live from london. this is bbc news. elon musk speaks to the bbc: in an exclusive interview he said he's confident twitter�*s advertisers will return and he can make the company profitable once again but says it hasn't been easy. it's been really quite a stressful situation over the last several months. not an easy one. but apart from the pain, i mean, so it's been quite painful. president biden is in belfast to mark the 25th anniversary of the historic good friday peace agreement. he hasjust one public he has just one public engagement while he is here at ulster university in belfast, and he is

also meeting with british prime minister rishi sunak. the bbc has been speaking to twitter�*s owner, elon musk. the last minute, unexpected interview came about after the bbc objected to a new tag describing it as "government funded media" on its main twitter account. in the interview the billionaire agreed to change this to publicy—funded. he also defended the site's policing of hate speech and the mass sackings of staff — and described taking over the social media firm as painful. do you have any regrets about buying twitter? i think it was something that needed to be done. it's been quite difficult. i would say, the pain level of twitter has been extremely high. this hasn't been some sort of party,

so, it's been really quite a stressful situation in the last several months, not an easy one. so it's been quite painful, but i think at the end of the day, it should have been done and were there many mistakes made along the way? of course. and james clayton explained how the interview with elon musk came about and how he prepared for it. yeah, i had a few hours. i mean, elon musk emailed me at lunch saying, let's do an interview in the evening. so i had a few hours and essentially i wanted to just go chronologically through all of the news stories that had happened over the last six months, with elon musk as ceo, because he just hasn't done this kind of sit—down interview before. and that's what i pitched to him, and that's kind of what he agreed to. so, i was still wondering whether he was going to pull out. you never know with elon musk until he was actually sitting down in front of me. i didn't quite believe

that he was actually going to do it. and then he kind of said, look, you can ask me anything. it was meant to be an interview that lasted half an hour. it ended up being almost an hour and a half. and we just went through all sorts of issues, you know, with twitter, with, you know, how many staff had been sacked. i mean, towards the end of the interview, he was talking about what it's like to go to parties when you're as famous as elon musk and how it's difficult to trust anyone. you know, it was a really wide ranging interview with lots of lines, too. and, for example, he said he's going to take that label off that bbc account. it did say government funded. it's now going to say it's publicly funded, and he's going to do that tomorrow. he also said he was forced to buy twitter, because he thought he was going to lose a court case in november. and that's ultimately why he bought twitter. and he also said that he was going to potentially sell twitter if the right person came along. so it was just a very, very, very long interview with all sorts of news lines generated. and he spoke quite personally about the impact buying twitter

has had on him and sacking all of those people and the kind of abuse that he personally gets on social media as well. i asked him, what's the hardest thing you've had to experience doing this? and he said, i actually take this stuff really personally. i wouldn't wish it on anyone. and so you could kind of see the real elon musk. he was joking around. he was laughing around a lot. but then you could get him onto those kinds of subjects and you could feel it. there was real emotion there. it's been a really difficult time for him. he's had to juggle a lot of work. obviously, he's ceo of tesla as well, spacex. so, you know, he obviously has found it difficult. that said, he has sacked thousands and thousands of twitter staff and they will also say it's been a very difficult time and they'll say don't have too much empathy for this bloke. and what about twitter as a business? he did say he doesn't know who could take over from him. but did you get the sense

that he is still very personally invested in it? it's taken up an awful lot of his time when he's got some other big businesses to run. ido, yeah. he was absolutelyjoking around. he said he was going to make his dog the chief executive of twitter. and i kind of pushed him again and he wasn't really answering the question. so he wasn't really taking some of these questions seriously. but he obviously does really, really, really love twitter. he still loves twitter and he still wants to make it work. but it's very clear, having interviewed him for an hour and a half, that it's taken a real toll on him. and emotionally, he obviously feels fairly spent. at the same time, he was alsojoking around. so the kind of elon musk that you imagine in your mind that's pretty similar to the elon musk that i experienced today. james clayton began the interview by asking elon musk why he decided to buy twitter in the first place, before questioning him on staff

lay—offs, freedom of speech and his row with the bbc. let's hear a little more. there's a lot going on so this might be a good opportunity to answer some questions. and, you know, i guess maybe get some feedback. what should we be doing different? maybe get some feedback. i know the bbc were not thrilled about being labelled state affiliated media. n ot exa ctly. i was going to get to that later but let's get to that now, it has officially objected to that term. yeah, we want to be as truthful and accurate as possible, so i think we are adjusting the label to be publicly funded, which i think perhaps is not too objectionable. we are trying to be accurate. i am not the bbc, but... publicly funded is how the bbc describes itself. so that would be accurate. if we use the same words the bbc

uses to describe itself, presumably that would be ok. i'm not asking you for a yes or no since you are not running the bbc per se, it probably seems to pass a reasonable test. so you are going to change the labels on the bbc twitter feed and npr? yeah, publicly funded. basically we are trying to be as accurate as possible. all right, fine. almost immediately, you fired a lot of twitter employees, and i spoke to them. what they said was that it felt quite haphazard, and a little bit uncaring. i felt quite haphazard, and a little bit uncaring-— bit uncaring. i wouldn't say uncaring- _ bit uncaring. i wouldn't say uncaring. the _ bit uncaring. i wouldn't say uncaring. the issue - bit uncaring. i wouldn't say uncaring. the issue is - bit uncaring. i wouldn't say uncaring. the issue is that| bit uncaring. i wouldn't say i uncaring. the issue is that the companies _ uncaring. the issue is that the companies that are going to go bankrum, _ companies that are going to go bankrupt, if we do not cut costs immediately. —— at the company will io immediately. —— at the company will go bankrupt — immediately. —— at the company will go bankrupt. this is not about

caring — go bankrupt. this is not about caring or— go bankrupt. this is not about caring or not caring, if the whole ship _ caring or not caring, if the whole ship sinks. — caring or not caring, if the whole ship sinks, nobody will have a job. you started — ship sinks, nobody will have a job. you started making some policy decisions. one of those decisions was to bring donald trump back. he hasn't started tweeting again yet. do you expect him to come back and? have you spoken to him? i do you expect him to come back and? have you spoken to him?— have you spoken to him? i haven't soken to have you spoken to him? i haven't spoken to him- _ have you spoken to him? i haven't spoken to him. he _ have you spoken to him? i haven't spoken to him. he may— have you spoken to him? i haven't spoken to him. he may or - have you spoken to him? i haven't spoken to him. he may or may - have you spoken to him? i haven't spoken to him. he may or may not come _ spoken to him. he may or may not come back — spoken to him. he may or may not come back. the issue is that twitter should _ come back. the issue is that twitter should be _ come back. the issue is that twitter should be a — come back. the issue is that twitter should be a town square, that gives equal— should be a town square, that gives equal voice — should be a town square, that gives equal voice to the whole country, and ideally, the whole world. it should — and ideally, the whole world. it should not be a partisan politics... more _ should not be a partisan politics... more of— should not be a partisan politics... more of their partisan politics are under— more of their partisan politics are under very— more of their partisan politics are under very left of the spectrum, nobody— under very left of the spectrum, nobody is — under very left of the spectrum, nobody is quite niche. but if twitier— nobody is quite niche. but if twitter acted as a megaphone for quite _ twitter acted as a megaphone for quite a _ twitter acted as a megaphone for quite a niche regional politics, megaphone ink that to the world. so if twitter— megaphone ink that to the world. so if twitter is _ megaphone ink that to the world. so if twitter is to serve as a town

square. — if twitter is to serve as a town square, people from all political persuasions... free speech is meaningless, unless you are now people _ meaningless, unless you are now people you — meaningless, unless you are now people you don't like to say things that you _ people you don't like to say things that you don't like. otherwise, it is irrelevant. if the platform should — is irrelevant. if the platform should lose free speech, it doesn't come _ should lose free speech, it doesn't come back — should lose free speech, it doesn't come back. | should lose free speech, it doesn't come back-— come back. i think the issue was that a lot of _ come back. i think the issue was that a lot of people _ come back. i think the issue was that a lot of people were - come back. i think the issue was| that a lot of people were brought back. some people brought back were previously banned for spreading things like queue and on conspiracies. you had people like andrew tate brought back who were previously banned for hate speech. do you think you prioritise freedom of speech over misinformation and hate speech? of speech over misinformation and hate speech?— hate speech? who is to say that something _ hate speech? who is to say that something is — hate speech? who is to say that something is misinformation? l hate speech? who is to say that i something is misinformation? who hate speech? who is to say that - something is misinformation? who is the arbiter— something is misinformation? who is the arbiter of that? is at the bbc? -- is _ the arbiter of that? is at the bbc? -- is it's— the arbiter of that? is at the bbc? -- is it's the — the arbiter of that? is at the bbc? —— is it's the bbc? the arbiter of that? is at the bbc? -- is it's the bbc?—

-- is it's the bbc? you are the arbiter on _ -- is it's the bbc? you are the arbiter on twitter, _ -- is it's the bbc? you are the arbiter on twitter, because - -- is it's the bbc? you are the | arbiter on twitter, because you -- is it's the bbc? you are the - arbiter on twitter, because you own twitter. ~ ., , ., arbiter on twitter, because you own twitter. ., , ., ., arbiter on twitter, because you own twitter. ., , ., , �*, twitter. who is to say that person's misinformation _ twitter. who is to say that person's misinformation is _ twitter. who is to say that person's misinformation is another- twitter. who is to say that person's misinformation is another person's| misinformation is another person's information. he was going to decide that? _ information. he was going to decide that? but— information. he was going to decide that? �* , ., information. he was going to decide that? ~ , ., that? but you accept that misinformation _ that? but you accept that misinformation can - that? but you accept that misinformation can be i that? but you accept that - misinformation can be dangerous that? but you accept that _ misinformation can be dangerous and cause harm? the misinformation can be dangerous and cause harm?— cause harm? the bbc has itself ublished cause harm? the bbc has itself published things _ cause harm? the bbc has itself published things that _ cause harm? the bbc has itself published things that are - cause harm? the bbc has itself published things that are at - cause harm? the bbc has itself. published things that are at times false _ published things that are at times false do — published things that are at times false. do you agree that that has occurred? — false. do you agree that that has occurred? |— false. do you agree that that has occurred? ., false. do you agree that that has occurred? . , ., occurred? i am quite sure that the bbc has said _ occurred? i am quite sure that the bbc has said things _ occurred? i am quite sure that the bbc has said things before - occurred? i am quite sure that the bbc has said things before that i occurred? i am quite sure that the i bbc has said things before that turn out to do not be true, in its 100 year history, i am quite sure. essen year history, i am quite sure. even if ou year history, i am quite sure. even if you aspire _ year history, i am quite sure. even if you aspire to _ year history, i am quite sure. even if you aspire to be _ year history, i am quite sure. even if you aspire to be accurate, i year history, i am quite sure. even if you aspire to be accurate, there are times — if you aspire to be accurate, there are times where you will not be. but ou acce -t are times where you will not be. you accept the are times where you will not be. emit you accept the beep there has to be a line in terms of hate speech? you are not looking at 100% unrestricted free speech? iii

are not looking at 10096 unrestricted free speech?— free speech? if the people in a civen free speech? if the people in a given country _ free speech? if the people in a given country are _ free speech? if the people in a given country are against i free speech? if the people in a given country are against a i free speech? if the people in a i given country are against a certain type of— given country are against a certain type of speech, they should speak to their elected representatives and pass a _ their elected representatives and pass a law to prevent it. you their elected representatives and pass a law to prevent it.- pass a law to prevent it. you can see that full _ pass a law to prevent it. you can see that full interview _ pass a law to prevent it. you can see that full interview online. i there is a huge line—up of police motorbikes outside the hotel where we are expecting biden. a little bit earlier, we saw a huge number of people waiting outside to get their photo opportunity of the us vice president, who is on a short visit to northern ireland today. he is going to be there forjust a few hours. he arrived last night,

landing in belfast on fs one —— air force one at around 930. he is heading up into his vehicle affected many known as the beta. they are due to meet around about now for brief talks. we will get some details on what was said between them very shortly. he will also meet with northern ireland's political leaders later on today, before giving a speech at ulster university also today. he will also meet with some students of that university today. we understand that they have been hand selected by the vice chancellor of ulster university. the guest list is tightly controlled by the white house and state department, as you would expect. we expect a mix of students, small businesses, entrepreneurs there. biden will meet some of the students, that he said he is very much looking forward to.

we don't know what will be in president biden's speech. but, we understand they could be some interest locally in the appointment of the new us special envoy to northern ireland, joe kennedy. he has ajoe northern ireland, joe kennedy. he has a joe biden on that trip. so, a short trip to northern ireland, before he heads over the border. we know he is extremely excited about that, because he will visit his ancestral home, going back some 150 years or so, with great—grandparents coming from ireland. he makes much about having those irish roots. so, certainly an exciting day for him and his family. one of his sons is also with him on that trip, as is his sister. we are waiting to hear some more about what he has said to the uk prime minister rishi sunak. my the uk prime minister rishi sunak. my colleague, lucy hopkins, is outside the university.- outside the university. good morning- —

outside the university. good morning- as _ outside the university. good morning. as a _ outside the university. good morning. as a member- outside the university. goodj morning. as a member were outside the university. (limp. morning. as a member were saying, outside the university. (limp. morning. as a memberwere saying, it morning. as a member were saying, it is a scaled—down visit here to northern ireland that president biden is involved in today. just one official event that is taking place behind me at ulster university, where president biden is due to address students in the next few hours. it is interesting listening to local radio this morning, how people are reflecting on that, whether this was some sort of snub by president biden that the triple so short, or perhaps, just a missed opportunity. others are saying that any visit by a president at any time cannot be measured injust any visit by a president at any time cannot be measured in just minutes, because it provides the kind of spotlights that countries all around the world dream up, and today, the spotlight is on northern ireland. —— that the world dream of. but it will be very interesting, because there is no power—sharing at stormont, that was a centrepiece of the good friday agreement. we will not see that magic moment of present biden on the steps with the leaders at stormont. he is only here before he

heads to the republic. so we're watching very closely to see the kind of language that president biden uses, anything that might come out of the speech. also, as a member were saying, what he says to rishi sunak, and what we hearfrom were saying, what he says to rishi sunak, and what we hear from that meeting, that we know is taking place at the moment, in a hotel not farfrom here. our uk political correspondent rob watson is with me now, rob, i hope it describes a local radio this morning is like a party without cake. i local radio this morning is like a party without cake.— party without cake. i think it is important. _ party without cake. i think it is important, and _ party without cake. i think it is important, and we _ party without cake. i think it is important, and we will - party without cake. i think it is important, and we will hear i party without cake. i think it is. important, and we will hear this party without cake. i think it is i important, and we will hear this i think— important, and we will hear this i think from — important, and we will hear this i think from the president, he will sum _ think from the president, he will sum up — think from the president, he will sum up his— think from the president, he will sum up his visit into words, celebration and encouragement. celebration, because, what we will hear from — celebration, because, what we will hear from him, celebration, because, what we will hearfrom him, ithink, is reminding everyone _ hearfrom him, ithink, is reminding everyone here and around the world, that it _ everyone here and around the world, that it is _ everyone here and around the world, that it is still— everyone here and around the world, that it is still pretty impressive that it is still pretty impressive that after 25 years, that the violence _ that after 25 years, that the violence is gone. as someone who is old enough _ violence is gone. as someone who is old enough to be reporting from here from long _ old enough to be reporting from here from long before the peace agreement, i think it is worth

stressing _ agreement, i think it is worth stressing that that is a big deal. but it— stressing that that is a big deal. but it is— stressing that that is a big deal. but it is a — stressing that that is a big deal. but it is a muted celebration, and i think— but it is a muted celebration, and i think that — but it is a muted celebration, and i think that is — but it is a muted celebration, and i think that is the part about the party— think that is the part about the party without the candles, that it is still— party without the candles, that it is still worth remembering that this is still worth remembering that this is still— is still worth remembering that this is still an— is still worth remembering that this is still an incredibly segregated part of— is still an incredibly segregated part of the world. i was travelling around _ part of the world. i was travelling around working—class neighbourhoods about _ around working—class neighbourhoods about us _ around working—class neighbourhoods about us this morning, two or three minutes— about us this morning, two or three minutes from here, which are still separated — minutes from here, which are still separated by peace walls. it is pretty— separated by peace walls. it is pretty extraordinary. and muted of course, _ pretty extraordinary. and muted of course, because power—sharing has broken _ course, because power—sharing has broken down, and that was one of the key parts _ broken down, and that was one of the key parts. we broken down, and that was one of the ke arts. ~ ~' ., broken down, and that was one of the ke arts. ~ ,, ., ., , key parts. we know that president biden will be _ key parts. we know that president biden will be meeting _ key parts. we know that president biden will be meeting with - key parts. we know that president biden will be meeting with the i biden will be meeting with the leaders of all parties. we don't know how brief that meeting could be, it could just be a and take a photo opportunity, so there is not much expectation around that, is there? i much expectation around that, is there? ~ , ., there? i think it is encouragement, but a bit more _ there? i think it is encouragement, but a bit more than _ there? i think it is encouragement, l but a bit more than encouragement, there? i think it is encouragement, i but a bit more than encouragement, i think you _ but a bit more than encouragement, i think you will be saying to the political— think you will be saying to the political leaders here, and across the population, quietly, gently, come _ the population, quietly, gently, come on. — the population, quietly, gently, come on, giving them encouragement. saying _ come on, giving them encouragement. saying that _ come on, giving them encouragement. saying that look, if you get back into power—sharing, that will help

into power—sharing, that will help in terms — into power—sharing, that will help in terms of— into power—sharing, that will help in terms of american support and investment, and of course, investment, and of course, investment and support from around the world _ investment and support from around the world. so he has not come here with that _ the world. so he has not come here with that sort of muscular diplomacy we sometimes saw from american politicians — we sometimes saw from american politicians like bill clinton, who really— politicians like bill clinton, who really had to bang heads together to -et really had to bang heads together to get an— really had to bang heads together to get an agreement. that is not there. we are _ get an agreement. that is not there. we are seeing some live pictures from the hotel where president biden is staying. rishi sunak is also in town. we often refer to these meetings as bilaterals, but to the words being used today, is bilatte, because we think it will be quite short, without the typical trimmings. i short, without the typical trimmings.— short, without the typical trimmings. short, without the typical trimminus. ~' �* , ., ,, trimmings. i think we'll be talking about what the _ trimmings. i think we'll be talking about what the best _ trimmings. i think we'll be talking about what the best way - trimmings. i think we'll be talking about what the best way is - trimmings. i think we'll be talking about what the best way is to i trimmings. i think we'll be talking about what the best way is to get| about what the best way is to get power—sharing back up and running. and i_ power—sharing back up and running. and i think— power—sharing back up and running. and i think will agree that the best way is _ and i think will agree that the best way is not — and i think will agree that the best way is not to shout at the dup, because — way is not to shout at the dup, because although many people would say, they— because although many people would say, they were the only major party here to _ say, they were the only major party here to support brexit, and now they don't _ here to support brexit, and now they don't like _ here to support brexit, and now they don't like that consequence are corrected. _ don't like that consequence are corrected, which they feel has made

this part _ corrected, which they feel has made this part of— corrected, which they feel has made this part of the world less british because — this part of the world less british because of the new trading group arrangements. but i think that both mr sue _ arrangements. but i think that both mr sue nack arrangements. but i think that both mr sue mack and mr biden will agree that this _ mr sue mack and mr biden will agree that this will take time, —— rishi sunak— that this will take time, —— rishi sunak and — that this will take time, —— rishi sunak and present biden. but i think that the _ sunak and present biden. but i think that the two agreements, one is continuing — that the two agreements, one is continuing direct rule from london, and the _ continuing direct rule from london, and the other and they will not like either _ and the other and they will not like either. it— and the other and they will not like either. ., , , either. it was interesting getting over perspectives _ either. it was interesting getting over perspectives from - either. it was interesting getting over perspectives from people. | either. it was interesting getting i over perspectives from people. many are disengaged not only with the anniversary of the good friday agreement, and britain are biden's visit. other people are more thrilled. that was reflected in the local papers. i thrilled. that was reflected in the local papers-— local papers. i have the papers here. a local papers. i have the papers here- a bit _ local papers. i have the papers here. a bit like _ local papers. i have the papers here. a bit like the _ local papers. i have the papers| here. a bit like the community, local papers. i have the papers i here. a bit like the community, the papers _ here. a bit like the community, the papers are — here. a bit like the community, the papers are split, depending on whether— papers are split, depending on whether you are unionist or nationalist. so the papers basically highlights the joe biden is coming in. highlights the joe biden is coming in this _ highlights the joe biden is coming in. this one has a quote from a loyalist, — in. this one has a quote from a

loyalist, unionist politicians saying — loyalist, unionist politicians saying that the president needs to remember to saying that the president needs to rememberto take saying that the president needs to remember to take account of the views— remember to take account of the views of— remember to take account of the views of unionist. if you go inside to the _ views of unionist. if you go inside to the newspapers, you get the same thing. _ to the newspapers, you get the same thing. that— to the newspapers, you get the same thing, that by and large, those politicians who want a united ireland — politicians who want a united ireland are very excited about the president— ireland are very excited about the president is coming. but the unionist _ president is coming. but the unionist politicians are far more sceptical, — unionist politicians are far more sceptical, because they think, don't those _ sceptical, because they think, don't those irish— sceptical, because they think, don't those irish rates mean that he is kind of— those irish rates mean that he is kind of bias, he wants a united ireland — kind of bias, he wants a united ireland -- _ kind of bias, he wants a united ireland. —— those irish roots. in ireland. -- those irish roots. in terms ireland. —— those irish roots. terms of ireland. —— those irish roots. in terms of security, walking ireland. —— those irish roots. ii�*u terms of security, walking around last night, it was security to see, not just the local security, last night, it was security to see, notjust the local security, but last night, it was security to see, not just the local security, but the secret service. in a way, it is like you have been transported into an american movie when you see the secret service. there are lots of them here. in secret service. there are lots of them here-— secret service. there are lots of them here. . , ., them here. in a funny sort of way, i was thinking. _ them here. in a funny sort of way, i was thinking, what _ them here. in a funny sort of way, i was thinking, what is _ them here. in a funny sort of way, i was thinking, what is this _ them here. in a funny sort of way, i was thinking, what is this reminded j was thinking, what is this reminded me of? _ was thinking, what is this reminded me of? and — was thinking, what is this reminded me of? and it was pre—1998. all that security— me of? and it was pre—1998. all that security in— me of? and it was pre—1998. all that security in the centre of belfast, because — security in the centre of belfast, because you do have to remind yourself — because you do have to remind yourself that the security here at the moment is temporary. in the old

days, _ the moment is temporary. in the old days, when— the moment is temporary. in the old days, when you came into this part of the _ days, when you came into this part of the city, — days, when you came into this part of the city, you had to come through checkpoints — of the city, you had to come through checkpoints to make sure that you won't _ checkpoints to make sure that you won't carrying a bomb. gn checkpoints to make sure that you won't carrying a bomb.— won't carrying a bomb. on that, i don't know— won't carrying a bomb. on that, i don't know the _ won't carrying a bomb. on that, i don't know the password - won't carrying a bomb. on that, i don't know the password for- won't carrying a bomb. on that, i don't know the password for your phone, here it is, i know you had a statement from the police, because there were some concerns this morning. there were some concerns this morninu. �* there were some concerns this morninu. . ., , there were some concerns this morninu. . .,, ., ., there were some concerns this morninu. . ., ., ., ., morning. and it was from one of our colleagues. — morning. and it was from one of our colleagues, saying _ morning. and it was from one of our colleagues, saying that _ morning. and it was from one of our colleagues, saying that the - morning. and it was from one of our colleagues, saying that the police i colleagues, saying that the police were investigating whether there had been a _ were investigating whether there had been a security breach around the operation — been a security breach around the operation for president biden's visit~ _ operation for president biden's visit a — operation for president biden's visit. a member of the public stated that he _ visit. a member of the public stated that he found what the police service — that he found what the police service of northern ireland is believed _ service of northern ireland is believed to be a copy of the operational detail, and operational order— operational detail, and operational order containing details of the visit _ order containing details of the visit in — order containing details of the visit in belfast city centre. and policing — visit in belfast city centre. and policing are still a sensitive issue. _ policing are still a sensitive issue, and you are thinking that you really— issue, and you are thinking that you really don't — issue, and you are thinking that you really don't want the whereabouts of the names— really don't want the whereabouts of the names of police getting into the hands _ the names of police getting into the hands of— the names of police getting into the hands of members of the public. because — hands of members of the public. because there are still some paramilitaries who think that police are a _ paramilitaries who think that police are a fair— paramilitaries who think that police are a fairtarget. paramilitaries who think that police are a fair target. so pretty extraordinary. but, you detect that

people _ extraordinary. but, you detect that people aren't that panicked about it so far _ people aren't that panicked about it so far but, — people aren't that panicked about it so far. but, at this point itjust looks— so far. but, at this point itjust looks embarrassing, more than anything — looks embarrassing, more than anything else. i looks embarrassing, more than anything else-— looks embarrassing, more than an hinaelse. ~' ., ., ., anything else. i know that you have been speaking _ anything else. i know that you have been speaking to _ anything else. i know that you have been speaking to a _ anything else. i know that you have been speaking to a lot _ anything else. i know that you have been speaking to a lot of _ anything else. i know that you have been speaking to a lot of people i been speaking to a lot of people aboutjust been speaking to a lot of people about just what the good friday agreement means 25 years on. can you give us an idea of a range of opinions, across the generations. it is. it opinions, across the generations. it is. , , ., , ., opinions, across the generations. it is. it is interesting that you say across the _ is. it is interesting that you say across the generations, - is. it is interesting that you say across the generations, let's i is. it is interesting that you say i across the generations, let's take the people that remember what life was like _ the people that remember what life was like before. they are universally relieved that things have _ universally relieved that things have moved on. you get people reminding — have moved on. you get people reminding you about how it affected ordinary— reminding you about how it affected ordinary people. people getting knee cap. ordinary people. people getting knee cap the _ ordinary people. people getting knee cap. the idea that you might wake up every— cap. the idea that you might wake up every morning expecting a call from the police — every morning expecting a call from the police. so there is a universal relief— the police. so there is a universal relief among those who are over 25. under— relief among those who are over 25. under 25, _ relief among those who are over 25. under 25, they take it rather all for granted that there isn't that violence — for granted that there isn't that violence. but here is the thing, all people _ violence. but here is the thing, all people and — violence. but here is the thing, all people and young people will tell you this — people and young people will tell you this alike. this is still a very segregated site city. —— this is a

segregated site city. —— this is a segregated society. we spent some time speaking to young people yesterday. i asked time speaking to young people yesterday. iasked has time speaking to young people yesterday. i asked has northern ireland — yesterday. i asked has northern ireland moved on from the good friday— ireland moved on from the good friday agreement? they said this is still a _ friday agreement? they said this is still a very— friday agreement? they said this is still a very segregated place. interestingly, it was based very much _ interestingly, it was based very much on — interestingly, it was based very much on class. so working class people — much on class. so working class people looking at those bezoars, they say— people looking at those bezoars, they say there is still that violence, and hatred passed on from parents _ violence, and hatred passed on from parents to— violence, and hatred passed on from parents to children. the more middle—class people we spoke to, said of— middle—class people we spoke to, said of course there are still problems, but this is a post—conflict society. this is heading _ post—conflict society. this is heading in the right direction and we have — heading in the right direction and we have to be hopeful. so heading in the right direction and we have to be hopeful.— heading in the right direction and we have to be hopeful. so we are exectin: we have to be hopeful. so we are expecting biden _ we have to be hopeful. so we are expecting biden to _ we have to be hopeful. so we are expecting biden to speak- we have to be hopeful. so we are expecting biden to speak to i we have to be hopeful. so we are| expecting biden to speak to some young people who have been carefully vetted inside the building. we are expecting them to touch on many things, the celebration of the good friday agreement, and the future investment here in northern ireland. that is also crucial. i think we can now cross to inside the venue, and i can speak to nicole parkinson kelly, who i actually managed to speak to

yesterday about her reflections on 25 years since the good friday agreement. nicole, can you describe the atmosphere to as? i am agreement. nicole, can you describe the atmosphere to as?— the atmosphere to as? i am actually in the building. _ the atmosphere to as? i am actually in the building. this _ the atmosphere to as? i am actually in the building. this is _ the atmosphere to as? i am actually in the building. this is the _ the atmosphere to as? i am actually in the building. this is the best i in the building. this is the best place _ in the building. this is the best place for— in the building. this is the best place for wi—fi. but it has been fantastic— place for wi—fi. but it has been fantastic seeing everybody come through— fantastic seeing everybody come through here. there have been so many— through here. there have been so many young people here from business backgrounds, and other backgrounds, it is amazing to see so many community leaders at the start of their— community leaders at the start of their career. we community leaders at the start of their career-— their career. we are 'ust lightly interruptingfi their career. we are 'ust lightly interrupting you i their career. we are 'ust lightly interrupting you to i their career. we are just lightly interrupting you to bring i their career. we are just lightly interrupting you to bring you i their career. we are just lightly l interrupting you to bring you the very latest pictures. this is not live, but it is of the meeting of rishi sunak and joe biden, just a short time ago. the morning sunlight streaming in, we don't have the rain and the wind of yesterday. but, no words being spoken between them that i can see. just lots of smiles and the lactase.

i can see. just lots of smiles and the lactase— the lactase. they 'ust look extremeryh the lactase. theyjust look extremely relieved - the lactase. theyjust look extremely relieved that i the lactase. theyjust look| extremely relieved that the the lactase. theyjust look- extremely relieved that the rain has stopped _ extremely relieved that the rain has stopped -- — extremely relieved that the rain has stopped. —— and the lattes. so extremely relieved that the rain has stopped. -- and the lattes.- stopped. -- and the lattes. so we are waiting _ stopped. -- and the lattes. so we are waiting to _ stopped. -- and the lattes. so we are waiting to hear— stopped. -- and the lattes. so we are waiting to hear about - stopped. -- and the lattes. so we are waiting to hear about what i stopped. -- and the lattes. so we| are waiting to hear about what was spoken about there. i've heard some people are wondering whether they will touch on trade. there were lots of issues between the us and uk at the moment. everybody thinks that a us trade deal is a long way off. but is it fair to say that the relationship between downing street and the white house is better now with rishi sunak at the helm? it would be untimely to say that. i think— would be untimely to say that. i think that — would be untimely to say that. i think that you still have a united states. — think that you still have a united states, like a lot of britain's allies. — states, like a lot of britain's allies, this continues to think that brexit— allies, this continues to think that brexit was— allies, this continues to think that brexit was crazy. the american foreign — brexit was crazy. the american foreign policy establishment, including the president still take that view. there is no doubt that relations— that view. there is no doubt that relations between presidents biden and american officials are more generally, — and american officials are more generally, since rishi sunak became

prime _ generally, since rishi sunak became prime minister, were much more awkward — prime minister, were much more awkward is— prime minister, were much more awkward is under borisjohnson. things— awkward is under borisjohnson. things are — awkward is under borisjohnson. things are measurably smoother. the americans— things are measurably smoother. the americans are delighted of the approval— americans are delighted of the approval of the deal with the european union to modify the post—brexit trading arrangements here~ _ post-brexit trading arrangements here. �* , post-brexit trading arrangements here. 3 , post-brexit trading arrangements here. �*, , ,, post-brexit trading arrangements here. ,, , here. let's bring in nicole. she is the vice chancellor— here. let's bring in nicole. she is the vice chancellor of _ here. let's bring in nicole. she is the vice chancellor of the - here. let's bring in nicole. she is i the vice chancellor of the northern ireland youth forum. one of the lucky ones, who gets to listen to president biden. return to what you were telling me, which was about the atmosphere inside.— atmosphere inside. absolutely fantastic. i _ atmosphere inside. absolutely fantastic. i walked _ atmosphere inside. absolutely fantastic. i walked in - atmosphere inside. absolutely fantastic. i walked in from i atmosphere inside. absolutely fantastic. i walked in from the | atmosphere inside. absolutely i fantastic. i walked in from the bus station _ fantastic. i walked in from the bus station this — fantastic. i walked in from the bus station this morning with the sun is shining _ station this morning with the sun is shining. there is definitely a buzz around _ shining. there is definitely a buzz around here, before you get to the campus _ around here, before you get to the campus it — around here, before you get to the campus. it was interesting to hear what _ campus. it was interesting to hear what rob— campus. it was interesting to hear what rob was saying about security, and how _ what rob was saying about security, and how he — what rob was saying about security, and how he has not seen something like that— and how he has not seen something like that since pre—the peace agreement. i have never seen this before, _ agreement. i have never seen this before, and — agreement. i have never seen this before, and it gives a positive context — before, and it gives a positive context it _ before, and it gives a positive context. it is definitely good energy— context. it is definitely good energy today. context. it is definitely good energy today-— context. it is definitely good energy today. context. it is definitely good ener: toda . . ., ., ~' context. it is definitely good ener: toda. ., ., ,, ., energy today. what would you like to see from president _ energy today. what would you like to see from president biden? _

energy today. what would you like to see from president biden? i - energy today. what would you like to see from president biden? i would i see from president biden? i would reall like see from president biden? i would really like to _ see from president biden? i would really like to see _ see from president biden? i would really like to see him _ see from president biden? i would really like to see him talk - see from president biden? i would really like to see him talk about i really like to see him talk about the future — really like to see him talk about the future at this stage. i know that we — the future at this stage. i know that we are very much dwelling on the past, — that we are very much dwelling on the past, when talking about the success — the past, when talking about the success of— the past, when talking about the success of peace, and maybe some of those _ success of peace, and maybe some of those areas _ success of peace, and maybe some of those areas for improvement going forward _ those areas for improvement going forward. but i'd really like to hear about _ forward. but i'd really like to hear about that — forward. but i'd really like to hear about that today, and i think that young _ about that today, and i think that young people would appreciate that. even in _ young people would appreciate that. even in terms of the young talents here, _ even in terms of the young talents here, i_ even in terms of the young talents here, i would love to him talk about investment— here, i would love to him talk about investment in young talent here, and encouraging young people to start businesses. it would be really good to hear— businesses. it would be really good to hear what he has in mind to help advance _ to hear what he has in mind to help advance our— to hear what he has in mind to help advance our economy, moving forward. more specifically on that, nicole, because some people are also saying that he could use the prospect of investment as a carrot to political leaders, to the unionists, to get back to power sharing. specifically, what would you like the us to offer? specifically, we have a lot of

amazing _ specifically, we have a lot of amazing organisations represented here today. i suppose, if they will invest _ here today. i suppose, if they will invest anywhere, it is in those youth — invest anywhere, it is in those youth led _ invest anywhere, it is in those youth led organisations, our career journeys— youth led organisations, our career journeys and leadership journeys. youth led organisations, our career journeys and leadershipjourneys. i think— journeys and leadershipjourneys. i think that — journeys and leadershipjourneys. i think that is really, really important, and opening the doors for exchanges _ important, and opening the doors for exchanges are crossed young people here _ exchanges are crossed young people here. inspiring and motivating them going _ here. inspiring and motivating them going into _ here. inspiring and motivating them going into the career perhaps moving forward _ going into the career perhaps moving forward i_ going into the career perhaps moving forward. i really hope that he comes in with— forward. i really hope that he comes in with a _ forward. i really hope that he comes in with a spirit of talking about what _ in with a spirit of talking about what the — in with a spirit of talking about what the future has to hold, and how we can _ what the future has to hold, and how we can encourage young people and support— we can encourage young people and support them, as part of the political— support them, as part of the political process, and bills that engagement. so that we have young people _ engagement. so that we have young people at— engagement. so that we have young people at the table, making decisions with the leaders that are involved _ decisions with the leaders that are involved in— decisions with the leaders that are involved in politics.— involved in politics. nicole, president _ involved in politics. nicole, president biden _ involved in politics. nicole, president biden has - involved in politics. nicole, | president biden has spoken involved in politics. nicole, i president biden has spoken a lot involved in politics. nicole, - president biden has spoken a lot for many many years, about his love of ireland, and his family roots here as well, because he is heading to the republic later. do you feel like some people do, that that means he can't be an honest broker in any

kind of process? i can't be an honest broker in any kind of process?— can't be an honest broker in any kind of process? i didn't realise it was such a _ kind of process? i didn't realise it was such a short _ kind of process? i didn't realise it was such a short visit. _ kind of process? i didn't realise it was such a short visit. it - kind of process? i didn't realise it was such a short visit. it was i was such a short visit. it was definitely— was such a short visit. it was definitely a short visit to belfast, compared — definitely a short visit to belfast, compared to those that he is having down _ compared to those that he is having down south, i don't think that necessarily has to have an impact on the conversation they have today. i do recognise he has the family to visit, _ do recognise he has the family to visit, and — do recognise he has the family to visit, and routes to explore, and that is— visit, and routes to explore, and that is exciting. but at the same time, _ that is exciting. but at the same time, i— that is exciting. but at the same time, i really hope that when he broaches— time, i really hope that when he broaches conversations were political _ broaches conversations were political parties today, he comes forward — political parties today, he comes forward with a inclusive and motivational message. because we need our— motivational message. because we need our government back up and running _ need our government back up and running. we need for our future. and we need _ running. we need for our future. and we need to— running. we need for our future. and we need to see that new strategy actually _ we need to see that new strategy actually being enacted. so, i hope he uses _ actually being enacted. so, i hope he uses the right language to encourage people back in, but at the same _ encourage people back in, but at the same time, — encourage people back in, but at the same time, a bit of tough love would be appreciated as well. do same time, a bit of tough love would be appreciated as well.— be appreciated as well. do you know some unionists _ be appreciated as well. do you know some unionists who _ be appreciated as well. do you know some unionists who are _ be appreciated as well. do you know some unionists who are not - be appreciated as well. do you know some unionists who are not happy i some unionists who are not happy about his trip here? i some unionists who are not happy about his trip here?— about his trip here? i don't know any personally. _ about his trip here? i don't know any personally. i _ about his trip here? i don't know any personally, i know— about his trip here? i don't know any personally, i know that i about his trip here? i don't know any personally, i know that we i about his trip here? i don't know| any personally, i know that we all had reservations in terms of how

short_ had reservations in terms of how short the — had reservations in terms of how short the triple b. it would be going — short the triple b. it would be going to — short the triple b. it would be going to be stuck around a little bit longer, and had the opportunity to visit_ bit longer, and had the opportunity to visit organisations and charities, to see what work we are doing _ charities, to see what work we are doing in_ charities, to see what work we are doing in terms of peace building. but, _ doing in terms of peace building. but, unfortunately, there is no time for that, _ but, unfortunately, there is no time forthat, due — but, unfortunately, there is no time for that, due to the short nature of the trip, _ for that, due to the short nature of the trip, so — for that, due to the short nature of the trip, so i — for that, due to the short nature of the trip, so i think that is something that could be considered, --oin something that could be considered, going forward. can something that could be considered, going forward-— going forward. can you explain to --eole, going forward. can you explain to people. what _ going forward. can you explain to people. what it — going forward. can you explain to people, what it actually - going forward. can you explain to people, what it actually means i going forward. can you explain to l people, what it actually means that there isn't power—sharing at stormont? when we spoke yesterday, we talked a lot about the everyday issues that concern your family and friends, and that is the same issues that people are worried about everywhere. health, education, the cost of living, and i know you are particularly concerned about young people and their mental health as well. by not having those parties and leaders sitting at stormont, how does that affect things? it is frustrating. our voices are collected from young people on the

top issues they want to focus on and it wasn't the issues of political and brexit that came up, it was mental health and education and making it more accessible and inclusive, climate change and sustainability and infrastructure and advancing when we can speak. something that came from that as you would like to see a minister for youth and working for young people, a bill of rights for young people and rights —based education. there is so much to work on, it isn't developed at this stage so it is really frustrating for a younger generation who are so passionate about these different areas and especially mental health, services are on their knees with the man from the older generation growing up with the older generation growing up with the troubles and younger generations with try never mind the actual

mental illness that already exists in society anyway so