had taken a shorter beginning they had taken a shorter time than originally indicated, back in october he said it could take months to reach the decision, he said it was shorter because the judges were unanimous in their decision and they had prioritised reaching a judgment, one presumes because they recognise the importance and the gravity of the decision they were making. he set out in quite detailed language why they had come to this conclusion. he pointed out to start with that the scottish parliament was established by the uk parliament back in 1998 by the scotland act and the scottish parliament has no powers to legislate on matters reserved to the uk parliament at westminster including the union of scotland and england and the uk parliament. he did then go on to say that the judges had reached the conclusion that the dead have the power to

decide on this matter, that they accepted the reference that was made by the lord advocate but as you say, fundamentally, the decision came down to that the parliament here does not have the power to legislate to hold a second independence referendum without what is called a section 30 order devolving power from the uk government at westminster down to the parliament here at holyrood to hold this referendum. some legal clarity, unanimous decision from those five judges at the supreme court, but the political arguments will continue. this is farfrom political arguments will continue. this is far from settled. nicola sturgeon has said she would like to treat the next general election as a single issue election, a de facto referendum on scottish independence. there are logical difficulties with that because the snp and other

pro—independence parties such as the scottish green party may choose to campaign for a general election on that basis, but other parties, prounion parties may choose not to engage and decide they want to focus their campaigns on devolved issues such as health and education. we expect to hear from such as health and education. we expect to hearfrom nicola sturgeon later on today, and we expect to see some pro—independence rallies from as far north as orkney down to dumfries and, of course, here outside the scottish parliament as well. ., ., “ outside the scottish parliament as well. ., ., , ., ~ ,, well. how do you think the snp will frame its response _ well. how do you think the snp will frame its response to _ well. how do you think the snp will frame its response to this? - well. how do you think the snp will frame its response to this? for - frame its response to this? for example, make it say that the democratic will of the people is being subverted if not subverted, not listen to because in the scottish parliament behind you, there is a majority of mps, snp and scottish green party mps who support the idea of another independence referendum. no i think it is

important to separate out some of theissues important to separate out some of the issues here.— important to separate out some of the issues here. nicola sturgeon has alwa s said the issues here. nicola sturgeon has always said she _ the issues here. nicola sturgeon has always said she will— the issues here. nicola sturgeon has always said she will accept _ the issues here. nicola sturgeon has always said she will accept the - always said she will accept the judgment of the supreme court judges. she will accept the legal ruling. she wants to have an internationally recognised and accepted referendum to be held so she needs it to be legally watertight. the gold standard is thatis watertight. the gold standard is that is the way it was held back in 2014. the decision today will be respected, but the political arguments will continue, those who are in favour of independence will continue to put forth the argument that scotland did not vote in favour of leaving the european union, there was a majority in favour of remaining within the eu. they will say that the will of the scottish people was not respected then. they will point out that there is a pro—independence majority of msps at

the scottish parliament. that the democratic will of the people and the parliament is being ignored by the parliament is being ignored by the government at westminster. they will continue to push, i think, for a section 30 order albeit within the context of respecting the judgment of those judges at the supreme court today. the of those 'udges at the supreme court toda . ,, . ., , ., of those 'udges at the supreme court toda . ,, _, , ., ., today. the snp continues to argue that one of — today. the snp continues to argue that one of the _ today. the snp continues to argue that one of the reasons _ today. the snp continues to argue that one of the reasons it - today. the snp continues to argue that one of the reasons it wants i that one of the reasons it wants another independence referendum is there has been a material change in circumstances since the first referendum, namely, that brexit has happened, they have seen the outcomes of exit, and scotland voted to remain as part of the eu. that is one of the key arguments, of the snp, as it continues with its push for another independence referendum. no yes, absolutely. fine for another independence referendum. no yes, absolutely.—

no yes, absolutely. one of the more recent arguments _ no yes, absolutely. one of the more recent arguments pushed _ no yes, absolutely. one of the more recent arguments pushed by - no yes, absolutely. one of the more recent arguments pushed by the - recent arguments pushed by the pro—independence parties and movements here in scotland is that they would frame it that the uk is in their words a failing state, the cost of living crisis would be better dealt with by the parliament here in edinburgh, that there is not a majority in favour of conservative rule here in scotland, that they would deal with things differently. yes, it is brexit and on top of that, an argument that the cost of living problems many people are facing and businesses are facing would be better dealt with and dealt with differently by the parliament here in edinburgh. there is a logical arguments, the uk government would say now is the time for a referendum which was settled in 2014, the cost of living crisis should be the focus of the political parties and the parliaments at this

point in time. and that this independence debate really needs to be put to bed and they will use the ruling by the judges today to further that position. legal clarity, but political argument far, far from settled.— far from settled. thank you very much, far from settled. thank you very much. lawn _ far from settled. thank you very much, lawn and _ far from settled. thank you very much, lawn and garden - far from settled. thank you very | much, lawn and garden reporting far from settled. thank you very - much, lawn and garden reporting from outside holyrood at the scottish parliament building on the judgment by the supreme court in london ruling that the scottish parliament does not have the authority to move for another independence referendum without the consent of the westminster government. we are going to have some more analysis of that with legal expert throughout the rest of the programme. one person has died and at least 14 have been injured in two blasts at bus stops on the outskirts ofjerusalem. explosives experts are at the scenes with police and emergency services. two of those injured are in a critical condition. there's been an increase in violence this year and the european union's ambassador to israel said he was horrified by the attacks. our middle east corresondent tom

bateman sent this update earlier. two explosions, one of which took place in what is quite a busy bus station on one of the main road entrances tojerusalem, the number one highway that links jerusalem to tel aviv. at that time of the morning, it would have been very busy with people heading to work. as you say, some of the images that we have from the scene so far are showing debris scattered across the streets and people running in the aftermath of the explosion. now, israeli officials and paramedics say that at least 12 people have been wounded in that blast. two of them are critically injured at the moment, being treated in hospital. and then we have a second explosion, another part ofjerusalem, not too far away, but, again, it appears to be targeting a bus stop. pictures from that scene showing a bus with a shattered windscreen what looks like shrapnel damage at the front of the bus

there and paramedics saying that three people have received minor injuries from that. now, as regards the first explosion, israeli media reporting at the moment say that the device that might have been left at the scene, there are reports of an electric bicycle that cctv cameras have picked up being left there and that may have been where the device was hidden. there is no confirmation of that at the moment. that is being reported by israeli media but israeli police releasing a statement in the last 15 minutes or so saying that they describe this as a suspected palestinian attack. that there may be other devices at other bus stations, the police chief saying he expects to see police officers at bus stations not only injerusalem but up and down the country. now, the point about this is there have been... there has been a spate of deadly gun and knife attacks targeting israelis this year, more than 20 israelis killed. meanwhile, the israeli military has carried out waves of military raids into palestinian cities

in the occupied west bank. we have seen a very big palestinian death toll this year as well with more than 130 palestinians being killed, many of them by israeli gunfire during those raids. so there has been this concern about escalating violence, about things continuing to slip further out of control and while i say the wave of attacks has taken up place this year, the use of explosives injerusalem would be the most significant attack of its kind in many years. officials in the ukrainian region of zaporizhzhia say a two—day—old baby has been killed by a missile strike on a hospital's maternity unit. the infant's mother and a doctor , who are reported to have been the only other two people in the unit at the time, have been rescued from the rubble. the news comes as ukraine's president zelensky says there were no more unplanned cuts

to power supplies across his country on tuesday — as the weather gets colder and ukraine deals with waves of russian attacks on its infrastructure. the owners of manchester united football club — the glazers — say they're thinking about selling. some fans have protested against their ownership for years. it follows the announcement that cristiano ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect. earlier we heard from kieran maguire, who is a lecturer he spoke to us about whaat he believed the glazer family meant by "exploring strategic alternatives" the options available is to give a minority stake in the club to an investor, perhaps a private equity fund that could introduce new ideas in terms of increasing revenue and better cost control at the club. the other alternative would be a sale. there are six glazers children who between them own the club and they would have to be a decision because they have over 90%

of the vote as far as making a final decision is concerned. the glazers bought the club back in 2000 for £790 million. what is it valued at now? i have heard at least two billion and higher assessments. if we look at what happened in the market yesterday, the price of manchester united rose about 25%. that valued the club at 3.2 billion. anyone coming in would have to pay a premium, if we look at the sale of chelsea football club as a benchmark, a price would be somewhere in the region of four to £4.5 billion. that is a healthy return on their initial investment. where would the buyers come from? clearly, manchester united, its history, its global reach, there are bound to be a lot of interested buyers but where will the serious prospects come from? we cannot rule out the middle east.

we have got the world cup taking place in qatar at present, middle east ownership at paris saint—germain, newcastle, there is a high network in investment funds there. more probably, it is likely to be the us. we have seen the acquisition of chelsea, liverpool are in a similar position to that of manchester united in the sense that the owners are open to suggestions. almost half of the premier league is now owned by american owners who believe fervently that the football product is vastly undervalued by the markets and they have the skills to unlock that further value and make further money from it. briefly, the glazers statement talks about respecting their fans. what do you think the fans would want to see? the toxic relationship has gone, it is best that there is an amicable parting of the ways between the fan

base and the glazers. the foreign secretary, james cleverly, has told the bbc the qatari authorities have taken "real steps" to ensure gay football fans are safe during the world cup. he said the qataris also understood how strongly the united kingdom felt about issues of liberty and freedom. last week he faced criticism for telling lgbt communities not to protest while there. they have taken real steps to ensure that gay football fans are safe and do feel secure and can enjoy the football. should british fans be forced to take their rainbow hats off? the rules for what goes on in the stadium is down to fifa, and the football authorities. the point i made when i went over to qatar a few days ago was to make sure our consular team is up and running, the police coordination is up and running and the qataris understand how strongly we feel about these issues of liberty and freedom. a gunman has killed up to 10

people in a walmart supermarket in the us state of virginia. details are still coming in but it's understood that a manager at the store in the city of chesapeake turned the gun on some of his co—workers. gareth barlow has this report. in virginia, the painful search for answers is already under way. police have confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries following a shooting at a walmart store, an employee thought to be the attacker who shot at colleagues before taking their own life. the incident happened in the city of chesapeake, a community that prides itself for its natural surroundings and wildlife, home to 250,000 people close to the atlantic coast. reacting on twitter, virginia state senator louisa lucas said she was...

in a briefing to reporters, local law enforcement said the first call to police had been received at 10pm local time with teams responding to an active shooter situation. so we go inside, long story short, in the course of the next 30, 45 minutes, we are able to find multiple fatalities and multiple injured parties. with the chesapeake fire department we had rescue and tactical teams together to go inside to provide life—saving measures rapidly and quickly and then through the course of the investigation, we believe it was a single shooter and we believe that shooter is deceased at this time. the shooting comes days after a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in colorado, killing five and wounding 17 and in a year when the country was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in uvalde, texas. gareth barlow, bbc news.

survivors of an earthquake that struck indonesia's west java province have appealed for food and water. the authorities warn that heavy rains forecast for the weekend could worsen conditions. more than 250 people died in the quake, but at least 150 more are still missing. the main rescue effort is around the chian—jur area — which was close to the epicentre of the quake. as well as searching through collapsed buildings, officials are also working to deliver aid to people who've lost their homes and possessions. some survivors have said they are running short of supplies. ade soekadis who is executive director of the ngo mercy corps in indonesia told us about conditions on the ground. yes, and as you rightly mentioned, i think the current relief activities are ongoing. there are still quite a few, quite a lot of people missing under the debris, and other landslide. you know, the weather

doesn't help as well because it's the rainy season. mind you, there are still after—shocks being felt and even until now and also it makes it difficult for people to go back to their houses and also there will probably also have landslides as well as more damage to the house. so in the hospitals, they are overfilled with patients. they need to erect makeshift tents. some of the patients are being diverted to the provincial hospital, about 60 kilometres away from the area. but yes, there are still unmet needs, especially in specific pockets within the area. the relief is not evenly distributed among the affected areas. there are still some remote areas needing support and relief. so those are actually the key challenges, especially with this kind of situation right now. and with 150 still missing, some of whom could be trapped and they could be possibly

rescued, couldn't they? is that the priority at the moment? yeah. as a matter of fact, our local partners are part of the search and rescue team there on the ground. there are some landslides and also some debris that needs to be cleared. we are not sure exactly whether they are still alive or not. but i guess with the current condition, we try and do it one step at a time and we hope that we can get to those people in time to be rescued. we are hearing a response from scotland's first minister nicola sturgeon to the uk supreme court ruling saying that scotland does not have the right to bring forward legislation that would lead to a second independence referendum without the consent of the westminster government, and there is

the tweet from nicola sturgeon... she writes. nicola sturgeon expressing her disappointment with the ruling. joining me now is the professor of law at the university of glasgow. thank you forjoining us to analyse and react to that supreme court ruling. your thoughts on what nicola sturgeon is saying in her tweet, she says a law that does not allow scotland to choose a future without westminster consent exposes a myth of the uk as a voluntary partner. she is talking about the political not legal. she did say she respected the judgment of the supreme court, that it was working

within the law as it exists. this debate is still very much active as a result, isn't it?— debate is still very much active as a result, isn't it? yes. the supreme court's decision _ a result, isn't it? yes. the supreme court's decision solves _ a result, isn't it? yes. the supreme court's decision solves the - a result, isn't it? yes. the supreme court's decision solves the legal - court's decision solves the legal question so we now know for sure that the scottish parliament does not have the power to bring forward a bill to authorise a second referendum. really, this puts the ball back in the uk government's court. the snp can now, the scottish government can formally request that the uk government makes a section 30 order as it did for the 2014 referendum, to authorise a second referendum. i would expect the uk government to say no to that. that of course will lead to further argument about the legitimacy of the current arrangements.— current arrangements. explain for our viewers _ current arrangements. explain for our viewers why — current arrangements. explain for our viewers why the _ current arrangements. explain for our viewers why the question - current arrangements. explain for our viewers why the question of i current arrangements. explain for i our viewers why the question of the union as a reserve matter. what does that mean? 1, , , union as a reserve matter. what does that mean?— that mean? basically, when devolution _ that mean? basically, when devolution was _ that mean? basically, when

devolution was set - that mean? basically, when devolution was set up, - that mean? basically, when devolution was set up, it. that mean? basically, when. devolution was set up, it was necessary to decide what powers the scottish parliament, the scottish government had. they were given very wide—ranging powers, a lot of different matters, but there were certain areas that they could not change, that could only be changed by the united kingdom parliament. one of those was the union between scotland and england. that specified in the scotland act, and a second one was the united kingdom parliament. the scottish parliament had no power to make any changes relating to the union or any change relating to the union or any change relating to the uk parliament. the supreme court has decided that a bill to authorise a referendum would relate to the union and would also relate to the union and would also relate to the scottish parliament. so, in short, reserve matter isjust mean something that the scottish parliament is not allowed to deal with that can only be dealt with the uk parliament.— with that can only be dealt with the uk parliament. nicola sturgeon has said she will — uk parliament. nicola sturgeon has said she will treat _ uk parliament. nicola sturgeon has said she will treat the _ uk parliament. nicola sturgeon has said she will treat the next - uk parliament. nicola sturgeon has said she will treat the next general| said she will treat the next general

election as a de facto referendum on independence and she says if the snp and the scottish green party, the two parties who support an independence referendum, if they win more than half of the vote in scotland in the next independent, at the next general election, she will consider it a mandate for independence. there is no legal process now, is there? it is a purely political process. the argument — purely political process. the argument that _ purely political process. the argument that the _ puiely political procesg, m, argument that the campaign on the manifesto for independence would get the majority and they would have a mandate, it is a political mandate, it does not have an effect on the legal position. the uk government would be entitled to say no, we will not authorise a referendum and you do not have the power to do so. and therefore, the discussion about the legitimacy of government and government by consent would continue to be a primarily a political argument. to be a primarily a political argument-— to be a primarily a political aruument. , argument. interesting the 'udgment from the supreme h argument. interesting the 'udgment from the supreme court _ argument. interesting the judgment from the supreme court was - from the supreme court was unanimous, was an important that it

was unanimous when we are talking about the question of such importance?— about the question of such importance? yes, i think it's important — importance? yes, i think it's important it _ importance? yes, i think it's important it was _ importance? yes, i think it'sj important it was unanimous. importance? yes, i think it's. important it was unanimous. if importance? yes, i think it's- important it was unanimous. if it had not been unanimous, it might have undermined to some extent the perceived legitimacy of the judgment itself. and it might have made it harderfor it to itself. and it might have made it harder for it to be seen as settling the legal question. however, i do not think it is surprising that the judgment was unanimous. there are certainly arguments that were made in court, reasons why you could have argued that the bill was on the powers of the parliament, indeed, i have put such arguments myself along with other colleagues in the past. ultimately, it was not surprising, because the predominant legal opinion was that the bill certainly did relate to reserved matters. what did relate to reserved matters. what was the key — did relate to reserved matters. what was the key thrust _ did relate to reserved matters. what was the key thrust of _ did relate to reserved matters. what was the key thrust of the argument she had made on the part that you refer to? .,

she had made on the part that you refer to? . , ., refer to? the argument be made in the ast refer to? the argument be made in the past was _ refer to? the argument be made in the past was one _ refer to? the argument be made in the past was one should _ refer to? the argument be made in the past was one should try - refer to? the argument be made in the past was one should try and - the past was one should try and read the past was one should try and read the legislation purpose of that one should not give too literal a meaning to this notion of relate to. my meaning to this notion of relate to. my colleagues and i argued that should be interpreted in the sense of has a legal effect on or impact on. and the holding of a referendum has no automatic legal effect because there is no legal obligation to give effect to it. that was the argument be put. one of the reasons the supreme court has rejected that argument is that scotland act says that when you're deciding whether a bill relates to reserved matters, you have to consider its purpose and its effect. so they then said, well, the effect is not only the legal

effect, the effect was the practical political effects. that was, as it were, to negate the argument that we had put. that in itself was not surprising because a recent case where they did say if x includes political effects when you're trying to work out what are within the powers of parliament.- to work out what are within the powers of parliament. thank you very much. for powers of parliament. thank you very much- for your— powers of parliament. thank you very much. for your thoughts _ powers of parliament. thank you very much. for your thoughts on _ powers of parliament. thank you very much. for your thoughts on the - much. for your thoughts on the judgment in the last hour. let me recap for you the response from scotland's first minister. she has said, and this is the second of two tweets that we are looking at. she said she is disappointed. as you can see in her tweet, she is going to make a full statement on thisjudgment around

going to make a full statement on this judgment around 1130 as well as other reaction to this ruling from the uk supreme court. let's go back to that mass shooting at a walmart store in the united states let's speak to cbs news correspondent bradley blackburn what is the latest you are hearing? you know details change in the immediate aftermath of these incidents but officials are saying there were at least seven fatalities including the shooter. they are coming through the store right now to find additional victims are people who are in hiding. on social media sites survivors were life streaming once they made it to the parking lot. they describe the chaos as people ran to escape the store. the shooting comes as americans are preparing for thanksgiving on thursday, customers were picking out groceries, employees were stocking the store for the black friday

shopping day, when yet another mass shooting ripped the piece apart. what are the authorities saying about their response? it was interesting to hear them talk about their immediate response to this because if we think back to the awful shooting nu val di in texas, the school shooting there, the authorities were criticised for being slow to enter the school building. what are the authorities saying about this incident? timer;r building. what are the authorities saying about this incident? they say the not saying about this incident? they say they got the — saying about this incident? they say they got the call— saying about this incident? they say they got the call after _ saying about this incident? they say they got the call after 10pm - saying about this incident? they say they got the call after 10pm last - they got the call after 10pm last night and when they arrived minutes later, they thought it was still an active shooter situation but they went into the store immediately responding in a tactical fashion and they say they found multiple people died and others injured, treating them on the scene before rushing them on the scene before rushing them to the hospital. as i said, they do believe that the shooter was among those killed. they are not confirming whether it was self—inflicted possibly, a police spokesman said that to his knowledge, no shots were fired at

police. knowledge, no shots were fired at olice. , ., ., . ., police. sadly, another incident to add to the litany _ police. sadly, another incident to add to the litany of _ police. sadly, another incident to add to the litany of mass - police. sadly, another incident to i add to the litany of mass shootings, after the shooting at a nightclub in colorado. ., , after the shooting at a nightclub in colorado. . , ., ., , ., colorado. five dates and many other in'uries, colorado. five dates and many other injuries. the — colorado. five dates and many other injuries, the suspect _ colorado. five dates and many other injuries, the suspect is _ colorado. five dates and many other injuries, the suspect is said - colorado. five dates and many other injuries, the suspect is said to i injuries, the suspect is said to appear in court today to face potential murder charges and bias crime charges. there have been more than 600 mass shootings in the us so far this year, reported in the gun violence archive, and at least 36 of those were mass murders with four or more victims killed. that those were mass murders with four or more victims killed.— more victims killed. that is a very soberin: more victims killed. that is a very sobering statistic, _ more victims killed. that is a very sobering statistic, thank- more victims killed. that is a very sobering statistic, thank you i more victims killed. that is a very sobering statistic, thank you very| sobering statistic, thank you very much. the us supreme court has ordered former president, donald trump to release his tax returns to a congressional committee. the move is a significant setback for mr trump — who has tried for years to shield his tax returns from public scrutiny. he had argued that the request by a panel led by a democrat — was politically motivated. our north america correspondent peter bowes has more.

we do not have that report but we will try and bring it to you later. i am told we can bring you the report now. donald trump has been resisting publication of his tax returns ever since he stood for office in 2016. it was three years after then that this committee, controlled by the democrats in the house, formally requested to see those tax returns. at the time, mr trump was in the white house and he was successful in resisting that. he claimed that the democratically controlled committee were politically motivated to force him to release those documents. but now, the supreme court has spoken and they have ordered the treasury to hand over those documents, which we imagine will happen fairly soon because the clock is ticking against that congressional committee, controlled by the democrats.

they will only be in charge until the end of the year, then the republicans take over and there is every expectation that this investigation would be dropped from that point. so there isn't much time for the congressional committee to do it work. the other big question hanging over all of this is, how will it affect donald trump is my attempt to become the president again? he announced just last week that he intends to stand and seek the republican nomination and this comes on top of the other legal issues that he is facing. not least the investigation into his role, if any, in the january the 6th attack on congress. and also the investigation into those documents, top secret documents that were found at his mar—a—lago estate in florida. peter bowes reporting. eight more teams make

their tournament debuts in the world cup on wednesday. in group e, germany take onjapan, while spain face costa rica. and in group f, the morocco/croatia game is underway, and belgium will take on canada. let's get the latest from john watson. thank you, and a good morning to you from doha, downtown doha, where friends and families, and as you can probably say, lots of football fans are gathering ahead of those matches. many are still reeling from the huge result yesterday when we saw saudi arabia beat argentina in their opening match of this world cup. a huge shock as you can imagine, one of the great world cup shocks yesterday because that no such problems for the holders, france, who got their tournament up and under way as they came past australia. they were given an early scare in that one when australia took the lead, but they played some great free—flowing football, france,

to get past australia in the end. two goals from giroud helped them past australia yesterday that draws him level with thiery henry�*s all—time goal—scoring record for france. there was another as well for the psg forward kylian mbappe, another one of the stars of the tournament, as france got under way with a win. the big news of cause today from the england camp in particular revolves around the fitness of harry kane. some concerns over his ankle. he came off in that win over iran in their opening match. substituted in that game. he left the stadium with a little bit of strapping. we can get the latest now. alex is with the england team at their training base. alex, good morning. we understand he is heading for a scan today. the big question, will he be fit for friday's next group on friday?— will he be fit for friday's next group on friday? will he be fit for friday's next a-rou on frida ? ., . ., group on friday? good morning, john. i am here outside _ group on friday? good morning, john. i am here outside the _ group on friday? good morning, john. i am here outside the england - group on friday? good morning, john. i am here outside the england team i i am here outside the england team hotel complex, where there is a

nervy wait for harry kane to have a scan today on the right ankle that he picked up an injury on in that game against iran. he had treatment on it during the match. he came back on it during the match. he came back on and played to the latter part of the match, before he was substituted. it looked like it was a precaution from the management team to save him for the game on friday. we were at training yesterday and didn't see him out training, but none of the starting 11 were there. they were inside having a recovery session. but it is a big worry first of harry kane is arguably england's's most important player. he is a talisman and captain. he is just two goals away from the all—time england men scoring record. england also has marcus rashford and callum wilson but neither of those have the same experience or goal record at this level. so gareth southgate will be hoping it is positive news and harry kane will be available for the game against the usa on friday.

available for the game against the usa on friday-— available for the game against the usa on frida . �* ~ ., ., usa on friday. alex. away from doha we know the — usa on friday. alex. away from doha we know the big _ usa on friday. alex. away from doha we know the big news _ usa on friday. alex. away from doha we know the big news coming - usa on friday. alex. away from doha we know the big news coming out i usa on friday. alex. away from doha we know the big news coming out ofl we know the big news coming out of manchester is the potential sale of manchester is the potential sale of manchester united. we understand the club because owners, the glazers, would consider an offer for the club because owners, the glazers, would consider an offerfor the club in what has been an extraordinary 24 hours. not least following the news yesterday that the club will be terminating the contract of cristiano ronaldo, who only recently made a return to the club. with the latest, we can hearfrom stone now. the reason that the fans have been so against the glazer family since they took over is because they leveraged £800 million worth of debt in order to buy the football club. many fans feel that that money would have been better invested in the team and that is the reason why the club is lagging behind manchester city. | club is lagging behind manchester city. i think the glazer family will look at the amount chelsea were sold for in the summer and think that

they could generate more money from manchester united. that is why they are looking at a potential sale of this football club right now. simon stone reporting regarding that huge news. we can see the fans here in full voice ahead of those games to come today. if the action was anything to go by yesterday, you won't want to take your eyes off it today. you can probably see here at the moment in the souk with lots of fans gathering and local qatari people enjoying the action, which really feels, this world cup now, is in full flow. john watson reporting from doha. let's get more now on scotland. supreme courtjudges have rejected the scottish government's argument that it can hold a second independence referendum. lord reed says he and his fellow judges unanimously agree that power on this issue lies with the uk government. joining me now is akash paun. he leads the devolution programme for the institute for government

which is a nonpartisan think tank. thank you very much for your time today. what is your reaction to that judgment and what the chiefjustice, the president of the supreme court, lord reed, had to say? it the president of the supreme court, lord reed, had to say?— lord reed, had to say? it was very clear cut. lord reed, had to say? it was very clear cut- it _ lord reed, had to say? it was very clear cut. it was, _ lord reed, had to say? it was very clear cut. it was, as _ lord reed, had to say? it was very clear cut. it was, as you _ lord reed, had to say? it was very clear cut. it was, as you just i clear cut. it was, as you just noted, a unanimous decision of the justices and there was some speculation beforehand that the court might actually avoid answering the core substantive question about whether a referendum could go ahead. there was a procedural question about whether this whole case was being brought prematurely. so some people thought the issue might sort of ramble on if the court had kicked it back to the scottish parliament. but, actually, the court grabbed the central issue and made it absolutely crystal clear that under current law, the scottish parliament cannot proceed with nicola sturgeon's

planned referendum unless and until she were to secure the backing of the uk government and parliament for that plan. 50 the uk government and parliament for that lan. , .,, the uk government and parliament for that lan. , ., that plan. so she has said, nicola sturgeon. — that plan. so she has said, nicola sturgeon. she — that plan. so she has said, nicola sturgeon, she will— that plan. so she has said, nicola sturgeon, she will respect - that plan. so she has said, nicola sturgeon, she will respect this i sturgeon, she will respect this judgment, so there is no way the scottish government will try to go ahead and pass legislation anyway, is there? ., ., �* , is there? no, i don't believe so. nicola sturgeon _ is there? no, i don't believe so. nicola sturgeon and _ is there? no, i don't believe so. nicola sturgeon and the - is there? no, i don't believe so. | nicola sturgeon and the scottish government as a whole has been very many years made it clear that it wants to proceed in a lawful way. it has never talked about going down a catalan style unauthorised referendum kind of root. it's very important, i think, referendum kind of root. it's very important, ithink, to referendum kind of root. it's very important, i think, to the scottish government that it is and it is seen to be a government and an institution that respects the rule of law. so, yes, ifully expect nicola sturgeon to respect the judgment. 50 nicola sturgeon to respect the 'udument. ., , ., , judgment. so the only route is olitical judgment. so the only route is political now. _ judgment. so the only route is political now, isn't _ judgment. so the only route is political now, isn't it? - judgment. so the only route is political now, isn't it? do i judgment. so the only route is political now, isn't it? do you| political now, isn't it? do you think realistically there is anything the snp and the greens, who

also support the idea of a second referendum, is there anything they can do before the next general election? because nicola sturgeon has talked about making it a de facto independence referendum. is there anything they can do realistically between now and then? well, as you say, it is back into the political arena now. we are waiting to hear nicola sturgeon's response. a statement is expected in the next hour or so from her and she may well set out some specific steps that her government intend to take. but as we have said, the legal route is closed for now. the next general election is perhaps 18 months or two years away. and one would expect the snp to put independence front and centre of its campaign and its manifesto and then based on previous statements from the first minister,

the nationalist party and its green allies, as you say, will seek to secure over 50% of the popular vote in that election, which it will then claim is a mandate for independence. but i think constitutionally, that is a bit questionable because a general election is a general election. it is an election to determine the membership of the house of commons, to determine the composition of the uk government. so just because one particular party might claim that it is a de facto referendum does not change what it is, which is an election. so we will wait to see whether there are going to be any other initiatives, citizen involvement or some big broader kind of democratic campaign that the party might try to launch over the coming months.— party might try to launch over the coming months. yes, we fully expect to hear a lot — coming months. yes, we fully expect to hear a lot from _ coming months. yes, we fully expect to hear a lot from the _ to hear a lot from the pro—independence side. what about the pro union side? i think up until now, the prounion side have focused a lot on the process, the legal

process, haven't they, ratherthan getting into the detail of the case for the union? you might say the same as well for the pro—independence side. so what do you think the prounion side will do with all of this?— with all of this? well, prime minister rishi _ with all of this? well, prime minister rishi sunak - with all of this? well, prime minister rishi sunak hasn'tl with all of this? well, prime i minister rishi sunak hasn't really said very much about the union, the constitution. he is obviously very preoccupied with other matters, the economy, the state of public services and so on. but he will have to respond somehow. one option is simply to say, well, that's it, the issueis simply to say, well, that's it, the issue is settled, you are not having a referendum. but there is space perhaps for him to be a bit more creative, perhaps to set out some plans for may be further devolution of power to scotland, perhaps greater fiscal flexibility. perhaps

new institutions to improve joint working, partnership working between the uk and scottish government, that kind of thing. meanwhile, on the labour side, we know that gordon brown has been leading a commission on behalf of keir starmer, which is expected to report in the next few weeks. again, we expect that to set out some reforms perhaps to devolution arrangements and the constitution as a whole. so we may start to see, as you say, the unionist parties start to make that case for why the union is a good thing, because whether or not a referendum can take place, i think the snp is absolutely right that the union does, in the end, have to rest on consent and the idea of a partnership, a voluntary partnership, a voluntary partnership, if you like, of the various nations of the uk. {lilia partnership, if you like, of the various nations of the uk. ok, good to have you —

various nations of the uk. ok, good to have you with _ various nations of the uk. ok, good to have you with us _ various nations of the uk. ok, good to have you with us today _ various nations of the uk. ok, good to have you with us today with i various nations of the uk. ok, good to have you with us today with your| to have you with us today with your thoughts. akash paun, thank you very much. leads the devolution programme for the institution of government. more than 11 million pensioners will start receiving additional payments to help with the cost of living from today. the extra £300 per household is being given in addition to regular winter fuel payments, meaning they will receive up to £600 towards their energy bills this winter. meanwhile, a million people on tax credits will also see a second cost—of—living payment arrive in their bank accounts over the next week. the work and pensions secretary mel stride said people are not required to do anything to receive these payments — i spoke to him earlier. there's nothing proactively that anybody needs to do and this is one of the real strengths of the approach here. it is an automatic payment into pensioners' bank accounts. they will go out over a period of two months and 1 million are going out today. those who are expecting to receive them should wait up to two months to be sure that they get it.

in the event, for some reason, there is a glitch or someone does not receive the payment they are entitled to, then they should go on to the government website and they will be advised to what to do. but generally speaking, these payments including payments the government has been sending through to more vulnerable households have gone through very seamlessly and very efficiently. mel stride. three in ten students in england say they are skipping non—mandatory lectures/tutorials to save on costs, according to a new survey by the office for national statistics. the survey explores the impact of the cost of living on students at universities in england, which also found that 50% of the students surveyed said they had financial difficulties and well over three—quarters were concerned that the rising cost—of—living may affect how well they do in their studies. here with me now is sarah stevens is a policy director at the russell group.

the group of universities who have announced they are committing tens of millions of pounds more hardship funding bursaries and other financial assistance to help students through this cost of living crisis. sarah, thank you very much indeed forjoining us. what have the universities that make up the russell group been saying about how the cost of living crisis is affecting their students? what we are very concerned _ affecting their students? what we are very concerned about - affecting their students? what we are very concerned about is i affecting their students? what we are very concerned about is the i affecting their students? what we l are very concerned about is the cost of living crisis on students. figures released today from the ons showed students are anxious about their finances, showed students are anxious about theirfinances, as showed students are anxious about their finances, as you say. they are starting to struggle to cover the cost of living and universities are already seeing an increase in students coming forward with financial concerns and with requests for support. we are expecting things to intensify even more over the coming months as we head into the winter period. so we are worried about the impact that could have on students' mental health and well—being but also on their studies. so students are under pressure, then they are more likely

to be at risk of dropping out of their causes, as well as having an impact on their grades. for example, if they are having to undertake more paid work than they would have done in the past, that could impact the amount of time they are having to do their studies and our universities have been aware of this issue for some time and put in place a wide range of support to help students. so as you mentioned, this year, russell group universities have committed millions of pounds in additionalfinancial support for additional financial support for students, targeted at those who are most in need. so they have doubled or even tripled hardship funds. we have seen that universities like glasgow, imperial, liverpool, lse and others and other members have put in place really wide—ranging support packages with things like one—off payments to their whole student body... one-off payments to their whole student body. . ._ one-off payments to their whole student body... sorry, sarah, where is that money _ student body... sorry, sarah, where is that money coming _ student body... sorry, sarah, where is that money coming from, - student body... sorry, sarah, where is that money coming from, that i is that money coming from, that additional money?— additional money? welcome universities _ additional money? welcome universities are _ additional money? welcome universities are finding i additional money? welcome universities are finding thatl universities are finding that resource from within their own

budgets but obviously they are also feeling the pressure of rising costs on things like their energy bills, their estates, their supply chains. so what we are calling for alongside investment that universities themselves are making is for the government to introduce additional support for students because actually the support the government has provided so far to the cost of living has mainly not included students that haven't been eligible for it. things like council tax reductions or support for people on low incomes are on benefits, students haven't been able to tap into that kind of support. so we would like to see a more targeted package from the government to sit alongside the investments that universities are making. so we are asking for three things: to extend the hardship funding that the government is provided, which is targeted at the students most in need. to raise maintenance loans in line with inflation, that would provide all students with an

immediate benefit, in terms of more money in their pocket. we are also asking them to reintroduce maintenance grants, so that the most disadvantaged students don't graduate with the highest level of debt. �* , , , graduate with the highest level of debt. , , , debt. because this is a levelling up issue, debt. because this is a levelling up issue. isn't — debt. because this is a levelling up issue, isn't it? _ debt. because this is a levelling up issue, isn't it? an _ debt. because this is a levelling up issue, isn't it? an education i debt. because this is a levelling up issue, isn't it? an education issuel issue, isn't it? an education issue issue, isn't it? an education issue is also a levelling up issue, because if, one assumes and you can't assume that students are being given somehow by their families where families can afford that, it students from west well off families who will be affected and have to take on extra work and may even have to leave university or college altogether. so do you see this very much as a levelling up issue? yes. altogether. so do you see this very much as a levelling up issue? yes, i think students _ much as a levelling up issue? yes, i think students from _ much as a levelling up issue? yes, i think students from more _ think students from more disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to be affected by this. as you say, students whose parents cannot afford to give them additional support. cannot afford to give them additionalsupport. it cannot afford to give them additional support. it is also i think a wider issue about the uk's

prospects for growth and the economy, as well as being about individual students and their outcomes on their degree. if we see a higher number of students dropping out of university, for example, that will have a knock—on impact in terms of the pipeline of graduates with high—level skills that employers need and a long—term impact on the uk's prospects for growth. so we think it should be high up on the government's agenda.— think it should be high up on the government's agenda. sarah stevens, oli government's agenda. sarah stevens, policy director — government's agenda. sarah stevens, policy director at _ government's agenda. sarah stevens, policy director at the _ government's agenda. sarah stevens, policy director at the russell - policy director at the russell group, thank you very much for your time today. a mother who stabbed to death a man accused of sexually assaulting her three sons says she regrets her actions — but has called for tougher controls on registered sex offenders who change their names. sarah sands was sentenced to seven and a half years for the manslaughter of 77—year—old michael pless—ted in 2014. our home affairs correspondent, june kelly has been hearing her story. sarah sands, back in silvertown in east london, where as a single

mother, she made a home with herfamily... took everything from me. ..and where eight years ago, she stabbed to death a neighbour accused of sexually assaulting three young boys. she'd originally befriended michael pleasted, who was 77. what we can report for the first time is that all three children he was accused of abusing were her sons. they've now turned 18 and have waived their right to anonymity to speak publicly about seeing their mother go to prison. it was just like the little things you miss. when she was gone, obviously, it's like near difficult to have come to her about like a certain problem. like, sometimes you just want to really tell your mum a problem. sarah, did you feel remorse? absolutely. and why did you feel remorse? i bring life into the world. it never occurred to me that i would be guilty of taking life out for the world.

while he was awaiting trial for the offences against her boys, michael pleasted was allowed to live back on the estate. sarah sands was caught on cctv as she made her way to his flat. she says she wanted to appeal to pleasted to plead guilty and spare her sons the court ordeal. she was carrying a knife. she says, after he accused her children of lying, she stabbed him. she did this eight times. he bled to death. sarah sands was found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder on the grounds that she'd lost control. her original sentence of three and a half years was deemed to be too lenient and was increased to seven and a half years. the offender took with her to the scene a knife, which was used in the infliction of fatal injuries when the jury was sure that

at the time she intended to cause at least serious grievous bodily harm. the offender, having fatally stabbed the deceased, did nothing to assist him in that she did not call the emergency services. they absolutely have the right to demand answers from me. i had taken the law into my own hands. i had done that. after she killed him, it emerged that michael pleasted was already a convicted paedophile and had a long history of offending under his original name of robin moult. sarah sands has nowjoined a campaign calling for tighter controls on sex offenders who change their names. they shouldn't be able to just come out, change their name. to them, it's like, "well, i'm not the person that touched those kids any more. my name is this person, and i'm a new man." and theyjust do it again. and despite what happened in their family, her sons also have this message. if you just are being abused or have

been abused, try and talk. try and talk. the sooner you say it, the sooner you can potentially save more people from being in the same pain that you're feeling. june kelly, bbc news. reaction coming in from the uk government about the supreme court ruling saying the scottish parliament doesn't have the right without westminster�*s consent to call another independence referendum or to legislate for one. the secretary of state for scotland alisterjack saying we note and respect the unanimous ruling from the supreme court. he said people in scotland won both their governments to concentrate all their resources on the issues that matter to them. he said that's why we are focused on issues like restoring economic stability, helping people with their energy bills and supporting the nhs. he said as the prime minister has made clear, the government, the uk government will continue to work constructively with the scottish government in tackling all the challenges we share. in mumbai there

is an oasis that environment groups and local communities thought they had saved. now they are having to fight again to stop a metro project on private land. mumbai, india's largest city. home to 28 million people and one of the most polluted cities in the world. in the suburbs is the sprawling aarey forest which some call the lung of mumbai. pramila is among 8,000 people from indigenous communities who call this forest home. more than 40 leopards and endangered species also live in this area. translation: the leopard was right behind me. i i had washed some clothes there and i was about to put them out to dry on the rope when i saw him right in front of me.

i saw him from very close. the locals worship the animals as gods, but their habitat is under threat. three years ago, the authorities started to clear part of the forest to build the metro train depot. pramila led the protests. she was arrested. after the protests, the supreme court eventually halted the plan and charges against pramila were dropped. but 1,500 trees had already been cut down. locals say that area has now become vulnerable to flooding. in july 2022, the newly formed state government said the metro project would be resumed in this forest. translation: 2596 of the work is done i and if we were quickly to finish it, i

people of mumbai who are currently struggling and falling off trains to their death, will have a 40 kilometre lifeline. with her home under threat once again, pramila and her husband renew their protest. translation: we are not against the project - but we are against the use of this land. when one axes a tree, it is notjust a tree, but an entire ecosystem that the eye cannot see. birds, nests, lizards, spiders and tiny creatures that we cannot see. this way of life is what pramila wants to pass down to her granddaughter. translation: i love trees. i love my fields. no matter how my house is built, it is like a temple to me so i don't want to leave and go anywhere. the supreme court will now have to decide whether these trees and their home will be saved.

we will say goodbye just now to our viewers on bbc world. you are watching bbc news. hello again. after a wet start to the day, we have had some heavy and persistent rain pushing north—eastwards. you'll find it will dry up and brighten up with some sunshine and showers behind. this weather front enhancing the showers and the heavy and persistent rain pushing northwards into northern scotland. another feature of the today's weather is the blustery wind with the potential of gusts to gale force through the irish sea and english channel coasts and also across the northern isles. now, inland, the kind of gusts we are looking at are in the low 20s but coastal gusts obviously much higher. and we are blowing

in a lot of showers, especially in the west but some of them making it over towards the east. temperatures today 8 degrees in the north to about 13 degrees as we push down towards the south. heading on into the evening and overnight period, the rain continues to push northwards across scotland into the northern isles. for a time, there will be a lot of showers around, but by the end of the night, a lot of those will have faded. it is still going to be a blustery night, still the potential for gusts to gale force in the irish sea and the english channel. and a cool night — in some sheltered glens, temperatures could fall as low as two or three degrees. so tomorrow, after a dry and bright start, we have got a weather front coming in to bringing more persistent rain pushing from the west to the east. just ahead of it and along it, the wind will be strong. but it is going to a windy day anyway tomorrow inland and once again the potential for some gusts to gale force along the coastline. into friday, high pressure starts to build and so the winds in the south will ease, things will turn more settled, but in the north, closer to the low pressure centre, it is still going to be a showery picture across north—west

scotland and parts of northern ireland as well. here, too, in the north—west, there is the potential for gales. but many of us will enjoy a quieter day with fewer showers lighter winds and temperatures ten to about 14 degrees. and if anything, as we head into the weekend, temperatures are set to climb just a little bit more. the reason for that is the wind direction. it is coming up from the south, a long way south, and moving across oui’ showers. so milder on saturday and a very mild night saturday night into sunday. but on saturday, we also have a weather front coming in from the west. the wind is going to pick up and on sunday, it looks like we will have some rain in the south and east and showery and quite windy too in the north.

this is bbc news. i'm samantha simmonds. the headlines at 11. the uk supreme court has ruled the scottish parliament does not have the power to call another independence referendum without the consent of westminster. the scottish parliament does not have the power to legislate for a referendum on scottish independence. a shooting at a supermarket in the united states. at least seven people have been killed in the attack in virginia. ukrainian officials in zaporizhzhia say a two—day—old baby has been killed by a missile strike on a hospital's maternity unit. on the market — manchester united's owners say they are considering selling the club, it's thought to be worth at least £2 billion.

good morning and welcome to bbc news. the uk's highest court has ruled that the scottish government cannot hold a second independence referendum without permission from westminster. the first minister, nicola sturgeon, had wanted to hold a vote next october. this morning, she said that the ruling exposed what she called "the myth of the uk as a voluntary partnership". at westminster, the scotland secretary alisterjack said the uk government would "continue to work constructively with the scottish government". lord reed is the president of the supreme court — and he delivered the court's ruling earlier. the court unanimously concludes that the proposed bill does relate to reserved matters.

accordingly, in the absence of any modification of the definition of reserved matters, by an order in council under section 30 of the scotland act, or otherwise, the scottish parliament does not have power to legislate for a referendum on scottish independence. let's cross to edinburgh and speak to our scotland correspondent alexandra mackenzie. from the scottish parliament. definitive ruling from the supreme court, one at nicola sturgeon says she will respect, please explain what it means. i she will respect, please explain what it means.— she will respect, please explain what it means. . ., ., ., what it means. i am here at a rather blustery holyrood _ what it means. i am here at a rather blustery holyrood following - what it means. i am here at a rather blustery holyrood following that i blustery holyrood following that unanimous decision, that means the scottish parliament cannot put that bill legally through holyrood. we are gathering a lot of political reaction here at the scottish parliament and, first of all, i am joined by the leader of the scottish

labour party, first type. more quickly through than expected? i want to thank the supreme court for their speedy, unanimous and decisive ruling _ their speedy, unanimous and decisive ruling today. now we must have a focus _ ruling today. now we must have a focus on _ ruling today. now we must have a focus on the two biggest issues facing _ focus on the two biggest issues facing the country, rising bills and the nhs _ facing the country, rising bills and the nhs crisis, whether you support independence or not, the nhs waiting list, independence or not, the nhs waiting list. we _ independence or not, the nhs waiting list, we need to confront those issues — list, we need to confront those issues. whilst there is not a majority— issues. whilst there is not a majority in scotland for a referendum, no majority for independence, there is a clear majority— independence, there is a clear majority against the status quo, people — majority against the status quo, people want to change and i can understand their frustration with a morally— understand their frustration with a morally bankrupt conservative government. i believe scotland will lead the _

government. i believe scotland will lead the way in helping to elect a labour— lead the way in helping to elect a labour government scotland and the united _ labour government scotland and the united kingdom needs. was labour government scotland and the united kingdom needs.— united kingdom needs. was today's 'udument united kingdom needs. was today's judgment what _ united kingdom needs. was today's judgment what you _ united kingdom needs. was today's judgment what you were _ united kingdom needs. was today's| judgment what you were expecting? united kingdom needs. was today's i judgment what you were expecting? i think you were able to tell from the lord advocate's position, the way she presented the case, that was probably— she presented the case, that was probably her view as well, i think you can _ probably her view as well, i think you can gather that assumption. i do not think— you can gather that assumption. i do not think it _ you can gather that assumption. i do not think it was a surprise what we .ot not think it was a surprise what we got today — not think it was a surprise what we got today. the challenge is what happens — got today. the challenge is what happens next. i am not coming here today— happens next. i am not coming here today saying the status quo is acceptable, people don't demand change. — acceptable, people don't demand change, rightfully one change, people — change, rightfully one change, people are, they are demanding answers— people are, they are demanding answers to the big questions we face _ answers to the big questions we face that — answers to the big questions we face. that needs a combination of both governments to confront the issues _ both governments to confront the issues in — both governments to confront the issues in the here and now, the uk government— issues in the here and now, the uk government to take seriously the cost of _ government to take seriously the cost of living crisis and rectify the mistakes they have made in government and it also needs an snp government and it also needs an snp government to focus on an nhs crisis that sees— government to focus on an nhs crisis that sees one in seven scots waiting on nhs _ that sees one in seven scots waiting on nhs waiting list. alongside that, a demand _ on nhs waiting list. alongside that, a demand for change and we have to

make _ a demand for change and we have to make sure _ a demand for change and we have to make sure over the course of the next _ make sure over the course of the next year — make sure over the course of the next year and a half, two years and the lead _ next year and a half, two years and the lead up — next year and a half, two years and the lead up to the next general election. — the lead up to the next general election, i do not want to spend my temp _ election, i do not want to spend my temp telling you why i believe the snp or— temp telling you why i believe the snp or tories deserve to lose, i want _ snp or tories deserve to lose, i want to— snp or tories deserve to lose, i want to set— snp or tories deserve to lose, i want to set out why labour deserves to win, _ want to set out why labour deserves to win, incredible plan for growth in our— to win, incredible plan for growth in our country, a plan for democratic renewal but also for social— democratic renewal but also for social and — democratic renewal but also for social and economic renewal so we can answer— social and economic renewal so we can answer much of the frustration and anger— can answer much of the frustration and angerthere is can answer much of the frustration and anger there is in this country that allows — and anger there is in this country that allows conservative or s&p politicians to take us down binary choices— politicians to take us down binary choices to — politicians to take us down binary choices to play on people's fear, anger— choices to play on people's fear, anger and — choices to play on people's fear, anger and despair, choices to play on people's fear, angerand despair, i believe in different— angerand despair, i believe in different politics and we will set out the — different politics and we will set out the change. the different politics and we will set out the change.— out the change. the scottish government _ out the change. the scottish government and _ out the change. the scottish government and the - out the change. the scottish government and the snp i out the change. the scottish | government and the snp said out the change. the scottish i government and the snp said all out the change. the scottish - government and the snp said all that could be done better in an independent scotland with more powers given to the building behind us there. ~ ., ., i. ., us there. what would your reaction be to that? — us there. what would your reaction be to that? frankly, _ us there. what would your reaction be to that? frankly, i _ us there. what would your reaction be to that? frankly, i do _ us there. what would your reaction be to that? frankly, i do not i us there. what would your reaction | be to that? frankly, i do not agree, i do be to that? frankly, i do not agree, i do not _ be to that? frankly, i do not agree, i do not think— be to that? frankly, i do not agree, i do not think the answer to tory chaos— i do not think the answer to tory chaos as — i do not think the answer to tory chaos as snp chaos, just do not

think— chaos as snp chaos, just do not think that — chaos as snp chaos, just do not think that is credible. i would say, i think that is credible. i would say, i can— think that is credible. i would say, i can understand people's anger and frustration. — i can understand people's anger and frustration, my appealto i can understand people's anger and frustration, my appeal to people would _ frustration, my appeal to people would be, — frustration, my appeal to people would be, i do not support independence, a referendum, but i think— independence, a referendum, but i think a _ independence, a referendum, but i think a clear— independence, a referendum, but i think a clear majority don't support independence and a referendum but i do recognise right across this country— do recognise right across this country there are people frustrated with this _ country there are people frustrated with this government. my appeal to people _ with this government. my appeal to people with the, if your angle is —— anger— people with the, if your angle is —— anger is— people with the, if your angle is —— anger is driven by a morally bankrupt _ anger is driven by a morally bankrupt tory government, we might differ by— bankrupt tory government, we might differ by definition but we can agree — differ by definition but we can agree we need to get rid of this lot, get— agree we need to get rid of this lot, get rid of the rotten tory government, demonstrate we can get the uk _ government, demonstrate we can get the uk to— government, demonstrate we can get the uk to work for every part of the country. _ the uk to work for every part of the country, including regions with england — country, including regions with england and working in the interest of the _ england and working in the interest of the people of scotland, wales and northern— of the people of scotland, wales and northern ireland, right now we do not have _ northern ireland, right now we do not have a — northern ireland, right now we do not have a system that works for people _ not have a system that works for people in — not have a system that works for people in this country.— people in this country. firstly, thank you _ people in this country. firstly, thank you very _ people in this country. firstly, thank you very much, - people in this country. firstly, thank you very much, nicola l people in this country. firstly, - thank you very much, nicola sturgeon says this is very much not the end of the debate but will reflect on

the decision, does respect the decision and we will hear from the first minister of scotland around 11:30am. ., ~ i. first minister of scotland around 11:30am. ., ~ ~ ., ., let's speak to blairjenkins, who was chief executive of yes scotland during the 2014 referendum, that was the group campaigning for independence. what is your reaction to the supreme court ruling? i do what is your reaction to the supreme court ruling?— court ruling? i do not think the rulin: in court ruling? i do not think the ruling in itself _ court ruling? i do not think the ruling in itself probably - court ruling? i do not think the ruling in itself probably is i ruling in itself probably is unexpected, i think what we would welcome is we now have clarity from the supreme court on the illegal possession and now this whole issue about scotland have a right to choose independence has to move back to where it properly belongs, which is in the political arena. the issue about a new independence referendum for which the scottish government have a very clear mandate quite properly requires a political solution and that is what has to happen now. solution and that is what has to happen now-— solution and that is what has to ha en now. ., ., .,

happen now. how will that unfold? nicola sturgeon _ happen now. how will that unfold? nicola sturgeon said _ happen now. how will that unfold? nicola sturgeon said scottish i nicola sturgeon said scottish democracy will not be denied, she said our voice will not and cannot be silenced, what you think her next move would be that we will hear more about in the next minutes? she move would be that we will hear more about in the next minutes?— about in the next minutes? she is due to speak— about in the next minutes? she is due to speak shortly, _ about in the next minutes? she is due to speak shortly, let's - about in the next minutes? she is due to speak shortly, let's wait i about in the next minutes? she is. due to speak shortly, let's wait and see what she has to say. where we are, the position we have been left in is one where we have a very deep problem, notjust for scotland but people who live in democracy right around the uk. because we have always understood in scotland, i think i understood throughout the uk, that it is a voluntary union of nations, that has always been the belief here. if it is the case, as seems to be under current law, that wherever the mandate —— whatever the mandate any scottish government or parliament house, the uk government can veto a scottish referendum, we face the very real prospect as things stand of never being able to have a new independence referendum. because any uk prime minister going forward will face a more likely

defeat in a scottish referendum than david cameron thought he faced when he went ahead with the referendum in 2012. even if 80%, 90% of people appearsay 2012. even if 80%, 90% of people appear say they support independence we now see a position where that could be ignored at westminster because of the right of veto over our ability to choose independence it seems to me whether you support scottish independence or not, that is a completely unacceptable situation and something has to give here. we need a means by which people in scotland can exercise their right to choose. we decided about giving people a voice and that voice was heard very clearly in the scottish elections last year, the snp won an overwhelming victory on the basis of holding a new independence referendum, 85% of scottish constituencies, equivalent of 550 of the 560 seats in a general election at westminster, nobody has done that in 100 years. the mandate

is cast out, notjust for nicola sturgeon or people who support independence, the problem is for people who support democracy across the uk, what is the means by which scotland gets the dues? brute the uk, what is the means by which scotland gets the dues?— scotland gets the dues? we have heard from _ scotland gets the dues? we have heard from the _ scotland gets the dues? we have heard from the scotland - scotland gets the dues? we have | heard from the scotland secretary scotland gets the dues? we have i heard from the scotland secretary of state alistairjack says is the prime minister has made clear we will continue to work closely with the scottish government tackling all the scottish government tackling all the chances we —— challenges we share and face, we will probably hear more about this in pm see yous with the weather. can the uk government offer anything to scotland in terms of more powers, anything that would be acceptable instead of a referendum? i do anything that would be acceptable instead of a referendum?- instead of a referendum? i do not believe so. _ instead of a referendum? i do not believe so, no. _ instead of a referendum? i do not believe so, no. the _ instead of a referendum? i do not believe so, no. the issue - instead of a referendum? i do not believe so, no. the issue of i believe so, no. the issue of independence versus motivation, these are two very different things. a key issue for people in scotland now of course is escaping from brexit, the chance we could have to rejoin the european union, which is what the vast majority of people in scotland want to do. the only way we can do that, rejoin the european

union, the only way we can escape what i'm afraid is the shambles of the uk today is to exercise our right to be an independent country. it is not clear any referendum would result in independence, all opinion polls show a fairly split scotland. i accept that, that is a fair point, 50-50, i accept that, that is a fair point, 50—50, people who believe in independence like myself would have to win the campaign, the referendum. i would not take that for granted and think automatically we would win. what must happen democratically as there must be a referendum, we must get the jest if people in scotland vote to remain in the uk despite brexit, borisjohnson, liz truss and everything that has happened in recent years, and a sense that is time because we will have exercised our right to choose. what is not acceptable as a democracy in scotland being obstructed. the snp government, scottish government have a cast—iron mandate from the scottish election last year and in the uk we have

debates, votes and then we have results and those has to be respected like the last referendum. we thank you for your time. at least seven people have been shot dead at a shop in the us state of virginia. it's the second second mass shooting in the country in four days. gareth barlow has this story. in virginia, the painful search for answers is already under way. police have confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries following a shooting at a walmart store, an employee thought to be the attacker who shot at colleagues before taking their own life. in a tweet, the firm wrote... the incident happened

in the city of chesapeake, a community that prides itself for its natural surroundings and wildlife, home to 250,000 people close to the atlantic coast. reacting on twitter, virginia state senator louisa lucas said she was... in a briefing to reporters, local law enforcement said the first call to police had been received at 10pm local time with teams responding to an active shooter situation. so we go inside, long story short, in the course of the next 30, 45 minutes, we are able to find multiple fatalities and multiple injured parties. with the chesapeake fire department we had rescue and tactical teams together to go inside to provide life—saving measures rapidly and quickly and then through the course of the investigation, we believe it was a single shooter and we believe that shooter is deceased at this time. the shooting comes days after a gunman opened fire at a

gay nightclub in colorado, killing five and wounding 17 and in a year when the country was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in uvalde, texas. gareth barlow, bbc news. you are watching bbc news. the defence secretary, ben wallace, has announced that britain is sending helicopters to ukraine. the former sea kings are the first manned aircraft the uk has provided since the russian invasion. its not clear how kyiv intends to use the helicopters, but the sea king's primary role in the raf and navy before they were retired was for search and rescue missions. our correspondentjess parker is in kyiv and gave us the latest update. news first emerged in the early hours of this morning when the governor of the zaporizhzhia region said that he russian rocket had hit a maternity ward in the

town of... one woman in the maternity ward at the time with her newborn baby, a baby boy bornjust two days ago. they say while the mother was rescued from the rubble, very sadly the two—day—old baby has died. the ukrainian authorities also say that a doctor is in a serious condition. a mother, who stabbed to death a man accused of sexually assaulting her three sons, says she regrets her actions, but has called for tougher controls on registered sex offenders who change their names. sarah sands was sentenced to seven and a half years for the manslaughter of 77—year—old michael pleasted in 2014. our home affairs correspondent, june kelly has been hearing her story. sarah sands, back in silvertown, in east london, where as a single mother,

she made a home with herfamily... took everything from me. ..and where eight years ago, she stabbed to death a neighbour accused of sexually assaulting three young boys. she'd originally befriended michael pleasted, who was 77. what we can report for the first time is that all three children he was accused of abusing were her sons. they've now turned 18 and have waived their right to anonymity to speak publicly about seeing their mother go to prison. it was just like the little things you miss. when she was gone, obviously, it's like near difficult to have come to her about like a certain problem. like, sometimes you just want to really tell your mum a problem. sarah, did you feel remorse? absolutely. and why did you feel remorse? i bring life into the world. it never occurred to me that

i would be guilty of taking life out for the world. while he was awaiting trial for the offences against her boys, michael pleasted was allowed to live back on the estate. sarah sands was caught on cctv as she made her way to his flat. she says she wanted to appeal to pleasted to plead guilty and spare her sons the court ordeal. she was carrying a knife. she says, after he accused her children of lying, she stabbed him. she did this eight times. he bled to death. sarah sands was found guilty of manslaughter rather than murder on the grounds that she'd lost control. her original sentence of three and a half years was deemed to be too lenient and was increased to seven and a half years. the offender took with her to the scene a knife, which was used in the infliction of fatal injuries when the jury was sure that at the time she intended to cause at least

serious grievous bodily harm. the offender, having fatally stabbed the deceased, did nothing to assist him in that she did not call the emergency services. they absolutely have the right to demand answers from me. i had taken the law into my own hands. i had done that. after she killed him, it emerged that michael pleasted was already a convicted paedophile and had a long history of offending under his original name of robin moult. sarah sands has nowjoined a campaign calling for tighter controls on sex offenders who change their names. they shouldn't be able to just come out, change their name. to them, it's like, "well, i'm not the person that touched those kids any more. my name is this person, and i'm a new man." and theyjust do it again. and despite what happened in theirfamily, her sons also have this message.

if you just are being abused or have been abused, try and talk. - try and talk. the sooner you say it, the sooner- you can potentially save more people from being in the same pain that you're feeling. - june kelly, bbc news. the owners of manchester united football club — the glazers — say they're thinking about selling. some fans have protested against their ownership for years. it follows the announcement that cristiano ronaldo will leave the club with immediate effect. earlier we heard from kieran maguire, who is a lecturer in football finance at the university of liverpool — he spoke to us about whaat he blieved the glazer family meant by "exploring strategic alternatives". the options available is to give a minority stake in the club to an investor, perhaps a private equity fund that could introduce new ideas in terms of increasing revenue and better cost control at the club. the other alternative would be a whole sale. there are six glazers children who,

between them, own the club and it would have to be a decision because they have over 90% of the votes as far as making a final decision is concerned. if we look at what happened in the market yesterday, the price of manchester united rose about 25%. that valued the club at 3.2 billion. anyone coming in would have to pay a premium over that, if we look at the sale of chelsea football club as a benchmark, a price would be somewhere in the region of four to £4—4.5 billion. the number of homeless deaths has fallen _ the number of homeless deaths has fallen. ., the number of homeless deaths has

fallen. . ., , , fallen. thanks for being with us, what to make — fallen. thanks for being with us, what to make of _ fallen. thanks for being with us, what to make of these _ fallen. thanks for being with us, what to make of these figures? | balbir chatrik is the director of policy and communication at centerpoint, which is charity that aims to help vulnerable youngs people who are homeless. we are concerned the number will increase this winter. the government has to act now in order to save lives. , ., ,., ., , ., lives. tell us about the deaths, how the are lives. tell us about the deaths, how they are occurring, _ lives. tell us about the deaths, how they are occurring, what _ lives. tell us about the deaths, how they are occurring, what can - lives. tell us about the deaths, how they are occurring, what can we i lives. tell us about the deaths, how they are occurring, what can we do | they are occurring, what can we do to help? they are occurring, what can we do tohel? ., ,, ,, they are occurring, what can we do tohel? ., ,, , ., to help? homelessness occurs for vafious to help? homelessness occurs for various reasons, _ to help? homelessness occurs for various reasons, for _ to help? homelessness occurs for various reasons, for young - to help? homelessness occurs for various reasons, for young people to help? homelessness occurs for i various reasons, for young people in particular it is normally caused by family breakdown, so it is not safe for them to stay home. often what will happen is they will end up sofa surfing, once the welcomes have gone they might end up on the streets. often that just they might end up on the streets. often thatjust means they are not picked up early, on the streets much longer. we must realise it is a

tragedy each of these lives were cut short, and particularly for young people. 30,000 young people with the risk of homelessness this christmas, we are very worried at first my, if they do not get picked up early, that could be tragic. the statistics say almost _ that could be tragic. the statistics say almost two — that could be tragic. the statistics say almost two in _ that could be tragic. the statistics say almost two in five _ that could be tragic. the statistics say almost two in five deaths - that could be tragic. the statistics say almost two in five deaths in i that could be tragic. the statistics | say almost two in five deaths in her most people related to drug poisoning, an estimated 99 suicide deaths and an estimated 26 of homeless people involving covid. obviously they support out there for homeless people varies from city to city. in london where you work at centrepoint, how much outreach help is there for people who are on the streets when it comes to these issues? at streets when it comes to these issues? �* , ., streets when it comes to these issues? �* ,., ., , ., issues? at centrepoint, we operate in london and _ issues? at centrepoint, we operate in london and other— issues? at centrepoint, we operate in london and other major- issues? at centrepoint, we operate in london and other major areas . issues? at centrepoint, we operate | in london and other major areas and there is not enough support. what we

are calling on the government to do is let's gather the political well again like we did during the pandemic when we had everyone in all our sleepers got a safe place to stay. we had help through the benefits system, we need that again. also what we need, warm, stable accommodation for people. and also we need more services, as you said, the numbers of deaths caused by alcohol and drugs have gone down by the number of deaths caused by suicide has gone up dramatically. we need the service, including health services, to make sure that people are picked up early and also they have the wraparound support of those services. you have the wraparound support of those services. ., ., , ., services. you mention the everyone in scheme during _ services. you mention the everyone in scheme during lockdown, - services. you mention the everyone in scheme during lockdown, almost| in scheme during lockdown, almost all homeless people were offered a place to stay committed that have a long—term knock—on effect in terms

of support with helping people stay off the street? it of support with helping people stay off the street?— off the street? it did for some eo - le, off the street? it did for some peeple. to _ off the street? it did for some peeple. to be _ off the street? it did for some people, to be honest. - off the street? it did for some people, to be honest. they i off the street? it did for some - people, to be honest. they stayed off the streets and moved into accommodation, stable accommodation, got on with their lives, gotjobs, contributed to the economy, so it can make a big difference. for others, they went back to the streets, needed more support to come off the streets again.— off the streets again. thank you from centrepoint. _ balbir chatrik. getting pregnant within a few months of a miscarriage or an abortion does not appear to pose extra risks for mothers and babies, according to new research. the world health organization recommends at least a six—month gap but researchers who have looked at recent real—life data suggest women can feel safe about concieving sooner. laura tra nt reports. the research from norway looked at the outcomes of more than 72,000 conceptions over an eight—year period. the findings seem to show couples

can safely try sooner for a baby if they have recently had an abortion or a miscarriage. there were no major differences in outcomes when women didn't wait the recommended six months before getting pregnant again. the baby loss support charity tommy's said women who felt ready to try again immediately after a miscarriage can do so if there is no medical reason why they shouldn't. a lot of people who miscarry are actually simply too frightened to try again. so i'm really hoping this will add to the data and add to the information we're trying to give couples that if you do miscarry, it is very upsetting. it is something that triggers a grief reaction. it is difficult to come to terms with, but there is hope and that you don't need to wait. and as soon as you can face trying again, you can do that. early miscarriage happens to about one in five women. often no cause is found. the world health organisation said research into pregnancy spacing was already being done and would inform any updates to the advice they give. laura trant, bbc news.

joining me now is ruth bender atik, the national director at the miscarriage association who offer support and information to those affected by miscarriage. what do you make of the latest research? i what do you make of the latest research? ~ , ., , research? i think it is really good news. i think _ research? i think it is really good news. i think it _ research? i think it is really good news. i think it is _ research? i think it is really good news. i think it is the _ research? i think it is really good news. i think it is the evidence i research? i think it is really good | news. i think it is the evidence we have needed, the large—scale evidence we have needed to kind of confirm what i think has been current practice in the uk for quite some time, i think there are probably only few clinicians advising waiting six months, unless of course there are medical reasons for doing so, perhaps because of medication that has been taken during the loss or the pregnancy or other illnesses or medical conditions. most people will know when it is right for them to start trying again. for some people, they

desperately want to fill that gap and the advice in that case is to wait probably until they have had one period that helps them date a subsequent pregnancy and then they can try again. other people will want to wait a longer period of time, they may take longer to come to terms with their loss. what this is doing is, it is giving women and their partners the confidence to start a try again when they feel it is right for them.— start a try again when they feel it is right for them. what do women say to ou is right for them. what do women say to you when — is right for them. what do women say to you when they _ is right for them. what do women say to you when they come _ is right for them. what do women say to you when they come to _ is right for them. what do women say to you when they come to for - to you when they come to for following a miscarriage and how they can reach a decision about when to try again? how difficult is it? it can be very difficult for some people because, primarily, miscarriage for most people comes as a shock. it is completely out of the blue and they often feel that they have done everything right during their pregnancy and they don't understand when it went wrong. they also very rarely find out if there

is any obvious cause so they are often keen to try again but also very frightened to try again because they are worried that once more the rug may be taken from under them, as it were. i think what we're trying to is to support women not only at that stage when they are having their miscarriage but also when they are thinking about trying again and then when they are pregnant again. because that period of time is when people move between hope and fear. and for many people, that continues way beyond the stage at which they lost their pregnancy previously. what advice would you give to women watching now who see this new advice and are perhaps confused, worried, and are perhaps confused, worried, and not really sure what to do next? i think it can help to those people who understand and who have the knowledge, so people can contact us

at the miscarriage association, there also might want to speak to their gp if they can find a gp who has the time to have these conversations, to offer information and suggestions. but above all it is about doing what feels right for you and your partner. about doing what feels right for you and your partner-— and your partner. thank you very much for your— and your partner. thank you very much for your advice _ and your partner. thank you very much for your advice there, - and your partner. thank you veryj much for your advice there, from and your partner. thank you very - much for your advice there, from the miscarriage association, ruth bender atik. the scene in edinburgh, the first minister of scotland nicola sturgeon is expected to speak and give a response to the decision that there can be no independence referendum held without government consent after the supreme court ruling this morning. nicola sturgeon said she wanted to hold a referendum on 19th october next year. in a tweet in her response she said she will respect this decision from the supreme court watch scottish democracy will not be denied, in a democracy, she said, our voice cannot and will not be silenced. we

will bring the tea when she takes to the stage. now the weather with carol. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. hello again. today and tomorrow is looking wet and windy followed by sunshine and showers. today's rain is pushing northwards and eastwards, it is heavy and persistent. behind it, we'll see some sunshine and showers, the showers are blustery and also the risk of some thunder in them. through the irish sea, the english channel and the northern isles along the coasts, we are prone to gates at times. temperatures nine to about 12 degrees. through this evening and overnight, there goes the rain into the northern isles, there will be a lot of showers to start the night, some of them feeding overnight and under clear —— fading overnight... skies once again, it is going to be a chilly night and still blustery, still with potential for gates in the west and the south coast. as we head on into tomorrow, we start off on a dry and bright note, but more rain comes in from the west, this time, drifting eastwards. again, likely to be heavy and persistent. windy along it and ahead of it, a windier day than today, with still a potential

for some coastal gales. hello this is bbc news. the headlines. the uk supreme court has ruled the scottish parliament does not have the power to call another independence referendum without the consent of westminster. a shooting at a supermarket in the united states, at least seven people have been killed in the attack in virginia. ukrainian officials in zaporizhzhia say a two—day—old baby has been killed by a missile strike on a hospital's maternity unit. on the market, manchester united's owners say they are considering selling the club, it's thought to be worth at least £2 billion. we are waiting for skov and's first minister to take to the podium to give her response to the announcement, thejudgment from give her response to the announcement, the judgment from the supreme court that scotland cannot hold an independence referendum without uk government's consent. she

said that while disappointed, she respects the ruling. it doesn't make law, it only interprets it. while we wait nicola sturgeon for gets, let's get around up on the bbc sport centre. good morning... hello. the first of four games is under way in qatar. it's the 2018 finalists croatia taking on morocco. into the final minutes. i'm afraid to stay there are still no goals in that one. plenty more to come today. germany take onjapan, hoping to fare better than they did in 2018 when they travelled to russia as holders and failed to get out of the group stage, while 2010 winners spain have failed to win their opening match in their last three major tournaments. they take on costa rica. in group f, belgium face canada without record goal—scorer romelu lukaku who has a thigh injury. some worrying news for england fans

as the team prepare for their next game of the tournament on friday against the united states. captain harry kane is having a scan on his right ankle. our reporter alex howell is outside england's hotel complex in al wakrah. alex, what's the latest? we seem to have lost alex their unfortunately but will get more from him later. joe allen has returned to full training with wales after a hamstring injury that kept him out of their opening draw with the usa. he's been out since september and has trained alone since arrriving in qatar butjoined the rest of the squad for today's session. another man hoping to play a key role against iran on friday is striker kieffer moore.

he came on as a substitute against the usa, but has said he hopes to have made enough of an impression to start. it's what you dream of, to play the world cup. if i do manage to start on friday, it will be a very proud moment for myself and my family and one which took a lot of hard work and dedication to get to. it's been a dramatic 2a hours for manchester united. first the news that cristiano ronaldo would leave the club with immediate effect — on mutual terms. and it seems the club is up for sale! its owners, the glazers, have released a statement saying the board will "consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the compa ny". we are going to leave sporting a straight edinburgh nicola sturgeon the first minister of scotland.

whether or not the scotland act 1998 allows _ whether or not the scotland act 1998 allows a _ whether or not the scotland act 1998 allows a scottish parliament to legislate for a referendum on independence... first of all, while i am _ independence... first of all, while i am obviously very disappointed by it, i i am obviously very disappointed by it. i do— i am obviously very disappointed by it, i do respect and accept the judgment _ it, i do respect and accept the judgment of the court. in securing southern's — judgment of the court. in securing southern's independence, we will always— southern's independence, we will always be — southern's independence, we will always be guided by a commitment to democracy— always be guided by a commitment to democracy and respect for the rule of law _ democracy and respect for the rule of law that— democracy and respect for the rule of law. that is a principle, an important _ of law. that is a principle, an important principle, but it also reflects — important principle, but it also reflects a practical reality. the route — reflects a practical reality. the route we — reflects a practical reality. the route we take must be lawful and democratic for independence to be achieved — democratic for independence to be achieved. and as is becoming clearer lry achieved. and as is becoming clearer by the _ achieved. and as is becoming clearer by the day, _ achieved. and as is becoming clearer by the day, achieving independence is not _ by the day, achieving independence is not now— by the day, achieving independence is not nowjust desirable, it is

essential— is not nowjust desirable, it is essential if scotland is to escape the disaster of brexit, and the damage — the disaster of brexit, and the damage caused by people we do not vote for— damage caused by people we do not vote for and the high inequality economic— vote for and the high inequality economic model that is holding us back _ economic model that is holding us back. however, we must be clear today— back. however, we must be clear today that — back. however, we must be clear today that the supreme court does not make _ today that the supreme court does not make the law, it interprets and applies— not make the law, it interprets and applies the — not make the law, it interprets and applies the law. if devolution settlement in scotland act is inconsistent with any reasonable notion— inconsistent with any reasonable notion of— inconsistent with any reasonable notion of scottish democracy, as now seems _ notion of scottish democracy, as now seems to— notion of scottish democracy, as now seems to be — notion of scottish democracy, as now seems to be the case, that is the fault _ seems to be the case, that is the fault of— seems to be the case, that is the fault of westminster lawmakers, not the justices of the supreme court. in addressing the implications of today's— in addressing the implications of today's ruling, it's also important today's ruling, it's also important to be _ today's ruling, it's also important to be mindful of what the court was not asked _ to be mindful of what the court was not asked to decide and therefore what the — not asked to decide and therefore what the ruling does not tell us. the court — what the ruling does not tell us. the court was not asked to decide whether— the court was not asked to decide whether there was a democratic mandate — whether there was a democratic mandate for a referendum. the mandate — mandate for a referendum. the mandate and the parliamentary majority — mandate and the parliamentary majority for a referendum is quite

simply— majority for a referendum is quite simply undeniable. norwas majority for a referendum is quite simply undeniable. nor was the court asked _ simply undeniable. nor was the court asked if— simply undeniable. nor was the court asked if scotland should be independent, only the scottish people can be the judge of that and it was— people can be the judge of that and it was not— people can be the judge of that and it was not asked if there was any democratic— it was not asked if there was any democratic means by which scotland can choose _ democratic means by which scotland can choose independence. the question— can choose independence. the question the court was asked to decide, — question the court was asked to decide, indeed the only question the court could _ decide, indeed the only question the court could reasonably answer, was an narrow _ court could reasonably answer, was an narrow one. with a bill providing for an— an narrow one. with a bill providing for an advisory referendum on independence be within the current powers— independence be within the current powers of— independence be within the current powers of the scottish parliament? in powers of the scottish parliament? in other— powers of the scottish parliament? in other words, can the scottish parliament legislate for an independence referendum without the prior agreement of westminster? now, as we know. _ prior agreement of westminster? now, as we know, the court has answered a question— as we know, the court has answered a question in— as we know, the court has answered a question in the negative stop it has determined that under the scotland act 1998. _ determined that under the scotland act 1998, which encapsulates the current— act 1998, which encapsulates the current devolution settlement, even an advisory— current devolution settlement, even an advisory referendum asking the question— an advisory referendum asking the question should scotland be an independent country as a matter

reserved — independent country as a matter reserved to the westminster parliament. what that means is that without _ parliament. what that means is that without an _ parliament. what that means is that without an agreement between the scottish— without an agreement between the scottish and uk governments for either— scottish and uk governments for either a — scottish and uk governments for either a section 30 order or uk act of parliament to change of powers, the scottish parliament cannot legislate for the referendum that the people of scotland have instructed it to deliver. that is a hard _ instructed it to deliver. that is a hard pill— instructed it to deliver. that is a hard pill for— instructed it to deliver. that is a hard pill for any supporter of independence and surely indeed for any supporter of democracy to swallow — any supporter of democracy to swallow. however, as i said back in june, _ swallow. however, as i said back in june, when— swallow. however, as i said back in june, when i— swallow. however, as i said back in june, when i informed parliament that the _ june, when i informed parliament that the lord advocate had agreed to make _ that the lord advocate had agreed to make this _ that the lord advocate had agreed to make this reference, it was always the case _ make this reference, it was always the case that in the absence of an agreement— the case that in the absence of an agreement with the uk government, the question of the scottish parliament's competence in relation to a referendum would end up in the supreme _ to a referendum would end up in the supreme court, if not before legislation, then certainly after any decision by parliament to pass a bill. any decision by parliament to pass a bid so— any decision by parliament to pass a bill. so while any decision by parliament to pass a bill. 50 while it any decision by parliament to pass a bill. so while it is, i think, any decision by parliament to pass a bill. so while it is, ithink, a statement _ bill. so while it is, ithink, a statement of the obvious that this is not _ statement of the obvious that this is not the — statement of the obvious that this is not the outcome i hoped for, it does _ is not the outcome i hoped for, it does give — is not the outcome i hoped for, it

does give us clarity and having that clarity _ does give us clarity and having that clarity sooner rather than later allows — clarity sooner rather than later allows us — clarity sooner rather than later allows us now to plan a way forward, however _ allows us now to plan a way forward, however imperfect that might be. now, _ however imperfect that might be. now. i_ however imperfect that might be. now. i am — however imperfect that might be. now, i am enough of a realist to know— now, i am enough of a realist to know that — now, i am enough of a realist to know that the immediate question posed _ know that the immediate question posed by— know that the immediate question posed by today's judgment will be for me _ posed by today's judgment will be for me and the snp, that is entirely understandable. and also long enough in the _ understandable. and also long enough in the political tooth to expect some — in the political tooth to expect some triumphalism in the part of unionist — some triumphalism in the part of unionist politicians. however, unionists _ unionist politicians. however, unionists of a more thoughtful disposition, and yes i do believe exist. _ disposition, and yes i do believe exist. will, — disposition, and yes i do believe exist, will, i suspect, know that to be misguided. indeed, they will have been hoping the court, as the uk government asked to do, would have declined _ government asked to do, would have declined to— government asked to do, would have declined to answer the substantive question— declined to answer the substantive question today. that is because they will understand that this judgment raises _ will understand that this judgment raises profound and deeply uncomfortable questions about the bases _ uncomfortable questions about the bases and — uncomfortable questions about the bases and future of the united

kingdom. until now, it has been understood and accepted by opponents of independence, as well as by its supporters, that the uk is a voluntary— supporters, that the uk is a voluntary partnership of nations. the royal— voluntary partnership of nations. the royal commission on scottish affairs _ the royal commission on scottish affairs back in 1950 said this, "scotland _ affairs back in 1950 said this, "scotland is a nation and involuntary entered into the union as a partner." that sentiment was echoed _ as a partner." that sentiment was echoed nearly 60 years later by the calman _ echoed nearly 60 years later by the calman commission which described the uk _ calman commission which described the uk as— calman commission which described the uk as a — calman commission which described the uk as a voluntary union and partnership. it was reinforced in 2014— partnership. it was reinforced in 2014 by— partnership. it was reinforced in 2014 by the smith commission which made _ 2014 by the smith commission which made clear— 2014 by the smith commission which made clear that nothing in its report— made clear that nothing in its report prevented scotland from becoming an independent country should _ becoming an independent country should the people of scotland so choose — should the people of scotland so choose. what are they's ruling tells us, however, is that the scotland act does — us, however, is that the scotland act does not in fact appalled that a long-held — act does not in fact appalled that a long—held understanding of the relationships that constitute the uk. relationships that constitute the uk~ 0n— relationships that constitute the uk. on the contrary, it shatters

that understanding completely. let's be absolutely blunt. a so—called partnership in which one partner is denied _ partnership in which one partner is denied the — partnership in which one partner is denied the right to choose a different future, or even to ask yourself— different future, or even to ask yourself the question, cannot be described — yourself the question, cannot be described in any way as voluntary or even _ described in any way as voluntary or even a _ described in any way as voluntary or even a partnership at all. so this ruling _ even a partnership at all. so this ruling confirms the notion of the uk as a voluntary partnership of nations, _ as a voluntary partnership of nations, if it ever was a reality, is no _ nations, if it ever was a reality, is no longer— nations, if it ever was a reality, is no longer a reality. and that exposes — is no longer a reality. and that exposes a _ is no longer a reality. and that exposes a situation that is quite simply— exposes a situation that is quite simply unsustainable. i don't often come _ simply unsustainable. idon't often come as— simply unsustainable. idon't often come as all— simply unsustainable. i don't often come as all of you know, quote former— come as all of you know, quote former tory prime ministers, come as all of you know, quote formertory prime ministers, but come as all of you know, quote former tory prime ministers, but i will make — former tory prime ministers, but i will make an — former tory prime ministers, but i will make an exception today. in the words _ will make an exception today. in the words of— will make an exception today. in the words of former tory prime minister john major, — words of former tory prime minister john major, "no nation can be held irreverently— john major, "no nation can be held irreverently in a union against its with" _ irreverently in a union against its with " what — irreverently in a union against its will." what this judgment confirms more _ will." what this judgment confirms more than — will." what this judgment confirms more than anything else is that the only guarantee for scotland of equality— only guarantee for scotland of equality within the british family

of nations is through independence. that fact _ of nations is through independence. that fact is — of nations is through independence. that fact is no clearer than ever before — that fact is no clearer than ever before. they made it question is now what happens now. i am making these remarks _ what happens now. i am making these remarksiust_ what happens now. i am making these remarksjust a what happens now. i am making these remarks just a couple what happens now. i am making these remarksjust a couple of what happens now. i am making these remarks just a couple of hours after the court _ remarks just a couple of hours after the court issued itsjudgment and why the _ the court issued itsjudgment and why the term and import of the ruling _ why the term and import of the ruling are — why the term and import of the ruling are clear, it will still be important _ ruling are clear, it will still be important to absorb and consider or consider— important to absorb and consider or consider the judgment properly. i think— consider the judgment properly. i think it's — consider the judgment properly. i think it's safe to predict that this will not — think it's safe to predict that this will not be — think it's safe to predict that this will not be my last words on the matter~ — will not be my last words on the matter. however, my initialviews, building— matter. however, my initialviews, building on— matter. however, my initialviews, building on what i said injune, are as follows — building on what i said injune, are as follows. first of all, it is worth— as follows. first of all, it is worth repeating that the court judgment relates to one possible route _ judgment relates to one possible route to — judgment relates to one possible route to scotland making a choice on independence. a referendum bill in the scottish parliament without westminster agreement. while it is absolutely the case that the uk was absolutely the case that the uk was a voluntary partnership, that this will not _ a voluntary partnership, that this will not be — a voluntary partnership, that this will not be needed. it does remain open _ will not be needed. it does remain open to— will not be needed. it does remain open to the — will not be needed. it does remain open to the uk government, however

belatedly, _ open to the uk government, however belatedly, to accept democracy and reach _ belatedly, to accept democracy and reach agreement. i may clear again today, _ reach agreement. i may clear again today, therefore, that i stand ready at any— today, therefore, that i stand ready at any time — today, therefore, that i stand ready at any time to reach agreement with the prime _ at any time to reach agreement with the prime minister on an adjustment to the _ the prime minister on an adjustment to the devolution settlement that enables _ to the devolution settlement that enables a lawful, democratic referendum to take place, a process that respects the right of people in scotland _ that respects the right of people in scotland to choose our future in line with — scotland to choose our future in line with a — scotland to choose our future in line with a clear mandate of the scottish — line with a clear mandate of the scottish parliament unless politicians make the case for and against _ politicians make the case for and against independence. what i will not do. _ against independence. what i will not do, however, is go cap in hand. my expectation in the short term at least is _ my expectation in the short term at least is that the uk government will maintain _ least is that the uk government will maintain its position of outright democracy denial. that position is in my— democracy denial. that position is in my view— democracy denial. that position is in my view not just unsustainable, it is also— in my view not just unsustainable, it is also utterly self—defeating. the more — it is also utterly self—defeating. the more content the westminster establishment shows for scottish democracy, the more certain it is

that scotland will vote yes when the choice _ that scotland will vote yes when the choice does come to be made. as for that choice. — choice does come to be made. as for that choice, and for the avoidance of any— that choice, and for the avoidance of any doubt, i believe today, just as i of any doubt, i believe today, just as i did _ of any doubt, i believe today, just as i did yesterday, that referendum is the _ as i did yesterday, that referendum is the best— as i did yesterday, that referendum is the best way to determine the issue _ is the best way to determine the issue of— is the best way to determine the issue of independence. the fact is the snp _ issue of independence. the fact is the snp is — issue of independence. the fact is the snp is not abandoning the referendum route, westminster is blocking _ referendum route, westminster is blocking it~ — referendum route, westminster is blocking it. and in that scenario, unless— blocking it. and in that scenario, unless we — blocking it. and in that scenario, unless we give up on democracy and again. _ unless we give up on democracy and again. for— unless we give up on democracy and again, for the avoidance of any doubt, — again, for the avoidance of any doubt, i— again, for the avoidance of any doubt, i for one again, for the avoidance of any doubt, ifor one i'm simply again, for the avoidance of any doubt, i for one i'm simply not prepared — doubt, i for one i'm simply not prepared to do and we will find another— prepared to do and we will find another democratic, lawful and constitutional means by which the scottish— constitutional means by which the scottish people can express their will. scottish people can express their with in _ scottish people can express their with in my— scottish people can express their will. in my view, that can only be an election — will. in my view, that can only be an election. the next national elections _ an election. the next national elections scheduled for scotland is of course — elections scheduled for scotland is of course the uk general election, making _ of course the uk general election, making that both the first and the

most _ making that both the first and the most obvious opportunity to seek what _ most obvious opportunity to seek what i _ most obvious opportunity to seek what i described back injune as a de facto _ what i described back injune as a de facto referendum. as with any proposition in any party manifesto in any— proposition in any party manifesto in any election, it is of course up to the _ in any election, it is of course up to the people how they respond. no party can— to the people how they respond. no party can dictate the basis on which people _ party can dictate the basis on which people cast their votes, but a party can be _ people cast their votes, but a party can be, indeed should be, crystal clear— can be, indeed should be, crystal clear about — can be, indeed should be, crystal clear about the purpose for which it is seeking — clear about the purpose for which it is seeking popular support. in this case: _ is seeking popular support. in this case for— is seeking popular support. in this case, for the snp, that will be to establish. — case, for the snp, that will be to establish, just as in a referendum, majority— establish, just as in a referendum, majority support in scotland for independence so that we can then achieve _ independence so that we can then achieve independence. that then is the principal. however, now that the supreme _ the principal. however, now that the supreme court ruling is known and a de facto _ supreme court ruling is known and a de facto referendum is no longer hypothetical, it is necessary to agree — hypothetical, it is necessary to agree a — hypothetical, it is necessary to agree a precise detail of the proposition we intend to put before the country. for example, the form

the country. for example, the form the manifesto will take, the question we will pose, how will seek to build _ question we will pose, how will seek to build support above and beyond the snp _ to build support above and beyond the snp and what steps we will take to achieve _ the snp and what steps we will take to achieve independence, if we win. as you _ to achieve independence, if we win. as you would expect, i have views on all of _ as you would expect, i have views on all of that _ as you would expect, i have views on all of that. however, given the magnitude of these decisions for the snp, magnitude of these decisions for the snp. the _ magnitude of these decisions for the snp, the process of reaching them is one that _ snp, the process of reaching them is one that the party as a whole must be fully— one that the party as a whole must be fully and actively involved in. i can therefore confirm that i will be asking _ can therefore confirm that i will be asking our— can therefore confirm that i will be asking our national executive committee to convene a special party conference _ committee to convene a special party conference in the new year to discuss — conference in the new year to discuss and agree the detail of a proposed — discuss and agree the detail of a proposed de facto referendum. in the meantime. _ proposed de facto referendum. in the meantime, the snp will launch and immobilise a major campaign in defence — immobilise a major campaign in defence of scottish democracy. for we should — defence of scottish democracy. for we should be in no doubt, but as of today— we should be in no doubt, but as of today democracy is what is at stake. this is— today democracy is what is at stake. this is no— today democracy is what is at stake. this is no longerjust about whether or not— this is no longerjust about whether or not scotland becomes independent, vital though that decision is. it is

now more — vital though that decision is. it is now more fundamental. it is now about— now more fundamental. it is now about whether or not we even have the basic— about whether or not we even have the basic democratic right to choose our own— the basic democratic right to choose our own future. indeed, from today, the independence movement is as much about democracy as it is about independence. now, to conclude, before _ independence. now, to conclude, before i_ independence. now, to conclude, before i to — independence. now, to conclude, before i to question is of course, i am well— before i to question is of course, i am well aware that there will be a real sense — am well aware that there will be a real sense of frustration and disappointment today, in both the snp and _ disappointment today, in both the snp and wider movement. i share that _ snp and wider movement. i share that my— snp and wider movement. i share that. my message though is this — why that _ that. my message though is this — why that is — that. my message though is this — why that is understandable, it must be short— why that is understandable, it must be short lived. and i believe it will be — be short lived. and i believe it will be i— be short lived. and i believe it will be. i suspect we will start to see just — will be. i suspect we will start to see just how short lived the strength— see just how short lived the strength of the gathering is planned for later— strength of the gathering is planned for later today and other parts of scotland — for later today and other parts of scotland. the fact is we have work to do _ scotland. the fact is we have work to do the — scotland. the fact is we have work to do. the case for scotland becoming independent is more compelling and urgent than ever. independence is now essential

because — independence is now essential because of what westminster control means _ because of what westminster control means on— because of what westminster control means on a _ because of what westminster control means on a day—to—day basis for people _ means on a day—to—day basis for people in— means on a day—to—day basis for people in this country now and for future _ people in this country now and for future generations. thanks to westminster control, the uk economy is in crisis _ westminster control, the uk economy is in crisis and we are entering a new— is in crisis and we are entering a new age — is in crisis and we are entering a new age of— is in crisis and we are entering a new age of tory austerity. low income — new age of tory austerity. low income houses in the uk are now 20% poorer— income houses in the uk are now 20% poorer than _ income houses in the uk are now 20% poorer than their counterparts in france. — poorer than their counterparts in france, 21% poorer than in germany. let france, 21% poorer than in germany. let me _ france, 21% poorer than in germany. let me put— france, 21% poorer than in germany. let me put that into context. that means _ let me put that into context. that means the — let me put that into context. that means the living standards of the lowest _ means the living standards of the lowest income households in the uk, including _ lowest income households in the uk, including scotland, are £3800 lower than their— including scotland, are £3800 lower than their french equivalents. thanks— than their french equivalents. thanks to _ than their french equivalents. thanks to westminster control, we are subject — thanks to westminster control, we are subject to an immigration and asylum _ are subject to an immigration and asylum system that neither works in practice _ asylum system that neither works in practice nor— asylum system that neither works in practice nor serves our need to grow our population. it mysteries those are come — our population. it mysteries those are come to our shores looking for a century— are come to our shores looking for a century from — are come to our shores looking for a century from oppression and deprives us of the _ century from oppression and deprives us of the talents and taxes of those that want— us of the talents and taxes of those that want to live and work and contribute to our country. thanks to

westminster control, even the limited — westminster control, even the limited measure of self—government that devolution provides is no longer— that devolution provides is no longer guaranteed. instead erosion of the _ longer guaranteed. instead erosion of the powers of our parliament, the undermining of the convention and the imposition of the uk internal market— the imposition of the uk internal market act and now the detained eu law bilt _ market act and now the detained eu law bilt if— market act and now the detained eu law bill. if we stick with miss minster— law bill. if we stick with miss minster control, we are stuck outside — minster control, we are stuck outside the european union permanently. that comes at a heavy cost _ permanently. that comes at a heavy cost. according to the office for budget — cost. according to the office for budget responsibility, brexit will mean _ budget responsibility, brexit will mean that the long run a fall in national— mean that the long run a fall in national income of 4% compared with eu membership. that is equivalent to a cut in— eu membership. that is equivalent to a cut in public revenues in scotland of £52— a cut in public revenues in scotland of £3.2 billion. all the main westminster parties now support a brexit— westminster parties now support a brexit that scotland did not vote for. brexit that scotland did not vote for~ and — brexit that scotland did not vote for. and the brexit conspiracy of silence — for. and the brexit conspiracy of silence the trust between them means the uk _ silence the trust between them means the uk economy will become weaker and people will pay a heavier and heavier— and people will pay a heavier and heavier price. the price will be paid _ heavier price. the price will be paid in— heavier price. the price will be paid in hard economic terms, but

also in _ paid in hard economic terms, but also in the — paid in hard economic terms, but also in the narrowing of horizons and loss — also in the narrowing of horizons and loss of— also in the narrowing of horizons and loss of opportunities for generations to come. scotland can do better— generations to come. scotland can do better than— generations to come. scotland can do better than this. the example of independent countries across europe and the _ independent countries across europe and the world, many with no new the assets _ and the world, many with no new the assets and _ and the world, many with no new the assets and strings we have, tells us that loudly— assets and strings we have, tells us that loudly and clearly. we are from westminster that what is needed is stability _ westminster that what is needed is stability. it must be clear, the westminster system has shown it is not capable of securing stability. the people relying on food banks are not being _ the people relying on food banks are not being offered stability. those across _ not being offered stability. those across our— not being offered stability. those across our country are afraid to switch — across our country are afraid to switch on — across our country are afraid to switch on the heating and are not being _ switch on the heating and are not being offered stability. the business is struggling with brexit are not— business is struggling with brexit are not being given stability. the young _ are not being given stability. the young people denied their rights and opportunities of eu membership and not being _ opportunities of eu membership and not being offered stability. the uk model— not being offered stability. the uk model that delivers low growth and low productivity, coupled with sky-high— low productivity, coupled with sky—high rates of poverty and inequality, does not and never will offer— inequality, does not and never will offer stability. scotland can do so

much _ offer stability. scotland can do so much better. so, yes, of course this judgment _ much better. so, yes, of course this judgment is — much better. so, yes, of course this judgment is a — much better. so, yes, of course this judgment is a disappointment, but it is not _ judgment is a disappointment, but it is not one _ judgment is a disappointment, but it is not one we can or will do or indeed. — is not one we can or will do or indeed, getting the judgment now rather— indeed, getting the judgment now rather than later gives us the clarity— rather than later gives us the clarity we _ rather than later gives us the clarity we need to plot a definite way forward. fundamentally, ourjob in the _ way forward. fundamentally, ourjob in the independence movement today is the _ in the independence movement today is the same _ in the independence movement today is the same as it was yesterday. it is the same as it was yesterday. it is to— is the same as it was yesterday. it is to persuade, persuade a majority of the _ is to persuade, persuade a majority of the scottish people of the fact that independence is the best future for scotland and ensure a democratic process _ for scotland and ensure a democratic process that allows majority support to be established beyond doubt. but 'ob to be established beyond doubt. but '0b is to be established beyond doubt. but job is not— to be established beyond doubt. but job is not easy, i know. and some days— job is not easy, i know. and some days like — job is not easy, i know. and some days like today perhaps it feels more _ days like today perhaps it feels more difficult than ever, but nothing, absolutely nothing worth doing _ nothing, absolutely nothing worth doing is— nothing, absolutely nothing worth doing is ever easy. there is no doubt — doing is ever easy. there is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that independence will be worth it. and

my resolve — independence will be worth it. and my resolve to achieve independence is as strong — my resolve to achieve independence is as strong as it has ever been. indeed. — is as strong as it has ever been. indeed. it — is as strong as it has ever been. indeed. it is. _ is as strong as it has ever been. indeed, it is, ifanything is as strong as it has ever been. indeed, it is, if anything today, even _ indeed, it is, if anything today, even stronger. prosperity, equality, internationalism and now without any doubt _ internationalism and now without any doubt the _ internationalism and now without any doubt the very democracy of our nation _ doubt the very democracy of our nation depends on independence. thank— nation depends on independence. thank you — nation depends on independence. thank you all very much indeed and i will now— thank you all very much indeed and i will now move to no doubt many questions — will now move to no doubt many questions. i will take firstly then campbell. questions. i will take firstly then cambell. . questions. i will take firstly then cambell. , ~ , questions. i will take firstly then cambell. . ~ , campbell. first minister, can you sell out campbell. first minister, can you spell out what — campbell. first minister, can you spell out what election _ campbell. first minister, can you spell out what election outcome l campbell. first minister, can you l spell out what election outcome he would consider a mandate for independence and if you don't get it is at the end of the independence campaign? is at the end of the independence cam aian? . is at the end of the independence cam aian? , ., is at the end of the independence camaiun? , ., ., is at the end of the independence cam-rain? , ., . campaign? first of all, can i say, i am one individual— campaign? first of all, can i say, i am one individual and _ campaign? first of all, can i say, i am one individual and i _ campaign? first of all, can i say, i am one individual and i happen i campaign? first of all, can i say, i am one individual and i happen to| campaign? first of all, can i say, i. am one individual and i happen to be am one individual and i happen to be a leader— am one individual and i happen to be a leader of— am one individual and i happen to be a leader of the snp and first minister— a leader of the snp and first minister but i do not alone decide guestions — minister but i do not alone decide questions like is the independence campaign — questions like is the independence campaign over. that is depended on the views—

campaign over. that is depended on the views of— campaign over. that is depended on the views of people across scotland. the only— the views of people across scotland. the only people if and when scotland becomes _ the only people if and when scotland becomes independent. in terms of election— becomes independent. in terms of election mandates, as i have said, we will— election mandates, as i have said, we will set — election mandates, as i have said, we will set out, as will be duty bound — we will set out, as will be duty bound are _ we will set out, as will be duty bound are duty bound to do before any elections, the precise nature of what we _ any elections, the precise nature of what we are — any elections, the precise nature of what we are seeking the people are starting _ what we are seeking the people are starting to— what we are seeking the people are starting to vote for and that what we will _ starting to vote for and that what we will deal with that mandate should — we will deal with that mandate should we win. i want the party as a whole _ should we win. i want the party as a whole to— should we win. i want the party as a whole to be — should we win. i want the party as a whole to be involved in that and that is _ whole to be involved in that and that is why i have said we will have a special— that is why i have said we will have a special conference early in, in the early— a special conference early in, in the early part of next year. in terms — the early part of next year. in terms of _ the early part of next year. in terms of the detail of your question, what i have always said and it— question, what i have always said and it is— question, what i have always said and it is a — question, what i have always said and it is a statement of fact and should — and it is a statement of fact and should not— and it is a statement of fact and should not be controversial, scotland _ should not be controversial, scotland cannot become independent and unless a majority of people in scotland — and unless a majority of people in scotland vote for that. and ideally that is _ scotland vote for that. and ideally that is in— scotland vote for that. and ideally that is in a — scotland vote for that. and ideally that is in a referendum but if that is not _ that is in a referendum but if that is not in — that is in a referendum but if that is not in a — that is in a referendum but if that is not in a referendum it will be in another— is not in a referendum it will be in another democratic form, but majority— another democratic form, but majority support for independence is

an essential requirement for scotland _ an essential requirement for scotland or any country becoming independent. colin mckay. following on from that. — independent. colin mckay. following on from that, does _ independent. colin mckay. following on from that, does that _ independent. colin mckay. following on from that, does that mean - independent. colin mckay. following on from that, does that mean that i on from that, does that mean that you would count the votes of supporters of the green party, and that the general election as opposed to independence? figs that the general election as opposed to independence? $5 i that the general election as opposed to independence?— to independence? as i said, we will sit out the detail— to independence? as i said, we will sit out the detail of _ to independence? as i said, we will sit out the detail of what we - to independence? as i said, we will sit out the detail of what we will. sit out the detail of what we will put before people is right and that a few— put before people is right and that a few hours after or not even a few hours _ a few hours after or not even a few hours after — a few hours after or not even a few hours after the judgment we take time to— hours after the judgment we take time to consider these questions and for the _ time to consider these questions and for the snp _ time to consider these questions and for the snp to have a full democratic process of determining these _ democratic process of determining these matters. but votes, i can only speak— these matters. but votes, i can only speak for— these matters. but votes, i can only speak for the snp so what we put forward _ speak for the snp so what we put forward in — speak for the snp so what we put forward in an action will be put forward — forward in an action will be put forward by the snp and what we will be asking _ forward by the snp and what we will be asking people to vote for in voting — be asking people to vote for in voting for— be asking people to vote for in voting for the snp is independence. it is voting for the snp is independence. it is the _ voting for the snp is independence. it is the case that i lead a government that has within it another— government that has within it another part of the support is independent. i'm not going to speak for them _ independent. i'm not going to speak for them today or indeed try to beat

them _ for them today or indeed try to beat them at _ for them today or indeed try to beat them at all. — for them today or indeed try to beat them at all, that is a for them. i'm sure _ them at all, that is a for them. i'm sure we _ them at all, that is a for them. i'm sure we will— them at all, that is a for them. i'm sure we will have discussions about it. i . , sure we will have discussions about it. james cook. talking of those other people. — it. james cook. talking of those other people, what _ it. james cook. talking of those other people, what do - it. james cook. talking of those other people, what do you - it. james cook. talking of those other people, what do you say l it. james cook. talking of those | other people, what do you say to those supporters of independence who worry that you are leading them into a trap that people will not participate in a general election as a referendum campaign and that you are in danger of not getting that 50% of the vote and killing off your dream, and their dream for years to come? i dream, and their dream for years to come? . .. _, dream, and their dream for years to come? . .. ,. ., dream, and their dream for years to come? . .. ., ., come? i have campaigned for a referendum _ come? i have campaigned for a referendum two _ come? i have campaigned for a referendum two independence | come? i have campaigned for a - referendum two independence since i was 16— referendum two independence since i was 16 and _ referendum two independence since i was 16 and i— referendum two independence since i was 16 and i am a years older and i have— was 16 and i am a years older and i have dedicated a lifetime to the cause _ have dedicated a lifetime to the cause of— have dedicated a lifetime to the cause of independence. indeed, that is why— cause of independence. indeed, that is why i— cause of independence. indeed, that is why i do sometimes to the frustration of people in my own side. _ frustration of people in my own side. take _ frustration of people in my own side, take care around the decisions i side, take care around the decisions i make _ side, take care around the decisions i make on— side, take care around the decisions i make on the things i recognise that i— i make on the things i recognise that i am — i make on the things i recognise that i am the temporary leader, which _ that i am the temporary leader, which is — that i am the temporary leader, which is not an indication of intention— which is not an indication of intention anything i should say for the avoidance of doubt, everybody is

a temporary leader in these roles of a temporary leader in these roles of a movement that is bigger than i am. i a movement that is bigger than i am. i take _ a movement that is bigger than i am. i take great— a movement that is bigger than i am. i take great care in the decisions i take and — i take great care in the decisions i take and sometimes that leads people to think— take and sometimes that leads people to think that i am going to slowly or be _ to think that i am going to slowly or be too— to think that i am going to slowly or be too deliberative about these decisions — or be too deliberative about these decisions but i make no apology for that _ decisions but i make no apology for that i— decisions but i make no apology for that i also — decisions but i make no apology for that. i also take decisions in that way because independence is notjust about— way because independence is notjust about the _ way because independence is notjust about the snp or the independence movement it is about the future of the country. on the question about people _ the country. on the question about people worrying about not getting 50% _ people worrying about not getting 50% you — people worrying about not getting 50%. you cannot win 50% we cannot be independent _ 50%. you cannot win 50% we cannot be independent and that applies in a referendum and it would deploy in a defiant— referendum and it would deploy in a defiant referendum. that is an essential— defiant referendum. that is an essential prerequisite of becoming independent so anybody who says all, we can _ independent so anybody who says all, we can do— independent so anybody who says all, we can do this because we might not win, we can do this because we might not win. well. _ we can do this because we might not win. well. if— we can do this because we might not win, well, if you cannot when you cut do— win, well, if you cannot when you cut do not— win, well, if you cannot when you cut do not deserve to be independent and i cut do not deserve to be independent and i cannot— cut do not deserve to be independent and i cannot imagine that anybody doesn't _ and i cannot imagine that anybody doesn't grasp that central basic fact of— doesn't grasp that central basic fact of democracy. it's seeking to

establish — fact of democracy. it's seeking to establish that opinion through an election. — establish that opinion through an election, it is not my preferred option— election, it is not my preferred option and _ election, it is not my preferred option and if it was i wouldn't spend — option and if it was i wouldn't spend so— option and if it was i wouldn't spend so much time and i will continue _ spend so much time and i will continue to try to secure an agreed referendum, but i am not prepared to do is to— referendum, but i am not prepared to do is to allow scottish democracy to be a prisoner of westminster, which effectively _ be a prisoner of westminster, which effectively means because democracy does not _ effectively means because democracy does not exist and therefore i am going _ does not exist and therefore i am going to — does not exist and therefore i am going to seek to find a way in which the people — going to seek to find a way in which the people of scotland can express their view, whatever that view turns out to _ their view, whatever that view turns out to be _ their view, whatever that view turns out to be i — their view, whatever that view turns out to be. i will argue the case for that view— out to be. i will argue the case for that view to — out to be. i will argue the case for that view to be in favour of independence and if we win, then scotland — independence and if we win, then scotland becomes independent, but if we don't. _ scotland becomes independent, but if we don't, scotland doesn't and that's— we don't, scotland doesn't and that'siust _ we don't, scotland doesn't and that'sjust the basic we don't, scotland doesn't and that's just the basic fact of the independence movement does understand, that it is our duty to make _ understand, that it is our duty to make to — understand, that it is our duty to make to win the case for independence. does that n... not for a long _ independence. does that n... not for a long time. — independence. does that n... not for a longtime, you'llbe glad independence. does that n... not for a long time, you'll be glad to know. i've a long time, you'll be glad to know. we lost— a long time, you'll be glad to know. we lost my— a long time, you'll be glad to know. i've lost my order here. who wants to go— i've lost my order here. who wants to go next? — i've lost my order here. who wants to go next? that is a silly question _ to go next? that is a silly question. conor gillis from sky. as

ou question. conor gillis from sky. you said there question. conor gillis from sky. is you said there that if question. conor gillis from sky. 23 you said there that if you question. conor gillis from sky. 2.3 you said there that if you don't get 50% of that vote in an independence referendum, then there will be no independence. if some on your own side and with run dry in your own party do not get that then this is a huge gamble on risk. fismid party do not get that then this is a huge gamble on risk.— huge gamble on risk. amid that assembly- _ huge gamble on risk. amid that assembly. imagine _ huge gamble on risk. amid that assembly. imagine i _ huge gamble on risk. amid that assembly. imagine i was - huge gamble on risk. amid that l assembly. imagine i was standing here right — assembly. imagine i was standing here right now in this scenario having — here right now in this scenario having made the opposite decision and said _ having made the opposite decision and said a — having made the opposite decision and said a referendum is within the competence of the scottish parliament. i will be standing here i’ilht parliament. i will be standing here right now. — parliament. i will be standing here right now. i— parliament. i will be standing here right now, i would rather be in this position. _ right now, i would rather be in this position, but i'm not to say that i'm position, but i'm not to say that i'm going — position, but i'm not to say that i'm going to introduce legislation for a _ i'm going to introduce legislation for a referendum in october next year~ _ for a referendum in october next year~ what — for a referendum in october next year. what i would be accepting in doing _ year. what i would be accepting in doing that — year. what i would be accepting in doing that is that in order to win independence we would have to win more _ independence we would have to win more than _ independence we would have to win more than 50% of the vote in a referendum and you will be saying to me it's _ referendum and you will be saying to me it's a _ referendum and you will be saying to me it's a risk. democracy is always a risk— me it's a risk. democracy is always a risk if— me it's a risk. democracy is always a risk if you — me it's a risk. democracy is always a risk if you want to look at it like _ a risk if you want to look at it like that— a risk if you want to look at it like that because it depends on persuading people of the point of

view you're putting forward. i happen— view you're putting forward. i happen to have substantial, very substantial and growing confidence in the _ substantial and growing confidence in the case for independence and if we don't _ in the case for independence and if we don't have that confidence, then we don't have that confidence, then we shouldn't put it forward. i do have _ we shouldn't put it forward. i do have the — we shouldn't put it forward. i do have the confidence and i believe the independence movement, of which the independence movement, of which the snp _ the independence movement, of which the snp is _ the independence movement, of which the snp is not the only part, but the snp is not the only part, but the substantial part, shows the confidence but it is a fundamental rule of— confidence but it is a fundamental rule of democracy that you have to win support — rule of democracy that you have to win support for the case you put forward — win support for the case you put forward and i don't fear that at all. forward and i don't fear that at alt 0n— forward and i don't fear that at alt 0n the _ forward and i don't fear that at all. on the contrary, i relish that because — all. on the contrary, i relish that because i— all. on the contrary, i relish that because i made the case for independence and i think it grows more _ independence and i think it grows more powerful and compelling by the day. more powerful and compelling by the day if— more powerful and compelling by the day if i _ more powerful and compelling by the day. if i take two questions from everybody, i am going to try as i hope _ everybody, i am going to try as i hope you — everybody, i am going to try as i hope you will accept, i always due to take _ hope you will accept, i always due to take everybody who wants to ask questions _ to take everybody who wants to ask questions but i'm not going to be able to— questions but i'm not going to be able to do— questions but i'm not going to be able to do that... questions but i'm not going to be able to do that. . .— questions but i'm not going to be able to do that... nicola sturgeon's scotland first _ able to do that... nicola sturgeon's scotland first minister _ able to do that... nicola sturgeon's scotland first minister reacting - able to do that... nicola sturgeon's scotland first minister reacting to l scotland first minister reacting to the news that the high court has unanimously ruled that the scottish parliament does not have the right to legislate for a second independence referendum. she has declared in a news conference that

the next national election, general election will be a de facto referendum while taking questions there. we also had reaction from scotland ministerfor there. we also had reaction from scotland minister for the there. we also had reaction from scotland ministerfor the uk, scotland minister for the uk, alistairjack scotland ministerfor the uk, alistairjack who said that people in scotland won both their governments to be concentrating on attention and resources on the issues that matter most to them. let's show you the prime minister rishi sunak who has left downing street a short time ago heading over to the house of commons before prime minister's questions were no doubt, this issue of the ruling by the supreme court will be discussed. this is the same live in the house of commons as we wait for the prime minister to begin the weekly prime minister's questions. no questions to the prime minister, jonathan gillis. mr speaker, i know members across the house will want

people in stoke—on—trent aren't getting help quickly enough when it comes to mental health. backing the campaign to get mental health nurses into gp surgeries. the pilot scheme developed by the royal college of nursing and helping people to get the support we need, will the prime minister back it? i the support we need, will the prime minister back it?— minister back it? i am pleased to tell him or _ minister back it? i am pleased to tell him or 1250 _ minister back it? i am pleased to tell him or 1250 primary - minister back it? i am pleased to tell him or 1250 primary care - tell him or 1250 primary care networks in england are entitled to recruit up to two mental health practitioners to work in surgeries.

i know it is looking at being expanded and i look forward to working with him to make sure his constituents in stoke get the mental health support and care that we need. . , , ., need. the waiter punishment leader ofthe need. the waiter punishment leader of the opposition _ need. the waiter punishment leader of the opposition keir _ need. the waiter punishment leader of the opposition keir starmer. - of the opposition keir starmer. congratulations to england and wales on their start to the workup, good luck for the rest of the tournament. mr speaker, the world cup does not belong to fifa and does not belong to the host nation, it belongs to everyone who loves football. it is that during this tournament gay football fans are unable to acknowledge who they love and players have been threatened with suspension if they show solidarity with those fans. shame on fifa. britain faces the lowest growth of any oecd nation over the next two years, why?

mr speaker, this country has experienced since 2010 the third highest growth in the g7. this year, the fastest growth in the g7 and unemployment at a multi—decade low. we are getting on to deliver more growth, mr speaker, delivering free ports, investing in apprenticeships, protecting r and d was that if the labour party is serious about actually supporting growth maybe they should get on the phone with they should get on the phone with the union paymasters! mr speaker,... we want to get your prime minister's _ mr speaker,... we want to get your prime minister's questions - mr speaker,... we want to get your prime minister's questions and - mr speaker,... we want to get your prime minister's questions and you | prime minister's questions and you are not— prime minister's questions and you are not helping. this prime minister's questions and you are not helping-—

are not helping. this is total denial, are not helping. this is total denial. we _ are not helping. this is total denial, we are _ are not helping. this is total denial, we are bottom - are not helping. this is total denial, we are bottom of. are not helping. this is total| denial, we are bottom of the are not helping. this is total - denial, we are bottom of the 38 oecd countries who are all in the same boat when it comes to covid and ukraine, he wants a pat on the back, like a football manager bottom of the league at christmas celebrating an away draw three months ago and it will not wash. they do not like the record, that is the problem, let's try it another way, why is britain said to be the first country into recession and last out? —— set to be. i recession and last out? -- set to be. . , . , recession and last out? -- set to be. . , ., , , ., , be. i am pleased he brought up the oecd report. _ be. i am pleased he brought up the oecd report, three _ be. i am pleased he brought up the oecd report, three important- be. i am pleased he brought up the l oecd report, three important points, firstly actually in the years following the pandemic we are projected to have almost the highest growth. it also made the point it was crystal clear that the challenges we face are completely international in nature. and

thirdly, mr speaker, it supported ourfiscal plan thirdly, mr speaker, it supported our fiscal plan because thirdly, mr speaker, it supported ourfiscal plan because it thirdly, mr speaker, it supported our fiscal plan because it is credible and it shows sustainability. the right honourable gentleman would have known all that had he read the full report. he is not interested in substance, he is an opportunist, mr speaker. infour weeks, mr speaker, infourweeks opportunist, mr speaker. infour weeks, mr speaker, in four weeks i have strengthened the economy, put more money into the nhs and schools, we have delivered a deal to tackle illegal migration. in the same four weeks. ~ . illegal migration. in the same four weeks. ~ , , ., weeks. prime minister, when i stand, ou have weeks. prime minister, when i stand, you have to — weeks. prime minister, when i stand, you have to sit _ weeks. prime minister, when i stand, you have to sit down. _ weeks. prime minister, when i stand, you have to sit down. when _ weeks. prime minister, when i stand, you have to sit down. when i - weeks. prime minister, when i stand, you have to sit down. when i say - weeks. prime minister, when i stand, you have to sit down. when i say to i you have to sit down. when i say to you have to sit down. when i say to you you _ you have to sit down. when i say to you you came — you have to sit down. when i say to you you came to me quite rightly and said well— you you came to me quite rightly and

said well we — you you came to me quite rightly and said well we get through —— we will .et said well we get through —— we will get through primaries of questions, i will get through primaries of questions, i will give _ get through primaries of questions, i will give short answer is, let's stick— i will give short answer is, let's stick to— i will give short answer is, let's stick to that. i i will give short answer is, let's stick to that.— stick to that. i notice this, mr speaker. _ stick to that. i notice this, mr speaker. he _ stick to that. i notice this, mr speaker, he will _ stick to that. i notice this, mr speaker, he will not - stick to that. i notice this, mr speaker, he will not say - stick to that. i notice this, mr speaker, he will not say whyl stick to that. i notice this, mr- speaker, he will not say why britain is set to be the first into a recession in the last out. i will. 12 years of tory rain followed by 12 weeks of tory chaos. for a decade they have let our economy drift endlessly before suddenly cutting the parachute ropes and slamming it to the ground. because of the changes he has made, a typical household will end up with tax increases of £1400. they do not want to hear about the tax increases of £1400. contrast that to a super wealthy non—dom living here... i do

wealthy non-dom living here... i do not need wealthy non—dom living here... i do not need shouting or pointing, mr young. _ not need shouting or pointing, mr young. you're meant to be a good example — young. you're meant to be a good example. the other night i do not think— example. the other night i do not think i— example. the other night i do not think i want to hear this. —— you do not think— think i want to hear this. —— you do not think they _ think i want to hear this. —— you do not think they want to hear this, because — not think they want to hear this, because of— not think they want to hear this, because of the changes he has made a typical— because of the changes he has made a typical household will end up paying tax increases of £1400, contrast that to _ tax increases of £1400, contrast that to a — tax increases of £1400, contrast that to a super wealthy non—dom living _ that to a super wealthy non—dom living here — that to a super wealthy non—dom living here but holding their income overseas. _ living here but holding their income overseas, how much more has he asked them to— overseas, how much more has he asked them to pay? _ overseas, how much more has he asked them to pay? side as i said to the prime _ them to pay? side as i said to the prime minister i said to the leader of the _ prime minister i said to the leader of the opposition, i need you both to help _ of the opposition, i need you both to help me — of the opposition, i need you both to help me get through this and think— to help me get through this and think of— to help me get through this and think of other members. come on. mr think of other members. come on. speaker, think of other members. come on. i’i speaker, labour had think of other members. come on. m speaker, labour had 13 years to address the issue and did nothing, nothing. it was the conservative government that took action and

tightened the rain. the problem with his idea, it would end up costing britain money. , not my words, the words of the former labour shadow chancellor. ratherthan chancellor. rather than peddling fairy tales and gesture politics, lets say what we're doing to deliver this country, a record increase in the national living wage, protecting millions from energy bills, protecting the pensioners�* trip that is what we�*re doing for this country. —— triple lock. we would have tens of billions of pounds more. and it wasn�*t a trick question. the answer is as he has not asked non—dom is to pay a penny more. every year he talks about the money, and every year that is £3.6 billion thrown away because he won�*t make them take —— pay their taxes here. how many extra doctors could

britain afford with that money? i�*m britain afford with that money? i'm leased britain afford with that money? i'm pleased that he brought up doctors because last week we delivered record increases in funding for the nhs, notjust more doctors, but more nurses, more scans, more operations. that shows our commitment to prioritising the nhs. not my words, the words of the nhs chief executive.— the words of the nhs chief executive. . , , ., executive. scrapping the non-dom esca -e executive. scrapping the non-dom escape -- — executive. scrapping the non-dom escape -- a _ executive. scrapping the non-dom escape -- a status _ executive. scrapping the non-dom escape -- a status would - executive. scrapping the non-dom escape -- a status would allow- executive. scrapping the non-dom escape -- a status would allow us| executive. scrapping the non-dom l escape -- a status would allow us to escape —— a status would allow us to train 15,000 doctors every year. that is what labour would do. and we can carry on handing out tax breaks to the super—rich or we can live in a society where people don�*t have to go private to get a doctors appointment. it�*s that simple. he also hands shell 19p for every £1 they spend drilling, so they haven�*t paid a penny in windfall tax. you

may have seen this week that somebody shredded £10,000 in protest at those propping up an oil and gas giant. but he shreds £10,000 every other minute propping them up. which does he think is the more absurd? this is the government that has put in place a economic plan that will deliver confidence and stability to our economy. and all i�*ve heard from him today is that there are no answers and no substance because there is no plan. he talks about the nhs and we are delivering record funding for the nhs and we are delivering record funding forthe nhs, nhs and we are delivering record funding for the nhs, but we can only do that on the foundations of a strong economy. you can�*t deliver for the nhs unless you have a plan for the nhs unless you have a plan for the nhs unless you have a plan for the economy, and he does not have either, mr speaker.- for the economy, and he does not have either, mr speaker. every time he 0 ens have either, mr speaker. every time he opens his — have either, mr speaker. every time he opens his mouth _ have either, mr speaker. every time he opens his mouth and _ have either, mr speaker. every time he opens his mouth and other - he opens his mouth and other powerful business boys says he hasn�*t got a plan on growth. the failure of the last 12 years and the

last 12 weeks are compounded by the decision see he is taking now. he won�*t follow labour�*s plan to scrap non—dom status. instead we have an nhs staffing crisis. he won�*t follow the labour plan to make oil and gas giants pay theirfair share. giants pay their fair share. instead, giants pay theirfair share. instead, he hammers and he won�*t push through planning reform. instead he kills off the dream of home ownership. too weak to take on his party, too weak to take on vested interest, 12 long years of tory government, five prime ministers, seven chancellors. why did they always clobber working people? he did they always clobber working eo - le? . «a did they always clobber working --eole? ., ., did they always clobber working n-eole? . . . , , people? he talks about leadership. this summer _ people? he talks about leadership. this summer i _ people? he talks about leadership. this summer i stood _ people? he talks about leadership. this summer i stood on _ people? he talks about leadership. this summer i stood on my - people? he talks about leadership. i this summer i stood on my principles and told the country what they needed to hear. even though it was

difficult. when he ran for leader, he told his party what they wanted to hear. and even now, even now he says one thing and he does the other. he says he cares for working people but he won�*t stand up to the unions. he said he would honour brexit but he tried to have a second referendum. and now he tries to talk tough about immigration, but he promised to defend free movement. you can trust him to deliver for his party, you can trust me to deliver for the country. thank you. as we debate how to best help our constituents with their energy costs, 10 million people in ukraine are without power due to rush out�*s barbaric strikes on the

country�*s energy infrastructure. so can my right honourable friend set out what support we will be providing to our ukrainian allies to help them repair the damage and keep their citizens warm this winter? i�*m their citizens warm this winter? i'm leased their citizens warm this winter? i'm pleased to tell my honourable friend that i spent time discussing this with president zelensky at the weekend and talking to ukrainian families about the impact these awful strikes are having on them and i know the whole house will be proud to know we are providing millions of pounds of immediate support with generators, shelter and water repairs on top of the 570 mobile power generators we are donating to power generators we are donating to power facilities across ukraine. power generators we are donating to powerfacilities across ukraine. we are also working with the government to prepare —— repair critical infrastructure with eight projects identified by uk export finance to be delivered in the near future. thank you, and i�*m sure the whole house will want tojoin thank you, and i�*m sure the whole house will want to join me in welcoming the moderator of the church of scotland to proceedings this afternoon and to thank him for

his sermon at saint margaret this morning. this morning the supreme court clarified a point of law that the very point of democracy in this union is now at stake. and democracy will not be denied. because whether westminster likes it or not, last year, the people of scotland voted for a scottish parliament with a majority and the mandate to deliver an independence referendum. the prime minister has every right to oppose independence. he has no right to deny democracy to the people of scotland. if the pa —— prime minister keeps blocking that referendum, will he be honest and confirm that the very idea that the uk is a voluntary union of nations is now dead and buried. let uk is a voluntary union of nations is now dead and buried.— uk is a voluntary union of nations is now dead and buried. let me start b sa inc is now dead and buried. let me start by saying we — is now dead and buried. let me start by saying we respect _ is now dead and buried. let me start by saying we respect the _ is now dead and buried. let me start by saying we respect the clear - is now dead and buried. let me start by saying we respect the clear and i

by saying we respect the clear and definitive ruling from the supreme court of the uk, and i would say to the honourable gentleman, and firstly i am looking forward to seeing the moderator of scotland tomorrow, and i think the people of scotland want us to be working on fixing the major challenges we collectively face, whether that is the economy, supporting the nhs or indeed supporting ukraine. now is the time for politicians to work together, and that is what this government will do. mr speaker, it is right to respect the decision of the court. the prime minister cannot claim to respect the rule of law and then deny democracy in the same breath. if democracy is to matter, if elections matter, than mandates matter. sensitive thousand 14, the scottish national party has won eight elections in a row. last year we won a landslide. the

scottish parliament has the biggest majority for an independence referendum in the history of devolution. the prime minister doesn�*t even have a personal mandate to sit at number 10 downing street. what right does a man with no mandate had to deny scottish democracy?— mandate had to deny scottish democracy? mandate had to deny scottish democra ? ~ , ., , democracy? when it comes to scottish democra , democracy? when it comes to scottish democracy. i — democracy? when it comes to scottish democracy. i am _ democracy? when it comes to scottish democracy, i am pleased _ democracy? when it comes to scottish democracy, i am pleased the - democracy? when it comes to scottish democracy, i am pleased the scottish l democracy, i am pleased the scottish government has one of the most powerful, devolved assemblies anywhere in the world. i am pleased that micro i was pleased very shortly after becoming prime minister to be the first prime minister to be the first prime minister in over a decade to attend the council, sit down with the first minister can explore ways in which we can work together with the scottish government to deliver for the people of scotland, whether growth deals, free ports of ensuring the £1.5 billion of extra barnet money can go toward supporting extra public services. that is what we are

committed to doing in scotland. last month, committed to doing in scotland. last month. just — committed to doing in scotland. lsg3t month, just stop oil clambered up the dartford crossing, causing chaos for days. they attacked artworks, the m25 and anything else to cause memory and —— misery and mayhem. they are not protesters, they are criminals. will the prime minister therefore consider making just stop oil a proscribed organisation, so they can be treated as the criminal organisation they actually are? mr speaker, the kind of demonstrations we have seen recently disrupting daily lives and causing mass misery for the public. they are putting people in danger. the people have a full support in efforts to minimise this disruption and tackle reckless and illegal activity. the public order bill will give them the powers

they need and i look forward to receiving support from every part of the house. ., , .., , , the house. one of my constituents has contacted _ the house. one of my constituents has contacted me _ the house. one of my constituents has contacted me in _ the house. one of my constituents has contacted me in floods - the house. one of my constituents has contacted me in floods of - the house. one of my constituents| has contacted me in floods of tears. her mortgage payments have risen by £500 a month. she and her husband were already struggling with high energy bills, and high feed bills. like one in four across the country they feel losing their home. we are out of options and heartbroken, says vanessa. laterthe out of options and heartbroken, says vanessa. later the prime minister introduced a new mortgage protection fund, paid for by reversing tax cuts to the banks? will he help vanessa keep her home? mr to the banks? will he help vanessa keep her home?— keep her home? mr speaker, i am deel keep her home? mr speaker, i am deeply sorry _ keep her home? mr speaker, i am deeply sorry to _ keep her home? mr speaker, i am deeply sorry to hear _ keep her home? mr speaker, i am deeply sorry to hear about - keep her home? mr speaker, i am deeply sorry to hear about nasa'sl deeply sorry to hear about nasa�*s circumstances. i want her to hear the plan announced last week will help families like hers up and down the country because it is the right

plan to tackle inflation, limit increases in mortgage rates and ensure confidence in the economy. there is help for those on benefits covering mortgages up to 250,000. the chancellor is meeting with mortgage lenders in the coming weeks and will continue to do all we can to help those homeowners struggling with payments. i to help those homeowners struggling with payments-— with payments. i recently took part in the pitching _ with payments. i recently took part in the pitching in _ with payments. i recently took part in the pitching in campaign - with payments. i recently took part in the pitching in campaign to - in the pitching in campaign to promote grass roots sports and support volunteers making it possible every week. with the prime ministerjoined me in thanking those volunteers for the work they do? with that taking a break at the moment for the world cup, would he join me and remind people that it is a great chance to support non—league football teams, who are incredibly welcoming? including those in my

constituency. i welcoming? including those in my constituency-— welcoming? including those in my constituency. i am happy to 'oin my honourable — constituency. i am happy to 'oin my honourable friend i constituency. i am happy to 'oin my honourable friend and h constituency. i am happy to join my honourable friend and praising - constituency. i am happy to join my honourable friend and praising all l honourable friend and praising all his local teams. he makes an excellent point that volunteers have a vital role to play in community sport and the delivery of major events. ijoin him in thanking them for everything baited. sport accounts for over half of volunteering in the everyone volunteering in the everyone volunteer generates capacity for more people to participate in sport. the whole house willjoin me in praising that effort. the whole house will 'oin me in praising that effort._ praising that effort. thank you. good afternoon. _ praising that effort. thank you. good afternoon. since - praising that effort. thank you. good afternoon. since 2014, i praising that effort. thank you. | good afternoon. since 2014, the praising that effort. thank you. - good afternoon. since 2014, the snp has won— good afternoon. since 2014, the snp has won eight elections. we have more _ has won eight elections. we have more councillors, members of the scottish— more councillors, members of the scottish parliament and more mps in this place _ scottish parliament and more mps in this place than any other political party _ this place than any other political party. every one of those members were _ party. every one of those members were elected on a manifest in a clear— were elected on a manifest in a clear mandate for scottish independence. what democratic right

does this— independence. what democratic right does this government had to deny scottish— does this government had to deny scottish democracy, refuse an independence referendum and keep us shackled _ independence referendum and keep us shackled and imprisoned in this union _ shackled and imprisoned in this union against the will of the scottish— union against the will of the scottish people? mr union against the will of the scottish people? union against the will of the scottish --eole? ~ ., ., scottish people? mr speaker, again, we resect scottish people? mr speaker, again, we respect the _ scottish people? mr speaker, again, we respect the decision _ scottish people? mr speaker, again, we respect the decision of— scottish people? mr speaker, again, we respect the decision of the - scottish people? mr speaker, again, we respect the decision of the courtl we respect the decision of the court today with regards to the referendum. we are getting on with the business of working constructively and collaboratively in partnership with the scottish government. we are investing over £100 million to make use of his region�*s strong, industrial heritage and making more use of renewable energy. that is a kind of positive project we should be focusing on. the prime minister has rightly promised to appoint a successor to lord guide. will he baffle commit to introducing additional measures in

the new five point integrity plan on things like lobbying and conflicts of interest to show he will walk the talk and put party integrity and government integrity at the heart of our democracy? i government integrity at the heart of our democracy?— government integrity at the heart of our democracy? i thank my honourable friend for his — our democracy? i thank my honourable friend for his comprehensive _ our democracy? i thank my honourable friend for his comprehensive and - friend for his comprehensive and thoughtful suggestions. friend for his comprehensive and thoughtfulsuggestions. he friend for his comprehensive and thoughtful suggestions. he knows i have committed to appointing an independent adviser on ministerial interests and look forward to studying his other proposals in proper time. studying his other proposals in propertime. just studying his other proposals in proper time-— studying his other proposals in proper time. studying his other proposals in --roertime. , ., , ., ., proper time. just three months ago, this appointed _ proper time. just three months ago, this appointed interim _ proper time. just three months ago, this appointed interim prime - this appointed interim prime minister said in scotland, we live in a union, which is thereby consent and democracy. he added, i accept that. by consent and democracy, the scottish people have already voted by a clear majority in the scottish parliament to have their say through a referendum on and independent

future. then. it begs the ultimate question, can mess prime minister tallis if he accepts scottish democracy and if so how it is compatible with the supreme court ruling that exposes the myth uk is a voluntary union and is upheld by consent? mr voluntary union and is upheld by consent? ~ ,,, ., ,, voluntary union and is upheld by consent? ~ .«i ., voluntary union and is upheld by consent? ~ ., ., ~ consent? mr speaker, at a time like this the scottish _ consent? mr speaker, at a time like this the scottish people _ consent? mr speaker, at a time like this the scottish people want - consent? mr speaker, at a time like this the scottish people want to - consent? mr speaker, at a time like this the scottish people want to see| this the scottish people want to see that governments working together, working together on things that matter to them. i believe that is possible. in his own constituency we have been able to support culture and tourism, working together to bring that the and at dundee. it demonstrates the benefits of the union and that is what will keep on delivering upon. mr; union and that is what will keep on delivering upon.— union and that is what will keep on delivering upon. my right honourable friend will be aware _ friend will be aware that the government provides a slim financial support across five firms for

modular reactors. a few other countries have woken up to this. sizewell will not be up and running for a long while, should we not be doing more? mr; for a long while, should we not be doing more?— for a long while, should we not be doing more? my colleague makes a aood doing more? my colleague makes a good point- — doing more? my colleague makes a good point- we _ doing more? my colleague makes a good point. we want _ doing more? my colleague makes a good point. we want to _ doing more? my colleague makes a good point. we want to crack - doing more? my colleague makes a good point. we want to crack on - doing more? my colleague makes a l good point. we want to crack on with our overall nuclear programme. he is right to acknowledge that small and advanced nuclear reactors have the ability to play a key role in the nuclear projects alongside hinckley and sizewell. that is why we have allocated millions of pounds to support them. i am keen to see progress as thin as possible. during the 2014 referendum, _ progress as thin as possible. during the 2014 referendum, we _ progress as thin as possible. during the 2014 referendum, we were - progress as thin as possible. during the 2014 referendum, we were told| the 2014 referendum, we were told scotland was an equal partner in a family of nations. the disaster that is brexit was. on scotland against our well and we see devolution wound

back by legislation such as the internal market act. if the prime minister still claims the uk is a voluntary union, can he explain the democratic route by which people are some and get to make a choice over their future? some and get to make a choice over theirfuture? the some and get to make a choice over their future?— their future? the uk is a collaborative _ their future? the uk is a collaborative and - their future? the uk is a - collaborative and constructive their future? the uk is a _ collaborative and constructive union delivering for the people in scotland. in asher itself, where we work in collaboration with the scottish government to invest in airspace, those other types of activities to bring tangible benefit to people in her region. that is the right focus the government.- right focus the government. thank ou, mr right focus the government. thank you. mr speaker- _ right focus the government. thank you, mr speaker. as _ right focus the government. thank you, mr speaker. as a _ right focus the government. thank you, mr speaker. as a north - you, mr speaker. as a north yorkshire mp, my right honourable friend will know how crucial bus services are to our communities. last month, areva stopped the only bus between selby and doncaster,

meaning 40 selby college students had to find a very short notice alternative transport to get to college. the college itself stepped in to sort the situation. other bus services are under threat. what action would he take to ensure essential services are not withdrawn at short notice and ensure these continue to be operated across selby district and wider north yorkshire? my district and wider north yorkshire? my right honourable friend is right. i share the same challenges in making sure our constituents have access to bus services they need. i am pleased the chancellor has allocated funding. i look forward to working with him to ensure that money finds its way to rural areas to provide connectivity that is so important for people to have opportunity and get access to public services. mr

opportunity and get access to public services. ~ ,,, ., ,, opportunity and get access to public services. ~ .«i ., ., ., opportunity and get access to public services. ~ ., ., ., ., services. mr speaker, tomorrow marks one ear services. mr speaker, tomorrow marks one year since — services. mr speaker, tomorrow marks one year since 32 _ services. mr speaker, tomorrow marks one year since 32 people _ services. mr speaker, tomorrow marks one year since 32 people lost - services. mr speaker, tomorrow marks one year since 32 people lost their - one year since 32 people lost their lives in the channel. new evidence suggests that vote reached british waters and the french and british authorities knew it was in distress for a very long time. families are still waiting for answers from the marine accident investigation. why has this investigation taken so long? will he commit to a full public inquiry afterwards? does he concede this would not happen if there were safe and legal routes into the uk?— there were safe and legal routes into the uk? every life that is lost into the uk? every life that is lost in the channel _ into the uk? every life that is lost in the channel is _ into the uk? every life that is lost in the channel is a _ into the uk? every life that is lost in the channel is a tragedy. - into the uk? every life that is lost in the channel is a tragedy. that l into the uk? every life that is lost| in the channel is a tragedy. that is why it is so vital to break the cycle of criminal gangs exploiting people and trafficking them. that is what the home secretary is focusing on. this is a place where people can seek refuge and sanctuary but we must be able to do that in a

sustainable way. that is why it is right to tackle illegal migration. rising energy bills are a challenge for us all. constituents in sleaford and north high can are gratefulfor the support. the temperatures falling below freezing in lincolnshire, those living in park homes are particularly concerned about when they will receive support. can you tell me when and how people in park homes will receive the money they are entitled to? mi; receive the money they are entitled to? ~ , receive the money they are entitled to? y ., ., ., , receive the money they are entitled to? y ., ., to? my right honourable friend has consistently _ to? my right honourable friend has consistently challenged _ to? my right honourable friend has consistently challenged this. - to? my right honourable friend has consistently challenged this. i - to? my right honourable friend has consistently challenged this. i will| consistently challenged this. i will ensure we get the money out as quickly as possible. she should be reassured that cold weather payments system provides extra financial support to vulnerable constituents when temperatures drop below a certain point. did scotland doubtful

brexit? no. did scotland vote for austerity? no. did scotland vote for tories? no. do not shout me down. what we did vote for only last year was the right to choose our own future. with that in mind and given a non—answerfrom future. with that in mind and given a non—answer from the future. with that in mind and given a non—answerfrom the prime minister, can the prime minister all in fact how a nation can leave a so—called voluntary union? mr so-called voluntary union? mr speaker. _ so—called voluntary union? m speaker, the challenges we face right now are those that require cooperation between our governments. tackling the economy, supporting the nhs. i am tackling the economy, supporting the nhs. iam pleased tackling the economy, supporting the nhs. i am pleased that last week�*s autumn statement means the scottish cup and will receive £1.5 billion in extra funding to deliver full public services in scotland. that is what we are continually doing. scotland is a roud we are continually doing. scotland

is a proud nation _ we are continually doing. scotland is a proud nation with _ we are continually doing. scotland is a proud nation with a _ we are continually doing. scotland is a proud nation with a unique - is a proud nation with a unique heritage. it is a valued member of ourfamily of nations. heritage. it is a valued member of our family of nations. a heritage. it is a valued member of ourfamily of nations. a union of people bound through the generations by a shared interest. does my right honourable friend agree with me that this morning�*s supreme court decision is scottish nationalists, the snp, the opportunity for once to put the people of scotland first? and end its obsession with i think my right honourable friend put it very well. the i think my right honourable friend put it very well-— i think my right honourable friend put it very well. the prime minister will answer — put it very well. the prime minister will answer back _ put it very well. the prime minister will answer back that _ put it very well. the prime minister will answer back that it _ put it very well. the prime minister will answer back that it is _ put it very well. the prime minister will answer back that it is obvious l will answer back that it is obvious the route to scottish independence will be election. inequality cost

and in france in the middle earners earn 20% more and lower earners are 20% more, and that is why i�*m for independence, to choose a better path. but in the meantime in my constituency there are more off grid for your customers and a higher rate of fuel poverty than in northern ireland, so will the pm do the right thing and extend the £200 payment to northern ireland to the off grid customers in my geographically distinct constituency, the hebrides, on the basis of fairness? yes or no? last week�*s autumn statement announced £55 billion to support families and businesses across the uk with their energy bills and the chancellor paid particular attention to those of grid in rural areas by doubling the support to £200 for them and that will help many people in his constituency and across the uk. ~ in his constituency and across the uk. . ., in his constituency and across the uk. ~ ., . , ., , ~ uk. we are celebrating this weekend

what we consider _ uk. we are celebrating this weekend what we consider to _ uk. we are celebrating this weekend what we consider to be _ uk. we are celebrating this weekend what we consider to be one - uk. we are celebrating this weekend what we consider to be one of - uk. we are celebrating this weekend what we consider to be one of the i what we consider to be one of the best days of the year, which is lancashire day. and i thank him for hosting the event in parliament, so will the prime minister although he represents a yorkshire constituency join me in welcoming our lancastrian local leaders business leaders to parliament today and supporting celebrating a proud history and bright future by committing to levelling up what we consider to be the best county. mar; levelling up what we consider to be the best county.— the best county. may i offer my best wishes to my honourable _ wishes to my honourable friend and indeed to you, mr speaker for lancashire day and i can put local rivalry aside on this occasion to join her in thanking lancastrians for her contribution to our country and to wish her the best for today�*s event. and to wish her the best for today's event. ~ . ., ., ., event. what we have heard from the prime minister _ event. what we have heard from the prime minister today _ event. what we have heard from the prime minister today is, _ event. what we have heard from the prime minister today is, in _ event. what we have heard from the prime minister today is, in essence, | prime minister today is, in essence, that no matter how scotland votes, westminster will decide. but

democracy demands differently to that. it was said, what if there other voice we know so well says, we say no and we are the state? well, we say yes, and we are the people. and it is the people in scotland who have to be heard. this place cannot stand in the way of democracy. and if this prime minister, with no mandate, thinks it can, is he seriously telling us that this is a voluntary union of equals? well, we are focused — voluntary union of equals? well, we are focused not _ voluntary union of equals? well, we are focused not on _ voluntary union of equals? well, we are focused not on the _ voluntary union of equals? well, we are focused not on the snp - voluntary union of equals? well, we are focused not on the snp but i voluntary union of equals? well, we are focused not on the snp but the l are focused not on the snp but the people of scotland. that is who we are delivering for. i�*m happy to meet with the first minister, as i continue to do, to deliver for them, whether in her own constituency with a great deal, moving civil service jobs to scotland, delivering free ports or extra funding for public services, this is a government that will deliver for the people of

scotland and we will do it constructively and collaboratively. they published a special report on answers— they published a special report on answers given by the right honourable member for mid bedfordshire. she was secretary of state _ bedfordshire. she was secretary of state the _ bedfordshire. she was secretary of state the honorourable member for perthshire subsequently wrote to me asking _ perthshire subsequently wrote to me asking for— perthshire subsequently wrote to me asking for precedence for a complaint of a breach of privilege. as was _ complaint of a breach of privilege. as was is — complaint of a breach of privilege. as was is right. i declined to do so since _ as was is right. i declined to do so since the — as was is right. i declined to do so since the bar— as was is right. i declined to do so since the bar for such complaints is high. _ since the bar for such complaints is high. the _ since the bar for such complaints is high. the house took action when essential— high. the house took action when essential in — high. the house took action when essential in order to provide reasonable protection for the house, its members or officers from improper— its members or officers from improper obstruction. i note the committee itself of which the honourable gentle is a member of. as

her claims _ honourable gentle is a member of. as her claims have not been inhibited, the work— her claims have not been inhibited, the work of— her claims have not been inhibited, the work of the committee, and she is no _ the work of the committee, and she is no longer— the work of the committee, and she is no longer any position of power, we are _ is no longer any position of power, we are instead publishing this report— we are instead publishing this report to _ we are instead publishing this report to enable the house and its members — report to enable the house and its members to draw its conclusion. i considered — members to draw its conclusion. i considered it appropriate to respect the committee's assessment of the situation. _ the committee's assessment of the situation. correspondence on matters of privilege _ situation. correspondence on matters of privilege is private. indeed, i had to— of privilege is private. indeed, i had to go— of privilege is private. indeed, i had to go to great lengths to ensure members _ had to go to great lengths to ensure members can write to me in confidence on any matter, knowing the commission will remain private. i the commission will remain private. i expect— the commission will remain private. i expect the — the commission will remain private. i expect the same courtesy in my repiies. — i expect the same courtesy in my replies. the honorourable member has seen fit _ replies. the honorourable member has seen fit to— replies. the honorourable member has seen fit to give a partial and biased — seen fit to give a partial and biased account of my letter on twitter— biased account of my letter on twitter and i await his apology. i gave _ twitter and i await his apology. i gave him — twitter and i await his apology. i gave him notice that i will be raising — gave him notice that i will be raising this matter at this time but i do raising this matter at this time but i do stress — raising this matter at this time but i do stress that it is not the way

we should — i do stress that it is not the way we should be doing business in this house _ we should be doing business in this house hir— we should be doing business in this house. ~ ,,, ., ,, .,, we should be doing business in this house. ~ .«i ., , house. mr speaker, as you have 'ust exlained, house. mr speaker, as you have 'ust explained. the — house. mr speaker, as you have 'ust explained, the committee i house. mr speaker, as you have 'ust explained, the committee on i house. mr speaker, as you havejust explained, the committee on which i j explained, the committee on which i sit published a unanimous report about the testimony of the right honourable member and the testimony she gave to the committee and there are now considerable public interest in what should happen next. i want to put on record, mr speaker, that i deplore social media pylons against you or anyone else. i have been on the receiving end of them and they are exceedingly unpleasant, but could i ask for guidance on what i and other members should tell their constituents about integrity in politics in this context? if someone misleads a committee, what should happen next? flan misleads a committee, what should happen next?— happen next? can i 'ust say, inteuri happen next? can i 'ust say, integrity is. h happen next? can i 'ust say, integrity is, first i happen next? can i 'ust say, integrity is, first ofi happen next? can ijust say, integrity is, first of all, i happen next? can ijust say, integrity is, first of all, only |

integrity is, first of all, only half— integrity is, first of all, only half the _ integrity is, first of all, only half the letter is not integrity, far from — half the letter is not integrity, far from it. half the letter is not integrity, farfrom it. it half the letter is not integrity, far from it. it must lead the people of this— far from it. it must lead the people of this country, it certainly put me in a bad _ of this country, it certainly put me in a bad light with the people of this country and i don't expect that to happen — this country and i don't expect that to happen as an impartial speaker so if that— to happen as an impartial speaker so if that was— to happen as an impartial speaker so if that was an apology, i don't think— if that was an apology, i don't think it — if that was an apology, i don't think it was very good. in following on from that. _ think it was very good. in following on from that, honorourable - think it was very good. in following i on from that, honorourable members of this house have certain strict duties on them. first, there is a duty of upholding the institutions of this house. clearly, in breaching the confidentiality of the speaker�*s private correspondence, the member of south pressure has broken, knowingly broken that rule and frankly for that, if that was an apology, that was not sufficient for that alone. but we also have a duty to tell the truth. now, he criticised you for not referring to

the committee but you were simply following the conventions of agreeing with a select committee, of which he is a member. when it they decided not to refer, there was no minority report from him, there was not even a boat against from him. it was a unanimous about, so what he was a unanimous about, so what he was trying to do, mr speaker, was to blame you by his partial release of his letter and he was leading the public to believe that somehow, you made this decision against the wishes of the committee. the rules of this house do not allow me to assert whether i view the misleading of the public as deliberate so the house can make its ownjudgment on that. but this miserable half apology was completely inadequate for the breach of this measure. i am ttoin to for the breach of this measure. i am going to leave _ for the breach of this measure. i am going to leave it _ for the breach of this measure. i am going to leave it there _ for the breach of this measure. i am going to leave it there for today and i— going to leave it there for today and i hope he will consider what he has put _ and i hope he will consider what he has put out — and i hope he will consider what he has put out. now i come to the urgent — has put out. now i come to the urgent question. i

we were waiting for an urgent question from ian blackford in westminster. he raised this issue following the breaking news this morning the briton was mccoy scored has rejected a bid from the devolved scottish government in edinburgh to hold a new referendum on independence without london�*s consent. he did bring this up as did several other scottish mps. i think we can hear from several other scottish mps. i think we can hearfrom ian blackford now with this question. the supreme court on the rights of the scottish parliament to call for an independence referendum. iam i am grateful for the opportunity to address the house on the issue of the competence of the scottish

parliament to legislate for a referendum on independence. the uk supreme court has today determined that it supreme court has today determined thatitis supreme court has today determined that it is outside the powers of the scottish parliament to hold on independence referendum. i respect the court�*s clear and definitive ruling on this matter. the scottish government�*s lord advocate referred to this question to the supreme court which today has given its judgment in the uk government�*s position has always been clear that it would be outside the scottish parliament was my competence to legislate for a referendum on independence because it is a matter wholly reserved to the uk parliament. we welcome the court�*s unanimous and unequivocal ruling which supports the uk�*s government�*s long—standing position on this matter. people want to see the scottish parliament and the scottish government focus on issues that matter to them, not unconstitutional division. people across scotland rightly want and expect to see both governments and the uk and the

scottish government, work together with the relentless focus on the issues that matter to them, their families and their communities. the prime minister has been very clear and has demonstrated since day one thatis and has demonstrated since day one that is our duty to work constructively with the scottish government. we respect the devolution settlement and we want to work together with the scottish government on vital areas like tackling the cost of living, growing our economy and leading the international response to russia�*s illegal war on ukraine. at this time of unprecedented challenges, the benefits are being passed to the uk have never been more apparent. mr speaker, the united kingdom government is providing the scottish government with a record block grant settlement of £41 billion a year over the next three years. the people in scotland are benefiting from unprecedented cost of living support announced by this prime minister and our chancellor. it is an important now that we move on from constitutional issues to focus on tackling our shared challenges. i

therefore welcome the supreme court�*s judgment unlike all the scottish government to set aside these divisive constitutional issues so we can work together, focusing all of our attention and resources on the key issues that matter to the people of scotland. mr speaker, the uk government is proud of its role as the custodian of the devolution settlement. the uk is one of the most successful logical and economic unions in the world. by promoting and protecting its combined strengths, we are building on hundreds of years of partnership and shared history and mr speaker, i will conclude by saying that when we were together, as one united kingdom, we are safer, stronger and more prosperous. thank you for granting this urgent question. it is right that the uk government answers questions today and answers them quickly because this morning, the supreme court dealt with the question of law. it

is now a massive question of democracy. some of the westminster parties are already widely celebrating the decision but i think it is safe to say that their thoughtless triumphalism will not last very long. this judgment raises profound and deeply uncomfortable questions about the basis of the future of the united kingdom. the biggest question of all is how the prime minister can ever again repeat that myth that united kingdom is a voluntary union of nations. in 2014, the smith commission made it clear, nothing in its report prevented scotland becoming independent country should the people of scotland so choose. if that is true, if his government is still committed to that promise, will he urgently amend the scotland act to ensure the scottish people have the right to choose our own future? if he fails

to do that, is he deliberately choosing to deny democracy? because a so—called partnership in which one partner is denied the right to choose a different future, or even itself to ask the question, and not be described in anyway as a voluntary, or even a partnership at all. mr speaker, what today�*s decision does is cast focus on the democratic decisions of the scottish people. since 2014, the snp has won eight elections on their own. we have secured multiple mandates. the question is, how many times to the people have to boat for a referendum before they get it? the more contempt the westminster establishment feels for scottish democracy, the more certain it is that scotland will though it yes when the choice does come to be made. because scotland did not put

for brexit, we did not boat for a new age of tory austerity, we didn�*t boat with this prime minister and we have not voted for the tories in scotland since 1955. what we did boat for what is the choice of a different future. if westminster keeps blocking our democratic decisions, lawfully and democratically, scotland will find a way out of this union. i would raise a couple of points with the honourable gentleman. this idea that there was a delivered in 2021 in 2021 in the holyrood elections is misleading. as the first minister said in an interview in the herald, and this is when she thought the former first minister, their previous leader alex salmond was gaming the system with his party alba, she said parties would stand

on both the list and first past the post constituency system and the greens did not fulfil that and neither did alba so in the 2022 holyrood elections the so—called monday, less than one third of the scottish electorate voted for the snp. ,, ., ., ,, . ., , ., ,, ., ., snp. shadow secretary of state for scotland ian _ snp. shadow secretary of state for scotland ian blackford. _ snp. shadow secretary of state for scotland ian blackford. can - snp. shadow secretary of state for scotland ian blackford. can i- snp. shadow secretary of state for scotland ian blackford. can i begin| scotland ian blackford. can i begin by thanking _ scotland ian blackford. can i begin by thanking the — scotland ian blackford. can i begin by thanking the supreme - scotland ian blackford. can i begin by thanking the supreme court i scotland ian blackford. can i begin by thanking the supreme court for| by thanking the supreme court for examining this case, for reaching their decision in a speedy manner. i also want to thank the lord advocate for referring this case. she was right not to allow it to be lodged in the scottish parliament before seeking clarity on this matter and we are all in a better place for that clarity. the supreme court ruling is clear and concise. the leader of the snp just accuse dowse of being against independence of triumphalism but nothing could be further than the truth. we are

disappointed and angry that politics in scotland is paralysed by this constitutional grievance. it is time for all of us in scottish politics to focus on the problems facing our country, from marketing bills to the crisis in the nhs and i wish they had such passion for that although i fear that will not happen after the first minister and in she will turn the next election into a de facto referendum. the nhs purse has been made such a mess under the snp that earlier they discussed plans to privatise it. there was not a majority in scotland for a referendum offering independence but there is a majority for the status quo, there is a majority across the uk for change. this failing tory government is unfit to govern this country. they have crashed the economy and are as big a trip to the union as any nationalist. people across the uk are sick of watching

their incompetence, or national standing falling and working people paying for their decisions but change is coming with a uk labour government that will bring economic growth, rising living standards and restore our nation�*s place in the world. so does the secretary of state agree with make that change is indeed coming in scottish voters will lead the weight by kicking his government would have office and helping to elect a uk labour government?— helping to elect a uk labour government? helping to elect a uk labour tovernment? ., ., �* ., government? no, i don't agree with his last point- _ government? no, i don't agree with his last point. might _ government? no, i don't agree with his last point. might people - government? no, i don't agree with his last point. might people will i his last point. might people will not be celebrating _ his last point. might people will not be celebrating this - his last point. might people will not be celebrating this outcome his last point. might people will i not be celebrating this outcome but they will be deeply relieved that they will be deeply relieved that they will be deeply relieved that they will not be facing a hugely divisive independence referendum next october with all the other issues that they face. in my

constituency people cannot access an nhs dentist or a gp, they can hardly get an ambulance to come out and our local hospital was overwhelmed two weeks ago. on that basis does my right honourable friend agree that this is the time to move on and focus on the issues that really matter to our constituents in scotland? mt; matter to our constituents in scotland?— matter to our constituents in scotland? y ., ., ., , scotland? my right honourable friend is ritht scotland? my right honourable friend is ri t ht and scotland? my right honourable friend is right and i— scotland? my right honourable friend is right and i know _ scotland? my right honourable friend is right and i know he _ scotland? my right honourable friend is right and i know he has _ scotland? my right honourable friend is right and i know he has put - scotland? my right honourable friend is right and i know he has put in i scotland? my right honourable friend is right and i know he has put in a i is right and i know he has put in a lot of work on this subject in the past. the scottish government must focus on people�*s priorities. public services in scotland are falling behind in many areas and it�*s important we stop the constitutional wrangling and focus on people�*s priorities. wrangling and focus on people's triorities. ., , priorities. the scottish government will not be allowed _ priorities. the scottish government will not be allowed to _ priorities. the scottish government will not be allowed to hold - priorities. the scottish government will not be allowed to hold another| will not be allowed to hold another independence referendum without the

permission of westminster. he said the matter is wholly reserved for the matter is wholly reserved for the uk government. they welcome this decision and said that people want to see the scottish government focus on issues that matter to them and they must respect the devolution settlement. plenty more reaction to that throughout the day here on bbc news. as have a look at today�*s on the top stories. at least seven people have been killed in the attack in virginia. it isa it is a second mass shooting in the country in four days. in virginia, the painful search for answers is already under way. police have confirmed multiple fatalities and injuries following a shooting at a walmart store, an employee thought to be the attacker who shot at colleagues before taking their own life. in a tweet, the firm wrote...

the incident happened in the city of chesapeake, a community that prides itself for its natural surroundings and wildlife, home to 250,000 people close to the atlantic coast. reacting on twitter, virginia state senator louisa lucas said she was... in a briefing to reporters, local law enforcement said the first call to police had been received at 10pm local time with teams responding to an active shooter situation. so we go inside, long story short, in the course of the next 30, 45 minutes, we are able to find multiple fatalities and multiple injured parties. with the chesapeake fire department we had rescue and tactical teams together to go inside to provide life—saving measures rapidly and quickly and then through the course of the investigation, we believe it was a single shooter and we believe that shooter

is deceased at this time. the shooting comes days after a gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in colorado, killing five and wounding 17 and in a year when the country was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in uvalde, texas. gareth barlow, bbc news. in recent months we have been reporting on the drought in somalia. the growing numbers of children are dying with hundreds of thousands of people displaced and facing famine. the ongoing war between the somali government and the militant group has made the situation much worse. the bbc has gained a rare and exclusive access to the somali army�*s elite special forces unit which has spearheaded the campaign. the soldiers are trained by the united states. our africa correspondent andrew harding joined them in central somalia.

let�*s go, let�*s go, let�*s go. these are somalia�*s most battle—hardened troops, setting out before sunrise into a vast and furiously contested wilderness. all eyes alert for ambushes. this special forces unit, trained and funded by america, has spent years trying to crush an islamist insurgency. and suddenly, in the midst of a terrible drought, they�*re making progress. we arrive in the ruins of a small town. a recent battle here saw the formidable militant group al—shabab driven out. we managed to kill 60 al—shabaab fighters. but right before we reach here, they fled the town and right before they left, they have burned down everything. they destroyed the shops, the houses, the water wells. like the people right now do not even have clean water to drink. this was your shop, was it?

it was. but what�*s changed here is the mood. no longer of despair, but of determination. a popular uprising is under way. locals telling us somalia�*s drought has left them with no option but to help defeat the hated militants. in the last month or so, these troops have captured vast amounts of territory here in the centre of somalia, liberating dozens of villages. but the question, and it�*s always the question here in somalia, is how long can they hold on to the territory or will the militants of al—shabab simply melt away into the countryside and then return? al—shabab have hit back hard with a string of devastating bomb attacks, like this one in the capital, mogadishu. but listen to this politician, who survived five attacks by the militants. you see, i am. when they were taking me.

so this is you on a stretcher? yeah, yeah, yeah. he now believes the momentum has shifted. do you think this could be a turning point then against al—shabab? sure, this is a turning point. i believe that if the government gets advantage of this opportunity, i think it will be the time that al—shabab will be defeated. that confidence is spreading fast. people in newly—liberated areas no longer ruled by fear. can you put your hand up if you are glad that al—shabab has been driven out of your village? that was quite remarkable to see a village like this with people finally ready to say, "we�*re glad to see the back of al—shabab," because they�*ve terrorised villages across this region for so long, people have been too afraid to speak out until now, it seems. will it last? somalia still faces huge challenges.

millions here are living on the brink of famine. but if the war ends, then real progress could follow. andrew harding, bbc news, central somalia. it's it�*s time for a look at the weather. you will find the ring will dry up with sunshine behind and then this enhancing the showers and the heavy and persistent rain pushing northwards into northern scotland. another feature of serie�*s whether it is the blustery wind with the potential for gusts to gale force to the irish sea and english channel coasts and also across the northern isles. now, inland, the kind of gusts we are looking at are in the low 20s but coastal gusts obviously much higher. and we are blowing in a lot

of showers, especially in the west but some of them making it over towards the east. temperatures today eight degrees in the north to about 13 degrees as we push down towards the south. heading on into the evening and overnight period, the rain continues to push northwards across scotland into the northern isles. for a time, there will be a lot of showers around, but by the end of the night, a lot of those will have faded. it is still going to be a blustery night, still the potential for gusts to gale force in the irish sea and the english channel. and a cool night — in some sheltered glens, temperatures could fall as low as two or three degrees. so tomorrow, after a dry and bright start, we have got a weather front coming in to bringing more persistent rain pushing from the west to the east. just ahead of it and along it, the wind will be strong. but it is going to a windy day anyway tomorrow inland and once again the potential for some gusts to gale force along the coastline. into friday, high pressure starts to build and so the winds in the south will ease, things will turn more settled, but in the north, closer to the low pressure centre, it is still going to be a showery picture across north—west scotland and parts of northern ireland as well. here, too, in the north—west, there is the potential for gates.

but many of us will enjoy a quieter day with fewer showers lighter winds and temperatures ten to about 14 degrees. and if anything, as we head into the weekend, temperatures are set to climb just a little bit more. the reason for that is the wind direction. it is coming up from the south, a long way south, and moving across oui’ showers. “ across our shores... so milder on saturday and a very mild night saturday night into sunday. but on saturday, we also have a weather front coming in from the west. the wind is going to pick up and on sunday, it looks like we will have some rain in the south and east and showery and quite windy too in the north. is the most important thing all of us today could focus on. mt; us today could focus on. my honourable _ us today could focus on. m honourable friend us today could focus on. m: honourable friend makes us today could focus on. m; honourable friend makes a good point and to his initial remarks we are a family of nations and a nation of

families. �* ., . . family of nations and a nation of families. �* ., , , . , families. i'm a bit puzzled. why does this government - families. i'm a bit puzzled. why does this government which i families. i'm a bit puzzled. why i does this government which doesn't families. i'm a bit puzzled. why i does a |is government which doesn't families. i'm a bit puzzled. why i does a government nt which doesn't families. i'm a bit puzzled. why i does a government in which doesn't families. i'm a bit puzzled. why i does a government in scotland esn't have a government in scotland refuse the right of continue to refuse the right of the people to a scottish people to hold a referendum as things have changed enormously since 2014? �* .. , , ,., since 2014? because this government believes the scottish _ since 2014? because this government believes the scottish people's - believes the scottish people�*s priorities are to seek their two governments working together in a collaborative and constructive partnership. collaborative and constructive partnership-— collaborative and constructive partnership. collaborative and constructive tartnershi -. ,, , ., ,, partnership. the snp mistake their obsession with _ partnership. the snp mistake their obsession with independence i partnership. the snp mistake their obsession with independence as i partnership. the snp mistake their| obsession with independence as the

today at one: the uk�*s highest court rules the scottish government can�*t hold a another independence referendum unless westminster agrees. the judges were unanimous that the consent of the uk government would be needed before a second vote on independence. the scottish parliament does not have the power to legislate for a referendum on scottish independence. the prime minister has welcomed the ruling as "clear and definitive", but scotland�*s first minister says she�*s disappointed. we must, and we will, find another democratic, lawful and constitutional means by which the scottish people can express their will. we�*ll be analysing what today�*s ruling means for scotland. also this lunchtime...