this is bbc news i'm ben brown our headlines at five no date yet for a new election in northern ireland after politicians at stormont missed the deadline for restoring power—sharing lam andi i am and i always will be an optimist. so, iam i am and i always will be an optimist. so, i am deeply disappointed that we are where we are now. but disappointed that we are where we are now. �* ., ., ._ disappointed that we are where we are now. �* ., ., , ., are now. but we have today is a complete _ are now. but we have today is a complete u-turn, _ are now. but we have today is a complete u-turn, a _ are now. but we have today is a complete u-turn, a bizarre - are now. but we have today is a i complete u-turn, a bizarre u-turn complete u—turn, a bizarre u—turn from _ complete u—turn, a bizarre u—turn from secretary of state who only yesterday was saying that he had a le-al yesterday was saying that he had a legal obligation for the election. before _ legal obligation for the election. before dumping her body in a suitcase is been sentenced to life in jail.

suitcase is been sentenced to life injail. mitchell is suitcase is been sentenced to life in jail. mitchell is the first murderer to be sentenced on television in england and wales. a man is found guilty of murdering his ex—girlfriend, after she died more than twenty years after he set fire to her. a violent assault on the husband of the us house speaker nancy pelosi, during a break in at the couple's home in california home trading on twitter shares has been halted as elon musk finally completes his 44 billion dollar takeover of the site — and has apparently sacked the chief executive and other seniorfigures. the northern ireland secretary of state says he will be calling an election for the assembly at stormont, but he hasn't decided when. chris heaton harris says it's his legal duty to call an election within 12 weeks and that

he'll give more details next week. the deadline to restart power—sharing passed at midnight, without agreement being reached. northern ireland has been in deadlock for months. back in may, for the first time — the nationalist party sinn fein won the largest number of seats in the stormont assembly. but the biggest unionist party — the dup — has refused to restore power—sharing, because it says northern ireland's place in the uk has been undermined by the post—brexit trade deal — signed by boris johnson. that deal — the protocol, means that goods transported from great britain to northern ireland — are subject to checks. let's hear what mr heaton harris had to say. as you all know, i am and they always will be an optimist. so, i am

deeply disappointed that we are where we are now. ijust met with the chief electoral officer for northern ireland and we discussed issues around operational concerns that she wants and she addressed as we move forward. but ijust wanted to outline a couple of things first. this is a really serious situation. as of the minute past midnight last night, there are no longer ministers and office in the northern ireland executive. now, iwill take and office in the northern ireland executive. now, i will take limited but necessary steps to ensure public services do continue to run and to protect the public finances. but there is a limit to what the secretary of state can do in these circumstances. i also want to address those who have joint authority. it is something that will simply not considered. it is not

based on the consent mechanism that is to the belfast good friday agreement. so, we are where we are. i have limited options ahead of me and i'm under legal duty to call an election in 12 weeks. i have had lots of talks with all the parties and will continue to do so. and i hear that when parties say that they do not want an election at all, nearly all of them are parties that signed up to the rules that means that i need to call an election. so, you will hear more from you on that particular point next week. our ireland correspondent chris page is in belfast. straight after he finished doing that statement. he

straight after he finished doing that statement.— straight after he finished doing that statement. ., , ., ,~' _ ., that statement. he was asked by one of my colleagues _ that statement. he was asked by one of my colleagues if _ that statement. he was asked by one of my colleagues if this _ that statement. he was asked by one of my colleagues if this was - that statement. he was asked by one of my colleagues if this was the - of my colleagues if this was the makings of another conservative u—turn and a harris simply replied no. he had said in the last few weeks, a number of times that the stormont executive is not destroyed by one in the past midnight today, thatis by one in the past midnight today, that is the legal deadline, he would be calling and election. so the party certainly has been fully expecting to set some time either this morning or this afternoon, and have been working towards a specific date of the 15th of december. but, a bit of a surprise to them, certainly when harris arrived at his offices in belfast city centre today to speak to a reporter and insisted that he would still call and election but he was not setting a date yet. and the electorate officer

early in the afternoon to discuss how an election would be organised and informed his decision as to what he would set but already some politicians are questioning whether he is actually serious about calling another election and certainly none of the parties will commit and they don't think it's fair speaking to people in northern ireland in public enthusiasts going back to the polls seven months after the last assembly election is not very high indeed to put it mildly. let's hear from where the politicians who have been having their say on what the northern ireland secretary has been telling us. michelle o'neill who is in line as things stand in the present assembly to be the first minister as leader of the largest party. i can only describe the events as a bizarre u—turn. we only describe the events as a

bizarre u-turn._ only describe the events as a bizarre u-turn. we wouldn't be in this position _ bizarre u-turn. we wouldn't be in this position today _ bizarre u-turn. we wouldn't be in this position today if— bizarre u-turn. we wouldn't be in this position today if the - bizarre u-turn. we wouldn't be in this position today if the dup - this position today if the dup accepted the outcome of the election _ accepted the outcome of the election. i think even the people with your— election. i think even the people with your left in limbo and uncertain as to what is to come next _ uncertain as to what is to come next we — uncertain as to what is to come next. we have a secretary of state that said _ next. we have a secretary of state that said he was going to fulfil his legal— that said he was going to fulfil his legal obligations in today's string of bizarre — legal obligations in today's string of bizarre u—turn, one that he communicated in advance of speaking to the _ communicated in advance of speaking to the local_ communicated in advance of speaking to the local parties from my understanding, at least. and i think it's bizarre. — understanding, at least. and i think it's bizarre, it reflects the chaotic— it's bizarre, it reflects the chaotic nature of the tories and its more _ chaotic nature of the tories and its more dysfunction spilling into our politics— more dysfunction spilling into our politics but, you see from the workers — politics but, you see from the workers and families in the business that are _ workers and families in the business that are struggling or left, the people — that are struggling or left, the people here that are left without an assembly— people here that are left without an assembly does not even a caretaker minister— assembly does not even a caretaker minister irr— assembly does not even a caretaker minister in place. if the situation to make — minister in place. if the situation to make your people just do not know what's _ to make your people just do not know what's going to happen next and that is unacceptable. she what's going to happen next and that is unacceptable.— is unacceptable. she was making the oint that is unacceptable. she was making the point that people _ is unacceptable. she was making the point that people had _ is unacceptable. she was making the point that people had expected - is unacceptable. she was making the point that people had expected to i point that people had expected to hear the date confirmed today and made the point that under the legislation which sets out the rules

for all of this and not legally obliged to set a date for an election with an this week. according more tonsil than the party leaders next week but there is a feeling that there's been more confusion run tonight, even if there was last night when it became very clear that if there ever was any doubt that the deadline would come and go without a power—sharing being restored and another party leader, of this has accused harrison playing mind games over election and it's been another 2a hours in politics here which certainly has product twists and turns but nothing in the way of certainty and i'm looking back at how things have been unfolding. as autumn turns into winter, voters here are set to go back to the polls. another instalment season has come and gone a without the formation

of a devolved government. the party which became the largest in the last election in may blames the democratic unionists. it is not a question of disagreement among the parties, it is not a question the parties can't agree, the dup have prevented all of the other parties who want to form an executive from doing so. there isn't a need for an election. i understand the frustration of the public and elected representatives. there was an election in may. the problem we have is a refusal to honour the outcome of that election. but the dup says its voters are backing its decision to stay out of stormont for now. we went to the people in may this year, and we made absolutely clear that we could not come in all conscience, nominate ministers to an executive that is required to impose a protocol that harms our economy, harms our people, and prevents us from getting access to medicines and other vital supplies from the rest of the united kingdom. that was the mandate we were given by the people who voted for us. the political system

in northern ireland is different to almost everywhere else. it is based on the good friday peace agreement, signed in 1998, after a long conflict. a majority of unionists and irish nationalists must agree to share powerfor a devolved government to be formed. the dup says it won'tjoin the coalition until the brexit trade border with the rest of the uk is scrapped. in the election five months ago, sinn fein became the first nationalist party ever to win the most seats. but the dup remains the biggest unionist group. so it still has a veto. power sharing here has always been fragile. devolution has only been properly operating for a little more than two out of the last six years. northern ireland is now heading into its fourth assembly election over that period. the impact of political paralysis has been felt widely. business leaders say potential

investors are being put off. we understand there are difficult political issues there, but for businesses, we need decision—making. we have had six years with really no decisions being made, and we have got many areas that need to be looked at. the most imminent decisions will be made by the public. after the midnight deadline passed, the westminster government came under a legal duty to call a stormont election. but campaigns in northern ireland tend to create more divisions and not bring politicians together. let's cross live to belfast now where the dup are speaking to the media. they'll be giving their reaction to the northern ireland secretary sitting there when the call and

election in stormont but have not decided when chris hedin harasses he will give us more details next week. in the meantime while we wait, in the meantime while we we can speak to ben lowry deputy editor, news letter a unionst—leaning paper. first of all, what do you think the dup will make of this decision by the northern ireland secretary, not get the colour date for the election, we are expecting it today and possibly to bejust election, we are expecting it today and possibly to be just before christmas, the actual election but no dates of our. i christmas, the actual election but no dates of our.— no dates of our. i think you'll be a decree of no dates of our. i think you'll be a degree of bafflement _ no dates of our. i think you'll be a degree of bafflement and people | no dates of our. i think you'll be a i degree of bafflement and people will be trained to read notjust between the dup but everyone in general and everyone who is interested in trying to read between the lines as to what has happened here. i suspect what is happened because of his thinking of us is going to happen earlier today is that the government doesn't really internally been able to agree on the way forward and it has, you might say it got something into a

bit of a bind having been very emphatic the secretary of state for northern ireland and the former prime minister liz truss that there would be an election but this was an election that nobody wanted, not the dup or sinn fein or any of the other parties, horrible time for an election anyway at the middle of december and in my lifetime, the only one i remember like this was borisjohnson 2019 general election and with the additional sense that nothing will really change, probably sinn fein in the dup will go up a little bit but with sinn fein still had come of the stalemate, the underlying issue to be resolved, i suspect that it is very significant that a statement that everyone is expecting today is not coming today and may be the prime minister because you would expect the prime minister rishi sunak to sign off on this maybe it is the prime minister will make the final decision over the weekend. the will make the final decision over the weekend.— will make the final decision over the weekend. , ., ., ., the weekend. the people do not want another general _ the weekend. the people do not want another general election _ the weekend. the people do not want another general election when - the weekend. the people do not want another general election when it's - another general election when it's cold and wetjust before christmas in there during the christmas

shopping. by the same time, they do want democracy and democratic government and they are not getting it at the dup. government and they are not getting it at the dup-— it at the dup. yes, that is right, there is no _ it at the dup. yes, that is right, there is no local _ it at the dup. yes, that is right, there is no local government - it at the dup. yes, that is right, there is no local government at| it at the dup. yes, that is right, i there is no local government at the moment and that is problems. i think with the dup would say the cost of living crisis and international aspects in this best of all served by westminster and the issues they are talking about are so important that stormont doesn't need to be sitting to deal with other policy we remember that northern ireland, for the better part of 30 years had direct rule from london they didn't haveit direct rule from london they didn't have it so it wasn't so stormont, size of northern ireland canned operator cannot be governed without stormont but the implication of your question i think that is a fair point i think that the dup is fraught with perilfor point i think that the dup is fraught with peril for them. point i think that the dup is fraught with perilfor them. that there is an election that they'll be blamed and that there is in progress and stormont, but will be blamed for that and that will make the

situation worse. imagine if that does make the situation worse for the dup. you could then say that is not reasonable for the dup to have taken a stand on this point on the irish sea border and the northern ireland protocol as is formally called, given the government itself has said that it has entirely acceptable internal trade border and this questions to be asked about the very changeable nature of london's approach to the border. itruiith very changeable nature of london's approach to the border.— very changeable nature of london's approach to the border. with the dup now and let's — approach to the border. with the dup now and let's listen _ approach to the border. with the dup now and let's listen to _ approach to the border. with the dup now and let's listen to what _ approach to the border. with the dup now and let's listen to what they - now and let's listen to what they got to say. good afternoon. the chaos continues and we _ good afternoon. the chaos continues and we do _ good afternoon. the chaos continues and we do not yet know whether the are going _ and we do not yet know whether the are going to have an election in northern— are going to have an election in northern ireland or not. the northern— northern ireland or not. the northern ireland or not. the northern ireland office of been talking —

northern ireland office of been talking for some time about the prospect— talking for some time about the prospect of an election but evidently, no decision has yet been taken _ evidently, no decision has yet been taken and — evidently, no decision has yet been taken. and we are ready to fight an election— taken. and we are ready to fight an election and i'm here this afternoon meeting _ election and i'm here this afternoon meeting with our members of parliament talking about our plans for the _ parliament talking about our plans for the election in this area and i'll for the election in this area and i'll be _ for the election in this area and i'll be travelling around all the constituencies as we prepare to fight _ constituencies as we prepare to fight the — constituencies as we prepare to fight the campaign to ensure that we renew— fight the campaign to ensure that we renew the _ fight the campaign to ensure that we renew the mandate we have been given which is _ renew the mandate we have been given which is very— renew the mandate we have been given which is very clear and that is until— which is very clear and that is until we — which is very clear and that is until we get decisive action to restore — until we get decisive action to restore northern ireland's place in the uk _ restore northern ireland's place in the uk and — restore northern ireland's place in the uk and the internal market and remove _ the uk and the internal market and remove the debris of the are not and obsession— remove the debris of the are not and obsession and there is not consensus for the _ obsession and there is not consensus for the restoration of the devolved institutions and so, my message to the secretary of state and government is clear. rather than dithering — government is clear. rather than dithering overan government is clear. rather than dithering over an election, what we need _ dithering over an election, what we need now— dithering over an election, what we need now is— dithering over an election, what we need now is a focus on getting a solution — need now is a focus on getting a solution that enables the restoration of the political institutions at stormont, i would

rather— institutions at stormont, i would rather spend the next few weeks getting _ rather spend the next few weeks getting a — rather spend the next few weeks getting a solution, getting this done _ getting a solution, getting this done in — getting a solution, getting this done in sorting out the problems, the real— done in sorting out the problems, the real everyday problems that people — the real everyday problems that people face but this protocol, with it's access — people face but this protocol, with it's access to medicines, whether it is the _ it's access to medicines, whether it is the price — it's access to medicines, whether it is the price of goods in our supermarkets because the high transport costs caused by the protocol, _ transport costs caused by the protocol, whether it is 25% tariff on steel— protocol, whether it is 25% tariff on steel products which means that houses _ on steel products which means that houses and — on steel products which means that houses and hospitals and schools and roads _ houses and hospitals and schools and roads are _ houses and hospitals and schools and roads are going to be more expensive to construct _ roads are going to be more expensive to construct and northern ireland and this— to construct and northern ireland and this is— to construct and northern ireland and this is unacceptable i want to see the _ and this is unacceptable i want to see the government turned its focus to getting _ see the government turned its focus to getting this sorted out and i think— to getting this sorted out and i think the — to getting this sorted out and i think the people of northern ireland it in order— think the people of northern ireland it in order going with this. what ou think it in order going with this. what you think of _ it in order going with this. what you think of the _ it in order going with this. what you think of the announcement today than fern _ you think of the announcement today than fern election? _ you think of the announcement today than fern election? how— you think of the announcement today than fern election? how likely- you think of the announcement today than fern election? how likely is - you think of the announcement today than fern election? how likely is an. than fern election? how likely is an election? _ than fern election? how likely is an election? ~ ., , ., �* than fern election? how likely is an election? ., , ., �* ,, ., election? well, we really don't know and as we — election? well, we really don't know and as i've said _ election? well, we really don't know and as i've said to _ election? well, we really don't know and as i've said to the _ election? well, we really don't know and as i've said to the secretary - election? well, we really don't know and as i've said to the secretary of i and as i've said to the secretary of state, _ and as i've said to the secretary of state, getting the government should think very—

state, getting the government should think very carefully about its next steps _ think very carefully about its next steps and — think very carefully about its next steps and what we need is a period of stability. — steps and what we need is a period of stability, not for the polarisation within our community. i'm polarisation within our community. i'm ready— polarisation within our community. i'm ready to — polarisation within our community. i'm ready to fight an election of the secretary of state if they want to hold _ the secretary of state if they want to hold an — the secretary of state if they want to hold an election then you should tell us— to hold an election then you should tell us and — to hold an election then you should tell us and we should prepare for that election. but let's focus i what — that election. but let's focus i what really needs to be done to find a solution _ what really needs to be done to find a solution that restores northern ireland _ a solution that restores northern ireland impossible 's a solution that restores northern ireland impossible '5 please than the united kingdom removes the protocol— the united kingdom removes the protocol and the hermit is doing to her relationship with the rest of the uk — her relationship with the rest of the uk. ~ , ., , ., the uk. with there be anything to net ou the uk. with there be anything to get you back _ the uk. with there be anything to get you back in — the uk. with there be anything to get you back in the _ the uk. with there be anything to get you back in the stormont and | the uk. with there be anything to . get you back in the stormont and the executive? _ get you back in the stormont and the executive? hie — get you back in the stormont and the executive? ~ ., ,., executive? we have resolved the rotocol executive? we have resolved the protocol that _ executive? we have resolved the protocol that the _ executive? we have resolved the protocol that the average - executive? we have resolved the protocol that the average sea - executive? we have resolved the . protocol that the average sea border is taking _ protocol that the average sea border is taking down and we are able to trade _ is taking down and we are able to trade freely with their own country in insensible arrangements that enable — in insensible arrangements that enable us — in insensible arrangements that enable us to ensure that goods going into the _ enable us to ensure that goods going into the european single market are also compliant with our requirements. is also compliant with our requirements.- also compliant with our reauirements. , ., , ., requirements. is there anything that can ha en requirements. is there anything that can happen before _

requirements. is there anything that can happen before then? _ requirements. is there anything that can happen before then? whether. requirements. is there anything that l can happen before then? whether it's throu~h can happen before then? whether it's through legislation _ can happen before then? whether it's through legislation or _ can happen before then? whether it's through legislation or negotiation, - through legislation or negotiation, but we _ through legislation or negotiation, but we need is a solution and i think— but we need is a solution and i think we — but we need is a solution and i think we could usefully use the next six or— think we could usefully use the next six or eight— think we could usefully use the next six or eight weeks finding that solution, _ six or eight weeks finding that solution, working towards that solution — solution, working towards that solution. let me see on behalf of the dup— solution. let me see on behalf of the dup that we are ready. we are ready— the dup that we are ready. we are ready to _ the dup that we are ready. we are ready to sit — the dup that we are ready. we are ready to sit down with others and work— ready to sit down with others and work this— ready to sit down with others and work this out to get that solution. but, _ work this out to get that solution. but, it— work this out to get that solution. but, if the — work this out to get that solution. but, if the secretary of state believes _ but, if the secretary of state believes the best way forward is polarising election where the parties — polarising election where the parties instead of working for a solution — parties instead of working for a solution and tear lump side of each other, _ solution and tear lump side of each other, i_ solution and tear lump side of each other, ijust— solution and tear lump side of each other, ijust don't see how that is sensible. — other, ijust don't see how that is sensible, but we are ready, we are ready— sensible, but we are ready, we are ready to _ sensible, but we are ready, we are ready to fight that election and if that's— ready to fight that election and if that's what the secretary of state decides — that's what the secretary of state decides. ., ., ., ., decides. the doom of the ever wrote a -la in decides. the doom of the ever wrote a play in the — decides. the doom of the ever wrote a play in the negotiations _ decides. the doom of the ever wrote a play in the negotiations and - decides. the doom of the ever wrote a play in the negotiations and so, - a play in the negotiations and so, what _ a play in the negotiations and so, what do _ a play in the negotiations and so, what do you — a play in the negotiations and so, what do you think _ a play in the negotiations and so, what do you think is _ a play in the negotiations and so, what do you think is brought - a play in the negotiations and so, i what do you think is brought about this u-turn. — what do you think is brought about this u—turn, semicolon _ what do you think is brought about this u—turn, semicolon or- what do you think is brought about this u—turn, semicolon or u—turn i what do you think is brought about. this u—turn, semicolon or u—turn and semicolon _ this u—turn, semicolon or u—turn and semicolon kicking _ this u—turn, semicolon or u—turn and semicolon kicking the _ this u—turn, semicolon or u—turn and semicolon kicking the can— this u—turn, semicolon or u—turn and semicolon kicking the can down - this u—turn, semicolon or u—turn and semicolon kicking the can down the l semicolon kicking the can down the road, _ semicolon kicking the can down the road. would — semicolon kicking the can down the road. would you _ semicolon kicking the can down the road, would you think _ semicolon kicking the can down the road, would you think prompted . semicolon kicking the can down the. road, would you think prompted that from the _ road, would you think prompted that from the secretary _ road, would you think prompted that from the secretary of _

road, would you think prompted that from the secretary of state? - road, would you think prompted that from the secretary of state? the - from the secretary of state? the secretary of _ from the secretary of state? secretary of state is from the secretary of state? tip; secretary of state is looked from the secretary of state? secretary of state is looked at the situation — secretary of state is looked at the situation and i think he recognises that if— situation and i think he recognises that if we are going to get stormont back up— that if we are going to get stormont back up and running, then it won't be an— back up and running, then it won't be an election that would do that, it is a _ be an election that would do that, it is a solution. that is what we need _ it is a solution. that is what we need in — it is a solution. that is what we need in my— it is a solution. that is what we need in my message is very clear, we are ready— need in my message is very clear, we are ready to— need in my message is very clear, we are ready to work towards that solution — are ready to work towards that solution and we want to see that solution — solution and we want to see that solution, we want to see northern ireland's_ solution, we want to see northern ireland's please than the united kingdom respected and that's the basis _ kingdom respected and that's the basis upon which we restore the political— basis upon which we restore the political institutions. do basis upon which we restore the political institutions.— basis upon which we restore the political institutions. do you think is that pressure _ political institutions. do you think is that pressure put _ political institutions. do you think is that pressure put on _ political institutions. do you think is that pressure put on him - political institutions. do you think is that pressure put on him from. political institutions. do you think i is that pressure put on him from the new prime _ is that pressure put on him from the new prime minister— is that pressure put on him from the new prime minister and _ is that pressure put on him from the new prime minister and with - is that pressure put on him from the new prime minister and with the - is that pressure put on him from the| new prime minister and with the eu, did you _ new prime minister and with the eu, did you meet — new prime minister and with the eu, did you meet with _ new prime minister and with the eu, did you meet with the _ new prime minister and with the eu, did you meet with the prime - new prime minister and with the eu, | did you meet with the prime minister last night? _ did you meet with the prime minister last night? i— did you meet with the prime minister last niuht? . �* last night? i haven't met with the new prime _ last night? i haven't met with the new prime minister— last night? i haven't met with the new prime minister and _ last night? i haven't met with the new prime minister and it - last night? i haven't met with the new prime minister and it may i last night? i haven't met with the new prime minister and it may be that the _ new prime minister and it may be that the prime minister has determined having an election will not solve — determined having an election will not solve the problems here and therefore. — not solve the problems here and therefore, if there is a rethink in downing — therefore, if there is a rethink in downing street in the northern ireland — downing street in the northern ireland office, that rethink has to be on _ ireland office, that rethink has to be on getting a solution. up the tempo, — be on getting a solution. up the tempo, let's get engaged in ensuring

that we _ tempo, let's get engaged in ensuring that we find the answers and the solutions— that we find the answers and the solutions to the problems created by the protocol the respect northern ireland's— the protocol the respect northern ireland's place within the united kingdom. ireland's place within the united kinudom. ~ . , ireland's place within the united kinadom. ~ ., , ireland's place within the united kinadom.~ . , ireland's place within the united kinadom. . , ., kingdom. what is your response to the belfast trusted _ kingdom. what is your response to the belfast trusted that _ kingdom. what is your response to the belfast trusted that said - kingdom. what is your response to the belfast trusted that said there | the belfast trusted that said there is the _ the belfast trusted that said there is the protocol— the belfast trusted that said there is the protocol is _ the belfast trusted that said there is the protocol is responsible - the belfast trusted that said there is the protocol is responsible for. is the protocol is responsible for delays _ is the protocol is responsible for delays and — is the protocol is responsible for delays and heart _ is the protocol is responsible for delays and heart surgery, - is the protocol is responsible for| delays and heart surgery, saying they have — delays and heart surgery, saying they have not _ delays and heart surgery, saying they have not had _ delays and heart surgery, saying they have not had outsource - they have not had outsource equipment, _ they have not had outsource equipment, what _ they have not had outsource equipment, what is- they have not had outsource equipment, what is your. they have not had outsource - equipment, what is your response to that? _ equipment, what is your response to that? i— equipment, what is your response to that? , , _, , , that? i believe my constituents when the tell that? i believe my constituents when they tell me — that? i believe my constituents when they tell me these _ that? i believe my constituents when they tell me these things _ that? i believe my constituents when they tell me these things and - that? i believe my constituents when they tell me these things and i - they tell me these things and i would — they tell me these things and i would see this. we all know there are problems than this protocol, whether— are problems than this protocol, whether it — are problems than this protocol, whether it is access to medicines, access— whether it is access to medicines, access to — whether it is access to medicines, access to equipment, whether it is driving _ access to equipment, whether it is driving up — access to equipment, whether it is driving up the cost of living, whether— driving up the cost of living, whether it is 25% tariffs on steel products. — whether it is 25% tariffs on steel products, we need to sort these problems— products, we need to sort these problems out and whether that is in health care — problems out and whether that is in health care construction or simply in the _ health care construction or simply in the cost — health care construction or simply in the cost of buying food products from _ in the cost of buying food products from our _ in the cost of buying food products from our supermarkets. so, i stand by for— from our supermarkets. so, i stand by for my— from our supermarkets. so, i stand by for my constituents told me. but there _ by for my constituents told me. but there have — by for my constituents told me. but there have been delays in accessing

there have been delays in accessing the treatment they need because of delays _ the treatment they need because of delays in _ the treatment they need because of delays in getting access to equipment brought about by the protocol~ — equipment brought about by the protocol. that is the belief and i stand _ protocol. that is the belief and i stand by— protocol. that is the belief and i stand by them. we met for the delays that are _ stand by them. we met for the delays that are being brought about by the executive _ that are being brought about by the executive sitting for the last seven months? _ executive sitting for the last seven months? i— executive sitting for the last seven months? i have yet to deal with the case were _ months? i have yet to deal with the case were to be demonstrated that the executive meeting has resulted in peoples having their surgery or treatment— in peoples having their surgery or treatment delayed. he had a minister of health— treatment delayed. he had a minister of health in— treatment delayed. he had a minister of health in charge of the department of health throughout the whole period since the election. we have had _ whole period since the election. we have had other ministers in charge of the _ have had other ministers in charge of the departments and we are working — of the departments and we are working with the ministry of health to ensure — working with the ministry of health to ensure that the health services resourced — to ensure that the health services resourced properly and that whatever assistance _ resourced properly and that whatever assistance is needed, that it is delivered _ assistance is needed, that it is delivered. and if people are finding that their— delivered. and if people are finding that their having difficulty finding treatment, we are here to help them

and we _ treatment, we are here to help them and we are _ treatment, we are here to help them and we are working with the and the trust to— and we are working with the and the trust to make sure and i know the waiting _ trust to make sure and i know the waiting list— trust to make sure and i know the waiting list are lengthy but the waiting — waiting list are lengthy but the waiting list are lengthy but the waiting list and start being lengthy until may— waiting list and start being lengthy until may this year. they had been lengthy— until may this year. they had been lengthy for— until may this year. they had been lengthy for a long time but we need is reform _ lengthy for a long time but we need is reform of— lengthy for a long time but we need is reform of the health service and the sooner— is reform of the health service and the sooner we get the political institutions restored, we can get on with making the reforms that are needed _ with making the reforms that are needed and that's where instead of an election, if that's the secretary of state _ an election, if that's the secretary of state is — an election, if that's the secretary of state is deciding, then we need to focus— of state is deciding, then we need to focus on— of state is deciding, then we need to focus on getting a solution. but to focus on getting a solution. but to be _ to focus on getting a solution. but to be absolutely clear, as an election. _ to be absolutely clear, as an election, we are ready to take our case _ election, we are ready to take our case to— election, we are ready to take our case to the — election, we are ready to take our case to the people.— election, we are ready to take our case to the people. anything to say in response — case to the people. anything to say in response to _ case to the people. anything to say in response to those _ case to the people. anything to say in response to those of _ case to the people. anything to say in response to those of the - case to the people. anything to say in response to those of the irish - in response to those of the irish government. _ in response to those of the irish government. by— in response to those of the irish government, by the _ in response to those of the irish government, by the political- in response to those of the irish - government, by the political system in place _ government, by the political system in place was — government, by the political system in place was blue _ government, by the political system in place was blue i— government, by the political system in place was blue i do— government, by the political system in place was blue i do not— government, by the political system in place was blue i do not believe i in place was blue i do not believe there's— in place was blue i do not believe there's anyone _ in place was blue i do not believe there's anyone in _ in place was blue i do not believe there's anyone in our— in place was blue i do not believe there's anyone in our society- in place was blue i do not believe there's anyone in our society forl there's anyone in our society for threats, — there's anyone in our society for threats, i— there's anyone in our society for threats, i want _ there's anyone in our society for threats, i want to _ there's anyone in our society for threats, i want to see _ there's anyone in our society for threats, i want to see politics i there's anyone in our society for threats, i want to see politics inj threats, i want to see politics in the way— threats, i want to see politics in the way in — threats, i want to see politics in the way in which _ threats, i want to see politics in the way in which we _ threats, i want to see politics in the way in which we solve - threats, i want to see politics in the way in which we solve our . the way in which we solve our problems _

the way in which we solve our problems-— the way in which we solve our aroblems. ~ ., , problems. we will leave the member ofthe unionist party. we want to focus on a solution to restoring northern ireland's place in the uk. removing the northern ireland protocol so we can trade freely within our own country. it's good reaction to that and go back to ben, the editor of northern ireland's newsletter deleting paper there. thank you very much for staying with us and it was pretty clear, just listening to jeffrey donaldson there that what they want and we know this anyway, a solution to the question of the northern ireland protocol. the question of trade post—brexit trade arrangements in northern ireland between great britain and northern ireland. just explain to us what it is about that protocol of the

democratic unionist ate so much and they're prepared to jeopardise power—sharing in order to get her the one on the protocol. power-sharing in order to get her the one on the protocol. speaking to 'ust outside the one on the protocol. speaking to just outside of— the one on the protocol. speaking to just outside of belfast _ the one on the protocol. speaking to just outside of belfast and _ the one on the protocol. speaking to just outside of belfast and if- the one on the protocol. speaking to just outside of belfast and if you - just outside of belfast and if you look out onto belfast, all the way through my lifetime, it was unthinkable and the ships are going back and forth from scotland england and if there's any barrier to that, born in the last, this legislation is a part of the brexit deal by creating a trade barrier in the irish sea and professed support on the road, and it's now very flattered. there is a significant and more and more things start coming into it they been pets, there've been medicines, they have been gardening seats and also to things and this is before the

protocols we've been kicked in. prior to the some of the movement of goodsin prior to the some of the movement of goods in tesco or anything like that was the same between coventry and cornwall as it was between coventry and karen and unionist argument is, it isn't a minor matter, it was an immense matter that has constitutional significance, things like taxes and stuff like that but i have not mentioned. and jeffrey donaldson is response, she was provided at the beginning about fighting an election and then talked about the problems of the protocol and it was an element almost a pleading at one point when he was saying that he wants stability and leasing to the government is we need your help. radical solutions, involving the government we want you to stand by with the government is saying is a problem with these

barriers on trade. it’s saying is a problem with these barriers on trade.— saying is a problem with these barriers on trade. it's been really interesting _ barriers on trade. it's been really interesting to _ barriers on trade. it's been really interesting to talk _ barriers on trade. it's been really interesting to talk to _ barriers on trade. it's been really interesting to talk to you - barriers on trade. it's been really interesting to talk to you and - barriers on trade. it's been really l interesting to talk to you and thank you for your insights. the key for your patience and staying with us and we heard that dup press conference. thank you. we went to go to united states now the husband of nancy pelosi — the united states' speaker of the house of representative — has been hopsitalised following a violent break—in. paul pelosi — who is eighty—two — was assaulted at the family home in san francisco in the early hours of the morning. the assailant has been taken into custody but a motive is as yet unclear. a spokesperson for the family said mr pelosi is expected to make a full recovery. joining me now is our north america correspondent nomia iqbal the question i suppose everyone will be asking this was this some sort of political attack was met we do not know the motive yet but that is the suspicion. know the motive yet but that is the sus . icion. ,., know the motive yet but that is the sus-icion. , ., ., suspicion. our partner station here in the us is —

suspicion. our partner station here in the us is reporting _ suspicion. our partner station here in the us is reporting that - suspicion. our partner station here in the us is reporting that this - in the us is reporting that this alleged attacker when he broke into the home of the early hours of this morning was saying where is nancy? where is nancy? in reference to nancy pelosi, the house speaker. and the attack carried out on him was described as violently assaulting, he is in hospital and he is recovering. nancy pelosi was not in—house, she's was between san francisco and washington, dc. she is in the nation's capital with the democratic party campaigning and fundraising for the midterm elections less than two weeks away. but given this is what is being reported that this alleged attacker was apparently looking for her, heightens the fears that lawmakers already have in this country that is lawmakers from both sides, republicans and democrats about their safety, given the capital riots that happened in 2021 the lots

of various instances since then in which people have been targeted, including nancy pelosi herself, her home was targeted by vandals, vandalize last year. but an investigation is obviously under way at the moment and no official motivation has yet been established. tell us a bit about pelosi. as usually polarising but very important politician in the land. arguably one of the most powerful women in politics and one of the most high—profile for the democratic party. she became speaker of the house and 2007, the first female to hold that position and she was reelected in 2019. she is second in line by law to the presidency after vice president harris and she is a polarising figure. it really depends on who you ask and how they feel

about her. earlier this year, she paid a visit to taiwan and is a high—profile lawmaker to visit taiwan which caused loads of controversy. this is with mentioning about her husband as well and whilst not as famous as his wife, he is making headlines this year. earlier this year, he pleaded not guilty to charges related to drink—driving. he has also faced huge accusations that he has used inside information from his wife to trade or purchase stocks. that is been vehemently denied by him and his wife. but, as i say, the investigation is still ongoing as to what happened. the nature of this attack, who this person is looking for, what they were trying to do and yet, we have yet to know officially what the is. i think it is something that we have huge concern for lawmakers and we are very worried about.

a woman has beenjailed a woman has been jailed for a minimum of 3a years. gemma mitchell attacked a woman at her home last year. today's hearing at the old bailey was the first time that a murder sentence in england and wales was televised and broadcast live. the judge described mitchell as extremely devious. laura foster has more from the old bailey. she was a devout christian. it was through the church that she met gemma mitchell, a woman she described as her spiritual healer. but that friendship turned into murderer. all because mitchell wanted to inherit deborah estate. today at the old bailey the judge concluded that mitchell was extremely devious. sentencing her to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 3a years.

there is the chilling aspect of what you do to end with her body after you do to end with her body after you had killed her. you have shown absolutely no remorse. it appears that you are in complete denial as to what you did. notwithstanding, what myjudgment amounted to overwhelming evidence against you. it was on the 11th ofjune last year mitchell set offered up home carrying a large blue suitcase for that which emerge from the property with deborah his body insidejudge richard mark said it was clear from the cctv evidence that she had injured her hand and that that must�*ve occurred in the course of the killing. it was more than two weeks later before mitchell travelled from her london home to the seaside resort in devon. the cctv shows the car being driven just 50 metres from the woodland where deborah is headless body was later

found. a statement by divers sister was read out by the prosecution in court. it will be 3a years before mitchell will be eligible for parole it will be 3a years before mitchell will be eligible for parole and it will be 3a years before mitchell will be eligible for parole and what thejudge will be eligible for parole and what the judge described as a profoundly shocking case. laura foster with that report. here is sport and for a full round up from the bbc sport centre, good evening. we start at the rugby league world cup where the final round of group games are upon us. england play greece tomorrow, before that though — ireland need to pull off one of the great shocks by beating the world's number one side new zealand if they're to keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter—finals. the two sides play at headingley

this evening and our reporter adam wild is there. plenty of calculations, plenty of permutations. but they all add up to the same simple fact in the ireland have to win here this evening if they are to have any hope of making it through to the knockout stages. that really is no small task given that they are up against the world number one ranked side, new zealand. ireland played a couple of good games in good status so far with wildly contrasting performances. that opening win overjamaica was exhilarating, it was ruthless, it was exciting to watch. in fact, it was exciting to watch. in fact, it was everything that that defeat to lebanon it wasn't. and that really has put to their chances or put in serious jeopardy the chances of making it through the quarterfinal. they are going to have to be at �*their hope

have day. as you are to one of say they are to be one of the biggest surprises and ruggedly worldly cup for then it might not be enough, they will have to wait on the result of that final game between lebanon and jamaica on sunday. they can think about that, they'll have to put that out of their mind and focus on wanting this evening and that is winning here the kick—off is at 730. looking forward to it. next to formula one — red bull have been hit with a six million pound fine and restrictions on car development time for breaking last season's formula 1 cost cap. the governing body the fia says that red bull overspent by £1.86 million in 2021, when max verstappen won his first title. the punishment comes after red bull acknowledged they were at fault and entered into a so—called "accepted breach agreement" with the fia. more reaction to that on the bbc

sport website. join sarah at 630. back to you, ben. donald trump is welcome elon mosques £38 billion takeover of twitter. saying it now in safe hands. the forest during that former us president was banned from the social media platform at the being accused of inciting violence last year. mr musk is expected to assume the role of executive on twitter. he's been known to fire one of the firms top executives already. and brings to an end the on off side out which is been going on for months now. mr musk, the boss of tesla and spacek says he believes in absolute free speech. let's get more on this now. we can talk to a friend of elon mosques and an investor and his twitter deals with a perfect person to speak so thank you very much for being with us, ross. we're admiring

your qatar collection. why did —— guitar collection. 0nce your qatar collection. why did —— guitar collection. once he going to do with it and why did he buy a? what is going to spend a0 back billion dollars on a? he what is going to spend 40 back billion dollars on a? he certainly has a 40 billion _ billion dollars on a? he certainly has a 40 billion which _ billion dollars on a? he certainly has a 40 billion which is - billion dollars on a? he certainly has a 40 billion which is pretty l has a a0 billion which is pretty amazing, if you think about it in individual doing his own lbl. elon likes these profound challenges of humanity like going to space or completely changing the carbon emission systems in transportation and energy. now he's trying to fix the problems in social media and media through his takeover of twitter. by no means is this an easy task and that is why he's taking it on. , , ., , ,., on. he believes in absolute free s-eech. on. he believes in absolute free speech- what — on. he believes in absolute free speech. what does _ on. he believes in absolute free speech. what does that - on. he believes in absolute free speech. what does that mean, l on. he believes in absolute free - speech. what does that mean, what is he going to do with twitter? surely there are limits to free speech. you can't have people saying absolutely anything, can you? can't have people saying absolutely anything. can you?— anything, can you? there is definitely — anything, can you? there is definitely limits _ anything, can you? there is definitely limits and - anything, can you? there is definitely limits and legal. anything, can you? there is - definitely limits and legal limits of free speech here in america and in england we have similar histories for protecting speech. because

obviously of our history. that's why i am involved with twitter and wanted to be involved in a.m. in investor in the new project acts. 0ne investor in the new project acts. one of the reasons is, i actually have a background in communications and fees during my free speech at the university of pennsylvania. i intend on using my personal experiences and belief systems to try to influence the management of twitter to accurately apply free space. and part of that is letting donald trump back on the platform, with obviously the same restraints and rules that we all have to follow. to really be a truly free platform, i know everybody hates donald trump, including me. but free speech is about many things we don't like. and many other things trump may save may be harmful to trump. i think this fear of letting people on the platform is exactly why we need

to protect speech. because we shouldn't let fear take away other peoples opinions, even if we completely despise them. for example. _ completely despise them. for example. if — completely despise them. for example, if donald trump is saying complete untruth such as that he won the last election, that's fine, is it? ., , , . ., , it? yeah, it is. there is complete untruth being _ it? yeah, it is. there is complete untruth being said _ it? yeah, it is. there is complete untruth being said by _ it? yeah, it is. there is complete untruth being said by people - it? yeah, it is. there is complete i untruth being said by people outside the media and inside the media on a daily basis. so i don't see that is something new. we're as i think the challenge to things like the kanye west episode where he comes onto the platform and elon was excited and within four hours he makes comments which he was banned from the platform. it was sort of this embarrassing take. this is the challenge of dealing... what is free and protective speech and what is abusive and harmful speech? that speech is actually not allowed on the platform and will continue to not be allowed on the platform. what not be allowed on the platform. what does elon musk _ not be allowed on the platform. what does elon musk want _ not be allowed on the platform. what does elon musk want to do this this

in wider terms? there's a lot of talk that he wants to turn it into a version of the chinese we chat. a one—stop shop and is much bigger and wider than it is now. yes. one-stop shop and is much bigger and wider than it is now.— wider than it is now. yes, that's art of wider than it is now. yes, that's part of it- _ wider than it is now. yes, that's part of it- i?aut — wider than it is now. yes, that's part of it. but | _ wider than it is now. yes, that's part of it. but i don't _ wider than it is now. yes, that's part of it. but i don't think - wider than it is now. yes, that's part of it. but i don't think he i part of it. but i don't think he seesit part of it. but i don't think he sees it as we chat which is more like an operating system with colors. i think he sees it more of the prospective, and from the business plan, fixing twitter and cleaning up the platform by creating verification and using verification and subscription models do not be completely reliant on advertisers, which gives the platform more power in not being manipulated through advertisers. and adding a creator community to the platform like youtube and patriot on and only fans have done super successfully. because many of us like me are huge creators of video, there's no way to monetise that but that they started things like super followers who have been six super successful for the

creator community. if you can imagine putting a little bit more like and patriot on in so there is more incentive to people to be on the platform and create on the platform, i think that will build a huge opportunity. and further along into, as do net commerce may be shop apply or other types of online stores so that you can buy products from these people. i think by building the app into a deeper community where people can actually make money will vastly improve the content on twitter. last make money will vastly improve the content on twitter.— content on twitter. last question. he's fired all— content on twitter. last question. he's fired all the _ content on twitter. last question. he's fired all the top _ content on twitter. last question. he's fired all the top executives . he's fired all the top executives already, why? he's fired all the top executives already. why?— he's fired all the top executives already, why? he's fired all the top executives alread ,wh ? , , ., already, why? these people are the aroblem already, why? these people are the problem and — already, why? these people are the problem and that _ already, why? these people are the problem and that is _ already, why? these people are the problem and that is been _ already, why? these people are the problem and that is been the - already, why? these people are the l problem and that is been the problem for twitter from the beginning. that's obviously the first move, not to mention how much money they save with average compensation of ten a year just with average compensation of ten a yearjust in the first day he saved $100 million a year and compensation cost. the people in my opinion have added very little value to twitter. i'm in the same opinion as elon that

many people will have to go at twitter to fix the company. the real engineering and product talent will be retained at twitter but i would say the upper management rod that has been going through silicon valley, you see it at all the earnings reports, there isjustice rock that has gone on where complacency and over hiring and overcompensation have created a really lax and giddy a physical attitude. those people have to go. the expectations are too low dac lacks a day sick of it. the lawns expectations are very high. you're in england i mean come on. you guys get it. in england i mean come on. you guys aet it. .,, , in england i mean come on. you guys et it, , in england i mean come on. you guys aet it. , ., in england i mean come on. you guys et it. ., ., ,, in england i mean come on. you guys aetit. ., ., ,, get it. ross, good to talk to you. thank you _ get it. ross, good to talk to you. thank you so much. _ get it. ross, good to talk to you. thank you so much. president i get it. ross, good to talk to you. thank you so much. president of| thank you so much. president of gerber kawasaki. friend of elon musk and in investor in test on thing tessa and twitter. the human rights groups, amnesty international says at least eight protestors have been shot dead

by iranian security forces over the last two days. in response to what the organisation called the "reckless and unlawful" use of firearms against protestors, it has called on the un human rights council to convene a special session. in a separate development, the un special rapporteur on iran has repeated calls for an independent investigation into the death in custody of mahsa amine and the violent suppression of protests that has followed. let's talk to shayan sardarizadeh from the persian service, he spends hours combing through the videos that manage to get out of iran despite the clampdown on the internet and he can bring us up to date on the latest developments. tell us what's been going on. this has been more than a0 back days now of protest. do they show any signs of protest. do they show any signs of calming down or are theyjust growing in intensity? to

of calming down or are they 'ust growing in intensity?* of calming down or are they 'ust growing in intensity? to saying i'm from the monitoring _ growing in intensity? to saying i'm from the monitoring department. i growing in intensity? to saying i'm. from the monitoring department. at the moment, i could see no sign of these protest slowing down. in fact what we've been a witness in the last couple days but two nights ago where protesters were marking for two days since the death of mahsa amine, the 22—year—old girl which started all the protest for that was all the protest becoming bigger. we saw towns and cities that have not taken part in the unrest so far. actually, lots of people coming out. we saw the crowds on a scale in the size the crowds were something we had not seen and less a2 days, that's been sense of protest began. all the tactics that the regime has used so far, this time around, up—and—coming around protest like this in iran for years i've never seen anything like this. everyday day and night were seeing different communities from working—class, blue—collar workers to students, tuesday pool aged teenagers and even

elderly citizens and of course usually in big cities and major cities at night time the urban middle—class comes out. this is now in my view the biggest challenge the islamic republic is based throughout this. ., . , ,, ., this. how much pressure are the leadership _ this. how much pressure are the leadership of _ this. how much pressure are the leadership of the _ this. how much pressure are the leadership of the islamic - this. how much pressure are the| leadership of the islamic republic now under, do you think? i{finite leadership of the islamic republic now under, do you think?- now under, do you think? quite a lot. at now under, do you think? quite a lot- at the _ now under, do you think? quite a lot. at the moment _ now under, do you think? quite a lot. at the moment they - now under, do you think? quite a lot. at the moment they don't i now under, do you think? quite a i lot. at the moment they don't seem to be having a clear idea of how they want to deal with this. first of all the generation z and generation alpha, teenagers and university students that have been basically the heart and soul of this protest, the regime particularly the old clerical male establishment of the regime, which is basically most of it, they don't have anything of interest to say to these kids. they talk completely different languages. and when it comes to blue—collar workers, working—class communities

people of old age who used to basically be supporters of this