you are watching bbc news with me tim wilcox. the biggest sporting programme in commonwealth games history gets underway in birmingham. i'm live in birmingham city centre where crowds have gathered to watch the opening ceremony on the big screen and have a bit of a party too. the conservative leadership candidates take first the remap are in the first of 12 officials hustings. we are live in leeds. a report into the murder of 13—month—old leiland—james corkill in cumbria calls for better communication between agencies. he was killed injanuary last year by a woman who had hoped to adopt him. british gas owner centrica defends a decision to resume

payouts to shareholders, as uk households come under pressure from rising energy bills. and stars are paying tribute to actor bernard cribbins, famous for his many roles including in doctor who, the wombles and the original railway children, who has died at the age of 93. hello, welcome to the programme. the opening ceremony for the commonwealth games 2022 is getting underway at the alexander stadium in birmingham. organisers say it's the biggest in the event's history. prince charles will represent the queen tonight and performances will include local music and dance groups, emphasising birmingham's diversity. more than 5,000 athletes from 72 nations and territories will take part over the next 11 days. phil mackie reports.

cheering and applause. the queen's baton is on its final leg. first stop this morning was birmingham'sjewellery quarter, where the medals that they'll be competing for tomorrow have been made. the last stop will be the opening ceremony. these pictures are from the dress rehearsals. the show�*s director is peaky blinders creator stephen knight, so it'll celebrate both the west midlands and the commonwealth. in the city, excitement�*s building. one, two, three, go! this is the festival park in victoria square. the commonwealth teams have arrived and are taking it all in. it is very majestic in a way, but, with the games just about to start, i find it exciting and very buzzing. so, a very electric atmosphere. this, they say, will be the most inclusive games.

there are more para events than before, more medals for women than men, and lgbt athletes will be allowed to carry the rainbow flag for the first time. homophobia out of the commonwealth! 0ut, out, out! but there have also been protests because same—sex relationships are against the law in two thirds of competing nations. well, they have done really well to get everything ready injust overfour years. birmingham and the west midlands has always felt a little bit unloved, overlooked by the rest of the country. so, it sees the games as an opportunity to change some of those long—held perceptions. we're actually going to sell the brand of birmingham and the west midlands right round the world. it gives an opportunity to show the world just how this place has progressed in recent years. and, for brummies, that is what is really important. it's good for the community. good for the city in total. it's good for the next generation of people that want to get involved in athletics as well. i find it's really good. for your own children, because they get to experience i

different types of sports as well. this is the start of 12 days of sporting and cultural events which it is hoped will live long in the memory. let's speak to our correspondent jane dougall, who's in birmingham. jane, the opening ceremony is under way. as phil was saying, the 72 nations. in terms of where the commonwealth games is, how relevant is it in the international sporting calendar, do you think?- is it in the international sporting calendar, do you think? well, the thin is, calendar, do you think? well, the thing is, tim. — calendar, do you think? well, the thing is, tim, there _ calendar, do you think? well, the thing is, tim, there are _ calendar, do you think? well, the thing is, tim, there are so - calendar, do you think? well, the thing is, tim, there are so many. thing is, tim, there are so many athletes. you mentioned the 72 nations and territories. all of these athletes perhaps would not have the chance to compete in the world for example or in the olympics. so it is highly relevant 0lympics. so it is highly relevant for so many nations where perhaps they have a very small population. i was speaking a little earlier to a highjumper, a former highjumper, brendan williams who has competed in two previous commonwealth games the

dominique. that has a population of around 70000 and he said there were just be no way that he could ever qualify for a worlds or an 0lympics. so it was a huge opportunity for him to compete in the commonwealth games, to be able to represent his country and to take a pride in that as well. and that is one of the biggest reasons that the commonwealth games are so relevant at the moment. that many, many athletes from across the globe deal relevant and feel that their nation can be represented in a way that it might not otherwise be able to be. prince charles is representing the queen tonight and, jane, i think we'rejust going to queen tonight and, jane, i think we're just going to cross to the opening ceremony because we are just a few moments away from that. we are expecting a fly—past as well. just talk us through the important of the sporting events though because there are para—athletes taking centre stage with able—bodied as well. and i think more female medal events than male this year.—

than male this year. yeah, that is for the first _ than male this year. yeah, that is for the first time _ than male this year. yeah, that is for the first time ever, _ than male this year. yeah, that is for the first time ever, tim, - than male this year. yeah, that is for the first time ever, tim, that l for the first time ever, tim, that there are more medals available for female competitors than there are four men. actually calling this the most inclusive games yet. and that is because, as you mentioned, there is because, as you mentioned, there is a record 42 para— sports events taking place. also this is significant, taking place concurrently. so previously, with the olympics as well as the commonwealth games, the paralympics or the para— games would take place after the olympics or the commonwealth games. these are taking place at the same time so it is really an idea of more inclusivity so that everybody feels involved. and already, tim, more than 1.2 million tickets have been sold for these games, which really makes it already the most attended games yet in the history of the commonwealth games. , . ., ., ., ~ , ., in the history of the commonwealth games. �* ., ., ., ., ~' , games. jane, for now, thank you very much indeed- — games. jane, for now, thank you very much indeed. as _ games. jane, for now, thank you very much indeed. as i _ games. jane, for now, thank you very much indeed. as i say, _ games. jane, for now, thank you very much indeed. as i say, we _ games. jane, for now, thank you very much indeed. as i say, we are - much indeed. as i say, we are expecting a speech by prince charles and a fly—past. we will be back to

you for that. in the meantime ijust want to take you to leeds because the first of 12 hustings the tory members involving speeches and q&a is with rishi sunak and liz truss taking place now. he has been questioned now by lbc�*s nick ferrari moment. let'sjust listening. you moment. let's 'ust listening. you have to get — moment. let's 'ust listening. you have to get a — moment. let'sjust listening. you have to get a grip _ moment. let'sjust listening. 7m, have to get a grip of inflation first and a group of public spending and borrowing. that was very much her mantra was do that first because inflation had run out of control are made of things worse for families it would have been far more damaging for the economy and it was only one she had fixed that, once she had got borrowing under control, that she embarked on a programme of reform. that is exactly the same path i want follow. ,, ., ., ., ., follow. she would have followed the hi . h level follow. she would have followed the high level of— follow. she would have followed the high level of corporation _ follow. she would have followed the high level of corporation tax - follow. she would have followed the high level of corporation tax you - high level of corporation tax you say? high level of corporation tax you sa ? ., " ., say? you say hi level. 1974 we go back. it say? you say hi level. 1974 we go back- it is — say? you say hi level. 1974 we go back. it is the _ say? you say hi level. 1974 we go back. it is the lowest _ say? you say hi level. 1974 we go back. it is the lowest rate - say? you say hi level. 1974 we go back. it is the lowest rate of- back. it is the lowest rate of corporation tax in the g7 group of economies that you just talked about. it is actually the fourth lowest in the g20 group of economies

they also talked about. i don't think anybody can say it is a high level by international standards. but actually this is the thing, if you want to drive growth in an economy today, you need businesses to invest. and we tried having a very low corporation tax rate as a means to get businesses to invest. and you know what? we didn'tjust write one year or two years, we have tried it for a decade and it hasn't worked. so the question is, the people who think that we should have an even lower corporation tax rate but not have what i am proposing, which is actual tax cuts on business investment, the question for them is weizsacker to drive growth? because we have tried it for a decade and it hasn't worked. because businesses haven't invested that money back in the economy. so if you want growth, if you want productivity and better jobs and skills, we need businesses to invest more so i would cut the taxes on business investment. find to invest more so i would cut the taxes on business investment. and a lot of support _ taxes on business investment. and a lot of support in _ taxes on business investment. and a lot of support in the _ taxes on business investment. and a lot of support in the room. _ lot of support in the room. three yes or no questions which i would ask you to answer with yes or no and

ask you to answer with yes or no and a brief explanation if you would. just so we get a sense of a little bit more of you. would you support the return of grammar schools? yes. wh ? as the return of grammar schools? yes. why? as you — the return of grammar schools? yes. why? as you head — the return of grammar schools? yes. why? as you head for— the return of grammar schools? yes why? as you head for me early on, i believe in a educational excellence. i believe education is most powerful way that we can transform people's lives. i also think there is a lot we can do with the school system as we can do with the school system as we have it. what michael gove did several years ago was transformative. and michael took on some vested interests, challenge consensus, brought in some reforms that means that millions of our children now are better off. but thatis children now are better off. but that is a conservative way to do it. it is not about throw more money at the problem, it is about reforming the problem, it is about reforming the system to better outcomes. right, we arejust the system to better outcomes. right, we are just moving around the country bit. from leeds to birmingham. prince charles, his royal highness, about to address the opening ceremony of the commonwealth games.

and now birmingham please welcome to the alexander stadium their royal highnesses the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall. | highnesses the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall.— the duchess of cornwall. i have to say quickly _ the duchess of cornwall. i have to say quickly it _ the duchess of cornwall. i have to say quickly it does _ the duchess of cornwall. i have to say quickly it does now _ the duchess of cornwall. i have to say quickly it does now run - the duchess of cornwall. i have to say quickly it does now run on - say quickly it does now run on a combination, a by—product of wine manufacture and way for making cheese. . . . cheese. that is a win-win combination. _

turn one. national anthem. god save the queen.

our soprano, a graduate of the birmingham conservator r. and eyes to the skies.

wow, it never gets old, does it? the wonderful red arrows. . red arrows, led by red 1 squadron leader tom bould and in red 5, david simmonds, who studied at the university of birmingham before joining the red arrows. aha, joining the red arrows. a reminder of how the commonwealth - joining the red arrows. a reminder of how the commonwealth baton . joining the red arrows. a reminder. of how the commonwealth baton will arrive in the stadium this evening and a reminder of the journey it's been on. it began in buckingham palace on the 17th of october last year. kadeena cox had the pleasure of receiving it, gold medallist cyclist. the first country it went to was nigeria. it has taken on every single commonwealth country and territory in a 224 day schedule foster despite the challenges of the

pandemic, the baton relay did not miss out a single day or country or territory on its amazing journey this time. it is not just it is notjust sporting stars carrying it. it is notjust sporting stars carrying it— it is notjust sporting stars car in it. ., , , , carrying it. kim collins is permit there have _ carrying it. kim collins is permit there have been _ carrying it. kim collins is permit there have been school - carrying it. kim collins is permit there have been school pupils, l there have been school pupils, environmental activist, this there have been school pupils, environmental activist,- there have been school pupils, environmental activist, this is also beinu environmental activist, this is also being shown _ environmental activist, this is also being shown on — environmental activist, this is also being shown on the _ environmental activist, this is also being shown on the bbc _ environmental activist, this is also being shown on the bbc one - environmental activist, this is also - being shown on the bbc one ceremony. as you saw, prince charles and camilla arriving in aston martin. it might even be one of his aston martins which he has had from the age i believe of 18. also we saw the fly—past by the red arrows. as you can see from these live pictures now the opening ceremony continuing in front of the prince of wales, standing in for the queen. we will be back in birmingham over the next hour of course to pick up on all the

significant events of these games, featuring 72 nations. beginning tomorrow at 830 with the lawn bowls and then featuring some of the big stars of the triathlon events as well. so 8:16pm. laura castle shook leiland—james corkill in january last year. the safeguarding review has found that there were systemic failings in the adoption process. ed thomas reports. "mummy, please don't be sad. "i miss you so much, too. "i'm safe.

"it's so beautiful up here. "but i do worry when i see you cry." laura inhales sharply. the words of laura corkill, read at the funeral of her son, leiland—james. .. and what do you remember about him? his smile, his cheeky laugh, his big, bright eyes. ..murdered by the woman who promised to love and care for him. when he came home, it was in a wooden box. is this home? yeah. this is the first time laura corkill has told her story. how long have you been here for? six years. it starts with her son being removed by a social worker, taken at birth from his hospital cot. i was in bits. what was leiland—james doing? crying. cumbria county council say they told laura they planned to remove leiland—james. she denies this. years before, laura suffered severe domestic violence, abuse that she says social workers feared would happen again — a so—called "risk of future emotional harm." she believes that is why her son was taken. what should have happened

to leiland—james? he'd come home with support in place. absolutely. yeah, absolutely. aishea and rebecca support women who have faced domestic abuse. they offered social workers a plan to bring leiland—james home. we did have e—mails going back and forward between us to see if we could work out a plan of support to see what we could offer. and was that negotiated, were you listened to? no. leiland—james' fate was already determined. cumbria county council had identified him for adoption. yeah, i was expecting him to come home. this was the last photo of mother and son together. was this during contact? that was my last contact. she would never hold leiland—james alive again. laura corkill says she repeatedly asked for leiland—james to come back home. inside, she told me she passed

several parenting assessments. and one social worker, she says, told her she could get the baby's room ready for when he came back here. cumbria county council say in april 2020, they told laura the plan was for leiland—james to be adopted. and injuly, the family courts agreed. in august 2020, social workers placed leiland—james with this woman, laura castle. he cries. she would repeatedly beat him. she filmed him in distress. stood up like that... injanuary, 2021, she murdered leiland—james. how can someone hurt an innocent child? what, just because they couldn't cope with him? doesn't mean you've got to kill them. sorry. before leiland—james died, a social worker refused to tell laura which hospital he was in.

it was 24 hours later, and then they eventually told me it was liverpool alder hey hospital. by the time i got down there he'd already been dead. and then eventually i went into his room. ijust wanted to pick him up. but they wouldn't allow me. your child? they wouldn't allow me to pick him up. a safeguarding review into the adoption of leiland—james found that his killer, laura castle, lied and misled social workers about her mental health, alcohol use and debts, and relevant information was not shared between agencies. laura corkill was not asked to be part of it. i was nothing. i was nobody. and they tried to make me forget that i was a mother. i spent more time with leiland in death than in life. ed thomas reporting — and a reminder, you can watch

the full documentary on the bbc iplayer now. british gas owner centrica has begun paying dividends to shareholders again, with the company reporting a big rise in profits for the first half of the year. it comes as uk households face increasing pressure from rising energy bills. gas prices are soaring, driven in part by russia's war in ukraine. let's speak to richard neudegg, the director of regulation at the comparison website, u—switch. it has brought the whole sector back under the spotlight again, hasn't it? at first dividends i think paid for three years. is there a convincing argument to say these energy companies are really putting investors, shareholders, before customers? i investors, shareholders, before customers?— investors, shareholders, before customers? . ., ., ., customers? i mean, we have got to look at what — customers? i mean, we have got to look at what is — customers? i mean, we have got to look at what is driving these - look at what is driving these profits. we saw centrica today, as you said. we have also seen a

whopping profits from shell as well. the thing that is really driving them is, as you say, the wholesale cost of gas, the wholesale cost of production of gas and electricity because there is market prices. in centrica's case, the profits in that part of business have shrunk in the most recent period. at the big question is, you have got these huge soaring prices of gas, that flows through the government's price cap on to our bills. that means we are going to see a really expensive bills that we already have today go up bills that we already have today go up even more when that price cap gets reviewed again. so this just is another reminder of that really awful squeeze that is coming on all of us, even more than we are currently squeeze now. the second ca . currently squeeze now. the second ca- is currently squeeze now. the second cap is coming _ currently squeeze now. the second cap is coming in — currently squeeze now. the second cap is coming in in _ currently squeeze now. the second cap is coming in in october- currently squeeze now. the second cap is coming in in october i - currently squeeze now. the second cap is coming in in october i think, j cap is coming in in october i think, isn't it? so that could be reviewed again, could it? what is the trajectory here in terms of price rises? {iii

trajectory here in terms of price fises? trajectory here in terms of price rises? ., , trajectory here in terms of price rises? . , , rises? of gem had been resetting this ca- rises? of gem had been resetting this can every _ rises? of gem had been resetting this cap every six _ rises? of gem had been resetting this cap every six months - rises? of gem had been resetting this cap every six months to - rises? of gem had been resetting this cap every six months to react you think it is going to be reviewed every three months from october. so we're going to see an absolutely astonishing rise in october of the back of what we already saw in last april and will probably see another rise again injanuary. it is really difficult to understate how awful this is actually going to be. the current projections are from october is that the average annual bill for energy will be three and a half thousand pounds. it is alreadyjust shy of £2000. we are used to seeing bills £800 a few years ago. it is not that it is beyond an emergency situation now, where the government needs to support. it is already an ounce on but the level of the rises is now looking to be means there needs to be even further emergency measures to support households because the bill for manyjust absolutely is not affordable. but how potentially could, should, the government do that to be fair to

everyone? so government do that to be fair to everyone?— government do that to be fair to eve one? ., , , everyone? so it actually came up with some _ everyone? so it actually came up with some decent _ everyone? so it actually came up with some decent measures - everyone? so it actually came upj with some decent measures back everyone? so it actually came up i with some decent measures back in may but it was based on a price cap prediction that is significantly lower than what we look at now. and they made a judgment of pay some money to all households to give some level of help but give most of that help to the most runnable households and they did that through a number of different mechanics. these what we are suggesting the moment they're proposing to give £400 to all households. we think that needs to go households. we think that needs to 9° up households. we think that needs to go up to at least £600. and they have done cost of living payments are those who receive certain benefits, the circle is £650. the risen to payment injanuary, in the middle of winter, when this is going to rise the most. we think there should be another payment then. that keeps it roughly in proportion of where the price cap is going. if we don't do that, i mean, that is still going to be really, really challenging for households but without that support, the level of increase is just unaffordable. without that support, the level of

increase isjust unaffordable. debt will spiral. the other thing we think that is really, really important here is when people get into debt in the energy quite often if they're not already on a prepaid metre, suppliers will come and supply a prepaid metre sea have to put the money and in advance. if they continue to that of overwinter it means we will see more stealth disconnection, where there just isn't enough money in the metre, so the light and the metre stops. we cannot allow that to happen so we also need suppliers to put auditorium on installing more prepaid metres, just to get us through the situation in the winter. and in the longer term the government is going to have to sort out the underlying problems so we're not here next winter. £311" out the underlying problems so we're not here next winter.— not here next winter. our other countries _ not here next winter. our other countries doing _ not here next winter. our other countries doing things - not here next winter. our other countries doing things more - countries doing things more efficiently? i think about france for example in terms of what they have done with edf. i mean, that is really quite direct government intervention. is not you would as well? ' . ., . , well? the difference with france is the french government _ well? the difference with france is the french government already - well? the difference with france is l the french government already owns around 80% of edf and they nationalised the remaining 20% of it, so it already had shareholder

control of basically its single energy supplier. one is also very reliant on nuclear power station so is less exposed to fossil fuels. it is less exposed to fossil fuels. it is not a cat you can put back in the bag in the uk situation. we are already more exposed to the global markets. there is a partial nationalisation, so it is not really possible to take those same steps. the bigger things the government needs to do in the long term are sought out the way the whole dilemma wholesale market works. at the moment, we are using the gas price to set electricity prices, regardless of what actually generated electricity, whether it was gas or renewables. that cannot be right in the longer term, that has to be changed. we need to insulate homes a lot more and we need to make sure that suppliers actually have a real incentive to beat the cap, to cut prices and offer better deals. unless we do that in the longer term there is no hope of really sorting this problem out. so the governor is going to have to get a grip and also in the middle of a leadership contest, it

would never skate people's notice, which means the current administration is not making any major policy changes. we think this is a sort of thing that shouldn't be a politicalfootball. the current candidates should sit down with a current prime minister and say let's take this off the table, lets confirm to consume now what we are going to do to get through this winter so people don't worry about it. consumers are telling us, they're telling you, they're telling everyone that this is extraordinarily stressful, not knowing the level of support is going to be there and we could alleviate that and give more confirmation that when these big price rises come there will be support for people dear to the emergency situation. {lilia support for people dear to the emergency situation. ok, thank you ve much emergency situation. ok, thank you very much indeed. _ the current gender identity service run by the tavistock foundation trust will be closed by spring after it was criticised by an independent review. let's speak now to susie

green, the ceo of one of the uk's leading lgbt people charities called mermaids which lobbies for improvements in facial services. to read a summary of the report, the word damning would be an understatement. do you agree with her findings and the decision taken? you and have to look at the evidence. there we have young people on a two and half year waiting list sat with no support whatsoever. i think something absolutely needed to be done and we are cautiously optimistic that this is a step in the right direction. it is optimistic that this is a step in the right direction.— optimistic that this is a step in the right direction. it is more than waitin: the right direction. it is more than waiting lists _ the right direction. it is more than waiting lists though _ the right direction. it is more than waiting lists though wasn't - the right direction. it is more than waiting lists though wasn't it? - the right direction. it is more than waiting lists though wasn't it? it l waiting lists though wasn't it? it said was failing vulnerable under 18—year—olds. there was pressure to adopt an unquestionable affirmative

approach to gender change. and also broader child and adolescent health context to this with the use of puberty blockers. these are all quite serious institutional approach questions, aren't they? notjust a waiting list. questions, aren't they? not 'ust a waiting fist.— questions, aren't they? not 'ust a waiting tat.— questions, aren't they? not 'ust a waitint list. ~ ,, ., ., waiting list. well, we know that the re tort that waiting list. well, we know that the report that came — waiting list. well, we know that the report that came in _ waiting list. well, we know that the report that came in recently, - waiting list. well, we know that the report that came in recently, i - report that came in recently, i think it was sometime last year, showed that there was inconsistency that young people were getting different levels of treatment. that there were inconsistency in terms of clinical approach etc. so a more consistent approach with young people at the centre and very much at the heart of everything in terms of what services they are provided with is really important. but i think what is really the even more important that we do not lose young people's voices in this. this needs to be based around what they need and what they come as young people, should have and should be able to access in terms of timely supportive

medical treatment, including assessment and medical intervention, if that is what they need. 5pm} if that is what they need. 5000 referrals last _ if that is what they need. 5000 referrals last year _ if that is what they need. 5000 referrals last year compared i if that is what they need. 5000 referrals last year compared to | if that is what they need. 5000 referrals last year compared to 250 a decade ago. the other question that was raised in this report was what is the difference between and unhappiness with gender in adolescence and whether that is permanent or temporary. of those legitimate concerns as well do you think? i think we but i believe it's the fact that trans issues are more visible. young people are able to see themselves reflected in the media and speak their truth more openly and quickly. unfortunately, they're seeking help from a system that currently is broken the white so the fact that this will be broken the white so the fact that this will ba . w' broken the white so the fact that this will b. , a , ., broken the white so the fact that thiswillb , , ., .y this will be picked up now by two other institutions, _ this will be picked up now by two other institutions, do you - this will be picked up now by two l other institutions, do you welcome that? .,

other institutions, do you welcome that? . ., , other institutions, do you welcome that? . ., that? yeah, as i say. cautiously optimistic- _ that? yeah, as i say. cautiously optimistic. we _ that? yeah, as i say. cautiously optimistic. we need _ that? yeah, as i say. cautiously optimistic. we need to - that? yeah, as i say. cautiously optimistic. we need to see - that? yeah, as i say. cautiously| optimistic. we need to see what those services look like. we need to see diverse children and young people. we feel it's a positive step forward. we are hoping to continue to work with nhs england to ensure that this does actually provide the needs of those children and young people because until we see the evidence of that, we have to stand back and say, let's wait and see. but it's moving in the right direction. the resource wasjust simply not fit for porpoise, so let's wait and see whether or not they do the right thing. —— fit for purpose. they do the right thing. -- fit for n-urose. ., , , they do the right thing. -- fit for n-urose. ,, , , ., ~ ,., they do the right thing. -- fit for n-urose. ,, , , ., ~ y., , purpose. susie green, thank you very much indeed- — purpose. susie green, thank you very much indeed. let's _ purpose. susie green, thank you very much indeed. let's catch _ purpose. susie green, thank you very much indeed. let's catch up - purpose. susie green, thank you very much indeed. let's catch up with - much indeed. let's catch up with some weather. we've seen some heavy rain today across parts

of scotland, with still some rain falling through parts of scotland in northern england. the rain in scotland mainly to the south, elsewhere likely to become drive with a few clear spells around. we have got some more humid nights to come. green clearing through, although brightening up with further got showers. overall, a lot of dry weather to come. it'll feel warmer in that sunshine, mid to upper 20s. we end the day with rain pushing into northern ireland. weather fronts close by, some rain or showers around, with the driest towards the south and

you're watching bbc news at 8:32 p:m.. our headlines. the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall have taken place in the commonwealth games and terming him. a report to the milder of a 13 month oil in cumbria alter better —— call for better... defends the decision to resume payouts. the us and chinese leaders have warned each other over taiwan, during a phone call that lasted more than two hours. president biden told his chinese counterpart, xijinping, that washington strongly opposed any unilateral moves to change the island's status, and to undermine stability

across the taiwan straits. who's in washington dc. the official description of this call was candid. i think in terms of diplomatic language, that's stretching it?— diplomatic language, that's stretching it? diplomatic language, that's stretchint it? . , , ., stretching it? well, it seems that the were stretching it? well, it seems that they were forthright _ stretching it? well, it seems that they were forthright about - stretching it? well, it seems that they were forthright about their l they were forthright about their views on the most intense issue between them at the moment, which is taiwan. both of them mentioned it in their outlines, the chinese more extensively, saying that they had clearly told president biden that taiwan was chinese territory and that the united states needed to respect it's one china policy. that means that the united states recognises beijing is the only chinese government, not taiwan as

independent. they also warned the united states that playing with fire meant that they would get burnt. the chinese have used that language before overtime, but the issue has become more tense because of this possible visit to the island by the house speaker, nancy pelosi, which the chinese is that it would be a provocation. the americans also said that taiwan had been discussed, they had not changed their policy. but they warned that they were against any move by the chinese to change the status of taiwan. so they kind of restated their positions, but in very firm language, and it reflects that the issue has become much more volatile in recent years, especially in recent months. the volatile in recent years, especially in recent months.— volatile in recent years, especially in recent months. the last speaker to to to in recent months. the last speaker to go to taiwan. — in recent months. the last speaker to go to taiwan, i _ in recent months. the last speaker to go to taiwan, i think, _ in recent months. the last speaker to go to taiwan, i think, was - in recent months. the last speaker to go to taiwan, i think, was newt| to go to taiwan, i think, was newt gingrich back in the late 90s. why is nancy pelosi wanting to visit now? ., �* , ., ,

now? you're right, she would be the first speaker — now? you're right, she would be the first speaker of _ now? you're right, she would be the first speaker of the _ now? you're right, she would be the first speaker of the house _ now? you're right, she would be the first speaker of the house to - first speaker of the house to visit in 25 years. she has reputation as a long—standing critic china, especially on human rights, and a supporter of taiwan. in fact, and congress, there's a lot of strong support for taiwan and a feeling amongst many legislators on both sides that the support needs to be fully expressed as they perceived threats to taiwan's independence from an increasingly inc. aggressive china. she has postponed, but she could well be retiring by the end of this year, so it's possible that she wants to end her career with this sort of trip to taiwan. but the administration feels it's the timing... the timing isn't right, especially because there's going to

be an important party congress in china in november, which xijinping wants to claim two. they don't want to do anything that would stir the pot and perhaps prompt them to respond more severely than you might otherwise to such a trip. they can't say that out loud because the congress is independent from the executive, so it's really up to nancy pelosi what she wants to do, and i think mr biden will have explained some of that two to. —— will explain it to xi jinping. barbara, thank you very much. a 25—year—old man has been jailed for life for killing his grandfather — and for the first time tv cameras were able to broadcast his sentencing live. from today, some criminal courts

in england and wales are now allowing filming. our legal correspondent dominic casciani was watching. the sentence i pass upon you is therefore one of life imprisonment, with a minimum term of ten years and eight months. justice in action, and broadcasting history. judge sarah munro qc todayjailing ben oliver for the manslaughter of his grandfather. you will not be released by the parole board unless they conclude that you no longer pose a risk to the public. that concludes these sentencing remarks, and he may go down, thank you. news channels can now televise the sentencing of serious criminals in england and wales, starting with cases at the old bailey. cameras can already enter scotland's courts, but few cases are ever filmed. for more than a century, these benches have been the only way the public have been able to witness trials of gangsters like the kray twins or serial killers including peter sutcliffe. the tv cameras still won't be able to film defendants, but, for the first time, the audience will be able to watch and listen to the judge as he or she sentences serious criminals, fulfilling a maxim

of the law that not only should justice be done, it should be seen to be done. sentencing of serious criminal cases is something in which there is a legitimate public interest, and it has always seemed to me this is part of the criminal process which can be recorded and broadcast, in many cases but not all, without compromising the administration ofjustice. ..and the defendant— orenthaljames simpson not guilty of the crime of murder... it's scenes like this that concern ourjudges. the 1995 oj simpson murder trial became nightly entertainment for america. here, we can't film evidence or victims, and defendants like ben oliver today will still be sketched by a court artist. but an introduction of a camera on thejudge is revolutionary and might help the public understand how justice really works. dominic casciani, bbc news.

the number of people who died of drug misuse in scotland last year dropped slightly to just over 1300 — the first fall for eight years. but it remains by far the worst toll recorded in europe — and more than five times as high as in england. the scottish government admitted the situation was unacceptable — as conservative politicians called the latest figures our scotland editor james cook reports. i started at an early age, yeah, started at about 11 or 12 year old. by the time he was 16, chris had tried cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, lsd and amphetamines. but it was heroin which he says ruined his life. i'm very lucky to be alive. there's been many occasions where i possibly could have overdosed and died. and i know people, i have had people within my life that have passed away, sadly, to overdose. over the past two decades, drug deaths have risen fastest here in dundee. most of those dying are men,

and the toll is much heaviest in the poorest parts of the city. in recent years, dundee has boomed. it looks and feels like a city on the up. but under the surface, there are challenges — with poverty, mental health and education, and all of these challenges feed into the drugs death crisis, making it difficult to solve, precisely because its causes are so complex. this is our needle exchange site. this charity provides clean needles for addicts, and it's busy. people are still dying. just one person is too many. i think that, given the attention that dundee has had, has meant better action and faster action has had to take place, but unfortunately, that does take time. it's not happening nearly fast enough for these campaigners. we've seen a trend of increasing drug deaths since 2013, - drug deaths since 2013. that has halted, but i am -

determined to use this change as a real platform to power ahead, to do more — but this critic says ministers should be trying harder to get people off drugs altogether. the majority of our treatment budget is currently going into what we would call really vital harm reduction practices, but we're not offering people the chance to get well. for this city, for the nation, this remains a deep crisis. a scottish national emergency. james cook, bbc news, glasgow. let's ta ke let's take you down to leeds. rishi sunak and liz truss are facing the first of 12 postings. nick, they started speaking at. what's the question from the floor?

this one really matters because i know we've heard a lot from rishi sunak and liz truss over the last few days, but this the first time they're in front of a mass audience. the tory members are going to choose their next leader. i got to choose their next leader. i got to say so far, they seem a lot more receptive to liz truss. her speech at the start went down pretty well. she was joking with the audience, she was making a play of her background being brought up. rishi sunak was making his economic pitch and talking about that he is now the underdog, but saying he's going to keep fighting. one of the things that he's facing a lot of pressure arm is his tax policy. we talked a lot about of this in the last couple weeks. he received some criticism for saying we can maybe cut some

taxes now. he was asked about that whether it was a u—turn. do taxes now. he was asked about that whether it was a u—turn. dui taxes now. he was asked about that whether it was a u-turn._ whether it was a u-turn. do i detect the smell of — whether it was a u-turn. do i detect the smell of burning _ whether it was a u-turn. do i detect the smell of burning rubber. - whether it was a u-turn. do i detect the smell of burning rubber. have . the smell of burning rubber. have you performed an extraordinary u-iurn_ you performed an extraordinary u—turn over your decision with vat? last u—turn over your decision with vat? last week, _ u—turn over your decision with vat? last week, it — u—turn over your decision with vat? last week, it was not conservative, are you _ last week, it was not conservative, are you flipping or flopping? the other two very different things here — other two very different things here we _ other two very different things here. we have _ other two very different things here. we have a _ other two very different things here. we have a short—term . other two very different things - here. we have a short—term problem that i_ here. we have a short—term problem that i always — here. we have a short—term problem that i always said _ here. we have a short—term problem that i always said we _ here. we have a short—term problem that i always said we would _ here. we have a short—term problem that i always said we would need - here. we have a short—term problem that i always said we would need to i that i always said we would need to make _ that i always said we would need to make sure that— that i always said we would need to make sure that the _ that i always said we would need to make sure that the support - that i always said we would need to make sure that the support we - that i always said we would need to make sure that the support we had| that i always said we would need to l make sure that the support we had in place was _ make sure that the support we had in place was appropriate _ make sure that the support we had in place was appropriate for _ make sure that the support we had in place was appropriate for the - make sure that the support we had in place was appropriate for the scale i place was appropriate for the scale of the _ place was appropriate for the scale of the challenge _ place was appropriate for the scale of the challenge that _ place was appropriate for the scale of the challenge that many - of the challenge that many households _ of the challenge that many households are _ of the challenge that many households are facing. - of the challenge that many households are facing. we| of the challenge that many . households are facing. we not support — households are facing. we not support this _ households are facing. we not support this year— households are facing. we not support this year that - households are facing. we not support this year that energy. households are facing. we not - support this year that energy belts would _ support this year that energy belts would rise — support this year that energy belts would rise. the _ support this year that energy belts would rise. the most _ support this year that energy belts would rise. the most vulnerable . would rise. the most vulnerable families— would rise. the most vulnerable families gets _ would rise. the most vulnerable families gets to _ would rise. the most vulnerable families gets to about _ would rise. the most vulnerable families gets to about £1200. i would rise. the most vulnerable. families gets to about £1200. but now, _ families gets to about £1200. but now, expectations _ families gets to about £1200. but now, expectations of _ families gets to about £1200. but now, expectations of what - families gets to about £1200. but now, expectations of what will . now, expectations of what will happen — now, expectations of what will happen to _ now, expectations of what will happen to energy— now, expectations of what will happen to energy bills - now, expectations of what will happen to energy bills has - now, expectations of what will. happen to energy bills has gone now, expectations of what will - happen to energy bills has gone up. so its— happen to energy bills has gone up. so it's reasonable _ happen to energy bills has gone up. so it's reasonable that _ happen to energy bills has gone up. so it's reasonable that there's - happen to energy bills has gone up. so it's reasonable that there's more than we can— so it's reasonable that there's more than we can do— so it's reasonable that there's more than we can do and _ so it's reasonable that there's more than we can do and that _ so it's reasonable that there's more

than we can do and that is - so it's reasonable that there's more than we can do and that is the - than we can do and that is the policy— than we can do and that is the policy that— than we can do and that is the policy that i _ than we can do and that is the policy that i would _ than we can do and that is the policy that i would put - than we can do and that is the policy that i would put in - than we can do and that is the | policy that i would put in place than we can do and that is the . policy that i would put in place if i was _ policy that i would put in place if i was elected _ policy that i would put in place if i was elected p.m. _ policy that i would put in place if i was elected p.m. .— policy that i would put in place if i was elected p.m. . but - policy that i would put in place if i was elected p.m. . but that. policy that i would put in place if. i was elected p.m. . but that was a temporary— i was elected p.m. . but that was a temporary and _ i was elected p.m. . but that was a temporary and time—limited - i was elected p.m. . but that was al temporary and time—limited support to help _ temporary and time—limited support to help people — temporary and time—limited support to help people over— temporary and time—limited support to help people over the _ temporary and time—limited support to help people over the winter. - temporary and time—limited support to help people over the winter. i’tgiel to help people over the winter. i've tot to sa to help people over the winter. i've got to say a — to help people over the winter. i've got to say a lot _ to help people over the winter. got to say a lot of liz truss's supporters think it's a u—turn. mr sunakjust finished his q&a session, and i got to say he's had a pretty hard time. there was one man named matthew who stood up and accused him of stabbing boris johnson matthew who stood up and accused him of stabbing borisjohnson in the back. he said that the prime minister had made mr sunak as a politician and then mr sunak had turned on him when he resigned. so there's clearly still feeling amongst some in the conservative party that boris johnson was amongst some in the conservative party that borisjohnson was hard done by, and i think that is a problem for mr sunak. if the challenge is going to face. there was also someone bringing up the idea as borisjohnson staying on. that's not going to happen, but it

suggests kind of that although the conservatives turned against prime minister and parliament, there's a very different feeling a bit —— i get some members. liz truss has been getting a pretty good reception. —— against some members. she announced policy when it comes to real trouble in the north of england. —— rail travel. in november, the government scrapped plans and a review which would have made it easier to get from manchester to leeds. liz truss said today she would build that line that was scrapped by the government if she becomes prime minister. have a listen. i’d if she becomes prime minister. have a listen. �* ., , ., a listen. i'd abolished the top-down housint a listen. i'd abolished the top-down housing targets _ a listen. i'd abolished the top-down housing targets that _ a listen. i'd abolished the top-down housing targets that we _ a listen. i'd abolished the top-down housing targets that we have - a listen. i'd abolished the top-down housing targets that we have across our country — housing targets that we have across our country. before i became an mp, i our country. before i became an mp, i was _ our country. before i became an mp, i was a _ our country. before i became an mp, i was a counsellor. i sat on a planning _ i was a counsellor. i sat on a planning committee, and those are

hours _ planning committee, and those are hours of— planning committee, and those are hours of my— planning committee, and those are hours of my life that i will never .et hours of my life that i will never get back — hours of my life that i will never get back. because we know, we all know _ get back. because we know, we all know how — get back. because we know, we all know how appalling the planning system — know how appalling the planning system is, and why should it be the same _ system is, and why should it be the same in _ system is, and why should it be the same in london as cornwall, as yorkshire? _ same in london as cornwall, as yorkshire? i— same in london as cornwall, as yorkshire? i want to get power back to local— yorkshire? i want to get power back to local people. and why should the transport _ to local people. and why should the transport here be so bad? i remember as a teenager getting the bus into leeds— as a teenager getting the bus into leeds city— as a teenager getting the bus into leeds city centre because there was no other— leeds city centre because there was no other alternative. i'm afraid it's not— no other alternative. i'm afraid it's not much better now. leeds is still the _ it's not much better now. leeds is still the largest city in europe without— still the largest city in europe without its own metro network, and i would _ without its own metro network, and i would work _ without its own metro network, and i would work to fix that, and i will .et would work to fix that, and i will get northern powerhouse rail will. that was _ get northern powerhouse rail will. that was liz truss there on rail transport —— get it built. she's facing a q&a session just now. one other thing to mention, rishi sunak was asked about whether he would allow more grammar schools in england, and he said yes to that. no

detail, and quite often these quick fire sessions through a financial or with —— throw up an answer, but it appears that mr sunak has opened the door to new grammar schools in england, something that many conservative members would welcome, but might be highly controversial with some others.— but might be highly controversial with some others. nick, for now, thank you — with some others. nick, for now, thank you very — with some others. nick, for now, thank you very much. _ with some others. nick, for now, thank you very much. i've - with some others. nick, for now, thank you very much. i've just . with some others. nick, for now, i thank you very much. i've just heard that we can dip into that interview. let's just take a few moments. just to see how she responds. we all i have to ask you, have you ever use illegal drugs? i i have to ask you, have you ever use illegal drugs?— i have to ask you, have you ever use illegal drugs?- there - i have to ask you, have you ever use illegal drugs?- there is - illegal drugs? i haven't. there is another famous _ illegal drugs? i haven't. there is another famous elizabeth - illegal drugs? i haven't. there is another famous elizabeth in - illegal drugs? i haven't. there is another famous elizabeth in the | anotherfamous elizabeth in the country, the queen. what would you say to her when you had your first audience, she reminded you in 1994,

as a lib dem, you voted for the abolition of the monarchy. laughter applause i have to say that i have met the queen and the various roles i've had. fartoo queen and the various roles i've had. far too polite to raise what i have previously said. almost as soon as i made the speech, i regretted it. i was a bit of a teenage controversial list, and just within these four walls... iikla controversial list, and 'ust within these four walls. . ._ these four walls... no one is listening. — these four walls... no one is listening, don't _ these four walls... no one is listening, don't worry! - these four walls... no one is listening, don't worry! i- these four walls... no one is listening, don't worry! iwas| listening, don't worry! iwas briefl a listening, don't worry! iwas briefly a member _ listening, don't worry! iwas briefly a member of - listening, don't worry! iwas briefly a member of the - listening, don't worry! i was i briefly a member of the liberal democrats. i did leave it when i was 21, when i came of age and realise the error of their ways.— the error of their ways. another t uestion the error of their ways. another question i've asked _ the error of their ways. another question i've asked before, - the error of their ways. another i question i've asked before, who's the best leader of the conservative party of all time and why? mrs thatcher- _ party of all time and why? mrs thatcher. and _ party of all time and why? mrs thatcher. and why? _ party of all time and why? mrs thatcher. and why? because l party of all time and why? mrs - thatcher. and why? because she... she turned — thatcher. and why? because she... she turned our— thatcher. and why? because she... she turned our country _ thatcher. and why? because she... she turned our country around. -

thatcher. and why? because she... she turned our country around. in l she turned our country around. in the 1970s, we were the sick man of europe, we had a low growth, we had massive industrial problems. i was born in 1975, so i was very young, but you can watch the news reels and see how appalling it was. when i sensed in the 1980s is a growing sensed in the 1980s is a growing sense of pride in our country and a growing sense of optimism about the future. i think the pinnacle was when we saw the berlin wall fall, and we saw the freedom and democracy and we saw the freedom and democracy and the pride in our values influencing the rest of the world, and she was a tremendous leader, a really world changing leader. i'm very, very proud that she was our prime minister.— prime minister. applause can i prime minister. applause can i talk— prime minister. applause can i talk about _ prime minister. applause can i talk about the - prime minister. applause can i talk about the cost i prime minister. applause i can i talk about the cost of prime minister. applause - can i talk about the cost of living crisis? let me share with the audience listening and washing. there have been some breathtaking

figures. quarterly profits, £9.5 billion. it was £4.5 million last year, so it's more than doubled. time for another windfall tax? i time for another windfall tax? 1 don't believe in windfall saxes because they put our future investment. what we should be doing is encouraging other companies to invest in the united kingdom because we need to get our productivity up, we need to get our productivity up, we need to get our productivity up, we need capital investment. what i would do is create low tax investment zones, encouraging those companies to invest in our country. i think windfall taxes and send the wrong message to the world. they don't send the message that britain is open for business, and what we need to do now is use more of our reserves to help people with the cost of living. that's what i would do alongside having a temporary moratorium on the green energy levy to help people with their bills. studio:.

plenty more on the website of bbc .co .uk/ news. the actor and singer bernard cribbins, whose career spanned seven decades, has died aged 93. he narrated the 1970s children's programme the wombles. and his appearances in doctor who date back to the 1960s when the series began. our media and arts correspondent, david sillito, looks back at his life. one i must have and no offence, i know, day like this. haven't taken too great a liberty, have i, on a day like this? you know? bernard cribbins. from perks in the railway children... morning, tobermory. you look hot. ..to the wombles and, before that... what about a nice drop of brandy in your tea? films like two way stretch with peter sellers in 1960. this was far from the beginning of his career. it started out in rep in oldham when he was 14. in the 60s... i'm the new midshipman. poopdecker�*s my name — albert poopdecker. he was appearing in carry pn films and recordings very successful comic songs. # there i was,

a—digging this hole...# but it was film and tv aimed at children that he'll be perhaps best remembered for. the wombles, jackanory and so much more. he was, for one fellow children's performer, a funny and inspiring friend. i adored working with bernard. we did children's programmes together, and he was so generous and kind, and i learn so much from him because he was a genius. a creative genius who knewjust how to communicate with the audience. he adored children. he adored doing children's programmes. oh, doctor... what about you now? who have you got? and he continued well into old age. this was his second doctor who, 40 years after his first spell in the tardis. still, that's fine. from oerks, to songs, to jackanory to fawlty towers, bernard cribbins could turn his hand to anything. right on time! he was, for millions of us,

a down—to—earth, funny, friendly, much loved part of childhood. bernard cravens, who has died at 93. this sunday england will face germany in the final of the euros. among those excited about the final is the 8—year—old girl who went viral on social media after england's semifinal win against sweden. tess from knaresborough captured the spirit of the game when caught on camera at the semi—final, singing her heart out to �*sweet caroline' after the lionesses beat sweden. john watson caught up with her after a whirlwind 24—hours. # good times never felt so good. # so good. # so good! how are you feeling after what has been a crazy morning? very excited. feeling very good. and i'm feeling everything that is brilliant.

everything. so, talk us through it. england were doing really well and you werejust in a good mood. what were you feeling when england had well, i wasn't surprised, because they are really good, but i felt that the way i watched them be veryjoyous at the end, ifelt like it was very fun to watch. and to see them all give away their tops. and when did you know that you were being filmed, that you had appeared on the screen? i only knew after sweet caroline finished. i found out because mum kept on getting messages saying tess is on film, tess is on camera, tess is on telly.

and then mum wasjust like... we were watching it and we only saw tess and we did not see mum. when you see the girls playing, does it make you think, oh, - i could do that one day? does it make you feel that? yeah, definitely. and then, you were on the tv again. yes. how was that? i had to quickly get my england kit on, quickly do my hair, quickly clean my teeth, quickly get my shoes on, and then we had to go straight on the interview. so, tell us, how much do you love football? i love it to the moon and back. and what is it that you love about this england team? i love how they don't take it all for themselves, they pass all the time and they have a good mindset and they think about what they're going to do next. they don'tjust take the ball and kick it somewhere. against germany, i think we willjust scrape 3—2. what is the ultimate aim? what would you like to do next? are you hopeful one day you might be able to follow in the footsteps

of the england team? what i want to do when i'm old is play for man united women and england women. because i love football. you have seen the semifinal. you really should get to the final, right? so, what would you say if we could arrange it for you to get to the final? i don't know. i would scream my head off. so, let me put it to you. we will get you to the final. really? what? there's a scream in there somewhere. screaming. she said there was. and there is. we will get you to the final, how about that? yeah. # sweet caroline # sweet caroline # good times neverfelt # sweet caroline # good times never felt so good # good times never felt so good # so good, so good, so good! a face to watch out for! that is it for the time being. we're back for the papers at 10.30. now some

weather with nick. we've seen some heavy rain across parts of southwest scotland. it's been a thundery in places with some rain falling through parts of scotland and northern england. the rain and scotland mainly to the south, and elsewhere, is likely to become dry with more clear spells around. we have some more humid nights to come. lots of cloud to begin with tomorrow. although brightening up, for scattered showers. a lot of dry weather, with the sunnier prospect for many. it will feel warmer with temperatures through england from the mid to upper 20s. the end with rain pushing into northern ireland, western scotland, across scotland and into saturday. there will be some rain and showers around, the driest in the warmest towards the south and

southeast.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. 137 minutes — that's how long presidentjoe biden spoke with xijinping today. the message on taiwan, from the chinese leader, was pretty blunt �*those who play with fire, he said, wil get burnt.�* joe biden says us support for taiwan "has not changed". what has changed is the outlook on the us economy — a second quarter of decline — which has put the president on the defensive. now, there is no doubt we expect growth to be slower than last year but that is consistent with the transition to a stable, steady growth with low inflation.

but a huge breakthrough on the president's agenda with news