hello and welcome to the programme which brings together columnists on uk newspapers, bbc specialists and the international journalists who write, blog and broadcast from london. this week — party blues for british conservatives — how much trouble is borisjohnson now in? and joe biden says defending democracy is "the defining challenge of our time" but does of our time", but does vladimir putin believe him? to discuss those topics, we're joined by michael goldfarb, who's been a foreign correspondent for national public radio in the united states.

his blog is called the first rough draft of history. the much travelled ian birrell, who writes for the mail on sunday. and damian grammaticas, who's been based in the past in beijing, brussels and delhi, and is now a political correspondent at westminster, is here in the studio. welcome to all of you. it is lovely to have you with us here. this is very interesting weekend in terms of domestic politics. let's begin there. we still don't know whether a party took place in downing street last christmas nor whether strict covid rules which affected the whole of the country at the time were broken. yet, thanks to a video leaked on wednesday, apparently by someone inside the british government, an allegation knocking around for more than a week has become weaponised. borisjohnson insists he wasn't in number ten at the time. if he fumbles this one, he may not be in there for very much longer. damian, how did an allegation about a party become a threat to boris johnson's longevity is prime

minister? johnson's longevity is prime minister?— johnson's longevity is prime minister? , ., ., , minister? well, i should actually sa first minister? well, i should actually say first of— minister? well, i should actually say first of all, _ minister? well, i should actually say first of all, we _ minister? well, i should actually say first of all, we have - minister? well, i should actually say first of all, we have been - say first of all, we have been told by quite a few sources that absolutely, there was a party. there's a lot of wriggling around theissue, there's a lot of wriggling around the issue, but there was. this is last christmas in the run up, and the reason it's such a big issue is at the time, the government told everyone in the uk you could not meet indoors for an event like that, and many many people at the time went to great lengths to follow the rules. they didn't visit elderly or dying residents. yet what came out first of all was the news that there had been this party, and then also the video. that's what really sort of put a rocket booster under this. and this video was not for broadcast, it was almost like a practice run of a question and

answer session with the then prime minister spokesperson. this answer session with the then prime minister spokesperson.— answer session with the then prime minister spokesperson. this was last ear, or minister spokesperson. this was last year. or herself _ minister spokesperson. this was last year, or herself for _ minister spokesperson. this was last year, or herself for a _ minister spokesperson. this was last year, or herself for a press _ year, or herself for a press conference —— a rehearsal. the hand—picked top advisers of the prime minister saying to her," how would you defend that?" find prime minister saying to her," how would you defend that?"— would you defend that?" and they were pretending... _ would you defend that?" and they were pretending... crosstalk i were pretending... crosstalk and she stutters and stumbles and says, "how would i?" there is laughter and suggestions it was a business meeting. it was wine and cheese. more laughter, and it's deeply uncomfortable for government has caused huge anger. borisjohnson already said there was no party. he's now announced an investigation, and this story will keep going. eh, and this story will keep going. en, eve one and this story will keep going. en, everyone who _ and this story will keep going. en, everyone who knows borisjohnson suggests his strength is

communication, particularly ideas and policies. not necessarily in understanding detail. has that become a liability in the way it hasn't appeared to be in the past? i hasn't appeared to be in the past? i think it's less about detail and more — think it's less about detail and more about character and the type of person _ more about character and the type of person he _ more about character and the type of person he is — more about character and the type of person he is. the tory party has been _ person he is. the tory party has been prepared to overlook his personal— been prepared to overlook his personal flaws. been prepared to overlook his personalflaws. he been prepared to overlook his personal flaws. he was sacked as a shadow— personal flaws. he was sacked as a shadow minister for telling... personal flaws. he was sacked as a shadow ministerfortelling... i think_ shadow ministerfortelling... i think we — shadow ministerfortelling... i think we are seeing a character flaw _ think we are seeing a character flaw. there comes a point when they io flaw. there comes a point when they go into— flaw. there comes a point when they go into a _ flaw. there comes a point when they go into a tailspin and the strengths become _ go into a tailspin and the strengths become weaknesses. the big question is whether_ become weaknesses. the big question is whether that what's we're seeing, whether_ is whether that what's we're seeing, whether these incidents, with the wallpaper data that's been known, doing _ wallpaper data that's been known, doing up— wallpaper data that's been known, doing up his flat. the questions were _ doing up his flat. the questions were that — doing up his flat. the questions were that these are not going to turn all— were that these are not going to turn all the things which the tory party— turn all the things which the tory party bought into. if he becomes

election— party bought into. if he becomes election loser and the very things which _ election loser and the very things which made him strong as a candidate in connecting with people — his character, _ in connecting with people — his character, hisjovial maitre, etc — becomes— character, hisjovial maitre, etc — becomes switched. there's a big by—election coming up. if they were to lose _ by—election coming up. if they were to lose that, — by—election coming up. if they were to lose that, then i think the letters— to lose that, then i think the letters would be flying in demanding a new _ letters would be flying in demanding a new leadership contest because the tory party— a new leadership contest because the tory party is ruthless in jettisoning leaders when they think they won't win elections. quite jettisoning leaders when they think they won't win elections.— they won't win elections. quite a few tory leaders _ they won't win elections. quite a few tory leaders have _ they won't win elections. quite a few tory leaders have bitten - they won't win elections. quite a few tory leaders have bitten the | few tory leaders have bitten the dust. in detail in truth, let's not find another word for it, the bit about the party, about the assurances from staff, there's an extra complication because there's a story about what the prime minister said he knew to somebody rather important and independent looking

into the redecoration of the flat he lives in above the office. yes. into the redecoration of the flat he lives in above the office.— lives in above the office. yes, so this is also _ lives in above the office. yes, so this is also blown _ lives in above the office. yes, so this is also blown up _ lives in above the office. yes, so this is also blown up and - lives in above the office. yes, so this is also blown up and this - this is also blown up and this potentially poses a significant problem. he was investigated... he has an adviser on standard to look into this whole matter earlier in the year. he used to work for the queen. brought in by borisjohnson, had to look into this because there were questions swirling around. we know now that it cost over £100,000. and what borisjohnson said at the time was he didn't know how he'd paid for it. he had come through a trust. now what came out this week were messages suggesting that boris johnson's messages suggested he may have known where this money was coming through. he doesn't know the exact source. if you misled that

advice, that's the question. that would be a very serious offence. michael, the day after the video emerged, and following a rather torrid session of prime minister questions, plan b covid restrictions were announced. someone accused borisjohnson to his face as using this as a diversion, but is not particularly helpful because a lot of conservatives aren't very happy. well, this is where reality fronts the farcical _ well, this is where reality fronts the farcical nature _ well, this is where reality fronts the farcical nature of— well, this is where reality fronts the farcical nature of this - the farcical nature of this particular— the farcical nature of this particular government. . the farcical nature of this i particular government. we the farcical nature of this - particular government. we can all have _ particular government. we can all have a _ particular government. we can all have a chuckle _ particular government. we can all have a chuckle as _ particular government. we can all have a chuckle as boris _ particular government. we can all have a chuckle as boris unravels i have a chuckle as boris unravels precisely — have a chuckle as boris unravels precisely the _ have a chuckle as boris unravels precisely the way _ have a chuckle as boris unravels precisely the way anyone - have a chuckle as boris unravels precisely the way anyone who i have a chuckle as boris unravels . precisely the way anyone who pays this amount — precisely the way anyone who pays this amount of _ precisely the way anyone who pays this amount of attention _ precisely the way anyone who pays this amount of attention to - this amount of attention to politics. _ this amount of attention to politics. not— this amount of attention to politics, notjust _ this amount of attention to politics, not just a - this amount of attention to politics, not just a mess i this amount of attention to i politics, not just a mess will this amount of attention to - politics, not just a mess will —— westminster _ politics, not just a mess will —— westminster. he's— politics, not just a mess will —— westminster. he's a _ politics, not just a mess will ——| westminster. he's a remarkably successful— westminster. he's a remarkably successful person _ westminster. he's a remarkably successful person in _ westminster. he's a remarkably successful person in politics, -

westminster. he's a remarkablyl successful person in politics, and westminster. he's a remarkably . successful person in politics, and i don't _ successful person in politics, and i don't think— successful person in politics, and i don't think he _ successful person in politics, and i don't think he actually— successful person in politics, and i don't think he actually hides - successful person in politics, and i don't think he actually hides who i successful person in politics, and i. don't think he actually hides who he is. don't think he actually hides who he is he _ don't think he actually hides who he is he comes— don't think he actually hides who he is he comes on— don't think he actually hides who he is. he comes on as _ don't think he actually hides who he is. he comes on as a _ don't think he actually hides who he is. he comes on as a buffoon. - don't think he actually hides who he is. he comes on as a buffoon. he i is. he comes on as a buffoon. he knows _ is. he comes on as a buffoon. he knows his— is. he comes on as a buffoon. he knows his word _ is. he comes on as a buffoon. he knows his word is _ is. he comes on as a buffoon. he knows his word is not _ is. he comes on as a buffoon. he knows his word is not worth - knows his word is not worth anything. _ knows his word is not worth anything. yet _ knows his word is not worth anything, yet he _ knows his word is not worth anything, yet he still- knows his word is not worth i anything, yet he still manages knows his word is not worth - anything, yet he still manages to rise and — anything, yet he still manages to rise and rise _ anything, yet he still manages to rise and rise and _ anything, yet he still manages to rise and rise and rise. _ anything, yet he still manages to rise and rise and rise. but - anything, yet he still manages to rise and rise and rise. but the . rise and rise and rise. but the pandemic— rise and rise and rise. but the pandemic is— rise and rise and rise. but the pandemic is real— rise and rise and rise. but the pandemic is real and - rise and rise and rise. but the pandemic is real and it's- rise and rise and rise. but the pandemic is real and it's a - rise and rise and rise. but the - pandemic is real and it's a tragedy. the state _ pandemic is real and it's a tragedy. the state of— pandemic is real and it's a tragedy. the state of the _ pandemic is real and it's a tragedy. the state of the tory _ pandemic is real and it's a tragedy. the state of the tory party - pandemic is real and it's a tragedy. the state of the tory party israel. i the state of the tory party israel. -- is _ the state of the tory party israel. -- is reai~ — the state of the tory party israel. -- is reai~ you _ the state of the tory party israel. —— is real. you would _ the state of the tory party israel. —— is real. you would still- the state of the tory party israel. —— is real. you would still have i —— is real. you would still have had the same _ —— is real. you would still have had the same backbenchers_ —— is real. you would still have had the same backbenchers who - —— is real. you would still have had the same backbenchers who were i —— is real. you would still have had| the same backbenchers who were a perfect _ the same backbenchers who were a perfect match — the same backbenchers who were a perfect match for— the same backbenchers who were a perfect match for the _ the same backbenchers who were a perfect match for the brexiteers, . perfect match for the brexiteers, who would — perfect match for the brexiteers, who would say— perfect match for the brexiteers, who would say with _ perfect match for the brexiteers, who would say with the - perfect match for the brexiteers, who would say with the arrival i perfect match for the brexiteers, who would say with the arrival of| who would say with the arrival of omicron — who would say with the arrival of omicron and _ who would say with the arrival of omicron and it's _ who would say with the arrival of omicron and it's really— who would say with the arrival of omicron and it's really rapid - omicron and it's really rapid increase. _ omicron and it's really rapid increase. we _ omicron and it's really rapid increase, we can't— omicron and it's really rapid increase, we can't have - omicron and it's really rapid - increase, we can't have lockdown, we can't _ increase, we can't have lockdown, we can't have _ increase, we can't have lockdown, we can't have a _ increase, we can't have lockdown, we can't have a plan— increase, we can't have lockdown, we can't have a plan b. _ increase, we can't have lockdown, we can't have a plan b. we've _ increase, we can't have lockdown, we can't have a plan b. we've been - can't have a plan b. we've been through— can't have a plan b. we've been through this. _ can't have a plan b. we've been through this, it's _ can't have a plan b. we've been through this, it's just _ can't have a plan b. we've been through this, it's just with - can't have a plan b. we've been through this, it's just with us, . can't have a plan b. we've been. through this, it'sjust with us, we have _ through this, it'sjust with us, we have to _ through this, it'sjust with us, we have to look— through this, it'sjust with us, we have to look at _ through this, it'sjust with us, we have to look at it _ through this, it'sjust with us, we have to look at it —— _ through this, it'sjust with us, we have to look at it —— live with - through this, it'sjust with us, we have to look at it —— live with it. i have to look at it —— live with it. most _ have to look at it —— live with it. most of— have to look at it —— live with it. most of the _ have to look at it —— live with it. most of the country— have to look at it —— live with it. most of the country has three . most of the country has three vaccinations— most of the country has three vaccinations now, _ most of the country has three vaccinations now, what - most of the country has three vaccinations now, what morel most of the country has three i vaccinations now, what more can most of the country has three - vaccinations now, what more can you do? i_

vaccinations now, what more can you do? ithink— vaccinations now, what more can you do? i think that — vaccinations now, what more can you do? i think that whoever _ vaccinations now, what more can you do? i think that whoever sent - vaccinations now, what more can you do? i think that whoever sent that, l do? i think that whoever sent that, boris _ do? i think that whoever sent that, boris somehow... _ do? i think that whoever sent that, boris somehow... a _ do? i think that whoever sent that, boris somehow... a change - do? i think that whoever sent that, boris somehow... a change of- boris somehow... a change of discussion— boris somehow... a change of discussion with _ boris somehow... a change of discussion with plan _ boris somehow... a change of discussion with plan b - boris somehow... a change of discussion with plan b things i boris somehow... a change of. discussion with plan b things with covid _ discussion with plan b things with covid is _ discussion with plan b things with covid is disingenuous. _ discussion with plan b things with covid is disingenuous. i— discussion with plan b things with covid is disingenuous. i think- covid is disingenuous. i think that's— covid is disingenuous. i think that's the _ covid is disingenuous. i think that's the case. _ covid is disingenuous. i think that's the case. what - covid is disingenuous. i think that's the case. what i - covid is disingenuous. i think that's the case. what i thinkl covid is disingenuous. i think. that's the case. what i think is interesting. _ that's the case. what i think is interesting, ian— that's the case. what i think is interesting, ian and _ that's the case. what i think is interesting, ian and damian i that's the case. what i think is. interesting, ian and damian spent that's the case. what i think is- interesting, ian and damian spent a lot more _ interesting, ian and damian spent a lot more time — interesting, ian and damian spent a lot more time in— interesting, ian and damian spent a lot more time in westminster- interesting, ian and damian spent a lot more time in westminster thanl interesting, ian and damian spent a j lot more time in westminster than i did. how— lot more time in westminster than i did. how is — lot more time in westminster than i did. how is it— lot more time in westminster than i did. how is it possible _ lot more time in westminster than i did. how is it possible that- lot more time in westminster than i did. how is it possible that at- lot more time in westminster than i did. how is it possible that at a - did. how is it possible that at a certain— did. how is it possible that at a certain point. _ did. how is it possible that at a certain point, even— did. how is it possible that at a certain point, even the - did. how is it possible that at a certain point, even the tory- did. how is it possible that at a i certain point, even the tory party, lovers _ certain point, even the tory party, lovers of— certain point, even the tory party, lovers of political— certain point, even the tory party, lovers of political power _ certain point, even the tory party, lovers of political power that - certain point, even the tory party, lovers of political power that theyl lovers of political power that they are, lovers of political power that they are. didn't — lovers of political power that they are. didn't say— lovers of political power that they are, didn't say this _ lovers of political power that they are, didn't say this is— lovers of political power that they are, didn't say this is a _ lovers of political power that they are, didn't say this is a bargain. are, didn't say this is a bargain too far. — are, didn't say this is a bargain too far. it's _ are, didn't say this is a bargain too far. it's like _ are, didn't say this is a bargain too far. it's like buying - are, didn't say this is a bargain too far. it's like buying a - are, didn't say this is a bargainj too far. it's like buying a cheap fur coat — too far. it's like buying a cheap fur coat at _ too far. it's like buying a cheap fur coat at the _ too far. it's like buying a cheap fur coat at the market. - too far. it's like buying a cheap fur coat at the market. you - too far. it's like buying a cheap . fur coat at the market. you know it's not _ fur coat at the market. you know it's not really— fur coat at the market. you know it's not really going _ fur coat at the market. you know it's not really going to _ fur coat at the market. you know it's not really going to be - fur coat at the market. you know it's not really going to be off- fur coat at the market. you knowi it's not really going to be off does not. -- _ it's not really going to be off does not. -- up— it's not really going to be off does not. -- up to _ it's not really going to be off does not. —— up to snuff. _ it's not really going to be off does not. —— up to snuff. how- it's not really going to be off does not. —— up to snuff. how has - it's not really going to be off does not. —— up to snuff. how has it. it's not really going to be off does . not. —— up to snuff. how has it been they've _ not. —— up to snuff. how has it been they've stayed — not. —— up to snuff. how has it been they've stayed with _ not. —— up to snuff. how has it been they've stayed with boris _ not. —— up to snuff. how has it been they've stayed with boris this - they've stayed with boris this long? ithink— they've stayed with boris this long? i think it's _ they've stayed with boris this long? i think it's much _ they've stayed with boris this long? i think it's much more _ they've stayed with boris this long? i think it's much more about- they've stayed with boris this long?

i think it's much more about the - i think it's much more about the governing — i think it's much more about the governing party. _ i think it's much more about the governing party. i_ i think it's much more about the governing party. i think- i think it's much more about the governing party. i think it- i think it's much more about the governing party. i think it also l governing party. i think it also says— governing party. i think it also says a — governing party. i think it also says a lot _ governing party. i think it also says a lot about _ governing party. i think it also says a lot about their - governing party. i think it also says a lot about their voters. i governing party. i think it also. says a lot about their voters. in 2019. _ says a lot about their voters. in 2019. maybe _ says a lot about their voters. in 2019, maybe ian— says a lot about their voters. in 2019, maybe ian can _ says a lot about their voters. in 2019, maybe ian can explain i says a lot about their voters. in 2019, maybe ian can explain it, people — 2019, maybe ian can explain it, people voted _ 2019, maybe ian can explain it, people voted for— 2019, maybe ian can explain it, people voted for him _ 2019, maybe ian can explain it, people voted for him knowing l 2019, maybe ian can explain it, . people voted for him knowing full well. _ people voted for him knowing full well. what — people voted for him knowing full well. what his— people voted for him knowing full well, what his falls _ people voted for him knowing full well, what his falls were - people voted for him knowing full well, what his falls were and - well, what his falls were and whether— well, what his falls were and whether they _ well, what his falls were and whether they would - well, what his falls were and whether they would suit - well, what his falls were and whether they would suit the i well, what his falls were and - whether they would suit the office of prime _ whether they would suit the office of prime minister. _ whether they would suit the office of prime minister. yet _ whether they would suit the office of prime minister. yet they- whether they would suit the office of prime minister. yet they votedl of prime minister. yet they voted for him. — of prime minister. yet they voted for him. it— of prime minister. yet they voted for him. . . �* of prime minister. yet they voted for him. .,, �* ., . for him. it wasn't a fur coat, but they liked _ for him. it wasn't a fur coat, but they liked it _ for him. it wasn't a fur coat, but they liked it just _ for him. it wasn't a fur coat, but they liked it just the _ for him. it wasn't a fur coat, but they liked itjust the same. - for him. it wasn't a fur coat, but they liked itjust the same. i - they liked itjust the same. i suppose after dominic cummings and his trip to barnard castle, matt hancock and his embrace with an aide were and people were supposed to socially distance, is it looking... do you think the public will wrap themselves in the borisjohnson comfort once again? themselves in the boris johnson comfort once again?— themselves in the boris johnson comfort once again? well, the polls would indicate _ comfort once again? well, the polls would indicate that _ comfort once again? well, the polls would indicate that the _ comfort once again? well, the polls would indicate that the moths - comfort once again? well, the polls would indicate that the moths are l would indicate that the moths are eating _ would indicate that the moths are eating very fast at the moment to

stretch— eating very fast at the moment to stretch well past where it should have _ stretch well past where it should have gone. stretch well past where it should have gone-— stretch well past where it should have one. , ., �*, , ., have gone. sorry, that's my fault! that's fine. _ have gone. sorry, that's my fault! that's fine. the _ have gone. sorry, that's my fault! that's fine. the polls _ have gone. sorry, that's my fault! that's fine. the polls are - have gone. sorry, that's my fault! that's fine. the polls are showing| that's fine. the polls are showing it's that's fine. the polls are showing its been— that's fine. the polls are showing its been a — that's fine. the polls are showing it's been a very fast downturn. the tory— it's been a very fast downturn. the tory party— it's been a very fast downturn. the tory party has suddenly slid between six and _ tory party has suddenly slid between six and nine points behind labour. this also— six and nine points behind labour. this also comes at a time when the labour— this also comes at a time when the labour party— this also comes at a time when the labour party under sir keir starmer hasjust_ labour party under sir keir starmer hasjust reshuffled and put a much more _ hasjust reshuffled and put a much more impressive group of individuals in the _ more impressive group of individuals in the top _ more impressive group of individuals in the topjobs more impressive group of individuals in the top jobs who for the first time, really since jeremy corbyn took— time, really since jeremy corbyn took over— time, really since jeremy corbyn took over the party, look as though they could — took over the party, look as though they could be an alternative group of individuals in government. also, sir keir_ of individuals in government. also, sir keir starmer is the exact opposite _ sir keir starmer is the exact opposite of boris johnson sir keir starmer is the exact opposite of borisjohnson — he's not a jolly— opposite of borisjohnson — he's not a jolly guy— opposite of borisjohnson — he's not a jolly guy cracking jokes the whole time. he's — a jolly guy cracking jokes the whole time. he's a serious guy, but he has the lawyers' — time. he's a serious guy, but he has the lawyers' background, and it's played _ the lawyers' background, and it's played quite well for him to be able to forensically take apart some of these _ to forensically take apart some of these things. so, i think that's why

it's dangerous that if suddenly, people — it's dangerous that if suddenly, people are seeing the reality of boris _ people are seeing the reality of borisjohnson, the tory party is panicking — borisjohnson, the tory party is panicking because they've made an impact _ panicking because they've made an impact to— panicking because they've made an impact to get through brexit and win an election _ impact to get through brexit and win an election with someone that most of the _ an election with someone that most of the new_ an election with someone that most of the new was not suited to the top 'ob, of the new was not suited to the top job. then _ of the new was not suited to the top job, then along came the pandemic, exposing _ job, then along came the pandemic, exposing how he was not suited for the top _ exposing how he was not suited for the topjob. now, i think... exposing how he was not suited for the topjob. now, ithink... i've spoken— the topjob. now, ithink... i've spoken to— the topjob. now, ithink... i've spoken to tory mps who are extraordinarily concerned and some believe _ extraordinarily concerned and some believe and hope that borisjohnson will be _ believe and hope that borisjohnson will be replaced pretty shortly after — will be replaced pretty shortly after christmas.— will be replaced pretty shortly after christmas. ., ~ , ., ., , after christmas. thank you all very much. let's _ after christmas. thank you all very much. let's move _ after christmas. thank you all very much. let's move on. _ on friday, germany's chancellor olaf scholz travelled to paris and brussels, in part to discuss the seven—year long stand off with moscow over ukraine. presidentjoe biden spoke to the leaders in germany, france, italy and the uk this week before his two—hour long conference call with vladimir putin. the russian president insisted the thousands of troops he's stationed close to the border are "no threat". the united states and its allies see things differently. a casualty could be nordstream two, the now completed gas

pipeline between germany and russia. ian, does olaf scholz have an opportunity to reset relations with russia at this point?— russia at this point? well, it's an interesting _ russia at this point? well, it's an interesting position. _ russia at this point? well, it's an interesting position. the - russia at this point? well, it's an i interesting position. the agreement that hes— interesting position. the agreement that he's assigned talks in stronger terms _ that he's assigned talks in stronger terms against russia. it stands out very strongly for the belarus opposition, saying there shouldn't be russian intervention of belarus. it be russian intervention of belarus. it stands _ be russian intervention of belarus. it stands out very firmly in favour of the _ it stands out very firmly in favour of the territorial integrity of the ukraine. — of the territorial integrity of the ukraine. so, that is interesting that the — ukraine. so, that is interesting that the greens take a harder line than a _ that the greens take a harder line than a lot— that the greens take a harder line than a lot of german parties or politician — than a lot of german parties or politician on foreign affairs and things— politician on foreign affairs and things like china and russia. time will tell. _ things like china and russia. time will tell. merkelwas things like china and russia. time will tell. merkel was really interesting in the way she reproached russia. she took over 'ust reproached russia. she took over just after— reproached russia. she took over just after barcola, when germany had sided with _ just after barcola, when germany had sided with france and russia

opposing the iraq war. she spoke russian. — opposing the iraq war. she spoke russian. she came from soviet allied background, and was sceptical about the country— background, and was sceptical about the country and i think she's moved back into _ the country and i think she's moved back into the atlantic alliance at the same — back into the atlantic alliance at the same time she opposed the extension— the same time she opposed the extension of nato to the ukraine. she flew— extension of nato to the ukraine. she flew to... if you remember, to try and _ she flew to... if you remember, to try and settle these situations in 2015. _ try and settle these situations in 2015. equally, she was presented with nordstream. it's interesting that she — with nordstream. it's interesting that she is presented by it by her predecessor who came from the new chancellor— predecessor who came from the new chancellor pause my party. —— chancellor's party. to push the project — chancellor's party. to push the project and push the whole system russia _ project and push the whole system russia is— project and push the whole system russia is using to extend the control— russia is using to extend the control over europe. time will tell whether— control over europe. time will tell whether we go on this, but so much depends— whether we go on this, but so much depends on— whether we go on this, but so much depends on what's really going to happen— depends on what's really going to happen in— depends on what's really going to happen in ukraine. will lukashenko and belarus still use migrants as a

weapon? _ and belarus still use migrants as a weapon? a — and belarus still use migrants as a weapon? a lot of those people want to come _ weapon? a lot of those people want to come into germany, and i was in germany— to come into germany, and i was in germany in — to come into germany, and i was in germany in the last few weeks to look at _ germany in the last few weeks to look at nordstream and look at these... — look at nordstream and look at these... i've been to belarus and poland. — these... i've been to belarus and poland. and _ these... i've been to belarus and poland, and very powerful weapons that are _ poland, and very powerful weapons that are being exploited. i think we -ot that are being exploited. i think we got to— that are being exploited. i think we got to wait— that are being exploited. i think we got to wait and see how events go to really _ got to wait and see how events go to really see _ got to wait and see how events go to really see where the new german chancellor — really see where the new german chancellor stands on these things. it's chancellor stands on these things. it's a _ chancellor stands on these things. it's a very— chancellor stands on these things. it's a very fraught time to come to power. _ it's a very fraught time to come to power. it's— it's a very fraught time to come to power. it's certainly going to test him more — power. it's certainly going to test him more than anything probably. michael. — him more than anything probably. michael, what is the us opposed to in pursuit dealer? imposed but not sanctions —— in particular? in pursuit dealer? imposed but not sanctions -- in particular?- in pursuit dealer? imposed but not sanctions -- in particular? biden is takin: a sanctions -- in particular? biden is taking a step-by-step _ sanctions -- in particular? biden is taking a step-by-step approach - sanctions -- in particular? biden is i taking a step-by-step approach here, taking a step—by—step approach here, and i taking a step—by—step approach here, and i think— taking a step—by—step approach here, and i think what's _ taking a step—by—step approach here, and i think what's interesting - taking a step—by—step approach here, and i think what's interesting is- and i think what's interesting is this whole _ and i think what's interesting is this whole story _ and i think what's interesting is this whole story began - and i think what's interesting is this whole story began to - and i think what's interesting is. this whole story began to bubble and i think what's interesting is- this whole story began to bubble up about— this whole story began to bubble up about a _ this whole story began to bubble up about a week— this whole story began to bubble up about a week ago, _ this whole story began to bubble up about a week ago, in _ this whole story began to bubble up about a week ago, in a _ this whole story began to bubble up about a week ago, in a classic-

this whole story began to bubble up about a week ago, in a classic way. | about a week ago, in a classic way. unattributed — about a week ago, in a classic way. unattributed briefing _ about a week ago, in a classic way. unattributed briefing to _ about a week ago, in a classic way. unattributed briefing to the - unattributed briefing to the washington _ unattributed briefing to the washington post, - unattributed briefing to the washington post, this- unattributed briefing to the i washington post, this massive build-up— washington post, this massive build-up going _ washington post, this massive build—up going on _ washington post, this massive build—up going on with - washington post, this massive build—up going on with the - washington post, this massive i build—up going on with the order with ukraine. _ build—up going on with the order with ukraine. we _ build—up going on with the order with ukraine. we had _ build—up going on with the order with ukraine. we had a - build—up going on with the order with ukraine. we had a very- build—up going on with the orderl with ukraine. we had a very rapid couple of— with ukraine. we had a very rapid couple of days— with ukraine. we had a very rapid couple of days of— with ukraine. we had a very rapid couple of days of diplomacy, - with ukraine. we had a very rapid couple of days of diplomacy, and | couple of days of diplomacy, and i think— couple of days of diplomacy, and i think that — couple of days of diplomacy, and i think that was _ couple of days of diplomacy, and i think that was kind _ couple of days of diplomacy, and i think that was kind of— couple of days of diplomacy, and i think that was kind of forcing - couple of days of diplomacy, and i think that was kind of forcing the i think that was kind of forcing the issue _ think that was kind of forcing the issue into — think that was kind of forcing the issue into the _ think that was kind of forcing the issue into the public. _ think that was kind of forcing the issue into the public. i— think that was kind of forcing the issue into the public. i think- issue into the public. ithink that's— issue into the public. ithink that's sort— issue into the public. ithink that's sort of— issue into the public. ithink that's sort of what - issue into the public. ithink that's sort of what joe - issue into the public. ithink| that's sort of what joe biden issue into the public. i think- that's sort of whatjoe biden is, what _ that's sort of whatjoe biden is, what is — that's sort of whatjoe biden is, what is approach _ that's sort of whatjoe biden is, what is approach is, _ that's sort of whatjoe biden is, what is approach is, frankly. . that's sort of whatjoe biden is, what is approach is, frankly. to| what is approach is, frankly. to understand _ what is approach is, frankly. to understand biden's _ what is approach is, frankly. to understand biden's approach i what is approach is, frankly. toj understand biden's approach to what is approach is, frankly. to- understand biden's approach to this kind of— understand biden's approach to this kind of foreign— understand biden's approach to this kind of foreign policy— understand biden's approach to this kind of foreign policy issue, - kind of foreign policy issue, potential— kind of foreign policy issue, potential crisis, _ kind of foreign policy issue, potential crisis, you - kind of foreign policy issue, potential crisis, you have i kind of foreign policy issue, j potential crisis, you have to remember— potential crisis, you have to remember he's— potential crisis, you have to remember he's basically- potential crisis, you have to remember he's basically a i potential crisis, you have to - remember he's basically a senator, a senior— remember he's basically a senator, a senior senator. — remember he's basically a senator, a senior senator, and _ remember he's basically a senator, a senior senator, and he's— remember he's basically a senator, a senior senator, and he's always - senior senator, and he's always looking — senior senator, and he's always looking for— senior senator, and he's always looking for the _ senior senator, and he's always looking for the topic _ senior senator, and he's always looking for the topic you - senior senator, and he's always looking for the topic you can . senior senator, and he's alwaysl looking for the topic you can talk about— looking for the topic you can talk about rather— looking for the topic you can talk about rather than— looking for the topic you can talk about rather than the _ looking for the topic you can talk about rather than the crisis - looking for the topic you can talk about rather than the crisis you i about rather than the crisis you need _ about rather than the crisis you need to— about rather than the crisis you need to confront. _ about rather than the crisis you need to confront. so, - about rather than the crisis you need to confront. so, i- about rather than the crisis you need to confront. so, i think. about rather than the crisis you i need to confront. so, i think that he's _ need to confront. so, i think that he's looking _ need to confront. so, i think that he's looking to _ need to confront. so, i think that he's looking to see _ need to confront. so, i think that he's looking to see where - need to confront. so, i think that he's looking to see where the - need to confront. so, i think that. he's looking to see where the areas we can— he's looking to see where the areas we can talk— he's looking to see where the areas we can talk about _ he's looking to see where the areas we can talk about our. _ he's looking to see where the areas we can talk about our. it’s - we can talk about our. it's interesting _ we can talk about our. interesting because on we can talk about our- interesting because on friday,

we can talk about our— interesting because on friday, he was talking about gasoline prices in the united states, which is a good solid domestic policy issue. they worry about fuel everywhere. the germans are worried about gas supplies, but gas supplies, and that's why they supported nordstream. the republicans seem pretty determined that something should be done about that because they see it as an advantage for russia that might make germany and others more malleable. i’m russia that might make germany and others more malleable.— others more malleable. i'm sorry? more malleable, _ others more malleable. i'm sorry? more malleable, more _ others more malleable. i'm sorry? more malleable, more willing - others more malleable. i'm sorry? more malleable, more willing to l others more malleable. i'm sorry? i more malleable, more willing to toe the line with russia. h0. more malleable, more willing to toe the line with russia.— the line with russia. no, i think that's wrong. — the line with russia. no, i think that's wrong. the _ the line with russia. no, i think that's wrong. the republican i the line with russia. no, i think. that's wrong. the republican party doesn't _ that's wrong. the republican party doesn't have — that's wrong. the republican party doesn't have that _ that's wrong. the republican party doesn't have that much... - that's wrong. the republican party doesn't have that much... isn't - that's wrong. the republican partyl doesn't have that much... isn't that geopolitically— doesn't have that much... isn't that geopolitically sophisticated. - doesn't have that much... isn't that geopolitically sophisticated. i - geopolitically sophisticated. i think— geopolitically sophisticated. i think that _ geopolitically sophisticated. i think that they, _ geopolitically sophisticated. i think that they, if— geopolitically sophisticated. i think that they, if they - geopolitically sophisticated. i | think that they, if they indeed geopolitically sophisticated. i - think that they, if they indeed felt that way. — think that they, if they indeed felt that way. i— think that they, if they indeed felt that way. i think— think that they, if they indeed felt that way, i think they're _ think that they, if they indeed felt that way, i think they're much - think that they, if they indeed felt i that way, i think they're much more frustrated... — that way, i think they're much more frustrated... i— that way, i think they're much more frustrated... i know— that way, i think they're much more frustrated... i know they _ that way, i think they're much more frustrated... i know they are - that way, i think they're much more frustrated... i know they are much. frustrated... i know they are much more _ frustrated... i know they are much more frustrated _ frustrated... i know they are much more frustrated by— frustrated... i know they are much more frustrated by angela - frustrated... i know they are muchl more frustrated by angela merkel's approach _ more frustrated by angela merkel's approach to—

more frustrated by angela merkel's approach to russia, _ more frustrated by angela merkel's approach to russia, which - more frustrated by angela merkel's approach to russia, which by- more frustrated by angela merkel's approach to russia, which by the i approach to russia, which by the way. _ approach to russia, which by the way. is _ approach to russia, which by the way. is not — approach to russia, which by the way. is not that— approach to russia, which by the way, is not that different - approach to russia, which by the way, is not that different than i way, is not that different than biden's — way, is not that different than biden's they— way, is not that different than biden's they grew _ way, is not that different than biden's they grew up - way, is not that different than biden's they grew up in - way, is not that different than. biden's they grew up in soviet times. — biden's they grew up in soviet times. and _ biden's they grew up in soviet times, and merkel— biden's they grew up in soviet times, and merkel also - biden's they grew up in soviet times, and merkel also felt - biden's they grew up in soviet times, and merkel also felt if. biden's they grew up in soviet . times, and merkel also felt if you talk. _ times, and merkel also felt if you talk. if— times, and merkel also felt if you talk. ifyou're_ times, and merkel also felt if you talk, if you're talking _ times, and merkel also felt if you talk, if you're talking rather- times, and merkel also felt if you talk, if you're talking rather thanl talk, if you're talking rather than provoking — talk, if you're talking rather than provoking crises, _ talk, if you're talking rather than provoking crises, that's - talk, if you're talking rather than provoking crises, that's a - talk, if you're talking rather than provoking crises, that's a betteri provoking crises, that's a better thing _ provoking crises, that's a better thing than — provoking crises, that's a better thing than trying _ provoking crises, that's a better thing than trying to _ provoking crises, that's a better thing than trying to engage. - provoking crises, that's a better| thing than trying to engage. just one less — thing than trying to engage. just one less thing. _ thing than trying to engage. just one less thing. 30 _ thing than trying to engage. just one less thing. 30 years - thing than trying to engage. just one less thing. 30 years ago - thing than trying to engage. just| one less thing. 30 years ago this week— one less thing. 30 years ago this week was— one less thing. 30 years ago this week was the _ one less thing. 30 years ago this week was the conference - one less thing. 30 years ago this week was the conference in - one less thing. 30 years ago thisl week was the conference in which one less thing. 30 years ago this - week was the conference in which the soviet— week was the conference in which the soviet union— week was the conference in which the soviet union officially— week was the conference in which the soviet union officially wound - week was the conference in which the soviet union officially wound itself. soviet union officially wound itself up. the _ soviet union officially wound itself up. the treaty— soviet union officially wound itself up. the treaty was _ soviet union officially wound itself up. the treaty was signed - soviet union officially wound itself up. the treaty was signed on- up. the treaty was signed on december— up. the treaty was signed on december 25. _ up. the treaty was signed on december25. ukraine, - up. the treaty was signed on. december25. ukraine, belarus up. the treaty was signed on- december25. ukraine, belarus and russia— december25. ukraine, belarus and russia agreed — december25. ukraine, belarus and russia agreed there _ december25. ukraine, belarus and russia agreed there was _ december25. ukraine, belarus and russia agreed there was no - december25. ukraine, belarus and russia agreed there was no more . russia agreed there was no more soviet— russia agreed there was no more soviet union. _ russia agreed there was no more soviet union, there _ russia agreed there was no more soviet union, there would - russia agreed there was no more soviet union, there would be - soviet union, there would be something _ soviet union, there would be something new— soviet union, there would be something new called - soviet union, there would be something new called the - soviet union, there would bel something new called the cis. soviet union, there would be - something new called the cis. and it wouldn't _ something new called the cis. and it wouldn't surprise _ something new called the cis. and it wouldn't surprise me _ something new called the cis. and it wouldn't surprise me if— something new called the cis. and it wouldn't surprise me if some - something new called the cis. and it wouldn't surprise me if some of- something new called the cis. and it wouldn't surprise me if some of thisl wouldn't surprise me if some of this pressure being _ wouldn't surprise me if some of this pressure being brought _ wouldn't surprise me if some of this pressure being brought by- wouldn't surprise me if some of this pressure being brought by vladimirl pressure being brought by vladimir putin— pressure being brought by vladimir putin is— pressure being brought by vladimir putin is in— pressure being brought by vladimir putin is in fact _ pressure being brought by vladimir putin is in fact because _ pressure being brought by vladimir putin is in fact because he's- pressure being brought by vladimir putin is in fact because he's awarel putin is in fact because he's aware it's the _ putin is in fact because he's aware it's the 30th — putin is in fact because he's aware it's the 30th anniversary. - putin is in fact because he's aware it's the 30th anniversary. i - putin is in fact because he's aware it's the 30th anniversary. i think. it's the 30th anniversary. i think this means _ it's the 30th anniversary. i think this means something _ it's the 30th anniversary. i think this means something to - it's the 30th anniversary. i think this means something to putin. | it's the 30th anniversary. i thinki this means something to putin. i don't _ this means something to putin. i don't think— this means something to putin. i don't think anyone _ this means something to putin. i don't think anyone in _ this means something to putin. i don't think anyone in the - this means something to putin. i don't think anyone in the west. this means something to putin. i. don't think anyone in the west even remembers— don't think anyone in the west even remembers it. — don't think anyone in the west even remembers it. lukashenko - don't think anyone in the west even remembers it. lukashenko is - don't think anyone in the west even remembers it. lukashenko is still. don't think anyone in the west evenj remembers it. lukashenko is still in his home _ remembers it. lukashenko is still in his home court. _ remembers it. lukashenko is still in his home court. ukraine _ remembers it. lukashenko is still in his home court. ukraine no - remembers it. lukashenko is still in his home court. ukraine no longer. his home court. ukraine no longer is. ithink— his home court. ukraine no longer is. i think he's _ his home court. ukraine no longer

is. i think he's going _ his home court. ukraine no longer is. i think he's going to _ his home court. ukraine no longer is. i think he's going to make - his home court. ukraine no longer is. i think he's going to make it i is. i think he's going to make it uncomfortable. _ is. i think he's going to make it uncomfortable. the _ is. i think he's going to make it uncomfortable.— is. i think he's going to make it uncomfortable. the federation of independent— uncomfortable. the federation of independent says _ uncomfortable. the federation of independent says it's _ uncomfortable. the federation of independent says it's - uncomfortable. the federation of independent says it's not - uncomfortable. the federation of independent says it's notjust| independent says it's notjust the eu corridor, but the headquarters of nato. do either of those organisations have a clear position on russia?— those organisations have a clear position on russia? well, i think nato. .. position on russia? well, i think nato--- yes. _ position on russia? well, i think nato... yes, clearly. _ position on russia? well, i think nato. .. yes, clearly. we've - position on russia? well, i think| nato... yes, clearly. we've been hearing from them today. a spokesperson said when it comes to ukraine, there will be, he said, negotiations on the right to countries to choose their own path. that's ukraine, whether it would one day become a nato member, but that's really not actually likely for a very long time, partly because they know how difficult an issue this is and how problematic it is. one of

president putin's demands seems to me, president biden is guaranteed ukraine would enjoy nato. it's introducing to see, why is president putin doing this? —— it's interesting. why has he put 170,000 troops on this border.— troops on this border. deliberately wra ed troops on this border. deliberately wrapped things — troops on this border. deliberately wrapped things op. _ troops on this border. deliberately wrapped things up. yes. _ troops on this border. deliberately - wrapped things up. yes. ambassadors who were there _ wrapped things up. yes. ambassadors who were there before _ wrapped things up. yes. ambassadors who were there before say _ wrapped things up. yes. ambassadors who were there before say this - who were there before say this wasn't an issue. he who were there before say this wasn't an issue.— who were there before say this wasn't an issue. he didn't think it wasn't an issue. he didn't think it was auoin wasn't an issue. he didn't think it was going to _ wasn't an issue. he didn't think it was going to happen. _ wasn't an issue. he didn't think it was going to happen. the - wasn't an issue. he didn't think it was going to happen. the idea i wasn't an issue. he didn't think it i was going to happen. the idea that russia feels _ was going to happen. the idea that russia feels threatened _ was going to happen. the idea that russia feels threatened is - russia feels threatened is actually... it was not borne by their discussions. the country that is threatened is ukraine by those russian forces, by russian support in eastern ukraine, by the separatists there. the men and material that have flown in. the

so-called green _ material that have flown in. the so—called green men. material that have flown in. the so-called green men. in - material that have flown in. the so-called green men. in crimeaj material that have flown in. the - so-called green men. in crimea and eastern ukraine. _ so-called green men. in crimea and eastern ukraine. the _ so-called green men. in crimea and eastern ukraine. the areas... - so-called green men. in crimea and eastern ukraine. the areas... so, . eastern ukraine. the areas... so, this is coming back to what ian was saying. europe is in a position where germany has a new chancellor. crosstalk president putin can perhaps try to exploit. president putin can perhaps try to exloit. , . president putin can perhaps try to exloit., . . .. president putin can perhaps try to exloit., , ., .,, ., ., exploit. just a last thought on this. joe biden _ exploit. just a last thought on this. joe biden saying - exploit. just a last thought on this. joe biden saying he - exploit. just a last thought on | this. joe biden saying he won't exploit. just a last thought on - this. joe biden saying he won't send in troops. we know putin seems to have got a summit when he did this earlier in the year, he's in got a promise from biden to have meetings with nato leaders. has putin given anything?

with nato leaders. has putin given an hint ? ., with nato leaders. has putin given an hint? ., ., ., ., anything? no, nothing at all. putin has not anything? no, nothing at all. putin has got away _ anything? no, nothing at all. putin has got away with _ anything? no, nothing at all. putin has got away with advancing - has got away with advancing sovereign ukrainian territory. he's gotten _ sovereign ukrainian territory. he's gotten away with annexing two regions — gotten away with annexing two regions of eastern ukraine. the worry— regions of eastern ukraine. the worry is. — regions of eastern ukraine. the worry is, we know with food and one thing. _ worry is, we know with food and one thing. which — worry is, we know with food and one thing, which is he is very good at exploiting — thing, which is he is very good at exploiting other people's week next. at the _ exploiting other people's week next. at the moment, there's a president whose _ at the moment, there's a president whose not— at the moment, there's a president whose not going to do anything and there's— whose not going to do anything and there's weakness in the three major powers— there's weakness in the three major powers in_ there's weakness in the three major powers in europe. germany with the new government, britain with the government and meltdown and france with an _ government and meltdown and france with an election coming up. that is an opportunity, but what we don't know— an opportunity, but what we don't know with — an opportunity, but what we don't know with putin is his own state of mind. _ know with putin is his own state of mind. he's— know with putin is his own state of mind. he's been in power now for 21 years. _ mind. he's been in power now for 21 years. he _ mind. he's been in power now for 21 years. he has— mind. he's been in power now for 21 years. he has eliminated all opposition and is surrounded by yes-men. — opposition and is surrounded by yes—men. the question i guess it is really. _ yes—men. the question i guess it is really. after— yes—men. the question i guess it is really, after the orthodox new year, is he _ really, after the orthodox new year, is he really — really, after the orthodox new year, is he really going to do something and invade? because he knows there won't _ and invade? because he knows there won't be _ and invade? because he knows there won't be a _ and invade? because he knows there won't be a military response from

the west. — won't be a military response from the west. . ,. . won't be a military response from the west. ., ,. ., , ., , the west. fascinating questions. they didn't _ the west. fascinating questions. they didn't last _ the west. fascinating questions. they didn't last long. _ the west. fascinating questions. they didn't last long. we - the west. fascinating questions. they didn't last long. we will. the west. fascinating questions. i they didn't last long. we will watch this. transfer _ they didn't last long. we will watch this. transfer of _ they didn't last long. we will watch this. transfer of you _ they didn't last long. we will watch this. transfer of you to _ they didn't last long. we will watch this. transfer of you to remark - they didn't last long. we will watch this. transfer of you to remark on | this. transfer of you to remark on something that you don't think has had enough attention. michael first. early this week, when the party reared — early this week, when the party reared its— early this week, when the party reared its ugly— early this week, when the party reared its ugly head _ early this week, when the party reared its ugly head again, - early this week, when the party reared its ugly head again, one| early this week, when the party i reared its ugly head again, one of the leads— reared its ugly head again, one of the leads stories _ reared its ugly head again, one of the leads stories was _ reared its ugly head again, one of the leads stories was a _ reared its ugly head again, one of the leads stories was a with - reared its ugly head again, one of the leads stories was a with a - the leads stories was a with a lawyer— the leads stories was a with a lawyer -- _ the leads stories was a with a lawyer -- a _ the leads stories was a with a lawyer —— a whistle—blower. the leads stories was a with a i lawyer —— a whistle—blower had published — lawyer —— a whistle—blower had published a _ lawyer —— a whistle—blower had published a report _ lawyer —— a whistle—blower had published a report saying - lawyer —— a whistle—blower had published a report saying that i lawyer —— a whistle—blower hadl published a report saying that in afghanistan. _ published a report saying that in afghanistan, during _ published a report saying that in afghanistan, during the - published a report saying that in afghanistan, during the chaos i published a report saying that in| afghanistan, during the chaos of august. — afghanistan, during the chaos of august. as — afghanistan, during the chaos of august. as the _ afghanistan, during the chaos of august, as the last _ afghanistan, during the chaos of august, as the last flights - afghanistan, during the chaos of august, as the last flights werel august, as the last flights were leaving — august, as the last flights were leaving kabut— august, as the last flights were leaving kabul to _ august, as the last flights were leaving kabul to safety - august, as the last flights were leaving kabul to safety as - august, as the last flights were leaving kabul to safety as the l leaving kabul to safety as the taliban — leaving kabul to safety as the taliban took— leaving kabul to safety as the taliban took over, _ leaving kabul to safety as the taliban took over, somehow, j leaving kabul to safety as the - taliban took over, somehow, animals, rescue dogs. _ taliban took over, somehow, animals, rescue dogs. were _ taliban took over, somehow, animals, rescue dogs, were given _ taliban took over, somehow, animals, rescue dogs, were given priority- taliban took over, somehow, animals, rescue dogs, were given priority on. rescue dogs, were given priority on flights— rescue dogs, were given priority on flights out. — rescue dogs, were given priority on flights out. i— rescue dogs, were given priority on flights out. i thought... _ rescue dogs, were given priority on flights out. i thought... when - rescue dogs, were given priority on flights out. i thought... when i - flights out. i thought... when i read _ flights out. i thought... when i read it. — flights out. i thought... when i read it. my— flights out. i thought... when i read it. myjaw_ flights out. i thought... when i read it, myjaw dropped. - flights out. i thought... when i read it, myjaw dropped. it's. flights out. i thought... when i i read it, myjaw dropped. it'sjust beyond _ read it, myjaw dropped. it'sjust beyond belief. _ read it, myjaw dropped. it'sjust beyond belief. i—

i'm all for saving animals, but in that priority. _ i'm all for saving animals, but in that priority. you _ i'm all for saving animals, but in that priority, you prioritise - that priority, you prioritise humans. _ that priority, you prioritise humans. you _ that priority, you prioritise humans. you don't- that priority, you prioritise humans. you don't even. that priority, you prioritise . humans. you don't even think that priority, you prioritise - humans. you don't even think about the dogs. _ humans. you don't even think about the dogs. the — humans. you don't even think about the dogs the westminster- humans. you don't even think about the dogs the westminster story- humans. you don't even think abouti the dogs the westminster story had more _ the dogs the westminster story had more legs. _ the dogs. the westminster story had more legs. i— the dogs the westminster story had more legs. i do — the dogs the westminster story had more legs. i do hope _ the dogs the westminster story had more legs. i do hope someone - the dogs the westminster story had more legs. i do hope someone can. more legs. i do hope someone can revisit— more legs. i do hope someone can revisit that — more legs. i do hope someone can revisit that and _ more legs. i do hope someone can revisit that and nail _ more legs. i do hope someone can revisit that and nail it _ more legs. i do hope someone can revisit that and nail it down - revisit that and nail it down because _ revisit that and nail it down because it's _ revisit that and nail it down because it's an _ revisit that and nail it down because it's an absolutely. because it's an absolutely disgraceful— because it's an absolutely disgraceful thing. - because it's an absolutely disgracefulthing. either. because it's an absolutely- disgraceful thing. either downing street— disgraceful thing. either downing street and — disgraceful thing. either downing street and the _ disgraceful thing. either downing street and the year— disgraceful thing. either downing street and the year office - disgraceful thing. either downing street and the year office know. street and the year office know about _ street and the year office know about it. — street and the year office know about it. . �* street and the year office know about it-_ i - street and the year office know about it._ i would . street and the year office know| about it._ i would say about it. ian birrell. iwould say is the second _ about it. ian birrell. iwould say is the second anniversary - about it. ian birrell. iwould say is the second anniversary of - about it. ian birrell. iwould say is the second anniversary of the pandemic— is the second anniversary of the pandemic on wednesday, december the 8th. china _ pandemic on wednesday, december the 8th. china and the official world health _ 8th. china and the official world health organization, that was the date the — health organization, that was the date the first person, a 41 41—year—old accountant fell ill. it shows _ 41—year—old accountant fell ill. it shows the — 41—year—old accountant fell ill. it shows the duplicity of china. 41-year-old accountant fell ill. it shows the duplicity of china. thank ou. shows the duplicity of china. thank you. that's — shows the duplicity of china. thank you. that's a _ shows the duplicity of china. thank you. that's a flawed _ shows the duplicity of china. thank you. that's a flawed narrative -

shows the duplicity of china. thank you. that's a flawed narrative and l you. that's a flawed narrative and cases documented _ you. that's a flawed narrative and cases documented going - you. that's a flawed narrative and cases documented going back - you. that's a flawed narrative and cases documented going back to l cases documented going back to middle _ cases documented going back to middle of november, so it raises the question as — middle of november, so it raises the question as to why china has been allowed _ question as to why china has been allowed to— question as to why china has been allowed to get off the hook for lying _ allowed to get off the hook for lying and deceiving people over the origins _ lying and deceiving people over the origins of— lying and deceiving people over the origins of the pandemic. thank lying and deceiving people over the origins of the pandemic.— origins of the pandemic. thank you very much. — origins of the pandemic. thank you very much. damian, _ origins of the pandemic. thank you very much. damian, finally. - origins of the pandemic. thank you very much. damian, finally. i'd - origins of the pandemic. thank you j very much. damian, finally. i'd like to no to very much. damian, finally. i'd like to go to china. _ very much. damian, finally. i'd like to go to china, too, _ very much. damian, finally. i'd like to go to china, too, and _ very much. damian, finally. i'd like to go to china, too, and the - to go to china, too, and the situation in shinjane. —— xinjiang. i think what's significant, chaired by seniorjudge tribunal like... not a formal court, found this amounted to under any legal doesn't know justification, genocide.- to under any legal doesn't know justification, genocide. thank you all very much. — justification, genocide. thank you all very much. that's _ justification, genocide. thank you all very much. that's daytime - justification, genocide. thank you all very much. that's daytime for| all very much. that's daytime for this week. we'll see you next time next week. goodbye.

hello. we have quite a cold night on the way. the winds have fallen light, so the temperatures will drop. the weekend overall is exactly the opposite. it will be turning milder, and we have cloud and rain on the way. this is what we've had recently. we've had this gap in the clouds. this window of bright weather. that's friday's weather. the weather front is approaching. it's a warm front. you can see it approaching ireland during the early hours of saturday. ahead of it, we have clear skies, so that frost developing in many central and eastern areas. —1 or two degrees. at

this stage, the weather will be turning milder as this air arrives from the southwest. the reason for it is this undulating pattern in the jet stream. spinning up the low pressure here, and that is dragging in the mild airfrom the pressure here, and that is dragging in the mild air from the south. outbreaks of rain, yes, mild relatively, but it will be particularly appealing out there. where you have the 12 degrees, seven degrees, and the east, it's a cloudy picture with outbreaks of rain on and off. it'll probably stay dry for the longest into the south—east and east anglia, but the rain will reach here too. we will focus on this nasty area of low pressure approaching the very far northwest of the uk. here's the weather for the majority of the country. it's actually looking fine and .com

weather is expected. —— in that calm weather. well above the average. a little bit colder in aberdeen. above average everywhere. under this nasty air, the met office anticipate severe gales to storm force winds and the northern isles of scotland possibly 90 miles an hour, so take care. for many of us, it will be a very different picture, mild into next week. bye—bye.

in the evening. the figures such as stomach want to be the dominant theory and can the uk by mid a senior cabinet minister says the situation has become seriously worrying. brute situation has become seriously wor inc. ~ situation has become seriously wor in. . ., situation has become seriously wor inc. .p situation has become seriously wor inc. .m . worrying. we face a sp concerning situation and _ worrying. we face a sp concerning situation and we _ worrying. we face a sp concerning situation and we know— worrying. we face a sp concerning situation and we know that - worrying. we face a sp concerning situation and we know that we - worrying. we face a sp concerningl situation and we know that we have the highest number of covid—19 infections across the united kingdom today think that 9th of january and female the omicron theory and is doubling every two to three days in england and possibly even faster in scotland. scotland first minister nicola sturgeon has one of a tsunami of omicron cases and cautions against people having christmas parties. two separate sources have told the bbc that the prime minister is director of the indications jack doyle offered his resignation after

his attendance at the