this is bbc news. our made headlines. in the past hour, the first british evacuation flight has left sudan. the uk prime minister said there will be many more flights of evacuating british nationals from sudan into tomorrow. it comes out sudan's warring factions continue a 72 hour cease—fire. joe biden confirms he will stand for a second term as us president, setting up a potential rematch with donald trump. # 0h, island in the sun... the legendary _ # 0h, island in the sun... the legendary singer— # 0h, island in the sun... the legendary singerand # 0h, island in the sun... the

legendary singer and campaigner harry belafonte died at the age of 96. the un secretary—general sent their condolences to his families and friends. welcome back to our programme. we've been learning details of that british evacuation effort with the flights leaving cyprus and that centre being opened in the airfield to the north of the capital. we've heard from the prime minister's also is —— office that many more flights evacuating british nationals from the conflict torn country into tomorrow. we don't know any numbers in terms of people out, but we've seen pictures from the

military personnel leaving cyprus. let's bring in our political correspondent, jonathan blake. the prime minister's office just giving us a few more details. that mission is clearly up and running. confirmation in the last few minutes that what appears to be a large—scale operation by the british government to evacuate british citizens from act iii is now under way, and downing street confirming it has left. —— citizens from khartoum. we can expect more flights overnight. downing street hasn't given any details in terms of how many people will be on that first

flight. as you say, confirmation that that operation to evacuate large numbers of british citizens, some 2000 or so, is now under way. jonathan, only a short while ago, we had one british family here talking about their grandparents trapped very close to the british embassy in khartoum, pleading the british government to reconsider, rethink this policy decision. is there any chance of a rethink on that. it doesn't seem like there was any means or intention of assisting people to travel from wherever they

were saying. unlike the situation in afghanistan, there just isn't any british military presence to enable the assistance of people to travel amid fighting, albeit with a fragile cease—fire. we heard from the defence secretary that 120 military personnel are assisting with the logistics of that operation, and raf flying now but it seems this will continue for some time. there is also the option of port sudan, some 500 miles away from khartoum, described as far more

benign conditions as a possible other means by which british people, british nationals could be evacuated later on. , ., . ., �* ., ~ british nationals could be evacuated later on. , ., ., ., �* .,~ ., british nationals could be evacuated lateron. ., ., ., ., later on. jonathan blake, thanks for brinuain us later on. jonathan blake, thanks for bringing us up-to-date _ later on. jonathan blake, thanks for bringing us up-to-date with - later on. jonathan blake, thanks for bringing us up-to-date with the - bringing us up—to—date with the analysis of those latest lines from number ten. and herfirst and her first appearance at holyrood since her husband, she made a brief statement and took questions from the media. let's have a listen to what she told reporters. fair the media. let's have a listen to what she told reporters.- the media. let's have a listen to what she told reporters. fair to say this is not the _ what she told reporters. fair to say this is not the easiest _ what she told reporters. fair to say this is not the easiest time, - what she told reporters. fair to say this is not the easiest time, and i this is not the easiest time, and i'm not— this is not the easiest time, and i'm not saying that for sympathy.

you probably know that, i've been enjoying _ you probably know that, i've been enjoying working from home, but always _ enjoying working from home, but always representing my constituents. i understand the process is under way, _ i understand the process is under way, but — i understand the process is under way, but one of the frustrating aspects — way, but one of the frustrating aspects is _ way, but one of the frustrating aspects is it's not able to give my version _ aspects is it's not able to give my version ofm _ aspects is it's not able to give my version of... hopefully the time will come — version of... hopefully the time will come when i can do that, so i appreciate — will come when i can do that, so i appreciate the concern and the frustration, but that is the nature of the _ frustration, but that is the nature of the process under way.- of the process under way. nicola sturueon of the process under way. nicola sturgeon talking _ of the process under way. nicola sturgeon talking there _ of the process under way. nicola sturgeon talking there at - of the process under way. nicola i sturgeon talking there at holyrood. first, comments there from the media, and of course in the last few days, we've also have the arrest of the former treasurer colin beatty. we will keep an eye on that story and bring you the latest as it comes.

low—income households are now starting to receive the latest cost of living payment from the government to tackle ongoing high bills. 8 million claimants, including people on universal credit should receive the £301 between now and the 17th of may. further, almost identical payments will come in the autumn and next spring, albeit trans transferred automatically. let's get more from kevin pg. view that the grocery shop or their gas and electricity bills. to help soften the blows, the uk government is offering and giving these payments, which we've seen before. last year, they were hundred £50 in two instalments, and now we're seeing the start of three new instalments for eight 8 million

people on means tested biz benefits. -- £150. people on means tested biz benefits. —— £150. those will come in three instalments starting from now in the 17th of may. don't panic, it will be coming. the third will be next spring and the second in the autumn. £301 this time, and then 299 and then 300 for the next two. now, who will get it and how is it paid? well, let's start with how it's paid. it's going to be directly into people's bank accounts, used to pay their benefits. so, that's really important to say that it is automatic and it will be with a reference which follows their insurance number. the fact they're

going directly means unfortunately, fraudsters will try to take advantage of this, but if someone tries to get in contact and says "we need your bank details to transfer this payment," that clearly is a scam. who is eligible? 8 million people. it's people who qualify who are already in receipt of certain benefits. 0ne are already in receipt of certain benefits. one of universal credit, seekers allowance, income related and support allowance. it's all there on the website, and they would've needed to have had those benefits paid between late january and late february. those benefits are a gateway to the cost of living payment. clearly, bills are going up at the moment. hopefully going down at the moment. hopefully going down

a bit. 0riginally, these payments were intended to try and help people with their gas and electricity bills which of course still remain high, but many may choose to use it for the grocery bill because food prices rising at their fastest rate for 45 years. we're here to help you too... sorry to break away from that, but the african minister andrew mitchell is taking questions from foreign affairs select committees. yesterday successfully. — affairs select committees. yesterday successfully, and _ affairs select committees. yesterday successfully, and we _ affairs select committees. yesterday successfully, and we are _ affairs select committees. yesterday successfully, and we are asking - successfully, and we are asking people to do the same. thanks. an nhs cardiologist _ people to do the same. thanks. an nhs cardiologist have _ people to do the same. thanks. an nhs cardiologist have told - people to do the same. thanks. an nhs cardiologist have told the - people to do the same. thanks. an i nhs cardiologist have told the times that he _ nhs cardiologist have told the times that he try— nhs cardiologist have told the times that he try to get in touch with the foreign— that he try to get in touch with the foreign office and others were greeted — foreign office and others were greeted by silence. the british staff— greeted by silence. the british staff of— greeted by silence. the british staff of the khartoum emergent

school — staff of the khartoum emergent school said they were directed to a website _ school said they were directed to a website informs that they have done everything _ website informs that they have done everything the government asked. not once did _ everything the government asked. not once did they get a personalised e-mait — once did they get a personalised e—mail. the only thing you get is a link to the — e—mail. the only thing you get is a link to the website that is travel advice — link to the website that is travel advice. allison letterman, a finnish national— advice. allison letterman, a finnish national hit — advice. allison letterman, a finnish national hit bible in the foot, said she has— national hit bible in the foot, said she has been in touch with the finnish — she has been in touch with the finnish embassy and been ignored —— hit by— finnish embassy and been ignored —— hit by a _ finnish embassy and been ignored —— hit by a bullet. many of these people — hit by a bullet. many of these people turn to the french. do you think that — people turn to the french. do you think that the french are doing a better— think that the french are doing a betterioh — think that the french are doing a betterjob at evacuating their citizens — betterjob at evacuating their citizens than the uk? no, betterjob at evacuating their citizens than the uk?- betterjob at evacuating their citizens than the uk? no, i don't. i think everyone _ citizens than the uk? no, i don't. i think everyone is _ citizens than the uk? no, i don't. i think everyone is going _ citizens than the uk? no, i don't. i think everyone is going about - citizens than the uk? no, i don't. i think everyone is going about this. think everyone is going about this and at different way. we have much larger numbers of citizens to take out. i have enormous sympathy with the difficulties that those british

citizens are facing, but if they contact the foreign office, travel advice is extremely important because it does change and it changed yesterday and it changed again today. keeping in touch with the travel advice is not insignificant, but we have tried for anyone who is registered with the foreign office, should receive and has received a message at least once a day. the problem is that the atmospherics in khartoum hinder that sort of communication. yesterday, there was only 82% internet. in principle, that has been what we have tried to achieve. i spent some time on recent days in the crisis centre and i saw what staff are doing so well, both in speaking to

and comforting those who are in a state of great anxiety. i completely understand that. so, the system is working, but it is spasmodic, as you described. , , working, but it is spasmodic, as you described. , . , , , , described. presumably, because we have more. — described. presumably, because we have more. we _ described. presumably, because we have more, we are _ described. presumably, because we have more, we are surging - described. presumably, because we have more, we are surging and - described. presumably, because we | have more, we are surging and more evacuation _ have more, we are surging and more evacuation capacity than other countries _ evacuation capacity than other countries like france. do you think by tomorrow, we will have evacuated more _ by tomorrow, we will have evacuated more of _ by tomorrow, we will have evacuated more of our — by tomorrow, we will have evacuated more of our citizens then say the french? — more of our citizens then say the french? |— more of our citizens then say the french? ., �* ., ., ., french? i don't want to get into numbers because _ french? i don't want to get into numbers because i _ french? i don't want to get into numbers because i could - french? i don't want to get into numbers because i could not i french? i don't want to get into j numbers because i could not do so with confidence, but what i can say is that we are, as we have been for the last week, extremely focused on every single conceivable way of extracting our citizens, every single type of help that we can give them. we are exploring other options as well at the moment, but for the moment, we are evacuating people from the north of khartoum. that operation so far is going well. what

operation so far is going well. what documents are _ operation so far is going well. what documents are being _ operation so far is going well. what documents are being accepted by means— documents are being accepted by means of— documents are being accepted by means of identity at the airport? for most— means of identity at the airport? for most of the people who are coming out there, ideally, they have already been precleared because they told us about the documents and we've been able to, and waved through by the officials, but we are expecting them to have a british passport. so far, i'm not aware of any problems. if passport. so far, i'm not aware of any problems-— passport. so far, i'm not aware of any problems. if families come with defendants who _ any problems. if families come with defendants who are _ any problems. if families come with defendants who are not _ any problems. if families come with defendants who are not british - defendants who are not british nationals or citizens, are they being — nationals or citizens, are they being accepted?— being accepted? there's a categorisation _ being accepted? there's a categorisation of - being accepted? there's a categorisation of different | categorisation of different groupings. they are the families with children... we groupings. they are the families with children. . ._ groupings. they are the families with children... we come up away briefl . with children... we come up away briefly- he — with children... we come up away briefly. he was _ with children... we come up away briefly. he was asked _ with children... we come up away briefly. he was asked the - with children... we come up away| briefly. he was asked the question if he thought the french are doing a betterjob and he said no, we have a much larger number. he was talking

about communications difficulties. but we've also been hearing comments from rishi sunak, talking about the airlift. let's listen in.— airlift. let's listen in. sense of violence in _ airlift. let's listen in. sense of violence in sudan, _ airlift. let's listen in. sense of violence in sudan, we've - airlift. let's listen in. sense of violence in sudan, we've been| violence in sudan, we've been working — violence in sudan, we've been working very _ violence in sudan, we've been working very hard _ violence in sudan, we've been working very hard to - violence in sudan, we've been working very hard to ensure . violence in sudan, we've been. working very hard to ensure the safety _ working very hard to ensure the safety of — working very hard to ensure the safety of both _ working very hard to ensure the safety of both of— working very hard to ensure the safety of both of our— working very hard to ensure the safety of both of our diplomatsl working very hard to ensure the . safety of both of our diplomats and british _ safety of both of our diplomats and british nationals. _ safety of both of our diplomats and british nationals. we _ safety of both of our diplomats and british nationals. we were - safety of both of our diplomats and british nationals. we were able - safety of both of our diplomats and british nationals. we were able to. british nationals. we were able to safely— british nationals. we were able to safely evacuate _ british nationals. we were able to safely evacuate our _ british nationals. we were able to safely evacuate our diplomats - british nationals. we were able toj safely evacuate our diplomats and their families _ safely evacuate our diplomats and theirfamilies and _ safely evacuate our diplomats and their families and we _ safely evacuate our diplomats and their families and we now- safely evacuate our diplomats and their families and we now have i safely evacuate our diplomats and their families and we now have anj their families and we now have an operation — their families and we now have an operation under _ their families and we now have an operation under way— their families and we now have an operation under way to _ their families and we now have an operation under way to evacuate i operation under way to evacuate british— operation under way to evacuate british nationals. _ operation under way to evacuate british nationals. the _ operation under way to evacuate british nationals. the first - operation under way to evacuate british nationals. the first light. british nationals. the first light has already— british nationals. the first light has already left. _ british nationals. the first light has already left. there - british nationals. the first light has already left. there will- british nationals. the first light has already left. there will be. british nationals. the first light - has already left. there will be more this evening — has already left. there will be more this evening and _ has already left. there will be more this evening and into— has already left. there will be more this evening and into tomorrow. - has already left. there will be more this evening and into tomorrow. all| this evening and into tomorrow. all of that— this evening and into tomorrow. all of that is— this evening and into tomorrow. all of that is only — this evening and into tomorrow. all of that is only possible _ this evening and into tomorrow. all of that is only possible because - this evening and into tomorrow. all of that is only possible because of. of that is only possible because of the hard work— of that is only possible because of the hard work of _ of that is only possible because of the hard work of lots _ of that is only possible because of the hard work of lots of _ of that is only possible because of the hard work of lots of people . the hard work of lots of people behind — the hard work of lots of people behind me _ the hard work of lots of people behind me in— the hard work of lots of people behind me in the _ the hard work of lots of people behind me in the centre - the hard work of lots of people - behind me in the centre in london. also, _ behind me in the centre in london. also, our— behind me in the centre in london. also, ourteams, _ behind me in the centre in london. also, ourteams, armed _ behind me in the centre in london. also, our teams, armed forces- behind me in the centre in london. | also, our teams, armed forces and others _ also, our teams, armed forces and others on _ also, our teams, armed forces and others on the — also, our teams, armed forces and others on the ground. _ also, our teams, armed forces and others on the ground. i'm _ also, our teams, armed forces and others on the ground. i'm very- others on the ground. i'm very grateful— others on the ground. i'm very grateful for _ others on the ground. i'm very grateful for all _ others on the ground. i'm very grateful for all of— others on the ground. i'm very grateful for all of them - others on the ground. i'm very grateful for all of them to - others on the ground. i'm veryl grateful for all of them to make this possible _ grateful for all of them to make this possible.— grateful for all of them to make this possible. people are clearly workin:

this possible. people are clearly working round-the-clock - this possible. people are clearly working round-the-clock trying | this possible. people are clearly i working round-the-clock trying to working round—the—clock trying to offer _ working round—the—clock trying to offer assistance. why is it that many— offer assistance. why is it that many people we speak to in khartoum say the _ many people we speak to in khartoum say the foreign office isn't helping them, _ say the foreign office isn't helping them, are — say the foreign office isn't helping them, are failing them even? i�*m them, are failing them even? i'm leased them, are failing them even? i'm pleased that we were one of the first countries to _ pleased that we were one of the first countries to safely - pleased that we were one of the | first countries to safely evacuate our diplomats _ first countries to safely evacuate our diplomats and _ first countries to safely evacuate our diplomats and their - first countries to safely evacuate | our diplomats and their families. first countries to safely evacuate . our diplomats and their families. it was right— our diplomats and their families. it was right that _ our diplomats and their families. it was right that we _ our diplomats and their families. it was right that we prioritise - our diplomats and their families. it was right that we prioritise them i was right that we prioritise them because — was right that we prioritise them because they _ was right that we prioritise them because they were _ was right that we prioritise them because they were being - was right that we prioritise them i because they were being physically targeted _ because they were being physically targeted we — because they were being physically targeted. we want _ because they were being physically targeted. we want to _ because they were being physically targeted. we want to make - because they were being physically targeted. we want to make sure i because they were being physicallyl targeted. we want to make sure we can put— targeted. we want to make sure we can put in_ targeted. we want to make sure we can put in place _ targeted. we want to make sure we can put in place processes - targeted. we want to make sure we can put in place processes that- targeted. we want to make sure we can put in place processes that willl can put in place processes that will work for— can put in place processes that will work for people. _ can put in place processes that will work for people, and _ can put in place processes that will work for people, and we _ can put in place processes that will work for people, and we now - can put in place processes that will work for people, and we now havel work for people, and we now have over 100 _ work for people, and we now have over 100 people _ work for people, and we now have over 100 people on— work for people, and we now have over 100 people on the _ work for people, and we now have over 100 people on the ground - work for people, and we now have over 100 people on the ground inl over 100 people on the ground in sudan _ over 100 people on the ground in sudan the — over 100 people on the ground in sudan. the first _ over 100 people on the ground in sudan. the first flight _ over 100 people on the ground in sudan. the first flight has - over 100 people on the ground in| sudan. the first flight has already left the _ sudan. the first flight has already left the british — sudan. the first flight has already left the british nationals. - sudan. the first flight has already left the british nationals. we - sudan. the first flight has already left the british nationals. we willl left the british nationals. we will have many— left the british nationals. we will have many more _ left the british nationals. we will have many more into _ left the british nationals. we will have many more into tomorrow, | left the british nationals. we will- have many more into tomorrow, and that is— have many more into tomorrow, and that is down— have many more into tomorrow, and that is down to — have many more into tomorrow, and that is down to the _ have many more into tomorrow, and that is down to the hard _ have many more into tomorrow, and that is down to the hard work - that is down to the hard work of lots of— that is down to the hard work of lots of people _ that is down to the hard work of lots of people and _ that is down to the hard work of lots of people and we _ that is down to the hard work of lots of people and we will- that is down to the hard work of lots of people and we will buy . that is down to the hard work of - lots of people and we will buy we've already— lots of people and we will buy we've already contacted _ lots of people and we will buy we've already contacted over _ lots of people and we will buy we've already contacted over 1000 - lots of people and we will buy we've already contacted over 1000 peoplej already contacted over 1000 people in sudan _ already contacted over 1000 people

in sudan they're _ already contacted over 1000 people in sudan. they're making _ already contacted over 1000 people in sudan. they're making their- already contacted over 1000 people in sudan. they're making their wayl in sudan. they're making their way to the _ in sudan. they're making their way to the airfield _ in sudan. they're making their way to the airfield and _ in sudan. they're making their way to the airfield and we _ in sudan. they're making their way to the airfield and we will - in sudan. they're making their way to the airfield and we will safely i to the airfield and we will safely evacuate — to the airfield and we will safely evacuate them. _ to the airfield and we will safely evacuate them. the _ to the airfield and we will safely evacuate them.— to the airfield and we will safely evacuate them. ._ ., ._ , ., evacuate them. the day today started with eo - le evacuate them. the day today started with peeple being _ evacuate them. the day today started with people being told _ evacuate them. the day today started with people being told not _ evacuate them. the day today started with people being told not to - evacuate them. the day today started with people being told not to come i with people being told not to come to the _ with people being told not to come to the airfield until they were called — to the airfield until they were called forward, and then the advice was updated to a general call. it does _ was updated to a general call. it does seem a bit confusing. are you worried _ does seem a bit confusing. are you worried that — does seem a bit confusing. are you worried that this lack of clarity could — worried that this lack of clarity could them to him —— lead to empty seats— could them to him —— lead to empty seats on planes or mad scrambles? is seats on planes or mad scrambles? is exactly seats on planes or mad scrambles? is exactly because we want to make sure the evacuations— exactly because we want to make sure the evacuations are _ exactly because we want to make sure the evacuations are happening - the evacuations are happening safely. — the evacuations are happening safely. how— the evacuations are happening safely. how we _ the evacuations are happening safely, how we decide - the evacuations are happening safely, how we decide to - the evacuations are happening safely, how we decide to call. the evacuations are happening - safely, how we decide to call people forward _ safely, how we decide to call people forward that — safely, how we decide to call people forward. that depends _ safely, how we decide to call people forward. that depends on _ safely, how we decide to call people forward. that depends on the - forward. that depends on the situation _ forward. that depends on the situation on _ forward. that depends on the situation on the ground. - forward. that depends on the situation on the ground. the i forward. that depends on the - situation on the ground. the first flight _ situation on the ground. the first flight took— situation on the ground. the first flight took everybody _ situation on the ground. the first flight took everybody that - situation on the ground. the first flight took everybody that was i flight took everybody that was eligible — flight took everybody that was eligible. there _ flight took everybody that was eligible. there will— flight took everybody that was eligible. there will be - flight took everybody that was eligible. there will be more i flight took everybody that was - eligible. there will be more flights this evening — eligible. there will be more flights this evening and _ eligible. there will be more flights this evening and many— eligible. there will be more flights this evening and many more - eligible. there will be more flights this evening and many more into. this evening and many more into tomorrow — this evening and many more into tomorrow we're _ this evening and many more into tomorrow. we're contacting - this evening and many more into. tomorrow. we're contacting people directly— tomorrow. we're contacting people directly and — tomorrow. we're contacting people directly and issuing _ tomorrow. we're contacting people directly and issuing out _ tomorrow. we're contacting people directly and issuing out general- directly and issuing out general calls— directly and issuing out general calls for— directly and issuing out general calls for people _ directly and issuing out general calls for people to _ directly and issuing out general calls for people to make - directly and issuing out general calls for people to make their. directly and issuing out general- calls for people to make their way. at the _ calls for people to make their way. at the same — calls for people to make their way. at the same time, _ calls for people to make their way. at the same time, we _ calls for people to make their way. at the same time, we can't-

calls for people to make their way. i at the same time, we can't guarantee the long-term — at the same time, we can't guarantee the long—term sustainability, - at the same time, we can't guarantee the long—term sustainability, so - the long—term sustainability, so we're _ the long—term sustainability, so we're also — the long—term sustainability, so we're also standing _ the long—term sustainability, so we're also standing up - the long—term sustainability, so we're also standing up other. we're also standing up other alternative _ we're also standing up other alternative routes. - we're also standing up other alternative routes. that- we're also standing up other alternative routes. that is. we're also standing up other. alternative routes. that is under way _ alternative routes. that is under way we're _ alternative routes. that is under way. we're doing _ alternative routes. that is under way. we're doing that— alternative routes. that is under way. we're doing that work- alternative routes. that is under way. we're doing that work in. way. we're doing that work in parallel~ _ way. we're doing that work in parallel~ the _ way. we're doing that work in parallel. the airfield - way. we're doing that work in parallel. the airfield is - way. we're doing that work in parallel. the airfield is now. parallel. the airfield is now working. _ parallel. the airfield is now working, flights _ parallel. the airfield is now working, flights are - parallel. the airfield is now working, flights are taking i parallel. the airfield is now. working, flights are taking off, parallel. the airfield is now- working, flights are taking off, and we will— working, flights are taking off, and we will keep— working, flights are taking off, and we will keep as _ working, flights are taking off, and we will keep as many _ working, flights are taking off, and we will keep as many of _ working, flights are taking off, and we will keep as many of them - working, flights are taking off, and we will keep as many of them as l working, flights are taking off, andl we will keep as many of them as we can. . y ., we will keep as many of them as we can. ., ., we will keep as many of them as we can. . ., ., ,, can. can you say how long this is atoin to can. can you say how long this is going to last? — can. can you say how long this is going to last? how— can. can you say how long this is going to last? how long - can. can you say how long this is going to last? how long will - can. can you say how long this is going to last? how long will this| going to last? how long will this mission — going to last? how long will this mission continue and can you guarantee _ mission continue and can you guarantee you won't rest until every british— guarantee you won't rest until every british national's safe? the security situation _ british national's safe? the security situation is - british national's safe? the security situation is complicated and it— security situation is complicated and it is— security situation is complicated and it is volatile. _ security situation is complicated and it is volatile. we're - security situation is complicated and it is volatile. we're taking . and it is volatile. we're taking advantage _ and it is volatile. we're taking advantage of— and it is volatile. we're taking advantage of the _ and it is volatile. we're taking advantage of the window- and it is volatile. we're taking advantage of the window we l and it is volatile. we're taking - advantage of the window we have at the moment— advantage of the window we have at the moment where _ advantage of the window we have at the moment where there _ advantage of the window we have at the moment where there is - advantage of the window we have at the moment where there is a - the moment where there is a temporary— the moment where there is a temporary cease—fire to - the moment where there is a i temporary cease—fire to safely evacuate — temporary cease—fire to safely evacuate british _ temporary cease—fire to safely evacuate british nationals. - temporary cease—fire to safely . evacuate british nationals. we're also working _ evacuate british nationals. we're also working together— evacuate british nationals. we're also working together with - also working together with international _ also working together with international partners - also working together with international partners to l also working together with - international partners to bring about— international partners to bring about a — international partners to bring about a more _ international partners to bring about a more sustained - international partners to bring - about a more sustained cease—fire and hopefully_ about a more sustained cease—fire and hopefully a _ about a more sustained cease—fire and hopefully a return _ about a more sustained cease—fire and hopefully a return to - about a more sustained cease—fire and hopefully a return to civilian . and hopefully a return to civilian government _

and hopefully a return to civilian government. that _ and hopefully a return to civilian government. that work- and hopefully a return to civilian government. that work is - and hopefully a return to civilian government. that work is also l government. that work is also ongoing — government. that work is also ongoing one_ government. that work is also ongoing one of— government. that work is also ongoing. one of the _ government. that work is also ongoing. one of the things - government. that work is alsoi ongoing. one of the things this crisis _ ongoing. one of the things this crisis had — ongoing. one of the things this crisis had to— ongoing. one of the things this crisis had to bring _ ongoing. one of the things this crisis had to bring together- ongoing. one of the things this crisis had to bring together is l ongoing. one of the things this. crisis had to bring together is all aspects — crisis had to bring together is all aspects. we've _ crisis had to bring together is all aspects. we've got _ crisis had to bring together is all aspects. we've got an _ crisis had to bring together is all aspects. we've got an operation| crisis had to bring together is all. aspects. we've got an operation up and running _ aspects. we've got an operation up and running with— aspects. we've got an operation up and running with over— aspects. we've got an operation up and running with over 100 - aspects. we've got an operation up and running with over 100 people l aspects. we've got an operation up. and running with over 100 people on the ground, — and running with over 100 people on the ground, thousands _ and running with over 100 people on the ground, thousands of— and running with over 100 people on the ground, thousands of people - and running with over 100 people on the ground, thousands of people in. the ground, thousands of people in sudan _ the ground, thousands of people in sudan being — the ground, thousands of people in sudan being contacted, _ the ground, thousands of people in sudan being contacted, hopefully. sudan being contacted, hopefully many _ sudan being contacted, hopefully many will — sudan being contacted, hopefully many will make _ sudan being contacted, hopefully many will make their— sudan being contacted, hopefully many will make their way - sudan being contacted, hopefully many will make their way to - sudan being contacted, hopefully many will make their way to the i many will make their way to the airport— many will make their way to the airport where _ many will make their way to the airport where we _ many will make their way to the airport where we have - many will make their way to the airport where we have the - many will make their way to the i airport where we have the ability now to _ airport where we have the ability now to evacuate _ airport where we have the ability now to evacuate them _ airport where we have the ability now to evacuate them safely - airport where we have the abilityi now to evacuate them safely over airport where we have the ability - now to evacuate them safely over the next 24 _ now to evacuate them safely over the next 24 hours — now to evacuate them safely over the next 24 hours-— next 24 hours. there are empty seats? the _ next 24 hours. there are empty seats? the first _ next 24 hours. there are empty seats? the first flight _ next 24 hours. there are empty seats? the first flight has - next 24 hours. there are emptyj seats? the first flight has taken eve one seats? the first flight has taken everyone that — seats? the first flight has taken everyone that was _ seats? the first flight has taken everyone that was there - seats? the first flight has taken everyone that was there who i seats? the first flight has taken i everyone that was there who could be processed _ everyone that was there who could be processed. we have _ everyone that was there who could be processed. we have two _ everyone that was there who could be processed. we have two more - everyone that was there who could be processed. we have two more flightsl processed. we have two more flights this evening — processed. we have two more flights this evening and _ processed. we have two more flights this evening and many— processed. we have two more flights this evening and many more - processed. we have two more flights this evening and many more into- this evening and many more into tomorrow. — this evening and many more into tomorrow, which _ this evening and many more into tomorrow, which will— this evening and many more into tomorrow, which will be - this evening and many more into tomorrow, which will be able i this evening and many more into tomorrow, which will be able toi tomorrow, which will be able to evacuate — tomorrow, which will be able to evacuate several _ tomorrow, which will be able to evacuate several hundred - tomorrow, which will be able to. evacuate several hundred people tomorrow, which will be able to i evacuate several hundred people if they can _ evacuate several hundred people if they can make _ evacuate several hundred people if they can make their— evacuate several hundred people if they can make their way _ evacuate several hundred people if they can make their way to - evacuate several hundred people if they can make their way to the i they can make their way to the airfield — they can make their way to the airfield. that's— they can make their way to the airfield. that's what's - they can make their way to thel airfield. that's what's important they can make their way to the i airfield. that's what's important we contact _ airfield. that's what's important we contact everyone. _ airfield. that's what's important we contact everyone. as _ airfield. that's what's important we contact everyone. as they- airfield. that's what's important we contact everyone. as they can i airfield. that's what's important we| contact everyone. as they can make their way— contact everyone. as they can make their way through _ contact everyone. as they can make their way through the _ contact everyone. as they can make their way through the airfield, - contact everyone. as they can make their way through the airfield, we i their way through the airfield, we have _ their way through the airfield, we have the — their way through the airfield, we have the team _ their way through the airfield, we have the team on _ their way through the airfield, we have the team on the _ their way through the airfield, we have the team on the ground i their way through the airfield, we have the team on the ground to i have the team on the ground to process— have the team on the ground to process them, _ have the team on the ground to process them, make _ have the team on the ground to process them, make sure - have the team on the ground to. process them, make sure they're eligible _ process them, make sure they're eligible and get _ process them, make sure they're eligible and get them _ process them, make sure they're eligible and get them on - process them, make sure they're eligible and get them on the i process them, make sure they're i eligible and get them on the plane to get— eligible and get them on the plane to get them — eligible and get them on the plane to get them safely— eligible and get them on the plane

to get them safely home. - eligible and get them on the plane to get them safely home. it's i eligible and get them on the plane to get them safely home. it's only| to get them safely home. it's only thanks— to get them safely home. it's only thanks to — to get them safely home. it's only thanks to the _ to get them safely home. it's only thanks to the hard _ to get them safely home. it's only thanks to the hard work _ to get them safely home. it's only thanks to the hard work of - to get them safely home. it's only thanks to the hard work of all i to get them safely home. it's only thanks to the hard work of all the i thanks to the hard work of all the people behind _ thanks to the hard work of all the people behind me. _ thanks to the hard work of all the people behind me. they're - thanks to the hard work of all the i people behind me. they're working 24/7 to _ people behind me. they're working 24/7 to make — people behind me. they're working 24/7 to make this _ people behind me. they're working 24/7 to make this possible - people behind me. they're working 24/7 to make this possible and i people behind me. they're working 24/7 to make this possible and we| 24/7 to make this possible and we will keep— 24/7 to make this possible and we will keep that _ 24/7 to make this possible and we will keep that up. _ rishi sunak talking about that operation. the first flight do talan in cyprus. —— due to land. let's move to that other story that's been dominating. joe biden announcing he was... president biden has announced he's running for a second term in office next year. he went to pennsylvania, and this time he's in washington. let's put the microphones up and you're the president. imean i mean this sincerely. union workers are there saviours. not a joke. the best workers in the world. not a joke. when one of the south korean

plants was going to invest to the united states, i asked the ceo, and he said because "you have the best workers in the world." that's not hyperbole. it can take you four years to train as an apprentice. i wish we talked more about that. people don't understand that. in order to become a full—blown member, you have to go through the apprentice process. it's like going back to college. spending years doing it. you get the bestjob done on time long—term and cost less in the process, and i semi time, wall street and build america, the middle—class built and unions built the middle class! middle-class built and unions built the middle class!— the middle class! cheering alain, the middle class! cheering again. that's _ the middle class! cheering again, that's god's - the middle class! cheering again, that's god's truth. i the middle class! cheering - again, that's god's truth. folks... applause and the good news... the good news is even some of our corporate

friends are figuring this out. they built the middle class and created more than 12 million newjobs, more jobs in two years than any president created in a four—year term, because of you. unemployment rate is 3.5%, 50—year low. all—time records for constructions, 800,000 manufactured, constructions, 800 , 000 manufactured, the constructions, 800,000 manufactured, the fastest growth in 40 years. cheering and applause the fastest growth in 40 years. cheering and applause because we're bu int cheering and applause because we're buying american- — cheering and applause because we're buying american- i — cheering and applause because we're buying american. i ran _ cheering and applause because we're buying american. i ran for _ cheering and applause because we're buying american. i ran for president i buying american. i ran for president to be the backbone of the middle class, the bottom up, not the top down. when the middle class goes well, the poor ladder up and the wealthy still do very well. we all do well. that's a clear contrast to the other side. they believe the

best way to grow the economy is from the top down and watch the benefits trickle down. i'm serious, think about it. like many of you, not much trickle down on my dad's kitchen table. trickle—down economics hold up table. trickle—down economics hold up the middle middle class. well, not worse. jobs overseas. how many of you come from towns where you grew up in that used to factories of 800 people, now it's gone? notjust in one administration, but a series. as thoughjobs are in one administration, but a series. as though jobs are lost, it matters a lot to folks where i come from. a sense of pride, who you are, since of self worse. as my dad used to

say, jobs been a lot more than a paycheque. it's about yourself work. it's about to look your kid in the eye and say, "honey, it's going to be ok," and mean it. it's about your dignity. i think a lot of folks have forgotten that. trickle—down economics doesn't work. we have a very different plan for the economy. we, you and i, together, we're turning things around in a big way. applause 0ne one of the first things i did as president was assigned a rescue plan to help save the nation from the pandemic, vaccinated millions of people, and protected pensions. that relief... �* �* ,,

relief... applause we got _ relief... applause we got relief. i relief... applause we got relief. the| relief... applause - we got relief. the folks who relief... applause _ we got relief. the folks who need it most. to get the country back on track. applause they didn't think that we could do it! it works. and not a single republican voted for it. then, i signed the bipartisan law because the strongest economy in the world, we need the best infrastructure in the world. that's nojoke. roads, bridges, air sports and so much more. can you believe we used to have the best infrastructure in the world? we were rated number one.

under my predecessor, infrastructure became a punch line. on my watch, they became a decade headline. a decade. �* ~ ,, applause that's where you will come in, really. i've already announced over 25,000 infrastructure projects in 4500 towns across america. we're just getting started. union workers, laying internet cable, installing 500,000 electric vehicle chargers around america. union workers are going to transform america. union workers are going to finish the job. as we rebuild america, we will continue to buy america. applause

if you might notice, i've been criticised by other countries, by our partners and even by our republican friends for flying american. —— buying american. have to be made in america. glass, drywall, fiber—optic cables and so much more. applause as president, i get to fund projects. every federal project is going to be built by american workers, creating americanjobs. i

didn't know it, to be honest, eight years ago. that's been the law since the 30s, but no one had the nerve to insist on it. if you can't get the product, you can go somewhere else. before. guess what? i change that law. if you did 40%, it was ok. not any more. we're going to spend american tax dollars, and buy american. american tax dollars, and buy american-— american. applause b the american. applause by the way. - american. applause by the way, under i american. applause - by the way, under international trade agreements, it's all legit. it's been there since the 30s. decades ago, the united states use to invest 2% of gross domestic product and everything. allowing us to lead the world in major changes.

today, it's .7, less than 1%. we use to rank number one in the world in research and development. now we rank number nine. china was number eight. decades ago. now china is number two. eight. decades ago. now china is numbertwo. 0ther eight. decades ago. now china is number two. other countries are closing in. this is not about good or bad, it's about competition. it's about competition. that's why with your help, i designed and signed the ships and science act. when the united states invested... i asked this

at six... the operation to rescue british nationals from sudan is under way. raf nationals from sudan is under way. planes are invo evacuations raf planes are involved in evacuations from an airstrip near the capital, khartoum. rishi sunak said more flights are expected tomorrow. we said more flights are expected tomorrow— said more flights are expected tomorrow. . ., ., ., , tomorrow. we have an operation up and running. _ tomorrow. we have an operation up and running, thousands _ tomorrow. we have an operation up and running, thousands of- tomorrow. we have an operation up and running, thousands of people i tomorrow. we have an operation up| and running, thousands of people in sudan, british nationals, being contacted, and hopefully many of them will make their way to the airport where we have the ability now to evacuate them safely over the next 24 hours. some british citizens had already decided to take the risk and try to evacuate themselves.— decided to take the risk and try to evacuate themselves. i'm 'ust going to to. i'm evacuate themselves. i'm 'ust going to go. rm math evacuate themselves. i'm 'ust going to go. i'm not waiting. ii

evacuate themselves. i'm just going to go. i'm not waiting. i hope i've i to go. i'm not waiting. i hope i've made _ to go. i'm not waiting. i hope i've made the — to go. i'm not waiting. i hope i've made the right decision.