hello and welcome to the programme which brings together some of the best known columnists on uk newspapers, bbc specialists, and the foreign correspondents who write, blog and broadcast to audiences back home from the dateline: london. this week, record breaking daily increases in covid daily increases in covid infection hit the uk. pleas, not lockdown, are the order of the day, though the public are already voting with their feet. borisjohnson�*s pleas are ignored by 100 of his own mp,— by 100 of his own mps, and by voters in a previously loyal part of england.

is he now leader only in name? henry chu, long—serving foreign correspondent and deputy henry chu is long—serving foreign correspondent and deputy news editor of the la times. polly toynbee is veteran columnist on the left—of—centre guardian newspaper. simonjack, the bbc�*s business editor, is here in the studio. good to see you simon, and good to have you bothjoining us good to see you simon, and good to have you both joining us from have you bothjoining us from parts around the uk. as a result of what's happening at the moment. let's begin in downing street. they have been having a week they'd rather forget. three things may explain why. a newspaper published a photo of a christmas party last year held in the basement of borisjohson�*s party hq, at a time when all such activities were against the law. the uk's leading civil servant, the cabinet secretary, was investigating "gatherings" inside downing street, one of them in the prime minister's own flat — ar least he was. at least he was. it turns out his office organised what it called a christmas party, too. on tuesday, the imposition of covd vaccine certficates,

which have become a condition of entry to public venues, provoked the biggest rebellion of his premiership. 100 mps — that's half of those conservatives who aren't part of what's known as the payroll vote, such as ministers — opposed him. 0n the most important question of the day, and on hisjudgment of how to keep the public safe, it appears they do not trust him. nor, if the result announced in the early hours of friday morning in a parliamentary by—election, do some voters. polly toynbee, i can imagine the singing choruses, that was the week that was. it's over, let it go, in downing street and in boris johnson's flat. it sounds as if that was the prime minister's position. there was a lot of stuff in the headlines, and back on in the way of the voters and seeing what a tremendous job they were doing to improve their lives. where the voters blinded by the stuff people like you and otherjournalists have been putting in front of them? well.

been putting in front of them? well, i think it's traditional— been putting in front of them? well, i think it's traditional that _ i think its traditional that politicians blame the media for bad stories they created themselves. he's had one of the worst weeks for the last six weeks. culminating in a catastrophic by—election yesterday. it would be hard to compile as many disasters as have struck him, and most of them are things that he himself has done. he said he takes responsibility for the result and growing unpopularity, but he refused to take responsibility for anything in particular. but one thing after another at a time of great hardship in this country, where the economy, people are really feeling the pinch where covid is very threatening to everybody�*s way of life, and his own party is an absolute rebellion and some chaos. his own party very much... the public are much more

worried about being cautious about covid restrictions. we have a party that's very libertarian and thinks any restriction... they were comparing it to stalin and hitler. very modest regulations. so, the party itself was somewhat out of control, notjust borisjohnson himself. control, not “ust boris johnson himself. , . control, not 'ust boris johnson himself. , ., , control, not 'ust boris johnson himself. , . , , , himself. henry, all prime ministers a difficult periods. _ himself. henry, all prime ministers a difficult periods. some _ himself. henry, all prime ministers a difficult periods. some are - himself. henry, all prime ministers a difficult periods. some are able i a difficult periods. some are able to bring themselves are able to bring themselves back and after a few months or years, everyone has forgotten. by the time the next election, they've got some back into public favour. margaret thatcher had some rough, very rough periods during herfirst four years. i during her first four years. i suppose during herfirst four years. i suppose the difficulty is boris johnson is the great communicator, and if he can't get his message through despite irritating people in the media, then that potentially is a problem. that might cause him to change, although one tory mp said to

me, he's probably got six months to pull thing around because we don't want to do anything to do —— in haste. it might be that actually, he is still their best option. first haste. it might be that actually, he is still their best option.— is still their best option. first of all, i is still their best option. first of all. i think— is still their best option. first of all. i think a _ is still their best option. first of all, i think a prime _ is still their best option. first of all, i think a prime minister- is still their best option. first of| all, i think a prime minister who himself— all, i think a prime minister who himself was a journalist before he became _ himself was a journalist before he became a — himself was a journalist before he became a political figure really doesn't — became a political figure really doesn't have much to say in terms of criticising _ doesn't have much to say in terms of criticising. that feels a little rich — criticising. that feels a little rich to — criticising. that feels a little rich to begin with. in terms of the great _ rich to begin with. in terms of the great communicator, it's no doubt that boris— great communicator, it's no doubt that borisjohnson has a particular kind of— that borisjohnson has a particular kind of charm that resonates with voters. _ kind of charm that resonates with voters, that he's more like a great cheerleader. that was of great benefit — cheerleader. that was of great benefit. back in the election campaign when brexit was looming and it was_ campaign when brexit was looming and it was a _ campaign when brexit was looming and it was a great project that the country was embarking on. so, here was boris _ country was embarking on. so, here was borisjohnson and his blustery bluff fashion, reassuring the electorate and telling everyone that -reat electorate and telling everyone that great things lie ahead. well, this

is a little — great things lie ahead. well, this is a little bit different. people voted — is a little bit different. people voted for _ is a little bit different. people voted for brexit, not the pandemic, and this— voted for brexit, not the pandemic, and this is— voted for brexit, not the pandemic, and this is something he needs to manage _ and this is something he needs to manage much more effectively than has been _ manage much more effectively than has been the case. and the voters are beginning to see that, as well as these — are beginning to see that, as well as these scandals of sleaze that we've _ as these scandals of sleaze that we've talked about. that have been on goats _ we've talked about. that have been on goals by— we've talked about. that have been on goals by this government. now, he needs to _ on goals by this government. now, he needs to he _ on goals by this government. now, he needs to be able to communicate not 'ust needs to be able to communicate not just with _ needs to be able to communicate not just with the public, but with his own backbenchers. if he's not able to show _ own backbenchers. if he's not able to show he — own backbenchers. if he's not able to show he can pull everything together, i think you will be in dangeh — together, i think you will be in danger. changing a leader is very disruptive, — danger. changing a leader is very disruptive, but there are still two years— disruptive, but there are still two years out, — disruptive, but there are still two years out, so he has some time to do that because — years out, so he has some time to do that because public memories can be short _ that because public memories can be short but _ that because public memories can be short but i _ that because public memories can be short. but i don't think the party will necessarily be forgiving of him if the _ will necessarily be forgiving of him if the current electoral trends keep cohtihuihg — if the current electoral trends keep continuing with lost by—elections like this — continuing with lost by-elections like this. ,., continuing with lost by-elections like this. ., like this. davidson was on the radio, like this. davidson was on the radio. saying _ like this. davidson was on the radio, saying one _ like this. davidson was on the radio, saying one of— like this. davidson was on the radio, saying one of the - like this. davidson was on the - radio, saying one of the examples of what she thought was poor leadership

was that speech, the peppa pig speech. why has that cause such bad... i speech. why has that cause such bad... ., , speech. why has that cause such bad- - -_ so _ speech. why has that cause such bad- - -_ so you - speech. why has that cause such bad. . ._ so you could| bad... i was there. so you could look around? _ bad... i was there. so you could look around? i've _ bad... i was there. so you could look around? i've seen - bad... i was there. so you could look around? i've seen quite - bad... i was there. so you could look around? i've seen quite a l bad... i was there. so you could i look around? i've seen quite a few boris johnson _ look around? i've seen quite a few boris johnson speeches _ look around? i've seen quite a few boris johnson speeches to - look around? i've seen quite a few i boris johnson speeches to business. it's boris johnson speeches to business. it's an— boris johnson speeches to business. it's an audience _ boris johnson speeches to business. it's an audience he _ boris johnson speeches to business. it's an audience he doesn't - boris johnson speeches to business. it's an audience he doesn't feel - it's an audience he doesn't feel unusually— it's an audience he doesn't feel unusually that— it's an audience he doesn't feel unusually that comfortable - it's an audience he doesn't feel unusually that comfortable in l it's an audience he doesn't feel. unusually that comfortable in front of. i unusually that comfortable in front of ithink— unusually that comfortable in front of i think he — unusually that comfortable in front of. i think he finds— unusually that comfortable in front of. i think he finds their— of. i think he finds their spreadsheets— of. i think he finds their spreadsheets and - of. i think he finds their. spreadsheets and analysis of. i think he finds their- spreadsheets and analysis are a little _ spreadsheets and analysis are a little bit — spreadsheets and analysis are a little bit stifling. _ spreadsheets and analysis are a little bit stifling. sometimes- little bit stifling. sometimes during — little bit stifling. sometimes during the _ little bit stifling. sometimes during the brexit _ little bit stifling. sometimes during the brexit debate, i little bit stifling. sometimesj during the brexit debate, he little bit stifling. sometimes- during the brexit debate, he saw the caution _ during the brexit debate, he saw the caution of— during the brexit debate, he saw the caution of businesses _ during the brexit debate, he saw the caution of businesses who _ during the brexit debate, he saw the caution of businesses who had - during the brexit debate, he saw the caution of businesses who had real. caution of businesses who had real money— caution of businesses who had real money on — caution of businesses who had real money on the _ caution of businesses who had real money on the line, _ caution of businesses who had real money on the line, he _ caution of businesses who had real money on the line, he saw- caution of businesses who had real money on the line, he saw that... i money on the line, he saw that... the conservatives... _ money on the line, he saw that... the conservatives... crosstalki the conservatives... crosstalk a form of cowardice at worst. i think— a form of cowardice at worst. i think he — a form of cowardice at worst. i think he finds _ a form of cowardice at worst. i think he finds business - a form of cowardice at worst. i think he finds business quite . think he finds business quite tedious _ think he finds business quite tedious. having _ think he finds business quite tedious. having watched - think he finds business quite j tedious. having watched him think he finds business quite . tedious. having watched him in think he finds business quite - tedious. having watched him in these scenarios _ tedious. having watched him in these scenarios of — tedious. having watched him in these scenarios of in — tedious. having watched him in these scenarios of-— scenarios of. in that sense, he's a bit like ted _ scenarios of. in that sense, he's a bit like ted heath. _ scenarios of. in that sense, he's a bit like ted heath. he _ scenarios of. in that sense, he's a bit like ted heath. he used - scenarios of. in that sense, he's a bit like ted heath. he used to - scenarios of. in that sense, he's a bit like ted heath. he used to getj bit like ted heath. he used to get very angry about british business coming in to see him. and not being

very imaginative and creative in his view. , , , view. this is positive, but i wouldn't — view. this is positive, but i wouldn't call... _ view. this is positive, but i wouldn't call... i— view. this is positive, but i wouldn't call... i was - view. this is positive, but i - wouldn't call. .. i was surprised, if wouldn't call... i was surprised, if i'm wouldn't call... i was surprised, if i'm honest. — wouldn't call... i was surprised, if i'm honest, probably— wouldn't call... i was surprised, if i'm honest, probably a _ wouldn't call... i was surprised, if i'm honest, probably a damning l i'm honest, probably a damning indictment _ i'm honest, probably a damning indictment of— i'm honest, probably a damning indictment of my— i'm honest, probably a damning indictment of myjournalistic - indictment of my journalistic instincts _ indictment of my journalistic instincts i— indictment of myjournalistic instincts. i think— indictment of myjournalistic instincts. i think it's- indictment of myjournalistic instincts. i think it's now- indictment of myjournalistic . instincts. i think it's now dated because — instincts. i think it's now dated because that _ instincts. i think it's now dated because that was _ instincts. i think it's now dated because that was part - instincts. i think it's now dated because that was part of- instincts. i think it's now dated because that was part of the l instincts. i think it's now dated - because that was part of the course. a llunch— because that was part of the course. a bunch of— because that was part of the course. a bunch of bankers— because that was part of the course. a bunch of bankers and _ because that was part of the course. a bunch of bankers and their- a bunch of bankers and their partners _ a bunch of bankers and their partners when _ a bunch of bankers and their partners when he _ a bunch of bankers and their partners when he was - a bunch of bankers and their partners when he was trying | a bunch of bankers and their. partners when he was trying to persuade — partners when he was trying to persuade them _ partners when he was trying to persuade them not _ partners when he was trying to persuade them not to - partners when he was trying to persuade them not to go - partners when he was trying to persuade them not to go to . persuade them not to go to switzerland. _ persuade them not to go to switzerland. saying - persuade them not to go to switzerland. saying he - persuade them not to go to - switzerland. saying he couldn't dom _ switzerland. saying he couldn't dom you — switzerland. saying he couldn't dom you get— switzerland. saying he couldn't do... you get reported - switzerland. saying he couldn't do... you get reported to- switzerland. saying he couldn't do... you get reported to the l do... you get reported to the authorities _ do... you get reported to the authorities. it _ do... you get reported to the authorities. it was _ do... you get reported to the authorities. it was all - do... you get reported to the authorities. it was all part - do... you get reported to the authorities. it was all part of| authorities. it was all part of grand — authorities. it was all part of grand boris— authorities. it was all part of grand borisjohnson. - authorities. it was all part of grand borisjohnson. i- authorities. it was all part of grand borisjohnson. ithinkl authorities. it was all part of- grand borisjohnson. i think where the real— grand borisjohnson. i think where the real stuff— grand borisjohnson. i think where the real stuff it _ grand borisjohnson. i think where the real stuff it was _ grand borisjohnson. i think where the real stuff it was around - grand borisjohnson. i think where the real stuff it was around the - the real stuff it was around the inquiry, — the real stuff it was around the inquiry, which _ the real stuff it was around the inquiry, which is _ the real stuff it was around the inquiry, which is why— the real stuff it was around the inquiry, which is why we - the real stuff it was around the inquiry, which is why we fight i the real stuff it was around the . inquiry, which is why we fight the try-election _ inquiry, which is why we fight the lay-election— by-election. there wouldn't be a by-election- _ by-election. there wouldn't be a by-election. is _ by-election. there wouldn't be a by-election. is some _ by-election. there wouldn't be a by-election. is some submission would be almost _ by-election. is some submission would be almost over— by-election. is some submission would be almost over by - by-election. is some submission would be almost over by now. i by-election. is some submission | would be almost over by now. so by-election. is some submission i would be almost over by now. so i don't _ would be almost over by now. so i don't think— would be almost over by now. so i don't think brand _ would be almost over by now. so i don't think brand boris _ would be almost over by now. so i don't think brand boris was - would be almost over by now. so i. don't think brand boris was damaged too much _ don't think brand boris was damaged too much by— don't think brand boris was damaged too much by the _ don't think brand boris was damaged too much by the pep—

don't think brand boris was damaged too much by the pep peppa - don't think brand boris was damaged too much by the pep peppa pig - don't think brand boris was damaged i too much by the pep peppa pig thing, but _ too much by the pep peppa pig thing, but but— too much by the pep peppa pig thing, but but the — too much by the pep peppa pig thing, but... but the point— too much by the pep peppa pig thing, but... but the point is— too much by the pep peppa pig thing, but... but the point is on— too much by the pep peppa pig thing, but... but the point is on the - but... but the point is on the economic— but... but the point is on the economic basis, _ but... but the point is on the economic basis, they- but... but the point is on the economic basis, they have i but... but the point is on the economic basis, they have a| but... but the point is on the - economic basis, they have a number of things— economic basis, they have a number of things that — economic basis, they have a number of things that have _ economic basis, they have a number of things that have come _ economic basis, they have a number of things that have come along - of things that have come along recently~ — of things that have come along recently. that _ of things that have come along recently. that is _ of things that have come along recently. that is a _ of things that have come along recently. that is a pretty- of things that have come along recently. that is a pretty toxicl recently. that is a pretty toxic area _ recently. that is a pretty toxic area for— recently. that is a pretty toxic area for any— recently. that is a pretty toxic area for any politician - recently. that is a pretty toxic area for any politician in - area for any politician in any country _ area for any politician in any country it's— area for any politician in any country. it's happening - area for any politician in any- country. it's happening elsewhere. when _ country. it's happening elsewhere. when you're — country. it's happening elsewhere. when you're not— country. it's happening elsewhere. when you're not getting _ country. it's happening elsewhere. when you're not getting on - country. it's happening elsewhere. when you're not getting on in - country. it's happening elsewhere. when you're not getting on in life, | when you're not getting on in life, and prices — when you're not getting on in life, and prices are _ when you're not getting on in life, and prices are rising _ when you're not getting on in life, and prices are rising faster, - when you're not getting on in life, and prices are rising faster, you i and prices are rising faster, you can feel— and prices are rising faster, you can feel you're _ and prices are rising faster, you can feel you're not _ and prices are rising faster, you can feel you're not getting - and prices are rising faster, you . can feel you're not getting ahead. i think that's — can feel you're not getting ahead. i think that's one _ can feel you're not getting ahead. i think that's one of— can feel you're not getting ahead. i think that's one of the _ can feel you're not getting ahead. i j think that's one of the fundamental contract _ think that's one of the fundamental contract that — think that's one of the fundamental contract that you _ think that's one of the fundamental contract that you make _ think that's one of the fundamental contract that you make with - think that's one of the fundamentall contract that you make with people, if you _ contract that you make with people, if you do— contract that you make with people, if you do this, — contract that you make with people, if you do this, your— contract that you make with people, if you do this, your life _ contract that you make with people, if you do this, your life will - if you do this, your life will improve _ if you do this, your life will improve i— if you do this, your life will improve. ithink— if you do this, your life will improve. i think that - if you do this, your life will improve. i think that is - if you do this, your life will| improve. i think that is one if you do this, your life will - improve. i think that is one thing people _ improve. i think that is one thing people see — improve. i think that is one thing people see their— improve. i think that is one thing people see their energy- improve. i think that is one thing people see their energy bills - improve. i think that is one thing people see their energy bills goi improve. i think that is one thing i people see their energy bills go up, their petrol — people see their energy bills go up, their petrol prices _ people see their energy bills go up, their petrol prices and _ people see their energy bills go up, their petrol prices and wages - people see their energy bills go up, their petrol prices and wages not i their petrol prices and wages not going up— their petrol prices and wages not going up in— their petrol prices and wages not going up in line _ their petrol prices and wages not going up in line with— their petrol prices and wages not going up in line with that. - their petrol prices and wages not going up in line with that. i- going up in line with that. i think that will— going up in line with that. i think that will be — going up in line with that. i think that will be the _ going up in line with that. i think that will be the biggest - going up in line with that. i think that will be the biggest issue - going up in line with that. i think that will be the biggest issue of| that will be the biggest issue of 2022 _ that will be the biggest issue of 2022 on my— that will be the biggest issue of 2022 on my watch, _ that will be the biggest issue of 2022 on my watch, which - that will be the biggest issue of 2022 on my watch, which will. 2022 on my watch, which will be inflation, — 2022 on my watch, which will be inflation, how— 2022 on my watch, which will be inflation, how i— 2022 on my watch, which will be inflation, how i for— 2022 on my watch, which will be inflation, how i for how - 2022 on my watch, which will be inflation, how i for how long. . inflation, how i for how long. paule. — inflation, how i for how long. paule, that's— inflation, how i for how long.

paule, that's another- inflation, how i for how long. paule, that's another reasonl inflation, how i for how long. - paule, that's another reason why the politics are going to get more difficult. that seems to reflect some of the exasperation. there will be some tories to say at the end of the day, it was won by the liberal democrats who are probably not going to be the party to hope to defeat them. that's labour, and they went to third place. therefore it can't be as bad as some people are suggesting. be as bad as some people are suggesting-— be as bad as some people are su~aestina. ., v .. .. . be as bad as some people are sun hestin. . �*, ., ., , �*, suggesting. that's a serious mood 's 'udument suggesting. that's a serious mood 's judgment because _ suggesting. that's a serious mood 's judgment because there _ suggesting. that's a serious mood 's judgment because there has - suggesting. that's a serious mood 's judgment because there has alwaysl judgment because there has always been a majority against the conservative party. it's been strict between labour and the lib dems and other parties. if you really are seeing in a place like north shropshire, which is very, very deeply and solidly conservative, if you're willing to see people vote

tactically to get the conservatives out so that labour voters, there were more of them at the last election, are willing to lend their votes to the liberal democrats. they're in real trouble because they have relied on that script. 0ne they're in real trouble because they have relied on that script. one of the most extraordinary things is that this was a very strongly pro—brexit area, deeply rural and pro—brexit. how extraordinary that they have voted for the most anti—brexit party of all, the liberal democrats. it shows that brexit is no longer a political issue in this country. that's what labour have passed at the last election. that's now finished. people think brexit is done, and borisjohnson, one of his mistakes has been to pick corals, particularly with the french, because he thinks it will revive because he thinks it will revive because he thinks it will revive because he was the great get brexit done man. well, brexit is done and

people are fed up with it. they don't want fights with europe or france and they don't want fights with america, protecting the irish. so, he's made several miscalculations, but this will really change politics if brexit is no longer... fin really change politics if brexit is no longer- - -_ really change politics if brexit is no longer... on that question of brexit no longer _ no longer... on that question of brexit no longer being an - no longer... on that question of brexit no longer being an issue. j this christmas, it doesn't really matter whether you've been naughty or nice — 0micron is coming to town. if it isn't already in your town. in the 2a hours to friday of this week, 93,000 people were infected. daily records have been broken all this been broken all this week, as the rate at which people are becoming infected far boris johnson described the british government's response as a "jabathon" — giving people vaccine boosterjabs to limit any effect this new, largely unknown variant of covid will have. it may be a milder infection than previous variants, but if the numbers infected are so much greater than before, then more people will end up in hospital. i suppose, henry, isuppose, henry, in i suppose, henry, in that sense, if

you could give us a sense of already what impact this is having and why in a sense we're not starting from scratch here. we're starting in a situation where lots of other medical procedures have had to be put on hold over the last 21 months to deal with covid, and now the point where people are starting to feel the health service can get back into routine, some of it very important routine. it's kind of going to be pushed back into a kind of reacting to covid situation. i’m of reacting to covid situation. i'm 'ust of reacting to covid situation. i'm just remembering a year ago now when also, you _ just remembering a year ago now when also, you had _ just remembering a year ago now when also, you had a new variance that was the _ also, you had a new variance that was the kent variant discovered in britain _ was the kent variant discovered in britain. it was galloping to the country — britain. it was galloping to the country. now itjust, we're having a bit of— country. now itjust, we're having a bit of a _ country. now itjust, we're having a bit of a room — country. now itjust, we're having a bit of a room on with omicron. i think— bit of a room on with omicron. i think the — bit of a room on with omicron. i think the scientists are still saying _ think the scientists are still saying the data is out. here in britain, — saying the data is out. here in britain, the scientific advisers are saying _ britain, the scientific advisers are saying it — britain, the scientific advisers are saying it won't be until the end of

the month— saying it won't be until the end of the month and well into january before — the month and well into january before we have a really strong picture — before we have a really strong picture as _ before we have a really strong picture as to whether omicron, which doesn't _ picture as to whether omicron, which doesn't appear to be more transmissible, is less of your lens. as you _ transmissible, is less of your lens. as you said. — transmissible, is less of your lens. as you said, if it's less severe lent. — as you said, if it's less severe lent. it — as you said, if it's less severe lent, it still attacking people. —— virulent~ — lent, it still attacking people. —— virulent. we're seeing that double in the _ virulent. we're seeing that double in the us— virulent. we're seeing that double in the us every couple of days, which _ in the us every couple of days, which is — in the us every couple of days, which is much faster than delta, but hospitalisations haven't gone up across— hospitalisations haven't gone up across the board. they've been bad in some _ across the board. they've been bad in some places like michigan and new york, _ in some places like michigan and new york, and _ in some places like michigan and new york, and we've been seeing a lot more _ york, and we've been seeing a lot more omicron places, but i think we need _ more omicron places, but i think we need to— more omicron places, but i think we need to approach this with the same caution that we've approached the other— caution that we've approached the other variants. we don't know exactly — other variants. we don't know exactly how two booster shots... excuse _ exactly how two booster shots... excuse me. _ exactly how two booster shots... excuse me, two regular shots will hold up _ excuse me, two regular shots will hold up. we do need to be going under— hold up. we do need to be going under the — hold up. we do need to be going under the jabathon promotion and taking _ under the jabathon promotion and taking the — under the jabathon promotion and taking the cautions that we've now already— taking the cautions that we've now already become quite accustomed to.

of real— already become quite accustomed to. 0f real no— already become quite accustomed to. of real no hardship to wearing masks in public, _ of real no hardship to wearing masks in public, which is now mandatory once _ in public, which is now mandatory once again — in public, which is now mandatory once again in public spaces here in britain _ once again in public spaces here in britain and — once again in public spaces here in britain and also in my home state of california _ britain and also in my home state of california. these are easy measures. let's _ california. these are easy measures. let's pull— california. these are easy measures. let's pull together to try to keep 0micron — let's pull together to try to keep omicron at bay.— omicron at bay. polly, as far as this debate. _ omicron at bay. polly, as far as this debate, it _ omicron at bay. polly, as far as this debate, it was _ omicron at bay. polly, as far as this debate, it was focused - omicron at bay. polly, as far as this debate, it was focused on i omicron at bay. polly, as far as i this debate, it was focused on that david this week. vaccine certificates will come in anyway because the opposition party largely supported the prime minister, even if many of his backbenchers did not. the prime minister says we're not going to lockdown christmas, we're not planning any lockdown. the public seems to be acting with their own voting with their feet, they seem to have taken it on themselves to decide when it's good to take the risk and when not. that's quite an encouraging sign.— risk and when not. that's quite an encouraging sign. people have been more sensible _ encouraging sign. people have been more sensible right _ encouraging sign. people have been more sensible right from _ encouraging sign. people have been more sensible right from the - encouraging sign. people have been more sensible right from the very i more sensible right from the very beginning. the queen herself started cancelling christmas events. she doesn't want her family meeting

together, and that's what other people are doing. they are cancelling to the great hardship of restaurants, they are cancelling family parties. i think there is a precautionary principle that the public understand about public health. if in doubt, we don't know how bad omicron will be, because it will take quite a few weeks before you really get mass hospitalisations. we're not there yet. i think there's a lot of trouble with the nhs. i've been covering the nhs for more decades than i'd like to count, and it has never been in such a fragile state. and it entered this crisis having had a decade of its most stringent funding since it was founded in 1948. it had 100,000 medical vacancies, and after brexit, it lost a lot of staff. people went... the it is yes he was to get rid of

people we really needed —— idiocy. and there are now awaiting list of 6 million people. back in 2010, there was virtually no waiting list. before covid, it had risen to over 4 million, and now it's risen to 6 million. getting rid of that backlog, trying to catch up with people in severe pain waiting for this, it's going to sound cuts out. .. this, it's going to sound cuts out. ., , sound cuts out. one of the first thins the sound cuts out. one of the first things the government _ sound cuts out. one of the first things the government did - sound cuts out. one of the first things the government did ten - sound curs our. one of the first | things the government did ten years ago was to cut back on training. takes about ten years to train a doctor. it's very difficult to find any kind of quickfix for this very serious problem.— serious problem. simon, that decision that _ serious problem. simon, that decision that people - serious problem. simon, that decision that people have - serious problem. simon, that l decision that people have made serious problem. simon, that - decision that people have made to cancel events themselves is starting to have a real impact in the hospitality sector. is it possible

to measure how much damage is being done right now? and to have a clear sense of how important this time of the year is for this sector as compared to the rest, which has not been great. compared to the rest, which has not been great-— been great. everyone was putting their hopes _ been great. everyone was putting their hopes on — been great. everyone was putting their hopes on december. - been great. everyone was putting their hopes on december. for- been great. everyone was putting i their hopes on december. for some businesses — their hopes on december. for some businesses in — their hopes on december. for some businesses in hospitality, _ their hopes on december. for some businesses in hospitality, makes- their hopes on december. for some businesses in hospitality, makes up| businesses in hospitality, makes up for 30%_ businesses in hospitality, makes up for 30% of— businesses in hospitality, makes up for 30% of their— businesses in hospitality, makes up for 30% of their profits _ businesses in hospitality, makes up for 30% of their profits in _ businesses in hospitality, makes up for 30% of their profits in that - businesses in hospitality, makes up for 30% of their profits in that one i for 30% of their profits in that one month _ for 30% of their profits in that one month it — for 30% of their profits in that one month. it couldn't _ for 30% of their profits in that one month. it couldn't have _ for 30% of their profits in that one month. it couldn't have happened| for 30% of their profits in that one . month. it couldn't have happened at a worse _ month. it couldn't have happened at a worse time~ — month. it couldn't have happened at a worse time. we _ month. it couldn't have happened at a worse time. we know— month. it couldn't have happened at a worse time. we know that - month. it couldn't have happened at a worse time. we know that it - a worse time. we know that it doesn't — a worse time. we know that it doesn't really— a worse time. we know that it doesn't really matter- a worse time. we know that it doesn't really matter what - a worse time. we know that itj doesn't really matter what the government _ doesn't really matter what the government says _ doesn't really matter what the government says at _ doesn't really matter what the government says at the - doesn't really matter what the . government says at the moment doesn't really matter what the - government says at the moment in terms _ government says at the moment in terms of— government says at the moment in terms of their— government says at the moment in terms of their policy. _ government says at the moment in terms of their policy. they- government says at the moment in terms of their policy. they will- government says at the moment in terms of their policy. they will sayl terms of their policy. they will say they won't — terms of their policy. they will say they won't givem _ terms of their policy. they will say they won't give... we're _ terms of their policy. they will say they won't give... we're not - terms of their policy. they will say they won't give... we're not goingj they won't give... we're not going to give _ they won't give... we're not going to give you — they won't give... we're not going to give you extra _ they won't give... we're not going to give you extra support - they won't give... we're not going to give you extra support because| they won't give... we're not going. to give you extra support because no one is— to give you extra support because no one is shutting — to give you extra support because no one is shutting you _ to give you extra support because no one is shutting you down. _ to give you extra support because no one is shutting you down. we - to give you extra support because no one is shutting you down. we could. one is shutting you down. we could walk out— one is shutting you down. we could walk out of— one is shutting you down. we could walk out of here _ one is shutting you down. we could walk out of here and _ one is shutting you down. we could walk out of here and go _ one is shutting you down. we could walk out of here and go to - one is shutting you down. we could walk out of here and go to the - one is shutting you down. we could walk out of here and go to the pub, it'll be _ walk out of here and go to the pub, it'll be quiet — walk out of here and go to the pub, it'll be quiet. that _ walk out of here and go to the pub, it'll be quiet. that is _ walk out of here and go to the pub, it'll be quiet. that is because - walk out of here and go to the pub, it'll be quiet. that is because the i it'll be quiet. that is because the health— it'll be quiet. that is because the health messaging, _ it'll be quiet. that is because the health messaging, consumer- health messaging, consumer confidence _ health messaging, consumer confidence has _ health messaging, consumer confidence has evaporated . health messaging, consumerl confidence has evaporated on health messaging, consumer- confidence has evaporated on the face of— confidence has evaporated on the face of this — confidence has evaporated on the face of this. that _ confidence has evaporated on the face of this. that means - confidence has evaporated on the face of this. that means that - confidence has evaporated on the i face of this. that means that some businesses — face of this. that means that some businesses are _ face of this. that means that some businesses are facing _ face of this. that means that some businesses are facing financial - face of this. that means that some businesses are facing financial ruin| businesses are facing financial ruin or a huge — businesses are facing financial ruin

or a huge hit _ businesses are facing financial ruin or a huge hit-— or a huge hit. there'll be a paradox there. as or a huge hit. there'll be a paradox there- as the _ or a huge hit. there'll be a paradox there. as the government - or a huge hit. there'll be a paradox there. as the government helps i there. as the government helps businesses through a terrible first period and help to keep them going. and then, they end up going under at a slightly later period. it almost feels like the money would've been wasted. i feels like the money would've been wasted. ~ , feels like the money would've been wasted. ~' , . wasted. i think where there is an overarching _ wasted. i think where there is an overarching part _ wasted. i think where there is an overarching part which _ wasted. i think where there is an overarching part which gets i wasted. i think where there is an overarching part which gets to i wasted. i think where there is an overarching part which gets to a | overarching part which gets to a political — overarching part which gets to a political point, _ overarching part which gets to a political point, rishi _ overarching part which gets to a political point, rishi sunak- overarching part which gets to a i political point, rishi sunak versus boris _ political point, rishi sunak versus boris johnson _ political point, rishi sunak versus borisjohnson. rishi _ political point, rishi sunak versus borisjohnson. rishi sunak- political point, rishi sunak versus borisjohnson. rishi sunak has. political point, rishi sunak versusl borisjohnson. rishi sunak has cut short— borisjohnson. rishi sunak has cut short in— borisjohnson. rishi sunak has cut short in california... _ boris johnson. rishi sunak has cut short in california. . ._ short in california... crosstalk to come back — short in california... crosstalk to come back to _ short in california... crosstalk to come back to sort _ short in california... crosstalk to come back to sort this - short in california... crosstalk to come back to sort this out. i to come back to sort this out. fundamentally, _ to come back to sort this out. fundamentally, rishi- to come back to sort this out. fundamentally, rishi sunak's| to come back to sort this out. i fundamentally, rishi sunak's brand is based _ fundamentally, rishi sunak's brand is based on — fundamentally, rishi sunak's brand is based on the _ fundamentally, rishi sunak's brand is based on the fact— fundamentally, rishi sunak's brand is based on the fact that _ fundamentally, rishi sunak's brand is based on the fact that every i fundamentally, rishi sunak's brand is based on the fact that every time j is based on the fact that every time there's— is based on the fact that every time there's a _ is based on the fact that every time there's a problem _ is based on the fact that every time there's a problem with _ is based on the fact that every time there's a problem with the - is based on the fact that every time i there's a problem with the economy, you can't— there's a problem with the economy, you can't reach— there's a problem with the economy, you can't reach out _ there's a problem with the economy, you can't reach out and _ there's a problem with the economy, you can't reach out and leave - there's a problem with the economy, you can't reach out and leave the i you can't reach out and leave the treasury — you can't reach out and leave the treasury as — you can't reach out and leave the treasury as a _ you can't reach out and leave the treasury as a backstop. - you can't reach out and leave the treasury as a backstop. he - you can't reach out and leave the treasury as a backstop. he wants you can't reach out and leave the i treasury as a backstop. he wants to havem _ treasury as a backstop. he wants to havem there's— treasury as a backstop. he wants to havem there's a— treasury as a backstop. he wants to have... there's a bit— treasury as a backstop. he wants to have... there's a bit of— treasury as a backstop. he wants to have... there's a bit of tension i have... there's a bit of tension between — have... there's a bit of tension between number— have... there's a bit of tension between numberten, - have... there's a bit of tension between number ten, which i have... there's a bit of tension i between number ten, which thinks they can _ between number ten, which thinks they can throw— between number ten, which thinks they can throw money— between number ten, which thinks they can throw money at _ between number ten, which thinks they can throw money at many- they can throw money at many projects — they can throw money at many projects they— they can throw money at many projects. they want _ they can throw money at many projects. they want to - they can throw money at many projects. they want to make i they can throw money at many- projects. they want to make things

better _ projects. they want to make things better. . . . better. crosstalk i was talking - better. crosstalk i was talking to i better. crosstalk - i was talking to business better. crosstalk _ i was talking to business groups who had been _ i was talking to business groups who had been with— i was talking to business groups who had been with the _ i was talking to business groups who had been with the chancellor- i was talking to business groups who had been with the chancellor this - had been with the chancellor this afternoon — had been with the chancellor this afternoon. they— had been with the chancellor this afternoon. they want _ had been with the chancellor this afternoon. they want to - had been with the chancellor this afternoon. they want to see - had been with the chancellor this afternoon. they want to see a . had been with the chancellor this . afternoon. they want to see a return to vat _ afternoon. they want to see a return to vat to _ afternoon. they want to see a return to vat to emergency _ afternoon. they want to see a return to vat to emergency levels. - afternoon. they want to see a return to vat to emergency levels. they i to vat to emergency levels. they want _ to vat to emergency levels. they want business _ to vat to emergency levels. they want business rates _ to vat to emergency levels. they want business rates deferred - to vat to emergency levels. they want business rates deferred and| want business rates deferred and some _ want business rates deferred and some more — want business rates deferred and some more targeted _ want business rates deferred and some more targeted grants. - want business rates deferred and some more targeted grants. he i want business rates deferred and i some more targeted grants. he said there _ some more targeted grants. he said there are _ some more targeted grants. he said there are existing _ some more targeted grants. he said there are existing measures- some more targeted grants. he said there are existing measures saying i there are existing measures saying without_ there are existing measures saying without new — there are existing measures saying without new support, _ there are existing measures saying without new support, many- there are existing measures saying without new support, many will. there are existing measures saying i without new support, many will face ruin this _ without new support, many will face ruin this christmas. _ without new support, many will face ruin this christmas. i— without new support, many will face ruin this christmas. i think - without new support, many will face ruin this christmas. i think he's - ruin this christmas. i think he's giving — ruin this christmas. i think he's giving himself— ruin this christmas. i think he's giving himself enough - ruin this christmas. i think he's giving himself enough room - ruin this christmas. i think he's giving himself enough room to| ruin this christmas. i think he's . giving himself enough room to do nothing _ giving himself enough room to do nothing on his— giving himself enough room to do nothing on his rationale, - giving himself enough room to do nothing on his rationale, but- giving himself enough room to do nothing on his rationale, but i- nothing on his rationale, but i would — nothing on his rationale, but i would be _ nothing on his rationale, but i would be surprised _ nothing on his rationale, but i would be surprised if- nothing on his rationale, but i would be surprised if he - nothing on his rationale, but i. would be surprised if he doesn't nothing on his rationale, but i- would be surprised if he doesn't do something — would be surprised if he doesn't do somethina. .., ., would be surprised if he doesn't do somethina. g , would be surprised if he doesn't do somethin.. g , ., would be surprised if he doesn't do somethina. g , ., something. good. just a quick auestion something. good. just a quick question to — something. good. just a quick question to each _ something. good. just a quick question to each of _ something. good. just a quick question to each of you. - something. good. just a quick l question to each of you. simon, something. good. just a quick - question to each of you. simon, are you changing your christmas plans? i'm hanging on hopefully. one of the things— i'm hanging on hopefully. one of the things we _ i'm hanging on hopefully. one of the things we haven't _ i'm hanging on hopefully. one of the things we haven't factored _ i'm hanging on hopefully. one of the things we haven't factored in - i'm hanging on hopefully. one of the things we haven't factored in is - i'm hanging on hopefully. one of the things we haven't factored in is we . things we haven't factored in is we will be _ things we haven't factored in is we will be going — things we haven't factored in is we will be going about _ things we haven't factored in is we will be going about our— things we haven't factored in is we will be going about our business . things we haven't factored in is we l will be going about our business and some _ will be going about our business and some people — will be going about our business and some people want _ will be going about our business and some people want change _ will be going about our business and some people want change their- some people want change their habits — some people want change their habits but— some people want change their habits. but staff _ some people want change their habits. but staff absences - some people want change their habits. but staff absences willl habits. but staff absences will insert — habits. but staff absences will insert and _ habits. but staff absences will insert and things _ habits. but staff absences will insert and things like - habits. but staff absences will insert and things like the - habits. but staff absences will - insert and things like the transport network _ insert and things like the transport network if— insert and things like the transport network. if you're _ insert and things like the transport network. if you're planning - insert and things like the transport network. if you're planning to - insert and things like the transport network. if you're planning to go l insert and things like the transportl network. if you're planning to go as i am network. if you're planning to go as

ianr next _ network. if you're planning to go as ianr next week— network. if you're planning to go as i am next week to _ network. if you're planning to go as i am next week to see _ network. if you're planning to go as i am next week to see family- i am next week to see family nrenrbers. _ i am next week to see family members, i don't _ i am next week to see family members, i don't know- i am next week to see familyl members, i don't know where i am next week to see family- members, i don't know where that train _ members, idon't know where that train witt— members, i don't know where that train will run _ members, i don't know where that train will run. i'm _ members, i don't know where that train will run. i'm guessing there's| train will run. i'm guessing there's a high _ train will run. i'm guessing there's a high levet— train will run. i'm guessing there's a high level of— train will run. i'm guessing there's a high level ofjeopardy_ train will run. i'm guessing there's a high level ofjeopardy it - train will run. i'm guessing there's a high level ofjeopardy it won't. . a high level ofjeopardy it won't. so, a high level ofjeopardy it won't. so. in — a high level ofjeopardy it won't. so, i'm crossing _ a high level ofjeopardy it won't. so, i'm crossing my— a high level ofjeopardy it won't. so, i'm crossing my fingers. - a high level ofjeopardy it won't. so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'mi so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'm hanging— so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'm hanging in— so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'm hanging in there. _ so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'm hanging in there. i'm— so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'm hanging in there. i'm hoping- so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'm hanging in there. i'm hoping for| so, i'm crossing my fingers. i'm - hanging in there. i'm hoping forthe best~ _ hanging in there. i'm hoping forthe best i_ hanging in there. i'm hoping forthe best~ idon't— hanging in there. i'm hoping forthe best. i don't know— hanging in there. i'm hoping forthe best. i don't know how— hanging in there. i'm hoping forthe best. i don't know how i _ hanging in there. i'm hoping forthe best. i don't know how i can- hanging in there. i'm hoping forthel best. i don't know how i can prepare for the worst — best. i don't know how i can prepare for the worst at _ best. i don't know how i can prepare for the worst at this _ best. i don't know how i can prepare for the worst at this point. _ best. i don't know howl can prepare for the worst at this point.— for the worst at this point. henry? i'm still keeping _ for the worst at this point. henry? i'm still keeping to _ for the worst at this point. henry? i'm still keeping to my _ for the worst at this point. henry? i'm still keeping to my plan - for the worst at this point. henry? i'm still keeping to my plan of- i'm still keeping to my plan of seeing — i'm still keeping to my plan of seeing family on the holiday itself, but being _ seeing family on the holiday itself, but being more careful about whom i'm but being more careful about whom in seeing — but being more careful about whom i'm seeing in the things i'm doing before _ i'm seeing in the things i'm doing before that so that it doesn't jeopardise that plan. unfortunately, for me. _ jeopardise that plan. unfortunately, for me, family members are coming in from for me, family members are coming in front the— for me, family members are coming in front the us— for me, family members are coming in from the us and australia, and that's— from the us and australia, and that's scary because you never know when _ that's scary because you never know when travet — that's scary because you never know when travel restrictions will suddenly be imposed again on either side. whether they can get back in here or— side. whether they can get back in here or go — side. whether they can get back in here or go back to their own countries _ here or go back to their own countries. a here or go back to their own countries— here or go back to their own countries. . . , ., countries. a relative may be for life. paulie? _ countries. a relative may be for life. paulie? sadly, _ countries. a relative may be for life. paulie? sadly, my- countries. a relative may be for life. paulie? sadly, my french. life. paulie? sadly, my french daughter-in-law, _ life. paulie? sadly, my french daughter-in-law, her - life. paulie? sadly, my french daughter-in-law, her lovely . life. paulie? sadly, my french - daughter-in-law, her lovely mother daughter—in—law, her lovely mother was coming over, and now she can't.

so she won't be joining us and shall be all on her own. plans have changed. things may well change again. it's quite likely that if the omicron gallops ahead of the rate at is, we will be suddenly told not to be meeting. i protect my —— i kept mine up in my garden, so we might end up with the christmas and the tenant again. i end up with the christmas and the tenant again-— tenant again. i hope a bottle of something _ tenant again. i hope a bottle of something fizzy! _ tenant again. i hope a bottle of something fizzy! simon, - tenant again. i hope a bottle of something fizzy! simon, let's l tenant again. i hope a bottle of - something fizzy! simon, let's move on. we're already talking about... inflation up to slightly over 5% in the bank of england cutting interest rates. . . the bank of england cutting interest rates-_ sorry- - rates. raising them. sorry. inflation — rates. raising them. sorry. inflation is _ rates. raising them. sorry. inflation is going _ rates. raising them. sorry. inflation is going up. - rates. raising them. sorry. inflation is going up. longl rates. raising them. sorry. - inflation is going up. long after --eole inflation is going up. long after peeple were — inflation is going up. long after people were expecting - inflation is going up. long after people were expecting them. i |

people were expecting them. i remember— people were expecting them. i remember in _ people were expecting them. i remember in 2009 _ people were expecting them. i remember in 2009 when - people were expecting them. i. remember in 2009 when interest people were expecting them. i- remember in 2009 when interest rates were cut _ remember in 2009 when interest rates were cut to— remember in 2009 when interest rates were cut to record _ remember in 2009 when interest rates were cut to record lows, _ remember in 2009 when interest rates were cut to record lows, and _ remember in 2009 when interest rates were cut to record lows, and we - were cut to record lows, and we thought — were cut to record lows, and we thought in— were cut to record lows, and we thought in a _ were cut to record lows, and we thought in a few _ were cut to record lows, and we thought in a few months, - were cut to record lows, and we thought in a few months, and l were cut to record lows, and we thought in a few months, and a | thought in a few months, and a couple — thought in a few months, and a couple here— thought in a few months, and a couple here we _ thought in a few months, and a couple here we are - thought in a few months, and a couple here we are 12- thought in a few months, and a couple here we are 12 years| couple here we are 12 years tater, _ couple here we are 12 years tater, and — couple here we are 12 years tater, and they— couple here we are 12 years later, and they were _ couple here we are 12 years later, and they were at - couple here we are 12 years later, and they were at 0.0%. i couple here we are 12 years - later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly— later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly low, _ later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly low, and _ later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly low, and i— later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly low, and i think- later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly low, and i think a - later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly low, and i think a lot- later, and they were at 0.0%. still incredibly low, and i think a lot of| incredibly low, and i think a lot of people _ incredibly low, and i think a lot of people thought _ incredibly low, and i think a lot of people thought that, _ incredibly low, and i think a lot of people thought that, blimey, - incredibly low, and i think a lot of people thought that, blimey, if. incredibly low, and i think a lot of people thought that, blimey, if ii people thought that, blimey, if i .1% people thought that, blimey, if i ~t% isn't— people thought that, blimey, if i .1% isn't enough— people thought that, blimey, if i .1% isn't enough for— people thought that, blimey, if i .1% isn't enough for the - people thought that, blimey, if i .1% isn't enough for the teeniest tittte _ .1% isn't enough for the teeniest little increased _ .1% isn't enough for the teeniest little increased up _ .1% isn't enough for the teeniest little increased up from - .1% isn't enough for the teeniest little increased up from 0.1, - .1% isn't enough for the teeniestl little increased up from 0.1, then what _ little increased up from 0.1, then what is? — little increased up from 0.1, then what is? the _ little increased up from 0.1, then what is? the bank— little increased up from 0.1, then what is? the bank of— little increased up from 0.1, then what is? the bank of england - little increased up from 0.1, then. what is? the bank of england were expecting — what is? the bank of england were expecting to — what is? the bank of england were expecting to do _ what is? the bank of england were expecting to do it _ what is? the bank of england were expecting to do it last _ what is? the bank of england were expecting to do it last month. - what is? the bank of england were| expecting to do it last month. they held off— expecting to do it last month. they held off and — expecting to do it last month. they held off and then _ expecting to do it last month. they held off and then the _ expecting to do it last month. they held off and then the old _ expecting to do it last month. they held off and then the old macron . held off and then the old macron virus. _ held off and then the old macron virus. a — held off and then the old macron virus. a lot— held off and then the old macron virus. a lot of— held off and then the old macron virus, a lot of people _ held off and then the old macron virus, a lot of people thought - held off and then the old macron i virus, a lot of people thought they would _ virus, a lot of people thought they would hold — virus, a lot of people thought they would hold up— virus, a lot of people thought they would hold up again _ virus, a lot of people thought they would hold up again —— _ virus, a lot of people thought they would hold up again —— omicron . would hold up again —— omicron virus _ would hold up again —— omicron virus~ they— would hold up again —— omicron virus. they have _ would hold up again —— omicron virus. they have to _ would hold up again —— omicron virus. they have to be _ would hold up again —— omicron virus. they have to be seen - would hold up again —— omicron virus. they have to be seen to l would hold up again —— omicronl virus. they have to be seen to be would hold up again —— omicron - virus. they have to be seen to be in the price _ virus. they have to be seen to be in the price stability— virus. they have to be seen to be in the price stability gain _ virus. they have to be seen to be in the price stability gain as _ virus. they have to be seen to be in the price stability gain as the - virus. they have to be seen to be in the price stability gain as the ft - the price stability gain as the ft put it. _ the price stability gain as the ft put it. which— the price stability gain as the ft put it. which is— the price stability gain as the ft put it, which is kind _ the price stability gain as the ft put it, which is kind of- the price stability gain as the ft put it, which is kind of their- the price stability gain as the fti put it, which is kind of their main job _ put it, which is kind of their main job what — put it, which is kind of their main job what i — put it, which is kind of their main job. what i would _ put it, which is kind of their main job. what i would say... - put it, which is kind of their main job. what i would say... other. job. what i would say... other people — job. what i would say... other peopte woutd _ job. what i would say... other people would say, _ job. what i would say... other people would say, what - job. what i would say... other people would say, what is- job. what i would say... other people would say, what is thisj people would say, what is this really— people would say, what is this really going _ people would say, what is this really going to _ people would say, what is this really going to change? - people would say, what is this really going to change? also, i people would say, what is this - really going to change? also, when it comes _ really going to change? also, when

it comes to— really going to change? also, when it comes to inflation, _ really going to change? also, when it comes to inflation, this _ really going to change? also, when it comes to inflation, this is - really going to change? also, when it comes to inflation, this is a - it comes to inflation, this is a global— it comes to inflation, this is a global phenomenon. - it comes to inflation, this is a global phenomenon. you've i it comes to inflation, this is a . global phenomenon. you've got it comes to inflation, this is a - global phenomenon. you've got supply chains _ global phenomenon. you've got supply chains weti— global phenomenon. you've got supply chains. we'll have _ global phenomenon. you've got supply chains. we'll have any— global phenomenon. you've got supply chains. we'll have any impact- global phenomenon. you've got supply chains. we'll have any impact on- chains. we'll have any impact on inflation? — chains. we'll have any impact on inflation? i— chains. we'll have any impact on inflation? i think— chains. we'll have any impact on inflation? i think it's _ chains. we'll have any impact on inflation? i think it's a _ chains. we'll have any impact on inflation? i think it's a critical. inflation? i think it's a critical lily inflation? i think it's a critical titv bidding _ inflation? i think it's a critical titv bidding i_ inflation? i think it's a critical lily bidding i was— inflation? i think it's a critical lily bidding i was size. -- - inflation? i think it's a critical lily bidding i was size. -- building exercise. experience _ lily bidding i was size. -- building exercise. experience with - lily bidding i was size. -- building i exercise. experience with economics going on. jerome powell has only stopped describing inflation as a problem, seems to be acknowledging... the worrying thing is if inflation gets into the system and we can't eliminate it because of limits in terms of the benefits these days, the kind of tools are very limited for central banks. well, there are some things that for exampte _ well, there are some things that for example the biden administration can do in the _ example the biden administration can do in the us, where inflation is even _ do in the us, where inflation is even worse than here. last month,

and nearly— even worse than here. last month, and nearly hit 7% and it was the highest — and nearly hit 7% and it was the highest rise in about 40 years. but the problem with the tools they have at their— the problem with the tools they have at their disposal are often jackhammers that create a cure that can be _ jackhammers that create a cure that can be almost worse than the problem itsetf~ _ can be almost worse than the problem itself i_ can be almost worse than the problem itself. i know some people are saving — itself. i know some people are saying this inflationary period might— saying this inflationary period might keep around march and april, but the _ might keep around march and april, but the danger for politicians is that come election time, the electorate want to be so forgiving, especiattv — electorate want to be so forgiving, especially for a democratic president. those for memories with the carter— president. those for memories with the carter administration, president. those for memories with the carteradministration, his the carter administration, his presence _ the carteradministration, his presence he was limited to one term targetv_ presence he was limited to one term largely because of inflation and tvsing _ largely because of inflation and lysing gas prices. absolutely totemic~ _ lysing gas prices. absolutely totemic. ,, ,, �* totemic. crosstalk if it's costing - totemic. crosstalk if it's costing you - totemic. crosstalk | if it's costing you more totemic. crosstalk - if it's costing you more to put totemic. crosstalk _ if it's costing you more to put gas into your— if it's costing you more to put gas into your car, that will really impactm _ into your car, that will really impact- - -_ into your car, that will really impact- - -— into your car, that will really imact... ., ., �*,, impact... no wonder he's been lettin: impact... no wonder he's been letting some — impact. .. no wonder he's been letting some of— impact... no wonder he's been letting some of the _ impact... no wonder he's been l letting some of the reserves out. impact... no wonder he's been - letting some of the reserves out. my thanks to simonjack, polly toynbee

and henry chu. if you are stuck at home, stay with dateline. bye—bye. hello there. many parts of scotland and northern england have been sunny today. it did start off really cold, and it stayed chilly all day, but at least we've had the sunshine to compensate. the weather watcher picture behind me shows a lovely sunset there in the wirral. it's been a different story for other areas, particularly across southern parts of england into wales and northern ireland, rather grey, gloomy skies, some mist and murk and also a little bit of drizzle in the air. our area of high pressure is holding onto our weather through the rest of the day and indeed into the weekend. it's going to bring a lot of dry weather overnight. the cloud tending to return

to many central areas, some dense mist and fog patches developing as well across northern and eastern england. but under those clear skies, temperatures will be plummeting down to freezing or below, so cold here versus much milder conditions further south, where we hold the thickest could. very little change into the weekend, our blocking area of high pressure will continue to bring a lot of cloud around. it's going to stay mostly dry, bar the odd spit or drizzle, and it will start to turn a bit cooler, temperatures will be coming down a bit during the course of sunday. saturday, though, again, it's a rather grey picture for large portions of england and wales, northern ireland. best of any brightness, again, across northern and eastern england and up and in towards scotland. some dense fog patches could linger on, you will have to watch out for that. but generally where we have the sunshine feeling quite cool after the cold start, we will see something a little bit milder where the cloud will be thickest. through saturday night, again, many places will be cloudy. there will be some clear spells, central and northern areas, again, a touch of frost and some mist and fog, but where we hold onto the cloud, the thickest of the cloud no lower

than 6—8 celsius. sunday is a similar story, a lot of cloud around. should be largely dry, but there will be the odd spot of drizzle here and there, probably the best of the brightness further north. you will notice the temperatures beginning to edge down a touch. could still see 10 celsius in plymouth, but single figure values elsewhere. monday is a similar story, a lot of dry weather around, quite a bit of cloud and gloominess in places, probably the best of the sunshine through central and northern areas. again, it's going to be a little bit fresher than what we've had over the last couple of days. now, beyond monday, there is a bit question mark what happens in the run—up to christmas. stay tuned to the forecast.

this is bbc news. i'm shaun ley. the headlines at 8pm. victory for the liberal democrats in the north structure by election. they call that a watershed moment as they overturn a conservative majority of 23,000.- they overturn a conservative majority of 23,000. boris johnson, the -a majority of 23,000. boris johnson, the party is — majority of 23,000. boris johnson, the party is over- — majority of 23,000. boris johnson, the party is over. your _ majority of 23,000. boris johnson, the party is over. your governmentj the party is over. your government will be held accountable. you will be scrutinised, it will be challenged and a candy will be defeated. . . challenged and a candy will be defeated. , , , defeated. this is the seventh bi . . est defeated. this is the seventh biggest by — defeated. this is the seventh biggest by election _ defeated. this is the seventh biggest by election swing - defeated. this is the seventh biggest by election swing in i biggest by election swing in history. the prime minister has excepted response religion for his defeat. —— responsibility. i hear what the voters are saying in north shropshire and, in all humility, i've got

to accept that verdict. more