this is bbc news, i'm rebecca jones. the headlines. prince charles delivers the queen's speech in parliament — standing in for the monarch, who didn't attend the ceremony for the first time in nearly 60 years. government bills are promised on schooling, transport, and energy. and on schooling, transport, and energy. help for strug her on schoolin-, transport, and ener-y. ma'esty's go is her majesty's government's priority is to strengthen society and help ease _ is to strengthen society and help ease the — is to strengthen society and help ease the cost of living for families. i'm shaun ley live in westminster, bringing you reaction to what's been announced. the rest of the headlines here on bbc news. as the ukrainian port of odesa is hit by missiles, president zelensky warns of a threat

to global food supplies. the podcaster deborahjames, who's raised more than £1 million for cancer charities, announces she's having hospice care at home for her terminal bowel cancer. and rebekah vardy v colleen rooney — the so—called �*wagatha christie�* libel trial kicks off at the high court. good afternoon from westminster. prince charles has unveiled the government's plans for legislation for the year ahead, at the state opening of parliament. it was the first time in nearly 60 years that the queen didn't deliver the speech, after she decided not to attend

because of what buckingham palace described as mobility problems. this is the first time, although it is the third this is the first time, although it is the third time this is the first time, although it is the third time she this is the first time, although it is the third time she has this is the first time, although it is the third time she has not delivered the speech, on the two previous occasions it was because she was heavily pregnant. on this occasion for the first time the speech was delivered by another royal. let's have a reminder of what was said in the queen's speech. the speech set out plans for 38 new bills the government wants to introduce in the next year or so. amongst them, there was levelling up and regeneration bill. the speech said the government's priority is to strengthen the economy and ease the cost of living. an energy bill, which is likely to commit the uk to building new nuclear power stations. a brexit opportunities bill, to repeal some eu laws still in force in the uk and reduce business regulations.

there's also a public order bill, which is expected to introduce a 12 month jail term for protests which disrupt things like airports and train stations. there was a pledge to bring in a british bill of rights that will replace the human rights act — something which has been criticised by some campaigners. and there were plans to bring in an independent regulator of english football. here's our political correspondent, damian grammaticus. our political correspondent, ben wright is with me. ben, it's a lot of different things. does the government say it adds up to a coherent agenda for government to? it to a coherent agenda for government to? , . , ., ., to? it is a very large and complicated _ to? it is a very large and complicated patchwork l to? it is a very large and | complicated patchwork of to? it is a very large and - complicated patchwork of bills. it is also a very long list, by historic standards there is a lot in it, and want the narrative to be that the pandemic knocked us off

course, disrupted all our lives and caused a great deal of money but now we are turning the page back onto the stuff that matters to be bland in the centre of this remains the levelling up agenda. and a number of bills you mention fall into the levelling up umbrella. i am not sure there is a standout headline. i was wondering earlier on what tomorrow's tabloid headlines will put at the top when they try to sum it up and i think it is difficult to do. the problem for the government is clearly the backdrop is an immediate cost of living crisis and that is hard stuff, the government would argue, to legislate for. and when mps start to debate the queen's speech within the next half hour or so that is where the political fight will resume. the government will say these are lots of measures to tackle long—term economic problems, to produce long—term growth, tackle regional inequalities and they need to level up. labour and the opposition parties will say that right now people need help because

of spiralling inflation and wages falling behind. a very broad list of ambitions but the politicalfight will come straight back to the cost of living crisis. we will come straight back to the cost of living crisis.— of living crisis. we will talk about that in the _ of living crisis. we will talk about that in the moment _ of living crisis. we will talk about that in the moment and - of living crisis. we will talk about that in the moment and the - of living crisis. we will talk about i that in the moment and the clouds have cleared here at westminster since we last spoke to you when the queen speech was being delivered by prince charles. the government i guess will hope that as a kind of metaphorfor the new guess will hope that as a kind of metaphor for the new opportunities it will seize from outlining this agenda and hoping to move on from controversies like partygate and the perhaps disappointing set of elections last week with so many conservative councillors losing their seats. trying to not talk about some of the issues that have bogged down the government in recent months and strike out a new path, delivering on things the government promised when it was elected back in 2019. a political correspondent damien dramatic as reports now on what is in the speech.

this dates back to the 1500s but today there was no gilded carriage carrying the queen. in steady royal motorcade bringing the prince of wales accompanied by the duchess of cornwall. the first time in 200 years that not a monarch but an heir to the throne has delivered the speech to ministers at the state opening of parliament. it is the occasion on which the government sets out its plans for the year. the monarch is by tradition not allowed into the house of commons so today the prince of wales entered the house of lords. the sovereign�*s throne had been removed and instead the slightly lower consort�*s throne had been placed for prince charles. mps summoned to gather with peers to hear the address. a brief smile was shared between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, both of whom had their own political difficulties. for borisjohnson difficulties. for boris johnson there difficulties. for borisjohnson

there are crises, ukraine abroad and there are crises, ukraine abroad and the soaring cost of living at home. my the soaring cost of living at home. my lords and members of the house of commons, _ my lords and members of the house of commons, her majesty's government's priority— commons, her majesty's government's priority is_ commons, her majesty's government's priority is to — commons, her majesty's government's priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living _ the economy and help ease the cost of living for— the economy and help ease the cost of living for families. her majesty's government will level up opportunity in all parts of the country— opportunity in all parts of the country and support more people into work _ country and support more people into work to _ country and support more people into work. ., ., ., , work. to do that the government says it will reform — work. to do that the government says it will reform planning _ work. to do that the government says it will reform planning laws _ work. to do that the government says it will reform planning laws and - it will reform planning laws and says it can enable economic growth by cutting regulations inherited from the eu. her by cutting regulations inherited from the eu-— from the eu. her ma'esty's government * from the eu. her ma'esty's government will _ from the eu. her majesty's government will continue l from the eu. her majesty's| government will continue to from the eu. her majesty's - government will continue to seize the opportunities of the united kingdom's departure from the european union to support economic growth _ european union to support economic growth. regulations on businesses will be _ growth. regulations on businesses will be repealed and reformed. such romises will be repealed and reformed. such promises have _ will be repealed and reformed. such promises have been _ will be repealed and reformed. sit? promises have been made before, which rules to relax and which protections should go is the problem. there are also plans to

redraft human rights law currently based on eu law to crack down on inspection rebellion protesters. it is the economic challenge which is central. , , ., . central. this is a conference programme _ central. this is a conference programme of _ central. this is a conference programme of action - central. this is a conference programme of action to - central. this is a conference| programme of action to deal central. this is a conference - programme of action to deal with some of the big challenges facing this country. some of the global inflationary pressures which we all know are a massive challenge for households up and down the country and we want to take further action on top of the 22 billion that the chancellor has put forward to help families in that space. but opposition _ families in that space. but opposition parties said there was nothing to deal with the immediate crisis people face. i nothing to deal with the immediate crisis people face.— crisis people face. i think that the cost of living _ crisis people face. i think that the cost of living crisis _ crisis people face. i think that the cost of living crisis is _ crisis people face. i think that the cost of living crisis is so _ crisis people face. i think that the cost of living crisis is so large - cost of living crisis is so large and _ cost of living crisis is so large and everybody's minds and we will have to _ and everybody's minds and we will have to see — and everybody's minds and we will have to see significant action from the uk _ have to see significant action from the uk government today because people _ the uk government today because people can't wait, they can't wait while _ people can't wait, they can't wait while the — people can't wait, they can't wait while the uk government showery showery— while the uk government showery showery and there is no reason they are delaying. other governments have not delayed the way they have and it is hot _ not delayed the way they have and it is not good _ not delayed the way they have and it is not good enough. the not delayed the way they have and it is not good enough.— is not good enough. the bank of encland is not good enough. the bank of england said _ is not good enough. the bank of england said last _ is not good enough. the bank of england said last week - is not good enough. the bank of england said last week the - is not good enough. the bank of

england said last week the uk . is not good enough. the bank of. england said last week the uk faces 10% inflation and recession next year. 1096 inflation and recession next ear. 1096 inflation and recession next ear, , ., ., 1096 inflation and recession next ear. ,., ., , ., , , year. the bottom line is that unless we aet year. the bottom line is that unless we get real— year. the bottom line is that unless we get real help — year. the bottom line is that unless we get real help to _ year. the bottom line is that unless we get real help to households - year. the bottom line is that unless we get real help to households and | we get real help to households and the cost of living problems they are facing then there is real pressure. do an emergency budget now. the first line of the speech could be, there is an emergency budget to give there is an emergency budget to give the british public real help with the british public real help with the pressures they face. and the british public real help with the pressures they face. and liberal democrats instead _ the pressures they face. and liberal democrats instead of _ the pressures they face. and liberal democrats instead of tax _ the pressures they face. and liberal democrats instead of tax rises - the pressures they face. and liberali democrats instead of tax rises there should be more tax cuts. what democrats instead of tax rises there should be more tax cuts.— should be more tax cuts. what that didn't here is _ should be more tax cuts. what that didn't here is the _ should be more tax cuts. what that didn't here is the immediate - didn't here is the immediate response to the cost of living crisis — response to the cost of living crisis. there was an opportunity for the government to look at tax today the government to look at tax today the opportunity to look at a call fora _ the opportunity to look at a call fora cut— the opportunity to look at a call fora cut to _ the opportunity to look at a call for a cut to vat.— for a cut to vat. pressure is growing _ for a cut to vat. pressure is growing for _ for a cut to vat. pressure is growing for the _ for a cut to vat. pressure is growing for the governmenti for a cut to vat. pressure is i growing for the government to for a cut to vat. pressure is - growing for the government to bring in more immediate measures to deal with the growing inflationary pressures the nation faces. our political correspondent, ben wright is with me. what about the mood in the conservative party because this is presumably an opportunity to try to raise morale among backbench mps, probably by this time of the

parliament quite tired and fractious. parliament quite tired and fractions-— parliament quite tired and fractious. , ., parliament quite tired and fractious. �* , ., �* ., ., fractious. and they don't want to describe it _ fractious. and they don't want to describe it as _ fractious. and they don't want to describe it as a _ fractious. and they don't want to describe it as a reset _ fractious. and they don't want to describe it as a reset moment i fractious. and they don't want to l describe it as a reset moment but fractious. and they don't want to i describe it as a reset moment but it is boris johnson's describe it as a reset moment but it is borisjohnson's big chance to try to shift everything beyond partygate and covid and local election results which were pretty bleak for his party, losing about 400 councillors across the length and breadth of the country. a couple of months ago when he was really deep into the partygate scandal i spoke to a lot of tory mps who were worried that part of the problem was there was no big idea and here he was halfway through a parliament with an 80 seat majority and yet a lot of conservative mps worried that he was squandering that potential political power. it was all complicated by covid but the challenge for boris johnson is to persuade them that he does have an ambitious programme for the remaining couple of years of his government and to calm nerves within his party. the problems within the tory party were stark within those

elections. holding on to the northern parts of england that they have taken from labour at the 2019 election but clearly a lot of discomfort in the south for the liberal democrats and labour to some extent are getting at that tory vote, the old—fashioned tory vote. there is a problem for the government in formulating a plan for the next couple of years as it goes into the election in managing to appeal to both parts of its voters. one way to do that might be something that re—invigorates the united kingdom. is there a sense thatis united kingdom. is there a sense that is something the government is inching towards, some idea of what unites us as a country? that inching towards, some idea of what unites us as a country?— unites us as a country? that is the sort of theme _ unites us as a country? that is the sort of theme that _ unites us as a country? that is the sort of theme that they _ unites us as a country? that is the sort of theme that they would - unites us as a country? that is the| sort of theme that they would love to have right now. perhaps one area they might have done in this queen's speech was a dramatic house—building programme but that caused huge ructions within the conservative party in parliament a year or so ago and what does one of the most

interesting omissions from the speech, that a big bold housing bill was not included because they felt it was too difficult to do at the moment considering the make—up of the parliamentary tory party. northern ireland mentioned and there was a very interesting line where prince charles said the continued success and integrity of the whole united kingdom is of paramount importance to the government including the internal economic bonds between all its parts. there was some speculation there could have been a bill specifically the northern ireland protocol which has put effectively a trade border between mainland britain and northern ireland. that was not in the queen's speech about the government has an urgentjob as it hopes a government can be set up in stormont to find some sort of compromise to get the dup into government. compromise to get the dup into government-— compromise to get the dup into government. �* ., , government. ben was saying it might be difficult for _ government. ben was saying it might be difficult for the _ government. ben was saying it might be difficult for the headline _ be difficult for the headline writers to come up with something thatis writers to come up with something that is snappy but one thing they will always do is feature prince charles on the front pages tomorrow,

the first royal other than the queen to deliver the queen's speech in this range. let's speak to our royal correspondent nicholas witchell. how big a decision do you think this was for the queen and her advisers that prince charles rather than the queen herself should deliver this speech at the most symbolic of occasions? i speech at the most symbolic of occasions?— occasions? i think it was a big decision and _ occasions? i think it was a big decision and we _ occasions? i think it was a big decision and we were - occasions? i think it was a big decision and we were being i occasions? i think it was a big l decision and we were being told yesterday morning that she was still planning and hoping to carry out the state opening herself. late yesterday afternoon just after 6pm buckingham palace issued the statement that reluctantly the queen had decided after consulting with her doctor is that because of the episodic mobility issues she was no longer able to do it. so a significant moment for her but at the same time i am sure she will have been pleased to have given the prince of wales an opportunity to be seen to be delivering the queen's

speech at this most important constitutional moment, the state opening of parliament, on her behalf. and it is a reminder, if you like, to have two adult heirs to the throne, charles and william, both are therefore the state opening of parliament in both centre stage. prince william with him, a reminder of the continuity of the monarchy. but a significant moment undoubtedly for the prince of wales, the first time he has fulfilled the central constitutional function, time he has fulfilled the central constitutionalfunction, and it is the most tangible sign of the process that is taking place quietly and discreetly behind the scenes as preparations are made, of course, for the transition from one rain to another. nobody is suggesting for a moment that this is imminent but it is coming towards us, clearly. thank ou ve is coming towards us, clearly. thank you very much- _ is coming towards us, clearly. thank you very much. good _ is coming towards us, clearly. thank you very much. good timing -

is coming towards us, clearly. thank you very much. good timing because prince william and the duchess of cambridge havejust prince william and the duchess of cambridge have just arrived prince william and the duchess of cambridge havejust arrived in manchester after attending the queen's speech ceremony at the state opening of parliament this morning. they were rushed up to manchester and the reason this for the memorial for the manchester arena bombings that happened coming up to five years ago on the 22nd of may, 2017, in which 22 people were killed by that terrorist attack on the manchester arena. they are commemorating that with the inauguration of the memorial to those who dry and those who were injured and those who did so much to try and help those who were suffering on that terrible night. so the duchess of cambridge and the duke of cambridge together, giving the royal and premature and also acknowledgement of the extraordinary sacrifice that was made. they are

currently meeting and greeting civic leaders and of course religious leaders. this will be of course the service reflecting all the different religious communities in manchester, terrorism is no respecter of faith, class, gender or anything else. terrorism is no respecter of faith, class, gender oranything else. it does its terrible business indiscriminately and bid so that might at that concert were so many young people and families were devastated by the event in manchester of may 2017. the memorial itself is going to be a symbol both of respect for the memory of those who dry or were injured than those who dry or were injured than those who did so much to help them but also an attempt to look forward to the kind of legacy of that event and come up with something positive and significant in reflecting that which is what they hope they will be able to do with it. the cambridge is are in manchesterfor to do with it. the cambridge is are in manchester for that commemoration

of manchester arena. we have now had the convictions in the criminal case but the public inquiry, the public stages of it are over but we are waiting for the final report, some of which is expected to be quite critical of some of the reaction and emergency planning. there have already been acknowledgements for some of the emergency services. let's return to events at westminster. victoria hills is the chief executive of the royal town planning institute. thank you for being with us. there is lots on this bill that will potentially be of interest to your members and if anybody is interested in the planning and development turned regeneration of so much of the country. what stood out for you? thank you for the opportunity to comment, we have 27,000 members in the uk and there are lots of us and more is needed. we don't know what is in the bill yet. we have a headline and a name but the white

paper is very clear. a strong plan led planning system is central to levelling up. we welcome the attention the government is paying to planning because without a strong planning system in place that will be impossible to bring forward the homes and jobs and communities that people are crying out for. we have to have those plans in place locally, they have to be well resourced and funded properly. we are looking forward to the detail which we haven't seen yet but the fact the government is bringing forward notjust a levelling up bill but he regeneration bill is really important for us and we welcome that warmly. the important for us and we welcome that warml . ., ., ., ., warmly. the regeneration and local . rowth warmly. the regeneration and local urowth bill warmly. the regeneration and local growth bill as _ warmly. the regeneration and local growth bill as well, _ warmly. the regeneration and local growth bill as well, all— warmly. the regeneration and local growth bill as well, all of— warmly. the regeneration and local growth bill as well, all of which - growth bill as well, all of which must speak to the need for planning and development but it is where the development happens that remains often the big stumbling block. what is the problem, because the government had very ambitious planning reform which looked like it was tied almost to a presumption of

planning consent and it was scattered by the politics, why? you have to reflect, _ scattered by the politics, why? 9571. have to reflect, we have had a planning system in place for 80 years and there is a certain way of doing things and that involves the community. it is important in anything going forward but he put the community at the heart of the proposals. the community, the elected politicians, they understand the communities and the needs and they understand what is needed and where it needs to go so it is about empowering them with the right powers and resources to get on and do that. what we saw it as if you take away that power and try to centralise in any way... fir take away that power and try to centralise in any way... or perish the thought. _ centralise in any way... or perish the thought, give _ centralise in any way... or perish the thought, give it _ centralise in any way... or perish the thought, give it to _ centralise in any way... or perish the thought, give it to an - the thought, give it to an algorithm. the thought, give it to an algorithm-— the thought, give it to an aluorithm. ~ ., �* ., ,, ., algorithm. we don't talk about the aluorithms algorithm. we don't talk about the algorithms any _ algorithm. we don't talk about the algorithms any more, _ algorithm. we don't talk about the algorithms any more, i _ algorithm. we don't talk about the algorithms any more, i think - algorithm. we don't talk about the algorithms any more, i think it - algorithm. we don't talk about the algorithms any more, i think it is l algorithms any more, i think it is banished, — algorithms any more, i think it is banished, but we are talking about local empowerment. it has to be well resourced _ local empowerment. it has to be well resourced with the planning teams in place, _ resourced with the planning teams in place. have _ resourced with the planning teams in place, have to have to have the right _ place, have to have to have the right infrastructure funding and you have to _ right infrastructure funding and you have to have all of that so you can enable _ have to have all of that so you can enable the —

have to have all of that so you can enable the conversations that take place _ enable the conversations that take place in _ enable the conversations that take place in the community and business and jobs _ place in the community and business and jobs as— place in the community and business and jobs as well.— and “obs as well. let's talk about the and jobs as well. let's talk about the specifics _ and jobs as well. let's talk about the specifics if _ and jobs as well. let's talk about the specifics if we _ and jobs as well. let's talk about the specifics if we made. - and jobs as well. let's talk about the specifics if we made. one - and jobs as well. let's talk about the specifics if we made. one is| and jobs as well. let's talk about i the specifics if we made. one is the proposal that it should be possible for councils to have increased compulsory powers in one aspect of that would be to get empty shops occupied even if it is not very particularly lucrative amount of money. i was listening to a commentator from sheffield talking about it today and she said it looks very simple but then you have any complications that in the planning process to make it really difficult to achieve and often means it can be easierfor people to to achieve and often means it can be easier for people to leave properties empty.- easier for people to leave properties empty. easier for people to leave ---roertiesem . ., , , properties empty. that is why we need to see _ properties empty. that is why we need to see the _ properties empty. that is why we need to see the detail— properties empty. that is why we need to see the detail on - properties empty. that is why we need to see the detail on the - properties empty. that is why we need to see the detail on the bill| need to see the detail on the bill but anything which makes it easier to bring properties into the use has to bring properties into the use has to be welcome. we have a climate emergency and councils making commitments to net zero, we cannot have properties sat vacant doing nothing in areas well located for public transport. we need to bring those properties back into use

whether it is homes or employment or community is. let's wait and see what the detail but anything that simplifies it can only be welcome. you know because you have worked in london for many years and have tried to work on some of these complicated planning operations. there is a mismatch between the availability of property and the demand and often the availability is not where the demand is. how do you overcome that if there is resistance in those communities to see development? br; communities to see development? el: having very honest and open conversations with the community and providing them with the right amount of information and improving the understanding of what is required and what is needed going forward. there you can have a conversation and where you just impose is where the wheels fall off. that said, it is a levelling up bill so we have to look at things on the round about putting homes and jobs and community facilities in the right places. what

does wright mean? that is a conversation that will continue to run but the starting point is you will not get any levelling up unless you include the community and elected politicians locally to be part of that conversation so it is a good starting point and if it is what is in there then we will warmly welcome it. what is in there then we will warmly welcome it— welcome it. what for you will prove this has been _ welcome it. what for you will prove this has been successful _ welcome it. what for you will prove this has been successful in - welcome it. what for you will prove this has been successful in these i this has been successful in these reforms, 510 years down the line? what would be different if these have worked?— what would be different if these have worked? ~ ., ., , , have worked? what would be different is bein: well have worked? what would be different is being well resourced, _ have worked? what would be different is being well resourced, so _ have worked? what would be different is being well resourced, so we - have worked? what would be different is being well resourced, so we can - is being well resourced, so we can deliver all of these reforms, but more importantly, people have almost 11 and places to work. putting it very simply. if we can get the waiting lists down for homes and there are a lot of people waiting for somewhere to live, if we can get it down that will have worked but likewise if you can get the levelling up for the economy and some of the things the white paper aspired to do then that will be the success by which it is measured against. success by which it is measured aaainst. ., ~ success by which it is measured aaainst. ., ,, i. , success by which it is measured

aaainst. ., ,, , . success by which it is measured aaainst. ., ~ , . against. thank you very much. more from is in a — against. thank you very much. more from is in a short _ against. thank you very much. more from is in a short while _ against. thank you very much. more from is in a short while with - against. thank you very much. more from is in a short while with the - from is in a short while with the debate on the queen's speech coming up debate on the queen's speech coming up at 2:30pm but for now back to you. couples kept in separate countries by a visa backlog say the home office has failed to tell them how long delays might be. some spouses were told only days before they were due to leave there would be a delay. the home office says the delays are due to the war in ukraine. joining me now is the bbc�*s community affairs correspondent ashitha nagesh. thanks for coming in to talk to us about this. tell us a little more about this. tell us a little more about what the problem is and how big it is. i about what the problem is and how bi it is. ., , about what the problem is and how bi it is. .,, about what the problem is and how biuitis. _ about what the problem is and how bi. itis. _ ., big it is. i was contacted by more than 150 couples _ big it is. i was contacted by more than 150 couples affected - big it is. i was contacted by more than 150 couples affected by - big it is. i was contacted by more. than 150 couples affected by these delays and they are all in different situations with very different stories but one thing that connects all of them is the sheer sense of desperation. if you are a british citizen and you want to marry a

foreign national and bring them here to live with you, what you usually have to do is you have to be living and working in the uk already and your partner has to send off their application from their home country. so even in normal times you have to live in separate countries when you send the application off. in normal times you would only have to wait for three months to get a visa decision before you can move to the uk. what we are seeing now is that a lot of the people who have got in touch with me have been waiting for double that time. six. touch with me have been waiting for double that time.— touch with me have been waiting for double that time._ yes, | double that time. six months. yes, exactl , double that time. six months. yes, exactly. and _ double that time. six months. yes, exactly. and in _ double that time. six months. yes, exactly, and in one _ double that time. six months. yes, exactly, and in one case _ double that time. six months. yes, exactly, and in one case i _ double that time. six months. yes, exactly, and in one case i was - exactly, and in one case i was contacted by one husband who says he hasn't seen his wife or child for two and a half years they live in china and he came to visit his family at the beginning ofjanuary 2020. we all know what happened then, covid struck and shut and he hasn't been able to see them in person since then and he has been waiting for coming up to six months

now free visa decision. that particular — now free visa decision. that particular couple _ now free visa decision. that particular couple haven't - now free visa decision. that particular couple haven't seen each other for two and he particular couple haven't seen each otherfor two and he has been waiting for coming up to six months now free visa decision. that particular couple haven't seen each other for couples of the 150 that have been in contact with you, can they see each other while waiting for the visa to come through? {line they see each other while waiting for the visa to come through? one of the main problems— for the visa to come through? one of the main problems with _ for the visa to come through? one of the main problems with being - for the visa to come through? one of the main problems with being able i for the visa to come through? one of the main problems with being able to visit each other as the non—british partner sending of their application from their home country has to given their passport to the visa processing office so they are obviously not able to travel. if they request their passport back even for specific circumstances like attending a funeral or travelling urgently, that withdraws their application and it means they have to do the whole thing over again, which is a massive time expense and a huge financial expense. which is the second problem because applications are very expensive, by objective standards, so a visa application for a spouse normally is

about 2000 to £2500 just for the application and on top of that you have to be an international health surcharge which depending on which visa you are going for could be another thousand pounds on top of it, then you have to pay for a solicitor to make sure you have done it right, so some people tell me they have paid around £5,000 in totalfor they have paid around £5,000 in total for their application and that is not including the money you have to keep aside for moving and anyone who has moved house knows that costs quickly add up. now add in the flights and shipping of all your belongings and flying any pets you have over, all those little things add up, so the sad story is that people just can't afford to visit each other. 50 people just can't afford to visit each other-— people just can't afford to visit each other. ., ., , ., each other. so what has the home office said — each other. so what has the home office said about _ each other. so what has the home office said about all— each other. so what has the home office said about all of— each other. so what has the home office said about all of this? - each other. so what has the home office said about all of this? i - office said about all of this? i have been sent a statement from the home office if you don't mind me just looking down briefly, i will make sure i get it completely as they sent it. they say we are prioritising the ukraine family

scheme and homes for ukraine applications in response to the humanitarian crisis caused by putin's barbaric invasion of ukraine. applications for study, work and family visas have taken longer to process but they say, we are working at pace to make sure these are issued as quickly as possible. and the home office when they have communicated have also said it is due to the war in the ukraine. b. said it is due to the war in the ukraine. ~ _, , .., said it is due to the war in the ukraine. ~ , , ., ., ., ukraine. a complicated situation and i susect ukraine. a complicated situation and i suspect we — ukraine. a complicated situation and i suspect we haven't _ ukraine. a complicated situation and i suspect we haven't heard _ ukraine. a complicated situation and i suspect we haven't heard the - ukraine. a complicated situation and i suspect we haven't heard the last l i suspect we haven't heard the last of it so keep us posted but for now, thank you so much. the black sea port of odesa was hit again by missiles last night, in what the ukrainians say were attacks by russian bombers using hypersonic missiles — which fly at five times the speed of sound. one person is reported to have died. the missiles struck a shopping centre and a depot in the port, which is a major hub for the export of agricultural products including grain, wheat and corn. from odesa, caroline davies reports.

as russia celebrated victory day, odesa burned. this was one of the city's shopping centres, incinerated after a missile strike. ukrainian authorities said seven missiles were launched at the city yesterday, killing one person, injuring five more. the smell of burning plastic still hung in the air this morning. when we were here last night it was difficult to see the full extent of the damage but this morning you can. the rocket has ripped into the shopping centre, it is completely folded. the fire brigade is still trying to put out fires and the electricity wires over here have been ripped away. russia has been targeting the strategically important southern port city of odesa, on ukraine's southern coast. before the war it was a key international port, taking ukrainian products to the world. president zelensky appealed again to end the war so the ports can be opened. translation: without our agricultural exports, - dozens of countries in different

parts of the world are already on the brink of food shortages and over time the situation could become, frankly, terrible. politicians are already discussing the possible consequences of a price crisis and famine in africa and asia. this is a direct consequence of russian aggression. missile strikes do not only destroy infrastructure, they shake lives. even 300 metres from the strike, the force of the blast destroyed many windows in this block of flats. katarina and her two—year—old daughter irina were inside. "we were about to go to bed when the air alert began," she tells me. "i heard a very large explosion, grabbed two pillows "and covered her ears. "i did not want her to hear the sounds of the explosion "and be frightened by it. "the whole house was shaking." then she asked her daughter, "what do we do when we hear the air raid siren?" "we run," she says. "we run away." young minds already used to living

with the constant threat of war. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan powell. hello. some rain on the way for many parts of the uk in the next 24 hours. it's been stubbornly dry of late across much of england and wales. here ,i think a more prolonged spell of rain as we look at wednesday, should see some areas getting between ten and 20 millimetres of rain in total. the heaviest rain through the evening and over night is likely out of these showers pushing in to western scotland. england and wales starts the night fine, but some showers by the end of the night getting into northern england. and then the more persistent rain around dawn approaching the south west of england and wales. and this is a little weather system that we're watching developing all the while out in the atlantic. it's going to push its way eastwards through wednesday. exactly how far this rain will get is subject to some question at the moment. looks like it should

get into lancashire though and lincolnshire through the day. however, not sure how much rain will be left on the system by the time it pushes across towards the south east through wednesday evening. but certainly some wetter weather to come tomorrow for england and wales. hello this is bbc news.

we're going to cross now to the house of commons where mps are discussing the queen's speech. to the house of commons where mps prince to the house of commons where mps charles has ( queen's prince charles has delivered the queen's speech at parliament standing infor queen's speech at parliament standing in for that monica, who didn't give the speech for 60 years. now, this is our chance to hearfrom the prime minister, the leader of the prime minister, the leader of the opposition and other politicians. let's listen and now to the debate in the house of commons. if the member is inaccurate by mistake, if a if the member is inaccurate by mistake, ifa member if the member is inaccurate by mistake, if a member is inaccurate by mistake they should correct that mistake as soon as possible. members must be mindful of the impact of what they say. not only on other members but on others who follow our proceedings. members should be heard

courteously whatever their views. in this place we are honourable members in the language of use about each other should reflect that. if a member falls short on the standards expected, there are ways of dealing with that. not only by accusations during questions or debates, if we fail to treat each other with respect in the debate, that diminishes our work. it also risks raising the temperature of discussions outside this place, particularly on social media. which are too often descends into online abuse against honourable members. i also wish to give some advice about seeking to speak to the chamber. the deputy speaker and i take into account a number of factors when determining who to be called during business which is not balloted, and

one fact we consider carefully is so often a member may speak. in other words, you may speak... a colleague is likely to be called or more likely to be called early in the next debate for which you both apply. i know it can be frustrating not to be called in a debate also be called late prioritising those debates question times, urgent questions and statements in which you seek to participate is one way of trying to avoid that happening. now we have started a new session, everybody starts. at the reset button of zero. i shall make clear that the difference principle is applied to frontbenchers from the three largest parties who are nominated to speak in behalf of

their parties. staff in my office are very happy to offer further advice. finally, iwant are very happy to offer further advice. finally, i want all members and everyone in the parliamentary communique to be able to go about their work safely, both online and here in westminster. the security of this building of those who work it depends upon us all. we have a duty to be vigilant and to assist those whose job it is to to be vigilant and to assist those whosejob it is to maintain to be vigilant and to assist those whose job it is to maintain this place is a safe place to work. before moving to the first business of the new session, id before moving to the first business of the new session, i'd like to express my best wishes to all honourable members... let express my best wishes to all honourable members... let me tell ou what honourable members... let me tell you what is— honourable members... let me tell you what is happening, _ honourable members... let me tell you what is happening, the - honourable members... let me tell you what is happening, the speakerj you what is happening, the speaker has given a pep talk at the start of a new parliamentary session, the clerk is announcing the orders for debate this afternoon. what happens with this is the loyal address in the queen's speech we will be hearing from a veteran backbencher and a new backbencher before we hear from keir starmer and borisjohnson. let's listen in.

his royal highness, the prince of wales delivered her majesty is most gracious speech to both houses of parliament on her majesties behalf. of parliament on her majesties behalf. of weight, i have for greater accuracy obtained a copy. i shall direct the terms of the speech being presented, copies are available. therefore i call the movements of a second, i want to propose the debates during the remaining debates of the royal address which are, today, debate on the address, tomorrow, preventing crime and delivering justice. thursday, power in the communities. monday, making britain the best place to grow up and grow old. tuesday, tackling the short—term and long—term cost of living increases. wednesday, achieving economic growth. i have

the pleasure to call forjust a second. i now call that shy and retiring, graham stuart. i beg to move. let our humble address— i beg to move. let our humble address be presented to her majesty as follows. we, your duty and loyal subjects. _ as follows. we, your duty and loyal subjects, the commerce of the united kingdom _ subjects, the commerce of the united kingdom sent uk and northern ireland in parliament assembled, beg leave to offer— in parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our— in parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to your majesty— to offer our humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech which _ majesty for the gracious speech which was addressed to both houses of parliament. it is a great honour for me _ of parliament. it is a great honour for me and — of parliament. it is a great honour for me and my constituents to propose — for me and my constituents to propose the humble address and all the more _ propose the humble address and all the more so in this platinum jubilee year _ the more so in this platinum jubilee year to _ the more so in this platinum jubilee year. to save this packaging that is intimidating i think we can take us

right _ intimidating i think we can take us right we — intimidating i think we can take us right. we wish her majesty the best of health— right. we wish her majesty the best of health and thanked her for her seven— of health and thanked her for her seven decades of service. her majesty— seven decades of service. her majesty has demonstrated a selflessness which puts the rest of us to _ selflessness which puts the rest of us to shame. the legislative agenda we are _ us to shame. the legislative agenda we are debating today must be seen within— we are debating today must be seen within the _ we are debating today must be seen within the most alarming of international contacts. russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable attack on ukraine has united the whole of this house — on ukraine has united the whole of this house in condemnation. we stand together— this house in condemnation. we stand together with our friends in ukraine and i— together with our friends in ukraine and i congratulate the right honourable gentleman to be that of the opposition for his party has one wholehearted backing of the measures to support _ wholehearted backing of the measures to support the ukrainian people. we are providing rocket launchers, complete — are providing rocket launchers, complete with rockets, so different from the _ complete with rockets, so different from the submarine is the honourable gentleman's party proposed that

micro—which were to have been dumped but you _ micro—which were to have been dumped but you will— micro—which were to have been dumped but you will remember, never armed. no one _ but you will remember, never armed. no one in— but you will remember, never armed. no one in politics, no one wishes to be seen _ no one in politics, no one wishes to be seen as— no one in politics, no one wishes to be seen as hastert. today i fulfil the role — be seen as hastert. today i fulfil the role of— be seen as hastert. today i fulfil the role of the old darfur —— duffer. _ the role of the old darfur —— duffer, who best days are behind him _ while my honourable friend the member— while my honourable friend the member for brecon and radnorshire plays the _ member for brecon and radnorshire plays the part for up—and—coming talent _ plays the part for up—and—coming talent the — plays the part for up—and—coming talent. the chief whip certainly made _ talent. the chief whip certainly made the right decision with the latter _ made the right decision with the latter as — made the right decision with the latter. as we shall soon hear. given

my party— latter. as we shall soon hear. given my party today, mr speaker, i thought— my party today, mr speaker, i thought it would dispense advice both to _ thought it would dispense advice both to those seeking to enter parliament and young people who are already— parliament and young people who are already here, many of whom are elected — already here, many of whom are elected as— already here, many of whom are elected as long as two years ago and you know— elected as long as two years ago and you know who you are. i can't believe — you know who you are. i can't believe you _ you know who you are. i can't believe you are still not in the cabinet — mr speaker, some of us are here for a tohg _ mr speaker, some of us are here for a tohg time, — mr speaker, some of us are here for a long time, some for a short time. some _ a long time, some for a short time. some according to our media friends for a good _ some according to our media friends for a good time. so, for the kind that is, my advice is keep— so, for the kind that is, my advice is keep going and realise how much

simptym _ is keep going and realise how much simply... when i applied to the conservative association the senior officers _ conservative association the senior officers had already decided who they were going to have as their candidate — they were going to have as their candidate. none other than their then member of european parliament he wouldn't be able to continue in that role, — he wouldn't be able to continue in that role, then i will write member for scarborough and whitby. after i won that selection... by two votes. _ after i won that selection... by two votes” _ after i won that selection... by two votes” two — after i won that selection... by two votes,, two elderly lady members congratulated me and told me they had voted — congratulated me and told me they had voted for me and the first one said, _ had voted for me and the first one said. you — had voted for me and the first one said, you spoke very well. and the other— said, you spoke very well. and the other one — said, you spoke very well. and the other one said, the robert goodwin was brilliant. to which the other

replied, — was brilliant. to which the other replied, he's got a job already. robert won selection in scarborough went on— robert won selection in scarborough went onto _ robert won selection in scarborough went on to win with a 3500 majority and was _ went on to win with a 3500 majority and was the — went on to win with a 3500 majority and was the only conservative candidate in the home of the north of england to take a seat on the labour— of england to take a seat on the labour party at that selection. the leader— labour party at that selection. the leader of— labour party at that selection. the leader of the opposition must wish it was— leader of the opposition must wish it was so— leader of the opposition must wish it was so today. instead, the only thing _ it was so today. instead, the only thing opening up for him in the north— thing opening up for him in the north is— thing opening up for him in the north is a _ thing opening up for him in the north is a police investigation.

some months after the election, i met a _ some months after the election, i met a member of my association's executive — met a member of my association's executive committee and he congratulated me and said he was -lad congratulated me and said he was glad that— congratulated me and said he was glad that i— congratulated me and said he was glad that i had been selected as a candidate — glad that i had been selected as a candidate after all. i thought i'd lost my— candidate after all. i thought i'd lost my hard work was being recognised and he added, because, you would _ recognised and he added, because, you would never have won scarborough. my constituency comprises four towns, beverley, comprises fourtowns, beverley, on sigma— comprises fourtowns, beverley, on sigma with— comprises fourtowns, beverley, on sigma with and see and then other hamlets— sigma with and see and then other hamlets and villages which are dotted — hamlets and villages which are dotted across east yorkshire. it is a beautiful— dotted across east yorkshire. it is a beautiful part of the world that has history as well as charm. beverley— has history as well as charm. beverley has contributed more than most places to the improvement of our democratic system over the years — our democratic system over the years. admittedly, chiefly by running _ years. admittedly, chiefly by running elections in such a corrupt manner— running elections in such a corrupt manner that — running elections in such a corrupt manner that the law had to be changed _ manner that the law had to be changed. after the unseating of the

victorious— changed. after the unseating of the victorious candidate in 1727, i petitioned his agents were imprisoned and parliament passed bribery— imprisoned and parliament passed bribery law. mr speaker, beverley's notorious _ bribery law. mr speaker, beverley's notorious three men were not put off so easily _ notorious three men were not put off so easily it— notorious three men were not put off so easily. it is the byword for electorat— so easily. it is the byword for electoral malpractice. anthony trottope — electoral malpractice. anthony trollope stood in the liberal interest _ trollope stood in the liberal interest in 1868 and such was the interest in1868 and such was the level— interest in1868 and such was the level of— interest in 1868 and such was the level of wrongdoing that a royal commission was established especially and a new law passed this infanticide _ especially and a new law passed this infanticide in the town and barring it from _ infanticide in the town and barring it from ever returning a member of parliament — obviously, the law did change. three b and _ obviously, the law did change. three b and class— obviously, the law did change. three b and class inducements were the electoral— b and class inducements were the electoral controversies then rather than saying beer and carried today.

never, _ than saying beer and carried today. never, mr— than saying beer and carried today. never, mr speaker, never in the history— never, mr speaker, never in the history of— never, mr speaker, never in the history of human conflict has so much, — history of human conflict has so much, come from a coma. i said they will provide _ much, come from a coma. i said they will provide some advice for our up—and—coming parliamentarians. when i up—and—coming parliamentarians. when i arrived _ up—and—coming parliamentarians. when i arrived here, _ up—and—coming parliamentarians. when iarrived here, i up—and—coming parliamentarians. when i arrived here, i wasjust about wise _ i arrived here, i wasjust about wise enough to back the winner of the leadership contest that summer, david _ the leadership contest that summer, david cameron. what i wasn't good enough _ david cameron. what i wasn't good enough to— david cameron. what i wasn't good enough to do. telling him every way in which _ enough to do. telling him every way in which i _ enough to do. telling him every way in which i thought he was going wrong — in which i thought he was going wrong i— in which i thought he was going wrong. i do mean every way. which funnily— wrong. i do mean every way. which funnily enough resulted in an 11 year— funnily enough resulted in an 11 year wait — funnily enough resulted in an 11 year wait to go onto the front bench — year wait to go onto the front bench. which only came when he stepped — bench. which only came when he stepped down. may be, that my member for maidenhead so merits where her predecessor does not bet more likely it was— predecessor does not bet more likely

it was she _ predecessor does not bet more likely it was she had seen a lot less of me _ so, lesson one for the append coming, — so, lesson one for the append coming, don't make an enemy of party leader _ coming, don't make an enemy of party leader there — coming, don't make an enemy of party leader. there is of course more to this place — leader. there is of course more to this place on— leader. there is of course more to this place on the front bench. in my first term, — this place on the front bench. in my first term, community hospitals were being _ first term, community hospitals were being closed in swathes right across the country. all three in my constituency were lined up for the chop _ constituency were lined up for the chop. having led marches and demonstrations in all the towns across— demonstrations in all the towns across my— demonstrations in all the towns across my constituency, it became obvious _ across my constituency, it became obvious the — across my constituency, it became obvious the problem would not be solved _ obvious the problem would not be solved locally. i set up a campaign room~ _ solved locally. i set up a campaign room. along with my deputy chairman, the vent— room. along with my deputy chairman, the vent member for henley, we recruited — the vent member for henley, we recruited colleagues and right across — recruited colleagues and right across this house, we waged a guerrilla — across this house, we waged a guerrilla warfare on labels and health— guerrilla warfare on labels and health departments, breaking the

wreck— health departments, breaking the wreck of— health departments, breaking the wreck of the nevada petition is presented in one day in this house. we held _ presented in one day in this house. we held a _ presented in one day in this house. we held a rally outside this place with hundreds of people and banners and placards galore. david cameron spoke. _ and placards galore. david cameron spoke, labour mp spoke, my deputy .ave spoke, labour mp spoke, my deputy gave a _ spoke, labour mp spoke, my deputy gave a rousing speech and so carried away— gave a rousing speech and so carried away with— gave a rousing speech and so carried away with the righteousness of our cause, _ away with the righteousness of our cause, called on everyone tojoin us on a march— cause, called on everyone tojoin us on a march to — cause, called on everyone tojoin us on a march to parliament square. so it was, _ on a march to parliament square. so it was, mr— on a march to parliament square. so it was, mr speaker, that our now prime _ it was, mr speaker, that our now prime minister found himself being intercepted by a police inspector who told — intercepted by a police inspector who told him no permission existed for such— who told him no permission existed for such a _ who told him no permission existed for such a march and that we must go baci

calm, i was lucky enough to go into the whips office, the only communal playpen— the whips office, the only communal playpen in— the whips office, the only communal playpen in westminster, aside from the crash _ playpen in westminster, aside from the crash. being there made me realise _ the crash. being there made me realise how little i knew after 11 years— realise how little i knew after 11 years here because as a whip you learn _ years here because as a whip you learn a _ years here because as a whip you learn a lot — years here because as a whip you learn a lot. that is another lesson, 'oin learn a lot. that is another lesson, join the _ learn a lot. that is another lesson, join the whips office if you are asked — join the whips office if you are asked. given my position, i'd like to tell— asked. given my position, i'd like to tell you being in government isn't _ to tell you being in government isn't all— to tell you being in government isn't all it— to tell you being in government isn't all it is cracked up to be. actually, _ isn't all it is cracked up to be. actually, it _ isn't all it is cracked up to be. actually, it is, i served both by right— actually, it is, i served both by right honourable friend the member for north— right honourable friend the member for north somerset and the member for north somerset and the member for south _ for north somerset and the member for south west norfolk as secretaries of state for the department for international trade. both were _ department for international trade. both were exceptional, they were tireless— both were exceptional, they were tireless and demanding but delivered outcomes— tireless and demanding but delivered outcomes for a new departments which no one _ outcomes for a new departments which no one thought was possible. so, young _ no one thought was possible. so, young thrusters enjoy any departments you are in and value it for itself, _ departments you are in and value it for itself, notjust departments you are in and value it for itself, not just as a stepping stone _ for itself, not just as a stepping stone to— for itself, not just as a stepping stone to something else. after all,

as i discovered, last september, you never— as i discovered, last september, you never know— as i discovered, last september, you never know when you're prematurely on the _ never know when you're prematurely on the backbenches again. today was my queen's speech unveils a substantial legislative programme and the _ a substantial legislative programme and the four main headings boosting economic— and the four main headings boosting economic growth, helping with the cost of— economic growth, helping with the cost of living, making our streets safer, _ cost of living, making our streets safer, funding the nhs and tackling the backlog and providing leadership in troubled times. to pick out one item _ in troubled times. to pick out one item if— in troubled times. to pick out one item if i _ in troubled times. to pick out one item if i may, the energy bill is a particular— item if i may, the energy bill is a particular importance to my constituents. it'll make possible the development of hydrogen and carbon— the development of hydrogen and carbon capturing storage for which i expect— carbon capturing storage for which i expect the — carbon capturing storage for which i expect the hand that not only to be a nationat— expect the hand that not only to be a national leader but actually a global— a national leader but actually a global leader. taking ester era but also giving us energy security and huge _ also giving us energy security and huge export potential. the

conservative party had to work to do, conservative party had to work to do. we _ conservative party had to work to do, we were elected to deliver our manifesto — do, we were elected to deliver our manifesto and level of the united kingdom — manifesto and level of the united kingdom and that is what we will do. despite _ kingdom and that is what we will do. despite the human weakness which is all too _ despite the human weakness which is all too present in this place i believe — all too present in this place i believe nearly everyone here is in politics— believe nearly everyone here is in politics for — believe nearly everyone here is in politics for the right reasons. i elected — politics for the right reasons. i elected public service continues to be a noble — elected public service continues to be a noble calling. i hope the potential— be a noble calling. i hope the potential candidates will continue to come — potential candidates will continue to come forward, young thrusters will show— to come forward, young thrusters will show ambition for their country as well— will show ambition for their country as well as for themselves. as we fire legislative bullets at the challenges that face us, we will take aim — challenges that face us, we will take aim in this platinum jubilee year and — take aim in this platinum jubilee year and like take aim in this platinum jubilee yearand like our take aim in this platinum jubilee year and like our ukrainian friends say with— year and like our ukrainian friends say with total conviction, god save the queen — say with total conviction, god save the queen. i commend the gracious speech— the queen. i commend the gracious speech to _ the queen. i commend the gracious speech to the house. can

the queen. i commend the gracious speech to the house.— speech to the house. can i call faye jones to second. _ jones to second. thank you, mr speaker. it isn't on to second — thank you, mr speaker. it isn't on to second the gracious speech this afternoon — to second the gracious speech this afternoon and an even greater one to follow _ afternoon and an even greater one to follow my— afternoon and an even greater one to follow my honourable friend the member— follow my honourable friend the member for beverley and holderness. his was _ member for beverley and holderness. his was a _ member for beverley and holderness. his was a pitch perfect speech, an example _ his was a pitch perfect speech, an example on how to do it and which one that _ example on how to do it and which one that undermines his status as old duffer~ — one that undermines his status as old duffer. there are members with more _ old duffer. there are members with more experience than i have and they have seen— more experience than i have and they have seen many state openings but this year's— have seen many state openings but this year's are special. even despite _ this year's are special. even despite her majesty's absence this morning. _ despite her majesty's absence this morning, the platinum jubilee despite her majesty's absence this morning, the platinumjubilee is despite her majesty's absence this morning, the platinum jubilee is a tasting _ morning, the platinum jubilee is a lasting reminder of the queen's immense — lasting reminder of the queen's immense devotion to duty. i know everyone — immense devotion to duty. i know everyone in— immense devotion to duty. i know everyone in this house wishes her majesty— everyone in this house wishes her majesty a — everyone in this house wishes her majesty a speedy recovery. this time last year. _ majesty a speedy recovery. this time last year. at — majesty a speedy recovery. this time last year, at last year's queen's speech. — last year, at last year's queen's speech. i— last year, at last year's queen's speech, i sat in the gallery a seat

in this— speech, i sat in the gallery a seat in this chamberwere speech, i sat in the gallery a seat in this chamber were especially limited — in this chamber were especially limited because of the covid regulations. as i watched my good friend _ regulations. as i watched my good friend the — regulations. as i watched my good friend the honourable member for south _ friend the honourable member for south ribble gets to her feet, i remember thinking to myself, all the best, remember thinking to myself, all the best. i— remember thinking to myself, all the best, i wouldn't want to be in your best, iwouldn't want to be in your shoes— best, i wouldn't want to be in your shoes right — best, i wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now! unlike my northern friend _ shoes right now! unlike my northern friend i_ shoes right now! unlike my northern friend i had _ shoes right now! unlike my northern friend i had the honour of addressing a packed chamber with faces— addressing a packed chamber with faces of— addressing a packed chamber with faces of three of the burden of facemasks. as much as i loathed wearing — facemasks. as much as i loathed wearing a — facemasks. as much as i loathed wearing a facemask in the chamber, they helped me by hiding the looks of this— they helped me by hiding the looks of this interest and abject board then— of this interest and abject board then whenever i got up to speak. this year— then whenever i got up to speak. this year the cameras are on so at least _ this year the cameras are on so at least try— this year the cameras are on so at least try and — this year the cameras are on so at least try and look as if you are enjoying — least try and look as if you are enjoying this. on being asked to do there _ enjoying this. on being asked to do there is— enjoying this. on being asked to do there is a _ enjoying this. on being asked to do there is a tent is interested friends _ there is a tent is interested friends and colleagues for advice. the right— friends and colleagues for advice. the right honourable... the right

honourable — the right honourable... the right honourable member for south swindon's instant reaction was, oh my god, _ swindon's instant reaction was, oh my god, you'd better be funny. the honourable — my god, you'd better be funny. the honourable member for the cities of london _ honourable member for the cities of london and — honourable member for the cities of london and westminster told me i would _ london and westminster told me i would be _ london and westminster told me i would be a — london and westminster told me i would be a total mess. even my dad, a former member and my inspiration _ even my dad, a former member and my inspiration in _ even my dad, a former member and my inspiration in many ways said after yesterday's — inspiration in many ways said after yesterday's rehearsal, you are going to have _ yesterday's rehearsal, you are going to have to _ yesterday's rehearsal, you are going to have to tell the jokes better than _ to have to tell the jokes better than that. mr speaker, that is better— than that. mr speaker, that is better feedback than he gave me at the start— better feedback than he gave me at the start of my political career at my account — the start of my political career at my account in 2019. the result had been _ my account in 2019. the result had been declared and i took to the podium — been declared and i took to the podium to make my acceptance speech. my mother— podium to make my acceptance speech. my mother was beaming in the front row, i— my mother was beaming in the front row, i saw— my mother was beaming in the front row, i saw my dad moved to the back

of the _ row, i saw my dad moved to the back of the hall— row, i saw my dad moved to the back of the hall presumably to get a better— of the hall presumably to get a better view or to take a photograph. just a _ better view or to take a photograph. just a minute or so into my speech, he had _ just a minute or so into my speech, he had had — just a minute or so into my speech, he had had enough and he gave me the wind it— he had had enough and he gave me the wind it up— he had had enough and he gave me the wind it up signal. with friends like those, _ wind it up signal. with friends like those, i— wind it up signal. with friends like those, i ran— wind it up signal. with friends like those, i ran straight for the warm embrace — those, i ran straight for the warm embrace of— those, i ran straight for the warm embrace of the house of commons library— embrace of the house of commons library and — embrace of the house of commons library and discovered i am the son of member— library and discovered i am the son of member from wales to have taken part in— of member from wales to have taken part in the _ of member from wales to have taken part in the lilac dress since 1874. i part in the lilac dress since 1874. i am _ part in the lilac dress since 1874. i am with— part in the lilac dress since 1874. i am with the first woman from wales — i am with the first woman from wales. and i am the first conservative from wales. in very proud _ conservative from wales. in very proud to— conservative from wales. in very proud to say my constituents have a very tohg _ proud to say my constituents have a very long association with loyal address — very long association with loyal address. in 1975, one of my predecessors as in the labour party proposed _ predecessors as in the labour party proposed the speech. as members will

know, _ proposed the speech. as members will know, brecon and radnorshire is two thirds _ know, brecon and radnorshire is two thirds historic county of powys and so with— thirds historic county of powys and so with the — thirds historic county of powys and so with the proposer and now a second — so with the proposer and now a second coming from the undisputed better— second coming from the undisputed better half of the county i wonder how my _ better half of the county i wonder how my honourable friend from montgomeryshire feels this afternoon. knowing he is neither the has-been— afternoon. knowing he is neither the has—been nor the will be. i withdraw that, mr speaker. however. _ i withdraw that, mr speaker. however, the fact i have been asked to give _ however, the fact i have been asked to give this — however, the fact i have been asked to give this beat is a surprise to many — to give this beat is a surprise to many. most of all myself. i was always — many. most of all myself. i was always afraid i had torpedoed my political— always afraid i had torpedoed my political career long before it even began _ political career long before it even began in — political career long before it even began. in 2005 when i was at university— began. in 2005 when i was at university i shared a flat with a friend — university i shared a flat with a friend who _ university i shared a flat with a friend who was working on the campaign _ friend who was working on the campaign to make my right honourable

friend. _ campaign to make my right honourable friend. the _ campaign to make my right honourable friend, the conservative party leader — friend, the conservative party leader. they were suggested to myself — leader. they were suggested to myself and a few friends that wearing — myself and a few friends that wearing a pink t—shirt which said, it is vd— wearing a pink t—shirt which said, it is vd for— wearing a pink t—shirt which said, it is vd for me, would go down a storm _ it is vd for me, would go down a storm. that's micro, dd. when i was asked _ storm. that's micro, dd. when i was asked that _ storm. that's micro, dd. when i was asked that my selection meeting have you ever— asked that my selection meeting have you ever done anything to embarrass the conservative party... i had to say, _ the conservative party... i had to say, i— the conservative party... i had to say, i guess _ the conservative party... i had to say, iguess. i the conservative party... i had to say, i guess. iwas the conservative party... i had to say, i guess. i was later asked what i say, i guess. i was later asked what i had _ say, i guess. i was later asked what i had learned from the incident. i said i_ i had learned from the incident. i said i don't— i had learned from the incident. i said i don't look good in pink. today— said i don't look good in pink. today is— said i don't look good in pink. today is a _ said i don't look good in pink. today is a proud day for my constituency and my family, a from stents _ constituency and my family, a from stents in _ constituency and my family, a from stents in london for university and working _ stents in london for university and working in— stents in london for university and working in europe i have left my whole _ working in europe i have left my whole life — working in europe i have left my whole life in wales. raised in a thermally— whole life in wales. raised in a thermally conservative household. i think being a conservative and we has helped me develop a thick skin

which _ has helped me develop a thick skin which i _ has helped me develop a thick skin which i hope will get me through today _ which i hope will get me through today it — which i hope will get me through today. it certainly helps that the last week's results. my right honourable friend the member for wrexham, — honourable friend the member for wrexham, ynys mon and i became the first three _ wrexham, ynys mon and i became the first three women to be elected to the conservative benches representing welsh constituencies. i'd representing welsh constituencies. i'd like _ representing welsh constituencies. i'd like to _ representing welsh constituencies. i'd like to think the three of us were _ i'd like to think the three of us were worth the 100 year weight. while _ were worth the 100 year weight. while we — were worth the 100 year weight. while we have some difficult questions to answer, and tended to meet _ questions to answer, and tended to meet on _ questions to answer, and tended to meet on the treatment of women in this place. — meet on the treatment of women in this place, it is imperative we do not put _ this place, it is imperative we do not put anyone off becoming a member of parliament. yes, the house of commons — of parliament. yes, the house of commons is a strange place to work and sometimes some people don't realise _ and sometimes some people don't realise they are part of the problem but despite that, here is a place where _ but despite that, here is a place where women achieve great things. it was a _ where women achieve great things. it was a woman who introduced the autism _ was a woman who introduced the autism act, — was a woman who introduced the autism act, the late and much missed across— autism act, the late and much missed across this _ autism act, the late and much missed across this house member for chesham and amersham. it was a woman who delivered _ and amersham. it was a woman who delivered the children's funeral

fund _ delivered the children's funeral fund and — delivered the children's funeral fund and continues to be a pain in the governments's neck on hormone replacement therapy, the member for swansea _ replacement therapy, the member for swansea east who i am sorry to see is not _ swansea east who i am sorry to see is not in — swansea east who i am sorry to see is not in her— swansea east who i am sorry to see is not in her place. it was a woman who secured — is not in her place. it was a woman who secured inclusion into deep as migration— who secured inclusion into deep as migration speech that the government will license _ migration speech that the government will license pedicab is right across the cities — will license pedicab is right across the cities of and in. no prizes for guessing — the cities of and in. no prizes for guessing who that was it was a woman lon- guessing who that was it was a woman tohg before _ guessing who that was it was a woman long before my time who stuck to the might— long before my time who stuck to the might of— long before my time who stuck to the might of the unionists, empowered council— might of the unionists, empowered council tenants to buy their homes and 40 _ council tenants to buy their homes and 40 years ago this year protected the falkland islands. it is important, mr speaker, we say to day, _ important, mr speaker, we say to day, a _ important, mr speaker, we say to day, a woman's place is in the house of commons — day, a woman's place is in the house of commons. by the way, it was also a woman— of commons. by the way, it was also a woman who — of commons. by the way, it was also a woman who got £20 million out of the treasury for the global centre of rail— the treasury for the global centre of rail excellence, made cyber flashing — of rail excellence, made cyber flashing a _ of rail excellence, made cyber flashing a criminal offence.

as much as we must attract more women — as much as we must attract more women into— as much as we must attract more women into this place, we must do our utmost— women into this place, we must do our utmost to attract wide—ranging talents— our utmost to attract wide—ranging talents so— our utmost to attract wide—ranging talents so that our benches are filled _ talents so that our benches are filled with the plain speaking common sense of the honourable member— common sense of the honourable member for ashfield, the distinguished experience of the member— distinguished experience of the member for newbury and then i even say it. _ member for newbury and then i even say it. the _ member for newbury and then i even say it, the political diplomacy of the honourable member for stoke—on—trent north. mr speaker, my liberat— stoke—on—trent north. mr speaker, my liberal democrat opponent tell me all i liberal democrat opponent tell me all i do _ liberal democrat opponent tell me all i do is _ liberal democrat opponent tell me all i do is talk about farming and the military. iwill all i do is talk about farming and the military. i will keep them happy and do _ the military. i will keep them happy and do exactly that. during my maiden — and do exactly that. during my maiden speech, i said i felt i had won first — maiden speech, i said i felt i had won first prize in the lottery of life by— won first prize in the lottery of life by becoming the member for brecon _ life by becoming the member for brecon and radnorshire, that is as true today— brecon and radnorshire, that is as true today as it was a bang. it is a

glorious _ true today as it was a bang. it is a glorious part— true today as it was a bang. it is a glorious part of the world, stretching from the upper swansea valley— stretching from the upper swansea valley to _ stretching from the upper swansea valley to just outside ludlow. it stretching from the upper swansea valley tojust outside ludlow. it is kept thriving by thousands of farmers. _ kept thriving by thousands of farmers, not those who inherit their weatth— farmers, not those who inherit their wealth but— farmers, not those who inherit their wealth but the ordinary, murder under— wealth but the ordinary, murder under the — wealth but the ordinary, murder under the fingernail, grafting farmer— under the fingernail, grafting farmer who works year—round to put food on _ farmer who works year—round to put food on our — farmer who works year—round to put food on our plates and give their kids a _ food on our plates and give their kids a future. the cost of living crisis _ kids a future. the cost of living crisis is — kids a future. the cost of living crisis is having a particular effect in rural— crisis is having a particular effect in ruralareas, crisis is having a particular effect in rural areas, cost of fuel and fertiliser— in rural areas, cost of fuel and fertiliser aye aye watering and this presents _ fertiliser aye aye watering and this presents a — fertiliser aye aye watering and this presents a real risk to our ability to feed _ presents a real risk to our ability to feed ourselves. it is deeply tragic— to feed ourselves. it is deeply tragic it— to feed ourselves. it is deeply tragic it has taken war in ukraine for us— tragic it has taken war in ukraine for us to— tragic it has taken war in ukraine for us to focus on uk food security. if i for us to focus on uk food security. if i do— for us to focus on uk food security. if i do anything in this place it'll be the — if i do anything in this place it'll be the bang on about the importance of farming _ be the bang on about the importance of farming to this country. hence why i_ of farming to this country. hence why i welcome the gracious address which _ why i welcome the gracious address which will— why i welcome the gracious address which will see british produce on tables— which will see british produce on tables around the world. and even the online — tables around the world. and even the online safety bill, which will protect — the online safety bill, which will protect the unsuspecting farmer from

nefarious— protect the unsuspecting farmer from nefarious videos. mr speaker,... mrspeaker,... mr mr speaker,... mr speaker, if you walk— mr speaker,... mr speaker, if you walk in— mr speaker,... mr speaker, if you walk in brecon, as i know you have, you will— walk in brecon, as i know you have, you will see — walk in brecon, as i know you have, you will see 24 trees honouring 24 foot who _ you will see 24 trees honouring 24 foot who fought at the battle of rocks _ foot who fought at the battle of rocks drift made iconic in the movie zulu _ rocks drift made iconic in the movie zulu. whether in the training area or the _ zulu. whether in the training area or the navy's outdoor training area, my constituency is very proud of its military— my constituency is very proud of its military footprint. we are also home to the _ military footprint. we are also home to the cambrian patrol, the olympic lold to the cambrian patrol, the olympic gold medal in infantry training, a 16 kilometre march over 48 hours. i know— 16 kilometre march over 48 hours. i know he _ 16 kilometre march over 48 hours. i know he will— 16 kilometre march over 48 hours. i know he will be far too modest to

tell you _ know he will be far too modest to tell you himself but the secretary of state _ tell you himself but the secretary of state for wales is in fact a finisher— of state for wales is in fact a finisher of that event. so modest was he, — finisher of that event. so modest was he, so — finisher of that event. so modest was he, so keen to keep his light under— was he, so keen to keep his light under a _ was he, so keen to keep his light under a bushel that when we visited in october— under a bushel that when we visited in october he brought his finishing certificate — in october he brought his finishing certificate along. and put it out twitter~ — certificate along. and put it out twitter~ it _ certificate along. and put it out twitter. it was dated 1987. i took great _ twitter. it was dated 1987. i took great joy— twitter. it was dated 1987. i took great joy in — twitter. it was dated 1987. i took greatjoy in pointing out i was two years— greatjoy in pointing out i was two years old — greatjoy in pointing out i was two years old at the time and great joy again— years old at the time and great joy again that — years old at the time and great joy again that it. over the years many rungs _ again that it. over the years many rungs have — again that it. over the years many rungs have been done to military veterans— rungs have been done to military veterans and i applaud the efforts of those _ veterans and i applaud the efforts of those right across this house to correct _ of those right across this house to correct that. the honourable member for barnsley central, and on this side the — for barnsley central, and on this side the honourable friends for plymouth and wrexham have spoken for male and _ plymouth and wrexham have spoken for male and female veterans in ways few can match _ male and female veterans in ways few can match so on behalf of the many

veterans _ can match so on behalf of the many veterans i— can match so on behalf of the many veterans i represent, particularly those _ veterans i represent, particularly those who— veterans i represent, particularly those who served in northern ireland and tell— those who served in northern ireland and tell me _ those who served in northern ireland and tell me they have been frightened of opening the post for decades, — frightened of opening the post for decades, i warmly welcome the decades, ! warmly welcome the inclusion— decades, i warmly welcome the inclusion of the legacy bill and today's— inclusion of the legacy bill and today's speech. so let me conclude my seconding of the royal address and give _ my seconding of the royal address and give way to the leader of the opposition and we are all delighted he is not _ opposition and we are all delighted he is not cancelled this afternoon's speech _ i warmly welcome at on behalf of my constituents. today's queen's speech contains— constituents. today's queen's speech contains a _ constituents. today's queen's speech contains a commitment to rewrite the historic— contains a commitment to rewrite the historic imbalance that has pervaded this country for too long and level ”p this country for too long and level up all— this country for too long and level up all four— this country for too long and level up all four corners of the united kingdom — up all four corners of the united kingdom. it offers leadership in turbulent— kingdom. it offers leadership in turbulent times and looks to the lon- turbulent times and looks to the long term — turbulent times and looks to the long term ironing out challenges for food and _ long term ironing out challenges for food and energy security and makes best use _ food and energy security and makes best use of — food and energy security and makes best use of our new—found legislative freedoms. it helps this

country— legislative freedoms. it helps this country stands tall in the world stage _ country stands tall in the world stage as — country stands tall in the world stage as it has done for so long and it is my— stage as it has done for so long and it is my honour to commend this speech— it is my honour to commend this speech to — it is my honour to commend this speech to the house. the it is my honour to commend this speech to the house. the question is that an honourable _ speech to the house. the question is that an honourable address - speech to the house. the question is that an honourable address be - that an honourable address be presented _ that an honourable address be presented to _ that an honourable address be presented to her— that an honourable address be presented to her majesty - that an honourable address be presented to her majesty as i that an honourable address be - presented to her majesty as follows, most gracious — presented to her majesty as follows, most gracious sovereign, _ presented to her majesty as follows, most gracious sovereign, we - presented to her majesty as follows, most gracious sovereign, we your. most gracious sovereign, we your majesty's— most gracious sovereign, we your majesty's most— most gracious sovereign, we your majesty's most dutiful— most gracious sovereign, we your majesty's most dutiful and - most gracious sovereign, we your majesty's most dutiful and loyal. majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects. — majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects. the _ majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons - majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of- majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of the l majesty's most dutiful and loyal- subjects, the commons of the united kingdom _ subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of— subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of great— subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of great britain _ subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of great britain and - kingdom of great britain and northern— kingdom of great britain and northern ireland _ kingdom of great britain and northern ireland and - kingdom of great britain and . northern ireland and parliament assembly— northern ireland and parliament assembly beg _ northern ireland and parliament assembly beg leave _ northern ireland and parliament assembly beg leave to - northern ireland and parliament assembly beg leave to offer - northern ireland and parliament assembly beg leave to offer our| assembly beg leave to offer our humble — assembly beg leave to offer our humble thanks _ assembly beg leave to offer our humble thanks to _ assembly beg leave to offer our humble thanks to your- assembly beg leave to offer our humble thanks to your majestyi assembly beg leave to offer our i humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious— humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech _ humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech which - humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech which was - the gracious speech which was addressed _ the gracious speech which was addressed to _ the gracious speech which was addressed to both _ the gracious speech which was addressed to both houses - the gracious speech which was addressed to both houses of. addressed to both houses of parliament. _ addressed to both houses of parliament. i— addressed to both houses of parliament. i now— addressed to both houses of parliament. i now call- addressed to both houses of parliament. i now call rightl parliament. i now call right honourable _ parliament. i now call right honourable keir— parliament. i now call right honourable keir starmer, l parliament. i now call right l honourable keir starmer, the parliament. i now call right - honourable keir starmer, the leader of the _ honourable keir starmer, the leader of the opposition. _ honourable keir starmer, the leader of the opposition.— of the opposition. thank you, mr seaker. of the opposition. thank you, mr speaker. before _ of the opposition. thank you, mr speaker. before i _ of the opposition. thank you, mr speaker. before i turn _ of the opposition. thank you, mr speaker. before i turn to - of the opposition. thank you, mr speaker. before i turn to the - speaker. before i turn to the address, i want to thank his royal highness the prince of wales for delivering the address this morning. and i want to pay tribute to her

majesty in the year of her platinum jubilee. her dedication to britain has been a reassuring constant in an ever—changing world. her commitment to public duty a reminder of the responsibilities we all owe each other. her dignity and her leadership and inspiration to all of us. she will forever have all of our thanks for 70 years of service to our country. we all wish her well. i also want to congratulate the prime minister. he has achieved a new first. the first resident of downing street to be a constituent of a labour council! i am sure they will serve him well. and i want to congratulate, mr speaker, iwant

serve him well. and i want to congratulate, mr speaker, i want to congratulate, mr speaker, i want to congratulate lee move around seconder on their fine and funny speeches. i understand the member for beverley and holderness owns over 900 copies of eagle comic books. he is no old duffer. he is an extensive collector of the adventures of band there from the intergalactic patrol. —— dan dare. a comic book with a spirit of moral message, something he has channelled in his ears in this house, although there is some mischief in him as he isjust demonstrated in his there is some mischief in him as he is just demonstrated in his speech. i particularly liked his advice you shouldn't make an enemy of your party leader. i think he is a little bit more dennis the menace myself. the memberfor brecon bit more dennis the menace myself. the member for brecon and radnorshire is dedicated not only to

a punishing consultation exercise on what to put in the speech were today but also a punishing exercise regime. a former cox with twickenham rowing club, a half marathon runner and even an ironman competitor. maybe she is and i are in lady in the making. —— iron lady. and i know that if they were here, david amis and james broken shah would have been proud of both the mover and the seconder. we all miss them both and i know the pain in the conservative benches are still raw, they are friends taken too soon, but they are passing leaves is united in our resolve to defeat the evils of both extremism and cancer. i want to pay

tribute to my dear friend jack drove me, jack picked fights on behalf of working people and he won them. he led the first equal pay strike, he campaigned for cleaners everywhere, from the house of commons to mi5, and in the last year of his life, he campaigned for a public inquiry on behalf of the families bereaved by covid. the only way that we on these benches can really pay tribute to jack is to aspire to champion working people as well as he did. because, mr speaker, times are hard, but they are much tougher than they should be. as we emerge from the pandemic and find a new place in the world outside the european union and the transition to a carbon—neutral economy, our country faces great

challenges. but at the same time great opportunities are within our reach. we can rebuild stronger, learning where our society and resources need more resilience. we can do more to getjust brexit done. we can ensure britain is in the best position to thrive outside of the european union and we can lead the world and zero carbon industries, generating high skilled, high wage jobs across the country. but, mr speaker, for that to happen we need a government of the moment. with the ideas that meet the aspirations of the british public. this thin address bereft of ideas or purpose, without a guiding principle or a road map for delivery shows just how far this government is from that. too out of touch to meet the challenges of the moment, too tired to grasp the opportunities of the

future. they are time has passed. mr speaker, the first great challenge our country faces is the cost of living crisis. inflation stands at 7% and rising. household bills have gone up by hundreds of pounds, the cost of the weekly shop has rocketed and people are seeing their wages run out much earlier in the month and the value of their savings fall. i wish i could see the worst is over but last thursday, the bank of england revised down britain's gross and revised up inflation. this government's failure to grow the economy over a decade combined with its inertia in the face of spiralling bills means that we are staring down the barrel of something we have not seen in decades, a stagflation crisis. it is a truly

shocking legacy of this government. it should humble those on the benches opposite who have ignored the red lights on our economy even whilst wages were frozen for over a decade. and whose complacency is best summed up by a prime minister whose response to the crisis was to make fun of those that were worrying about inflation. a government of the moment would use the great powers that it has to tackle this head on, bring forward an emergency budget with a windfall tax for oil and gas producers which would raise billions. the money that could be used to slash the cost of energy bills and help businesses keep their costs down. even the bosses of bp don't agree when the prime minister says it would deter investment. it is a common sense solution, but

instead the government is bereft of leadership, the chancellor ruling the windfall tax in, the business secretary ruling it out and the prime minister who doesn't know what it is and it is notjust about the short—term measures. the government of the moment would take a step back from the crisis and ensure that britain is never again so vulnerable to a surge in international prices, forced to go cap in hand from dictator to dictator looking for a quick fix of imported oil. that means standing up to those vested interests who oppose onshore wind, the cheapest and most reliable source of electricity that we have, but this prime minister is too weak to stand up to his backbenchers, and it means investing in the installation we need to use less energy in their homes. that would take £400 of energy bills every year and cut gas imports by 15% but this

prime minister is far too concerned with vanity projects ever to prioritise efforts in insulating homes. so we are left with an energy bill not up to the moment. it is the latest chapter in a pathetic response to the cost of living crisis. where there should have been support it has been tax rise after tax rise on working people. the only country in the g7 to do so during a cost of living crisis. the low growth that led to the stagnation we see today is the same reason wages have been frozen for so long. over 12 years of tory government the government has grown far slower than when labour was in power and it is set to go even slower in coming years. the slowest growing economy in the g7 next year. as the director

general of the cbi said, for a country used to growth of 2—2.5%, the conservative record are simply not good enough. we can't afford to go on like this. if the tories... if the tories had simply matched labour's record of growth in government people would have had higher incomes, boosting public finances and we could have spent 40 billion more on public services without having to raise a single tax. so the second great challenge our country faces is to get britain growing again. the government of the moment would have grasped the nettle and set out a new approach to the economy, an approach based on a stronger partnership between government and businesses, a partnership dedicated to growth. there would have been an industrial strategy to grow the industries of

the future. with the government providing initial investment that brings confidence and security and acts as a catalyst for the private sector to invest in factories for hydrogen and steel. a government of the moment would finally abolish business rates and replace them with a fair system that creates a level playing field with online giants so that our businesses can compete, invest and grow. and a government of the moment would have a plan to revive our town centres and new businesses. providing finance for a new generation of start—ups in our town centres, giving councils the power to take over empty shops and fill the space with workshops and offices in the jobs of the future. instead of that new approach to the

economy we have a chancellor who thinks it would be silly to do anything different. a chancellor who rather than partnering with business had loaded them up with debt and wonders why they are struggling to invest. a chancellor who seems intent to have the slowest growth of any g20 country bar one, russia. a chancellor whose legacy will be low growth, high inflation and high tax and with it the diminishing of britain's living standards. no hope of taking on the big challenges, no hope of seizing the great opportunities, hopeless. and because they are not up to the challenge of growing the economy all of those tax hikes are going into improving public services. no chance of a appointment, people forced to wait

months for urgent mental health treatment, super—sized the norm again. never before have people been asked to pay so much for so little. mr speaker, the third great challenge we face is ending the poverty of ambition this government has for public services. that means a government of the moment relentlessly focused on school improvement. labour would improve teaching standards at schools, funding it by ending tax breaks for private schools. it means the government of the moment that would finally deliver world—class mental health provision that matches years of empty rhetoric on parity with physical health. labour would hire new clinicians so we can guarantee mental health treatment in four weeks paid for by closing loopholes to private equity firms. instead we

have a government that went into the pandemic with record waiting lists and has got no plan to get them down any time soon. a government that takes the public for fools by pretending that refurbishing a hospital, a wing of a hospital, is the same as building a new hospital. a government that can't hire the gps it promised, lost in the spin, no ambition, not up to the challenge of the moment. and it is notjust education and health that needs reform, fraud has become commonplace. 7 million incidents a year, britain routinely ripped off, but the business secretary suggested that doesn't even count as crime. fraud isjust that doesn't even count as crime. fraud is just the tip of the iceberg, victims let down while this

government lets violent criminals. the overall charge rate stands at a pathetic 5.8% meaning that huge swathes of serious offences like rape, knife crime and theft have essentially been decriminalised. a government of the moment would say enough is enough. invest in community policing, nobody can be proud of this record of 12 years, invest in community policing, moving resources away from vanity projects like the ministerial yacht. it would strengthen protection for victims of crime and anti—social behaviour and increase the number of specialist rate units in the justice system so that it stops routinely failing women. instead we have a government that top staff whilst letting the justice system fall apart. no care for victims or their communities,

not good enough, not up to the moment. we have a government whose time has passed, a cabinet out of ideas and out of energy led by a prime minister who is entirely out of touch. mr speaker, it doesn't have to be this way. it won't always be this way, a labour government would tackle the cost of living crisis head on, get britain growing again after 12 years of failure, improve public services so they deliver for people paying for them. a labour government would rise to the moment where this government has badly failed. thank you mr speaker. prime minister borisjohnson. mr speaker. mr speaker, allow me to join you and members across this

house and thanking his royal highness the prince of wales for delivering the gracious speech and then sending our warmest wishes to her majesty the queen. the whole house knows the reluctance with which her majesty made today's decision and her extraordinary service to this nation continues to inspire us all. mr speaker, as we come to the halfway point of this parliament this country has seen off the biggest challenge any post—war government has faced, but the cost of the pandemic has been huge with the biggest fall in output for 300 years that necessitated government expenditure of £400 billion, and the after—shocks are still being felt across the world with a global spike in energy prices, the impact we are seeing on the cost of food, and it is precisely because this government got the big calls right and made the tough decisions during the pandemic that we had the fastest economic growth in the g7 last year and will

return to that status once again by 2024, and therefore have the fiscal firepower to help families up and down the country with all the pressures they face now and we will continue to use all our ingenuity and compassion for as long as it takes and my right honourable friend the chancellor and i will be saying more about this in the days to come. but at the same time as we help people we need the legislator firepower to fix the underlying problems. in energy supply, in housing and infrastructure and then skills, which are driving up costs forfamilies across skills, which are driving up costs for families across the country and this queen's speech takes those issues head on. and above all we are tackling the economic challenges with the best solution of all, and thatis with the best solution of all, and that is an ever growing number of high skilled, high wage jobs. that is an ever growing number of high skilled, high wagejobs. and we

drive up employment by creating the right platform for business to invest, making our streets safer, 20,000 more police, a healthier population with 50,000 more nurses, funding the nhs to help them clearly covid backlogs and giving the confidence that people know they will be looked after in old age by fixing social care, delivering gigabit broadband, giving the remotest parts of the country the access they need and using your brexit freedoms to enable revolutionary technologies like gene editing to help our farmers grow more nutritious and more productive crops. it is that combination of public and private sector together thatis public and private sector together that is tackling unemployment with half a million people more on the payroll than before the pandemic began. it is that strength at home that enables this country to show leadership abroad. as we have done and will continue to do in supporting the people of ukraine. so this queen's speech delivers on our promises. it will not only take us

through the after—shocks of covid but build the foundations for decades of prosperity uniting and levelling up across the country. i am going tojoin the leader of the opposition in paying tribute to those colleagues we have lost in this parliamentary session and time will not dim our shock at the despicable murder of david amis, a friend to so many, who lost his life doing what he loves so much, a constituency surgery on a local church, and among the many legacies of sir david, which includes his work on animal welfare and a campaign to support women with endometrial tips, campaign to support women with endometrialtips, i campaign to support women with endometrial tips, i am campaign to support women with endometrial tips, iam proud campaign to support women with endometrial tips, i am proud to say that today southend on sea stands we gathered at st margaret's church to rememberjames brokenshire, a true gentleman who faces battle with cancer with enormous courage and generosity and strength of

character. it was typical of our dear friend that even the of his own battle, he was encouraging others to seek help. campaigning for better lung cancer screening and becoming the first mp to security debate on this issue on the floor of this house. we willed him to pull through because the world needs more people in public life like him. his loss is felt deeply on all sides of this house and by all those whose lives he touched. finally we began the year byjoining the right honourable memberfor year byjoining the right honourable member for camberwell and peckham by paying tribute to her wonderful husband one of the great trade union this of our time, who having married someone who would go on to become the outstanding parliamentary feminist of her generation, would also be remembered in his words as mr harriet harman. we all knew him as a man of great warmth, energy and

compassion and he commanded the utmost respect across this house. the speech was magnificently proposed, self—deprecating, i thought by the honourable memberfor beverley and holderness is campaigning brilliance i've seen it first—hand. almost 20 years ago he and i organised a demonstration against labour was my to close community hospitals, community hospitals acting nationally together. i remembera hospitals acting nationally together. i remember a tiny handful of desperados. we were stopped almost immediately by the police, who turned as back, but he none the less succeeded in forcing the government, the then labour government, the then labour government i should say, a u—turn on the funding for community hospitals and as a great pace bowler, or medium pace bowler, he bowled them

middle stump. it is fitting that today he is proposing the gracious speech for a government that is delivering the biggest nhs catch up programme in history and far from closing hospitals, building new hospitals, mr speaker. 48 of them, so we have the best health service in the world. i know he has experience of health care in a less fortunate country. he was lying in bed with a fractured rib after a skiing accident in chamonix when men in white coats arrived to say they were performing the operation and they turned out to be my honourable friend lord lancaster, at which point it is said my honourable friend levitated miraculously from his bed and made his escape. his speech was in the finest traditions of this house. i was delighted that the motion was seconded by my honourable friend the member for

brecon and radnorshire. some more seasoned members will remember 14 years of service to the people of cardiff north by her father who joins as i am told in the gallery today. delighted to see him. and i'm sure he will be filled with admiration at the speech just delivered by his daughter. i also know the honourable lady sadly lost her mother earlier this year and i am sure she will no doubt to be bursting with pride as she looks down on us today. while she may have only been an mp for a few short years she has already established herself as a fabulous campaigner. looking to ban cyber flashing, securing the return of a permanent welsh regiment in wales. nor was she prepared to remain silent where the leader of the opposition's colleagues in cardiff tried to keep wales in perpetual lockdown. she is a tireless advocate of the armed

services generally, an issue that is personal as well as political for her, and as a fellow enthusiast of dogs at polling stations i was delighted to see her take nancy the labrador to the polling station on thursday. she is named in honour of nancy astor, a great conservative women who certainly left a mark on this place and this country and his influence and achievements i am quite sure the honourable lady will emulate in the long and successful career that clearly awaits her. it was a pleasure to hear from career that clearly awaits her. it was a pleasure to hearfrom her and i thank herfor was a pleasure to hearfrom her and i thank her for seconding the motion. on sunday i spoke to my g7 counterparts together with president zelensky urging our international partners tojoin us in going zelensky urging our international partners to join us in going further and faster in supporting ukraine. i am sure the whole house will share my sorrow and revulsion at events in mariupol in eastern ukraine which

has sustained weeks of russian bombardment and some of the worst atrocities of the war. at the same time i am pleased to report that our brave ukrainian friends are succeeding in repelling the russian assault of kharkiv, repelling with the same fortitude that saw off putin's attack on their capital. we should be proud when the very survival of a great european democracy was imperilled, our united kingdom has led the way, providing ukraine with weapons to defend itself and help the world impose the toughest i saw first—hand the wholehearted support of this house and this country has meant to the brave people of ukraine. that the message ring out from this chamber today, we will persevere in our support for the ukrainians until putin has failed and ukraine has won. mr

speaker, during the pandemic, this government is a work night and day at extraordinary speed to protect lives and livelihoods across our whole uk weather by injecting £400 million of support for the economy and jobs, million of support for the economy andjobs, becoming million of support for the economy and jobs, becoming the first country in the world to administer an approved covid vaccine, or by delivering the largest testing programme and the fastest vaccine booster campaign in europe, all of which allowed us to retain one of the most open economies and societies across the continent. we had the fastest growth in the g7 last year. now we will bring that same urgency, impatience and determination to deliver on our mission of getting our country back on track and easing the burden is on families and businesses across the land. that is why we have committed

£9.1 billion to assist with energy costs alone, we are giving 150 pounds to people in the council tax... increasing though this comes, creating a tax cut for 30 million workers by raising the national insurance threshold, but however great our compassion and ingenuity we cannot simply spend our way out of this problem, we need to grow out of this problem, we need to grow out of this problem by creating hundreds of this problem by creating hundreds of thousands of new high wage, high skilled jobs across the country. i give way to the lady opposite, and i remind the house that there has never been a labour government that left office with unemployment lower than when they came in. we do give way but the prime

minister has.— we do give way but the prime minister has. ., ,, , ., ., ,, minister has. thank you. i thank the prime minister _ minister has. thank you. i thank the prime minister giving _ minister has. thank you. i thank the prime minister giving way, - minister has. thank you. i thank the prime minister giving way, we've i minister has. thank you. i thank the | prime minister giving way, we've had a lot of— prime minister giving way, we've had a lot of words, very rapidly delivered, but what we haven't heard yet is _ delivered, but what we haven't heard yet is an _ delivered, but what we haven't heard yet is an apology, an apology to the pensioners— yet is an apology, an apology to the pensioners that are choosing between heating _ pensioners that are choosing between heating and eating, an apology to the children that have gone hungry throughout school holidays and an apology— throughout school holidays and an apology to the hundreds of thousands of family— apology to the hundreds of thousands of family members of covid victims that were _ of family members of covid victims that were lost during the pandemic. of course. — that were lost during the pandemic. of course, this government is doing all we can to help people during the pandemic, to help pensioners and it was this government that introduced the triple lock to pensioners. this government helps people with a copse of heating, the £9.1 billion we are putting in, the extra billions that we are putting it as a part local councils. be in no doubt, everybody in this country needs to understand,

what we are doing is making sure that we have a strong economy with high wage, high skilled jobs that will enable us to take this forward. that was nuts have been possible if she had listened to the advice of her front bench who wanted to keep us in lockdown. that is true. it is worth giving wayjust to make that point. that is where we are going to continue with our regeneration bill which will help... no, no. this will help create these jobs wherever people live in communities across the whole of the uk. that is the objective of this queen's speech. it is all focused on driving growth and jobs. ourschools is all focused on driving growth and jobs. our schools and education bills will ensure people have the skills to do them, raising standards in our classrooms, implementing the lifetime skills guarantee so people

can retrain and acquire new qualifications. our energy bill will power our new green industrial revolution, creating hundreds of thousands ofjobs, taking forward this government is's energy security strategy. and about time this country had one. 22, they didn't want a single new nuclear power station. come on! be honest! look at them. great quivering jelly of indecision they are. a vast new green industry in which our united kingdom will lead the world. just as we got brexit then, so we will finish thejob of we got brexit then, so we will finish the job of unleashing the benefits of brexit, to grow our economy to cut the cost of living and by bringing in the ambition to

how we exercise our freedoms we have regained, our brexit freedoms bill will enable us to amend or replace any inherited eu law with legislation in uk law. it puts the interests of british business first and british families first. that is what we are going to do. we are going to seize the chance to make a united kingdom the best regulated economy in the world. we are going to take forward those trade deals worth eight a year. we have a new free trade agreement with australia and new zealand. we are using our new freedoms to control our borders. with a new plan for immigration so we can fix our broken asylum system, tackle illegal immigration that undermines the legal immigration we support. crack down on the vile

people smugglers. i know that either of the opposition that i should refer to him as the leader of the opposition at the moment, likes to oppose these plans or claims he opposes them but it turns out that legislation to permit the off shoring of asylum seekers... emir; shoring of asylum seekers... only one person _ shoring of asylum seekers... only one person can — shoring of asylum seekers... only one person can be _ shoring of asylum seekers... only one person can be on _ shoring of asylum seekers... only one person can be on their feet at the same time. the prime minister is not giving way. the leaders of the opposition of the moment reports to support these plans but it turns out they were pioneered in 2004 by a labour government. the right honourable gentleman may have got tony blair to take part in his election plan but it can't get behind tony blair was my policies. during the pandemic, we

marvelled at the courage and the commitment of so many people come all the people working in our public services from the men and women in our nhs risking their lives to save others, to those toiling to keep us going whether in schools, shops and public transport. it is right that this government is now investing more in our nhs than any other government in history. giving our nhs the funding it needs to clear the curly backlog and we will also make sure every penny is well spent. whether a few pop—up clinics, more face—to—face gp appointments or a new cancer screening machines, we maximise the ability of our nhs to check and treat its patients. mr speaker, when times are tough and families are facing pressures, we must also cut the cost of government and cut the burden government places on taxpayers and noncitizens. we

can't have expensive delays in delivering passports and driving licences that see families stranded, hgv drivers unable to transport goods around this country. we are going to fix it. let me send a message from this house today, this government will not tackle the post covid manana culture, we will take whatever steps are necessary to deliver for the people because the british people are not prepared to wait and we share their impatience. mr speaker, we will get through the after—shocks of covid just as we got through covid. as i've told you, with every ounce of ingenuity and compassion and hard work. not by irresponsible spending that merely treats the symptoms of rising crises while creating an ever bigger problem for tomorrow but by urgently

pressing on with our mission to create the high wage, high skilled jobs that will drive economic growth across the united kingdom, the whole united kingdom. that is the long—term sustainable solution, to ease the burden on families and businesses. that is the way to get our country back on track after the pandemic, to unite and level up across the country exactly as we promised. that is what this queen's speech delivers and i commend it to the house. i speech delivers and i commend it to the house. ., ., ., the house. i now call the leader of the house. i now call the leader of the snp. that is borisjohnson addressing the house of commons on what is called the debate on the loyal address, the loyal address being the queen's speech delivered by prince charles for the first time this morning. as we leave the speaker and the members

of the house of commons for the debate, it will last for six days, it starts characteristic light—hearted performance from two mps come in this case graham stuart is the mp for beverley and holderness, formerjunior minister, holderness, former junior minister, passionate holderness, formerjunior minister, passionate about levelling up and comes from an ordinary family, getting to cambridge, flanking its degree because he was concentrating on his what to do in cambridge guide which made him a good choice which is why he didn't need to worry about his degree, made him a good choice for a few tubes and a few things to get the mood to set the mood. think of them as the warm up act for the main debate, followed by fayejones, a junior mp, main debate, followed by fayejones, ajunior mp, she main debate, followed by fayejones, a junior mp, she only came in 2019, part of the forest wave. she won brecon and radnorshire from the lib dems, daughter of a former mp who

was whisked out of office by the tony blair line side of 1997. one became the other and she came to sit in the house of commons. she is a fresh voice of the new mps, the new blood, the new people who came into westminster in the last two and a half years and are looking to get re—elected, all of which depends on this queen's speech and what was in it. most is talk to our political correspondence he was trying to follow that debate. what did you pick up from what is borisjohnson and keir starmer had to say? pick up from what is boris johnson and keir starmer had to say? these are very familiar _ and keir starmer had to say? these are very familiar argument - and keir starmer had to say? these are very familiar argument is - and keir starmer had to say? these are very familiar argument is that i are very familiar argument is that we heard traded across the dispatch box. after the two speeches you mentioned, they are a bit like wedding speeches, but it entertained the troops. they got down to business and sir keir starmer went on the cost of living and said it is a queen's speech that is bereft of

purpose of big ideas, didn't match at the moment, that was the phrase he used. a government of us wasn't of the moment, that was the repeated refrain, he said it was a pathetic response to the cost of living crisis and they should be an emergency budget, windfall tax on energy companies, and is very critical of the government that approached on things that matter now. the queen's speech had nothing to say about that. the labour benches sounded rather quiet throughout keir starmer�*s speed. there was no mention of any mention of parties, he decided to stay clear of parties, he decided to stay clear of that. just hearing, it was interesting, early on he said the most interesting line of his statements was, we would hear more from him and the chancellor about the cost of living crisis in the next few days.

they are not going to wait for the budget, they realise politics abhors a vacuum. ~ . budget, they realise politics abhors a vacuum. . ., ., ., , budget, they realise politics abhors avacuum. ., ., ., ,, ., , a vacuum. what that means precisely we will have — a vacuum. what that means precisely we will have to _ a vacuum. what that means precisely we will have to wait _ a vacuum. what that means precisely we will have to wait and _ a vacuum. what that means precisely we will have to wait and see. - a vacuum. what that means precisely we will have to wait and see. they i we will have to wait and see. they could be some fiscal health. but, he also said the government simply can't spend its way out of the kinship is my problems. the response there was to the covid crisis, this vast amount of expenditure from a huge borrowing cannot be repeated to try and get the country out of the cost of living crisis and tighter focus his speech on the detail of the queen's speech and measures he says will provide long—term solutions. it says will provide long-term solutions.— solutions. it is quite a bid legislative _ solutions. it is quite a bid legislative schedule. - solutions. it is quite a bid i legislative schedule. we've solutions. it is quite a bid - legislative schedule. we've got solutions. it is quite a bid _ legislative schedule. we've got more than 30 pills. that is a lot of parliamentary activity and you might say, he's got a huge majority, he won that one slide, he can get this stuff to do. but

won that one slide, he can get this stuff to do.— won that one slide, he can get this stufftodo.�* ., . , . stuff to do. but not necessarily. we saw on the — stuff to do. but not necessarily. we saw on the question _ stuff to do. but not necessarily. we saw on the question of— stuff to do. but not necessarily. we saw on the question of planning - saw on the question of planning reform, attempts to make it easier to build on the houses government has said we need four years, despite the size of the majority, that's proved controversial with backbenchers and that planning bill to build load of houses is absence of the long list of measures today. it is a very long list, the government to work out how prioritises parliamentary time. the emphasis is on levelling up, long—term economic solutions with the political argument today is on the political argument today is on the cost of living in what can be done to help people who are feeling hammered by inflation.— hammered by inflation. thank you ve much hammered by inflation. thank you very much for— hammered by inflation. thank you very much for that. _ hammered by inflation. thank you very much for that. one _ hammered by inflation. thank you very much for that. one of - hammered by inflation. thank you very much for that. one of the - hammered by inflation. thank you very much for that. one of the bigj very much for that. one of the big debate we are going to hear in the course of the queen's speech is over energy, the cost of living is an element of that, we have an energy bill and the energy bill is going to be one that is going to be dealt

with in the course of this parliament. this legislation will provide the basis for a nuclear power plant programme, a programme of building new nuclear power stations. we have hinkley point which is due to come online in this decade, that is the second hinkley point is replacing the retiring reacting at hinkley point in somerset. pretty much all of britain's nuclear power stations are due to go off—line, they have reached the end of their working lives, some have stopped producing energy, there is an energy gap that somehow we've got to fill. the question is, is anything in the queen's speech that can do that? dr nick wayth is the chief executive of the energy institute. it is great to see that the energy bill is so today because my queen's speech and positive that it sets out some of the big building blocks for

supply. carbon capture and hydrogen are coming through. these are the building blocks that we need for supply. we also need to think about some of the other foundations we need to transition to a net zero future. ., .., ,., need to transition to a net zero future. ., , future. on that carbon capture, politicians _ future. on that carbon capture, politicians talk _ future. on that carbon capture, politicians talk about _ future. on that carbon capture, politicians talk about it - future. on that carbon capture, politicians talk about it all - future. on that carbon capture, politicians talk about it all the l politicians talk about it all the time, so may you can say the carbon out of the atmosphere, storage and such a way that it isn't damaging to the environment but it hasn't yet been done on a suggest that is going to be a big solution. the been done on a suggest that is going to be a big solution.— to be a big solution. the technology is there, it has _ to be a big solution. the technology is there, it has been _ to be a big solution. the technology is there, it has been proven - to be a big solution. the technology is there, it has been proven both i to be a big solution. the technology is there, it has been proven both in | is there, it has been proven both in terms of storage and direct air capture. what industry needs... we have and then it's a scale. it is like offshore wind, over the last decade they created the conditions for industry to invest. iliai’hat decade they created the conditions for industry to invest.— for industry to invest. what would ou sa for industry to invest. what would you say to — for industry to invest. what would you say to those _ for industry to invest. what would you say to those who _ for industry to invest. what would you say to those who are - for industry to invest. what would |

you say to those who are sceptical about offshore wind and renewables? we have those things, we have had an issue about how much the wind blew last year of the year before and how much it is generating some of the issues people were concerned about before, do you think some of those have been answered and? absolutely in offshore wind _ have been answered and? absolutely in offshore wind list _ have been answered and? absolutely in offshore wind list of— have been answered and? absolutely in offshore wind list of the _ have been answered and? absolutely in offshore wind list of the uk - have been answered and? absolutely in offshore wind list of the uk set - in offshore wind list of the uk set out a clear framework on offshore wind. it has brought prices down from hundred £50 to £39 today. but it isn't the whole story. when it stuck by the whole system what is missing from the bill is more on that question, it is one of the things that is necessary in 2010. what is happening now to try and bring that back on, to bring that up to speed? everybody is talking about the importance of energy

conservation, so what are we doing to was that? taste conservation, so what are we doing to was that?— conservation, so what are we doing to was that? ~ ., . ., , , to was that? we need more mechanisms in lace to to was that? we need more mechanisms in place to help — to was that? we need more mechanisms in place to help consumers _ to was that? we need more mechanisms in place to help consumers and - in place to help consumers and businesses make the right decisions, to make the right investments. with consumers already struggling to pay their bills, the notion of investing hundreds and thousands of pounds in insulation is not viable. governments can play a role in helping create the mechanisms that will allow them to reap the benefits of those installations. subsidies yes, taking down vat, that is a positive step. there is financing mechanisms that will allow consumers to invest a sum in one go. tithe mechanisms that will allow consumers to invest a sum in one go.— to invest a sum in one go. one of the consequences _ to invest a sum in one go. one of the consequences of _ to invest a sum in one go. one of the consequences of higher- to invest a sum in one go. one of. the consequences of higher energy bills which we are going to see rushing up later this year is a bigger sum of money goes to the treasury with vat. the more expensive the bill, the more the vat. could that money be used? do you think it should be earmarked for reinvestment in energy? haifa

you think it should be earmarked for reinvestment in energy?— reinvestment in energy? how the government _ reinvestment in energy? how the government decides _ reinvestment in energy? how the government decides to _ reinvestment in energy? how the government decides to allocate l reinvestment in energy? how the i government decides to allocate their finances as a political decision and i think ultimately it is about creating the new mechanisms are not penalising consumers for going green when they are using renewable energy but is giving consumers the ability to make their homes more efficient and thinking about the smart mechanisms, similar to offshore winds. in mechanisms, similar to offshore winds. . " ' :: . mechanisms, similar to offshore winds. ., " ' :: , ., ~ mechanisms, similar to offshore winds. ., " ' :: , ., ,, ., winds. in the late 1990s, talking to the then labour— winds. in the late 1990s, talking to the then labour ministers - winds. in the late 1990s, talking to the then labour ministers was - winds. in the late 1990s, talking to | the then labour ministers was their lack of capacity of storage. 25 years and we still don't have anything significance for gas storage. how big a vulnerability is that? taste storage. how big a vulnerability is that? ~ ., , ., , , that? we have seen how dependent is euro -e is that? we have seen how dependent is europe is on — that? we have seen how dependent is europe is on that. _ that? we have seen how dependent is europe is on that. and _ that? we have seen how dependent is europe is on that. and this _ that? we have seen how dependent is europe is on that. and this is - that? we have seen how dependent is europe is on that. and this is going i europe is on that. and this is going to be a challenge and i don't think anybody has worked out the energy system we will have in 2050. i do think storage plays a role and much

smarter use of energy plays a role, to time shift when people are washing their machine and so forth. as parliament debated this energy bill, when it starts to go into the mechanics, we don't get that at this stage, what would you like to see added to it? what do you think they need to be challenging? what are the elements that are needed to fine—tune this? elements that are needed to fine-tune this?— elements that are needed to fine-tune this? , ., �* fine-tune this? number one, i've talked about _ fine-tune this? number one, i've talked about it _ fine-tune this? number one, i've talked about it already, _ fine-tune this? number one, i've talked about it already, energy i talked about it already, energy efficiency. we need the mechanisms to allow consumers to deliver a different form of energy efficiency, be that through new—build homes, retrofits and everything around that, and we need clarity and the mechanisms around hydrogen that are going to allow those technologies to have the same journey offshore wind has had. numberthree, more on allowing consumers to understand the

sector, this is a sector people think about until they get a bill or the lights stonework. there is something about the role my organisation are many others can play in terms of education. let’s play in terms of education. let's ask this last _ play in terms of education. let's ask this last point, _ play in terms of education. let's ask this last point, it _ play in terms of education. let's ask this last point, it is - play in terms of education. let's ask this last point, it is a - play in terms of education. let's ask this last point, it is a nagging fearfor people, they ask this last point, it is a nagging fear for people, they look at things like what happened in texas last year with their greatness being able to cope with the extra demand and the lights just not being there when people switched it on, do you worry we could get to that stage where in some peak moments that is in the energy? some peak moments that is in the ener: ? ~ . some peak moments that is in the ener. ?. ., some peak moments that is in the ener: ?. ., some peak moments that is in the enerr? ., energy? what happened in texas was driven b a energy? what happened in texas was driven by a whole _ energy? what happened in texas was driven by a whole bunch _ energy? what happened in texas was driven by a whole bunch of— energy? what happened in texas was driven by a whole bunch of freak- driven by a whole bunch of freak occurrences, could it happen here? yes, i think our system is more robust than texas. a lot of smart people need to come together and figured out how that will look over the next several decades.- figured out how that will look over the next several decades. thank you very much. — the next several decades. thank you very much. one _ the next several decades. thank you very much. one other _ the next several decades. thank you very much. one other piece - the next several decades. thank you very much. one other piece of - very much. one other piece of legislation, there are more than 30 pills, an animal welfare bill. this is designed to deal with animals

abroad in particular. joining me now is clare bass the ceo of humane society international. then i remembered things we know that have been proposed, a ban on the import of trophies as they are called, bits of wild animals that have been killed for sport. and also a ban on advertising for holidays that encourage people to go and carry out some of those activities. you presumably welcome that but what does it need to achieve? taste you presumably welcome that but what does it need to achieve?— does it need to achieve? we are ruite does it need to achieve? we are quite disappointed _ does it need to achieve? we are quite disappointed by _ does it need to achieve? we are quite disappointed by what - does it need to achieve? we are quite disappointed by what has. does it need to achieve? we are - quite disappointed by what has been set out today for animal protection because this is the fourth queen's speech in a row that we've heard a commitment to a ban on hunting and trophy imports with no tangible vehicle. ., �* ., . vehicle. you're not convinced it get throu . h? vehicle. you're not convinced it get through? it — vehicle. you're not convinced it get through? it is— vehicle. you're not convinced it get through? it is like _ vehicle. you're not convinced it get through? it is like groundhog - vehicle. you're not convinced it get through? it is like groundhog day.

vehicle. you're not convinced it get| through? it is like groundhog day is the. we have _ through? it is like groundhog day is the. we have seen _ through? it is like groundhog day is the. we have seen a _ through? it is like groundhog day is the. we have seen a raft _ through? it is like groundhog day is the. we have seen a raft of- through? it is like groundhog day is the. we have seen a raft of popular| the. we have seen a raft of popular policy is missing entirely. a ban on imports of fur, foie gras, shark fins. ~ . imports of fur, foie gras, shark fins. . ., ., ,, fins. what happened behind-the-scenes i fins. what happened i behind-the-scenes to fins. what happened - behind-the-scenes to knock fins. what happened _ behind-the-scenes to knock that out? behind—the—scenes to knock that out? that is a good question. it is something definite has been working on for some time, years in fact, collecting the research i'm getting strong public support for these bands, this is something people don't want to invest in for some something has happened at number 10, something has happened at number 10, some sort of a wrangle between cabinet members who disagree. it is defying popular opinion because 80% of the public support these bands, we don't want to be importing cruelty. we don't want to be importing cruel . ., , we don't want to be importing cruel . .,, ., we don't want to be importing cruel. ., cruelty. people will say what people choose to do _ cruelty. people will say what people choose to do is _ cruelty. people will say what people choose to do is for _ cruelty. people will say what people choose to do is for them. _ cruelty. people will say what people choose to do is for them. they - cruelty. people will say what people choose to do is for them. they have j choose to do is for them. they have been campaigns for the veal import

campaign, the hunting ban. are you turning your attention to other forms of what you regard as animal cruelty. there are some who would argue angling is a cruel sport. there is a long list of ways we could and should improve and westminster could ensure animal protection laws both animals in the uk and overseas. it isn't enough in global trade for us to only look animals in our own country. angling is the most — animals in our own country. angling is the most popular _ animals in our own country. angling is the most popular sport. - animals in our own country. angling is the most popular sport. there - animals in our own country. angling is the most popular sport. there no| is the most popular sport. there no doubt now in _ is the most popular sport. there no doubt now in the _ is the most popular sport. there no doubt now in the science _ is the most popular sport. there no doubt now in the science of - doubt now in the science of community, fish feel pain and that is work that should be done to protect their welfare. but you are not pushing _ protect their welfare. but you are not pushing on — protect their welfare. but you are not pushing on that? _ protect their welfare. but you are not pushing on that? it _ protect their welfare. but you are not pushing on that? it is - protect their welfare. but you are not pushing on that? it is and - protect their welfare. but you are not pushing on that? it is and is i not pushing on that? it is and is one of our— not pushing on that? it is and is one of our policy _ not pushing on that? it is and is one of our policy focuses. - not pushing on that? it is and is one of our policy focuses. we i not pushing on that? it is and is. one of our policy focuses. we are looking at the animals abroad as the missing piece of the jigsaw. do looking at the animals abroad as the missing piece of the jigsaw.- missing piece of the 'igsaw. do you have enough h missing piece of the 'igsaw. do you have enough rory _ missing piece of the jigsaw. do you have enough tory support - missing piece of the jigsaw. do you have enough tory support to - missing piece of the jigsaw. do you| have enough tory support to ensure that bill gets through this time?

they were people that could be relied upon, are they there now? absolutely. animal welfare appeals to all voters and politicians of all political persuasions so we have over 140 mps backing this bill and wejust over 140 mps backing this bill and we just need over 140 mps backing this bill and wejust need government over 140 mps backing this bill and we just need government to over 140 mps backing this bill and wejust need government to bring it forward. we just need government to bring it forward. . ~ we just need government to bring it forward. ., ,, , ., we just need government to bring it forward. . ~' , ., , we just need government to bring it forward. ., ,, ,~. , . forward. thank you very much for: ivin: forward. thank you very much forgiving as — forward. thank you very much forgiving as their _ forward. thank you very much forgiving as their view - forward. thank you very much forgiving as their view on - forward. thank you very much | forgiving as their view on that. it'll be interesting to see whether that legislation goes through. we will have more from the house of commons later. now, the weather. it has been stubbornly dry across england of wales. we had a front crossing the south east of england through tuesday daytime, that pulls away to the southeast through the evening.

a fine evening to come, but then some showers getting into northern england before midnight. we'll see showers continuing across western scotland, some of them heavy and thundery. and then it looks like we're going to see a weather system that's developing out in the atlantic, running across england and wales through wednesday. it looks like the rain will be into the south west of england and wales around dawn on wednesday. now, just exactly where the northern limits of this rain are are subject to some question at the moment and exactly how much rain will get into the south east of england. so we could see the rain perhaps just brushing as far north, for example, as lancashire for a time through wednesday, getting into lincolnshire. certainly rain though crossing wales, the midlands, the south west of england, perhaps not that much rain left by the time the system gets into the south east of england. in comparison, much drier and brighter for scotland and northern ireland, but still some pokey showers running across scotland. the wetter weather for the south east of england will come wednesday evening into the small hours of thursday. by thursday dawn though, that system is away to the continent and high pressure tries to build up from the south again. all the while that we've still got fronts snaking into the far north of the uk and we've seen quite a lot of rain for western scotland

so far this week and we're just going to continue to top that up with fronts coming in on thursday and friday. eastern areas think seeing some showery outbreaks of rain, but obviously comparatively drier and brighter. fine, though, for england and wales on thursday. similar story here for friday. we've got that high pressure to the south, the weather fronts coming through to the north. gets a little bit warmer again on friday, potentially up to 20 for norwich and london. on into the weekend, at the moment it looks like high pressure though will try and build right the way across the uk once again and hook us into a southerly air stream, that should see temperatures lifting. but it could mean we see some thundery downpours perhaps spreading up from the south on sunday. but the outlook for the weekend certainly will be for some drier weather finally on the way for western scotland.

this is bbc news, i'm rebecca jones. the headlines. prince charles sets out the government's plans to boost the economy, create jobs and spread wealth throughout the uk. mp's have been debating the speech in the house of commons this afternoon this queen's speech delivers on our promises and will not only take us through the after—shocks of covid but build the foundations for decades of prosperity, uniting and levelling up across the country. igate levelling up across the country. we are staring down the barrel of something we haven't seen in decades. _ something we haven't seen in decades, a stagflation crisis. it is a truly— decades, a stagflation crisis. it is a truly shocking legacy of this government. i'm shaun ley live in westminster, bringing you reaction to what's been

announced in the queen's speech the rest of the headlines here on bbc news. the podcaster deborahjames, who's raised more than £1 million for cancer charities, announces she's having hospice care at home for her terminal bowel cancer. and rebekah vardy v colleen rooney — the so—called 'wagatha christie' libel trial kicks off at the high court. welcome back to westminster, where the prince of wales has opened parliament and delivered the queen's speech for the first time. the 96—year—old monarch missed the constitutional ceremony i , something she has been doing for

the best part of 70 years because of what has been described as episodic mobility problems. the thought of the long walk through the house of lords chamber and then delivering the speech seated on the throne was something that in the end proved too much for the queen, but it provided an opportunity for the beginning of the process to transition we are seeing on the monarchy at the moment as the queen celebrate 70 years on the throne and perhaps many more to come. she also wants to acknowledge that time means in due course we will have a king on that throne and that king will be charles. he delivered the speech but very carefully, not the words my government, the words originally scripted for the monarch, but her majesty's government and her majesty's government and her majesty's ministers. he talked about what her majesty hoped would be achieved by the mps and peers. big concentration in that speech on the government's levelling up agenda, proposals for post—brexit reforms

and above all for ensuring the government said it had an answer to the long—term economic problems, of growth in particular that are bedevilling the british economy. not the short—term cost of living crisis, but has been wright was saying just before the news, he thinks the government have acknowledge they will have to say something before the budget in the autumn and that in the next days and weeks the prime minister and chancellor will try to address the cost of living crisis. we are tackling the economic challenges with the best solution of all and _ challenges with the best solution of all and that is a growing number of hi-h all and that is a growing number of high skilled, high wage jobs. and we drive up _ high skilled, high wage jobs. and we drive up employment by creating the ti l ht drive up employment by creating the right platform for business to invest. — right platform for business to invest. making our streets safer, 20.000 — invest. making our streets safer, 20,000 more police, creating a healthier— 20,000 more police, creating a healthier population with 50,000 more _ healthier population with 50,000 more nurses, funding the nhs to help them clearly covid backlogs and giving _ them clearly covid backlogs and giving the confidence that people know _ giving the confidence that people know they will be looked after in

old age — know they will be looked after in old age by fixing social care. delivering gigabit broadband, giving the remotest parts of the country the remotest parts of the country the access— the remotest parts of the country the access they need and using our brexit— the access they need and using our brexit freedoms to enable revolutionary technologies like gene editing _ revolutionary technologies like gene editing to— revolutionary technologies like gene editing to help our farmers grow more _ editing to help our farmers grow more nutritious and more productive crops— more nutritious and more productive crops and _ more nutritious and more productive crops and it — more nutritious and more productive crops and it has that combination of public— crops and it has that combination of public and _ crops and it has that combination of public and private sector together that is _ public and private sector together that is tackling unemployment with half a _ that is tackling unemployment with half a million people more on the payroll— half a million people more on the payroll than when the pandemic began. — payroll than when the pandemic began. and it is that strength at home _ began. and it is that strength at home that enables this country to show— home that enables this country to show leadership abroad, as we have done _ show leadership abroad, as we have done and _ show leadership abroad, as we have done and will continue to do in supporting the people of ukraine. so this queen's speech delivers on their— this queen's speech delivers on their promises. it will not only take _ their promises. it will not only take us— their promises. it will not only take us through the after—shocks of covid _ take us through the after—shocks of covid but _ take us through the after—shocks of covid but build the foundations for decades— covid but build the foundations for decades of prosperity uniting and levelling — decades of prosperity uniting and levelling up across the country. snp leader ian blackford told borisjohnson the public had already given their verdicts on his plans — at last week's local elections

this queen's speech has one very obvious backdrop that deserves mentioning, and that is the democratic drubbing the prime minister and his party got last week. and i know that they might want to hide from that reality but the message from people right across these islands was crystal clear. the people made clear that this is now a prime ministerfacing his people made clear that this is now a prime minister facing his final days in office and a tory government that is on its last legs and i am proud to say, mr speaker, that scotland sent the strongest message of all. i understand this might be a bit uncomfortable listening for the opposite benches but they need to hear it all the same because they need to hear what scottish democracy has been telling them for years. last thursday saw the best ever result for pro—independence parties in the local elections.

contrary to the impression that may have formed, they were notjust back from a wedding, there was a symbolic gesture by the wearing of the rose. snp mps choose not voluntarily to vote on matters of legislation that only affect england and wales. that is their acknowledgement of the fact that they ultimately seek an independent scotland and don't think it is appropriate for scottish mps and one of the consequences of devolution, scottish mps choose to recuse themselves from purely domestic matters. keir starmer was described by borisjohnson as the leader of the now opposition, a jibe at his promise to resign if we his fined by durham police. he chose to concentrate on something other than parties, something he has been talking about a lot in recent weeks and months, he said he wanted to talk about the economy and arguing that labour and not this government could be a government of the moment.

the low growth that led to the stagnation we see today is the same reason wages have been frozen for so long. over 12 years of tory government the economy has grown far slower than when labour was in power and it is set to go even slower in coming years. the slowest growing economy in the g7 next year. as the director general of the cbi said, as a country that is used to growth of 2-2.5%, the a country that is used to growth of 2—2.5%, the conservative record are simply not good enough. mr speaker, we can't afford to go on like this. if the tories had simply matched labour's record on growth in government, people would have had higher incomes, boosting public finances and we could have spent £40

billion more on public services without having to raise a single tax. so the second—rate challenge our country faces is to get britain growing again. a government of the moment would have grasped the nettle and set out a new approach to the economy, an approach based on a stronger partnership between government and businesses, a partnership dedicated to growth. there would have been an industrial strategy to grow the industries of the future. as you read it today and shall set out the priorities the government would have beginning with the economy. would have beginning with the econom . , would have beginning with the econom. , ., , would have beginning with the econom. ., ,. economy. her ma'esty's priority is to crow economy. her ma'esty's priority is to grow and — economy. her majesty's priority is to grow and strengthen _ economy. her majesty's priority is to grow and strengthen the - economy. her majesty's priority is i to grow and strengthen the economy and help— to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families. _ and help ease the cost of living for families. her majesty's government will level— families. her majesty's government will level up opportunity in all parts — will level up opportunity in all parts of— will level up opportunity in all parts of the country and support more _ parts of the country and support more people into work. her majesty's

ministers _ more people into work. her majesty's ministers will continue to support the police — ministers will continue to support the police to make the streets safer and fund _ the police to make the streets safer and fund the national health service to reduce _ and fund the national health service to reduce the covid backlogs. in these _ to reduce the covid backlogs. in these challenging times, her majesty's government will play a leading _ majesty's government will play a leading role in defending democracy and freedom across the world. including — and freedom across the world. including continuing to support the people _ including continuing to support the people of— including continuing to support the people of ukraine. her majesty's government will drive economic growth — government will drive economic growth to— government will drive economic growth to improve living standards and fund _ growth to improve living standards and fund sustainable investment in public— and fund sustainable investment in public services. this will be underpinned by a responsible approach to the public finances, reducing — approach to the public finances, reducing debt while reforming and cutting _ reducing debt while reforming and cutting taxes. her majesty's ministers will support the bank of

england _ ministers will support the bank of england to return inflation to its target. — england to return inflation to its target. .,. england to return inflation to its target. ., , ., target. those were the words of the queen speech _ target. those were the words of the queen speech delivered _ target. those were the words of the queen speech delivered by - target. those were the words of the queen speech delivered by the - target. those were the words of the i queen speech delivered by the prince of wales this morning, watch not only by his wife the duchess of cornwall, but also by his son, the duke of cambridge, who in due course himself will one day be delivering a king's speech from the throne any future state opening of parliament, should we have the monarchy by the time he has the opportunity to succeed his father or grandmother is king. let's have a look in more detail at what was in the queen's speech, the measures that will occupy the members of the house of commons and house of lords for perhaps the next two and a half years before it has to hold another general election. our political correspondent damian grammaticas has the details. this dates back to the 1500s but today there was no gilded carriage carrying the queen.

instead, a royal motorcade bringing the prince of wales accompanied by the duchess of cornwall. the first time in 200 years that not a monarch but an heir to the throne has delivered the speech to ministers at the state opening of parliament. it is the occasion on which the government sets out its plans for the year. the monarch is by tradition not allowed into the house of commons so today the prince of wales entered the house of lords. the sovereign's throne had been removed and instead the slightly lower consort�*s throne had been placed for prince charles. mps then summoned to gather with peers to hear the address. a brief smile was shared between the prime minister and the leader of the opposition, both of whom had their own political difficulties. for borisjohnson there are crises, ukraine abroad and the soaring cost of living at home. my lords and members

of the house of commons, her majesty's government's priority is to grow and strengthen the economy and help ease the cost of living for families. her majesty's government will level up opportunity in all parts of the country parts of the country and support more people into work. to do that the government says it will reform planning laws and says it can enable economic growth by cutting regulations inherited from the eu. her majesty's government will continue to seize the opportunities of the united kingdom's departure from the european union to support economic growth. regulations on businesses will be repealed and reformed. such promises have been made before, which rules to relax and which protections should go is the problem. there are also plans to redraft human rights law currently

based on eu law to crack down on extinction rebellion protesters. it is the economic challenge which is central. this is a comprehensive programme of action to deal with some of the big challenges facing this country. some of the global inflationary pressures which we all know are a massive challenge for households up and down the country and we want to take further action on top of the 22 billion that the chancellor has put forward to help families in that space. but opposition parties said there was nothing to deal with the immediate crisis people face. i think that the cost of living crisis is so large and everybody's minds and we will have to see significant action from the uk government today because _ people can't wait, they can't wait while the uk government shilly shally and there is no reason they are delaying. other governments have not delayed the way they have and it is not good enough. the bank of england said last week the uk faces 10% inflation and recession next year. the bottom line is that unless we get real help to households and

the cost of living problems they are facing then there is real pressure. do an emergency budget now. the first line of the speech could be, there is an emergency budget to give the british public real help with the pressures they face. and liberal democrats instead of tax rises there should be more tax cuts. what we didn't hear is the immediate response to the cost of living crisis. there was an opportunity for the government to look at tax today and the opportunity to look at a call for a cut to vat. pressure is growing for the government to bring in more immediate measures to deal with the growing inflationary pressures the nation faces. anand menon is professor of european politics and foreign affairs at king's college london. he is also part of uk in a changing europe, a think tank looking at some of the issues raised by brexit. let's talk about that first if we

can. some of the pieces of legislation are quite technical but some are more fundamentally trying to say we have moved on from being in the european union, and yet we haven't quite, have we? it feels like unfinished business.- haven't quite, have we? it feels like unfinished business. there is lots of unfinished _ like unfinished business. there is lots of unfinished business, - like unfinished business. there is lots of unfinished business, not i lots of unfinished business, not least over northern ireland but what the government has tried to do is identify what it calls brexit opportunities and then this queen's speech we see some bills that hint at where possibilities may be. financial services is one where the government has decided if we can regulate a bit more liberally in the van in the european union. we still see unresolved tensions around brexit so for example the government talks about simplifying gdp are, the data rules bequeathed to us before we left as a member. there is a trade of the government is yet to confront which as we can trade the rules but if we change the rules too

much we might lose access to eu data which would impose significant costs on businesses so the devil will be in the detail.— on businesses so the devil will be in the detail. you used that phrase about doing _ in the detail. you used that phrase about doing things _ in the detail. you used that phrase about doing things slightly - about doing things slightly differently and it is in the site, because the fear is that if we dramatically move too far from the rules and regulations set when we were members, it will close off opportunities notjust with the eu but for other countries that want to trade with the eu and then will be nervous about accepting your standards. nervous about accepting your standards-— nervous about accepting your standards. ~ , , ., ., , standards. absolutely and two things i like this, standards. absolutely and two things i like this. the _ standards. absolutely and two things i like this, the first _ standards. absolutely and two things i like this, the first is _ standards. absolutely and two things i like this, the first is digital - i like this, the first is digital markets with the government announcing its plans for competition rules on digital markets and essentially we are doing pretty much the same thing the eu is doing. partly because it allows us to keep trading as we are now. the other is procurement and if you remember previously the government talked about buying british rules, they found that those don't fall foul of eu rules but of broader

international trading rule so we are still constrained by international rules evens once free of eu regulations. rules evens once free of eu regulations-— rules evens once free of eu retulations. ., �*, ., ,, ., regulations. now let's talk about northern ireland _ regulations. now let's talk about northern ireland because - regulations. now let's talk about northern ireland because this i regulations. now let's talk about northern ireland because this is | regulations. now let's talk about| northern ireland because this is a really important case study on how regulation can become the unintended grit in the oyster, the problem it is throwing up. we have a situation where it appears that has become easier for northern ireland to trade with the republic of ireland because thatis with the republic of ireland because that is part of the single market thanit that is part of the single market than it is to trade with other parts of the uk, which clearly wasn't the government's intention but was always warned as being a problem. the foreign secretary saying, i am prepared to tear up the northern ireland protocol. what are the consequences if we went down that road? it consequences if we went down that road? , , ., ., ., road? it depends on how. some would sa that road? it depends on how. some would say that the — road? it depends on how. some would say that the government _ road? it depends on how. some would say that the government knew - road? it depends on how. some would say that the government knew very i say that the government knew very well what it was signing up to and the idea they didn't realise they were creating that border is for the birds. the government doesn't like the situation we are in now. what

has been leaked that was not in the queen's speech that mike leaked out exactly the same time. exactly, is the intention to remove the need for any checks on goods going from gb into the ni. that is a direct breach of the protocol and lays open the possibility that the eu may retaliate and they may retaliate by imposing barriers on trade because they would see it as the fundamental breach of an agreement signed in good faith. ih breach of an agreement signed in tood faith. ., . ., , ~ good faith. in france last week, i was told we _ good faith. in france last week, i was told we use _ good faith. in france last week, i was told we use to _ good faith. in france last week, i was told we use to get _ good faith. in france last week, i was told we use to get 1096 - good faith. in france last week, i was told we use to get 1096 of. good faith. in france last week, i. was told we use to get 1096 of trade was told we use to get 10% of trade from the uk via our website which is gone, because the costs of importing and exporting between the european union and the uk. presumably lots of small businesses around the country are finding unintended and not sort of costs they may not have expected.

what are the evidence of how british businesses dealing with it? tote businesses dealing with it? we released a _ businesses dealing with it? - released a report on this a couple of weeks ago and the volume of exports to the european union has pretty much recovered back to previous levels. but a large number of small firms have exited that export market so it seems to be the case that large firms that have compliance departments can can afford to take on custom agents and have lawyers to advise them, they are working with this new system ok, but a large number of small businesses have said, it is too complicated and expensive so they no longer export to the european union they way they used to. let’s longer export to the european union they way they used to.— they way they used to. let's talk finally about _ they way they used to. let's talk finally about levelling _ they way they used to. let's talk finally about levelling up - they way they used to. let's talk| finally about levelling up because thatis finally about levelling up because that is something, this was an ambition in 2019. they can argue that covid to some extent got on the way of it. they can legitimately say it is a long—term project and requires a lot of complicated steps over a long period of time to achieve the ambition. what do you

make of what was in the queen's speech today to address that challenge? it speech today to address that challenge?— speech today to address that challente? , ., _ , challenge? it is worth saying first and foremost _ challenge? it is worth saying first and foremost that _ challenge? it is worth saying first and foremost that the _ challenge? it is worth saying first and foremost that the emphasis l challenge? it is worth saying first i and foremost that the emphasis on devolving greater powers to localities is welcome. so things like the local _ localities is welcome. so things like the local growth _ localities is welcome. so things like the local growth bill? - localities is welcome. so things like the local growth bill? localj like the local growth bill? local oliticians like the local growth bill? local politicians tend _ like the local growth bill? local politicians tend to _ like the local growth bill? local politicians tend to know - like the local growth bill? local politicians tend to know best i like the local growth bill? ii_;f7t€�*ii. politicians tend to know best where money should go. ultimately it is a long—term project and it will also be expensive and the issue about levelling up at the moment as it seems like the treasury are saying we are not writing any new checks and that will remain a problem when it comes to the government's levelling up ambitions going forward. .., ., levelling up ambitions going forward. ., ., ,, ., ., ., forward. good to talk to you again at some of— forward. good to talk to you again at some of those _ forward. good to talk to you again at some of those challenges. - forward. good to talk to you again at some of those challenges. one| forward. good to talk to you again i at some of those challenges. one of the areas when we are talking about levelling up is education and there were a number of proposals including for example a national standardised formula meaning that any child educated anywhere in the country would have the same amount spent of them regardless of the devolved

government responsible for that spending. they would also engage in lifelong learning so that people who have not had the benefit of higher education may be able to borrow the same amount of money through the loan scheme similar to that available for graduates in order to invest in education at any stage of their life. one of those who has been campaigning on this question of levelling up on social mobility is a former education secretaryjustin former education secretary justin greening former education secretaryjustin greening —— mikejustine greening. this is the last queen's speech where you compatible and have an impact before the general election. from a levelling up perspective i would have liked to have seen it structured more around the levelling up structured more around the levelling up missions that michael gove set out. there were 12 of them and what we really need was a good white paper. what we really need it was the legislation agenda to deliver that. that wasn't really clear from

this queen's speech. some welcome steps forward from schools in lifelong learning but i do think the accelerator now needs to go down on levelling up if we are to see difference on the ground. you have been involved _ difference on the ground. you have been involved in _ difference on the ground. you have been involved in something - difference on the ground. you have been involved in something called l been involved in something called the levelling up pledge. what is that about? that is about some of the other players? tote that about? that is about some of the other players?— the other players? we have been workin: the other players? we have been working with _ the other players? we have been working with companies, - the other players? we have been working with companies, it - the other players? we have been working with companies, it is - the other players? we have been i working with companies, it is called the social mobility pledge, and we are using a framework called the levelling up goals which breaks it down into challenges. but going back to the queen's speech what i would have really liked to have seen as an agenda that allows those sorts of employers to get faster on their work. the challenges they often face, providing work experience to schoolchildren, how we can enable more of them with careers advice, how they can play a role in understanding and shaping lifelong learning that the government quite rightly wants to develop. how the government perhaps could set the

framework for socio economic diversity, really pressing employers to set out and transparently report what they are doing to break that cycle and make sure opportunities go to people from tougher backgrounds. and so i think, this queen's speech made some important steps forward but actually there is a much bigger picture that i think it could have addressed. it picture that i think it could have addressed-— picture that i think it could have addressed. , ., ., . ., , addressed. it is one of the curious thin is, addressed. it is one of the curious thing is. this— addressed. it is one of the curious thing is. this is— addressed. it is one of the curious thing is, this is an _ addressed. it is one of the curious thing is, this is an agenda - addressed. it is one of the curious thing is, this is an agenda that - thing is, this is an agenda that isn't ideological and seems to be shared across the political spectrum. it shared across the political spectrum-— shared across the political sectrum. , ., , ~ , spectrum. it is the only thing mps all atree spectrum. it is the only thing mps all agree on- _ spectrum. it is the only thing mps all agree on. what _ spectrum. it is the only thing mps all agree on. what you _ spectrum. it is the only thing mps all agree on. what you have - spectrum. it is the only thing mps i all agree on. what you have achieved in ttettin all agree on. what you have achieved in getting into _ all agree on. what you have achieved in getting into your— all agree on. what you have achieved in getting into your profession - all agree on. what you have achieved in getting into your profession and i in getting into your profession and then getting into politics and then reaching the cabinet, you have talked very passionately and articulately about that, you find people in labour and the liberal democrats and snp who feel equally strongly, yet somehow the institutional barriers seem to be not insurmountable but very difficult to shift. do you have a

sense of why that is? is it something _ sense of why that is? is it something to _ sense of why that is? is it something to do - sense of why that is? is it something to do with - sense of why that is? is it something to do with our| sense of why that is? is it something to do with our culture? i think it is because we need system change so almost unless you have that whole plan, then ad hoc pieces of work don't really make much of a difference. it is like plugging the holes in a leaky bucket, you have to do all of them. that is why for us the levelling up goals work matters. it says there are 14 key areas, whether you are a government or a business or university or nhs trust, you need your plan. and so in the same way that every organisation in britain today would say, this is what we are doing on sustainability, britain will only drive levelling up when every organisation is able to say, this is what we are doing the levelling up and here is our contribution.— levelling up and here is our contribution. ., ~ ., ., contribution. you will know from our contribution. you will know from your years _ contribution. you will know from your years spent _ contribution. you will know from your years spent in _ contribution. you will know from your years spent in this - contribution. you will know from your years spent in this place - contribution. you will know from | your years spent in this place that quite often what we get any piece of legislation is the headline, like the front page of the bill. the details still to be written. what would you like them now to do to the

legislation we have announced that would get some way towards your objective? i would get some way towards your ob'ective? ~' ., , objective? i think the most important _ objective? i think the most important thing _ objective? i think the most important thing is - objective? i think the most important thing is the - objective? i think the mostj important thing is the level objective? i think the most i important thing is the level of ambition. we don't want the gaps have closed, it is about closing them 100% and we have got that longer term ambition with the levelling up white paper and all those targets for 2030 but it is absolutely crucial we now see this legislation work as paving legislation work as paving legislation to show us how we get from today to those results in 2030. the government starting to set that out in places like education but of course literacy and numeracyjust part of how you get people connected up part of how you get people connected up with opportunity. it is about advice and it is about connecting them up more overtly with opportunities from companies. fine opportunities from companies. one ve brief opportunities from companies. one very brief last _ opportunities from companies. one very brief last thought, would it help if opposition parties at this stage were to say, as you said, this is the last chance before a general

election, that if they can get some kind of buying before the general election they can commit to notjust tearing it up when it comes into office, because one of the things i have seen over the years is that one government has an idea and it seems a good idea and the next government says we are going to do it differently and it feels like reinventing the wheel every ten years. i reinventing the wheel every ten ears. ~' reinventing the wheel every ten ears. ~ ., years. i think we are reinventing the wheel _ years. i think we are reinventing the wheel and _ years. i think we are reinventing the wheel and one _ years. i think we are reinventing the wheel and one of— years. i think we are reinventing the wheel and one of the - years. i think we are reinventingl the wheel and one of the reasons years. i think we are reinventing i the wheel and one of the reasons i stepped out of parliament as i got fed up of doing that so i wanted to work with businesses who want to be there for the long—term in their communities and can an impact but i think a lot of learning has come out of all of that work that parliament can really pick up on and i would really encourage mps of all parties to find those places where they can work together because it is a long—term project and there needs to be some long—term solutions. we do need to move away from chopping and changing if we can.— changing if we can. thank you very much, changing if we can. thank you very much. justine _ changing if we can. thank you very much, justine greening _ changing if we can. thank you very much, justine greening proving i changing if we can. thank you very i much, justine greening proving there is life after politics and you can still influence what happens inside from outside. we will have more in a

few minutes. back to you. i want to bring you one other story, because married couples stuck in separate countries because of a visa backlog say the home office has failed to tell them how long they will have to wait. the home office says the delays are due to the war in ukraine. deon barnard who has been kept apart from his wife for seven monthsjoins me now. iam i am delighted you are with us, seven months apart. tell us why you have been apart for so long?- have been apart for so long? thank ou for have been apart for so long? thank you for having _ have been apart for so long? thank you for having me _ have been apart for so long? thank you for having me on. _ have been apart for so long? thank you for having me on. it _ have been apart for so long? thank you for having me on. it is - have been apart for so long? thank you for having me on. it isjust - have been apart for so long? thank you for having me on. it isjust an i you for having me on. it is just an admin issue, effectively, that has radically changed our lives. we applied for a spousal visa, i am a british citizen and my wife is south african, and when i applied for a job here and started the application

process, we hoped we would be landing injanuary at process, we hoped we would be landing in january at the process, we hoped we would be landing injanuary at the end of that process and starting our life together here. it is now may and we are still waiting so we have not seen each other for seven months. and that must be very difficult because i understand up until then, i can't remember how long you have been married, but until then you would only been apart for a week at most? b. would only been apart for a week at most? �* . ., . would only been apart for a week at most? �* .., . ., would only been apart for a week at most? ~ , ., ., most? a couple of days here and there on a _ most? a couple of days here and there on a business _ most? a couple of days here and there on a business trip - most? a couple of days here and there on a business trip is - most? a couple of days here and there on a business trip is as - most? a couple of days here and i there on a business trip is as long. we have been together for 13 years, and a very happy and intimate relationship for 13 years. so having that suddenly broken, when we knew we were aiming forjanuary and maybe with a delay, february, it was fine, we could wrap our heads around that time get on with something, but now that we have just no idea when it is going to be processed, we don't know if it is a week, a man is a year, we

just don't know how to proceed with our lives. ., ., ,., ., our lives. you are in limbo and i think your _ our lives. you are in limbo and i think your wife _ our lives. you are in limbo and i think your wife particularly - our lives. you are in limbo and i think your wife particularly is i our lives. you are in limbo and i think your wife particularly is in | think your wife particularly is in limbo, she hasn't got a home at the moment, has she? 50 limbo, she hasn't got a home at the moment, has she?— limbo, she hasn't got a home at the moment, has she? so when we started the rocess moment, has she? so when we started the process we — moment, has she? so when we started the process we sold _ moment, has she? so when we started the process we sold everything - moment, has she? so when we started the process we sold everything so - moment, has she? so when we started the process we sold everything so we i the process we sold everything so we had no home and she went on to her parents and family down at the coast and has been staying on a couch ever since. what we were hoping for is just a few weeks of that and then leaving the small inconvenience behind has now turned into a seven month ordeal which we won't see the end of, so she can't start a job, she has no goals. our goals are all here and she can't begin any of them and so she wakes up every dayjust kind of waiting. hagar and so she wakes up every day 'ust kind of waiting.�* and so she wakes up every day 'ust kind of waiting. how much have you sent, kind of waiting. how much have you spent. how — kind of waiting. how much have you spent, how much _ kind of waiting. how much have you spent, how much has _ kind of waiting. how much have you spent, how much has this _ kind of waiting. how much have you spent, how much has this all - kind of waiting. how much have you spent, how much has this all cost? | spent, how much has this all cost? we have probably spent at least 6000

prunes —— £6,000 on the process so far. we had to sell everything to make it happen. what hope was was that we would both be earning in february and we will be able to get back on track and pay off some loans we took to make that happen, but of course now we are paying for both in two separate places on a single salary. financially, it is difficult but by far the most difficult thing is just the unknown, just trying to stay positive and upbeat about the relationship and not knowing what the next step is. the home office says the delays are due to the war in ukraine, they are prioritising ukrainian applicants which i imagine you understand. what have they said to you in terms of your case?— have they said to you in terms of your case? absolutely nothing. in fact, the your case? absolutely nothing. in fact. the hend — your case? absolutely nothing. in fact, the hend of _ your case? absolutely nothing. in fact, the hend of the _ your case? absolutely nothing. in fact, the hend of the people - your case? absolutely nothing. in fact, the hend of the people we i

your case? absolutely nothing. in - fact, the hend of the people we know in this situation, and we are connected with them on various forums, nobody has received any information. you pay about £3 to get an e—mail responding but none of those e—mails have been responded to. nobody has got any news. when we have asked it is just dead silence. we don't know. just to be clear, we have massive empathy, we would love to see every single ukrainian possible get taken in and be helped but what we are not understanding is, why it is an either or situation. we have a situation where more staff are needed to do an administrativejob and more staff are needed to do an administrative job and we can't understand why there is such a backlog. hide understand why there is such a backlot. ~ . understand why there is such a backlot. . , ., backlog. we must leave it there. thank you _ backlog. we must leave it there. thank you so _ backlog. we must leave it there. thank you so much _ backlog. we must leave it there. thank you so much for— backlog. we must leave it there. thank you so much for telling - backlog. we must leave it there. thank you so much for telling us| thank you so much for telling us your story and good luck with everything. now it's time for a look at the weather.

this is the picture taken in scotland and we are seeing very big thunderstorm starting to eat their way towards the north—west of scotland. all of us will see some rain in the next few days. the system to the south—west is heading towards england and wales where things have been dry for many gardeners in recent weeks. this area of rain promises may be half an edge for some spots as its chemist pushing into wales in the south—west. more showers n across scotland, they will be a few for northern ireland and england as well but how far it gets into wednesday, the same question marks around that. no further north than lincolnshire and as it pushes its way south—east late in the day, the rain may taper off. so we may not get some drink for the flowers he abbotsford england and wales, wetter than we have had this for a of the sunshine,

if you stay showers, temperatures in the mid teens.

hello this is bbc news. the headlines... prince charles sets out the government's plans to boost the economy, create jobs and spread wealth throughout the uk. mp's are debating the queen's speech in the house of commons this queen's speech delivers on our promises, it will not only taking through the after—shocks of covid boats built the foundations for decades of prosperity, uniting and levelling up across the country. it is the latest chapter in a pathetic response — is the latest chapter in a pathetic response to the cost of living crisis. — response to the cost of living crisis. where there should have been support. _ crisis. where there should have been support. it _ crisis. where there should have been support, it has been tax rise after tax rise _ support, it has been tax rise after tax rise on— support, it has been tax rise after tax rise on working people.

the duke and duchess of cambridge unveil a memorial to those who died in the manchester arena attack. the podcaster deborahjames, who's raised more than £1 million for cancer charities, announces she's having hospice care at home for her terminal bowel cancer. and rebekah vardy v colleen rooney, the so—called wagatha christie libel trial kicks off at the high court. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's isaac. a big game tonight in the premier league. but the footballing world is about a huge transfer. erling haaland will be a manchester city player. it had long been rumoured and those suspicions have been confirmed. the club announced the norwegian striker would join this summer. nesta mcgregor is at the etihad. nesta, for those who don't know, who is erling haaland and what type

of player are city getting? put simply, erling haaland is one of if not the most exciting young talents in world football. he is 21 years of age, he has been playing for borussia dortmund in germany for the past three years and his goals to games ratio reads like a computer game than professional footballer. in germany, he has played 66 games and scored 61 goals. there aren't many better goal—scorers around. the etihad stadium will be his new home. manchester city have released a statement that says he will sign a contract that will make him a city player. we know that his wages are going to be about £400,000 a week which sounds a lot better considering they are paying a transfer fee of £50 million because that triggered a release clause in

his contract, it isn't that much. his market value if it wasn't that would easily be four or five times that amount. one of the biggest talents in world football will be playing for manchester city and in the premier league as of next season. . . . , season. fans are getting very excited about _ season. fans are getting very excited about it. _ season. fans are getting very excited about it. they - season. fans are getting very excited about it. they are - season. fans are getting very excited about it. they are in i season. fans are getting very - excited about it. they are in pole position of winning the league this season but it is europe which has evaded them. it is the one they wanted to win. will he push them over the line. it wanted to win. will he push them over the line.— over the line. it is worth saying since sergio — over the line. it is worth saying since sergio aguero _ over the line. it is worth saying since sergio aguero left - over the line. it is worth saying - since sergio aguero left manchester city they haven't had a recognised striker, that number nine. pep guardiola, his tactics have done remarkably well. they are in pole position to win the premier league but like you say it is european competition because my biggest prize, the champions league that has long eluded them. this is and they were so close, 90 seconds away from being in the final until they lost to real madrid on aggregate. perhaps time will tell if erling haaland can

push them to that next level but there is no doubt he makes them a better team. we are talking about manchester city, a team that creates so many chances. we saw that in the semifinal of the champions league and erling haaland, this is what he does forfun. he and erling haaland, this is what he does for fun. he will be supplied by kevin de bruyne. it is going to be a very exciting team to watch. you say they create — very exciting team to watch. you say they create chances, _ very exciting team to watch. you say they create chances, but _ very exciting team to watch. you say they create chances, but i _ very exciting team to watch. you say they create chances, but i have - very exciting team to watch. you sayj they create chances, but i have been if few concerns is not the type of striker that will suit pep guardiola's system. others concerns valid? i guardiola's system. others concerns valid? ~ . , guardiola's system. others concerns valid? ~' ._ ., , valid? i think the way that pep guardiola places _ valid? i think the way that pep guardiola places football, - valid? i think the way that pep guardiola places football, he i valid? i think the way that pep - guardiola places football, he likes to pass the ball, he likes to keep possession. erling haaland is strong, he is powerful, he is great in the air, we don't see manchester city playing that sort of football. surely, with him in the box, they will play that kind of football, there might be more crosses and

direct play. if they combine what they do with a plan b, it is difficult to see how this can be a bad transfer. only time will tell but it is difficult to see how erling haaland makes manchester city even weaker. erling haaland makes manchester city even weaker-— the germans used to call him a machine. — the germans used to call him a machine. i— the germans used to call him a machine, i don't think you should call a _ machine, i don't think you should call a human machine, i don't think you should calla human being machine, i don't think you should call a human being to a machine but he is _ call a human being to a machine but he is as— call a human being to a machine but he is as close as you would get. he is tall. _ he is as close as you would get. he is tall, norwegian, he is like a viking. — is tall, norwegian, he is like a viking. he _ is tall, norwegian, he is like a viking. he can score goals, he is strong _ viking. he can score goals, he is strong and — viking. he can score goals, he is strong and his technical ability is great. _ strong and his technical ability is great. he — strong and his technical ability is great. he is a very quick as well.

he has— great. he is a very quick as well. he has the — great. he is a very quick as well. he has the ability to play in behind the back— he has the ability to play in behind the back four our back three of any team. _ the back four our back three of any team. in— the back four our back three of any team. in the — the back four our back three of any team. in the modern football, counterattack is very, very important, he fits that bill. a viking — important, he fits that bill. a viking is— important, he fits that bill. a viking is coming to the premier league! — viking is coming to the premier leatue! ., ., ., ., , league! erling haaland 'oins manchester i league! erling haaland 'oins manchester city. i league! erling haaland 'oins manchester city. we _ league! erling haaland joins manchester city. we have i league! erling haalandjoins. manchester city. we have the league! erling haalandjoins- manchester city. we have the latest on that. we will have to talk about liverpool in sports day. the duke and duchess of cambridge have today attended the official opening of the manchester arena attack memorial. the memorial, which features a white marble "halo" centrepiece, bears the names of those killed on 22 may 2017. the royal couple joined bereaved families, some of those injured in the attack and dignitaries at the glade of light monument earlier this afternoon, where the duke spoke about the importance of remeberance. for katherine and i, it is very important

that we are with you here today to remember the 22 lives so brutally taken. to acknowledge the hundreds of lives that were irrevocably changed and to pay tribute to the resilience of this great city. i remember only too well the shock and grief on the faces of those i met when i visited manchester. in the days following the atrocity and the rawness of emotion at the commemoration service held at your cathedraljust here a year later. five years on, i know that the pain and the trauma felt by many has not gone away. as someone who lives with his own grief, i also know that what often matters most to the bereaved is that those we have lost are not forgotten. there is comfort in remembering. in acknowledging that while taken horribly soon they lived.

they changed our lives. they were loved and they are loved. it is why memorials such as the glade of light are so important. the duke of cambridge in manchester. the long—awaited libel trial involving the wives of two former england footballers has kicked off at the high court. coleen rooney, who's married to wayne rooney, accused rebekah vardy, the wife of jamie vardy, of leaking private information about her to the media. rebekah vardy denies being behind the leak — and is suing coleen rooney for libel. and our correspondent greg mckenzie is outside the high court. i know rebekah vardy has taken the stand today. she i know rebekah vardy has taken the stand today-— stand today. she has indeed taken the stand as _

stand today. she has indeed taken the stand as a _ stand today. she has indeed taken the stand as a witness _ stand today. she has indeed taken the stand as a witness in - stand today. she has indeed taken the stand as a witness in this - the stand as a witness in this trial, called to the stand colleen rooney's barrister. he has questioned herfor over rooney's barrister. he has questioned her for over an rooney's barrister. he has questioned herfor over an hour. one questioned herfor over an hour. one question even asking rebekah vardy if understood what the word leaked mount and whether or not she understood the terms and conditions of instagram to which she said, she hadn't read the terms and conditions of instagram. that is relating to the accusations that she had leaked private information about colleen rooney to the newspapers. this case has been ongoing for the last almost three years, 2019 it started, and to date that libel trial has begun. it is expected to last for about seven days. she was asked about an article she had given to the news of the world when she was 22 in 2004. it is

about sexual encounter with peter andre, the musician. they arejust leaving court here as you can see, paparazzi trying to get that photo of rebekah vardy and colleen rooney who were all in court today. you can see them leaving there. mas who were all in court today. you can see them leaving there.— see them leaving there. was there an hint see them leaving there. was there anything else _ see them leaving there. was there anything else you _ see them leaving there. was there anything else you wanted - see them leaving there. was there anything else you wanted to - see them leaving there. was there anything else you wanted to say? i see them leaving there. was there | anything else you wanted to say? it is a seven day trial and this is just the beginning of the evidence giving of rebekah vardy, colleen rooney will be on the stand, we are expecting her to give evidence on friday. it has been the queen's speech in the house of commons, mps have been debating it in the last hour or two and bringing a straight up to date is my colleague. back to you. we are going to talk about one aspect of

the governments's legislative programme which is reflected into bills, its attitude to civil liberty and rights. those two pills at the public order bill which potentially would create a new offence which will criminalise some of the protest activity resort last summer, the protests that interrupt this infrastructure work going on last summer. but also, in terms of the other aspect in the government's queen's speech proposes today of a british bill of rights which the justice secretary dominic rob hopes will shift the balance between courts and the legislature, the excessive in terms of what the government tries to do, what they

course are frustrated from doing using the human rights law. martha spurrier is the director of liberty and a human rights lawyer. thank you very much for being with us. let's take these two things separates, as that of the bill of rights. the governments of the labour introduced the human rights act, that has shackled what governments can do because the court use it as a weapon to strike down legislation that is passed by the elected parliament. what is your response to that criticism? it is ri . ht the response to that criticism? it 3 right the government is shackled by human rights legislation because when the government commits human rights violation the courts can hold it to account. it is not correct to say the courts can strike down legislation made by parliament was the primary legislation, legislation made by parliament, that is not touchable by the courts, but stands because we have parliamentary

sovereignty. secondary legislation, legislation made by governance ministers with little parliamentary scrutiny, that can be struck down by the courts if it violates human rights. it is violating human rights, the will of parliament is, “p rights, the will of parliament is, up until now, once to uphold the bill of rights. what this government is doing is striking a balance very much in favour of executive power, away from the courts and away from the people. away from the courts and away from the eo - le. , away from the courts and away from the people-— the people. they disappointed dominic raab _ the people. they disappointed dominic raab put _ the people. they disappointed dominic raab put this - the people. they disappointed dominic raab put this forward | dominic raab put this forward because the 12 years, successive government ministers, theresa may who was the home secretary, was talking about the need for a british bill of rights, and that cause some tension with her colleague, kenneth clarke was the justice secretary. tension with her colleague, kenneth clarke was thejustice secretary. it bounced backwards and forwards through the city is a government and el borisjohnson government. they are proposing it and want to do something about it. hide

are proposing it and want to do something about it.— are proposing it and want to do something about it. we can take out ofthe something about it. we can take out of the last decade _ something about it. we can take out of the last decade because - of the last decade because successive governments have seen that people in this country do not want to abandon basic standards of fairness and dignity and governance ministers and mps from across the political divide understand why our constitution rests on the idea of protecting human rights. i'm disappointed it has come to this but i'm hopeful we can fight it as we have before.— i'm hopeful we can fight it as we have before. , ., , , i'm hopeful we can fight it as we have before. . ., . , ., have before. some people struggle to understand the _ have before. some people struggle to understand the application _ have before. some people struggle to understand the application of- have before. some people struggle to understand the application of this. - understand the application of this. let's take an example a frustrated labour governments in the 1990s, charles clarke said they were going to send back people who had committed crimes. they don't understand the use of that convention of human rights when you think it is appropriate are not result in people who have been convicted of crimes who are not british nationals, not being able to be repatriated to their own

countries. it be repatriated to their own countries-— be repatriated to their own countries. , ., ., countries. it is important to get behind the _ countries. it is important to get behind the spain _ countries. it is important to get behind the spain of _ countries. it is important to get behind the spain of which - countries. it is important to get behind the spain of which therej countries. it is important to get l behind the spain of which there is countries. it is important to get - behind the spain of which there is a lot around this issue. people get deported all the time when they've committed a crime when they get sent back to their home country unless it will be a violation of their fundamental rights and that might be they have been here all their life. evenif they have been here all their life. even if they have broken the law? even if they have broken the law? evenif even if they have broken the law? even if they have broken the law? even if they have broken the law? even if they have done is because the whole point of human rights is you get is regardless of what you have done and if you start to attack that notion you don't have universal human rights any more. behind the spain and the government always leads with contentious things like immigration, what you get is the point of human rights is to frustrate the worst excesses of government all policing all prison authorities or hospitals or any other state body. the fact is, most of the time that governments can do what it once, it has a majority and

can pass primary legislation and that cannot be struck down by the courts. . ~' , ., , that cannot be struck down by the courts. . ~' ,, , . that cannot be struck down by the courts. . ~ ,, , . ., . that cannot be struck down by the courts. ., ,, , . ., , ., courts. thank you very much. lots of debate likely — courts. thank you very much. lots of debate likely in _ courts. thank you very much. lots of debate likely in the _ courts. thank you very much. lots of debate likely in the coming _ courts. thank you very much. lots of debate likely in the coming weeks i debate likely in the coming weeks and months on that subject. we wait to see when the bill of rights will be introduced and exactly what will be introduced and exactly what will be introduced and exactly what will be in it. the sister of sheku bayoh has said she no longer feels safe in scotland — after her brother's death in police custody. mr bayoh died after being restrained by officers in kirkcaldy — fife - in 2015. kadi johnson was addressing the public inquiry into her brother's death. joining me now from glasgow is our scotland correspondent — james shaw. bring us up to date with what else has been said.— bring us up to date with what else has been said. . ., ., ., ._ ., , has been said. what we had today was the first public— has been said. what we had today was the first public session _ has been said. what we had today was the first public session of _ has been said. what we had today was the first public session of the - the first public session of the inquiry into the death of sheku bayoh. it wasn't given over to evidence, it was all about giving

the family, his close family and his extended family, an opportunity to talk about the man himself, to pay their respects, to pay a tribute to him because that is a sense among some members of the family over the course of the last seven years since he died, his name has been smeared, his reputation has been affected by what happened to him. we heard from his mother who travelled from sierra leone to be at the first day of the public sessions of the inquiry. we heard from his sisters and in particular, from paddyjohnson who said she had been affected about how she felt about where she lived. i don't feel safe any more in scotland. i feel nervous and worried. _ scotland. i feel nervous and worried. for my children. i fear for the safety—

worried. for my children. i fear for the safety of— worried. for my children. i fear for the safety of my nieces and nephews. why should _ the safety of my nieces and nephews. why should i have to feel this way? scotland _ why should i have to feel this way? scotland is — why should i have to feel this way? scotland is a place i loved and they always _ scotland is a place i loved and they always give back. these children were _ always give back. these children were born — always give back. these children were born in scotland, this is all they— were born in scotland, this is all they know. _ were born in scotland, this is all they know, why should we not have they know, why should we not have the privilege to enjoy scotland like any other— the privilege to enjoy scotland like any other white person? the inquiry mitht any other white person? the inquiry might heard — any other white person? the inquiry might heard statements _ any other white person? the inquiry might heard statements from - any other white person? the inquiryj might heard statements from sheku bayoh's partner, she was not strong left to come and give evidence or give a tribute to herself in person today but she said she dreaded the day when she would have to tell their son what had happened to his father and she helped or asked how many more people would have to suffer in the way her partner had done. this inquiry central to it is the question of whether sheku bayoh's race play the part in what happened to him, how he was cheated by the police and how his case was

cheated by the prosecuting authorities. it is going to be extensive and lengthy and we will hear from extensive and lengthy and we will hearfrom police extensive and lengthy and we will hear from police scotland, extensive and lengthy and we will hearfrom police scotland, and extensive and lengthy and we will hear from police scotland, and the hope of the inquiry is it'll get it to the truth of what happened to sheku bayoh seven years ago in fife. thank you. the podcaster deborahjames has revealed that she's now having hospice care at home for her terminal bowel cancer. the presenter of the bbc podcast 'you me and the big c�* urged followers to donate to herfundraising page for clinical trials and research — as we came on air, it had raised more than £1.2 million. deborahjames, who's 40, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, and has documented her operations and treatment on social media. naomi grimley has this report. removing the taboos about bowel cancer, whatever it takes.

deborahjames, or bowel babe, as she's been known on social media, has been frank about her diagnosis from the start. people always say, "but look at all the opportunities..." through her podcast, you, me and the big c, she has spoken about the day to day realities of treatment as well as the emotional side of her illness. her fellow presenter, rachael bland, died of cancer aged just 40. deborah james was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35. there have been moments when her treatments seemed to be working well. on paper, three years down the line from a metastatic cancer diagnosis of bowel cancer, i am officially cancer free. it is unbelievable! it's quite amazing. that's only on paper and, as i like to say, anything can happen. last night she posted this

on instagram, explaining to her followers that she is now receiving end—of—life care. she wrote... within hours of posting that message she had already raised thousands more for her bowel babe fund, aimed at increasing awareness. something else we are very keen to do this year is fund educational models for health care professionals, aimed specifically at bowel cancer in younger people, and deborah's legacy will absolutely support that, and other vital work in awareness raising. a new episode of deborahjames's podcast will be released later. even as she prepares to say goodbye, she is still helping others understand what it is like to

have a terminal diagnosis. naomi grimley, bbc news. just too updated, her fundraising page which is for clinical trials and research has now raised over £1.4 million. let's catch up with all the weather news now. we've got some shy was rattling through scotland at the moment. some dramatic skies being sent in by our weather watchers. some pretty meaty showers dropping heavy rain across western scotland on into the evening, some of them skittering their way eastwards as well in the next few hours. it is a fine entity the day for england and wales but it

is all change for wales and the south—west of england tomorrow. the remainder of the uk, clear spells, a few scattered showers to the north but a mild night. we look at wednesday and it is this where the feature that is our biggest forecast headache for wednesday, we are confident how it'll develop now. we could see a rain spreading north and it could get into lancashire. it looks as if it will stick to lincolnshire and to get as far north as yorkshire. this could peter out. it brightens up considerably behind this, there's quite a lot of sunshine out for wednesday afternoon were still some scattered showers across scotland, northern ireland and the odd one for northern england. the rain is a way to the continent by thursday morning, some clear skies, continent by thursday morning, some clearskies, light winds, continent by thursday morning, some clear skies, light winds, the odd patch of mist and fog across england and wales but high—pressure ties to bell to the south again so back with

a fine weather. however, for scotland, is on weather from sneaking into the picture come on and off through the end of the week. we were taught at the high rainfall figures we have seen in recent days. for the western isles and the highlands, some pretty persistent rain to come on thursday, eastern scotland comparatively drier. fine weather for the south of the uk and temperatures in the high teens. more in the way sunshine for england and wales on friday, it should be bright for northern ireland but scotland still looking showery, still westerly winds and it is particularly western exposures that are picking up on that sweater weather so we could be around 100 millimetres of rain in some place, four inches of rain before the week is out. this is the weekend, high pressure building up across the uk and it looks as if it will bring fine weather for scotland but you may have noticed this is sneaking into south and wales. thundery showers.

this is bbc news. the headlines. mps are debating for the coming session of parliament. those ideas were set out in the green speech delivered today by prince charles in the absence of the queen who is the occasion for the first time in 59 years. the government is pledging a series of measures it says will boost the economy and help people with the rising cost of living. this queen speech delivers on our promises. it will not only take us through the aftershock of covid but build the foundations for decades of prosperity with a up across the country. hide of prosperity with a up across the count . ~ . . . of prosperity with a up across the count . ~ ., , ., ., country. we are staring down the barrel of something _

country. we are staring down the barrel of something we _ country. we are staring down the barrel of something we haven't i country. we are staring down the i barrel of something we haven't seen in decades. — barrel of something we haven't seen in decades. a stagflation