hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. what is your top priority on this trip? what is your top priority on this tri - ? a ~ , what is your top priority on this tri n ? ~ a, ~' , , what is your top priority on this trip? make sure the irish acquired in winter agreement _ trip? make sure the irish acquired in winter agreement stays - trip? make sure the irish acquired in winter agreement stays in - trip? make sure the irish acquired. in winter agreement stays in place. keep— in winter agreement stays in place. keep the _ in winter agreement stays in place. keep the main thing looks like you need _ keep the main thing looks like you need to— keep the main thing looks like you need to keep your fingers crossed. the british— need to keep your fingers crossed. the british government and the americans, politicians are trying to deal with them. in fairness to the people of northern ireland, they deserve working institutions. this stretch of the _ deserve working institutions. ti 3 stretch of the road, you deserve working institutions. ti 1 stretch of the road, you only watch the length. somebody died here. people died for all the

contingencies. hello ,welcome to the programme, plenty to look forward to this evening, including joe biden�*s pending arrival in northern ireland. this was him departing joint base andrews earlier this afternoon. air force one expected just after nine, we will take you to live to that when it lands. elsewhere, we will discuss the latest assessment on the world economy. the imf warning today we are locked into a "perilous phase" of low economic growth. what does that mean for disposable income and our collective spending power? and what about those leaked us documents? the washington post reporting today that egypt, one of the united states oldest allies in the middle east, had secretly planned to supply rockets to russia. all that to come. but we start in belfast, where a huge security operation is in place tonight

forjoe biden�*s imminent arrival. the main event, a speech tomorrow, at the new, ulster university campus. where it is understood the president will talk about the peace and prosperity that's been gained since the good friday agreement was signed 25 years ago. though, of course, at the moment power—sharing government is not functioning. and that is because the biggest unionist party in northern ireland, the dup, is not happy with the post—brexit trading arrangements, or indeed rishi sunak�*s attempts to solve them. let's play you again whatjoe biden had to say before setting off this afternoon. what's your top priority on this trip, _ what's your top priority on this trip, sir? — what's your top priority on this tri - , sir? n. ~ what's your top priority on this tri, sir? a, ~ , what's your top priority on this tri, sir? ~ , , trip, sir? make sure the iris records and _ trip, sir? make sure the iris records and winter - trip, sir? make sure the iris l records and winter agreement trip, sir? make sure the iris - records and winter agreement stay in place, keep the peace. that's the main thing —— irish accords. let's get some more reaction — i'm joined by the dup mp for east londonderry, gregory campbell.

think you forjoining us, how will biden�*s visit be viewed by unionist circles? biden's visit be viewed by unionist circles? ., ., , circles? unfortunately there were some gaps _ circles? unfortunately there were some gaps when _ circles? unfortunately there were some gaps when he _ circles? unfortunately there were some gaps when he was - circles? unfortunately there were some gaps when he was vice - some gaps when he was vice president, like him making the unfortunate joke president, like him making the unfortunatejoke that an president, like him making the unfortunate joke that an orange wasn't welcome in the white house. it was left off is a bit of humour, but it was in pretty poor taste. but he's the post holder of the most important position in the world, the president of the united states, so we are glad obviously that will come but hopefully he'll be able to set out his stall in terms of what he can do to help us over the next few months and years because we've had many promises of investment, and some investment has incurred, —— has occurred, but it should be mutually beneficial to the companies that, as well as our people in northern ireland employed by them when they do. ., �* �* , ., do. you're right, there's no american — do. you're right, there's no american president - do. you're right, there's no american president that's l do. you're right, there's no - american president that's been so

proudly irish american, he's a regular st patrick's feast in washington —— there is a regular, and he makes frequent allusions to his irish background. based on what he says, do you think he an impartial voice when it comes to the interests of unionists? i’m impartial voice when it comes to the interests of unionists?— interests of unionists? i'm not sure his answer— interests of unionists? i'm not sure his answer to _ interests of unionists? i'm not sure his answer to that, _ interests of unionists? i'm not sure his answer to that, i _ interests of unionists? i'm not sure his answer to that, i suppose - interests of unionists? i'm not sure his answer to that, i suppose the l his answer to that, i suppose the next 2a hours will tell us more about that. certainly his background is very irish american, and that's just the way it is. you know, he did infamously say a few months ago that he may be irish but is not stupid. i'm glad i didn't say that because you could've been accused of being slightly racist if you had. but he is the most powerful person in the free world, he does hold a very high office, and he can bring advantages with him and after him. so let's see what he has to say, i'm not quite

sure what he meant as he was about to board air force one about keeping the peace and the agreements. the cease—fires were declared 30 years ago next year, in 1994, so thankfully the piece is very well embedded, we have to bundle it but it's not a prejudicial up on some windsor framework or the protocol. it's here and it's getting better, and it's important that we can build on that in the future for everybody in northern ireland. he’s on that in the future for everybody in northern ireland.— in northern ireland. he's bringing with him joe _ in northern ireland. he's bringing with him joe kennedy, _ in northern ireland. he's bringing with him joe kennedy, his - in northern ireland. he's bringing with him joe kennedy, his special with himjoe kennedy, his special adviser, to northern ireland, and as you've suggested there's more investment to the north. does that mean for you that it is cash for power—sharing? will he use it as leverage when he meetsjerry donaldson tomorrow —— jeffrey donaldson tomorrow —— jeffrey donaldson tomorrow —— jeffrey donaldson to priscilla i think it would be a mistake, but it's a

mutually beneficial arrangement if you speak to the chief executives of many american countries that already in northern ireland and have come within the in northern ireland and have come withi , ,': i: i: in northern ireland and have come withi ,':ii :: , ., , , within the past 30-40 years, they will tell you _ within the past 30-40 years, they will tell you it _ within the past 30-40 years, they will tell you it was _ within the past 30-40 years, they will tell you it was an _ within the past 30-40 years, they l will tell you it was an advantageous solution for them. it's beneficial and productive, and equally so for us because it's reasonably well paid employment to people who otherwise wouldn't have got employment. so if joe kennedy can bring more of that, that's a good thing. we've had promises and assurances, we've had hype and overselling, but we need to start seeing delivery on these things. and that's what happened in the past 20 or 30 years, there hasn't been as much delivery as there has been promises of it. thank ou for there has been promises of it. thank you for being — there has been promises of it. thank you for being with _ there has been promises of it. thank you for being with us _ there has been promises of it. thank you for being with us this _ there has been promises of it. thank you for being with us this evening. nicky schiller is in the newsroom monitoring our live page ahead of president biden's arrival.

the team right in front of me are operating right behind me and our team in belfast. interestingly from a political editor, he says this data has been in the white house for some time and sis for the best part of the year at least, the best part of the year at least, the best part of the year at least, the best part of the presidential visit has been amongst washington, wanting to be involved in the good friday agreement 25th anniversary. in today, and the republic in northern ireland, the visit is been dominating the news channels. take a look. at dominating the news channels. take a look. �* . . , dominating the news channels. take a look. , . ., ., dominating the news channels. take a look. _ ., ., , look. a huge security operation is in lace look. a huge security operation is in place in — look. a huge security operation is in place in belfast _ look. a huge security operation is in place in belfast ahead - look. a huge security operation is in place in belfast ahead of- look. a huge security operation is in place in belfast ahead of the i in place in belfast ahead of the arrival of the us president and just arrival of the us president and just a matter of hours. greeted by rishi sunak, presidentjoe biden will leave around 2pm tomorrow to travel across the border for three days of engagements and dublin. i have to

say, a number of the newspapers there have day by day guides of a president biden is going to be doing when he visits dublin. stars & stripes also appearing across the land is also making headlines in america and here's a taste with the us networks are running earlier today. l115 us networks are running earlier toda . ,, , g ., �* , us networks are running earlier toda. ,, , �* ,., today. us president joe biden is on his wa to today. us president joe biden is on his way to northern _ today. us president joe biden is on his way to northern ireland - today. us president joe biden is on his way to northern ireland which l his way to northern ireland which will mark 20 years since the good friday peace accord was signed. he travels to northern ireland to mark the 25th _ travels to northern ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the landmark peace deai~ — the 25th anniversary of the landmark peace deal. new tensions in the british— peace deal. new tensions in the british province threatened to undermine the settlement and once city was _ undermine the settlement and once city was attacked with firebombs. in china city was attacked with firebombs. china this city was attacked with firebombs. in china this week meeting with president _ china this week meeting with president xi _ china this week meeting with president xi jinping - china this week meeting with president xi jinping and - china this week meeting with president xi jinping and the i president xi jinping and the president— president xi jinping and the president of— president xi jinping and the president of brazil- president xi jinping and the . president of brazil announcing president xi jinping and the - president of brazil announcing he will be _ president of brazil announcing he will be announcing _ president of brazil announcing he will be announcing president - president of brazil announcing he will be announcing president xi . will be announcing president xi jinping — will be announcing president xi jinping with _ will be announcing president xi jinping with a _ will be announcing president xi jinping with a will— will be announcing president xi jinping with a will meet - will be announcing president xi jinping with a will meet on - will be announcing president xi l jinping with a will meet on friday and while — jinping with a will meet on friday and white joe _

jinping with a will meet on friday and while joe is _ jinping with a will meet on friday and while joe is taking _ jinping with a will meet on friday and while joe is taking the - jinping with a will meet on friday. and while joe is taking the chipped ireland, _ and while joe is taking the chipped ireland, to — and while joe is taking the chipped ireland, to walk— and while joe is taking the chipped ireland, to walk in— and while joe is taking the chipped ireland, to walk in the _ and while joe is taking the chipped ireland, to walk in the footsteps . and while joe is taking the chippedj ireland, to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors — ireland, to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors and _ ireland, to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors and plans _ ireland, to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors and plans to - ireland, to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors and plans to visit. . his ancestors and plans to visit. while _ his ancestors and plans to visit. while he — his ancestors and plans to visit. while he is _ his ancestors and plans to visit. while he is there, _ his ancestors and plans to visit. while he is there, maybe - his ancestors and plans to visit. while he is there, maybe buildl his ancestors and plans to visit. | while he is there, maybe build a sand _ while he is there, maybe build a sand castle — while he is there, maybe build a sand castle also. _ while he is there, maybe build a sand castle also.— while he is there, maybe build a sand castle also. that last clip, he went on to — sand castle also. that last clip, he went on to discuss _ sand castle also. that last clip, he went on to discuss how— sand castle also. that last clip, he went on to discuss how presidentl went on to discuss how president biden's visit could boost us national security which is an interesting dynamic there. irish relations and american relations taking centre stage as page's reporting but i want to highlight this, our weather forecast reporting the president biden is arriving to typical northern ireland where it is rain. april showers. thank you very much for that. the man suspected of once being the british army's top agent within the ira has died. freddie scappaticci had always denied he was the agent known as stakeknife. mr scappaticci, who was in his 70s, left northern ireland in 2003 after several media organisations alleged he had been working for the army while he was the head

of the ira's internal security unit. joining me now for more on this is the journalistjohn ware. what role did he play in the unit? he became head of it towards the end of his time there and his job was in essence to protect the security of the ira. it was a gestapo, to put it bluntly. and you know, to sort out informers and agents when they thought they had a case against them, they would bring them in for interrogations. he was one of the key interrogators and his task would be getting the confession of the

suspects and usually, a confession having been run from them, they were shot. . . . having been run from them, they were shot. ., , ., , ., ., shot. there was an investigation beinu shot. there was an investigation being carried — shot. there was an investigation being carried out _ shot. there was an investigation being carried out into _ shot. there was an investigation being carried out into the - shot. there was an investigation being carried out into the role i shot. there was an investigation | being carried out into the role he played and he ordered it. we still don't have the full details on that, don't have the full details on that, do we? . don't have the full details on that, do we? , , ., ., don't have the full details on that, dowe? , , ., ., do we? this investigation has been six or seven _ do we? this investigation has been six or seven years _ do we? this investigation has been six or seven years now. _ do we? this investigation has been six or seven years now. it - do we? this investigation has been six or seven years now. it is - do we? this investigation has been six or seven years now. it is been l six or seven years now. it is been headed by the chief constable of bedfordshire constabulary. we don't know precisely

ministers here in england are to urge one million smokers to swap their cigarettes for vapes, despite increasing alarm about the rise in young people vaping. under a new "swap to stop" scheme, vape starter kits will be offered to almost one in five smokers in england. pregnant women will also be offered a financial incentive of up to £400. the government has an ambitious plan of making england

smoke—free by 2030. funding for the scheme over the next two years will cost the department of health £45 million. but the government believes it could be money well spent. it is estimated that smoking cost the nhs in the region £2.6 billion per year. i am nowjoined by nicholas hopkinson, a professor of respiratory medicine at imperial college london. very good to have you with us, professor. is this something you think will work? it’s professor. is this something you think will work?— think will work? it's certainly a ste in think will work? it's certainly a step in the _ think will work? it's certainly a step in the right _ think will work? it's certainly a step in the right direction. - think will work? it's certainly a l step in the right direction. there is very clear evidence that shaping is very clear evidence that shaping is a way that smokers can get their nicotine without being exposed to the harm from tobacco smoke —— vaping, and that vaping is much safer than smoking. so certainly one way in which we can improve health pretty quickly is if we can encourage people to switch across completely from smoking to vaping. we certainly would advise people in the longer term to give up vaping

too if they can. the longer term to give up vaping too if they can-— the longer term to give up vaping too if the can. , ,. ., too if they can. does the scheme add u - ? too if they can. does the scheme add u-? £45 too if they can. does the scheme add up? £45 million _ too if they can. does the scheme add up? £45 million between _ too if they can. does the scheme add up? £45 million between 6.6 - too if they can. does the scheme add up? £45 million between 6.6 million| up? £45 million between 6.6 million people, that equals about £22 a smoker. how much is a vaping kit? there's a bigger question here, the government has set a smoke free ambition to get smoker rates below 45% by 2030. what they've announced today are steps in the right direction, but the steps are inadequate to the task, and the government needs to really take this seriously and fund it properly, so a pollutant pay levy, so a profit cap on the tobacco industry and its uk sales down by 10% would bring £7 million to the department of health. so the question for the government this evening is why they are choosing to allow the tobacco industry to keep this money, rather

than taking it now and using it to fund a completely copper hints of smoking sensation strategy, including smoke for all smokers to quit. mass media campaigns restored their £100 million a year missing from training standards, so the laws we already have for bid sales of cigarettes to children are enforced. so these are steps in the right direction, but it'sjust so these are steps in the right direction, but it's just not enough. another policy we need is raising the legal age of sail from 18 to 21, we saw that raising it from 16 to 18 was enormously effective in reducing child uptake of smoking, and we need to take the next step. just child uptake of smoking, and we need to take the next step.— to take the next step. just very cuickl , to take the next step. just very quickly. one — to take the next step. just very quickly. one of— to take the next step. just very quickly, one of the _ to take the next step. just very quickly, one of the really - to take the next step. just very - quickly, one of the really important issues with this is how compatible this message is from the government when they are trying to crack down on shaping among under eighteens ——

crackdown on vaping. irate on shaping among under eighteens -- crackdown on vaping.— on shaping among under eighteens -- crackdown on vaping. we need to look at these as two _ crackdown on vaping. we need to look at these as two different _ crackdown on vaping. we need to look at these as two different things. - at these as two different things. it's a really important strategy to reduce harm to themselves, and of course the best estimates are that tobacco taxation brings in £11 billion, but direct cost to the government is £21 billion, so we are losing £10 billion a yearfrom government is £21 billion, so we are losing £10 billion a year from that. but it's losing £10 billion a year from that. but its estimated to be £173 billion per year. so every day, week or month that goes by the government doesn't act on this properly is pouring money down the drain. so you're right, it doesn't add up to the 6 million people who currently smoke in the uk that need support to it quit, but this is a small step in the right direction but we need a lot more. ., , ., ~ ,, ,

lot more. professor, thank you very much indeed- _ a new forecast from the international monetary fund predicts a one—in—four chance of global growth falling below 2% this year. that is tantmount to a global recession, which has only happened five times since 1970. the uk and germany are the most sluggish of the big european economies. the uk has received something of an upgrade to its growth forecast for this year and next, but still, it will be the worst performing economy in the g7 this year, shrinking by 0.3%. total economic output expected to rise to 1% next year. behind all that we can't ignore the higherfood and energy prices caused by the war in ukraine. but the imf says the decline in the long term global growth rate is part—what down to the way in which the world has de—globalised, with many countries unravelling supply chains and introducing new trade barriers. let's listen to what they had to say earlier. the massive tightening of monetary policy by most banks is starting to bring inflation back towards its

targets. at the same time, serious financial stability related and downside risks of emerge. in her latest forecasts, the growth will bottom out at 2.8% this year before rising modestly to 3% next year and almost unchanged from january projections. global inflation will ease and more slowly than anticipated from 8.7% to 7% this year and 4.9% next year. with me is yael selfin, who is the chief economist at kpmg uk. welcome to the programme. can we start with figures relating to the europeans to the uk and germany and the europeans it seems struggling to come out of this much worse than the

rest. �* . . come out of this much worse than the rest. �* , , ., , come out of this much worse than the rest. ., , ,y rest. it's been hit hardest by the invasion of— rest. it's been hit hardest by the invasion of ukraine _ rest. it's been hit hardest by the invasion of ukraine and - rest. it's been hit hardest by the invasion of ukraine and in - invasion of ukraine and in particular, the implications for manufacturing production in the economies. manufacturing production in the economies-— manufacturing production in the economies. . ., ., . while economies. having to come to a while we are expecting _ economies. having to come to a while we are expecting inflation _ economies. having to come to a while we are expecting inflation to - economies. having to come to a while we are expecting inflation to go - we are expecting inflation to go back to pre—pandemic world and preinvasion. we're not expecting them to go to that record low level that we saw not expecting them to go to the record low level w software over a decade in fact, we are expecting the interest rates to remain relatively high and central

banks are deemed as neutral for some time. in banks are deemed as neutral for some time. . ., ., , , banks are deemed as neutral for some time. _, ., ,, ., ,, _, time. in the collapse of the silicon valley itank _ time. in the collapse of the silicon valley bank and _ time. in the collapse of the silicon valley bank and the _ time. in the collapse of the silicon valley bank and the deal- time. in the collapse of the silicon valley bank and the deal destined | valley bank and the deal destined for credit suisse, keeping the problems are seen in the banking sector have? i problems are seen in the banking sector have?— sector have? i think a lot of it is down to confidence _ sector have? i think a lot of it is down to confidence and - sector have? i think a lot of it is down to confidence and i - sector have? i think a lot of it is down to confidence and i think i sector have? i think a lot of it is i down to confidence and i think the government and the authorities across the world of been working very hard to try to contain those issues and make sure the confidence remain strong in the financial system and we had a big change in the environment, especially in places like europe to make financial system more resilient. hopefully, thatis system more resilient. hopefully, that is behind us but it remains a risk that we will save rather tension later on this year. thank

ou ve tension later on this year. thank you very much — tension later on this year. thank you very much indeed. - lets head to belfast now and speak to our ireland correspondent emma vardy good to see you and i was watching your report last night of young people, not even born when the good friday agreement was signed in some of them throwing petrol bombs at police trucks and it's a reminder to some fragile the piece is. it is police trucks and it's a reminder to some fragile the piece is.- some fragile the piece is. it is but what ou some fragile the piece is. it is but what you saw _ some fragile the piece is. it is but what you saw was _ some fragile the piece is. it is but what you saw was orchestrated i what you saw was orchestrated violence which does get planned when greater tensions and certain dates in the republican calendar. as you see, it is in some ways normalised and many people say it should not be 25 years after the good friday agreement which was supposed to bring peace but it's also said that it is an imperfect peace in the still an undercurrent of violence and paramilitary groups which still exist in a smaller form in both

republican and royalist areas. and do not forgive come of the key part of the good friday agreement was getting a power—sharing government together and that is not been functioning eitherfor together and that is not been functioning either for the together and that is not been functioning eitherfor the past year because of the disagreements over brexit. when president biden arrives here tonight, he is keen to underline the progress they've made it for the court of the century but it for the court of the century but it is impossible to ignore the imperfections of northern ireland today. figs imperfections of northern ireland toda . m , ., imperfections of northern ireland toda.n , ., today. as isaac statement but we had a dup politician _ today. as isaac statement but we had a dup politician that _ today. as isaac statement but we had a dup politician that seems _ today. as isaac statement but we had a dup politician that seems to - today. as isaac statement but we had a dup politician that seems to have i a dup politician that seems to have some indifference and unionist communities, is that fair? 1 some indifference and unionist communities, is that fair? i think that's pretty _ communities, is that fair? i think that's pretty accurate. _ communities, is that fair? i think that's pretty accurate. do - communities, is that fair? i think that's pretty accurate. do not - that's pretty accurate. do not forget, the dup at the time of the good friday agreement was that they did not supportive. they have concerns with the commissioning of weapons and basically by the ira and other loyalist groups and paramilitary groups and their sticking to their word and getting rid of the guns and they did not

want to see an agreement done before that it taken place and they did not feel like they're showing violence paid. that was their objections to the good friday agreement back then the good friday agreement back then the dp objections now are about the brexit arrangements and they feel northern ireland is been cut off because of the new i received border and undermining northern ireland place in the uk and the uk they feel they are justified in place in the uk and the uk they feel they arejustified in keeping stormont currently not functioning due to their objections to brexit. with all of that in mind, that is shape the response to presidential visit. also, unionist to feel some degree in the dup that the present biden and otherfigures in degree in the dup that the present biden and other figures in america have not fully understood the unionist concerns that they feel they feel american leaders always say because of the nationalist views and don't listen to the unionists. nodded good day in belfast and some pretty noisy weather so he could be

a bumpy ride for the present. it will be live at the top of the hour and we will focus on air force one as it lands and i will talk in the next half—hour about gun crime in the united states after the grizzly day yesterday. hello there. very windy weather expected tonight and into tomorrow, across large parts of the country. what's going on is an area of low pressure finds itself right in the heart of this powerful atlantic jet stream, and it's deepening very quickly — pressure dropping by over 30 millibars in the space of 24 hours. low pressures like these are sometimes referred to as "weather bombs". they will be bringing some very strong winds tonight, initially across western parts of england and wales, as well. gusts reaching 50—70mph, potentially bringing some disruption. outbreaks of rain will be blown northwards and eastwards across the country, and even as the rain starts to ease off, we are looking at plenty of heavy, blustery showers following in behind. 1—2 of those could even have a rumble of thunder or so. temperatures similar to recent nights, 2—6 celsius overnight. and then tomorrow, we've got another

swathe of strong winds coming in — this time, focused across parts of wales and southern england. similar gust values 50—70mph, strong enough to bring down 1—2 trees, so there is the risk of seeing some disruption. meanwhile out to sea, some very large waves, eight metres — that's the equivalent of two double—decker buses stacked on top of each other. don't go near the coast. obviously, there'll be some very dangerous conditions brought on by those large waves. for northern ireland, it also gets very windy gust reaching 45—60mph, potentially bringing some weather impacts. and if the winds weren't enough, we've got some heavy rain and some thunderstorms working their way eastwards across the country. so all in all, a blustery day. cold enough for some snow in the high ground in scotland, above 400 metres elevation, so hill—workers need to take note of that, and a cold day — temperatures 7—12 celsius, but feeling colder given those blustery winds. the winds start to ease off a little

bit on thursday as the low pressure works out into the north sea, but we've got further outbreaks of rain at times for scotland and into parts of northeastern england. elsewhere, sunshine and heavy showers. temperatures still below par for this time of april. we've got more rain to come on friday, particularly across england and wales, showers further north — but through the weekend, the weather gradually becomes a little bit drier, and it starts to get a little bit milder, as well. indeed, into next week, if you're fed up with all this rain and talk of strong winds, it's a lot calmer — temperatures for the first time this year will likely reach the low 20s in the warmest spots. bye for now.

hello, i'm christian fraser this is the context. another damagaing revelation from leaked us intelligence — reports suggest the eyptians were proposing to send rockets and gun powder to russia. we will get the reaction from cairo and from washington, where reporters are trawling through that cache of documents. welcome back. american history is full of guns and gunslingers. but in the old days, you had a fair chance of avoiding getting shot so long as you avoided the mob meetings, the gambling dens, and the dope houses. but not any more — new data out today reveals nearly

one in five adult americans has had a family member killed by a gun, including suicides. the study from the kaiser foundation comes after another mass shooting in louisville, kentucky. this time the shooter was a young bank clerk, who opened fire on his co—workers, killing five with a semi—automatic weapon. and just for good measure, he streamed it live on instagram. we will have more on that story in just a second. oh. we were going to go to sport, but we will carry on. elsewhere, on the bbc�*s most—read list today, is the story of the six—year—old who injanuary shot his teacher at a school in virginia. the news is that his mother has now been charged with child neglect. the gun the child had brought to school, in his backpack, was hers. we are having some technical problems, i was told we can go to

sport, but the sport is not there and neither is my guest. let's show you some pictures from yesterday, this was louisville, kentucky, particularly awful incident yesterday, we are getting used to them, aren't we? this was a shooting at a bank, a them, aren't we? this was a shooting ata bank, a bank them, aren't we? this was a shooting at a bank, a bank clerk, we are told, who was about to lose his job opened fire with a semiautomatic weapon, killing five of his colleagues. and just for good measure, he also filmed and streamed it on instagram. the report out today suggests america has a real problem with guns which is getting worse, the suicide rate by gun is up, the number of black people killed by guns is twice as bad as it was for white people, and a number of children now, more children in fact being killed by guns than by any other form of death, so fact being killed by guns than by any otherform of death, so more than vehicle accidents, showing just how bad things are. mathew littman is the executive

of director of 97—percent — its a bipartisan organisation focused on gun legislation. he also used to be speech writer for a certain senator, joe biden. lovely to have you back on the programme, matthew. can we talk about the survey out today? there is some quite extraordinary findings in this, the vast majority of adults in america say they worry at least some times that someone in their family will become a victim of gun violence, nearly a quarter of parents and children younger than 18 say they worry about it daily, or almost daily — and they are right to scapula like have a 15 and 13—year—old, and i'm worried every time they go to the mall, every time they walk down the street and go to they walk down the street and go to the movie theatre, there are ways for us as a country to solve this problem but we aren't doing it. yes, i think the worry of parents and people who aren't parents, that is palpable at this point.—

palpable at this point. about half of all run palpable at this point. about half of all gun related _ palpable at this point. about half of all gun related deaths - palpable at this point. about half of all gun related deaths are - of all gun related deaths are suicides, and the suicide rate is turning to near record levels. is that because there are more guns, are the two connected, do you think? the number of suicides in total of gun deaths is almost two thirds, and we know for example that when someone tries to commit suicide with a gun, there is over 90% chance that they'll succeed. any other way, there is a less than 5% chance they'll succeed. so stepping in there, that's why things like red flag laws and background checks are important because they delay that process and may delay that person deciding to commit suicide, so that doesn't happen. there are ways to make progress here, but we haven't done it. i make progress here, but we haven't done it. , , ., ., ., make progress here, but we haven't doneit. , ., ., ., , done it. i suppose a lot of people around the _ done it. i suppose a lot of people around the world _ done it. i suppose a lot of people around the world are _ done it. i suppose a lot of people around the world are wondering i done it. i suppose a lot of people - around the world are wondering when did this become so pervasive and destructive to the way of american

life, that there's a tipping point that even those who support second amendment rights have to accept that there need to be reform — is that possible? it’s there need to be reform - is that ossible? �*, , , ,, there need to be reform - is that ossible? �*, ,, ,, , possible? it's possible, you 'ust saw the governor i possible? it's possible, you 'ust saw the governor of i possible? it's possible, youjust saw the governor of tennessee | possible? it's possible, you just - saw the governor of tennessee came out in favour of red flag laws today, orsomeone out in favour of red flag laws today, or someone is able to take the gun away if they think a person is a threat to themselves or others, the court will take their going away. that's been shown to make a difference in having the governor of tennessee, in favour of that is a big step. however, the big problem we have that i hope people really understand is that the supreme court decided last summer that there will be a new test on guns, on gun issues, and a lot of the laws now are being overturned that already exist in the united states. so the idea that we will pass a bunch of new laws while we have these right wing courts is not going to happen. so the federal government won't be able to pass anything significant for a long time, and the courts are throwing things out, not adding

things, throwing things out and making it easier to own guns with no restrictions at all. we making it easier to own guns with no restrictions at all.— restrictions at all. we 'ust talked to the programme _ restrictions at all. we just talked to the programme tonight - restrictions at all. we just talked to the programme tonight about| restrictions at all. we just talked l to the programme tonight about a government initiative here to end smoking, and there's a parallel i think between that. i used to be the case that the tobacco industry was invulnerable as the gun industry is, get it changed, people started to see smoking as something that was socially acceptable. is that the hope, that we have to cling on that the message can be changed? it’s the message can be changed? it�*s interesting that you say that, we actually work with someone who did a lot of those studies on tobacco, and part of the reason that became effective advertising was they got smokers involved in issue. so one of the biggest things is we know how a non—gun owners feel, but what we try and focus on is how gun owners feel, and they feel there's way too much violence in america. and gun owners mostly feel we need red flag laws,

background checks, things like that before someone can get a gun. so gun owners are notjust focused on what types of guns people used, but on the process before we get there. and if we are able to intervene there, that has bipartisan support, just like smokers get involved because of successful advertising. that's what we need here, as well. is it successful advertising. that's what we need here, as well.— we need here, as well. is it true that the younger _ we need here, as well. is it true that the younger generation - we need here, as well. is it true| that the younger generation here we need here, as well. is it true i that the younger generation here in america are less attached to the second moment rights than the older generation? kids second moment rights than the older veneration? . second moment rights than the older veneration? , ,. , ., ., generation? kids in schools have to no throu . h generation? kids in schools have to go through gun _ generation? kids in schools have to go through gun shooting _ generation? kids in schools have to go through gun shooting drills, - generation? kids in schools have to go through gun shooting drills, it's| go through gun shooting drills, it's frightening. by the way, most adults can understand why we don't have a lot of these rules. a christian, i want to be clear for your audience that we are fighting a two front battle now. one is that a lot of these so—called red states make it easier to get a gun in these states, and the other problem is the courts — the supreme court decided a few months ago that any new gun laws,

even the old gun laws needed to follow the gun laws of the 1700s and 18005. follow the gun laws of the 1700s and 1800s. so for example, theyjust threw out something on domestic violence, and the reason why was because domestic violence wasn't even illegal in the 1700s, so they made it so if you had a restraining order, you can still get a gun now because that law didn't exist. so i really want people to understand the difficulty now is that even if we pass laws, let's say we will get rid of ak—47s or whatever it might be — the court will take that back, it'll say that you can't do that. so that's a problem that we have, this is not a short—term battle, this will go on for many years. is not a short-term battle, this will go on for many years. matthew, thank ou will go on for many years. matthew, thank you very _ will go on for many years. matthew, thank you very much _ will go on for many years. matthew, thank you very much for _ will go on for many years. matthew, thank you very much for that. - will go on for many years. matthew, thank you very much for that. a - thank you very much for that. a reminder that no other country has the scale of the problem that the united states is facing at the moment. we cannot go to the support

here's paul. —— we can now go to the sport. we start with a big night in the uefa champions league — the quarterfinals are under way, two first legs are taking place right now. both of these matches kicked off around 30 minutes ago. in england, manchester city are taking on german champions bayern munich — no goals in that one yet. while portuguese side benfica are looking for a first semifinal appearance in the european cup since they reached the final 33 years ago. they're taking on inter milan and it's goalless so far in lisbon, as well. there are 100 days to go until the biggest—ever women's world cup gets under way. not long for players to try and cement their place in their respective squads. and there are a whole host of friendlies to bring you up to date with. it's half—time in london where the european champions england are taking on australia — and australia lead thanks to sam kerr's goal. brazil bounced back from their penalty defeat in finalissima to beat germany 2—1.

wales drew 1—1 in portugal — and scotland, fresh from a 1—0 win against australia, are three up against costa rica. france and canada was a later kick—off, and that's still 0—0. all of the scores from tuesday's matches can be found on the bbc sport website. to the tennis in monte carlo — and novak djokovic has begun his clay court season with victory, but says he played ugly. he's through to the last 16 after beating ivan gakhov in straight sets. the russian took djokovic all the way to a tie—break in the opening set, before the world number one won the second 6—2. it was probably, if you can call it this way, and ugly tennis win for me today. haven't really played my best particularly in the first set. and i kind of expected that would happen in way with the conditions, a lot of

wind and changing directions. it's different, practising and playing an official match on clay that, you know, i guess no two bounces are the same. meanwhile, the world number 16 alexander zverev said his opponent alexander bublik "made him feel awful at times" as he had to come from a set down to reach the third round. zverev now faces spain's roberto bautista agut. the world number—three golfer rory mcilroy has pulled out of this week's pga tour event, in south carolina. mcilroy missed the cut at the masters last week and didn't do any interviews afterwards. no reason has been given for his withdrawal. there was another thrilling climax in the indian premier league — mumbai indians won their first game in the competition, but it came down to the very last ball against delhi capitals. australia batter david warner got delhi off to a good start. he scored a half century, another 50 from axar patel helped them to 172 all out.

india captain rohit sharma struck an impressive 65 to set up a close finish. tim david scampered through for two from the last delivery for victory. delhi still haven't won an ipl game this season. now as the us prepares to co—host the men's t20 cricket world cup next year, a new american franchise competition is on the horizon. major league cricket gets under way injuly. england odi world cup winner liam plunkett is among those who'll be taking part after being picked by the san francisco unicorns. he's told the bbc the sport can take hold in the usa. when it comes to the core of it, it's cricket and you want to keep that. but i think the twist here is to promote it a bit like the americans do with the nfl and baseball, and basketball. it's the first time in history where you got a full professional pipeline that'll

take you from kindergarten here all the way to playing for your national team through a good sector. i normally say it's like baseball but better. cricket was here first, then baseball came along and took their supporters and fans. hopefully it's ours to take back now. and that's all the sport for now. christian, back to you. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. what do i like about myjob? everything. i love the fact that i work in a place full of so many interesting, intelligent, and innovative people. i love the fact that when i come into work, i know that when i come into work, i know that i'm going to tell a story or many stories to viewers, both in the uk and around the globe. but i know how important that is in the age we are living in. i also love the fact that i get to speak to so many different people every day and get them to tell me their stories. as a chief presenter here at the bbc, it's myjob to be a cross what's

happening. so in the morning, i get up happening. so in the morning, i get up in the first thing i do is look at what's happening in the papers digitally. i come into work and i talk everything through with my team. through the day, i'm listening to podcasts, listening to what's happening on the radio, and watching, i must say, some of the competition as well sometimes. i think it's important for people like us to be a cross what's happening in the news, because we are the ones who you are relying on to give you the full facts. egypt, one of america's closest allies in the middle east, was planning to ship lethal aid to russia, according to leaked us intelligence. the information comes from a top—secret document, dated 17 february, which summarises supposed conversations between president abdel fatah el sisi and his senior military officials. the purpoted intelligence suggests he has asked them to supply 40,000 rockets to russia and to keep the transfer secret "to avoid any problems with the west". the story, as revealed by the washington post, is taken from a series of classified

files that were posted in february and march on discord, a chat app popular with gamers. the egytians said today the report was false — the pentagon said they were not aware any such plan had been executed. but clearly, given the source of the information, it comes as a huge embarrasment to both sides, and it raises important questions about the relationship. the united states pays egypt $1 billion a year in security aid. joining us tonight good friend of the programme, leigh ann caldwell — long—time capitol hill correspondent, now washington post live anchor. she is also one of our panel in a few minutes' time. let's come to the document itself, where was it found and how confident can we be in its veracity? so where was it found and how confident can we be in its veracity?— can we be in its veracity? so the document _ can we be in its veracity? so the document was _ can we be in its veracity? so the document was found _ can we be in its veracity? so the document was found as - can we be in its veracity? so the document was found as part - can we be in its veracity? so the| document was found as part of a trove of classified documents that had been leaked online to this

website called discord, a social media site used mostly by gamers. intelligence officials, the pentagon, the administration don't know yet how it was leaked, and also don't know yet if there is more to come. so this alone is extremely concerning for the administration, and with this document in particular, this has now raised a lot of questions about the united states's relationship with egypt, there is a member of congress, senator chris murphy of connecticut, who told my colleagues at the washington post who broke the story that if this is in fact true, even if the administration says they are not aware of this being put into place, that the relationship with egypt perhaps needs to be reevaluated. so this does not look at this point as if egypt sent these 40,000 rockets to russia, but it is

raising a lot of questions in the us. ~ ., ., ., ,., us. william, i wonder about the damaue us. william, i wonder about the damage you _ us. william, i wonder about the damage you think— us. william, i wonder about the damage you think this _ us. william, i wonder about the damage you think this is - us. william, i wonder about the damage you think this is doing l us. william, i wonder about the l damage you think this is doing to us. william, i wonder about the - damage you think this is doing to us relations around the world, because it seems to be us officials who've been asked about this, they repeatedly keep saying they are checking whether these documents are authentic. clearly by now they must know whether they are fakes — i don't think the strategy at the moment is working or reassuring america's closest allies. it’s moment is working or reassuring america's closest allies.— america's closest allies. it's a serious breach, _ america's closest allies. it's a serious breach, it's _ america's closest allies. it's a - serious breach, it's embarrassing, it might _ serious breach, it's embarrassing, it might even prove fatal. some of the sources— it might even prove fatal. some of the sources that have been providing this information to us — i think we've — this information to us — i think we've become all too lax in the way we've become all too lax in the way we handle — we've become all too lax in the way we handle classified information. we over classify and become sloppy. we saw that— over classify and become sloppy. we saw that with the former president who took documents with him, we saw that with _ who took documents with him, we saw that with president biden who took documents with him as a private

citizen, — documents with him as a private citizen, we've seen this with vice president — citizen, we've seen this with vice president pentz. people are putting their lives— president pentz. people are putting their lives at risk in getting this information. it may be a technical source _ information. it may be a technical source that— information. it may be a technical source that we got this from, but those human sources may very well be at risk _ those human sources may very well be at risk with _ those human sources may very well be at risk with the russians cracking down _ at risk with the russians cracking down exactly where this information came _ down exactly where this information came from. — down exactly where this information came from, who was released to, and thenjust _ came from, who was released to, and thenjust re—engineering and then just re—engineering and tracking _ thenjust re—engineering and tracking back to say we close the source _ tracking back to say we close the source of — tracking back to say we close the source of information down. also to say we _ source of information down. also to say we shouldn't be shocked by the information about russia — we've known _ information about russia — we've known this— information about russia — we've known this for the past year that the russians were faltering, they had no _ the russians were faltering, they had no real plan, we also had known that the _ had no real plan, we also had known that the ukrainians were running out of ammunition, they need more. so a lot of— of ammunition, they need more. so a lot of this _ of ammunition, they need more. so a lot of this information that's been out there. — lot of this information that's been out there, in terms of the information of our relationship with egypt. _ information of our relationship with egypt, south korea and other countries, that does create problems for countries, that does create problems

torus _ countries, that does create problems torus |_ countries, that does create problems for us. .., �* countries, that does create problems for us. .. �* , . countries, that does create problems forus. �* ,. countries, that does create problems forus. ,. ., ., for us. i can't expect you to go into too much _ for us. i can't expect you to go into too much depth _ for us. i can't expect you to go into too much depth about - for us. i can't expect you to go i into too much depth about where for us. i can't expect you to go - into too much depth about where this document came from, but it seems to me that the drip of ducky mission —— of information we are getting, people will keep going through that cache of documents day by day which will make things more uncomfortable for the pentagon and the white house. . ., , ., for the pentagon and the white house. _, , ., ., house. there could be a lot more that does come _ house. there could be a lot more that does come out. _ house. there could be a lot more that does come out. now- house. there could be a lot more that does come out. now it's - house. there could be a lot more that does come out. now it's not| house. there could be a lot more i that does come out. now it's not my beat specifically, but my colleagues at the post have put out a series of stories about these documents. the new york times has also put out a series of stories about these documents too, ranging from notjust intelligence regarding the countries we are not close with, but also allies as well, showing really the depth of american intelligence around the world. some of these documents have talked about ukraine's military capabilities,

which is also frustrated ukraine, according to my colleagues reporting, because it has revealed the challenges that they have moving forward, it's also revealed the challenges that the russians have in their war with ukraine. so this could have far—reaching ramifications, and not only could there be more stories with this trove of documents, but there could be more documents still released. can we talk about egypt specifically? i know, having formally been the correspondent there, it grain prices go up, the bread riots seriously destabilise into the government, so you can understand why they are grateful to the russians who supplied them with emergency grain. but it does speak to the dilemma a lot of the global southisin to the dilemma a lot of the global south is in at the moment where they are trying to pick a course between two big superpowers here, at a time in the united states has been

withdrawing.— in the united states has been withdrawing. in the united states has been withdrawinu. ., , ., withdrawing. that is true, and i would say _ withdrawing. that is true, and i would say with _ withdrawing. that is true, and i would say with respect - withdrawing. that is true, and i would say with respect to - withdrawing. that is true, and i would say with respect to our i withdrawing. that is true, and i - would say with respect to our allies in the middle east, they have pulled back somewhat, there is great frustration and some of the middle eastern countries that they weren't getting what they needed, and the leaders would simply tell me that if you don't supply it, will go elsewhere. as they withdraw, every country looks to its own interests. so the united states pulling back when it's committed to security, they'll make their com when it's committed to security, they'll make thei— they'll make their own decisions about what's — they'll make their own decisions about what's in _ they'll make their own decisions about what's in their _ they'll make their own decisions about what's in their best - they'll make their own decisions i about what's in their best interest. the one _ about what's in their best interest. the one final point from me is that the notion— the one final point from me is that the notion that somehow people are shocked _ the notion that somehow people are shocked that we were gathering information on our allies as well as adversaries— information on our allies as well as adversaries — everyone does it, i found _ adversaries — everyone does it, i found out— adversaries — everyone does it, i found out this when i was in the senate — found out this when i was in the senate on — found out this when i was in the senate on the intel committee, and i was basically surprised that some of our closest — was basically surprised that some of our closest allies were gathering information against us to use economically to their advantage, and

i economically to their advantage, and i asked _ economically to their advantage, and i asked whose side are you on? this is something — i asked whose side are you on? this is something that goes on day after day, so no — is something that goes on day after day, so no one should be too surprised _ day, so no one should be too surprised that we are looking at frlends— surprised that we are looking at friends as — surprised that we are looking at friends as well as foes.- friends as well as foes. that's true, friends as well as foes. that's true. and _ friends as well as foes. that's true. and i — friends as well as foes. that's true, and i imagine _ friends as well as foes. that's true, and i imagine the - friends as well as foes. that's - true, and i imagine the governments of allied countries expect the sort of allied countries expect the sort of thing to go on, but what they don't expect is for it to be leaked. so put yourself in the position of the south korean government, they have a policy of not supplying weapons to countries that are at war, and they find out through these documents to get around they had tried, in other words sending the missiles to poland— that's now in the public domain, that is hugely damaging at home to a south korean government. that damaging at home to a south korean government-— government. that raises questions around, government. that raises questions around. can _ government. that raises questions around, can the _ government. that raises questions around, can the united _ government. that raises questions around, can the united states - around, can the united states protect its classified information? we've had this before, there's been wikileaks in the past, and this is unrelated but it's also where there

is classified information, you also have special council at the justice department who is investigating the former president, donald trump, for taking classified documents to his home, which you should not of done, of course president biden has had classified documents in his home too, and also mike pence. but it's about the release of these documents, not the intelligence gathering, and what these documents do show, but could come out is the sensitivity of how this information is gathered. so we haven't heard if there will be and trickle—down impact, but what about the intelligence sources? are there any concerns for these intelligence sources who are providing this information to the united states? that's a key point, as you say, they would expect intelligence gathering to be going on into their respective countries, but they might think twice about supplying sensitive

information to washington, which undermines the united states security. 1 undermines the united states securi . ., ., �* , undermines the united states securi . ., ., �*, , security. i agree with what's been said. also the _ security. i agree with what's been said. also the notion _ security. i agree with what's been said. also the notion that - security. i agree with what's been said. also the notion that we - security. i agree with what's been | said. also the notion that we were getting _ said. also the notion that we were getting information from the inside on president putin — we were telling the ukrainians what he was going to do before _ the ukrainians what he was going to do before he did it, so we had to worry— do before he did it, so we had to worry that — do before he did it, so we had to worry that he had a mole or moles in his intelligence service, which made him worry— his intelligence service, which made him worry a — his intelligence service, which made him worry a great deal because we are getting information from the inside _ are getting information from the inside. the fact is those people who had been _ inside. the fact is those people who had been supplying that information now need _ had been supplying that information now need to be concerned. do they run, now need to be concerned. do they run. which — now need to be concerned. do they run, which will identify who they are? _ run, which will identify who they are? to — run, which will identify who they are? to they stay put and run the risk the _ are? to they stay put and run the risk the kgb is coming after them? so it is— risk the kgb is coming after them? so it is embarrassing, it's compromising and putting them at risk, and _ compromising and putting them at risk, and if— compromising and putting them at risk, and if there's a technical collection, _ risk, and if there's a technical collection, the russians can figure out what _ collection, the russians can figure out what they need to do to block

it. out what they need to do to block it that's — out what they need to do to block it. that's why congress needs to go back and _ it. that's why congress needs to go back and say we need a whole reevaluation of how we collect intelligence and, importantly, how we take— intelligence and, importantly, how we take possession of it and make sure it _ we take possession of it and make sure it doesn't get out in any circumstances, so that's the next step _ circumstances, so that's the next step h_ circumstances, so that's the next ste. �* . ., circumstances, so that's the next ste.�* ., ., ., circumstances, so that's the next ste. . ., ., , step. a final one to you, does the washington _ step. a final one to you, does the washington post _ step. a final one to you, does the washington post have _ step. a final one to you, does the washington post have to - step. a final one to you, does the washington post have to take - step. a final one to you, does the washington post have to take a l washington post have to take a decision daily on whether it takes these reports? how does it check and double check the veracity?— double check the veracity? that's a treat double check the veracity? that's a great question. _ double check the veracity? that's a great question, and _ double check the veracity? that's a great question, and those - double check the veracity? that's a great question, and those are - great question, and those are conversations that happen above my pay grade with my editors. but there's also — the reporting also mentions that the us government, the administration didn't want this reporting on the front page of the washington post or new york times. at the washington post has made a decision that it's ok to print, so thatis decision that it's ok to print, so that is where it stands as of now. the daily decisions in any newsroom,

really interesting reporting today from the washington post. lianne will stay with us, secretary cohen, good to see you again, do stay with us we will focus on all events in belfast this next hour. hello there. very windy weather expected tonight and into tomorrow, across large parts of the country. what's going on is an area of low pressure finds itself right in the heart of this powerful atlantic jet stream, and it's deepening very quickly — pressure dropping by over 30 millibars in the space of 24 hours. low pressures like these are sometimes referred to as "weather bombs". they will be bringing some very strong winds tonight, initially across western parts of england and wales, as well. gusts reaching 50—70mph, potentially bringing some disruption. outbreaks of rain will be blown northwards and eastwards across the country, and even as the rain starts to ease off, we are looking at plenty of heavy, blustery showers following in behind. 1—2 of those could even have a rumble of thunder or so. temperatures similar to recent nights, 2—6 celsius overnight.

and then tomorrow, we've got another swathe of strong winds coming in — this time, focused across parts of wales and southern england. similar gust values, 50—70mph, strong enough to bring down 1—2 trees, so there is the risk of seeing some disruption. meanwhile out to sea, some very large waves, eight metres — that's the equivalent of two double—decker buses stacked on top of each other. don't go near the coast. obviously, there'll be some very dangerous conditions brought on by those large waves. for northern ireland, it also gets very windy gust reaching 45—60mph, potentially bringing some weather impacts. and if the winds weren't enough, we've got some heavy rain and some thunderstorms working their way eastwards across the country. so all in all, a blustery day. cold enough for some snow in the high ground in scotland, above 400 metres elevation, so hill—workers need to take note of that, and a cold day — temperatures 7—12 celsius, but feeling colder given those blustery winds. the winds start to ease off a little bit on thursday as the low pressure

works out into the north sea, but we've got further outbreaks of rain at times for scotland and into parts of northeastern england. elsewhere, sunshine and heavy showers. temperatures still below par for this time of april. we've got more rain to come on friday, particularly across england and wales, showers further north — but through the weekend, the weather gradually becomes a little bit drier, and it starts to get a little bit milder, as well. indeed, into next week, if you're fed up with all this rain and talk of strong winds, it's a lot calmer — temperatures for the first time this year will likely reach the low 20s in the warmest spots. bye for now.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. what's your top priority on this trip, sir? - make sure the irish accords and the windsor agreement stay in place. keep the peace. that's the main thing. and it looks like we're going to... keep your fingers crossed. if there are outstanding issues, let us try and address them. let the british government and the americans, if necessary, the irish government, politicians in the north try and deal with them. but in fairness to the people of northern ireland, they deserve working institutions. you only walk the i length of yourself. somebody died here, whether at the handsj of british soldiers, _ the ruc or the ira or the loyalists. we're prepared for all the various contingencies. our style and tone that will be delivering around this police operation will remain

a community—focused style of policing. welcome to the programme. within the next few minutes, the us presidentjoe biden is due to arrive in belfast for the start of a four—day visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement. some fairly inclement weather around northern ireland this evening. there has been some concern throughout the day about the high winds, which means the events on the ground tonight might be somewhat curtailed. but all being well, we should see air force one touching down in belfast in the next 20 minutes. this was the president leaving andrews airforce base this afternoon, on a trip that of course holds special significance forjoe biden. he is incredibly proud of his irish—american roots. in fact, later this week, he will be visiting distant family in the south in counties mayo and louth.

a huge security operation under way in belfast tonight forjoe biden's imminent arrival. the main event, a speech tomorrow at the new ulster university campus, where it is understood the president will talk about the peace and prosperity that's been gained since the good friday agreement was signed 25 years ago — though, of course, at the moment power—sharing government is not functioning. and that is because the biggest unionist party in northern ireland, the dup, is not happy with the post—brexit trading arrangements or, indeed, rishi sunak�*s attempts to solve them. let's play you again whatjoe biden had to say before setting off this afternoon. our panelists tonight, the writer and broadcaster chris morris and leigh ann caldwell, long—time capitol hill correspondent and now washington post live anchor. we have been listening to unionists and some indifference in the unionist community babe sure it's very different in republican circles. i very different in republican circles. .. �* . . circles. i think it's reflected in the sentiment _ circles. i think it's reflected in the sentiment of _ circles. i think it's reflected in the sentiment of the - circles. i think it's reflected in i the sentiment of the presidential arrival. any visit by a us president

to anywhere in the uk is notable here and commends the column inches at a certain amount of attention. i think it is quite striking about the first bit of the presidents visited the island of ireland is how brief his visit is to northern ireland this year in the uk and the focus in the time commitment is more heavily leaning in the direction of his time in the republic as he seeks out his family heritage and some made for television moments back home to a presidential election just a year or so away. it time here in northern ireland will be probably about 15 or 16 hours, half of which he will be in bed, marking the anniversary of the good friday agreement marketed is been movement and progress as many see it with this change to the brexit different northern ireland and what is known as the windsor framework negotiated with the

european union but the real site after price of the new arrangement as was brexit his concern for northern ireland, northern ireland is sharing a land border with the european union and the republic and the devolved government in northern ireland unionist party are still not happy with this brexit deal and the backed up with this deal is not what it could have been and perhaps never particularly likely that it would've been because it could have been one where they were up and running again, one of the central tenants of the good friday agreement power—sharing devolved government has not been up and running for over a year. even though the prime minister has something of a diplomatic triumph in this renegotiated brexit deal, through a price from it has not yet been delivered and i think that creates an impasse or maintains an impasse which forms the backdrop to the

presidents visit that cannot be a moment of triumph and smiles at stormont, the usual home of northern ireland in the assembly because it is not meeting them step 11 speech from the president on wednesday, the prime ministers stood to meet him as he gets on the plane in the next half—hour sober for both he gets on the plane in the next half—hour soberfor both men, the itineraries are pretty low—key and both of moved on in the prime minister will be back to london and the president of the republic. tana;r the president of the republic. tony blair was essential _ the president of the republic. tony blair was essential to _ the president of the republic. tony blair was essential to the good friday agreement was asked about the role of the bill clinton played in 1997 in 1998 and he said, it was bill clinton's understanding of how to influence the process but not to pressure the parties involved. there is a lesson in that forjoe biden, isn't there?—

isn't there? yes, there's no question — isn't there? yes, there's no question that _ isn't there? yes, there's no question that the _ isn't there? yes, there's no | question that the americans isn't there? yes, there's no - question that the americans were intricately involved in the good friday agreement. both bill clinton visited northern ireland in 1995 laid the groundwork, much of the groundwork for the agreement eventually being signed and his envoy was one of those was going from room to room of my house on both sides of the divided northern ireland and bringing things together. but yes, one of the great hallmarks of the good friday agreement is the ambiguity and the ambiguity and created ambiguity in the fact that he could be all things to all people and it recognise the complex overlapping identities and nationalities contained within northern ireland and so, if you arrive at the perception that you're on one side or another, that is not going to help and we already had some pretty robust language byjoe biden from some on the unionist

side. not shy to give the opinion and let's face it, she has described him as per republican and anti—british and so, it does come somewhat hobbled that they make so much of the irish roots and irish ancestry. much of the irish roots and irish ancest . . much of the irish roots and irish ancest . , ., , ., ancestry. under the irish diaspora is not the same _ ancestry. under the irish diaspora is not the same as _ ancestry. under the irish diaspora is not the same as it _ ancestry. under the irish diaspora is not the same as it once - ancestry. under the irish diaspora is not the same as it once was, i ancestry. under the irish diaspora is not the same as it once was, atj is not the same as it once was, at the scene outside influence in politics that it once did. it never harms he is present to be seen embracing their celtic connections will stop to be people back in washington watching this tonight? i washington watching this tonight? i don't think anything can compare with what— don't think anything can compare with what is happening with the british— with what is happening with the british monarchy butjoe biden is always— british monarchy butjoe biden is always been proud of his ancestry and there — always been proud of his ancestry and there are jokes among reporters and there are jokes among reporters and people _ and there are jokes among reporters and people close to president biden about— and people close to president biden about what his favourite irish saying — about what his favourite irish saying is _ about what his favourite irish saying is that every time is on the

campaign — saying is that every time is on the campaign trailare on saying is that every time is on the campaign trail are on the stump or making— campaign trail are on the stump or making a— campaign trail are on the stump or making a visit around the country, he often _ making a visit around the country, he often brings up his irish roots and he _ he often brings up his irish roots and he has — he often brings up his irish roots and he has a story for almost everything and i think that whether this is— everything and i think that whether this is important to the american public— this is important to the american public or— this is important to the american public or not, this is absolutely important _ public or not, this is absolutely important to the present. this is the first— important to the present. this is the first time he is visiting ireland _ the first time he is visiting ireland as president in its the second — ireland as president in its the second time in his life that he is visiting — second time in his life that he is visiting ireland and while this is a work— visiting ireland and while this is a work trip — visiting ireland and while this is a work trip and a trip that he bears a very specific— work trip and a trip that he bears a very specific agenda here, this is also very— very specific agenda here, this is also very important personally for the president too. we we can also speak to our chief presenter lucy hockings. we we re we were not sure we would get a life pictured but awful as the weather been today but tell us about the security because i know some 300

officers have gone across the irish sea to help out with security today and what does it look like in belfast? perhaps the water is gone into the cables. i do not know. let's bring in sarah smith and she came in on the press play and it was that of joe biden and was it bumpy in this weather? i avoided. joe biden and was it bumpy in this weather? iavoided. i joe biden and was it bumpy in this weather? i avoided. i was here decreed the president. talk weather? i avoided. iwas here decreed the president.- weather? i avoided. iwas here decreed the president. talk to me about the presidents _ decreed the president. talk to me about the presidents irish - decreed the president. talk to me about the presidents irish roots. l about the presidents irish roots. the jury is very much out on how the president will handle the current standoff over the power—sharing executive. do you think there is a concern in some circles that maybe this could be counterproductive to what rishi sunak is trying to do? i

don't think the president is going to try to broker any sort of deal that would get the executive back up and running. he is greeting, not meeting the five northern irish party and that will be very brief needs not having one—on—one talks with any of them. in the past comments you've been discussing american presidents, particularly bill clinton have been enormously helpful in dealing with delicate political situations in northern ireland but that is where they have been intricately closely involved with that and although joe been intricately closely involved with that and althouthoe biden passionately feels as irish roots and as an emotional attachment to the whole of ireland, he has not been following the my new share of all of this does not have the relationships of the northern irish politicians that other presidents have built up and so, he is there very much to celebrate the good friday agreement and say he organised by the good friday agreement up and running in his

white house, his administration did put pressure on the british government to make sure that both brexit trade relations did not impose on the good friday agreement in any way he does say that he would like to see the devolved administration up and running again but i don't think he sees a role for himself and trying to make that happen whilst you see her. he is travellin: happen whilst you see her. he is travelling with _ happen whilst you see her. he is travelling with joe _ happen whilst you see her. he is travelling with joe kennedy i happen whilst you see her. he is travelling with joe kennedy who happen whilst you see her. he is travelling withjoe kennedy who is coming with the promise of more investment. does that give the president any leverage of the talks that he will be involved in tomorrow?— that he will be involved in tomorrow? , , ., ., tomorrow? yes. this would all the arties tomorrow? yes. this would all the parties want _ tomorrow? yes. this would all the parties want to _ tomorrow? yes. this would all the parties want to see. _ tomorrow? yes. this would all the parties want to see. us _ tomorrow? yes. this would all the i parties want to see. us commitment is the americans expand the prosperity in northern ireland and the specifically what this envoy is supposed to be doing. he is not tasked with involving himself in the politics of northern ireland but looking at the economic potential in seeing where america can help with that. he was appointed months ago,

this is actually his first trip to northern ireland because it was not seen as helpful for them to come earlier while there is a delicate political situation and george mitchell, were discussing earlier, he was seen very much as someone who could be trusted by all sides and his son is the labour opportunity and irish catholic family would necessarily have the same purchase with all of the communities in northern ireland politics and to discuss money and economic development, that is something everyone wants to hear. let's get more on this from our ireland correspondent, chris page. we're just asking about security in belfast tonight maybe he can bring us up dispute with that in this transfer to the hotel does belfast look like at the moment? that transfer to the hotel does belfast look like at the moment?-

look like at the moment? at the centre, look like at the moment? at the centre. you _ look like at the moment? at the centre, you will _ look like at the moment? at the centre, you will have _ look like at the moment? at the centre, you will have noticed i look like at the moment? at the | centre, you will have noticed that there is something significant going on, to put it mildly and a particular street in belfast with the curtains and there are dozens of police officers on the ground, armoured security vehicles, and so, these sorts of security operations have been seen before northern ireland and this is the second us presidential visit, the first one by bill clinton in 1995 and so, people particularly in the capital of belfast not used to seeing these massive security operations within the force from time to time as you said, present biden lands, he would then be taken by motor kicks review will be staying the night and again, the roads he's travelling on will be empty and is making hisjourney so rats have been advised to leave

extra time and travelling, especially in and around belfast airportjoe biden is landing and the warnings to move them from time to time for various different reasons and pulling out messages on presidential visits are not as common as they once were and three times in the 1990s, george bush came twice in 2007, barack obama into today 13 is the first presidential visit in ten years and while people are happy to say, a little disappointed that the visit is short but they're also saying for a place thatis but they're also saying for a place that is roughly the size of the us state, its getting a lot of attention over the years, it is still quite some thing that if you look at it in the round. talk to me

about the other _ look at it in the round. talk to me about the other three days, i look at it in the round. talk to me about the other three days, the l look at it in the round. talk to me i about the other three days, the trip where he has distant relatives. yes. where he has distant relatives. yes, that's right- — where he has distant relatives. yes, that's right. there _ where he has distant relatives. yes, that's right. there will _ where he has distant relatives. yes, that's right. there will be _ where he has distant relatives. 1e1 that's right. there will be moments here and just over the border of northern ireland and he has cousins there, fifth cousins and ancestors migrated from there to america in the 19th century and also, a process of and the west, they will see where he has relatives: bloops and he still keeps in touch with them. he sends messages to family weddings and so on. these people are not unknown to him and he has met a number of them and there will be more ceremonial events in the irish capital dublin where the average

president will give an address to the upper houses of parliament and so, there be specific political messages and i'm sure on the whole what happening in dublin and in county levin county mayo, it will be him affirming his own personal affinity to the island of ireland and the long—standing century long links but is not the united states of america in ireland.— of america in ireland. thank you very much _ of america in ireland. thank you very much indeed. _ of america in ireland. thank you very much indeed. do _ of america in ireland. thank you very much indeed. do you i of america in ireland. thank you very much indeed. do you think| of america in ireland. thank you i very much indeed. do you think this would gone ahead this week, our political editor chris mason is with us now. had we not a document called the windsor statement in our hands, might this not of gone ahead? goad

might this not of gone ahead? good cuestion. might this not of gone ahead? good question- it — might this not of gone ahead? good question. it springs _ might this not of gone ahead? good question. it springs to _ might this not of gone ahead? (13pm question. it springs to mind the sense that when we ponder this, so often will we as journalists put questions to those in authority, particularly in government and ask this kind of thing. at the first to say that were not getting into hypotheticals. it is always possible for those on the prime minister to say no, this could have easily gone ahead even without the windsor framework but what i can tell you is that there is no doubt but diplomats for much of the last year have had these weeks penciled, circled in the diary as a potential moment for a presidential visit and it was certainly used as an element of leverage over the six or nine months prior to the signing of the windsor framework to emphasise to all parties that this is a potential prize of getting some sort of deal over the line. it is striking that

the contributions of the president and northern ireland are being made public on wednesday is actually pretty limited. how much more limited could it have been without access to get on the absence of the windsor framework. it seems to me like it's windsor framework. it seems to me like its reasonable to entertain the idea that without that new brexit deal for northern ireland, perhaps it would've been harderfor the president to have justified making the trip up on the flip side is, he was clearly cleaned to make a broader visit to the republic of ireland and bring that in any point in this calendar year on the 25th anniversary would've been difficult without coming to northern ireland as well. hat without coming to northern ireland as well. ., ~' without coming to northern ireland as well. ., ~ ., ., ., as well. not keen to go to the coronation. _ as well. not keen to go to the coronation. do _ as well. not keen to go to the coronation. do you _ as well. not keen to go to the coronation. do you suspect i as well. not keen to go to the | coronation. do you suspect it's irish ancestry and the things he learned near his grandfather about the history of the royal family in

maryland and may have weighed in on the decision to not travel for the coronation. the decision to not travel for the coronation-— the decision to not travel for the coronation. ~ ,, , , coronation. with the us president because of the _ coronation. with the us president because of the british _ coronation. with the us president because of the british of - coronation. with the us president because of the british of the i coronation. with the us president| because of the british of the state, and an— because of the british of the state, and an american catholic with irish origins _ and an american catholic with irish origins was — and an american catholic with irish origins was very proud of them and he uses _ origins was very proud of them and he uses that in his speeches and statements that are not just reminding people of where it comes from but _ reminding people of where it comes from but also, it is a way that he uses _ from but also, it is a way that he uses to— from but also, it is a way that he uses to empathise with other minorities around the world. he talks— minorities around the world. he talks about the experience of living under _ talks about the experience of living under british rule. something that may be _ under british rule. something that may be difficult for the british government to listen to sometimes. i think it _ government to listen to sometimes. i think it is _ government to listen to sometimes. i think it is very important for us to be here _ think it is very important for us to be here at— think it is very important for us to be here at my been a little bit more complicated for him to go into the coronation — complicated for him to go into the coronation may be feeling different but when _ coronation may be feeling different but when you look at who is on air force _ but when you look at who is on air force one — but when you look at who is on air force one with them, notjust but when you look at who is on air force one with them, not just a but when you look at who is on air force one with them, notjust a lot

of advisers — force one with them, notjust a lot of advisers but his sister and his son were — of advisers but his sister and his son were making this trip for the first time — son were making this trip for the first time to ireland to meet some of their— first time to ireland to meet some of their relatives. that is what he is brought with them, not a secretary of state who might want to talk to _ secretary of state who might want to talk to the _ secretary of state who might want to talk to the british government about global— talk to the british government about global matters of cooperation. he has brought family members to take them to— has brought family members to take them to where the family is from. begins _ them to where the family is from. begins a — them to where the family is from. begins a spot picked out through the air force one heading towards the steps in the picture and we understand that rishi sunak may be in one of those range rover setting onto the apron of the airport is going to be there to greet them and rather inclement weather and belfast this evening but the regimental timing, air force one arriving at 20 minutes past nine which is what it said on the diary and plenty of people on that plane with connections to ireland and joe biden box was history in ireland. while we are watching this, it won't be lost

on a lot of people that here comes the president as computed across party lines find agreements and other communities at a time where it is very little common ground between politicians in washington. ijust wonder whether congress understands that it wonder whether congress understands thatitis wonder whether congress understands that it is currency worldwide when it talks about the greatest democracy on the weather that congress taking the currency is depleted in terms of politics at home since the bill i don't think of congress thinks about that. people are caught up in everyday battles in this country. president biden campaigned as being a great unifier in a very divided country. divisions in a very divided country. divisions in this country have only increased under president biden.— in this country have only increased under president biden. despite the fact that actually _ under president biden. despite the fact that actually in _ under president biden. despite the fact that actually in the _ under president biden. despite the fact that actually in the last - under president biden. despite the fact that actually in the last term i fact that actually in the last term of congress, the first two years of

the biden presidency, there is actually been a pretty large number of bipartisan pieces of legislation that have passed. but while that happens, the culture wars in this country over guns, abortion, over transgender rights continues over race, continues to dominate a lot of the discussion and poise and politics make it very difficult. but biden is generally positioned himself as he gears up for reelection campaigns of someone who is more moderate, someone who can reach across the aisle when necessary and i think it is interesting in this trip here as one

of the reporters said, he is not coming to meet with coming to crete. the reporter on the trip says that she is not going to push any sort of agenda and that perhaps offer words of encouragement and so, it is definitely a very muted and mild stances he is coming for this four—day trip. we stances he is coming for this four-day trip-— stances he is coming for this four-day trip. we have seen the ste -s four-day trip. we have seen the steps descending _ four-day trip. we have seen the steps descending on _ four-day trip. we have seen the steps descending on air- four-day trip. we have seen the steps descending on air force . four-day trip. we have seen the i steps descending on air force one. it takes a while for the staff to get ready for that spring and lucy who was an belfast forest this evening and tell us about what we're going to see her the next minute or so at the foot of the steps. what does it say on the itinerary? she will be coming _ does it say on the itinerary? 5u;e: will be coming down the does it say on the itinerary? 5u9 will be coming down the steps does it say on the itinerary? 519: will be coming down the steps in the gloom of this rainy —— he will. i

saw pictures all of him leaving and when he arrives in northern ireland, the weather is truly atrocious here but he is expected to be created by the british prime minister will be travelling. i'm right by his hotel which is a half hour trip as we been talking about they have been closed and christus mentioned this to the heavy security presence and strain to ask me about that before, lots of problems communications as you can imagine, lots of secret service here and be with their mobile phones. but there's a lot of heavy security presence and just a few people are actually brave enough to can the weather and catch a glimpse of president biden as well. the security services have been checking manholes red deer and putting covers on things it's been a very heavy presence that we have seen today. present biden do to make the chip

here and some people travelled and so critical of her belfast and talking with the time that they went to see president clinton in derry in the 1995 and hoping to watch another moment of history were present biden arrives. ~ : . moment of history were present biden arrives. ~ : , , ,, :,~ arrives. which is sought rishi sunak at the foot of _ arrives. which is sought rishi sunak at the foot of the _ arrives. which is sought rishi sunak at the foot of the steps, _ arrives. which is sought rishi sunak at the foot of the steps, it - arrives. which is sought rishi sunak at the foot of the steps, it is been l at the foot of the steps, it is been brought to the foot of the steps and all is lost on people just the sort of paraphernalia the troubles with an american president when he jets into a country. some of us to president and his entourage, it is the helicopters that go with the travelling president. i can see this in secret or service, delivering on the steps and it should be given thatjoe biden is close to his irish roots and his codename is always celtic. he is actually in the

codename that he uses. chris, we have been talking about the average connections and in a way, joe biden has used this connection that was left as some kind of brand metaphor for what it's doing of the parts of the world. he talks about the struggles, he talks about his life, his family's role in ireland and the way they left i was achieved with the good friday agreement. do you suspect to hear more about that we of the university —— as he speaks of the university tomorrow. of the university -- as he speaks of the university tomorrow.— the university tomorrow. white medicare is _ the university tomorrow. white medicare is the _ the university tomorrow. white medicare is the president i the university tomorrow. white medicare is the president is i the university tomorrow. m1u 1&9 medicare is the president is walking down the steps and here he comes at the foot of steps to shake hands with rishi sunak. figs the foot of steps to shake hands with rishi sunak.— with rishi sunak. as lucy was sa inc, with rishi sunak. as lucy was saying. once _ with rishi sunak. as lucy was saying, once he _ with rishi sunak. as lucy was saying, once he gets - with rishi sunak. as lucy was saying, once he gets there i

with rishi sunak. as lucy was i saying, once he gets there coming with rishi sunak. as lucy was - saying, once he gets there coming as have our trip to belfast in hotel will be staying tonight. just one day and belfast before he goes to the republic for his speech to the parliament to dublin and also, to speak in meet, greet those family connections in county mayo and he cannot see much because the car that is in front of the steps put pick—up the fact that the issues this connection to northern ireland to front and fund its political agenda stipulate it's always been the storyteller and draw an impressive history i remember him from way back without i was based in washington when he was a senator. he without i was based in washington when he was a senator.— without i was based in washington when he was a senator. he would do the same thing _ when he was a senator. he would do the same thing in _ when he was a senator. he would do the same thing in the _ the same thing in the irish connection is a very big part of that. you were talking really about the disappointment among some that is trip is so short and wouldn't have happened at all of the framework had not been signed. i

think another way to look at that is would it be more substantiative if the northern ireland assembly was up and running. not, by the units committee. i think the white house or no that it's doing with the difficult political system and the last 25 years, we saw the part of the creation of the good friday agreement back in 1998 and you do get the idea that the canaveral and other more rather than being in northern ireland. is other more rather than being in northern ireland.— other more rather than being in northern ireland. is great, great grandfather— northern ireland. is great, great grandfather left _ northern ireland. is great, great grandfather left in _ northern ireland. is great, great grandfather left in 1850 - northern ireland. is great, great grandfather left in 1850 and i northern ireland. is great, great grandfather left in 1850 and he l northern ireland. is great, great i grandfather left in 1850 and he was an engineer and prick make her a left ireland where the family settled at the high of the irish

potatoes famine. and did plenty in the family who are from island but there is some english connection and its, not talking very much for the english part of his family tree but when he left the area to go to delaware, he is brought up by the nuns at the conference school in delaware. so, hazel is been around the irish—american community in the united states and his mother was saying something where this is saying, so load the english at this time was at shows just how much to use the oversight of his family were his politics is. the struggles and when he was a senator in the us senate, he is very much instrumental

and bill clinton getting involved into the agreement and leanne caldwell, he's talked about when he left trying base andrews and talked about keeping our fingers crossed for the piece. which is a strange thing for many people in northern ireland because there's been a cease—fire in northern ireland for 30 years, what you think he meant by that? what we think he meant by that was just the tensions between ireland right now and northern ireland, and that tends to be the framework of the reporting around the united states and the administration is focused on to make sure that tensions do not get worse. and so, thatis tensions do not get worse. and so, that is what president biden and his —— is wanting to do in addition to having this very personal visit, as

well, but he definitely doesn't want to make anything worse either. he wants to ensure that any sort of political struggles right now can continue to be worked out. standing next to president biden, of course, his envoy ofjoe kennedy, the relative of former presidentjohn kennedy, the very beloved irish catholic president in the early 19605. catholic president in the early 1960s. so it's a multifaceted, multilevel trip for him. it was mentioned it was his sister and son who are also with him on the strip which is very personal, but also his sister is one of his closest political advisers, sister is one of his closest politicaladvisers, i'm sister is one of his closest political advisers, i'm not sure how much she advises him on foreign

policy, but politically speaking she's one of his biggest confidants, closest confidantes and doesn't make very many decisions without her. she's not very public facing but she is a very instrumental person within his orbit, and any sort of decisions he makes, not only politically speaking but policy, as well, domestic policy anyway. let's speak to kevin meagher, the author of a united ireland. welcome to the programme, kevin, just watching pictures ofjoe biden arriving in belfast. in the context of your book which you've written, what do you think is the political reckoning at the moment within the dup? there clearlyjust trying to drive a hard bargain and they'll talk to the president about that tomorrow, but it can't be lost on

them for the best way to unite ireland is to show that stormont and power—sharing can work? ireland is to show that stormont and power-sharing can work? absolutely, there ou power-sharing can work? absolutely, there you go. — power-sharing can work? absolutely, there you go. a _ power-sharing can work? absolutely, there you go, a strategy _ power-sharing can work? absolutely, there you go, a strategy for _ power-sharing can work? absolutely, there you go, a strategy for the i power-sharing can work? absolutely, there you go, a strategy for the dup. there you go, a strategy for the dup and unionism _ there you go, a strategy for the dup and unionism more _ there you go, a strategy for the dup and unionism more generally. i there you go, a strategy for the dup and unionism more generally. they| and unionism more generally. they must make — and unionism more generally. they must make ireland _ and unionism more generally. they must make ireland work. _ and unionism more generally. they must make ireland work. northernl must make ireland work. northern ireland _ must make ireland work. northern ireland has— must make ireland work. northern ireland has never— must make ireland work. northern ireland has never worked - must make ireland work. northern ireland has never worked really, i must make ireland work. northern| ireland has never worked really, to put it— ireland has never worked really, to put it bluntly. _ ireland has never worked really, to put it bluntly, with _ ireland has never worked really, to put it bluntly, with five _ ireland has never worked really, to put it bluntly, with five decades- ireland has never worked really, to put it bluntly, with five decades of| put it bluntly, with five decades of terrible _ put it bluntly, with five decades of terrible abuse _ put it bluntly, with five decades of terrible abuse by _ put it bluntly, with five decades of terrible abuse by the _ put it bluntly, with five decades of terrible abuse by the unionist i terrible abuse by the unionist government— terrible abuse by the unionist government at— terrible abuse by the unionist government at stormont i terrible abuse by the unionistl government at stormont after terrible abuse by the unionist i government at stormont after 1921 which — government at stormont after 1921 which led _ government at stormont after 1921 which led to— government at stormont after 1921 which led to the _ government at stormont after 1921 which led to the civil _ government at stormont after 1921 which led to the civil rights - which led to the civil rights movement— which led to the civil rights movement and _ which led to the civil rights movement and the - which led to the civil rights i movement and the suppression which led to the civil rights - movement and the suppression of which led to the civil rights _ movement and the suppression of the civil rights _ movement and the suppression of the civil rights movement, _ movement and the suppression of the civil rights movement, leading - movement and the suppression of the civil rights movement, leading to i civil rights movement, leading to the troubles, _ civil rights movement, leading to the troubles, then _ civil rights movement, leading to the troubles, then to _ civil rights movement, leading to the troubles, then to the - civil rights movement, leading to the troubles, then to the good i the troubles, then to the good friday— the troubles, then to the good friday agreement— the troubles, then to the good friday agreement 20 _ the troubles, then to the good friday agreement 20 years i the troubles, then to the goodl friday agreement 20 years ago. the troubles, then to the good i friday agreement 20 years ago. —— the troubles, then to the good - friday agreement 20 years ago. —— 30 years— friday agreement 20 years ago. —— 30 years ago _ friday agreement 20 years ago. —— 30 years ago the — friday agreement 20 years ago. —— 30 years ago the point _ friday agreement 20 years ago. —— 30 years ago. the point of _ friday agreement 20 years ago. —— 30 years ago. the point of the _ friday agreement 20 years ago. —— 30 years ago. the point of the good - years ago. the point of the good friday— years ago. the point of the good friday agreement— years ago. the point of the good friday agreement was _ years ago. the point of the good friday agreement was to - years ago. the point of the good friday agreement was to create i years ago. the point of the good i friday agreement was to create a spot to _ friday agreement was to create a spot to make _ friday agreement was to create a spot to make where _ friday agreement was to create a spot to make where it _ friday agreement was to create a spot to make where it northern. spot to make where it northern lreland — spot to make where it northern ireland normal— spot to make where it northern ireland normal politics - spot to make where it northern ireland normal politics could i spot to make where it northern. ireland normal politics could find a home: _ ireland normal politics could find a home, and — ireland normal politics could find a home, and the _ ireland normal politics could find a home, and the way— ireland normal politics could find a home, and the way that _ ireland normal politics could find a home, and the way that the - ireland normal politics could find a home, and the way that the dup l ireland normal politics could find a i home, and the way that the dup views itself. especially— home, and the way that the dup views itself, especially with _ home, and the way that the dup views itself, especially with the _ home, and the way that the dup views itself, especially with the windsor- itself, especially with the windsor framework. — itself, especially with the windsor framework. is— itself, especially with the windsor framework, is that _ itself, especially with the windsor framework, is that if _ itself, especially with the windsor framework, is that if northern i framework, is that if northern ireland — framework, is that if northern ireland can _ framework, is that if northern ireland can utilise _ framework, is that if northern ireland can utilise the - framework, is that if northern ireland can utilise the best - framework, is that if northern ireland can utilise the best ofl framework, is that if northern - ireland can utilise the best of both worlds, _ ireland can utilise the best of both worlds, having _ ireland can utilise the best of both worlds, having access _ ireland can utilise the best of both worlds, having access to _ ireland can utilise the best of both worlds, having access to that - ireland can utilise the best of both| worlds, having access to that using the market— worlds, having access to that using the market as _ worlds, having access to that using the market as well _ worlds, having access to that using the market as well as _ worlds, having access to that using the market as well as the - worlds, having access to that using the market as well as the uk - worlds, having access to that using|

the market as well as the uk single market. _ the market as well as the uk single market. it — the market as well as the uk single market, it could _ the market as well as the uk single market, it could benefit _ the market as well as the uk single market, it could benefit northern . market, it could benefit northern ireland _ market, it could benefit northern ireland. people _ market, it could benefit northern ireland. people probably- market, it could benefit northern ireland. people probably should i market, it could benefit northern - ireland. people probably should have been campaigning— ireland. people probably should have been campaigning against— ireland. people probably should have been campaigning against the - been campaigning against the northem— been campaigning against the northern ireland _ been campaigning against the northern ireland protocol- been campaigning against the - northern ireland protocol framework. that's _ northern ireland protocol framework. that's one _ northern ireland protocol framework. that's one of— northern ireland protocol framework. that's one of the _ northern ireland protocol framework. that's one of the great _ northern ireland protocol framework. that's one of the great paradoxes- northern ireland protocol framework. that's one of the great paradoxes of. that's one of the great paradoxes of where _ that's one of the great paradoxes of where we _ that's one of the great paradoxes of where we are, — that's one of the great paradoxes of where we are, but _ that's one of the great paradoxes of where we are, but northern - that's one of the great paradoxes of where we are, but northern irelandi where we are, but northern ireland has big _ where we are, but northern ireland has big structural— where we are, but northern ireland has big structural problems- where we are, but northern ireland has big structural problems for- has big structural problems for people — has big structural problems for people who _ has big structural problems for people who want _ has big structural problems for people who want the _ has big structural problems for- people who want the constitutional status _ people who want the constitutional status quo. — people who want the constitutional status quo. or— people who want the constitutional status quo, or the _ people who want the constitutional status quo, or the elementary- people who want the constitutional i status quo, or the elementary forces on the _ status quo, or the elementary forces on the side _ status quo, or the elementary forces on the side of— status quo, or the elementary forces on the side of constitutional - status quo, or the elementary forces on the side of constitutional change i on the side of constitutional change in a united — on the side of constitutional change in a united ireland. _ on the side of constitutional change in a united ireland. the _ on the side of constitutional change in a united ireland.— in a united ireland. the british welcoming _ in a united ireland. the british welcoming team _ in a united ireland. the british welcoming team retreating, i in a united ireland. the british l welcoming team retreating, well advised to retreat in the current weather situation in northern ireland, retreating to their cars and things on the apron being wrapped up pretty quickly, but you can see the beast, the american secure car that president that met —— that donald trump was in. he's got about a half hour trip to his hotel this evening, but the secret service just securing things around

the plane before he disappears. let's bring back and chris mason who is with us. the chief constable of northern ireland has said in the past few days that it is this political vacuum that we were just discussing that's created the current tension and the problems within the dissident republican community. do you think he's right in one sense that dissident republicanism can feed on the instability and northern ireland? absolutely, i think there's always a concern that where there is instability and a political vacuum, what might feel it instead? and there is an awareness, we saw the secretary of state for northern ireland saying just the other day that the piece is something that celebrated as part of these commemorations of the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement, but it remains a fragile one. and there is a nervousness for as long as power—sharing is not

restored here about exactly when that might happen. now there is a hope within the british government that it might still happen, the end decide, even if they don't much like the new brexit deal, if they conclude that it is better than what went before and they acknowledge from their point of view it is, then the only way to tap into those benefits is to be back in a form of devolved government, rather than not. but for as long as that isn't the case, and one of those central tenants of the good friday agreement which is being so widely commemorated this month here, it remains not functioning. and you have a situation where northern ireland is being governed by an elected civil servant, and that is something that plenty find uncomfortable — yet baked into the mechanism has always been something that allows either side or any of the sides to withdraw from power—sharing, and suspend it. it's

happened many times before, it's not as rare as you might imagine over the last 25 years, around a third of that time has been time when those devolve structures have been suspended. but in the absence of their return, even with their return, there will still always be a nervousness about the potential for trouble, evenjust nervousness about the potential for trouble, even just on the margins to flare up now and again. but without it returned, yes, absolutely there is a real awareness of potential for the vacuum to be filled by others, and a nervousness about what more can be done to try and bring that power—sharing agreement back to reality, and all the local parties here back into an environment where they are running northern ireland, rather than it being run by others at a distance.— rather than it being run by others at a distance. chris mason, thank ou ve at a distance. chris mason, thank you very much — at a distance. chris mason, thank you very much for _ at a distance. chris mason, thank you very much for that. _ at a distance. chris mason, thank you very much for that. chris, - at a distance. chris mason, thank| you very much for that. chris, can we talk about his day tomorrow?

there's been some confusion as to whether he would meet the various parties in northern ireland, — he won't go to stormont because there is no power—sharing at the moment, do you think it's incumbent on the president in the context of this 25th anniversary to try and meet everyone that is party to the agreement?— everyone that is party to the aureement? �* , . �* . ,, agreement? i'm sure that'll happen, but i'm agreement? i'm sure that'll happen, but i'm sure — agreement? i'm sure that'll happen, but i'm sure what _ agreement? i'm sure that'll happen, but i'm sure what will _ agreement? i'm sure that'll happen, but i'm sure what will happen - agreement? i'm sure that'll happen, but i'm sure what will happen is - but i'm sure what will happen is getting — but i'm sure what will happen is getting into the nitty—gritty of some — getting into the nitty—gritty of some negotiation. i'm sure we will hear the _ some negotiation. i'm sure we will hear the public picking up though windsor framework and encouraging people _ windsor framework and encouraging people to _ windsor framework and encouraging people to support him, but we already— people to support him, but we already know many in the unionist community, including the largest unionist— community, including the largest unionist party in northern ireland don't _ unionist party in northern ireland don't support it. why not? the british— don't support it. why not? the british government says it removes any sense _ british government says it removes any sense of a traded board in the irish any sense of a traded board in the irish sea. — any sense of a traded board in the irish sea, and getting through the

checks _ irish sea, and getting through the checks. and it doesn't quite do that, _ checks. and it doesn't quite do that, to — checks. and it doesn't quite do that, to be _ checks. and it doesn't quite do that, to be honest. it certainly minimizes _ that, to be honest. it certainly minimizes checks and makes trade between _ minimizes checks and makes trade between northern ireland and great britain _ between northern ireland and great britain within the united kingdom far easier— britain within the united kingdom far easier than the initial post—brexit deal, the northern iretand — post—brexit deal, the northern ireland protocol. but it doesn't get rid of _ ireland protocol. but it doesn't get rid of those checks altogether, and that's— rid of those checks altogether, and that's a _ rid of those checks altogether, and that's a problem when it comes down to it for— that's a problem when it comes down to it for many in the unionist community — their demand is simple, they want— community — their demand is simple, they want to — community — their demand is simple, they want to be treated exactly the same _ they want to be treated exactly the same as— they want to be treated exactly the same as anyone else in their country. _ same as anyone else in their country, the united kingdom, and theirarguments, howevertechnical their arguments, however technical or smatt— their arguments, however technical or small the checks theirarguments, howevertechnical or small the checks might be, electronic— or small the checks might be, electronic checks, forms to fill out online, _ electronic checks, forms to fill out online, their argument is that in smatt— online, their argument is that in small insignificant ways, they are treing _ small insignificant ways, they are being treated differently. and in a political _ being treated differently. and in a political arena where issues of identity— political arena where issues of identity and belonging are so important, those little differences matter~ _ important, those little differences matter~ i— important, those little differences matter. i don't think that's the kind _ matter. idon't think that's the kind of— matter. i don't think that's the kind of nitty—gritty detail that joe biden— kind of nitty—gritty detail that joe biden will be getting into tomorrow, ithink— biden will be getting into tomorrow, i think it'll— biden will be getting into tomorrow, i think it'll be a more general plea

to rememberthe i think it'll be a more general plea to remember the good times brought on try— to remember the good times brought on by the _ to remember the good times brought on by the good friday agreement, and ur-e on by the good friday agreement, and urge people to try and fix the present— urge people to try and fix the present and to secure peace into the future _ present and to secure peace into the future. �* . . present and to secure peace into the future. �* , , . ,, present and to secure peace into the future. �*, , . ,, . ,, future. let's bring sarah smith back in with us. i've _ future. let's bring sarah smith back in with us. i've just _ future. let's bring sarah smith back in with us. i've just been _ future. let's bring sarah smith back in with us. i've just been schooled l in with us. i've just been schooled on twitter about my pronunciation of ballin, in county mayo, i hope i've... can we talk about the good friday agreement? because there's a sense of american ownership over the good friday agreement because of the role that bill clinton and the northern ireland envoy played in that. there'll be some in northern ireland though who question whether it has worked, not everybody thinks it's been a tearing success. itrrui’eiiii. it's been a tearing success. well, it's been a tearing success. well, it's secured _ it's been a tearing success. well, it's secured the _ it's been a tearing success. well, it's secured the piece _ it's been a tearing success. well, it's secured the piece for - it's been a tearing success. well, it's secured the piece for 25 - it's been a tearing success. well, | it's secured the piece for 25 years, but we've just been talking about the problems with the default administration instrument as it has

been for significant periods during the time that it's been in operation. it's funny you were talking earlier about your pronunciation, one of the things i must tell you is that the people around joe biden are most worried about, certainly for the time he'll be spending here in northern ireland, isn't him diving into the nitty—gritty of trying to talk to the dup about whether they should go back into power—sharing agreement, but it's whether he makes anyjokes or off—the—cuff remarks, as he frequently does when he's on overseas visits or outside the white house. because he so often makes remarks about his irish past, what if he says something that doesn't go down very well here in northern ireland? a whole lot of comments we've heard from him before, even around st patrick's day last month when he was celebrating that in washington, there are things he could say there that you really can't say and belfast. so there are people deeply concerned — not that he will delve into the politics, but

he'll put his foot into it when he's trying to be light—hearted and make general remarks. it would not be difficult for him to say something that some in the unionist community might take a front to when he's here tomorrow. it’s might take a front to when he's here tomorrow. �* . . might take a front to when he's here tomorrow. �* , , , ., _ tomorrow. it's interesting you say that because _ tomorrow. it's interesting you say that because we _ tomorrow. it's interesting you say that because we did _ tomorrow. it's interesting you say that because we did have - tomorrow. it's interesting you say that because we did have a - tomorrow. it's interesting you say that because we did have a dup i that because we did have a dup politician on earlier who said that at one of these events, "0rd wasn't welcome," a joke that fell flat but they clearly took event —— orange wasn't welcome —— they clearly took offence at the comments he made. and offence at the comments he made. and in offence at the comments he made. thin. in washington, at a dinner where many were dressed in green, the audience he was talking to thought it was funny — just it would certainly not be considered so if it was here. so everybody who travels with the president is used to mopping up the odd verbal gaffe that he gives, its part of his reputation, he's been doing it for decades whilst he's been on the world stage as a politician, he just needs to be really careful with it

here. . . . needs to be really careful with it here. , . , , ., �* needs to be really careful with it here. , . , �* . here. the pictures you're looking at here. the pictures you're looking at here in belfast _ here. the pictures you're looking at here in belfast are _ here. the pictures you're looking at here in belfast are the _ here. the pictures you're looking at here in belfast are the cordon - here in belfast are the cordon outside the hotel wherejoe biden will be staying over the next 2a hours. it's tight security on the streets of belfast tonight, 300 officers from great britain have been taken to help with that security, and a lot of that security being led by the secret service... let's speak to marie coleman, professor of 20th—century irish history at queen's university belfast. you're very welcome to the programme. we focusing a lot tonight on belfast but there's been three days this visit in the republic — i think we should just make note of the fact that when jfk came here think we should just make note of the fact that whenjfk came here in the fact that when jfk came here in the fact that when jfk came here in the 19605, ireland was a very different place, unemployment is

around 20% at that time, and now it's one of the wealthiest countries on earth, it's socially tolerant, it's forward—looking. i guess maybe the president will point to that and say "that's the future northern ireland has on its hands." possibly but i think ireland has on its hands." possibly but i think he _ ireland has on its hands." possibly but i think he would _ ireland has on its hands." possibly but i think he would be _ ireland has on its hands." possibly but i think he would be wary - ireland has on its hands." possibly| but i think he would be wary again, as your last commentator was saying, of making any comment which could be interpreted the wrong way in northern ireland, and was he to load the republic too much, that might get on the backs of some unionists here. but from the historian's perspective, your comment on the kennedy visit in 1963 — to me, there's a lot of similarities, it's almost as if the kennedy visit is the blueprint for what he's doing in the republic this time around. there is the address to the joint houses, the meeting with the irish

president, the bringing family members around — jfk did all those exact same things when he visited in june 1963, and i'm sure in the back of his mind was the plan to run for reelection in 1964, and i think here that may be the comment we aren't paying enough attention to is the off—the—cuff remark president biden made yesterday pretty much saying he was running, but he wasn't announcing his running yet. so i wonder what this visit will do in playing to the domestic audience and irish american party with the view to the 22 a for election. irate irish american party with the view to the 22 a for election.— to the 22 a for election. we also have kevin _ to the 22 a for election. we also have kevin with _ to the 22 a for election. we also have kevin with us _ to the 22 a for election. we also have kevin with us -- _ to the 22 a for election. we also have kevin with us -- 2024 - to the 22 a for election. we also - have kevin with us -- 2024 election. kevin has been _ have kevin with us -- 2024 election. kevin has been sitting _ have kevin with us -- 2024 election. kevin has been sitting patiently, - kevin has been sitting patiently, here are the pictures from northern ireland. talk to me a little bit about how carefullyjoe biden will have to tread this week, because a

lot of our panelists have mentioned it, and it seems to me tony blair was nodding to that, he spoke warmly about bill clinton's approach to the northern ireland negotiations in 1997-98. are northern ireland negotiations in 1997—98. are you concerned at all that he'll try to pressure unionism in the wrong way? i that he'll try to pressure unionism in the wrong way?— that he'll try to pressure unionism in the wrong way? i don't think so, i think in the wrong way? i don't think so, i think the — in the wrong way? i don't think so, i think the contact _ in the wrong way? i don't think so, i think the contact he'll _ in the wrong way? i don't think so, i think the contact he'll have - in the wrong way? i don't think so, i think the contact he'll have with l i think the contact he'll have with the parties will be fairly fleeting, and it's— the parties will be fairly fleeting, and it's a — the parties will be fairly fleeting, and it's a very tight itinerary he's on. and it's a very tight itinerary he's on i_ and it's a very tight itinerary he's on ithink— and it's a very tight itinerary he's on. i think you'll probably see his trip down — on. i think you'll probably see his trip down south to ireland as a bit of a home — trip down south to ireland as a bit of a home game effectively, and may be a bit _ of a home game effectively, and may be a bit more relaxed with there. i think— be a bit more relaxed with there. i think he'll— be a bit more relaxed with there. i think he'll be very cognizant that northern ireland is in a very tightly— northern ireland is in a very tightly bound state at the moment. i think it'll— tightly bound state at the moment. i think it'll be all bonhomie,

encouragement — that's the essence of the _ encouragement — that's the essence of the american involvement in northern— of the american involvement in northern ireland going back for very many— northern ireland going back for very many years, it's about the can—do attitude america brings to the table. — attitude america brings to the table, the money in the opening of doors _ table, the money in the opening of doors for— table, the money in the opening of doors for investment opportunities, and that'll— doors for investment opportunities, and that'll probably be the main focus _ and that'll probably be the main focus when he speaks tomorrow. let�*s focus when he speaks tomorrow. let's brina in focus when he speaks tomorrow. let's bring in chris — focus when he speaks tomorrow. let's bring in chris morris, _ focus when he speaks tomorrow. let�*s bring in chris morris, who is with us, just watching these security pictures and belfast which are in our box here. we should talk about what happened in dairy yesterday — what happened in dairy yesterday — what was particularly depressing about the petrol bombs being thrown at police cars in this unauthorised parade was there were so many young people there who weren't even around when the good friday agreement was signed. when the good friday agreement was sinned. . when the good friday agreement was sinned. , . ., . signed. yes, i mean the violence ou'd signed. yes, i mean the violence you'd have _ signed. yes, i mean the violence you'd have to _ signed. yes, i mean the violence you'd have to say _ signed. yes, i mean the violence you'd have to say was _ signed. yes, i mean the violence you'd have to say was fairly - signed. yes, i mean the violence| you'd have to say was fairly small scale, but there was violence, the petrol bombs were thrown. we know that there is an undercurrent of violence in both communities where

there are small groups who still want to continue in pursuit of a violence solution to the issues of northern ireland. we've already discussed there's always heavy security whenever the united present —— president of the united states goes everywhere democrat anywhere. it's quite phenomenal, the cities are all closed down. it's not abnormal to see city centre literally grind to a halt when the us president is in town. the scenes in derry were unfortunate but not surprising given the timings. itruiiiiii surprising given the timings. will say goodbye to kevin and marie as we come to the end of our programme, thank you for your time this evening. let's talk about this in the context ofjoe biden's approval

ratings at the moment, because they are at record lows at the moment — what will he need to get out of this trip? jfk talked about it being the best four days of his presidency, bill clinton said something similar. so what will he be hoping for out of these next four days?— so what will he be hoping for out of these next four days? that's a great cuestion, these next four days? that's a great question. and _ these next four days? that's a great question, and politically _ these next four days? that's a great question, and politically i _ these next four days? that's a great question, and politically i don't - question, and politically i don't know if this will have much of an impact. foreign policy is not at the top of mind for most american voters, elections are usually, sometimes they are in a post—9/11 world, usually not won or lost on foreign policy. but what it could do foreign policy. but what it could do for biden is generally approve americans�*s overall view of him. one of his most devastating moments as president did involve foreign policy, and that was the us evacuation from afghanistan, and that's when his poll numbers

dramatically dropped, and he has struggled to recover since then. americans generally think he's done a decentjob with the war in ukraine, but his numbers are back down, so showing strength, showing that america has allies in the us is liked and him being able tojust defend a message of international unity and that the us is involved in a key player around the world could help people's views of him. don't know if it'll help his approval ratings skyrocket back over 40%, which is still quite low, but it could just help people's perceptions ever so slightly. irate could just help people's perceptions ever so slightly.— ever so slightly. we will say aoodb e ever so slightly. we will say goodbye at _ ever so slightly. we will say goodbye at this _ ever so slightly. we will say goodbye at this point - ever so slightly. we will say goodbye at this point to - ever so slightly. we will say goodbye at this point to ourj ever so slightly. we will say - goodbye at this point to our viewers around the world, and also to our panel, thank you very much indeed for your company. we are continuing

to watch events in northern ireland and president biden's visit, plenty more that on the bbc life page, you can find that on bbc dot com. just a reminder that president biden has touched down in the last hour in northern ireland at the start of a four day trip to the city. before leaving the us, this was him just coming out of air force one in the last few minutes, you can see him descending the steps, but you can't see is the british prime minister rishi sunakjust in front of the beast there, the car that he is travelling in towards lucy hocking is, goods and belfast city centre for us. are there plenty of people out there to see the president? plat out there to see the president? not as many as — out there to see the president? iirrt as many as you'd expect to welcome

one of the most powerful people in the world to belfast. but there is a group of people here who have braved the weather, and i must say it stopped raining and has made a difference in the last five minutes because people are starting to come out of the buildings around here to join the crowds. since i last spoke to you, i spoke to some of them to see why they were here, there was a lovely canadian woman who said it's not everyday you get to see a us president. there was a mother and father but their toddler, he still had his pyjamas on underneath his wet weather gear because she said she couldn't live with herself sitting around the hotel if she had this opportunity to see a us president, so they've braved the weather to come down. of the most interesting conversation we had was with a young politics student from here in northern ireland, and the reason that he's here is he said, coming to see a us president gives me hope. and i think in listening to

some of the conversations that you've been having with your guests this evening, it's important to also remember that people here in northern ireland are reflecting on 25 years since the good friday agreement, and what that means to them, and how fragile peace can be sometimes. i also met a family earlier in the day, a young woman and her mum, and her grandmother — the young woman said to me, "i don't know much about the good friday agreement, that's for the history books," and it was her mum who interjected and said that it's really not," there was a time when down here the streets were patrolled by officers. there were hardly any people around here because they were worried about bomb threats. if you walked in a shop, you had to have your bag searched. at the end of the day, the last duty of staff was to go through all the clothing in the shop to make sure there