welcome to the programme. hello and welcome to the programme, which brings together leading this week: the un—vaccinated become the un—loved, and is democracy bound to wither in the arid lands of north africa and the middle east? let me introduce our dateline panel. mina al orabi's family originated in iraq. she's editor in chief

of the national in abu dhabi. ned temko, from the christian science monitor, was born in the united states but has spent much of his career reporting from the uk. with me in the studio, the british political commentator steve richards, who hosts the podcast rock �*n�* roll politics. welcome to you all. "a pandemic of the un—vaccinated". the phrase used by us presidentjoe biden on thursday illustrates a growing frustration among political leaders in countries fortunate enough to have stocks of covid vaccine that this hasn't been the escape hatch from pandemic they'd hoped for. in france, president macron has told the unvaccinated they won't be allowed into restaurants. in the uk, they could be excluded from football stadia. president biden announced that employees of the federal government who decline to be vaccinated will have to wear masks, keep physically distanced from their colleagues and be tested once or twice a week. earlier, he'd praised the republican governor of alabama, kay ivey. she had said, "it's time to start blaming the unvaccinated folks that are letting us down".

ned, les , plenty of stick around. it is notjust in the united states. what you think that tells us? i think window into the huge frustration that governments in countries that are lucky to have stocks of vaccine and the ability to put the vaccine into arms has so far fallen far short of the number of vaccinations that they wanted to administer, and they feel they need to administer. the other thing it reflects is quite frankly a new urgency, because there has been reports, even in the last 2a hours, based on an in—house assessment by the centers for disease control and the centers for disease control and the united states. suggesting this delta variant, the one that originated it india that is now

prevalent all over the world, is not only more transmissible, it's much, much more transmissible than had been assumed. and it's also capable of infecting and being passed on by fully vaccinated people almost as easily by those who have not been vaccinated. so i think there's a sense of the clock ticking, and i think that's what you're seeing. i think that's what you're seeing. i think we will see more and more to try and ramp up the number of vaccinated people.— try and ramp up the number of vaccinated people. michael gove said this week peeple _ vaccinated people. michael gove said this week people who _ vaccinated people. michael gove said this week people who aren't - this week people who aren't vaccinated are selfish. is there a danger that this desire to push people towards vaccination could actually ultimately be counterproductive? not least in the politics in the uk case, the conservative party. there has been pressure on borisjohnson to lift

rules, to let freedom flourish. know. i think first of all, what michael— know. i think first of all, what michael bo said was a statement of the obvious —— michael gove. there might— the obvious —— michael gove. there might be _ the obvious —— michael gove. there might be a — the obvious —— michael gove. there might be a backlash with a small proportion of... well, maybe a biggish— proportion of... well, maybe a biggish proportion of the tory party — biggish proportion of the tory party. but not elsewhere in the house — party. but not elsewhere in the house of — party. but not elsewhere in the house of commons. the politics of it within_ house of commons. the politics of it within the _ house of commons. the politics of it within the conservative party and what _ within the conservative party and what needs to be done to vaccinate younger— what needs to be done to vaccinate younger people who are reluctant, and what _ younger people who are reluctant, and what needs to be done, and even the libertarian —ish borisjohnson seems _ the libertarian —ish borisjohnson seems to— the libertarian —ish borisjohnson seems to be in agreement. here, the government— seems to be in agreement. here, the government is sort of doing it by saying _ government is sort of doing it by saying if— government is sort of doing it by saying if you don't, you might have to show_ saying if you don't, you might have to show a _ saying if you don't, you might have to show a vaccine passport. there needs_ to show a vaccine passport. there needs to — to show a vaccine passport. there needs to he — to show a vaccine passport. there needs to be more of that clearly, as we are _ needs to be more of that clearly, as we are seeing elsewhere in france and other— we are seeing elsewhere in france and other places. the united states with talk— and other places. the united states with talk of $100 to get vaccinated.

to make _ with talk of $100 to get vaccinated. to make sure we don't get an epidemic— to make sure we don't get an epidemic of the unvaccinated. it seems _ epidemic of the unvaccinated. it seems to— epidemic of the unvaccinated. it seems to me he was making an absolutely straightforward observation. the question is now whether— observation. the question is now whether further measures are needed, irrespective _ whether further measures are needed, irrespective of the mood or percentage of the conservative parliamentary party. gne percentage of the conservative parliamentary party. one argument the can parliamentary party. one argument they can use _ parliamentary party. one argument they can use to _ parliamentary party. one argument they can use to push _ parliamentary party. one argument they can use to push back- parliamentary party. one argument they can use to push back against l they can use to push back against those who say the frustration of these restrictions is the impact on these restrictions is the impact on the economy is to point to the imf report which suggested economic recovery and the strength of it as dependent on vaccination and how quickly you can move back to normality. quickly you can move back to normality-— quickly you can move back to normali , ., normality. absolutely. it's clear now that vaccines _ normality. absolutely. it's clear now that vaccines are _ normality. absolutely. it's clear now that vaccines are integral l normality. absolutely. it's clear| now that vaccines are integral to economic— now that vaccines are integral to economic recovery— now that vaccines are integral to economic recovery in _ now that vaccines are integral to economic recovery in addition i now that vaccines are integral to economic recovery in addition toi economic recovery in addition to continuing — economic recovery in addition to continuing with— economic recovery in addition to continuing with mask _ economic recovery in addition to continuing with mask wearing. l economic recovery in addition to l continuing with mask wearing. it's interesting — continuing with mask wearing. it's interesting to _ continuing with mask wearing. it's interesting to see _ continuing with mask wearing. it's interesting to see certain- continuing with mask wearing. it'sl interesting to see certain countries that have _ interesting to see certain countries that have high _ interesting to see certain countries that have high levels _ interesting to see certain countries that have high levels of _ interesting to see certain countries that have high levels of vaccines i that have high levels of vaccines making — that have high levels of vaccines making decisions— that have high levels of vaccines making decisions to _ that have high levels of vaccines making decisions to take - that have high levels of vaccines making decisions to take off - that have high levels of vaccines i making decisions to take off masks and are _ making decisions to take off masks and are now— making decisions to take off masks and are now seeing _ making decisions to take off masks and are now seeing we _ making decisions to take off masks and are now seeing we will- making decisions to take off masks and are now seeing we will need i and are now seeing we will need them _ and are now seeing we will need them one — and are now seeing we will need them. one thing _ and are now seeing we will need them. one thing to— and are now seeing we will need them. one thing to keep - and are now seeing we will need them. one thing to keep in - and are now seeing we will need | them. one thing to keep in mind and are now seeing we will need . them. one thing to keep in mind is

them. one thing to keep in mind is the picture— them. one thing to keep in mind is the picture is— them. one thing to keep in mind is the picture is still— them. one thing to keep in mind is the picture is still not _ them. one thing to keep in mind is the picture is still not clear- them. one thing to keep in mind is the picture is still not clear how - the picture is still not clear how we're _ the picture is still not clear how we're going _ the picture is still not clear how we're going to _ the picture is still not clear how we're going to get _ the picture is still not clear how we're going to get out - the picture is still not clear how we're going to get out of- the picture is still not clear how we're going to get out of the i we're going to get out of the pandemic, _ we're going to get out of the pandemic, but— we're going to get out of the pandemic, but what - we're going to get out of the pandemic, but what is - we're going to get out of the pandemic, but what is clear| we're going to get out of the i pandemic, but what is clear is vaccines— pandemic, but what is clear is vaccines can't _ pandemic, but what is clear is vaccines can't break— pandemic, but what is clear is vaccines can't break down - pandemic, but what is clear is vaccines can't break down the| vaccines can't break down the numbers _ vaccines can't break down the numbers an _ vaccines can't break down the numbers. an ims _ vaccines can't break down the numbers. an ims report- vaccines can't break down the numbers. an ims report wasl vaccines can't break down the - numbers. an ims report was quite interesting — numbers. an ims report was quite interesting because _ numbers. an ims report was quite interesting because it _ numbers. an ims report was quite interesting because it shows- numbers. an ims report was quite interesting because it shows the l interesting because it shows the disparity— interesting because it shows the disparity between _ interesting because it shows the disparity between the _ interesting because it shows the disparity between the countriesl interesting because it shows the - disparity between the countries that can't afford — disparity between the countries that can't afford to — disparity between the countries that can't afford to have _ disparity between the countries that can't afford to have these _ disparity between the countries that can't afford to have these vaccines i can't afford to have these vaccines fast enough — can't afford to have these vaccines fast enough and _ can't afford to have these vaccines fast enough and those _ can't afford to have these vaccines fast enough and those that - can't afford to have these vaccines fast enough and those that can. i fast enough and those that can. economies— fast enough and those that can. economies that _ fast enough and those that can. economies that have _ fast enough and those that can. economies that have 40% - fast enough and those that can. economies that have 40% of. fast enough and those that can. l economies that have 40% of their population— economies that have 40% of their population vaccinated _ economies that have 40% of their population vaccinated are - economies that have 40% of their. population vaccinated are recovering much _ population vaccinated are recovering much quicker — population vaccinated are recovering much quicker than _ population vaccinated are recovering much quicker than merging - population vaccinated are recovering . much quicker than merging economies that frankly _ much quicker than merging economies that frankly have _ much quicker than merging economies that frankly have been _ much quicker than merging economies that frankly have been able _ much quicker than merging economies that frankly have been able to - that frankly have been able to vaccinate _ that frankly have been able to vaccinate more _ that frankly have been able to vaccinate more than - that frankly have been able to vaccinate more than ten - that frankly have been able to vaccinate more than ten to . that frankly have been able to i vaccinate more than ten to 15%. that frankly have been able to - vaccinate more than ten to 15%. in a way, _ vaccinate more than ten to 15%. in a way, this— vaccinate more than ten to 15%. in a way, this idea — vaccinate more than ten to 15%. in a way, this idea that— vaccinate more than ten to 15%. in a way, this idea that we _ vaccinate more than ten to 15%. in a way, this idea that we can _ vaccinate more than ten to 15%. in a way, this idea that we can ignore . way, this idea that we can ignore the vaccines _ way, this idea that we can ignore the vaccines and _ way, this idea that we can ignore the vaccines and see _ way, this idea that we can ignore the vaccines and see economic. the vaccines and see economic recovery— the vaccines and see economic recovery is— the vaccines and see economic recovery is impossible. - the vaccines and see economic recovery is impossible.- the vaccines and see economic recovery is impossible. 6.596 seeing very healthy. _ recovery is impossible. 6.596 seeing very healthy. but — recovery is impossible. 6.596 seeing very healthy, but it _ recovery is impossible. 6.596 seeing very healthy, but it was _ recovery is impossible. 6.596 seeing very healthy, but it was predicted . very healthy, but it was predicted to be a .5%. —— 8.5. we mentioned michael gove talking about shame. does this kind of language give any

cause, should it give us any cause for unease? some court of social pariahs. for unease? some court of social ariahs. �* ,, , , pariahs. i'm with steve in the sense that this is a — pariahs. i'm with steve in the sense that this is a statement _ pariahs. i'm with steve in the sense that this is a statement of - pariahs. i'm with steve in the sense that this is a statement of the - that this is a statement of the blindingly obvious. i do get now such a broad consensus that no matter what else we need to get out of the pandemic, the vaccination is art of it. i think the more interesting question is perhaps, and it's a debate that's ongoing in the united states, is whether that kind of language will work. in other words, the key is how you get vaccine hesitant people to getjobs. and it's a mixed of financial inducements and various other things —— to getjabs. my suspicion is, particularly when new information, either we may see a shift in the

messaging in some countries away from presenting vaccination. and honein from presenting vaccination. and hone in on it a little bit like the anti—smoking campaigns of recent years as a matter of self—interest because of the vaccinations, they may or may not be effective against the delta variant in terms of transmission, but they remain — and cross fingers they will remain — a very effective in keeping you out of the hospitals and keeping you from dying of this illness. i think that will increasingly be core to the public messaging. irate will increasingly be core to the public messaging.— will increasingly be core to the public messaging. we saw a bit of that in northern _ public messaging. we saw a bit of that in northern ireland _ public messaging. we saw a bit of that in northern ireland where - public messaging. we saw a bit of. that in northern ireland where they had lower rates, and saying this could have consequences. might mean other treatments can't be provided. that's sort of blame to that instinct, because i might need that

treatment, my mum, my friend might need it. if treatment, my mum, my friend might need it. , ., , ., treatment, my mum, my friend might need it. , .,, ., , need it. if people are being selfish, that _ need it. if people are being selfish, that might - need it. if people are being selfish, that might be - need it. if people are being selfish, that might be one. need it. if people are being i selfish, that might be one way need it. if people are being - selfish, that might be one way of encouraging them to take the vaccine — encouraging them to take the vaccine. but i think there are limits— vaccine. but i think there are limits to _ vaccine. but i think there are limits to exultation when faced with resistance — limits to exultation when faced with resistance. it's very interesting talking — resistance. it's very interesting talking about smoking. for years and years. _ talking about smoking. for years and years. the _ talking about smoking. for years and years, the warning smoking kills, but years, the warning smoking kills, hut it— years, the warning smoking kills, hut it was— years, the warning smoking kills, but it was actually a smoking ban that stopped people from smoking in pubs and _ that stopped people from smoking in pubs and restaurants and public transport — pubs and restaurants and public transport. they did take that extra, and it— transport. they did take that extra, and it might take more forms of compulsions. that's a terrible word, but exultation might not be enough with some — but exultation might not be enough with some young people. then what do you do? _ with some young people. then what do you do? and _ with some young people. then what do you do? and there are many other leaders. _ you do? and there are many other leaders, including more extensive use of— leaders, including more extensive use of vaccine passport. my sense is that might _ use of vaccine passport. my sense is that might be necessary. given it is

so obvious— that might be necessary. given it is so obvious it — that might be necessary. given it is so obvious it makes a difference, yet so obvious it makes a difference, vet there — so obvious it makes a difference, yet there is— so obvious it makes a difference, yet there is this resistance. it's quite _ yet there is this resistance. it's quite a — yet there is this resistance. it's quite a significant level of resistance among some younger people — resistance among some younger eo le, ., ~' , , . covid unrest lies behind the political turmoil which has roiled tunisia, the one country where multi—party democracy appeared to have established roots during the arab spring. president kais saied suspended the legislature and fired the prime minister, sunday. his actions — a coup, said some — followed a day of mass street protests in defiance of the pandemic lockdown. what's gone wrong into news the —— tunisia and is the president's response proportionate? what's going on inc. response proportionate? what's going on the tunisia — response proportionate? what's going on inc. tunisia has _ response proportionate? what's going on inc. tunisia has been _ response proportionate? what's going on inc. tunisia has been going - response proportionate? what's going on inc. tunisia has been going on - on inc. tunisia has been going on for several— on inc. tunisia has been going on for several months _ on inc. tunisia has been going on for several months now— on inc. tunisia has been going on for several months now and - on inc. tunisia has been going on| for several months now and some people _ for several months now and some people would _ for several months now and some people would say— for several months now and some people would say even _ for several months now and some people would say even years. - for several months now and some people would say even years. thei people would say even years. the covid-19 — people would say even years. the covid—19 response _ people would say even years. the covid—19 response has— people would say even years. the covid—19 response has in- people would say even years. the covid—19 response has in large . people would say even years. the. covid—19 response has in large part been _ covid—19 response has in large part been lagging — covid—19 response has in large part been lagging behind _ covid—19 response has in large part been lagging behind what- covid—19 response has in large part been lagging behind what people . covid—19 response has in large part. been lagging behind what people have been lagging behind what people have been expecting — been lagging behind what people have been expecting. you've _ been lagging behind what people have been expecting. you've had _ been lagging behind what people have been expecting. you've had debts - been lagging behind what people have been expecting. you've had debts on|

been expecting. you've had debts on average _ been expecting. you've had debts on average reaching _ been expecting. you've had debts on average reaching 180 _ been expecting. you've had debts on average reaching 180 per— been expecting. you've had debts on average reaching 180 per day- been expecting. you've had debts on average reaching 180 per day of - been expecting. you've had debts on average reaching 180 per day of a - average reaching180 per day of a population— average reaching180 per day of a population of— average reaching 180 per day of a population of only _ average reaching 180 per day of a population of only 11 _ average reaching 180 per day of a population of only 11 million. - average reaching 180 per day of a population of only 11 million. you| population of only 11 million. you have _ population of only 11 million. you have hospitals— population of only 11 million. you have hospitals turn _ population of only 11 million. you have hospitals turn people - population of only 11 million. you have hospitals turn people awayl have hospitals turn people away because — have hospitals turn people away because thevm _ have hospitals turn people away because they... this _ have hospitals turn people away because they... this has - have hospitals turn people away because they... this has been l because they... this has been happening _ because they... this has been happening primarily— because they... this has been happening primarily in - because they... this has been happening primarily in the - because they... this has been| happening primarily in the last because they... this has been - happening primarily in the last few months _ happening primarily in the last few months this — happening primarily in the last few months. this is _ happening primarily in the last few months. this is actually _ happening primarily in the last few months. this is actually more - happening primarily in the last few months. this is actually more than happening primarily in the last few i months. this is actually more than a year after— months. this is actually more than a year after it — months. this is actually more than a year after it was _ months. this is actually more than a year after it was declared. _ months. this is actually more than a year after it was declared. in - year after it was declared. in addition, _ year after it was declared. in addition, there _ year after it was declared. in addition, there is— year after it was declared. in addition, there is a - year after it was declared. in addition, there is a real- year after it was declared. in - addition, there is a real problem of corruption — addition, there is a real problem of corruption inside _ addition, there is a real problem of corruption inside of— addition, there is a real problem of corruption inside of tunisia. - addition, there is a real problem of corruption inside of tunisia. the i corruption inside of tunisia. the president— corruption inside of tunisia. the president himself— corruption inside of tunisia. the president himself has _ corruption inside of tunisia. the president himself has said - corruption inside of tunisia. thel president himself has said you're looking _ president himself has said you're looking at— president himself has said you're looking at around _ president himself has said you're looking at around $4.6 _ president himself has said you're looking at around $4.6 billion - looking at around $4.6 billion that's— looking at around $4.6 billion that's been— looking at around $4.6 billion that's been swindled - looking at around $4.6 billion that's been swindled away. i looking at around $4.6 billion - that's been swindled away. people's dav-to-dav— that's been swindled away. people's day-to-dav lives _ that's been swindled away. people's day—to—day lives have _ that's been swindled away. people's day—to—day lives have not _ that's been swindled away. people's day—to—day lives have not improved| day—to—day lives have not improved since _ day—to—day lives have not improved since the _ day—to—day lives have not improved since the revolution. _ day—to—day lives have not improved since the revolution. covid—19 - since the revolution. covid—19 exacerbated _ since the revolution. covid—19 exacerbated it. _ since the revolution. covid—19 exacerbated it. the _ since the revolution. covid—19 exacerbated it. the president| since the revolution. covid—19 - exacerbated it. the president said he would — exacerbated it. the president said he would suspend _ exacerbated it. the president said he would suspend parliament- exacerbated it. the president said he would suspend parliament for. exacerbated it. the president said. he would suspend parliament for 13 days, _ he would suspend parliament for 13 days, the _ he would suspend parliament for 13 days, the first _ he would suspend parliament for 13 days, the first week— he would suspend parliament for 13 days, the first week is _ he would suspend parliament for 13 days, the first week is about - he would suspend parliament for 13 days, the first week is about to - days, the first week is about to end, _ days, the first week is about to end. and — days, the first week is about to end. and then— days, the first week is about to end, and then has _ days, the first week is about to end, and then has said - days, the first week is about to end, and then has said we - days, the first week is about to - end, and then has said we must work at getting _ end, and then has said we must work at getting better _ end, and then has said we must work at getting better government. - end, and then has said we must work at getting better government. in- at getting better government. in general, — at getting better government. in general, people— at getting better government. in general, people in— at getting better government. in general, people in tunisia - at getting better government. in. general, people in tunisia support that, _ general, people in tunisia support that, and — general, people in tunisia support that, and they— general, people in tunisia support that, and they feel— general, people in tunisia support that, and they feel tired _

general, people in tunisia support that, and they feel tired because i that, and they feel tired because the parliament— that, and they feel tired because the parliament and _ that, and they feel tired because the parliament and governmentl that, and they feel tired because i the parliament and government has largely— the parliament and government has largely been — the parliament and government has largely been spending _ the parliament and government has largely been spending most- the parliament and government has largely been spending most of- the parliament and government has largely been spending most of its . largely been spending most of its time struggling _ largely been spending most of its time struggling. there's- largely been spending most of its time struggling. there's a - largely been spending most of its time struggling. there's a sensel time struggling. there's a sense that we — time struggling. there's a sense that we need _ time struggling. there's a sense that we need somebody - time struggling. there's a sense that we need somebody to - time struggling. there's a sense that we need somebody to bringi time struggling. there's a sense i that we need somebody to bring all these _ that we need somebody to bring all these together— that we need somebody to bring all these together to _ that we need somebody to bring all these together to make _ that we need somebody to bring all these together to make it - that we need somebody to bring all these together to make it work. - that we need somebody to bring all. these together to make it work. what makes _ these together to make it work. what makes tunisia — these together to make it work. what makes tunisia successful _ these together to make it work. what makes tunisia successful is _ these together to make it work. what makes tunisia successful is also - makes tunisia successful is also because — makes tunisia successful is also because it — makes tunisia successful is also because it is _ makes tunisia successful is also because it is a _ makes tunisia successful is also because it is a holistic— makes tunisia successful is also because it is a holistic society, i because it is a holistic society, and that's— because it is a holistic society, and that's important— because it is a holistic society, and that's important in- because it is a holistic society, | and that's important in addition because it is a holistic society, . and that's important in addition to the fact— and that's important in addition to the fact that — and that's important in addition to the fact that you _ and that's important in addition to the fact that you have _ and that's important in addition to the fact that you have strong - and that's important in addition to| the fact that you have strong trade unions, _ the fact that you have strong trade unions, that— the fact that you have strong trade unions, that even— the fact that you have strong trade unions, that even predate - the fact that you have strong trade unions, that even predate the - unions, that even predate the revolution— unions, that even predate the revolution of— unions, that even predate the revolution of a _ unions, that even predate the revolution of a decade - unions, that even predate the revolution of a decade ago. i unions, that even predate the - revolution of a decade ago. those actors _ revolution of a decade ago. those actors are — revolution of a decade ago. those actors are still— revolution of a decade ago. those actors are still playing _ revolution of a decade ago. those actors are still playing a _ revolution of a decade ago. those l actors are still playing a prominent role and _ actors are still playing a prominent role and have — actors are still playing a prominent role and have said _ actors are still playing a prominent role and have said they— actors are still playing a prominent role and have said they will- actors are still playing a prominent role and have said they will watch. role and have said they will watch what _ role and have said they will watch what has — role and have said they will watch what has happened. _ role and have said they will watch what has happened. frankly, - role and have said they will watch what has happened. frankly, i. what has happened. frankly, i haven't— what has happened. frankly, i haven't come _ what has happened. frankly, i haven't come out _ what has happened. frankly, i haven't come out in— what has happened. frankly, i haven't come out in support . what has happened. frankly, i| haven't come out in support of what has happened. frankly, i- haven't come out in support of the government. — haven't come out in support of the government, which— haven't come out in support of the government, which means - haven't come out in support of the government, which means there . haven't come out in support of the i government, which means there is haven't come out in support of the l government, which means there is a problem _ government, which means there is a problem -- — government, which means there is a problem -- they— government, which means there is a problem —— they haven't. _ government, which means there is a problem —— they haven't. all- government, which means there is a problem —— they haven't. all the - problem —— they haven't. all the makeup— problem —— they haven't. all the makeup of— problem —— they haven't. all the makeup of the _ problem —— they haven't. all the makeup of the system, - problem —— they haven't. all the makeup of the system, so- problem —— they haven't. all the. makeup of the system, so society problem —— they haven't. all the - makeup of the system, so society is holding _ makeup of the system, so society is holding its _ makeup of the system, so society is holding its breath, _ makeup of the system, so society is holding its breath, but— makeup of the system, so society is holding its breath, but we _ makeup of the system, so society is holding its breath, but we must- makeup of the system, so society is holding its breath, but we must be i holding its breath, but we must be careful _ holding its breath, but we must be careful so — holding its breath, but we must be careful. so far, _ holding its breath, but we must be careful. so far, the _ holding its breath, but we must be careful. so far, the president - holding its breath, but we must be careful. so far, the president saidl careful. so far, the president said he doesn't — careful. so far, the president said he doesn't plan _ careful. so far, the president said he doesn't plan to _ careful. so far, the president said he doesn't plan to consolidate - he doesn't plan to consolidate power —

he doesn't plan to consolidate ower. . �* , he doesn't plan to consolidate ower. ., �* , ., he doesn't plan to consolidate ower. ., �*, ., , he doesn't plan to consolidate ower. , power. that's a problem that's existed for _ power. that's a problem that's existed for years _ power. that's a problem that's existed for years and - power. that's a problem that's existed for years and goes - power. that's a problem that's| existed for years and goes back power. that's a problem that's - existed for years and goes back well beyond the arab spring revolution of 2011. is there a danger that the response becomes a default? what we need is a strong leader, someone who will get things done. i need is a strong leader, someone who will get things done.— will get things done. i think there is, and i think, _ will get things done. i think there is, and i think, and _ will get things done. i think there is, and i think, and i— will get things done. i think there is, and i think, and i hope - will get things done. i think there is, and i think, and i hope we - will get things done. i think there is, and i think, and i hope we cani is, and i think, and i hope we can take at face value the words that he doesn't want to consolidate power in his own hands. but i think mina is right, the groups will be keeping an eye on this because for all its faults, tunisia was the last semblance of a functioning democracy, although it didn't function very well. so i think the stakes are fairly high.— function very well. so i think the stakes are fairly high. covid has a otential stakes are fairly high. covid has a potential to _ stakes are fairly high. covid has a potential to be _ stakes are fairly high. covid has a potential to be a _ stakes are fairly high. covid has a potential to be a really _ stakes are fairly high. covid has a potential to be a really significant

factor. . . potential to be a really significant factor. ., ., ., ., , factor. yeah, and it dominates the olitics, factor. yeah, and it dominates the politics. sadly. _ factor. yeah, and it dominates the politics, sadly, and _ factor. yeah, and it dominates the politics, sadly, and all— politics, sadly, and all democracies at the _ politics, sadly, and all democracies at the moment. it's very hard to make _ at the moment. it's very hard to make judgements about the longer—term implications of any current— longer—term implications of any current holding situation anywhere. ithink— current holding situation anywhere. i think you are going to mention australia, — i think you are going to mention australia, for example, where the government was perceived to have done _ government was perceived to have done guite — government was perceived to have done quite well early on. and now it's perceived to be done quite badlv— it's perceived to be done quite badly because they don't have the vaccines, — badly because they don't have the vaccines, they're still cocooned with _ vaccines, they're still cocooned with people not allowed in or out. still have — with people not allowed in or out. still have these persistent regular lockdown. so still have these persistent regular lockdown. , lockdown. so inevitably, the incumbent _ lockdown. so inevitably, the incumbent suffers, - lockdown. so inevitably, the incumbent suffers, and - lockdown. so inevitably, the incumbent suffers, and the l lockdown. so inevitably, the - incumbent suffers, and the main opposition— incumbent suffers, and the main opposition party labour are ahead in the polls _ opposition party labour are ahead in the polls. you can see something of that happening in the united kingdom. both here are unreliable narrators — kingdom. both here are unreliable narrators. but during the sort of euphoria — narrators. but during the sort of euphoria of the vaccine roll—out,

the tories — euphoria of the vaccine roll—out, the tories were miles ahead as the a comment _ the tories were miles ahead as the a comment. now whetherthere the tories were miles ahead as the a comment. now whether there are doubts— comment. now whether there are doubts about opening up and some of the incoherence of policymaking is a bit clearer, — the incoherence of policymaking is a bit clearer, the polls are narrowing. to make sense of politics in any _ narrowing. to make sense of politics in any democracy at the moment, you have to _ in any democracy at the moment, you have to weigh in the freakish conditions we've all been living in for the last— conditions we've all been living in for the last 18 months. we aren't out of— for the last 18 months. we aren't out of vet — for the last 18 months. we aren't out of yet-— out of yet. how is it going in and ira: ? out of yet. how is it going in and lraq? that's _ out of yet. how is it going in and iraq? that's democracy - out of yet. how is it going in and iraq? that's democracy with - out of yet. how is it going in and . iraq? that's democracy with enough problems to deal with and enough troubles to establish itself after the saddam hussein regime, after the american—led invasion. how much has covid complicated the picture there? well, it's complicated people's lives _ well, it's complicated people's lives incredibly. _ well, it's complicated people's lives incredibly. the _ well, it's complicated people's lives incredibly. the global- lives incredibly. the global picture. _ lives incredibly. the global picture. as— lives incredibly. the global picture, as you _ lives incredibly. the global picture, as you know, - lives incredibly. the global picture, as you know, is. lives incredibly. the global- picture, as you know, is already quite _ picture, as you know, is already quite difficult, _ picture, as you know, is already quite difficult, but _ picture, as you know, is already quite difficult, but we've - picture, as you know, is already quite difficult, but we've seen. quite difficult, but we've seen again— quite difficult, but we've seen again how— quite difficult, but we've seen again how corruption - quite difficult, but we've seen again how corruption and - again how corruption and mismanagement- again how corruption and mismanagement lead - again how corruption and mismanagement lead to| again how corruption and - mismanagement lead to people again how corruption and _ mismanagement lead to people losing their lives _

mismanagement lead to people losing their lives. we've _ mismanagement lead to people losing their lives. we've had _ mismanagement lead to people losing their lives. we've had two— mismanagement lead to people losing their lives. we've had two major- their lives. we've had two major hospital— their lives. we've had two major hospital fires— their lives. we've had two major hospital fires due _ their lives. we've had two major hospital fires due to _ their lives. we've had two major hospital fires due to oxygen - hospital fires due to oxygen cylinders _ hospital fires due to oxygen cylinders catching _ hospital fires due to oxygen cylinders catching fire, - hospital fires due to oxygen cylinders catching fire, andl cylinders catching fire, and therefore _ cylinders catching fire, and therefore the _ cylinders catching fire, and therefore the entire - cylinders catching fire, and. therefore the entire hospital cylinders catching fire, and - therefore the entire hospital not having _ therefore the entire hospital not having the — therefore the entire hospital not having the right _ therefore the entire hospital not having the right sprinklers, - therefore the entire hospital not having the right sprinklers, and i therefore the entire hospital not. having the right sprinklers, and two different— having the right sprinklers, and two different cities— having the right sprinklers, and two different cities only _ having the right sprinklers, and two different cities only about _ having the right sprinklers, and two different cities only about seven - different cities only about seven weeks _ different cities only about seven weeks apart _ different cities only about seven weeks apart. we _ different cities only about seven weeks apart. we had _ different cities only about seven weeks apart. we had dozens- different cities only about seven weeks apart. we had dozens ofl different cities only about seven - weeks apart. we had dozens of deaths and injuries _ weeks apart. we had dozens of deaths and injuries so. — weeks apart. we had dozens of deaths and injuries. so, it— weeks apart. we had dozens of deaths and injuries. so, it shows— weeks apart. we had dozens of deaths and injuries. so, it shows you - and injuries. so, it shows you that we don't _ and injuries. so, it shows you that we don't have _ and injuries. so, it shows you that we don't have the _ and injuries. so, it shows you that we don't have the underpinnings. and injuries. so, it shows you thati we don't have the underpinnings of good _ we don't have the underpinnings of good governance _ we don't have the underpinnings of good governance and _ we don't have the underpinnings of good governance and we _ we don't have the underpinnings of good governance and we don't - we don't have the underpinnings of| good governance and we don't have the underpinnings _ good governance and we don't have the underpinnings of— good governance and we don't have the underpinnings of actually - the underpinnings of actually setting — the underpinnings of actually setting up— the underpinnings of actually setting up public— the underpinnings of actually setting up public sectors - the underpinnings of actuallyj setting up public sectors that the underpinnings of actually - setting up public sectors that serve the public— setting up public sectors that serve the public rather— setting up public sectors that serve the public rather than _ setting up public sectors that serve the public rather than its _ setting up public sectors that serve the public rather than its own - the public rather than its own political — the public rather than its own political agenda. _ the public rather than its own political agenda. in _ the public rather than its own political agenda. in trying - the public rather than its own political agenda. in trying to| the public rather than its own i political agenda. in trying to win votes _ political agenda. in trying to win votes by— political agenda. in trying to win votes by sending _ political agenda. in trying to win votes by sending money- political agenda. in trying to win votes by sending money here i political agenda. in trying to win. votes by sending money here and there _ votes by sending money here and there to _ votes by sending money here and there to influence _ votes by sending money here and there to influence people, - votes by sending money here and there to influence people, it- there to influence people, it doesn't _ there to influence people, it doesn't serve _ there to influence people, it doesn't serve the _ there to influence people, it doesn't serve the purpose . there to influence people, it| doesn't serve the purpose of there to influence people, it- doesn't serve the purpose of serving people _ doesn't serve the purpose of serving people sadly, — doesn't serve the purpose of serving people. sadly, that's _ doesn't serve the purpose of serving people. sadly, that's what _ doesn't serve the purpose of serving people. sadly, that's what we - doesn't serve the purpose of serving people. sadly, that's what we see i doesn't serve the purpose of serving people. sadly, that's what we see inj people. sadly, that's what we see in irag _ people. sadly, that's what we see in iraq. numbers— people. sadly, that's what we see in iraq. numbers are _ people. sadly, that's what we see in iraq. numbers are rising. _ people. sadly, that's what we see in iraq. numbers are rising. you - people. sadly, that's what we see in iraq. numbers are rising. you werel iraq. numbers are rising. you were talking _ iraq. numbers are rising. you were talking about — iraq. numbers are rising. you were talking about seven _ iraq. numbers are rising. you were talking about seven to _ iraq. numbers are rising. you were talking about seven to 8000 - iraq. numbers are rising. you were talking about seven to 8000 cases| iraq. numbers are rising. you were. talking about seven to 8000 cases a day, and _ talking about seven to 8000 cases a day, and iraq — talking about seven to 8000 cases a day, and iraq doesn't— talking about seven to 8000 cases a day, and iraq doesn't do— talking about seven to 8000 cases a day, and iraq doesn't do much- day, and iraq doesn't do much testing. — day, and iraq doesn't do much testing. so— day, and iraq doesn't do much testing, so when _ day, and iraq doesn't do much testing, so when we _ day, and iraq doesn't do much testing, so when we say- day, and iraq doesn't do muchj testing, so when we say seven day, and iraq doesn't do much. testing, so when we say seven to 8000, _ testing, so when we say seven to 8000, it's— testing, so when we say seven to 8000, it's usually— testing, so when we say seven to 8000, it's usually about - testing, so when we say seven to 8000, it's usually about 40 - testing, so when we say seven to 8000, it's usually about 40 to i 8000, it's usually about 40 to 50,000 —

8000, it's usually about 40 to 50,000 to— 8000, it's usually about 40 to 50,000 to get— 8000, it's usually about 40 to 50,000. to get those - 8000, it's usually about 40 to - 50,000. to get those thousands. it's much _ 50,000. to get those thousands. it's much wider— 50,000. to get those thousands. it's much wider than _ 50,000. to get those thousands. it's much wider than what's _ 50,000. to get those thousands. it's much wider than what's being - much wider than what's being reported _ much wider than what's being reported. irag— much wider than what's being reported. iraq also _ much wider than what's being reported. iraq also has- much wider than what's being reported. iraq also has a - much wider than what's being reported. iraq also has a lot i much wider than what's beingl reported. iraq also has a lot of vaccine — reported. iraq also has a lot of vaccine hesitancy. _ reported. iraq also has a lot of vaccine hesitancy. you're - reported. iraq also has a lot of. vaccine hesitancy. you're looking reported. iraq also has a lot of- vaccine hesitancy. you're looking at two to— vaccine hesitancy. you're looking at two to 3% _ vaccine hesitancy. you're looking at two to 3% of— vaccine hesitancy. you're looking at two to 3% of people _ vaccine hesitancy. you're looking at two to 3% of people getting - two to 3% of people getting vaccinated _ two to 3% of people getting vaccinated. there _ two to 3% of people getting vaccinated. there was - two to 3% of people getting vaccinated. there was an i two to 3% of people getting - vaccinated. there was an initial vaccine — vaccinated. there was an initial vaccine support, _ vaccinated. there was an initial vaccine support, but— vaccinated. there was an initial vaccine support, but it - vaccinated. there was an initial vaccine support, but it has - vaccinated. there was an initial vaccine support, but it has had| vaccinated. there was an initial- vaccine support, but it has had some shipment _ vaccine support, but it has had some shipment delivers, _ vaccine support, but it has had some shipment delivers, and _ vaccine support, but it has had some shipment delivers, and people - vaccine support, but it has had some shipment delivers, and people are l shipment delivers, and people are still hesitant, _ shipment delivers, and people are still hesitant, which _ shipment delivers, and people are still hesitant, which is... - shipment delivers, and people are still hesitant, which is... we - shipment delivers, and people are still hesitant, which is. . .— still hesitant, which is... we had this visit by _ still hesitant, which is... we had this visit by the _ still hesitant, which is... we had this visit by the prime _ still hesitant, which is... we had | this visit by the prime minister to washington, and the announcement by joe biden. what's the application of that decision? joe biden. what's the application of that decision?— that decision? what's interesting is americans and _ that decision? what's interesting is americans and iraqis _ that decision? what's interesting is americans and iraqis have - that decision? what's interesting is americans and iraqis have agreed l americans and iraqis have agreed it's americans and iraqis have agreed its troops— americans and iraqis have agreed its troops that _ americans and iraqis have agreed it's troops that are _ americans and iraqis have agreed it's troops that are ending... - americans and iraqis have agreed i it's troops that are ending... which means— it's troops that are ending... which means they're _ it's troops that are ending... which means they're still— it's troops that are ending... which means they're still going _ it's troops that are ending... which means they're still going to - it's troops that are ending... which means they're still going to have i means they're still going to have 2-3000 — means they're still going to have 2—3000 american— means they're still going to have 2—3000 american troops. - means they're still going to have 2—3000 american troops. the i means they're still going to have - 2—3000 american troops. the prime minister— 2—3000 american troops. the prime minister went— 2—3000 american troops. the prime ministerwent to— 2—3000 american troops. the prime minister went to see _ 2—3000 american troops. the prime minister went to see president - 2—3000 american troops. the prime| minister went to see president biden before _ minister went to see president biden before that — minister went to see president biden before that he —

minister went to see president biden before that. he had _ minister went to see president biden before that. he had been... - minister went to see president biden before that. he had been... it's- minister went to see president biden before that. he had been... it's a - before that. he had been... it's a different— before that. he had been... it's a different story— before that. he had been... it's a different story from _ before that. he had been... it's a different story from afghanistan, | different story from afghanistan, which _ different story from afghanistan, which could — different story from afghanistan, which could be _ different story from afghanistan, which could be much— different story from afghanistan, which could be much more - which could be much more complicated. _ which could be much more complicated. there - which could be much more complicated. there is- which could be much morel complicated. there is some which could be much more _ complicated. there is some american presence _ complicated. there is some american presence in _ complicated. there is some american presence in irag, _ complicated. there is some american presence in iraq, however— complicated. there is some american presence in iraq, however those - presence in iraq, however those militias — presence in iraq, however those militias and _ presence in iraq, however those militias and iranian _ presence in iraq, however those militias and iranian backed - presence in iraq, however those l militias and iranian backed groups are working — militias and iranian backed groups are working hard _ militias and iranian backed groups are working hard to _ militias and iranian backed groups are working hard to make - militias and iranian backed groups are working hard to make it- militias and iranian backed groups are working hard to make it very i are working hard to make it very uncomfortable _ are working hard to make it very uncomfortable for— are working hard to make it very uncomfortable for the _ are working hard to make it very| uncomfortable for the americans are working hard to make it very - uncomfortable for the americans and nato to— uncomfortable for the americans and nato to maintain _ uncomfortable for the americans and nato to maintain even _ uncomfortable for the americans and nato to maintain even that _ uncomfortable for the americans and nato to maintain even that small- nato to maintain even that small true presence _ nato to maintain even that small true presence as _ nato to maintain even that small true presence as they _ nato to maintain even that small true presence as they want - nato to maintain even that small true presence as they want to . nato to maintain even that small true presence as they want to bej true presence as they want to be able to— true presence as they want to be able to stay— true presence as they want to be able to stay in _ true presence as they want to be able to stay in their— true presence as they want to be able to stay in their own- able to stay in their own influence. what _ able to stay in their own influence. what was — able to stay in their own influence. what was interesting _ able to stay in their own influence. what was interesting in _ able to stay in their own influence. what was interesting in that - able to stay in their own influence. . what was interesting in that meeting was president — what was interesting in that meeting was president biden— what was interesting in that meeting was president biden had... - what was interesting in that meeting was president biden had... and - what was interesting in that meetingl was president biden had... and there were only— was president biden had... and there were only two — was president biden had... and there were only two bullet _ was president biden had... and there were only two bullet points _ was president biden had... and there were only two bullet points on - was president biden had... and there were only two bullet points on that i were only two bullet points on that paper~ _ were only two bullet points on that paper. one — were only two bullet points on that paper. one was— were only two bullet points on that paper. one was the _ were only two bullet points on that paper. one was the us _ were only two bullet points on that paper. one was the us was - were only two bullet points on that paper. one was the us was willing| were only two bullet points on that . paper. one was the us was willing to respond _ paper. one was the us was willing to respond to— paper. one was the us was willing to respond to attacks _ paper. one was the us was willing to respond to attacks on _ paper. one was the us was willing to respond to attacks on its _ paper. one was the us was willing to respond to attacks on its interest, i respond to attacks on its interest, and two _ respond to attacks on its interest, and two that — respond to attacks on its interest, and two that iran _ respond to attacks on its interest, and two that iran maybe - respond to attacks on its interest, . and two that iran maybe considering those _ and two that iran maybe considering those attacks — and two that iran maybe considering those attacks which _ and two that iran maybe considering those attacks which is _ and two that iran maybe considering those attacks which is worrying, - those attacks which is worrying, because — those attacks which is worrying, because that _ those attacks which is worrying, because that means _ those attacks which is worrying, because that means iraq - those attacks which is worrying, because that means iraq would i those attacks which is worrying, - because that means iraq would become another— because that means iraq would become another opponent _ because that means iraq would become another opponent.— another opponent. when we mentioned last week, last — another opponent. when we mentioned last week, last thought _ another opponent. when we mentioned last week, last thought on _ another opponent. when we mentioned last week, last thought on this. - last week, last thought on this. contrasting outcomes in iraq and afghanistan, does that suggest the

americans have written off afghanistan as an area of interest and their focus remains on afghanistan as an area of interest and theirfocus remains on iraq? i and their focus remains on iraq? i think it's probably a bit more complicated than that. i think there is a real sense of retreat, like after the vietnam war. still hanging over from the iraq war. after the vietnam war. still hanging overfrom the iraq war. in washington, it's very hard to get consensus in favour of significant military involvement, particularly in the middle east. i think in that sense, it's kind of a political triumph to leave some presents in iraq. i think the more general shift is away from the middle east and europe to a certain extent, and this new primary forest policy focusing on the asia—pacific region —— foreign policy. on the asia-pacific region -- foreign policy-— foreign policy. that's one for another day. _ and now to the �*any other business' at the end of every agenda.

in the case of dateline, it's the opportunity for each of you to tell us about a story or an angle on a story you think has not received sufficient attention so far. ned, do you want to kick us off? i will, and this will sound weird because i'm got a kick off with the olympics, which has been giving a fair amount olympics, which has been giving a fairamount of olympics, which has been giving a fair amount of coverage. not the medals and not even the winners. i'm always transfixed and moved by some of the personal stories that risk getting overlooked or forgotten of those who don't win. in this, i include two remarkable young women. naomi osaka, simone biles, both of whom in different circumstances did not win medals and very courageously and articulately talked about the issues of mental health and

pressures which are too often overlooked. helen glover, a brit, mid 30s, a champion in rowing in the past, who decided after having three kids to make one last crack at getting a medal. i was a moved when she just missed and she and her partner came in fourth just outside the bronze medal position. she made a point which is too often overlooked. she said the reward is knowing that we crossed the line and gaveit knowing that we crossed the line and gave it our all. the frustration and defeat would've been coming away and thinking we had more and we didn't get it. it's kind of put things in context and it reminds us that it's not all about winning, it's not all about the medals.— not all about winning, it's not all about the medals. absolutely. to train to your _ about the medals. absolutely. to train to your best _ about the medals. absolutely. to train to your best and _ about the medals. absolutely. to train to your best and perform - about the medals. absolutely. to train to your best and perform to | train to your best and perform to your utmost and take part and accept defeat as with the same cheerfulness as victory. the irish victory this

week. i as victory. the irish victory this week. ., ., as victory. the irish victory this week. ., , week. i want to say, please take attention to _ week. i want to say, please take attention to paralympics. - week. i want to say, please take attention to paralympics. for - week. i want to say, please take l attention to paralympics. for me, week. i want to say, please take i attention to paralympics. for me, i think— attention to paralympics. for me, i think the _ attention to paralympics. for me, i think the story— attention to paralympics. for me, i think the story i _ attention to paralympics. for me, i think the story i don't _ attention to paralympics. for me, i think the story i don't think- attention to paralympics. for me, i think the story i don't think it's - think the story i don't think it's getting — think the story i don't think it's getting enough— think the story i don't think it's getting enough attention, - think the story i don't think it's getting enough attention, theyj think the story i don't think it's - getting enough attention, they have been protesting _ getting enough attention, they have been protesting in— getting enough attention, they have been protesting in iran, _ been protesting in iran, particularly— been protesting in iran, particularly there - been protesting in iran, particularly there have i been protesting in iran, - particularly there have been at least _ particularly there have been at least nine _ particularly there have been at least nine deaths _ particularly there have been at least nine deaths and - particularly there have been at least nine deaths and 171 - particularly there have been at. least nine deaths and 171 arrests. people _ least nine deaths and 171 arrests. people are — least nine deaths and 171 arrests. people are not— least nine deaths and 171 arrests. people are not paying _ least nine deaths and 171 arrests. people are not paying attention. | people are not paying attention. there _ people are not paying attention. there are — people are not paying attention. there are several _ people are not paying attention. there are several cities - people are not paying attention. there are several cities that - people are not paying attention. i there are several cities that have protest. — there are several cities that have protest. and _ there are several cities that have protest, and unfortunately, - there are several cities that have i protest, and unfortunately, there wasm _ protest, and unfortunately, there was... in — protest, and unfortunately, there was. . . , , protest, and unfortunately, there was... , , , was... in the times, they said they think the era _ was... in the times, they said they think the era of _ was... in the times, they said they think the era of water _ was... in the times, they said they think the era of water wars - was... in the times, they said they think the era of water wars could i was... in the times, they said they | think the era of water wars could be “p think the era of water wars could be up on us sooner rather than later. i ran aside, do you feel some resonance with that? —— iran aside. they already have. a lot of the

protests — they already have. a lot of the protests where _ they already have. a lot of the protests where people - they already have. a lot of the protests where people are - they already have. a lot of the l protests where people are facing power _ protests where people are facing power shortages, _ protests where people are facing power shortages, you _ protests where people are facing power shortages, you see - protests where people are facing power shortages, you see that. protests where people are facing l power shortages, you see that and protests where people are facing - power shortages, you see that and so many— power shortages, you see that and so many parts _ power shortages, you see that and so many parts. water_ power shortages, you see that and so many parts. water wars _ power shortages, you see that and so many parts. water wars in— power shortages, you see that and so many parts. water wars in the - power shortages, you see that and so many parts. water wars in the fight. many parts. water wars in the fight over natural— many parts. water wars in the fight over natural resources _ many parts. water wars in the fight over natural resources for- many parts. water wars in the fight over natural resources for actual i over natural resources for actual survival— over natural resources for actual survival are _ over natural resources for actual survival are going _ over natural resources for actual survival are going to _ over natural resources for actual survival are going to increase . survival are going to increase unfortunately _ survival are going to increase unfortunately with _ survival are going to increase unfortunately with the - survival are going to increase| unfortunately with the impact survival are going to increase i unfortunately with the impact of climate — unfortunately with the impact of climate change. _ unfortunately with the impact of climate change. we— unfortunately with the impact of climate change.— unfortunately with the impact of climate change. unfortunately with the impact of climate chance. . . ,, . . climate change. we talked about that a bit last week _ climate change. we talked about that a bit last week in _ climate change. we talked about that a bit last week in the _ climate change. we talked about that a bit last week in the context of- a bit last week in the context of the german storms in the unsettled weather continuing in many parts of the world. two yeah, the new head of the world. two yeah, the new head of the body called nhs england was a- ointed the body called nhs england was appointed this week. for england, that should be a huge political storv — that should be a huge political storv iri— that should be a huge political story. in each it is —— nhs england runs— story. in each it is —— nhs england runs the _ story. in each it is —— nhs england runs the legendary nhs. but there is a question— runs the legendary nhs. but there is a question to how much this new head of the _ a question to how much this new head of the current deputy, amanda prichard, how much power she will have _ prichard, how much power she will have because the government has held to account _ have because the government has held to account for the running of the nhs~ _ to account for the running of the nhs~ the — to account for the running of the nhs. the health secretary and theory

is going _ nhs. the health secretary and theory is going to _ nhs. the health secretary and theory is going to take more power back with some — is going to take more power back with some reforms going through government at the moment. but it's the current— government at the moment. but it's the current news health secretary clean _ the current news health secretary clean on _ the current news health secretary clean on that idea? if not him, who does _ clean on that idea? if not him, who does hold _ clean on that idea? if not him, who does hold full account? whenever the question— does hold full account? whenever the question is— does hold full account? whenever the question is posed, who is responsible for what? who is in charge — responsible for what? who is in charge for— responsible for what? who is in charge for what? be at the bbc, a football— charge for what? be at the bbc, a football club, the nhs, there's trouble — football club, the nhs, there's trouble ahead. it has been clear for a long _ trouble ahead. it has been clear for a long time — trouble ahead. it has been clear for a long time the divisions of responsibility —— it hasn't been clear — responsibility —— it hasn't been clear the _ responsibility —— it hasn't been clear. the press briefings that used to happen — clear. the press briefings that used to happen in the uk twice or three times— to happen in the uk twice or three times a _ to happen in the uk twice or three times a week, there was never one where _ times a week, there was never one where there — times a week, there was never one where there was a health secretary and the _ where there was a health secretary and the head of nhs england standing together, _ and the head of nhs england standing together, because they wouldn't be sure which— together, because they wouldn't be sure which of the two should answer the questions. they are both theoretically responsible for a lot of it _ theoretically responsible for a lot of it. , ., of it. terrifying to give contradictory - of it. terrifying to give contradictory answer. | of it. terrifying to give l

contradictory answer. or of it. terrifying to give - contradictory answer. or stock s-ueakin contradictory answer. or stock speaking at — contradictory answer. or stock speaking at the _ contradictory answer. or stock speaking at the same - contradictory answer. or stock speaking at the same time. i contradictory answer. or stocki speaking at the same time. so contradictory answer. or stock - speaking at the same time. so these blurred _ speaking at the same time. so these blurred lines will be a big issue on reflecting on what happens next with the nhs _ reflecting on what happens next with the nhs and the role of nhs england so supposedly theoretically powerful, will be in question, as it has been — powerful, will be in question, as it has been all— powerful, will be in question, as it has been all the way through this dance _ has been all the way through this dance between elected politicians and those non—elected people they asked _ and those non—elected people they asked her— and those non—elected people they asked her on the nhs. this applies to so— asked her on the nhs. this applies to so many— asked her on the nhs. this applies to so many institutions in england in this— to so many institutions in england in this era — to so many institutions in england in this era. when the question cannot— in this era. when the question cannot be _ in this era. when the question cannot be coherently answered as to who is— cannot be coherently answered as to who is responsible for what, trouble ahead _ who is responsible for what, trouble ahead for— who is responsible for what, trouble ahead for any institution. around the world — ahead for any institution. around the world. ., ahead for any institution. around the world. ,, . . , ahead for any institution. around theworld. ., . . , ~ . ahead for any institution. around theworld. ,, . . , ~ . . the world. steve richards, mina al orabi and ned _ the world. steve richards, mina al orabi and ned temko, _ the world. steve richards, mina al orabi and ned temko, thank - the world. steve richards, mina al orabi and ned temko, thank you | the world. steve richards, mina al- orabi and ned temko, thank you very much for being with us on this week's dateline. that's it for dateline london for this week. i was reminded when ned mentioned helen glover, won gold in london and rio and came forth this time, set a

lockdown project that's gone too far. from all of us, goodbye. good evening. storm evert has brought disruptive winds through the day for the southern half of the united kingdom. some of the gustiest winds occurred through the morning across southwestern areas into the south of wales. some of the strongest winds further east into the afternoon, where even in land, we had 40—16 mph gusts of wind. it's notjust been a story about wind. we have also had some really torrential rain in central and eastern parts, northern england as well. and those storms, thunderstorms, will continue to rumble on into this evening. and the actual storm itself, storm evert, is moving out into the north sea, but you can see in its wake

still quite a bit of rain. this is a weather front as well coming into eastern scotland, northeast england — temperatures 10—15. so, it's not a particularly cold night, as you can imagine, with all of the cloud still and that breeze. but there will be a subtle change in the wind direction this weekend. we are going to pick up this northerly wind. it's not a warm direction at any time of year, and with our weather fronts around, still giving some moisture into the atmosphere. we are expecting it to be a rather showery picture, particularly for england and wales, fewer showers for scotland and northern ireland. but even that said, some places will escape, and there will be some sunshine. but for eastern parts of both scotland and england, you can see through the morning, we've got that band of rain. our weatherfronts breaking up into showers through the day and providing some moisture generally to the south of that with some heavy downpours. the winds are a bit lighter than they've been today, so we will see hail and thunder in those slow—moving downpours. fewer for scotland and northern ireland, but quite cool with cloudy skies in the north, given that northerly breeze. 19 or 20 in northern ireland

and scotland with fewer showers. the night time period on saturday sees those showers tending to ease away a bit. temperatures dipping again. a little bit lower because of that northerly wind direction, but certainly not cold. but sunday, again, brings with it the risk of some rain, and our weather front still around just giving the chance of extra showers across northern england, into wales and the midlands. but perhaps the really torrential downpours at this stage we think will be more confined to southern areas on sunday. so, there will be more areas escaping and staying dry, notably in the north, but cooler 15—16 celsius with that wind direction. into next week, it stays on the coolish side. still some showers around, but a relatively dry start to the week. the warning details are on the website.

this is bbc news. i'm nancy kasia —— kasia the eu... dressmaker members are reportedly killed after an israeli operated oil tanker is attacked by a drone off the coast of oman. with coronavirus cases rising in parts of the united states, we will get a special report from a county in arkansas where only a third of its population has been fully vaccinated. hollywood star carla johansen sues disney for breach of contract after it streamed her film black widow at the same time as its cinema release —— scarlett johansson.