this is bbc news. the headlines: new warnings that more than a million households across the uk will struggle to pay their bills over the next 12 months — as the prime minister warns of continuing pressure to come. as the prime minister warns we as the prime minister warns have already done a hi and we have already done a huge amount and we are putting billions and billions into helping people with the gusts of their energy. but we have to be realistic. there is going to be continuing pressure so we are going to continue to do as much as we can. going to continue to do as much as we can. the uk signs a mutual security pact with sweden, pledging support should its military come under attack.

police say they are treating the disappearance of a 15—year—old as child abduction. the uk rejects eu proposals to reduce the impact of the post—brexit northern ireland protocol, saying they would make things worse. rebekah vardy admits she directed her agent to look at coleen rooney's private instagram account to obtain information about a car crash. borisjohnson has conceded that the gusts of living crisis is likely to put, as he said, continuing pressure on people in the uk. in an interview this afternoon he said the government would do all it could to

help people pay their bills but he brushed away suggestions of an emergency budget. his comments came as a think tank, the national institute for economic and social research warned that one and a half million households across the uk will soon be dealing with food and energy bills that are greater than their disposable income. the energy watchdog of gem has said further fuel price rises in october are almost inevitable. the prime minister has been speaking in sweden braeside mutual security pact with the country. that pact means that the country. that pact means that the uk would give assistance to sweden if it came under attack. the prime minister is now in finland and later in this hour we are due to have a news briefing from him. since the news conference gets under way, we'll bring you that life. let's hear what he had to say during his interview. what it means in practice is that

the uk and sweden are stating what should be implicit in our relationship anyway but really needs to be stated. particularly now in view of what putin has done in ukraine. that, in the event of a disaster or an attack upon either of eyes, we commit to coming upon request to each other�*s defence and support. and we made a solemn declaration to that effect. what it also does is it lays the foundation for closer cooperation between the uk and sweden on a whole load of things in defence and security so if russia were to attack sweden does that mean you would be in principle willing to give munitions, for example, as you have with ukraine? or go further and deploy british forces? the crucial thing is to understand what the circumstances would be and what sweden might request. in the same sort of arrangement apply in other contexts.

i am sure that sweden would think carefully about the right type of request and we would of course, not unreasonably, want to refuse anything. that is the way it works. but this is the foundation for developing intelligence sharing and defence procurement. morejoint exercises and of course, the climate that has been created by putting's invasion of ukraine has made this more important and there is no doubt that countries around europe are thinking about their security arrangements, how they are going to make sure that we are all safe together. this is one of the building blocks. {iii together. this is one of the building blocks.— together. this is one of the building blocks. of sweden and finland apply — building blocks. of sweden and finland apply to _ building blocks. of sweden and finland apply to join _ building blocks. of sweden and finland apply to join nato, - building blocks. of sweden and finland apply to join nato, howi building blocks. of sweden and - finland apply to join nato, how much finland apply tojoin nato, how much does this kind of security reassurance from country like britain and others help during that crucial period between application and actuallyjoining nato and getting the full security guarantees that that provides. what getting the full security guarantees that that provides.— that that provides. what we are sa in: that that provides. what we are saying something _ that that provides. what we are saying something that - that that provides. what we are saying something that should i that that provides. what we are l saying something that should be,

that that provides. what we are - saying something that should be, you know, implicit relationship anyway but we are making it clear now. which is important given the context of what is happening in ukraine and the general anxiety that there is now around security for many countries in europe. there is a separate conversation going on in sweden about nato membership. that may come to head the next few days and weeks. it is not for the uk to intervene in that debate. suffice it to say, that we strongly, you know, we would strongly support sweden's accession if that is what they chose to do. we certainly try to make things go as smoothly and easily as possible. things go as smoothly and easily as ossible. ., . ., , ., things go as smoothly and easily as ossible. ., . ., ., ,, ,, possible. how much do you assess the threat of russia _ possible. how much do you assess the threat of russia to _ possible. how much do you assess the threat of russia to this _ possible. how much do you assess the threat of russia to this country - possible. how much do you assess the threat of russia to this country and - threat of russia to this country and elsewhere? how much of a threat is that? you're the man to think what you got to be bias, but everybody can see is that ukraine, i mean,

logically, there should be no threat. logically, rationally, an independent sovereign country like sweden poses no conceivable threat to russia, no more than any other nato country or any other european country poses a threat to russia. there is no conceivable reason or justification for any russian attack on any independent sovereign european country. but, tragically, we have seen what has happened in ukraine. we have seen putting's willingness to use extreme violence, extreme unprovoked violence against an innocent independent country. in that context, of course, european democracies are thinking about our security and we are thinking about how we can work more closely to protect each other. fin how we can work more closely to protect each other.— protect each other. on a more domestic— protect each other. on a more domestic matter _ protect each other. on a more domestic matter are _ protect each other. on a more domestic matter are you - protect each other. on a more| domestic matter are you ready protect each other. on a more - domestic matter are you ready and about to override part of the northern ireland protocol? i think it is ve , northern ireland protocol? i think it is very. very — northern ireland protocol? i think it is very, very important - northern ireland protocol? i think it is very, very important that - northern ireland protocol? i think it is very, very important that we | it is very, very important that we protect the good agreement. this is 25 years old now and that is the

fundamental test that ensures the peace and stability of northern ireland. and the key principle in that good friday agreement is that there should be cross community support for changes and i think the trouble with the protocol arrangement is that they have been used and interpreted in such a way as to lose the confidence and the support of one important community in northern ireland. the unionist community. as i understand it, there's not a single elected unionist member of the assembly that backs the protocol. in those circumstances, we have to fix it but why in the context? the circumstances, we have to fix it but why in the context?— why in the context? the crisis that is takin: why in the context? the crisis that is taking place. — why in the context? the crisis that is taking place, why _ why in the context? the crisis that is taking place, why is _ why in the context? the crisis that is taking place, why is now- why in the context? the crisis that is taking place, why is now the - is taking place, why is now the moment to get into a battle, with european allies, over what is a breaks of legacy issue? it

european allies, over what is a breaks of legacy issue?- european allies, over what is a breaks of legacy issue? it is, let's face it, breaks of legacy issue? it is, let's face it. we — breaks of legacy issue? it is, let's face it, we are _ breaks of legacy issue? it is, let's face it, we are talking _ breaks of legacy issue? it is, let's face it, we are talking about, - face it, we are talking about, really, in the scheme of things, a very, very small part of the whole european economy. not .4% of the value of the whole of the eu economy in northern ireland. you know, it is crazy. in northern ireland. you know, it is cra . ~ , in northern ireland. you know, it is cra .~ , ., crazy. why risk relations with euro -e crazy. why risk relations with eumpe over _ crazy. why risk relations with europe over this? _ crazy. why risk relations with europe over this? let - crazy. why risk relations with europe over this? let me - crazy. why risk relations with j europe over this? let me put crazy. why risk relations with l europe over this? let me put it crazy. why risk relations with - europe over this? let me put it this wa . i europe over this? let me put it this way- i don't — europe over this? let me put it this way. i don't think _ europe over this? let me put it this way. i don't think there _ europe over this? let me put it this way. i don't think there is _ europe over this? let me put it this way. i don't think there is any - europe over this? let me put it this way. i don't think there is any need | way. i don't think there is any need for drama. this is something that does need to be fixed. mini; for drama. this is something that does need to be fixed. why would you risk a trade war _ does need to be fixed. why would you risk a trade war with _ does need to be fixed. why would you risk a trade war with europe _ does need to be fixed. why would you risk a trade war with europe and - does need to be fixed. why would you risk a trade war with europe and we i risk a trade war with europe and we are going to a cost of living crisis? ~ ~ , ., , , crisis? well, i think the problem is with it is already _ crisis? well, i think the problem is with it is already pushing - crisis? well, i think the problem is with it is already pushing up - crisis? well, i think the problem is with it is already pushing up the i with it is already pushing up the cost of living in northern ireland and we need to fix it. you cost of living in northern ireland and we need to fix it.— and we need to fix it. you have hinted you're — and we need to fix it. you have hinted you're going _ and we need to fix it. you have hinted you're going to - and we need to fix it. you have hinted you're going to help - and we need to fix it. you have i hinted you're going to help more and we need to fix it. you have - hinted you're going to help more on the cost of living in the queen's speech, what does that actually mean in practice? we speech, what does that actually mean in ractice? ~ ., speech, what does that actually mean in ractice? ~ . ., ., , ., ., in practice? we have already done a hue in practice? we have already done a huge amount- _ in practice? we have already done a huge amount. and _ in practice? we have already done a huge amount. and we _ in practice? we have already done a huge amount. and we are _ in practice? we have already done a huge amount. and we are putting i huge amount. and we are putting billions and billions into helping

people with the cost of their energy. but we have to be realistic. there is going to be continuing pressure so we're going to continue to do as much as we can but i want to do as much as we can but i want to stress that the answer to the problem is notjust to help people with their bills, it is also, which is what we are doing, but it is also to make sure we fix the underlying issues. here in sweden, they have got loads of nuclear, we failed 20 years ago, 30 years ago to invest nuclear in the way we should have done for stopping i want to work with sweden to put in more wind power. we need to be getting the simply, power. we need to be getting the supply, rapidly getting the supply that will help us to bring down the cost in the medium, perhaps even the short—term, for people in our country. that means a huge amount of work to fix the underlying issues. that is what the queen's speech was about yesterday. it is trying to address some of those underlying supply issues as well as helping

people with the immediate impacts of the energy crisis.— the energy crisis. button at no emergency — the energy crisis. button at no emergency budget? _ the energy crisis. button at no emergency budget? no - the energy crisis. button at no - emergency budget? no immediate help for people who are really feeling the pinch now? ida. for people who are really feeling the pinch now?— for people who are really feeling the pinch now? for people who are really feeling the inch now? ., �* ., the pinch now? no, i'm not ruling it out. not the pinch now? no, i'm not ruling it out- not ruling _ the pinch now? no, i'm not ruling it out. not ruling out _ the pinch now? no, i'm not ruling it out. not ruling out emergency - out. not ruling out emergency measures? — out. not ruling out emergency measures? i'm _ out. not ruling out emergency measures? i'm not _ out. not ruling out emergency measures? i'm not ruling - out. not ruling out emergency measures? i'm not ruling out| out. not ruling out emergency - measures? i'm not ruling out that we are doinu measures? i'm not ruling out that we are doing more _ measures? i'm not ruling out that we are doing more to _ measures? i'm not ruling out that we are doing more to help _ measures? i'm not ruling out that we are doing more to help them. - measures? i'm not ruling out that we are doing more to help them. what l measures? i'm not ruling out that we are doing more to help them. what i | are doing more to help them. what i have said is that we want to try to help people through the after—shocks of covid with all the energy and the compassion and ingenuity that we used to get people through covid and, whatever you say about the furlough scheme, it was ground—breaking, tabbed people. it got us to the biggest economic shock we have had for hundreds of years. we got through it. we are going to look very carefully about how we help people through the energy crisis. yes. but we have also got to fix our energy supply issues. we have got to have more wind power. we've got to celebrate our nuclear programme and, by the way, we've got

to be unafraid and have more of our own hydrocarbons. why are we importing hydrocarbons from overseas at vast expense when we could be getting them from the north sea? final thought, then. we take on your party and its opposition to wind farms, its opposition to fracking fans. if you're going to get wind power, if you're going to get more hydrocarbons out of the ground, you're going to have to pay a political price. are you prepared to pay it? political price. are you prepared to .a it? political price. are you prepared to -a it? ., ., �* pay it? look at what we're saying. there is massive _ pay it? look at what we're saying. there is massive potential- pay it? look at what we're saying. there is massive potential for- there is massive potentialfor offshore wind. investors want to come in and do huge amounts of offshore wind. that would be my preference. you bet. because we can do it and we can do it big. but when it comes to other solutions think we've got to go for local democracy. and we've got to say, if, are not massively keen on offshore wind farms. the reasons but if local people want them and if you could have a system whereby the onshore

wind was being used to abate the energy prices of those who are in the immediate vicinity of the onshore wind farms as we suggested the other day with a security strategy, that might be something local people wanted to buy into. but what we want to prioritise is that offshore opportunities. you can go up offshore opportunities. you can go up to 50 gigawatts of offshore wind. the question is, how fast can you do it? can you get the planning permission? how long does the habitats regulations have to delay us? there were huge stretches of unharvested sea, as the poet once put it, that could be forested with beautiful wind farms, generating clean, green energy. for our country. that is where we need to go as fast as possible. the country. that is where we need to go as fast as possible.— as fast as possible. the prime minister talking _ as fast as possible. the prime minister talking to _ as fast as possible. the prime minister talking to our - as fast as possible. the prime i minister talking to our diplomatic correspondentjames minister talking to our diplomatic correspondent james landale there minister talking to our diplomatic correspondentjames landale there in sweden. borisjohnson now en route to finland, if not already there.

sorry, i think he is already there because we are waiting for a news briefing that will come through, we think in the next 15 minutes or so. whenever that starts we will bring that to you. but a wide—ranging interview as you can see from that so let's discuss all of it. i'm joined now by paul adams, our diplomatic correspondent. and by our political correspondent helen catt: lots of questions about the threat of russia. tell us more about the security pact. how unusual is this? what we are looking at here is the fact that one of the consequences of vladimir putin's invasion of ukraine is the precise opposite of what he was trying to achieve. in the words of the nato secretary general, what is going to get is not less nato on his doorstep but more. it is an absolute certainty that, by the end this year and within the next few months, frankly, finland and sweden

willjoin the north atlantic alliance. russia's border with nato would double in size as a result of finland's membership. that is all vladimir putin's doing. neither country was in favour of nato for the longest time but what we have seenin the longest time but what we have seen in the last few months is that support for that has dramatically increased particularly in finland, to the point where both countries, politically, are poised to submit their applications for membership. it is going to take the next few days. there are some political hurdles to overcome in most countries but by this time next week probably we will know that both sweden and finland want to join nato. sweden and finland want to 'oin nato. ., , sweden and finland want to 'oin nato. . , . ,. . sweden and finland want to 'oin nato. . , ., , sweden and finland want to 'oin nato. . ., , , nato. that is fascinating. this is wide-ranging. _ nato. that is fascinating. this is wide-ranging, particularly - nato. that is fascinating. this is i wide-ranging, particularly because wide—ranging, particularly because there's so much on the plate domestically. this phase emergency budget keeps coming back but boris

johnson are saying i'm not ruling out that i would do more to help. that is not quite the same as an emergency budget, i think. emergency budget, ithink. know, doesnt emergency budget, ithink. know, doesn't seem _ emergency budget, ithink. know, doesn't seem to _ emergency budget, ithink. know, doesn't seem to be. _ emergency budget, ithink. know, doesn't seem to be. so _ emergency budget, ithink. know, doesn't seem to be. so what - emergency budget, ithink. know, doesn't seem to be. so what the l doesn't seem to be. so what the government has been saying pretty consistently over the past couple of months _ consistently over the past couple of months over the cost of living is that it _ months over the cost of living is that it has — months over the cost of living is that it has put forward a series of measures— that it has put forward a series of measures which has been deliberately phased _ measures which has been deliberately phased over time so it is already done _ phased over time so it is already done things like the £150 council tax rebate which started to be paid out to _ tax rebate which started to be paid out to households last month. there is a £200 _ out to households last month. there is a £200 loan to produce energy crisis _ is a £200 loan to produce energy crisis coming later in the year when it is expected that the energy price cap will_ it is expected that the energy price cap will rise again and injuly there — cap will rise again and injuly there is— cap will rise again and injuly there is also the raising of the national— there is also the raising of the national insurance threshold. the rationale — national insurance threshold. the rationale for that is crisis are keeping _ rationale for that is crisis are keeping on rising but of course people — keeping on rising but of course people are already struggling, they are already really feeling the pinch and having to cut back so there is pressure — and having to cut back so there is pressure for _ and having to cut back so there is pressure for the government to do more _ pressure for the government to do more at _ pressure for the government to do more. at the moment it seems to be shy of— more. at the moment it seems to be shy of doing — more. at the moment it seems to be shy of doing any sort of big spending measures. what it is looking —

spending measures. what it is looking at is this process of trying to find _ looking at is this process of trying to find ways to tweak regulations and rules— to find ways to tweak regulations and rules to help with the cost of living _ and rules to help with the cost of living. there is a committee that was formed and met for the first time _ was formed and met for the first time last— was formed and met for the first time last night chaired by the prime minister— time last night chaired by the prime minister which was looking at some ideas _ minister which was looking at some ideas they— minister which was looking at some ideas they had talked about, creative _ ideas they had talked about, creative ideas, as they say, things like changing how frequently you have to — like changing how frequently you have to have an mot on your car. so it is those _ have to have an mot on your car. so it is those sort— have to have an mot on your car. so it is those sort of things that the government has been looking at although— government has been looking at although borisjohnson has told ministers that they need to go faster— ministers that they need to go faster and be creative on that. the bil faster and be creative on that. the big questions being asked by opposition parties are does this meet _ opposition parties are does this meet the — opposition parties are does this meet the scale of the crisis, though? _ meet the scale of the crisis, though? they want to see things like a windfall— though? they want to see things like a windfall tax on the unexpected profits _ a windfall tax on the unexpected profits of— a windfall tax on the unexpected profits of energy companies. so far the government has been resistant to that and _ the government has been resistant to that and say— the government has been resistant to that and say it will deter investment that they are not taken a completely off the table. suggestions from other quarters that the chancellor should bring forward the chancellor should bring forward the income taxed cut he has promised for 2024 _ the income taxed cut he has promised for 2024 hit _ the income taxed cut he has promised for 2024 bit at the moment there is no sign _ for 2024 bit at the moment there is no sign of— for 2024 bit at the moment there is no sign of any sort of big like that

from _ no sign of any sort of big like that from government.— no sign of any sort of big like that from government. thank you for now. we will talk — from government. thank you for now. we will talk more _ from government. thank you for now. we will talk more about _ from government. thank you for now. we will talk more about the _ from government. thank you for now. we will talk more about the cost - from government. thank you for now. we will talk more about the cost of. we will talk more about the cost of living specifically. one—and—a—half million households in the uk will soon face food and energy bills that are greater than their disposable income — that's the warning from a think—tank, the national institute for economic and social research. the institute also says a million households will fall into destitution this year, without further government help, that means living on less than £140 a week for a family of four. our business correspondent ramzan karmali told us more. at not just the at notjust the uk but the world as well. for instance, they've looked at the impact though war in ukraine will have on the global economy which will shrink by 1% because the war in ukraine. this is one and half trillion dollars worth is the economic cost. do specifically in the uk, they are looking at ways to make, you know, they say one and a

half million households are under pressure here. they say 500,000 households will have to ask that question whether they can heat or eat. that's pretty devastating news for quite a lot of households out there. one of the things they have come outwith, they say there are things the government can do. they can increase universal credit £25 a week from now until october. they could also give £250 payment to 11.3 million low—income households. i'd make this feel he would not necessarily be on benefits but their incomes are really low? so what they are saying is all these measures to get these measures together, the government is saying hang on a minute, we spend billions on giving money towards energy bills and lowered the rate on universal credit. we can't keep giving money out. but they say, hang on a second, according to the chance of�*s own fiscal rules which he sets himself and according to office for budgetary responsibility which looks at his numbers. bud budgetary responsibility which looks at his numbers.— at his numbers. and checks the numbers- _ at his numbers. and checks the numbers. they _ at his numbers. and checks the numbers. they say _ at his numbers. and checks the numbers. they say you've - at his numbers. and checks the numbers. they say you've got l at his numbers. and checks the i numbers. they say you've got £20 billion worth _ numbers. they say you've got £20 billion worth of _ numbers. they say you've got £20 billion worth of headroom - numbers. they say you've got £20 billion worth of headroom here i numbers. they say you've got £20| billion worth of headroom here and thatis billion worth of headroom here and that is what the national institute

for social and economic research say you have that headroom and it is time you used it. is a you have that headroom and it is time you used it.— time you used it. is a difficult conundrum — time you used it. is a difficult conundrum because - time you used it. is a difficult conundrum because he - time you used it. is a difficult conundrum because he said, | time you used it. is a difficult| conundrum because he said, i time you used it. is a difficult - conundrum because he said, i needed as a buffer and tears don't make their say do think is going to get worse? at the maxi ofjam regulator have come out and said it is almost inevitable our energy bills will go up inevitable our energy bills will go up again in october so the pressure on households as now it is going to stay, we have had inflation numbers come out of the us which are 8.3%. the bank of england say it is heading towards 10% so cost pressures and pressure on households to pay for energy and food is only going to get worse. joining me now is sumi rabindrakumar, head of policy and research at the trussel trust. a charity that supports a network of food banks up and down the country.

thank you so much forjoining us. very regrettably, everything we're talking about today, watch this research body has uncovered in terms of the states where heading as a country. i'm listening to you and your staff this comes as no surprise?— your staff this comes as no surrise? ~ , �* , surprise? absolutely. but this re ort surprise? absolutely. but this report gets — surprise? absolutely. but this report gets fighters _ surprise? absolutely. but this report gets fighters that - surprise? absolutely. but thisl report gets fighters that shines surprise? absolutely. but this i report gets fighters that shines a spotlight on exactly what has happened to people on the very lowest incomes. and they are the people heard most at risk of using food banks we've handed out 2.1 million parcels just last year. food banks we've handed out 2.1 million parcelsjust last year. and most worrying of all in the last couple of couple of quarters of last year, so since there is cost of living crisis started to unfold and the universal credit cut, we have seen a real acceleration of mead within our network and we know that is just the tip of the iceberg. there are lots of food banks outside of our network which is saying exactly the same pictures of people are already facing with spirit circumstances, possible decisions about what essentials they can cover citizens like food, clothes, toiletries, heating. and that is what we are facing right now and the

warriors this is just that to get worse. warriors this is 'ust that to get worse. ., ., ,., warriors this is 'ust that to get worse. ., ., ., , ., worse. you are you have seen an acceleration _ worse. you are you have seen an acceleration in _ worse. you are you have seen an acceleration in need _ worse. you are you have seen an acceleration in need already - worse. you are you have seen an acceleration in need already and | worse. you are you have seen an l acceleration in need already and is it accurate to say that a lot of the people who come to you for help would have a job? may be multiple jobs? this is not about people can't find employment? it is jobs? this is not about people can't find employment?— find employment? it is right to say that there are _ find employment? it is right to say that there are people _ find employment? it is right to say that there are people in _ find employment? it is right to say that there are people in work - find employment? it is right to say that there are people in work and i that there are people in work and certainly the most recent sort of anecdotal findings from our network show that there are increasing numbers of people who are coming for the first time to food banks but what is really concerning is that people who can't work or can't work long hours, particularly people who are already doing work which is unpaid to things like having responsibilities of people who have challenges like disability or mental health problems, they are particularly at risk of needing to use a food bank. they make up a big proportion of the people who have to come to food banks because there is nowhere else to turn and they are

the least protected by the measures that the government has tried to put in place so far to address this crisis. ~ . , ., , in place so far to address this crisis. ~ . , ., crisis. which is heard boris johnson there saying _ crisis. which is heard boris johnson there saying he _ crisis. which is heard boris johnson there saying he does _ crisis. which is heard boris johnson there saying he does not _ crisis. which is heard boris johnson there saying he does not rule - crisis. which is heard boris johnson there saying he does not rule out i there saying he does not rule out trying to come up with some form of help as the months progressed. what would you, as a charity, steeped in this, what practically do you think the government could or should do? i think is the data today shows people cannot afford to wait much longer. they're in really difficult circumstances. and so what calling on the government to do is to use the system it has and it is designed for exactly these circumstances. investment in that system would go a long way protecting people who are bearing the brunt of this crisis. at the moment, the payments increased by 3.1%. that was less than half of the in april so that

has already been swallowed up and what we are facing in reality is a real terms cut in incomes of people on the lowest incomes in the face of the biggest incomes. that cannot be right on the government needs to step up on that. right on the government needs to step up on that-— right on the government needs to step up on that. today we have had of “am step up on that. today we have had of jam saying _ step up on that. today we have had of jam saying that _ step up on that. today we have had of jam saying that energy _ step up on that. today we have had of jam saying that energy bill - ofjam saying that energy bill increases are almost inevitable in the autumn. that is the phrase that regulatory body is using. so, do your team, regulatory body is using. so, do yourteam, do your regulatory body is using. so, do your team, do your staff expect to see even more demand as we get closer to that period as well? that is riuht. closer to that period as well? that is right- we _ closer to that period as well? that is right. we are _ closer to that period as well? that is right. we are really _ closer to that period as well? t'isgt is right. we are really concerned about the months ahead, particularly this autumn. we know that everything points in the direction of costs going up even further and we know that people are telling us when they come to food banks that they are really scared, they are frightened about what lies ahead. and what the government needs to recognise is that we understand that they cannot protect everyone to the fullest extent in terms of what is happening to our incomes but they should be

stepping in to protect people on the very lowest incomes who have nowhere else to turn, who have no other choices to make and the only choices they face at the moment are being pulled into deeper and deeper debt or to go without the essentials we all need to stay flat and stay warm and dry. all need to stay flat and stay warm and d . . ~ all need to stay flat and stay warm andd. ., ,, all need to stay flat and stay warm andd. . , all need to stay flat and stay warm andd. .mg, , . and dry. thank you very much. one and dry. thank you very much. one and a half — and dry. thank you very much. one and a half million _ and dry. thank you very much. one and a half million households - and dry. thank you very much. one| and a half million households across the uk really, really struggling and those comments from ofjam as well so things getting even harder again. just to move away from cost of living for just a just to move away from cost of living forjust a moment. to remind you we are waiting to hear the news statement in helsinki. we will be back there as soon as we hear from the prime minister and other so we are keeping an eye on that news conference which has not started.

the security pact signed with sweden and borisjohnson now in finland so we are back there ones that gets under way. we are back there ones that gets underway. right we are back there ones that gets under way. right now we will take a look at a few other stories here tonight. police say they are treating the disappearance of a 15—year—old girl as child abduction. maddie thomas has been missing for 15 days and police say she is vulnerable and at risk of being taken advantage of. she left her foster parents�* house in southmead in bristol on april 26th, saying she was going to the shops but never returned. she has been missing for 15 days but now we are going to treat it as a child abduction. she is 15. she is in care and from her previous history we believe there could be a chance she is with a man, an adult man, and because of that, no one has permission to keep herfrom their care. that is why we are going to be going forward treating it as a child abduction. the latest from avon and

somerset police about the 15—year—old missing in the bristol area. the government has rejected eu proposals to reduce the impact of the post—brexit northern ireland protocol , saying they would make things worse. the foreign secretary, liz truss, said she wanted a "negotiated solution" , but warned she could take unilateral action. she'll meet with the vice president of the european commission tomorrow for further talks. earlier i spoke to our correspondent nick garnett — who explaned what this could mean for the political situation in northern ireland. things look very, very difficult. really what has happened as the assembly has been in the process of trying to set itself up, the democratic unionist party which was the second party in last week's elections. came to a bit of an impasse. it wanted, it said, big changes to the northern ireland protocol before it would take its place at the assembly. the problem

is that that is not in the power of the dp. that has got to be done between the eu and westminster and the british parliament. that is a real difficulty. it is not going to happen overnight. there are talks and a plan for tomorrow. those talks have been going on for months and months and there has been no solution to it. it is very unlikely that solution will happen almost overnight. and you have comments from liz truss and also from michael gove today saying that they are willing to tear up parts of the northern ireland protocol and i think that word parts is a very keyword. they're not talking about ripping up the whole protocol and going it alone because of the risks that that would cause in terms of retribution or reciprocation of problems from the eu itself. so it is likely there will be some element of going it alone. liz trust say she is willing to put that together as early as next week. it will take a long time to get through. there is

talk of concern among backbenchers because they can see that this would not go down well in terms of getting it through parliament. it might get through the house of commons because of boris johnson's through the house of commons because of borisjohnson's large majority but one conservative was saying it would get torn apart, moulded in the house of lords if it went that far. there is no easy answer to this. and there is no way that it seems to be able to be sorted out before the assembly is due to take place on duties that for the first time on friday. this duties that for the first time on frida . ~ , , ., duties that for the first time on frida. ,, friday. as you were speaking there has been a — friday. as you were speaking there has been a response _ friday. as you were speaking there has been a response from - friday. as you were speaking there has been a response from the - friday. as you were speaking there l has been a response from the white house saying it wants to encourage continued dialogue between the uk and eu are northern ireland protocol. it is another player in this because it is one of the guarantors of the good friday agreement. guarantors of the good friday agreement-— guarantors of the good friday aareement. , ., , agreement. the question is whether, sinn fein says — agreement. the question is whether, sinn fein says that _ agreement. the question is whether, sinn fein says that there _ agreement. the question is whether, sinn fein says that there has - agreement. the question is whether, sinn fein says that there has to - agreement. the question is whether, sinn fein says that there has to be i sinn fein says that there has to be a border somewhere whether that is in the irish sea or a hard border between the republic of ireland and northern ireland. there has to be a

border because of the land mass that is has to be a customs check at some point. part of the land masses in the eu and part of it isn't. that then, the threat to the good friday agreement is that if you create a hard border it creates division, it creates a difference between the two countries that is not there at the moment, that has not been there since the belfast agreement, the good friday agreement was put in place. so jo good friday agreement was put in place. sojo biden getting involved in this, it has been on the cards for a while. and it is yet again up in the rhetoric. it is upping the ante, as it were. and adds to the problems, really because there is no quick way this could be sorted out. shaun has been very, very busy today. let's pause and take a look at the weather prospects.

skies are already brightening extensively in the west and we will see sunshine returning to eastern areas to take us through the evening. still some showers to come for wester in scotland and to the small hours of thursday but overall, a lot weather. later went to the south. a little chillier. lows of three or 4 degrees. a lot of sunshinejust after on three or 4 degrees. a lot of sunshine just after on thursday foot of england, wales and northern ireland are set to remain dry. as will easter in scotland but in the west yet again, showers turning into more prolonged spells of rain as we get into the afternoon. the vendor stretching up to the northern isles. temperatures are just about making it into double figures. further south and we should get 16, 17, may be 18. as we look to the out the temperatures are rising for all of us by the time the weekend. look out for some thundery downpours.

wea k weak private information to the sun newspaper fire her weak private information to the sun newspaper fire her agent. weak private information to the sun newspaper fire weak private information to the sun newspaperfire her agent. she weak private information to the sun newspaper fire weak private information to the sun newspaperfire her agent. she is suing for libel. after rooney accused her of selling private stories. charlie has been following the case at the high court and told us the latest. vardy has been in the witness stand giving evidence today and she will likely be going on to give evidence tomorrow and rooney has been feet away from her and has been steering her down the entire time. the lawyerfor been steering her down the entire time. the lawyer for coleen been steering her down the entire time. the lawyerfor coleen rooney has been questioning rebekah vardy on rooms and make news stories that she sent to her agent. these are examples of plans to leak stories. in one case, he says there was a

plan to leak the story of a celebrity who rebekah vardy new was having an affair and read out the messages in court and saying omg, have you seen how badly she is behaving. leak the story. in response to this, rebekah vardy said, i wasjustjoking when i sent this comment. and they're saying as you mentioned, this was quote unquote, standard practice to leak these stories that rebekah vardy would pass the stories to her agent and her agent would pass the stories on to the sun unto meteor organisations and in another exchange... the prime minister therefore his briefing in helsinki and just hearing that finland and the uk have agreed to deepen their defence and security cooperations. that is the

first detail that is emerging following talks between the two in the camera zooming in and out into setting up for that news conference and a trip to finland for boris johnson and the prime minister previously in sweden and gave a news conference with his counterpart in sweden and is a security pact that has been signed or will be signed between the two countries and we expect and anticipate similarly between the uk and finland. the deal with sweden pledges that the uk will support the country should its military, underattack and support the country should its military, under attack and so, expect similar sentiments from finland and a lot of talk today again about nato. that assessment that sweden and finland will begin

the process ofjoining the security organisation nato. we hope this means that this is the beginning of the news briefing and let's talk about the outcome of the talks and what the future relationship may be between the two countries and those broader questions regarding nato as well. ,, . , broader questions regarding nato as well. ,, ., , ., well. statements from the prime minister. well. statements from the prime minister- mr— well. statements from the prime minister. mr prime _ well. statements from the prime minister. mr prime minister, i well. statements from the prime l minister. mr prime minister, thank you, it is very wonderful day for you, it is very wonderful day for you here we have had very good conversations continuing to we have already started in london. i've learned that one always measures friendships by how they show up in bad weather. they say this is from

winston churchill. perhaps you know this, but nevertheless, it describes the situation today in europe. your great friends, finland and uk. in strong security partners. we signed joint statements and we will stand together and support each other in any circumstances, and good and bad weather. deep in the cooperation that we have already had in this specifically on defence, hybrid threads, other aspects of security, thatis threads, other aspects of security, that is what we are doing. here in finland, we appreciate uk possible strong support into the open door policy and finland and's potential

membership. that is also very valuable to us. and i told that after my visit in london, it was very encouraging for us to hear your opinions and your support. these decisions strengthen our security and finland and that of europe and that of the whole nato world especially if we join. for us, turning nato would be not against anybody, we would like to maximise our security one way or another plate membership but it is not a

zero—sum game. if finland increases its security, it is not away from anybody else. we have both condemned the russian war with ukraine and both have been helping ukraine and ukrainian people and to continue that. with these words,.- ukrainian people and to continue that. with these words,. thank you ve much that. with these words,. thank you very much mr _ that. with these words,. thank you very much mr president. _ that. with these words,. thank you very much mr president. thank- that. with these words,. thank you very much mr president. thank you very much mr president. thank you very much— very much mr president. thank you very much for hosting me today. it is wonderful to be here in helsinki this evening at a pivotal moment in our shared — this evening at a pivotal moment in our shared history. it is pivotal because — our shared history. it is pivotal because as _ our shared history. it is pivotal because as i have also discussed with the — because as i have also discussed with the prime minister in sweden, the russian invasion of ukraine has

changed the equation of european security— changed the equation of european security and it has rewritten our reality— security and it has rewritten our reality and _ security and it has rewritten our reality and reshaped our future. we have seen _ reality and reshaped our future. we have seen the end of the post cold war period — have seen the end of the post cold war period and the invasion of ukraine — war period and the invasion of ukraine sadly has opened a new chapter~ — ukraine sadly has opened a new chapter. and, that invasion has already— chapter. and, that invasion has already failed for two reasons. firstly, — already failed for two reasons. firstly, because of the unbreakable spirit _ firstly, because of the unbreakable spirit of— firstly, because of the unbreakable spirit of the ukrainian people who are fought back and rallied the world — are fought back and rallied the world behind them and second, because — world behind them and second, because that ukrainian struggle for freedom. _ because that ukrainian struggle for freedom, that heroic fight has hrought— freedom, that heroic fight has brought the world together in condemnation of this assault on our values _ condemnation of this assault on our values and — condemnation of this assault on our values. and will be fair to say that it is fair— values. and will be fair to say that it is fair to — values. and will be fair to say that it is fair to say that finland in the uk, even closer together today

and so _ the uk, even closer together today and so security declarations, the solemn — and so security declarations, the solemn declaration be signed today ensures _ solemn declaration be signed today ensures that our two nations can intensify— ensures that our two nations can intensify our partnership and to get to unparalleled heights, both latitudinal and metaphorical. to unparalleled heights, both latitudinaland metaphorical. from latitudinal and metaphorical. from the latitudinaland metaphorical. from the high _ latitudinaland metaphorical. from the high north, to the baltics and beyond. — the high north, to the baltics and beyond, ourarmed the high north, to the baltics and beyond, our armed forces will train and operate — beyond, our armed forces will train and operate together, marrying our defence _ and operate together, marrying our defence and security capabilities and formalising a pledge that we will always come to one another's aid. because this is not a short term _ aid. because this is not a short term stopgap. this is not a short term _ term stopgap. this is not a short term stopgap. this is not a short term stopgap as you consider nato membership but an enduring assurance between _ membership but an enduring assurance between two nations that brings us ever closer— between two nations that brings us ever closer as we face the challenges today the threats of tomorrow side by side. thank you

very much — tomorrow side by side. thank you very much-— tomorrow side by side. thank you ve much. . ~ , . ., very much. thank you very much. now we to very much. thank you very much. now we no to very much. thank you very much. now we go to questions _ very much. thank you very much. now we go to questions language _ very much. thank you very much. now we go to questions language first i we go to questions language first question calls. mr we go to questions language first question calls-— we go to questions language first question calls. mr prime minister, will there be _ question calls. mr prime minister, will there be british _ question calls. mr prime minister, will there be british boots - question calls. mr prime minister, will there be british boots on i question calls. mr prime minister, will there be british boots on the i will there be british boots on the ground _ will there be british boots on the ground and — will there be british boots on the ground and finished _ will there be british boots on the ground and finished territory- will there be british boots on the ground and finished territory at l ground and finished territory at them _ ground and finished territory at them and — ground and finished territory at them and asked _ ground and finished territory at them and asked for— ground and finished territory at them and asked for it - ground and finished territory at them and asked for it during i ground and finished territory at them and asked for it during ai them and asked for it during a possible — them and asked for it during a possible conflict— them and asked for it during a possible conflict with - them and asked for it during a possible conflict with russia i them and asked for it during a i possible conflict with russia and how are — possible conflict with russia and how are you _ possible conflict with russia and how are you prepared _ possible conflict with russia and how are you prepared for - possible conflict with russia and how are you prepared for this? i how are you prepared for this? security— how are you prepared for this? security declarations— how are you prepared for this? security declarations enough i how are you prepared for this? i security declarations enough for finland — security declarations enough for finland in — security declarations enough for finland in the _ security declarations enough for finland in the current _ security declarations enough for finland in the current situation? let finland in the current situation? let me — finland in the current situation? let me be — finland in the current situation? let me be clear— finland in the current situation? let me be clear because - finland in the current situation? let me be clear because the i finland in the current situation? i let me be clear because the solemn declaration— let me be clear because the solemn declaration is itself clear what it says is — declaration is itself clear what it says is in— declaration is itself clear what it says is in the event of a disaster or in_ says is in the event of a disaster or in the — says is in the event of a disaster or in the event of an attack on either— or in the event of an attack on either of— or in the event of an attack on either of us _ or in the event of an attack on either of us then yes, we will come to each— either of us then yes, we will come to each other's assistance, including _ to each other's assistance, including with military assistance but the _ including with military assistance but the nature of that assistance will of _ but the nature of that assistance will of course depend upon the request— will of course depend upon the request of the other party. but it's

also intended to be the foundation and intensification of our security and intensification of our security and our— and intensification of our security and our defence relationship in other— and our defence relationship in other ways as well. like and our defence relationship in other ways as well.— and our defence relationship in other ways as well. like we heard, this corporation _ other ways as well. like we heard, this corporation it _ other ways as well. like we heard, this corporation it decreases i other ways as well. like we heard, this corporation it decreases but i other ways as well. like we heard, | this corporation it decreases but we need all the possible ways we want to maximise our security. it is a very good way to go forward and we do appreciate this big step which is not been taken.— do appreciate this big step which is not been taken. following question. itv news. not been taken. following question. ltv news- my _ not been taken. following question. itv news. my first _ not been taken. following question. itv news. my first question - not been taken. following question. itv news. my first question to i not been taken. following question. itv news. my first question to you i itv news. my first question to you the president— itv news. my first question to you the president minister— itv news. my first question to you the president minister training i itv news. my first question to you i the president minister training nato is not _ the president minister training nato is not against — the president minister training nato is not against anyone _ the president minister training nato is not against anyone and _ the president minister training nato is not against anyone and this - the president minister training nato is not against anyone and this is i is not against anyone and this is not a _ is not against anyone and this is not a zero-sum— is not against anyone and this is not a zero—sum game. - is not against anyone and this is not a zero—sum game. but i is not against anyone and this is i

not a zero—sum game. but through joining _ not a zero—sum game. but through joining nato, — not a zero—sum game. but through joining nato, but— not a zero—sum game. but through joining nato, but there _ not a zero—sum game. but through joining nato, but there is - not a zero—sum game. but through joining nato, but there is no - not a zero—sum game. but through joining nato, but there is no goingl joining nato, but there is no going to be _ joining nato, but there is no going to be a _ joining nato, but there is no going to be a military— joining nato, but there is no going to be a military ring _ joining nato, but there is no going to be a military ring around - joining nato, but there is no going to be a military ring around russia that runs — to be a military ring around russia that runs from _ to be a military ring around russia that runs from the _ to be a military ring around russia that runs from the arctic - to be a military ring around russia that runs from the arctic through i that runs from the arctic through the baltics, — that runs from the arctic through the baltics, through _ that runs from the arctic through the baltics, through central- that runs from the arctic through i the baltics, through central europe all the _ the baltics, through central europe all the way— the baltics, through central europe all the way to — the baltics, through central europe all the way to turkey _ the baltics, through central europe all the way to turkey and _ the baltics, through central europe all the way to turkey and is - the baltics, through central europe all the way to turkey and is that i all the way to turkey and is that not pose — all the way to turkey and is that not pose quite _ all the way to turkey and is that not pose quite a _ all the way to turkey and is that not pose quite a lot— all the way to turkey and is that not pose quite a lot of- all the way to turkey and is that not pose quite a lot of danger. not pose quite a lot of danger given the worldview — not pose quite a lot of danger given the worldview of— not pose quite a lot of danger given the worldview of vladimir— not pose quite a lot of danger given the worldview of vladimir putin i not pose quite a lot of danger givenl the worldview of vladimir putin does not see _ the worldview of vladimir putin does not see things — the worldview of vladimir putin does not see things as _ the worldview of vladimir putin does not see things as much _ the worldview of vladimir putin does not see things as much of— the worldview of vladimir putin does not see things as much of a - the worldview of vladimir putin does. not see things as much of a zero—sum game _ not see things as much of a zero—sum game because — not see things as much of a zero—sum game because you _ not see things as much of a zero—sum game because you have _ not see things as much of a zero—sum game because you have an _ not see things as much of a zero—sum game because you have an 800 - not see things as much of a zero—sum game because you have an 800 mile i game because you have an 800 mile border— game because you have an 800 mile border with— game because you have an 800 mile border with vladimir— game because you have an 800 mile border with vladimir putin _ game because you have an 800 mile border with vladimir putin and - game because you have an 800 mile border with vladimir putin and the i border with vladimir putin and the russian _ border with vladimir putin and the russian government— border with vladimir putin and the russian government and - border with vladimir putin and the russian government and my - border with vladimir putin and the i russian government and my question to you _ russian government and my question to you prime — russian government and my question to you prime minister— russian government and my question to you prime minister is, _ russian government and my question to you prime minister is, the - to you prime minister is, the british— to you prime minister is, the british military— to you prime minister is, the british military has _ to you prime minister is, the british military has gone i to you prime minister is, the i british military has gone through decades— british military has gone through decades of— british military has gone through decades of unwritten _ british military has gone through decades of unwritten investment british military has gone through i decades of unwritten investment on 73,000 _ decades of unwritten investment on 73,000 i_ decades of unwritten investment on 73,000 i believe _ decades of unwritten investment on 73,000 i believe in— decades of unwritten investment on 73,000 i believe in terms— decades of unwritten investment on 73,000 i believe in terms of- decades of unwritten investment on 73,000 i believe in terms of the i 73,000 i believe in terms of the army _ 73,000 i believe in terms of the army. something _ 73,000 i believe in terms of the army. something that _ 73,000 i believe in terms of the army. something that was - 73,000 i believe in terms of the i army. something that was expressed by the _ army. something that was expressed by the outgoing — army. something that was expressed by the outgoing tub— army. something that was expressed by the outgoing tub general- army. something that was expressed by the outgoing tub general of- army. something that was expressed by the outgoing tub general of the . by the outgoing tub general of the british— by the outgoing tub general of the british army— by the outgoing tub general of the british army who _ by the outgoing tub general of the british army who said _ by the outgoing tub general of the british army who said he - by the outgoing tub general of the british army who said he was - british army who said he was uncomfortable _ british army who said he was uncomfortable with - british army who said he was uncomfortable with the - british army who said he was uncomfortable with the size i british army who said he wasi uncomfortable with the size of british army who said he was - uncomfortable with the size of the british— uncomfortable with the size of the british military. _ uncomfortable with the size of the british military. you _ uncomfortable with the size of the british military. you think- uncomfortable with the size of the british military. you think our- british military. you think our mititary— british military. you think our military assurances— british military. you think our military assurances given - british military. you think ouri military assurances given that scenario. _ military assurances given that scenario. are _ military assurances given that scenario, are coherent- military assurances given that scenario, are coherent and i military assurances given that . scenario, are coherent and valid military assurances given that - scenario, are coherent and valid and effective? _ scenario, are coherent and valid and effective? thank— scenario, are coherent and valid and effective? thank you. _

scenario, are coherent and valid and effective? thank you. first- scenario, are coherent and valid and effective? thank you.— effective? thank you. first of all, we have to _ effective? thank you. first of all, we have to keep _ effective? thank you. first of all, we have to keep in _ effective? thank you. first of all, we have to keep in mind - effective? thank you. first of all, we have to keep in mind that - effective? thank you. first of all, we have to keep in mind that this effective? thank you. first of all, i we have to keep in mind that this is already an enhanced partner in nato. there is no doubt in anybody�*s mind that finland is part of the west like we have learned to call it. and so, the change would not be that radical. when we think about security, we think how to defend our country. and if we want to maximise our security, that means to maximise defence of our country and when i say it is not away from anybody, well, nobody can hurt because somebody wants to protect themselves. in my thinking, this is

quite simple, actually. we increase our security and we do not take it away from anybody. it is not as zero—sum game since. i away from anybody. it is not as zero-sum game since.- away from anybody. it is not as zero-sum game since. i want to echo that. nato zero-sum game since. i want to echo that nate is — zero-sum game since. i want to echo that nate is a _ zero-sum game since. i want to echo that. nato is a defensive _ zero-sum game since. i want to echo that. nato is a defensive alliance - that. nato is a defensive alliance and nato — that. nato is a defensive alliance and nato poses no threat to anyone. it is and nato poses no threat to anyone. it is there _ and nato poses no threat to anyone. it is there for the purposes of mutuat— it is there for the purposes of mutual defence injust it is there for the purposes of mutual defence in just under it is there for the purposes of mutual defence injust under point about— mutual defence injust under point about the — mutual defence injust under point about the uk capabilities to deploy, look about the uk capabilities to deploy, took at _ about the uk capabilities to deploy, look at what is happened already. the uk _ look at what is happened already. the uk is — look at what is happened already. the uk is up in the high north operation _ the uk is up in the high north operation response and we are deployed — operation response and we are deployed in the baltics and estonia, we are _ deployed in the baltics and estonia, we are deployed in poland, and romania — we are deployed in poland, and romania and in cypress and eastern mediterranean and across that whole eastern _ mediterranean and across that whole eastern flank, the uk increasingly

deployed — eastern flank, the uk increasingly deployed and that is because we have been able _ deployed and that is because we have been able to make record investments in our— been able to make record investments in our armed _ been able to make record investments in our armed services, the biggest since _ in our armed services, the biggest since the — in our armed services, the biggest since the end of the cold war and will continue to support our armed services _ will continue to support our armed services and 2.4% for spending and gdp on _ services and 2.4% for spending and gdp on defence, huge, huge sums and we make _ gdp on defence, huge, huge sums and we make these commitments to our friends _ we make these commitments to our friends in _ we make these commitments to our friends in finland and notjust because — friends in finland and notjust because we can make them and we certainly— because we can make them and we certainly can, but also because we must _ certainly can, but also because we must. . certainly can, but also because we must. , ., , ., must. this one is for both the prime minister and — must. this one is for both the prime minister and the _ must. this one is for both the prime minister and the president. - must. this one is for both the prime minister and the president. prime i ministerand the president. prime minister. — ministerand the president. prime minister. he — ministerand the president. prime minister, he has— ministerand the president. prime minister, he has called _ ministerand the president. prime minister, he has called this- minister, he has called this historic— minister, he has called this historic but— minister, he has called this historic but what _ minister, he has called this historic but what is - minister, he has called this historic but what is the - minister, he has called thisi historic but what is the main difference _ historic but what is the main difference before _ historic but what is the main difference before and - historic but what is the main difference before and after. historic but what is the main . difference before and after the declaration _ difference before and after the declaration and _ difference before and after the declaration and can _ difference before and after the declaration and can you - difference before and after the declaration and can you tell. difference before and after the declaration and can you tell usi difference before and after the - declaration and can you tell us the concrete _

declaration and can you tell us the concrete examples? _ declaration and can you tell us the concrete examples? we _ declaration and can you tell us the concrete examples?— declaration and can you tell us the concrete examples? we both said that we have been — concrete examples? we both said that we have been cooperating, _ concrete examples? we both said that we have been cooperating, especiallyl we have been cooperating, especially with the chief combination. we have not had any clear bilateral agreements. how we deal with each other and now, it is done. and we have to keep in mind that in this agreement. we will enhance our cooperation and that is not only a written word, we will also do that. and i understand that it is getting forward, quite a big step from this.

i agree and finland has traditionally been neutral but this is formalising and making clear something that needs to be made explicit _ something that needs to be made explicit in — something that needs to be made explicit in the context of today. and that is because in the event of an attack on either of us, we will come _ an attack on either of us, we will come to— an attack on either of us, we will come to each of the support upon request — come to each of the support upon request. and as he hasjust said, it also means— request. and as he hasjust said, it also means that we will cooperate further _ also means that we will cooperate further on — also means that we will cooperate further on intelligence sharing and taking _ further on intelligence sharing and taking care to protect ourselves against — taking care to protect ourselves against cyber warfare and procurement, onjoint exercises procurement, on joint exercises which _ procurement, on joint exercises which witi— procurement, onjoint exercises which will redo together as he was to sing _ which will redo together as he was to sing. and we will develop on this

declaration— to sing. and we will develop on this declaration is the basis for further work _ declaration is the basis for further work. . ~ declaration is the basis for further work. . ,, , ., declaration is the basis for further work. . ~' ,, ~ declaration is the basis for further work. . ,, ,~. ~ , declaration is the basis for further work. . , ,~. ~ , . work. thank you. mr president. were ou to 'oin work. thank you. mr president. were you to join nate. _ work. thank you. mr president. were you to join nato, do _ work. thank you. mr president. were you to join nato, do you _ work. thank you. mr president. were you to join nato, do you feel - work. thank you. mr president. were you to join nato, do you feel it - work. thank you. mr president. were you to join nato, do you feel it can i you tojoin nato, do you feel it can be seen _ you tojoin nato, do you feel it can be seen as— you tojoin nato, do you feel it can be seen as a provocative _ you tojoin nato, do you feel it can be seen as a provocative gesture l you tojoin nato, do you feel it canl be seen as a provocative gesture by vladimir— be seen as a provocative gesture by vladimir putin— be seen as a provocative gesture by vladimir putin and _ be seen as a provocative gesture by vladimir putin and if— be seen as a provocative gesture by vladimir putin and if not, _ be seen as a provocative gesture by vladimir putin and if not, why- be seen as a provocative gesture by vladimir putin and if not, why not l vladimir putin and if not, why not mr prime— vladimir putin and if not, why not mr prime minister, _ vladimir putin and if not, why not mr prime minister, no— vladimir putin and if not, why not mr prime minister, no country- vladimir putin and if not, why not mr prime minister, no country on| vladimir putin and if not, why not. mr prime minister, no country on the planet— mr prime minister, no country on the planet has— mr prime minister, no country on the planet has sent — mr prime minister, no country on the planet has sent more _ mr prime minister, no country on the planet has sent more financial- mr prime minister, no country on the planet has sent more financial aid, . planet has sent more financial aid, military— planet has sent more financial aid, military aid — planet has sent more financial aid, military aid to _ planet has sent more financial aid, military aid to ukraine _ planet has sent more financial aid, military aid to ukraine in— planet has sent more financial aid, military aid to ukraine in the - military aid to ukraine in the united — military aid to ukraine in the united kingdom, _ military aid to ukraine in the united kingdom, reports- military aid to ukraine in the united kingdom, reports ofi military aid to ukraine in the l united kingdom, reports of £2 billion— united kingdom, reports of £2 billion and _ united kingdom, reports of £2 billion and rising. _ united kingdom, reports of £2 billion and rising. yet - united kingdom, reports of £2 billion and rising. yet back- united kingdom, reports of £2. billion and rising. yet back home, we also _ billion and rising. yet back home, we also hear— billion and rising. yet back home, we also hear the _ billion and rising. yet back home, we also hear the pensioners- billion and rising. yet back home, i we also hear the pensioners bundled in the _ we also hear the pensioners bundled in the library— we also hear the pensioners bundled in the library because _ we also hear the pensioners bundled in the library because they— we also hear the pensioners bundled in the library because they cannot i in the library because they cannot afford _ in the library because they cannot afford to— in the library because they cannot afford to heat _ in the library because they cannot afford to heat the _ in the library because they cannot afford to heat the home - in the library because they cannot afford to heat the home one i in the library because they cannot afford to heat the home one and. in the library because they cannot i afford to heat the home one and set fire to _ afford to heat the home one and set fire to some — afford to heat the home one and set fire to some driftwood _ afford to heat the home one and set fire to some driftwood to _ afford to heat the home one and set fire to some driftwood to try - afford to heat the home one and set fire to some driftwood to try to i afford to heat the home one and set fire to some driftwood to try to get. fire to some driftwood to try to get warm _ fire to some driftwood to try to get warm to _ fire to some driftwood to try to get warm to those _ fire to some driftwood to try to get warm. to those who _ fire to some driftwood to try to get warm. to those who say _ fire to some driftwood to try to get warm. to those who say you're i fire to some driftwood to try to getl warm. to those who say you're very good _ warm. to those who say you're very good at _ warm. to those who say you're very good at supporting _ warm. to those who say you're very good at supporting ukraine, - warm. to those who say you're very good at supporting ukraine, but- good at supporting ukraine, but you're _ good at supporting ukraine, but you're lamentably_ good at supporting ukraine, but you're lamentably poor- good at supporting ukraine, but you're lamentably poor at - good at supporting ukraine, but- you're lamentably poor at supporting your people. — you're lamentably poor at supporting your people. how— you're lamentably poor at supporting your people, how would _ you're lamentably poor at supporting your people, how would you - you're lamentably poor at supporting i your people, how would you respond? yes, your people, how would you respond? yes. get _ your people, how would you respond? yes. get to— your people, how would you respond? yes. get to keep — your people, how would you respond? yes. get to keep in— your people, how would you respond? yes, get to keep in mind _ your people, how would you respond? yes, get to keep in mind that - yes, get to keep in mind that this is not the first time we are discussing about nato and not the first time we will discuss about

nato with russia. they have made it very clear earlier that if you join nato, they will do what ever some contra steps but what they are, that is for us to guess. but, i must get a bit deeper. the situation changed in so far, even russia has said that having militarily nonaligned finland and sweden, that will stabilise the area. that is what they have been talking. but then, at the end of last year, they stated that finland and sweden cannotjoin nato. they

demand that nato doesn't take new members. actually, they changed their own picture because we have come up with sweden not been aligned militarily for own will but, by stating that russia actually expressed that you don't have your own will hear and that is a huge change. that made us think and what happened and the 24th of february, which continues the warfare russia is having in ukraine, surely, that changed also the picture. they are ready to attack the neighbouring country. so, when you ask whether

how they see possible finland joining, well, if that would be the case that we join well, my response would be that you caused this. look at the mirror. 50. would be that you caused this. look at the mirror-— would be that you caused this. look at the mirror. so, but we have to do riaht now at the mirror. so, but we have to do right now is — at the mirror. so, but we have to do right now is help _ at the mirror. so, but we have to do right now is help people _ at the mirror. so, but we have to do right now is help people through i at the mirror. so, but we have to doj right now is help people through the aftershocks of the covid—19 pandemic 'ust aftershocks of the covid—19 pandemic just as _ aftershocks of the covid—19 pandemic just as we _ aftershocks of the covid—19 pandemic just as we help people through covid-l9 — just as we help people through covid—19 and we will and we will have _ covid—19 and we will and we will have the — covid—19 and we will and we will have the maximum energy effort and ingenuity— have the maximum energy effort and ingenuity to help the british people and everybody knows how tough it can be right _ and everybody knows how tough it can be right now but we are going to get through— be right now but we are going to get through it _ be right now but we are going to get through itjust as be right now but we are going to get through it just as we got through covid-l9~ — through it just as we got through covid—19. and the money be early spending — covid—19. and the money be early spending and of course there will be more _ spending and of course there will be more support in the months ahead as

things— more support in the months ahead as things continue to be tough with the increase _ things continue to be tough with the increase in— things continue to be tough with the increase in the energy prices. i want _ increase in the energy prices. i want to— increase in the energy prices. i want to explain to people why it is so important that we stand strong against _ so important that we stand strong against aggression in ukraine at the same _ against aggression in ukraine at the same time — against aggression in ukraine at the same time. and there's no doubt, looking _ same time. and there's no doubt, looking what vladimir putin has done that if— looking what vladimir putin has done that if he _ looking what vladimir putin has done that if he were not to be resisted, this would — that if he were not to be resisted, this would not be the end as sauli hasjust_ this would not be the end as sauli hasjust said, this would not be the end of— hasjust said, this would not be the end of his — hasjust said, this would not be the end of his neo— imperialist ambitions. and just imagine the consequences, notjust military or political. — consequences, notjust military or political, but economic and further the russian aggression against any of the _ the russian aggression against any of the other parts of the soviet union — of the other parts of the soviet union it— of the other parts of the soviet union it is— of the other parts of the soviet union. it is to prevent that further catastrophe that is so important that we — catastrophe that is so important that we are together strong now in finland _ that we are together strong now in finland has been very strong too and 'ust finland has been very strong too and just to _ finland has been very strong too and just to be _

finland has been very strong too and just to be clear, the only reason why we — just to be clear, the only reason why we are _ just to be clear, the only reason why we are able to be strong as we are is— why we are able to be strong as we are is because we've had a strong economic— are is because we've had a strong economic recovery from covid—19 and we've _ economic recovery from covid—19 and we've just _ economic recovery from covid—19 and we've just got to make sure that we help people to the aftershocks and we certainly will. it will be a huge mistake _ we certainly will. it will be a huge mistake to — we certainly will. it will be a huge mistake to think the economic answer is to let _ mistake to think the economic answer is to let putin get away with his barbaric— is to let putin get away with his barbaric behaviour in ukraine. there will be _ barbaric behaviour in ukraine. there will be a _ barbaric behaviour in ukraine. there will be a disaster for the global economy— will be a disaster for the global economy apart from everything else. this concludes this press conference. _ this concludes this press conference. thank- this concludes this press conference. thank you. i this concludes this press conference. thank you. having listened to _ conference. thank you. having listened to all— conference. thank you. having listened to all of— conference. thank you. having listened to all of that - conference. thank you. having listened to all of that that's i bringing our diplomatic correspondent who has been listening and the point of this conference takes us back to one of the things the prime minister said at the beginning. a pivotal moment in our shared histories. it is that that is

led to sweden and finland. band shared histories. it is that that is led to sweden and finland. and as the finnish — led to sweden and finland. and as the finnish president— led to sweden and finland. and as the finnish president has - led to sweden and finland. and as the finnish president has said, i led to sweden and finland. and as| the finnish president has said, this is all on putin. look in the mirror, this would you have done. this prompted these two countries for thought aboutjoining nato but not gonein thought aboutjoining nato but not gone in that direction in the past to suddenly decide this year with rising support in both countries for that that this is the moment to join. it is all about what happened in ukraine. and the —— it would take a while but i could last next week. if they quaff the process to work its way through and can take quite a long time, up to a year or more. i think in this case, to be much quicker than that but in the meantime, with britain and other countries are saying is that will be prepared to offer you security guarantees if russia decides to take hostile action as a result of your

request tojoin. hostile action as a result of your request to join. they were not attack them the not least because it's rather heavily bogged down in ukraine right now but it suspects a variety of measures, cyber attacks, information warfare, military posturing designed to unsettle both countries and so, it is against all of that for these deals are being done and looking forward to a time in which both countries are fully fledged members of nato. interesting the boris johnson _ fledged members of nato. interesting the boris johnson was _ fledged members of nato. interesting the boris johnson was asked, - fledged members of nato. interesting the boris johnson was asked, what i the borisjohnson was asked, what you put british boots on the ground if requested. asked that by a finished journalist. when be specific on that but i don't think thatis specific on that but i don't think that is the specific taste of their thinking about. they are thinking more broadly as you're suggesting. i more broadly as you're suggesting. i think a realistic expectation is that the russians were not like this and admitted clearly do not like it and they may decide to act in various ways but the idea of some kind of military attack is pretty

unthinkable and it's worth remembering that there are boots on the ground from time to time in scandinavia, britain holds routine exercises with norway and it's already also aligned with finland and sweden in destroyed expeditionary force from both leaders of the press conference and so the ties that bind finland and sweden to nato have been getting deeper and deeperfor the past 30 years anyway and this is merely formalising something that has been almost followed extension purposes a fact already. almost followed extension purposes a fact alread . n. , almost followed extension purposes a fact alread . , . almost followed extension purposes a factalread. , . ., ., fact already. many thanks for now. paul much more _ fact already. many thanks for now. paul much more on _ fact already. many thanks for now. paul much more on that _ fact already. many thanks for now. paul much more on that story i fact already. many thanks for now. paul much more on that story to l fact already. many thanks for now. | paul much more on that story to me in the six o'clock news with george, but it is weather time here is susan powell. the area of rain that we've seen moving across england and wales is the put enough towards the continent

and eye pressure will build across much of the uk in the day is the head. whether becoming drier and also becoming more and we'll see how that works in just a moment. also becoming more and we'll see how that works injust a moment. here, the weather system pulling away from eastern england to the last hour on wednesday and still areas of low pressure to the north of scotland which will stay breezy here overnight and then there'll be a few more showers later wings and clear skies could actually turn quite chilly in some rural spots in three or 4 degrees but a lot of sunshine at the start on thursday and next a low pressure we will see more persistent rain arriving and it will be a particularly wet week and also extending into the northern isles of the afternoon. and temperatures widely across england and wales. and it doesn't look that different from thursday into the south, areas of

low pressure to the north in front praising northern scotland. between the two other systems notable westerly wind and weather weather to the northern aisles and i islands in the northern aisles and i islands in the west of scotland through friday and try whether in aberdeen up to 70 degrees and perhaps the low 205 across other parts of england and wales. finally, by saturday i pressure pushes further north to clear those weather fronts in the northwest of scotland and i5 clear those weather fronts in the northwest of scotland and is the height builds north, warmer air in the palms and across the uk and temperatures rising quite widely on saturday and could still be a bit cooler and a half scotland and heights of ia or 15 degrees 22 or 23 across england and wales. humidity also rising and you see where this is going. yes, thunderstorms can be quite widespread a particularly pressing the new wells and early saturday and it looks like he might

die down for a through sunday in the daytime and obese and more sunshine right in the possibility of some more thunderstorms surging up from the south later on sunday. some warm weather for the weekend to look out for those thunderstorms.

tonight at six. we're live in ukraine, as outgunned and outnumbered government troops nevertheless get the upper hand on russian forces, driving them back to the border, here in the north. we go there, behind the fence. we're on the front line of the counter attack, near the second city of harkeev. near the second city of kharkiv. but despite ukrainian advances, the dangerfrom russian artillery is very real. every inch of ground they gain here, every other mile, gives their city respite from the russian guns that you can hear.

also on tonight's programme.