welcome to bbc news. these are the headlines... police in pakistan have temporarily suspended their operation to arrest former prime minister imran khan due to a cricket match in lahore, following clashes between supporters of mr khan and the authorities. until and unless we have a general election announced very soon, this political polarisation and this conflict is not going anywhere, to be fair. the uk chancellorjeremy hunt is set to unveil his spring budget today. free child care to parents in england and energy bill support are expected to be part

of the government's plans. hundreds of thousands of workers go on strike in uk today more could be the biggest walk of industrial action since last year. a state of emergency has been declared in malawi with more than 200 people now confirmed dead after storm freddy hit southern africa for the second time in a month. and a small number of wolves have started to settle in belgium, for the first time in more than 100 years, as numbers increase across europe. hello and welcome to bbc news. let's begin today with the latest from pakistan, where the police appear to have stopped the operation to arrest the former prime minister imran khan. it appears to be due to a cricket match taking place.

they say they will resume trying to arrest him afterwards. unrest continued in lahore through the night as imran khan's supporters clashed with security forces after police made another attempt to arrest him on a court order. he has accused the authorities there of acting outside the law in trying to arrest him. pakistan's information minister said the government had nothing to do with the arrest order. the place where khan lives, there are hundreds of supporters gathered outside his residence, and confronting them is a large number of police and law enforcers. clashes continue for the second consecutive day. since the morning, there has been at least... protesters have successfully held off at least one fresh attempt by the police to enter the residence of imran khan. his party officials came to twitter with the message that they urgently

need first aid kits — as they claim their workers are injured. imran khan also took to twitter and other social media platforms, posted videos there with messages calling his supporters to come out and support his cause and continue in case he is arrested. in one of those videos, on his table in front of imran khan we could see a large number of tear gas canisters and also some bullet cartridges. his party has been claiming that the law enforcers outside his residence are armed, and they are using firearms to disperse his supporters from the location. so this is the situation right now in lahore, this has been happening since yesterday, imran khan's supporters protesting against his arrest and protecting him from getting arrested and there is a large number of police and other law enforcement agencies

there with an order from the court to arrest imran khan and present him in a district court here in islamabad for indictment. imran khan has been calling all of these cases politically motivated and the government denies any such involvement in these cases. but imran khan has not been appearing before the courts since last year, since november last year when he was shot at during a rally he was leading. imran khan did not appear before the court initially, initially saying he is injured and unwell, and now he says he can't appear before the court due to security concerns and his life is under threat. as far as we know the attempt to arrest imran khan paused for the moment, and briefly, if you would, tell our viewers a little bit more about the background to this and why this is happening. yes, we are getting these

reports from lahore that the police is moving a bit away from the residence, but we are not sure because there has been no order to suspend or cancel the arrest warrant that was issued by a court here in the the police are there to arrest him, but imran khan, the case is about the gift he received and later on sold when he was prime minister of pakistan, which was all very much legal, but as per laws, every parliamentarian in the country is supposed to submit a declaration for electoral commission of pakistan every year in december and the electoral commission alleges imran khan submitted forms that did not contain the correct information, so this is why the case has been sent to a local court, the court has been summoning imran khan but imran khan did not appear before the court, therefore his arrest warrant has been issued. i spoke to a prime—time news presenter in pakistan.

it is because there is a situation of unrest and mayhem in lahore right now and, as you know, pakistanis are passionate about politics as well as cricket, so they would certainly prefer in this political polarisation to prefer cricket. another problem is, the police have been trying their best for the past couple of weeks to arrest imran khan, and simply to present him to the court, to ensure and impose rule of law that they have miserably failed, because they retain their names to arrest him, the pdi call for protests and workers appear in thousands, numbers. whatever imran khan is, and hence making it very difficult and challenging for the law enforcement agencies to arrest imran khan. and what we need to understand here, is less to do with politics and more to do with love law, because as was explained already, it was alleged

that imran khan did not disclose information on the gifts presented, and proceeds from those supposedly illegal sale offers, some gifts, and on the 24th of february, a session court in islamabad was supposed to be in taking imran khan, he refused and did not attend the court and that they, although he attended several courts on the same day. and then islamabad high court, it had to issue non—bailable warrants to ensure they can rule of law. this is what the court said. that warrant was challenged in islamabad high court and islamabad high court then cancelled bailable warrant, but asking and requesting, literally requesting imran khan to appear in

the court on the 13th of march, which was monday. again, he failed to attend the court on the 13th of march, simply his lawyers are saying he is facing life—threatening situations, but then again, he is facing life—threatening situations but had a massive rally in lahore on the same day. he is giving a very clear message that even if i don't about rule of law, nobody can ask me, and i think it is very damaging for his reputation as a politician as well, the if you don respect rule of law, then of course there will be trouble, more trouble down the line. briefly, how do you think the situation will be resolved? you know, from imran khan's point of view, it is only going to be resolved if the government announce fresh elections which i clearly don't see at the moment, looking at political polarisation,

the economic downturn that pakistan is facing, the security situation that pakistan is facing, and this is what the government version is, so clearly until and unless we have the general election announced very soon, this political polarisation in this conflict is not going anywhere, to be fair. the us and russia are giving conflicting accounts about how an american surveillance drone plunged into the black sea. washington says two russian jets tried to intercept the drone before striking a propeller. russia's ambassador to the us has denied any collision took place and claim the aircraft's presence was a provocation. an american m09 drone and two russian fighterjets. their encounter, according to the pentagon, lasted upto a0 minutes international airspace.

they were over the black sea, where tensions have risen ever since russia's annexation of crimea in 2014. and where us surveillance aircraft have been flying regularly since the start of the war last year. the pentagon says one of the russian jets moved in front of the drone, and eventually force the unmanned aerial vehicle, or uav, to crash into the sea. it was a complete loss of the aircraft. we continue to assess exactly what happened, but i think based on the actions of the russian pilots, it is clear it was unsafe, unprofessional and i think the actions speak for themselves. what we saw again was fighter aircraft dumping fuel in front of this uav, and then getting so close to the aircraft that it actually damaged the propeller on the m09. we assess that it likely cause some damage to the russian aircraft as well.

russia's ambassador to the us called the drone's presence a provocation and said the aircraft plus my transponder, which is used to avoid midair collisions, was switched off, and it had violated what russia calls the temporary airspace regime, establish since it attacked ukraine. us says russian pilots were reckless but was it deliberate or a careless mistake that caused the drone to crash into the sea? an area that risks raising tensions. it is clear that if you are flying in front of the drone, slowing down to match speed, dumping fuel on it, that this is a deliberate attempt to bring down the drone, absolutely. the pentagon announced with this that this is not the first time they have had these kinds of incidents, but there seems ——this seems to be the worst, the first time they have attempted, the russians have attempted to bring the drone all the way down, instead of just harassing it. so i think it is a serious escalation at this point. this is the first publicly—acknowledged

confrontation between the us and russia since its invasion of ukraine. for now it's led to a war of words, but the longer term consequences are far from clear. i think both sides will do their very best to avoid this escalating. throughout this conflict over the last year since russia invaded ukraine, both russia and nato and the united states have made huge efforts to avoid any form of escalation, both sides have made it clear they are aware of the risks of that, so i think there will be very stiff language used by the united states in protest, diplomatically, but i think they will do their utmost to make sure this does not spiral out into some kind of further military confrontation. that said, i think the americans will demand

explanations from the russians as to what they were doing, and i think that at some point it would not surprise me if a film of what happened emerges, that will challenge probably one of the accounts we have heard in the report, but we are not at that point yet. more than 200 people are now known to have been killed in malawi in one of the most powerful storms to ever hit southern africa. dozens of children are among the dead and almost 20,000 people have been displaced. the country is already battling one of the worst cholera outbreaks in two decades with warnings it could get worse now. in an unusual weather pattern, it is the second time in a month storm freddy has struck southern africa, previously hitting neighbouring mozambique and madagascar before reaching malawi. the rain is expected continue for a few days still, hampering the efforts

of aid organisations. thank you for your time today. unicef was already on the ground in malawi, dealing with that cholera outbreak we mentioned in the introduction. there must be concerns now that that outbreak is going to get worse as a result of storm friday? get worse as a result of storm frida ? , . ~' ,, get worse as a result of storm frida ? , . ~ ,, , get worse as a result of storm frida ? , ., , . ., friday? yes, thank you very much for havin: friday? yes, thank you very much for having me- — friday? yes, thank you very much for having me- -- _ friday? yes, thank you very much for having me. -- storm _ friday? yes, thank you very much for having me. -- storm freddy. - friday? yes, thank you very much for| having me. -- storm freddy. children having me. —— storm freddy. children in malawi and mozambique are very much impacted by this very distressing situation, especially with the tropical cyclone was that we have infrastructure being destroyed, houses, businesses, the roads, everything is destroyed. we are expecting worse, expecting very difficult situations, currently considering the already with the cholera, we had a loss of challenge

addressing the situation, and now all the infrastructure is destroyed by the cyclone, which is to come. it makes it much more difficult for aid organisations like yourself to actually do your work. i've also been reading that electricity generation is unstable, hydropower stations temporarily shut down because of concerns muddy water could damage turbines, so clearly that makes the situation more difficult for you to do with as well. how are you trying to cope in these really challenging circumstances?- these really challenging circumstances? , . ., ., circumstances? yes, unicef and our organisation — circumstances? yes, unicef and our organisation and _ circumstances? yes, unicef and our organisation and under _ circumstances? yes, unicef and our organisation and under the - organisation and under the leadership of the government and the department of disaster management authority, on the ground, to first provide more emergency support, to the people, especially rescuing and also creating some shelter and having people in safe places, and then providing water and sanitation, providing health care, providing

some food, close for the community, and the challenges that access is an issue, but we have teams on the ground and we also have many organisations like red cross and other supporting directly unicef to provide life—saving response to the current situation. we understand the situation is going to be very difficult in the coming days, we are prepared and we are looking forward to receive more support from outside, to be able to provide the required life—saving activity and life—saving intervention that is required considering the situation. 0bviously you're trying to deal with the primary concerns, vinyl unicef recently had a meeting in malawi to talk about climate change —related public health emergencies. you must be thinking ahead and thinking about how you can help malawi build back from this, because of the sea

climate change will continue to present challenges.— climate change will continue to present challenges. yes, in last ear, we present challenges. yes, in last year. we had — present challenges. yes, in last year, we had storms _ present challenges. yes, in last year, we had storms and - present challenges. yes, in last year, we had storms and now . present challenges. yes, in lastl year, we had storms and now we present challenges. yes, in last - year, we had storms and now we have storm freddy. the household and community, their livelihood is constantly destroyed, schools have been destroyed, what points have been destroyed, what points have been destroyed, what points have been destroyed, all infrastructure is destroyed, and how difficult it will be, the situation, the outbreak of other related decisions, malaria may come back, the current cholera situation may increase because water is now contaminated. there is no health care facility, health care and even cholera treatment centre are simply destroyed, so when people get sick today there is no way they can get ahead, so this is telling you simply the difficult situation thatis you simply the difficult situation that is to be coming, but we need

all the humanitarian community to work together, and related to climate change, it is important that today there is huge investment on sustainable intervention, like water and sanitation, and building the resilience of the community so that they can be able to mitigate these current and recording shocks that we have known in the past year. so we expect that climate change is having direct consequence in people's lives, and household livelihood etc are key, and if we cannot manage sustainability, the household resilience, then we are very far from the responsibility to be provided. from the responsibility to be rovided. ., ., from the responsibility to be rovided. ., ~ , ., from the responsibility to be provided-— from the responsibility to be rovided. ., ~' , ., , . from the responsibility to be rovided. ., ~ , . ., provided. thank you very much for talkin: to provided. thank you very much for talking to us- _ provided. thank you very much for talking to us. good _ provided. thank you very much for talking to us. good luck _ provided. thank you very much for talking to us. good luck with - provided. thank you very much for talking to us. good luck with your| talking to us. good luck with your work there. free childcare for working parents in england is expected to receive a boost as part of the uk government's attempts to boost economic growth. the relatively high cost

of childcare is widely seen as preventing many parents returning to work. the chancellor will outline plans in the budget announcement later. let's go live to college green outside the uk parliament in london. the chancellor, the british finance minister will stand up in the house of commons behind me in aboutjust over two hours' time and he will be telling mps what will be the measure she plans to introduce in the coming financial year, which in the uk begins in april and runs to the end of march next year, but it will also be trying to plot a course ahead, notjust be trying to plot a course ahead, not just for the ruling be trying to plot a course ahead, notjust for the ruling conservative party is' general election prospects, there has to be an election in the uk by december 2024, but beyond that what we call the medium and long—term measures for growth. the uk grows between 98 and

2008 when the financial crisis hit globally was the second strongest in the g7 nations, and since then it has been the second week is. we are ahead only of italy in terms of our growth trend. let's talk to our political correspondent here at westminster. we have had a few measures where there by accident or design leaked to the media in this country over the last four or five days. what we know or think we know thatis days. what we know or think we know that is going to be in the chancellor's speech? there are measures _ chancellor's speech? there are measures that _ chancellor's speech? there are measures that they _ chancellor's speech? there are measures that they are - chancellor's speech? there are i measures that they are designed chancellor's speech? there are - measures that they are designed to help ease _ measures that they are designed to help ease the cost of living immediately and then measures as your site _ immediately and then measures as your site designed to boost economic growth, _ your site designed to boost economic growth, so _ your site designed to boost economic growth, so some of the things that we know_ growth, so some of the things that we know are going to happen, as the treasury— we know are going to happen, as the treasury has — we know are going to happen, as the treasury has said so this morning, the energy— treasury has said so this morning, the energy price guarantee that keeps _ the energy price guarantee that keeps the average bill in the uk in england. _ keeps the average bill in the uk in england, wales, and in the uk at around— england, wales, and in the uk at around £205,000, that's going to expire _

around £205,000, that's going to expire and — around £205,000, that's going to expire and be extended until the end ofjune _ expire and be extended until the end ofjune force of the government argues — ofjune force of the government argues after that gas prices will fall argues after that gas prices will fail and — argues after that gas prices will fail and it — argues after that gas prices will fall and it potentially will be needed, so they're extending it until— needed, so they're extending it until then. there are also measures like giving _ until then. there are also measures like giving £63 million as a one—off one-year— like giving £63 million as a one—off one—year front, to leisure centres who have — one—year front, to leisure centres who have a — one—year front, to leisure centres who have a spoonful to help you that _ who have a spoonful to help you that. those sort of cost measures immediately, they have been leaked or trail— immediately, they have been leaked or trail to— immediately, they have been leaked or trail to design and encourage people — or trail to design and encourage people back to work, to try and boost _ people back to work, to try and boost economic growth. a big one of those _ boost economic growth. a big one of those that— boost economic growth. a big one of those that emerged last night was a pledge _ those that emerged last night was a pledge from the government to extend free childcare to one and two—year—olds in england. at the moment— two—year—olds in england. at the moment to — two—year—olds in england. at the moment to enter —year—olds are entitled — moment to enter —year—olds are entitled to — moment to enter —year—olds are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare for parents work a minimum number— childcare for parents work a minimum number of— childcare for parents work a minimum number of hours, we understand it is likely— number of hours, we understand it is likely to _ number of hours, we understand it is likely to he _ number of hours, we understand it is likely to be extended to one and two—year—olds as well. there are big questions _ two—year—olds as well. there are big questions about the policy, because in terms _ questions about the policy, because in terms of— questions about the policy, because in terms of how much the government will put _ in terms of how much the government will put towards funding that, there have been— will put towards funding that, there have been questions that the existing _ have been questions that the existing scheme is very difficult for nurseries to manage and in some

cases— for nurseries to manage and in some cases potentially forcing them out of business because it is not covering _ of business because it is not covering the cost of those places and parents are being asked to charge — and parents are being asked to charge top up fees. there will be a lot of— charge top up fees. there will be a lot of scrutiny on the detail of that — lot of scrutiny on the detail of that h— lot of scrutiny on the detail of that. �* , ,., ., , lot of scrutiny on the detail of that. �* , ., , that. a broader point that is part ofthe that. a broader point that is part of the covid _ that. a broader point that is part of the covid pandemic, - that. a broader point that is part of the covid pandemic, also - that. a broader point that is part - of the covid pandemic, also because of the covid pandemic, also because of the covid pandemic, also because of the effect of inflation and in terms of the impact that sat on job creation and people's ability to afford to work, we are in a strange situation where it is one of the biggest lags in the economy, one of the limits on growth is the fact that the working age population are not in work. it that the working age population are not in work. , that the working age population are not in work-— not in work. it is, the chancellor has previously — not in work. it is, the chancellor has previously said _ not in work. it is, the chancellor has previously said that - not in work. it is, the chancellor has previously said that that - not in work. it is, the chancellor has previously said that that is l has previously said that that is something he wants to change, there's— something he wants to change, there's been talk, for example, but how to _ there's been talk, for example, but how to get — there's been talk, for example, but how to get people over 50 who have left the _ how to get people over 50 who have left the workforce to go back in and start doing — left the workforce to go back in and start doing some kind of employment again. _ start doing some kind of employment again. so— start doing some kind of employment again, so we wait to see what else might— again, so we wait to see what else might be _ again, so we wait to see what else might be in— again, so we wait to see what else might be in the budget to try and encourage that, to encourage more people — encourage that, to encourage more people back into the workforce. thank _ people back into the workforce. thank you — people back into the workforce. thank you very much. i will be back on an hour orso thank you very much. i will be back on an hour or so with a uk political correspondent rob watson to talk

about some of the macro measures, the bigger messages coming out of the bigger messages coming out of the state of the uk economy at the moment and what impact that is going to have on other members of the g7, collection of some of the wealthiest nations on the planet, and also on the international prospects of investment into the uk by foreign companies. investment into the uk by foreign companies-— companies. let's get more on the childcare measure _ companies. let's get more on the childcare measure is _ companies. let's get more on the childcare measure is expected - companies. let's get more on the childcare measure is expected in l companies. let's get more on the i childcare measure is expected in the budget today. you are very welcome, thank you for taking the time to talk to us, and i am looking in the wrong way, let me look at this camera. as helen was pointing out, currently for working parents there is, for three and 4 euros, eligible for 30 hours of free childcare per week, that's going to be extended for working parents in england and for working parents in england and for one and two—year—olds as well. what is your broad reaction to that, firstly? what is your broad reaction to that,

firstl ? �* , what is your broad reaction to that, firstl ?~ i, ., what is your broad reaction to that, firstl? ,, .,. , what is your broad reaction to that, firstl? ,, .,. firstly? any support to families and arents firstly? any support to families and parents who _ firstly? any support to families and parents who split _ firstly? any support to families and parents who split the _ firstly? any support to families and parents who split the cost - firstly? any support to families and parents who split the cost of - parents who split the cost of childcare is absolutely welcome but i think the biggest challenge we have here is how much of the 4 billion the government are going to announce will actually plug the hole, in terms of the underfunding for the current system. the sector is in crisis, we've seen nurseries closing up and down the country, simply because the funding rate has not kept up. all because, like inflation, their salary bill, it's going to go up 40% in april, that is because of the national living wage increases, and there is workforce crisis, they are not able to recruit enough staff, qualified and unqualified, so that needs to be addressed before any further promises of extensions are made. if they nurseries are struggling with the situation as it is, to provide for three and four—year—olds, what does that mean for these efforts to provide places for one and

two—year—olds? provide places for one and two-year-olds? provide places for one and two- ear-olds? ~ , , ., , two-year-olds? absolutely, what this needs is a very _ two-year-olds? absolutely, what this needs is a very careful— two-year-olds? absolutely, what this needs is a very careful planning - two-year-olds? absolutely, what this needs is a very careful planning and i needs is a very careful planning and planning to recruit more workforce and planning to make sure that providers have got the capacity because for those who have close, it is too late, and the reason for closing is not only the funding, underfunding at a local level, but also staffing shortages, so it is a great policy and a great investment, absolutely, but there is situations that did manage, because if they go tomorrow and say when can i have my place, that means very careful planning and capacity planning from the nursery provider's point of view, that is why the government needs to address the big crisis that we are in, and the underfunding of the under four—year—olds now, we are in, and the underfunding of the underfour—year—olds now, before it was worked out, cost were worked out, what this means is that the

government would be the so provider of childcare in this country if this extends to one, two and three—year—olds, because that means it prices fixing by the government and what they cannot do is expect nurseries to deliver the government policy because they have been subsidising that until now and they cannot afford to do that any more. thank you. waiting to see the detail, the finance buying that plan. the greek government says rail travel will resume gradually from next week more than three weeks after the deadly strain crash in the country's history, 57 people killed when he pasture train and freight train collided head—on at the end of february. 57 people died here, many of them teenagers and young people

with lives ahead of them, in what was the worst train crash greece has ever seen. was the worst train crash greece has everseen. how was the worst train crash greece has ever seen. how could this happen? the question bringing thousands of people onto the streets of greece, among the protests this in athens with 12,000 people, angry and demanding this never happens again on the country's railways. they are afraid of a government cover—up and say they country's rail infrastructure is old and dangerous. a week ago, these protests in the capital turned violent. greek police using tear gas. passenger and freight services on the route linking athens and the northern city have halted since the crash between the passenger train and freight train on the same piece of track two weeks ago. transport minister has confirmed the route will reopen next

week. for railway officials have been charged over the disaster, more protests are planned. 0n been charged over the disaster, more protests are planned. on thursday flights to and from greek airports will be grounded, as air traffic controllers join will be grounded, as air traffic controllersjoin a will be grounded, as air traffic controllers join a 24—hour nationwide strike over the crash, which many feel was a disaster waiting to happen. wolves are back in belgium for the first time in more than 100 years as the numbers from across europe. strict eu legal protection happen part led to the resurgence. estimates put the total number at over 19,000. across all eu states. the conservations is a great success but performance it is proving a and 0n heathland in the east of belgium, a pack of wolves is on patrol. curious about a camera set up to track them. we are just looking for... searching for signs of wolves in the area, this researcher

knows exactly what to look for. so this is wolf faeces? this is wolf faeces. what remains after the rain is just some hairs of the prey. why are the numbers growing in europe and why are they back in belgium for the first time in over 100 years? the reason they are back is mainly legal protection. from the early �*90s, a lot has happened in europe and they have started to disperse all over the continent. the wolves sometimes roam here in this forest, and this is one of the cameras that is keeping an eye on them. there is up to 40 of these across parts of eastern belgium and it tracks the wolves' movements, their well being, whether they might have been injured, as well as their numbers throughout the year. but also traceable are the rising attacks on livestock. that has led eu lawmakers to challenge the wolves' protected status. a farmer says he has lost dozens of sheep and that current

compensation fails to cover the true cost. every morning when we look through the field, you are afraid to find some sheep killed. some people might say you just need to build a betterfence. yes. we can use more wires, more sticks, but i don't think a wolf—proof wall exists. the wolf is so smart, he overruns every fence. here, in its jaws, a wolf holds a baby wild boar. its mother gives chase but it is too late. wolves are predators — with warnings the growing numbers in europe cannot go unchecked. here we have another wolf print. but why are they a positive thing? why is it positive that they are back? first of all, of course, you need to maybe also ask if everything has to have a positive effect on the way we see it as humans. some animals alsojust have a right to exist, notjust

because we find them useful. these invasive creatures can be hard to spot, but across this densely—populated region, their presence is getting noticed. jessica parker, bbc news, belgium. it we arejoined it we are joined by the project managerfor wolf and bayer manager for wolf and bayer conference managerfor wolf and bayer conference ovation in europe. manager for wolf and bayer conference ovation in europe. thank ou for conference ovation in europe. thank you foryour— conference ovation in europe. thank you for your time — conference ovation in europe. thank you for your time today. _ conference ovation in europe. thank you for your time today. the - you for your time today. the european commission, the european parliament are considering a resolution to downgrade the protected status of wolves, but you want the population to continue growing. tell us why. we want the population to continue growing. tell us why.— want the population to continue growing. tell us why. we think the existin: growing. tell us why. we think the existing legal _ growing. tell us why. we think the existing legal framework _ growing. tell us why. we think the existing legal framework allows i growing. tell us why. we think the | existing legal framework allows for the recovery of the wolves but also gives the possibility to apply if there are problems. we see there are

nine wolf populations in europe were six of them are at least threatened all vulnerable, so only three of them are of least concern. that does not give the impression that everything is totally fine with the wolves so we have to look on a larger scale and their protected status is very important. ? you are saying even though they have protected status, six of the population is you have looked at are under threat. population is you have looked at are underthreat. i population is you have looked at are under threat-— under threat. i spoke earlier to someone _ under threat. i spoke earlier to someone from _ under threat. i spoke earlier to someone from the _ under threat. i spoke earlier to someone from the european i under threat. i spoke earlier to - someone from the european landowners organisation and he said it would be better if some protections were removed, said that it would allow any problem individuals to be dealt with, but, actually, he thought it would also help people to become more accepting of the growing wolves population. what do you make of that argument? we population. what do you make of that an ument? ~ , argument? we struggle with the acceptance. _ argument? we struggle with the acceptance, our _ argument? we struggle with the acceptance, our main _ argument? we struggle with the acceptance, our main focuses i argument? we struggle with the j acceptance, our main focuses on argument? we struggle with the i acceptance, our main focuses on the

coexistence of the landowners, and society itself. we think financial measures are an important factor as i heard in your report before, to support the farmers with prevention methods but also with compensation schemes. 0n the other hand, yes, there are already specific options if there is a problematic animal, if there are problems to practice calling, this is already applicable, but there is no need from our side to downgrade the protection status, that would only cause problems for the landowners and towards nature conservation. and? thank you very much for your thoughts today. let's return now to the uk budget. the government minister in charge of the country's finances, jeremy hunt, will outline his budget plans in the coming hours. will outline his budget plans in the coming hours-— coming hours. free childcare for workin: coming hours. free childcare for

working parents _ coming hours. free childcare for working parents in _ coming hours. free childcare for working parents in england i coming hours. free childcare for working parents in england is i working parents in england is expected to receive a boost. let's find out more about that, we can go to the midlands, good morning. goad to the midlands, good morning. good mornin: to the midlands, good morning. good morning from — to the midlands, good morning. good morning from this _ to the midlands, good morning. (13mg. morning from this leisure centre, in the heart of the black country, we are in the borough of sandwell, it is interesting politically, it is largely controlled by labour, nearly all the pencils are labour councillors. in the 2019 general election, for the first time in living memory, the two west bromwich seats became conservative. 0ne living memory, the two west bromwich seats became conservative. one of these key electoral battleground switch means that the reaction to the budget here will be really important. i have a couple of guests with me, labour party member and counsellor, cabinet memberfor counsellor, cabinet member for leisure counsellor, cabinet memberfor leisure and sport here in sandwell. lots of money has been given to your borough, as part of the levelling up fund for things like the leisure centre here, but yesterday the roof

fell in another swimming pool. how much is that welcome, the extra levelling up cash? taste much is that welcome, the extra levelling up cash?— much is that welcome, the extra levelling up cash? we are delighted we have had — levelling up cash? we are delighted we have had £20 _ levelling up cash? we are delighted we have had £20 million _ levelling up cash? we are delighted we have had £20 million to - levelling up cash? we are delighted we have had £20 million to rebuildl we have had £20 million to rebuild the leisure — we have had £20 million to rebuild the leisure centre, what happened yesterday — the leisure centre, what happened yesterday is a very timely reminder of how— yesterday is a very timely reminder of how much that funding is needed. this building is 46 years old and while _ this building is 46 years old and while it— this building is 46 years old and while it is— this building is 46 years old and while it is a much loved and much is facility, _ while it is a much loved and much is facility, it— while it is a much loved and much is facility, it is— while it is a much loved and much is facility, it is in desperate need of replacement. bill forthe facility, it is in desperate need of replacement. bill for the audience watching, — replacement. bill for the audience watching, this morning, the classes are really— watching, this morning, the classes are really well attended, but you have _ are really well attended, but you have got — are really well attended, but you have got money to knock it down and build a _ have got money to knock it down and build a new _ have got money to knock it down and build a new one so what will happen in the _ build a new one so what will happen in the meantime? sign build a new one so what will happen in the meantime?— build a new one so what will happen in the meantime? sign that we have six other facilities _ in the meantime? sign that we have six other facilities across _ in the meantime? sign that we have six other facilities across the - six other facilities across the borough, the closest one is one mile from here, the idea is to decant the staff and users in the interim to another centre and they can come back to a brand—new facility. 0ut another centre and they can come back to a brand—new facility. out of action at the moment as we know, but more money to alleviate the cost of the energyjust more money to alleviate the cost of the energy just for more money to alleviate the cost of the energyjust for heating the pool the energyjust for heating the pool, will that help? is it enough?

it has been well documented the problems specifically the swimming pools have been having around the energy— pools have been having around the energy crisis, we know that the markets — energy crisis, we know that the markets are volatile at the moment, we are _ markets are volatile at the moment, we are obviously experiencing those pressures _ we are obviously experiencing those pressures the same as everybody else, _ pressures the same as everybody else, that — pressures the same as everybody else, that is really welcome. the mana . er else, that is really welcome. the manager of _ else, that is really welcome. the manager of the _ else, that is really welcome. tie: manager of the greater birmingham chamber of commerce, corporation tax, business are worried. there is money for investment that might pay off against that, what would you like to hear the chancers see, he has said there will be an extra 6%, is there room for manoeuvre and what is there room for manoeuvre and what is your reaction? win there is not much physical wiggle room right now, there needs to be in your policy in place to replace the deduction scheme which was very effective in helping businesses invest in people and projects and writing it off against their taxable profits. in this post—brexit world we need to show— this post—brexit world we need to show that— this post—brexit world we need to show that britain _ this post—brexit world we need to show that britain is _ this post—brexit world we need to show that britain is open- this post—brexit world we need to show that britain is open for- show that britain is open for business _ show that britain is open for

business and _ show that britain is open for business and is _ show that britain is open for business and is on - show that britain is open for business and is on the i show that britain is open for business and is on the side i business and is on the side of business _ business and is on the side of business and _ business and is on the side of business and right _ business and is on the side of business and right now, i business and is on the side ofj business and right now, given business and is on the side of. business and right now, given all the challenges _ business and right now, given all the challenges companies - business and right now, given all the challenges companies are i business and right now, given all. the challenges companies are facing whether— the challenges companies are facing whether it _ the challenges companies are facing whether it is — the challenges companies are facing whether it is labour— the challenges companies are facing whether it is labour market - whether it is labour market challenges, _ whether it is labour market challenges, rising - whether it is labour market| challenges, rising inflation, whether it is labour market i challenges, rising inflation, even thinking — challenges, rising inflation, even thinking about— challenges, rising inflation, even thinking about supply _ challenges, rising inflation, even thinking about supply chain i thinking about supply chain disruption, _ thinking about supply chain disruption, we _ thinking about supply chain disruption, we need - thinking about supply chain disruption, we need to- thinking about supply chainj disruption, we need to give businesses _ disruption, we need to give businesses the _ disruption, we need to give businesses the confidence i disruption, we need to give i businesses the confidence they disruption, we need to give - businesses the confidence they need to invest _ businesses the confidence they need to invest in _ businesses the confidence they need to invest in people _ businesses the confidence they need to invest in people and _ businesses the confidence they need to invest in people and products. i to invest in people and products. 0wn to invest in people and products. own fuel— to invest in people and products. own fuel duty. _ to invest in people and products. 0wn fuel duty, if— to invest in people and products. 0wn fuel duty, if that _ to invest in people and products. 0wn fuel duty, if that is - to invest in people and products. 0wn fuel duty, if that is not i 0wn fuel duty, if that is not increased, will that be welcome? i think so. you have to think of support— think so. you have to think of support for— think so. you have to think of support for businesses, i think so. you have to think of. support for businesses, energy support— support for businesses, energy support for— support for businesses, energy support for domestic— support for businesses, energyl support for domestic customers support for businesses, energy i support for domestic customers is likely— support for domestic customers is likely to _ support for domestic customers is likely to he — support for domestic customers is likely to be extended _ support for domestic customers is likely to be extended for- support for domestic customers is likely to be extended for three i likely to be extended for three months. — likely to be extended for three months. we _ likely to be extended for three months, we know— likely to be extended for three months, we know in— likely to be extended for three months, we know in april- likely to be extended for three months, we know in april the i likely to be extended for three i months, we know in april the new scheme _ months, we know in april the new scheme is — months, we know in april the new scheme is coming _ months, we know in april the new scheme is coming in _ months, we know in april the new scheme is coming in for— months, we know in april the new. scheme is coming in for businesses which _ scheme is coming in for businesses which is _ scheme is coming in for businesses which is not — scheme is coming in for businesses which is not as— scheme is coming in for businesses which is not as generous _ scheme is coming in for businesses which is not as generous as - scheme is coming in for businesses which is not as generous as the i which is not as generous as the previous— which is not as generous as the previous game _ which is not as generous as the previous game. we _ which is not as generous as the previous game. we have - which is not as generous as the previous game. we have to i which is not as generous as the i previous game. we have to think about— previous game. we have to think about supporting _ previous game. we have to think about supporting those - previous game. we have to think. about supporting those businesses, particularly — about supporting those businesses, particularly in — about supporting those businesses, particularly in hospitality— about supporting those businesses, particularly in hospitality and - particularly in hospitality and retail. — particularly in hospitality and retail. they— particularly in hospitality and retail, they really— particularly in hospitality and retail, they really suffered . particularly in hospitality and - retail, they really suffered during the pandemic— retail, they really suffered during the pandemic and _ retail, they really suffered during the pandemic and a _ retail, they really suffered during the pandemic and a crude - retail, they really suffered during the pandemic and a crude levelsl retail, they really suffered during i the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, _ the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, we _ the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, we are — the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, we are seeing _ the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, we are seeing a _ the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, we are seeing a lot, - the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, we are seeing a lot, if- the pandemic and a crude levels of debt, we are seeing a lot, if we - the pandemic and a crude levels ofi debt, we are seeing a lot, if we see -as debt, we are seeing a lot, if we see gas prices _ debt, we are seeing a lot, if we see gas prices go — debt, we are seeing a lot, if we see gas prices go up _ debt, we are seeing a lot, if we see gas prices go up again, _ debt, we are seeing a lot, if we see gas prices go up again, that - debt, we are seeing a lot, if we see gas prices go up again, that is - gas prices go up again, that is going — gas prices go up again, that is going to — gas prices go up again, that is going to feed _ gas prices go up again, that is going to feed into _ gas prices go up again, that is going to feed into the - gas prices go up again, that is going to feed into the energyl gas prices go up again, that is - going to feed into the energy bills that businesses— going to feed into the energy bills that businesses are _ going to feed into the energy bills that businesses are paying - going to feed into the energy bills that businesses are paying so- going to feed into the energy bills| that businesses are paying so they will be _ that businesses are paying so they will be summ— that businesses are paying so they will be support on _ that businesses are paying so they will be support on that _ that businesses are paying so they will be support on that front. - that businesses are paying so they will be support on that front. on . will be support on that front. childcare, this could have a big impact for your businesses who are

struggling at the moment, if there is extra childcare provision, will that be it was for the economy? litter? that be it was for the economy? very much so, that be it was for the economy? very much so. they _ that be it was for the economy? very much so, they move _ that be it was for the economy? very much so, they move around helping working _ much so, they move around helping working parents— much so, they move around helping working parents with _ much so, they move around helping working parents with childcare - much so, they move around helping working parents with childcare costs to paying _ working parents with childcare costs to paying upfront _ working parents with childcare costs to paying upfront for— working parents with childcare costs to paying upfront for those - working parents with childcare costs to paying upfront for those on- to paying upfront for those on universal— to paying upfront for those on universal credit _ to paying upfront for those on universal credit would - to paying upfront for those on universal credit would be - to paying upfront for those on. universal credit would be really helpful — universal credit would be really helpful at— universal credit would be really helpful. at the _ universal credit would be really helpful. at the same _ universal credit would be really helpful. at the same time, - universal credit would be really. helpful. at the same time, there universal credit would be really - helpful. at the same time, there are other— helpful. at the same time, there are other things — helpful. at the same time, there are other things we _ helpful. at the same time, there are other things we need _ helpful. at the same time, there are other things we need to _ helpful. at the same time, there are other things we need to do - helpful. at the same time, there are other things we need to do to - other things we need to do to alleviate _ other things we need to do to alleviate the _ other things we need to do to alleviate the labour— other things we need to do to alleviate the labour market. alleviate the labour market shortage, _ alleviate the labour market shortage, widening - alleviate the labour market shortage, widening the - alleviate the labour market - shortage, widening the parameters alleviate the labour market _ shortage, widening the parameters of the occupation — shortage, widening the parameters of the occupation list _ shortage, widening the parameters of the occupation list or— shortage, widening the parameters of the occupation list or thinking - the occupation list or thinking about— the occupation list or thinking about looking _ the occupation list or thinking about looking at _ the occupation list or thinking about looking at the - the occupation list or thinking about looking at the levy - the occupation list or thinking - about looking at the levy funding that was — about looking at the levy funding that was not _ about looking at the levy funding that was not spent, _ about looking at the levy funding that was not spent, how - about looking at the levy funding that was not spent, how it - about looking at the levy funding that was not spent, how it can i about looking at the levy fundingi that was not spent, how it can be used _ that was not spent, how it can be used more — that was not spent, how it can be used more effectively, _ that was not spent, how it can be | used more effectively, introducing short— used more effectively, introducing short nrodular_ used more effectively, introducing short modular courses— used more effectively, introducing short modular courses of- used more effectively, introducing short modular courses of training i short modular courses of training would _ short modular courses of training would attract _ short modular courses of training would attract more _ short modular courses of training would attract more workers - short modular courses of training would attract more workers to i short modular courses of training i would attract more workers to the workforce — would attract more workers to the workforce. ., , ~ would attract more workers to the workforce. ., . ,, . workforce. you talked about the levellin: workforce. you talked about the levelling up _ workforce. you talked about the levelling up fund, _ workforce. you talked about the levelling up fund, you _ workforce. you talked about the levelling up fund, you are - workforce. you talked about the levelling up fund, you are not i workforce. you talked about the - levelling up fund, you are not happy with the way the bidding process goes, it is not easy. something we might hear today as there is greater devolution of powers towards the regions, how would that help and

what are your views on that? we are in favour of — what are your views on that? we are in favour of devolving _ what are your views on that? we are in favour of devolving powers - what are your views on that? we are in favour of devolving powers to - what are your views on that? we are in favour of devolving powers to the | in favour of devolving powers to the local region, that should give the region— local region, that should give the region more scope around what we spend _ region more scope around what we spend money on, however, at the moment, — spend money on, however, at the moment, we do not know what the details _ moment, we do not know what the details of— moment, we do not know what the details of the deal are so we cannot comment— details of the deal are so we cannot comment on the specifics.— details of the deal are so we cannot comment on the specifics. from the chamber of — comment on the specifics. from the chamber of commerce _ comment on the specifics. from the chamber of commerce point - comment on the specifics. from the chamber of commerce point of - comment on the specifics. from the | chamber of commerce point of view, what about devolving more power in terms of dishing out the government money two rare terms of dishing out the government mone two ., terms of dishing out the government mone two . .. ., , money two we have called for this for ears, money two we have called for this for years. if _ money two we have called for this for years. if we — money two we have called for this for years, if we bring _ money two we have called for this for years, if we bring the - money two we have called for this for years, if we bring the levelling i for years, if we bring the levelling up for years, if we bring the levelling up agenda — for years, if we bring the levelling up agenda to— for years, if we bring the levelling up agenda to live, _ for years, if we bring the levelling up agenda to live, we _ for years, if we bring the levelling up agenda to live, we need - for years, if we bring the levelling up agenda to live, we need to- for years, if we bring the levelling . up agenda to live, we need to make sure local— up agenda to live, we need to make sure local decision— up agenda to live, we need to make sure local decision makers- up agenda to live, we need to make sure local decision makers have - up agenda to live, we need to make| sure local decision makers have that power— sure local decision makers have that power in _ sure local decision makers have that power in their— sure local decision makers have that power in their hands— sure local decision makers have that power in their hands to _ sure local decision makers have that power in their hands to help - sure local decision makers have that power in their hands to help those . power in their hands to help those areas _ power in their hands to help those areas from — power in their hands to help those areas from the _ power in their hands to help those areas from the ground _ power in their hands to help those areas from the ground up. - power in their hands to help those areas from the ground up. very. power in their hands to help those i areas from the ground up. very much interested _ areas from the ground up. very much interested to — areas from the ground up. very much interested to see _ areas from the ground up. very much interested to see what _ areas from the ground up. very much interested to see what the _ interested to see what the devolution _ interested to see what the devolution deal— interested to see what the devolution deal brings - interested to see what the devolution deal brings and interested to see what the . devolution deal brings and at interested to see what the - devolution deal brings and at the same _ devolution deal brings and at the same time, _ devolution deal brings and at the same time, we _ devolution deal brings and at the same time, we need _ devolution deal brings and at the same time, we need to- devolution deal brings and at the same time, we need to think- devolution deal brings and at the . same time, we need to think about energy— same time, we need to think about energy storage _ same time, we need to think about energy storage at _ same time, we need to think about energy storage at a _ same time, we need to think about energy storage at a local _ same time, we need to think about energy storage at a local level- same time, we need to think about energy storage at a local level if. energy storage at a local level if we are _ energy storage at a local level if we are going _ energy storage at a local level if we are going to— energy storage at a local level if we are going to help _ energy storage at a local level if we are going to help businesses energy storage at a local level if. we are going to help businesses on the transition — we are going to help businesses on the transition to _ we are going to help businesses on the transition to net _ we are going to help businesses on the transition to net zero. - we are going to help businesses on the transition to net zero.- the transition to net zero. anything hi . h the transition to net zero. anything hirh on the transition to net zero. anything high on your _ the transition to net zero. anything high on your wishes? _ the transition to net zero. anything high on your wishes? from - the transition to net zero. anything high on your wishes? from the - high on your wishes? from the chamber of— high on your wishes? from the chamber of commerce, - high on your wishes? from the i chamber of commerce, business high on your wishes? from the - chamber of commerce, business rates

reforiti, _ chamber of commerce, business rates reform. changes — chamber of commerce, business rates reform. changes to— chamber of commerce, business rates reform, changes to corporation - chamber of commerce, business rates reform, changes to corporation tax - reform, changes to corporation tax and the _ reform, changes to corporation tax and the impact— reform, changes to corporation tax and the impact it— reform, changes to corporation tax and the impact it has— reform, changes to corporation tax and the impact it has an _ reform, changes to corporation tax l and the impact it has an investment, at the _ and the impact it has an investment, at the same — and the impact it has an investment, at the same time, _ and the impact it has an investment, at the same time, how— and the impact it has an investment, at the same time, how can _ and the impact it has an investment, at the same time, how can we - and the impact it has an investment, at the same time, how can we help i at the same time, how can we help small— at the same time, how can we help small businesses— at the same time, how can we help small businesses who _ at the same time, how can we help small businesses who do _ at the same time, how can we help small businesses who do not - at the same time, how can we help small businesses who do not turn i at the same time, how can we helpi small businesses who do not turn a profit _ small businesses who do not turn a profit to— small businesses who do not turn a profit to help — small businesses who do not turn a profit to help them invest - small businesses who do not turn a profit to help them invest in - profit to help them invest in training, _ profit to help them invest in training, staff— profit to help them invest in training, staff and _ profit to help them invest in training, staff and if - profit to help them invest in training, staff and if we - profit to help them invest in. training, staff and if we could alleviate _ training, staff and if we could alleviate those _ training, staff and if we could alleviate those cost - training, staff and if we could| alleviate those cost pressures training, staff and if we could - alleviate those cost pressures that would _ alleviate those cost pressures that would be _ alleviate those cost pressures that would be fantastic. _ alleviate those cost pressures that would be fantastic.— would be fantastic. levelling up arenda is would be fantastic. levelling up agenda is going _ would be fantastic. levelling up agenda is going to _ would be fantastic. levelling up agenda is going to work, - would be fantastic. levelling up agenda is going to work, it - would be fantastic. levelling up i agenda is going to work, it needs would be fantastic. levelling up - agenda is going to work, it needs to be more _ agenda is going to work, it needs to be more sustained and more guaranteed funding going forward. rank you _ guaranteed funding going forward. rank you very much, the spin class had a really tough session and they stayed on to appear in the background of the shot. we will be here all day today getting a reaction to the chancellor's budget and there is a lot to discuss or stay watching. and? thank you very much. britain sent in the midst of its biggest deal strengthens industrial action began last year sparked by soaring inflation. hundreds of thousands of teachers, university lecturers, civil servants, doctors

and transport workers have walked out in dispute over pay and conditions. the industrial action has affected london's underground making it difficult to get around one of the world's largest cities. the national education union says it usually regrets the disruption caused by its teachers taking action. the government says the move is disrupting children's education. our education correspondentjohn one family on the school run. rachel has only had a few hours of sleep before she gets children up for school. sleep before she gets children up forschool. her sleep before she gets children up for school. her husband and she worked in the nhs. you for school. her husband and she worked in the nhs.— for school. her husband and she worked in the nhs. you have got ten minutes to get _ worked in the nhs. you have got ten minutes to get this _ worked in the nhs. you have got ten minutes to get this fruit _ worked in the nhs. you have got ten minutes to get this fruit are - worked in the nhs. you have got ten minutes to get this fruit are new. - worked in the nhs. you have got ten minutes to get this fruit are new. i i minutes to get this fruit are new. i finished at midnight last night. my husband got up and went to work at six o'clock this morning. we have not seen each other because he has been asleep.

not seen each other because he has been asleep-— not seen each other because he has been asleep. when we visited rachel last week in — been asleep. when we visited rachel last week in stoke-on-trent - been asleep. when we visited rachel last week in stoke-on-trent she - been asleep. when we visited rachel last week in stoke-on-trent she had | last week in stoke—on—trent she had been planning ahead for the walk—outs today and tomorrow when school will be close. iprelim walk-outs today and tomorrow when school will be close.— school will be close. who came to our house — school will be close. who came to our house last _ school will be close. who came to our house last night? _ school will be close. who came to our house last night? the - school will be close. who came to our house last night? the tooth . our house last night? the tooth fai . our house last night? the tooth fairy- and? _ our house last night? the tooth fairy. and? like _ our house last night? the tooth fairy. and? like so _ our house last night? the tooth fairy. and? like so many - our house last night? the tooth i fairy. and? like so many families across— fairy. and? like so many families across england, they had injuggling their plans. it is across england, they had in “uggling theirlans. , , , ., their plans. it is disrupted to the children but _ their plans. it is disrupted to the children but you _ their plans. it is disrupted to the children but you do _ their plans. it is disrupted to the children but you do understand i their plans. it is disrupted to the i children but you do understand why they have decided to strike. they are expected to do more and more with less and less.— with less and less. instead of the usual drop _ with less and less. instead of the usual drop off. — with less and less. instead of the usual drop off, they _ with less and less. instead of the usual drop off, they will - with less and less. instead of the usual drop off, they will be - usual drop off, they will be spending the day at a friend's house. nearly all of the teachers here at st mary's church of england primary school will be on strike. this teacher is among them. most state school teachers in england had a 5% pay rise last year, but unions are calling for increases that are above inflation. it are calling for increases that are above inflation.— are calling for increases that are above inflation. it is not above all of a sudden _ above inflation. it is not above all of a sudden earning _ above inflation. it is not above all of a sudden earning megabucks, | of a sudden earning megabucks, nobody comes into this profession thinking i'll make my money, i'm going to be rich. it is not about

that. and? what is your message for parents about the disruption two we are sorry, it is the last thing we want, it is not a decision we made lightly. want, it is not a decision we made lirhtl . a, . . want, it is not a decision we made lirhtl . . . ., want, it is not a decision we made liuhtl. . . ., . �*, lightly. more than half of england's schools were _ lightly. more than half of england's schools were fully _ lightly. more than half of england's schools were fully or _ lightly. more than half of england's schools were fully or partially - schools were fully or partially closed in the first strike. how difficult was a decision to close the school?— difficult was a decision to close the school? . , . ., , ., ., the school? the vast ma'ority of our families — the school? the vast ma'ority of our families are from h the school? the vast majority of our families are from deprived - families are from deprived backgrounds, but you have to look at the bigger picture, in some schools, teachers are buying their own provisions, they should not be working 60 hour weeks. if they are, they should paid for it. the children will— they should paid for it. the children will look— they should paid for it. the children will look forward to spending time with their friends this week, but we will have to wait and see if and when they will need to spend any more days out of the classroom. meanwhile, in france, disruption from the strikes, the protests against the government's plant

increase in the pension age are stretching into a second week. we can show you these pictures coming from france. the action today is affecting a number of french refineries and depots, and an alliance of unions are calling for an eighth day of street protests across france. that would be the eighth since mid—january to oppose these plans to raise retirement age by two years from 62 to 64. now, to the united states, and president biden has signed an executive order to enforce tighter rules on gun sellers which moves the us a little closer to what might be considered universal background checks. he made the announcement in monterey park in north los angeles, a community devastated by a mass shooting in january which claimed 11 lives and injured nine other people. last

ear, in injured nine other people. last year, in buffalo, _ injured nine other people. last year, in buffalo, in _ injured nine other people. last year, in buffalo, in texas, after being in both places, most significant gun safety law in almost 30 years. in addition to me signing the executive action to reduce gun violence than any of my predecessors in this point of the presidency, today, i am announcing another executive order that would accelerate and intensify and save more lives. first, this executive order helps keep firearms out of dangerous hands. as i continue to call on background checks for all firearm sales. cheering in the meantime, in the meantime, my executive order directs my attorney general to take every level action possible to move us as close as we can to universal background checks without new legislation. it is common sense. to check whether

someone is a fair one, a domestic abuser before they a gun. the creators of — abuser before they a gun. the creators of the _ abuser before they a gun. the creators of the viral artificial intelligence chat gpt have unveiled the latest version called gbp t four. the upgrade means they can respond to images and words, recipe ideas for example as well as writing captions and descriptions. millions of people around the world have used the original chat gpt since it was launched late last year. popular requests have included asking it to write songs, poems, website copy and even school essays. it will initially be available through subscription by microsoft which has invested billions in new technology. let's speak to our technology correspondent who joins us from glasgow. good morning. tell us more about what is new with this version.

chat gpt three which came out at the end of last year was hugely popular and most people were logging on and getting it to generate all kinds of speeches. people were producing really humanlike speech, poems, songs, itineraries for holidays. in the new version, we are seeing a more upgraded version of that, it is capable of processing many more words, than what was previous before, eight times more worse than previously. also, capable of looking at images and generating content. the example is of taking a photograph of a fridge and it would be able to see exactly what was in the fridge and then suggest different recipes you could make, perhaps useful if you are like me and not always sure what you have for your dinner. the last version because lots of excitement, i'm sure there's version will also cause excitement. there have been concerns about spreading information, incorrect facts, some of the information is not sourced, can

people trust it? the company who make it have warned they are still not sure it is fully reliable although they are confident it has done well in testing. that although they are confident it has done well in testing.— done well in testing. that is interesting _ done well in testing. that is interesting to _ done well in testing. that is interesting to look - done well in testing. that is interesting to look at - done well in testing. that is interesting to look at some | done well in testing. that is l interesting to look at some of done well in testing. that is - interesting to look at some of the possible corns as well as the plus points. how much is all of this costing two for points. how much is all of this costing tw— points. how much is all of this costin: tw~ ., , ., . points. how much is all of this costinautw ., , ., . ., costing two for people who want to -la with costing two for people who want to play with it. _ costing two for people who want to play with it. mess _ costing two for people who want to play with it, mess about _ costing two for people who want to play with it, mess about with - costing two for people who want to play with it, mess about with the i costing two for people who want to | play with it, mess about with the in their own time, they will have to subscribe to the pro functions which will cost $20 a month. we are seeing it appear in other tech platforms, microsoft search engine has been demonstrating how it can be used for a tax clearly for example and give you answers. dual lingo, the app that helps you learn languages, they have been showing how it can be used in their process because people can have conversations in whichever language they are learning, and another bit of tech that is interesting, be my eyes, for

visually impaired people, demonstrating how it can be used for the fridge if they cannot see the fridge, i could help them in their lives in different ways.— fridge, i could help them in their lives in different ways. thank you very much _ lives in different ways. thank you very much for— lives in different ways. thank you very much for taking _ lives in different ways. thank you very much for taking us _ lives in different ways. thank you very much for taking us through i lives in different ways. thank you i very much for taking us through all of that. brek bednar was 14 years old when he was killed after being groomed over the internet. his mum has asked for greater safety online. she has met the media regulator 0fcom to discuss amendments to the 0nline safety bill to help coroners gain crucial evidence from tech companies. february and march are very difficult for me because my son was killed on my birthday. he was murdered nine years ago by an older

teenager who groomed him online. he: had a really subtle sense of humour and he was quite cool and if you think about a big brother with triplets, helping them with their schoolwork, and advice on how to get good grades. schoolwork, and advice on how to get good grades-— good grades. almost a decade later, the family is — good grades. almost a decade later, the family is still— good grades. almost a decade later, the family is still haunted _ good grades. almost a decade later, the family is still haunted by - the family is still haunted by internet trolls.— the family is still haunted by internet trolls. since his death, one of his _ internet trolls. since his death, one of his siblings _ internet trolls. since his death, one of his siblings has - internet trolls. since his death, i one of his siblings has regularly received messages with trolling or harassing or threatening, itjust sort of exacerbated the pain and the grief and the depression of our family. grief and the depression of our famil . ,, . grief and the depression of our famil. ,, . �*, . grief and the depression of our famil.. . , family. since her son's death, she has campaigned — family. since her son's death, she has campaigned tirelessly - family. since her son's death, she has campaigned tirelessly for - has campaigned tirelessly for greater online safety. we has campaigned tirelessly for greater online safety. we want to make sure _ greater online safety. we want to make sure that _ greater online safety. we want to make sure that content _ greater online safety. we want to make sure that content that - greater online safety. we want to make sure that content that is . make sure that content that is pushed towards children on their devices is age appropriate and safe for them. a, devices is age appropriate and safe for them. �* . devices is age appropriate and safe for them. . , ., . , .,

for them. a new set of laws to rotect for them. a new set of laws to protect children _ for them. a new set of laws to protect children and _ for them. a new set of laws to protect children and adults - for them. a new set of laws to i protect children and adults online is currently working its way through parliament. it is is currently working its way through parliament. . ., , parliament. it is for the benefit of... parliament. it is for the benefit of- -- isang? — parliament. it is for the benefit of... bang? these _ parliament. it is for the benefit of... bang? these parents - parliament. it is for the benefit | of... bang? these parents want parliament. it is for the benefit - of. .. bang? these parents want the of... bang? these parents want the new law _ of... bang? these parents want the new law to— of... bang? these parents want the new law to go further by them obtain information— new law to go further by them obtain information about material their children— information about material their children access before they died. i have children access before they died. have had children access before they died. l have had the privilege and the children access before they died. i have had the privilege and the pain to have worked with a lot of bereaved families. neither they nor the coroner where there was an inquest could get in touch with the companies in order to get the material that would shed light on the circumstances of the death of their child. that seemed to me a criminal injustice. if their child. that seemed to me a criminal injustice.— criminal in'ustice. if successful, the media’— criminal injustice. if successful, the media regulator— criminal injustice. if successful, the media regulator ofcom - criminal injustice. if successful, i the media regulator ofcom would criminal injustice. if successful, - the media regulator ofcom would play a key role in helping parents legally obtain information from tech companies. it is a change she backs. her daughter took her own life at 13

years old after viewing harmful content online. it years old after viewing harmful content online.— years old after viewing harmful content online. , . , ., ~ content online. it is heartbreaking, it is our content online. it is heartbreaking, it is your child, _ content online. it is heartbreaking, it is your child, and _ content online. it is heartbreaking, it is your child, and you _ content online. it is heartbreaking, it is your child, and you feel- content online. it is heartbreaking, it is your child, and you feel you i it is your child, and you feel you have the right to that information because children and any other part of society are expected to be the responsible parent and yet i am not able to get the data and access to the data that i need to be able to find out what happened.- the data that i need to be able to find out what happened. social media com anies find out what happened. social media companies have _ find out what happened. social media companies have said _ find out what happened. social media companies have said they _ find out what happened. social media companies have said they are - find out what happened. social media companies have said they are teen i find out what happened. social media companies have said they are teen to | companies have said they are teen to find solutions, but they say they also have to respect the laws in individual countries and protect users data. but these parents are clear they will keep fighting for their to be met. met art which owns facebook, instagram and whatsapp has announced plans to cut 10,000 jobs. it will be the second wave of mass redundancies from the tech giant which laid off 11,000 employees last november. the chief executive said the cuts are part of a year of efficiency. other

tech giants including amazon and microsoft have also been shedding thousands of workers in recent weeks. here is our america business correspondent. weeks. here is our america business correspondent-— correspondent. more “obs are on the cho -|n~ correspondent. more “obs are on the chopping biock_ correspondent. more “obs are on the chopping hiock at — correspondent. more jobs are on the chopping block at mater, _ correspondent. more jobs are on the chopping block at mater, all - correspondent. more jobs are on the chopping block at mater, all part - correspondent. more jobs are on the chopping block at mater, all part of. chopping block at mater, all part of the ceo year of efficiency. since the ceo year of efficiency. since the middle of 2022, the parent company of his back, instagram and whatsapp has been struggling to cut costs. it spent too much too quickly on its metaverse ambitions. all while the end of the pandemic and rising inflation meant that revenue was falling. in november, it said it was falling. in november, it said it was cutting its workforce by 13%. the first mass lay—offs in the tech giant 18 year history. the move was to help it weather the downturn. this latest round ofjob cuts which will begin on wednesday is to prepare it for the future. in a memo to staff, the ceo warrant this new economic reality would continue for many years, blaming high interest

rates, geopolitical instability and increased regulation for tougher times ahead. while that may be true, mater and other tech companies have been hiring aggressively for at least two years, and that recent months they have let workers go. paying the price for growing too fast. in the case of maytag, they are shifting their focus was letting go of some of their metaverse streams. ,, . , �* . streams. the queen guitarist brian ma has streams. the queen guitarist brian may has received _ streams. the queen guitarist brian may has received a _ streams. the queen guitarist brian may has received a knighthood - streams. the queen guitarist brian may has received a knighthood for| may has received a knighthood for services to music and charity. he was given the honour by king charles at buckingham palace and comes less than one year after the late queen appeared on screen tapping out to beat over tea with paddington bear, the song was famously written by brian may. some good news to a threatened species, is due in colombia has released pictures of a bear cub born

in december, it has now passed the first three months of its life which is a critical time for south america's only bear species. the team at the park see the club is present —— progressing well. this is bbc news. stay with us because in the next short while, we will be live in westminster to bring you all the latest on the uk budget announcement, the spring budget from the chancellor, jeremy hunt. two of the chancellor, jeremy hunt. two of the big pieces of news flagged up already about this budget, first of all, the expansion of free childcare for working parents in england to one and two—year—olds, they are already entitled to 30 hours of free childcare a week for three to four—year—olds, that is to be expanded to younger children as well. as i heard from the chief executive of the national day

nurseries association, concerns about whether the places are actually available. news also on further energy bill support. you are watching bbc news. i am on twitter. hello again. last night, under clear skies, some parts of scotland, namely aberdeenshire, saw the northern lights. under those clear skies it was a cold and a frosty start to the day. this transient ridge of high pressure that is giving us the conditions being moved out of the way by this clutch of fronts coming our way, introducing some thick cloud, some heavy and persistent rain and brisk winds. out towards the east is where we will hang on to the bright skies the longest. the cloud building through the day, the rain coming in and anywhere from north wales, north midlands northwards, we could see some hill snow. milder air coming into the south—west. but as this weather front producing this rain bangs into the cold air, across northern england and also scotland, this evening, we could see some snow

down to low levels. it may well affect some of these routes. but by the time we get to the overnight period, the milder air will be pushing in so the risk of snow will be back up into the hills. you can see the temperatures, it is milder than it has been for most of us, last night in tyndrum, it fell to -9.9. we are not looking as low as that tonight. tomorrow, then, our fronts continue to move north—eastwards, cold front moves from the west to the east and we are going to have a brisk wind coming up from the south—west bringing mild air across most of the uk except for the northern isles. you are going to remain in the cold air. tomorrow, then, we've got this heavy and persistent rain pushing north—eastwards, here is our cold front, that is going to be producing showery outbreaks of rain pushing towards the east, some of those will be heavy, potentially thundery as well with brisk winds. look at the temperatures, 12 to 14 degrees quite widely, but still in the colder air in the far north of scotland. as for friday, friday is looking quite showery for many of us. quite cloudy as well.

some of those showers will be heavy, potentially thundery, any sunny intervals will be fairly limited. but it's going to be mild. temperatures easily getting into double figures. in aberdeen, 12 degrees, newcastle, hull, and norwich, 15 degrees. 13 degrees in plymouth but six in lerwick. into the weekend, then, we continue with the unsettled theme, with rain or showers at times, but for most of us, it is going to be mild with the cold air across northern scotland slipping further south into the early part of next week.

this is bbc news ? welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. i'm matthew amroliwala. our top stories. a high court in pakistan orders police to halt their operation to arrest former prime minister imran khan until tomorrow morning — following clashes between police and his supporters. a crucial political moment in the uk — the chancellor is set to unveil his spring budget — extra help for childcare — and more support for energy bills — are expected to part of the government's plans. hundreds of thousands of workers in the uk are going on strike today — in what could be the biggest walk—out since the current wave of industrial action started. conflicting acpunts from washington and moscow — over the downing of a us surveillance drone that crashed into the black sea after an encounter

with russian fighterjets. and — the return of the wolf — in belgium — for the first time in more than a hundred years. welcome to bbc news. we begin in pakistan — bbc has been told the country's high court halted the arrest warrant on imran khan, pakistan's former prime minister, until ten in the morning tomorrow local time. police have clashed with his supporters outside mr khan's residence in lahore repeateadly in the last two days. unrest has continued through the night — after the authoroities made another attempt to arrest him — enforcimng a court order. imran kahn accused the authorities, of acting �*outside the law'. pakistan's information minister said the government had nothing

to do with the move — but the court was only trying to enforce the arrest warant in connection with a corruption case. joining me now from islamabad is our correspondent farhat javed. tell us the latest. in lahore, imran khan supporters — tell us the latest. in lahore, imran khan supporters are _ tell us the latest. in lahore, imran khan supporters are still _ tell us the latest. in lahore, imran khan supporters are still outside i khan supporters are still outside his residence but the police and law enforcement agencies were present for more than 24 hours have finally started moving away from his residence, from where they were sitting since yesterday afternoon. it is happening at a time when there are two positions in two different courts in pakistan. one petition in the high court at islamabad where they had requested the court to suspend an arrest warrant which was issued a got —— against imran khan. the other petition was filed by one of his party members in lahore high

court in which the court was requested to get the violence happening outside his residence stopped. the court in lahore. for now this operation has been halted. in islam a verdict on his appeal to suspend his arrest warrant is to be served and the court will announce it. the situation outside his residence, yesterday morning we saw his supporters which are hundreds in number, they held off one attempt by the police who attempted to arrest imran khan. there was tear gas. police tried to disperse his supporters using water cannon. this was the situation

outside his house since yesterday, we have been hearing reports of no electricity in the area and no mobile connectivity. so this was the situation, there was a large number of police and paramilitary forces deployed outside and there were protests across the country in many major cities and in the capital islamabad where the supporters of imran khan came out to support him and protest against his arrest. he has also been appearing in different interviews. he had an interview with the bbc in which he said he was ready to go to jail but called it political motivation and said it was unfair. he asked his workers to come out and continue his struggle if he is arrested. imran khan has also alleged this whole operation is conducted not to arrest him or presenting to the court but to

abduct and kill him so these are allegations he has been levelling against the government. but the government denies the allegations and any involvement in the case. thank you the latest from islamabad. joining me is muneeb farooq, a television host and journalist with geo news station in pakistan. thank you for your time here. what is your understanding of why the authorities have forced this attempt to arrest imran khan?— authorities have forced this attempt to arrest imran khan? thank you for havini to arrest imran khan? thank you for having me- — to arrest imran khan? thank you for having me- at _ to arrest imran khan? thank you for having me. at this _ to arrest imran khan? thank you for having me. at this moment, - to arrest imran khan? thank you for having me. at this moment, lahore| having me. at this moment, lahore high court has issued an order which basically stipulates that the operation has been put on hold until tomorrow at ten o'clock. while another high court in islamabad presented this morning and advocated the fact that his arrest warrant should be put on hold and should be suspended. so the court has reserved

a decision on that so we have to wait if the court suspends the arrest warrant or gives another chance to present himself in the session court, it is yet to be seen. police are caught between a rock and a hard place. it is being accused of using disproportionate force but on the other hand, police work in this part of the world with a very low morale. there have been incidents in the past where police is not really allowed now to do these operations with weapons, the batten charges, they use water cannons and protect themselves to restore peace. that is themselves to restore peace. that is the maximum _ themselves to restore peace. that is the maximum they _ themselves to restore peace. that is the maximum they can _ themselves to restore peace. that is the maximum they can do. - themselves to restore peace. that is the maximum they can do. for - themselves to restore peace. that is i the maximum they can do. for viewers around the world, explain the background why there is an arrest warrant in the first place.- warrant in the first place. against imran warrant in the first place. against lmran khan. _ warrant in the first place. against imran khan, there _ warrant in the first place. against imran khan, there are _ warrant in the first place. against imran khan, there are three - warrant in the first place. againstl imran khan, there are three major

cases as we speak. the other cases we can say are political motivated, these are cases which don't have substance. there are three cases, this one is from claiming gifts from the government exchequer or the gifts that you get from the foreign dignitaries on your foreign visits as prime minister. every head of state is entitled to have them but for imran khan, the main accusation is he under invoiced those gifts, sold them and did not pay the amount he was supposed to pay. so the election commission of pakistan give a detailed report on this and sent the matter to the session court which is the procedure and they charged imran khan with a particular law. now the session court summons imran khan and summoned him 13 times but he failed to appear against the pretext he is under a severe life

threats. he wants protection and cannot appear on any of the courts just like that. so lastly when his lawyer reported to the session court, when they issued the arrest warrant, they approached the high court and asked for a suspension. the high court suspended the arrest warrant against the assurance that he would present himself on the 13th of march. he did not present himself on the 13th of march so the arrest warrant got activated again. the police came to execute those warrants. so there is one view saying the police are trying to get into the whole thing and it is not how it should be done. i into the whole thing and it is not how it should be done.— how it should be done. i have to interru -t how it should be done. i have to interrupt you. — how it should be done. i have to interrupt you, the _ how it should be done. i have to interrupt you, the situation - how it should be done. i have to interrupt you, the situation is i interrupt you, the situation is clearly fluid on the ground but your line is breaking up so we will leave it there from lahore. thank you for your thoughts on what's happening on the ground.

now for those watching here in the uk, you'll know we have the spring budget coming up. it's a big moment in domestic politics, given the cost of living crisis and the political turmoil that preceeded rishi sunak becoming prime minister. this was just a few moments ago — when the chancellorjermeny hunt and his team outside number eleven. that is in advance of that short walk across to westminster. we have prime minister's questions in about 50 minutes. then the budget statement after that. those are the pictures there. working parents in england are expected to receive a boost as part of the british government's attempt to boost economic growth. the relatively high cost of childcare is widely seen as preventing many parents returning to work. ben king has been looking at what to expct. for lauren, from south london, being a working mum is a constantjuggle. for three days a week, she looks after eight—month—old zade while she works from home.

on the other two days, she spends an hour or more travelling to nursery. the nursery near us was £92 and we couldn't afford that, so we've had to commute further away to be able to get a price that we can attempt to manage. my day is like a game show. i'm, like, come on, quickly, if you don't do it by this time, i've got how many minutes for him to sleep? but i'm still here. today's budget is expected to offer 30 free hours childcare for one and two—year—olds in england, which will soon benefit zade. definitely helpful, says his mum, if she can get a place at nursery. the chancellorjeremy hunt says his first budget is designed to help people like lauren stay in work, and tens of thousands of others not currently working to join them. the government has been borrowing less than expected this year, by £30 billion, which could fund this and a number of other spending measures. that's expected to include extending the £2,500 cap on a typical energy

bill for another three months, an extra £5 billion for defence and a freeze on fuel duty. there will likely be measures to boost business investment, perhaps some extra money to resolve public sector pay disputes. and chancellors often like to throw in a surprise or two as well. this afternoon, we'll also get the latest set of economic forecasts from the obr, the government's official spending watchdog, which will tell us how fast the economy is expected to grow in the next five years. and that's crucial, because that will tell the chancellor how much extra money he can afford to spend without breaking his own pledge to have the national debt falling in five years' time. in the bank of england's forecasts for a month ago were really quite gloomy over to the medium term. they think the economy can barely grow 1% a year, which is pathetic by historic standards. if that's what the obr thinks as well, then there's going to be very little money to spend over the medium run because tax revenues won't be coming in if the economy's not growing.

jeremy hunt is calling this a budget for growth, and without a strong economy, all the decisions a chancellor must make become more difficult. ben king, bbc news, south london. for viewers in the uk — we'll have full coverage of the run up to the budget with pmq's and the budget statement itself, with analysis and reaction — and that special programme starts here in just a few minuets. the us and russia are giving conflicting accounts about how an american surveillance drone plunged into the black sea. washington says two russian jets tried to intercept the drone, before striking a propeller. russia's ambassador to the us, has denied any collision took place, and claimed the aircraft's presence was a provocation. our diplomatic correspondent james landale is in kiev — he outlined, how this could play out between the two countries. i think both sides will do their

very best to avoid this escalating. throughout this conflict, over the last year, both russia and nato have made huge efforts to avoid any form of escalation. both sides have made it clear they are aware of the risks of that so i think yes, there will be stiff language used by the united states and protest, diplomatically. but i think they will do their utmost to make sure this does not spiral out of some sort of further military confrontation. that said, i think the americans will demand explanations from the russians as to what they were doing. i think at some point it would not surprise me if film of what happened emerges. that will challenge probably one of the accounts we have just heard in peter's report but we are not at that point yet. that was james

landale in kyiv for us now. let's bring you some live pictures now fromg you some live pictures now.

today the chancellor will deliver his budget for growth with a back of her own child care but it comes against a backdrop of strikes, inflation and a cost of living crisis so are there any reasons for optimism. joining me for this politics live budget spatial, the political editor

for the bbc and business editor simonjack. for the bbc and business editor simon jack-— simon jack. when will things actually get _ simon jack. when will things actually get better, - simon jack. when will things i actually get better, chancellor? a short while agojeremy actually get better, chancellor? a short while ago jeremy hunt emerged short while agojeremy hunt emerged from number 11 clutching his red box. he will unveil his budget at 1230. a big expansion of free childcare has been hailed as a way to get parents back to work. this leisure centre _ to get parents back to work. this leisure centre in _ to get parents back to work. this leisure centre in the west midlands has been _ leisure centre in the west midlands has been awarded millions of pounds in levelling _ has been awarded millions of pounds in levelling up cash. i am here to talk to— in levelling up cash. i am here to talk to other local businesses to ask what— talk to other local businesses to ask what they want from the chancellor into the's budget? today is also a major _ chancellor into the's budget? today is also a major strike _ chancellor into the's budget? today is also a major strike day _ chancellor into the's budget? today is also a major strike day with - is also a major strike day with junior doctors, teachers and civil servants walking out over pay. but with economic forecasts offering a glimmer of hope, how much room for manoeuvre does the chancellor have? and of course before he stands up, there is prime minister questions,

we will have live coverage of that at midday. welcome to this politics live budget special. we are only here until three o'clock, a marathon. jeremy hunt, his first spring budget as chancellor, it's his second big fiscal event since he became chancellor. he spent the autumn statement last year reversing pretty much every measure of liz truss and kwasi kwarteng's mini budget last september while increasing taxes to a 17 year high. the budget is likely to be all about stability and a plan to deliver on rishi sunak�*s priorities, cutting inflation and the debt and getting the economy growing again. this is against a backdrop of record inflation, sluggish growth and widespread strikes over pay. jeremy hunt will be resisting pressure from

some of his party for tax cuts for now, despite the fact the government will be borrowing less than we thought. much of the budget has been preannounced or leaked, leaks on childcare, the energy price guarantee and now the pension lifetime allowance being extended but people are still concerned about high energy bills, food prices and childcare costs. let us look at the front pages. the mirror, britain needs budget boost, crying out for help. the guardian has this headline, billion childcare bid to get parents back to work. and the daily express, carrot and stick to get britain growing. hello to all the editors, chris, can i start with you what you think will be big story of today? i you what you think will be big story of toda ? .. you what you think will be big story of toda ? ,, , ., you what you think will be big story of toda ? ,, ,., ., ,

of today? i think some of the things ou of today? i think some of the things you mentioned _ of today? i think some of the things you mentioned will _ of today? i think some of the things you mentioned will generate - you mentioned will generate headlines, childcare in england for a start but in the big picture, senior people in government to see this as a steady as she goes moment. boring is the new interesting. the critical event you described it a few months back whenjeremy hunt started was a steady the ship moment, this is the hope is a sense of community —— my continuity. yes, they want to try and get the economy going, draw people back into work, younger people with children and older people who might have dropped out of the workforce but the pic picture is one of that steady as she goes. it was described as our budget for the think tank... that will get it pored over by those in this post go to obsess about tweets here and there but not the one that will be referred to generations later. right, except the backdrop is very

serious, trying to get the economy growing again. what do you think foryou could be the big takeaway from today? it is foryou could be the big takeaway from today?— from today? it is interesting that im - licitl from today? it is interesting that implicitly there _ from today? it is interesting that implicitly there will _ from today? it is interesting that implicitly there will be _ from today? it is interesting that implicitly there will be to - from today? it is interesting that implicitly there will be to big i implicitly there will be to big admissions from jeremy hunt policy areas. _ admissions from jeremy hunt policy areas. the _ admissions from jeremy hunt policy areas, the size of the workforce but also a _ areas, the size of the workforce but also a very— areas, the size of the workforce but also a very bad record on investment in the _ also a very bad record on investment in the last— also a very bad record on investment in the last six— also a very bad record on investment in the last six or seven years. those — in the last six or seven years. those two _ in the last six or seven years. those two things, they will admit have _ those two things, they will admit have been— those two things, they will admit have been going the wrong direction and the _ have been going the wrong direction and the test of today's statement will be _ and the test of today's statement will be people perceiving a planned deal for— will be people perceiving a planned deal for both of them. if both are dealt _ deal for both of them. if both are dealt with. — deal for both of them. if both are dealt with, we will get not sluggish growth _ dealt with, we will get not sluggish growth but a growing economy which is obviously good for everybody in terms _ is obviously good for everybody in terms of — is obviously good for everybody in terms of tax revenue and public services — terms of tax revenue and public services. interestingly, it will get a first— services. interestingly, it will get a first homework marked in the budget— a first homework marked in the budget by the office for budget responsibility. it will indeed. i do

not think— responsibility. it will indeed. i do not think they will say ten of ten. a work— not think they will say ten of ten. a work in— not think they will say ten of ten. a work in progress, as you say. let us see. business investment, you are very in but more generally, what will be the story for businesses today? will be the story for businesses toda ? ., . ,, will be the story for businesses toda ? ., ., ,, ., today? you talked about righting the shi - , today? you talked about righting the shi, a today? you talked about righting the ship. a copple _ today? you talked about righting the ship. a copple of _ today? you talked about righting the ship, a couple of wins _ today? you talked about righting the ship, a couple of wins have - today? you talked about righting the ship, a couple of wins have been i ship, a couple of wins have been going _ ship, a couple of wins have been going on— ship, a couple of wins have been going on in— ship, a couple of wins have been going on in his— ship, a couple of wins have been going on in his direction - ship, a couple of wins have been going on in his direction in i ship, a couple of wins have been going on in his direction in the i going on in his direction in the last few— going on in his direction in the last few months, _ going on in his direction in the last few months, most - going on in his direction in the| last few months, most notably going on in his direction in the i last few months, most notably the cost of _ last few months, most notably the cost of energy— last few months, most notably the cost of energy has _ last few months, most notably the cost of energy has come _ last few months, most notably the cost of energy has come down, i last few months, most notably the i cost of energy has come down, tens of niillions_ cost of energy has come down, tens of millions less _ cost of energy has come down, tens of millions less he _ cost of energy has come down, tens of millions less he has _ cost of energy has come down, tens of millions less he has had - cost of energy has come down, tens of millions less he has had to- cost of energy has come down, tens of millions less he has had to spend i of millions less he has had to spend on these _ of millions less he has had to spend on these subsidies. _ of millions less he has had to spend on these subsidies. he _ of millions less he has had to spend on these subsidies. he has- of millions less he has had to spend on these subsidies. he has more i of millions less he has had to spend | on these subsidies. he has more tax to play— on these subsidies. he has more tax to play with — on these subsidies. he has more tax to play with as— on these subsidies. he has more tax to play with as well— on these subsidies. he has more tax to play with as well as _ on these subsidies. he has more tax to play with as well as pay _ on these subsidies. he has more tax to play with as well as pay rates i to play with as well as pay rates have _ to play with as well as pay rates have gone — to play with as well as pay rates have gone up— to play with as well as pay rates have gone up and _ to play with as well as pay rates have gone up and income - to play with as well as pay rates have gone up and income tax. have gone up and income tax thresholds— have gone up and income tax thresholds have _ have gone up and income tax thresholds have remained i have gone up and income tax| thresholds have remained the have gone up and income tax- thresholds have remained the same, he has _ thresholds have remained the same, he has got _ thresholds have remained the same, he has got higher— thresholds have remained the same, he has got higher tax— thresholds have remained the same, he has got higher tax receipts. i thresholds have remained the same, he has got higher tax receipts. buti he has got higher tax receipts. but the two _ he has got higher tax receipts. but the two big — he has got higher tax receipts. but the two big impediments- he has got higher tax receipts. but the two big impediments to - he has got higher tax receipts. but| the two big impediments to growth our business — the two big impediments to growth our business investment _ the two big impediments to growth our business investment and - the two big impediments to growth our business investment and the i the two big impediments to growth i our business investment and the size of the _ our business investment and the size of the workforce. _ our business investment and the size of the workforce. the _ our business investment and the size of the workforce. the problem - our business investment and the size of the workforce. the problem is i our business investment and the size i of the workforce. the problem is how to persuade _ of the workforce. the problem is how to persuade businesses— of the workforce. the problem is how to persuade businesses to _ of the workforce. the problem is how to persuade businesses to invest- to persuade businesses to invest when _ to persuade businesses to invest when you — to persuade businesses to invest when you put— to persuade businesses to invest when you put up— to persuade businesses to invest when you put up corporation i to persuade businesses to invest| when you put up corporation tax. conie _ when you put up corporation tax. conie april— when you put up corporation tax. conie april i— when you put up corporation tax. come april i expect _ when you put up corporation tax. come april i expect him - when you put up corporation tax. come april i expect him to- when you put up corporation tax. come april i expect him to try. when you put up corporation tax. i come april i expect him to try and address— come april i expect him to try and address that — come april i expect him to try and address that question _ come april i expect him to try and address that question by- come april i expect him to try and address that question by saying i i address that question by saying i

will give — address that question by saying i will give you _ address that question by saying i will give you a _ address that question by saying i will give you a budget _ address that question by saying i will give you a budget that - address that question by saying i will give you a budget that the i address that question by saying i i will give you a budget that the more business _ will give you a budget that the more business invests, _ will give you a budget that the more business invests, the _ will give you a budget that the more business invests, the less— will give you a budget that the more business invests, the less tax- will give you a budget that the more business invests, the less tax it i will give you a budget that the more business invests, the less tax it so i business invests, the less tax it so that businesses— business invests, the less tax it so that businesses who _ business invests, the less tax it so that businesses who invest - business invests, the less tax it so that businesses who invest will- business invests, the less tax it so that businesses who invest will be| that businesses who invest will be rewarded — that businesses who invest will be rewarded for— that businesses who invest will be rewarded for doing _ that businesses who invest will be rewarded for doing that. - that businesses who invest will be rewarded for doing that. so - that businesses who invest will be rewarded for doing that. so so i that businesses who invest will be i rewarded for doing that. so so some tweaks— rewarded for doing that. so so some tweaks to _ rewarded for doing that. so so some tweaks to capital— rewarded for doing that. so so some tweaks to capital allowance - rewarded for doing that. so so some tweaks to capital allowance to - rewarded for doing that. so so some tweaks to capital allowance to not i tweaks to capital allowance to not affect _ tweaks to capital allowance to not affect the — tweaks to capital allowance to not affect the profit _ tweaks to capital allowance to not affect the profit figure _ tweaks to capital allowance to not affect the profit figure so - tweaks to capital allowance to not affect the profit figure so your- affect the profit figure so your effective — affect the profit figure so your effective tax _ affect the profit figure so your effective tax rate _ affect the profit figure so your effective tax rate comes i affect the profit figure so yourl effective tax rate comes down. affect the profit figure so your- effective tax rate comes down. rishi sunak made — effective tax rate comes down. rishi sunak made much _ effective tax rate comes down. rishi sunak made much of— effective tax rate comes down. sunak made much of the priorities effective tax rate comes downm sunak made much of the priorities he had set out. i told my people what they are. had set out. i told my people what the are. , i, , , they are. five promises, we will have inflation, _ they are. five promises, we will have inflation, grow _ they are. five promises, we will have inflation, grow the - they are. five promises, we will. have inflation, grow the economy, reduce _ have inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the — reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the votes. those are the pe0ple's_ stop the votes. those are the people's priorities, they are your government priorities and we will either_ government priorities and we will either have achieved them or not. let us _ either have achieved them or not. let us have — either have achieved them or not. let us have a look at one of them. economic growth, let as show viewers and our panellists, economic growth since the pandemic, well it is stark for the united kingdom. you can see there, the united states on 5.1% and

at the bottom of the g7 countries, they are in the red, nearly 1% lower than the start of the pandemic. they are coming from a low benchmark. yes. often you get arguments about a particular year. this suits them. that trend gives you what has happened since the end of 2019 on a quarterly basis and it is interesting and relevant. there are various reasons for that, lots of the world has faced a global role in crisis one after the other. that the world has faced a global role in crisis one after the other.— crisis one after the other. that is what critics _ crisis one after the other. that is what critics of _ crisis one after the other. that is what critics of the _ crisis one after the other. that is what critics of the government i crisis one after the other. that is - what critics of the government would say, everyone has faced the pandemic, the war in ukraine but why is the uk at the bottom of the pile? this is why that double admission, there is something different going on, the bank of england governor told me we stand out on the lack of getting back to full strength post

pandemic in terms of the workforce but also in terms of business investment. there are other things going on. it is clear that business investment has stalled over the last seven years since the referendum, the brexit uncertainty, they pandemic, the energy crisis, there is an admission privately that generalised political is still —— instability overall. we showed you the figures. it is holding back red briefcase up, when was the last time that happened? you forget we did not have a proper budget. he is only the second of the last five chancellors who got as far as holding up the red box. in who got as far as holding up the red box. , , who got as far as holding up the red box. i i i, who got as far as holding up the red box. , , i, i, who got as far as holding up the red box. ii i, i, , i, , who got as far as holding up the red box. ,, i, i, , i, , i, box. in less than four years. that definitely sets _ box. in less than four years. that definitely sets to _ box. in less than four years. that definitely sets to the _ box. in less than four years. that definitely sets to the context, - definitely sets to the context, holding said red box with the treasury team. i cannot believe that the amount of time has elapsed since that happened but there we are, we are back to the way things once

were. i, ii v are back to the way things once were. i, i, , , i, , were. normality. the previous five chancellors — were. normality. the previous five chancellors before _ were. normality. the previous five chancellors before that. _ were. normality. the previous five chancellors before that. let - were. normality. the previous five chancellors before that. let us - were. normality. the previous five l chancellors before that. let us have a look while — chancellors before that. let us have a look while the _ chancellors before that. let us have a look while the treasury _ chancellors before that. let us have a look while the treasury team - chancellors before that. let us have| a look while the treasury team were standing there and jeremy hunt made his way over to the house of commons. let us look at inflation, everybody has suffered with rising prices. we can see it has come down a little bit but it is still double digits, record highs, that is another one of the priorities that riches do not mention, he said he wants to have it by when?- riches do not mention, he said he wants to have it by when? those five riorities wants to have it by when? those five priorities are — wants to have it by when? those five priorities are economic, _ wants to have it by when? those five priorities are economic, one - wants to have it by when? those five priorities are economic, one is - wants to have it by when? those five priorities are economic, one is the i priorities are economic, one is the nhs and _ priorities are economic, one is the nhs and small votes. quite a few of the economic ones, people will say we will_ the economic ones, people will say we will head in a particular direction _ we will head in a particular direction irrespective of anything the government tends to do but the broader— the government tends to do but the broader point about instability is worth— broader point about instability is worth ramming home because we all have short _ worth ramming home because we all have short memories and westminster

has encouraged even shorter ones recently— has encouraged even shorter ones recently so — has encouraged even shorter ones recently so there's lots of talk of stability — recently so there's lots of talk of stability but they have only been around, — stability but they have only been around, rishi sunak and jeremy hunt for a matter— around, rishi sunak and jeremy hunt for a matter of months. before that a period _ for a matter of months. before that a period of— for a matter of months. before that a period of intense instability. there — a period of intense instability. there are _ a period of intense instability. there are successive conservative governments of course. on a human and personal— governments of course. on a human and personal level they will do that distinction — and personal level they will do that distinction but on the bottom line, jeremy— distinction but on the bottom line, jeremy hunt has nowhere to hide when you pih _ jeremy hunt has nowhere to hide when you pin a _ jeremy hunt has nowhere to hide when you pin a record of conservative governments going back in 13 years in his— governments going back in 13 years in his direction and then present the graphs we have been showing, that makes it difficult for any politician in his position politically after a long period of a party _ politically after a long period of a party that has been in government but that— party that has been in government but that broader instability point and the — but that broader instability point and the contribution that is made to some _ and the contribution that is made to some of— and the contribution that is made to some of the — and the contribution that is made to some of the things we have been discussing — some of the things we have been discussing is important because we can discussing is important because we cah so— discussing is important because we can so easily forget it after this retetivety— can so easily forget it after this relatively short period of normality since _ relatively short period of normality since last — relatively short period of normality since last year. |

relatively short period of normality since last year.— relatively short period of normality since last year. i cannot emphasise enou:h since last year. i cannot emphasise enough how _ since last year. i cannot emphasise enough how important _ since last year. i cannot emphasise enough how important that - since last year. i cannot emphasise | enough how important that stability question as to businesses. it is an old cliche but on the corporation tax rice for instance, people say you are putting off investment. if you are putting off investment. if you look at some of the other countries, france and germany have twice the level of business investment we have in the uk and they have higher corporation taxes. so taxes in general are higher. so it is not a read across about how high business taxes are. multinational tend to say to their uk arms that the uk looks an investable at the moment because we do not know what is going on. irate do not know what is going on. we have spent a week travelling abroad with the _ have spent a week travelling abroad with the prime minister, i was in paris _ with the prime minister, i was in paris tast— with the prime minister, i was in paris last friday with the french president— paris last friday with the french president who last had a summit with the british— president who last had a summit with the british prime minister five years— the british prime minister five years ago, theresa may. i am just back— years ago, theresa may. i am just back to _ years ago, theresa may. i am just back to a — years ago, theresa may. i am just back to a trip from the us for this

retativety— back to a trip from the us for this relatively new impact —— pact involving _ relatively new impact —— pact involving the us and australia, it was signed by the british prime mihister— was signed by the british prime minister before last, borisjohnson, 18 mohths_ minister before last, borisjohnson, 18 months ago. it is minister before last, boris johnson, 18 months ago-— 18 months ago. it is hard to remember _ 18 months ago. it is hard to remember who _ 18 months ago. it is hard to remember who was - 18 months ago. it is hard to| remember who was wearing 18 months ago. it is hard to - remember who was wearing when. 18 months ago. it is hard to _ remember who was wearing when. just before we go to the west midlands, i want to show you this in terms of context because you are correct, the instability and external shocks and the length of time this government has been in post but when you look at s, changes in salary, this is 2010. that was after another external shop which was the financial crash. just look at salary. financial crash. just look at sala . ii i financial crash. just look at sala . i, , i, i, financial crash. just look at sala. i, i, , salary. that is not real wages we should point— salary. that is not real wages we should point out, _ salary. that is not real wages we should point out, that _ salary. that is not real wages we should point out, that is - salary. that is not real wages we should point out, that is after i should point out, that is after taking — should point out, that is after taking into account inflation. it is purchasing _ taking into account inflation. it 3 purchasing power. they are all private sector workers and public sector workers. teachers and junior doctors are on strike currently. that is the backdrop, faisal, to the

budget today? it is that is the backdrop, faisal, to the budget today?— that is the backdrop, faisal, to the budget today? it is the backdrop and it will be a noisy _ budget today? it is the backdrop and it will be a noisy backdrop _ budget today? it is the backdrop and it will be a noisy backdrop outside i it will be a noisy backdrop outside in terms of protests and some of the strikes that everybody is experiencing today. however, i think we are not going to get a great deal of information. we should say that the defining things today will be what is not said. if you're thinking what is not said. if you're thinking what the rabbit would be, i would imagine someone with think let us be nice to the nurses but i am told that will not happen, money will not be made available. that that will not happen, money will not be made available.— be made available. that is the case, there will be — be made available. that is the case, there will be choices _ be made available. that is the case, there will be choices made, - be made available. that is the case, there will be choices made, if - be made available. that is the case, there will be choices made, if they l there will be choices made, if they freeze fuel duty it could cost about £6 billion which could be used to settle some pay disputes but that might not be what they will do, they want to wait until inflation comes down. but those strikes will then continue which will harm growth.

indeed. we should make the bigger point that everything we hear from the chancellor today is a choice, he is making a political choice based on the economic environment in which he is operating but there are trade—offs in political choices. it does not look they are in a place where they want to make that move as far as resolving some of the strikes are concerned but broadly speaking they think as far as industrial action is concerned, there is movement that they would read as positive and things are improving and sectors are willing to talk and settle but clearly, as for millions of people in the country, we are talking about this fiscal event in this post code and the reality for millions of people is lives disrupted today.