hello and welcome to the programme which brings together bbc specialists with the foreign correspondents who write and broadcast for audiences back home from datelined london. as boris johnson promises to rebuild britain and why biden�*s buddies are doing his bidding. joining us is mark, from belgium and has spent three

decades explaining the british to the french. jeff mcallister is a us—born lawyer for american media. delighted to have celia from bbc asia pacific. it's full steam ahead for britain's post brexit economy after the covert restriction according to the prime ministerfor, addressing his party. borisjohnson declared himself unconcerned by staff shortages delaying if not imperilling the recovery. not enough lorry drivers, not enough butchers to provide meet on the christmas plate. mrjohnson�*s response, this isn't a government problem. employers should pay more. energy cost making things more expensive to produce consuming everyone else needs to earn more just to stand still. mark, the adam smith institute bears the name of a

great economist who many conservatives revere and have done for the last couple of centuries. they said at the prime minister's speech, bomb backed vacuous and economic — — bombastic and economically illiterate. is that fair? ~ . economically illiterate. is that fair? ., ., ., ., , economically illiterate. is that fair? ., ., ., fair? what you want to do is replace a model based _ fair? what you want to do is replace a model based on low— fair? what you want to do is replace a model based on low wages. - fair? what you want to do is replace a model based on low wages. low. a model based on low wages. low productivity and massive immigration. by a future model based on high wages, high productivity and limited immigration. you can't do that short—term or medium—term. there's a lot of problem. the workers don't want to do the job that eu immigrants were doing. to

change that, you need massive investment in training infrastructure, and the government infrastructure, and the government in the moment doesn't have lots of money. at the moment... . we heard the prime minister _ money. at the moment... . we heard the prime minister say _ money. at the moment... . we heard the prime minister say supply - money. at the moment... . we heard the prime minister say supply chain . the prime minister say supply chain problems are temporary. i noticed on friday he appoint a new adviser. in a properly functioning economy, if there is a shortage of labour, employers respond by improving working conditions and increasing wages. working conditions and increasing wanes. . �* , �* ~' wages. that's true. but i think mark's point — wages. that's true. but i think mark's point is _ wages. that's true. but i think mark's point is right. - wages. that's true. but i think mark's point is right. this - wages. that's true. but i think - mark's point is right. this happens more _ mark's point is right. this happens more over— mark's point is right. this happens more over the medium and long term, not immediately. and i know we can't

speak— not immediately. and i know we can't speak the _ not immediately. and i know we can't speak the b _ not immediately. and i know we can't speak the b word, brexit. we have to blame everything on covid. but both are disruptors in the short term. i think_ are disruptors in the short term. i think everyone likes the idea of a bridge _ think everyone likes the idea of a bridge that is able to pay its workers _ bridge that is able to pay its workers well enough to do the miserable jobs that they don't want to do. _ miserable jobs that they don't want to do. but— miserable jobs that they don't want to do, but that time is not coming anytime — to do, but that time is not coming any time soon. in fact, one of britain's — any time soon. in fact, one of britain's problems for the last 50 years— britain's problems for the last 50 years has— britain's problems for the last 50 years has been low productivity compared to its competitors, and that might — compared to its competitors, and that might be because there's so marry— that might be because there's so many small businesses. it doesn't appear— many small businesses. it doesn't appear because of immigration or the fact there've been a lot of poles who have — fact there've been a lot of poles who have been painted the same way as british _ who have been painted the same way as british people. this is a very tricky— as british people. this is a very tricky long—term problem, and the government if it's intelligent will want _ government if it's intelligent will want to— government if it's intelligent will want to put in long terms

incentives, but i did a phd thesis on british— incentives, but i did a phd thesis on british productivity problems in the 1950s— on british productivity problems in the 19505 and thereafter, and all the 19505 and thereafter, and all the problems are the same. investment in training, low investment in r&d, and these take a inve5tment in r&d, and these take a lon- investment in r&d, and these take a longtime _ investment in r&d, and these take a long time to fix, and the government doesn't _ long time to fix, and the government doesn't have the money to do the investing — doesn't have the money to do the investing or the time to make it inve5ting or the time to make it all happen— investing or the time to make it all happen within bori5 johnson's term. maybe _ happen within bori5 johnson's term. maybe it— happen within bori5 johnson's term. maybe it won't make any difference anyway _ maybe it won't make any difference anyway it— maybe it won't make any difference an a . , ., , anyway. it might be worth dusting off a co . anyway. it might be worth dusting off a cepy- it _ anyway. it might be worth dusting off a copy. it could _ anyway. it might be worth dusting off a copy. it could be _ anyway. it might be worth dusting off a copy. it could be a _ anyway. it might be worth dusting off a copy. it could be a great - off a copy. it could be a great thing to say. i off a copy. it could be a great thing to say-— off a copy. it could be a great thin to sa. ., �* , ., thing to say. i wouldn't wish that on anybody! _ thing to say. i wouldn't wish that on anybody! you _ thing to say. i wouldn't wish that on anybody! you know _ thing to say. i wouldn't wish that on anybody! you know the - thing to say. i wouldn't wish that on anybody! you know the old i thing to say. i wouldn't wish that - on anybody! you know the old nursery rh me on anybody! you know the old nursery rhyme about — on anybody! you know the old nursery rhyme about the _ on anybody! you know the old nursery rhyme about the butcher, _ on anybody! you know the old nursery rhyme about the butcher, the - on anybody! you know the old nursery rhyme about the butcher, the baker . rhyme about the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. lost on businesses at sea at the moment. i understand scottish bakers did a survey back in the summer, 75% of their members couldn't recruit enough staff. that made me think of

the candlestick maker. i spoke to johnny baker, and he said he buys a it used to take him three weeks. it used to take him three weeks. it now takes 20 weeks. as a consumer, have you been noticing this on the shelves?— this on the shelves? absolutely. we're all getting _ this on the shelves? absolutely. we're all getting an _ this on the shelves? absolutely. we're all getting an education i this on the shelves? absolutely. we're all getting an education in global— we're all getting an education in global supply _ we're all getting an education in global supply chains. _ we're all getting an education in global supply chains. we're - we're all getting an education in global supply chains. we're notl we're all getting an education in l global supply chains. we're not all writing _ global supply chains. we're not all writing phd— global supply chains. we're not all writing phd co _ global supply chains. we're not all writing phd cc. it _ global supply chains. we're not all writing phd cc. it could _ global supply chains. we're not all writing phd cc. it could be - writing phd cc. it could be something _ writing phd cc. it could be something like _ writing phd cc. it could be something like milk- writing phd cc. it could be something like milk or... i writing phd cc. it could be| something like milk or... i writing phd cc. it could be - something like milk or... i think boris _ something like milk or... i think borisjohnson _ something like milk or... i think borisjohnson has _ something like milk or... i think boris johnson has said - something like milk or... i think boris johnson has said that - borisjohnson has said that employers _ borisjohnson has said that employers must _ borisjohnson has said that employers must begin- borisjohnson has said that employers must begin to l boris johnson has said that . employers must begin to pay boris johnson has said that - employers must begin to pay more, but from _ employers must begin to pay more, but from what — employers must begin to pay more, but from what i'm _ employers must begin to pay more, but from what i'm learning, - but from what i'm learning, it really — but from what i'm learning, it really is — but from what i'm learning, it really is the _ but from what i'm learning, it really is the poor— but from what i'm learning, it really is the poor that - but from what i'm learning, it really is the poor that are - but from what i'm learning, it| really is the poor that are paid more — really is the poor that are paid more i— really is the poor that are paid more ispoke_ really is the poor that are paid more. i spoke with _ really is the poor that are paid more. i spoke with one - really is the poor that are paid more. i spoke with one taxi i really is the poor that are paid - more. i spoke with one taxi driver who said — more. i spoke with one taxi driver who said he — more. i spoke with one taxi driver who said he hasn't _ more. i spoke with one taxi driver who said he hasn't been - more. i spoke with one taxi driver who said he hasn't been able - more. i spoke with one taxi driver who said he hasn't been able to. more. i spoke with one taxi driver. who said he hasn't been able to work very much because _ who said he hasn't been able to work very much because he _ who said he hasn't been able to work very much because he just— who said he hasn't been able to work very much because he just can't- very much because he just can't get the petrol— very much because he just can't get the petrol into _ very much because he just can't get the petrol into his— very much because he just can't get the petrol into his taxi _ very much because he just can't get the petrol into his taxi to _ very much because he just can't get the petrol into his taxi to get on - the petrol into his taxi to get on with his — the petrol into his taxi to get on with hisjob~ _ the petrol into his taxi to get on with hisjob. also, _ the petrol into his taxi to get on with hisjob. also, in— the petrol into his taxi to get on with hisjob. also, in shops, - the petrol into his taxi to get on . with hisjob. also, in shops, when supplies— with hisjob. also, in shops, when soppiies run— with hisjob. also, in shops, when supplies run low, _ with hisjob. also, in shops, when supplies run low, it'5 _ with hisjob. also, in shops, when supplies run low, it's the - with hisjob. also, in shops, when| supplies run low, it's the cheapest items that — supplies run low, it's the cheapest items that tend _ supplies run low, it's the cheapest items that tend to _

supplies run low, it's the cheapest items that tend to run _ supplies run low, it's the cheapest items that tend to run out - supplies run low, it's the cheapest items that tend to run out first. i items that tend to run out first. richer— items that tend to run out first. richer people _ items that tend to run out first. richer people can _ items that tend to run out first. richer people can reach - items that tend to run out first. richer people can reach for- items that tend to run out first. richer people can reach for the| richer people can reach for the next more _ richer people can reach for the next more expensive _ richer people can reach for the next more expensive thing _ richer people can reach for the next more expensive thing on _ richer people can reach for the next more expensive thing on the - richer people can reach for the next more expensive thing on the shelf. i more expensive thing on the shelf. poorer— more expensive thing on the shelf. poorer people _ more expensive thing on the shelf. poorer people can't. _ more expensive thing on the shelf. poorer people can't. i— more expensive thing on the shelf. poorer people can't. ithink- more expensive thing on the shelf. poorer people can't. i think the - poorer people can't. i think the poor— poorer people can't. i think the poor are — poorer people can't. i think the poor are really _ poorer people can't. i think the poor are really bearing - poorer people can't. i think the poor are really bearing the - poorer people can't. i think the i poor are really bearing the brunt poorer people can't. i think the - poor are really bearing the brunt of these _ poor are really bearing the brunt of these soppiy— poor are really bearing the brunt of these supply change _ poor are really bearing the brunt of these supply change and. - poor are really bearing the brunt of these supply change and. jeff, - poor are really bearing the brunt of these supply change and.— these supply change and. jeff, at what oint these supply change and. jeff, at what point does _ these supply change and. jeff, at what point does the _ these supply change and. jeff, at what point does the prime - these supply change and. jeff, at l what point does the prime minister rhetoric and the economic reality become so glaring that we start to see some kind of public reaction to it? thus far, all the opinions suggest that prime minister remains by a mile by country mile of the most popular political leader. this is the £64 billion question. he does havem _ is the £64 billion question. he does havem part— is the £64 billion question. he does have... part of it is that the labour— have... part of it is that the labour party is very confused about what it _ labour party is very confused about what it can — labour party is very confused about what it can do to make itself different _ what it can do to make itself different from him. i think...

what it can do to make itself different from him. ithink... he also _ different from him. ithink... he also has — different from him. ithink... he also has that wonderful gift of not having _ also has that wonderful gift of not having to — also has that wonderful gift of not having to be a detail person. this is something that hillary clinton suffered — is something that hillary clinton suffered from. she always had to be the smartest person in the room. donald _ the smartest person in the room. donald trump could say, "i don't care" _ donald trump could say, "i don't care" and — donald trump could say, "i don't care." and people like him for it. his rasputin dominic cummings told parliament and told others that he was dreadful about covid. he had really— was dreadful about covid. he had really screwed up the response and was responsible for the deaths of hundreds— was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. and people _ hundreds of thousands of people. and people sort— hundreds of thousands of people. and people sort of snuffed it off. of course. — people sort of snuffed it off. of course, overtime, the barnacles attached — course, overtime, the barnacles attached to — course, overtime, the barnacles attached to any government, but this government's been around for 11 or 12 years _ government's been around for 11 or 12 years. somehow, they've been reinvented — 12 years. somehow, they've been reinvented. it's a remarkable story and reinvented. it'5 a remarkable story and it— reinvented. it's a remarkable story and it witt— reinvented. it's a remarkable story and it will have to be a lot worse before _ and it will have to be a lot worse before he — and it will have to be a lot worse before he bears the political price.

market. _ before he bears the political price. market. is — before he bears the political price. market, is this something to be said for political leaders in what i think sandy baldwin used to call master activity — — stanley baldwin? well, you can't call a french president... all of them have been hyperactive. i think has brought a bit more stability. he's the favourite to win the election. he has a plan to modernise france. with the new coalition. to put france at the new coalition. to put france at the centre of europe. so, i think the centre of europe. so, i think the french are at the moment better positioned than the british because

they have same strong leadership, but a position which, of course, borisjohnson doesn't have or was incapable to describe it in the conference speech.— incapable to describe it in the conference speech. thank you all very much- _ conference speech. thank you all very much. japan's _ conference speech. thank you all very much. japan's new- conference speech. thank you all very much. japan's new prime . very much. japan's new prime minister took office on monday. he's a former minister. the chinese military dispatch 52 aircraft. the fourth day in succession of incursions. since it regards the island as a prophet of china, beijing acknowledges no issues. it does full well, there is one. after six hours, diplomats agreed presidentjoe biden and she in will see each other on zoom. it would be a lovely call to hack into! they

talk hours, days of lug associations and emails to get an agreement to meet face—to—face. and emails to get an agreement to meet face-to-face._ meet face-to-face. absolutely. i think the sides _ meet face-to-face. absolutely. i think the sides have _ meet face-to-face. absolutely. i think the sides have come - meet face-to-face. absolutely. i think the sides have come to - meet face-to-face. absolutely. i think the sides have come to the j think the sides have come to the point _ think the sides have come to the point where _ think the sides have come to the point where they've _ think the sides have come to the point where they've agreed - think the sides have come to the point where they've agreed thatl think the sides have come to the - point where they've agreed that they need to— point where they've agreed that they need to communicate _ point where they've agreed that they need to communicate more. - point where they've agreed that they need to communicate more. i'll- point where they've agreed that they need to communicate more. i'll calll need to communicate more. i'll call this a _ need to communicate more. i'll call this a screen— need to communicate more. i'll call this a screen summit. _ need to communicate more. i'll call this a screen summit. this - need to communicate more. i'll call this a screen summit. this screen l this a screen summit. this screen summit— this a screen summit. this screen summit taking _ this a screen summit. this screen summit taking time, _ this a screen summit. this screen summit taking time, of— this a screen summit. this screen summit taking time, of course . this a screen summit. this screenl summit taking time, of course the sides— summit taking time, of course the sides witt— summit taking time, of course the sides will be — summit taking time, of course the sides will be speaking _ summit taking time, of course the sides will be speaking about - summit taking time, of course the sides will be speaking about somej summit taking time, of course the . sides will be speaking about some of the sides will be speaking about 5ome of the usual— sides will be speaking about some of the usual things _ sides will be speaking about some of the usual things that _ sides will be speaking about some of the usual things that appear - sides will be speaking about some of the usual things that appear over- the usual things that appear over and over — the usual things that appear over and over. trade, _ the usual things that appear over and over. trade, the _ the usual things that appear over and over. trade, the technologyl the usual things that appear over- and over. trade, the technology war. but there _ and over. trade, the technology war. but there are — and over. trade, the technology war. but there are also _ and over. trade, the technology war. but there are also big _ and over. trade, the technology war. but there are also big issues - and over. trade, the technology war. but there are also big issues on- and over. trade, the technology war. but there are also big issues on the i but there are also big issues on the agenda _ but there are also big issues on the agenda that— but there are also big issues on the agenda that aren't _ but there are also big issues on the. agenda that aren't always discussed. we've _ agenda that aren't always discussed. we've got— agenda that aren't always discussed. we've got c0p26 _ agenda that aren't always discussed. we've got cop26 coming _ agenda that aren't always discussed. we've got cop26 coming up - agenda that aren't always discussed. we've got cop26 coming up on - agenda that aren't always discussed. we've got cop26 coming up on the l we've got cop26 coming up on the horizon _ we've got cop26 coming up on the horizon china— we've got cop26 coming up on the horizon. china has— we've got cop26 coming up on the horizon. china has not— we've got cop26 coming up on the horizon. china has not committed i horizon. china has not committed to a delegation. — horizon. china has not committed to a delegation, but— horizon. china has not committed to a delegation, but it's _ horizon. china has not committed to a delegation, but it's widely- horizon. china has not committed to a delegation, but it's widely agreedl a delegation, but it's widely agreed that if— a delegation, but it's widely agreed that if these — a delegation, but it's widely agreed that if these two _ a delegation, but it's widely agreed that if these two countries - a delegation, but it's widely agreed that if these two countries can't - that if these two countries can't -et that if these two countries can't get together. _ that if these two countries can't get together. it _ that if these two countries can't get together, it could _ that if these two countries can't get together, it could turn -

that if these two countries can't get together, it could turn the i that if these two countries can't i get together, it could turn the tide for the _ get together, it could turn the tide for the entire — get together, it could turn the tide for the entire summit. _ get together, it could turn the tide for the entire summit. there's- for the entire summit. there's one thing _ for the entire summit. there's one thing aiso. — for the entire summit. there's one thing also. we _ for the entire summit. there's one thing. also, we have _ for the entire summit. there's one thing. also, we have to _ for the entire summit. there's one thing. also, we have to think- thing. also, we have to think of beijing — thing. also, we have to think of beijing it's_ thing. also, we have to think of beijing it's got _ thing. also, we have to think of beijing. it's got the _ thing. also, we have to think of beijing. it's got the winter- beijing. it'5 got the winter oiympics_ beijing. it's got the winter olympics coming - beijing. it's got the winter olympics coming up. - beijing. it's got the winter olympics coming up. that| beijing. it's got the winter- olympics coming up. that might not be important — olympics coming up. that might not be important for— olympics coming up. that might not be important for many _ olympics coming up. that might not be important for many people, - olympics coming up. that might not be important for many people, but i be important for many people, but beijing _ be important for many people, but beijing is— be important for many people, but beijing is very— be important for many people, but beijing is very anxious _ be important for many people, but beijing is very anxious about - be important for many people, but beijing is very anxious about the l beijing is very anxious about the threat _ beijing is very anxious about the threat of— beijing is very anxious about the threat of a — beijing is very anxious about the threat of a diplomatic— beijing is very anxious about the threat of a diplomatic boycott i beijing is very anxious about the threat of a diplomatic boycott by the united — threat of a diplomatic boycott by the united states. _ threat of a diplomatic boycott by the united states. the - threat of a diplomatic boycott by the united states. the us- threat of a diplomatic boycott byl the united states. the us senate threat of a diplomatic boycott by- the united states. the us senate has passed _ the united states. the us senate has passed a _ the united states. the us senate has passed a bitt— the united states. the us senate has passed a bill advocating _ the united states. the us senate has passed a bill advocating such - the united states. the us senate has passed a bill advocating such a - passed a bill advocating such a boycott — passed a bill advocating such a boycott it _ passed a bill advocating such a boycott. it will— passed a bill advocating such a boycott. it will go _ passed a bill advocating such a boycott. it will go in _ passed a bill advocating such a boycott. it will go in front - passed a bill advocating such a boycott. it will go in front of i boycott. it will go in front of congress _ boycott. it will go in front of congress. beijing _ boycott. it will go in front of congress. beijing would - boycott. it will go in front of congress. beijing would like boycott. it will go in front of. congress. beijing would like to avert _ congress. beijing would like to avert this— congress. beijing would like to avert this if— congress. beijing would like to avert this if possible. - congress. beijing would like to avert this if possible. also, - congress. beijing would like to . avert this if possible. also, we've -ot avert this if possible. also, we've got military— avert this if possible. also, we've got military tensions, _ avert this if possible. also, we've got military tensions, as - avert this if possible. also, we've got military tensions, as you - got military tensions, as you referred _ got military tensions, as you referred to _ got military tensions, as you referred to. tensions - got military tensions, as you referred to. tensions over. got military tensions, as you - referred to. tensions over taiwan, around _ referred to. tensions over taiwan, around the — referred to. tensions over taiwan, around the east _ referred to. tensions over taiwan, around the east china _ referred to. tensions over taiwan, around the east china sea, - referred to. tensions over taiwan, around the east china sea, both i around the east china sea, both sides— around the east china sea, both sides realty— around the east china sea, both sides really guilty— around the east china sea, both sides really guilty of— around the east china sea, both sides really guilty of ramping i around the east china sea, both sides really guilty of ramping up military— sides really guilty of ramping up military tensions _ sides really guilty of ramping up military tensions at _ sides really guilty of ramping up military tensions at the - sides really guilty of ramping upl military tensions at the moment. sides really guilty of ramping up . military tensions at the moment. i think— military tensions at the moment. i think this — military tensions at the moment. i think this will— military tensions at the moment. i think this will take _ military tensions at the moment. i think this will take place _ military tensions at the moment. i think this will take place at - military tensions at the moment. i think this will take place at an - think this will take place at an unusual— think this will take place at an unusual time, _ think this will take place at an unusual time, but— think this will take place at an unusual time, but also - think this will take place at an unusual time, but also on - think this will take place at an unusual time, but also on a l think this will take place at an - unusual time, but also on a string and in _ unusual time, but also on a string and in the — unusual time, but also on a string and in the - — unusual time, but also on a string and in the - - _ unusual time, but also on a string and inthe - - on— unusual time, but also on a string and inthe — — ona_ unusual time, but also on a string and in the — — on a screen- unusual time, but also on a string and in the — — on a screen in- unusual time, but also on a string and in the — — on a screen in an. and in the — — on a screen in an unusual place _ and in the - - on a screen in an unusual place.— and in the - - on a screen in an unusual place. market, in the wake ofthe unusual place. market, in the wake of the row of _ unusual place. market, in the wake of the row of aukus. _ unusual place. market, in the wake of the row of aukus. how - unusual place. market, in the wake of the row of aukus. how does - unusual place. market, in the wake of the row of aukus. how does all| of the row of aukus. how does all

this look from paris and comes back from brussels as well?— this look from paris and comes back from brussels as well? well, britain is wron: from brussels as well? well, britain is wrong because _ from brussels as well? well, britain is wrong because britain _ from brussels as well? well, britain is wrong because britain has - from brussels as well? well, britain| is wrong because britain has nothing to give. also, unreliable country like australia of dealing with the us, anyway after afghanistan. the obvious ally is france because it has indo pacific presidents, it has territory there, it has an army like the british army, it has a permanent seat on the european continent. i think that as soon asjohnson... why doesn't he buy...

think that as soon as johnson. .. why doesn't he buy. . ._ doesn't he buy... give him a deal he couldn't possibly _ doesn't he buy... give him a deal he couldn't possibly refuse. _ doesn't he buy... give him a deal he couldn't possibly refuse. i _ doesn't he buy... give him a deal he couldn't possibly refuse. i think- doesn't he buy... give him a deal he couldn't possibly refuse. i think we | couldn't possibly refuse. i think we might be onto something. jeff, with aukus, with the first ever face—to—face meeting of the four nations, they haven't actually met but they did come to washington to meetjoe biden — do you get a sense that there is finally a bite and strategy emerging about china? i strategy emerging about china? i think biden's idea in foreign policy generally— think biden's idea in foreign policy generally and also with china and the asia—pacific i5 alliances matter _ the asia—pacific i5 alliances matter. he is the anti—trump. he's going _ matter. he is the anti—trump. he's going to _ matter. he is the anti—trump. he's going to try— matter. he is the anti—trump. he's going to try to build gradually the kind of— going to try to build gradually the kind of alliances that the united states _ kind of alliances that the united states knows how to run from the cold war — states knows how to run from the cold war. and in fairness, even during — cold war. and in fairness, even during the _ cold war. and in fairness, even during the cold war, which came out 0k during the cold war, which came out ok for—

during the cold war, which came out ok for the _ during the cold war, which came out ok for the us, during the cold war, which came out ok forthe us, at during the cold war, which came out ok for the us, at the time, it looks often _ ok for the us, at the time, it looks often that— ok for the us, at the time, it looks often that the russians were stronger— often that the russians were stronger and smarter and had more 5tronger and smarter and had more tools— stronger and smarter and had more tools to _ stronger and smarter and had more tools to play with countries around the world — tools to play with countries around the world and the americans felt on the defensive and the dominoes were always— the defensive and the dominoes were always falling. so, even though china _ always falling. so, even though china appears to have the making the weather— china appears to have the making the weather these days and new ways of testing. _ weather these days and new ways of testing, you can understand that perhaps— testing, you can understand that perhaps the americans want to fall back and _ perhaps the americans want to fall back and this idea that with time, they can — back and this idea that with time, they can build alliances that will stand _ they can build alliances that will stand up — they can build alliances that will stand up. now, this is a different opponent — stand up. now, this is a different opponent. the chinese are embedded in the _ opponent. the chinese are embedded in the american economy in a much different— in the american economy in a much different way. in all the other economies, they're able to penetrate all the _ economies, they're able to penetrate all the computer networks that the american _ all the computer networks that the american companies and the american government— american companies and the american government to a much greater degree. they are _ government to a much greater degree. they are a _ government to a much greater degree. they are a much more subtle opponent, and i think with many of the las— opponent, and i think with many of the tits in— opponent, and i think with many of the las in the pacific and potential, they had to be worried that white —

potential, they had to be worried that while joe biden is the adult in the recognisable figure, who really knows _ the recognisable figure, who really knows what's going to happen? — — many— knows what's going to happen? — — many of— knows what's going to happen? — — many of the — knows what's going to happen? — — many of the allies. the coherence of the western alliance is in a very different— the western alliance is in a very different place from what it was in those _ different place from what it was in those days. biden is fighting hard to make — those days. biden is fighting hard to make it— those days. biden is fighting hard to make it look like he can pull it off, to make it look like he can pull it off. but — to make it look like he can pull it off, but only time will see how much he's off, but only time will see how much has abte _ off, but only time will see how much has able to — off, but only time will see how much he's able to-— he's able to. how unnerved do you think is fumio _ he's able to. how unnerved do you think is fumio kishida _ he's able to. how unnerved do you think is fumio kishida and - he's able to. how unnerved do you think is fumio kishida and his - think is fumio kishida and his colleagues how china is rattling everyone's age and affecting not just... the others as well? i everyone's age and affecting not just... the others as well? i think fumio kishida _ just... the others as well? i think fumio kishida will _ just. .. the others as well? i think fumio kishida will walk— just... the others as well? i think fumio kishida will walk a - just... the others as well? i think fumio kishida will walk a very - fumio kishida will walk a very careful— fumio kishida will walk a very careful path _ fumio kishida will walk a very careful path. it's _ fumio kishida will walk a very careful path. it's notable - fumio kishida will walk a very careful path. it's notable that| fumio kishida will walk a very . careful path. it's notable that on his second — careful path. it'5 notable that on his second day— careful path. it's notable that on his second day in _ careful path. it's notable that on his second day in office, he - careful path. it's notable that on. his second day in office, he spoke to president— his second day in office, he spoke to president biden, _ his second day in office, he spoke to president biden, but _ his second day in office, he spoke to president biden, but on - his second day in office, he spoke

to president biden, but on the . to president biden, but on the fourth — to president biden, but on the fourth day. _ to president biden, but on the fourth day. he _ to president biden, but on the fourth day, he spent _ to president biden, but on the fourth day, he spent twice - to president biden, but on the fourth day, he spent twice as. to president biden, but on the - fourth day, he spent twice as long on the _ fourth day, he spent twice as long on the phone _ fourth day, he spent twice as long on the phone with _ fourth day, he spent twice as long on the phone with xi _ fourth day, he spent twice as long on the phone with xi jinping. - fourth day, he spent twice as longi on the phone with xi jinping. japan has a _ on the phone with xi jinping. japan has a lot— on the phone with xi jinping. japan has a lot of— on the phone with xi jinping. japan has a lot of importance _ on the phone with xi jinping. japan has a lot of importance to - on the phone with xi jinping. japan has a lot of importance to place . on the phone with xi jinping. japan has a lot of importance to place onj has a lot of importance to place on its relationship _ has a lot of importance to place on its relationship with _ has a lot of importance to place on its relationship with beijing, - has a lot of importance to place on its relationship with beijing, and l its relationship with beijing, and of course — its relationship with beijing, and of course it's _ its relationship with beijing, and of course it's concerned - its relationship with beijing, and of course it's concerned about. of course it's concerned about aggression _ of course it's concerned about aggression across— of course it's concerned about aggression across the - of course it's concerned about aggression across the taiwan i of course it's concerned about - aggression across the taiwan strait. kishida _ aggression across the taiwan strait. kishida already _ aggression across the taiwan strait. kishida already said _ aggression across the taiwan strait. kishida already said he _ aggression across the taiwan strait. kishida already said he wants - aggression across the taiwan strait. kishida already said he wants to - aggression across the taiwan strait. kishida already said he wants to putj kishida already said he wants to put more _ kishida already said he wants to put more money— kishida already said he wants to put more money into— kishida already said he wants to put more money into coastal— kishida already said he wants to put more money into coastal security, i more money into coastal security, more _ more money into coastal security, more money— more money into coastal security, more money into— more money into coastal security, more money into missile - more money into coastal security, more money into missile defence. thats— more money into missile defence. that's also— more money into missile defence. that's also because _ more money into missile defence. that's also because both - more money into missile defence. that's also because both times . more money into missile defence. that's also because both times hej that's also because both times he was on _ that's also because both times he was on the — that's also because both times he was on the phone, _ that's also because both times he was on the phone, he _ that's also because both times he was on the phone, he was- that's also because both times he| was on the phone, he was publicly thinking _ was on the phone, he was publicly thinking about _ was on the phone, he was publicly thinking about north _ was on the phone, he was publicly thinking about north korea, - was on the phone, he was publicly thinking about north korea, they. was on the phone, he was publicly. thinking about north korea, they are a real— thinking about north korea, they are a real concern — thinking about north korea, they are a real concern. tested _ thinking about north korea, they are a real concern. tested for— thinking about north korea, they are a real concern. tested for missiles . a real concern. tested for missiles in the _ a real concern. tested for missiles in the last— a real concern. tested for missiles in the last months. _ a real concern. tested for missiles in the last months.— in the last months. know was over ja an. in the last months. know was over japan- very _ in the last months. know was over japan- very close! _ in the last months. know was over japan. very close! i _ in the last months. know was over japan. very close! i think- in the last months. know was over japan. very close! i think that's i japan. very close! i think that's one of the _ japan. very close! i think that's one of the common _ japan. very close! i think that's one of the common concerns. l japan. very close! i think that's - one of the common concerns. whether he's on _ one of the common concerns. whether he's on the _ one of the common concerns. whether he's on the phone _ one of the common concerns. whether he's on the phone with _ one of the common concerns. whether he's on the phone with washington - one of the common concerns. whether he's on the phone with washington ori he's on the phone with washington or beijing _ he's on the phone with washington or beijing north— he's on the phone with washington or beijing. north korea _ he's on the phone with washington or beijing. north korea is— he's on the phone with washington or beijing. north korea is always - he's on the phone with washington or beijing. north korea is always in - beijing. north korea is always in the mind — beijing. north korea is always in the mind as _ beijing. north korea is always in the mind as well. _ beijing. north korea is always in the mind as well. just— beijing. north korea is always in the mind as well.— beijing. north korea is always in the mind as well. just on that, mark

roche, he the mind as well. just on that, mark roche. he was _ the mind as well. just on that, mark roche, he was asked _ the mind as well. just on that, mark roche, he was asked with _ roche, he was asked with the american people back military action if china were to attack taiwan. he was very doubtful about that. do you think maybe taiwan should be looking for insurance elsewhere in case china's rhetoric turns into reality? well, europe at the moment, there is a delegation and taiwan close to president micron. in the chinese were furious about it, but it went on. — — president macron. the eu �*s starting negotiations with taiwan. with some sort of agreement. in a way, the eu is more detriment to engage with taiwan. but eu is divided because there are countries

which emphasise human rights or the treatment of democracies, and that's france and scandinavia. on the other hand, you have countries who have very important chinese investment like greece and germany, who would be... in a way, the eu is divided. some good news forjoe biden. on wednesday, a texasjudge some good news forjoe biden. on wednesday, a texas judge walk to the abortion law. the government have meant come under — — come under intense pressure. on otherfronts, the us president is struggling. the media is turning on the administration and intent on insulating mr biden from being imposed with off—topic questions. his recovery plan appears to be in

trouble not because of republicans, because members of congress on his own side. jeff, walk us through some of these problems he's facing, particularly in congress. i of these problems he's facing, particularly in congress. i think ou'll particularly in congress. i think you'll have _ particularly in congress. i think you'll have to _ particularly in congress. i think you'll have to look _ particularly in congress. i think you'll have to look at _ particularly in congress. i think you'll have to look at his - particularly in congress. i think . you'll have to look at his problems in three _ you'll have to look at his problems in three dimensions, starting closest — in three dimensions, starting closest in~ _ in three dimensions, starting closest in. yes, there are problems among _ closest in. yes, there are problems among his — closest in. yes, there are problems among his own caucus. this is inevitable _ among his own caucus. this is inevitable because they are divided, but they're — inevitable because they are divided, but they're still talking, and i think— but they're still talking, and i think they are ideologically not compatible. but the bigger threat is with the _ compatible. but the bigger threat is with the republicans in congress is divided _ with the republicans in congress is divided 50—50. with the republicans in congress is divided 50-50. it with the republicans in congress is divided 50—50. it takes only a few senators— divided 50—50. it takes only a few senators to say they won't do it. it gives— senators to say they won't do it. it gives them — senators to say they won't do it. it gives them huge leverage. some are not interested in biden's agenda and are willing _ not interested in biden's agenda and are willing to stop it. and the third level out is really what is the republican party now? the last

time. _ the republican party now? the last time, under obama, mitch mcconnell said his _ time, under obama, mitch mcconnell said hisjob— time, under obama, mitch mcconnell said hisjob was time, under obama, mitch mcconnell said his job was to make time, under obama, mitch mcconnell said hisjob was to make him a failed — said hisjob was to make him a failed president. and he's doing it again _ failed president. and he's doing it again he — failed president. and he's doing it again. he means to slow everything down _ again. he means to slow everything down and _ again. he means to slow everything down and make things unpleasant so that in— down and make things unpleasant so that in the _ down and make things unpleasant so that in the midterm elections, the democrats — that in the midterm elections, the democrats look like they are not getting _ democrats look like they are not getting anything done. then this backdrop — getting anything done. then this backdrop of donald trump and the republican party, who believe joe biden— republican party, who believe joe biden is— republican party, who believe joe biden is not the legitimate us president. i think trump i5 biden is not the legitimate us president. i think trump is running again _ president. i think trump is running again it's — president. i think trump is running again it's a — president. i think trump is running again. it's a much tougher environment to get anything done, and biden— environment to get anything done, and biden is playing by the rules that he — and biden is playing by the rules that he has to play by, which is old—fashioned horse trading in washington to get anything done. i think his _ washington to get anything done. i think his assumption was if you can -et think his assumption was if you can get these _ think his assumption was if you can get these big packages done, there would _ get these big packages done, there would be _ get these big packages done, there would be a recovery from covid, things— would be a recovery from covid, things would look better, happy days are here _ things would look better, happy days are here again and the democrats would _ are here again and the democrats would be — are here again and the democrats would be ok in the midterms and there _ would be ok in the midterms and there could be a platform to win

again _ there could be a platform to win again but — there could be a platform to win again. but it's looking sour. things are getting — again. but it's looking sour. things are getting better. there are some good _ are getting better. there are some good signs, but the mood music and the obstructionism of republican party— the obstructionism of republican party that is not ronald reagan's republican party means it's quite perilous — republican party means it's quite perilous for any democratic president, and i am very concerned notjust— president, and i am very concerned notjust aboutjoe biden, but president, and i am very concerned not just about joe biden, but about the future — not just about joe biden, but about the future of the country at this is the future of the country at this is the nature — the future of the country at this is the nature of what republicans have become _ the nature of what republicans have become. just the nature of what republicans have become. , , ., the nature of what republicans have become.�* , ., ., the nature of what republicans have become. , ., ., ., become. just on some of those other issues, become. just on some of those other issues. we — become. just on some of those other issues. we have _ become. just on some of those other issues, we have those _ become. just on some of those other issues, we have those terrible - issues, we have those terrible images of haitian people being beaten with whips from the border. by beaten with whips from the border. by us immigration forces. how does that kind of thing go down? canada, where there have been certain expectations. his message had been very different and on trumped. it’s very different and on trumped. it's fascinating to watch this debate from _ fascinating to watch this debate from canada _ fascinating to watch this debate from canada. i— fascinating to watch this debate from canada. i read a _ fascinating to watch this debate from canada. i read a lot of- from canada. i read a lot of

canadian _ from canada. i read a lot of canadian newspapers, - from canada. i read a lot of canadian newspapers, andl from canada. i read a lot of. canadian newspapers, and of from canada. i read a lot of- canadian newspapers, and of course those _ canadian newspapers, and of course those scenes — canadian newspapers, and of course those scenes were _ canadian newspapers, and of course those scenes were described - canadian newspapers, and of course those scenes were described as - those scenes were described as abhorrent _ those scenes were described as abhorrent. but _ those scenes were described as abhorrent. but there _ those scenes were described as abhorrent. but there have - those scenes were described as i abhorrent. but there have been a lot of peopie who — abhorrent. but there have been a lot of people who come out _ abhorrent. but there have been a lot of people who come out of _ of people who come out of haitian communities— of people who come out of haitian communities in— of people who come out of haitian communities in canada to - of people who come out of haitian communities in canada to say- of people who come out of haitian communities in canada to say how dare _ communities in canada to say how dare you. — communities in canada to say how dare you, canadian— communities in canada to say how dare you, canadian government? i communities in canada to say how- dare you, canadian government? when there was— dare you, canadian government? when there was a _ dare you, canadian government? when there was a huge — dare you, canadian government? when there was a huge earthquake, - dare you, canadian government? when there was a huge earthquake, the - there was a huge earthquake, the canadian — there was a huge earthquake, the canadian government— there was a huge earthquake, the canadian government said - there was a huge earthquake, the canadian government said they. canadian government said they sounded — canadian government said they sounded ready. _ canadian government said they sounded ready. some - canadian government said they sounded ready. some of- canadian government said they sounded ready. some of the i canadian government said they- 5ounded ready. some of the haitian sounded ready. some of the haitian immigrant _ 5ounded ready. some of the haitian immigrant communities— sounded ready. some of the haitian immigrant communities have - sounded ready. some of the haitian immigrant communities have said, i sounded ready. some of the haitian. immigrant communities have said, why don't you _ immigrant communities have said, why don't you let _ immigrant communities have said, why don't you let more _ immigrant communities have said, why don't you let more refugees— immigrant communities have said, why don't you let more refugees and? - immigrant communities have said, why don't you let more refugees and? in i don't you let more refugees and? in 2017. _ don't you let more refugees and? in 2017. there — don't you let more refugees and? in 2017. there was— don't you let more refugees and? in 2017, there was a _ don't you let more refugees and? in 2017, there was a huge _ don't you let more refugees and? in 2017, there was a huge wave - don't you let more refugees and? in 2017, there was a huge wave of- 2017, there was a huge wave of asylum—seekers— 2017, there was a huge wave of asylum—seekers who _ 2017, there was a huge wave of asylum—seekers who came - 2017, there was a huge wave of| asylum—seekers who came from 2017, there was a huge wave of- asylum—seekers who came from the united _ asylum—seekers who came from the united states— asylum—seekers who came from the united states who _ asylum—seekers who came from the united states who were _ asylum—seekers who came from the united states who were haitian - asylum—seekers who came from the united states who were haitian into| united states who were haitian into canada _ united states who were haitian into canada to _ united states who were haitian into canada to try — united states who were haitian into canada to try to _ united states who were haitian into canada to try to claim _ united states who were haitian into canada to try to claim refugee - canada to try to claim refugee status. — canada to try to claim refugee status. and _ canada to try to claim refugee status, and canada _ canada to try to claim refugee status, and canada has- canada to try to claim refugee | status, and canada has quietly canada to try to claim refugee - status, and canada has quietly been sending _ 5tatu5, and canada has quietly been sending many— status, and canada has quietly been sending many of— status, and canada has quietly been sending many of those _ status, and canada has quietly been sending many of those people - status, and canada has quietly beenl sending many of those people home. two out _ 5ending many of those people home. two out of— sending many of those people home. two out of three _ sending many of those people home. two out of three applications - sending many of those people home. two out of three applications on - two out of three applications on average — two out of three applications on average are _ two out of three applications on average are rejected, _ two out of three applications on average are rejected, so - two out of three applications on average are rejected, so those i average are rejected, so those scenes— average are rejected, so those scenes have _ average are rejected, so those scenes have of _ average are rejected, so those scenes have of course - average are rejected, so those scenes have of course been... | scenes have of course been... there's— scenes have of course been... there's been— scenes have of course been... there's been no— scenes have of course been... there's been no repetition - scenes have of course been... there's been no repetition in. there's been no repetition in canada. _ there's been no repetition in canada. but _ there's been no repetition in canada, but that _ there's been no repetition in canada, but that doesn't - there's been no repetition in l canada, but that doesn't mean there's been no repetition in - canada, but that doesn't mean other governments — canada, but that doesn't mean other governments are _ canada, but that doesn't mean other governments are really— canada, but that doesn't mean other governments are really doing - canada, but that doesn't mean other governments are really doing much i canada, but that doesn't mean otherl governments are really doing much to help. governments are really doing much to help i— governments are really doing much to hel, , , , ., , governments are really doing much to hel, , , ., governments are really doing much to hel. ,,,.,, ., ,, ,

help. i suppose one issue is with the left wing _ help. i suppose one issue is with the left wing of _ help. i suppose one issue is with the left wing of joe _ help. i suppose one issue is with the left wing of joe biden's - help. i suppose one issue is with the left wing of joe biden's own l the left wing ofjoe biden's own party. he might also say actually, why waste time trying to engage with republicans? it didn't work for obama. ~ , ., republicans? it didn't work for obama. ~ y., ,, ., republicans? it didn't work for obama. ~ ,, ., ., ., obama. well, you know, at the moment of course, obama. well, you know, at the moment of course. that's — obama. well, you know, at the moment of course, that's the _ obama. well, you know, at the moment of course, that's the situation. _ obama. well, you know, at the moment of course, that's the situation. but - of course, that's the situation. but we knowjoe biden has succeeded in one area, which has not been mentioned. it's the tax on corporation of internationals. to accept 15% of tax instead of 1250. i think it shows thatjoe biden has some leverage, at least in ireland, and it's some leverage, at least in ireland, and its welcome to because we do not need to have all this taxes all over the place. the only caveat is

thatjoe biden... the biggest task haven. that joe biden. .. the biggest task haven. �* . haven. laughter jeff mcallister, i haven. laughter i jeff mcallister, celia, haven. laughter - jeff mcallister, celia, thank haven. laughter _ jeff mcallister, celia, thank you very much. that's dateline london. back at the same time next week. from all of us on the programme, goodbye. from all of us on the programme, goodbye. hello again. it was another very mild day on friday with temperatures in the warmest spots reaching the low 20s. and although there was quite a bit of cloud for some, others saw the sunshine come through, for example, in scarborough in north yorkshire. and just down the coastline in bridlington, this was one of the places where we saw temperatures reach 21 celsius.

that's 7 degrees above where temperatures should be at this stage of october. so, it has been very mild. as i say, there has been some sunshine, northern east wales, northern england, the far north of scotland, otherwise it's been pretty cloudy. notice we're starting to see some breaks in the cloud in kent. that's behind a very weak cold front. this stripe of cloud you can see here, that's important, because behind tha, the air turns cooler and fresher. it will tend to kill off the cloud across east anglia, across parts of the midlands and central southern england overnight, leaving a few mist and fog patches across southwest england, wales and northern england. outbreaks of rain turning heavier for northern ireland and into western scotland where we could see some areas of localised surface water flooding, particularly in parts of highland. now, through saturday, this weather front that's been with us for ages is starting to pull away from northern ireland and scotland, eventually through the afternoon bringing a bit of rain to the far north of northern england and north wales. most of england having much more in the way of sunshine compared with recent days.

and the weather improving certainty across northern ireland and western scotland as well. so, those changes are behind this cold front that's going to be pushing its way southeastward through the weekend. yes, the air will get fresher, but it will be much more in the way of sunshine for many on sunday. so, a few showers for scotland across northern and western areas, maybe one or two for the north coasts of northern ireland. here is our cold front, very weak, just bringing a few patches of cloud, maybe an odd spit of rain across east anglia and southern england, but most of the day will be dry and bright. plenty of sunshine elsewhere. temperatures about 14— 16 celsius quite widely, so still a little above average. now, monday sees a bit more rain move into northern and western scotland. could be quite heavy for a time as well. temperatures here getting close to average. it will be a bit cooler than it has been. highs of 12 in aberdeen, but otherwise temperatures a little above average, bright or sunny spells, highs between around 15—17 degrees. but in the week ahead, those temperatures will continue to get a bit closer to normal as we get toward the middle part of the week.

that's your weather.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 8pm: steel producers are calling for urgent government action to protect energy—intensive industries from dramatic increases increases in gas prices, following a meeting with the business secretary... the secretary of state today didn't offer any solutions but he was listening, he was in listening mode and i hope that dialogue can continue because we can't wait. more than 40 million people will be offered a flu vaccine in the biggest flu programme in the nhs�*s history amid worries about covid—19 and flu circulating at the same time. pig farmers who don't have enough abattoir staff to slaughter their pigs say uk agriculture has never suffered like this before. two journalists have been awarded the nobel peace prize for their work defending freedom of expression in the philippines and russia.