hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. if you expect me to sort out these issues and get rid of people, give me the powers to do it. we have people who we have sacked and the tribunals have reinstated them even though they have a serious criminal convictions. the though they have a serious criminal convictions-— convictions. the idea that the problems _ convictions. the idea that the problems of _ convictions. the idea that the problems of policing - convictions. the idea that the problems of policing can - convictions. the idea that the problems of policing can be l convictions. the idea that the - problems of policing can be dealt with by— problems of policing can be dealt with by more police investigating themselves and by sacking individual bad apples, i'm concerned this part of this_ bad apples, i'm concerned this part of this cycle — bad apples, i'm concerned this part of this cycle of outrage and superficial reform. it�*s of this cycle of outrage and superficial reform.- of this cycle of outrage and superficial reform. it's a cultural issue in policing _ superficial reform. it's a cultural issue in policing what _ superficial reform. it's a cultural issue in policing what we - superficial reform. it's a cultural issue in policing what we need l superficial reform. it's a cultural| issue in policing what we need is superficial reform. it's a cultural. issue in policing what we need is a police _ issue in policing what we need is a police service _ issue in policing what we need is a police service that _ issue in policing what we need is a police service that is _ issue in policing what we need is a police service that is fit _ issue in policing what we need is a police service that is fit for- issue in policing what we need is a police service that is fit for the - police service that is fit for the zist police service that is fit for the 215i century _

hello, welcome to the programme. we have got another action packed programme for you tonight. coming up, the white house says they have still had no consular access to anerican journalist evan gershkovich, who is being held by the russians on spying charges. we will speak tonight from the former soviet dissident natan sharansky, who was held in the same moscow prison in the 1970s. we will also hearfrom mark urban on his continiung investigation into russia's 331 parachute regiment, and the losses that unit has sustained in ukraine. but we start tonight with the clean—up within britain's biggest police force. the met commissioner, sir mark rowley, who was appointed in september, believes there are hundreds of corrupt officers serving in the force who should not be in the job. and so concerned is he at the scale of the problem, that around 90 of his officers from serious and organised crime have been tasked with investigating their own. this morning, sir mark set out the plans in a live phone—in on bbc london.

to answer the question in shorthand. yes, of course i want to sack them. actually, in a lot of cases, well, in all cases, i don't have the final say on who's in the metropolitan police. i know that sounds mad. i'm the commissioner. you're holding me to account with this question because you want me to run a good police service. yet there are independent legal tribunals who can decide that we have to keep somebody, even though we want to sack them. and that's one of the powers i've asked to be changed for the home secretary. and she's doing a review which will publish at the end of this month that i think if you expect me to sort out the cultural issues in the met and get rid of the people, then give me the powers to do it. can you imagine if you were sitting here with the chief executive of a big organisation saying, well, they weren't allowed to sack certain people, somebody else had to decide for them? it seems to me... it seems to be nonsensical. i have to be completely transparent about the decisions we make. these hearings are public, but the fact we don't have the final say is the problem.

we have people. so it's not that we haven't made bad decisions ourselves from time to time. we definitely have done so. i'm not trying to off—load the responsibility, but we have people who we've sacked, and the independent tribunals have reinstated them, even though they've got serious criminal convictions. sir mark said that of the 1,131 cases reviewed, 689 will have their cases reassessed. a total of 161 met officers already have criminal convictions, 76 for serious traffic offences including drink—driving and careless driving. which puts the focus on vetting and recruitment. joining us now is former metropolitan police superintendent leroy logan and mark easton, our home editor. mark, let me start with you. nearly 700 cases will be looked at again, clearly the commissioner isn't happy with that, but the process, the way they were dealt with at the time, it clearly doesn't stand up to

scrutiny. clearly doesn't stand up to scrutiny-— clearly doesn't stand up to scrutin . ., , , ., , ., , scrutiny. no, this is a strategy which is very _ scrutiny. no, this is a strategy which is very high _ scrutiny. no, this is a strategy which is very high risk- scrutiny. no, this is a strategy| which is very high risk because scrutiny. no, this is a strategy - which is very high risk because what we have actually seen the commissioner do today is almost expressed his pride in the amount of gross misconduct that he has already seen within the met, he is actually revealed among the officers. he seems to have to be taking pride in suspending police officers should begin the force as he sees it, and he wants, as we have been here, to sack more police officers. this is because he believes that is the only way that he can restore trust in the police. there was a poll today done by the bbc which asked londoners whether they trusted the metropolitan police, and only 29% of londoners said that they did. among the women and among ethnic minorities it was 24%. a figure for the mayor of londonjust minorities it was 24%. a figure for the mayor of london just a few years ago, asking a very similar question,

found that 89% of londoners then did trust the met. so you can see the enormous challenge but he's got back because he needs to turn around those numbers and do it quickly. and his answer to that is to try and look as tough as he can on getting rid of the bad coppers and changing the culture of the met. the problem he's got is that he needs to do it very quickly and the clock is ticking, the... changing those numbers is going to be exceedingly difficult. ., ., ., , difficult. doctor logan, it will be remarkable _ difficult. doctor logan, it will be remarkable to _ difficult. doctor logan, it will be remarkable to people _ difficult. doctor logan, it will be remarkable to people that - difficult. doctor logan, it will be remarkable to people that the i remarkable to people that the commissioner once some of these officers after the force but as he said, he doesn't have the final say, in fact some of the people on this list were sacked and then reinstated.— list were sacked and then reinstated. , ., �* , . reinstated. yes, well, that's police regulations. _ reinstated. yes, well, that's police regulations. it _ reinstated. yes, well, that's police regulations, it is _ reinstated. yes, well, that's police regulations, it is not _ reinstated. yes, well, that's police regulations, it is not subject - reinstated. yes, well, that's police regulations, it is not subject to - regulations, it is not subject to employment law. that has been one of the issues _ employment law. that has been one of the issues for previous commissioners. every single commissioners. every single commissioner that i can remember in

my 30 _ commissioner that i can remember in my 30 years. — commissioner that i can remember in my 30 years, have said they're going do something about notjust racist cous, _ do something about notjust racist cops, but— do something about notjust racist cops, but corrupt cops etc. as far back— cops, but corrupt cops etc. as far back as _ cops, but corrupt cops etc. as far back as 19705. but cop5, but corrupt cop5 etc. a5 far back as 19705. but nobody cop5, but corrupt cop5 etc. a5 far back a519705. but nobody has got into the _ back a519705. but nobody has got into the detail of how they will do that _ into the detail of how they will do that i'm — into the detail of how they will do that. i'm glad to see sir mark rowley— that. i'm glad to see sir mark rowley working with the home secretary to get police regulations more _ secretary to get police regulations more streamlined so that they can't 'u5t more streamlined so that they can't just come _ more streamlined so that they can't just come up with a smart lawyer and -et just come up with a smart lawyer and get reinstated, which we have seen time and _ get reinstated, which we have seen time and time again. i think one of the other— time and time again. i think one of the other things is, he is now looking — the other things is, he is now looking at— the other things is, he is now looking at redeploying 80 or 90 specialist officers to go into the anti—corruption command, which sounds _ anti—corruption command, which sounds good, but those should be on from my— sounds good, but those should be on from my policing, terrorism and other— from my policing, terrorism and other important matters, so it is showing — other important matters, so it is showing that seriousness of it that he has _ showing that seriousness of it that he has to— showing that seriousness of it that he has to redeploy up to 90 officers to deal—

he has to redeploy up to 90 officers to deal with, you know, sexism and unfortunately there were not locate any racism — unfortunately there were not locate any racism issues even though the case report— any racism issues even though the case report said racism is a systemic— case report said racism is a systemic failure like homophobia. market. _ systemic failure like homophobia. market, has the commissioner given any guarantees that the officers on this list who are facing the investigation will no longer be a threat to the public?— investigation will no longer be a threat to the public? yes, he tries to reassure _ threat to the public? yes, he tries to reassure londoners _ threat to the public? yes, he tries to reassure londoners as - threat to the public? yes, he tries to reassure londoners as often . threat to the public? yes, he tries to reassure londoners as often as| threat to the public? yes, he tries i to reassure londoners as often as he can, he says he needs the powers you have just been talking about the deal with the officers, but in fact i think he is reasonably confident that the process he has now got, they are re—vetting all the officers and staff inside the bed, they are checking everybody against both the police national computer, which is looking at the potential crimes they may have committed, the police national database for intelligence that might have been best in relation to some officers, the likelihood is that they are going to find things and those things are going to make very unpleasant

reading. there are going to be scandals and the difficulty is that in cleaning out the stables, if you like, you're to uncover an awful lot of manure. the problem is, that is, as we have seen but the figures on trust already, it's going to undermine public confidence, certainly in the short to medium term and i think this is the real challenge for the met because this is actually an existential crisis, the reason why he's moving people from terrorism and serious crime into the investigator rolls is because he recognises this frankly is the most important issue for the met and for the police in london that he's got on his plate. he needs to sort this out, he needs to convince people that actually, he is changing the culture, he is waiting out the bad cops, because as you will now in this country we have

policing by consent, the legitimacy of the metropolitan police to do what they do is based entirely on public confidence and trust what they are doing. and the kind of figures we are seeing in terms of trust at the moment are truly alarming. if trust at the moment are truly alarming-— trust at the moment are truly alarmina. , , ., , .,, alarming. if this is a problem, in the met police, _ alarming. if this is a problem, in the met police, how _ alarming. if this is a problem, in the met police, how widespread | alarming. if this is a problem, in i the met police, how widespread is this any other forces in the uk and what does it say about vetting for police officers?— what does it say about vetting for police officers? well, it seems that the vettin: police officers? well, it seems that the vetting has _ police officers? well, it seems that the vetting has been _ police officers? well, it seems that the vetting has been totally - police officers? well, it seems that the vetting has been totally inept i the vetting has been totally inept over the — the vetting has been totally inept over the last five to ten years, and they brought in a lot of officers over— they brought in a lot of officers over the — they brought in a lot of officers over the last couple of years since the tory _ over the last couple of years since the tory government decided they are --oin the tory government decided they are going to _ the tory government decided they are going to build back the numbers they lost durihg _ going to build back the numbers they lost during austerity and theyjust let the _ lost during austerity and theyjust let the floodgates open and people flooded _ let the floodgates open and people flooded in, they didn't vet them properly. — flooded in, they didn't vet them properly, that's notjust in the met, _ properly, that's notjust in the met. its — properly, that's notjust in the met, its all across the country. the chief _ met, its all across the country. the chief constable really needs to do their review on how large a scale

probabilities because unfortunately, in specialist units like the parliamentary and diplomatic protection groups and the firearms officers. _ protection groups and the firearms officers, that is where we are seeing — officers, that is where we are seeing safe havens for editors, racist, — seeing safe havens for editors, racist, sexists and homophobes. racist, 5exi5t5 and homophobes. thats— racist, sexists and homophobes. that's not— racist, sexists and homophobes. that's notjust for the met, you will see — that's notjust for the met, you will see it — that's notjust for the met, you will see it all over the country. —— safe _ will see it all over the country. —— safe havens — will see it all over the country. —— safe havens for predators. it's going — safe havens for predators. it's going to — safe havens for predators. it's going to be a big ask but if you don't _ going to be a big ask but if you don't really understand, and i take the analogy of clearing the stables and the _ the analogy of clearing the stables and the manure, there is a real stench — and the manure, there is a real stench about this and people are recognising it, that's why the commissioner and the other chief constables had to get their act together through the national police chiefs' _ together through the national police chiefs' council and the college of policing — chiefs' council and the college of policing. now is not the time for semantics, — policing. now is not the time for semantics, it is for significant action— semantics, it is for significant action and _ semantics, it is for significant action and a lot of it is going to involve — action and a lot of it is going to involve officers losing theirjobs. and also— involve officers losing theirjobs. and also the people that protected them, _ and also the people that protected them, because those people couldn't operate _ them, because those people couldn't operate in _ them, because those people couldn't operate in a bubble on their own,

they were — operate in a bubble on their own, they were protected, whether by the supervisors or their peers. you have to change _ supervisors or their peers. you have to change the culture so that the good _ to change the culture so that the good cops— to change the culture so that the good cops believe they can call out the bad _ good cops believe they can call out the bad cops without any retribution or any— the bad cops without any retribution or any form — the bad cops without any retribution or any form of isolation. well, the bad cops without any retribution or any form of isolation.— or any form of isolation. well, that is officially — or any form of isolation. well, that is officially part _ or any form of isolation. well, that is officially part of _ or any form of isolation. well, that is officially part of the _ or any form of isolation. well, that is officially part of the problem, i is officially part of the problem, the confidence to come forward and call out the sort of behaviour we are talking about. mark, we have talked about the vetting procedure and we have talked about the powers he needs in order to be able to sack the bad officers. what about the regulations with regard to officers who have a criminal offence? because clearly that needs to be looked at again as well. due to be zero tolerance? i again as well. due to be zero tolerance?— tolerance? i think this is a difficult one _ tolerance? i think this is a difficult one for— tolerance? i think this is a difficult one for the - tolerance? i think this is a difficult one for the met. i tolerance? i think this is a - difficult one for the met. susan hall, who is the conservative chair of the police and crime commissioner in london, has effectively said she thinks that if you have any criminal conviction at all you shouldn't serve in the metropolitan police and i'm sure a lot of people will support that in london. the problem

is that the met is already struggling to recruit the number of officers that it wishes to have and it particularly wants to recruit from ethnic minorities and the reality is that the experience of ethnic minorities in london has been, its going to be quite likely that potentially very, very good police officers who could bring an awful lot to the metropolitan police might have been picked up at the age of 1a or 15, stopped and searched, discover they had a small amount of cannabis in their pocket, should something like that absolutely mean that they can never be a police officer? the view of sir mark rowley is that no, something like that potentially something that could be put to one side. but i think vetting procedure as he says clearly, it has been effective at all, the fact we are finding out that people had criminal convictions before they

joined the police, they went through the vetting process despite having criminal convictions would have barred them from joining scotland yard and yet they still did, so there is something seriously wrong there. but this process you were talking just now about london and the rest of the country, so all the 43 territorial forces in the rest of the country, so all the 43 territorialforces in england the rest of the country, so all the 43 territorial forces in england and wales are going and looking at every single serving officer and member of staff, checking against their criminal databases, intelligence databases criminal databases, intelligence data bases and criminal databases, intelligence databases and so on and undoubtedly, local newspapers and radio and tv are going to be full of stories of police officers who have done bad things and all of this i think it's going to add public confidence not just in london but around the country. the question is, whether the politicians can sort of restrain themselves as public anxiety builds, particularly around elections. will they give sir mark rowley the two years that baroness casey said he

needed before he actually told them how he was getting on with my five years, she said, would be required. at five years as a long time in politics and one wonders, how well the home secretary, how will the mayor of london behave if the pressure from the public to do more puts sir mark rowley under a lot of pressure, will they stand by him then? a, pressure, will they stand by him then? �* ., ., , ., pressure, will they stand by him then? �* ., ., i. , then? a further thought from you, dr louan on then? a further thought from you, dr logan on ethnic _ then? a further thought from you, dr logan on ethnic minorities _ then? a further thought from you, dr logan on ethnic minorities coming i then? a further thought from you, dr logan on ethnic minorities coming to | logan on ethnic minorities coming to the force. it is a tough job, police command we need people who are streetwise, where would you set the bar? ~ ~ streetwise, where would you set the bar? ~ «iy. streetwise, where would you set the bar? ~ ~ , ., ., streetwise, where would you set the bar? ~ ~ i. ., ., bar? well, i think you have to 'udge eve one bar? well, i think you have to 'udge everyone on merit. i bar? well, i think you have tojudge everyone on merit. obviously, i bar? well, i think you have tojudge everyone on merit. obviously, if. everyone on merit. obviously, if there _ everyone on merit. obviously, if there is— everyone on merit. obviously, if there is severe or very serious crime, _ there is severe or very serious crime, dishonesty and things that are going — crime, dishonesty and things that are going to go for your premeditation. sometimes a young person— premeditation. sometimes a young person has— premeditation. sometimes a young person has a very short fuse and they— person has a very short fuse and they might — person has a very short fuse and they might get minor injuries, to be actual— they might get minor injuries, to be

actual bodily harm, and that's a criminal— actual bodily harm, and that's a criminal offence, so those sort of thing _ criminal offence, so those sort of thing those spontaneous and intentional actions should maybe not be counted, especially if they could have a _ be counted, especially if they could have a good track record, and education _ have a good track record, and education deployment and have a film education deployment and have a right attitude for the job because the thing — right attitude for the job because the thing is, is notjust about getting — the thing is, is notjust about getting people in, it is people with the right— getting people in, it is people with the right attitude. they have an understanding of being a public servant. — understanding of being a public servant, they are latin to control and power. — servant, they are latin to control and power, this is not a way in which — and power, this is not a way in which they— and power, this is not a way in which they dominate people, whether it is internally through racism or sexism — it is internally through racism or sexism or— it is internally through racism or sexism or homophobia, even externally. if you want the right sort of — externally. if you want the right sort of people, it's notjust externally. if you want the right sort of people, it's not just about what, _ sort of people, it's not just about what. if— sort of people, it's not just about what, if they have a totally good character — what, if they have a totally good character previously, and they have to understand they are public servants, _ to understand they are public servants, because they serve the public, _ servants, because they serve the public, and — servants, because they serve the

public, and the public will work with the — public, and the public will work with the police if they get this right — with the police if they get this riiht. ., ,. ., with the police if they get this riuht. ., ., right. fascinating conversation, as ou right. fascinating conversation, as you suggested _ right. fascinating conversation, as you suggested could _ right. fascinating conversation, as you suggested could get _ right. fascinating conversation, as you suggested could get a - right. fascinating conversation, as you suggested could get a lot i right. fascinating conversation, as i you suggested could get a lot worse before it gets better. mark urban and leroy logan, thank you very much. mark easton, a bigger part in! we have mark urban later the programme. —— i beg your pardon. plenty more on the website of course if you want to read about that story. this is bbc news. let's look at some of the other stories making headlines today. the former first minister of scotland, nicola sturgeon, pulled out of a speaking event tonight, following the arrest of her husband yesterday. peter murrell, formerly the snp chief executive, was arrested and then released without charge pending further investigation into the party's fundraising and finances. a police search resumed today at the couple's glasgow home. sainsbury�*s has defended the packaging it's using for minced beef after some shoppers complained it has turned the meat to mush. the store explained the mince was being vacuum packed to use 55% less plastic.

it came after shoppers expressed their horror at the presentation of the meat, which they said now resembled "someone's kidney" or "a rectangle of mushed off—cuts". the meat has been packaged in a plastic tray covered with film, and a new leaflet that says it is eco—friendly. the former italian prime minister, silvio berlusconi, has been suffering from chronic blood cancer for some time, and is currently in intensive care for a lung infection. the 86—year—old was rushed to hospital in milan on wednesday, though his doctors said today his condition had improved. berlusconi's forza italia party is part of prime minister giorgia meloni's right—wing coalition. you're live with bbc news. in the soviet era, the lefortovo prison in moscow was a notorious place where dissidents and others were interrogated by the kgb. today, it is used largely by the kgb�*s successor, the fsb, as a pre—trial detention facility. it's where evan gershkovich, the 31—year—old wall streetjournal reporter arrested last week on espionage charges, is being held — in isolation and without any consular access.

yesterday the us secretary of state, antony blinken, said in his mind it was a clear cut case of "wrongful detention". in evan vos case, are working through the determination of wrongful detention. —— in evan's case. there is a process to do that and it is something we are working through very deliberately, but expeditiously as well. and i will let that process play out. in my own mind, there is no doubt that he has been wrongfully detained russia, which is exactly what i said to foreign minister lavrov when i spoke to him over the weekend, and insisted that evan be released immediately. lefortovo prison suffers little from the overcrowding that is present present in other russian penal facilities. it enforces extreme segregation from the outside world. as the wall streetjournal put it tuesday, the place is designed

to make "prisoners feel abandoned." i'm nowjoined live by natan sharansky, a former soviet prisoner who was arrested in 1977 by the kgb and accused of espionage and treason. he spent nine years as a political prisoner, including time in lefortovo prison. you're very welcome to the programme, thank you for being with us. tell us, then, what is it like inside this prison?— us. tell us, then, what is it like inside this prison? good evening. well, first of— inside this prison? good evening. well, first of what _ inside this prison? good evening. well, first of what it _ inside this prison? good evening. well, first of what it is _ inside this prison? good evening. well, first of what it is by - inside this prison? good evening. well, first of what it is by far i inside this prison? good evening. well, first of what it is by far the | well, first of what it is by far the most isolated prison in the gulag system in soviet russia. for example, i spent more than one year of interrogations, i didn't get no anything at all what was happening. i could imagine but i didn't know. at the world didn't know anything, there was no access for the lawyers or their relatives or anybody. so it is a good place to isolate a person

from the world. secondly, of course there is a lot of psychological pressure, explaining that with such a serious accusation you could be sentenced to death if you do not cooperate. our bodies corporate mean which it means you have to say publicly that they are right and you are sorry that you made some mistakes. that's they need. i'm sure that at this moment, today, it seems like a little bit different regime, but the accusations are the same and some of the new political prisoners are sent to many years to the gulag is for nothing. sol are sent to many years to the gulag is for nothing. so i think it is very important for america, or the highest level to say as clearly as possible but there is no base for accusing him of espionage. in my case, president carter said that all the documents showed there was no

connection. it is important because it's difficult to organise a meeting with a brief interview and then to say there are secret documents. it is very important that the wall streetjournal should say that evan never tried to send any secrets, they never asked and there was no attempt from him to propose such interviews. the wall streetjournal knows that is provocation. all the statements, it is important for the press to say. edi statements, it is important for the press to say-— press to say. of course, he is a us citizen but — press to say. of course, he is a us citizen but his _ press to say. of course, he is a us citizen but his parents _ press to say. of course, he is a us citizen but his parents are - press to say. of course, he is a us citizen but his parents are russian | citizen but his parents are russian jews, as will yours. but i know that they have just sent out a picture of him at his temple in miami, because it is the passover season. do you

suspect it is because of his heritage, that he has some russian heritage, that he has some russian heritage that that is why he has been taken?— heritage that that is why he has been taken? ~ , , _ , been taken? well, yes, he is jewish and that's why _ been taken? well, yes, he is jewish and that's why just _ been taken? well, yes, he is jewish and that's why just today _ been taken? well, yes, he is jewish and that's why just today we - been taken? well, yes, he is jewish and that's why just today we have i and that's whyjust today we have finished our passover holiday and i as many other families all over the globe had a special empty chair for thosejews globe had a special empty chair for those jews who globe had a special empty chair for thosejews who are globe had a special empty chair for those jews who are arrested globe had a special empty chair for thosejews who are arrested and his name was of course one of the first to be mentioned. frankly, i don't think that at this moment, the fact that he isjewish was important for russia. the fact that he had these russian roots and he spoke russian language, it helps them to present it easier as a provocation because there was contact with so many people, they can easily plant among these people some provocation. but

these people some provocation. but the most important thing for them at this moment is that he is an american citizen, american journalist, and that's all for them to accuse somebody of high treason, it's important for them to declare or make a connection between this person and the cia. but this moment, the confrontation between russia and the confrontation between russia and the free world, because ukraine, i think it is one more part in the hands of putin to play. i think it is one more part in the hands of putin to play. i wonder if the united — hands of putin to play. i wonder if the united states, _ hands of putin to play. i wonder if the united states, whether i hands of putin to play. i wonder if the united states, whether you i hands of putin to play. i wonder if l the united states, whether you feel the united states, whether you feel the united states has made a rod for its own back because they exchanged the former us marine trevor reid for a prisoner in december, then the exchange brittney griner for another prisoner. have to set a dangerous precedent and is evan paying for that, do you think?— precedent and is evan paying for that, do you think? well, whether the americans _ that, do you think? well, whether the americans could _ that, do you think? well, whether the americans could get _ that, do you think? well, whether the americans could get a - that, do you think? well, whether the americans could get a better. the americans could get a better prize may be, i don't know.

in general, yes, it's another reminder that the russian regime looks at all these american citizens and western citizens, whether they are journalists, and western citizens, whether they arejournalists, diplomats, businessmen or tourists, and they are cogs in their game. if they want to release somebody or they want to get something, we don't know at this moment, for somebody in the west, they can easily decide that that is their way to get some cards to play, by arresting this or another journalist and i think it's very important... it journalist and i think it's very important- - -_ journalist and i think it's very imortant... , . . important... it can be a coincidence that he was — important... it can be a coincidence that he was arrested _ important... it can be a coincidence that he was arrested just _ important... it can be a coincidence that he was arrested just days i important... it can be a coincidence that he was arrested just days after| that he was arrested just days after they indicted this brazilian student, the fbi, who was accused of

espionage himself, can't be some coincidence, can it? he. espionage himself, can't be some coincidence, can it?— coincidence, can it? no, cannot. there may _ coincidence, can it? no, cannot. there may have _ coincidence, can it? no, cannot. there may have been _ coincidence, can it? no, cannot. there may have been some i coincidence, can it? no, cannot. | there may have been some other coincidence, can it? no, cannot. i there may have been some other spies caught in europe, and all the time russia is caught with something, it's not a coincidence. why this specificjournalist, but kgb always keeps a lot of opportunities at hand and decide which of them to use at this moment. and decide which of them to use at this moment-— this moment. 0k, we will have to leave it there, _ this moment. 0k, we will have to leave it there, very _ this moment. 0k, we will have to leave it there, very interesting i this moment. 0k, we will have to leave it there, very interesting to | leave it there, very interesting to hear such history from you. thank you very much indeed for being with us. natan sharansky, who spent some time in the lefortovo prison. we will continue to focus on russia and we will hear from mark urban will continue to focus on russia and we will hearfrom mark urban in will continue to focus on russia and we will hear from mark urban in the next half hour about his investigation into a unit in russia that has suffered big losses. and also we will talk about the royal

family, which is delving deep into its history with slavery. to stay with us. —— do stay with us. hello there. we saw the sunshine developing more widely today. and as the showers fade away and skies clear and winds drop, the easter weekend could start cold with a widespread slight frost. the cloud that brought the earlier rain followed by the showers are moving away out into the north sea. and following on from that, we've got pressure rising, this ridge of high pressure tending to build in and that will kill off any remaining showers there may hang around for a while across some eastern parts of england and eastern scotland. but even here, we'll see skies clearing later and the winds will be falling light. so temperatures will drop sharply. these are the numbers in towns and cities. so in rural areas, knock off a couple of degrees and we could be as low as minus two or minus three in northern ireland, wales and western scotland. good friday starts cold but sunny

and the winds will be light as well. so it will feel pleasant in the sunshine as temperatures rise. so the cloud will build up a little and spread out a bit, especially across eastern parts of england. there's also more cloud coming in from the north sea and it could be thick enough to give it one or two spots of light rain in north east england. otherwise a dry day. and if anything, those temperatures may be a degree or so higher than today. and with the light winds, it'll feel pleasant in the sunshine. there'll be some more sunshine around as we head into the weekend because that high pressure still in charge. eventually these weather fronts will make progress from the atlantic, but not just yet. again, a lot of dry weather around on saturday. more cloud across some eastern parts of england and scotland. and the cloud will develop a bit more further west as the southerly wind picks up as well. temperatures continuing to rise just a little, 1a degrees in the central belt of scotland and 15 in the south east of england for easter sunday. we may have more sunshine around actually on sunday. and ahead of this rain that comes into northern ireland later in the afternoon, towards the evening, the winds

will be stronger, but it's the southerly wind that's giving us more warmth. the warmest day of the next few on easter sunday could make 16 degrees around the moray firth, merseyside and 17 to the north of london. but then we see that rain coming in to northern ireland. those weather fronts take that rain eastwards overnight into easter monday. so it's a much wetter day on easter monday. we've got that rain moving away from most areas, but it will be followed by some sunshine, some showers, a blustery wind, perhaps, and temperatures will be a little lower.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. understanding what russians are told about the war in ukraine — we'll have the latest from the bbc�*s long—running investigation, focused on one military regiment in the west of the country. we'll have more on that story shortly — but first it's time for sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's hugh ferris. there's been some impressive scoring on day one of the masters at augusta. it's a rain softened course the field has been enjoying, with norway's viktor hovland the clubhouse leader.

just finished his round with just seven under par, not far away from him playing the last will number two john and scott of austria, former open winner, they are not far behind and also on five under par. 400 including a us temperature champion from last year sam bennett. if you look down the leaderboard, you can see seven on two under par. rory mcelroy looking to complete a grand slam of his career and the only major he is not one, even after six and tiger woods after two years is that car crash that threatened his career and his final masters, he has finished two over par. staying with golf, and the dp world tour. formerly known as the european tour, has won a legal battle against 12

players who defected to liv golf. the key element of the arbitration hearing was deciding the 100 thousand pound fines they received for doing so without permission should be upheld. it doesn't mean the players are banned from the ryder cup, but they may now choose to resign from the tour, which would render them ineligible. the dp tour ceo keith pelley says the players will spend the next fortnight assessing what steps to take next. it might make it more difficult for those players to stay in membership but also to remember that they have commitments to play against the dp road tour as well on another tour. this comes down to their choice. we are not banning the players, the suspension by the fines will be fair and proportionate and they will have to make a decisionjust like and proportionate and they will have to make a decision just like they made a decision at the beginning to join a rival tour. and i'll never begrudge them for doing so but there will be consequences and aggressive,

we are grateful that the consequences are now able to be adhered to. european champions england are taking on south american champions brazil in the the first women's finalissima at wembley, englands�* lionesses started the game as favourites. ranked fourth in the world, they're unbeaten since april 2021, a run of 29 games. it's almost half time. england dominated possession for the first 15 minutes, before ella toone gave them the lead. one nil to england chelsea say they're delighted to welcome frank lampard back to the club as caretaker manager until the end of the season. his return comes a little over two years after he was sacked and replaced by thomas tuchel. the former chelsea midfielder has been out of a job since being dismissed by everton injanuary. his first game in charge for a second time will be against wolves in the premier league on saturday, and lampard admits the opportunity came as a bit of a suprise i don't think i'd ever be in the

seat. i'm a confident person, i want to record and i understand the game. in this cloud that the big connection. if i'm honest, it was my thought one day i would be back here and josie manager because myjob is to be as good a manager i can be unfinished business sounds a bit hollywood. like you're looking for a great line. i want to work and i want to help this cloud is months i can. —— help this club is much as i can. —— help this club as much as i can. ireland fought back to lead bangladesh after day three of the one—off test in mirpur. the tourists looked in danger of an innings defeat when they were reduced to 27—4 in their second innings. but debutant lorcan tucker became the only the second irishman to hit a test century. he made 108 with andy mcbrine unbeaten on 71 as ireland were 286—8 at the close, a lead of 131. and that's all the sport for now.

kostroma, some 200 miles north east of moscow, is not a bad place to go looking for the effects of the ukraine war on russia — and the authorities�* efforts to prepare the people for vladimir putin's special military operation. it is a small city, with a population of around a quarter of a million people, and it is home to a celebrated regiment that bears its name. a unit that has been in the forefront of all the main battles. the 331st guards parachute regiment, often called the kostroma airborne regiment, has been the subject of several bbc investigations since the full scall invasion began in february 2022. newnsight�*s mark urban is back with the third instalment of his long—running investigation. here's a taste. of those on the receiving end, and the bombardment of ukrainian civilians, there is little coverage. a russian reporting does give people at home some glimpses of what is happening at the front.

even a visit from the governor of this units hometown allows for some frank talk about what the soldiers are going through. the frank talk about what the soldiers are going through.— frank talk about what the soldiers are going through. the ministry of defence does _ are going through. the ministry of defence does everything. - are going through. the ministry of defence does everything. guys i are going through. the ministry of defence does everything. guys of| defence does everything. guys of enough food, no problems with food. they have clothing, gear and they are armed. although there is enough of everyday problems and difficulties, difficulties of technological issues, we were discussing this today with the regiment. of course we have to help guys so they have decent conditions. so come can get some sins of the realities of this fight. iltrul’ith so come can get some sins of the realities of this fight.— realities of this fight. with an unblinking — realities of this fight. with an unblinking eye _ realities of this fight. with an unblinking eye of— realities of this fight. with an unblinking eye of drones, i realities of this fight. with an unblinking eye of drones, so | realities of this fight. with an i unblinking eye of drones, so often proceeding death by bombardment or tank attack. i have been speaking to mark urban about what he discovered. essentially, it is primarily based

on russian media, that include social media, the russian equivalent to facebook and you can look at numerous pages relating to the garrison town that these guys come from. kostroma the airborne forces to various groups of people who, for example, an ounce with some of the death of one of their comrades in this kind of thing. your local media, localtv this kind of thing. your local media, local tv and kostroma we found that over the last year, as time has gone on those initially very little news coverage. it's been quite a bit. russian viewers to see wounded soldiers being rehabilitated and one interview, we found a crying mother of a soldierfrom and one interview, we found a crying mother of a soldier from this regiment that had died in ukraine and there is some reporting of the human cost of this and then you cross match.— human cost of this and then you cross match. this is open source material- — cross match. this is open source material. with _ cross match. this is open source material. with google _ cross match. this is open source material. with google earth, i material. with google earth, satellite imagery, what does that

tell you? it satellite imagery, what does that tell ou? , ., , tell you? it is generally open source. tell you? it is generally open source- in — tell you? it is generally open source. in the _ tell you? it is generally open source. in the contactor- tell you? it is generally open l source. in the contactor group belonging to the regiment is a closed group for its families and at times, but we try and do with reporting is work with open access and use the close group and pictures for confirmation and using the found video. where the producers found video. where the producers found video of graves in the cemetery and a definitive list of how many people we can save from that regiment have been killed in ukraine and none of those names that she saw with the airborne insignia were new to her. some were able to cross match them and from this regiment, we'd already found some of the memorial pages.

investment and how many of them have been killed. is investment and how many of them have been killed. , ., , , . ., been killed. is to be sliced and diced in various _ been killed. is to be sliced and diced in various ways. - been killed. is to be sliced and i diced in various ways. regiments in the city, there's a parachuting airport on tillery which is in ukraine and the dead in that cemetery can be from any one of those regimens we have to be careful because our story is about kostroma but also the specific regiment. there were a number of social media pages related to that regiment where they will be announced with the unit and that this will we try to do. and there will be people for example serving in that regiment who are not from kostroma never been buried elsewhere. you may have detected their names coming up that there will be people who will be crude about it will have died in pleasing

vehicles and land that has been taken by ukrainians or the bodies of either disappeared effectively or are not returnable to the families, missing. we think that the sort of categories could add considerably to the 94 members of the 331st regiment that we can say for sure have died in ukraine in the past year. what in ukraine in the past year. what proportion of— in ukraine in the past year. what proportion of the _ in ukraine in the past year. what proportion of the regiment would be? that's another thing. it is hard to come up the regiment was from 1500 and they send most of them, listen to about 11 or 12 of them to ukraine to about 11 or 12 of them to ukraine to italian groups and each one would be about 550. that sort of number of soldiers at 600. we think that if you take into account the debt, the missing come the seriously wounded and cannot conduct action, the prisoners, the deserted. that regiment is probably the last several hundred soldiers but during

that year, there have been reinforcements, including fascinating footage we found from november of a load of traps caught up november of a load of traps caught up by vladimir putin around 150 certainly in the analysis we've done in the shots of them forming up on the parade which is on local news, we think about 150 of them have been sent to reinforce and replace those casualties. ., , ' sent to reinforce and replace those casualties. . , , ., , casualties. that stuff cannot be missed by _ casualties. that stuff cannot be missed by the _ casualties. that stuff cannot be missed by the community i casualties. that stuff cannot be missed by the community and i casualties. that stuff cannot be i missed by the community and may casualties. that stuff cannot be - missed by the community and may have a corrosive effect on the family's of the soldiers. can you openly criticise what is going on in this town quite it can't be missed and the scrimmage no official news and what you saw was expressions of grief and bewilderment on the groups and i think the authorities in russia learned something from that and they are a bit more open now, they do talk about laws, they do talk about supporting the troops with care packages and all these

kinds of things. but with care packages and all these kinds of things.— kinds of things. but with the official media _ kinds of things. but with the official media will _ kinds of things. but with the official media will not i kinds of things. but with the official media will not do i kinds of things. but with the official media will not do is i kinds of things. but with the i official media will not do is bend people saying why are we there, why are we losing our sons and brothers there? there is some of that they're on the social media. haifa there? there is some of that they're on the social media.— on the social media. how was it? usually elicits _ on the social media. how was it? usually elicits a _ on the social media. how was it? usually elicits a strong _ on the social media. how was it? usually elicits a strong response | usually elicits a strong response and found one ukrainian which one of these scripts and started taunting them in the ute people calling them fascists. in the kit that they have available and the wider report is we are down to cold war era tanks and vehicles and they have sophisticated equipment that they started the battle with. being airborne forces, they have armoured vehicles they take with them in their crafts and they would've had probably somewhere between hundred 20 of those when

they went in but we know for sure that open source analyst, not us have done compilations for the still images video images they can have with the relevant markings on. they think about 25 electoral soldiers who died, there probably a lot more of those vehicles will be knocked out places where ukrainians have not been able to record them by drone or by foot. they've lost a lot of them in the general sense that we get pulled from the casualty rate which is slowed during this past year and from the images we can see on russian media, story in the early clip we saw a bunch armoured group, we look at the serial number of the vehicles, there were only three in the so—called armoured creep that they're talking about. in the general feeling we get is starting with the tube italian groups, something of a thousand soldiers and probably operating about a third of that level in companies and groups

of 400 and hundred 20 soldiers still given this sharp role of spearheading attacks in the been all over the place there in the mark like ef when it started, they were in there and there in the early summer and in in there and there in the early summerand in the in there and there in the early summer and in the late summer, they've been in the donbas in the last several soldiers there and they're operating in smaller numbers but they are keeping going. if you but they are keeping going. if you want to watch _ but they are keeping going. if you want to watch more _ but they are keeping going. if you want to watch more of the - but they are keeping going. if you want to watch more of the report, if you want to watch more of the if you are watching in the uk you can catch the full documentary on iplayer — or around the world mark has been writing all about it on the bbc news website. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. it's local election season — here's your guide to voting. want to vote at the next election? here's what you need to know. if you've got a minute, you now have to take id or you won't be able to vote.

that would be in place for the local elections in england on the 4th of may. there are different kinds of id you can use, including your passport or driving license, and you can check online if you've got a form of acceptable id. if you don't have the right type of id, you can apply for a new free voter authority certificate. you'll also need one of those if your voter id doesn't look like you any more, or if it has a different name to the one you use to register to vote to vote on the 4th of may. you'll have to register in advance. the deadline to do that is monday, the 17th of april. if you also need to apply for a voter authority certificate, the deadline to do that is 5:00 pm on the 25th of april. you can do that online at gov.uk or by post. if you plan to vote in person rather than by post, your polling card will tell you where to go. but remember, if you want to vote in those local elections in england, bring your id or you will get turned away. king charles has given his full support

to an independent study that's exploring the relationship between the british monarchy and the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries. the research is being led the university of manchester in conjunction with historic royal palaces. the team have been granted full access to the royal archives and the royal collection. the palace says the king's interest in this period of the family's history was spurred by a document dating back to 1689, that reveals a transfer of shares in the slave—trading royal african company, to king william iii, from edward colston, the company's deputy governor. here is the king, speaking about this issue of slavery at a commonwealth heads of government meeting, chogm, last year. i cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the deaths of so many as i continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery as i continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery is enduring impact. tonight, we are going to talk to someone you will know well,

laura trevelyan, formerly of this parish, who recently apologised for her family's role in the slave trade. you'll see from these pictures that she recently travelled with the bbc to the caribbean country of grenada, where her family had enslaved around 1000 african people. the trevelyans have recently announced they will pay £100,000 in reparations. laura who is with us, has since left the bbc to devote her time to reparative justice for the caribbean. also here is our royal correspondent sarah campbell. joning me now is laura trevelyan, a former bbc news journalist, a descendant of slave owners and now a campaignerfor caribbean reparations and from the newsroom — our royal correspondent sarah campbell. related question. i will tell you how it came about but we were told about it in the guardian newspaper which is one of the uk daily newspapers that ran a series of articles about preparation and

today, they did a piece about the royal family and historical links to the slave trade and showing the image of that document of william iii time which is back in 1689 and transferred of £1000 shares to the slave trade company of the royal african company to king william the third. they were asked about that article in the guardian and that is and they came back in the retort about this research which started in october and what they said today the buckingham palace spokesperson said that if the king takes profound seriously and just as they told that the government last year wanda, that they continue to open their own understanding of slavery is enduring impact and then they gave him details about the research project so essentially, historic royal palaces which is a charity that looks after some of the palaces,

they have become a partner in the research project which is been run from the university of manchester by a researcher and she is exploring among other things, links between british monarchy and the trans—atlantic slave trade during the 17th and 18th centuries and as you said, the royal household is supporting this research because they're allowing them access to the royal collection and real archives and this project started in october 2022 that is a month after the throne and that is due to be completed in september 2026 and just to give you a round of how they got that today. to give you a round of how they got that toda . �* ., ., ., ., that today. before we turn to laura, the would that today. before we turn to laura, they would know _ that today. before we turn to laura, they would know who _ that today. before we turn to laura, they would know who he _ that today. before we turn to laura, they would know who he was - that today. before we turn to laura, | they would know who he was but the people of bristol know who he was because they dipped him into the harbour. he is the focus of the black lives matter protest in 2020 and thatjust underlines for the royal family, and thatjust underlines for the royalfamily, with and thatjust underlines for the royal family, with sensitivity there is around this? he

royal family, with sensitivity there is around this?— royal family, with sensitivity there is around this? he indicative of the fact that people — is around this? he indicative of the fact that people in _ is around this? he indicative of the fact that people in general- is around this? he indicative of the fact that people in general are i fact that people in general are learning about the legs of many private families to slave trade links and government to members of the royalfamily. it's becoming such an all—encompassing issue, even the guardian itself in this campaign of reparations in a few weeks ago, they issued their own apologies after the don back and discover why the founding, the founder in 1821 was also connected to his transatlantic slave trade. a lot of these connections are being discovered and that the king and prince william as well seem to be keen to address. that is the case for dear colleague who is been on quite a journey, isn't that right, laura. what sort of emotions do you think the royal family are going to go through on thisjourney into the

family are going to go through on this journey into the past? weill. this 'ourney into the past? well, the this journey into the past? well, the kin: this journey into the past? well, the king has _ this journey into the past? well, the king has said _ this journey into the past? well, the king has said that _ this journey into the past? well, the king has said that it's - this journey into the past? well, the king has said that it's a i thisjourney into the past? in the king has said that it's a matter of great sorrow for him and goes on thisjourney of of great sorrow for him and goes on this journey of understanding and enduring impact of slavery. and speaking for myself and my family, it is really horrifying to think that hundred 80 years ago, people that hundred 80 years ago, people that actually were owned by us were brutalised, mistreatment, beaten to death, had their shortened, work for free and eating sugar cane and officer in england, the prophets rolled on them and slavery was abolished, families like mine are actually compensated for the enslaved got nothing. it is shocking. and the reaction you're in the bahamas, and the national reparations community on enslavement, they cautiously welcomed this move by the king puts it wisely going to take into 2026 to

establish something which is extremely well—known, that the royal family sanction the slave trade and indeed profited from it. and the care being allowed to have the real archives in the royal collection, this is absolute gold and wanting to know more about this period. it is a complex journey in the kings move know more about this period. it is a complexjourney in the kings move is welcome and i hope that he ends of apologising to the royal family for slavery and all the damage her family has done and gives back to the caribbean and the black communities of britain who suffer from the impact of enslavement. so often when it comes to this issue and democrats in congress are talking about setting up a commission to look into the issue and who should be paid and how much should be paid and where the money should be paid and where the money should go, you've done this. your familyjust decided to give £100,000 to what? was going to receive it? in

our case, we can start with the national reparations community who advised us that the caribbean nations have a ten point reparation plan which starts in the form of apology for slavery and investment in health and education. because all of the wealth left the island and the poverty, illiteracy and ill health today is a huge issue across the caribbean. it's straightforward. literacy was one of the legacies of enslavement and trying to give back to education is very logical as well. we will give money to the university of the west indies on the grenada campus and we've also given money to a charity in grenada and after this, money to a charity in grenada and afterthis, it money to a charity in grenada and after this, it is straightforward and the prince,, the king has shown

how he is with the trust and a fourth thinker that he is with everything he said about the environmentjust before it was fashionable are seen as a crisis and is beginning the process of thinking hard about what to do.— is beginning the process of thinking hard about what to do. you've given us so many — hard about what to do. you've given us so many lessons _ hard about what to do. you've given us so many lessons there. - hard about what to do. you've given us so many lessons there. part i hard about what to do. you've given us so many lessons there. part of i us so many lessons there. part of the focus and the reasons that a lot of companies, organisations and look back at their histories is to help people understand how slavery still affects communities today. as you set out particularly in the caribbean and the cities around america, but what you say to those people and the united states we spend most of your time was a look, it's hard enough taking responsibility for the lousy things we do in the here and the nile, never mind taking on the sins of our forefathers over which we have very little control. it is forefathers over which we have very little control.— little control. it is true and i think the — little control. it is true and i think the caribbean - little control. it is true and i think the caribbean is i little control. it is true and i i think the caribbean is different than the united states. we think about the caribbean in grenada

particularly, the island that i know most well, practically everyone on the island is descendent of the enslaved. an epidemic of obesity, diabetes and hypertension. because of generations of people eating too much sugar which is a direct link to slavery because all they were allowed to eat was sugar cane. the national dish was picks feet, salted fish and coconut milk, that's all the slaves had to eat. when a hot dish. consequently, you upped his legacy now six generations later of this epidemic of obesity in the health care system which is not well—funded enough to deal with it. the caribbean is much more straightforward than the situation in america which is why they have this ten point plan for reparation by the prime minister of grenada is asking for rishi sunak for discussions on that basis. thank you ve much discussions on that basis. thank you very much as _ discussions on that basis. thank you very much as well, _ discussions on that basis. thank you very much as well, plenty _ discussions on that basis. thank you very much as well, plenty more i discussions on that basis. thank you very much as well, plenty more on i very much as well, plenty more on that story for the bbc website and

have a short break and we will start with the good friday agreement. it is being celebrated this weekend. hello there. we saw the sunshine developing more widely today. and as the showers fade away and skies clear and winds drop, the easter weekend could start cold with a widespread slight frost. the cloud that brought the earlier rain followed by the showers are moving away out into the north sea. and following on from that, we've got pressure rising, this ridge of high pressure tending to build in and that will kill off any remaining showers there may hang around for a while across some eastern parts of england and eastern scotland. but even here, we'll see skies clearing later and the winds will be falling light. so temperatures will drop sharply. these are the numbers in towns and cities. so in rural areas, knock off a couple of degrees and we could be as low as minus two or minus three in northern ireland,

wales and western scotland. good friday starts cold but sunny and the winds will be light as well. so it will feel pleasant in the sunshine as temperatures rise. so the cloud will build up a little and spread out a bit, especially across eastern parts of england. there's also more cloud coming in from the north sea and it could be thick enough to give it one or two spots of light rain in north east england. otherwise a dry day. and if anything, those temperatures may be a degree or so higher than today. and with the light winds, it'll feel pleasant in the sunshine. there'll be some more sunshine around as we head into the weekend because that high pressure still in charge. eventually these weather fronts will make progress from the atlantic, but not just yet. again, a lot of dry weather around on saturday. more cloud across some eastern parts of england and scotland. and the cloud will develop a bit more further west as the southerly wind picks up as well. temperatures continuing to rise just a little, 14 degrees in the central belt of scotland and 15 in the south east of england

for easter sunday. we may have more sunshine around actually on sunday. and ahead of this rain that comes into northern ireland later in the afternoon, towards the evening, the winds will be stronger, but it's the southerly wind that's giving us more warmth. the warmest day of the next few on easter sunday could make 16 degrees around the moray firth, merseyside and 17 to the north of london. but then we see that rain coming in to northern ireland. those weather fronts take that rain eastwards overnight into easter monday. so it's a much wetter day on easter monday. we've got that rain moving away from most areas, but it will be followed by some sunshine, some showers, a blustery wind, perhaps, and temperatures will be a little lower.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. the two governments and the political parties of northern ireland have reached agreement. we were blue in the face talking to people who were not involved in violence, but will that stop violence? we had at last brought the people who could stop this into the room. the ira leadership, if they were nothing else, they were intelligent. and they grasped the opportunity for peace. people realised that in the end we could carry on exhausting ourselves with violence or we could reach for peace. welcome back to the programme. it is 25 years since the british government

and the parties in northern ireland sat down to sign the good friday agreement. it put an and to three decades of conflict during which more than 3,500 people had been killed. next weekend president biden will be in northern ireland to commemorate the occasion, and the role the united states played in brokering the peace. the deal was annnounced after days and nights of intense negotatitions, and was supported by most of northern ireland's political parties — including those linked to paramilitary organisations. it set up a new power sharing and devolved government for northern ireland, representing both the nationalists and unionist communities. our panel with me tonight, the former british ambassador to paris, peter ricketts, who also served as chair of the joint intelligence committee among his other security roles. and victoria coates, who served in the trump administration on the us national security council. so, two people who can certainly

speak to what went on in northern ireland 25 years ago. that mistake with you, peter, and get your recollections because you would have beenin recollections because you would have been in the foreign office at the time. what do you remember? what been in the foreign office at the time. what do you remember? what i remember most _ time. what do you remember? what i remember most is _ time. what do you remember? what i remember most is the _ time. what do you remember? what i remember most is the fantastic i remember most is the fantastic amount of work that tony blair and his team put into achieving this deal, when you look back at it it is enormously complicated. so many things had to come into alignment for this to work. there was the deal on power—sharing within northern ireland, there were the north— south ireland, there were the north— south ireland issues, many of the very complex, then there were the british, irish, east—west relations and all that had to come into alignment. i think tony blair and bertie ahern were crucial in that but the initiative had to come from the two communities, they had to decide that decades of violence had to come to an end, then george mitchell, he saw in the clip just there, the us senator, played an increasingly important role with president clinton behind him so it

was massively complex, it showed what leaders who have got vision and inspirational qualities can do the change and intractable international problem. change and intractable international roblem. ~ change and intractable international roblem. ., , , problem. welcome of course, irish americans — problem. welcome of course, irish americans have _ problem. welcome of course, irish americans have such _ problem. welcome of course, irish americans have such a _ problem. welcome of course, irish americans have such a big - problem. welcome of course, irish americans have such a big stake i problem. welcome of course, irish americans have such a big stake in this, so let's break into discussion democratic congressman, ranking member of the house budget committee and friend of the programme brendan boyle. —— bring into discussion. tony blair said the success of the good friday agreement has never been repeated, maybe that is because to find such a piece, be it in the middle east, in syria or ukraine, you need a lot of parties to come together and it is difficult aligning so many interests, isn't it? , , ., a aligning so many interests, isn't it? , ,_ it? yes, exactly right. that's part ofthe it? yes, exactly right. that's part of the reason _ it? yes, exactly right. that's part of the reason why _ it? yes, exactly right. that's part of the reason why many - it? yes, exactly right. that's part of the reason why many of- it? yes, exactly right. that's part of the reason why many of us i it? yes, exactly right. that's part| of the reason why many of us feel it? yes, exactly right. that's part i of the reason why many of us feel so strongly— of the reason why many of us feel so strongly about ensuring the agreement is kept. the reality is, if you _ agreement is kept. the reality is, if you were — agreement is kept. the reality is, if you were to look for other examples over the last 25 years around — examples over the last 25 years around the world of similar types of foreign _ around the world of similar types of foreign policy successes, unfortunately you would have to look

for quite _ unfortunately you would have to look for quite some time, because sadly they are _ for quite some time, because sadly they are not there. the for quite some time, because sadly they are not there.— they are not there. the anniversary is bein: they are not there. the anniversary is being marked _ they are not there. the anniversary is being marked with _ they are not there. the anniversary is being marked with a _ they are not there. the anniversary is being marked with a celebration | is being marked with a celebration of a peace that has endured but of course there are concerns about entrenched divisions, but the political instability in northern ireland. what do you hope will come out of this weekend's commemorations? ~ ., _ out of this weekend's commemorations? ~ ., ., commemorations? well, i would say a coule of commemorations? well, i would say a couple of things- _ commemorations? well, i would say a couple of things. the _ commemorations? well, i would say a couple of things. the first _ commemorations? well, i would say a couple of things. the first is _ couple of things. the first is president biden will be travelling to ireland next week, there will be the commemorations in belfast, there will also _ the commemorations in belfast, there will also be _ the commemorations in belfast, there will also be a little bit more beyond _ will also be a little bit more beyond that, talking about the us iris relationship —— an irish relationship and he will be visiting relatives— relationship and he will be visiting relatives in two counties as well. so it— relatives in two counties as well. so it will— relatives in two counties as well. so it will largely be a kind of celebratory theme. we recognise obviously— celebratory theme. we recognise obviously there are still issues at present, — obviously there are still issues at present, stormont isn't up and ruhhihg — present, stormont isn't up and ruhhihg at _ present, stormont isn't up and running at the moment, although my hope is _ running at the moment, although my hope is that— running at the moment, although my hope is that after may it will be.

but as— hope is that after may it will be. but as we — hope is that after may it will be. but as we look forward, we recognise that the _ but as we look forward, we recognise that the good friday agreement when it was— that the good friday agreement when it was signed 25 years ago wasn't the end _ it was signed 25 years ago wasn't the end of— it was signed 25 years ago wasn't the end of the story, it was the beginning — the end of the story, it was the beginning of a process, a process that by— beginning of a process, a process that by and — beginning of a process, a process that by and large has been two steps forward, _ that by and large has been two steps forward, one step back over the last quarter— forward, one step back over the last quarter century, that will probably continue — quarter century, that will probably continue. the quarter century, that will probably continue. , �* , ., , continue. the president's itinerary has not been _ continue. the president's itinerary has not been finalised _ continue. the president's itinerary has not been finalised yet, - continue. the president's itinerary has not been finalised yet, it i continue. the president's itinerary has not been finalised yet, it was l has not been finalised yet, it was of course the british feminist who invited him, but we don't have confirmation that the prime minister and the president will meet. shouldn't they meet because of what has been celebrated? i shouldn't they meet because of what has been celebrated?— has been celebrated? i would imauine, has been celebrated? i would imagine, don't _ has been celebrated? i would imagine, don't speak - has been celebrated? i would imagine, don't speak for - has been celebrated? i would imagine, don't speak for the | has been celebrated? i would - imagine, don't speak for the white house, _ imagine, don't speak for the white house, just— imagine, don't speak for the white house, just to be clear of the lawyer— house, just to be clear of the lawyer a _ house, just to be clear of the lawyer a close ally of the president is one _ lawyer a close ally of the president is one of— lawyer a close ally of the president is one of his earliest backers when he first— is one of his earliest backers when he first ran — is one of his earliest backers when he first ran in 2019, that said, i'm not the— he first ran in 2019, that said, i'm not the white house spokesperson so i will not the white house spokesperson so i will leave _ not the white house spokesperson so i will leave any announcement for them _ i will leave any announcement for them i_ i will leave any announcement for them i do— i will leave any announcement for them. i do have to know that the president — them. i do have to know that the president of the current prime minister— president of the current prime minister rishi sunak do have a good

working _ minister rishi sunak do have a good working relationship and frankly, things— working relationship and frankly, things are — working relationship and frankly, things are in a better position now than they— things are in a better position now than they were four or five months a-o than they were four or five months ago since — than they were four or five months ago since the winter framework was agreed _ ago since the winter framework was agreed to — ago since the winter framework was aareed to. . ., ., , agreed to. victoria, let me bring ou in on agreed to. victoria, let me bring you in on this. _ agreed to. victoria, let me bring you in on this. of— agreed to. victoria, let me bring you in on this. of course - agreed to. victoria, let me bring you in on this. of course the - you in on this. of course the president has very strong ties to the republic of ireland, as did former presidents. when you listen to him and bill clinton talk about this, there is a sense of ownership over the good friday agreement, which many americans share. hie. over the good friday agreement, which many americans share. his.” which many americans share. no, i think we do — which many americans share. no, i think we do and _ which many americans share. no, i think we do and also _ which many americans share. no, i think we do and also as _ which many americans share. no, i think we do and also as an - which many americans share. no, i think we do and also as an american of irish— think we do and also as an american of irish descent, _ think we do and also as an american of irish descent, this— think we do and also as an american of irish descent, this is— think we do and also as an american of irish descent, this is a _ think we do and also as an american of irish descent, this is a very- of irish descent, this is a very important _ of irish descent, this is a very important agreement, - of irish descent, this is a very important agreement, and i. of irish descent, this is a very- important agreement, and i agree with the _ important agreement, and i agree with the congressmen _ important agreement, and i agree with the congressmen that - important agreement, and i agree with the congressmen that these i with the congressmen that these things— with the congressmen that these things are — with the congressmen that these things are few— with the congressmen that these things are few and _ with the congressmen that these things are few and far— with the congressmen that these things are few and far between, i with the congressmen that these i things are few and far between, but they do— things are few and far between, but they do exist — things are few and far between, but they do exist when _ things are few and far between, but they do exist when you _ things are few and far between, but they do exist when you have - things are few and far between, but they do exist when you have strong | they do exist when you have strong us leadership. _ they do exist when you have strong us leadership, the _ they do exist when you have strong us leadership, the confidence - they do exist when you have strong us leadership, the confidence of. us leadership, the confidence of those _ us leadership, the confidence of those parties _ us leadership, the confidence of those parties in _ us leadership, the confidence of those parties in the _ us leadership, the confidence of those parties in the united - us leadership, the confidence of. those parties in the united states. and i_ those parties in the united states. and i would — those parties in the united states. and i would just _ those parties in the united states. and i would just add _ those parties in the united states. and i would just add that - those parties in the united states. and i would just add that we - those parties in the united states. and i would just add that we had l those parties in the united states. and i would just add that we had aj and i would just add that we had a wonderful— and i would just add that we had a wonderful example _ and i would just add that we had a wonderful example to— and i would just add that we had a wonderful example to have - and i would just add that we had a wonderful example to have years. and i would just add that we had a i wonderful example to have years ago in the _ wonderful example to have years ago in the abraham— wonderful example to have years ago in the abraham accords _ wonderful example to have years ago in the abraham accords between - in the abraham accords between israel— in the abraham accords between lsrael and — in the abraham accords between israel and some _ in the abraham accords between israel and some of— in the abraham accords between israel and some of our— in the abraham accords between israel and some of our arab - in the abraham accords betweenl israel and some of our arab allies which _ israel and some of our arab allies which have — israel and some of our arab allies which have also _ israel and some of our arab allies which have also endured - israel and some of our arab allies which have also endured but - which have also endured but similarly. _ which have also endured but similarly. you _ which have also endured but similarly, you make - which have also endured buti similarly, you make progress which have also endured but - similarly, you make progress and then— similarly, you make progress and then you —

similarly, you make progress and then you take _ similarly, you make progress and then you take a— similarly, you make progress and then you take a step _ similarly, you make progress and then you take a step back- similarly, you make progress and then you take a step back and - similarly, you make progress and i then you take a step back and make more _ then you take a step back and make more progress. _ then you take a step back and make more progress, but _ then you take a step back and make more progress, but the _ then you take a step back and make more progress, but the key- then you take a step back and make more progress, but the key is - then you take a step back and make more progress, but the key is for. more progress, but the key is for the us— more progress, but the key is for the us to — more progress, but the key is for the us to stay— more progress, but the key is for the us to stay engaged _ more progress, but the key is for the us to stay engaged and - more progress, but the key is for the us to stay engaged and stayl the us to stay engaged and stay supportive — the us to stay engaged and stay supportive and _ the us to stay engaged and stay supportive and i— the us to stay engaged and stay supportive and i very— the us to stay engaged and stay supportive and i very much - the us to stay engaged and stayj supportive and i very much hope the us to stay engaged and stay - supportive and i very much hope that is president — supportive and i very much hope that is president biden's_ supportive and i very much hope that is president biden's message - supportive and i very much hope that is president biden's message on - supportive and i very much hope that is president biden's message on this| is president biden's message on this trip. is president biden's message on this tri -. ., . ~ , is president biden's message on this tri. ., , ., ., trip. lord ricketts, if you go to belfast, trip. lord ricketts, if you go to belfast. you — trip. lord ricketts, if you go to belfast, you will— trip. lord ricketts, if you go to belfast, you will see, - trip. lord ricketts, if you go to belfast, you will see, for - trip. lord ricketts, if you go to | belfast, you will see, for people who haven't been, ebosse dividing walls between communities and still people vote along the community lines. —— you will see dividing walls. but we look at the success of the advance party in northern ireland of late, and there are more people who step outside their communities. —— the alliance party is —— but the alliance party. if communities. -- the alliance party is -- but the alliance party.- is -- but the alliance party. if you think back — is -- but the alliance party. if you think back to _ is -- but the alliance party. if you think back to what _ is -- but the alliance party. if you think back to what it _ is -- but the alliance party. if you think back to what it was - is -- but the alliance party. if you think back to what it was like - is -- but the alliance party. if you think back to what it was like 30 l think back to what it was like 30 years ago, is a transformation. it's a real pity —— reinvigorated city for what it was. there is still division, but things are moving on. when stormont does come back in, as the congressman said i hope soon, it will be sinn fein who will be providing the first minister. that is another step forward in northern ireland. i think also in the

background, the whole brexit business, to help tension over the border, have also encouraged people to think again about ireland position, northern ireland's position, northern ireland's position in ireland and northern ireland because my position in great britain a door that has become more fluid. but it was an absolutely mammoth achievement of those years ago by and large the progress has been pretty good since then. it will been pretty good since then. it will been pretty good since then. it will be said, congressman, _ been pretty good since then. it will be said, congressman, the - been pretty good since then. it will be said, congressman, the context of what is going on around there or ireland particle, the windsor framework, which president biden thinks is a good thing, he has praised the peace accord, the deal that has been put on the table by rishi sunak, but it's not restored power—sharing, it is not been supported by the majority of the dup. this is a frustration to many irish americans that they don't have as close a relationship with the unionist community as they do with the bop —— the republican immunity

northern ireland? is the bop -- the republican immunity northern ireland?— northern ireland? is an interesting oint. northern ireland? is an interesting point. first. _ northern ireland? is an interesting point. first. i— northern ireland? is an interesting point. first, iwould— northern ireland? is an interesting point. first, i would observe, - northern ireland? is an interesting| point. first, iwould observe, there was a _ point. first, iwould observe, there was a poll— point. first, iwould observe, there was a poll that came out this week that showed that in northern lreland, _ that showed that in northern ireland, 67% of the people support the windsor framework. that is a large _ the windsor framework. that is a large majority, iwould be the windsor framework. that is a large majority, i would be very happy— large majority, i would be very happy to— large majority, i would be very happy to get 67% in my next election _ happy to get 67% in my next election. the second thing i would say is, _ election. the second thing i would say is, i_ election. the second thing i would say is, i personally have met, albeit— say is, i personally have met, albeit it — say is, i personally have met, albeit it was on zoom during covid, with a _ albeit it was on zoom during covid, with a number of folks from the unionist — with a number of folks from the unionist community, people who have worked _ unionist community, people who have worked in _ unionist community, people who have worked in peace building, members of the uup _ worked in peace building, members of the uup as— worked in peace building, members of the uup as well as others, i want them _ the uup as well as others, i want them to— the uup as well as others, i want them to know that sincerely, there is definitely no hostility whatsoever in irish america towards the background, deep many of the most _ the background, deep many of the most proud irish americans are in fact actually of that unionist or protestant background. i am optimistic that in time you will see any sort _ optimistic that in time you will see any sort of— optimistic that in time you will see any sort of frosting this go away.

already — any sort of frosting this go away. already some of that has taken place in recent— already some of that has taken place in recent decades. i think there will continue.— in recent decades. i think there will continue. ., , , ., ., , will continue. congressman, always aood to will continue. congressman, always good to have _ will continue. congressman, always good to have your— will continue. congressman, always good to have your programme, - will continue. congressman, always. good to have your programme, thank you very much indeed. let me bring you very much indeed. let me bring you some breaking news. the white house is releasing a report which says little more could have been done to prevent the taliban takeover of afghanistan, but admitting that it should have begun evacuating kabul earlier. the taliban rapidly retook the country after the last us troops withdrew in august 2021. live now to our correspondentjess parker, who's in washinghton. this report, how independent is it? well, reading it, and i have it here, a 12 page report, listening to john kirby, who is the white house's national—security spokesman, this is very much a defence in quite a defence of the decisions that were made leading up to that chaotic

withdrawal from afghanistan. made leading up to that chaotic withdrawalfrom afghanistan. people withdrawal from afghanistan. people will well withdrawalfrom afghanistan. people will well ramp scenes from kabul airport in the august of 2021. —— will well remember. and joe biden was heavily criticised for how it was heavily criticised for how it was handled. but what mr kirby and this report has sought to do is rather tacitly conceding that there were intelligence failings which were intelligence failings which were plain for all to see in the aftermath of what had happened, there is an effort to actually, to some extent pinned the blame on donald trump. what this report says and what mr kirby said is that the trump administration had put in place a plan for withdrawal but without actually doing any proper planning, in their view mandous well that they had raided the forces on the ground in afghanistan and had also allowed... so there are some of are to blame the prior

administration. our body also, what they do in this report is say that it was the right decision overall, and that the mission of afghanistan had drifted into nation—building which it was not intended to be. taste which it was not intended to be. we should give some right of reply to someone who some —— sat on the national security council, victoria. what do you make of that? itrefoil. national security council, victoria. what do you make of that? well, it's been a fascinating _ what do you make of that? well, it's been a fascinating day _ what do you make of that? well, it's been a fascinating day here - what do you make of that? well, it's been a fascinating day here in - been a fascinating day here in washington _ been a fascinating day here in washington i_ been a fascinating day here in washington. i noted - been a fascinating day here in washington. i noted that - been a fascinating day here in . washington. i noted thatjessica used _ washington. i noted thatjessica used the — washington. i noted thatjessica used the word _ washington. i noted thatjessica used the word chaotic _ washington. i noted thatjessica used the word chaotic which - washington. i noted thatjessica used the word chaotic which i i washington. i noted thatjessica . used the word chaotic which i think at least _ used the word chaotic which i think at least everything _ used the word chaotic which i think at least everything that _ used the word chaotic which i think at least everything that went - used the word chaotic which i think at least everything that went downj at least everything that went down in the _ at least everything that went down in the summer— at least everything that went down in the summer of— at least everything that went down in the summer of 2021, _ at least everything that went down in the summer of 2021, the - at least everything that went down in the summer of 2021, the unitedj in the summer of 2021, the united kingdom _ in the summer of 2021, the united kingdom was— in the summer of 2021, the united kingdom was not— in the summer of 2021, the united kingdom was not properly- in the summer of 2021, the united i kingdom was not properly informed in the summer of 2021, the united - kingdom was not properly informed of what was _ kingdom was not properly informed of what was happening. _ kingdom was not properly informed of what was happening, were _ kingdom was not properly informed of what was happening, were not- kingdom was not properly informed of| what was happening, were not brought into those _ what was happening, were not brought into those discussions, _ what was happening, were not brought into those discussions, it _ what was happening, were not brought into those discussions, it was - what was happening, were not brought into those discussions, it was truly - into those discussions, it was truly shameful — into those discussions, it was truly shameful and _ into those discussions, it was truly shameful. and as _ into those discussions, it was truly shameful. and as admiral- into those discussions, it was truly shameful. and as admiral kirby i shameful. and as admiral kirby knows, — shameful. and as admiral kirby knows, there _ shameful. and as admiral kirby knows, there is— shameful. and as admiral kirby knows, there is one _ shameful. and as admiral kirby knows, there is one where - shameful. and as admiral kirby knows, there is one where youl shameful. and as admiral kirby i knows, there is one where you can bind the _ knows, there is one where you can bind the hands _ knows, there is one where you can bind the hands of— knows, there is one where you can bind the hands of your— knows, there is one where you can bind the hands of your success - knows, there is one where you canj bind the hands of your success and that is— bind the hands of your success and that is to _ bind the hands of your success and that is to pass— bind the hands of your success and that is to pass whatever _ bind the hands of your success and that is to pass whatever your- that is to pass whatever your agreement— that is to pass whatever your agreement is— that is to pass whatever your agreement is through - that is to pass whatever your agreement is through the . that is to pass whatever your- agreement is through the senate as a treaty— agreement is through the senate as a treaty or— agreement is through the senate as a treaty or through _ agreement is through the senate as a treaty or through both _ agreement is through the senate as a treaty or through both houses - agreement is through the senate as a treaty or through both houses of- treaty or through both houses of congress — treaty or through both houses of congress has _ treaty or through both houses of congress has a _ treaty or through both houses of congress has a law. _ treaty or through both houses of congress has a law. we - treaty or through both houses of congress has a law. we didn't. treaty or through both houses of| congress has a law. we didn't do that because _ congress has a law. we didn't do that because the _ congress has a law. we didn't do that because the agreement - congress has a law. we didn't doj that because the agreement with congress has a law. we didn't do- that because the agreement with the

talihan— that because the agreement with the taliban was— that because the agreement with the taliban was conditional, _ that because the agreement with the taliban was conditional, they- that because the agreement with the taliban was conditional, they had - that because the agreement with the taliban was conditional, they had to| taliban was conditional, they had to meet _ taliban was conditional, they had to meet second — taliban was conditional, they had to meet second conditions _ taliban was conditional, they had to meet second conditions before - taliban was conditional, they had to meet second conditions before anyl meet second conditions before any withdrawal— meet second conditions before any withdrawal would _ meet second conditions before any withdrawal would take _ meet second conditions before any withdrawal would take place. - meet second conditions before any withdrawal would take place. so i meet second conditions before any withdrawal would take place. so they were not bound _ withdrawal would take place. so they were not bound to _ withdrawal would take place. so they were not bound to this _ withdrawal would take place. so they were not bound to this timetable? i were not bound to this timetable? no, not in any way. that's why president _ no, not in any way. that's why president trump _ no, not in any way. that's why president trump was - no, not in any way. that's why president trump was able - no, not in any way. that's why president trump was able to l no, not in any way. that's why. president trump was able to get no, not in any way. that's why- president trump was able to get out of the _ president trump was able to get out of the original— president trump was able to get out of the original iran _ president trump was able to get out of the original iran deal— president trump was able to get out of the original iran deal come - president trump was able to get out of the original iran deal come out i of the original iran deal come out of the original iran deal come out of the _ of the original iran deal come out of the paris — of the original iran deal come out of the paris climate _ of the original iran deal come out of the paris climate accords, - of the paris climate accords, because _ of the paris climate accords, because they _ of the paris climate accords, because they were _ of the paris climate accords, because they were not - of the paris climate accords, i because they were not passed of the paris climate accords, - because they were not passed as treaties~ — because they were not passed as treaties~ so— because they were not passed as treaties. so this _ because they were not passed as treaties. so this is _ because they were not passed as treaties. so this is just _ because they were not passed as treaties. so this is just a - treaties. so this is just a ridiculous— treaties. so this is just a ridiculous argument- treaties. so this is just a ridiculous argument on i treaties. so this is just a . ridiculous argument on the treaties. so this is just a - ridiculous argument on the face of it. ridiculous argument on the face of it and _ ridiculous argument on the face of it and to — ridiculous argument on the face of it. and to blame _ ridiculous argument on the face of it. and to blame us _ ridiculous argument on the face of it. and to blame us for— ridiculous argument on the face of it. and to blame us for what - ridiculous argument on the face of it. and to blame us for what theyl it. and to blame us for what they did and _ it. and to blame us for what they did and then _ it. and to blame us for what they did and then to— it. and to blame us for what they did and then to claim _ it. and to blame us for what they did and then to claim credit- it. and to blame us for what they did and then to claim credit for. did and then to claim credit for admiral— did and then to claim credit for admiral kirby— did and then to claim credit for admiral kirby to _ did and then to claim credit for admiral kirby to say— did and then to claim credit for admiral kirby to say the - did and then to claim credit for admiral kirby to say the lives i did and then to claim credit forl admiral kirby to say the lives of many— admiral kirby to say the lives of many afghans _ admiral kirby to say the lives of many afghans are _ admiral kirby to say the lives of many afghans are better - admiral kirby to say the lives of many afghans are betterjust i admiral kirby to say the lives of| many afghans are betterjust an outrage — many afghans are betterjust an outrage l— many afghans are better 'ust an outraae. , ,, . ., many afghans are better 'ust an outraue. , ,, . ., , outrage. i suspect, lord ricketts, civen outrage. i suspect, lord ricketts, given there _ outrage. i suspect, lord ricketts, given there was _ outrage. i suspect, lord ricketts, given there was a _ outrage. i suspect, lord ricketts, given there was a lot _ outrage. i suspect, lord ricketts, given there was a lot of— outrage. i suspect, lord ricketts, given there was a lot of criticism l given there was a lot of criticism in the house of commons for the way the withdrawal was run, that there will not be much sympathy with the findings of this particular report? i'm sure that will get into the us policy on the report but the criticism is relieved by the failure to consult us. we had been with the americans from the word go for 20 years, taking significant casualties

in afghanistan, get their closest allies in afghanistan was not properly consulted about the final decisions on withdrawal. yes, the writing had been on the wall since the us taliban agreement in february 2020 which initially set a deadline of march 2021, which was extended, but the way the withdrawal was handled, which was really president biden because my first national security crisis, lived in europe as if he had basically forgotten to consult the european allies including the uk had caused a lot of heartache and a lot of criticism. however, since then i think the consultation has got much better on issues like ukraine, but that initial impression was quite a shock to people on this side of the atlantic. , , , .., to people on this side of the atlantic. , , , ,, to people on this side of the atlantic, ,, ,, , atlantic. jessica, 13 us soldiers, nearly 200 _ atlantic. jessica, 13 us soldiers, nearly 200 afghans _ atlantic. jessica, 13 us soldiers, nearly 200 afghans were - atlantic. jessica, 13 us soldiers, nearly 200 afghans were killed l atlantic. jessica, 13 us soldiers, i nearly 200 afghans were killed as this evacuation was ongoing. they were trying to evacuate 120,000 people in a matter of days. what do the families of those soldiers make of the report that's been issued? i of the report that's been issued? i haven't seen any immediate reaction,

but i think that will certainly be something that's very interesting and important, clearly, to watch. but it was interesting, watching the white house press briefing, which was quite combative at stages, journalists asking mr kirby, does the white house have any regrets as to how this folly, including those chaotic scenes at kabul. the reply was joe biden chaotic scenes at kabul. the reply wasjoe biden was incredibly proud of all the service personnel who had taken part in that operation, that airlift you mentioned had been a historic one, but is well, talking about have no plan never quite close as you might expect it to be, but i think the real reluctance from mr kirby to be drawn into using too strong a language in terms of expressing regret, although there was some sort of tacit admission of intelligence fell. —— tacit admission. one reporter asked if any heads would roll in the sense of, would anybody be fired over what

happened with my babor was also interesting was, there was an attempt in the report, and you heard some of the press briefing, to say that they are trying to learn lessons from what happened in afghanistan and they say they are applying those lessons to ukraine, there might be a bit of a political attempt here to draw away from something that was seen by many people as a huge foreign policy failure in the way that the afghanistan withdrawal happened, and point to something that is currently going on, whichjoe biden is proud of, the us's support to president zelensky following the russian invasion. zelensky following the russian invasion, , , zelensky following the russian invasion, ,, ., ~ zelensky following the russian invasion, ,, ., ,, ., invasion. jessica, thank you for brin . inc invasion. jessica, thank you for bringing us _ invasion. jessica, thank you for bringing us some _ invasion. jessica, thank you for bringing us some reaction i invasion. jessica, thank you for bringing us some reaction to i invasion. jessica, thank you for l bringing us some reaction to that report which has been released just the last hour. the french leader emmanuel macron has urged his chinese counterpart xi jinping to apply the pressure on moscow to stop the war in ukraine. mr macron's visit to beijing is the most significant interaction president xi has had with a western leader since the g20 summit in bali last november. translation: the russian aggression in ukraine has ended decades - of peace in europe.

i know i can count on you to bring russia to its senses and everyone to the negotiating table. but we need to find a lasting peace, that is to say, a peace that respects internationally recognised borders and avoids any form of escalation. the president of the european commission is also in bejing alongside president macron — and it is noticeable that at times the pair have struck rather a contrasting tone. mr macron's approach has been the conciliatory one — ursula von der leyen much tougher. we also count on china not to provide any military equipment directly or indirectly to russia. because we all know arming the aggressor would be against international law and it would significantly harm our relationship. but the other side of this trip is largely about business. president macron has travelled

to china with a large economic delegation, 53 executives from french business, at a time when the eu and the us are seeking to "de—risk" their relationship with china. in fact, at last week's china development forum in beijing, there were very few american companies present. the chill in us—china relations has seeped into the private sector, and there are many american executives who see involvement with china as a brand hazard rather than a business asset. joining us to discuss this further is finbarr bermingham. he's the europe correspondent for the south china morning post. nice to see you again. we have focused a lot today on the relation between the french president and president xi, maybe we should focus on the relationship between emmanuel macron and ursula von der leyen, just how far apart they are on china? �* , , ._ , china? it's interesting. in the days runnina china? it's interesting. in the days running up — china? it's interesting. in the days running up to _ china? it's interesting. in the days running up to this _ china? it's interesting. in the days running up to this we _ china? it's interesting. in the days running up to this we had - china? it's interesting. in the days running up to this we had officials | running up to this we had officials in brussels tried to assure us that there would be absolutely none of

this good cop, bad cop dynamic between macron and von der leyen, but that seems to be exactly what's happened. on the geopolitical front when it comes to ukraine and trying to urge china to use its influence over russia to end the war, i think they are pretty much on the same page. they had quite similar messages. perhaps it will deliver a slightly different tone but as you mentioned in your introduction, the economic front they seem to be poles apart. macron invited von der leyen tojoin him on this apart. macron invited von der leyen to join him on this state visit in what was supposed to be a display of eu unity and it has exposed the divisions and how they both want to deal with china, and i think writ large that can be seen as divisions between how the commission wants to deal with china and how some parts of western europe and the member states want to deal with china. von der leyen flew to china on the back of early hardline speech last week in which she advocated a new approach to china about de—risking

rather than decoupling, weaning off china's supplies, she really set yourself out as one of your�*s most tough talking leaders with regard to china. macron on the other hand is much more soft when it comes to these things and i think those differences were very noticeable, and i think the chinese picked up on it as well. macron was very much even the red carpet treatment in beijing on arrival, von der leyen flew commercial and was greeted by a junior minister at the airport. so there were real differences in that also. it there were real differences in that also. ., , there were real differences in that also. . , , also. it really interesting. it, they are _ also. it really interesting. it, they are going _ also. it really interesting. it, they are going to _ also. it really interesting. it, they are going to put - also. it really interesting. it, they are going to put out i also. it really interesting. it, they are going to put out a i also. it really interesting. it, i they are going to put out a new economic security strategy and if they are on a collision path with france and germany, you want going to get that through vis—a—vis china? i'm not sure they are on a collision path, _ i'm not sure they are on a collision path. think— i'm not sure they are on a collision path, think that is making too much of the _ path, think that is making too much of the difference in tone. remember that macron is the head of state, he is in a _ that macron is the head of state, he is in a state — that macron is the head of state, he is in a state visit to china so he

is in a state visit to china so he is in _ is in a state visit to china so he is in a — is in a state visit to china so he is in a slightly different position and ursula von der leyen represented the institution of the european commission. 50 the institution of the european commission.— the institution of the european commission. , . , ., ., commission. so why have they gone at the same time? _ commission. so why have they gone at the same time? it _ commission. so why have they gone at the same time? it does _ commission. so why have they gone at the same time? it does look, - commission. so why have they gone at the same time? it does look, you - commission. so why have they gone at the same time? it does look, you are i the same time? it does look, you are in the diplomatic service, you understand how this works, but to the ordinary punter like us, it does look as if they have timed it so that they are there to play good cop bad cop, why go at the same time? i bad cop, why go at the same time? i think for macron, because he wants to make _ think for macron, because he wants to make sure there is a distinctive european — to make sure there is a distinctive european voice on china has on everything _ european voice on china has on everything else, it suits him not 'ust everything else, it suits him not just to _ everything else, it suits him not just to go — everything else, it suits him not just to go on his own but to take von der— just to go on his own but to take von der leyen with him which makes a point about— von der leyen with him which makes a point about europe to go to china to take a _ point about europe to go to china to take a position which is distinctive from _ take a position which is distinctive from the — take a position which is distinctive from the us approach. it hasn't worked — from the us approach. it hasn't worked quite as neatly as he would have liked — worked quite as neatly as he would have liked and i'm sure it was designed _ have liked and i'm sure it was designed to do that. he's also making — designed to do that. he's also making a _ designed to do that. he's also making a point vis—a—vis the german chancellor, _ making a point vis—a—vis the german chancellor, who was there recently, he took _ chancellor, who was there recently, he took a _ chancellor, who was there recently, he took a load of businessmen as well and — he took a load of businessmen as well and didn't take the european union _ well and didn't take the european union with him, so i think this is macron— union with him, so i think this is macron saying, i am the effective

political _ macron saying, i am the effective political group —— leader of europe, i political group —— leader of europe, t have _ political group —— leader of europe, t have ursula — political group —— leader of europe, i have ursula von der leyen with me, we are _ i have ursula von der leyen with me, we are working together on this, but essentially, — we are working together on this, but essentially, think on ukraine, the future _ essentially, think on ukraine, the future of— essentially, think on ukraine, the future of ukraine, the prospect of any useful— future of ukraine, the prospect of any useful chinese peace initiative on ukraine, they will be in the same place _ on ukraine, they will be in the same lace. �* , , place. it'll be interesting, the american _ place. it'll be interesting, the american approach _ place. it'll be interesting, the american approach to - place. it'll be interesting, the american approach to this, i place. it'll be interesting, the - american approach to this, victoria, because i think rishi sunak walks a similar line to emmanuel macron. he is careful not to reveal it because his backbenchers are much more hawkish on china. but it is quite different to the position thatjoe biden would like them to take. it is a roblem biden would like them to take. it is a problem and _ biden would like them to take. it is a problem and i masai, president macron— a problem and i masai, president macron 's— a problem and i masai, president macron 's approach _ a problem and i masai, president macron 's approach is _ a problem and i masai, president macron 's approach is somewhatl macron 's approach is somewhat fanciful. — macron 's approach is somewhat fanciful, following _ macron 's approach is somewhat fanciful, following on _ macron 's approach is somewhat fanciful, following on the - fanciful, following on the extraordinary _ fanciful, following on the extraordinary summit - fanciful, following on the - extraordinary summit between president _ extraordinary summit between president xi _ extraordinary summit between president xi and _ extraordinary summit between president xi and president - extraordinary summit between i president xi and president putin thatiust — president xi and president putin that just took _ president xi and president putin that just took place _ president xi and president putin that just took place in _ president xi and president putin that just took place in which - president xi and president putin| that just took place in which they ptedged — that just took place in which they pledged extensive _ that just took place in which they pledged extensive deep- that just took place in which they. pledged extensive deep cooperation. make no _ pledged extensive deep cooperation. make no mistake _ pledged extensive deep cooperation. make no mistake about _ pledged extensive deep cooperation. make no mistake about it, _ pledged extensive deep cooperation. make no mistake about it, president| make no mistake about it, president xi has—

make no mistake about it, president xi has effectively— make no mistake about it, president xi has effectively acted _ make no mistake about it, president xi has effectively acted have - make no mistake about it, president xi has effectively acted have the - xi has effectively acted have the bank— xi has effectively acted have the bank of— xi has effectively acted have the bank of the _ xi has effectively acted have the bank of the invasion _ xi has effectively acted have the bank of the invasion of- xi has effectively acted have the bank of the invasion of ukraine i bank of the invasion of ukraine for the beginning _ bank of the invasion of ukraine for the beginning -- _ bank of the invasion of ukraine for the beginning. —— acted _ bank of the invasion of ukraine for the beginning. —— acted as. - bank of the invasion of ukraine for l the beginning. —— acted as. continue to import _ the beginning. —— acted as. continue to import massive _ the beginning. —— acted as. continue to import massive amounts- the beginning. —— acted as. continue to import massive amounts of- to import massive amounts of discounted _ to import massive amounts of discounted russian _ to import massive amounts of discounted russian natural. discounted russian natural resources _ discounted russian natural resources. until— discounted russian natural resources. until that - discounted russian naturalj resources. until that ends, discounted russian natural- resources. until that ends, the idea that they— resources. until that ends, the idea that they are — resources. until that ends, the idea that they are going _ resources. until that ends, the idea that they are going to _ resources. until that ends, the idea that they are going to play- resources. until that ends, the idea that they are going to play a - that they are going to play a constructive _ that they are going to play a constructive role _ that they are going to play a constructive role on- that they are going to play a constructive role on ukrainej that they are going to play a i constructive role on ukraine i that they are going to play a - constructive role on ukraine i think is notionat~ — constructive role on ukraine i think is notional-— is notional. one thing i wanted to ask ou is notional. one thing i wanted to ask you about. — is notional. one thing i wanted to ask you about, victoria, - is notional. one thing i wanted to ask you about, victoria, while - ask you about, victoria, while emmanuel macron and ursula von der leyen were making their appeals to the chinese, in another room summer in beijing there was an unlikely meeting between the foreign ministers of saudi arabia and iran have been brought together by the chinese to resolve their differences, which really does sort of speak to the new world order. if a saudi arabia drifting away from america, making a decision about cutting oil production last week that consulting joe in the room with two parties who have been at war for so long. it two parties who have been at war for so lonu. , ., . two parties who have been at war for solon. . ., so long. it is a direct contrast to the good friday _ so long. it is a direct contrast to the good friday agreement - so long. it is a direct contrast to the good friday agreement and| so long. it is a direct contrast to . the good friday agreement and the conversation — the good friday agreement and the conversation we _ the good friday agreement and the conversation we just— the good friday agreement and the conversation we just had _ the good friday agreement and the conversation we just had in - the good friday agreement and the conversation we just had in terms l the good friday agreement and the| conversation we just had in terms of china _ conversation we just had in terms of

china stepping — conversation we just had in terms of china stepping into— conversation we just had in terms of china stepping into that _ conversation we just had in terms of china stepping into that vacuum - conversation we just had in terms of china stepping into that vacuum and playing _ china stepping into that vacuum and playing at— china stepping into that vacuum and playing at coordinated _ china stepping into that vacuum and playing at coordinated —— _ china stepping into that vacuum and playing at coordinated —— a - playing at coordinated —— a coordinating _ playing at coordinated —— a coordinating role _ playing at coordinated —— a coordinating role betweenl playing at coordinated —— a i coordinating role between the playing at coordinated —— a - coordinating role between the saudis and iranians— coordinating role between the saudis and iranians that _ coordinating role between the saudis and iranians that make _ coordinating role between the saudis and iranians that make no _ coordinating role between the saudis and iranians that make no mistake, i and iranians that make no mistake, the saudis— and iranians that make no mistake, the saudis do— and iranians that make no mistake, the saudis do not— and iranians that make no mistake, the saudis do not want— and iranians that make no mistake, the saudis do not want this - and iranians that make no mistake, the saudis do not want this to - the saudis do not want this to happen— the saudis do not want this to happen but— the saudis do not want this to happen but once _ the saudis do not want this to happen but once the - the saudis do not want this to happen but once the biden. happen but once the biden administration _ happen but once the biden administration pulled - happen but once the bideni administration pulled those happen but once the biden- administration pulled those patriots out of— administration pulled those patriots out of the _ administration pulled those patriots out of the financial— administration pulled those patriots out of the financial in _ administration pulled those patriots out of the financial in march - administration pulled those patriots out of the financial in march 2021 i out of the financial in march 2021 they thought _ out of the financial in march 2021 they thought they _ out of the financial in march 2021 they thought they were - out of the financial in march 2021 they thought they were on - out of the financial in march 2021 they thought they were on their. out of the financial in march 2021. they thought they were on their own security— they thought they were on their own security wise — they thought they were on their own security wise. and _ they thought they were on their own security wise. and certainly- they thought they were on their own security wise. and certainly nothingl security wise. and certainly nothing that's— security wise. and certainly nothing that's happened _ security wise. and certainly nothing that's happened since _ security wise. and certainly nothing that's happened since has - security wise. and certainly nothing that's happened since has given- security wise. and certainly nothing . that's happened since has given them much _ that's happened since has given them much confidence _ that's happened since has given them much confidence and _ that's happened since has given them much confidence and they— that's happened since has given them much confidence and they have - that's happened since has given them much confidence and they have to - much confidence and they have to protect _ much confidence and they have to protect the — much confidence and they have to protect the people _ much confidence and they have to protect the people of _ much confidence and they have to protect the people of this - much confidence and they have to protect the people of this or - much confidence and they have to protect the people of this or this i protect the people of this or this as an _ protect the people of this or this as an avenue _ protect the people of this or this as an avenue.— protect the people of this or this as an avenue. finbar, let me give ou the as an avenue. finbar, let me give you the last _ as an avenue. finbar, let me give you the last word _ as an avenue. finbar, let me give you the last word on _ as an avenue. finbar, let me give you the last word on this, - as an avenue. finbar, let me give l you the last word on this, obviously thatis you the last word on this, obviously that is the way ursula von der leyen sees it, china tried to redraw the new world order with itself at the centre, that is more in line with the american position? 50 centre, that is more in line with the american position?- the american position? so the messaue the american position? so the message she _ the american position? so the message she given _ the american position? so the message she given her- the american position? so the| message she given her speech the american position? so the - message she given her speech last week, she is quite close to the biden administration, she also announced she would join america in investigating certain outbound investment screenings preventing european companies from investing in sensitive technologies in china. so

definitely, von der leyen seems to be much more on the us side in parts of europe. but the challenge will be getting member states on board with some of these initiatives, france and germany don't seem to be very interested in winding down economic ties with beijing, so she faces a huge challenge in convincing them to get on board. huge challenge in convincing them to get on board-— get on board. when the interesting stuff. get on board. when the interesting stuff- thank _ get on board. when the interesting stuff. thank you _ get on board. when the interesting stuff. thank you very _ get on board. when the interesting stuff. thank you very much - get on board. when the interesting j stuff. thank you very much indeed. we are going to go to a quick break but we are going to talk the other side of the situation in israel. we have had two salvos of rockets fired over the border today from lebanon, the first rocket in a year, a serious upscale in the violence over israel today. we will be asking a palestinian what is going on after the raid in the mosque by the israeli riot police and we will speak to the wider security situation. do you stay with us.

hello there. we saw the sunshine developing more widely today. and as the showers fade away and skies clear and winds drop, the easter weekend could start cold with a widespread slight frost. the cloud that brought the earlier rain followed by the showers are moving away out into the north sea. and following on from that, we've got pressure rising. this ridge of high pressure tending to build in and that will kill off any remaining showers though may hang around for a while across some eastern parts of england and eastern scotland. but even here, we'll see skies clearing later and the winds will be falling light. so temperatures will drop sharply. these are the numbers in towns and cities. so in rural areas, knock off a couple of degrees and we could be as low as minus two or minus three in northern ireland,

wales and western scotland. good friday starts cold but sunny and the winds will be light as well. so it will feel pleasant in the sunshine. as temperatures rise, so the cloud will build up a little and spread out a bit, especially across eastern parts of england. there's also more cloud coming in from the north sea and it could be thick enough to give it one or two spots of light rain in north east england. otherwise a dry day. and if anything, those temperatures may be a degree or so higher than today. and with the light winds, it'll feel pleasant in the sunshine. there'll be some more sunshine around as we head into the weekend because that high pressure still in charge. eventually these weather fronts will make progress from the atlantic, but notjust yet. again, a lot of dry weather around on saturday. more cloud across some eastern parts of england and scotland. and the cloud will develop a bit more further west as the southerly wind picks up as well. temperatures continuing to rise just a little, iii degrees in the central belt of scotland and 15 in the south east of england. for easter sunday, we may have more sunshine around actually on sunday. and ahead of this rain that comes into northern ireland later in the afternoon,

towards the evening, the winds will be stronger, but it's the southerly wind that's giving us more warmth. the warmest day of the next few on easter sunday could make 16 degrees around the moray firth, merseyside and i7 to the north of london. but then we see that rain coming in to northern ireland. those weather fronts take that rain eastwards overnight into easter monday. so it's a much wetter day on easter monday. we've got that rain moving away from most areas, but it will be followed by some sunshine, some showers, a blustery wind, perhaps, and temperatures will be a little lower.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. a barrage of rockets are fired towards israel — a day after violent clashes between palestinians and israeli police, who stormed jerusalem's al—aqsa mosque. next n ext ple nty next plenty of story opportunities

and john posted rounds of 65 the of the clubhouse lead at seven under par. two shots of the lead, to americans and one of the 18 from the breakaway series, the funded controversial breakaway series playing in this tournament and two of three and 500 part. in those at 400 part have finished in their more besides on that score and scottish efforts in the defending champions, four off the lead and rory mcelroy a shaky start and 100 part of what tiger woods is posted 7a. two over par at what might be his final masters. staying with golf.

staying with golf, and the dp world tour. formerly known as the european tour, has won a legal battle against 12 players who defected to liv golf. the key element of the arbitration hearing was deciding the 100 thousand pound fines they received for doing so without permission should be upheld. it doesn't mean the players are banned from the ryder cup, but they may now choose to resign from the tour, which would render them ineligible. the dp tour ceo keith pelley says the players will spend the next fortnight assessing what steps to take next. it might make it more difficult for those players to stay in membership but also to remember that they have commitments to play against the dp world tour as well on another tour. this comes down to their choice. we are not banning the players, the suspension or the fines will be fair and proportionate and they will have to make a decisionjust like they made a decision at the beginning tojoin a rival tour. and i'll never begrudge them for doing so but there will be consequences and aggressive, we are grateful that the will be consequences

and we are grateful that the consequences are now able to be adhered to. european champions england are taking on south american champions brazil in the the first women's finalissima at wembley, englands�* lionesses started the game as favourites. ranked fourth in the world, they're unbeaten since april 2021, a run of 29 games. it's almost half time. england dominated possession for the first 15 minutes, before ella toone gave them the lead. one nil to england. chelsea say they're delighted to welcome frank lampard back to the club as caretaker manager until the end of the season. his return comes a little over two years after he was sacked and replaced by thomas tuchel. the former chelsea midfielder has been out of a job since being dismissed by everton injanuary. his first game in charge for a second time will be against wolves in the premier league on saturday, and lampard admits the opportunity came as a bit of a suprise i'v

e i've been questioning the directions of the club for a while, to be honest, and a lot of this is coming from sacking managers of the start of the season which but, despite being a critic of this regime or a cynic, ijust think being a critic of this regime or a cynic, i just think this gives them time and breathing space while they look for a new manager. it's an interim appointment, someone who knows the club well, someone who who knows the club well, someone who who knows with the immediate task is, i do not see a downside to it. new zealand odi captain kane williamson is set to miss this year's world cup after rupturing a knee ligament playing in the indian premier league williamson tore his acl while fielding for gujarat titans in their win over chennai super kings

in the tournament's opening game. and will need surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation. the world cup in india begins in october. a barrage of rockets have been fired towards israel from lebanon today, after the israeli police clashed with palestinians at the al aqsa mosque on wednesday. it is islam's third—holiest site. the israeli army said they had tracked 3a rockets that were fired across the border, 25 of them were intercepted by israel's air defences. this come as israeli security forces stormed the compound, known tojews as temple mount, and cleared it completely. thousands of worshippers were inside. the palestinian red crescent says six people were injured as stun grenades and rubber bullets were used by israeli forces. speaking a short time ago, the israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu called for calm and said his forces would act decisively against extremists who would pay a price for their agression. he added that he had no interest in changing the status quo on temple mount.

i am joined by mohammed el—kurd, palestinian writer and correspondent for the nation. you've following the case closely, tell us what happened on the ground? my cousin was one of the many palestinians that was marked to return to the old city but before that, let's not get off on the wrong foot here. at the one point of context that is been omitted from this report is the fact that alongsidejerusalem, they this report is the fact that alongside jerusalem, they are occupied alongsidejerusalem, they are occupied and that is an internationally recognised spot. the israeli occupation forces have no business being there but alone beating people with rubber coated bullets, batons, tear gas in dictating where and when people can pray. and that should be the starting point of any report on this so—called violence, yes. you

starting point of any report on this so-called violence, yes.— so-called violence, yes. you are from east _ so-called violence, yes. you are from east jerusalem. _ so-called violence, yes. you are from east jerusalem. tell- so-called violence, yes. you are from east jerusalem. tell me i so-called violence, yes. you are i from east jerusalem. tell me about from eastjerusalem. tell me about your home in eastjerusalem? mr; from east jerusalem. tell me about your home in east jerusalem? my home is one of the — your home in east jerusalem? my home is one of the many _ your home in east jerusalem? my home is one of the many homes _ your home in east jerusalem? my home is one of the many homes in _ your home in east jerusalem? my home is one of the many homes in east - is one of the many homes in east jerusalem that is threatened with imminent expulsion in the israeli regime of the supreme court and many israelis are fighting to save and organisations that are registered as charitable organisations. what organisations that are registered as charitable organisations.— charitable organisations. what is im ortant charitable organisations. what is important is _ charitable organisations. what is important is and _ charitable organisations. what is important is and we _ charitable organisations. what is important is and we talk - charitable organisations. what is important is and we talk about . charitable organisations. what is i important is and we talk about the violence yesterday, people, we should remember that there is no legal redress for palestinians, not really that feeds into this narrative that perhaps we stray into here on the news that there was some sort of separation between the supreme court and the israeli government, the supreme court is taking some very hard—line decisions in the past.

taking some very hard-line decisions in the ast. ~ ,,., , ., taking some very hard-line decisions in the ast. , , ., taking some very hard-line decisions inthe ast. , ., , in the past. absolutely. you can see blood all over _ in the past. absolutely. you can see blood all over the _ in the past. absolutely. you can see blood all over the supreme - in the past. absolutely. you can see blood all over the supreme court's i blood all over the supreme court's hands virtually anything the involving any displacement of palestinians in terms of its rulings on the slain bodies of palestinians in terms of its expulsions of entire communities and in terms of its ruling on the shoot to kill policy the 2018 support in the 2018 cream marked return in many things allowing torture and interrogation in the supreme court is no friend of the palestinians and serving out a beacon of progress or democracy. but the israeli government will point to the israeli government will point to the violence they've seen from palestinians as well recently and the rockets that came across the border today, we know that the leader is in beirut and we know that i could not of been done to date without the tacit approval and the

israelis would say that palestinians bear some responsibility for the security situation in israel as well stop that is such a predictable question, i could've written it myself because not only has one of the holiest places been rated twice in a row, not only have 93 palestinians been killed since the start of the year not only has the town been subjected to this and if no palestinians were killed, many of us continue to live under a brutal regime of military occupation but international organisations and 200 palestinians, and open prison in the gaza strip and this is another violence for people to attack. i5 violence for people to attack. i3 someone invaded your home and attacked herfamily, what would someone invaded your home and attacked her family, what would you do? would you turn other cheek? we've been talking earlier in the programme about these processes in the context of northern ireland and

what happened in belfast. when you listen to that andrew scheer the anger in the recollection of what has happened in the past, it is very difficult to think there can never be a piece in the middle east. peace between israel _ be a piece in the middle east. peace between israel and _ be a piece in the middle east. peace between israel and palestine, - between israel and palestine, certainly, we heard about the abraham _ certainly, we heard about the abraham accords peace between israel and some _ abraham accords peace between israel and some of the arab states but in that essential conflict, things have gotten _ that essential conflict, things have gotten worse over the 40 years that i've gotten worse over the 40 years that we been— gotten worse over the 40 years that i've been dealing with it rather than _ i've been dealing with it rather than better and now we are in a very hi-h than better and now we are in a very high tevet— than better and now we are in a very high level of— than better and now we are in a very high level of tension and we can see in the _ high level of tension and we can see in the testimony how deep the divide is between _ in the testimony how deep the divide is between the communities trying to live together in some fashion in the state _ live together in some fashion in the state of— live together in some fashion in the state of israel and now, as below are some — state of israel and now, as below are some other extremist group firing _ are some other extremist group firing missiles from lebanon and extremely high tension, that is the largest— extremely high tension, that is the largest salvo since 2006 when it was very heavy— largest salvo since 2006 when it was very heavy fighting on the northern frontier— very heavy fighting on the northern frontier in— very heavy fighting on the northern frontier in the situation looks very

tense _ frontier in the situation looks very tense indeed. the frontier in the situation looks very tense indeed.— tense indeed. the international community _ tense indeed. the international community will _ tense indeed. the international community will focus _ tense indeed. the international community will focus on - tense indeed. the internationalj community will focus on hamas tense indeed. the international- community will focus on hamas and they will not focus on what we just heard about the violence towards palestinians.— heard about the violence towards palestinians. . , , . palestinians. that is very much the oint palestinians. that is very much the point echoing _ palestinians. that is very much the point echoing the _ palestinians. that is very much the point echoing the palestinian - point echoing the palestinian authority— point echoing the palestinian authority did _ point echoing the palestinian authority did not _ point echoing the palestinian authority did not fire - point echoing the palestinian authority did not fire these l point echoing the palestinian - authority did not fire these rockets at tsraet~ _ authority did not fire these rockets at tsraet~ some _ authority did not fire these rockets at israel. some combination- authority did not fire these rockets at israel. some combination of- at israel. some combination of iranian— at israel. some combination of tranian proxies _ at israel. some combination of iranian proxies decided - at israel. some combination of iranian proxies decided to- at israel. some combination of- iranian proxies decided to escalate this on— iranian proxies decided to escalate this on this — iranian proxies decided to escalate this on this historic— iranian proxies decided to escalate this on this historic confluence - iranian proxies decided to escalate this on this historic confluence of i this on this historic confluence of ramadan— this on this historic confluence of ramadan and _ this on this historic confluence of ramadan and passover— this on this historic confluence of ramadan and passover and - this on this historic confluence of . ramadan and passover and easter. this is— ramadan and passover and easter. this is giving — ramadan and passover and easter. this is giving us— ramadan and passover and easter. this is giving us very— ramadan and passover and easter. this is giving us very heightened i this is giving us very heightened tensions— this is giving us very heightened tensions in— this is giving us very heightened tensions in iran _ this is giving us very heightened tensions in iran wanted - this is giving us very heightened tensions in iran wanted to- this is giving us very heightened tensions in iran wanted to be - this is giving us very heightened tensions in iran wanted to be a i tensions in iran wanted to be a productive _ tensions in iran wanted to be a productive actor— tensions in iran wanted to be a productive actor and _ tensions in iran wanted to be a productive actor and they- tensions in iran wanted to be al productive actor and they would ratchet — productive actor and they would ratchet down _ productive actor and they would ratchet down tensions - productive actor and they would ratchet down tensions during i productive actor and they would i ratchet down tensions during this time _ ratchet down tensions during this time and — ratchet down tensions during this time and not _ ratchet down tensions during this time and not create _ ratchet down tensions during this time and not create this - ratchet down tensions during this time and not create this dual- ratchet down tensions during this . time and not create this dual attack from both— time and not create this dual attack from both the — time and not create this dual attack from both the gaza _ time and not create this dual attack from both the gaza strip— time and not create this dual attack from both the gaza strip and - time and not create this dual attack. from both the gaza strip and lebanon and tonight, — from both the gaza strip and lebanon and tonight, we — from both the gaza strip and lebanon and tonight, we have _ from both the gaza strip and lebanon and tonight, we have reports - from both the gaza strip and lebanon and tonight, we have reports that- and tonight, we have reports that they want— and tonight, we have reports that they want to _ and tonight, we have reports that they want to get _ and tonight, we have reports that they want to get in _ and tonight, we have reports that they want to get in on _ and tonight, we have reports that they want to get in on the - and tonight, we have reports that they want to get in on the act. . and tonight, we have reports thati they want to get in on the act. you want to respond _ they want to get in on the act. you want to respond to _ they want to get in on the act. want to respond to that? they want to get in on the act. you want to respond to that? i - they want to get in on the act. you want to respond to that? i take - they want to get in on the act. you want to respond to that? i take a i want to respond to that? i take a massive issue _ want to respond to that? i take a massive issue with _ want to respond to that? i take a massive issue with this _ want to respond to that? i take a massive issue with this framing i want to respond to that? i take a | massive issue with this framing of this in some kind of religious

conflict of some kind of civil war between two communities trying to live with each other. there's a population, millions of people who are under the mercy and under the rule of military occupation. that is the status quo here and that does not begin or end with rockets. living under occupation and day out is not escalation. i am so amazed that despite how far removed you are from the matter, despite the clear lack of expertise and experience on palestine, they seem to possess the same level of entitlement that belfour possessed when he declared palestine a home for the sinuses that there was his to give.- palestine a home for the sinuses that there was his to give. that, i think it's honestly _ that there was his to give. that, i think it's honestly unfair. - that there was his to give. that, i think it's honestly unfair. i - that there was his to give. that, i think it's honestly unfair. i have i think it's honestly unfair. i have listened — think it's honestly unfair. i have listened many times the palestinian territories _ listened many times the palestinian territories and palestinian people and what — territories and palestinian people and what they are living with. an escalating — and what they are living with. an escalating spiral of violence is not what _ escalating spiral of violence is not

what anyone needs in the region right— what anyone needs in the region right now— what anyone needs in the region right now in today's rocket attacks only make — right now in today's rocket attacks only make that more i fear. and the concern of — only make that more i fear. and the concern of the _ only make that more i fear. and the concern of the heightened _ only make that more i fear. and the concern of the heightened sense - only make that more i fear. and the concern of the heightened sense of| concern of the heightened sense of security now across the region and concerns about what is happened today and does washington have much confidence in an israeli government is moving further and further to the right? is moving further and further to the ri . ht? . ., , is moving further and further to the riuht? , right? there can be political differences _ right? there can be political differences between - right? there can be political- differences between washington administration _ differences between washington administration and _ differences between washington administration and the - differences between washington administration and the duly- differences between washington i administration and the duly elected tsraeti _ administration and the duly elected israeli government, _ administration and the duly elected israeli government, the _ administration and the duly elected israeli government, the weather. administration and the duly electedl israeli government, the weather can be between — israeli government, the weather can be between uk _ israeli government, the weather can be between uk governments - israeli government, the weather can be between uk governments and . be between uk governments and governments _ be between uk governments and governments in _ be between uk governments and governments in washington - be between uk governments and governments in washington buti be between uk governments and . governments in washington but the keeping _ governments in washington but the keeping to— governments in washington but the keeping to remember— governments in washington but the keeping to remember is— governments in washington but the keeping to remember is that - governments in washington but the keeping to remember is that these i keeping to remember is that these relationships— keeping to remember is that these relationships between— keeping to remember is that these relationships between the - keeping to remember is that these relationships between the united l relationships between the united states— relationships between the united states and — relationships between the united states and the _ relationships between the united states and the united _ relationships between the united states and the united kingdom l relationships between the united . states and the united kingdom and between _ states and the united kingdom and between the — states and the united kingdom and between the united _ states and the united kingdom and between the united states - states and the united kingdom and between the united states and - states and the united kingdom and i between the united states and israel are bad _ between the united states and israel are bad rocks— between the united states and israel are bad rocks of— between the united states and israel are bad rocks of our— between the united states and israel are bad rocks of our national- are bad rocks of our national security— are bad rocks of our national security policy— are bad rocks of our national security policy and _ are bad rocks of our national security policy and so - are bad rocks of our national. security policy and so president biden— security policy and so president biden has— security policy and so president biden has said _ security policy and so president biden has said and _ security policy and so president biden has said and in _ security policy and so president biden has said and in his- security policy and so president biden has said and in his visit. security policy and so president| biden has said and in his visit to israet— biden has said and in his visit to tsraet tast— biden has said and in his visit to israel last year, _ biden has said and in his visit to israel last year, made _ biden has said and in his visit to israel last year, made clear- biden has said and in his visit to israel last year, made clear that leadership— israel last year, made clear that leadership is— israel last year, made clear that leadership is up— israel last year, made clear that leadership is up to _ israel last year, made clear that leadership is up to the - israel last year, made clear that leadership is up to the people .

israel last year, made clear that| leadership is up to the people of israet— leadership is up to the people of tsraet and — leadership is up to the people of israel and the _ leadership is up to the people of israel and the relationship - leadership is up to the people of israel and the relationship will . leadership is up to the people ofl israel and the relationship will be maintained — israel and the relationship will be maintained. infe— israel and the relationship will be maintained-— israel and the relationship will be maintained. ~ . ., ., , ., maintained. we are grateful for your time this evening _ maintained. we are grateful for your time this evening and _ maintained. we are grateful for your time this evening and thank - maintained. we are grateful for your time this evening and thank you - maintained. we are grateful for your time this evening and thank you for| time this evening and thank you for coming on the programme. this is bbc news. it's local election season in the uk — here's lone wells with all you need to know. want to vote at the next election? here's what you need to know. if you've got a minute, you now have to take id or you won't be able to vote. that would be in place for the local elections in england on the 4th of may. there are different kinds of id you can use, including your passport or driving license, and you can check online if you've got a form of acceptable id. if you don't have the right type of id, you can apply for a new free voter authority certificate. you'll also need one of those if your voter id doesn't look like you any more, or if it has

a different name to the one you use to register to vote to vote on the 4th of may. you'll have to register in advance. the deadline to do that is monday, the 17th of april. if you also need to apply for a voter authority certificate, the deadline to do that is 5:00 pm on the 25th of april. you can do that online at gov.uk or by post. if you plan to vote in person rather than by post, your polling card will tell you where to go. but remember, if you want to vote in those local elections in england, bring your id or you will get turned away. now it's time for the panel. because of the trump affairs earlier in the week, we do not spend as much time talking about it is we should and that is finland and nato. very different footprint that nato has now to when you are in the foreign service. i now to when you are in the foreign service. ., , ., now to when you are in the foreign service. ., . ., , ., now to when you are in the foreign service. .,, ., ., , ., i: i: service. i was an ambassador in 2004 we welcomed — service. i was an ambassador in 2004 we welcomed in _ service. i was an ambassador in 2004 we welcomed in seven _ service. i was an ambassador in 2004 we welcomed in seven countries - service. i was an ambassador in 2004 we welcomed in seven countries all i we welcomed in seven countries all in one _ we welcomed in seven countries all in one go — we welcomed in seven countries all in one go. the baltic states and the number— in one go. the baltic states and the number of— in one go. the baltic states and the number of east european countries

and that— number of east european countries and that took nearly 26 miles part of the _ and that took nearly 26 miles part of the east — and that took nearly 26 miles part of the east woods and nato and now 19 years _ of the east woods and nato and now 19 years later, we have the 31st. it's 19 years later, we have the 31st. it's not — 19 years later, we have the 31st. it's not as— 19 years later, we have the 31st. it's not as nato is expanding in all directions as putin, this is a very strategic— directions as putin, this is a very strategic moment. then there was a proud _ strategic moment. then there was a proud neutral state for many decades _ proud neutral state for many decades. strong military, very resilient, _ decades. strong military, very resilient, large citizen army, larger— resilient, large citizen army, larger than the british army from the time — larger than the british army from the time it— larger than the british army from the time it mobilised, a real asset to the _ the time it mobilised, a real asset to the alliance and i am hopeful that we — to the alliance and i am hopeful that we will have sweden and very soon _ that we will have sweden and very soon after — that we will have sweden and very soon after the turkish elections in the summerand the soon after the turkish elections in the summer and the blockage can be cleared _ the summer and the blockage can be cleared in— the summer and the blockage can be cleared. in that whole flank of nato looks _ cleared. in that whole flank of nato looks very — cleared. in that whole flank of nato looks very different to when i was an ambassador, much more defensible, much stronger and vladimir putin is made _ much stronger and vladimir putin is made nato — much stronger and vladimir putin is made nato stronger while his intention was to weaken us and it's a moment— intention was to weaken us and it's a moment to celebrate and have a new strong _ a moment to celebrate and have a new strong defence allyjoy nato. that strong defence ally joy nato. that is undoubtedly _ strong defence allyjoy nato. trust is undoubtedly the case by any estimation it has backfired on president putin and you think it is

not expanding in all directions but if i show our viewers this map, you will see that this border of nato now alongside russia has grown by 1300 km. that does present a very different security situation and they've already talked about what they've already talked about what they will need to do in the northern territories. , , ., �* ., territories. they should've thought ofthat territories. they should've thought of that before _ territories. they should've thought of that before they _ territories. they should've thought of that before they attacked - of that before they attacked ukraine, there is no possibilitys of them abandoning this save for a major war started by russia's. this ma'or war started by russia's. this is major war started by russia's. this is a straight _ major war started by russia's. this is a straight consequence of what vladimir— is a straight consequence of what vladimir putin has done and nato was a defensive _ vladimir putin has done and nato was a defensive alliance and does not present— a defensive alliance and does not present any threat to russia, it is a strengthening of our defensive parameters and i suspect there's more _ parameters and i suspect there's more rhetoric than reality about russian — more rhetoric than reality about russian talks about doing something in response to it. makes nato more coherent— in response to it. makes nato more coherent as — in response to it. makes nato more coherent as a defensive alliance if putin— coherent as a defensive alliance if putin does— coherent as a defensive alliance if putin does not like it, he has himself— putin does not like it, he has himself to _ putin does not like it, he has

himself to blame.— putin does not like it, he has himself to blame. let's go to more cultural issues, _ himself to blame. let's go to more cultural issues, an _ himself to blame. let's go to more cultural issues, an interesting - cultural issues, an interesting story to tell us in this one is about a long—lost tunnel under your home state of pennsylvania. tell us all about it. home state of pennsylvania. tell us all about it— all about it. this is a very fascinating _ all about it. this is a very fascinating development | all about it. this is a very . fascinating development and all about it. this is a very - fascinating development and i all about it. this is a very _ fascinating development and i would like to— fascinating development and i would like to associate _ fascinating development and i would like to associate myself _ fascinating development and i would like to associate myself for - fascinating development and i would like to associate myself for the - like to associate myself for the comments _ like to associate myself for the comments on _ like to associate myself for the comments on finland, - like to associate myself for the comments on finland, it- like to associate myself for the comments on finland, it is- like to associate myself for the comments on finland, it is a l like to associate myself for the . comments on finland, it is a great development _ comments on finland, it is a great development and _ comments on finland, it is a great development and as _ comments on finland, it is a great development and as my _ comments on finland, it is a great development and as my former. comments on finland, it is a great. development and as my former boss comments on finland, it is a great- development and as my former boss in an ambassador— development and as my former boss in an ambassador would _ development and as my former boss in an ambassador would say, _ development and as my former boss in an ambassador would say, this - development and as my former boss in an ambassador would say, this is- development and as my former boss in an ambassador would say, this is a - an ambassador would say, this is a huge _ an ambassador would say, this is a huge strategic— an ambassador would say, this is a huge strategic advance _ an ambassador would say, this is a huge strategic advance of - an ambassador would say, this is a huge strategic advance of the - an ambassador would say, this is a i huge strategic advance of the united states— huge strategic advance of the united states and _ huge strategic advance of the united states and nato _ huge strategic advance of the united states and nato and _ huge strategic advance of the united states and nato and it _ huge strategic advance of the united states and nato and it is _ huge strategic advance of the united states and nato and it is a _ huge strategic advance of the united states and nato and it is a good - states and nato and it is a good week _ states and nato and it is a good week in— states and nato and it is a good week. in terms _ states and nato and it is a good week. in terms of— states and nato and it is a good week. in terms of this - states and nato and it is a good week. in terms of this tunnel, l states and nato and it is a good i week. in terms of this tunnel, but week. in terms of this tunnel, but we have _ week. in terms of this tunnel, but we have been— week. in terms of this tunnel, but we have been learning _ week. in terms of this tunnel, but we have been learning about - week. in terms of this tunnel, but we have been learning about andi we have been learning about and pennsylvania _ we have been learning about and pennsylvania is _ we have been learning about and pennsylvania is the _ we have been learning about and pennsylvania is the history- we have been learning about and pennsylvania is the history of- we have been learning about andj pennsylvania is the history of the underground _ pennsylvania is the history of the underground railroad _ pennsylvania is the history of the underground railroad by- pennsylvania is the history of the underground railroad by which i pennsylvania is the history of the| underground railroad by which we pennsylvania is the history of the - underground railroad by which we had fugitive _ underground railroad by which we had fugitive former — underground railroad by which we had fugitive former slaves _ underground railroad by which we had fugitive former slaves coming - underground railroad by which we had fugitive former slaves coming out - underground railroad by which we had fugitive former slaves coming out of i fugitive former slaves coming out of the south _ fugitive former slaves coming out of the south during _ fugitive former slaves coming out of the south during the _ fugitive former slaves coming out of the south during the civil— fugitive former slaves coming out of the south during the civil war- fugitive former slaves coming out of the south during the civil war and i the south during the civil war and you would — the south during the civil war and you would think _ the south during the civil war and you would think that _ the south during the civil war and you would think that it _ the south during the civil war and you would think that it would - the south during the civil war and you would think that it would be l you would think that it would be free once — you would think that it would be free once the _ you would think that it would be free once the cross _ you would think that it would be free once the cross the - you would think that it would be - free once the cross the mason—dixon line into _ free once the cross the mason—dixon line into the — free once the cross the mason—dixon line into the north _ free once the cross the mason—dixon line into the north but— free once the cross the mason—dixon line into the north but they _ line into the north but they weren't _ line into the north but they weren't. they— line into the north but they weren't. they were - line into the north but theyi weren't. they were pursued line into the north but they - weren't. they were pursued by line into the north but they _ weren't. they were pursued by bounty hunters— weren't. they were pursued by bounty hunters and _ weren't. they were pursued by bounty hunters and throughout _ weren't. they were pursued by bounty hunters and throughout the _ weren't. they were pursued by bounty hunters and throughout the state - weren't. they were pursued by bounty hunters and throughout the state of i hunters and throughout the state of pennsylvania. — hunters and throughout the state of

pennsylvania, we _ hunters and throughout the state of pennsylvania, we have _ hunters and throughout the state of pennsylvania, we have remnants. hunters and throughout the state of| pennsylvania, we have remnants my home _ pennsylvania, we have remnants my home county, — pennsylvania, we have remnants my home county, this _ pennsylvania, we have remnants my home county, this is _ pennsylvania, we have remnants my home county, this is new— pennsylvania, we have remnants my home county, this is new brighton, i home county, this is new brighton, north— home county, this is new brighton, north of— home county, this is new brighton, north of pittsburgh _ home county, this is new brighton, north of pittsburgh and _ home county, this is new brighton, north of pittsburgh and there - home county, this is new brighton, north of pittsburgh and there was i north of pittsburgh and there was this whole — north of pittsburgh and there was this whole network— north of pittsburgh and there was this whole network of— north of pittsburgh and there was this whole network of safe - north of pittsburgh and there wasi this whole network of safe spaces, this whole network of safe spaces, this tunnel— this whole network of safe spaces, this tunnel goes— this whole network of safe spaces, this tunnel goes between - this whole network of safe spaces, this tunnel goes between a - this whole network of safe spaces, this tunnel goes between a safe i this tunnel goes between a safe house _ this tunnel goes between a safe house in— this tunnel goes between a safe house in the _ this tunnel goes between a safe house in the church, _ this tunnel goes between a safe house in the church, for- this tunnel goes between a safe i house in the church, for example. and the _ house in the church, for example. and the had — house in the church, for example. and the had this _ house in the church, for example. and the had this whole _ house in the church, for example. i and the had this whole renaissance of study— and the had this whole renaissance of study of— and the had this whole renaissance of study of how— and the had this whole renaissance of study of how this _ and the had this whole renaissance of study of how this process - and the had this whole renaissance of study of how this process workedj of study of how this process worked and who— of study of how this process worked and who was— of study of how this process worked and who was helping. _ of study of how this process worked and who was helping. he _ of study of how this process worked and who was helping. he recently. of study of how this process worked i and who was helping. he recently had and who was helping. he recently had a performance — and who was helping. he recently had a performance of— and who was helping. he recently had a performance of the _ and who was helping. he recently had a performance of the new— a performance of the new opera sanctuary — a performance of the new opera sanctuary road, _ a performance of the new opera sanctuary road, based - a performance of the new opera sanctuary road, based off - a performance of the new opera sanctuary road, based off of - a performance of the new 0pera| sanctuary road, based off of the work _ sanctuary road, based off of the work of — sanctuary road, based off of the work of the _ sanctuary road, based off of the work of the great _ sanctuary road, based off of the work of the great abolitionist - work of the great abolitionist william — work of the great abolitionist william still— work of the great abolitionist william still in _ work of the great abolitionist william still in pennsylvaniai work of the great abolitionist i william still in pennsylvania and work of the great abolitionist - william still in pennsylvania and i think— william still in pennsylvania and i think probably _ william still in pennsylvania and i think probably recover— william still in pennsylvania and i think probably recover this - william still in pennsylvania and i. think probably recover this history, we can— think probably recover this history, we can start — think probably recover this history, we can start to— think probably recover this history, we can start to understand - think probably recover this history, we can start to understand the - think probably recover this history, j we can start to understand the role of the _ we can start to understand the role of the north— we can start to understand the role of the north and _ we can start to understand the role of the north and both _ we can start to understand the role of the north and both helping - of the north and both helping fugitive — of the north and both helping fugitive slaves— of the north and both helping fugitive slaves but— of the north and both helping fugitive slaves but also - of the north and both helping fugitive slaves but also the i of the north and both helping - fugitive slaves but also the people who were — fugitive slaves but also the people who were believed _ fugitive slaves but also the people who were believed to _ fugitive slaves but also the people who were believed to hunt - fugitive slaves but also the people who were believed to hunt them i fugitive slaves but also the people i who were believed to hunt them and send them _ who were believed to hunt them and send them back— who were believed to hunt them and send them back down _ who were believed to hunt them and send them back down south. - who were believed to hunt them and send them back down south. and . who were believed to hunt them and i send them back down south. and very interesting _ send them back down south. and very interesting moment— send them back down south. and very interesting moment for— send them back down south. and very interesting moment for the _ interesting moment for the commonwealth _ interesting moment for the commonwealth my- interesting moment for the commonwealth my great, i interesting moment for the - commonwealth my great, great interesting moment for the _ commonwealth my great, great grand father~ _ commonwealth my great, great grand father. ., ., ., commonwealth my great, great grand father. ., . ., ., , commonwealth my great, great grand father. ., . . . . ., father. you have a family connection to this. father. you have a family connection to this- what — father. you have a family connection to this. what was _ father. you have a family connection

to this. what was the _ father. you have a family connection to this. what was the great, - father. you have a family connection to this. what was the great, great i to this. what was the great, great uncle doing at the time? she to this. what was the great, great uncle doing at the time?— to this. what was the great, great uncle doing at the time? she was the covernor uncle doing at the time? she was the governor at — uncle doing at the time? she was the governor at the _ uncle doing at the time? she was the governor at the time _ uncle doing at the time? she was the governor at the time and _ uncle doing at the time? she was the governor at the time and through - uncle doing at the time? she was the governor at the time and through my | governor at the time and through my maternal— governor at the time and through my maternal grandmother _ governor at the time and through my maternal grandmother and _ governor at the time and through my maternal grandmother and he - governor at the time and through my maternal grandmother and he was i governor at the time and through my maternal grandmother and he was a i maternal grandmother and he was a 2-term _ maternal grandmother and he was a 2-term governor— maternal grandmother and he was a 2—term governor of— maternal grandmother and he was a 2—term governor of pennsylvania, i maternal grandmother and he was a 2—term governor of pennsylvania, a| 2—term governor of pennsylvania, a great _ 2—term governor of pennsylvania, a great friend — 2—term governor of pennsylvania, a great friend of— 2—term governor of pennsylvania, a great friend of abraham _ 2—term governor of pennsylvania, a great friend of abraham lincoln - great friend of abraham lincoln after _ great friend of abraham lincoln after he — great friend of abraham lincoln after he was _ great friend of abraham lincoln after he was governor, - great friend of abraham lincoln after he was governor, he - great friend of abraham lincoln i after he was governor, he became ambassador— after he was governor, he became ambassador to _ after he was governor, he became ambassador to russia. _ after he was governor, he became ambassador to russia. it - after he was governor, he became ambassador to russia. it is - after he was governor, he became ambassador to russia. it is a - after he was governor, he became ambassador to russia. it is a very| ambassador to russia. it is a very interesting — ambassador to russia. it is a very interesting family— ambassador to russia. it is a very interesting family story. - ambassador to russia. it is a very interesting family story. but - ambassador to russia. it is a very interesting family story. but he i ambassador to russia. it is a very. interesting family story. but he was instrumental— interesting family story. but he was instrumental in _ interesting family story. but he was instrumental in supporting - interesting family story. but he was instrumental in supporting this - instrumental in supporting this development _ instrumental in supporting this development across— instrumental in supporting this i development across pennsylvania instrumental in supporting this - development across pennsylvania and so, it's_ development across pennsylvania and so, it's a _ development across pennsylvania and so, it'sa very— development across pennsylvania and so, it's a very fascinating _ development across pennsylvania and so, it's a very fascinating moment - so, it's a very fascinating moment in our— so, it's a very fascinating moment in our history _ so, it's a very fascinating moment in our history. of— so, it's a very fascinating moment in our history-— in our history. of the coin to open this to the — in our history. of the coin to open this to the public _ in our history. of the coin to open this to the public because - in our history. of the coin to open this to the public because i - in our history. of the coin to open this to the public because i see i this to the public because i see it's next to the art gallery? they're going to try to open it as much _ they're going to try to open it as much as— they're going to try to open it as much as these _ they're going to try to open it as much as these new _ they're going to try to open it as much as these new pleases - they're going to try to open it as much as these new pleases and| they're going to try to open it as - much as these new pleases and finds he can_ much as these new pleases and finds he can get— much as these new pleases and finds he can get a — much as these new pleases and finds he can get a physical— much as these new pleases and finds he can get a physical sense _ much as these new pleases and finds he can get a physical sense of- much as these new pleases and finds he can get a physical sense of what l he can get a physical sense of what it would've — he can get a physical sense of what it would've been _ he can get a physical sense of what it would've been like _ he can get a physical sense of what it would've been like to _ he can get a physical sense of what it would've been like to make - he can get a physical sense of what it would've been like to make this i it would've been like to make this journey— it would've been like to make this journey stop — it would've been like to make this journey stop what _ it would've been like to make this journey stop what was _ it would've been like to make this journey stop what was your - it would've been like to make this journey stop what was your full i it would've been like to make this - journey stop what was your full name again? _ journey stop what was your full name again? thank— journey stop what was your full name again? thank you _ journey stop what was your full name again? thank you. i'm _ journey stop what was your full name again? thank you.— again? thank you. i'm 'ust boring christian fraser. h again? thank you. i'm 'ust boring christian fraser. this _ again? thank you. i'mjust boring christian fraser. this is _ again? thank you. i'mjust boring christian fraser. this is been - again? thank you. i'mjust boring christian fraser. this is been the| christian fraser. this is been the context. thank you very much for

your company this evening. that is the end of our programme and will be back next week and we do hope that you willjoin us for that. but our uk viewers are still with us and let us move to france. let's move to france now — and big numbers have taken to the streets again — the 11th day of mass protests against the change in pension age in france. a meeting between the prime minister and labour unions failed to break the deadlock yesterday. france's constitutional council will decide next week — on the validity of the governments move — after the change was rammed through parliament with no vote. unions have called for a new round of protests and strikes on april 13th. our paris correspondent hugh schofield was on the streets of paris a little earlier. you joined me at the end point of today's march year in paris. and we

are in the elevated position on the square and a glass of our comments just been police moving in a clearing out sections of the crowd, things going off, lots of booing and chanting and everyone saying they hate the police and slightly in arctic but movement of police down there to put out a fire, something like that. at some point or so, the police went up to clear this up at right now, it's likely in arctic, slightly exhilarated and for a lot of alcohol was flowing and let the people have got the spirits up. well, to explain how the french pension system compares to other countries, our reporter naomi choy smith joined us from the newsroom as we have been hearing, the retirement age is 62 was kinda makes an outlier and the rest of europe for the average retirement age is 65

and we have to look at germany and italy where you have to be 67 to access your state pension and in fact, here in the uk, you can access your state pension at the age of 66 but as you can access your state pension at the age of 66 but as you'll see here from this article on our website, there were government plans to raise that to 68. those is largely because of life expectancy in the uk actually decreasing but this could still happen in the years to come but what other countries have the highest retirement ages? we have the highest retirement ages? we have iceland and norway we are to be 67 to access your pension part and on the other end of the scale here, we have countries like turkey. where you could be 49 if you're a woman and access her for retirement or 52. if your man. we have columbia, luxembourg where you can retire at the age of 62 of your man, 57 if you're a woman. many of these countries with retirement ages are

having to rethink that as the population ages and shrinks and ignores that more true in china for the s and the lows retirement ages in the world at 60 and 55 for men and women respectively. and producing that a 50 however because the chinese population is ageing and shrinking there's not enough people to pay into the pension part, that is where the countries in including friends were that's all being reconsidered. let's take a look at what's coming up here on bbc news —later it's newsnight — but next, huw edwards will have the 10 oclock news their having to divert resources from fighting crime in the streets the city to actually looking for police officers who should not be in the force because of their past conduct. we are also looking at the tensions in the middle palestinian

militants in lebanon firing rockets into israel and will be catching up with the golf, the masters in augusta georgia where they are hoping that this year, it will be his year. join us attend. a news night at 1030, we devote our programme to the war in ukraine. we have two special reports to bring you. eyewitness testimony from inside the bloodied battle. plus, and investigation reveals the heavy price paid by an elite russian regiment and its home community is the war drags on. we'll talk to a former minister of ukraine, us national security adviser and a top russian diplomat turned effective. thank you very much for that and we will be back tomorrow and the new extended context now on a friday and we will see you then. good night.

hello there. we saw the sunshine developing more widely today. and as the showers fade away and skies clear and winds drop, the easter weekend could start cold with a widespread slight frost. the cloud that brought the earlier rain followed by the showers are moving away out into the north sea. and following on from that, we've got pressure rising, this ridge of high pressure tending to build in and that will kill off any remaining showers there may hang around for a while across some eastern parts of england and eastern scotland. but even here, we'll see skies clearing later and the winds will be falling light. so temperatures will drop sharply. these are the numbers in towns and cities. so in rural areas, knock off a couple of degrees and we could be as low as minus two or minus three in northern ireland, wales and western scotland. good friday starts cold but sunny and the winds will be light as well. so it will feel pleasant in the sunshine as temperatures rise. so the cloud will build up a little and spread out a bit, especially across eastern parts of england. there's also more cloud coming

in from the north sea and it could be thick enough to give it one or two spots of light rain in north east england. otherwise a dry day. and if anything, those temperatures may be a degree or so higher than today. and with the light winds, it'll feel pleasant in the sunshine. there'll be some more sunshine around as we head into the weekend because that high pressure still in charge. eventually these weather fronts will make progress from the atlantic, but not just yet. again, a lot of dry weather around on saturday. more cloud across some eastern parts of england and scotland. and the cloud will develop a bit more further west as the southerly wind picks up as well. temperatures continuing to rise just a little, 1a degrees in the central belt of scotland and 15 in the south east of england for easter sunday. we may have more sunshine around actually on sunday. and ahead of this rain that comes into northern ireland later in the afternoon, towards the evening, the winds will be stronger, but it's the southerly wind that's giving us more warmth. the warmest day of the next few on easter sunday could make 16 degrees around the moray firth, merseyside and 17 to the north of london. but then we see that rain coming in to northern ireland.

those weather fronts take that rain eastwards overnight into easter monday. so it's a much wetter day on easter monday. we've got that rain moving away from most areas, but it will be followed by some sunshine, some showers, a blustery wind, perhaps, and temperatures will be a little lower.

tonight at ten... the metropolitan police tries to expel hundreds of corrupt officers working across london. dozens of met staff are being diverted from other work, including anti—terrorism and organised crime, to investigate their own colleagues. officers previously accused of violence against women are being reassessed, as the commissioner says he needs more powers to deal with the problem. we're already doubling the number of people who are leaving the organisation. i've been really clear, there are hundreds of people here who shouldn't be here. i've got tens of thousands of fantastic people, but we're all let down by the hundreds. the measures follow a recent report which uncovered widespread racism, homophobia and misogyny in the force. also tonight... israeli forces say more than 30 rockets have been fired by palestinian militants from positions in lebanon —

the highest daily number since 2006.