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tv   BBC News  BBC News  March 30, 2022 2:00pm-5:01pm BST

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this is bbc news, i'm luxmy gopal. the headlines: a landmark review into the uk's biggest maternity scandal finds more than 200 babies and nine mothers could have survived with the right care at the shrewsbury and telford trust in shropshire. if they'd have a listen to me from the beginning, you know, jack probably would have been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked for a cesarean. we now know that this is a trust that failed to investigate, failed to learn and failed to improve. this resulted in tragedies and life—changing incidents for so many of our families. attacks in east ukraine intensify as russian forces regroup, with heavy shelling reported
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on the frontline in donetsk. the parole board says the mother of baby p, jailed for his death 13 years ago, should be released from prison. and cricket fans pay their respects to the late australian bowler shane warne at a state memorial service in melbourne. let's go live to edinburgh now, where the scottish first minister is making a statement on the latest scottish coronavirus restrictions. around 12,000 a day but over the past week, it has fallen to 10,200 a day, which is a 15% reduction in the past seven days and the reduction is
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fairly consistent across all age groups. so that does give us optimism that this latest wave of infection may now have peaked. 0f infection may now have peaked. of course, the daily numbers on their own need to be treated with a degree of caution but the result of waste water sampling, an important strand of our ongoing surveillance, also gives some cause for optimism. it is not yet indicating a fall in the level of infection but it does suggest that the situation has stabilised since mid—march. we will therefore continue to assess the data closely, including the results of the latest 0ns survey which are due later this week. but we are hopeful that this wave has peaked or is he king. indeed, this is being observed already in northern ireland, which unlike england and wales, seems to have been ahead of scotland. although the ba.2 variant is highly infectious, it is important to stress that vaccination
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continues to provide strong protection against serious illness, which of course underlines the importance of getting all doses of vaccines we are offered. the programme of additional boosters for certain groups started several weeks ago and from last week appointments are being offered to everyone aged 75 and over. people with suppressed immune systems will have appointments for additional boosters scheduled during spring and summer, starting from the 18th of april and appointment letters will be issued by post. anyone who is unsure about eligibility for an additional boosters should of course contact their doctor for advice. boosters should of course contact their doctorfor advice. in addition, the vaccination programme for 5—11 —year—olds is under way. children that age group with specific medical conditions and those who are household contacts of someone who is immunosuppressed, already being vaccinated, vaccination of the wider 5—11 year
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old age group started on the 18th of march and that will continue in the coming weeks. 0lder march and that will continue in the coming weeks. older children are given appointments first but families are being invited to be vaccinated together whenever possible. with case rates being as high as they have been recently, some young people who are invited for a vaccine more recently have had covid, so i want to briefly summarise the guidelines for those circumstances. those aged 55 and 17 who have specific medical conditions or who are household contacts of someone immunosuppressed should wait four weeks after first testing positive for the onset of symptoms before being vaccinated and four weeks is the recommended gap for adults who get the virus also. all others aged 5—17 should wait 12 weeks after having the virus before being vaccinated. parents or carers of children who have been unable to be vaccinated due to having covid should call the helpline on zero
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8000308 013 to reschedule appointments when that is necessary. the advice to everyone, of course, remains as important as ever. please do take the opportunity to get vaccinated as soon as you are able and make sure you get all doses of the vaccine you are eligible for. this remains the most important thing any of us can do to protect ourselves and others and of course it is never too late to get vaccinated. despite the effectiveness of the vaccination, the high level of infection has put the national health service under even more severe strain in recent weeks. we are seeing the impact of that in all parts of the nhs, not least in our accident and emergency services. the number of people in hospital with covid reported today, 2344, is, i'm pleased to say, 39 fewer than that number yesterday. pleased to say, 39 fewer than that numberyesterday. but pleased to say, 39 fewer than that number yesterday. but yesterday's figure was the highest it had been since the start of the pandemic. so
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today's number is still exceptionally high and significantly above the previous peak of hospital cases which was 2053, back in january 2021. more positively and again this is evidence of the power of vaccination, the number of patients in intensive care with covid remains relatively low, 26 on two day's figures, a fall of 15 in the past two weeks. nevertheless, the past two weeks. nevertheless, the volume of people in hospital with covid is causing very significant pressure for a help service which has been dealing with the pandemic for more than two years now. that means we cannot be complacent and shouldn't be complacent and shouldn't be complacent for the period up until easter, so therefore we continue to ask everyone to take a lateral flow test twice a week and take a test daily for seven days if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive and to take a test before visiting someone who is vulnerable. if you have symptoms, you should continue to get a pcr
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test at a testing site or by post and if you test positive, you should isolate and follow the advice from test and protector. using the approach set out a few weeks ago in the revised strategic framework and based on the government's clinical advice, our assessment is the virus at this stage continues to present a medium threat. but we remain optimistic it will move to being a low threat during the course of the spring. we have of course already largely moved away from reliance on legally imposed protective measures and are now are relying on vaccines, treatments and sensible public health behaviours. nine days ago we lifted all except one of the remaining covid legal requirements. however we did at that time retaining law requirement to wear facemasks on public transport and in certain indoor settings. i said two weeks ago that we would review this requirement before the easter recess, which we have now done.
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we've taken account of the very high level of infection and the pressure on the nhs and also the fact that face coverings do provide an important layer of protection against transmission of the virus from one person to another. however we are also mindful the data may now be indicating the peak of this wave of infection which should become more pronounced over the next couple of weeks. we have therefore concluded subject as a way to the state of the pandemic, that the legal requirement to wear face coverings will be replaced with guidance on the following phased basis. from next monday, it would no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering in places of worship or a attending weddings, civil partnerships or funeral services. the wider requirement regarding shops, indoor settings and public transport will be changed to guidance two weeks later. we continue to encourage the wearing of face marks in certain situations
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where many people are present. this phased approach strikes a sensible balance between our desire to remove this one remaining legal measure and the common—sense need for continued caution, not least for the sake of the nhs, whilst wave of infection subsides. i recognise face coverings are an inconvenience however given all the sacrifice of the past two years and in view of the current pressure on the nhs i believe the vast majority of people will accept that for a further two weeks this is a proportionate precautionary measure whilst we passed the peak of this latest wave and provides additional protection to those who are most at risk from the virus. in conclusion, i want to take this opportunity again today to thank the public for their patients and their responsibility that continues to be demonstrated by the overwhelming majority of people across the country. life has returned to normal for most of us but covid hasn't gone
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away. indeed, there will be very few of us in recent weeks who have been untouched by this virus, either ourselves or within our families or networks of colleagues. that in itself is a sign of how infectious the virus continues to be. so while the virus continues to be. so while the level of infection remains as high as it is, i would ask people to continue pleased to take sensible basic steps in order to protect yourselves and others. that was first minister nicola sturgeon there. as you heard, she was confirming that the legal requirement for face coverings in scotland is to be replaced with guidance instead. we can speak to our scotland correspondent lorna gordon. the message there was this was in response to data indicating that the covid cases had peaked. the number that the covid cases had peaked. tue: number of that the covid cases had peaked. tte: number of people with covid in scotland reached the highest point
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since the start at the pandemic yesterday. the numbers today have dropped back a little but what was key in the number of people of hospital is that the number in intensive care was very low, relative to the large number who are in hospital. a sign, the government say, that the vaccine programme is working. as you say, a sign that it looks from the figures of people testing positive and testing water that perhaps this latest peak is passing. what nicola sturgeon and her cabinet and government have decided to do is do a phased, the phasing out of the final remaining legal requirement, covid legal requirement here in scotland for some nine days ago, all except one of the legal requirements was lifted. the only one which remained here in scotland was the wearing of masks in indoor public places. the first minister said that from next monday, it will no longer be a legal requirement to wear masks in places
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of worship, marriage ceremonies, civil partnerships and funerals and that from the 18th of april, it will no longer be a requirement to wear masks in shops, public transport and in other indoor settings. up to easter, they are still asking people to carry on carrying out lateral flow tests here in scotland twice a week. seven days in a row if you have been a close contact, told you are a close contact as a man who tested positive, and ahead of visiting someone who is considered vulnerable. the vaccine programme continues, the lateral flow tests continues, the lateral flow tests continue and a pcr test if you have symptoms but the mask wearing will be phased out. the first phase starting next monday and on april the 18th, or legal requirements to wear masks and shops, public transport and other indoor settings will be lifted here in scotland. thank you. lorna gordon there. let's return to our top story.
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a damning report into maternity services at shrewsbury and telford nhs trust has found "catastrophic failings" over 20 years. the inquiry, led by the senior midwife donna 0ckenden, found that more than 200 babies and nine mothers who died might have survived if they'd got the right care. ms 0ckenden described the culture at the trust as "appalling" and said "failures" in care were repeated from one incident to the next. the review covering more than 1500 incidents is thought to be largest of its kind in nhs history. it spanned a time frame of 20 years from 2000 to 2019, and it identified 15 "immediate and essential actions" which must be implemented by all trusts in england providing maternity services. the trust has apologised fully for the failures and offered its sincere apologies to affected families. 0ur social affairs correspondent michael buchanan has spend the day in shrewsbury.
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the numbers are truly shocking, unprecedented in the history of maternity care in this country but what is important to remember is each single number is an individual family. a family who had grieved a loved one or wondered why their child is profoundly disabled and too often that grief was compounded by the fact that they trust lied to them and failed to investigate what had actually happened. today, those families found out the truth and i may warn viewers that some may find my report distressing. this is whatjustice looks like. families failed by the nhs, vindicated by the independent review they placed their faith in. at the centre of the gathering, donna 0ckenden, the woman who delivered a devastating critique of maternity care at the shrewsbury and telford nhs trust. me care at the shrewsbury and telford nhs trust. ~ ., ~ ., ., , , nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that — nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that failed _ nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that failed to _ nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that failed to investigate, - a trust that failed to investigate,
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failed to learn and failed to improve. this resulted in tragedies and life changing incidents for so many of ourfamilies. and life changing incidents for so many of our families. the and life changing incidents for so many of our families.— many of our families. the review team found _ many of our families. the review team found that _ many of our families. the review team found that at _ many of our families. the review team found that at least - many of our families. the review team found that at least 201 - many of our families. the review i team found that at least 201 babies might have survived with better maternity care and nine mothers could have survived, 94 children sustained life changing harm such as cerebral palsy and brain injury. this is all the more concerning when it is clear that major issues in safety were apparent in both midwifery led unit and consultant settings. unfortunately, these cases were not isolated incidents and through the timespan of our review, we have found repeated errors in care which lead to injury to either mothers or their babies. the review, which started in 2017, was set up to look into 23 cases at the trust. by the time it closed, more than 1000 families had come forward. the largest inquiry into
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maternity care in the history of the nhs. i maternity care in the history of the nhs. , ._ maternity care in the history of the nhs. , . ., , nhs. i went in thursday, walters were leaking. _ nhs. i went in thursday, walters were leaking, they _ nhs. i went in thursday, walters were leaking, they didn't - nhs. i went in thursday, walters were leaking, they didn't induce l nhs. i went in thursday, walters i were leaking, they didn't induce me until saturday.— were leaking, they didn't induce me until saturday. hayley matthews was left in labour — until saturday. hayley matthews was left in labour for _ until saturday. hayley matthews was left in labour for 36 _ until saturday. hayley matthews was left in labour for 36 hours. _ until saturday. hayley matthews was left in labour for 36 hours. if- until saturday. hayley matthews was left in labour for 36 hours. if they . left in labour for 36 hours. if they had listened _ left in labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to _ left in labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to me _ left in labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to me from - left in labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to me from the - had listened to me from the beginning, you know, jack probably would have been here today. in beginning, you know, jack probably would have been here today. in what wa ? i would have been here today. in what way? i repeatedly — would have been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked _ would have been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked for- would have been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked for a - way? i repeatedly asked for a cesarean _ way? i repeatedly asked for a cesarean and _ way? i repeatedly asked for a cesarean and i _ way? i repeatedly asked for a cesarean and i was _ way? i repeatedly asked for a cesarean and i was knocked l way? i repeatedly asked for a i cesarean and i was knocked back every chance. cesarean and i was knocked back every chance-— every chance. jack was born in a oor every chance. jack was born in a poor condition _ every chance. jack was born in a poor condition and _ every chance. jack was born in a poor condition and died - every chance. jack was born in a poor condition and died just - every chance. jack was born in a poor condition and died just 11 l poor condition and died just 11 hours old. poor condition and died 'ust 11 hours mi poor condition and died 'ust 11 hours ohhfi poor condition and died 'ust 11 hours old. , ., , hours old. they literally said, we don't know _ hours old. they literally said, we don't know why _ hours old. they literally said, we don't know why he's _ hours old. they literally said, we don't know why he's died. - hours old. they literally said, we don't know why he's died. i - hours old. they literally said, we don't know why he's died. i said, hours old. they literally said, we i don't know why he's died. i said, is that it, you don't know why he's died? they said, we don't know what else to tell you. i was like, i want a postmortem because a baby doesn't just die. today, hayley thanked the women who fully uncover the extent of the problems. fully uncover the extent of the problems-— fully uncover the extent of the hroblems. ,, , u. , fully uncover the extent of the hroblems. ,, , .., , �*, problems. she genuinely cares. it's not another — problems. she genuinely cares. it's not another baby, _ problems. she genuinely cares. it's not another baby, another- problems. she genuinely cares. it's not another baby, another number, she genuinely cares about each and every one of us. as she says, we are
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herfamily. every one of us. as she says, we are her family-— her family. any notion these were historical problems _ her family. any notion these were historical problems was _ her family. any notion these were historical problems was firmly - historical problems was firmly rejected by two—day's binding, with donna 0ckenden saying she was very concerned about the quality of current maternity care. the trust haven't yet addressed those criticisms.— haven't yet addressed those criticisms. ., , ., , ., criticisms. today belongs to the families who _ criticisms. today belongs to the families who have _ criticisms. today belongs to the families who have been - criticisms. today belongs to the families who have been failed . criticisms. today belongs to the | families who have been failed by criticisms. today belongs to the - families who have been failed by our trust and as the chief executive now, i want to apologise fully for those failures and nothing can take away from the pain and distress caused. each family now wants the nhs to embed each of the recommendations within the report today across the uk. it is nothing more than their lost children deserve. the key question of causes why did this happen? there are a number of reasons. there was a lack of investigation into many incidents but not only that, the trust devise their own investigation system at one point which the trust says appears to have been explicitly designed to prevent them from having to tell outside regulators what was
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going wrong. there was also failure of basic competencies, forceps deliveries were carried out properly, the misuse of labour drugs and there was a culture for many years of trying to push women to have normal births, way beyond the point where they should have done, with catastrophic consequences. the key now is to embed the changes not just at this trust but at maternity units across the country, because most people accept that many maternity units have similar problems. michael buchanan there. health secretary sajid javid paid tribute to the families who lost loved ones and who pushed for this inquiry. this report has given a voice, at last, to those families that were ignored and so grievously wronged and it provides a valuable blueprint for safety, safe maternity care in this country for years to come. finally, mr speaker, i would like to pay tribute to the families whose tireless advocacy was instrumental
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to this review being set up in the first place. i cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for them to come forward and to tell their stories. and this report is a testament to the courage and the fortitude that they have shown in the most harrowing of circumstances. mr speaker, this report is a devastating account of bedrooms that are empty, families that are bereft and loved ones taken before their time. we will act swiftly so that no families have to go through the same pain in the future. the shadow minister for patient services, feryal clark, said she hopes the outcome of the report mean such failures can never be repeated. these were notjust one—off or isolated incidents of negligence — this was institutional failure
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of a system which failed to take up the many opportunities to realise that it had a serious problem. we are where we are today because of the persistence and the resilience of those families and their refusal to give up the fight that exposed those failings. and the only comfort we can offer them is that their voices have been heard. and that we commit today, across this house, to ensure these failings are never repeated. for far too long, patient safety issues and the voices of women have been an afterthought in health, leading to the kind of crisis we saw in shrewsbury. this needs to change. patient safety must be a priority for both health professionals and ministers.
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clea harmer is the ceo of sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity. thank you forjoining us. can i ask, in terms of the findings of the report, were you surprised at the scale and severity? t report, were you surprised at the scale and severity?— report, were you surprised at the scale and severity? i think we are all surprised _ scale and severity? i think we are all surprised that _ scale and severity? i think we are all surprised that the _ scale and severity? i think we are all surprised that the scale. - scale and severity? i think we are all surprised that the scale. as i scale and severity? i think we are | all surprised that the scale. as the report said, we started thinking it was 23 cases and clearly it has grown enormously. i think both the scale and severity have surprised all of us but having said that, we are very aware from the number of parents that we support and from the families that we hear from them, how often parents are not listened to, how often they are not involved in reviews and how difficult and painful and devastating some of
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their experiences have been. absolutely, and that was one of the findings, the culture of bullying and failure to learn from mistakes that one was the issue of parents' concerns being dismissed. is that they're finding you found most striking? they're finding you found most strikinr ? ~ ,,., , ,, striking? absolutely. i think the most important _ striking? absolutely. i think the most important message - striking? absolutely. i think the most important message in - striking? absolutely. i think the i most important message in many striking? absolutely. i think the - most important message in many ways to come out of this report is that parents must be listened to and listened to because very often they are the only ones who are there all of the time, from the beginning of the pregnancy onwards. very often they will pick up concerns about their pregnancy, about their labour but also when something goes wrong, parents must be listened to when it comes to reviewing and investigating a baby's death. they are the ones who have a greater stake in understanding what went wrong and, as i say, they are the only ones who
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are there through the whole pregnancy and labour and birth and their views must be included. what their views must be included. what the report highlighted was not only where investigation is not always being carried out, and when they were they were not robust with external engagement, but often parents were not told and were not included in these reviews. that must change and change notjust at shrewsbury and telford but in every hospital, every maternity unit. who; hospital, every maternity unit. why do ou hospital, every maternity unit. why do you think _ hospital, every maternity unit. why do you think parents were not listened to? how did we get to this culture of pa rents' listened to? how did we get to this culture of parents' concerns being dismissed?— culture of parents' concerns being dismissed? ., ., , , dismissed? there are many reasons but i think dismissed? there are many reasons but i think part _ dismissed? there are many reasons but i think part of _ dismissed? there are many reasons but i think part of it _ dismissed? there are many reasons but i think part of it is _ dismissed? there are many reasons but i think part of it is we _ dismissed? there are many reasons but i think part of it is we don't - but i think part of it is we don't have the right culture in maternity units. ajust have the right culture in maternity units. a just culture where learning and continual improvement is embraced and taken on board. i think if people were willing to listen and
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to be open to feedback and to parents saying what they think it would change things enormously. thank you so much forjoining us in sharing your thoughts. clea harmer, the ceo of the charity sands. and if you've been affected by this news details of organisations offering information and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 0800155 998. just some breaking news to bring you now. a two—year old boy has died after being bitten by a dog at an address in worcestershire. west mercia police said the boy had been in hospital since being bitten on monday. three dogs have been removed from the property. the police said they were unable to confirm the breed of dogs, but they're not thought to be banned under the dangerous dogs act.
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the ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky has expressed scepticism about moscow's plan to scale back its forces around kyiv and the northern city of chernihiv, which was announced after talks yesterday between the two sides. he says he'lljudge russia's offer by �*concrete results'. the governor of the northern chernihiv region said he'd seen no let—up overnight, with air strikes hitting civilian infrastructures. us and ukrainian officials say russia is continuing to reposition forces away from kyiv, likely to be as part of an effort to refocus on eastern regions. 0ur correspondent anna foster is in lviv, in western ukraine. what is the latest there? this time esterda , what is the latest there? this time yesterday. people _ what is the latest there? this time yesterday, people right _ what is the latest there? this time yesterday, people right across - what is the latest there? this time yesterday, people right across this| yesterday, people right across this country where hearing the results of those peace talks, the latest round in istanbul between the russian and ukrainian delegations. there were suggestions from russia that fighting would be scaled down, that
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things might change, a new piece plan put forward by the ukrainians but i've been looking at whether anything has changed in the last 24 hours. amid so much destruction, it's hard to believe that change is coming. ukrainian forces say they've recaptured what's left of irpin, north of kyiv. after yesterday's peace talks in turkey, russia said it would scale down its military operations in this region. but this morning, shelling still echoed around the capital and that means the claims of a russian pull—back are being met with scepticism. translation: yes, we can call positive the signals we hear - from the negotiating platform. but these signals do not silence the explosion of the russian shells. of course, we see all the risks. of course, we see no reason to trust the words of certain representatives of a state that continues to fight. some people are returning home, though, to a city
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that's changed forever. in kyiv, they watch to see if russian forces are leaving and they'll wait to see if they come back. but many ukrainians are still farfrom home. ivan isjust 17. he escaped from kharkiv, leaving his mother and family behind. now he and his girlfriend are living on the floor of a theatre rehearsal room. translation: when you go out from the basement, - the shock waves from explosions throw you against the wall and it's like the second one. your mother is still in kharkiv, that must be hard for you? translation: what can i say? it's a bit painful. in fact, it's too painful. mamma said, "you have to be ready for any situation because every call could be the last call."
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in the east of ukraine, millions of people are still living under heavy bombardment. and in donetsk, homes have been shelled again. it's another reason why ukrainians are bracing themselves for a long and painful conflict. anna foster, bbc news, lviv. and you can really see from those images why people here in ukraine were so sceptical when those talks potentially it looked positive yesterday. it seems like very little has changed and an extra round of talks, no date pencilled injust yet. we will wait to see whether the proposals from both sides had any potential of bringing this conflict to a close. ., ~ potential of bringing this conflict to a close. ., ,, potential of bringing this conflict to a close. ., ~' ,, �* ., potential of bringing this conflict to a close. ., ,, ~ ., to a close. thank you. anna foster live for as — to a close. thank you. anna foster live for as in _ to a close. thank you. anna foster live for as in lviv. _ now it's time for a look at the weather with chris. hello again. much colder weather continues
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to spread in this afternoon. now, there is a bit of snow to come across north of the uk, but it will struggle to settle on all but higher grassy hills, now the colder air is arriving behind this band of rain, which is a cold front. cold rain for the most part, but there'll be a little bit of sleet or wet snow over the hills mixed in with this. it's to the north of that front, where we see those much lower temperatures, 4—7 degrees celsius, and overnight, our band of rain, a little bit of sleet and snow mixed in with it, pushes southwards across southern england, southern wales. as temperatures fall for scotland and northern england, we're more likely to see more of those showers switch over to snow and so we could see a few centimetres building in. certainly with the widespread frost, there is a risk of some icy stretches to start thursday. thursday, a bright enough day, a day of sunshine and wintry showers. could have some prolonged showers, though, working into kent and maybe a little bit of snow over the highest hills here. otherwise, it will stay pretty chilly.
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hello, this is bbc news. the headlines: a landmark review into the uk's biggest maternity scandal finds more than 200 babies and nine mothers could have survived with the right care at the shrewsbury and telford trust in shropshire. attacks in east ukraine intensify as russian forces regroup, with heavy shelling reported on the frontline in donetsk. the parole board says the mother of baby p, jailed for his death 13 years ago, should be released from prison. and cricket fans pay their respects to the late australian bowler, shane warne, at a state memorial service in melbourne. sport now... and for a full round—up from the bbc sport centre, here's our reporter. from the bbc sport centre, louisa, from the bbc sport centre, hello. hello. as you've been hearing, thousands have gathered to pay tribute to one of cricket's greatest stars, shane warne. the record—breaking leg spinner
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died three weeks ago at the age ofjust 52. today at the melbourne cricket ground, his sporting home, he was honoured with a state memorial to celebrate his life. more than 50,000 people were there with speeches and music from some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment. the last couple of weeks have been an opportunity to really reflect unique relationship and the relationship he had with so many colleagues at various different places in cricket. hejust colleagues at various different places in cricket. he just had such an impact on so many people, but for me personally, notjust as a youngster growing up in the game and watching him on television and wanting to follow in his footsteps, in the way he played the game, you know, he was a bit of a gambler, but alsojust know, he was a bit of a gambler, but also just the know, he was a bit of a gambler, but alsojust the magically know, he was a bit of a gambler, but also just the magically possessed on the field, off the field, in the commentary box that would be moments... i would sit alongside him and there would be a spark, he would look at the game situation and he
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would describe it perfectly to the wider audience and he had a knack of being able to do that as a broadcaster as well, we forget that. elsewhere, we now know who's the first team into sunday's final of the women's cricket world cup. and perhaps fitting on the day of shane warne's state memorial that it's australia. they posted a huge score of 305—3 and the west indies couldn't get near to chasing it down, with the aussies winning by 157 runs. it's the sixth women's world cup final that they've reached. and will england be there to face them? captain heather knight says they can still improve as they prepare for their semi—final. the defending champions lost their first three games and needed four successive wins to book a meeting with south africa in the early hours of tomorrow morning. it isa it is a completely fresh slate. it is us versus south africa and all about what happens on the day, so yes, we're really excited. we wish we had a close game and a tough loss against south africa earlier in the
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competition, but really excited for what this can bring. i think we have built a bit of momentum and are hopefully starting to peak and at the right time hopefully, starting to get players in place and hopefully we can play well. england boss gareth southgate has called the booing of defender harry maguire in their 3—0 win over ivory coast "an absolute joke." maguire was singled out by some fans for criticism when his name was read out at the start of the match. liverpool captainjordan henderson took to social media to defend him after the game and jack grealish says it's unfair. he has been a fantastic servant for this country and yeah, he has been brilliant, so i think it was ridiculous for him to get booed and it was not something that the team liked. scotland have extended their unbeaten run to eight games — that's despite letting slip a two—goal lead in austria. this goalfrom john mcginn had given steve clarke's side a comfortable advantage before conceding late on. scotland still have their postponed world cup play—off semi—final against ukraine and a potential
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final to come. tiger woods has prompted speculation he will return to competitive action at next week's masters by completing a practice round at augusta. the former world number one has been recovering from leg injuries suffered in a car crash 14 months ago. social media reported he walked 18 holes with his son, charlie, and fellow pro, justin thomas. that's all the sport for now. you are allup you are all up to date. back to you in the studio.— more than 4 million refugees have now fled ukraine since the start of the conflict, according to the un. here the government says more than 28,000 applications have been received under the homes for ukraine scheme that allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation for refugees. around 2,700 visas for the scheme have been granted. our special correspondent, lucy manning, has the details of the scheme. even the minister today admitted that it is not perfect.
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i think that is possibly a generous interpretation. look, let's start by saying the british public has been enormously generous. more than 200,000 people signed up to say that they were interested in having ukrainian refugees in their homes, but the figures today suggest that — the government released new figures today — only 22,500 applications have actually gone through. and that is because the matching process, you have to find a ukrainian who wants to come and then the ukrainian has to find you, that is mostly being done on facebook still. and of those applications, onlyjust over 2,500 visas have actually been granted, so that is a very, very small amount of people and the big problem on that is the delays to issuing visas. we have been hearing stories from people waiting ten, 11, 12 days to get visa permission once the application has gone in. we have been speaking to gary. he is hoping to bring over julia with her daughter. julia is in a refugee centre at the moment in poland,
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sleeping on camp beds side by side. he can't bring her over at the moment. they have been waiting ten, 11 days. another man bringing over a family, they are sleeping on a floor in an office in poland at the moment, so this is, the delays are really causing problems for people. the government minister admitted it wasn't perfect, they know they need to do it faster. they say they are streamlining the process, but the delays really are causing misery for people. 0ur correspondence, lucy manning, the air. as the world's attention has been on ukraine, the uk has pledged an additional £286 million of emergency aid for vital life—saving assistance in afghanistan. the new money has been announced ahead of the un afghanistan conference tomorrow, which is seeking to raise more than $4 billion — its largest ever appeal for a single country. the un s development programme chief has been speaking to bbc correspondent, secunder kermani, about the aid. but he began by asking what impact the taliban s decision not to allow teenage girls back to school could have on donors at the conference.
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i'm very concerned, first of all, for the girls of afghanistan. you saw the disappointment, you saw the extraordinary frustration, i think, also that any parent would feel when such a decision is taken. but also the timing is very regrettable. we are convening the world in a few days' time, in a pledging conference to support the people of afghanistan and i think a decision such as not moving forward and reopening secondary education for girls sends an extremely problematic signal to the entire international community. and i think afghanistan faces the risk, with all the other events in the world right now, to essentially be a country from which international partners will simply turn away. that is a high risk because the 40 million people of afghanistan still have to survive here. but the international community may simply say the conditions for working on afghanistan are not available to us and therefore we will not bring additional funding here, and that would be an extraordinary setback and would
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create conditions for us also here. the united nations, civil society organisations, non—governmental organisations, who are helping to keep people alive in their millions, it would be a terrible setback. that was the un's programme development chief speaking. joining me now is mark malloch brown — president of the open society foundations and former un deputy secretary general. thank you so much forjoining us. i don't know if you heard that snippet from the interview there, but the message was that the taliban going back on its word and not letting girls go back to school sends a problematic signal to the international community. how much do you think that could jeopardise funding? tt you think that could 'eopardise fundinr ? , ., you think that could 'eopardise fundinr? , ., you think that could 'eopardise fundinu? , ., , ., . , ., funding? it is a strange decision because the _ funding? it is a strange decision because the taliban _ funding? it is a strange decision because the taliban seem - funding? it is a strange decision because the taliban seem to - funding? it is a strange decision i because the taliban seem to have been doing to what it could to demonstrate some degree of faith on women —related issues because they realise what a red line it is for western donors, so on the eve of the
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conference just to postpone the reopening of goal schools is either a classic poke in the eye to western donors are more likely some kind of administrative staff in the department for education or somewhere else done by officials who did not realise the consequences of what they did because clearly the girls' school secretary is pretty overwhelmed because they have been forced to have different classrooms, teachers, etc, so there may be relatively... it may be a relatively innocent explanation, but the consequence is, as wasjust innocent explanation, but the consequence is, as was just told to you, really severe because donors' confidence is already very properly and understandably shaken. we are asking a lot of them to each deep into their pockets to support afghanistan's reconstruction, well, afg hanistan's reconstruction, well, not afghanistan's reconstruction, well, not reconstruction, but at least relief during this period of incredible famine risk and, you know, it is a big ask, but a
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necessary ask an amoral ask because without it there is going to be a massive loss of life in the country, but for the donors who have to face their own taxpayers and public opinion, it is a tightrope they are walking on and this action enclosing the girls too schools or delaying their reopening does not help. you touched on — their reopening does not help. you touched on the severity of the situation there, mark malloch brown, but we know that millions in afghanistan are on the brink of starvation and only a small percentage of the funding pledged has come through so far, so what happens then what are the consequences to the population of afghanistan if that funding doesn't all come through?— afghanistan if that funding doesn't all come through? well, even before the russia- — all come through? well, even before the russia- ukraine _ all come through? well, even before the russia- ukraine wall— all come through? well, even before the russia- ukraine wall took - all come through? well, even before the russia- ukraine wall took 30% i all come through? well, even beforej the russia- ukraine wall took 30% of the russia— ukraine wall took 30% of international beat off the global food market, afghanistan was in a terrible situation with predictions of up to 95% of the population fully beneath the poverty line, etc, so a grim situation. and, you know, in
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those circumstances, you know, the potential deflection of assistance and priority to ukraine... well, we all want everything possible done for ukraine, it but it is never the less a tragedy for afghanistan and i might add for other crises like in the gaming as well. and so, you know, the west has just got to be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, the donors have to be able to deal with ukraine and deal with afghanistan and not rob one pocket to pay the other. and, you know, we have governments in the west which in many cases just simply don't have that degree of imagination or commitment to these international issues and, you know, besides coming out of the british government are really disappointing, that they already appear to be willing to sacrifice their climate change objectives, which were a priority only months ago at glasgow, sacrifice other objectives in a
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constantjuggling to meet the public opinion moment that day, which... you know, so it is tough. having said that, the brits havejust made a pledge in advance of this afghan conference, they are one of its three co—hosts, and so that is great and one must acknowledge it, but the pledges in general are nowhere like enough or on track to meet the scale of the 5 billion need that the un has identified.— of the 5 billion need that the un has identified. ~ �* ., has identified. mark malloch brown, thank ou. has identified. mark malloch brown, thank you- that _ has identified. mark malloch brown, thank you. that is _ has identified. mark malloch brown, thank you. that is mark _ has identified. mark malloch brown, thank you. that is mark malloch - thank you. that is mark malloch brown there, president of the open society foundations and former un deputy secretary—general. the parole board has decided that the mother of peter connelly, known as baby p, should be released from prison. tracey connelly was jailed in 2009 over the death of her 17—month—old son. the justice secretary dominic raab has made a statement about the case in the house of commons in light of the parole boards direction to release tracey
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connelly, i should inform the house that, having carefully read thedecision, i have decided to apply to the parole board to seek their reconsideration. more generally, madam deputy speaker, the role of the parole board in deciding on the appropriate release from prison of criminal offenders, including many convicted of very serious violent and sexual offences, is clearly of paramount importance to protecting the public, but also maintaining and sustaining public confidence in ourjustice system. dominic raab there. as i wasjust mentioning... 0ur correspondent tim muffett is with me. what can you tell us? this is such an awful case, and tracey connelly to be kept was jailed in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17—month—old son, peter, at their london home in 2007. he became known publicly as baby p, he had suffered more than 50 injuries and despite being on the at—risk register and receiving numerous visits from
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social workers and officials. conley admitted the offence and was imprisoned for a minimum term of five years. her then boyfriend received a 12 year sentence as well as a life sentence for another crime and tracey connelly was let out on licence in 2013, but was recalled to prison two years later for breaching her parole conditions. her case has been reviewed by the parole board several times since then and earlier today in what was the fourth review, the parole board said having considered the circumstances of her offending, hertime considered the circumstances of her offending, her time on licence and her progress made during custody, they were satisfied that tracey conneuy they were satisfied that tracey connelly was suitable for release, but as we have just been hearing, the justice secretary but as we have just been hearing, thejustice secretary dominic raab is going to ask them to reconsider that decision. that statement came ahead of what he described as a root and branch review of the parole system and following this awful case in 2010 there was a review into what had gone wrong, huge levels of incompetence in behalf of social workers, doctors, lawyers and police were revealed. so many questions as
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to how on earth this baby's death could have been allowed to happen. the parole board said its decisions were focused on the risk of a prisoner could represent to the public and it said that protecting the public was its number—one priority. the public was its number-one hriori . ., ~' ,, the public was its number-one hriori . ., ,, ., priority. tim, thank you for brin . inr priority. tim, thank you for bringing us _ priority. tim, thank you for bringing us the _ priority. tim, thank you for bringing us the latest - priority. tim, thank you for bringing us the latest on i priority. tim, thank you for i bringing us the latest on that. the labour leader has repeated calls for borisjohnson to resign over the parties held in downing street during lockdown. at prime minister's questions this lunchtime, sir keir starmer said the police had concluded there was what he called "widespread criminality". mrjohnson said he was "getting on with the job". there were also clashes over the cost of living, as our political correspondent, ione wells, reports. tory mps off to a party last night — theirfirst big bash since covid rules were lifted. not too long ago, some of them had called for the prime minister to go, after revelations of parties in downing street during covid restrictions. a stone's throw away from the dinner is the covid memorial wall — a year old yesterday. some bereaved families gathered outside as mps arrived.
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a reminder of the anger felt by many over breaches of lockdown rules by some of those at the heart of government. are you expecting a fine in the post, prime minister? borisjohnson previously told mps that covid guidelines had been followed in downing street at all times. the 20 fines issued yesterday by police confirm otherwise. today, he was under pressure to update his statement. he told the house no rules were broken in downing street during lockdown. the police have now concluded there was "widespread criminality." the ministerial code says that ministers who knowingly mislead the house should resign. why's he still here? of course the... the met must... the investigators must get on with theirjob, but, in the meantime... let the... and we... and they should... in the meantime... in the meantime, mr speaker,
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we are going to get on with ourjob. what we are focusing on is tackling the cost of living. he said they were helping people with price rises after the opposition pushed him on energy bills and national insurance — both going up on friday. 20 fixed—penalty notices for covid rule—breaking have been issued by post so far. more are expected to follow, as the police continue to wade through evidence and more than 100 questionnaires sent to people to ask about their involvement in the events. downing street have said they will confirm if the prime minister or his top civil servant, simon case, are fined. but others won't currently be obliged to be named. while opposition parties are still calling for him to go, the pressure from borisjohnson's own mps has simmered down — the war in ukraine focusing minds elsewhere. but if he is found to have broken the law, or misled parliament, that pressure could very soon come back. ione wells, bbc news.
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a teenager who racially abused the england footballer, marcus rashford, on twitter after the euro 2020 final has been jailed for six weeks. justin lee price, who's 19 and from worcester, admitted one count of sending a grossly offensive message by public communication network. price posted the tweet following england's penalty shoot—out defeat against italy in last summer's final at wembley. according to an annual study into media habits, from 0fcom, children as young as five use social media, despite most platforms having rules users must be over the age of 13. it has reported that a third of parents of five to seven—year—olds revealed their child had a social—media profile. yih—choung the is the group director of strategy and research at 0fcom. thank you so much forjoining us. that is a really staggering statistic, isn't it? nearly a third
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of parents of 5—7 —year—olds. what are young children like this doing with a tick—tock account? yes. are young children like this doing with a tick-tock account? yes, as ou sa , with a tick-tock account? yes, as you say. every — with a tick-tock account? yes, as you say. every year— with a tick-tock account? yes, as you say, every year we _ with a tick-tock account? yes, as you say, every year we look - with a tick-tock account? yes, as you say, every year we look at i you say, every year we look at adults and children's online lives and this year our findings reveal that a significant number of preschool and primary school children are using social media. what is really popular is youtube amongst younger children, where they are watching videos that make them laugh, cartoons, but tick—tock has seen a huge rise, as you say, in the last year. tt seen a huge rise, as you say, in the last ear. , ., ., . last year. it is one thing watching cartoons or _ last year. it is one thing watching cartoons or perhaps _ last year. it is one thing watching cartoons or perhaps content - last year. it is one thing watching l cartoons or perhaps content geared towards children of that age on youtube, but do you really think it is ok for five, youtube, but do you really think it is ok forfive, six youtube, but do you really think it is ok for five, six and seven—year—olds to be on tick—tock? is it a safe platform for them to be on was what i think the recent research definitely raises some questions. t research definitely raises some ruestions. ., research definitely raises some questions-— questions. i have an eight and eight-year-old _ questions. i have an eight and eight-year-old and _ questions. i have an eight and eight-year-old and it - questions. i have an eight and eight-year-old and it is - questions. i have an eight and eight-year-old and it is really| eight—year—old and it is really striking, research says that 60% of their peers have a social media profile and so, i do think the big
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tech platforms and setting the minimum ages and ages and terms and conditions could do more in ensuring those are enforced. but conditions could do more in ensuring those are enforced.— those are enforced. but do you think it is also potentially _ those are enforced. but do you think it is also potentially parents? - those are enforced. but do you think it is also potentially parents? if - it is also potentially parents? if parents are saying that there are five, six and seven—year—olds are using these social media platforms, do you think perhaps that is where the buck should stop?— do you think perhaps that is where the buck should stop? absolutely, so there's definitely _ the buck should stop? absolutely, so there's definitely more _ the buck should stop? absolutely, so there's definitely more that - the buck should stop? absolutely, so there's definitely more that the - there's definitely more that the platforms can be doing and it was striking from our research that eight in ten adults want to see the platform is taking more responsibly for the content on their platforms, but equally, and i say this as a parent, we need to be having conversations with each other, particularly our children, to understand what they are doing and ensuring they are looking at content which is really beneficial and helpful, which many of them are doing, actually. helpful, which many of them are doing. actually-— helpful, which many of them are doinr,actuall. ~ , , , doing, actually. absolutely, because there is a danger— doing, actually. absolutely, because there is a danger in _ doing, actually. absolutely, because there is a danger in demonising - doing, actually. absolutely, because there is a danger in demonising all l there is a danger in demonising all social media and torrington with a brush. we have seen that in the past with video games, for example. but of course there are various contents and material out there that is actually educational, but i suppose
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the question is how do you safeguard children? how do you make sure children? how do you make sure children who use these platforms are using the content that is suitable for them? t using the content that is suitable for them? ., , ., ., , for them? i mean, it is a really rood for them? i mean, it is a really good question _ for them? i mean, it is a really good question and _ for them? i mean, it is a really good question and of— for them? i mean, it is a really good question and of course i for them? i mean, it is a really i good question and of course there are various tools we can use in terms of parental controls, but i think there is no substitute for having those conversations about what our children are up to. but as you say, i think we should not lose sight of the fact that more children than not are saying the internet is a force for good, they're using it as a voice to support campaigns and causes, using apps and websites to promote their health and well—being and of course we are seeing young adults going online helping others with online tasks such as online shopping or video calling or even filling in online forms. about! shopping or video calling or even filling in online forms.— filling in online forms. and 'ust very briefly. i filling in online forms. and 'ust very briefly, yih-choung h filling in online forms. and just very briefly, yih-choung teh, i filling in online forms. and just i very briefly, yih-choung teh, you very briefly, yih—choung teh, you mentioned platforms to have a responsibility, but if children of that age are not allowed to use the platform, what more could they do, other than a tick box which says, i am over 13, when they ask people to make an account?—
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make an account? well, there's definitely more _ make an account? well, there's definitely more work _ make an account? well, there's definitely more work these - make an account? well, there's - definitely more work these companies could be doing to be clear about how their age assurance systems work and in some cases, of course, the right answer to keeping our children safe will be about blocking access to some sorts of services like perhaps dating. in other cases, i think we should recognise that kids get lots of benefits, as i said, from being online and maybe it is more about ensuring our young people get an age—appropriate experience. thank age-appropriate experience. thank ou so age-appropriate experience. thank you so much. _ age-appropriate experience. thank you so much, yih-choung - age-appropriate experience. thank you so much, yih-choung teh, - age-appropriate experience. thank you so much, yih-choung teh, for| you so much, yih—choung teh, for your thoughts there. yih—choung teh from 0fcom. the channel 4 series it's a sin has led the nominations at the bafta television awards. the programme tracks a group of gay men and theirfriends through britain's aids crisis. it's in the running in 11 categories, including russell t davies as best drama writer. 0ur entertainment correspondent, lizo mzimba, reports.
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it's a sin — channel 4's powerful, vibrant drama about the impacts of the aids crisis. do you seriously think there's an illness that only kills gay men? it's up for best mini—series and best writer for russell t davies, and five of its stars — including 0lly alexander and lydia west — have acting nominations. there are seven nominations for sky's drama comedy landscapers, about a decades—old murder, including david thewlis for best actor. be back in a minute. among those just behind with six nominations, are help, a drama about a care home hit by the covid crisis... ..and the sitcom we are lady parts, about an all—female muslim punk rock band. at a time when viewing figures are falling, all awards ceremonies are keen to remain relevant to the public. however, 2021's biggest show by far, line of duty, only has three nominations in behind—the—scenes technical categories. but the comedian sean lock being recognised with a posthumous nomination is sure to be welcomed by most viewers. typical, it's typical,
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that's the attitude you get from her, week in, week out. and there's also a best continuing drama nomination for the now—axed holby city. but the one to beat is it's a sin. the series inspired the public to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the terrence higgins trust. it's hoping to also be successful come awards night. lizo mzimba, bbc news. eight years ago a display of ceramic poppies at the tower of london became one of the defining images of the year which commemorated the start of the great war. this year — flowers will be used to celebrate the queen's platinum jubilee and this time they will be real. by the first ofjune, the moat will have been transformed with sculptures, a soundscape and even a slide to take people down into the planted area. it is called superbloom and sarah campbell was given exclusive access. planting is underway to flood the tower of london moat with colour. over the past few months, 10,000 tonnes of soil have been brought here to make the perfect beds
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for 20 million flowers. the secret to get it right is the preparation of the ground, the correct sowing technique and then after that we roll it and that helps it to sit on the ground. we don't break it in because that just buries the seeds, it actually we don't rake it in because that just buries the seeds, it actually just needs to sit on and then we hope for rain. fingers crossed! fingers crossed, yeah. back in 2014, the moat was filled with 800,000 ceramic poppies. the effect was spectacular. the tower will provide the backdrop once again, but this time with real flowers. early on, there will be a lot of these sort of colours, quite pale pinks and mauves and lilacs. and then as the summer goes on, as we get to the richness of ripening in towards autumn, we will be turning much more to these rich, quite late summer, autumnal colours. and this isn't just for the jubilee? this is going to be a permanent change? this year will be this incredible
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sea of flowers stretching ahead, a very special celebration of the platinum jubilee, but the longer term effect will be wild flower meadows, native plants, a real focus on attracting as much nature as possible. unlike in 2014, visitors will be able to buy tickets to allow them down here to the bottom of the moat to walk through the flowers. and for the more adventurous types, they will be able to get down here via a huge slide that is due to be installed right there. in eight weeks, weather permitting, the moat will be transformed, just in time to open to the public for the jubilee weekend. sarah campbell, bbc news, at the tower of london. after a grilling from mps at prime minister's questions, borisjohnson is about to face further questions from mps on the liaison committee shortly. let's get a quick word with our political correspondent, damian grammaticas, who can tell us
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more about what the pm can expect. we know that some of the subjects he will be questioned on our ukraine and the cost of living, but we can expect questions on partygate, can't we? , , , , , we? possibly, yes. the briefing cominr we? possibly, yes. the briefing coming out _ we? possibly, yes. the briefing coming out from _ we? possibly, yes. the briefing coming out from the _ we? possibly, yes. the briefing| coming out from the committee we? possibly, yes. the briefing - coming out from the committee itself ahead of time suggests that the main focus is going to be first of all on the situation in ukraine and that a number of the committee members, and remember, these are the senior mps who chair themselves each of the house of commons select committees, the heads of each of those committees sit on this sort of liaison committee, it is called, which does this regular questioning session with the prime minister and the first topic they want to talk to him about his ukraine. so i think quite a bit of the focus will be on that. presumably, on the uk military supplies to ukraine, the uk support
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for ukraine, the progress of the visas being issued for those who want to host ukrainians in their homes. i think 2500 may be the figure at the minute, so they may well want to push on that, but then of course other issues, so yes, cost of course other issues, so yes, cost of living and not on the official agenda, but the partygate issue may well come up, as you say. it came up earlier in prime minister's questions when the labour leader, sir keir starmer, pressed on this and he pressed the prime minister, saying that when he told the house of commons some time ago that to the best of his knowledge he had been told that there were no... there was no rule breaking in downing street, sir keir starmer said, well, no rule breaking in downing street, sir keir starmersaid, well, now no rule breaking in downing street, sir keir starmer said, well, now in the light of the fact that the metropolitan police is going to be issuing these fixed penalty notices, clearly there was rule breaking, lawbreaking in downing street and he said either the prime minister had been misled or was misleading the
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house of commons. mrjohnson, of course, said it was up to the police to get on with their investigations and he said he was getting on with thejob. so mps on this and he said he was getting on with the job. so mps on this committee might want to pull him up on that and then of course that cost of living issue, that is the other big one that i think they want to focus on. the rising pressures from inflation that we are seeing, particularly that rising cost of fuel, gas, electricity, those heating bills and home power bills that are about to go up, the rising costs as well that we are seeing that will come with the health and care levy on national insurance, thatis care levy on national insurance, that is soon to come in as well. they may well want to focus on that question as well. the prime minister, of course, earliertoday in prime minister's questions was talking about tax cutting, the fact that chancellor rishi sunak has lifted the threshold for national insurance payments, has brought in the fuel duty can't, so he may well
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want to raise those sorts of issues, but i think that gives you a sense of the sort of spread of things that mps on the committee may well want to focus on. pond mps on the committee may well want to focus on— to focus on. and 'ust briefly, damion. h to focus on. and 'ust briefly, damien, the _ to focus on. and just briefly, damien, the cost _ to focus on. and just briefly, damien, the cost of - to focus on. and just briefly, damien, the cost of living i to focus on. and just briefly, damien, the cost of living is| to focus on. and just briefly, - damien, the cost of living is one of the subjects were the prime minister has come under a lot of pressure, there have been a lot of questions facing the government about that. what do you think are going to be the toughest aspects of subjects? 0h, now, just to let viewers know, it looks like the liaison committee is just about to start, so thank you, damian grammaticas, we will listen to that now. welcome to the prime minister this afternoon — welcome to the prime minister this afternoon i— welcome to the prime minister this afternoon. i can _ welcome to the prime minister this afternoon. i canjust_ welcome to the prime minister this afternoon. i can just about - welcome to the prime minister this afternoon. i can just about see - welcome to the prime minister this afternoon. i can just about see you | afternoon. i can just about see you down _ afternoon. i can just about see you down there. — afternoon. i can just about see you down there, prime _ afternoon. i can just about see you down there, prime minister. - afternoon. i can just about see you down there, prime minister. goodl afternoon. i can just about see you down there, prime minister. good to be with you- — down there, prime minister. good to be with you. good _ down there, prime minister. good to be with you. good to _ down there, prime minister. good to be with you. good to see _ down there, prime minister. good to be with you. good to see you - down there, prime minister. good to be with you. good to see you in - down there, prime minister. good to be with you. good to see you in the l be with you. good to see you in the chair. t be with you. good to see you in the chair. ., , ., ., , ., ,, chair. i was going to explain sir bernard jenkins _ chair. i was going to explain sir bernard jenkins who _ chair. i was going to explain sir bernard jenkins who normally i chair. i was going to explain sir- bernard jenkins who normally chairs the committee — bernard jenkins who normally chairs the committee unfortunately- bernard jenkins who normally chairs the committee unfortunately has . the committee unfortunately has covid _ the committee unfortunately has covid and — the committee unfortunately has covid and the _ the committee unfortunately has covid and the committee - the committee unfortunately has i covid and the committee members the committee unfortunately has - covid and the committee members have asked me _ covid and the committee members have asked me to— covid and the committee members have asked me to take —
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covid and the committee members have asked me to take the _ covid and the committee members have asked me to take the chair— covid and the committee members have asked me to take the chair this- asked me to take the chair this afternoon _ asked me to take the chair this afternoon and _ asked me to take the chair this afternoon and i'm _ asked me to take the chair this afternoon and i'm sure - asked me to take the chair this afternoon and i'm sure we - asked me to take the chair this. afternoon and i'm sure we would asked me to take the chair this- afternoon and i'm sure we would like to pass _ afternoon and i'm sure we would like to pass on _ afternoon and i'm sure we would like to pass on our— afternoon and i'm sure we would like to pass on our best— afternoon and i'm sure we would like to pass on our best wishes _ afternoon and i'm sure we would like to pass on our best wishes for- afternoon and i'm sure we would like to pass on our best wishes for a - to pass on our best wishes for a speedy— to pass on our best wishes for a speedy recovery _ speedy recovery. prime _ speedy recovery. prime minister, i speedy recovery. i prime minister, we speedy recovery. - prime minister, we want to concentrate _ prime minister, we want to concentrate this _ prime minister, we want to concentrate this afternoon i prime minister, we want to. concentrate this afternoon on prime minister, we want to- concentrate this afternoon on the war in— concentrate this afternoon on the war in ukraine _ concentrate this afternoon on the war in ukraine and _ concentrate this afternoon on the war in ukraine and consequent i war in ukraine and consequent refugee — war in ukraine and consequent refugee crisis _ war in ukraine and consequent refugee crisis and _ war in ukraine and consequent refugee crisis and also - war in ukraine and consequent refugee crisis and also on - war in ukraine and consequent refugee crisis and also on the i war in ukraine and consequent - refugee crisis and also on the cost of living _ refugee crisis and also on the cost of living issues _ refugee crisis and also on the cost of living issues at _ refugee crisis and also on the cost of living issues at home, - of living issues at home, particularly— of living issues at home, particularly around - of living issues at home, particularly around food i of living issues at home, i particularly around food and of living issues at home, _ particularly around food and energy. before _ particularly around food and energy. before we _ particularly around food and energy. before we go — particularly around food and energy. before we go on— particularly around food and energy. before we go on to _ particularly around food and energy. before we go on to those _ particularly around food and energy. before we go on to those two - before we go on to those two important _ before we go on to those two important matters, _ before we go on to those two important matters, we - before we go on to those two important matters, we have i before we go on to those two| important matters, we have a before we go on to those two - important matters, we have a few questions — important matters, we have a few questions we _ important matters, we have a few questions we would _ important matters, we have a few questions we would like _ important matters, we have a few questions we would like to - important matters, we have a few questions we would like to raise i questions we would like to raise following — questions we would like to raise following yesterday's _ questions we would like to raise - following yesterday's announcement from the _ following yesterday's announcement from the metropolitan _ following yesterday's announcement from the metropolitan police, - following yesterday's announcement from the metropolitan police, 20 . from the metropolitan police, 20 fixed _ from the metropolitan police, 20 fixed penalty— from the metropolitan police, 20 fixed penalty notices _ from the metropolitan police, 20 fixed penalty notices for- from the metropolitan police, 20 fixed penalty notices for events i fixed penalty notices for events that happened _ fixed penalty notices for events that happened around - fixed penalty notices for events that happened around in - fixed penalty notices for events i that happened around in downing street— that happened around in downing street or— that happened around in downing street or the _ that happened around in downing street or the cabinet _ that happened around in downing street or the cabinet office. - that happened around in downing street or the cabinet office. so i that happened around in downing| street or the cabinet office. so to begin— street or the cabinet office. so to begin on— street or the cabinet office. so to begin on those _ street or the cabinet office. so to begin on those issues, _ street or the cabinet office. so to begin on those issues, we - street or the cabinet office. so to begin on those issues, we ask- street or the cabinet office. so to i begin on those issues, we ask peter sharp— begin on those issues, we ask peter sharp to _ begin on those issues, we ask peter sharp to come — begin on those issues, we ask peter sharp to come in _ sharp to come in. could _ sharp to come in. could you - sharp to come in. could you tell- sharp to come in. could you tell usl sharp to come in. - could you tell us whether sharp to come in. _ could you tell us whether you are one of— could you tell us whether you are one of the — could you tell us whether you are one of the 20 people who received one of the 20 people who received one of— one of the 20 people who received one of these fixed penalty notices and if— one of these fixed penalty notices and if you — one of these fixed penalty notices and if you are not, are you expecting _ and if you are not, are you expecting to get one in the next few
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days or— expecting to get one in the next few days or weeks?— days or weeks? well, i'm sure you know if i were... _ days or weeks? well, i'm sure you know if i were... look, _ days or weeks? well, i'm sure you know if i were... look, let- days or weeks? well, i'm sure you know if i were... look, let me - days or weeks? well, i'm sure you know if i were... look, let mejustj know if i were... look, let mejust say generally on this whole issue, i have, i think, say generally on this whole issue, i have, ithink, been say generally on this whole issue, i have, i think, been several times to the house to talk about this and to explain and to apologise and to set out the things that we are doing to change the way things run in number 10 and we have done that. but what i also said repeatedly and i hope you will forgive me if i return to this theme, i've said repeatedly that i won't give a running commentary on an investigation that is under way. i know that you will want, people will be naturally curious about all sorts of things and i totally understand that but ijust think it would be wrong of me to deviate from
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that. we are not expecting you to give a running _ we are not expecting you to give a running commentary but if you are served _ running commentary but if you are served with — running commentary but if you are served with one of them, you are pretty— served with one of them, you are pretty much toast, aren't you? no prime — pretty much toast, aren't you? no prime minister could possibly survive — prime minister could possibly survive being fined for criminality, you would — survive being fined for criminality, you would be finished if you got one? _ one? with deepest — with deepest respect to you, i one? with deepest respect to you, i don't in any way you wish to minimise the importance of the issue and your point that i just want to return to what i have said. that is that... that would come under the category of running commentary in my view. you can at least accept there has been _ you can at least accept there has been criminality committed. apparently your spokesperson just contradicted the assertions made by the justice _ contradicted the assertions made by the justice secretary, your deputy, this morning, that there has been criminality— this morning, that there has been criminality committed. you do accept
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criminalitym — criminality committed. you do accept criminality... 20 fixed penalty notices— criminality... 20 fixed penalty notices have been issued, there can't _ notices have been issued, there can't be — notices have been issued, there can't be any issue about criminality? so. - criminality? so, i've been, i hope very ohmhohhy? — so, i've been, i hope very frank with the house about where we've gone wrong and the things that i regret, that i apologise for. but there is an ongoing investigation and... i understand the point you are making but i am going to, you know, camp pretty firmly on my position. t know, camp pretty firmly on my hosition. ., �* ., ., , ., position. i haven't had anything at all that answered _ position. i haven't had anything at all that answered any _ position. i haven't had anything at all that answered any questions. i j all that answered any questions. i understand why you have to ask all that answered any questions. t understand why you have to ask it and it is right that you do but i have been clear, i went give running commentary on an ongoing investigation.— commentary on an ongoing investigation. commentary on an ongoing investiration. ., , ., investigation. could we maybe go over some _ investigation. could we maybe go over some of _ investigation. could we maybe go over some of the _ investigation. could we maybe go over some of the things - investigation. could we maybe go over some of the things you - investigation. could we maybe go over some of the things you have | over some of the things you have said to _ over some of the things you have said to us, — over some of the things you have said to us, which we understand are a matter— said to us, which we understand are a matter of— said to us, which we understand are a matter of record and help to clarifym — a matter of record and help to clarify... some are very difficult
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to understand. first you said there was no _ to understand. first you said there was no rule — to understand. first you said there was no rule breaking. then you claimed — was no rule breaking. then you claimed you are not aware of any of those _ claimed you are not aware of any of those parties. then you said it was a work— those parties. then you said it was a work meeting. then you said you were _ a work meeting. then you said you were outraged by them. then you said you were _ were outraged by them. then you said you were aware of these events but they were _ you were aware of these events but they were not against the rules. finally— they were not against the rules. finally you — they were not against the rules. finally you admitted you were at these _ finally you admitted you were at these events but so indifferent of these events but so indifferent of the rules — these events but so indifferent of the rules you didn't realise you are breaking _ the rules you didn't realise you are breaking them. you do understand why the public— breaking them. you do understand why the public had such difficulty with all of— the public had such difficulty with all of this? gf the public had such difficulty with all of this? .., , �* all of this? of course, pete. and i don't want- -- _ all of this? of course, pete. and i don't want... i— all of this? of course, pete. and i don't want... i understand - all of this? of course, pete. and i don't want... i understand why i all of this? of course, pete. and i l don't want... i understand why you are asking the questions but ijust want to repeat that they will come a point where i am able to talk about the investigation and the conclusions of the investigation. that is when the investigation has concluded. i have no doubt at all that i will be back before this committee, back before the house of commons to talk about it. but at the moment it is still going on.
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if it has been found that you did break— if it has been found that you did break the — if it has been found that you did break the ministerial code, which looking _ break the ministerial code, which looking at— break the ministerial code, which looking at all of the things you have _ looking at all of the things you have said _ looking at all of the things you have said and all the things that have _ have said and all the things that have transpired subsequently, its crystal _ have transpired subsequently, its crystal clear that you did, that will mean _ crystal clear that you did, that will mean a resignation? with— will mean a resignation? with great respect, i think you are just going to have to hold your horses and wait until the conclusion of the investigation, when there will be a lot more clarity and i will be a lot more clarity and i will be a lot more clarity and i will be back before this committee and i've no doubt back before the body of the house of commons. i will be only too happy to elucidate you further. , ., ., , further. frustrated and disappointed the hublic further. frustrated and disappointed the public will _ further. frustrated and disappointed the public will be _ further. frustrated and disappointed the public will be with _ further. frustrated and disappointed the public will be with these - the public will be with these responses from you today. they expect _ responses from you today. they expect some answers. i was in rock and roli— expect some answers. i was in rock and roll for— expect some answers. i was in rock and roll for 15 — expect some answers. i was in rock and roll for 15 years, i could never even _ and roll for 15 years, i could never even start— and roll for 15 years, i could never even start to _ and roll for 15 years, i could never even start to compete and keep up with activities at number 10 in lockdown— with activities at number 10 in lockdown and the party culture you
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created _ created. you see, that... i orooroo. — you see, that... i hearyou, but if you see, that... i hear you, but if i may say so, that is a very good illustration, your question is a very good illustration of why it is important that we should wait until the conclusion of the investigation. i think you famously sang i will survive. — i think you famously sang i will survive, are you still going to survive? _ survive? it's - survive? it's not looking good, — it's not looking good, is it? survive? it's not lookinr hood, is it? ., it's not looking good, is it? can i 'ust it's not looking good, is it? can i just respectfully _ it's not looking good, is it? can i just respectfully say... _ it's not looking good, is it? can i just respectfully say... we - it's not looking good, is it? can i just respectfully say... we could | just respectfully say... we could ma be just respectfully say... we could maybe have _ just respectfully say... we could maybe have a — just respectfully say... we could maybe have a tune _ just respectfully say. .. we could maybe have a tune after- just respectfully say... we could maybe have a tune after this. i just respectfully say... we could - maybe have a tune after this. always onl too maybe have a tune after this. always only too happy _ maybe have a tune after this. always only too happy to _ maybe have a tune after this. always only too happy to have, _ maybe have a tune after this. always only too happy to have, you - maybe have a tune after this. always only too happy to have, you know, i maybe have a tune after this. always only too happy to have, you know, a| only too happy to have, you know, a drink with my friends from the snp. but this is not something i can say much more about right now. you thou~ht much more about right now. you thought you _ much more about right now. you thought you got _ much more about right now. you thought you got away with it, didn't you, thought you got away with it, didn't you. you _ thought you got away with it, didn't you, you really thought this would be put _ you, you really thought this would be put aside and nobody would say anything _ be put aside and nobody would say anything. you've been shocked in the last 24— anything. you've been shocked in the
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last 24 hours. and parading your mp5 last 24 hours. and parading your mps in front— last 24 hours. and parading your mps in front of— last 24 hours. and parading your mps in front of the covid bereaved to go and party, — in front of the covid bereaved to go and party, the date you received fixed _ and party, the date you received fixed penalty notices is surely dreadful— fixed penalty notices is surely dreadful optics? pete, there will be a time for me to talk to you at length. you are entitled to your characterisation, thatis entitled to your characterisation, that is your view. i have no wish to engage with you in dispute about how you choose to see things. that is not the way i see things. but where i think you and i are certainly in agreement as it would be right for me to come back before this committee and when the investigation is concluded and to set out what i think and to be properly interrogated about the findings of the investigators. but that has not happened yet. the thing isn't over
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and any such discussion is, in my view, premature. flan and any such discussion is, in my view, premature.— and any such discussion is, in my view, premature. and any such discussion is, in my view, hremature. ., ., ., ., view, premature. can we move on now? i have view, premature. can we move on now? i have done — view, premature. can we move on now? i have done my _ view, premature. can we move on now? i have done my best — view, premature. can we move on now? i have done my best but _ view, premature. can we move on now? i have done my best but there _ view, premature. can we move on now? i have done my best but there is - view, premature. can we move on now? i have done my best but there is not - i have done my best but there is not much more i can say. i have a very carefully to the lockdown _ i have a very carefully to the lockdown parties. lack of trust is raised _ lockdown parties. lack of trust is raised regularly on parliamentary petitions— raised regularly on parliamentary petitions so, prime minister, how would _ petitions so, prime minister, how would you — petitions so, prime minister, how would you respond to 130,000 plus petitioners who are calling for lying — petitioners who are calling for lying in — petitioners who are calling for lying in the commons to be made a criminal— lying in the commons to be made a criminal offence? i think that it is very important that you should be clear with the house of commons and i have tried to be as clear as i can about my understanding of events. i've been back repeatedly before the commons to explain, to apologise for the
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things that i think we've got wrong. i've no doubt that i will be back again. but, you know, there is not a lot more i can say at the present time. i mean very much the words used, i tried _ i mean very much the words used, i tried to _ i mean very much the words used, i tried to be — i mean very much the words used, i tried to be as— i mean very much the words used, i tried to be as clear as i can, that's— tried to be as clear as i can, that's the _ tried to be as clear as i can, that's the big consent people have, that's the big consent people have, that you're — that's the big consent people have, that you're not able to be clear or straight _ that you're not able to be clear or straight on — that you're not able to be clear or straight on these issues if you can't — straight on these issues if you can't even _ straight on these issues if you can't even answer the question as to whether— can't even answer the question as to whether any— can't even answer the question as to whether any laws were broken in whitehall— whether any laws were broken in whitehall during lockdown, when 20 fixed penalty notices were issued yesterday. can you at least give a clear— yesterday. can you at least give a clear answer on that? well, _ clear answer on that? well, you say 20 fixed penalty notices were issued yesterday. i am notices were issued yesterday. i am not certain of that. you may know something i don't. that's one of the reasons why i think it would be really quite sensible of us alljust to wait until the investigation is completed. to wait until the investigation is completed-— to wait until the investigation is completed. ok, 'ust one further hoint completed. ok, 'ust one further oint i
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completed. ok, 'ust one further point i want — completed. ok, 'ust one further point i want to — completed. ok, just one further point i want to put. _ completed. ok, just one further point i want to put. can - completed. ok, just one further point i want to put. can you - point i want to put. can you appreciate, prime minister, that throwing — appreciate, prime minister, that throwing a party for tory mps appreciate, prime minister, that throwing a party for tory mp5 on the anniversary— throwing a party for tory mp5 on the anniversary of the covid memorial, on the _ anniversary of the covid memorial, on the day— anniversary of the covid memorial, on the day that some fixed penalty notices— on the day that some fixed penalty notices were issued for lockdown breaking — notices were issued for lockdown breaking in whitehall, might give the impression to the public that you don't— the impression to the public that you don't care about how they feel about— you don't care about how they feel about this? — about this? i— about this? i think that this government has done everything we can to protect the public throughout the pandemic and... t the public throughout the pandemic and... ., the public throughout the pandemic and... ,,. , ., and... i asked specifically do you care about _ and... i asked specifically do you care about the _ and... i asked specifically do you care about the public's _ and... i asked specifically do you i care about the public's perception? yes, care about the public's perception? yes. i_ care about the public's perception? yes. i care — care about the public's perception? yes, i care deeply but we've worked incredibly hard across the whole of government to look after the population during the pandemic. some things went well, some things went less well. it was an incredibly difficult time but i think overall, the record of the uk government in
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dealing with covid has been pretty remarkable. i am dealing with covid has been pretty remarkable. iam proud dealing with covid has been pretty remarkable. i am proud of it. just to make clear— remarkable. i am proud of it. just to make clear before we move on to ukraine, _ to make clear before we move on to ukraine, you — to make clear before we move on to ukraine, you said— to make clear before we move on to ukraine, you said you _ to make clear before we move on to ukraine, you said you may- to make clear before we move on to ukraine, you said you may answer. ukraine, you said you may answer questions — ukraine, you said you may answer questions when _ ukraine, you said you may answer questions when the _ ukraine, you said you may answer questions when the investigation i questions when the investigation finish. _ questions when the investigation finish. is — questions when the investigation finish. is that— questions when the investigation finish, is that when _ questions when the investigation finish, is that when the - questions when the investigation finish, is that when the met - questions when the investigation i finish, is that when the met police say we _ finish, is that when the met police say we have — finish, is that when the met police say we have investigated - finish, is that when the met police say we have investigated and - say we have investigated and completed _ say we have investigated and completed investigations? i say we have investigated and i completed investigations? yes, because it _ completed investigations? yes, because it is — completed investigations? yes, because it is only _ completed investigations? yes, because it is only at _ completed investigations? yes, because it is only at that - completed investigations? because it is only at that stage that we will be able to... conclude the su grey process and that is when we will be able to wrap the whole thing up. that i genuinely think it is a sensible moment for us to have a discussion. the is a sensible moment for us to have a discussion-— a discussion. the met police finishinr a discussion. the met police finishing is _ a discussion. the met police finishing is a _ a discussion. the met police finishing is a time, - a discussion. the met police finishing is a time, ok, - a discussion. the met police l finishing is a time, ok, that's fine — finishing is a time, ok, that's fine moving— finishing is a time, ok, that's fine. moving on— finishing is a time, ok, that's fine. moving on to _ finishing is a time, ok, that's fine. moving on to ukraine i finishing is a time, ok, that's. fine. moving on to ukraine now. chair— fine. moving on to ukraine now. chair of— fine. moving on to ukraine now. chair of the _ fine. moving on to ukraine now. chair of the foreign _ fine. moving on to ukraine now. chair of the foreign affairs - fine. moving on to ukraine now. | chair of the foreign affairs select committee _ committee. has- committee. i has president committee. _ has president emmanuel commutes. — has president emmanuel macron been speaking _ has president emmanuel macron been speaking to president putin to long? tomr _ speaking to president putin to long? tom, i_ speaking to president putin to long? tom, ithink— speaking to president putin to long? tom, i think it is very important
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that the unity of the west and the unity of nato should be remembered and prioritised and that is what we are doing. i think the question of negotiation with vladimir putin, the value of those negotiations is an open one. my own view is that putin is plainly not to be trusted. i think the most important thing and i think the most important thing and i think here emmanuel and i would be in agreement, the most important thing is whatever happens should be what the ukrainians want and it is for them to decide what their future should be. that is what is at stake here. it's not for any of us, you
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know, whatever we may think, to try to create a future for them. it's for them to decide their future. [30 for them to decide their future. do ou for them to decide their future. do you agree with president biden that the end _ you agree with president biden that the end state should notjust be russians — the end state should notjust be russians out of ukraine that putin gone _ russians out of ukraine that putin gone from — russians out of ukraine that putin gone from the kremlin? look, _ gone from the kremlin? look, i_ gone from the kremlin? look, i understand whyjoe biden said that and i understand, you know, the frustrations that people feel about putin. to desire a change of government in itself is not an ignoble thing. i think there are plenty of people around this horseshoe who would perhaps like a change in this government. that is the objective of a lot of democratic politics, but it is literally absolutely clear, it is not the objective of the uk government, and it's very, very important we get, everybody gets this. we are simply
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setting out to help, to protect the people of ukraine and to protect them against absolutely barbaric and unreasonable violence. that is what we are doing. i think that it's vital to keep... 141 votes, tom, in the un general assembly against what russia had done and that was a fantastic thing. as you know, there was a more recent vote which is kept the number. you have to keep this simple. so the number. you have to keep this sim-le. a, , ., simple. so given the efforts to hrotect simple. so given the efforts to protect the _ simple. so given the efforts to protect the ukrainian - simple. so given the efforts to protect the ukrainian people, | simple. so given the efforts to j protect the ukrainian people, i think— protect the ukrainian people, i think that's something we would all welcome _ think that's something we would all welcome, what did you think of the franco _ welcome, what did you think of the franco turkish greek attempt at humanitarian aid? you franco turkish greek attempt at humanitarian aid?— franco turkish greek attempt at humanitarian aid? you mean for mariupol? _ humanitarian aid? you mean for mariupol? yes. _ humanitarian aid? you mean for mariupol? yes. i— humanitarian aid? you mean for mariupol? yes. i am _ humanitarian aid? you mean for mariupol? yes. i am obviously i humanitarian aid? you mean for| mariupol? yes. i am obviously in favour of humanitarian aid. but you and i remember the ruthless cynicism with which putin manipulates
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so—called humanitarian aid corridors in order to throw his opposition off balance. you remember what he did in aleppo, the constant dangling of peace process and humanitarian... when he wanted to commit extreme violence. i think it's a good thing to be how humanitarian and to help refugees but i have my doubts the genuine cooperation of putin. t5 genuine cooperation of putin. is there more we could do, there are various— there more we could do, there are various avenues we could assist with, _ various avenues we could assist with. the — various avenues we could assist with, the ukrainian government itsetf— with, the ukrainian government itself has — with, the ukrainian government itself has asked for armoured land rovers— itself has asked for armoured land rovers assistance in white helmets type units — rovers assistance in white helmets type units in ukraine. is that something you are already looking at? we _ something you are already looking at? ~ ., something you are already looking at? ., . ., , something you are already looking at? ., . ., ., at? we are certainly looking at rroin u- at? we are certainly looking at going up a _ at? we are certainly looking at going up a gear— at? we are certainly looking at going up a gear now _ at? we are certainly looking at going up a gear now in - at? we are certainly looking at going up a gear now in our - at? we are certainly looking at - going up a gear now in our support for the ukrainians as they defend
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themselves. in mariupol. this for the ukrainians as they defend themselves. in mariupol.- themselves. in mariupol. this is civilian assistance _ themselves. in mariupol. this is civilian assistance rather- themselves. in mariupol. this is civilian assistance rather than i civilian assistance rather than military — civilian assistance rather than military assistance? in mariupol, the issue is. _ military assistance? in mariupol, the issue is, as _ military assistance? in mariupol, the issue is, as you _ military assistance? in mariupol, the issue is, as you know, - military assistance? in mariupol, the issue is, as you know, that i the issue is, as you know, that ukrainian defenders are now pretty much encircled and there is a humanitarian catastrophe. the question is, can we help the ukrainians relieve mariupol, if that's possible? would arma, apcs be useful for them? that's possible? would arma, apcs be usefulfor them? you that's possible? would arma, apcs be useful for them? you armoured that's possible? would arma, apcs be usefulfor them? you armoured land rovers boss that we are certainly looking at that. i am a —— and are afraid it depends very much on the environment putin's forces are willing to allow. t environment putin's forces are willing to allow.— environment putin's forces are willing to allow. i understand that but i'm looking _ willing to allow. i understand that but i'm looking at _ willing to allow. i understand that but i'm looking at civilian - but i'm looking at civilian assistance, a white helmets type arrangement, armoured ambulances delve _ arrangement, armoured ambulances delve around kyiv, areas where the
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ukrainians— delve around kyiv, areas where the ukrainians are suffering notjust from _ ukrainians are suffering notjust from casualties and the artillery but the — from casualties and the artillery but the aid units that assist the injured — but the aid units that assist the injured are being targeted by russian _ injured are being targeted by russian units. in those areas, armoured _ russian units. in those areas, armoured ambulances could help, perhaps— armoured ambulances could help, perhaps extra logistical supplies, in terms — perhaps extra logistical supplies, in terms of body armour and so far for medical— in terms of body armour and so far for medical units. i in terms of body armour and so far for medical units.— for medical units. i think it is a very interesting _ for medical units. i think it is a very interesting suggestion. it| for medical units. i think it is a i very interesting suggestion. it is not something that volodymyr zelensky has requested so far from me personally but that doesn't mean the ukrainians haven't reached out and asked for it through other channels. he has asked for a lot of different things so far but not that. . different things so far but not that. , ., , ., ., , that. let me 'ust a repeat a request from some — that. let me just a repeat a request from some ukrainian _ that. let me just a repeat a request from some ukrainian mps, - that. let me just a repeat a request from some ukrainian mps, they - that. let me just a repeat a requestl from some ukrainian mps, they have asked _ from some ukrainian mps, they have asked for— from some ukrainian mps, they have asked for it _ from some ukrainian mps, they have asked for it sol from some ukrainian mps, they have asked for it so i will pass it onto your— asked for it so i will pass it onto your assistance. the question really is when _ your assistance. the question really is when are — your assistance. the question really is when are we going to lift sanctions? presumably, if there is stick. _ sanctions? presumably, if there is stick. there — sanctions? presumably, if there is stick, there must be carrot. at what stage _ stick, there must be carrot. at what stage do— stick, there must be carrot. at what stage do you — stick, there must be carrot. at what stage do you think sanctions could be lifted _ stage do you think sanctions could be lifted on russia? does it have to
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be lifted on russia? does it have to be ukraine — be lifted on russia? does it have to be ukraine whole and entire including cry me a question but does it have _ including cry me a question but does it have to— including cry me a question but does it have to be — including cry me a question but does it have to be the liberation as well of liberated areas of georgia? what is the _ of liberated areas of georgia? what is the line _ of liberated areas of georgia? what is the line you are thinking about? i is the line you are thinking about? i certainly— is the line you are thinking about? i certainly don't think that you could expect the g7 to lift sanctions simply because there has been a ceasefire in ukraine. again, that goes straight into putin's playbook. in my view, we should continue to intensify sanctions with a rolling programme until every single one of his troops is out of ukraine. . . single one of his troops is out of ukraine— as i single one of his troops is out of ukraine— as i i ukraine. including crimea? as i said, ukraine. including crimea? as i said. every _ ukraine. including crimea? as i said, every single _ ukraine. including crimea? as i said, every single one - ukraine. including crimea? as i said, every single one of- ukraine. including crimea? as i said, every single one of his i ukraine. including crimea? as i - said, every single one of his troops is out of ukraine.— said, every single one of his troops is out of ukraine. would you include georr ia, is out of ukraine. would you include georgia. that _ is out of ukraine. would you include georgia, that has _ is out of ukraine. would you include georgia, that has been _ is out of ukraine. would you include georgia, that has been occupied - is out of ukraine. would you include | georgia, that has been occupied now since _ georgia, that has been occupied now since 2008. — georgia, that has been occupied now since 2008, as you know? i georgia, that has been occupied now since 2008, as you know?— since 2008, as you know? i think that we need _ since 2008, as you know? i think that we need to _
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since 2008, as you know? i think that we need to have _ since 2008, as you know? i think that we need to have a _ since 2008, as you know? i think that we need to have a total - since 2008, as you know? i think i that we need to have a total rethink about all the support we offer, countries such as georgia and ukraine... and what we are evolving towards is, i think, a ukraine... and what we are evolving towards is, ithink, a new ukraine... and what we are evolving towards is, i think, a new way of looking at ukraine. and other countries, countries in the former soviet union. i think that because of the sheer quantity of a nato compatible... the weapons we are now supplying, we are changing the dynamic and we are changing their security architecture of the situation bit by bit. there is going to come a point when i think we should recognise that this has happened and that we are now, i hope we will be in a position with willing partners to offer, not an
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article five security guaranteed to ukraine but a different kind of future, a different kind of commitment, based on the idea of deterrence by denial, so that ukraine is so fortified and protected with... with weaponry, the coils of the porcupine have become so stiffened that it is ever after in digest 22 putin. that is the path we are now on. i think that is a very productive way of thinking now about something that has been, a problem we have not been able to solve, which is the homelessness of ukraine and other countries in europe's security architecture. flan europe's security architecture. can i build on that because your point is welcome. the point you are making is welcome. the point you are making is very— is welcome. the point you are making is very focused on putin for stuff
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you would — is very focused on putin for stuff you would also recognise i'm sure that putin — you would also recognise i'm sure that putin is not russia, he'sjust stolen _ that putin is not russia, he'sjust stolen it~ — that putin is not russia, he'sjust stolen it. the reality is there is a criminal— stolen it. the reality is there is a criminal conspiracy that calls itself— criminal conspiracy that calls itself a — criminal conspiracy that calls itself a government sitting in the kremlin— itself a government sitting in the kremlin today, centred on a single individual— kremlin today, centred on a single individual but there are opposition voices _ individual but there are opposition voices we — individual but there are opposition voices. we know of alexei navalny and others. — voices. we know of alexei navalny and others, there are prominent russian — and others, there are prominent russian voices who have voiced possible — russian voices who have voiced possible different future for russian people and one i suspect is more _ russian people and one i suspect is more popular than the one they currently— more popular than the one they currently live and die. with the uk government consider offering support and assistance to them and making sure independent democratic voices have a _ sure independent democratic voices have a weigh in? and making sure virtual— have a weigh in? and making sure virtual private networks for the russians — virtual private networks for the russians are available, which they find difficult to buy because economic centres are assisting vladimir— economic centres are assisting vladimir putin's censorship? we see
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all sorts of possible _ vladimir putin's censorship? we see all sorts of possible futures - vladimir putin's censorship? we see all sorts of possible futures for - all sorts of possible futures for russia. to get back to the first point that i wanted to make an answer to your first question, it... we have to keep it simple, keep this one simple. this is a very, i've never seen a clearer case of right and wrong. this is about flagrant violation of international law. the invasion of a total innocent country and it is about helping the ukrainians to protect themselves. now that is something that unites the whole of the house of commons and, i hope, and it certainly unites and, i hope, and it certainly unites a large number of countries around the world. i think if we stick to that, we won't go wrong. because i think that the consequences, the logical consequences politically, militarily, speak for themselves and i am sure you have thought it all through. that's when it comes to
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supporting wider civic society in russia, supporting a free media, free internet, we do a lot of that already. we havejust put free internet, we do a lot of that already. we have just put another £4.1 million into supporting bbc ukrainian and russian services to help people get at the truth and we are doing a lot more to promote proper understanding of what's going on. �* . proper understanding of what's going on. �* , ., , ~' proper understanding of what's going on. �* , ., a ., proper understanding of what's going on.�* , on. i've been asked to ask you about the integrated _ on. i've been asked to ask you about the integrated review _ on. i've been asked to ask you about the integrated review which - on. i've been asked to ask you about the integrated review which rightly i the integrated review which rightly spells _ the integrated review which rightly spells out looming european security threats _ spells out looming european security threats but not the timeline. highlighting the cuts to military equipment, army tank numbers in the 10.000— equipment, army tank numbers in the 10,000 reduction in troop numbers to
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the napoleonic wars. in this new era will you reconsider those numbers and are _ will you reconsider those numbers and are you — will you reconsider those numbers and are you going to request the national— and are you going to request the national security council to produce an updated assessment on the long—term strategic threat with recommendations on how gaps in our capabilities— recommendations on how gaps in our capabilities can be filled? i recommendations on how gaps in our capabilities can be filled?— capabilities can be filled? i think if ou capabilities can be filled? i think if you look— capabilities can be filled? i think if you look at — capabilities can be filled? i think if you look at the _ capabilities can be filled? i think if you look at the integrated - if you look at the integrated review, it was actually pretty much spot on in the priority is that it set out for the country. in particular, it said the euro atlantic area was the number one issue of concern. when it comes to the choice between high—tech and heavy armour and tobias and i had this conversation here, actually, i think the advantages of high—tech in helping the ukrainians are pretty manifest now and i think that the effectiveness of the end laws, of style streak, javelin, of a lot of the systems we are now using, switchblade, these are the things
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that... the uavs, the drones of the turks have been supplying, these are the game changers. so i think it was right for us to go for this massive increase in expenditure, as we did, with the defence review. 10% increase. but it was also right for us to focus on real value for the uk and make sure we could maximise our ability to project force overseas. that is what the integrated review gives. that is what the integrated review rives. . ~' ,, that is what the integrated review gives-_ moving - that is what the integrated review gives._ moving on - that is what the integrated review gives._ moving on to i that is what the integrated review i gives._ moving on to look gives. thank you. moving on to look at the humanitarian _ gives. thank you. moving on to look at the humanitarian issue, - gives. thank you. moving on to look at the humanitarian issue, sarah - at the humanitarian issue, sarah champion — at the humanitarian issue, sarah champion-— champion. hello again, prime minister- _ champion. hello again, prime minister. i'm _ champion. hello again, prime minister. i'm very _ champion. hello again, prime minister. i'm very grateful- champion. hello again, prime| minister. i'm very grateful that champion. hello again, prime - minister. i'm very grateful that the uk has _ minister. i'm very grateful that the uk has committed 4 million for ukraine — uk has committed 4 million for ukraine but i wrote to you on the 9th of— ukraine but i wrote to you on the 9th of march asking for details as to whether this money has got to the people _ to whether this money has got to the people it _ to whether this money has got to the people it is _ to whether this money has got to the people it is intended for and i haven't— people it is intended for and i haven't had a reply. could i ask you
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now some — haven't had a reply. could i ask you now some specifics. how much of the uk's now some specifics. how much of the uk's pledged financial contributions have reached organisations of communities in ukraine? how much has reached _ communities in ukraine? how much has reached international agencies, communities in ukraine? how much has reached internationalagencies, how reached international agencies, how much _ reached internationalagencies, how much has _ reached internationalagencies, how much has reached local organisations, local ngos and councils? _ councils? look, i am going to oouhohsa — look, i am going to have to do... write to me? t look, i am going to have to do... write to me?— look, i am going to have to do... write to me? ., , , , write to me? i am sorry. the numbers are hirh. write to me? i am sorry. the numbers are high- at— write to me? i am sorry. the numbers are high. at least _ write to me? i am sorry. the numbers are high. at least 400 _ write to me? i am sorry. the numbers are high. at least 400 million. - write to me? i am sorry. the numbers are high. at least 400 million. you i are high. at least 400 million. you holeded are high. at least 400 million. you pledged 400 _ are high. at least 400 million. you pledged 400 million but i haven't seen evidence... i pledged 400 million but i haven't seen evidence. . .— pledged 400 million but i haven't seen evidence... i would be happy to share where — seen evidence... i would be happy to share where it _ seen evidence... i would be happy to share where it is _ seen evidence... i would be happy to share where it is going. _ seen evidence... i would be happy to share where it is going. we - seen evidence... i would be happy to share where it is going. we have i share where it is going. we have lots of... visa application centres in the region, we are doing lots to help with the reception of refugees but how much has gone to each mayoral team in warsaw and exactly how it has been divvied up, i will have to get back to you. t how it has been diwied up, i will have to get back to you.- how it has been diwied up, i will have to get back to you. i would be
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really grateful _ have to get back to you. i would be really grateful if _ have to get back to you. i would be really grateful if you _ have to get back to you. i would be really grateful if you could. - have to get back to you. i would be really grateful if you could. you i really grateful if you could. you mentioned earlier humanitarian corridors— mentioned earlier humanitarian corridors and how they are being flagrantly— corridors and how they are being flagrantly exploited. they are necessary both to get people out and to get— necessary both to get people out and to get aid _ necessary both to get people out and to get aid in. have you considered doing _ to get aid in. have you considered doing something that happened in north—east syria with the un security— north—east syria with the un security council resolutions to try and keep— security council resolutions to try and keep these passages open for the safety— and keep these passages open for the safety of— and keep these passages open for the safety of everyone? yes, and keep these passages open for the safety of everyone ?_ safety of everyone? yes, i mean that is in essence — safety of everyone? yes, i mean that is in essence what _ safety of everyone? yes, i mean that is in essence what we're _ safety of everyone? yes, i mean that is in essence what we're looking i safety of everyone? yes, i mean that is in essence what we're looking at. i is in essence what we're looking at. difficulty is that the russians are very adept at manipulating the humanitarian corridors and negotiations to regroup, to deal with other objectives and then come back and do it again. i remember sitting at many negotiating tables talking about aleppo and what we were doing to help people out of
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aleppo, what assurances putin could give and it was, in the end it turned out to be a more or less completely valueless. they pulverised aleppo, they didn't stop. are there other options you are considering to try and keep those corridors— considering to try and keep those corridors open? i considering to try and keep those corridors open?— considering to try and keep those corridors open? i mentioned 12 tom. we are thinking _ corridors open? i mentioned 12 tom. we are thinking about _ corridors open? i mentioned 12 tom. we are thinking about is _ corridors open? i mentioned 12 tom. we are thinking about is there i we are thinking about is there anything we could do to help relieve mariupol, which would be a great thing to try to do, but that will be very tough. don't forgot, mariupol is an extraordinary place. it has fallen before to russia and then been retaken by ukraine. so... what's happening is absolutely tragic. if we could think of an easy solution, we would do it but we are, as everybody knows, heavily
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constrained. t as everybody knows, heavily constrained.— as everybody knows, heavily constrained. ., ., ., constrained. i have also written to ou about constrained. i have also written to you about the _ constrained. i have also written to you about the mine _ constrained. i have also written to you about the mine clearance i constrained. i have also written to you about the mine clearance thatj you about the mine clearance that needs— you about the mine clearance that needs to — you about the mine clearance that needs to happen and the british charities— needs to happen and the british charities that are really central to achieving — charities that are really central to achieving that. again, if i could .et achieving that. again, if i could get a _ achieving that. again, if i could get a response to that because the horror— get a response to that because the horror that — get a response to that because the horror that is going on at the moment. _ horror that is going on at the moment, it may only be small things we can— moment, it may only be small things we can do— moment, it may only be small things we can do but if we do all of them, hopefully_ we can do but if we do all of them, hopefully we can make it a little better~ — hopefully we can make it a little better. ., ., ., �* better. you are so right. i don't know whether _ better. you are so right. i don't know whether you _ better. you are so right. i don't know whether you have - better. you are so right. i don't know whether you have heard i better. you are so right. i don't i know whether you have heard this but as the ukrainians push back russian forces in some places, what we are hearing are absolutely horrifying tales of what the russians have done while occupying. flan tales of what the russians have done while occupying-— while occupying. can i come onto that, ou while occupying. can i come onto that. you will _ while occupying. can i come onto that, you will have _ while occupying. can i come onto that, you will have heard - while occupying. can i come onto that, you will have heard and i while occupying. can i come onto i that, you will have heard and been egually— that, you will have heard and been equally horrified as i have around the countless examples of sexual violence — the countless examples of sexual violence being used as a weapon of war and _ violence being used as a weapon of war and there seems a very systematic technique, if i use that term _ systematic technique, if i use that term the _ systematic technique, if i use that term the russians employ. we have .ot term the russians employ. we have got to— term the russians employ. we have got to end _ term the russians employ. we have got to end the apparent culture of impunity— got to end the apparent culture of impunity around this and show that there _
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impunity around this and show that there are _ impunity around this and show that there are going to be consequences. the uk _ there are going to be consequences. the uk has — there are going to be consequences. the uk has been a leading light on the spi _ the uk has been a leading light on the sp1 around the world and i am proud _ the spi around the world and i am proud of— the sp1 around the world and i am proud of that. what practical steps is the _ proud of that. what practical steps is the uk _ proud of that. what practical steps is the uk taking to prevent sexual violence _ is the uk taking to prevent sexual violence and document those crimes question— violence and document those crimes question might have we got people there _ question might have we got people there on— question might have we got people there on the ground, what support is being _ there on the ground, what support is being offered to ngos for the victims — being offered to ngos for the victims and survivors? we have a pspi team working to support survivors, hold perpetrators to account for what is happening in ukraine. {in to account for what is happening in ukraine. ., i to account for what is happening in ukraine._ i believe| ukraine. on the ground? i believe the are ukraine. on the ground? i believe they are in — ukraine. on the ground? i believe they are in the — ukraine. on the ground? i believe they are in the surrounding i ukraine. on the ground? i believe they are in the surrounding area, | they are in the surrounding area, rather than in country itself because some of many of the victims are now outside ukraine and sarah, i agree with you, it is something that the foreign office pioneered, actually, underwilliam the foreign office pioneered, actually, under william hague, who really got that on the international agenda and quite rightly and details
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are appalling, but we have a team in the region and we are funding them very actively. that the region and we are funding them very actively-— very actively. that is very reassuring _ very actively. that is very reassuring and _ very actively. that is very reassuring and my i very actively. that is very reassuring and my final. very actively. that is very - reassuring and my final question, i am sure _ reassuring and my final question, i am sure again you are aware of the unaccompanied children that are fleeing _ unaccompanied children that are fleeing ukraine?— unaccompanied children that are fleeing ukraine? yes. we have heard a lot of concerns _ fleeing ukraine? t'ezs we have heard a lot of concerns about fleeing ukraine? tess we have heard a lot of concerns about large numbers _ a lot of concerns about large numbers of children fleeing from orphanages into neighbouring moldova, a country which is ill equipped _ moldova, a country which is ill equipped with safeguarding its own children. _ equipped with safeguarding its own children, let alone the influx of children— children, let alone the influx of children from ukraine. unicef reports — children from ukraine. unicef reports that more than 500 children unaccompanied crossed from ukraine to moldova _ unaccompanied crossed from ukraine to moldova in the few weeks between the 24th— to moldova in the few weeks between the 24th of february and the 17th of march _ the 24th of february and the 17th of march. what plans do you have in place _ march. what plans do you have in place to— march. what plans do you have in place to strengthen and increase the safeguarding systems in countries surrounding ukraine? and do you have any plans— surrounding ukraine? and do you have any plans that would enable children to come _ any plans that would enable children to come to _ any plans that would enable children to come to the uk for safeguarding, for example, as we saw with the dubs amendment? with
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for example, as we saw with the dubs amendment?— for example, as we saw with the dubs amendment? ~ , , , ~ amendment? with the dubs amendment, sor , es. amendment? with the dubs amendment, sorry. yes- you — amendment? with the dubs amendment, sorry. yes- you are _ amendment? with the dubs amendment, sorry, yes. you are right— amendment? with the dubs amendment, sorry, yes. you are right in _ amendment? with the dubs amendment, sorry, yes. you are right in what _ sorry, yes. you are right in what you say about children, it is one of the horrifying aspects of the conflict, that so many women, and children have been coming out, but what we want to do is wherever possible ensure that the children are united with their families and thatis are united with their families and that is clearly in the best interests of the child. before bringing them to this country. we are seeing what we can do with ngos to make sure that they are... they get all the safeguarding and help that they need, but it is... it is a very difficult problem. but before we go into a dubs amendment style solution, i think we need to think about whether the needs of those kids are probably going to be best met if we can keep them in the area
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and get them back to their families. i agree. thank you.— i agree. thank you. moving on to julian. a recent... _ i agree. thank you. moving on to julian. a recent... on _ julian. a recent... on disinformation i julian. a recent... on| disinformation showed julian. a recent... on i disinformation showed that julian. a recent... on _ disinformation showed that there are growing _ disinformation showed that there are growing doubts amongst the russian population concerning putin and his lie machine. the prime minister, should _ lie machine. the prime minister, should we — lie machine. the prime minister, should we not seize this opportunity? we pledged 4 million, as you _ opportunity? we pledged 4 million, as you mentioned earlier, to the world _ as you mentioned earlier, to the world service, but should we not look to _ world service, but should we not look to fund a sustained information strategy. _ look to fund a sustained information strategy. in— look to fund a sustained information strategy, in order to bring the truth — strategy, in order to bring the truth to— strategy, in order to bring the truth to the russian people about the crimes being committed in their names— the crimes being committed in their names because you are so right and one of— names because you are so right and one of the _ names because you are so right and one of the think depressing things is the _ one of the think depressing things is the ruthlessness with which putin tries to _ is the ruthlessness with which putin tries to conceal the reality of what is happening from the russian population and generally you can rin- population and generally you can ring and — population and generally you can ring and talk to russian friends and they will— ring and talk to russian friends and they will seriously dispute what is
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going _ they will seriously dispute what is going on— they will seriously dispute what is going on in ukraine and they are really— going on in ukraine and they are really very— going on in ukraine and they are really very vulnerable to the lies putin _ really very vulnerable to the lies putin is— really very vulnerable to the lies putin is telling and we have to be extremely— putin is telling and we have to be extremely energetic and exposing them. _ extremely energetic and exposing them. so — extremely energetic and exposing them, so we have got a government information— them, so we have got a government information cell but has been going for some _ information cell but has been going for some time to counter this information. i for some time to counter this information.— for some time to counter this information. ., , ., .., ., information. i mean, you can imagine the sorts of— information. i mean, you can imagine the sorts of things, _ information. i mean, you can imagine the sorts of things, julian, _ information. i mean, you can imagine the sorts of things, julian, that i information. i mean, you can imagine the sorts of things, julian, that it i the sorts of things, julian, that it tries to do. but what we have been... ourwhole tries to do. but what we have been... our whole approach has been to try to be as frank with people as we possibly can about what we know and kind of demystifying things. so it was the uk and the us that were out there in the beginning, saying, there is a massive problem. there are 100 battalion tactical groups on the borders with ukraine. we know this. and we put it into the public domain. similarly, when we got information about false flag operations, we immediately put it out into the public domain. trying
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to... just to fight the disinformation with as much exposure of the reality is we can. i think it is starting to have an effect. i think you are seeing signs now in russia of people waking up to what is going on. that russia of people waking up to what is auoin on. ., , russia of people waking up to what is going on-— russia of people waking up to what is auoin on. ., , , . ., is going on. that is very much about their disinformation... _ is going on. that is very much about their disinformation... since - is going on. that is very much about their disinformation... since 2013 i their disinformation... since 2013 their disinformation... since 2013 the russians have been very open, back, _ the russians have been very open, back, talking about the fact that part of— back, talking about the fact that part of a — back, talking about the fact that part of a strategy is effectively to undermine the west. should we not now turn_ undermine the west. should we not now turn out the tables on them and all our— now turn out the tables on them and all our media organisations in the west_ all our media organisations in the west working together to get the truth _ west working together to get the truth and — west working together to get the truth and a shop whatever means we possibly— truth and a shop whatever means we possibly can — truth and a shop whatever means we possibly can and coordinating on a governmental level? yes. possibly can and coordinating on a governmental level?— governmental level? yes. i think that is- -- — governmental level? yes. i think that ism as _ governmental level? yes. i think that is... as | — governmental level? yes. i think that is... as i said _ governmental level? yes. i think that is... as i said to _ governmental level? yes. i think that is... as i said to sarah, - governmental level? yes. i think that is... as i said to sarah, we i that is... as i said to sarah, we are increasing funding for the bbc and we are doing whatever we can to counteract the putin narrative and we are doing an awful lot to communicate to ordinary russians what is really going on. and, as i
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said, there are some signs it is getting through. you know, this new movement with green ribbons and so on, i think there is a growing awareness of the reality of what is happening in ukraine, but it is very, very farfrom universal in russia. very far. very, very far from universal in russia. very far.— very, very far from universal in russia. very far. russian today and s - utnik russia. very far. russian today and sputnik have _ russia. very far. russian today and sputnik have been _ russia. very far. russian today and sputnik have been blocked, - russia. very far. russian today and sputnik have been blocked, but - russia. very far. russian today and l sputnik have been blocked, but there is nothing _ sputnik have been blocked, but there is nothing stopping the kremlin starting — is nothing stopping the kremlin starting up a new media organisation via a social_ starting up a new media organisation via a social media platform almost in a heartbeat. to stop this happening, prime minister, do think we need _ happening, prime minister, do think we need the clearest possible definition of what constitutes a recognised news publisher in the online _ recognised news publisher in the online safety bill, which is upcoming?— online safety bill, which is upcoming? online safety bill, which is u-ucomin? , ., ,, ., online safety bill, which is uhcomin ? , ., ~' ., r, ., upcoming? yes, and i know you have been calling — upcoming? yes, and i know you have been calling for— upcoming? yes, and i know you have been calling for this _ upcoming? yes, and i know you have been calling for this like _ upcoming? yes, and i know you have been calling for this like a... - upcoming? yes, and i know you have been calling for this like a... like - been calling for this like a... like a links. a bloodhound or something. that a news publisher needs to have a registered uk address, have a standards code and have editorial
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control and the online safety bill will force all such companies to tackle illegal... the content that is illegal in the scope of the legislation. is illegal in the scope of the legislation-— is illegal in the scope of the leaislation. ., ., ,. , legislation. not all such companies, thouuh, legislation. not all such companies, though. because — legislation. not all such companies, though, because the _ legislation. not all such companies, though, because the reality - legislation. not all such companies, though, because the reality of- though, because the reality of banning — though, because the reality of banning sputnik and companies like this is— banning sputnik and companies like this is not— banning sputnik and companies like this is not important because the majority— this is not important because the majority of this information from russia _ majority of this information from russia is— majority of this information from russia is coming from social media platforms — russia is coming from social media platforms like telegram. it is unlikely— platforms like telegram. it is unlikely that telegrams will not be considered a high—risk social media platform _ considered a high—risk social media platform and in order that they and others _ platform and in order that they and others face — platform and in order that they and others face the strict regulation in the online — others face the strict regulation in the online safety bill, should the government outlined specifically which _ government outlined specifically which specific companies will be in scope _ which specific companies will be in scope to— which specific companies will be in scope to be considered high—risknews publishers _ scope to be considered high—risknews publishers or high—risk? as high risk _ publishers or high—risk? as high risk and — publishers or high—risk? as high risk. and do you think telegram should — risk. and do you think telegram should be — risk. and do you think telegram should be included as one of those high-risk? — should be included as one of those hiuh-risk? ~ �* ., ., ., high-risk? well, i'm going to have to say that — high-risk? well, i'm going to have to say that l _ high-risk? well, i'm going to have to say that i think _ high-risk? well, i'm going to have to say that i think we _ high-risk? well, i'm going to have to say that i think we should - high-risk? well, i'm going to have to say that i think we should makej to say that i think we should make sure that anybody putting... my
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general feeling about this is anybody putting stuff online, you know, should in a systematic way putting content online in a systematic way should be defined as a news publisher and it should be subject to the controls that we set out in the bill. subject to the controls that we set out in the nu.— subject to the controls that we set out in the bill.— out in the bill. yes, my final question. — out in the bill. yes, my final question, prime _ out in the bill. yes, my final question, prime minister, . out in the bill. yes, my final question, prime minister, is out in the bill. yes, my final- question, prime minister, is partly a request — question, prime minister, is partly a request. despite no collective ministerial agreement to writing to my committee, ruling out to such a move _ my committee, ruling out to such a move just _ my committee, ruling out to such a move just 24 — my committee, ruling out to such a move just 24 hours before, the secretary — move just 24 hours before, the secretary of state for dc ms still seems _ secretary of state for dc ms still seems intent on introducing a new committee — seems intent on introducing a new committee which will effectively mirror— committee which will effectively mirror the work of my committee looking _ mirror the work of my committee looking at— mirror the work of my committee looking at online safety. this, prime — looking at online safety. this, prime minister, would drive a coach and horses— prime minister, would drive a coach and horses through the select committee system. prime minister, will you _ committee system. prime minister, will you commit to investigate this matter. _ will you commit to investigate this matter, write to me on it and protect — matter, write to me on it and protect the select committee system, which _ protect the select committee system, which i _ protect the select committee system, which i know you value so much? well, _ which i know you value so much? well, i_ which i know you value so much? well, i do — which i know you value so much? well, i do and i value your work,
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but i am conscious that committees are really a matterfor the house, but i will certainly investigate the matter right back to you.- but i will certainly investigate the matter right back to you. thank you, thank ou matter right back to you. thank you, thank you joe- _ matter right back to you. thank you, thank you joe. thank _ matter right back to you. thank you, thank you joe. thank you, _ matter right back to you. thank you, thank you joe. thank you, julian. - thank you joe. thank you, julian. movin: thank you joe. thank you, julian. moving on _ thank you joe. thank you, julian. moving on now— thank you joe. thank you, julian. moving on now to _ thank you joe. thank you, julian. moving on now to the _ thank you joe. thank you, julian. moving on now to the issue - thank you joe. thank you, julian. moving on now to the issue of. thank you joe. thank you, julian. . moving on now to the issue of visas, which _ moving on now to the issue of visas, which is _ moving on now to the issue of visas, which is a _ moving on now to the issue of visas, which is a very— moving on now to the issue of visas, which is a very challenging _ moving on now to the issue of visas, which is a very challenging one,... l which is a very challenging one,... thank— which is a very challenging one,... thank you. — which is a very challenging one,... thank you, clive, _ which is a very challenging one,... thank you, clive, and _ which is a very challenging one,... thank you, clive, and good - thank you, clive, and good afternoon, prime minister. iwanted to ask— afternoon, prime minister. iwanted to ask you _ afternoon, prime minister. iwanted to ask you about the two main routes in terms _ to ask you about the two main routes in terms of— to ask you about the two main routes in terms of obtaining visas to come to the _ in terms of obtaining visas to come to the united kingdom and i wandered on reflection whether you thought that not _ on reflection whether you thought that not going for an emergency humanitarian visa for those people fleeing _ humanitarian visa for those people fleeing war was the right decision because — fleeing war was the right decision because the route that government have taken — because the route that government have taken around a family visa scheme, — have taken around a family visa scheme, which is about controlling migration— scheme, which is about controlling migration and not about dealing with the humanitarian crisis, as you know, _ the humanitarian crisis, as you know. has— the humanitarian crisis, as you know, has been beset with over bureaucratic positions, caused confusion _ bureaucratic positions, caused confusion and has changed many times _ confusion and has changed many times. ~ .., ,
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times. well, i... of course i thought— times. well, i... of course i thought about _ times. well, i... of course i thought about having - times. well, i... of course i thought about having a - times. well, i... of course i. thought about having a system times. well, i... of course i- thought about having a system where we just open the doors and... of course i thought about it. h0. we just open the doors and... of course i thought about it. no, that is not what — course i thought about it. no, that is not what i _ course i thought about it. no, that is not what i said _ course i thought about it. no, that is not what i said the _ course i thought about it. no, that is not what i said the prime - is not what i said the prime minister— is not what i said the prime minister t _ is not what i said the prime minister i said an emergency humanitarian these are, so you would still carry— humanitarian these are, so you would still carry out — humanitarian these are, so you would still carry out the checks, you would — still carry out the checks, you would take the biometrics at the border— would take the biometrics at the border or— would take the biometrics at the border or before some got onto a plane. _ border or before some got onto a plane. that — border or before some got onto a plane, that is what i'm talking about — plane, that is what i'm talking about i— plane, that is what i'm talking about. i recognise your concern about— about. i recognise your concern about security.— about. i recognise your concern about security. 0k, well, thanks. let mejust _ about security. 0k, well, thanks. let me just clarify, _ about security. 0k, well, thanks. let me just clarify, then, - about security. 0k, well, thanks. let me just clarify, then, wanted | about security. 0k, well, thanks. l let me just clarify, then, wanted a system and i think we are probably not that far apart, then, because what i wanted was a system that is a slight touch as possible and would enable people to come here, but would enable us also to do cheques because we are outside the schengen system, we have the advantage of being able to clarify people's status there, their bona fides and so on, and that is not a bad thing if you want to have a programme that really works and commands confidence
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and so far what it has meant is that we have had 25,000 visas approved. that is not a bad number so far. they are being handled at a rate of over 1000 today. it is quite a sizeable... and the numbers will mount, now, quickly. and there is no cap on these numbers, don't forget. 0k, can i ask you, then, about the homes— 0k, can i ask you, then, about the homes for— 0k, can i ask you, then, about the homes for ukraine, which is a scheme that still— homes for ukraine, which is a scheme that still requires a visa, 830 page these _ that still requires a visa, 830 page these are, — that still requires a visa, 830 page these are, as far as i am aware this morning _ these are, as far as i am aware this morning from — these are, as far as i am aware this morning from speaking to the minister. _ morning from speaking to the minister, but only one in 100 of the applications that have been have actually — applications that have been have actually resulted in a these are being _ actually resulted in a these are being issued. you are asked at prime minister's _ being issued. you are asked at prime minister's questions today about how many of— minister's questions today about how many of those, i think it is 2700, have _ many of those, i think it is 2700, have been— many of those, i think it is 2700, have been given visas, how many of those _ have been given visas, how many of those and _ have been given visas, how many of those and actually arrived in the country? — those and actually arrived in the count ? , ~' ., those and actually arrived in the count ? , ,, ., ., ., country? yes, i know, and i am afraid i still— country? yes, i know, and i am afraid i still don't _ country? yes, i know, and i am afraid i still don't have - country? yes, i know, and i am afraid i still don't have a - country? yes, i know, and i am l afraid i still don't have a number. i know that 2700 have been given
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visas, but, you know, don't forget that these numbers are climbing and... the generosity of the british people is quite remarkable. i think almost 200,000 people have said they will take ukrainians. there is no cap on the family reunion scheme, thatis cap on the family reunion scheme, that is already at the thick end of 25,000, that is a pretty big town. i 25,000, that is a pretty big town. i totally agree about the generosity of the _ totally agree about the generosity of the british people, but can i 'ust of the british people, but can i just put— of the british people, but can i just put to you this case of a pregnant— just put to you this case of a pregnant woman in poland at the moment — pregnant woman in poland at the moment. she is heavily pregnant, she has been _ moment. she is heavily pregnant, she has been matched under the homes for ukraine _ has been matched under the homes for ukraine scheme, she has been told that she _ ukraine scheme, she has been told that she actually has to wait to give _ that she actually has to wait to give birth— that she actually has to wait to give birth in poland, in temporary accommodation, in order to obtain a birth certificate for the child to then— birth certificate for the child to then be — birth certificate for the child to then be able to get a visa. now, is that really— then be able to get a visa. now, is that really how you think the scheme should _ that really how you think the scheme should be _ that really how you think the scheme should be operating, if we are so concerned — should be operating, if we are so concerned to bring people over to
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this country as quickly as possible? well, _ this country as quickly as possible? well, i_ this country as quickly as possible? well, ican't— this country as quickly as possible? well, i can't see any reason why she couldn't come here and have the people here, but if you will write to me with the —— had the baby here, but if your right to me with the details i'll be very happy to look into it. �* , ., ,~ details i'll be very happy to look into it. . , ., i. details i'll be very happy to look into it. . , into it. and i just ask you about safeguarding? _ into it. and i just ask you about safeguarding? this _ into it. and i just ask you about safeguarding? this week - into it. and i just ask you about i safeguarding? this week michael into it. and i just ask you about - safeguarding? this week michael gove received _ safeguarding? this week michael gove received a _ safeguarding? this week michael gove received a letter from 16 refugee and anti—slavery groups, who are concerned — and anti—slavery groups, who are concerned about the homes for ukraine — concerned about the homes for ukraine scheme risked operating as a tinder— ukraine scheme risked operating as a tinder for— ukraine scheme risked operating as a tinder for sex traffickers. what do you say— tinder for sex traffickers. what do you say about that? i tinder for sex traffickers. what do you say about that?— you say about that? i think that is one of the — you say about that? i think that is one of the reasons _ you say about that? i think that is one of the reasons why _ you say about that? i think that is one of the reasons why it - you say about that? i think that is one of the reasons why it is - one of the reasons why it is important to have, you know, as light a touch as possible, but to have dbs checks and checks both ways, make sure that we have a programme that is really working. and i think that is important for... for the whole country because everybody will want to be as generous as possible, but they will also want to feel that the scheme is really sound and we are getting the
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people that really need our help and we are helping them the best possible way. d0 we are helping them the best possible way-— we are helping them the best possible way. do you think the national crime _ possible way. do you think the national crime agency - possible way. do you think the national crime agency should | possible way. do you think the i national crime agency should be policing — national crime agency should be policing facebook groups, where people _ policing facebook groups, where people are putting their personal details? — people are putting their personal details? and i think there is one case _ details? and i think there is one case of— details? and i think there is one case of a — details? and i think there is one case of a man who said he was looking — case of a man who said he was looking for— case of a man who said he was looking for a ukrainian wife. there are children — looking for a ukrainian wife. there are children who are posting on those _ are children who are posting on those facebook groups to try and be matched _ those facebook groups to try and be matched with someone in the uk. do you think— matched with someone in the uk. do you think the national crime agency has a _ you think the national crime agency has a role _ you think the national crime agency has a role to play in that? i you think the national crime agency has a role to play in that?— has a role to play in that? i think certainl has a role to play in that? i think certainty and _ has a role to play in that? i think certainly and i _ has a role to play in that? i think certainly and i think— has a role to play in that? i think certainly and i think that - has a role to play in that? i think certainly and i think that the. .. l certainly and i think that the... you know, one of the things i have become concerned about in the last couple of weeks is what is happening to refugees, they are overwhelmingly women and children, in the region. who is predating upon them? are they... what is happening to them? yes, i think we have to be very vigilant about that and that is why i think the homes for ukraine scheme has got to be something we are very, very generous, we open our arms, but we also make sure that scheme is not
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itself being abused. and not by the ukrainians, but by people who may be, you know, have bad motives. i be, you know, have bad motives. i just wondered if you had an opportunity to raise with any of the social— opportunity to raise with any of the social media organisations, facebook in particular, any of the concerns around _ in particular, any of the concerns around the — in particular, any of the concerns around the scheme and how it is operating, — around the scheme and how it is operating, by people being able to advertise — operating, by people being able to advertise and matched through those mediums? _ advertise and matched through those mediums? no, advertise and matched through those mediums? ., ., �* , mediums? no, i haven't personally, but it is a very _ mediums? no, i haven't personally, but it is a very good _ mediums? no, i haven't personally, but it is a very good point _ mediums? no, i haven't personally, but it is a very good point and - mediums? no, i haven't personally, but it is a very good point and i - mediums? no, i haven't personally, but it is a very good point and i am i but it is a very good point and i am sure that... that michael gove and his teams are on it. but, you know... what we want... we are going to have a lot of ukrainians and that is going to be a great thing. it is going to be a great thing, they are fantastic people and we are going to be very, very generous, but what we want is a scheme that really does command confidence amongst the british public, but also confidence amongst the ukrainians.-
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british public, but also confidence amongst the ukrainians. moving on to an issue about — amongst the ukrainians. moving on to an issue about immigration. _ amongst the ukrainians. moving on to an issue about immigration. thank - an issue about immigration. thank ou. 2700 an issue about immigration. thank you- 2700 out _ an issue about immigration. thank you. 2700 out of— an issue about immigration. thank you. 2700 out of 28,300 - an issue about immigration. thank you. 2700 out of 28,300 in - an issue about immigration. thank you. 2700 out of 28,300 in the - an issue about immigration. thank| you. 2700 out of 28,300 in the last 15 days— you. 2700 out of 28,300 in the last 15 days of— you. 2700 out of 28,300 in the last 15 days of the visas have been issued — 15 days of the visas have been issued i— 15 days of the visas have been issued. i happen to agree with everything you have said about how my constituents, the british people, your constituents will want ukrainians to come to the uk and be properly— ukrainians to come to the uk and be properly looked after. why is it that you — properly looked after. why is it that you think it is moving so slowly? _ that you think it is moving so slowl ? ~ ., that you think it is moving so slowl ?~ ., , ,, slowly? well, we are processing about 1000 _ slowly? well, we are processing about 1000 a — slowly? well, we are processing about 1000 a day. _ slowly? well, we are processing about 1000 a day. is _ slowly? well, we are processing about 1000 a day. is that - slowly? well, we are processing about 1000 a day. is that what i slowly? well, we are processing i about 1000 a day. is that what we want to be — about 1000 a day. is that what we want to be processing? _ about 1000 a day. is that what we want to be processing? and - about 1000 a day. is that what we want to be processing? and it - about 1000 a day. is that what we want to be processing? and it is l want to be processing? and it is already- -- _ want to be processing? and it is already... you _ want to be processing? and it is already... you have got... - want to be processing? and it is already... you have got... what want to be processing? and it is i already... you have got... what is the population of hereford, bill? 140,000. 0k, what is the population of... the town of hereford? meiji. of... the town of hereford? well, the problem _ of... the town of hereford? well, the problem is — of... the town of hereford? well, the problem is 15 _ of... the town of hereford? well, the problem is 15 days _ of... the town of hereford? well, the problem is 15 days with - of... the town of hereford? well, the problem is 15 days with only i the problem is 15 days with only done _ the problem is 15 days with only done 10% — the problem is 15 days with only done 10% of the people who have applied. — done 10% of the people who have applied, so we are nowhere near 1000 applied, so we are nowhere near 1000 a day— applied, so we are nowhere near 1000 a day and _ applied, so we are nowhere near 1000 a day and my— applied, so we are nowhere near 1000 a day and my problem is what you want _ a day and my problem is what you want is _ a day and my problem is what you want is what i want and it is what
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the people — want is what i want and it is what the people want, but it doesn't appear— the people want, but it doesn't appear to — the people want, but it doesn't appear to be what we are delivering. that is— appear to be what we are delivering. that is my— appear to be what we are delivering. that is my concern, are you getting what _ that is my concern, are you getting what you _ that is my concern, are you getting what you want, prime minister? we are what you want, prime minister? are getting what you want, prime minister? 7 are getting already sizeable numbers and i think that is a good thing and i think it is, you know, the... don't forget, most ukrainians are already... you know, want to be in the region they... in an ideal world, they would like to go back to their homes. a lot of them increasingly are now wanting to come to other european countries, they are wanting to come to the uk and thatis are wanting to come to the uk and that is quite right. and we are opening our doors and opening our homes. the numbers are going up quite steeply now, i think they will continue to rise for a while to come. i think that is going to be a great thing, this country has a very proud record of welcoming evacuees. i... you know, i don't want to sort of pointlessly to berate officialdom
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and, you know, blame people for being slow. but is too easy. i think we ask a lot of our officials and our public servants. they have to balance some quite difficult objectives. we have just balance some quite difficult objectives. we havejust been hearing some really good questions about modern slavery, about sexual trafficking, about children, about, you know, gangsters who might be trading in evacuees. you have got to be careful and don't forget that the point i made on the first day in the house is that there will also be people coming from that war zone who may not be entirely who they say they are and we have had some cases, sadly, about already. fik. they are and we have had some cases, sadly, about already.— sadly, about already. 0k. taking you to the complete _ sadly, about already. 0k. taking you to the complete other _ sadly, about already. 0k. taking you to the complete other end _ sadly, about already. ok. taking you to the complete other end of- sadly, about already. 0k. taking you to the complete other end of the - to the complete other end of the spectrum. — to the complete other end of the spectrum, we have on at least three occasions _ spectrum, we have on at least three occasions promised the qataris visa free access — occasions promised the qataris visa free access. these are very wealthy people _ free access. these are very wealthy people who — free access. these are very wealthy people who are unlikely to stay and yet, despite saying we would do it
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three _ yet, despite saying we would do it three times, we still have not delivered. i am three times, we still have not delivered. lam really three times, we still have not delivered. i am really worried, prime — delivered. i am really worried, prime minister, that everything you have set— prime minister, that everything you have set today i actually want to happen, — have set today i actually want to happen, but it isn't happening and the only— happen, but it isn't happening and the only people who are turning up turn up _ the only people who are turning up turn up in — the only people who are turning up turn up in rubber boats. why can't we get _ turn up in rubber boats. why can't we get the — turn up in rubber boats. why can't we get the right people through our immigration system, instead of the wrong _ immigration system, instead of the wrong ones?— wrong ones? well... so ifi understand _ wrong ones? well... so ifi understand you _ wrong ones? well... so ifi understand you correctly, i wrong ones? well... so if i . understand you correctly, bill, wrong ones? well... so if i - understand you correctly, bill, what you are saying is why are we being so... why can't the qataris and other others get visa free access? well, we want the qataris, we want people _ well, we want the qataris, we want people like — well, we want the qataris, we want people like that, but we aren't getting — people like that, but we aren't getting it. so why?— people like that, but we aren't getting it. so why? well, so the national borders _ getting it. so why? well, so the national borders bill— getting it. so why? well, so the national borders bill will- getting it. so why? well, so the national borders bill will help i getting it. so why? well, so the i national borders bill will help us, coupled with a few other things, it will help us to do a great deal to stop the cool trade in people across the channel. we ought to do our best to deal with that, but that is a separate issue from the visas for
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qataris and others. i am keen to have a more fluid, a much more fluid system for qatar and we are keeping our system under constant review and i recently had the good fortune to meet the emir of qatar, and to tell him that we are likely to see progress very soon, but i don't want to go beyond that, but this is one of those things that frankly could go a bit faster.— of those things that frankly could go a bit faster. well, you are very, very generous _ go a bit faster. well, you are very, very generous in — go a bit faster. well, you are very, very generous in your— go a bit faster. well, you are very, very generous in your protection i go a bit faster. well, you are very, j very generous in your protection of the civil— very generous in your protection of the civil service a few moments ago. will you _ the civil service a few moments ago. will you have a very close look at the people — will you have a very close look at the people who are not moving at the speed _ the people who are not moving at the speed at— the people who are not moving at the speed at which you are like? because he wanted _ speed at which you are like? because he wanted a — speed at which you are like? because he wanted a light touch system, you want that _ he wanted a light touch system, you want that security, you want all the ri l ht want that security, you want all the right things and the country wants those _ right things and the country wants those same things as well. what can
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you do— those same things as well. what can you do to _ those same things as well. what can you do to make sure that your wish becomes— you do to make sure that your wish becomes your command or vice versa? because _ becomes your command or vice versa? because we _ becomes your command or vice versa? because we want more of that. yes, so what you — because we want more of that. yes, so what you can _ because we want more of that. yes, so what you can do _ because we want more of that. yes, so what you can do is _ because we want more of that. yes, so what you can do is make - because we want more of that. ya: so what you can do is make sure that you increase the number of these application centres in country, so that you put everything online, so that you put everything online, so that people can get their application cleared digitally and then come here. and that is what we are doing. and you have to pay to send more officials out to poland, to romania, to slovakia, to everywhere that is currently receiving refugees, to make sure that they are able to process as many as possible. you have to increase our ability to help people at lille, at calais, and everywhere and that is what we are doing. excellent, so we can look forward to the right _ excellent, so we can look forward to the right people arriving in the next _ the right people arriving in the next coming days?—
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the right people arriving in the next coming days? you... i can assure the _ next coming days? you... i can assure the committee - next coming days? you... i can assure the committee that - next coming days? you... i can assure the committee that we i next coming days? you... i can i assure the committee that we are going to see and thankfully, praise be, we are going to see a lot of wonderful ukrainians coming and i also think, bill, to cheer you up even more, we are going to see some pretty fluid toing and froing by our friends in the gulf. flan pretty fluid toing and froing by our friends in the gulf.— pretty fluid toing and froing by our friends in the gulf. can we move on, prime minister, _ friends in the gulf. can we move on, prime minister, due _ friends in the gulf. can we move on, prime minister, due to _ friends in the gulf. can we move on, prime minister, due to things? - friends in the gulf. can we move on, prime minister, due to things? the i prime minister, due to things? the sponsorship — prime minister, due to things? the sponsorship scheme _ prime minister, due to things? the sponsorship scheme and _ prime minister, due to things? the sponsorship scheme and the - prime minister, due to things? the sponsorship scheme and the family scheme _ sponsorship scheme and the family scheme for— sponsorship scheme and the family scheme for ukrainian _ sponsorship scheme and the family scheme for ukrainian refugees. - sponsorship scheme and the family| scheme for ukrainian refugees. the home _ scheme for ukrainian refugees. the home affairs — scheme for ukrainian refugees. the home affairs select _ scheme for ukrainian refugees. the home affairs select committee - scheme for ukrainian refugees. thej home affairs select committee was told two _ home affairs select committee was told two weeks _ home affairs select committee was told two weeks ago _ home affairs select committee was told two weeks ago that _ home affairs select committee was told two weeks ago that local - told two weeks ago that local authorities— told two weeks ago that local authorities would _ told two weeks ago that local authorities would get - told two weeks ago that locall authorities would get £10,500 told two weeks ago that local - authorities would get £10,500 for each refugee _ authorities would get £10,500 for each refugee that _ authorities would get £10,500 for each refugee that came _ authorities would get £10,500 for each refugee that came through i authorities would get £10,500 for. each refugee that came through the some _ each refugee that came through the some an _ each refugee that came through the some an sponsorship _ each refugee that came through the some an sponsorship scheme - each refugee that came through the some an sponsorship scheme and i each refugee that came through the i some an sponsorship scheme and they would _ some an sponsorship scheme and they would get _ some an sponsorship scheme and they would get the — some an sponsorship scheme and they would get the same _ some an sponsorship scheme and they would get the same funding _ some an sponsorship scheme and they would get the same funding for- would get the same funding for refugees— would get the same funding for refugees under— would get the same funding for refugees under the _ would get the same funding for refugees under the family i would get the same funding for- refugees under the family scheme. this morning — refugees under the family scheme. this morning the _ refugees under the family scheme. this morning the levelling - refugees under the family scheme. this morning the levelling up - refugees under the family scheme. | this morning the levelling up select committee — this morning the levelling up select committee were _ this morning the levelling up select committee were told _ this morning the levelling up select committee were told that _ this morning the levelling up select committee were told that was - this morning the levelling up select committee were told that was not i committee were told that was not true and _ committee were told that was not true and they— committee were told that was not true and they wouldn't _ committee were told that was not true and they wouldn't be - committee were told that was not true and they wouldn't be end i committee were told that was notj true and they wouldn't be end any funding _ true and they wouldn't be end any funding for— true and they wouldn't be end any funding for local— true and they wouldn't be end any funding for local authorities - true and they wouldn't be end any funding for local authorities for. funding for local authorities for refugees— funding for local authorities for refugees who _ funding for local authorities for refugees who came _ funding for local authorities for refugees who came under- funding for local authorities for refugees who came under the. funding for local authorities for- refugees who came under the family
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scheme, _ refugees who came under the family scheme, even— refugees who came under the family scheme, even though _ refugees who came under the family scheme, even though refugees i refugees who came under the family i scheme, even though refugees coming under— scheme, even though refugees coming under that— scheme, even though refugees coming under that scheme _ scheme, even though refugees coming under that scheme will— scheme, even though refugees coming under that scheme will still— scheme, even though refugees coming under that scheme will still need - under that scheme will still need the same — under that scheme will still need the same wraparound _ under that scheme will still need the same wraparound support. under that scheme will still need i the same wraparound support almost entirely— the same wraparound support almost entirely that — the same wraparound support almost entirely that refugees _ the same wraparound support almost entirely that refugees under- the same wraparound support almost entirely that refugees under the i entirely that refugees under the sponsorship _ entirely that refugees under the sponsorship scheme _ entirely that refugees under the sponsorship scheme will - entirely that refugees under the sponsorship scheme will get. i entirely that refugees under the i sponsorship scheme will get. can we have a _ sponsorship scheme will get. can we have a look— sponsorship scheme will get. can we have a look at — sponsorship scheme will get. can we have a look at that? _ sponsorship scheme will get. can we have a look at that? because - sponsorship scheme will get. can we have a look at that? because clearlyl have a look at that? because clearly local councils — have a look at that? because clearly local councils are _ have a look at that? because clearly local councils are under— have a look at that? because clearly local councils are under financial i local councils are under financial pressures— local councils are under financial pressures and _ local councils are under financial pressures and it _ local councils are under financial pressures and it just _ local councils are under financial pressures and it just doesn't i local councils are under financial i pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to— pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to them — pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to them to _ pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to them to say, _ pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to them to say, over— pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to them to say, over to - pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to them to say, over to you, i pressures and it just doesn't seem fair to them to say, over to you, itj fair to them to say, over to you, it is all— fair to them to say, over to you, it is all yours — fair to them to say, over to you, it is all yours and _ fair to them to say, over to you, it is all yours and no _ fair to them to say, over to you, it is all yours and no help. _ fair to them to say, over to you, it is all yours and no help.— is all yours and no help. yes, so, thanks, is all yours and no help. yes, so, thanks. clive. — is all yours and no help. yes, so, thanks, clive. if— is all yours and no help. yes, so, thanks, clive. if you _ is all yours and no help. yes, so, thanks, clive. if you are - is all yours and no help. yes, so, thanks, clive. if you are right- thanks, clive. if you are right about the distinction. and the family... the homes for ukraine scheme attracts support of 10,500 pounds per person, per year, for the council. £8,735 per child for education, plus of course the £350 per month to the recipient home. the broader category, the initial
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category, the family reunion scheme we are starting with is access to benefits access to the nhs and mental health care, access to education, three travel —— free travel and i think that is a considerable package of support. the way of paying for all that is clearly through the massive support that we continue to give to our nhs, to our education budgets and so on. they are going to be an extra cost, but on the other hand, don't forget, there are one point to 5 million job vacancies in this country. one of the problems our economy has —— 1.25 millionjob vacancies in the problems our economy has —— 1.25 million job vacancies in this country. one of the bombs our
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economy has is we need more pairs of hands to do crucialjobs —— schengen of the problems our economy has. one the things we want be able to do immediately is contribute by working. immediately is contribute by workint. ., , ., , immediately is contribute by workint. , ., ., , working. lots of help in organising that helpful _ working. lots of help in organising that helpful ukrainians, _ working. lots of help in organising that helpful ukrainians, finding i that helpful ukrainians, finding school — that helpful ukrainians, finding school places _ that helpful ukrainians, finding school places for— that helpful ukrainians, finding school places for kids, - that helpful ukrainians, finding school places for kids, paying i that helpful ukrainians, finding i school places for kids, paying for them _ school places for kids, paying for them to— school places for kids, paying for them to travel— school places for kids, paying for them to travel to _ school places for kids, paying for them to travel to school, - school places for kids, paying for them to travel to school, giving i them to travel to school, giving them _ them to travel to school, giving them benefits _ them to travel to school, giving them benefits advice _ them to travel to school, giving them benefits advice is - them to travel to school, giving them benefits advice is down i them to travel to school, giving j them benefits advice is down to local— them benefits advice is down to local authorities, _ them benefits advice is down to local authorities, who— them benefits advice is down to local authorities, who are - them benefits advice is down to local authorities, who are goingj them benefits advice is down to i local authorities, who are going to .et local authorities, who are going to get not _ local authorities, who are going to get not lp — local authorities, who are going to get not lp of— local authorities, who are going to get not 1p of extra _ local authorities, who are going to get not 1p of extra help _ local authorities, who are going to get not 1p of extra help for - local authorities, who are going to get not 1p of extra help for peoplej get not 1p of extra help for people in the _ get not 1p of extra help for people in the family— get not 1p of extra help for people in the family scheme. _ get not 1p of extra help for people in the family scheme. can - get not 1p of extra help for people in the family scheme. can you i get not 1p of extra help for people in the family scheme. can you ati in the family scheme. can you at least _ in the family scheme. can you at least go — in the family scheme. can you at least go away _ in the family scheme. can you at least go away and _ in the family scheme. can you at least go away and look _ in the family scheme. can you at least go away and look at - in the family scheme. can you at least go away and look at that i least go away and look at that explain — least go away and look at that explain to— least go away and look at that explain to me _ least go away and look at that explain to me what _ least go away and look at that explain to me what extra i least go away and look at that| explain to me what extra local authorities— explain to me what extra local authorities are _ explain to me what extra local authorities are required - explain to me what extra local authorities are required to i explain to me what extra local authorities are required to dol explain to me what extra local i authorities are required to do under the local— authorities are required to do under the local sponsorship— authorities are required to do under the local sponsorship scheme - authorities are required to do under the local sponsorship scheme thati the local sponsorship scheme that they are _ the local sponsorship scheme that they are not — the local sponsorship scheme that they are not going _ the local sponsorship scheme that they are not going to _ the local sponsorship scheme that they are not going to have - the local sponsorship scheme that they are not going to have to i the local sponsorship scheme that they are not going to have to do i they are not going to have to do under— they are not going to have to do under the — they are not going to have to do underthe family— they are not going to have to do under the family scheme's i they are not going to have to doj under the family scheme's five, they are not going to have to do i under the family scheme's five, we are making — under the family scheme's five, we are making a — under the family scheme's five, we are making a distinction _ under the family scheme's five, we are making a distinction because i under the family scheme's five, we j are making a distinction because rate are making a distinction because izfzfrtf think are making a distinction because think there are particular types of people who will want to take advantage of the homes for ukraine
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scheme and people who will come under the family scheme. but look, i am not going to pretend that this can be done without an extra call on the public purse. can be done without an extra call on the public purse-— the public purse. what i am also sa int... the public purse. what i am also saying... prime _ the public purse. what i am also saying... prime minister, i the public purse. what i am also saying... prime minister, will. the public purse. what i am alsol saying... prime minister, will you look— saying... prime minister, will you look at _ saying... prime minister, will you look at the — saying... prime minister, will you look at the funding _ saying... prime minister, will you look at the funding councils? i look at the funding councils? because _ look at the funding councils? because they _ look at the funding councils? because they are _ look at the funding councils? because they are still- look at the funding councils? because they are still going i look at the funding councils? i because they are still going to look at the funding councils? - because they are still going to have to put— because they are still going to have to put resources— because they are still going to have to put resources into _ because they are still going to have to put resources into help— because they are still going to have to put resources into help people i because they are still going to have | to put resources into help people on the family— to put resources into help people on the family scheme. _ to put resources into help people on the family scheme.— to put resources into help people on the family scheme. yes, and we have massively increased _ the family scheme. yes, and we have massively increased support _ the family scheme. yes, and we have massively increased support for i massively increased support for councils over the last year and we will continue to do so. but i think that, you know, what we should also recognise is that at the moment the... the dispersal of refugees around this country is not particularly equitable. and... i'm looking at peace now, he hasjust p°pped looking at peace now, he hasjust popped into my head. there are quite a few councils in scotland that don't take very many. i'm afraid so.
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what would be good to see is a greater spread and greater fairness in the distribution.— in the distribution. well, ok, i don't think— in the distribution. well, ok, i don't think you _ in the distribution. well, ok, i don't think you have _ in the distribution. well, ok, i don't think you have really - in the distribution. well, ok, i- don't think you have really answered the question— don't think you have really answered the question about _ don't think you have really answered the question about funding - don't think you have really answered the question about funding and - don't think you have really answered the question about funding and we l the question about funding and we are going — the question about funding and we are going to— the question about funding and we are going to keep— the question about funding and we are going to keep on _ the question about funding and we are going to keep on going - the question about funding and we are going to keep on going at- the question about funding and we are going to keep on going at this| are going to keep on going at this because _ are going to keep on going at this because councils _ are going to keep on going at this because councils are _ are going to keep on going at this because councils are still- are going to keep on going at this because councils are still going i are going to keep on going at this because councils are still going to have _ because councils are still going to have to _ because councils are still going to have to provide _ because councils are still going to have to provide services - because councils are still going to have to provide services and - because councils are still going to l have to provide services and funding for people _ have to provide services and funding for peeple under— have to provide services and funding for people under the _ have to provide services and funding for people under the family- have to provide services and fundingl for people under the family scheme. can ijust _ for people under the family scheme. can ijust come — for people under the family scheme. can ijust come under— for people under the family scheme. can ijust come under on _ for people under the family scheme. can ijust come under on to- for people under the family scheme. can ijust come under on to the - for people under the family scheme. can ijust come under on to the fact i can ijust come under on to the fact that the _ can ijust come under on to the fact that the two— can ijust come under on to the fact that the two schemes _ can ijust come under on to the fact that the two schemes are _ can ijust come under on to the fact that the two schemes are so - that the two schemes are so different _ that the two schemes are so different. one _ that the two schemes are so different. one of— that the two schemes are so different. one of the - that the two schemes are sol different. one of the reasons that the two schemes are so - different. one of the reasons for the sponsorship _ different. one of the reasons for the sponsorship scheme - different. one of the reasons for the sponsorship scheme is - different. one of the reasons for. the sponsorship scheme is because there _ the sponsorship scheme is because there are _ the sponsorship scheme is because there are hot — the sponsorship scheme is because there are not simply— the sponsorship scheme is because there are not simply the _ the sponsorship scheme is because there are not simply the numbers. the sponsorship scheme is becausel there are not simply the numbers of vacant _ there are not simply the numbers of vacant housing — there are not simply the numbers of vacant housing around _ there are not simply the numbers of vacant housing around the _ there are not simply the numbers of vacant housing around the country. vacant housing around the country that you _ vacant housing around the country that you can— vacant housing around the country that you cahiust _ vacant housing around the country that you can just move _ vacant housing around the country that you canjust move refugees . that you canjust move refugees ihto _ that you canjust move refugees ihto we — that you canjust move refugees ihto we have _ that you canjust move refugees into. we have only— that you canjust move refugees into. we have only had - that you canjust move refugees into. we have only had councilsl into. we have only had councils across — into. we have only had councils across the _ into. we have only had councils across the country— into. we have only had councils across the country 144 - into. we have only had councils- across the country 144 homelessness applications— across the country 144 homelessness applications from _ across the country 144 homelessness applications from ukrainian _ applications from ukrainian refugees _ applications from ukrainian refugees. some _ applications from ukrainian refugees. some of- applications from ukrainian refugees. some of them i applications from ukrainian . refugees. some of them have applications from ukrainian - refugees. some of them have come under— refugees. some of them have come under the _ refugees. some of them have come underthe family— refugees. some of them have come under the family scheme _ refugees. some of them have come under the family scheme because l under the family scheme because family— under the family scheme because family members— under the family scheme because family members are _ under the family scheme because family members are not _ under the family scheme because family members are not obliged l under the family scheme becausel family members are not obliged to provide _ family members are not obliged to provide housing _ family members are not obliged to provide housing for— family members are not obliged to provide housing for people. - family members are not obliged to. provide housing for people. councils would _ provide housing for people. councils would like _ provide housing for people. councils would like to — provide housing for people. councils would like to house _ provide housing for people. councils would like to house those _ provide housing for people. councils would like to house those families . would like to house those families with some — would like to house those families with some of— would like to house those families with some of the _ would like to house those families with some of the people _ would like to house those families with some of the people who - would like to house those familiesi with some of the people who want would like to house those families i with some of the people who want to volunteer, _ with some of the people who want to volunteer, some _ with some of the people who want to volunteer, some of— with some of the people who want to volunteer, some of the _ with some of the people who want to volunteer, some of the 200,000 - volunteer, some of the 200,000 people _ volunteer, some of the 200,000 people who — volunteer, some of the 200,000 people who want _ volunteer, some of the 200,000 people who want to _ volunteer, some of the 200,000 people who want to volunteer- volunteer, some of the 200,000 people who want to volunteer to i people who want to volunteer to provide — people who want to volunteer to provide accommodation - people who want to volunteer to provide accommodation in - people who want to volunteer to provide accommodation in theirl provide accommodation in their homes, — provide accommodation in their homes, but _ provide accommodation in their homes, but councils _ provide accommodation in their homes, but councils are -
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provide accommodation in their homes, but councils are not - provide accommodation in their. homes, but councils are not being given— homes, but councils are not being given that — homes, but councils are not being given that information, _ homes, but councils are not being given that information, access - homes, but councils are not being given that information, access toi given that information, access to that data — given that information, access to that data. ., , given that information, access to that data-- . _ given that information, access to that data.- , so _ given that information, access to that data.- , so that - given that information, access to l that data.- , so that people that data. really? , so that people are bein: that data. really? , so that people are being housed _ that data. really? , so that people are being housed in _ that data. really? , so that people are being housed in temporary - are being housed in temporary accommodation, _ are being housed in temporary accommodation, rather- are being housed in temporary accommodation, ratherthan. are being housed in temporary. accommodation, rather than the families— accommodation, rather than the families and _ accommodation, rather than the families and homes _ accommodation, rather than the families and homes you - accommodation, rather than the families and homes you want. accommodation, rather than the families and homes you want to| families and homes you want to receive — families and homes you want to receive them _ families and homes you want to receive them. can— families and homes you want to receive them. can we _ families and homes you want to receive them. can we at- families and homes you want to receive them. can we at least . receive them. can we at least unblock— receive them. can we at least unblock that? _ receive them. can we at least unblock that?— receive them. can we at least unblock that? , , , ., unblock that? those bits... i see no reason at all — unblock that? those bits... i see no reason at all why _ unblock that? those bits... i see no reason at all why council— unblock that? those bits... i see no reason at all why council should - unblock that? those bits... i see no reason at all why council should not| reason at all why council should not have access to that particular data. right, | have access to that particular data. right, i think that is a very positive _ right, i think that is a very positive move, _ right, i think that is a very positive move, prime - right, i think that is a very- positive move, prime minister, right, i think that is a very— positive move, prime minister, thank you for— positive move, prime minister, thank you for that — positive move, prime minister, thank you for that right. _ positive move, prime minister, thank you for that. right, moving _ positive move, prime minister, thank you for that. right, moving on - positive move, prime minister, thank you for that. right, moving on to- you for that. right, moving on to the other— you for that. right, moving on to the other major— you for that. right, moving on to the other major subject - you for that. right, moving on to the other major subject on - you for that. right, moving on to the other major subject on the i you for that. right, moving on to. the other major subject on the cost of living _ the other major subject on the cost of living issues, _ the other major subject on the cost of living issues, neil— the other major subject on the cost of living issues, neil parish. - the other major subject on the cost of living issues, neil parish.- of living issues, neil parish. thank ou, mr of living issues, neil parish. thank you. mr betts. _ of living issues, neil parish. thank you, mr betts, and _ of living issues, neil parish. thank you, mr betts, and good _ of living issues, neil parish. thank| you, mr betts, and good afternoon, prime _ you, mr betts, and good afternoon, prime minister. it was a perfect storm _ prime minister. it was a perfect storm of— prime minister. it was a perfect storm of factors we are facing, the rising _ storm of factors we are facing, the rising of— storm of factors we are facing, the rising of food prices, the awful situatioh — rising of food prices, the awful situation in ukraine, which is now known _ situation in ukraine, which is now known as— situation in ukraine, which is now known as the breadbasket of the world _ known as the breadbasket of the world has— known as the breadbasket of the world has a knock—on effect on global— world has a knock—on effect on global food security. they produce 12% of _ global food security. they produce 12% of our — global food security. they produce 12% of our global wheat exports and a russian _ 12% of our global wheat exports and a russian blockade of their black sea ports— a russian blockade of their black sea ports is taking that wheat out of the _ sea ports is taking that wheat out of the market. this is driving prices — of the market. this is driving prices up _ of the market. this is driving prices up everywhere. it is also leaving — prices up everywhere. it is also
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leaving countries across north africa, — leaving countries across north africa, the middle east short of wheat— africa, the middle east short of wheat because much of their supply comes— wheat because much of their supply comes from ukraine. as you know, prime _ comes from ukraine. as you know, prime minister, i am always very keen— prime minister, i am always very keen to — prime minister, i am always very keen to see _ prime minister, i am always very keen to see us produce more of our great _ keen to see us produce more of our great british food. this helps us protect— great british food. this helps us protect ourselves from volatile markets — protect ourselves from volatile markets abroad, but also by being less reliant on imports, it means there _ less reliant on imports, it means there is— less reliant on imports, it means there is more food abroad for those countries _ there is more food abroad for those countries facing shortage, so i want to see _ countries facing shortage, so i want to see us _ countries facing shortage, so i want to see us produce more in this country — to see us produce more in this country. going through this in the dna of— country. going through this in the dna of our— country. going through this in the dna of our farmers and producers, they say— dna of our farmers and producers, they say they want to reduce more —— produce _ they say they want to reduce more —— produce more — they say they want to reduce more —— produce more and we need to help them _ produce more and we need to help them do _ produce more and we need to help them do it — produce more and we need to help them do it. consumers and retailers want _ them do it. consumers and retailers want to— them do it. consumers and retailers want to lruy— them do it. consumers and retailers want to buy british food and they want _ want to buy british food and they want stable prices. we are 60% self—sufficient on all foods, but this has— self—sufficient on all foods, but this has been declining for decades. we are _ this has been declining for decades. we are 55% — this has been declining for decades. we are 55% self—sufficient in vegetables and 71% sufficient in vegetables, but both of these self sufficiency is fallen by 16% in the last 20 _ sufficiency is fallen by 16% in the last 20 years, so we can increase
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production. — last 20 years, so we can increase production, the potential is there, the consumers want to buy it, the farmers— the consumers want to buy it, the farmers want to do it. so what can we do _ farmers want to do it. so what can we do to— farmers want to do it. so what can we do to help farmers to do this, so that we _ we do to help farmers to do this, so that we can — we do to help farmers to do this, so that we can have a strong supply of food at _ that we can have a strong supply of food at stable prices? thank you very much. i know what a passionate advocate you are for uk food and farming. you are right. i share your ambition that we should grow more of the food that we eat and we can. we are trebling our investment in their farming investment in their farming investment fund, which will help farmers with their equipment and their technology. farmers with their equipment and theirtechnology. but farmers with their equipment and their technology. but we need to encourage young people to go into farming and to see it as a great future. it is a great future, and when i talk to farmers, one of the saddest things i find if they can't
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persuade their kids to do it. my grandfather was a farmer, very unsuccessfully, i may say. it's a wonderful, a wonderful thing to do. you need to support uk agriculture and give better business advice to farmers about the options that they have, help them with their equipment and theirtraining. have, help them with their equipment and their training. but also we have to do have a more positive attitude about consuming our own food but also our own exports. one of the things you and i have discussed before is the importance of having, in every embassy around the world, somebody whose job is specifically to champion uk food and farming. that's what we're doing. it is, by the way, growing the whole time. the exports are colossal now with uk food and drink. i exports are colossal now with uk food and drink.—
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exports are colossal now with uk food and drink. i think what we want to do is actually _ food and drink. i think what we want to do is actually get _ food and drink. i think what we want to do is actually get help _ food and drink. i think what we want to do is actually get help with - to do is actually get help with costs — to do is actually get help with costs. one of the things is with fertiliser. — costs. one of the things is with fertiliser, as you know, is the invasion— fertiliser, as you know, is the invasion lry— fertiliser, as you know, is the invasion by russia has combined with rising _ invasion by russia has combined with rising gas— invasion by russia has combined with rising gas prices sending fertiliser through— rising gas prices sending fertiliser through the roof. it cost four times more _ through the roof. it cost four times more than — through the roof. it cost four times more than it— through the roof. it cost four times more than it did a year ago thousand pounds _ more than it did a year ago thousand pounds a _ more than it did a year ago thousand pounds a time and this has a knock-on— pounds a time and this has a knock—on effect to the cost of food, farmers _ knock—on effect to the cost of food, farmers can — knock—on effect to the cost of food, farmers can absorb that cost and all farming _ farmers can absorb that cost and all farming needs fertiliser. livestock, dairy. _ farming needs fertiliser. livestock, dairy, vegetables and even hydroponics or need fertiliser but we only— hydroponics or need fertiliser but we only produce 40% of our own. we have two _ we only produce 40% of our own. we have two fertiliser plants, one is still open — have two fertiliser plants, one is still open but one is closed. if we can contain— still open but one is closed. if we can contain fertiliser costs caused from _ can contain fertiliser costs caused from abroad we can get more stable prices _ from abroad we can get more stable prices for— from abroad we can get more stable prices for consumers. the question is, and _ prices for consumers. the question is, and i_ prices for consumers. the question is, and i normally would not ask for this, _ is, and i normally would not ask for this, lrut— is, and i normally would not ask for this, but as — is, and i normally would not ask for this, but as a — is, and i normally would not ask for this, but as a short—term solution, can we _ this, but as a short—term solution, can we do— this, but as a short—term solution, can we do everything possible to reopen— can we do everything possible to reopen that second fertiliser plant, keep them both going?—
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reopen that second fertiliser plant, keep them both going? up keep them both going? which one? up in the north of— keep them both going? which one? up in the north of england, _ keep them both going? which one? up in the north of england, they _ keep them both going? which one? up in the north of england, they are - in the north of england, they are lroth— in the north of england, they are both there, and one is mothballed at the moment. can we not get that fertiliser— the moment. can we not get that fertiliser out there because if we want _ fertiliser out there because if we want to— fertiliser out there because if we want to produce good food... muck—spreader. i want to spread the good stuff over the fields of this country as much as anybody. you have to do that. and by the way, the cost of inputs into fertiliser and feed is clearly one of the biggest problems they have but hydrocarbons. pete, one of the reasons we would be crazy to abandon our hydrocarbons industry is because it's so vital. i think 36% of our diesel, including
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virtually... comes from russia. 36% comes from russia. if we're going to our dependence on russian diesel for british tractors and farm vehicles, we've got to think practically about where else it is coming from. i couldn't agree with you more. where else it is coming from. i i couldn't agree with you more. on where else it is coming from. i - couldn't agree with you more. on the fertiliser, i make _ couldn't agree with you more. on the fertiliser, i make the _ couldn't agree with you more. on the fertiliser, i make the same _ couldn't agree with you more. on the fertiliser, i make the same point. - fertiliser, i make the same point. we have long—term needs for sustainable hydrocarbons for basic inputs... 50 sustainable hydrocarbons for basic inuts... ,, sustainable hydrocarbons for basic inuts... , ., inputs... so you will help to get that fertiliser _ inputs... so you will help to get that fertiliser plant _ inputs... so you will help to get that fertiliser plant open? - inputs... so you will help to get| that fertiliser plant open? thank ou. now that fertiliser plant open? thank you- now i _ that fertiliser plant open? thank you- now i am — that fertiliser plant open? thank you. now i am alerted _ that fertiliser plant open? thank you. now i am alerted to - that fertiliser plant open? thank you. now i am alerted to the - that fertiliser plant open? thank. you. now i am alerted to the need that fertiliser plant open? thank- you. now i am alerted to the need to get their second fertiliser plant going, i will... get their second fertiliser plant going, iwill... i don't get their second fertiliser plant going, i will... i don't wish to commit, clive, to the committee i will wave a magic wand and open the
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fertiliser plant because i will doubtlessly be told there are circumstances that make it impossible but i willjolly find out what i can do. i will have a look, ok? i what i can do. i will have a look, ok? ., ., ., what i can do. i will have a look, ok? ., ., ok? i look forward to you taking immediate _ ok? i look forward to you taking immediate action, _ ok? i look forward to you taking immediate action, prime - ok? i look forward to you taking l immediate action, prime minister. thank— immediate action, prime minister. thank you — thank you. prime minister, this follows thank you. — prime minister, this follows on very neatly— prime minister, this follows on very neatly from — prime minister, this follows on very neatly from what _ prime minister, this follows on very neatly from what we _ prime minister, this follows on very neatly from what we have _ prime minister, this follows on very neatly from what we have just - prime minister, this follows on very neatly from what we have just beenj neatly from what we have just been saying _ neatly from what we have just been saying except — neatly from what we have just been saying except my— neatly from what we have just been saying except my interest - neatly from what we have just been saying except my interest is - neatly from what we have just been saying except my interest is in - neatly from what we have just been saying except my interest is in thel saying except my interest is in the cost of _ saying except my interest is in the cost of living — saying except my interest is in the cost of living challenge _ saying except my interest is in the cost of living challenge arising - cost of living challenge arising from — cost of living challenge arising from the — cost of living challenge arising from the increase _ cost of living challenge arising from the increase in— cost of living challenge arising from the increase in energy i cost of living challenge arising - from the increase in energy prices. for the _ from the increase in energy prices. for the last — from the increase in energy prices. for the last year— from the increase in energy prices. for the last year or— from the increase in energy prices. for the last year or so _ from the increase in energy prices. for the last year or so since - for the last year or so since economy— for the last year or so since economy started _ for the last year or so since economy started to - for the last year or so since economy started to emerge for the last year or so since - economy started to emerge from the pandemic, _ economy started to emerge from the pandemic, all— economy started to emerge from the pandemic, all of— economy started to emerge from the pandemic, all of our— economy started to emerge from the pandemic, all of our constituents - pandemic, all of our constituents have _ pandemic, all of our constituents have lreen— pandemic, all of our constituents have been seeing _ pandemic, all of our constituents have been seeing astonishing - pandemic, all of our constituentsl have been seeing astonishing inch pieces— have been seeing astonishing inch pieces in— have been seeing astonishing inch pieces in their— have been seeing astonishing inch pieces in their energy— have been seeing astonishing inch pieces in their energy costs, - pieces in their energy costs, exacerbated _ pieces in their energy costs, exacerbated clearly- pieces in their energy costs, exacerbated clearly by- pieces in their energy costs, exacerbated clearly by the l pieces in their energy costs, - exacerbated clearly by the impact of russia' _ exacerbated clearly by the impact of russia' invasion— exacerbated clearly by the impact of russia' invasion of— exacerbated clearly by the impact of russia' invasion of ukraine. - exacerbated clearly by the impact of russia' invasion of ukraine. to - exacerbated clearly by the impact of russia' invasion of ukraine. to whatj russia' invasion of ukraine. to what extent— russia' invasion of ukraine. to what extent will— russia' invasion of ukraine. to what extent will the — russia' invasion of ukraine. to what extent will the energy _ russia' invasion of ukraine. to what extent will the energy security- extent will the energy security strategy — extent will the energy security strategy which _ extent will the energy security strategy which you _ extent will the energy security strategy which you are - extent will the energy security. strategy which you are planning extent will the energy security- strategy which you are planning will address— strategy which you are planning will address the — strategy which you are planning will address the cost _ strategy which you are planning will address the cost of— strategy which you are planning will address the cost of living _ address the cost of living pressures? _ address the cost of living pressures? [— address the cost of living pressures?— address the cost of living ressures? ,, , ., ., ., pressures? i think you have to rovide pressures? i think you have to provide as _ pressures? i think you have to provide as much _ pressures? i think you have to provide as much short-term i pressures? i think you have to - provide as much short-term relief as provide as much short—term relief as you can to people within the fiscal
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constraints that we have. 9.1 billion that we are giving to help people with the cost of energy, abating the council tax and so on. the extra cash we are giving to councils, by the way, clive, under the household support fund, all of those things we are doing to help people with the cost of living. but we have to recognise that in the uk, we have to recognise that in the uk, we have to recognise that in the uk, we have just failed for a generation to put in enough long—term supply. it's been one of those colossal mistakes. renewables are fantastic, offshore wind, i stress offshore wind, i think has massive potential. but so does nuclear. this is the country that split the atom. the first ever civilian nuclear power station was in cornwall in cumbria,
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i seem to remember. why aren't we doing it? why of the french got 56 nuclear reactors and we have barely six? whose fault was it? the labour party, obviously, buti six? whose fault was it? the labour party, obviously, but i will leave that to one side. and the lib dems, thank you. but we have to fix it now. i'm not going to pretend you're going to get a nuclear reactor on stream in real time for our constituents in the next couple of years. no, we have to do lots of other things, years. no, we have to do lots of otherthings, including years. no, we have to do lots of other things, including transitional hydrocarbons and basically helping with the cost of living where we can. but long—term, and medium—term, we have to be looking at big ticket nuclear solutions. sizewell and other projects but we also have to
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be looking at small modular reactors. bill mentions the catteries, they are just one of the countries that wants to work with us on smrs. 50 countries that wants to work with us on smrs. ,, countries that wants to work with us on smrs. i. ., countries that wants to work with us on smrs. ,, ., , on smrs. so your government is the first government _ on smrs. so your government is the first government in _ on smrs. so your government is the first government in 30 _ on smrs. so your government is the first government in 30 years - on smrs. so your government is the first government in 30 years to - on smrs. so your government is the | first government in 30 years to make a decision— first government in 30 years to make a decision on— first government in 30 years to make a decision on nuclear— first government in 30 years to make a decision on nuclear and _ first government in 30 years to make a decision on nuclear and i— first government in 30 years to make a decision on nuclear and i applaud . a decision on nuclear and i applaud that. _ a decision on nuclear and i applaud that. i_ a decision on nuclear and i applaud that. ithink— a decision on nuclear and i applaud that, ithinkthat_ a decision on nuclear and i applaud that, ithinkthat is— a decision on nuclear and i applaud that, i think that is exactly- a decision on nuclear and i applaud that, i think that is exactly the - that, i think that is exactly the right— that, i think that is exactly the right thing _ that, i think that is exactly the right thing to _ that, i think that is exactly the right thing to be _ that, i think that is exactly the right thing to be doing - that, i think that is exactly the right thing to be doing that. that, i think that is exactly the right thing to be doing that as| that, i think that is exactly the - right thing to be doing that as you say, right thing to be doing that as you say. it— right thing to be doing that as you say. it would _ right thing to be doing that as you say, it would take _ right thing to be doing that as you say, it would take a _ right thing to be doing that as you say, it would take a decade - right thing to be doing that as you say, it would take a decade to - right thing to be doing that as you i say, it would take a decade to bring a major— say, it would take a decade to bring a major system _ say, it would take a decade to bring a major system on _ say, it would take a decade to bring a major system on stream. - say, it would take a decade to bring a major system on stream. well. i say, it would take a decade to bring a major system on stream. a ma'or system on stream. well, yes. how a major system on stream. well, yes. how lona a major system on stream. well, yes. how long do — a major system on stream. well, yes. how long do you _ a major system on stream. well, yes. how long do you think— a major system on stream. well, yes. how long do you think it _ a major system on stream. well, yes. how long do you think it will - a major system on stream. well, yes. how long do you think it will take - how long do you think it will take before _ how long do you think it will take before a — how long do you think it will take before a small— how long do you think it will take before a small modular— how long do you think it will take before a small modular reactor. how long do you think it will take before a small modular reactor is contributing _ before a small modular reactor is contributing to— before a small modular reactor is contributing to the _ before a small modular reactor is contributing to the grid? - before a small modular reactor is contributing to the grid? [- before a small modular reactor is contributing to the grid?- contributing to the grid? i saw a bitter paper _ contributing to the grid? i saw a bitter paper last _ contributing to the grid? i saw a bitter paper last night _ contributing to the grid? i saw a bitter paper last night saying . contributing to the grid? i saw a i bitter paper last night saying they think that before the end of the decade. —— a bit of paper. but they will have to go quicker than that. so, eight years. if will have to go quicker than that. so. eight years— so, eight years. if we don't start now, so, eight years. if we don't start now. thism _ so, eight years. if we don't start now, this... we _ so, eight years. if we don't start now, this... we won't _ so, eight years. if we don't start now, this... we won't be - so, eight years. if we don't start now, this... we won't be fixing i so, eight years. if we don't start i now, this... we won't be fixing the problem. i'm optimistic that we can
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have... we have shown that we can do things really fast. the booster roll—out was unbelievably fast. we have done some things fast recently. i think we should have a look at acceleration.— i think we should have a look at acceleration. ., , ., acceleration. your future planning bill to look — acceleration. your future planning bill to look for— acceleration. your future planning bill to look for the _ acceleration. your future planning bill to look for the planning - acceleration. your future planning bill to look for the planning of - bill to look for the planning of major— bill to look for the planning of major infrastructure projects, like modular— major infrastructure projects, like modular reactors on existing sites where _ modular reactors on existing sites where they are likely to be welcomed rather— where they are likely to be welcomed rather than _ where they are likely to be welcomed rather than fort. can i take you back— rather than fort. can i take you back to — rather than fort. can i take you back to what you are touching on, the transition. as we move towards net zero _ the transition. as we move towards net zero britain we have got, we will require _ net zero britain we have got, we will require fossil fuels to continue to support the economy for another— continue to support the economy for another three decades. it is currently— another three decades. it is currently three quarters of our energy— currently three quarters of our energy demand in this country is met by fossil— energy demand in this country is met by fossil fuels. gur energy demand in this country is met by fossil fuels-— by fossil fuels. our energy demand not by fossil fuels. our energy demand rrot electricity _ by fossil fuels. our energy demand not electricity demand. _ by fossil fuels. our energy demand not electricity demand. reheat - by fossil fuels. our energy demand i not electricity demand. reheat homes and use it for— not electricity demand. reheat homes and use it for transport _ not electricity demand. reheat homes and use it for transport and _ not electricity demand. reheat homes and use it for transport and so - not electricity demand. reheat homes and use it for transport and so on. - and use it for transport and so on. our oil— and use it for transport and so on. our oil and — and use it for transport and so on. our oil and gas reserves are
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currently— our oil and gas reserves are currently depleting rapidly. what is the prospect for the energy security strategy _ the prospect for the energy security strategy that you are going to be unveiling — strategy that you are going to be unveiling providing some further exploration opportunities for the continental uk shelf? ithink— continental uk shelf? i think we will look at all of those options. hydrocarbon riches of the world, i'm sorry to say, are still vast. that is a bad thing because you want to move away from hydrocarbons as fast as we can but in the short term, is a useful thing. there is no doubt the united states disposes of colossal wealth in oil and gas and so does the gulf, so does iran, by the way. if we could get an agreement on thejc poa not to chuck another difficult subject in, then another source of supply might open up.
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so does this suggests you are moving away from _ so does this suggests you are moving away from the climate change ambitions that you were trumpeting at cop_ ambitions that you were trumpeting at cop 26— ambitions that you were trumpeting at cop 26 in glasgow six months ago? not at _ at cop 26 in glasgow six months ago? not at all _ at cop 26 in glasgow six months ago? not at all i_ at cop 26 in glasgow six months ago? not at all. i think one of the most productive lines of research... we must not close down the hydrogen route. hydrogen could be a fantastic solution, particularly for heavy goods vehicles, for farm solution, particularly for heavy goods vehicles, forfarm machinery, diggers, four ships. goods vehicles, forfarm machinery, diggers, fourships. hydrogen goods vehicles, forfarm machinery, diggers, four ships. hydrogen really could be the answer. how do you get hydrogen? from hydrocarbons. if hydrogen? from hydrocarbons. if hydrogen is going to be part of the mix, and i think it is, then hydrocarbons are going to be part of the solution, for the long term. that doesn't mean... if you combine use of hydrogen with carbon capture and storage, then you have a serious
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long—term prospect for the uk. so are you suggesting... hydrogen is derived _ so are you suggesting... hydrogen is derived from processing water. it derived from processing water. it can derived from processing water. can be, yes. derived from processing water. it can be. yes- the _ derived from processing water. it can be, yes. the oil— derived from processing water. it can be, yes. the oil and - derived from processing water. it can be, yes. the oil and gas- derived from processing water. it - can be, yes. the oil and gas element of it is allowing _ can be, yes. the oil and gas element of it is allowing energy _ can be, yes. the oil and gas element of it is allowing energy to _ can be, yes. the oil and gas element of it is allowing energy to drive - of it is allowing energy to drive that process, are you looking at are purely _ that process, are you looking at are purely grey— that process, are you looking at are purely grey hydrogen rather than green _ purely grey hydrogen rather than green hydrogen production technique? ithink— green hydrogen production technique? i think you _ green hydrogen production technique? i think you should look at both sides, both green and blue hydrogen. i think you should also... if you think about... people are anxious at the moment about putting in ground source or air source heat pumps to heat their homes. everybody is worried about having to replace their boilers at vast expense. i think for some people, that will be the right solution. i think the price of those things will come down very fast as more are made. but you also have to look at the possibility of going back to where we were in
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the 60s and 70s, when town gas supplied a lot of hydrogen. you could put a lot more hydrogen into the pipes. is that something... one more question— is that something... one more question if— is that something... one more question if i may. i is that something. .. one more question ifi may.— is that something... one more question ifi may. question if i may. i think we are caettin question if i may. i think we are getting close — question if i may. i think we are getting close to _ question if i may. i think we are getting close to time. _ getting close to time. the _ getting close to time. the ambition- getting close to time. the ambition to - getting close to time. the ambition to keepl getting close to time. - the ambition to keep going on getting close to time. _ the ambition to keep going on the path towards the net zero, no, that has not been adulterated or lost at all. 50 has not been adulterated or lost at all, , ., ., has not been adulterated or lost at all. ,~. ., .., has not been adulterated or lost at all. ,, ., .., ., all. so you would welcome our committee _ all. so you would welcome our committee doing _ all. so you would welcome our committee doing an _ all. so you would welcome our i committee doing an investigation into the _ committee doing an investigation into the potential for oil and gas exploration, while maintaining the ambition— exploration, while maintaining the ambition of net zero? i exploration, while maintaining the ambition of net zero?— ambition of net zero? i think that would be a _ ambition of net zero? i think that would be a very _ ambition of net zero? i think that would be a very useful _ ambition of net zero? i think that would be a very usefulthing, - ambition of net zero? i think that| would be a very useful thing, yes. prime minister, coming back to the issue _ prime minister, coming back to the issue of— prime minister, coming back to the issue of help — prime minister, coming back to the issue of help with _ prime minister, coming back to the issue of help with people' - prime minister, coming back to the issue of help with people' energy. issue of help with people' energy bills _ issue of help with people' energy bills the — issue of help with people' energy bills. the government— issue of help with people' energy bills. the government has- issue of help with people' energyl bills. the government has chosen issue of help with people' energy- bills. the government has chosen the council— bills. the government has chosen the council tax _ bills. the government has chosen the council tax rebate, _ bills. the government has chosen the council tax rebate, the _ bills. the government has chosen the council tax rebate, the £150, - bills. the government has chosen the council tax rebate, the £150, is- bills. the government has chosen the council tax rebate, the £150, is a - council tax rebate, the £150, is a major— council tax rebate, the £150, is a major way — council tax rebate, the £150, is a major way of _ council tax rebate, the £150, is a major way of doing _ council tax rebate, the £150, is a major way of doing that. - council tax rebate, the £150, is a major way of doing that. it - council tax rebate, the £150, is al major way of doing that. it seems like a _ major way of doing that. it seems like a scheme _ major way of doing that. it seems like a scheme dreams— major way of doing that. it seems like a scheme dreams up- major way of doing that. it seems like a scheme dreams up in- major way of doing that. it seems like a scheme dreams up in the l like a scheme dreams up in the treasury. — like a scheme dreams up in the treasury, passed _ like a scheme dreams up in the treasury, passed on— like a scheme dreams up in the treasury, passed on to - like a scheme dreams up in the treasury, passed on to the - like a scheme dreams up in the| treasury, passed on to the bop like a scheme dreams up in the i treasury, passed on to the bop to sort out _
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treasury, passed on to the bop to sort out and — treasury, passed on to the bop to sort out and then _ treasury, passed on to the bop to sort out and then councils. - treasury, passed on to the bop to sort out and then councils. one i sort out and then councils. one element — sort out and then councils. one element l — sort out and then councils. one element i want _ sort out and then councils. one element i want to— sort out and then councils. one element i want to raise - sort out and then councils. one element i want to raise with. sort out and then councils. one i element i want to raise with you which _ element i want to raise with you which is — element i want to raise with you which is a — element i want to raise with you which is a real— element i want to raise with you which is a real concern, - element i want to raise with you which is a real concern, some i element i want to raise with you which is a real concern, some of element i want to raise with you i which is a real concern, some of the poorest— which is a real concern, some of the poorest tenants _ which is a real concern, some of the poorest tenants in _ which is a real concern, some of the poorest tenants in private _ poorest tenants in private accommodation _ poorest tenants in private accommodation who i poorest tenants in private accommodation who pay. poorest tenants in private i accommodation who pay their poorest tenants in private _ accommodation who pay their council tax in _ accommodation who pay their council tax in with— accommodation who pay their council tax in with their _ accommodation who pay their council tax in with their rent, _ accommodation who pay their council tax in with their rent, the _ accommodation who pay their council tax in with their rent, the £150 - tax in with their rent, the £150 gets— tax in with their rent, the £150 gets handed _ tax in with their rent, the £150 gets handed over— tax in with their rent, the £150 gets handed over to _ tax in with their rent, the £150 gets handed over to the - tax in with their rent, the £150 i gets handed over to the landlord. and some — gets handed over to the landlord. and some landlords— gets handed over to the landlord. and some landlords will- gets handed over to the landlord. and some landlords will get i and some landlords will get multiples— and some landlords will get multiples of— and some landlords will get multiples of £150. - and some landlords will get multiples of £150. i - and some landlords will get multiples of £150. i assume and some landlords will get i multiples of £150. i assume that wasn't _ multiples of £150. i assume that wasn't the — multiples of £150. i assume that wasn't the intention _ multiples of £150. i assume that wasn't the intention of— multiples of £150. i assume that wasn't the intention of the i multiples of £150. i assume that i wasn't the intention of the scheme. is wasn't the intention of the scheme. is there _ wasn't the intention of the scheme. is there anything _ wasn't the intention of the scheme. is there anything you _ wasn't the intention of the scheme. is there anything you can _ wasn't the intention of the scheme. is there anything you can do - wasn't the intention of the scheme. is there anything you can do about. is there anything you can do about it? | you in - you mean in — you mean people it? you mean people who are payin-... you mean people who are paying... local housing landlords? thea;r you mean people who are paying... local housing landlords?— you mean people who are paying... local housing landlords? they pay it within their rent _ local housing landlords? they pay it within their rent and _ local housing landlords? they pay it within their rent and the _ local housing landlords? they pay it within their rent and the landlord i within their rent and the landlord pays it _ within their rent and the landlord pays it to— within their rent and the landlord pays it to the _ within their rent and the landlord pays it to the council. _ within their rent and the landlord pays it to the council. so - within their rent and the landlord pays it to the council. so it- within their rent and the landlord pays it to the council. so it is- within their rent and the landlord pays it to the council. so it is thej pays it to the council. so it is the landlord — pays it to the council. so it is the landlord that _ pays it to the council. so it is the landlord that gets _ pays it to the council. so it is the landlord that gets £150. - landlord that gets £150. i landlord that gets £150. i will _ landlord that gets £150. i will certainly _ landlord that gets £150. i will certainly look i landlord that gets £150. i will certainly look into| landlord that gets £150. i i will certainly look into that, i don't have an immediate answer. that is a wrinkle that i hadn't foreseen. it has been confirmed by the permanent— it has been confirmed by the permanent secretary. - it has been confirmed by the permanent secretary. the i
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it has been confirmed by the i permanent secretary. the second question — permanent secretary. the second question is, — permanent secretary. the second question is, if— permanent secretary. the second question is, if it's _ permanent secretary. the second question is, if it's too _ permanent secretary. the second question is, if it's too late - permanent secretary. the second question is, if it's too late to - question is, if it's too late to sort — question is, if it's too late to sort it— question is, if it's too late to sort it out— question is, if it's too late to sort it outwith _ question is, if it's too late to sort it out with the _ question is, if it's too late to sort it out with the current . question is, if it's too late to - sort it out with the current rebate, if the _ sort it out with the current rebate, if the government _ sort it out with the current rebate, if the government goes _ sort it out with the current rebate, if the government goes for- sort it out with the current rebate, if the government goes for an - if the government goes for an extension— if the government goes for an extension for— if the government goes for an extension for the _ if the government goes for an extension for the scheme - if the government goes for an extension for the scheme in l if the government goes for an l extension for the scheme in any form, _ extension for the scheme in any fornr. i'm — extension for the scheme in any fornr. i'm not— extension for the scheme in any form, i'm not saying _ extension for the scheme in any form, i'm not saying you - extension for the scheme in any form, i'm not saying you have l extension for the scheme in any| form, i'm not saying you have to commit — form, i'm not saying you have to commit to — form, i'm not saying you have to commit to this, _ form, i'm not saying you have to commit to this, but _ form, i'm not saying you have to commit to this, but if _ form, i'm not saying you have to commit to this, but if you - form, i'm not saying you have to commit to this, but if you do - form, i'm not saying you have to commit to this, but if you do at. commit to this, but if you do at some _ commit to this, but if you do at some point— commit to this, but if you do at some point during _ commit to this, but if you do at some point during the - commit to this, but if you do at some point during the year, . commit to this, but if you do at. some point during the year, would you try— some point during the year, would you try and — some point during the year, would you try and ensure _ some point during the year, would you try and ensure the _ some point during the year, would you try and ensure the regulationsi you try and ensure the regulations are written— you try and ensure the regulations are written in _ you try and ensure the regulations are written in such _ you try and ensure the regulations are written in such a _ you try and ensure the regulations are written in such a way - you try and ensure the regulations are written in such a way that - you try and ensure the regulations are written in such a way that the| are written in such a way that the help actually _ are written in such a way that the help actually goes _ are written in such a way that the help actually goes to _ are written in such a way that the help actually goes to the - are written in such a way that the help actually goes to the tenants | help actually goes to the tenants who have — help actually goes to the tenants who have the _ help actually goes to the tenants who have the heating _ help actually goes to the tenants who have the heating costs - help actually goes to the tenants who have the heating costs are l help actually goes to the tenants l who have the heating costs are not the landlord — who have the heating costs are not the landlord who _ who have the heating costs are not the landlord who picks _ who have the heating costs are not the landlord who picks up - who have the heating costs are not the landlord who picks up the - who have the heating costs are not. the landlord who picks up the money? ithink— the landlord who picks up the money? i think you _ the landlord who picks up the money? i think you have — the landlord who picks up the money? i think you have everybody— the landlord who picks up the money? i think you have everybody with - the landlord who picks up the money? i think you have everybody with you i i think you have everybody with you on that one, clive. i will do my best to ensure... what we want to do is to cut the cost for the people who are paying it and to help people get through unreasonable spikes in energy prices caused by all the things the committee has mentioned. i think we are on the same page on that _ that. can. that. can ii that. - can i start by that. — can i start by welcoming two that. can i start by welcomin- two recent can i start by welcoming two recent decisions _ can i start by welcoming two recent decisions by the government, one to make _ decisions by the government, one to make permanent the extension of free school _ make permanent the extension of free school meals to children and the other— school meals to children and the other to — school meals to children and the other to extend the online safety bill to _ other to extend the online safety bill to tackle scam adverts, both
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subjects — bill to tackle scam adverts, both subjects we have spoken about before at these _ subjects we have spoken about before at these meetings, i welcome those decisions _ at these meetings, i welcome those decisions i— at these meetings, i welcome those decisions. i wanted to ask you today first about _ decisions. i wanted to ask you today first about a — decisions. i wanted to ask you today first about a letter that was sent to you _ first about a letter that was sent to you by— first about a letter that was sent to you by the chair of the uk statistics— to you by the chair of the uk statistics authority, david nor grove, — statistics authority, david nor grove, on _ statistics authority, david nor grove, on the 24th of february. you said earlier— grove, on the 24th of february. you said earlier we didn't have enough people _ said earlier we didn't have enough people in— said earlier we didn't have enough people injobs at said earlier we didn't have enough people in jobs at the said earlier we didn't have enough people injobs at the moment, lots of vacancies. his letter to you dated — of vacancies. his letter to you dated 24th of february said this: "you _ dated 24th of february said this: "you said — dated 24th of february said this: "you said that prime minister's questions _ "you said that prime minister's questions yesterday that there are now more — questions yesterday that there are now more people in employment than before _ now more people in employment than before the _ now more people in employment than before the pandemic began. according to the _ before the pandemic began. according to the latest ons figures it is wrong — to the latest ons figures it is wrong to— to the latest ons figures it is wrong to claim there are now more people _ wrong to claim there are now more people in— wrong to claim there are now more people in work than before the pandemic began. the increase in the number— pandemic began. the increase in the number of— pandemic began. the increase in the number of people who are on payrolls is more _ number of people who are on payrolls is more than — number of people who are on payrolls is more than offset by the reduction in the _ is more than offset by the reduction in the number of people who are self—employed." do you accept that? yes, self—employed." do you accept that? yes. i_ self—employed." do you accept that? yes. i do. _ self—employed." do you accept that? yes, i do, and that's why i took particular care today, mindful as i am of sir david's chastisement on
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all occasions. i stressed it was payroll employment i was talking about. there were 400,000 more, there are now 600,000 more people on there are now 600,000 more people on the payroll than there were before the payroll than there were before the pandemic began and that is not half bad, when you consider what we were predicting. everybody was talking about 12% unemployment you might recall. his point in the letter is the increase _ his point in the letter is the increase in the number of people on payrotts _ increase in the number of people on payrotts is _ increase in the number of people on payrolls is more than offset by the reduction — payrolls is more than offset by the reduction in the number of people who are _ reduction in the number of people who are self—employed. reduction in the number of people who are self-employed.— reduction in the number of people who are self-employed. would you acce -t that who are self-employed. would you accept that is _ who are self-employed. would you accept that is correct? _ accept that is correct? well, i think, accept that is correct? well, ithink, my accept that is correct? well, i think, my overall picture i think is right. the employment record of the government has been absolutely outstanding, when you consider that people were seriously predicting that after covid, we were
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going to have not only huge backlogs in our... and health care but unemployment running at 12%. that has been very, very far from the case. i completely agree it's understandable why it is that employment is lower than it was before _ employment is lower than it was before the pandemic, ijust wanted to confirm — before the pandemic, ijust wanted to confirm that you recognise that total employment is now less than it was before _ total employment is now less than it was before the pandemic began? unemployment is actually... employment, i'm asking about. the figures _ employment, i'm asking about. the figures from the latest statistics are the — figures from the latest statistics are the number of people in employment most recently as 32.49 3 million _ employment most recently as 32.49 3 million the _ employment most recently as 32.49 3 million. the quartet immediately before _ million. the quartet immediately before the pandemic it was 33.07 3 million _ before the pandemic it was 33.07 3 million so— before the pandemic it was 33.07 3 million. so it is less than it was before — million. so it is less than it was before the _ million. so it is less than it was before the pandemic. you _ before the pandemic. you are making a very important point, _ you are making a very important point, it— you are making a very important point, it depends how you look at it. , , ., point, it depends how you look at it. unemployment is now back down, which is the — it. unemployment is now back down, which is the thing _ it. unemployment is now back down, which is the thing that _ it. unemployment is now back down, which is the thing that when - it. unemployment is now back down, which is the thing that when we - it. unemployment is now back down, which is the thing that when we were j which is the thing that when we were growing up, that was a thing we were
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worried about because that was the terrifying thing that happened to people, they were slung out of their jobs and it was awful. in the 80s and 90s and we remember that. that is low. that is back down now to pre—pandemic levels, 3.9%. employment is still less than it was _ employment is still less than it was. . ., ., , , was. although payroll employment is hi . her, was. although payroll employment is higher. what — was. although payroll employment is higher. what you _ was. although payroll employment is higher, what you are _ was. although payroll employment is higher, what you are pointing - was. although payroll employment is higher, what you are pointing to - was. although payroll employment is higher, what you are pointing to is i higher, what you are pointing to is a very interesting thing, which is the self—employed, for reasons that, you know, everybody is trying to get a handle on, it looks as though large numbers of people, possibly in their 50s, are deciding what with one thing and another, they want to do something else. find one thing and another, they want to do something else.— one thing and another, they want to do something else. and some of them no on to do something else. and some of them go on to the — do something else. and some of them go on to the payrolls _ do something else. and some of them go on to the payrolls which _ do something else. and some of them go on to the payrolls which is - do something else. and some of them go on to the payrolls which is why - go on to the payrolls which is why they are _ go on to the payrolls which is why they are higher.— go on to the payrolls which is why they are higher. some go on to the -a rolls. they are higher. some go on to the payrolts- some _ they are higher. some go on to the payrolls. some are _ they are higher. some go on to the payrolls. some are doing _ they are higher. some go on to the payrolls. some are doing other- payrolls. some are doing other things. payrolls. some are doing other thins. ,
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payrolls. some are doing other things- so _ payrolls. some are doing other things. yes. so actually what we want to do _ things. yes. so actually what we want to do is _ things. yes. so actually what we want to do is to _ things. yes. so actually what we want to do is to find _ things. yes. so actually what we want to do is to find ways of helping those people back into work. quite right. helping those people back into work. quite riuht. �* , helping those people back into work. quite riuht. �* . , helping those people back into work. quite riuht. �* , , ., quite right. because they have fantastic skills _ quite right. because they have fantastic skills to _ quite right. because they have fantastic skills to continue. - quite right. because they have| fantastic skills to continue. you had said in _ fantastic skills to continue. you had said in the _ fantastic skills to continue. you had said in the commons nine times that that _ had said in the commons nine times that that the number of people in work— that that the number of people in work is _ that that the number of people in work is higher than it was before the start— work is higher than it was before the start of the pandemic. i think you recognised this afternoon that those _ you recognised this afternoon that those statements were incorrect. | those statements were incorrect. [ think those statements were incorrect. think i have those statements were incorrect. i think i have repeatedly and i think i took steps to correct the record earlier. . , ., i took steps to correct the record earlier. ., ., �* , earlier. have you? i haven't seen that? i earlier. have you? i haven't seen that? i think _ earlier. have you? i haven't seen that? l think | — earlier. have you? i haven't seen that? l think | did _ earlier. have you? i haven't seen that? |think| did but— earlier. have you? i haven't seen that? i thinki did but i _ earlier. have you? i haven't seen that? i thinki did but i certainly, | that? i thinki did but i certainly, i've been that? i thinki did but i certainly, i've been very — that? i thinki did but i certainly, i've been very punctilious - that? i thinki did but i certainly, i've been very punctilious to - that? i thinki did but i certainly, i've been very punctilious to talk| i've been very punctilious to talk about payroll employment. but there is a very important thing which is people... something happened, which is that people in... at certain stages of their life are deciding not to go back into the labour force. so we have vacancies at one 5
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million, recordjob force. so we have vacancies at one 5 million, record job vacancies and, frankly, those people had some of the skills we need. we are probably short in this economy and one of the pressures that we have on supply chains and on inflation as we are properly short about 500,000 pairs of hands to do crucial things. many of hands to do crucial things. many of those pairs of hands belong to those people in their 50s who have decided to do something else. one of our challenges is to get those people back into work. i our challenges is to get those people back into work. i completely auree people back into work. i completely a . ree with people back into work. i completely agree with that. _ people back into work. i completely agree with that. moving _ people back into work. i completely agree with that. moving on, - people back into work. i completely| agree with that. moving on, citizens advice _ agree with that. moving on, citizens advice has— agree with that. moving on, citizens advice has calculated that a single unemployed person was spending just over 15% _ unemployed person was spending just over15% of— unemployed person was spending just over 15% of their benefit on energy bills over15% of their benefit on energy bills in— over 15% of their benefit on energy bills in 2020. it will be 25% in april— bills in 2020. it will be 25% in april and _ bills in 2020. it will be 25% in april and it could be up to 47% when the cab— april and it could be up to 47% when the cap goes up again in october. why was— the cap goes up again in october. why was there no help in the spring statement _ why was there no help in the spring statement for people dependent on out of— statement for people dependent on out of work benefits?
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look, _ out of work benefits? look, |— out of work benefits? look, i know how tough it is for people to meet the costs of energy. you are raising, again, a very reasonable point. you have to decide where you are going to put your fiscal firepower, where you are going to put your fiscalfirepower, given where you are going to put your fiscal firepower, given that we don't want to put up taxes and we don't want to put up taxes and we don't want to borrow any more. so what are you going to prioritise? who are you going to make sure that you target in order to have the maximum economic benefit for the whole country? and what we think very strongly is that you are better off helping people into work and their... i know that there are many difficult cases, but that is why we are doing the council tax support,
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doubling the household support payments. that is why we are doing the targeted support for people's energy bills, we are doing all sorts of things to help people. but what we want to do, if we can, is to help people by getting them into work. you just talk a moment ago... these you 'ust talk a moment ago... those who you just talk a moment ago... those who cannot — you just talk a moment ago... those who cannot work _ you just talk a moment ago... those who cannot work who _ you just talk a moment ago... those who cannot work who are _ you just talk a moment ago... those who cannot work who are seeing - you just talk a moment ago... those who cannot work who are seeing this massive _ who cannot work who are seeing this massive squeeze at the moment, in the pandemic you increased universal credit— the pandemic you increased universal credit by— the pandemic you increased universal credit by £20 a week. most people recoqnise, — credit by £20 a week. most people recognise, our committee thought that was— recognise, our committee thought that was the right thing to do an effective — that was the right thing to do an effective way of helping people that needed _ effective way of helping people that needed help. why haven't you done something — needed help. why haven't you done something on universal credit to help people now, given this huge squeeze — help people now, given this huge squeeze that they will be suffering over the _ squeeze that they will be suffering over the next few months? universal credit has, over the next few months? universal credit has. we _ over the next few months? universal credit has, we have _ over the next few months? universal credit has, we have helped _ over the next few months? universal credit has, we have helped people i credit has, we have helped people with changing the taper rate. but eo - le with changing the taper rate. but people who are out of work, or for example _ people who are out of work, or for example who can't work because of ill example who can't work because of iii heatth? — example who can't work because of ill health? the example who can't work because of ill health? ., ., , ., ~ , ., ill health? the ma'ority of 6796 or so or 6596 ill health? the ma'ority of 6796 or
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so or sse of — ill health? the majority of 6796 or so or 6596 of people _ ill health? the majority of 6796 or so or 6596 of people who - ill health? the majority of 6796 or so or 6596 of people who are - ill health? the majority of 6796 or so or 6596 of people who are on l so or 65% of people who are on universal credit either in work or can work. but universal credit either in work or can work. �* , , ., , ., can work. but my question is about those that can't. _ can work. but my question is about those that can't. they _ can work. but my question is about those that can't. they have - those that can't. they have benefited _ those that can't. they have benefited from _ those that can't. they have benefited from that. - those that can't. they have benefited from that. i - those that can't. they have benefited from that. i take | those that can't. they have - benefited from that. i take your point totally but the way we are trying to help them is by the direct support that we are giving for people facing particular hardships. so whether with. .. people facing particular hardships. so whether with... truth? people facing particular hardships. so whether with. . .— so whether with. .. why not use universal— so whether with... why not use universal credit _ so whether with... why not use universal credit is _ so whether with... why not use universal credit is my _ so whether with... why not use | universal credit is my question? because — universal credit is my question? because we want to try and support people as far as we possibly can support them through other means. we want to support people into work where ever possible. haste want to support people into work where ever possible.— want to support people into work where ever possible. have you lost confidence — where ever possible. have you lost confidence on _ where ever possible. have you lost confidence on universal— where ever possible. have you lost confidence on universal credit? - where ever possible. have you lost | confidence on universal credit? not at all. we have _ confidence on universal credit? not at all. we have to _ confidence on universal credit? not at all. we have to move _ confidence on universal credit? not at all. we have to move on. - confidence on universal credit? not at all. we have to move on. you - confidence on universal credit? not| at all. we have to move on. you are askin: a at all. we have to move on. you are asking a very _ at all. we have to move on. you are asking a very important _ at all. we have to move on. you are asking a very important question, i asking a very important question, it's fundamental to what we're trying to do. we think that the way out of poverty is to help people into work. all the evidence is that that works. there are 1.3 million fewer people in absolute poverty than they were. we are seeing a
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decline in the number of kids in workless households. getting people, we can argue rightly about payroll or unemployment or whatever, but the overall effect on the economy of having, you know, large numbers of people, the majority of people in jobs that are paid better, that is the way forward. and that is why we have got their work scheme. there are 1.8 million people, as you rightly say, currently getting benefits. 1.25 millionjob vacancies. go figure. and we have an economy that is massively short of hands. we need to get those people off benefits and into work and that is by far the best thing for them.
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so you are asking the right question but that is what our instinct is. irate but that is what our instinct is. we have two more colleagues to get in before _ have two more colleagues to get in before we — have two more colleagues to get in before we come _ have two more colleagues to get in before we come to _ have two more colleagues to get in before we come to conclusion. - before we come to conclusion. prime — before we come to conclusion. prime minister, _ before we come to conclusion. prime minister, i— before we come to conclusion. prime minister, i wanted - before we come to conclusion. prime minister, i wanted to. before we come to conclusion. i prime minister, i wanted to pick before we come to conclusion. - prime minister, i wanted to pick you ”p prime minister, i wanted to pick you up on _ prime minister, i wanted to pick you up on a _ prime minister, i wanted to pick you up on a couple of things you said there _ up on a couple of things you said there because 75% of children living in poverty— there because 75% of children living in poverty across the uk are in working — in poverty across the uk are in working households. that in poverty across the uk are in working households.— working households. that is possible- — working households. that is possible. the _ working households. that is possible. the figure - working households. that is possible. the figure you - working households. that isj possible. the figure you use working households. that is - possible. the figure you use for a reduction in _ possible. the figure you use for a reduction in absolute _ possible. the figure you use for a reduction in absolute child - possible. the figure you use for a | reduction in absolute child poverty is not _ reduction in absolute child poverty is not only— reduction in absolute child poverty is not only measured against the 2010 _ is not only measured against the 2010 baseline, which shows that that is the _ 2010 baseline, which shows that that is the number that have reduced tivinq _ is the number that have reduced living in— is the number that have reduced living in poverty since 2010, but it is projected to rise by half a million _ is projected to rise by half a million next year, based on the government's plans. so the prime minister— government's plans. so the prime minister will not be able to save chitd _
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minister will not be able to save child poverty has reduced by its own measure _ child poverty has reduced by its own measure of— child poverty has reduced by its own measure of absolute poverty, which we believe — measure of absolute poverty, which we believe is inadequate to measure child poverty in this country, it will be — child poverty in this country, it will be increasing. so i wanted to ask the _ will be increasing. so i wanted to ask the prime minister about the levelling — ask the prime minister about the levelling up plans.— ask the prime minister about the levelling up plans. yes. do you believe it _ levelling up plans. yes. do you believe it is _ levelling up plans. 135 do you believe it is possible to level up the country without reducing the number— the country without reducing the number of children living in poverty? _ poverty? no, and we are going to poverty? — no, and we are going to keep doing everything we can. as far as i can remember, the numbers currently are, and you are right, there is an issue we have to fix. i'm not going to pretend it will be easy. but we are going to go at it as hard as we can. but at the moment, at the moment the numbers are there are 200,000 fewer children in absolute possible. the numbers are _ children in absolute possible. the numbers are not going in the right direction, — numbers are not going in the right direction, prime minister. you numbers are not going in the right direction, prime minister.- direction, prime minister. you are riaht direction, prime minister. you are right there — direction, prime minister. you are right there at _ direction, prime minister. you are right there at the _ direction, prime minister. you are right there at the moment - direction, prime minister. you are right there at the moment we've l direction, prime minister. you are i right there at the moment we've got the cost of living running too high.
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that is why we have to do everything we can to abate it, to help people through this tough time and we will, using the fiscal firepower that we have and we built up because the way we have been able to run the things. but, as i was saying to sarah earlier on, the best way forward is to get our economic activity going and get more people into higher paid jobs that is what we want. and have that across the whole country. iwhich that across the whole country. which is wh i that across the whole country. which is why i am — that across the whole country. which is why i am asking _ that across the whole country. which is why i am asking you _ that across the whole country. which is why i am asking you about - is why i am asking you about tevettinq _ is why i am asking you about levelling up. can you tell me how many— levelling up. can you tell me how many times child poverty is mentioned or referenced in the government because matt levelling up white paper? | government because matt levelling up white paper? i am government because matt levelling up white paer? ., ., ., ., ., white paper? i am afraid although... i su ose white paper? i am afraid although... i suppose he — white paper? i am afraid although... i suppose he will— white paper? i am afraid although... i suppose he will say _ white paper? i am afraid although... i suppose he will say it's _ white paper? i am afraid although... i suppose he will say it's not - i suppose he will say it's not mentioned. i i suppose he will say it's not mentioned.— i suppose he will say it's not mentioned. ,, ., ., , ., mentioned. i know the answer to this. it is none. _ mentioned. i know the answer to this. it is none. if— mentioned. i know the answer to this. it is none. if that _ mentioned. i know the answer to this. it is none. if that is - mentioned. i know the answer to this. it is none. if that is so, - mentioned. i know the answer to this. it is none. if that is so, it i this. it is none. if that is so, it is a purely _
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this. it is none. if that is so, it is a purely formal _ this. it is none. if that is so, it is a purely formal accident - this. it is none. if that is so, it - is a purely formal accident because the whole objective of levelling up is to make sure that kids growing up everywhere have opportunity. and they don't and that is what levelling up is about. filth. they don't and that is what levelling up is about. ok, i 'ust have — levelling up is about. ok, i 'ust have one more i levelling up is about. ok, i 'ust have one more question i levelling up is about. 0k, ijust have one more question about| levelling up is about. 0k, ijust| have one more question about a petition — have one more question about a petition. we have one more question about a etition. ~ ., ., ., ., petition. we do need to move on, i am sorry- — petition. we do need to move on, i am sorry- i— petition. we do need to move on, i am sorry. i would ask— petition. we do need to move on, i am sorry. i would ask the - petition. we do need to move on, i am sorry. i would ask the prime . am sorry. i would ask the prime minister— am sorry. i would ask the prime minister if— am sorry. i would ask the prime minister if he _ am sorry. i would ask the prime minister if he has _ am sorry. i would ask the prime minister if he has read - am sorry. i would ask the prime minister if he has read the - minister if he has read the levettinq _ minister if he has read the levettinq up _ minister if he has read the levelling up white - minister if he has read the i levelling up white paper... minister if he has read the . levelling up white paper... i minister if he has read the levelling up white paper... i have, have you? — levelling up white paper... i have, have you? i — levelling up white paper... i have, have you? i have _ levelling up white paper... i have, have you? i have read _ levelling up white paper... i have, have you? i have read some - levelling up white paper... i have, have you? i have read some of - levelling up white paper... i have, have you? i have read some of it, | levelling up white paper... i have, have you? i have read some of it, i | have you? i have read some of it, i will be honest. _ have you? i have read some of it, i will be honest. onto _ have you? i have read some of it, i will be honest. onto the _ have you? i have read some of it, i will be honest. onto the chair- have you? i have read some of it, i will be honest. onto the chair of. will be honest. onto the chair of the treasury _ will be honest. onto the chair of the treasury select _ will be honest. onto the chair of the treasury select committee. | will be honest. onto the chair of- the treasury select committee. good afternoon, prime _ the treasury select committee. afternoon, prime minister of the stuff— afternoon, prime minister of the stuff i _ afternoon, prime minister of the stuff i want to come back to the discussion— stuff i want to come back to the discussion you just had with stephen timms _ discussion you just had with stephen timms about universal credit. if you look timms about universal credit. if you took at _ timms about universal credit. if you took at the _ timms about universal credit. if you look at the spring statement and the action— look at the spring statement and the action is— look at the spring statement and the action is the chancellor has taken prior— action is the chancellor has taken prior to _ action is the chancellor has taken prior to that on tax and the taper around _ prior to that on tax and the taper around you — prior to that on tax and the taper around you see, there is a lot in that— around you see, there is a lot in that which— around you see, there is a lot in that which is _ around you see, there is a lot in that which is progressive both in raising _ that which is progressive both in raising taxes on the way he has brought— raising taxes on the way he has brought them down as well. but the
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hole is— brought them down as well. but the hole is the _ brought them down as well. but the hole is the gap are those reliant on universat— hole is the gap are those reliant on universal credit who are not in work — universal credit who are not in work one _ universal credit who are not in work. one of the reasons it is a particular— work. one of the reasons it is a particular problem at the moment is inftation _ particular problem at the moment is inflation is _ particular problem at the moment is inflation is increasing very rapidly and as— inflation is increasing very rapidly and as you — inflation is increasing very rapidly and as you will know, the universal credit— and as you will know, the universal credit upgrade to those benefits is pegged _ credit upgrade to those benefits is pegged to the rate of inflation back to september last year, which was 3~i%~ _ to september last year, which was 3~i%~ 0f— to september last year, which was 3.1%. of course, inflation is now projected — 3.1%. of course, inflation is now projected to go up to eight, nine or 10% so _ projected to go up to eight, nine or 10% so those people will really suffer~ — 10% so those people will really suffer~ it — 10% so those people will really suffer. it will take about 18 months according _ suffer. it will take about 18 months according to the obr for that effect are passed through so that the benefit — are passed through so that the benefit of recipients catch up with those _ benefit of recipients catch up with those inflationary changes. it would be fiscatty _ those inflationary changes. it would be fiscally neutral to re—examine and reindex those couple of months' time and put them up in the _ couple of months' time and put them up in the light of the way that inflation — up in the light of the way that inflation is moving. given it wouldn't _ inflation is moving. given it wouldn't cost any more money to do that, _ wouldn't cost any more money to do that, with _ wouldn't cost any more money to do that, with that not be... how wouldn't cost any more money to do that, with that not be. . .— that, with that not be... how is that? as _ that, with that not be... how is that? as inflation _
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that, with that not be... how is that? as inflation rises, - that, with that not be... how is that? as inflation rises, the - that, with that not be... how is i that? as inflation rises, the level of these benefits _ that? as inflation rises, the level of these benefits goes _ that? as inflation rises, the level of these benefits goes up - that? as inflation rises, the level of these benefits goes up and - of these benefits goes up and finally— of these benefits goes up and finally catches up to where it would have been— finally catches up to where it would have been over the longer period as inftation _ have been over the longer period as inflation goes up and comes down again _ inflation goes up and comes down again the — inflation goes up and comes down again. the problem is over the next 12 months. — again. the problem is over the next 12 months, some of those referred to will have _ 12 months, some of those referred to will have a _ 12 months, some of those referred to will have a net reduction in their income — will have a net reduction in their income of— will have a net reduction in their income of about 10%. and they are very dependent upon fuel and food and att— very dependent upon fuel and food and all of— very dependent upon fuel and food and all of those costs. could you ask the — and all of those costs. could you ask the treasury to look at the possibilities, i believe they did in the 1970s— possibilities, i believe they did in the 1970s when we had energy cost push problems, to look at the possibility of an interim operating of those _ possibility of an interim operating of those benefits, which will be at no cost _ of those benefits, which will be at no cost to — of those benefits, which will be at no cost to the exchequer across the forecast _ no cost to the exchequer across the forecast period? right, i right, i think i'm going to have to go and look at how you do it in a fiscally neutral way, but what we want to do is look after people in the after—shocks of the pandemic as much as we have during the pandemic and the after—shocks are proving to be really quite challenging because
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of this, you know, the inflationary spike in energy. but that is basically what is driving it. as it has done before. i will look at that, but i think the direct action that, but i think the direct action that we want to take is to help people in particular hardship, doubling the household support fund to one councils in the way that we have, helping people —— back to1 billion through councils. helping the councils with the council tax rebate, notwithstanding the excellent point five makes about the risk of that going to the landlord, we will have to make sure we close that down. there are a lot of things we are doing together that are designed to tide people over, to help them through a tough time, but also taking these steps now to build in the long term security. but, you
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know, i'm a very happy to ask the treasury to look at your suggestion. that would be very helpful, thank you very — that would be very helpful, thank you very much. can ijust touch on one point— you very much. can ijust touch on one point you _ you very much. can ijust touch on one point you made him to go, which is how— one point you made him to go, which is how we _ one point you made him to go, which is how we have to take a decision as to how— is how we have to take a decision as to how we _ is how we have to take a decision as to how we use our fiscal firepower, which _ to how we use our fiscal firepower, which is _ to how we use our fiscal firepower, which is always true? the chancellor has brought— which is always true? the chancellor has brought a statement to bring a tranche _ has brought a statement to bring a tranche reduction flag in 2024 that he is _ tranche reduction flag in 2024 that he is going to defend at all costs to reduce — he is going to defend at all costs to reduce tax... by 1p. the fiscal situation — to reduce tax... by 1p. the fiscal situation is — to reduce tax... by 1p. the fiscal situation is very fragile and could be wiped — situation is very fragile and could be wiped out at a moment if inftation _ be wiped out at a moment if inflation rates go up of the central forecast _ inflation rates go up of the central forecast for inflation rates go even further— forecast for inflation rates go even further up — forecast for inflation rates go even further up than is anticipated qrowth — further up than is anticipated growth is flatter than is anticipated. if is and up in a situation _ anticipated. if is and up in a situation where we run out of fiscal firepower, — situation where we run out of fiscal firepower, we have made a commitment to that _ firepower, we have made a commitment to that tax _ firepower, we have made a commitment to that tax cut, the chancellor and yourself _ to that tax cut, the chancellor and yourself are quite rightly saying we're _ yourself are quite rightly saying we're not — yourself are quite rightly saying we're not going to go out and borrow lots we're not going to go out and borrow tots more _ we're not going to go out and borrow lots more money. that means we will have to _ lots more money. that means we will have to took — lots more money. that means we will have to look at spending. so ijust wondered — have to look at spending. so ijust wondered what your assessment was of the likelihood that you'll have to
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start _ the likelihood that you'll have to start cutting back on some public expenditure and whether you have had departments start to prepare for that possibility? because it is a possibility that we will end up in that scenario. i possibility that we will end up in that scenario.— that scenario. i think that the first thing _ that scenario. i think that the first thing is _ that scenario. i think that the first thing is to _ that scenario. i think that the first thing is to recognise - that scenario. i think that the first thing is to recognise the | first thing is to recognise the massively ambitious agenda that the government has. we took a big decision, we had to make a big call when covid broke and that call was, given that we could see that we were going to have to spend so much and look after people... and it... you know, the thick end of 408 billion to get people through the crisis, all told. we knew that was going to put massive pressure on public spending. where were we going to go? where we are going to go back to austerity? were we going to retrench, cut, cut our programmes? cut investment in the long term, cut fantastic projects that would transform this country over the long term because much of the integrated
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rail plan? running out of bits, massive investment in the nhs, massive investment in the nhs, massive investment in education? were we going to cut all that because of problem? i'm getting to a point. so we took the decision to keep going. and that means, as you rightly say, mel, that the balance is now very fine stop and the cost of borrowing is... we are borrowing a large amount. the cost of borrowing is 83 billion, the cost of servicing our interest is 83 billion a year. and, as you say, that number can easily go up with interest rates. so we have to be... so can easily go up with interest rates. so we have to be... so if it came to it--- _ rates. so we have to be... so if it came to it... would _ rates. so we have to be... so if it came to it... would you - rates. so we have to be... so if it came to it. .. would you look- rates. so we have to be... so if it came to it... would you look at i came to it... would you look at cuttinq — came to it... would you look at cutting spending or do look to borrow— cutting spending or do look to borrow more to protect the tax cuts? and that _ borrow more to protect the tax cuts? and that is _ borrow more to protect the tax cuts? and that is why we want to keep going with the plan, the long—term
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plan that we have, but making sure that we steer a steady course. and help people through the short term, but do the... make the long term investments that are going to... you know, what are the big costs we need to contain? we need to contain the costs of energy, the cost of housing. these are things that we can start to address in the... by making some big decisions now. ok. finall , making some big decisions now. ok. finally. you — making some big decisions now. 0k. finally, you said in response to a question— finally, you said in response to a question from neil parish, the importance of exports, i think you are particularly looking at food at that moment. the 0b r's latest forecasts, — that moment. the 0b r's latest forecasts, and i think, to be precise. _ forecasts, and i think, to be precise. it _ forecasts, and i think, to be precise, it is on page 63, chart i, which _ precise, it is on page 63, chart i, which you — precise, it is on page 63, chart i, which you are probably very familiar with? _ which you are probably very familiar with? at_ which you are probably very familiar with? . ., , it which you are probably very familiar with?_ it shows _ which you are probably very familiar with?_ it shows the - which you are probably very familiar with?_ it shows the trade | with? of course. it shows the trade intensi , with? of course. it shows the trade intensity. as _ with? of course. it shows the trade intensity. as a _ with? of course. it shows the trade intensity, as a percentage - with? of course. it shows the trade intensity, as a percentage of - with? of course. it shows the trade intensity, as a percentage of gdp l intensity, as a percentage of gdp that our— intensity, as a percentage of gdp that our economy commands now, in other— that our economy commands now, in other words— that our economy commands now, in other words how much exporting and
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importing _ other words how much exporting and importing we are doing now compared to the _ importing we are doing now compared to the past— importing we are doing now compared to the past and it also shows what happened — to the past and it also shows what happened to all the countries in the eu, our— happened to all the countries in the eu, our major trading happened to all the countries in the eu, our majortrading partners. as brexit— eu, our majortrading partners. as brexit and — eu, our majortrading partners. as brexit and the pandemic struck atmost — brexit and the pandemic struck almost simultaneously, we all went down. _ almost simultaneously, we all went down, so _ almost simultaneously, we all went down, so we all exported and imported _ down, so we all exported and imported much, much less. the others, — imported much, much less. the others, as— imported much, much less. the others, as we have come out of the pandemic, — others, as we have come out of the pandemic, have gone back up to broadly— pandemic, have gone back up to broadly speaking where they were before _ broadly speaking where they were before. we have stayed very low. are you concerned that perhaps because of brexit _ you concerned that perhaps because of brexit and the time it is taken now to _ of brexit and the time it is taken now to struggle these deals with other— now to struggle these deals with other countries around the world on the trade _ other countries around the world on the trade side, that we are becoming more _ the trade side, that we are becoming more of— the trade side, that we are becoming more of a _ the trade side, that we are becoming more of a closed economy? and that, of course, _ more of a closed economy? and that, of course, will have implications for productivity and also the living standards — for productivity and also the living standards that we are seeking this afternoon — standards that we are seeking this afternoon to try to... | standards that we are seeking this afternoon to try to. . .— afternoon to try to... i am very keen that — afternoon to try to... i am very keen that we — afternoon to try to... i am very keen that we should _ afternoon to try to... i am very keen that we should not. - afternoon to try to... i am very keen that we should not. i - afternoon to try to... i am very i keen that we should not. i mean, afternoon to try to... i am very - keen that we should not. i mean, we don't have a closed economy at all and i think there is a... you know, we all want to grow more of our own food and so on, but i am not a believer in autarky. brute food and so on, but i am not a believer in autarky.— food and so on, but i am not a believer in autarky. we are... how cuickl believer in autarky. we are... how quickly can — believer in autarky. we are... how quickly can we _
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believer in autarky. we are... how quickly can we get _ believer in autarky. we are... how quickly can we get back _ believer in autarky. we are... how quickly can we get back to - believer in autarky. we are... how quickly can we get back to where l believer in autarky. we are... how. quickly can we get back to where we were? _ quickly can we get back to where we were? tote_ quickly can we get back to where we were? ~ . . quickly can we get back to where we were? ~ ., ., ., ., ., ., were? we are a global trading nation and i do were? we are a global trading nation and i do want — were? we are a global trading nation and i do want to _ were? we are a global trading nation and i do want to see _ were? we are a global trading nation and i do want to see much _ were? we are a global trading nation and i do want to see much more - were? we are a global trading nation and i do want to see much more of i were? we are a global trading nation| and i do want to see much more of an export drive and i think that... you know, i think it was liam fox, our colleague a couple of years ago, who made the point, i think a lot of uk companies could sell a lot more overseas than they do. and you may have noticed in the newspapers, mel, there is a big government campaign now to encourage them. bird there is a big government campaign now to encourage them.— there is a big government campaign now to encourage them. and how long do ou now to encourage them. and how long do you think — now to encourage them. and how long do you think it — now to encourage them. and how long do you think it might _ now to encourage them. and how long do you think it might be _ now to encourage them. and how long do you think it might be before - now to encourage them. and how long do you think it might be before we - do you think it might be before we .et do you think it might be before we get back— do you think it might be before we get back to where we were prepared manic? _ get back to where we were prepared manic? |_ get back to where we were prepared manic? .., �* get back to where we were prepared manic? �* , _ ., get back to where we were prepared manic? j , _ ., manic? i can't prophesy that, -- pre-pandemic- _ manic? i can't prophesy that, -- pre-pandemic. as _ manic? i can't prophesy that, -- pre-pandemic. as i _ manic? i can't prophesy that, -- pre-pandemic. as i told - manic? i can't prophesy that, -- pre-pandemic. as i told neil, i manic? i can't prophesy that, --| pre-pandemic. as i told neil, we manic? i can't prophesy that, -- - pre-pandemic. as i told neil, we are pre—pandemic. as i told neil, we are on it and we want to champion it. there is no natural impediment to our exports, there is no... it is just will and energy and ambition. and that is what we should be doing. by and that is what we should be doing. by minister, thank you. ok.
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and that is what we should be doing. by minister, thank you.— by minister, thank you. ok, prime minister, thank _ by minister, thank you. ok, prime minister, thank you _ by minister, thank you. ok, prime minister, thank you very _ by minister, thank you. ok, prime minister, thank you very much - by minister, thank you. ok, prime i minister, thank you very much indeed for answering — minister, thank you very much indeed for answering questions— minister, thank you very much indeed for answering questions from - minister, thank you very much indeed for answering questions from the - for answering questions from the committee — for answering questions from the committee i_ for answering questions from the committee. i look— for answering questions from the committee. i look forward - for answering questions from the committee. i look forward to - for answering questions from the committee. i look forward to one for answering questions from the i committee. i look forward to one or two replies— committee. i look forward to one or two replies from _ committee. i look forward to one or two replies from you _ committee. i look forward to one or two replies from you on _ committee. i look forward to one or two replies from you on points- committee. i look forward to one or two replies from you on points you i two replies from you on points you said you _ two replies from you on points you said you were~~~ _ two replies from you on points you said you were. . .— said you were... yes, i'll get back to it. said you were. .. yes, i'll get back to it- thank— said you were... yes, i'll get back to it. thank you _ said you were... yes, i'll get back to it. thank you for _ said you were... yes, i'll get back to it. thank you for coming - said you were... yes, i'll get back to it. thank you for coming to - said you were... yes, i'll get back i to it. thank you for coming to speak to it. thank you for coming to speak to us this afternoon. _ to it. thank you for coming to speak to us this afternoon. you _ to it. thank you for coming to speak to us this afternoon. you have - to it. thank you for coming to speak to us this afternoon. you have been| to us this afternoon. you have been watchin: to us this afternoon. you have been watching the _ to us this afternoon. you have been watching the liaison _ to us this afternoon. you have been watching the liaison committee, i watching the liaison committee, where the prime minister was facing questions from mps, questions on, as planned, on ukraine and the cost of living, but also, as many expected, also on downing street parties as well. let's speak to our political correspondent, damian grammaticus. damian, many of the subjects boris johnson had already been pressed on earlier at prime minister's questions. what emerged from his answers here at this committee hearing? answers here at this committee hearin: ? . answers here at this committee hearin: ? , , ., , hearing? yes, several interesting thin . s, hearing? yes, several interesting things. the _ hearing? yes, several interesting things, the first _ hearing? yes, several interesting things, the first interesting - hearing? yes, several interesting things, the first interesting thing | things, the first interesting thing was how the committee jumped straight into that partygate issue right at the early stages there of the questioning. the snp mp pete wishart asking the prime minister whether he would accept there had
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now been, except there had been criminality in downing street, given that the fixed penalty notices are being issued by the police. the prime minister steered away from that, still trying to back those questions away, saying that there is an ongoing investigation, i'm going to camp pretty firmly on my position, is what he said. he did indicate, interestingly, that he himself has not been given one of those yet. if it were to happen, he said, i am sure you would know if i were to be given one. and mr pete wishart, who was a musician in a band, said, iwas in wishart, who was a musician in a band, said, i was in rock and roll for 15 years. i couldn't even start to compete with what has been going on in number tendering lockdown and the partying culture you created, suggesting mrjohnson would be toast, he said, if he was fined. mr johnson said, i don't wish to minimise the importance of the issue, but i am not going to give any running commentary, so he batted
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all those away. then switch to ukraine, just a couple of interesting things there. the prime minister said that he understood joe biden puts my comments saying that president putin should leave or be out of power. he said that was, not the objective of the uk government, although he understood those comments. but he did say that he wanted to go up a gear in uk support for ukraine and continue to intensify sanctions with a rolling programme, so indicating intent there. but he was questioned quite a lot on the issue of visas for ukrainians coming here, why a on that homes for ukraine scheme, that only one in 100 applications submitted had been approved, that is around 2500 out of 25,000. he said he didn't know how many had arrived in the country and so, he was pushed very hard on that, but he did say that he couldn't see any reason why,
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in one particular instance, a ukrainian woman who was pregnant had been told she had to wait to have her baby before she could come here. he said he thought that should be fine. but he did say he fought the important thing was to keep checks happening because people needed to have confidence in the scheme and who was coming here. the other thing, then, interestingly, we switched on to, as expected, was the cost of living crisis. he talked a bit about the need to tackle energy prices, soaring energy prices, measures the government is doing with support payments and things like that, but particularly long—term energy issues, he talked about wind farms and nuclear power, but then he was pushed pretty hard on why there would be no more help in the chancellor's spring statement for those who were dependent on out of work benefits. and he was pressed on that several times and he said, basically we had to decide what to prioritise, who to target with
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government support, had the maximum economic benefit. he said, we think the way out of poverty is to help people into work, so defending his chancellor and the measures he took and we saw in a spring statement. damien, thanks for giving us that round—up. now to our top story today... a damning report into maternity services at shrewsbury and telford nhs trust has found "catastrophic failings" over 20 years. the inquiry, led by the senior midwife, donna 0ckenden, found that more than 200 babies and nine mothers who died might have survived if they'd been given the right care. ms 0ckenden described the culture at the trust as "appalling" and said "failures" in care were repeated from one incident to the next. the review, covering more than 1,500 incidents, is thought to be largest of its kind in nhs history. it spanned a timeframe of 20 years from 2000 to 2019 and identified 15 "immediate and essential actions" which must be implemented by all trusts in england
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providing maternity services. the trust has apologised fully for the failures and offered its sincere apologies to affected families. our social affairs correspondent, michael buchanan, reports. this is what justice this is whatjustice looks like. families failed by the nhs, now vindicated by the independent review they had placed their faith in. vindicated by the independent review they had placed theirfaith in. at they had placed theirfaith in. at the centre of the gathering, donna 0ckenden, the woman who delivered a devastating critique of maternity care at the shrewsbury and telford nhs trust. brute care at the shrewsbury and telford nhs trust. ~ ., ,, ., ., , , nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that — nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that failed _ nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that failed to _ nhs trust. we now know that this is a trust that failed to investigate, - a trust that failed to investigate, failed to learn and failed to improve. this resulted in tragedies and life changing incidents for so many of ourfamilies. and life changing incidents for so many of our families. the and life changing incidents for so many of our families.— many of our families. the review team found _ many of our families. the review team found there _ many of our families. the review team found there were - many of our families. the review team found there were at - many of our families. the review team found there were at least l many of our families. the review i team found there were at least 201 babies who might have survived with
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better maternity care. nine mothers could also have survived, 94 children sustained life changing harm, such as cerebral palsy and brain injury. harm, such as cerebral palsy and brain injury-— brain injury. this is all the more concerning _ brain injury. this is all the more concerning where _ brain injury. this is all the more concerning where it _ brain injury. this is all the more concerning where it is _ brain injury. this is all the more concerning where it is clear- brain injury. this is all the more concerning where it is clear that major issues and safety were apparent in both id with three lead units and consultant settings. unfortunately, these cases were not isolated incidents and through the timespan of our review, we have found repeated errors in care, which lead to injury to either mothers or their babies. the lead to injury to either mothers or their babies.— their babies. the review, which started in _ their babies. the review, which started in 2017, _ their babies. the review, which started in 2017, were _ their babies. the review, which started in 2017, were set - their babies. the review, which started in 2017, were set up . their babies. the review, which started in 2017, were set up to| their babies. the review, which - started in 2017, were set up to look into 23 cases at the trust. by the time it closed, more than 1000 families had come forward, the largest inquiry into maternity care in the history of the nhs. i largest inquiry into maternity care in the history of the nhs.- in the history of the nhs. i went alon: on in the history of the nhs. i went along on thursday. _ in the history of the nhs. i went along on thursday. the - in the history of the nhs. i went along on thursday. the waters l in the history of the nhs. i went i along on thursday. the waters was leaking _ along on thursday. the waters was leaking. they didn't induce me until saturday _ leaking. they didn't induce me until saturda . . leaking. they didn't induce me until saturda . , ., ., leaking. they didn't induce me until saturda. , ., ., saturday. this woman was left in labour saturday. this woman was left in labour for _ saturday. this woman was left in labour for 36 _ saturday. this woman was left in labour for 36 hours. _ saturday. this woman was left in labour for 36 hours. if _ saturday. this woman was left in labour for 36 hours. if they - saturday. this woman was left in labour for 36 hours. if they had l labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to _ labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to me _ labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to me from _ labour for 36 hours. if they had listened to me from the -
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labour for 36 hours. if they had - listened to me from the beginning, you know. — listened to me from the beginning, you know, jack probably would have been here _ you know, jack probably would have been here today. in you know, jack probably would have been here today.— you know, jack probably would have been here today._ i - been here today. in what way? i repeatedly _ been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked _ been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked for _ been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked for a _ been here today. in what way? i repeatedly asked for a cesarean | repeatedly asked fora cesarean labour— repeatedly asked for a cesarean labour and i repeatedly asked for a cesarean labourand i was repeatedly asked for a cesarean labour and i was knocked back every chance _ labour and i was knocked back every chance. , . . ~ .,, labour and i was knocked back every chance. , ., . ,, .,, ., chance. jack was born in a poor condition _ chance. jack was born in a poor condition and _ chance. jack was born in a poor condition and died _ chance. jack was born in a poor condition and died just - chance. jack was born in a poor condition and died just 11 - chance. jack was born in a poor condition and died just 11 hours | condition and died just 11 hours old. condition and died 'ust 11 hours old. , . , condition and died 'ust 11 hours old. , ., , ., �* old. they literally said, we don't know why _ old. they literally said, we don't know why he _ old. they literally said, we don't know why he has _ old. they literally said, we don't know why he has died. - old. they literally said, we don't know why he has died. and - old. they literally said, we don't know why he has died. and i - old. they literally said, we don't i know why he has died. and i said, well, _ know why he has died. and i said, well, is _ know why he has died. and i said, well, is that— know why he has died. and i said, well, is that it? you don't know why he has _ well, is that it? you don't know why he has died? — well, is that it? you don't know why he has died? and then they said, well, _ he has died? and then they said, well, we — he has died? and then they said, well, we don't know what else to tell you — well, we don't know what else to tell you. and i said, iwant a postmortem because a baby doesn't 'ust postmortem because a baby doesn't just die~ _ postmortem because a baby doesn't 'ust die. ., , ., ,, just die. today hayley thanked the woman she _ just die. today hayley thanked the woman she felt _ just die. today hayley thanked the woman she felt had _ just die. today hayley thanked the woman she felt had fully _ just die. today hayley thanked the | woman she felt had fully uncovered the extent of the problems. she uenuinel the extent of the problems. she genuinely cares, _ the extent of the problems. she genuinely cares, it is not... you know, _ genuinely cares, it is not... you know. it — genuinely cares, it is not... you know. it is — genuinely cares, it is not... you know, it is not about the baby, another— know, it is not about the baby, another number. she genuinely cares about— another number. she genuinely cares about each— another number. she genuinely cares about each and everyone of us and as she says. _ about each and everyone of us and as she says. we — about each and everyone of us and as she says, we are her family. any notion that _ she says, we are her family. any notion that these _ she says, we are her family. fifty notion that these were historical problems was firmly rejected by today's finding, with donna 0ckenden saying she was very concerned about the quality of current maternity care. we trust have not yet
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addressed those criticisms. today belon . s to addressed those criticisms. today belongs to the — addressed those criticisms. today belongs to the families _ addressed those criticisms. today belongs to the families who - addressed those criticisms. today belongs to the families who have | belongs to the families who have been failed by our trust and is the chief executive now, i want to apologise fully for those failures. and nothing can take away from the pain and distress caused. each family now _ pain and distress caused. each family now wants _ pain and distress caused. each family now wants the - pain and distress caused. each family now wants the nhs - pain and distress caused. each family now wants the nhs to embed each of the recommendations within today's report across the uk. it is nothing more than the lost children deserve. michael buchanan, bbc news, shrewsbury. and if you've been affected by this news, details of organisations offering information and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call forfree, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000155 998. the ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky has expressed scepticism about moscow's plan to scale back its forces around kyiv and the northern city of chernihiv, which was announced after talks yesterday between the two sides.
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he says he'lljudge russia's offer by "concrete results." the governor of the northern chernihiv region said he'd seen no let—up overnight, with air strikes hitting civilian infrastructures. us and ukrainian officials say russia is continuing to reposition forces away from kyiv, likely to be as part of an effort to refocus on eastern regions. anna foster reports. amid so much destruction, it is hard to believe that change is coming. ukrainian forces say they have recaptured what is left of irpin, north of kyiv. after peace talks yesterday in turkey, russia said it would scale down its military operations in this region. but this morning shelling still echoed around the capital. and that means the claims of a russian pullback are being met with scepticism. translation: yes, we can call positive the - signals we hear from the negotiating platform, but these signals do not silence the explosion of the russian shells.
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of course, we see all the risks, of course, we see no reason to trust the words of certain representatives of a state that continues to fight. some people are returning home, though, to a city that has changed forever. in kyiv they watch to see if russian forces are leaving and they will wait to see if they come back. but many ukrainians are still farfrom home. ivan isjust17. he escaped from kharkiv, leaving his mother and family behind, and now he and his girlfriend are living on the floor of a theatre rehearsal room. translation: when you go out from the basement, - the shock waves from explosions throw you against the wall. it is like the second sun. your mother is still in kharkiv, that must be hard for you?
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what can i say? it is a bit painful. in fact, it is too painful. mama said you have to be ready for any situation because every call could be the last call. in the east of ukraine millions of people are still living under heavy bombardment. and in donetsk, homes have been shelled again. it's another reason why ukrainians are bracing themselves for a long and painful conflict. anna foster, bbc news. vive. —— and foster there in lyiv. a two—year old boy has died after being bitten by a dog at an address in egdon in worcestershire. west mercia police said the boy had been in hospital since being bitten on monday. three dogs have been removed from the property. the police said they were unable to confirm the breed of dogs but they're not thought to be banned
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under the dangerous dogs act. a teenager who racially abused the england footballer marcus rashford on twitter after the euro 2020 final has been jailed for six weeks. justin lee price, who's 19 and from worcester, admitted one count of sending a grossly offensive message by public communication network. price posted the tweet following england's penalty shoot—out defeat against italy in last summer's final at wembley. the parole board has decided that the mother of peter connelly, known as baby p, should be released from prison. tracey connelly was jailed in 2009 over the death of her 17—month—old son. thejustice secretary dominic raab has made a statement about the case in the house of commons. in light of the parole boards direction to release tracey connelly, ishould inform the house that, having carefully read the decision, i have decided to apply to the parole board to seek their reconsideration. more generally, madam deputy speaker, the role of the parole board in deciding on the appropriateness of release from prison of criminal offenders, including many convicted of very serious violent
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and sexual offences, is clearly of paramount importance to protecting the public, but also maintaining and sustaining public confidence in ourjustice system. earlier, our correspondent, tim muffett, gave us the background to the story. this is such an awful case. tracey connelly, just to recap, was jailed in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of her 17—month—old son, peter, at their north london home in 2007. he became known publicly as baby p. he had suffered more than 50 injuries, despite being on the at—risk register and receiving numerous visits from social workers and health professionals. connelly admitted the offence and was imprisoned for a minimum term of five years. her then boyfriend received a 12—year sentence, as well as a life sentence for another crime, and tracey connelly was let out on licence in 2013, but was recalled to prison two years later for breaching her parole conditions. her case has been reviewed
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by the parole board several times since then and earlier today, in what was the fourth review, the parole board said that, "having considered the circumstances of her offending, her time on licence and her progress made whilst in custody," they were satisfied that tracey connelly was suitable for release, but as we have just been hearing, thejustice secretary dominic raab is going to ask them to reconsider that decision. that statement came ahead of what he described as "a root and branch review" of the parole system and following this awful case in 2010, there was a review into what had gone wrong. huge levels of incompetence on behalf of social workers, doctors, lawyers and police were revealed. so many questions as to how on earth this baby's death could have been allowed to happen. the parole board said its decisions are focused on the risk a prisoner could represent to the public and it said that protecting the public was its "number one priority." our correspondent, tim moffat,
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there. in melbourne a crowd of tens of thousands of people have attended a state memorial service celebrating the life of shane warne, one of cricket's greatest ever spin bowlers. the australian star died of a suspected heart attack earlier this month, at the age of 52. our correspondent, phil mercer, reports. this was a celebration of an extraordinary life. operatic singing. both on and off the cricket pitch, shane warne was an australian icon who elevated his sport and took showmanship to a new level. his family has struggled to cope with his sudden death. looking forward to a future without shane is inconceivable. but we do take comfort in knowing that shane packed more in his life of 52 years and five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes. # i sit and wait # does an angel...#. there were powerful messages and musical performances, too, from famous friends.
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even though he played for australia and he dismantled england too many times, everybody on the planet who has seen him play and experienced, i don't know, warney being warney, thinks he is one of us. with shane warne, scandal was never far away. he took money from illegal bookmakers, was banned for using prohibited drugs, and his private life delighted the tabloid newspapers. but, despite his flaws, he's remembered as a sporting genius. when he was in the team, australia believed they could beat anyone and he had so much gratitude for the era he played in as well. he often talked about how lucky he was to play with the legends that he did. he had so much passion for cricket and the history of cricket as well. shane warne said of himself, "i smoked, i drank, and i played a little cricket."
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phil mercer, bbc news, at the melbourne cricket ground. martin is with you from 5pm, but for now let's look at the weather forecast with chris. high, it has been turning colder, you might notice that if you have been out and about today, more cold there too, is well over the next days, some snow for some of you as well. we have seen some snowfall earlier on today, coming down in big chunky flakes, thatis coming down in big chunky flakes, that is because the snow where it has been falling has had a temperature just above freezing of that has allowed the flakes to stick together and for the most part is this just in eagles where snow is settling on the grass, but things could change overnight, this cold front pushing southwards and on the back edge of this will probably see snowfall across wales and southern
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england, certainly more showers coming in across scotland and eastern areas of england are turning to snow overnight as it gets a lot colder and given the widespread frost, expect some icy surfaces as we start off thursday morning. thursday broadly speaking is a day of sunshine and showers. the showers will be a gain of sleet, a bit of rain, some snow over high ground and this more pronounced band of showers coming into kent. that could bring some snow in it for the higher hills in kent. east anglia and south—east england will have called north—easterly britain winds all day, gusting to 40 mph, which is going to make it feel cold, especially given the temperature only reach 6 degrees example in norwich, but across the board colder than we often see it this time of year. through thursday night we do it all again, showers keeping on feeding in on those strong winds, particular across northern and eastern areas, the risk of some icy patches just about anywhere, with another widespread and sharp frost
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developing pretty much nationwide. for friday another cold is to the day, ice first thing, most of us seeing some sunshine, of course friday the first day of april, april fools' day, but not fooling around with these showers, especially the whole show is working into western scotland, where we'll see some snow through friday. temperatures still cold, 6 degrees in newcastle and aberdeen, may be a 10 for cardiff and london. the weekend continues with that showery theme, although the weekend might become a bit drier as we had through sunday, temperatures still below par for the time of year, but we will see a change in the next week as milder air rotates around an area of high pressure just air rotates around an area of high pressurejust to our air rotates around an area of high pressure just to our west, so eventually that will boost temperatures nationwide. however, is that milder air feeds temperatures nationwide. however, is that milder airfeeds and temperatures nationwide. however, is that milder air feeds and next week it is going to be cloudy with rain at times. a bit of snow around, overnight tonight, some of you could have a bit of snow on the ground first thing tomorrow morning. that is the latest.
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this is bbc news. the headlines... a landmark review into the uk's biggest maternity scandal finds more than 200 babies and nine mothers could have survived with the right care at the shrewsbury and telford trust in shropshire. if they had listened to me, from the beginning, you know, jack probably would have been here today. i repeatedly asked for a cesarean. brute repeatedly asked for a cesarean. we now know that this is a trust that failed _ now know that this is a trust that failed to— now know that this is a trust that failed to investigate, failed to learn — failed to investigate, failed to learn and failed to improve. this resulted — learn and failed to improve. this resulted in— learn and failed to improve. this resulted in tragedies and life—changing incidence for so many of our— life—changing incidence for so many of our families. questioned by senior mps — the prime minister refused to comment on reports that 20 fixed
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penalty notice fines have been

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