hello and welcome to dateline london. i'm ben brown. we're looking at two of the week's big stories — what's happening in russia as men flee the country after president putin's call—up of reservists to fight in ukraine and his threat to use nuclear weapons, and also the british government's announcement of sweeping tax cuts — the most far—reaching for half a century. well, i'm joined to discuss all this

with columnists from the guardian, stephanie baker of bloomberg news and work of the sydney morning herald. so, cuts to income tax, corporation tax, national insurance and stamp duty and removing the cap on bankers�* bonuses. it will cost tens of billions and the government says it will boost growth, the labour party say it will reward the rich. stephanie, let's start with you. is this gamble for growth that's going to pay off? it's certainly a gamble, but i have doubts about whether it will pay off. kwasi kwarteng says he want to booth grouped by two and a half percent. but that's delivering a bit of a sugar rush, and i'm not sure that will be sustained over the long—term. some people have compared

this to hitting the accelerator and slamming on the brakes at the same time because what you have is on the one hand, the bank of england trying to control inflation. trying to cool demand by hiking interest rates while the treasury �*s pumping money into the economy. so i think that could lead to a bit of a standoff as the time goes on and these two work at cross purposes. we are ready saw the proposals failing as we we look at the markets. in the pound is now at the markets. in the pound is now at $1.08. bond yields have risen, which is incredibly worrying because he's planning on this 45 billion tax cuts. it's going to cost the

government more if the market is charging them more. i think he said today that the markets will do what they will do, but the lesson is you ignore them at your peril. if the uk is so reliant on international investors to fund this plan, i think he's going to encounter real problems. it looks to me that we're going to end up with higher interest rates for longer as a result of this plan, and there's been much talk that it's skewed towards the rich. and that it's not going to therefore deliver the type of growth he wants. if you give a huge tax break to someone on £200,000, they're going to go out — or bankers — they're going to buy an expensive italian light fixture rather than spend it in the local

economy. rather than spend it in the local econom . ., y rather than spend it in the local economy-— rather than spend it in the local econom . ., , ., ., economy. polly, what kwasi kwarteng is sa in: is economy. polly, what kwasi kwarteng is saying is that _ economy. polly, what kwasi kwarteng is saying is that growth _ economy. polly, what kwasi kwarteng is saying is that growth it _ economy. polly, what kwasi kwarteng is saying is that growth it has - economy. polly, what kwasi kwarteng is saying is that growth it has been . is saying is that growth it has been anaemic for years. he saying these are central to solving the riddle of growth, and he wants to turn the vicious cycle of stagnation into a virtuous cycle of growth. do you think you might succeed? it’s virtuous cycle of growth. do you think you might succeed? it's the dream of every — think you might succeed? it's the dream of every government. - think you might succeed? it's the l dream of every government. right, left or— dream of every government. right, left or centre. that's completely uncontroversial. what's controversial is whether you can get it. effectively destroying the economy. it doesn't feel like a path to growth _ it doesn't feel like a path to urowth. �* .,, , it doesn't feel like a path to urowth. �* , ., , growth. but those might be temporary reactions of- — growth. but those might be temporary reactions of. yes, _ growth. but those might be temporary reactions of. yes, the _ growth. but those might be temporary reactions of. yes, the markets - growth. but those might be temporary reactions of. yes, the markets are - reactions of. yes, the markets are uuite reactions of. yes, the markets are quite scary — reactions of. yes, the markets are quite scary if _ reactions of. yes, the markets are quite scary if they _ reactions of. yes, the markets are quite scary if they turn _ reactions of. yes, the markets are quite scary if they turn against - quite scary if they turn against you _ quite scary if they turn against you. labour has known that because they've _ you. labour has known that because they've been there in the past. he was warned — they send markets wouldn't — was warned — they send markets

wouldn't like it and he said markets will do _ wouldn't like it and he said markets will do what markets do. markets tremble _ will do what markets do. markets tremble all over you if you're going to are _ tremble all over you if you're going to are huge — tremble all over you if you're going to are huge sums of money. it might be sensible _ to are huge sums of money. it might be sensible if it was for serious investment. if it was to have a real green _ investment. if it was to have a real green energy policy to make sure that we _ green energy policy to make sure that we can be self—sufficient as energy. — that we can be self—sufficient as energy, something like that that has real yield _ energy, something like that that has real yield for the future, instead of which — real yield for the future, instead of which stephanie said, money into the pockets of very rich who will buy things — the pockets of very rich who will buy things from abroad. if you give it to people — buy things from abroad. if you give it to people in the middle of lower down, _ it to people in the middle of lower down, each found a role for the economy— down, each found a role for the economy over and over and over again _ economy over and over and over again it — economy over and over and over again. it takes much longer before he gets— again. it takes much longer before he gets sent abroad. we have a terrible — he gets sent abroad. we have a terrible balance of payment as it is. ., ., . , terrible balance of payment as it is. ., , ., , , is. not exactly ringing endorsements from these two. _ is. not exactly ringing endorsements from these two. what's _ is. not exactly ringing endorsements from these two. what's your - is. not exactly ringing endorsements from these two. what's your take - is. not exactly ringing endorsements|

from these two. what's your take of? there's a crazy element to this. you have _ there's a crazy element to this. you have to _ there's a crazy element to this. you have to give — there's a crazy element to this. you have to give li2— there's a crazy element to this. you have to give liz truss _ there's a crazy element to this. you have to give liz truss credit - there's a crazy element to this. you have to give liz truss credit for - have to give liz truss credit for doing _ have to give liz truss credit for doing something _ have to give liz truss credit for doing something that - have to give liz truss credit for doing something that very - have to give liz truss credit for doing something that very fewi have to give liz truss credit for - doing something that very few prime ministers _ doing something that very few prime ministers have — doing something that very few prime ministers have the _ doing something that very few prime ministers have the cuts— doing something that very few prime ministers have the cuts to _ doing something that very few prime ministers have the cuts to do. - doing something that very few prime ministers have the cuts to do. i'm i ministers have the cuts to do. i'm the sort _ ministers have the cuts to do. i'm the sort of— ministers have the cuts to do. i'm the sort of poker— ministers have the cuts to do. i'm the sort of poker player _ ministers have the cuts to do. i'm the sort of poker player that - ministers have the cuts to do. i'm| the sort of poker player that leads all my— the sort of poker player that leads all my cars — the sort of poker player that leads all my cars on _ the sort of poker player that leads all my cars on the _ the sort of poker player that leads all my cars on the table. - the sort of poker player that leads all my cars on the table. i- the sort of poker player that leads all my cars on the table. i really. all my cars on the table. i really hope _ all my cars on the table. i really hope for— all my cars on the table. i really hope for britain _ all my cars on the table. i really hope for britain that _ all my cars on the table. i really hope for britain that this - all my cars on the table. i reallyl hope for britain that this doesn't turn out — hope for britain that this doesn't turn out the _ hope for britain that this doesn't turn out the same _ hope for britain that this doesn't turn out the same way, - hope for britain that this doesn't turn out the same way, but - hope for britain that this doesn't turn out the same way, but it. hope for britain that this doesn't . turn out the same way, but it does have a _ turn out the same way, but it does have a sense — turn out the same way, but it does have a sense to— turn out the same way, but it does have a sense to this _ turn out the same way, but it does have a sense to this that _ turn out the same way, but it does have a sense to this that there's . turn out the same way, but it does have a sense to this that there's a | have a sense to this that there's a couple _ have a sense to this that there's a couple of— have a sense to this that there's a couple of teenagers _ have a sense to this that there's a couple of teenagers who - have a sense to this that there's a couple of teenagers who have - have a sense to this that there's a i couple of teenagers who have turned up couple of teenagers who have turned up to their— couple of teenagers who have turned up to their parents' _ couple of teenagers who have turned up to their parents' houtz_ couple of teenagers who have turned up to their parents' houtz and - up to their parents' houtz and flicked — up to their parents' houtz and flicked on _ up to their parents' houtz and flicked on the _ up to their parents' houtz and flicked on the lights _ up to their parents' houtz and flicked on the lights and - up to their parents' houtz and flicked on the lights and saidl up to their parents' houtz and . flicked on the lights and said it's party— flicked on the lights and said it's party time — flicked on the lights and said it's partytime -- _ flicked on the lights and said it's party time —— parents's - flicked on the lights and said it's party time —— parents's house. i| party time —— parents's house. i think— party time —— parents's house. i think this — party time —— parents's house. i think this is _ party time —— parents's house. i think this is the _ party time —— parents's house. i think this is the ultimate - party time —— parents's house. i think this is the ultimate test i think this is the ultimate test whether— think this is the ultimate test whether these _ think this is the ultimate test whether these economics- think this is the ultimate test. whether these economics really think this is the ultimate test - whether these economics really work. more british _ whether these economics really work. more british people _ whether these economics really work. more british people will— whether these economics really work. more british people will be _ whether these economics really work. more british people will be caught - more british people will be caught in this— more british people will be caught in this experiment. _ more british people will be caught in this experiment.— more british people will be caught in this experiment. stephanie, it is so radical and it _ in this experiment. stephanie, it is so radical and it feels _ in this experiment. stephanie, it is so radical and it feels like - in this experiment. stephanie, it is so radical and it feels like a - in this experiment. stephanie, it is so radical and it feels like a new i so radical and it feels like a new government hasjust come so radical and it feels like a new government has just come in after general election with a brand—new

policy, but liz truss has been in government for many years. it’s policy, but liz truss has been in government for many years. it's such a radical change _ government for many years. it's such a radical change from _ government for many years. it's such a radical change from the _ government for many years. it's such a radical change from the days - government for many years. it's such a radical change from the days of- a radical change from the days of david cameron and george osborne. to go from austerity, we must balance the budget to borisjohnson, where he was favouring spending. now we've got her going for broke in terms of spending huge amounts on helping to calve energy bills, and i think that makes sense. the question is how they fund it. the fact that she wants to go to for this trickle—down approach but she's not going to cut spending or tax any energy companies for their windfall profits. i think it's this disconnect. it's very ideological, but she's actually pursuing trickle—down economics with a bit of keynesianism mixed in. it's a bit of keynesianism mixed in. it's

a real experiment.— a real experiment. polly, we heard some of this _ a real experiment. polly, we heard some of this but _ a real experiment. polly, we heard some of this but not _ a real experiment. polly, we heard some of this but not all _ a real experiment. polly, we heard some of this but not all of - a real experiment. polly, we heard some of this but not all of this. - some of this but not all of this. people have been surprised by this. she always said she wanted to cut taxes. _ she always said she wanted to cut taxes. but — she always said she wanted to cut taxes, but a lot of people thought it was— taxes, but a lot of people thought it was to — taxes, but a lot of people thought it was to soften up the conservative party— it was to soften up the conservative party and _ it was to soften up the conservative party and when she gets there, shall pivot _ party and when she gets there, shall pivot. surely she won't do anything so socially— pivot. surely she won't do anything so socially unjust because polls today— so socially unjust because polls today show a very large number of people _ today show a very large number of people and conservative voters thinking — people and conservative voters thinking it's unfair.— people and conservative voters thinking it's unfair. kwasi kwarteng sa s tax thinking it's unfair. kwasi kwarteng says tax cuts _ thinking it's unfair. kwasi kwarteng says tax cuts are _ thinking it's unfair. kwasi kwarteng says tax cuts are for _ thinking it's unfair. kwasi kwarteng says tax cuts are for everybody - thinking it's unfair. kwasi kwarteng says tax cuts are for everybody so l says tax cuts are for everybody so it is fair. , .,, ., ., it is fair. yes, those who often get them, it is fair. yes, those who often get them. those _ it is fair. yes, those who often get them, those at _ it is fair. yes, those who often get them, those at the _ it is fair. yes, those who often get them, those at the top _ it is fair. yes, those who often get them, those at the top get - it is fair. yes, those who often get them, those at the top get tens i it is fair. yes, those who often get them, those at the top get tens of thousand — them, those at the top get tens of thousand l— them, those at the top get tens of thousand. ~ �* , ' :: ., thousand. i think it's 150 for someone — thousand. i think it's150 for someone on _ thousand. i think it's150 for someone on £20,000 - thousand. i think it's150 for someone on £20,000 and i thousand. i think it's150 for- someone on £20,000 and 5000 something on... b, someone on £20,000 and 5000 something on. . ._ someone on £20,000 and 5000 something on. . .- the - someone on £20,000 and 5000| something on. . .- the real something on... a year. the real test at the _ something on... a year. the real test at the end _ something on. .. a year. the real test at the end of— something on... a year. the real test at the end of this _ something on... a year. the real test at the end of this come - test at the end of this come election— test at the end of this come

election time _ test at the end of this come election time is _ test at the end of this come election time is not - test at the end of this come election time is not going . test at the end of this come | election time is not going to test at the end of this come . election time is not going to be test at the end of this come - election time is not going to be how much _ election time is not going to be how much more — election time is not going to be how much more tax _ election time is not going to be how much more tax they— election time is not going to be how much more tax they have _ election time is not going to be how much more tax they have to - election time is not going to be how much more tax they have to pay- election time is not going to be how. much more tax they have to pay every month _ much more tax they have to pay every month it's _ much more tax they have to pay every month it's going _ much more tax they have to pay every month it's going to _ much more tax they have to pay every month. it's going to be, _ much more tax they have to pay every month. it's going to be, i— much more tax they have to pay every month. it's going to be, i did - much more tax they have to pay every month. it's going to be, i did my- month. it's going to be, i did my waqes borrow? _ month. it's going to be, i did my wages borrow? if— month. it's going to be, i did my wages borrow? if you _ month. it's going to be, i did my wages borrow? if you see - month. it's going to be, i did my. wages borrow? if you see bankers month. it's going to be, i did my- wages borrow? if you see bankers and millionaires' _ wages borrow? if you see bankers and millionaires' waqes _ wages borrow? if you see bankers and millionaires' wages growing _ wages borrow? if you see bankers and millionaires' wages growing and - millionaires' wages growing and yours _ millionaires' wages growing and yours didn't, _ millionaires' wages growing and yours didn't, this _ millionaires' wages growing and yours didn't, this is _ millionaires' wages growing and yours didn't, this is problematicj yours didn't, this is problematic for the — yours didn't, this is problematic for the government. _ yours didn't, this is problematic for the government. there's- yours didn't, this is problematic for the government. there's a i yours didn't, this is problematic- for the government. there's a really good _ for the government. there's a really good litmus— for the government. there's a really good litmus test _ for the government. there's a really good litmus test for— for the government. there's a really good litmus test for this. _ for the government. there's a really good litmus test for this. in - good litmus test for this. in australia, _ good litmus test for this. in australia, 2007, _ good litmus test for this. in australia, 2007, a - good litmus test for this. in australia, 2007, a very- good litmus test for this. in australia, 2007, a very old| australia, 2007, a very old government— australia, 2007, a very old government had _ australia, 2007, a very old government had four- australia, 2007, a very old| government had four terms australia, 2007, a very old i government had four terms in australia, 2007, a very old - government had four terms in the centre-right— government had four terms in the centre—right government - government had four terms in the centre—right government made i government had four terms in the centre—right government made a i government had four terms in the - centre—right government made a huge mantra _ centre—right government made a huge mantra for— centre—right government made a huge mantra for itself. _ centre—right government made a huge mantra for itself. ended _ centre—right government made a huge mantra for itself. ended up— centre—right government made a huge mantra for itself. ended up going - centre—right government made a huge mantra for itself. ended up going on . mantra for itself. ended up going on in absolute — mantra for itself. ended up going on in absolute spending _ mantra for itself. ended up going on in absolute spending spree. - mantra for itself. ended up going on in absolute spending spree. very- in absolute spending spree. very unpopular— in absolute spending spree. very unpopular by _ in absolute spending spree. very unpopular by this _ in absolute spending spree. very unpopular by this point. - in absolute spending spree. very unpopular by this point. in- in absolute spending spree. very unpopular by this point. in the i unpopular by this point. in the opposition— unpopular by this point. in the opposition leader— unpopular by this point. in the opposition leader won- unpopular by this point. in the opposition leader won by- unpopular by this point. in the - opposition leader won by saying this reckless _ opposition leader won by saying this reckless spending _ opposition leader won by saying this reckless spending must _ opposition leader won by saying this reckless spending must stop, - opposition leader won by saying this reckless spending must stop, and l opposition leader won by saying this reckless spending must stop, and ii reckless spending must stop, and i think— reckless spending must stop, and i think there's — reckless spending must stop, and i think there's a _ reckless spending must stop, and i think there's a real— reckless spending must stop, and i think there's a real moment - reckless spending must stop, and i think there's a real moment for. reckless spending must stop, and il think there's a real moment for keir starmer— think there's a real moment for keir starmer here — think there's a real moment for keir starmer here to _ think there's a real moment for keir starmer here to come _ think there's a real moment for keir starmer here to come in _ think there's a real moment for keir starmer here to come in here - think there's a real moment for keir starmer here to come in here and l starmer here to come in here and say, _ starmer here to come in here and say, "i'm— starmer here to come in here and say, "i'm going _ starmer here to come in here and say, "i'm going to— starmer here to come in here and say, "i'm going to be— starmer here to come in here and say, "i'm going to be the - say, "i'm going to be the responsible _ de, "i'm going to be the responsible guy- say, "i'm going to be the responsible guy in - say, "i'm going to be the responsible guy in the i say, "i'm going to be the - responsible guy in the room." [5 responsible guy in the room." [£3 likely responsible guy in the room." likely that labour will win the responsible guy in the room."_ likely that labour will win the next electioh _

likely that labour will win the next election. no government that has been _ election. no government that has been in _ election. no government that has been in control through such an economic— been in control through such an economic crisis has ever been reelected _ economic crisis has ever been reelected. it leaves labour with a quandary— reelected. it leaves labour with a quandary because what they inherit, we don't _ quandary because what they inherit, we don't know yet. but it leaves the traditional— we don't know yet. but it leaves the traditional labour position of generosity very difficult. they may find themselves in a reverse role. so are _ find themselves in a reverse role. so are they— find themselves in a reverse role. so are they going to deliver the tax cuts? _ so are they going to deliver the tax cuts? i_ so are they going to deliver the tax cuts? ithink— so are they going to deliver the tax cuts? i think that's _ so are they going to deliver the tax cuts? i think that's clearly - so are they going to deliver the tax cuts? i think that's clearly the - cuts? i think that's clearly the political— cuts? i think that's clearly the political position. _ cuts? i think that's clearly the political position. his - cuts? i think that's clearly the political position. his keir- cuts? i think that's clearly the - political position. his keir starmer actually— political position. his keir starmer actually going _ political position. his keir starmer actually going to _ political position. his keir starmer actually going to increase - political position. his keir starmer actually going to increase taxes i political position. his keir starmerj actually going to increase taxes on everyone? — actually going to increase taxes on everyone? etuit— actually going to increase taxes on eve one? �* , actually going to increase taxes on eve one? ,~ ., , actually going to increase taxes on eve one? ,~ ., i, everyone? but they certainly put the taxes back- — everyone? but they certainly put the taxes back. it's _ everyone? but they certainly put the taxes back. it's quite _ taxes back. it's quite extraordinary. 45% rate that the top earners _ extraordinary. 45% rate that the top earners are — extraordinary. 45% rate that the top earners are going to have 5%, i think— earners are going to have 5%, i think labour will have no trouble. when _ think labour will have no trouble.

when people say that liz truss is trying to model herself on margaret thatcher, is that electorally going to be away for her to win the next election potentially? the remarkable thin is how election potentially? the remarkable thing is how much _ election potentially? the remarkable thing is how much they _ election potentially? the remarkable thing is how much they are _ election potentially? the remarkable thing is how much they are willing i thing is how much they are willing to take the hit politically for things that don't deliver that much in terms of economic gain. that i find shocking. lifting the cap on banker bonuses, for instance, politically unpopular. in reality, it doesn't really change things. it's not a game changer. it's not going to result in a huge reversal of the exodus of bankers from london to the continent as a result of brexit. it might make the uk more competitive versus new york. it's probably a good thing, but it's not going to really deliver much in terms of economic growth. likewise, the move for him to require people on benefits to try to show that

they're looking for more work, it's a hugely unpopular... they're looking for more work, it's a hugely unpopular. . ._ a hugely unpopular... crosstalk liz truss has said _ a hugely unpopular... crosstalk liz truss has said she's _ a hugely unpopular... crosstalk liz truss has said she's prepared l a hugely unpopular... crosstalk. liz truss has said she's prepared to be unpopular. i liz truss has said she's prepared to be unpopular-— be unpopular. i think she's trying to be like maggie _ be unpopular. i think she's trying to be like maggie thatcher- be unpopular. i think she's trying to be like maggie thatcher in i be unpopular. i think she's trying | to be like maggie thatcher in that sense. she's going to go for those unpopular policies, betting that people will. .. unpopular policies, betting that people will- - -_ unpopular policies, betting that people will... you're right about the irrelevance, _ people will... you're right about the irrelevance, because - people will... you're right about i the irrelevance, because thatcher picked _ the irrelevance, because thatcher picked battles. they were things she really— picked battles. they were things she really cared about. she private ease -- privatise — really cared about. she private ease —— privatise all of these. tormenting a few of the people who are part—time workers. these are absolute~~~ — are part—time workers. these are absolute... it's not big stuff. her battles _ absolute... it's not big stuff. her battles are — absolute... it's not big stuff. her battles are very peculiar. i am popularity _ battles are very peculiar. i am popularity for very little gain. what's — popularity for very little gain. what's your take on that? will this make her unpopular? if what's your take on that? will this make her unpopular?— what's your take on that? will this make her unpopular? if you're trying to cosla

make her unpopular? if you're trying to cosplay margaret _ make her unpopular? if you're trying to cosplay margaret thatcher, i make her unpopular? if you're trying to cosplay margaret thatcher, it's i to cosplay margaret thatcher, it's one thing — to cosplay margaret thatcher, it's one thing to — to cosplay margaret thatcher, it's one thing to find _ to cosplay margaret thatcher, it's one thing to find all _ to cosplay margaret thatcher, it's one thing to find all these - to cosplay margaret thatcher, it's one thing to find all these tax i to cosplay margaret thatcher, it'sl one thing to find all these tax cuts and set _ one thing to find all these tax cuts and set yourself _ one thing to find all these tax cuts and set yourself as _ one thing to find all these tax cuts and set yourself as singapore i one thing to find all these tax cuts| and set yourself as singapore upon thames _ and set yourself as singapore upon thames it's— and set yourself as singapore upon thames. it's quite _ and set yourself as singapore upon thames. it's quite another- and set yourself as singapore upon thames. it's quite another to- and set yourself as singapore upon thames. it's quite another to do. and set yourself as singapore upon thames. it's quite another to do it| thames. it's quite another to do it when _ thames. it's quite another to do it when you're — thames. it's quite another to do it when you're nearly _ thames. it's quite another to do it when you're nearly 100%. - thames. it's quite another to do it when you're nearly 100%.— thames. it's quite another to do it when you're nearly 100%. we're going to leave taksa- _ when you're nearly 100%. we're going to leave taksa. -- _ when you're nearly 100%. we're going to leave taksa. -- tax _ when you're nearly 100%. we're going to leave taksa. -- tax cuts. _ let's turn our attention now to the war in the ukraine because the us presidentjoe biden said this week that russia's invasion in february had breached "the core tenets of the united nations charter". president putin, though, seems to be doubling down on the war — he's mobilizing another 300,000 reservists — with the result that many men eligible for the call up are fleeing from russia. meanwhile, the kremlin are organising self—styled referendums in four regions of ukraine, seeking to annexe them all as russian territory. and if the west doesn't like it, well, we've had another dire warning from mr putin this week — threatening to retaliate with nuclear weapons if necessary.

this said the russian leader, is not a bluff. latika, is it a bluff — could this war escalate? absolutely. if you think everyone is taking _ absolutely. if you think everyone is taking for— absolutely. if you think everyone is taking for a — absolutely. if you think everyone is taking for a joke, _ absolutely. if you think everyone is taking for a joke, you _ taking for a joke, you don't normally— taking for a joke, you don't normally say _ taking for a joke, you don't normally say that. - taking for a joke, you don't normally say that. i - taking for a joke, you don't normally say that. i think l taking for a joke, you don't. normally say that. i think we taking for a joke, you don't- normally say that. i think we should take what— normally say that. i think we should take what he — normally say that. i think we should take what he says _ normally say that. i think we should take what he says very— normally say that. i think we should take what he says very seriously. i take what he says very seriously. he's _ take what he says very seriously. he's acting — take what he says very seriously. he's acting in— take what he says very seriously. he's acting in a _ take what he says very seriously. he's acting in a very— take what he says very seriously. he's acting in a very different i he's acting in a very different scenario _ he's acting in a very different scenario. he's— he's acting in a very different scenario. he's panicking i he's acting in a very different scenario. he's panicking andl he's acting in a very differentj scenario. he's panicking and i he's acting in a very different - scenario. he's panicking and i think he realises— scenario. he's panicking and i think he realises that _ scenario. he's panicking and i think he realises that this _ scenario. he's panicking and i think he realises that this war _ scenario. he's panicking and i think he realises that this war is - scenario. he's panicking and i think he realises that this war is not i he realises that this war is not going — he realises that this war is not going the _ he realises that this war is not going the way— he realises that this war is not going the way he _ he realises that this war is not going the way he wanted. i he realises that this war is not i going the way he wanted. indeed, he realises that this war is not - going the way he wanted. indeed, and the last— going the way he wanted. indeed, and the last few— going the way he wanted. indeed, and the last few weeks, _ going the way he wanted. indeed, and the last few weeks, we've _ going the way he wanted. indeed, and the last few weeks, we've seen - going the way he wanted. indeed, and the last few weeks, we've seen some i the last few weeks, we've seen some of rush's _ the last few weeks, we've seen some of rush's allies — the last few weeks, we've seen some of rush's allies put _ the last few weeks, we've seen some of rush's allies put pressure - the last few weeks, we've seen some of rush's allies put pressure on- of rush's allies put pressure on russia — of rush's allies put pressure on russia china— of rush's allies put pressure on russia. china had _ of rush's allies put pressure on russia. china had their- of rush's allies put pressure on russia. china had their first- of rush's allies put pressure on russia. china had their first for| russia. china had their first for for an— russia. china had their first for foran meaning _ russia. china had their first for for an meaning today, - russia. china had their first for for an meaning today, and i russia. china had their first for| for an meaning today, and india started — for an meaning today, and india started to — for an meaning today, and india started to complain _ for an meaning today, and india started to complain to - for an meaning today, and india started to complain to russia. l for an meaning today, and india started to complain to russia. i| started to complain to russia. i think— started to complain to russia. i think we — started to complain to russia. i think we should _ started to complain to russia. i think we should take _ started to complain to russia. i think we should take very - started to complain to russia. i- think we should take very seriously what putin— think we should take very seriously what putin says, _ think we should take very seriously what putin says, primarily - think we should take very seriously what putin says, primarily because| what putin says, primarily because he's feeling — what putin says, primarily because he's feeling the _ what putin says, primarily because he's feeling the pressure. -

what putin says, primarily because he's feeling the pressure. take i what putin says, primarily because he's feeling the pressure.- he's feeling the pressure. take it seriously and _ he's feeling the pressure. take it seriously and should _ he's feeling the pressure. take it seriously and should we - he's feeling the pressure. take it seriously and should we then i he's feeling the pressure. take it i seriously and should we then stopped supplying weapons to ukraine? trio. supplying weapons to ukraine? no, the coal is supplying weapons to ukraine? no, the goal is for _ supplying weapons to ukraine? no, the goal is for ukraine to win this war~ _ the goal is for ukraine to win this war~ the — the goal is for ukraine to win this war. the momentum _ the goal is for ukraine to win this war. the momentum is _ the goal is for ukraine to win this war. the momentum is with- the goal is for ukraine to win this i war. the momentum is with ukraine. the goal is for ukraine to win this - war. the momentum is with ukraine. i think_ war. the momentum is with ukraine. i think every— war. the momentum is with ukraine. i think every exrwert _ war. the momentum is with ukraine. i think every expert would _ war. the momentum is with ukraine. i think every expert would agree. - war. the momentum is with ukraine. i think every expert would agree. no, . think every expert would agree. no, i think_ think every expert would agree. no, i think the _ think every expert would agree. no, i think the resolve _ think every expert would agree. no, i think the resolve from _ think every expert would agree. no, i think the resolve from the - think every expert would agree. no, i think the resolve from the west. i think the resolve from the west should _ i think the resolve from the west should only— i think the resolve from the west should only be _ i think the resolve from the west should only be stronger. - i think the resolve from the west should only be stronger. [s- should only be stronger. interesting, polly, seeing should only be stronger.“ interesting, polly, seeing the reaction in russia. russian men trying to flee from the country. huge queues at the border. the price of plan tickets out of russia. it of plan tickets out of russia. it seems as if putin has majority, but it also_ seems as if putin has majority, but it also seems as if it's slipping quite — it also seems as if it's slipping quite fast _ it also seems as if it's slipping quite fast. people are more and more

afraid _ quite fast. people are more and more afraid and _ quite fast. people are more and more afraid and horrified. they don't want _ afraid and horrified. they don't want to— afraid and horrified. they don't want to send their sons. i think there _ want to send their sons. i think there is— want to send their sons. i think there is a — want to send their sons. i think there is a debate going on quietly at about— there is a debate going on quietly at about giving your enemy a retreat _ at about giving your enemy a retreat. what do we do to let him retreat? — retreat. what do we do to let him retreat? in— retreat. what do we do to let him retreat? in any way that's remotely possible _ retreat? in any way that's remotely ossible. ~ ., retreat? in any way that's remotely ossible. ~ . _, retreat? in any way that's remotely ossible. ~ . u, retreat? in any way that's remotely possible-_ i- retreat? in any way that's remotely| possible._ i don't possible. what could we do? i don't know if there _ possible. what could we do? i don't know if there is _ possible. what could we do? i don't know if there is one, _ possible. what could we do? i don't know if there is one, but _ possible. what could we do? i don't know if there is one, but it - know if there is one, but it certainty— know if there is one, but it certainly something to hold in the back of one's mind that it's better to let _ back of one's mind that it's better to let the — back of one's mind that it's better to let the enemy run away if you can _ to let the enemy run away if you can a_ to let the enemy run away if you can a tong _ to let the enemy run away if you can. a long stalemate eventually, something, somewhere has to give. maybe _ something, somewhere has to give. maybe we _ something, somewhere has to give. maybe we just sit there hoping that somebody deposes him, but i think that seems... but somebody deposes him, but i think that seems. . ._ that seems... but if he says he would end _ that seems... but if he says he would end the _ that seems... but if he says he would end the war _ that seems... but if he says he would end the war if _ that seems... but if he says he would end the war if he - that seems... but if he says he would end the war if he could l that seems... but if he says he - would end the war if he could keep his territory, ukraine would never agree. his territory, ukraine would never arree. �* ., , ., , his territory, ukraine would never arree.�* ., , ., , ., agree. and it would be for us to say it's u- to agree. and it would be for us to say it's up to them _ agree. and it would be for us to say it's up to them to _ agree. and it would be for us to say it's up to them to the _ agree. and it would be for us to say it's up to them to the side. -- - agree. and it would be for us to say it's up to them to the side. -- to i it's up to them to the side. —— to decide — it's up to them to the side. —— to decide but _ it's up to them to the side. —— to decide but i _ it's up to them to the side. —— to decide. but i don't know if there are other— decide. but i don't know if there are other terms whom i come in.

china _ are other terms whom i come in. china and — are other terms whom i come in. china and india are now backing off of it, _ china and india are now backing off of it, whether there is some way of softeningm — of it, whether there is some way of softening... we don't look anywhere near that— softening... we don't look anywhere near that at— softening... we don't look anywhere near that at this point. softening. .. we don't look anywhere near that at this point.— near that at this point. tiffany, i said in a way. — near that at this point. tiffany, i said in a way, putin _ near that at this point. tiffany, i said in a way, putin is _ near that at this point. tiffany, i said in a way, putin is doublingl said in a way, putin is doubling down. we've got these referendums in which, are they sham referendums? that's what everybody in the west is saying. a bit like crimea in 2014. is this a way of putin saying this is definitely part of russia and that's when we could up the anti—and potentially use weapons of mass destruction? it potentially use weapons of mass destruction?— potentially use weapons of mass destruction? , , ~ . . destruction? it seems like a blatant attem ts destruction? it seems like a blatant attempts to — destruction? it seems like a blatant attempts to extend _ destruction? it seems like a blatant attempts to extend the _ destruction? it seems like a blatant attempts to extend the nuclear- attempts to extend the nuclear umbrella to those territories so that he raises the stakes for the us and the uk. 50 don't continue to supply ukrainians with... there's

been an incredible influx of high precision weaponry that has changed the game on the ground. i think he's betting that will make them think twice before continuing to send equipment. i think you'll probably also see in response to doubling down on the sanctions, and of course, they're pushing ahead with this idea of price russian oil to try to undermine putin's ability to fund his war machine. there's a real division as to whether or not that will result in higher or lower prices and whether india and china will play along. that remains to be seen, but they can go further on sanctions. but you look at the additional troops being mobilised. the real question in my mind, how will that change the situation on the ground? we don't know how many

of these troops he will successfully requote, and there's no talk of potentially martial law being called —— successfully recruit. haifa potentially martial law being called -- successfully recruit.— -- successfully recruit. how much dancer -- successfully recruit. how much danger do — -- successfully recruit. how much danger do you _ -- successfully recruit. how much danger do you think _ -- successfully recruit. how much danger do you think that - -- successfully recruit. how much danger do you think that puts - -- successfully recruit. how much l danger do you think that puts putin and himself? in a sense, he's a creature of the elite.— and himself? in a sense, he's a creature of the elite. yes, i think we've always _ creature of the elite. yes, i think we've always been _ creature of the elite. yes, i think we've always been hoping - creature of the elite. yes, i think we've always been hoping that i we've always been hoping that something _ we've always been hoping that something might _ we've always been hoping that something might happen- we've always been hoping that something might happen in. we've always been hoping thati something might happen in the kremlin — something might happen in the kremlin may— something might happen in the kremlin. may that _ something might happen in the kremlin. may that would - something might happen in the kremlin. may that would be - something might happen in the| kremlin. may that would be the moment— kremlin. may that would be the moment someone _ kremlin. may that would be the moment someone in— kremlin. may that would be the moment someone in the - kremlin. may that would be the. moment someone in the kremlin kremlin. may that would be the - moment someone in the kremlin would prevail— moment someone in the kremlin would prevail in _ moment someone in the kremlin would prevail in that _ moment someone in the kremlin would prevail in that point. _ moment someone in the kremlin would prevail in that point. until— moment someone in the kremlin would prevail in that point. until then, - moment someone in the kremlin would prevail in that point. until then, i- prevail in that point. until then, i think— prevail in that point. until then, i think that — prevail in that point. until then, i think that test _ prevail in that point. until then, i think that test is _ prevail in that point. until then, i think that test is what _ prevail in that point. until then, i think that test is what the - prevail in that point. until then, i. think that test is what the ordinary russian _ think that test is what the ordinary russian people _ think that test is what the ordinary russian people do. _ think that test is what the ordinary russian people do. we've - think that test is what the ordinary russian people do. we've seen- think that test is what the ordinary. russian people do. we've seen some very brave _ russian people do. we've seen some very brave russian _ russian people do. we've seen some very brave russian protesting - russian people do. we've seen some very brave russian protesting and - very brave russian protesting and arrested — very brave russian protesting and arrested we _ very brave russian protesting and arrested. we also _ very brave russian protesting and arrested. we also see _ very brave russian protesting and

arrested. we also see these - very brave russian protesting and arrested. we also see these calls| arrested. we also see these calls from _ arrested. we also see these calls from ukraine _ arrested. we also see these calls from ukraine to _ arrested. we also see these calls from ukraine to ban _ arrested. we also see these calls from ukraine to ban russian - arrested. we also see these calls - from ukraine to ban russian tourism. a lot of— from ukraine to ban russian tourism. a lot of russians _ from ukraine to ban russian tourism. a lot of russians are _ from ukraine to ban russian tourism. a lot of russians are trying _ from ukraine to ban russian tourism. a lot of russians are trying to - a lot of russians are trying to escape — a lot of russians are trying to escape the _ a lot of russians are trying to escape the country _ a lot of russians are trying to escape the country at - a lot of russians are trying to escape the country at the - a lot of russians are trying to - escape the country at the moment. england _ escape the country at the moment. england is— escape the country at the moment. england is putting _ escape the country at the moment. england is putting a _ escape the country at the moment. england is putting a hard _ escape the country at the moment. england is putting a hard border. escape the country at the moment. england is putting a hard border upj england is putting a hard border up against russians. _ england is putting a hard border up against russians. i— england is putting a hard border up against russians. i think— england is putting a hard border up against russians. i think we - england is putting a hard border up against russians. i think we do- against russians. i think we do need to have _ against russians. i think we do need to have a _ against russians. i think we do need to have a serious _ against russians. i think we do need to have a serious conversation - to have a serious conversation because — to have a serious conversation because alienating _ to have a serious conversation because alienating ordinary i to have a serious conversation - because alienating ordinary russians who might _ because alienating ordinary russians who might turn— because alienating ordinary russians who might turn against _ because alienating ordinary russians who might turn against putin, - because alienating ordinary russians who might turn against putin, i- who might turn against putin, i think— who might turn against putin, i think that's _ who might turn against putin, i think that's a _ who might turn against putin, i think that's a very— who might turn against putin, i think that's a very critical- who might turn against putin, i. think that's a very critical arsenal and are~~~ — think that's a very critical arsenal and are- - -— and are... are you saying the country should _ and are. .. are you saying the country should allow- and are... are you saying the country should allow in? - and are... are you saying the country should allow in? no, | and are... are you saying the | country should allow in? no, i and are... are you saying the - country should allow in? no, ijust country should allow in? no, i 'ust think we need fl country should allow in? no, i 'ust think we need to i country should allow in? no, i 'ust think we need to have i country should allow in? no, i 'ust think we need to have a i country should allow in? no, ijust i think we need to have a conversation and be _ think we need to have a conversation and be more — think we need to have a conversation and be more nuanced. _ think we need to have a conversation and be more nuanced. there's- think we need to have a conversation and be more nuanced. there's a - think we need to have a conversation and be more nuanced. there's a lot i and be more nuanced. there's a lot of people _ and be more nuanced. there's a lot of people who — and be more nuanced. there's a lot of people who i _ and be more nuanced. there's a lot of people who i think— and be more nuanced. there's a lot of people who i think are _ and be more nuanced. there's a lot of people who i think are not - of people who i think are not necessarily— of people who i think are not necessarily pro—putin. - of people who i think are not. necessarily pro—putin. they're necessarily pro— putin. they're clearly — necessarily pro— putin. they're clearly trying _ necessarily pro—putin. they're clearly trying to _ necessarily pro—putin. they're clearly trying to escape - necessarily pro—putin. they're clearly trying to escape him i necessarily pro—putin. they're i clearly trying to escape him and necessarily pro—putin. they're - clearly trying to escape him and the fact that _ clearly trying to escape him and the fact that he's — clearly trying to escape him and the fact that he's trying _ clearly trying to escape him and the fact that he's trying to _ clearly trying to escape him and the fact that he's trying to impose - clearly trying to escape him and the fact that he's trying to impose on i fact that he's trying to impose on new ukraine _ fact that he's trying to impose on new ukraine-— fact that he's trying to impose on new ukraine. ~ �* , , ., , , new ukraine. we've seen protests in russia, new ukraine. we've seen protests in russia. but — new ukraine. we've seen protests in russia. but they _ new ukraine. we've seen protests in russia, but they are _ new ukraine. we've seen protests in russia, but they are not _ new ukraine. we've seen protests in russia, but they are not mass - russia, but they are not mass uprisings or anything that security forces can't put down. h0. uprisings or anything that security forces can't put down.— uprisings or anything that security forces can't put down. no, but more and more brave _ forces can't put down. no, but more and more brave people, _ forces can't put down. no, but more and more brave people, the - forces can't put down. no, but more and more brave people, the storiesl and more brave people, the stories that they— and more brave people, the stories that they will be swept away and

draughted into the army are horrendous. but there is a way in which _ horrendous. but there is a way in which protest will out, particularly if you _ which protest will out, particularly if you start — which protest will out, particularly if you start draughting people into an unpopular war, that really is a turning _ an unpopular war, that really is a turning point. but an unpopular war, that really is a turning point-— turning point. but there was free media in the _ turning point. but there was free media in the us. _ turning point. but there was free media in the us. it's _ turning point. but there was free media in the us. it's different i turning point. but there was free media in the us. it's different in | media in the us. it's different in russia. abut media in the us. it's different in russia. �* �* , media in the us. it's different in russia. �* . , ., ,, . ., , russia. an army of russian mothers is re russia. an army of russian mothers is pretty powerful- — russia. an army of russian mothers is pretty powerful. bodies _ russia. an army of russian mothers is pretty powerful. bodies coming i is pretty powerful. bodies coming back, _ is pretty powerful. bodies coming back, refusing to let their sons go. ithink— back, refusing to let their sons go. i think there — back, refusing to let their sons go. i think there is potential there. it does _ i think there is potential there. it does require bravery that we don't have _ does require bravery that we don't have to _ does require bravery that we don't have to have. in the west to protest and demonstrate. i think in the end, parents protecting their children is a bi- parents protecting their children is a big part — parents protecting their children is a big part of the force.— a big part of the force. stephanie, do ou a big part of the force. stephanie, do you think _ a big part of the force. stephanie, do you think this _ a big part of the force. stephanie, do you think this is _ a big part of the force. stephanie, do you think this is a gamble i a big part of the force. stephanie, do you think this is a gamble by l do you think this is a gamble by putin? people said when he first launched the invasion that this was

a potentially catastrophic gamble by him in the long term, that it would ultimately backfire on him. it him in the long term, that it would ultimately backfire on him. it could backfire on — ultimately backfire on him. it could backfire on him. _ ultimately backfire on him. it could backfire on him. i— ultimately backfire on him. it could backfire on him. ithink— ultimately backfire on him. it could backfire on him. i think it's- backfire on him. i think it's going to take some time, and i disagree with those people who think there will be some sort of palace coup. if he is overthrown, more likely to be by one of the hard—liners in his circle. by one of the hard-liners in his circle. , .,, by one of the hard-liners in his circle. , ., , ~ by one of the hard-liners in his circle. , .,, ~ �*, by one of the hard-liners in his circle. , ~ �*, ., circle. some people think he's not auoin hard circle. some people think he's not going hard enough. _ circle. some people think he's not going hard enough. exactly, i circle. some people think he's not going hard enough. exactly, so i l going hard enough. exactly, so i think we'll _ going hard enough. exactly, so i think we'll be in _ going hard enough. exactly, so i think we'll be in the _ going hard enough. exactly, so i think we'll be in the same i think we'll be in the same place evenif think we'll be in the same place even if he's gone. i'm not seeing a democratic revolution on the horizon in russia. but i think as well, we do in the west need to understand what latika was saying, that it's incredibly scary in russia right now. you compared to what it was like under the soviet union is ten times worse. people are going to jailfor very, very minor things. it

takes incredible courage to come out against the regime. i don't think that the west is doing enough to support those people who are opposing putin and need some sort of option and support. in the soviet period, we had a de facto programme and we had nothing anywhere near that, and i think the strategy has been keep them in russia so that they overthrow putin's regime and i don't think that's realistic necessarily.— don't think that's realistic necessarily. don't think that's realistic necessaril . ~ , necessarily. we said putin is doubfinu necessarily. we said putin is doubling down _ necessarily. we said putin is doubling down by _ necessarily. we said putin is doubling down by mobilisingj necessarily. we said putin is - doubling down by mobilising hundreds of thousands of people of troops. should the west now double down? shall be be pouring more weaponry into ukraine? i shall be be pouring more weaponry into ukraine?— into ukraine? i think that's already happening. — into ukraine? i think that's already happening. and — into ukraine? i think that's already happening. and a _ into ukraine? i think that's already happening, and a lot _ into ukraine? i think that's already happening, and a lot of— into ukraine? i think that's already happening, and a lot of it - into ukraine? i think that's already happening, and a lot of it kept i happening, and a lot of it kept guieter~ — happening, and a lot of it kept cuieter. ~ . happening, and a lot of it kept cuieter. ~' . ,, , , happening, and a lot of it kept tuieter. ~' ., ~' ,, happening, and a lot of it kept cuieter. ~' . ~ ,, , quieter. ukraine keeps saying they need more- _ quieter. ukraine keeps saying they need more- l _ quieter. ukraine keeps saying they need more. ithink— quieter. ukraine keeps saying they need more. i think they _ quieter. ukraine keeps saying they need more. i think they would i quieter. ukraine keeps saying they need more. i think they would like | need more. i think they would like to win this — need more. i think they would like to win this war _ need more. i think they would like to win this war and _ need more. i think they would like to win this war and they _ need more. i think they would like to win this war and they probably l need more. i think they would like i to win this war and they probably do need more — to win this war and they probably do need more at — to win this war and they probably do need more at this _ to win this war and they probably do need more at this point— to win this war and they probably do need more at this point in— to win this war and they probably do need more at this point in time, i to win this war and they probably do need more at this point in time, butj need more at this point in time, but they made _ need more at this point in time, but

they made huge _ need more at this point in time, but they made huge advances _ need more at this point in time, but they made huge advances on - need more at this point in time, but they made huge advances on the i they made huge advances on the basis of german— they made huge advances on the basis of german weaponry. _ they made huge advances on the basis of german weaponry. the _ they made huge advances on the basis of german weaponry. the biden - of german weaponry. the biden administration _ of german weaponry. the biden administration has _ of german weaponry. the biden administration has poured - of german weaponry. the biden i administration has poured another billion, _ administration has poured another billion, so— administration has poured another billion, so i— administration has poured another billion, so i do— administration has poured another billion, so i do think— administration has poured another billion, so i do think that - administration has poured another billion, so i do think that support. billion, so i do think that support keeps _ billion, so i do think that support keeps going _ billion, so i do think that support keeps going i— billion, so i do think that support keeps going. i know— billion, so i do think that support keeps going. i know my- billion, so i do think that support keeps going. i know my country. billion, so i do think that supportl keeps going. i know my country is sending _ keeps going. i know my country is sending reguest _ keeps going. i know my country is sending request for— keeps going. i know my country is sending request for more - keeps going. i know my country is sending request for more health. i keeps going. i know my country is| sending request for more health. i think— sending request for more health. i think we _ sending request for more health. i think we say— sending request for more health. i think we say we're _ sending request for more health. i think we say we're the _ sending request for more health. i think we say we're the largest i think we say we're the largest non-nato _ think we say we're the largest non—nato contributor. - think we say we're the largest non—nato contributor. of- think we say we're the largest i non—nato contributor. of course there _ non—nato contributor. of course there should _ non—nato contributor. of course there should be. _ non—nato contributor. of course there should be. i— non-nato contributor. of course there should be.— there should be. i don't see resolved- — there should be. i don't see resolved. certainly - there should be. i don't see resolved. certainly not i there should be. i don't see resolved. certainly not in i there should be. i don't see i resolved. certainly not in britain. some _ resolved. certainly not in britain. some countries in europe may be a bit, some countries in europe may be a bit. but _ some countries in europe may be a bit. but not — some countries in europe may be a bit, but not really. i think there is a sense — bit, but not really. i think there is a sense this is a common enemy to us all _ is a sense this is a common enemy to us all its— is a sense this is a common enemy to us all it's not— is a sense this is a common enemy to us all. it's notjust is a sense this is a common enemy to us all. it's not just a is a sense this is a common enemy to us all. it's notjust a question of poor little — us all. it's notjust a question of poor little ukraine, it's all of us together — poor little ukraine, it's all of us touether. �* , , ., poor little ukraine, it's all of us touether. �* ,, ., , together. and liz truss, of course boris johnson _ together. and liz truss, of course boris johnson went _ together. and liz truss, of course boris johnson went several- together. and liz truss, of course boris johnson went several times | together. and liz truss, of course i boris johnson went several times to borisjohnson went several times to kyiv himself. you said he was a friend of president zelensky. do you sense the same determination and level of support from the new prime

minister? i level of support from the new prime minister? . ,., ~ �* , minister? i imagine so. ithink it's one of the — minister? i imagine so. ithink it's one of the few _ minister? i imagine so. ithink it's one of the few things _ minister? i imagine so. ithink it's one of the few things that - minister? i imagine so. ithink it's one of the few things that unite i minister? i imagine so. i think it's. one of the few things that unite the country. _ one of the few things that unite the country, and she's been advised to stick— country, and she's been advised to stick with— country, and she's been advised to stick with it — country, and she's been advised to stick with it. she certainly said she's— stick with it. she certainly said she's going to raise the defence spending — she's going to raise the defence spending usually. this incredible borrowing, she's going to raise it to three — borrowing, she's going to raise it to three different —— 3% gbp. if she's— to three different —— 3% gbp. if she's going _ to three different —— 3% gbp. if she's going to borrow and bust, she's— she's going to borrow and bust, she's going to borrow and bust, she's going to borrow and bust, she's going to on behalf of ukraine. good _ she's going to on behalf of ukraine. good to— she's going to on behalf of ukraine. good to talk to all of you. polly, stephanie and latika, thank you for being with us. that is it from us. dateline will be back next week same time, same place. goodbye.

hello. most parts of the uk had sunny skies, albeit with one or two showers in and rather cool feel to the weather. across the southeast corner, this weather front has been providing outbreaks of rain and this is in no rush to clear away. some of that rain is set to continue across the far south of england, especially as we go through the night. elsewhere, we see clear spells, also showers across western coast and a cluster of showers pushing out of eastern scotland and down into the north east of england. some parts of scotland will get cold tonight, close to freezing. milder further south and east because we will have extra cloud and we will still have outbreaks of rain first thing. there is the potentialfor enough rain across parts of sussex and kent to give localised travel disruption, maybe even localised flooding because that rain is likely to hang around the extreme south—east corner for a good part of the day. elsewhere one or two sunny spells, and most of showers across england

and showers for northern ireland or for scotland. quite a keen north easterly breeze making it feel rather cool, 14—18 degrees at best. as we look ahead to sunday, it does look like that rain will finally clear from the south—east corner, potentially showers left behind. sunshine in the south, more cloud spreading into central and northern parts of the uk with heavy rain getting into the northwest of scotland by the end of the afternoon. top temperatures between 14—18 degrees. let me take you to the other side of the atlantic because this is hurricane fiona, which has been a major hurricane, pushing close to bermuda and is now drifting northwards. it's set to bring hurricane force winds and the potential for quite a lot of disruption across the far east of canada. the strongest storm of this size that canada will have seen for decades. while it is not heading our way, it will have an influence on our weather

because as the remnants of the storm continue to push northwards, this will help to build this area of high pressure further around that we're going to pull some really cold air in from the north for the start of next week. temperatures will drop quite significantly, single digits in some parts of scotland. furthersouth, highs 15 or 16 degrees at best.

this is bbc news. i'm ben brown. 0ur headlines at 8pm: a dramatic change in economic direction the biggest tax cuts in half a century in a radical attempt to kick—start growth. we promised a new approach for a new era. we promised to release the enormous potential of this country. 0ur growth plan has delivered all of those promises and more. the chancellor brings in sweeping changes, but the pound tumbles following the announcement. labour condemned the plan as dangerous. the prime minister and chancellor are like two desperate gamblers in a casino, chasing a losing run. for people grappling with the soaring cost of living, what do they make of the chancellor's announcement? yeah, so i'm not going

to pay stamp duty. i found that out this morning.