give _ other countries to win points rather than give vaccines to his own people _ than give vaccines to his own people. today, with this crisis and with people panic stricken, there is a shortage — with people panic stricken, there is a shortage of vaccines and therefore, where britain has achieved _ therefore, where britain has achieved by way of vaccinating people — achieved by way of vaccinating people and creating this safe, relatively safe and feel—good factor situation. _ relatively safe and feel—good factor situation, that simply does not ekist— situation, that simply does not exist here _ situation, that simply does not exist here at the moment because india _ exist here at the moment because india has— exist here at the moment because india has a — exist here at the moment because india has a long way to go before it can vaccinate adequately its people. it is can vaccinate adequately its people. it is still— can vaccinate adequately its people. it is still below 15% in terms of the first—

it is still below 15% in terms of the first dose only. so, you can imagine — the first dose only. so, you can imagine what scale the problem has escalated _ imagine what scale the problem has escalated injust a imagine what scale the problem has escalated in just a few weeks. and escalated in 'ust a few weeks. and divertin: escalated in just a few weeks. and diverting the _ escalated in just a few weeks. fific diverting the path of escalated in just a few weeks. 2:1c diverting the path of this escalated in just a few weeks. 2.1c diverting the path of this is very remote at this stage. a brief question. is there is story, given all our obsession with wallpaper, is there anything that you have noticed that you would like to mark our audiences card about? the obsession is not with wallpaper, _ audiences card about? the obsession is not with wallpaper, it _ audiences card about? the obsession is not with wallpaper, it is _ audiences card about? the obsession is not with wallpaper, it is with - is not with wallpaper, it is with the rules and propriety. joe biden's speech this week which was a radical argument for the state and spending to boost the economy was really interesting. but he has been described as a centrist, but he is always been a radical. he is one

that lifted the speech about a thousand generations and the advance of the state as an enabler and i think it is interesting that people like george osborne and david cameron were described its interests. and in the us, you have someone perceived as that was actually doing a lot and terms of using the state as a benevolent force and the poll suggests its popular. force and the poll suggests its --oular. ~ ~' ., force and the poll suggests its “oulan . .. ., ., popular. well, i think from a british perspective, - popular. well, i think from a british perspective, i- popular. well, i think from a british perspective, i am - popular. well, i think from a | british perspective, i am very surprised. british perspective, i am very surprised-— british perspective, i am very surprised. for several weeks, british media _ surprised. for several weeks, british media have _ surprised. for several weeks, british media have ignored i surprised. for several weeks, | british media have ignored his surprised. for several weeks, - british media have ignored his story in india _ british media have ignored his story in india. this concerns christian michelle. — in india. this concerns christian michelle, who has been in prison in india _ michelle, who has been in prison in india for— michelle, who has been in prison in india for over two and a half years without _ india for over two and a half years without a — india for over two and a half years without a trial. accused of being bribed _ without a trial. accused of being bribed in— without a trial. accused of being bribed in a — without a trial. accused of being

bribed in a helicopter deal, some 13 years— bribed in a helicopter deal, some 13 years ago— bribed in a helicopter deal, some 13 years ago and it does not appear to be a credible charge against him and yet, be a credible charge against him and yet. he _ be a credible charge against him and yet. he is _ be a credible charge against him and yet. he is in — be a credible charge against him and yet, he is in the most hazardous of conditions — yet, he is in the most hazardous of conditions in — yet, he is in the most hazardous of conditions in a delhi jail and the situation — conditions in a delhi jail and the situation with covid—19, the danger to him _ situation with covid—19, the danger to him is— situation with covid—19, the danger to him is even greater. but the point _ to him is even greater. but the point of— to him is even greater. but the point of the matter is, even if he is not _ point of the matter is, even if he is not accused or if he needs to go on trial— is not accused or if he needs to go on trial at— is not accused or if he needs to go on trial at some point, you cannot hold _ on trial at some point, you cannot hold a _ on trial at some point, you cannot hold a person indefinitely for two and a _ hold a person indefinitely for two and a half— hold a person indefinitely for two and a half years. i am really shocked _ and a half years. i am really shocked that british media have not picked _ shocked that british media have not picked up _ shocked that british media have not picked up the story so far. very little _ picked up the story so far. very little coverage is taking place as it happens that one of the stories that i— it happens that one of the stories that i did — it happens that one of the stories that i did was for a british paper on this— that i did was for a british paper on this very matter and this was because — on this very matter and this was because the united nations has slammed india on this matter and asked _ slammed india on this matter and asked india to release christian michelle — asked india to release christian michelle immediately.- asked india to release christian michelle immediately. thank you very much. very briefly. _

michelle immediately. thank you very much. very briefly. after _ michelle immediately. thank you very much. very briefly. after talk - much. very briefly. after talk history because _ much. very briefly. after talk history because they - much. very briefly. after talk history because they have i much. very briefly. after talk l history because they have been bringing — history because they have been bringing up— history because they have been bringing up history. _ history because they have been bringing up history. history- history because they have been bringing up history. history in. history because they have been i bringing up history. history in the year in _ bringing up history. history in the year in afghanistan, _ bringing up history. history in the year in afghanistan, 20 _ bringing up history. history in the year in afghanistan, 20 years- bringing up history. history in thel year in afghanistan, 20 years after nato forces — year in afghanistan, 20 years after nato forces went _ year in afghanistan, 20 years after nato forces went in, _ year in afghanistan, 20 years after nato forces went in, they - year in afghanistan, 20 years after nato forces went in, they are - year in afghanistan, 20 years after nato forces went in, they are nowl nato forces went in, they are now pulling _ nato forces went in, they are now pulling out — nato forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain _ nato forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as _ nato forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as well, - nato forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as well, to - nato forces went in, they are now pulling out. britain as well, to a l pulling out. britain as well, to a very— pulling out. britain as well, to a very uncertain _ pulling out. britain as well, to a very uncertain future _ pulling out. britain as well, to a very uncertain future for - very uncertain future for afghanistan, _ very uncertain future for afghanistan, it- very uncertain future for afghanistan, it is- very uncertain future for afghanistan, it is not. very uncertain future for i afghanistan, it is not really on very uncertain future for - afghanistan, it is not really on the news _ afghanistan, it is not really on the news radar— afghanistan, it is not really on the news radar now _ afghanistan, it is not really on the news radar now but _ afghanistan, it is not really on the news radar now but afghans i afghanistan, it is not really on the news radar now but afghans are i news radar now but afghans are really _ news radar now but afghans are really worried. _ news radar now but afghans are really worried. they _ news radar now but afghans are really worried. they are - news radar now but afghans are really worried. they are ending i news radar now but afghans are i really worried. they are ending the longest— really worried. they are ending the longest war— really worried. they are ending the longest war but _ really worried. they are ending the longest war but the _ really worried. they are ending the longest war but the were _ really worried. they are ending the longest war but the were sent i really worried. they are ending the longest war but the were sent overj longest war but the were sent over for afghanistan. _ longest war but the were sent over for afghanistan. thank— longest war but the were sent over for afghanistan. thank you - longest war but the were sent over for afghanistan. thank you all i longest war but the were sent over for afghanistan. thank you all as i for afghanistan. thank you all as ever~ _ for afghanistan. thank you all as ever~ for— for afghanistan. thank you all as ever~ for being _ for afghanistan. thank you all as ever. for being here _ for afghanistan. thank you all as ever. for being here and - for afghanistan. thank you all as i ever. for being here and datelined london _ ever. for being here and datelined london thank— ever. for being here and datelined london. thank you. _ ever. for being here and datelined london. thank you.— good evening. the weather for the month of april has been pretty quiet, hasn't it? with high—pressure dominating, that's led for some chilly nights and i can confirm now that april

2021 was the frostiest on record. those clear skies also lead to plenty of sunshine and it could be one of the sunniest along with the driest on record as well. one of the reasons we can't firm up on that — well, that's because we've seen some april showers in the last few days, so those rainfall totals need totting up. and, as you can see quite clearly earlier on today there was a real rash of showers across the country. so, it has been a case of sunny spells and scattered showers to close out our final day of april. but those showers will fade away and, actually, as we go through the night, once again those skies stay clear and those temperatures are likely to fall away. so, there could be an early morning frost for the first morning of may, as temperatures in scotland, northern england a northern ireland sit close to freezing. that cooler air sitting right across the country. the wind direction coming from the north — it is going to remain disappointingly cool

for the early half of may, but the winds will be light on saturday and sunday. that means plenty of sunshine first thing. the showers start to develop through the course of the afternoon and we see sunshine and showers as we go through the rest of the day, some of them heavy with some hail and thunder, and temperatures once again disappointing, 8—13 degrees as a day time maximum, way down on where they should be for the first few days of may. similar story for sunday — starting off with some sunshine after an early frost but then showers develop, and some of the showers across england and wales really could be heavy, with the odd rumble of thunder and lightning mixed in there as well. but the change will come on bank holiday monday. we're likely to see significant area of low pressure moving in from the atlantic, and the winds will strengthen — we haven't seen that for quite some time. so, yes it will be wet and windy. what a surprise for a bank holiday monday! that rain pushing into northern ireland, through northern england, and wales. on the leading edge, as it bumps into the colder air in scotland,

there could be some further snow to higher ground. wind gusting widely to 30 miles an hour but perhaps as much as 55 to 60 mph in the exposed coast down into to the southwest. now, under the cloud, the wind and the rain, those temperatures really down for monday.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 8pm... a deadly crush at a religious festival in israel leaves at least 45 people dead, and around 150 injured. all of a sudden we saw paramedics running by doing cpr on kids, and then went after another started coming out of ambulances. then we understood, like, going on here. the actor noel clarke has released a new statement saying he vehemently denies any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing and recent reports make it clear to him that some of his actions have affected julia james, the community support officer whose body was found in woodland, died of serious head injuries, police say.

the first british police officer convicted of belonging to a neo—nazi