hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. so, they're choosing to make that additional crossing. they are essentially asylum shoppers, even if they ultimately came from a place of danger. in effect, asking this house to give legislative sanction to at least the possibility that a minister of the crown will deliberately disobey the international law obligations of this country. when we want to have a conversation with china about abiding _ by international rules—based order, i think itjust makes it more - difficult for us to do that . when we are offending our own treaty obligations.

hello, welcome to the programme. number 10 say britain needs a deterrent against illegal migration, the draught bill clearing its final hurdles in the commons this evening. we will discuss what's in it. did the british government get it right in sudan? uk nationals urged to make their own way to an airstrip north of khartoum, through countless checkpoints and under "their own steam". eight flights left today. but still several thousand to evacuate. also tonight... reports ukraine is getting ready for the next major assault against russian forces. we will look at the current situation on the ground, and assess just how well equipped they are to do that. and where is the government's strategy on semi conductors? the uk is losing ground to rival countries in a crucially important sector. we will speak to the director of one start up who is threatening to relocate his operations

to the united states. but first, to westminster, where mps have been voting this evening on the illegal migration bill and a stack of amendments put to it. the plans have been approved by 289 votes to 230, after the government defused a potential rebellion. it will now go to the house of lords, where it could be amended or delayed. illegal migration is an issue many other countries have grappled with, so it follows that what is decided here could well have a bearing on the debate elsewhere. there has been criticism of the tone taken by the home secretary suella braverman before the debate, and immigration minister robert jenrick in parliament. the vast majority of those individuals coming on small boats are coming from an obvious place of safety in france, with a fully functioning asylum system. so, they're choosing to make that additional crossing. they are essentially asylum—shoppers, even if they ultimately came from a place of danger. and they are doing that because they believe

the united kingdom is a better place for them to make their claim and to build a future. around 70 pages of amendments were put forward, but of course it is those adopted by the home secretary that had the best chance of being adopted. they include an amendment that will give ministers power to ignore "interim measures" from the european court of human rights. known as a rule 39 order. this is a change that will mean uk courts cannot stop a migrant�*s removal, unless that person faces a "real, imminent and foreseeable risk of serious and irreversible harm." and a proposal that "age—disputed" people, those claiming to be children, will be treated as an adult if they refuse to undergo scientific assessment. the equality and human rights commission said it is "seriously concerned" the bill will break international law. the council of europe, which upholds human rights on the continent, said it could encourage other states to start "evading and abdicating" their responsibilities — those concerns were expressed by the conservative and former attorney general, sir geoffrey cox.

why then does it need legislation if what in fact is not being asked, that this house should approve, quite consciously and deliberately, a deliberate breach of our obligations under the convention? that is the truth. the minister could ignore it, and it would be a matter between states. but this provision invites this house to give legislative authority to the minister doing that, if she chooses to do so. isn't that the position? let's get more on the deal — our political correspondent damian grammaticas. show, it has been debated through the day, lots of amendments as i say, damien. what does it look like, this bill, as i had told her to the lords was not this bill, as i had told her to the lords was no— this bill, as i had told her to the lords was not well, it looks pretty much as the government - lords was not well, it looks pretty i much as the government has wanted lords was not well, it looks pretty - much as the government has wanted it to. the oppositions attempts to

amend it didn't pass it all today. so it will go forward. what was interesting, i think, so it will go forward. what was interesting, ithink, that so it will go forward. what was interesting, i think, that what you saw there was those voices. you heard the former attorney general, sir geoffrey cox. there were others, too, who stood up, conservative mps who had concerns about aspects of this. so, what happens now is that this. so, what happens now is that this bill will go forward to the house of lords, where it will be debated again and scrutinised. and there you can expect a much more hostile reception. particularly over some of the issues that were raised, such as ones raised by two former conservative leaders, the former prime minister theresa may, and sir iain duncan smith. now, the issue that they are really exercised about is the question of modern slavery, human trafficking, people who are brought to the uk under false pretences often and then find themselves pressed into perhaps prostitution, perhaps illegal work, that sort of thing. what this bill

saysis that sort of thing. what this bill says is that anyone who comes to the uk illegally is liable to be arrested and deported to their home country or another country such as rwanda. what those former leaders have said it was their concern is that would mean that if you were someone in the uk subject to, say, forced labour, prostitution, and the incentive for them to escape and go to the police and say what had happened to them would be removed because their traffickers will simply say, theresa may pointed out, your traffic would say to you, if your traffic would say to you, if you do that you will be sent to rolando. so it would remove protections those people have. now they didn't push an amendment back. they've left out to the lord. so the lords could pick up things like that, but essentially what we see is the core of that bill, anyone who comes here illegally will be detained and deported. children too could be detained. the one concession of the government there as they will look at the time limit on that, bringing some sort of time limit on the detention of children.

also another concession is they will look out and bring forward proposals for safe routes for asylum—seekers in the future, but not been detailed and nothing actually practical laid out they are. that would be sometime months and into next year. so a few concessions, but essentially, that heart of the bill is still there. damien, thank you for that. let's pick up some of that with our next guest. steve valdez—symonds is refugee and migrant rights programme directorfor human rights campaign group, amnesty international uk. thank you for being with us. can we start with that first point that jeffrey cox made in the house this afternoon? ministers already have the power to ignore a rule 39 order. and in that instance, that would just be a dispute between the states. orders like that have been ignored in the past. so why do we need the legislation?— ignored in the past. so why do we need the legislation? well, one of the reasons _ need the legislation? well, one of the reasons for _ need the legislation? well, one of the reasons for it _ need the legislation? well, one of the reasons for it is _ need the legislation? well, one of the reasons for it is that _ need the legislation? well, one of the reasons for it is that if - need the legislation? well, one of the reasons for it is that if a - the reasons for it is that if a minister— the reasons for it is that if a minister were to ignore such a

ruling — minister were to ignore such a ruling of— minister were to ignore such a ruling of the european court, that might— ruling of the european court, that might lead to the minister being put before _ might lead to the minister being put before a _ might lead to the minister being put before a british court to rule on whether— before a british court to rule on whether that was a lawful thing to do. whether that was a lawful thing to do so. _ whether that was a lawful thing to do. so, what's happening in this bill now— do. so, what's happening in this bill now is— do. so, what's happening in this bill now is both empowering ministers to be the sole decision—maker on whether they follow— decision—maker on whether they follow the ruling of the court, and, the exclusion of british courts while — the exclusion of british courts while making rulings on these matters — while making rulings on these matters at all.— matters at all. the council of euro e, matters at all. the council of europe, which _ matters at all. the council of europe, which is _ matters at all. the council of europe, which is not - matters at all. the council of europe, which is not a - matters at all. the council of. europe, which is not a european body, but they oversee the way that human rights legislation is applied within europe, they said that if this bill goes through, they would be concerned that other states might start picking and choosing which laws to apply from an international treaty. are you concerned about that? �* , , , , treaty. are you concerned about that? ,y, that? amnesty is extremely concerned about that, that? amnesty is extremely concerned about that. and _ that? amnesty is extremely concerned about that, and not _ that? amnesty is extremely concerned about that, and notjust _ that? amnesty is extremely concerned about that, and notjust in _ that? amnesty is extremely concerned about that, and notjust in relation - about that, and notjust in relation to the _ about that, and notjust in relation to the particular point that you

have _ to the particular point that you have just — to the particular point that you have just raised. because this bill also shuts — have just raised. because this bill also shuts down this countries asylum — also shuts down this countries asylum system and so says that it won't _ asylum system and so says that it won't decide and provide protection to people _ won't decide and provide protection to people who seek asylum here, shuts _ to people who seek asylum here, shuts down also protections to victims — shuts down also protections to victims of— shuts down also protections to victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, _ victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, all of that is a signal to countries elsewhere. but if they don't _ to countries elsewhere. but if they don't want — to countries elsewhere. but if they don't want to abide by their international law responsibilities either. _ international law responsibilities either, then this country thinks that is— either, then this country thinks that is fine. and as we speak, in lebanon. — that is fine. and as we speak, in lebanon, for example, syrians are being _ lebanon, for example, syrians are being returned to places where they are at _ being returned to places where they are at risk— being returned to places where they are at risk of persecution. this is the sort — are at risk of persecution. this is the sort of— are at risk of persecution. this is the sort of signal this country is now sending elsewhere, and it will cost peoples lives, as well as lead to dramatically bad actions by ray jeans _ to dramatically bad actions by ray jeans elsewhere around the world. there _ jeans elsewhere around the world. there is _ jeans elsewhere around the world. there is an — jeans elsewhere around the world. there is an issue, of course, with the legal asylum routes, which many moderate conservatives, many moderate conservatives, many moderate conservatives, many

moderate conservative benches picked up moderate conservative benches picked up on today. but surely, you can accept that there are some significant problems with what is going on in the system? as he said today, the immigration mentor koester, there are essentially asylum shoppers, that people are passing through a safe country, france, and coming to the uk, which is obviously true. how would you answer that criticism of the system as it is? ~ ~ , as it is? well, i think the minister should get — as it is? well, i think the minister should get some _ as it is? well, i think the minister should get some perspective. - as it is? well, i think the minister should get some perspective. the international laws on asylum do not require _ international laws on asylum do not require people to claim asylum in any particular country. so if you have _ any particular country. so if you have family in this country, for example. _ have family in this country, for example, or other connections here, there _ example, or other connections here, there is— example, or other connections here, there is no— example, or other connections here, there is no reason, if you can, why you should — there is no reason, if you can, why you should not seek asylum in this place _ you should not seek asylum in this place rather than someone else. but how do place rather than someone else. how do you place rather than someone else. emit how do you separate genuine asylum—seekers from the economic migrants that we know are mixed up in these number of people that are

coming across the channel? because there is significant evidence that some of these people are coming from safe countries like albania. weill. safe countries like albania. well, with respect. _ safe countries like albania. well, with respect, there _ safe countries like albania. well, with respect, there is _ safe countries like albania. well, with respect, there is significant | with respect, there is significant evidence — with respect, there is significant evidence that the great majority of people _ evidence that the great majority of people who make these particular journeys _ people who make these particular journeys are refugees. and of course, — journeys are refugees. and of course, if— journeys are refugees. and of course, if our country, like it expects _ course, if our country, like it expects other countries to do, operates— expects other countries to do, operates an asylum system and managers the claims it receives, yes, _ managers the claims it receives, yes, it _ managers the claims it receives, yes, it will— managers the claims it receives, yes, it will have to decide the claims — yes, it will have to decide the claims of— yes, it will have to decide the claims of both people who are entitled — claims of both people who are entitled to asylum and perhaps, some people _ entitled to asylum and perhaps, some people who _ entitled to asylum and perhaps, some people who are not. that is how asvlum — people who are not. that is how asylum works. we expect the french to operate _ asylum works. we expect the french to operate that, the germans, the italians, _ to operate that, the germans, the italians, not dimensions,- italians, not dimensions, people will say that _ italians, not dimensions, people will say that all _ italians, not dimensions, people will say that all well _ italians, not dimensions, people will say that all well and - italians, not dimensions, people will say that all well and good, l italians, not dimensions, people l will say that all well and good, but very few people are returned, and we need a better return system. . very few people are returned, and we need a better return system.- need a better return system. , well, we're not going _ need a better return system. , well, we're not going to — need a better return system. , well, we're not going to have _ need a better return system. , well, we're not going to have a _ need a better return system. , well, we're not going to have a better - we're not going to have a better return _ we're not going to have a better return system if instead of actually focusing _ return system if instead of actually focusing on deciding who gets to stay and — focusing on deciding who gets to stay and is entitled to stay, and

looking — stay and is entitled to stay, and looking at — stay and is entitled to stay, and looking at the situations properly of who _ looking at the situations properly of who is— looking at the situations properly of who is not, instead, we follow the governments current plans, and this bill, _ the governments current plans, and this bill, simply refusing asylum to everybody— this bill, simply refusing asylum to everybody en masse, knowing full well that — everybody en masse, knowing full well that they cannot be expelled, that can't— well that they cannot be expelled, that can't be expelled to their home countries _ that can't be expelled to their home countries. there's nowhere else to e>

bbc news. more than 20,000 new police officers have been recruited in england and wales over the past three years — meaning the government has met the target it set in the 2019 general election. britain's biggest force — london's metropolitan police — was the only one of 43 forces to miss its individual target. labour says ministers are just "catching up" on their previous cuts. the mp andrew bridgen has been expelled from the conservative party after he compared covid—i9 vaccines to the holocaust. he was also found to have breached lobbying rules. mr bridgen — who represents north west leicestershire — has accused the party of kicking him out "under false pretences". a man's been given a jail sentence of 22 months for helping the killer of 9—year—old olivia pratt korbel in liverpool last august. paul russell, who's 41, had already admitted driving thomas cashman in the aftermath of the shooting. liverpool crown court heard that russell was "terrified" of cashman and had given his name to the police in the days after the shooting.

the uk's evacuation effort in sudan is precarious. the ceasefire is holding, sort of, but there's no assumption that will be the case tomorrow. and news today, the airstrip that being used to evacuate british nationals, just outside khartoum, is beginning to break up. it's the sheer number of aircraft taking off and landing that is damaging the surface. raising concerns about how long that airstrip can continue to be used. nonetheless, the first british nationals who have been evacuated began arriving at stansted airport earlier today. downing street says eight flights will have departed khartoum by end of play today. and it really is a race against the clock, which again begs the question whether this should have started much earlier. the germans, who have thrown some shade on the uk operation, have already completed their evacuation of some 700 foreign nationals. but then, others argue it's a flawed comparison. the germans had fewer to get

out, and certainly it wasn't without risk. courtney bembridge has more from the newsroom. this is the airfield that the uk and other nato allies are using to get their citizens out. as you can see, it's not very close to the city centre, which is here, and it's difficult to reach. and that's because of this — these show all the areas where fighting has been verified in footage that the bbc has seen. you can see this residential area has been turned into a battlefield, the international airport also surrounded by hotspots, as are the main roads that lead up to that airfield we just looked at. so that makes it very difficult. there's also huge demand — its estimated that a quarter of a million sudanese people are trying to flee at the moment, and that's driving fuel prices up and making it very difficult. these are the different routes that they are taking — so, via land to the port to get across to saudi arabia, down to ethiopia, to south sudan, to chad, and of course to egypt. but that's not an easy route either — there are many checkpoints along this way,

and this is 1000 km on a bumpy road, so not an easy route to take. one man has told the bbc that he had to go through 25 checkpoints just to reach the bus station at the edge of khartoum, and then of course wait to get on the bus. because of surging fuel prices, the cost of a seat has gone up to $400 us, so very difficult. the question is, did the uk government take too long to act? and to answer that, we need to look at some of the other countries in comparison. so, germany took out 700 people, 200 of them were german citizens. then we look at italy — there were only 83 italians, plus 23 citizens of other nationalities. and then if we look at france, there were 209 french citizens, along with 538 people from 41 other countries. when you compare that to the uk and the us, very different prospects, two very different scenarios — 16,000 american citizens, 4000 uk nationals. so, we need to bear this in mind when we're asking that question of whether the uk government took

too long to act. and of course, many of those are still to come out. and hopefully, we will talk to one of them at 9pm who had to turn around today, couldn't get through the checkpoints. what about that airfield? how long will that hold up? here's daniele palumbo. the bbc has been following really closely the events in sudan. and in this map, we can show all the videos that we've been able to verify where fighting, violence and military presence have stationed around the city centre of khartoum. so, imagine if you are a british citizen and you need to get out in an airfield that is 30 km outside the city — you will actually need to cross a war zone where most of the fighting has been happening. and you'll need to reach this air base — this is the air base, and we analysed images from the last four weeks, and we've seen really small traffic. but now, in the last 42 hours, the small airfield has seen military armoured transport planes landing

and taking off every 20 minutes. this has added a lot of deterioration on the tarmac, and this is what the bbc understands now that might slow further the evacuation plans. if this happens, what are the options? for a british citizen and national foreign citizen, there are some other land routes towards egypt, eritrea, and chad. however, the one that i want to focus on, and actually what the british government is considering, is this route from the airfield to port sudan. so if you put these locations into your gps, the route actually would take around 12 hours — but we've also been able to see that there is some traffic in this route, and we don't have a way to actually verify if this is a safe route or not. what we know is that port sudan will have an airport and a very big port, so there will be more options for the british government to evacuate the citizens from that point.

some of those options may be on the table tomorrow if, of course, the fighting continues. joining me from washington is susan stigant, director of africa programs at the us institute of peace. and also sir simon fraser. he's former head of the foreign office from 2010 to 2015 and is now managing partner for flint global. thank you for being with us. susan, can i stay with you, first of all? has been working with various stakeholders into down for many years. was there a point for you when the violence and the situation we have now seemed almost inevitable?— we have now seemed almost inevitable? ~ . ., , inevitable? well, we certainly saw the increase _ inevitable? well, we certainly saw the increase in _ inevitable? well, we certainly saw the increase in tension _ inevitable? well, we certainly saw the increase in tension over - inevitable? well, we certainly saw the increase in tension over the i the increase in tension over the last several weeks with the redeployment of the rapid support forces into khartoum, as well as tanks and other military equipment by those who done armed forces. i was actually in khartoum about three

weeks ago now. and so that tension was palpable. we knew that some of the hardest decisions were being negotiated in the political framework, including the integration of those forces who would command the forces, the relationship with the forces, the relationship with the civilian government. but i think many people calculated that the two forces were posturing for a stronger tactical advantage and to get a better outcome in negotiations. and thought that they would stand firm, and maybe have some small fight. but i don't think many people anticipated that it would really devolve to this level, spread, and scope of violence that we are seeing right now. scope of violence that we are seeing riaht now. ,, ., ., right now. simon, without in mind, then, do right now. simon, without in mind, then. do you _ right now. simon, without in mind, then, do you think— right now. simon, without in mind, then, do you think an _ right now. simon, without in mind, then, do you think an adequate - right now. simon, without in mind, | then, do you think an adequate risk assessment has been carried out by the foreign office, and mind of what the foreign office, and mind of what the situation was quite smart well. the situation was quite smart well, i'm sure the situation was quite smart well, l'm sure that _ the situation was quite smart well, i'm sure that there _ the situation was quite smart well, i'm sure that there have _ the situation was quite smart well, i'm sure that there have been - the situation was quite smart well, i'm sure that there have been risk assessments, because british embassy has risk— assessments, because british embassy has risk assessments and evacuation

plans— has risk assessments and evacuation plans and _ has risk assessments and evacuation plans and crisis management plans, which _ plans and crisis management plans, which they— plans and crisis management plans, which they regularly update. and you don'tjust_ which they regularly update. and you don'tjust have one. you have several, — don'tjust have one. you have several, because you never know what the crisis _ several, because you never know what the crisis is _ several, because you never know what the crisis is actually going to be. so those — the crisis is actually going to be. so those plans would have been in place _ so those plans would have been in place but— so those plans would have been in place. but what we just heard is very— place. but what we just heard is very interesting, because the judgment was the action most people didn't actually think that this thing — didn't actually think that this thing was necessarily going to kick off in— thing was necessarily going to kick off in the _ thing was necessarily going to kick off in the way it did, when the dead — off in the way it did, when the dead and _ off in the way it did, when the dead. and you can never actually predict _ dead. and you can never actually predict exactly when a crisis is going — predict exactly when a crisis is going to — predict exactly when a crisis is going to happen. and you can't really— going to happen. and you can't really go — going to happen. and you can't really go around as a foreign office preempting crises and saying oh gosh this might _ preempting crises and saying oh gosh this might get bad, so we better send _ this might get bad, so we better send in — this might get bad, so we better send in military aircraft to evaluate _ send in military aircraft to evaluate british nationals. that simply— evaluate british nationals. that simply can't be done. so we have to be realistic— simply can't be done. so we have to be realistic about what the options are. , ., , ., , are. the germans have been quite vocal in their— are. the germans have been quite vocal in their criticism _ are. the germans have been quite vocal in their criticism of _ are. the germans have been quite vocal in their criticism of the - vocal in their criticism of the british operation. the german defence minister said today that the british attempts to evacuate their embassy staff without the permission of the sudanese army but unannounced british presence angered the sudanese army and the refused access

to the air for the germans were using on the first day. it sounds that there wasn't very good coordination between european allies. ~ ~ . , allies. well, i think that in these situations countries _ allies. well, i think that in these situations countries do _ allies. well, i think that in these situations countries do generally try to _ situations countries do generally try to co—ordinate but of course they— try to co—ordinate but of course they can't — try to co—ordinate but of course they can't always co—ordinate, and they can't always co—ordinate, and they face _ they can't always co—ordinate, and they face different issues. you've made _ they face different issues. you've made a _ they face different issues. you've made a big — they face different issues. you've made a big issue of the germans having _ made a big issue of the germans having gotten 700 people out. if indeed _ having gotten 700 people out. if indeed the british have had eight flights— indeed the british have had eight flights a — indeed the british have had eight flights a day, there must've been at least a _ flights a day, there must've been at least a hundred people on each flight — least a hundred people on each flight so— least a hundred people on each flight. so the birds got more than 800 people out. so let's sort of keep— 800 people out. so let's sort of keep all— 800 people out. so let's sort of keep all these things in balance. i don't _ keep all these things in balance. i don't know— keep all these things in balance. i don't know exactly what the detail of the _ don't know exactly what the detail of the threat was to the british embassy— of the threat was to the british embassy which led the government to decide _ embassy which led the government to decide they have to move to evacuate the embassy staff. i'm sure they would _ the embassy staff. i'm sure they would only have done it an extreme risk because there was specific intelligence and information that they acted on. in those circumstances, i guess they weren't able to— circumstances, i guess they weren't able to co—ordinate with the germans or others _ able to co—ordinate with the germans or others it — able to co—ordinate with the germans or others. it is regrettable, but i assume — or others. it is regrettable, but i assume that's what the situation was _ assume that's what the situation was. , , . assume that's what the situation was. g , ., ., , , assume that's what the situation was. , . ., ,, ., , was. just a final issue on this oint, was. just a final issue on this point. simon. _ was. just a final issue on this point, simon, and _

was. just a final issue on this point, simon, and i - was. just a final issue on this point, simon, and i think- was. just a final issue on this - point, simon, and i think courtney made this clear in the screen that she just shared with us, there were different numbers of people coming out. if the germans only had 200 there than you had a very different risk assessment, do you not? to a country that's going to get 4000 or may be 16,000, like the united states. i may be 16,000, like the united states. ~ ., , may be 16,000, like the united states. ~ . , , , states. i think that is the issue. you have _ states. i think that is the issue. you have to _ states. i think that is the issue. you have to bear _ states. i think that is the issue. you have to bear in _ states. i think that is the issue. you have to bear in mind - states. i think that is the issue. you have to bear in mind what i you have to bear in mind what is actually — you have to bear in mind what is actually achievable. if you have 200 or 300, _ actually achievable. if you have 200 or 300, then that's a couple of aircraft. — or 300, then that's a couple of aircraft, and presumably it's easy to know _ aircraft, and presumably it's easy to know where they all are, and it's probably— to know where they all are, and it's probably easier to get them together to evacuate them. she done is a very bil to evacuate them. she done is a very big country — to evacuate them. she done is a very big country. if you have 3000 4000 people _ big country. if you have 3000 4000 people that may not all in or near khartoum. — people that may not all in or near khartoum, your capacity, it takes a lot of— khartoum, your capacity, it takes a lot of flights to actually get them out, so _ lot of flights to actually get them out, so your capacity to deliver that _ out, so your capacity to deliver that is— out, so your capacity to deliver that is more limited. that's why i think it _ that is more limited. that's why i think it was — that is more limited. that's why i think it was really important that the british government supported efforts— the british government supported efforts to get the cease—fire and create _ efforts to get the cease—fire and create the — efforts to get the cease—fire and create the permissive environment which _ create the permissive environment which allowed what seems to be actually — which allowed what seems to be actually quite a successful

operation over the last 24 hours to take place — operation over the last 24 hours to take place-— operation over the last 24 hours to take lace. ,, . .,, , take place. susan, the cease-fire is holdin: , take place. susan, the cease-fire is holding. but — take place. susan, the cease-fire is holding, but only _ take place. susan, the cease-fire is holding, but onlyjust. _ take place. susan, the cease-fire is holding, but onlyjust. the - take place. susan, the cease-fire is holding, but onlyjust. the united l holding, but onlyjust. the united states and said that it had to weigh in today. why is it proving so difficult to put pressure on these two sides westmark retell difficult to put pressure on these two sides westmarl_ difficult to put pressure on these two sides westmark well i think the oint that two sides westmark well i think the point that it — two sides westmark well i think the point that it is _ two sides westmark well i think the point that it is maybe _ two sides westmark well i think the point that it is maybe just _ two sides westmark well i think the point that it is maybe just holding l point that it is maybe just holding is really important. we have seen fighting and continued bombing as well as raids and looting of houses in various parts across the country. cease—fires are complicated for a number of different reasons. you have to have those who are the very top agree. i have to communicate that to those who are leading the different strategic and tactical areas, and that has to be communicated down to the front lines. and so this requires a command—and—control, requires communication, and discipline. and it also requires that all of those who play those various roles believe

that there are sufficient consequences if the cease—fire itself is not held. in this type of urban warfare, i think it is also incredibly difficult to call for a nationwide cease—fire without getting quite technical and practical about what that means. so where's the fighting stopped's i’gre where's the fighting stopped's i've onl not where's the fighting stopped's i've only got about 40 seconds left. bringing up the foreigners, is not convenient for the military factions westmark does that mean that there will be, they will be more inclined to keep fighting's retell will be, they will be more inclined to keep fighting"— to keep fighting's well i think we need to be _ to keep fighting's well i think we need to be paying _ to keep fighting's well i think we need to be paying attention - to keep fighting's well i think we need to be paying attention to l to keep fighting's well i think we - need to be paying attention to where the sudanese are going and the tremendous needs that they are developing for those who are fleeing and those who are still stuck on which the fighting itself. that cute. which the fighting itself. that cute- sorry — which the fighting itself. that cute. sorry to _ which the fighting itself. that cute. sorry to cut _ which the fighting itself. that cute. sorry to cut you - which the fighting itself. that cute. sorry to cut you short. we are going to head to a break. we are hoping to make contact with somebody who tried to get to the airfield today, and spent several hours trying to get through the checkpoints but didn't make it. there are plenty of other people in that situation. i am watching nervously, of course, what is

happening with the situation in khartoum. we will get more met later in the programme. simon is going to stay with us. we are going to talk about ukraine on the other side of the break. do stay with us. hello there. we've started this week off on a largely settled note, but it has been chilly for the time of year. we've seen variable cloud and some sunshine. now the second half of this week will be turning much milder but more unsettled. some of us will see quite a bit of rain around, especially on thursday. now, tonight, it's going to be mostly dry. variable clouds, some clear spells. most of the clear spells will tend to be across central areas. so it's here where it could be quite chilly, but thicker cloud for southwestern and western areas into northern ireland and also western scotland. so no problems with frost here, but another chillier one further north and east. now for thursday, we've got a couple of weather fronts working in thanks to low pressure, top and tail of the uk. so, many places through central areas certainly will start dry, a little bit early brightness,

but it will be quite chilly, but temperatures will be lifting through the day. this weather front bring rain, some mountain snow to scotland and then it turns wet across wales, central and southern england. some of this rain could be heavy and thundery as we move through the afternoon. so we've got temperatures reaching close to the mid—teens, central and southern areas, but still quite cold for the northern half of scotland. now through thursday night, it stays rather cloudy with further rain at times. this low pressure system pulling away from england and wales. but because of the breeze, the cloud and the rain, i think most places should be frost free. but there could still be a few chilly spots across the far north of scotland. now for friday, it looks like that area of low pressure across england and wales pulls way into the near continent. this weather fronts across northern scotland tends to weaken. so it's a bit of a quieter day, an improving day as low pressure moves away. and we're all, virtually all of us in this milder wedge of air. so it's a slow process. the breeze, the cloud, the rain clears away from eastern england, increasing amounts of sunshine for northern ireland, parts of wales, the midlands,

southern england, and where we get the sunshine with the milder air mass, it really will feel quite mild indeed, with temperatures up to around 18 degrees at best, but milder even through the central belt of scotland. still cold for the northern isles. now, the bank holiday weekend, it looks like it's going to stay mild for most of us, but it won't be completely settled. there will be variable clouds, some sunny spells, but also scattering of showers, showers pretty much each day. but i think sunday will see the most widespread and at times heavy and thundery showers. but given some sunshine, it really will feel quite warm in places for a time. it looks like those showers will tend to ease down as high pressure starts to build back in on monday.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. what is the future of gaming in the cloud? it's a massive industry. today, the uk's competitions and markets authority blocked microsoft's $68.7 billion takover of activision blizzard, the company that makes call of duty. sport now, and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, here's qasa. a big night in the premier league, how's it going? currently advantage man city against arsenal in a match

that could prove decisive in the title race. as the league leaders take on the reigning champions of etihad. gunners start the match leading the premier league by five points, but manchester city fc... they are looking to win a fifth title in six years, and own goal from kevin dibona, about half an hourin from kevin dibona, about half an hour in and the score is 1— 02 manchester city. —— 1—0. they are two games behind with two games in hand, relegation threatened nottingham forest are 1—1 against brighton, chelsea are losing 1—0 to brentford, and west ham are 1—1 againstjurgen klopp's side. to italy, where inter milan and juventus are hoping to put disappointing league campaigns to get to the cop italia final. the two

sides drew at the first leg of the event to stadiums including a 95th minute penalty. it's a rematch of last year's final which inter milan won over half—time. fiorentina crime and easy tomorrow in the other semifinal. in spain, barcelona can extend their lead at the top of la liga to 14 points. the catalan club are closing in on their 27th la liga title, theirfirst since are closing in on their 27th la liga title, their first since 2019. it'll get under way and just under half an hour. earlier, atletico madrid 13—1 to solidify their grip on third. defending champion ronnie o'sullivan is out of this year's world snooker championship following defeat. the opponent came into the afternoon session 10—6 down but stunned the world number one by winning all

seven frames to stage a shock come back and focus place in the semifinals for this year cosmic event. the belgian had never won a match. he event. the belgian had never won a match. , , ., , �*, match. he played unbelievable, he's such a good — match. he played unbelievable, he's such a good player. _ match. he played unbelievable, he's such a good player, i _ match. he played unbelievable, he's such a good player, i love _ match. he played unbelievable, he's such a good player, i love watching i such a good player, i love watching him play. he gets through the ball so well, it's incredible. just such a dynamic player, full of talent, probably the most talented snooker player i've ever seen. i'd love to see them when itjust for snooker, because that's how snooker should be played. i because that's how snooker should be -la ed. ., , because that's how snooker should be -la ed. , because that's how snooker should be laed. ,, played. i hope people get inspired, but that i played. i hope people get inspired, but that l think— played. i hope people get inspired, but that i think there _ played. i hope people get inspired, but that i think there are _ played. i hope people get inspired, but that i think there are many - but that i think there are many other— but that i think there are many other players to be inspired by, well _ other players to be inspired by, well i— other players to be inspired by, well ijust _ other players to be inspired by, well. ijust hope people, as i say, get to— well. ijust hope people, as i say, get to know snooker better now because — get to know snooker better now because it's such a great sport. it's because it's such a great sport. it's such— because it's such a great sport. it's such a _ because it's such a great sport. it's such a fantastic game to watch. luca bruxelles will play either anthony mcgill... these are life

pictures from the crucible where they are currently in action. over on the other table, john higgins and mark selby are slugging it out in what could be a very late finish, they didn't have much time to finish their afternoon sessions, so started their afternoon sessions, so started the evening with potentially an extra two frames to play. either way they play to finish this evening to meet mark allen and the other semifinal. that's all a sport for now, back to you, christian. thank you, let's talk about ukraine. there are reports today ukraine is getting ready for its next major assault. support is being directed towards six units that will spearhead an attempt to retake russian—occupied areas. one high—profile unit is said to be recruiting 6,500 troops ahead of the expected offensive. there are some areas where the ukrainians are better equipped that others. and while there are still concerns over the resupply of artillery

shells, the ukrainians are making up for that with the home—grown production of drones. the government has scrapped taxes and import laws for drone parts and equipment that's coming in. there's been an extremely successful fundraising campaign dubbed the army of drones, that is supported by mark hamill, among others. they have raised more than $108 million. thousands of drones have been deployed to the front line, and, if you look for it on social media, you'll see they are pretty adept at using them. joining us now to discuss further is sir simon fraser. he's former head of the foreign office from 2010—2015, and is now managing partner for flint global. i was watching some of the reporting today on these drones, it's remarkable how inventive and resilient the ukrainians have been. yes it is, drones have become increasingly widely used in recent

times and warfare. we've seen in parts of the middle east, we've also seen it in ukraine, and indeed the russians have been using the drones in ukraine, they've been using the ukrainians supplied drones. i'm not surprised the ukrainians are moving in this direction, and as you say they are very resourceful and inventive, and they need to be because they are fighting against a much bigger, better equipped, larger opponent, dependent on support from western countries and other allies. and as you say, and some areas like tanks, that's moving, and others like air block, not so much. so resorting to drones is very sensible to do, it seems to me. i'm not a military expert but it seems logical. i military expert but it seems loaical. ., ., ., ~ military expert but it seems loaical. ., ., ., ,, ., logical. i want to talk about the reneral logical. i want to talk about the general diplomacy _ logical. i want to talk about the general diplomacy behind - logical. i want to talk about the general diplomacy behind the l general diplomacy behind the fighting, use get the sense there's a lot of it to come in the weeks ahead which will be important to morale internally, but what about the wider debate? joe biden has just announced he's running for 2024, how important is the sense that they can

go on the counter offensive to this wider debate about funding and supplies? i wider debate about funding and su lies? ~ 3 wider debate about funding and su--lies? ~ 3 , supplies? i think it's very important. _ supplies? i think it's very important, this _ supplies? i think it's very important, this russian l supplies? i think it's very - important, this russian offensive has ground to a standstill, as many predicted, and this ukrainian counteroffensive now in eastern and southern ukraine has been expected for a while, and it's really important that they show success in that because there is this talk of a certain degree of war fatigue in western societies, the support that's having to be given to ukraine. so it's important for the ukrainians to demonstrate they are still capable of taking this forward and galvanising that support. i personally believe it's really important that we maintain support for ukraine and don't lose interest. and we will pay a huge price if we allow them to be rolled over by the russians. , ., , , ,., ~

allow them to be rolled over by the russians. , ., , , ., russians. president xi has spoken to president zelensky _ russians. president xi has spoken to president zelensky today, _ russians. president xi has spoken to president zelensky today, it's - russians. president xi has spoken to president zelensky today, it's the . president zelensky today, it's the first time they've spoken since the invasion last year. how important is that? it was clearly a long and detailed conversation, president zelensky will send an ambassador to beijing, a representative will be coming the other way — does that give some hope that the chinese can play a role in the peace initiative? i think it's really interesting and important. as you remember, president xi visited moscow recently and apparently had a very warm meeting with president putin, he said he would then telephone president zelensky and he didn't do it until now. there's been a lot of concern about the extent to which china was aligning behind russia and supporting russia, and obviously there is a relationship between the two. so i think this call is very significant, and the fact that now a ukrainian ambassador is going to beijing is doubly significant given the chinese ambassador paris last

week called into question the right of ukraine and former soviet states to have sovereign status. this is quite a good signal from to have sovereign status. this is quite a good signalfrom china— they may be trying to position themselves for some sort of remediation in the future, i don't think the time is yet for that, i think many will see this ukrainian offensive before we get to that stage. can we talk about alexei navalny, the opposition leader, who appeared in court today on a tv feed from the prison he is being held at. clearly malnourished, he is being denied full rations, and now seemingly facing terrorism charges. this was a technical hearing today, to decide how long he and his they were working at how many years he would get for the charges of terrorism. he has been given just a week to get across 196 files the prosection have compiled. what he said in his speech is that

in addition to that, it would appear that he's now being linked by the state to that bombing in st. petersburg if you which killed the pro—kremlin blogger vladlen tatarsky, which means he could well be tried separately in a military court facing life imprisonment. we should be careful of describing this as a court hearing, because very often these sessions are directed by the state.- very often these sessions are directed by the state. yes, well i'm not across the _ directed by the state. yes, well i'm not across the detail _ directed by the state. yes, well i'm not across the detail of _ directed by the state. yes, well i'm not across the detail of what - not across the detail of what happened today precisely, but indeed, these things are politically driven in russia and i don't think there's any reason to expect that this is due process and dojustice. this is a political case and the case has been running for a long time. it seems to be the case of

president putin doubling down on this and it tells you something about the state of politics in russia and the fact that it is a highly autocratic centralised political system, and there's no reason to think that will change. you look at the treatment of him and the man who would fill placement for 25 years on a spurious charge of treason, and across clear what's happening — the opposition is being stamped out, mostly for dissent. is there anything that western governments can do in these cases to help the opposition figures, or is it hopeless now, do you think? i it hopeless now, do you think? i think it's pretty difficult to intervene directly and specifically on individual cases, though representations can be made through international fora and via international fora and via international organisations, i think that's important. and it's one of the reasons why think it's important the reasons why think it's important the uk remains closely involved in international organisations that

support human rights in europe and beyond, which is something that we have been very influential on in the past. and we should keep the pressure up, but the ability to actually change the course of individual cases within a country such as russia is very limited. simon, thank you for giving us your expertise, on a wide range of subjects. thank you for coming on the programme. the documents produced at the high court by lawyers acting for the duke of sussex in his lawsuit over phone hacking are begging more questions of the royal family. and that is less than ideal in the run—up to the coronation. today, prince harry's lawyers told the court he was "kept out of the loop" on any alleged phone—hacking by rupert murdoch's newspapers, because he was serving in afghanistan at the time. the duke understands that the royal household dealt with fears that his voice mail messages had been intercepted, failing to update him with all the information and allegations. yesterday, prince harry's documents revealed his brother, the prince of wales, had reached a private settlement with the publishers of the sun and the former news of the world —

not to undermine his brother, he stressed, but to stop the newspaper group from closing down his claim, on the grounds it was out of time. prince william's spokesman said he would not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. i'm joined now by royal commentator richard fitzwilliams. richard, nice to have you with us on the programme. can we start with the point he made yesterday that, although the royal family might be opposed to what he's doing, the queen had given her support — is there any evidence of that? queen had given her support - is there any evidence of that? firstly i would stress _ there any evidence of that? firstly i would stress that _ there any evidence of that? firstly i would stress that this _ there any evidence of that? firstly i would stress that this is - there any evidence of that? firstly i would stress that this is a - i would stress that this is a hearing, so it'll be up to a judge to decide if it goes for a full trial. he claims that there is evidence for this — there's also the case that this is what makes this witness statement dramatic as it is, that after he and william were issuing this jointly, that after he and william were issuing thisjointly, then that after he and william were issuing this jointly, then when that after he and william were issuing thisjointly, then when he pursued it singly, he claims that

his father and also courtiers obstructed it, and also as you mentioned in the introduction, he's revealed the so—called secret deal which involved a huge amount of money and which apparently involved william. that would make the point, it's extremely important that celebrities and well—known figures do tend to settle out of court to do it privately. the other issue of courses at the role of family have always had a dread of court appearances.— always had a dread of court appearances. yes, as you say, there's a — appearances. yes, as you say, there's a generational - appearances. yes, as you say, there's a generational divide l appearances. yes, as you say, - there's a generational divide about this. the family prefer to treat the media outlets for support, the king once newspaper support, prince harry wants newspapers in court— how do you think this�*ll be received by the

palace, especially as comes so close to the coronation? i palace, especially as comes so close to the coronation?— to the coronation? i think it will be received _ to the coronation? i think it will be received with _ to the coronation? i think it will be received with a _ to the coronation? i think it will be received with a good - to the coronation? i think it will be received with a good deal. to the coronation? i think it will be received with a good deal of| be received with a good deal of concern with the palace, and they are very well aware that the sussex is believe that the... colluded with the press, and we know that the relations between the sussex is in the press are frankly terrible, to force them into exile, and a sense. they were doing all this to rehabilitate the queen, and also there's no doubt that harry's comments about her being dangerous, we could and so forth in interviews were unhelpful — but it was his life's work, as he's called it, and there's other cases pending. there is no doubt with the coronation a week and a half away, one thing that has proven is that the suffixes have not lost their capability to

surprise, because i can't see apparently, having been briefed at the ceremony from sources, then returned to california, i can't see any chance, ifear, of any reconciliation of any sort, certainly not after this. yes, it's important _ certainly not after this. yes, it's important to — certainly not after this. yes, it's important to stress _ certainly not after this. yes, it's important to stress that - certainly not after this. yes, it's important to stress that prince | important to stress that prince william has not spoken on this so it's impossible to qualify that large payment accusation that prince harry says prince william received from the murdoch newspapers, there's no clarification about that at all from the palace, we have only one side. richard, thank you very much for that. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. next a developing story here in the uk tonight. ten people have been arrested by police investigating a murder in west london. officers have called it a "truly shocking incident". our reporter nicky schiller is in the newsroom with more. nicky? yes, christian, we don't have a lot of details at the moment,

but police say ten people have been arrested on suspicion of murder. officers were called at around 5.15am this morning to an incident at brentwood gardens, in the brentford area of london. they found a man with serious injuries in the street. he sadly died at the scene, and the four say they were alerted to what they call reports of intruders at an address in the area. —— 110w —— now the force say they were alerted. now subsequently, seven men and three women were arrested. the detective in charge of the investigation called it a "truly shocking incident". he's assured local residents that they are working to bring the people responsible to justice, and he's appealed for anyone with any information to come forward. nicky, thank you. and there is more on that story on the bbc news website or app. microsoft's £55 billion bid to buy the video games company that makes call of duty and candy crush has been blocked, in a surprise move by british regulators — a decision that looks set to scupper the biggest ever deal

in gaming history. and it all centres around the changing face of the gaming industry and how people will interact with it in the future. here's steffan powell to explain. let's put this into some context, christian, this is the biggest deal in gaming history by some margin, and one of the biggest deals in the entertainment industry, really. to give you some context, when you look at when disney bought star wars ten years ago in 2012, they paid $4 billion for all of star wars. this is a $70 billion, £55 billion deal, that's how big it is. and it's important because it would give microsoft access to some of the most popular games in the world. you're talking call of duty, which at the moment, its free—to—play version, warzone, has 100 million registered players. then you're talking world of warcraft, one of the most famous names in pc gaming, then candy crush, one of the most popular games in the mobile space — and microsoft doesn't really have a presence in the mobile space. so getting into there

was really important, and owning and controlling these games in the future would solve a problem for microsoft, because it has a bit of a content issue — in other words, it doesn't really have many popular games. it has popular games on its devices, but not some of the most popular ones, they tend to be nintendo or playstation exclusive titles. so microsoft's had a bit of a content issue — this, in one fell swoop, would solve that issue for them. even though these games would be playable on other devices, as well, it would give microsoft control of them for the future. but it's been a bit of a snag because the cma in the uk, the competition markets authority, said, "no, we don't want this deal to go ahead." and it's not because it would give microsoft too powerful a position in the console space, where it has its xboxes competing against playstations — instead, the cme has looked to the future and cloud gaming services. now, these are things that will eventually allow gamers to play any game they want on whatever device they want, right? it could be a phone, it could be a tv, or it

could be a high—powered pc, or a console. the cma decided that this deal would give microsoft too powerful a position in that space, which would have a bad impact on competition, and therefore have a negative impact on gamers because they think it would reduce innovation by having microsoft in too powerful a position in that space. at the moment, they're behind playstation in the console space, but they are the dominant player in the cloud market service. and so therefore, the cma thought that they shouldn't go ahead and approve this deal. now, that hasn't gone down very well with activision, who have said that the uk is clearly closed for business, and microsoft have queried the cma's understanding of the market and said it would appeal. so we'll have to wait for a couple of months to find out what happens with that appeal. if it doesn't go ahead in the uk, then the deal comes to an end, because it has to be approved in the uk, the us, and the eu for it to finally go through. so it's a big day today when it comes to this particular case, and the future

of the games industry. well, joining me now to discuss this is keza macdonald, the video games editor at the guardian. that last point there, the regulatory bodies in the uk, the united states in the european union all have to agree to this deal. does this set a precedent than? i all have to agree to this deal. does this set a precedent than?- this set a precedent than? i think so, this is — this set a precedent than? i think so, this is the _ this set a precedent than? i think so, this is the second _ this set a precedent than? i think so, this is the second time - this set a precedent than? i think so, this is the second time the i this set a precedent than? i think i so, this is the second time the cma has stepped in and prevented facebook from buying the search engine give fee. so it puts in a position of power because all those regulatory bodies have to approve this deal for her to go through. we are still hearing different here from the others, of course, but the uk doesn't work.— uk doesn't work. they are not lookin: uk doesn't work. they are not looking at _ uk doesn't work. they are not looking at the _ uk doesn't work. they are not looking at the deal— uk doesn't work. they are not looking at the deal itself, i uk doesn't work. they are not looking at the deal itself, but| uk doesn't work. they are not i looking at the deal itself, but the future of gaming and how it operates within the cloud?— within the cloud? absolutely, and microsoft believes _ within the cloud? absolutely, and microsoft believes the _ within the cloud? absolutely, and microsoft believes the future i within the cloud? absolutely, and microsoft believes the future of l microsoft believes the future of gaming is that you and i will instead of buying a console then games for that console, will be able

to play games on any device that we own, allowing gaming to markets where people aren't buying consoles, but he would open up giving to everyone. so it's a cute play and microsoft is very heavily invested in it. i think this is a play for the future and that's what the cma has focused on rather than what content microsoft does or doesn't own. ., . ., . , own. there were earlier concerns it would have — own. there were earlier concerns it would have an _ own. there were earlier concerns it would have an unfair— own. there were earlier concerns it would have an unfair impact - own. there were earlier concerns it would have an unfair impact on i own. there were earlier concerns it would have an unfair impact on its| would have an unfair impact on its arch rival, playstation, so sony are presumably happy with this? sow; presumably happy with this? sony have been pretty _ presumably happy with this? sprig have been pretty outspoken in all this evidence gathering, saying that microsoft controlling call of duty particularly would be really unfair for competition in the console space. i think microsoft did a lot to allay those fears, they promised call of duty on every rifle competition for ten years, the cma was happy about that. where it fell down was the cloud gaming thing, something which might put microsoft in a powerful position in five

years. you would think that call of duty would be the biggest competition issue, but it's not that. , ., , ., that. plenty of the still to run, thanks for— that. plenty of the still to run, thanks for much _ that. plenty of the still to run, thanks for much for— that. plenty of the still to run, thanks for much for that. i lets stay with the tech theme. last year, the us congress signed into law a bill that over time will direct $53 billion, towards the manufacturers of semiconductors. the chips bill sets out a strategy for an industry that is of crucial importance. there's a chip in everything we buy — our cars, our phones, every domestic appliance — and yet 90% of the chips we use are manufactured in taiwan. you see the obvious risk, so where is the uk's strategy? the government was supposed to publish that plan last autumn. today, one of our most successful chip—making startups announced they are considering moving abroad. pragmatic make tiny, flexible circuit boards that can be embedded into almost anything, from packaging to clothing. the company needs investment to expand, but in the uk it has not been forthcoming. well, joining me now to discuss this is richard price, he is the co—founder

of pragmatic semiconductor. tell us what you make and what the plan would be if the support were there? ,., ., , ., plan would be if the support were there? , ., there? good evening, christian. so we look forward _ there? good evening, christian. so we look forward to _ there? good evening, christian. so we look forward to the _ there? good evening, christian. so we look forward to the government publishing the strategy, we understand that it's important the strategy is right, as you mentioned, there's been bold incentives announced in the us and the eu with the chips acts, and we understand that the prime minister and treasury are now across the strategy. and i think that's important because the strategy, once it's published, needs to have real substance and teeth, and it needs to have proper investment behind it so it can really help the uk semiconductor industry to become reinvigorated. if you can't get the government money that you need, who else is out there offering you that opportunity to expand? brute offering you that opportunity to exand? ~ ., .., expand? we are confident we will get the money we — expand? we are confident we will get the money we need _ expand? we are confident we will get the money we need from _ expand? we are confident we will get the money we need from the - expand? we are confident we will get

the money we need from the uk, but| the money we need from the uk, but there are incentives in europe, across germany and spain, there are new entrants into the market, as well, so india has started to become quite active, and obviously a cross in north america and the us, there is $52 billion chips act as well as the inflation reduction act... 50 the inflation reduction act... so ou the inflation reduction act... so you are serious that you would consider moving if this money doesn't come forward? we consider moving if this money doesn't come forward? we have to invest in the _ doesn't come forward? we have to invest in the future, _ doesn't come forward? we have to invest in the future, we _ doesn't come forward? we have to invest in the future, we want i doesn't come forward? we have to invest in the future, we want to i invest in the future, we want to invest in the future, we want to invest in the uk, that's very much part of our strategy, we just need a level playing field because the —— so the cost of operating in the uk says the same as anywhere else. you wouldn't consider the chinese money, wouldn't consider the chinese money, would you, considering the recent example in newport?— example in newport? that's not something _ example in newport? that's not something that _ example in newport? that's not something that will _ example in newport? that's not something that will be - example in newport? that's not something that will be part i example in newport? that's not something that will be part of. example in newport? that's not. something that will be part of our strategy, we are looking at a range of different options, we've already got a very diverse chair. did

of different options, we've already got a very diverse chair.— got a very diverse chair. did the base select _ got a very diverse chair. did the base select committee - got a very diverse chair. did the base select committee note i got a very diverse chair. did the base select committee note the got a very diverse chair. did the i base select committee note the lack of a strategy in december, they said they needed to alleviate the issue you're describing by mapping out the industry — what did they mean by that? industry - what did they mean by that? , , , that? the uk industry is quite different other _ that? the uk industry is quite different other parts - that? the uk industry is quite different other parts of i that? the uk industry is quite different other parts of the i that? the uk industry is quite i different other parts of the world, as you mentioned taiwan is quite dominant in silicon chip manufacturing, we did have some strengths— ourselves, we developed a new technology for flexible semiconductors, which is world leading, other sectors such as compound semiconductors and grafting, which was discovered in manchester nearly 20 years ago. we can build on the strengths... so lona can build on the strengths... so long as we have a plan? so i can build on the strengths... so | long as we have a plan? so long can build on the strengths... so i long as we have a plan? so long as we have a — long as we have a plan? so long as we have a plan- — long as we have a plan? so long as we have a plan. richard, _ long as we have a plan? so long as we have a plan. richard, thanks. we have a plan. richard, thanks for cominu we have a plan. richard, thanks for coming on the _ we have a plan. richard, thanks for coming on the programme, - we have a plan. richard, thanks for coming on the programme, we i we have a plan. richard, thanks for coming on the programme, we will| we have a plan. richard, thanks for- coming on the programme, we will see if that strategy materialises. we will go to a short break, our panel will go to a short break, our panel will be with us for the 9pm hour

this evening, talking more about sudan, migration, and also the vice president — where is she and why are her poll numbers so bad? hello there. we've started this week off on a largely settled note, but it has been chilly for the time of year. we've seen variable cloud and some sunshine. now the second half of this week will be turning much milder but more unsettled. some of us will see quite a bit of rain around, especially on thursday. now, tonight, it's going to be mostly dry. variable clouds, some clear spells. most of the clear spells will tend to be across central areas. so it's here where it could be quite chilly but thicker cloud for southwestern and western areas into northern ireland and also western scotland. so no problems with frost here, but another chillier one further north and east. now for thursday, we've got a couple of weather fronts working in thanks to low pressure, top and tail of the uk. so many places through central areas certainly will start dry a little bit early brightness, but it will be quite chilly, but temperatures will be lifting through the day. this weather front bring rain, some mountain snow to scotland

and then it turns wet across wales, central and southern england. some of this rain could be heavy and thundery as we move through the afternoon. so we've got temperatures reaching close to the mid—teens, central and southern areas, but still quite cold for the northern half of scotland. now through thursday night, it stays rather cloudy with further rain at times. this low pressure system pulling away from england and wales. but because of the breeze, the cloud and the rain, i think most places should be frost free. but there could still be a few chilly spots across the far north of scotland. now for friday, it looks like that area of low pressure across england wales pulls way into the near continent. this weather fronts across northern scotland tends to weaken. so it's a bit of a quieter day and improving day as low pressure moves away. and we're all, virtually all of us in this milder wedge of air. so it's a slow process. the breeze, the cloud, the rain clears away from eastern england, increasing amounts of sunshine for northern ireland, parts of wales, the midlands, southern england, where we get the sunshine with the milder air mass.

it really will feel quite mild indeed, with temperatures up to around 18 degrees at best, but mild even through the central belt of scotland. still cold for the northern isles. now, the bank holiday weekend, it looks like it's going to stay mild for most of us, but it won't be completely settled. there will be variable clouds, some sunny spells, but also scattering of showers, showers pretty much each day. but i think sunday will see the most widespread and at times heavy and thundery showers. but given some sunshine, it really will feel quite warm in places for a time. it looks like those showers will tend to ease down as high pressure starts to build back in on monday.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. they are choosing to make that additional crossing. they are essentially asylum—shoppers, even if they ultimately came from a place of danger. in effect, asking this house to give legislative sanction to at least the possibility that a minister of the crown will deliberately disobey the international law obligations of this country. when we want to have a conversation with china about abiding _ by international rules—based order, i think itjust makes it more - difficult for us to do that . when we are offending our own treaty obligations.

welcome back. we will talk plenty on migration this evening. also sudan. also sudan. more than 300 british nationals have boarded four evacuation flights from sudan. by the end of day, eight will have left. the small airstrip being used in sudan is beginning to break up, which raises concerns over how long the operation can continue. we will discuss with our panel tonight, political correspondent for the guardian, peter walker, and victoria coates, former senior energy adviser to the trump administration. let's talk about those new rules that will deny asylum to those arriving illegally here in the uk. mp's have been voting tonight on ammendments to the illegal migration bill. what aboutjoe biden's running mate, kamala harris? the white house rushing to the aid of the vice president in a bid to shore up her poll numbers, which are worse than the president's. but whose fault is that? and a ban on assault rifles in the state of washington,

the tenth us state to ban them. but there is already a legal challenge. the republicans accuse the governor of putting politics above their second ammendment rights. we will get to all that through the course of the next hour. but we start with that evacuation effort in sudan. the ceasefire is holding, just, but the un weighing in today as sporadic fighting broke out around khartoum. so no guarantees it holds until tomorrow. and worrying news today the airstrip that is being used to evacuate british nationals, just outside khartoum is beginning to break up. it's the heavy aircraft, the sheer number taking off and landing, that is damaging a dusty old surface. nonetheless eight planes will have landed by the end of today at larnaka airport in cyprus. where my colleague lewis vaughan jones has been watching. this has been the hub of the uk evacuation rescue effort. they haven't been flying people directly from sudan back to the uk. instead, they've come via here,

so military aircraft to pick people up from that airbase just north of khartoum and flown here to the runways just behind me. then, everyone gets out, gets on to different aeroplanes, normal chartered civilian aeroplanes, to head on to the uk. and hundreds of people have done that. but the problem is we know that thousands of people have registered their interest in doing just that with the uk authorities. so there have been some questions about this operation, about the numbers of people coming through, and also questions about potential delay. for example, that airstrip just north of khartoum had been run by the german military, and is now being used by the british. so, just that timeline shows you a difference in the response time. but people have made it here, and have been in this airport sharing their stories. and they are really difficult,

harrowing stories of what they've left behind. some people also having to leave behind family members who don't have british passports. a very difficult, difficult journey for so many, not least that journey from their own homes where they are in khartoum or around sudan to get to that airbase just north of khartoum. very, very difficult and dangerous journey. and questions have been asked about asking people to make thatjourney. but the british high commissioner here has been defending the british mission, underlining the complexity and the volatility of the situation. so it really is a race against the clock. which again, begs the question whether this should have started much earlier. the germans who have thrown some shade on the uk operation, have already completed their evacuation, of 700 foreign nationals. but then others argue it's a flawed comparison.

the germans had far fewer to get out. and certainly it wasn't without risk. courtney bembridge has more from the newsroom. this is the airfield that the uk and other nato allies are using to get their citizens out. as you can see, it's not very close to the city centre, which is here, and it's difficult to reach. and that's because of this — these show all the areas where fighting has been verified in footage that the bbc has seen. you can see this residential area has been turned into a battlefield, the international airport also surrounded by hotspots, as are the main roads that lead up to that airfield we just looked at. so, that makes it very difficult. there's also huge demand — its estimated that a quarter of a million sudanese people are trying to flee at the moment, and that's driving fuel prices up and making it very difficult. these are the different routes that they are taking — so, via land to the port to get across to saudi arabia, down to ethiopia, to south sudan, to chad, and of course to egypt. but that's not an easy route either — there are many

checkpoints along this way, and this is 1000 km on a bumpy road, so not an easy route to take. one man has told the bbc that he had to go through 25 checkpoints just to reach the bus station at the edge of khartoum, and then of course wait to get on the bus. because of surging fuel prices, the cost of a seat has gone up to $400 us, so very difficult. the question is, did the uk government take too long to act? and to answer that, we need to look at some of the other countries in comparison. so, germany took out 700 people, 200 of them were german citizens. then we look at italy — there were only 83 italians, plus 23 citizens of other nationalities. and then if we look at france, there were 209 french citizens, along with 538 people from 41 other countries. when you compare that to the uk and the us, very different prospects, two very different scenarios — 16,000 american citizens, 4000 uk nationals. so, we need to bear this in mind when we're asking that question of whether the uk government took

too long to act. we will answer that question very shortly. we will answer that question very shortly. let's head over to khartoum now. tarig babikir is a british national who is trying to get out of sudan. he decided to embark on a four—hour walk to the airstrip he was forced to turn back. obviously you can imagine there is fairly patchy communication with khartoum at the moment, so bear with us. thank you for being with us. explain to us, if you can hear us properly, what happened today? what was the journey like for you? well. was the “ourney like for you? well, it was was the journey like for you? well, it was quite — was the journey like for you? well, it was quite a _ was the journey like for you? well, it was quite a dangerous _ was the journey like for you? -ii it was quite a dangerous journey actually, because i had to hitchhike back from khartoum. but then i heard gunfire, so people advised me not to go on the journey because the of the

airstrip and the evacuations taking place there, it was not going to be safe. so i had to make my way backward. safe. so i had to make my way backward-— safe. so i had to make my way i backward._ well, i backward. why did you want? well, i walked because _ backward. why did you want? well, i walked because absence _ backward. why did you want? well, i walked because absence of— backward. why did you want? well, i walked because absence of public- walked because absence of public transport. walked because absence of public transort. �* ,. walked because absence of public transort. . ., �* walked because absence of public transort. �* ., �* . walked because absence of public transort. . ., �* ., ., walked because absence of public transort. �* ., �* ., ., transport. and you don't have a car? well, nobody — transport. and you don't have a car? well, nobody has _ transport. and you don't have a car? well, nobody has fuel. _ transport. and you don't have a car? well, nobody has fuel. writes, i transport. and you don't have a car? well, nobody has fuel. writes, ok. i well, nobody has fuel. writes, ok. so the only — well, nobody has fuel. writes, ok. so the only option _ well, nobody has fuel. writes, ok. so the only option if _ well, nobody has fuel. writes, ok. so the only option if you _ well, nobody has fuel. writes, ok. so the only option if you want i well, nobody has fuel. writes, ok. so the only option if you want to i so the only option if you want to get there under your own steam is to walk to the airport. i get there under your own steam is to walk to the airport.— walk to the airport. i have heard some people. — walk to the airport. i have heard some people, they _ walk to the airport. i have heard some people, they get - walk to the airport. i have heard some people, they get some i walk to the airport. i have heard i some people, they get some sort of a ride. but i havejust some people, they get some sort of a ride. but i have just heard some people, they get some sort of a ride. but i havejust heard rumours about it, but it is not an easy thing to find.— about it, but it is not an easy thing to find. give us an idea of wh ou thing to find. give us an idea of why you are _ thing to find. give us an idea of why you are there _ thing to find. give us an idea of why you are there in _ thing to find. give us an idea of| why you are there in khartoum's thing to find. give us an idea of l why you are there in khartoum's i understand you are originally from coventry. understand you are originally from covent . , ., understand you are originally from covent . , . ~ , understand you are originally from covent . , . g ., ., .,

coventry. right, yeah. my dad had a stroke, so coventry. right, yeah. my dad had a stroke. so l — coventry. right, yeah. my dad had a stroke, so i had _ coventry. right, yeah. my dad had a stroke, so i had to _ coventry. right, yeah. my dad had a stroke, so i had to be _ coventry. right, yeah. my dad had a stroke, so i had to be around. it- coventry. right, yeah. my dad had a stroke, so i had to be around. it is. stroke, so i had to be around. it is a difficult time. i stroke, so i had to be around. it is a difficult time.— a difficult time. i can see over your left _ a difficult time. i can see over your left shoulder, _ a difficult time. i can see over your left shoulder, there i a difficult time. i can see over your left shoulder, there is i a difficult time. i can see over i your left shoulder, there is what looks like damage to the wall. it is not in connection to what is happening outside? ida. not in connection to what is happening outside? not in connection to what is ha enin: outside? ., ., ., not in connection to what is ha enin: outside? ., ., . ., happening outside? no, no. i am in a safe place- — happening outside? no, no. i am in a safe place- but _ happening outside? no, no. i am in a safe place. but this _ happening outside? no, no. i am in a safe place. but this is _ happening outside? no, no. i am in a safe place. but this is not _ happening outside? no, no. i am in a safe place. but this is not my - safe place. but this is not my house. my actual house has been slightly damaged. it is in khartoum too, nearthe slightly damaged. it is in khartoum too, near the international airport. it was the first trip a very heavy gunfire, so i had to flee, my family residence and come here. so gunfire, so i had to flee, my family residence and come here.— gunfire, so i had to flee, my family residence and come here. so are you t in: to residence and come here. so are you trying to get — residence and come here. so are you trying to get to _ residence and come here. so are you trying to get to the — residence and come here. so are you trying to get to the airport _ residence and come here. so are you trying to get to the airport with i trying to get to the airport with your family, trying to get to the airport with yourfamily, are going alone's i am your family, are going alone's i am the only british _ your family, are going alone's i am the only british citizen _ your family, are going alone's i am the only british citizen in _ your family, are going alone's i an the only british citizen in my family. my sister, is an american citizen, but i understand the

evacuation only deals with british nationals. . , , ., evacuation only deals with british nationals. . , , . , nationals. that must be a very difficult decision. _ nationals. that must be a very difficult decision. you - nationals. that must be a very difficult decision. you are i nationals. that must be a very i difficult decision. you are thinking about leaving the rest of the family there? . , , there? yeah, but in my mind it will onl be there? yeah, but in my mind it will only be for— there? yeah, but in my mind it will only be for three _ there? yeah, but in my mind it will only be for three weeks, _ there? yeah, but in my mind it will only be for three weeks, four- there? yeah, but in my mind it will. only be for three weeks, four weeks, and that i will come back.— and that i will come back. you're auoin to and that i will come back. you're going to try _ and that i will come back. you're going to try to — and that i will come back. you're going to try to get _ and that i will come back. you're going to try to get back- and that i will come back. you're going to try to get back in? i and that i will come back. you're| going to try to get back in? yeah, and that i will come back. you're i going to try to get back in? yeah, i willt to going to try to get back in? yeah, i will try to get _ going to try to get back in? yeah, i will try to get back _ going to try to get back in? yeah, i will try to get back in. _ going to try to get back in? yeah, i will try to get back in. i _ going to try to get back in? yeah, i will try to get back in. i don't i will try to get back in. i don't know if they will run out of medication. my dad. know if they will run out of medication. m dad. ., �* ., ., medication. my dad. you're going to brina back medication. my dad. you're going to bring back medical _ medication. my dad. you're going to bring back medical provisions? i medication. my dad. you're going to bring back medical provisions? 1. medication. my dad. you're going to bring back medical provisions? i am| bring back medical provisions? i am auoin bring back medical provisions? i am going there — bring back medical provisions? i —n going there basicallyjust sort of, yeah, i am. going there basically 'ust sort of, yeah. i amt going there basically 'ust sort of, eah, i am. ~ y., ., ., yeah, i am. right. are you going to t aaain yeah, i am. right. are you going to try again tomorrow? _ yeah, i am. right. are you going to try again tomorrow? i _ yeah, i am. right. are you going to try again tomorrow? i am, - yeah, i am. right. are you going to try again tomorrow? i am, yah. ii try again tomorrow? i am, yah. i have heard _ try again tomorrow? i am, yah. i have heard that _ try again tomorrow? i am, yah. i have heard that some _ try again tomorrow? i am, yah. i have heard that some people i try again tomorrow? i am, yah. ii

have heard that some people have organised a rideshare to the airspace, so i will try to get in touch. �* , ., , airspace, so i will try to get in touch. �* , , airspace, so i will try to get in touch. , , , touch. but you must be conscious that their cease-fire _ touch. but you must be conscious that their cease-fire has - touch. but you must be conscious that their cease-fire has only i touch. but you must be conscious that their cease-fire has only just| that their cease—fire has onlyjust barely held today. does it feel, will you set off early, are you conscious that things might shutdown before you get there? i am conscious that things might shutdown before you get there?— before you get there? i am conscious to that, and — before you get there? i am conscious to that. and my _ before you get there? i am conscious to that, and my decisions _ before you get there? i am conscious to that, and my decisions are - before you get there? i am conscious to that, and my decisions are not i to that, and my decisions are not final. my decision is really depending on the situation, so i have to be aware to what is going on around me. even with the cease—fire, even during the cease—fire, there was gunfire, there were shots, so, anything can change at any minute. i am always conscious of that. just a final one, when _ am always conscious of that. just a final one, when you _ am always conscious of that. just a final one, when you got _ am always conscious of that. just a final one, when you got to - am always conscious of that. just a final one, when you got to the i final one, when you got to the checkpoints, can you trust the checkpoints? is it government forces that are on the checkpoints, or is the auto self manning some of the

checkpoints?— the auto self manning some of the checkoints? 1, , ., checkpoints? both. some parts of the roads are controlled _ checkpoints? both. some parts of the roads are controlled by _ checkpoints? both. some parts of the roads are controlled by the _ roads are controlled by the government forces and some parts are controlled by the rss. lanthem government forces and some parts are controlled by the rss.— controlled by the rss. when you go to the airport. _ controlled by the rss. when you go to the airport, do _ controlled by the rss. when you go to the airport, do you _ controlled by the rss. when you go to the airport, do you have - controlled by the rss. when you go to the airport, do you have to i to the airport, do you have to try to the airport, do you have to try to avoid one side or the other�*si to avoid one side or the other'si am trying to do my best, and that's what i usually do. but sometimes if they ask you to stop, you have to be compliant. otherwise they can just shoot you, and that's it. you compliant. otherwise they can “ust shoot you, and that's iti shoot you, and that's it. you stay safe. we wish _ shoot you, and that's it. you stay safe. we wish you _ shoot you, and that's it. you stay safe. we wish you the _ shoot you, and that's it. you stay safe. we wish you the best - shoot you, and that's it. you stay safe. we wish you the best of - shoot you, and that's it. you stay | safe. we wish you the best of luck with your exit tomorrow. we hope you manage to get on board one of those planes. manage to get on board one of those lanes. . ~' ,, manage to get on board one of those lanes. . ~ ,, ., , planes. thank you. i really appreciate _ planes. thank you. i really appreciate that. _ planes. thank you. i really appreciate that. he - planes. thank you. i really appreciate that. he is - planes. thank you. i really - appreciate that. he is encouraging toda , appreciate that. he is encouraging today. trying _ appreciate that. he is encouraging today. trying to — appreciate that. he is encouraging today. trying to get _ appreciate that. he is encouraging today, trying to get to _ appreciate that. he is encouraging today, trying to get to the - appreciate that. he is encouraging today, trying to get to the airport | today, trying to get to the airport but wasn't successful. let's talk to my panel. peter, when you listen to that, you really do get an impression of the wary on the hardship that a lot of these people

are undergoing. as they try and find are undergoing. as they try and find a way out. the are undergoing. as they try and find a wa out. , ., ., , a way out. the situation is incredibly _ a way out. the situation is incredibly grim. _ a way out. the situation is incredibly grim. from - a way out. the situation is incredibly grim. from the | a way out. the situation is - incredibly grim. from the side that we have heard things on, they keep on stressing that while there is a lot of criticism that the rescue effort were slow to get going in the first place, they keep on stressing that it first place, they keep on stressing thatitis first place, they keep on stressing that it is incredibly complicated. and there is no point having muster points for british people getting shot out or something like that. so you it's kind of a balancing act to try and get as many people out as quickly as they possibly can, but of the same time keeping people safe too. but as you are saying earlier, no one knows, day by day, hour by hour, how long the cease—fire will hold. and the politicians, at the back of their mind, was seen in retrospect as having gone really, really badly. and they don't want people to look at this and think it

is going in the same way. so it's incredibly difficult for people like that on the ground. it’s incredibly difficult for people like that on the ground.— that on the ground. it's a really aood that on the ground. it's a really good point _ that on the ground. it's a really good point though, _ that on the ground. it's a really good point though, victoria, i that on the ground. it's a really - good point though, victoria, because we have talked tonight about whether the uk could have been quicker. and of course there are two risk assessments, very different risk assessments, very different risk assessments that will be made by the smaller countries, like the united states and uk. you don't want thousands of people in the road on an airfield if they are going to be bombed, if they're going to be shot at a checkpoint. you can understand why some governments took a little bit longer to try and come to some understanding of what the security situation was.— understanding of what the security situation was. absolutely. and it is aood to be situation was. absolutely. and it is good to be with — situation was. absolutely. and it is good to be with you, _ situation was. absolutely. and it is good to be with you, kristen, - situation was. absolutely. and it is good to be with you, kristen, and. situation was. absolutely. and it is. good to be with you, kristen, and to meet _ good to be with you, kristen, and to meet you _ good to be with you, kristen, and to meet you peter. i think for the united states, we generally are going _ united states, we generally are going to — united states, we generally are going to have more citizens and countrx — going to have more citizens and country. and i think people into the am, unfortunately, for the people in sudan, _ am, unfortunately, for the people in sudan, it_ am, unfortunately, for the people in sudan, it is— am, unfortunately, for the people in sudan, it is a— am, unfortunately, for the people in sudan, it is a fairly safe bet. so it is_ sudan, it is a fairly safe bet. so it is concerning to me that we didn't— it is concerning to me that we didn't have clear identities on the some _ didn't have clear identities on the some 16,000 dural and american some16,000 dural and american citizens_ some 16,000 dural and american citizens and country, and we still

have _ citizens and country, and we still have a _ citizens and country, and we still have a plan. the uk at least touch points _ have a plan. the uk at least touch points taken off ale from this airstrip _ points taken off ale from this airstrip. the last thing i read in the press — airstrip. the last thing i read in the press was that we are considering positioning naval assets in the _ considering positioning naval assets in the quarter sudan north of khartoum. but it is a five hour drive — khartoum. but it is a five hour drive from _ khartoum. but it is a five hour drive from khartoum. so if you don't have fuel. _ drive from khartoum. so if you don't have fuel, and it's a five hour drive, — have fuel, and it's a five hour drive, this— have fuel, and it's a five hour drive, this is not a tenable walk. and then — drive, this is not a tenable walk. and then you have you are sensitive naval _ and then you have you are sensitive naval assets — and then you have you are sensitive naval assets within firing range of the shore — naval assets within firing range of the shore. this alljust looks incredibly— the shore. this alljust looks incredibly dicey. i do wish we could started _ incredibly dicey. i do wish we could started planning two weeks ago instead — started planning two weeks ago instead of putting out signals that we were _ instead of putting out signals that we were not going to assist with an evacuation — we were not going to assist with an evacuation. i�*m we were not going to assist with an evacuation-— we were not going to assist with an evacuation. �* ., , ., evacuation. i'm not sure that the uk were any better _ evacuation. i'm not sure that the uk were any better that, _ evacuation. i'm not sure that the uk were any better that, because - evacuation. i'm not sure that the uk were any better that, because i - were any better that, because i heard the former air marshal talking about that today. yes, there were risk assessments that would be dead in courtroom, but why he said was there not a list that had been compiled? why do authentic staff to relocate to larnaca and start to compile a list after the event. again, ithink compile a list after the event. again, i think it's quite tricky,

and it's difficult to know until maybe after this evacuation is all done when we have a chance to look back and see what could've been done in a different way. there are slight similarities to the afghan evacuation last year and that it does seem that. there were reports that the uk ambassador to the country was back in the uk when the evacuation was due to start. and then, the uk diplomats were called out first. there was a reason for that. numberten out first. there was a reason for that. number ten was saying that the area where the embassy was that would've been directly fired at. so there is a very good reason for them to get out first. and it becomes incredibly complicated. with sudan, there is going to be a lot of uk nationals and dual nationals coming in at different times. some of them live there, but some would only be there for a week or so. so it is quite tricky. i don't imagine that the uk counsellors ever quite know who is actually there. but it's a relatively large number, 2000 people. but the problem is, the

situation is so difficult. you're going to have these reports as you had earlier on the programme of people calling into who are potentially under gunfire who have elderly parents are young kids and it just doesn't look very elderly parents are young kids and itjust doesn't look very good and the government is going to be very conscious of this. and there is this balancing act that they don't want to move it to quickly and get people injured, but they are also going to be very aware that the situation is changing day by day. it's possibly we may not be able to get anybody out and a few hours. so we've got six to eight flights gone within 36 hours, that is some progress, but the total number of people, the less we heard, which might�*ve been changed since, we were told which 300 people. that's only a fraction. yeah potentiallyjust10%. we will see whether the cease—fire he holds tomorrow. the un weighing in today, trying to see if the two sides will part long enough to get all these people out. around the world and in

the uk, this is bbc news. let's take a look at some of the other days headlines. more than 20,000 new police officers have been recruited in england and wales over the past three years — meaning the government has met the target it set in the 2019 general election. britain's biggest force— london's metropolitan police — was the only one of 43 forces to miss its individual target. labour says ministers are just "catching up" on their previous cuts. the mp andrew bridgen has been expelled from the conservative party after he compared covid—i9 vaccines to the holocaust. he was also found to have breached lobbying rules. mr bridgen — who represents north west leicestershire — has accused the party of kicking him out "under false pretences". a man's been given a jail sentence of 22 months for helping the killer of 9—year—old olivia pratt korbel in liverpool last august. paul russell, who's iii, had already admitted driving thomas cashman in the aftermath of the shooting. liverpool crown court heard that russell was "terrified" of cashman and had given his name to the police in the days after the shooting.

you're live with bbc news. the british government's illegal migration bill has passed its final hurdle with mp5, but could still face amendments or delays in the house of lords. the plans have been approved by 289 votes to 230 after the government refused a potential rebellion. the plans aim to stop asylum seekers arriving in small boats across the english channel. it's an issue many other countries have grapped with, so it follows that what is decided here could well have a bearing on the debate elsewhere. there has been criticism of the tone taken by the home secretary suella braverman, and immigration minister robert jenrick in parliament. the vast majority of those individuals coming on small boats are coming from an obvious place of safety in france, with a fully functioning asylum system. so, they're choosing to make that additional crossing. they are essentially asylum—shoppers, even if they ultimately came from a place of danger.

and they are doing that because they believe the united kingdom is a better place for them to make their claim and to build a future. dr peter walsh is senior researcher at the migration observatory, based at the university of oxford, providing analysis and research around migration and policy issues. welcome to the programme. i wonder if you have had a chance to look through some of the amendments today, and what you would pick out�*s yeah, i think there were two. some discussion on modern slavery in the amendments surrounding that, particularly this idea that even those who have been confirmed as victims of modern slavery by the government would not be able just escaped deportation. that is still in the bill. and the other big one, i think, is the one on making it easierfor the home i think, is the one on making it easier for the home secretary to ignore interim measures and junctions from the strasburg cause. that are still in the bill. legal

opinion is divided over what exactly the significance of that is. i saw earlier in the week the former supreme courtjustice, he said it is actually neither here nor there. the government is well within its right already to be able to ignore those interim measures. other legal opinion from the bingham centre from the rule of law said actually, there is an established body of case law that already made it clear that it can't be ignored. of course, those are interim and junctions, but not any of the rulings. the are interim and junctions, but not any of the rulings.— any of the rulings. the former attorney general _ any of the rulings. the former attorney general took - any of the rulings. the former attorney general took to - any of the rulings. the former attorney general took to his l any of the rulings. the former. attorney general took to his feet today to criticise that. he said if you are changing the statute, it would appear to him that you would tend to ignore every entering junction which comes out from the european court of human rights. is that in effect where we would be? it does seem that way. an important caveat of course, those are only the interim measures. the injunctions that are made without full

consideration of individual cases as relates to deportation. so that's only a small part, not the more important part, which are the other more general rulings have actually made final determinations on whether it is legal to deport individuals or whether the policy as a whole is compliant with those international and legal obligation human rights law. ., ., 4' and legal obligation human rights law. how do you think the european courts what — law. how do you think the european courts what they _ law. how do you think the european courts what they were _ law. how do you think the european courts what they were this's - law. how do you think the european courts what they were this's if - law. how do you think the european courts what they were this's if not i courts what they were this's if not entirely clear. _ courts what they were this's if not entirely clear. certainly, - courts what they were this's if not entirely clear. certainly, it - courts what they were this's if not entirely clear. certainly, it looks. entirely clear. certainly, it looks like we are on a collision course with the european court. there have been some murmurings when you speak with people, they take quite a dim view, and they will defend robustly their right in their power, rather, to the uk to follow the interim adjustments. there is some case rule that suggests that they have come down quite hard on the country that have tried to defy those.— have tried to defy those. victoria, let me bring _ have tried to defy those. victoria, let me bring you _ have tried to defy those. victoria, let me bring you in _ have tried to defy those. victoria, let me bring you in on _ have tried to defy those. victoria, let me bring you in on this, - have tried to defy those. victoria, l let me bring you in on this, because obviously it has been years trying to reform immigration system in the

united states. and it never seems to make any progress on that. the council of europe said today that other states will be watching what is happening in the uk and may well follow suit. do you think congress is watching what's happening here, to get a flavour of what they might put through in the house? uncertainly. i think this is an uncertainty. i think this is an issue — uncertainty. i think this is an issue that _ uncertainty. i think this is an issue that we _ uncertainty. i think this is an issue that we work _ uncertainty. i think this is an issue that we work with, - uncertainty. i think this is an - issue that we work with, partners and allies— issue that we work with, partners and allies on. _ issue that we work with, partners and allies on, people _ issue that we work with, partners and allies on, people who - issue that we work with, partners and allies on, people who are - and allies on, people who are fortunate _ and allies on, people who are fortunate enough— and allies on, people who are fortunate enough and - and allies on, people who are j fortunate enough and blessed and allies on, people who are - fortunate enough and blessed enough to live _ fortunate enough and blessed enough to live in _ fortunate enough and blessed enough to live in countries _ fortunate enough and blessed enough to live in countries where _ fortunate enough and blessed enough to live in countries where many - to live in countries where many other— to live in countries where many other people _ to live in countries where many other people want _ to live in countries where many other people want to _ to live in countries where many other people want to come. - to live in countries where many - other people want to come. because as we _ other people want to come. because as we said. — other people want to come. because as we said. they— other people want to come. because as we said, they think _ other people want to come. because as we said, they think they're - other people want to come. because as we said, they think they're going i as we said, they think they're going to have _ as we said, they think they're going to have a _ as we said, they think they're going to have a better— as we said, they think they're going to have a better life _ as we said, they think they're going to have a better life here. - as we said, they think they're going to have a better life here. i- as we said, they think they're going to have a better life here. i think. to have a better life here. i think what _ to have a better life here. i think what worries _ to have a better life here. i think what worries me _ to have a better life here. i think what worries me is _ to have a better life here. i think what worries me is this - to have a better life here. i think what worries me is this notion i to have a better life here. i think. what worries me is this notion that international— what worries me is this notion that international taw— what worries me is this notion that international law would _ what worries me is this notion that international law would somehow. international law would somehow trump _ international law would somehow trump the — international law would somehow trump the sovereign _ international law would somehow trump the sovereign taws - international law would somehow trump the sovereign laws of - international law would somehow trump the sovereign laws of the i trump the sovereign laws of the kingdom — trump the sovereign laws of the kingdom or— trump the sovereign laws of the kingdom or the _ trump the sovereign laws of the kingdom or the united - trump the sovereign laws of the kingdom or the united states, i trump the sovereign laws of the i kingdom or the united states, and the mp_ kingdom or the united states, and the mp that — kingdom or the united states, and the mp that mentions _ kingdom or the united states, and the mp that mentions that - kingdom or the united states, and the mp that mentions that we - kingdom or the united states, and| the mp that mentions that we were somehow— the mp that mentions that we were somehow going _ the mp that mentions that we were somehow going to _ the mp that mentions that we were somehow going to be _ the mp that mentions that we were somehow going to be more - somehow going to be more persuasive with people's— somehow going to be more persuasive with people's republic— somehow going to be more persuasive with people's republic of— somehow going to be more persuasive with people's republic of china - somehow going to be more persuasive with people's republic of china if - with people's republic of china if we respected _ with peopte's republic of china if we respected international- with people's republic of china if we respected international law, ij we respected internationat law, i think— we respected international law, i think that's — we respected internationat law, i think that's probably— we respected international law, i think that's probably a _ we respected international law, i think that's probably a false - we respected international law, i. think that's probably a false hope. and that _ think that's probably a false hope. and that the — think that's probably a false hope. and that the uk _ think that's probably a false hope. and that the uk in— think that's probably a false hope. and that the uk in the _ think that's probably a false hope. and that the uk in the us- think that's probably a false hope. and that the uk in the us will- think that's probably a false hope. and that the uk in the us will do. think that's probably a false hope. | and that the uk in the us will do a tot and that the uk in the us will do a lot better— and that the uk in the us will do a lot better to —

and that the uk in the us will do a tot better to establish _ and that the uk in the us will do a tot better to establish a _ and that the uk in the us will do a tot better to establish a clear - tot better to establish a clear legal framework _ tot better to establish a clear legal framework so _ tot better to establish a clear legal framework so that - tot better to establish a clear legal framework so that we l tot better to establish a clear . legal framework so that we have tot better to establish a clear - legal framework so that we have the teat legal framework so that we have the legal immigration _ legal framework so that we have the legal immigration that _ legal framework so that we have the legal immigration that we _ legal framework so that we have the legal immigration that we need, - legal framework so that we have the legal immigration that we need, wel tegat immigration that we need, we keep tegat immigration that we need, we keep track— tegat immigration that we need, we keep track of— tegat immigration that we need, we keep track of who _ tegat immigration that we need, we keep track of who are _ tegat immigration that we need, we keep track of who are in _ tegat immigration that we need, we keep track of who are in our- keep track of who are in our countries, _ keep track of who are in our countries, and _ keep track of who are in our countries, and not - keep track of who are in our countries, and not worry- keep track of who are in our countries, and not worry so| keep track of who are in our- countries, and not worry so much about, _ countries, and not worry so much about, if— countries, and not worry so much about, , ., countries, and not worry so much about, ,, , x' countries, and not worry so much about, , ., . . about, if you pick and choose which ofthe about, if you pick and choose which of the international _ about, if you pick and choose which of the international we _ about, if you pick and choose which of the international we abide - about, if you pick and choose which of the international we abide by, i of the international we abide by, there's not much point in the toss. unfortu natety i there's not much point in the toss. unfortunately i think probably the case in _ unfortunately i think probably the case in the — unfortunately i think probably the case in the united _ unfortunately i think probably the case in the united states. - unfortunately i think probably the case in the united states. 50 - unfortunately i think probably the case in the united states.- case in the united states. so you think the international _ case in the united states. so you think the international law- case in the united states. so you think the international law needs j think the international law needs reforming? if it think the international law needs reforminu ? , think the international law needs reformina? , , ., reforming? if it is proven insufficient _ reforming? if it is proven insufficient to _ reforming? if it is proven insufficient to the - reforming? if it is proven insufficient to the needs | reforming? if it is proven i insufficient to the needs of countries _ insufficient to the needs of countries like _ insufficient to the needs of countries like the - insufficient to the needs of countries like the united . insufficient to the needs of - countries like the united kingdom, then yes, — countries tike the united kingdom, then yes, i— countries tike the united kingdom, then yes, i think— countries like the united kingdom, then yes, i think that _ countries like the united kingdom, then yes, i think that you - countries like the united kingdom, then yes, i think that you would i then yes, i think that you would have _ then yes, i think that you would have a — then yes, i think that you would have a very— then yes, i think that you would have a very strong _ then yes, i think that you would have a very strong case - then yes, i think that you would have a very strong case to - then yes, i think that you would. have a very strong case to make, that you — have a very strong case to make, that you either— have a very strong case to make, that you either need _ have a very strong case to make, that you either need to _ have a very strong case to make, that you either need to estabtishl that you either need to establish your own — that you either need to establish your own law— that you either need to establish your own law or _ that you either need to establish your own law or reform - that you either need to establish your own law or reform the - that you either need to establish i your own law or reform the existing law. , ., , ., ., your own law or reform the existing law. ,., ,., ., ., , your own law or reform the existing law. got the point that many have made, law. got the point that many have made. peter. _ law. got the point that many have made, peter, on _ law. got the point that many have made, peter, on the _ law. got the point that many have made, peter, on the right, i law. got the point that many have made, peter, on the right, that i made, peter, on the right, that actually there's taw, made, peter, on the right, that actually there's law, the european actuatty there's law, the european court of human rights and the law it uphotds were designed in the 19505 in the not fit for purpose. sorry, go ahead peter. carry on. it’s in the not fit for purpose. sorry, go ahead peter. carry on.- go ahead peter. carry on. it's a tricky one- _ go ahead peter. carry on. it's a tricky one. and _ go ahead peter. carry on. it's a tricky one. and it _ go ahead peter. carry on. it's a tricky one. and it is _ go ahead peter. carry on. it's a tricky one. and it is something| go ahead peter. carry on. it's a tricky one. and it is something that a certain— tricky one. and it is something that a certain number of conservative mpp

say. a certain number of conservative mpp say but _ a certain number of conservative mpp say but we _ a certain number of conservative mpp say. but we have two power botttes going _ say. but we have two power botttes going on _ say. but we have two power botttes going on and we've got legal to phonetic— going on and we've got legal to phonetic internationat battte going on and we've got legal to phonetic internationat battle over what we — phonetic internationat battle over what we do, and also to an extent this is— what we do, and also to an extent this isiust — what we do, and also to an extent this isjust part of an election campaign, which really started, even campaign, which reatty started, even though— campaign, which reatty started, even though uk— campaign, which really started, even though uk generat campaign, which really started, even though uk general election probably won't be _ though uk general election probably won't be for another 18 months. because — won't be for another 18 months. because there is those on the right of the _ because there is those on the right of the conservative party who would like the _ of the conservative party who would like the party to go into next general election campaign with a manifesto pledge to the uk convention on human rights. to an extent, _ convention on human rights. to an extent, the — convention on human rights. to an extent, the rule when the policy, the extent, the rute when the policy, the policy— extent, the rule when the policy, the policy to deport any to this count , ., . , ., the policy to deport any to this count , ., . , country, doctor peter wells, do you think there's _ country, doctor peter wells, do you think there's any _ country, doctor peter wells, do you think there's any chance _ country, doctor peter wells, do you think there's any chance of- country, doctor peter wells, do you think there's any chance of that, i think there's any chance of that, but it will putt out of the european court? but it will pull out of the european court? ., , but it will pull out of the european court? . , ., court? there have been no inclinations _ court? there have been no inclinations about. - court? there have been no inclinations about. no i court? there have been no i inclinations about. no serious signatting of intent there in my view. signalling of intent there in my view. ., ., ., view. 0k, we will have to leave it there. view. ok, we will have to leave it there- doctor— view. ok, we will have to leave it there. doctor peter— view. 0k, we will have to leave it there. doctor peter walsh, i view. 0k, we will have to leave it there. doctor peter walsh, sorry| view. 0k, we will have to leave it i there. doctor peter walsh, sorry for there. doctor peter walsh, sorry for the confusion. i should have distinguished between you. but doctor peter wetts, thank you for that. i'm going to take a quick short break. we're going to come

back and talk about president biden meeting the south korean president in the last three hours, tatking in the last three hours, talking about a nuclear deterrent. what does that mean's 5tay about a nuclear deterrent. what does that mean's stay with us. hello there. we've started this week off on a largely settted note, but it has been chitty for the time of year. we've seen variabte cloud and some sunshine. now, the second half of this week will be turning much mitder, but more unsettted. some of us will see quite a bit of rain around, especially on thursday. now, tonight, it's going to be mostly dry. variabte ctouds, some clear spetts. most of the clear spetts will tend to be across central areas. so it's here where it could be quite chitty, but thicker ctoud for southwestern and western areas into northern ireland and also western scottand. so no problems with frost here, but another chittier one further north and east. now for thursday, we've got a couple of weather fronts working in thanks to tow pressure, top and tail of the uk. so, many places through central areas certainty will start dry, a little bit early brightness, but it will be quite chitty,

but temperatures will be tifting through the day. this weather front will bring rain, some mountain snow to scotland and then it turns wet across wales, central and southern england. some of this rain could be heavy and thundery as we move through the afternoon. so, we've got temperatures reaching close to the mid—teens, central and southern areas, but still quite cold for the northern half of scotland. now through thursday night, it stays rather ctoudy with further rain at times. this tow pressure system putting away from england and wales. but because of the breeze, the cloud and the rain, i think most places should be frost free. but there could still be a few chitty spots across the far north of scotland. now for friday, it looks like that area of tow pressure across england and wales putts way into the near continent. this weather fronts across northern scottand tends to weaken. so, it's a bit of a quieter day and improving day as tow pressure moves away. and we're all, virtually all of us in this mitder wedge of air. so it's a stow process. the breeze, the cloud, the rain ctears away from eastern engtand, increasing amounts of sunshine for northern ireland, parts of wales, the midlands,

southern england, and where we get the sunshine with the milder air mass, it really will feet quite mitd indeed, with temperatures up to around 18 degrees at best, but mitd even through the central belt of scotland. stitt cold for the northern istes. now, the bank holiday weekend, it looks like it's going to stay mitd for most of us, but it won't be completely settted. there will be variable ctouds, some sunny spetts, but also scattering of showers, showers pretty much each day. but i think sunday will see the most widespread and at times heavy and thundery showers. but given some sunshine, it really will feet quite warm in places for a time. it looks like those showers will tend to ease down as high pressure starts to build back in on monday.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. joe biden sticks with kamata harris. but is she a drag on the ticket for 202a? her potting numbers are worse than his. news today the white house is aiming to shore up the vice president's numbers by handing her a key rote in the campaign. president biden and the south korean president, yoon suk yeot, have held talks in the white house, outtining a new security agreement designed to deter the growing nuctear threat from north korea. the two leaders used the first format state visit by a south korean leader in more than a decade to send a warning to pyongyang,

saying their mutual defence treaty was "ironclad". they've also agreed to give south korea a greater voice in how the us would respond to any nuctear incident. a nuclear attack by north korea against the united states or its allies and partisans — our partners is unacceptable, and will result in the end of whatever regime would take such an action. and it's about strengthening deterrence and response to the dprk's escatatory behaviour, and indeed on complete consultation. and, you know, the idea that i have absolute authority as commander—in—chief and the sole authority to use nuclear weapons, but what the declaration means is we will make every effort to consult with our allies when it's appropriate, if any action is so called for. joining me now from washington isjean lee, co—host of bbc podcast lazarus heist, and a fellow at the wilson centre.

thanks for being with us. i get a sense tistening thanks for being with us. i get a sense listening to that that what the americans are really keen to avoid is south korea developing their own nuctear avoid is south korea developing their own nuclear weapons. . absotutety, this reflects the growing catt amongst south koreans to build their own weapons. it's signatory to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty, but those calls for their own nuctear nonproliferation treaty, but those calls for their own nuclear weapons have been growing because frankly, the north koreans have been testing at an unprecedented rate, their battistic at an unprecedented rate, their ballistic missiles, and there are certainty concerns that another nuctear certainty concerns that another nuclear test might be next. they've carried out six so far, and they are ready to carry out a seventh at any time. , . ., ., , ready to carry out a seventh at any time. , _, ., , ., time. this commitment that they are siuanin time. this commitment that they are signing today — time. this commitment that they are signing today would _ time. this commitment that they are signing today would mean _ time. this commitment that they are signing today would mean there i time. this commitment that they are signing today would mean there is i time. this commitment that they are signing today would mean there is a | signing today would mean there is a nuclear armed submarine, a us nuctear armed submarine, a us nuclear armed submarine by south nuctear armed submarine by south korea for the first time since the 19805. ., ., , .,

1980s. part of this agreement includes the _ 1980s. part of this agreement includes the united _ 1980s. part of this agreement includes the united states i 1980s. part of this agreement i includes the united states sending this nuctear submarine into the waters of the korean peninsula, and it would be a show of assurance to the south koreans that the united states is willing to use and exercise its extended —— extend its nuclear umbretta to south korea, but nuctear umbretta to south korea, but it would be seen as a provocative move by the north koreans obviously, and as you say, by the chinese. and of course, we should brace oursetves of course, we should brace ourselves for a response from north korea which uses any opportunity when it has a show of force from the united states to justify its own provocations, so we might want to brace oursetves provocations, so we might want to brace ourselves for that. but it is immanent to reassure the south koreans that the united states has nuctear powered devices in the region and they are ready to roll them out when necessary. shalt region and they are ready to roll them out when necessary. all smiles toda , i them out when necessary. all smiles today. i wonder _ them out when necessary. all smiles today, i wonder how— them out when necessary. all smiles today, i wonder how awkward i them out when necessary. all smiles today, i wonder how awkward this i today, i wonder how awkward this must�*ve been behind closed doors — one of the leaks was that south

korea was trying to get around its own domestic watts by surreptitiously sending weapons through potand surreptitiously sending weapons through poland to ukraine. so what might the south koreans have said about that? ., �* ~ might the south koreans have said about that?— might the south koreans have said about that? ., �* ~ ., , about that? you'd think it would be awkward but— about that? you'd think it would be awkward but i _ about that? you'd think it would be awkward but i was _ about that? you'd think it would be awkward but i was there _ about that? you'd think it would be awkward but i was there for - about that? you'd think it would be awkward but i was there for the i awkward but i was there for the arrival of president yoon suk yeot and his delegation to the white house, and the emphasis was really on showing the unity between these two atties on showing the unity between these two allies and how far they've come not only from a period when the united states was south korea's protector, but now at a time when south korea is an equal partner. so i think that they'll try to gtoss i think that they'll try to gloss over this tension and awkward moment, hopefutty over this tension and awkward moment, hopefully they'll have some discussion about it. but we will see them put on a strong show of unity that's meant not only to showcase how far south korea at�*s come and their relationship to make your relationship has evolved, but to send a message to their adversaries

in the region, that they can't drive a wedge between them.— in the region, that they can't drive a wedge between them. thanks very much for that. _ is that a more correct answer to the bettigerence we've seen from north korea? i belligerence we've seen from north korea? ~ �* , ., belligerence we've seen from north korea? ~ �*, ., ., , ., korea? i think it's a more prominent step because — korea? i think it's a more prominent step because nothing _ korea? i think it's a more prominent step because nothing the _ korea? i think it's a more prominent step because nothing the buying i korea? i think it's a more prominentj step because nothing the buying and ministration had done over the last two years— ministration had done over the last two years deterred the testing we've seen and _ two years deterred the testing we've seen and it's starting to get out of controt _ seen and it's starting to get out of controt so — seen and it's starting to get out of controt so i — seen and it's starting to get out of control. so i think this is controt. so i think this is an important _ controt. so i think this is an important disptay today, it's good to have _ important disptay today, it's good to have president yoon suk yeot and his delegation in washington, i know they his detegation in washington, i know they got— his delegation in washington, i know they got a _ his delegation in washington, i know they got a busy schedule tatking his delegation in washington, i know they got a busy schedule talking to people _ they got a busy schedule talking to people in— they got a busy schedule talking to people in congress as well as the administration, and i think being as closely— administration, and i think being as closely coordinated with them as ctosety coordinated with them as possible — ctosety coordinated with them as possible is critical to try to establish some stabitity possible is critical to try to establish some stability on the estabtish some stability on the peninsula. it establish some stability on the eninsula. ., , establish some stability on the peninsula-— establish some stability on the eninsula. ., ,, ., ., . peninsula. it does show how much importance _ peninsula. it does show how much importance the — peninsula. it does show how much importance the us _ peninsula. it does show how much importance the us now— peninsula. it does show how much importance the us now gives i peninsula. it does show how much importance the us now gives to i peninsula. it does show how much i importance the us now gives to these attiances importance the us now gives to these alliances in the indo—pacific area, it's due to go that she's due to

host the philip in —— fitipino president marcos, who has a sketchy record at the least.— record at the least. yes, and it shows a fact — record at the least. yes, and it shows a fact of _ record at the least. yes, and it shows a fact of life _ record at the least. yes, and it shows a fact of life - _ record at the least. yes, and it shows a fact of life - that i record at the least. yes, and it shows a fact of life - that the . shows a fact of life — that the world is a much more gtobatised thing, and there is this kind of british political tech we always have to try and stress the special relationship with the usa. but i think others are gradually reatising think others are gradually realising that even though we are not an eu member, we need to build retations member, we need to build relations with other countries, notjust with other countries, not just looking with other countries, notjust tooking across to the edge of the us. looking across to the edge of the us. . , . looking across to the edge of the us. . ,. ,., looking across to the edge of the us. realistic diplomacy, not everyone — us. realistic diplomacy, not everyone is— us. realistic diplomacy, not everyone is liking _ us. realistic diplomacy, not everyone is liking it, - us. realistic diplomacy, not everyone is liking it, but i us. realistic diplomacy, not - everyone is liking it, but sometimes you have to hold your nose. turning now to president biden's 2024 run — it hasn't been without controversy, with many critics pointing to his age — he's 80, making him the oldest serving president in us history. but also under scrutiny has been his choice to hold onto his running mate, kamata harris. that's because her approval rating is extremely tow.

one pott puts kamata harris�* approval rating at 40% — that's even tower than president biden's a2. during her tenure, she's been tasked with handling two intractable issues — immigration and national voter reform. and her time in office has been beset by a series of gaffes, as well as a string of high—profile resignations from her team. dr lauren wright is a political scientist at princeton university. good to have you with us. i'm stightty sympathetic to the vice president because she's been given these two intractable issues that she was highly unlikely to get over the tine. i she was highly unlikely to get over the line. ~ , ., ., ., ., the line. i think you had a great summary there _ the line. i think you had a great summary there to _ the line. i think you had a great summary there to start - the line. i think you had a great summary there to start with, i the line. i think you had a great. summary there to start with, the the line. i think you had a great i summary there to start with, the big picture is that she's had some faitures picture is that she's had some failures and mistakes, unforced errors in interviews. on these issues that she should really know front and back, and i think as a senatorfrom front and back, and i think as a senator from california, front and back, and i think as a senatorfrom catifornia, she has served there for many years in different capacities, the border mistakes are perhaps the least

excusabte. there's also issues that she was not mobilised on, where she has a tonne of credibility tike abortion. she's one of the most consistent tiberat records on abortion, set the standard on the 2020 campaign trait amongst her fellow democratic competitors, and fettow democratic competitors, and why she was mobilised on certain issues more than others, i'm not sure whose decision that was. on the issues she's been given, some of which there are more excuses than others, she's had a tot of mistakes. yes, took, if you are in the president's office, you've got an 80—year—otd president who can't be that mobile because of his age, however much they try to convince us he is, what you don't want is a vice president out there gattivanting, for want of a different word, showing that you are very capable and can actually do the job yourself. so is there a tendency within the oval office to say, "look, tet�*s

within the oval office to say, "look, let's not give her too much of this brief because we don't want her overshadowing the commander—in—chief,"? i’m her overshadowing the commander-in-chief,"? ., commander-in-chief,"? i'm doing the same sorts — commander-in-chief,"? i'm doing the same sorts of— commander-in-chief,"? i'm doing the same sorts of reporting _ commander-in-chief,"? i'm doing the same sorts of reporting as _ commander-in-chief,"? i'm doing the same sorts of reporting as everyone i same sorts of reporting as everyone else on these issues, but i think biden's age makes harris a key issue, and nikki hatey atready tatked issue, and nikki hatey atready talked about it this morning, the republicans are making a key part of their argument that biden is so old, so who you're really etecting is harris. and it is a fair question, it's fair to speculate, the vice president is second in tine, but she has a tot of the same issues now that she had on her own campaign — with disorganisation in her office, with disorganisation in her office, with teaking, with gaffes that you simply don't have to make if you're such an experienced politician. and i think a tot of that is because, in my own research shows with one of my students, that she's been extraordinarily active. she makes a tonne of public appearances, she has

been a key part of the biden team, and the emphasise every chance they get the biden harris administration, notjust the biden administration. that's their brand, is this team. so if that's the brand, that it is fair to scrutinise, and i'll if that's the brand, that it is fair to scrutinise, and i'ttjust say as someone who studies women and politics, i teach at princeton, i'm well aware of research that shows we are often harder on black women politicians especiatty who are considered more progressive than they actually are sometimes. but harris has a different set of issues, and some of the scrutiny is absolutely fair.— absolutely fair. that's a really aood absolutely fair. that's a really good point. — absolutely fair. that's a really good point, thank _ absolutely fair. that's a really good point, thank you - absolutely fair. that's a really good point, thank you for i absolutely fair. that's a really l good point, thank you for that. victoria, you can wett bet republicans won't focus on, harris is much as joe republicans won't focus on, harris is much asjoe biden, because you just have to be realistic about this, if he'll be 81—82 by the time

he takes over for a second term, she is very much in tine, she has to be. it does have to be, and i didn't smile at— it does have to be, and i didn't smite at peter's, in an earlier segment— smite at peter's, in an earlier segment when he said 18 months is so far out— segment when he said 18 months is so far out - _ segment when he said 18 months is so far out - we _ segment when he said 18 months is so far out — we are already deep into it, far out — we are already deep into it. so— far out — we are already deep into it. so you — far out — we are already deep into it, so you get no sympathy out of me on that count. so i think for harris, _ on that count. so i think for harris, it— on that count. so i think for harris, it really points to the fact that these — harris, it really points to the fact that these relationships are the most _ that these relationships are the most successful when the vice president— most successful when the vice president has a very clear portfotio going _ president has a very clear portfotio going into — president has a very clear portfotio going into the job, the way barack 0bama _ going into the job, the way barack 0bama very much said he wanted to be a obama very much said he wanted to be a domestic— 0bama very much said he wanted to be a domestic president, and because of vice president's history in the senate, — vice president's history in the senate, he wanted him to be a real tead senate, he wanted him to be a real lead on _ senate, he wanted him to be a real lead on foreign policy. that really gave vice — lead on foreign policy. that really gave vice president biden a clear lane _ gave vice president biden a clear lane you — gave vice president biden a clear tane. you can also potentiatty give your vice _ tane. you can also potentiatty give your vice president and additional cabinet _ your vice president and additional cabinet post, if that would be appropriate, so they would have appropriate, so they woutd have their— appropriate, so they would have their own — appropriate, so they would have their own department and series of issues _ their own department and series of issues that— their own department and series of issues that they run, again giving

them _ issues that they run, again giving them their— issues that they run, again giving them their own identity and preventing this sort of situation where — preventing this sort of situation where for— preventing this sort of situation where for two years, the vice president— where for two years, the vice president was very much sidetined, given— president was very much sidetined, given impossible portfotios, president was very much sidetined, given impossible portfolios, and now they've _ given impossible portfolios, and now they've reatised they really need her to _ they've reatised they really need her to be — they've reatised they really need her to be front and centre and she needs— her to be front and centre and she needs to _ her to be front and centre and she needs to be — her to be front and centre and she needs to be supported, the question is if its— needs to be supported, the question is if it's too— needs to be supported, the question is if it's too late to do that, or if she — is if it's too late to do that, or if she can _ is if it's too late to do that, or if she can get it done.- is if it's too late to do that, or if she can get it done. that's the re -aortin if she can get it done. that's the reporting today _ if she can get it done. that's the reporting today that _ if she can get it done. that's the reporting today that they'll i if she can get it done. that's the | reporting today that they'll throw an awful tot at her in the next 18 months or so. an awful tot at her in the next 18 months or 50. peter, you don't have this problem in the uk. dominic raab has been dispatched, the prime minister accepted his resignation tast minister accepted his resignation last week, and you move in someone that probably most of the public have not heard of, in oliver dowden. the rote of the deputy prime minister is a courtesy rott. when we had the admits ration during the covid period when dominic raab did actually have to take over for boris johnson, people said he did much...

is not really the same thing, because it's not really a rote, it's just a clinical baubte you give to someone who's doing a good job. we'tt someone who's doing a good job. we'll see whether rishi sunak gives more response abitity we'll see whether rishi sunak gives more response ability to otiver dowden as we run up to the local elections, which are just around the corner. gun violence is a fixture in american life — but the issue is a highly potiticat one, pitting gun control advocates against people who are fiercety protective of their right to bear arms. well now, washington state has become the tenth state in the nation, alongside washington dc, to ban assautt weapons. in the meantime, he continues to urge other states to join washington state along with california, newjersey, connecticut, hawaii, maryland, massachusetts, new york, delaware, washington, dc and illinois to ban assautt weapons at the state level to save lives. mathew littman is the executive of director of 97—percent — it's a bipartisan organisation

focused on gun tegistation. he also used to be speech writer for a certain senator, joe biden. so he knows the thinking of the president, good to see you again. how far does this new bill in washington state go, does it cover weapons that are turned in the automatic assautt riftes? the automatic assault rifles? the legislation — automatic assault rifles? the legislation in _ automatic assautt riftes? tue: legislation in washington automatic assautt riftes? tte: legislation in washington is important, as you said, it's the tenth state to cover assautt weapons, but they aren't taking back the assault weapons atready weapons, but they aren't taking back the assault weapons already existing in the state. just so fotks know, washington state will have assautt weapons, you just won't be able to get new assautt weapons, is my understanding of it. haifa get new assault weapons, is my understanding of it.— understanding of it. how do you olice it? understanding of it. how do you police it? that's _ understanding of it. how do you police it? that's a _ understanding of it. how do you police it? that's a great - understanding of it. how do you l police it? that's a great question, i don't know _ police it? that's a great question, i don't know how _ police it? that's a great question, i don't know how you _ police it? that's a great question, i don't know how you would i police it? that's a great question, | i don't know how you would accept for that you can't sell them. that's a law enforcement issue, the issue

is more about how do you police the people who already have them? that becomes the more difficult issue if you don't want the state to the assault weapons. there are probably around 25 million of what we would consider assault weapons in the united states right now, so that's increased from around 600,019 94 to about 25 million now. the increased from around 600,019 94 to about 25 million now.— about 25 million now. the question is, does it about 25 million now. the question is. does it set _ about 25 million now. the question is, does it set a _ about 25 million now. the question is, does it set a precedent - about 25 million now. the question is, does it set a precedent to? - about 25 million now. the question is, does it set a precedent to? the | is, does it set a precedent to? the polling suggests that people want a ban on assault rifles, and they must be thinking of doing it.— be thinking of doing it. some states are doinu be thinking of doing it. some states are doing it. — be thinking of doing it. some states are doing it, and _ be thinking of doing it. some states are doing it, and you're _ be thinking of doing it. some states are doing it, and you're asking - be thinking of doing it. some states are doing it, and you're asking a - are doing it, and you're asking a great question because the states are able to be more effective in this regard then the federal government, because the states are taking their own actions notjust on assault weapons, but on things like red flag laws, background checks and all these things. the action now is

on the states because there is a republican house right now, so getting that through the republican house is kind of impossible. matthew, sorry we are so pressed for time this evening, always good to get your thoughts there. already a legal challenge from republicans, you say politics is being put over the second amendment, your thoughts? actually would define this as a policy — actually would define this as a policy issue, christian, and what meth _ policy issue, christian, and what meth he — policy issue, christian, and what meth he was saying, you can pass these _ meth he was saying, you can pass these laws — meth he was saying, you can pass these laws all that you want, and i strongly— these laws all that you want, and i strongly agree with pushing things down _ strongly agree with pushing things down decisions like this to the state~ — down decisions like this to the state. but you can't argue with any credibility— state. but you can't argue with any credibility that gun violence is less in— credibility that gun violence is less in los angeles, chicago, new york which— less in los angeles, chicago, new york which are some of our hottest spots _ york which are some of our hottest spots for gun violence where these laws exist — spots for gun violence where these laws exist. so it is not clear to me that passing — laws exist. so it is not clear to me that passing a law which allows paul's— that passing a law which allows paul's silica politicians to pat themselves on the back and say they did something —— which allows

politicians. did the thing you did have _ politicians. did the thing you did have any— politicians. did the thing you did have any practical effect? i see no practical— have any practical effect? i see no practical data saying it has. the oint that practical data saying it has. tue point that repeat practical data saying it has. tte point that repeat stomach republicans on the right always make is that you can't take people must make guns off them before you've made a medical assessment about the state of their mental health, that's the point they make, its confiscation of property before you know whether someone has an issue. but the problem of course is that a lot of these people who are committing mass shootings go out there before any assessment is made, there's no sign that they were going to do this. tt’s there's no sign that they were going to do this. �* , . there's no sign that they were going todothis. �*, . . _ to do this. it's an incredibly difficult issue, _ to do this. it's an incredibly difficult issue, this - to do this. it's an incredibly difficult issue, this has - to do this. it's an incredibly| difficult issue, this has been poured over by people who know a lot more about the subject than i do, but the fact that there are so many millions of incredibly high—powered military grade weapons there — it's one of those debates you watch from a different country, particularly like the uk where gun violence is relatively rare, and it seems quite odd. it must be like watching us

discuss the royal family or breaks it, it seems very localised and i don't have any answers aside from i wouldn't start and i don't have any answers aside from i would start any now —— the royal family or brexit. looking in from the outside is never a good thing, i don't think we fairly understand the culture from a british perspective. now it's time for the panel. victoria always comes to us with an interesting story, and tonight she's picked a fellow that i know well from my time in rome, which i think is on the main shopping street in rome, and my right —— a villa? is one of the few places in rome i've never_ one of the few places in rome i've never been — one of the few places in rome i've never been able to visit despite having — never been able to visit despite having lived there several times and been there — having lived there several times and been there as recently as november with a _ been there as recently as november with a phd— been there as recently as november with a phd in italian at renaissance art history. — with a phd in italian at renaissance art history, it's been in private hands a — art history, it's been in private hands. a texan born princess was

evicted _ hands. a texan born princess was evicted hv— hands. a texan born princess was evicted by her stepchildren, the widow— evicted by her stepchildren, the widow of— evicted by her stepchildren, the widow of the late prince niccolo who died h_ widow of the late prince niccolo who died 3—4 years ago, and the children have struck— died 3—4 years ago, and the children have struck back and taken back the villa _ have struck back and taken back the villa but _ have struck back and taken back the villa. but it's critical about it as it has— villa. but it's critical about it as it has a — villa. but it's critical about it as it has a beautiful fresco, as well as the _ it has a beautiful fresco, as well as the only— it has a beautiful fresco, as well as the only known ceiling painting by caravaggio which is not a fresco, it was— by caravaggio which is not a fresco, it was oil_ by caravaggio which is not a fresco, it was oil on— by caravaggio which is not a fresco, it was oil on plaster, but for a snratt room _ it was oil on plaster, but for a small room used as an alchemy studi0~ — small room used as an alchemy studi0~ so — small room used as an alchemy studio. so you have every element of drama _ studio. so you have every element of drama and _ studio. so you have every element of drama and interest, and intrigue and great _ drama and interest, and intrigue and great art _ drama and interest, and intrigue and greatart in— drama and interest, and intrigue and great art in rome brought together in one _ great art in rome brought together in one story, and i would just want to see _ in one story, and i would just want to see the — in one story, and i would just want to see the movie. in one story, and i would 'ust want to see the movieh to see the movie. absolutely, caravaggio — to see the movie. absolutely, caravaggio too _ to see the movie. absolutely, caravaggio too in _ to see the movie. absolutely, caravaggio too in there, - to see the movie. absolutely, caravaggio too in there, as i to see the movie. absolutely, i caravaggio too in there, as well? that's the only ceiling painting known. — that's the only ceiling painting known, it's amazing. i that's the only ceiling painting known, it's amazing.— that's the only ceiling painting known, it's amazing. i used to go to the french — known, it's amazing. i used to go to the french church _ known, it's amazing. i used to go to the french church in _ known, it's amazing. i used to go to the french church in rome, - known, it's amazing. i used to go to the french church in rome, they - the french church in rome, they have three caravaggio said and they used to have to put on your own to put on a light to see them. you to have to put on your own to put on a light to see them.— a light to see them. you still do. peter, talk _ a light to see them. you still do. peter, talk about _ a light to see them. you still do. peter, talk about voter - a light to see them. you still do. peter, talk about voter id, - peter, talk about voter id, important in the us and uk because

we are coming to local elections and there's a deadline today? the deadhne there's a deadline today? the deadline was _ there's a deadline today? t'te: deadline was yesterday, there's a deadline today? tte: deadline was yesterday, we got stats in saying the deadline was an artificial one, people don't have enough to apply for a free certificate, and only 80,000 people did, which was 4% of the 2 million people in the uk who don't have the id necessary. 2 people in the uk who don't have the id necessary-— id necessary. 2 million without voter id? _ id necessary. 2 million without voter id? without _ id necessary. 2 million without voter id? without the - id necessary. 2 million withoutl voter id? without the necessary un-to-date _ voter id? without the necessary up-to-date photo _ voter id? without the necessary up-to-date photo id. _ voter id? without the necessary up-to-date photo id. it- voter id? without the necessary up-to-date photo id. it is- voter id? without the necessary up-to-date photo id. it is not i up—to—date photo id. it is not necessarily going to be a crisis at the local elections next week because they are only on some english councils internet which is low outcome dust low turn out, around 30%. we low outcome dust low turn out, around 3096-— low outcome dust low turn out, around 3096. ~ . ;;:: , , low outcome dust low turn out, around 3096. ~ . ;;:: , - around 3096. we have 30 seconds. this is a step into — around 3096. we have 30 seconds. this is a step into the _ around 3096. we have 30 seconds. this is a step into the unknown, _ around 3096. we have 30 seconds. this is a step into the unknown, we - is a step into the unknown, we don't know if it's will be chaos or work brilliantly. so it'll be interesting.— brilliantly. so it'll be interesting. brilliantly. so it'll be interestinu. �* , interesting. i'm sorry to squeeze ou, interesting. i'm sorry to squeeze you. peter. _ interesting. i'm sorry to squeeze you, peter, we've _ interesting. i'm sorry to squeeze you, peter, we've packed - interesting. i'm sorry to squeeze you, peter, we've packed a - interesting. i'm sorry to squeeze you, peter, we've packed a lot i interesting. i'm sorry to squeeze | you, peter, we've packed a lot in this evening. lovely to have you on the programme, always lovely to see you, thank you so much for your

company this evening. we'll be back sometime tomorrow, do hope you'll join us for that, bye for now. hello from the bbc sport centre, i'm casa alum. immensity are on the verge of making a statement win against league leaders arsenal at the eddie had to swing the premier league preminger alum back in their favour. reminding everyone why they've won four titles in five years, taking the lead early the first half early in the first half after an inspired kevin de bruyne run and then doubled the score on the stroke of half time with both john stones and var to thank. de bruyne added a third in the second half. the score 3—1.

elsewhere a less memorable night for chelsea who've lost their fifth game in a row under frank lampard — this time beaten at home 2—0 by brentford. bryan mbuemo scored his sixth goal of the season for the bees in the second half to secure all three points for the visitors after club captain cesar azpilucueta had scored an own goal in the first half. meanwhile, a huge win for nottingham forest who keep their hopes of staying in the premier league alive with a 3—1win at against brighton. danilo put them 2—1 ahead after they were a goal down in the first half. forest move out of the bottom three with five games to go. and liverpool came from a goal down to beat west ham 2—1 to keep their late surge for european spots alive at the london stadium. what that means for the table is that man city look set to close the gap at the top of the table tojust two points — with two games in hand on arsenal. meanwhile liverpool move up to sixth on goal difference from spurs.

brighton and brentford stay in eighth and ninth. at the bottom, chelsea are 11th withjust 39 points — closer to the relegation zone than the european places. and nottingham forest move up to 17th, but they have played a game more than everton who could leapfrog them if they beat newcastle tomorrow. from relegation to promotion and a huge night for sheffield united in the championship — just a few minutes away from securing automatic promotion to the premier league with a win over west bromwich albion. this goal from anel ahmedhodzic plsu an earlier strike from sander berge putting them on the bring of three points and a points tally that would be unreachable in second place. it's a return to the premier league since being relegated in 2021. defending champion ronnie 0'sullivan is out of this year's world snooker championship, following defeat to luca brecel.

the seven—time world champion had a four frame lead overnight but brecel staged a stunning comeback to win all of the seven frames this afternoon and secure his place in the semifinal. he played unbelievable, he's such a good player, i love watching him play. he gets through the ball so well, it's incredible, the width he gets, the topspin, the thought he hits the ball with. just such a dynamic player, full of talent, probably the most talented snooker player i've ever seen. i'd love to see him when itjust for snooker, because that's how stoker should be played. i hope people get inspired, but there's— i hope people get inspired, but there's many other players to be inspired — there's many other players to be inspired by, as well. so ijust hope people. _ inspired by, as well. so ijust hope people, how do i say it, get to know snooker— people, how do i say it, get to know snooker better now, because it's such— snooker better now, because it's such a _ snooker better now, because it's such a great sport, you know? it's such— such a great sport, you know? it's such a _ such a great sport, you know? it's such a fantastic game to watch.

well, luca brecel will play either anthony mcgill or si jiahui in the semi—final, beginning tomorrow. these are live pictures from the crucible, where mcgill and si are currently. mcgill is 11—7 over his opponent. mark higgins will play mark allen in the some eyes. england captain marlie packer will lead her team onto the field for their six nations grand slam decider against france on saturday after returning from injury. there was doubt over her availability for the game after last weekend's win in ireland. but packer is fit to play as england search a fifth successive title, and to make the occasion even more special, she will run out with her son oliver. this occasion, there will be over 50,000 fans, i'm sure they'll have flame—throwers. i'm nervous, he'll be scared, but it'll be a very special occasion. it's an iconic six

nations. for me to lead the squad out for a six nations grand slam decider will be epic, and literally i can't wait. and that's all the sport for now. all have a full round—up just before midnight, take care. it's just gone through a.m. and i've managed to get an hour and a half n, which is in bad for me, but i'm looking rough as a bag of spanners. dan has struggled to sleep for nearly a decade. of the problem isn'tjust nearly a decade. of the problem isn't just about how long nearly a decade. of the problem isn'tjust about how long it nearly a decade. of the problem isn't just about how long it takes him to drift off when he hits the pillow. him to drift off when he hits the illow. , ., , , , �* pillow. getting to sleep isn't the issue, pillow. getting to sleep isn't the issue. but _ pillow. getting to sleep isn't the issue. but i _ pillow. getting to sleep isn't the issue, but i can _ pillow. getting to sleep isn't the issue, but i can be _ pillow. getting to sleep isn't the issue, but i can be awake - pillow. getting to sleep isn't the issue, but i can be awake again| issue, but i can be awake again within an hour. and that could be for any reason, and knock at the door, a dog barking, and walking past. and that's me again for the rest of the day, is not a case of

going back to sleep, that's not possible. th going back to sleep, that's not ossible. . ., , ., ., possible. in a 24 hour period, how much sleep _ possible. in a 24 hour period, how much sleep are — possible. in a 24 hour period, how much sleep are you _ possible. in a 24 hour period, how much sleep are you roughly - possible. in a 24 hour period, how i much sleep are you roughly getting? probably two hours. tiara much sleep are you roughly getting? probably two hours.— probably two hours. two hours? sometimes _ probably two hours. two hours? sometimes i'm _ probably two hours. two hours? sometimes i'm lucky _ probably two hours. two hours? sometimes i'm lucky to - probably two hours. two hours? sometimes i'm lucky to get - probably two hours. two hours? l sometimes i'm lucky to get three, and i think sleep deprivation is a massive issue. i think it has health implications, it has working life implications, it has working life implications, relationships especially, you know? and it needs addressing. 21.2 celsius. for england and wales, temperatures have not yet got above 18 celsius, we have to look back all the way to 1986 defined a year when we've had to wait this long for temperatures higher than that across england and wales. but that may be about to change over the next few days, some warmer air pushes its way

northwards, the one place that won't get an awful lot warmer is the far north of scotland. albeit still with some scattered showers and decent dry weather, as well. but for thursday, a couple frontal systems, this one pushing in from the southwest, this one easing its way in towards the western side of scotland. so two areas of rain, this one grazing the north coast of northern ireland and pushing its way eastwards come under the resorts across scotland, some snow over the highest ground here. this area but whether pushing and across the southwest of england, some of that rain will get into wales, parts of the midlands, certainly some rain into the southeast. there is likely to be a dryer slot between our two areas of wet weather, temperature is between 7—14 c. as we had to thursday night, we will see operates of rain, perhaps the odd thunder reversed here and there. a lot of clout around as well taking us into

the start of friday. with that extra cloud in place, it won't be a particularly cold night, temperatures between 3—11 c, so a mild night indeed down towards the south. into friday, we will start off with cloud and some patchy rain across parts of eastern england, than for england and wales, northern ireland too, some spells of sunshine developing. southern scotland will see sunshine, northern scotland more cloud, still chilly in shetland but further south, temperatures of 10-18 c. as further south, temperatures of 10—18 c. as we head into the weekend, it'll be parts of scotland particularly in the far north of struggle in terms of temperatures, and also some rain at times. a few showers but southern parcel see the highest of the temperatures, particularly on saturday, up to 19 celsius.

tonight at ten — the first two flights, bringing hundreds of british nationals from sudan, have landed in the uk. the first landed earlier today at stansted, having picked up its passengers in cyprus, there'll be more flights in the days to come. there was overwhelming relief among the reunited families, as people described the terror of being trapped in sudan. we had to literally walk through the war zone. we were stopped, searched, there was bombings, burnings. in sudan there is constant gun shots and you can hear explosions, even in like ceasefires. in sudan, other planes are standing by, to rescue some of the thousands of british passport holders, still in the country. the united nations says it's working hard to sustain the ceasefire between the rival military factions. also tonight: