hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. this new pay offer would not have happened without the strike action taken by ambulance and health workers across the nhs. none of the unions on this table want to take strike action. none of us want to disrupt education or parents working lives. our four unions want nothing more than to be able - to sit down and negotiate. from where i sit, and from what members tell me, this is a government that wants education on that cheap. welcome to the programme — the age of discontent.

more strikes here in the uk, civil servants out today, nurses on sunday, four teaching unions are now coordinating strike action. on the up side the gmb and unite, two of the biggest health unions, have accepted the governments pay offer, so where are we tonight — and how do we compare with europe. also tonight — the amputee in zero gravity, the story of para olympianjohn mcfall, who hasjust been hired by the european space agency. we have an exclusive bbc interview with the leader of the sudanese militia, the rsf. and we will talk to one of the lead scriptwriters on the late late show, as james corden signs off after eight years with cbs. but before, we get to all that, lets try and pick our way through today's mixed bag of announcements on industrial action. the good news for the government is that here in england the gmb, which represents ambulance workers, nurses, porters, radiographers, have accepted an nhs pay offer, joining members of the biggest union, unison, who accepted that deal two weeks ago. and yet earlier in the day the unite

members rejected it, as have members of the royal college of nursing who strike sunday through to monday. elsewhere the teachers go on strike again next week, for the third consecutive months. today the head teachers said they will ballot for more action and co—ordinate with three other teaching unions. on the railways members of aslef union, who represent train drivers, will strike on may 12th, may 31st and june third, the day of the fa cup final and the epsom derby. the rmt on the 13th, the day people are heading to liverpool for the final of eurovision. the teachers say the government is treating public sector workers with contempt. here's our education editor branwen jeffreys. sheriff. this primary school has stayed open on strike days so far, protecting the children from any disruption. one teacher's union is already taking industrial action. now, head teachers will be balloted, too. i won't deny it's a challenge, balancing, you know,

my need to keep the school open and reduce disruption for the children, with my desire to support my colleagues. and i would rather this than have their voices stifled. her union, meeting this weekend, has never gone out on strike in england. now they're promising to work with other teaching unions. their leader spelt out to me what a yes vote might mean. in essence, it probably means school closures to make the point that actually, come education needs to be valued more by this government than it currently is. and if the only way we can get government to listen is by taking this sort of action, then that's what we're going to have to do. working parents hearing this will be tearing their hair out. of course they will, but i think parents also know that the education that's being delivered to their children right now should be so much better. the leaders of all four teaching unions in england spoke together today. it feels to me this is a government that want education on the cheap. |

they don't want to pay... a yes vote by union members will really escalate this dispute, raising the prospect of strikes closing schools in the autumn. this is a calculated move by the unions to put pressure on the government. the government says its pay offer is fair and reasonable. an independent panel of experts will now look at next year. an extended series of strikes will mean teachers losing money. we're looking at around £80 a day that we'd lose out on, on average. could be more, could be less. so, i've chosen to take part in the national day of strikes, so the whole country walk—outs. at this school so far, parents said they were broadly sympathetic. they need the government to put their hands in their pocket and pay what's needed so the teachers can work more comfortably at doing what they do best. for me, personally, i'm _ self—employed, and like i've said, we haven't been impacted

by the school anyway. - the cash for each child in england's schools is going up. teachers�*s pay comes out of that school budgets, so expect further rows about whether there's enough money. branwen jeffreys, bbc news. so where are we tonight with the negotiations — and how do we compare? and is england the outlier, or are other cash strapped governments facing similar pressures in meeting the demands of key public sector workers. we will speak to miranda ulens, she is the general secretary of the belgian trade union confederation she is also vice president of the european trade union confederation. thank you for being with us. when we look at the scale and the size of the strikes that have been set out here in england, are we unique or do you see a similar situation across europe? you see a similar situation across euro e? �* , . you see a similar situation across euroe? �*, ., , ., you see a similar situation across euroe? �*, . , ., , ., ., europe? there's a similar situation. peole europe? there's a similar situation. peeple don't _ europe? there's a similar situation. people don't feel— europe? there's a similar situation. people don't feel respected - europe? there's a similar situation. people don't feel respected and - europe? there's a similar situation. | people don't feel respected and they want to arise and social protection and a good job in good working

conditions. in the netherlands and germany and belgium and france, people are making themselves heard and are organising strikes, indeed. across france, italy, germany, spain, governments are got in with debt and inflation. you see what happens when the market reacts when governments take on costed decisions, so that under the government of liz truss. is there an argument for governments to be more clear careful at the inflation problem given what they decide regarding pay and public sector workers? , . , . ., ., ~ , regarding pay and public sector workers? , . , . ., ., ~ workers? public-sector workers are doinu their workers? public-sector workers are doing their best _ workers? public-sector workers are doing their best to _ workers? public-sector workers are doing their best to give _ workers? public-sector workers are doing their best to give good - doing their best to give good services to the people and you need to invest in that. then you can grow and give children a future. you can give good health care to the people, which is really necessary. we saw it in the cold read times. however, there is still a lot of money.

presenters don't exist or not the european level so the wealth is still going to the rich and the rich are getting richer and people do not accept that any more and certainly not people working in the public services. d0 not people working in the public services. , ., ~ . services. do you think we need a conversation _ services. do you think we need a conversation in all _ services. do you think we need a conversation in all european - conversation in all european countries about how public sectors workers are treated and paid? {iii workers are treated and paid? of course, from our point of view, worry that others of you vote for brexit when they wanted to get the national health service there was an investment and they were told there would be more money or investment in nhs and then they got the brexit and money isn't there. and then you had the pandemic and the energy crisis and people are getting poorer and thatis and people are getting poorer and that is not respective. people aren't respected any more and that is why there are a lot of strikes and protests and people that get in their voice. they will not accept to

continue like this. whether it should be on a on a base of solidarity, distributed to everybody. not only to a few, to everybody. not only to a few, to everybody-— everybody. not only to a few, to eve bod . �* , , ., ., everybody. i'm still trying to get a handle. everybody. i'm still trying to get a handle- on _ everybody. i'm still trying to get a handle. on the _ everybody. i'm still trying to get a handle. on the continent, - everybody. i'm still trying to get a handle. on the continent, is - everybody. i'm still trying to get a handle. on the continent, is it - handle. on the continent, is it across so many different industries to stop i just set up for our audience, civilservice to stop i just set up for our audience, civil service personnel, border guards, health care workers, teachers, really workers, porters, you name it, all public—sector workers in england at the moment have a grape overpay. is it the same in europe? it’s have a grape overpay. is it the same in euroe? �*, ., have a grape overpay. is it the same in euroe? h ., ., ,, in europe? it's more or less the same when _ in europe? it's more or less the same when you _ in europe? it's more or less the same when you have _ in europe? it's more or less the same when you have germany, | in europe? it's more or less the - same when you have germany, there were strikes in the airport business, when you have in our country, you have the strikes in the prisons because people are incarcerated in really bad conditions because there is not enough money to the public services. on the other hand, they are putting money in the private companies. the private companies are given the

money to the shareholders. that's not greats and people don't accept it any more and that's white government with public funds need to invest in public services so they can, so everybody can have benefits from that. is can, so everybody can have benefits from that. , , ., , from that. is there the same problem with retention and _ from that. is there the same problem with retention and recruitment? - with retention and recruitment? yeah, well, after cold read we saw that there were lots of problems in the health service because it's a really tough job and it's a caring job and people are proud of doing their work but they need to get compensation for that. still, their work but they need to get compensation forthat. still, it's an essentialjob which is not getting paid its real value and that's why, i think, in the uk to, you have the strikes on the national health service. the you have the strikes on the national health service.— you have the strikes on the national health service. the problems appear to be the same. _ health service. the problems appear to be the same, then. _ health service. the problems appear to be the same, then. if _ health service. the problems appear to be the same, then. if the - health service. the problems appear to be the same, then. if the same i to be the same, then. if the same cost—of—living crisis and poor pay. do any countries have a different approach of the problem? is there a

country that you can point to that have led negotiations better? we tried in have led negotiations better? - tried in our country to have an indexation mechanism that gives us pay arises that follow the cost of living but it's not enough. it's kind of a compensation but it's really not enough because we see that shareholders are getting more and more money and it's not going in the pay raise or neither are that social protections because when people have a setback, they should have good pension or income and when there are six they should have good social protection income. when they're unemployed they should be good benefit. so, we don't want people to fall into poverty because they have a setback. there is enough money going around with taxation,

rich people should have a lots more taxation and with that money government should really invest in the people and public services. that's how you go forward. we tried in belgium, at various times we've had protests and movements and strikes. we are now going to have a national manifestation at the end of me. so, every time we are going to make our voice heard because it's only if the people stand together that we can change things. and get things going, and get things better for the people. the things going, and get things better for the people-— for the people. the lid to talk to miranda ulens. _ for the people. the lid to talk to miranda ulens. so _ for the people. the lid to talk to miranda ulens. so many - for the people. the lid to talk to miranda ulens. so many thingsl for the people. the lid to talk to i miranda ulens. so many things the same across the country i the continent. let us talk to now with our health editor hugh pym. two unions, unites and the royal couege two unions, unites and the royal college of nerve is nursing have not

adopted the pdf. where does that leave morale within the service? it's a complex situation because of divided opinions are monks health unions. there are few different unions. there are few different unions across the national health service represented different professions and it seems as if a majority of them and their members are accepting the pay ideas. in england, a 5% pay raise was a one—off payments but that still leaves a substantial majority who don't like it and say they will carry on with industrial action. so, on the one hand you have the gmb and unison who are big unions representing many hospital workers and some ambulance stuff, who've accepted it. then you have the royal couege accepted it. then you have the royal college of nursing who have rejected it along with unites, or who have some admin stuff but also nurses and others and the radiographers for

example who have rejected it. what happens is it goes into a union committee, health unions, who then tell the secretary of state, steve barclay, covering england whether there is a majority in favour or not and if there is you will pay out those pay deal although some unions will continue in dispute. if there isn't a majority he reserves the right to not pay its out and it then goes through maybe a different avenue of the pay review body. so, it's a very difficult time in terms of morale and feeling about pay in the nhs, in england certainly, and there a strike by the royal college of nursing beginning on sunday evening covering all forms of care until monday evening.— evening covering all forms of care until monday evening. there is an active debate _ until monday evening. there is an active debate not _ until monday evening. there is an active debate notjust _ until monday evening. there is an active debate notjust here - until monday evening. there is an active debate notjust here in - until monday evening. there is an active debate notjust here in in l active debate notjust here in in england which is why would. miranda in to talk about the situation in europe as well, it's a similar debate. there are a lot of people out there who don't want to pay more in taxes. they think they already pay too much in taxes and have to

sort of grapple with the question, do we pay more and so that we get better services? do we pay more and so that we get betterservices? do do we pay more and so that we get better services? do you think that unions who have been striking now for six to 12 months, do they have public sympathy? is there any polling to show sympathy is still there? , , ., polling to show sympathy is still there? , ,., ,., there? there is some polling. there is ma'ori there? there is some polling. there is majority sunport _ there? there is some polling. there is majority support for _ there? there is some polling. there is majority support for some - there? there is some polling. there is majority support for some pause l is majority support for some pause for the nurses. i should say the junior doctors, that is a whole range of doctors below consultant level, they are continuing with their dispute and it seems to be just over 50% support for them. so, there is a bit of sick public support there and the majority according to certain types of bows, whether that continues are meant to be seen. the big issue as you alluded to for all those health care systems is a shortage of nurses, and in some cases, doctors because different health care systems are going fast and becoming wealthier and want more staff. there are

shortages and rota gaps and is a row is partly to do with that. they want to be paid quite a lot more than what is on offer because otherwise more will leave and i think that is a reality and how do you hold onto staff in a pressurised situation with stress and strain on the front line and all the things they've dealt with. if you don't pay them more and make up for the impact of it inflation going back over several years. in scotland, in a different deal has been reached with more money on a table from his scottish government so apart from the doctors that has been resolved. and there are talks ongoing in wills. i that has been resolved. and there are talks ongoing in wills.- are talks ongoing in wills. i read our are talks ongoing in wills. i read your report _ are talks ongoing in wills. i read your report yesterday _ are talks ongoing in wills. i read your report yesterday into - are talks ongoing in wills. i read your report yesterday into some research that had been done which was about the fact that england is getting sicker and poor at the same time. we were talking to miranda about whether there needs to be this general debate about what we pay

public—sector workers because it's a twofold thing, isn't it? millions of public—sector who can't afford to live and then on the other hand, there is this question about if we don't have the staff in the health service, we don't get better, therefore we don't go to work. yes. therefore we don't go to work. yes, i mean therefore we don't go to work. yes, i mean that — therefore we don't go to work. yes, i mean that report _ therefore we don't go to work. yes, i mean that report by _ therefore we don't go to work. yes, i mean that report by that _ i mean that report by that think tank was interesting and noting that in the uk life expectancy has stalled and actually come down a bit. of course, the economic situation is challenging with the cost of living increases and stalling or falling cost of living increases and stalling orfalling economic output. and that's needs more investment in public community and public out so people don't need to go to hospital. so the nhs isn't under so much pressure and the call is for the uk government to meet its a priority

because it's government to meet its a priority because its impact the economy as well as the health of the nations. so, there are interesting points there. ultimately it is taxpayer money and is taxpayer funded. free at the point of use and the chancellor of the exchequer would say there's a limit to the amount of money that is available because there are so many divines on the system. maybe there needs to be a societywide debate for how much we want to pay for our health. that societywide debate for how much we want to pay for our health.— want to pay for our health. that is the context- _ want to pay for our health. that is the context. thank _ want to pay for our health. that is the context. thank you _ want to pay for our health. that is the context. thank you hugh - want to pay for our health. that is the context. thank you hugh pym| want to pay for our health. that is - the context. thank you hugh pym stop around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. let's look at some of the other stories making headlines today. a man has denied murdering metropolitan police sgt mat iu ratana, who was shot dead while on duty in south london. sgt ratana was shot in the chest as a handcuffed suspect was being taken into custody at croydon custody centre in september 2020. the defendant louis de zoysa had been recovering in hospital after being shot in the neck during the incident. the prime minister rishi sunak says he will continue using the english name brecon beacons.

the welsh national park was recently rebranded with its welsh name, banni brukainiog, the decision has been criticised by welsh tories. french actress eva green has won a high court case over her $1 million fee for a sci—fi film that never got made. the casino royale star sued white lantern film, saying she was owed the money after the film collapsed amid a bitter dispute with producers. you're live with bbc news deputy prime minister oliver dowden says uk evacuation flights from sudan will end in 2a hours. the government says they have seen a significant decline in the number of british nationals coming forward... mr dowden said that by six o'clock uk time tomorrow saturday, the last flight will leave. over 1500 people have been evacuated by the raf so far — "the vast majority of whom were

british nationals or their eligible dependents. but at least 2a sudanese doctors who work for the nhs have been stopped from boarding the evacuation flights. the foreign office says only uk passport holders eligible for the airlifts will be allowed to board. the ceasefire is holding but onlyjust. the army and the rival paramilitary group — the rapid support forces — have been fighting each other in the city of el geneina in west darfur as well as in the capital, khartoum. our colleague zeinab bedawi who herself is of sudanese descent, has been speaking to the commander of the rsf, mohammed hamdan dagalo — known in sudan as hemedti. thank you very much indeed for agreeing to this phone interview. general dagalo, i want to put it to you that the people of sudan, particularly in the capital khartoum, are living in an absolute ordeal. what would it take for you to allow humanitarian corridors in?

first of all, i'd like to thank the bbc for the interview. regarding the truce, we have been asking for it from the first day of the war. we started the humanitarian corridor straightaway. we opened these corridors within the areas controlled by our forces. we started the truce from our side. we are working for the sake of the civilians and our fight is on the behalf of the civilians. we have no problems with these corridors and we are helping the diplomatic missions. the sudanese people acknowledge the areas under our control. we are working hands and feet to help others. we have no problem with these corridors whatsoever. for more on this we can chat now to former un coordinatorfor sudan, mukesh kapila — who joins us from geneva.

thank you for being with us that is imminent. can i get one thought before we talk about the situation incident, about the british government announcement tonight. they have taken out 1500 people and say the number of people trying to get out has slowed or is slowing. do you think they have gotten everybody out that they need to get out? it’s out that they need to get out? it's a lunch out that they need to get out? ut�*s a lunch extremely unlikely that they would've gotten out everybody who needs to get out. obviously the dependence and so on couldn't be taken out and people who were working in the uk but not uk passport holders were not allowed to board the aircraft was at the same time, of course, these plates have to come to an end at some time because a situation on the ground is risky. i i hope a route with open up incident and it would be safe enough for people to go there if they need to leave. we for people to go there if they need to leave. ~ , ., ., to leave. we 'ust heard that elsiv — to leave. we just heard that exclusive interview - to leave. we just heard that exclusive interview there i to leave. we just heard that l exclusive interview there the to leave. we just heard that - exclusive interview there the leader of the rss who said he is quite

happy to fester to facilitate these corridors. d0 happy to fester to facilitate these corridors. ,., , ., , ., corridors. do you believe it? no. what evidence _ corridors. do you believe it? no. what evidence you _ corridors. do you believe it? no. what evidence you have - corridors. do you believe it? no. what evidence you have to i corridors. do you believe it? no. what evidence you have to not i what evidence you have to not believe him? i what evidence you have to not believe him?— what evidence you have to not believe him? ithink, no. i don't believe him? ithink, no. i don't believe them. _ believe him? ithink, no. i don't believe them. i— believe him? ithink, no. i don't believe them. i dealt— believe him? ithink, no. i don't believe them. i dealt with i believe him? ithink, no. i don't believe them. i dealt with him l believe him? ithink, no. i don't. believe them. i dealt with him and people of his ilk when i was joined coordinator and i remember negotiated for access with him and his colleagues, trying to get into the dark for all those years ago and we were promised and given assurances and there were hardly ever kept. so, i think he is deeply unreal a bit and his forces which are the rsf, the old generous genocidal group from all those years ago, are not reliable. in any case, is not sure what territory he actually controls so it would be unwise to depend on his assurances. there are short memories in the

diplomatic world and some countries who see him as a partner for peace. should they begin the week negotiated with him?- should they begin the week negotiated with him? should they begin the week neiotiated with him? . , ., negotiated with him? there are short memories in — negotiated with him? there are short memories in the _ negotiated with him? there are short memories in the diplomatic - negotiated with him? there are short memories in the diplomatic world i negotiated with him? there are short| memories in the diplomatic world and indeed it is to the utter shame of the european union, including the uk when it was part of the eu, to have done a shabby deal with the devil when he got to she was granted in the last few years to actually professionalize the rsf and subcontract the migration issues on the border. to stop the migrants coming into europe. so, all that did was professionalize the rsf and then we had other powers who use them as proxies to fight. where they got useful, but experience. they are no longer militia and are now an army and on par with the sudanese armed forces. so, ithink and on par with the sudanese armed forces. so, i think they're sitting

pretty and plenty of resources. the amount of gold producing dart fort and the surrounding region has gone up and the surrounding region has gone up more than tenfold from about 910 ten tonnes. so, i think he's a major disruptor of the peace and western powers it would be extremely unprincipled to do a deal with people like him whose forces have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity and have been either indicted by the international community in criminal court. ieiiuie either indicted by the international community in criminal court. we are where we are _ community in criminal court. we are where we are and — community in criminal court. we are where we are and the _ community in criminal court. we are where we are and the cease-fires i where we are and the cease—fires holding just, where we are and the cease—fires holdingjust, one where we are and the cease—fires holding just, one of the turkish planes coming in was hit today and that tells you just how dangerous it is. it is likely that the airlift will and tomorrow the stump which leaves the land routes as the only way out. should the international community be looking at ports so then to help people who want to leave? do the neighbouring countries, are they doing enough to

help people get out of the way of the violence we have seen? i think the violence we have seen? i think the lorts the violence we have seen? i think the ports of— the violence we have seen? i think the ports of sudan _ the violence we have seen? i think the ports of sudan operation i the violence we have seen? i think the ports of sudan operation is i the ports of sudan operation is gearing up from all the reports one is getting — gearing up from all the reports one is getting. certainly, many forces, not least _ is getting. certainly, many forces, not least the saudis, are operating there _ not least the saudis, are operating there and — not least the saudis, are operating there and so with other countries, no doubt — there and so with other countries, no doubt. .., there and so with other countries, no doubt. .. ., ., no doubt. so, i can imagine a scenario _ no doubt. so, i can imagine a scenario whereby _ no doubt. so, i can imagine a scenario whereby both i no doubt. so, i can imagine a scenario whereby both sudan | no doubt. so, i can imagine a i scenario whereby both sudan and no doubt. so, i can imagine a - scenario whereby both sudan and the area around port sudan is declared a safe haven. protected by external forces, western forces and others. and those who can make their way there will be relatively safe, yet. yes, that might well be the solution and i i'm sure there are people looking at it at the moment. certainly the raf are there and other forces as well. thank you for your time this evening mukesh kapila. interesting talk to you and will go to a short break and when we

come back we will talk to a scriptwriter from james corden and his programme who just finished their run on cbs after eight years. to stay with us. hello there. we've seen some much drier weather today and where the sun has come out, it felt a bit warmer as well. typical mixed fare, though, for the bank holiday weekend for this time of the year may well feel warm in the sunshine and for many, temperatures are going to be a bit higher. but there's the chance of some heavy showers as well as one or two showers kicking around at the moment, not very many. and for the most part, it will be dry overnight. some breaks in the cloud could lead to some shortlived mist and fog patches. the cloud thickens in scotland, chance of a bit of rain here. and then far north of scotland the air is colder. but for other parts of the uk we start off at four to seven degrees on saturday morning. could be quite cloudy though for much of mainland scotland. northeast england a chance of some rain and cooler here. other parts of the uk will see some sunshine at times, but we may well generate a few more showers, some of them heavy

and thundery, particularly across northern ireland, running across wales into the west midlands, east midlands, east anglia, south east of england, seeing maybe the best of the weather, warm spells of sunshine, temperatures maybe reaching 20 degrees, a lot warmer than it will be underneath that cloud in scotland and the north east of england. and the warmer air never really fully reaches scotland over the bank holiday weekend, colder air certainly towards the north of the country. it will be warmer elsewhere, but there's more cloud around on sunday and more showers from the word go for northern and western areas. and again, those could turn heavy, potentially thundery too. but again, through much of the midlands, lincolnshire and across east anglia, the southeast should stay dry with some sunny spells, temperatures up to 17 or 18 degrees and we could make double figures in scotland despite the showers here. there will be quite a few showers around on sunday. they'll push their way into eastern parts of england after dark, high pressure tries to build in and settle things

down for monday. not completely, though. the heavier showers this time towards east anglia in the southeast for a while following on from that, the odd light shower is possible, but many places will be dry with some sunshine. at times there's a northerly breeze in northern scotland, so again, it's cooler here, but otherwise pleasant enough in the sunshine with typical temperatures around 16 or 17 degrees. so over the bank holiday weekend, some warmth around, but some heavy showers looks a bit drier on monday and into next week. we've got some drier weather with some sunshine, but it may be a little bit cooler as well.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. who blew up the nord stream pipelines? new reports in denmark today that a russian ship that carries a small submarine was photographed in the area of the baltic sea four days before the explosions. let's start with some sports news, here's olly foster. many thanks indeed, let's start with snooker because siege we is racing towards the final of the world championship, the final of the world championship, the 20—year—old chinese player is

the 20—year—old chinese player is the story... let's take you and i do like her life to the crucible theatre in sheffield, he is ranked 80th in the world, came through three rounds of qualifying to reach his first world championship, resumed 11—5 up, as you can see he is 14-6 resumed 11—5 up, as you can see he is 11l—6 up against the belgian, who has next to the last framing, knocking out ronnie o'sullivan in the quarters, but si jiahui knocking out ronnie o'sullivan in the quarters, but sijiahui is surely heading to the finals, the first of 17, aiming to become the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament. the last man to win as a debutante was terry griffith, backin as a debutante was terry griffith, back in 1979. the four—time champion mark selby leads mark allen 7—6, but they managed five out of the eight scheduled frames in their second session, three frames took over a0

minutes, they saw the funny side of the cage encounter, playing it up to the cage encounter, playing it up to the cameras, but the pundit was highly critical of both players. it's not snooker that i want to watch, but i understand that snooker has to be played in different ways. it's on us like they're trying to be too precise, and we will go back to mark allen's pink 6—3 up, he then loses it, and then a dark cloud came over the match table at the crucible. ., over the match table at the crucible. . ., over the match table at the crucible-— over the match table at the crucible. . ., , ., crucible. charlie claire will be on vole for crucible. charlie claire will be on pole for formula _ crucible. charlie claire will be on pole for formula 1's _ crucible. charlie claire will be on pole for formula 1's azerbaijan l pole for formula 1's azerbaijan grand prix. his worst start of the season sincejoining the grand prix. his worst start of the season since joining the italian team, but but in a week when he refused to deny rumours of a potential move to mercedes next year, he made headlines by getting the best of max for stepan, claiming

tenth from pole, the other was sergio perez, lewis hamilton will start from fifth. it’s sergio perez, lewis hamilton will start from fifth.— start from fifth. it's a big surprise _ start from fifth. it's a big surprise for _ start from fifth. it's a big surprise for me - start from fifth. it's a big surprise for me and i start from fifth. it's a big surprise for me and the i start from fifth. it's a big i surprise for me and the whole start from fifth. it's a big _ surprise for me and the whole team i think, because coming in here i didn't expect that, so it's amazing to be starting on pole for saturday's race. we must not get carried away because we know our weak point is the race, the more we seem to be behind the red bull. but it's a very big surprise for us to be on pole anyway.— it's a very big surprise for us to be on pole anyway. carlos alcaraz had a bit of _ be on pole anyway. carlos alcaraz had a bit of a _ be on pole anyway. carlos alcaraz had a bit of a scare _ be on pole anyway. carlos alcaraz had a bit of a scare to _ be on pole anyway. carlos alcaraz had a bit of a scare to beat i had a bit of a scare to beat fenlon's player in the opening match at the madrid open. shaky start from the 19—year—old spaniard who lost the 19—year—old spaniard who lost the first set 6—2, but he's the new champion and one in madrid, fought back to in the next two, he plays dimitrov in the next round. supergiant to the second highest score in indian premier league

history, 257 against the punjab kings. supported by 52 from carl myers, the kings didn't come close to chasing that down, bowling for 200-1 -- 201. to chasing that down, bowling for 200-1-- 201. in to chasing that down, bowling for 200—1—— 201. in rugby union at the final round of matches in the women's six nations on saturday, the grand slam decider is at twickenham between england and france, expecting over 50,000 at the match which will be a record for women's rugby union international. red roses haven't lost a match in the six nations since 2018. and that's your support for now, christian. ali, thank you very much indeed. all manner of theories have been put forward to explain the coordinated attack last year on the nord stream pipelines. today there's a new development. danish media reported that a russian vessel was spotted near the baltic sea before it was

disrupted. the danish defence command has now confirmed 26 photos were taken of a russian navy ship, and ss 750 similar to this one by a danish patrol boat that was in the area on 22 september, four days before the attack. the ship carries a small submarine that is designed to carry out underwater operations. however, defence officials are refusing to provide access to these photos because they are "of an intelligence nature". joining me now is bo elkjar, one of thejournalists behind this reporting at denmark's dagbladet information newspaper. thank you for being with us, i hope i pronounce that correctly. tell me first of all how you came across this information. i first of all how you came across this information.— first of all how you came across this information. i was following up on a notification _ this information. i was following up on a notification published - this information. i was following up on a notification published by i this information. i was following up on a notification published by a i on a notification published by a german publication where they were stating that six ships possibly

could have been in the area, the russian naval area in the baltic, and they could have been near at this specific time. so i was trying to see if i could find any information that could support this theory, including mapping out the route of the danish patrol vessel which was in the area at that time. so there have been many theories as to what might�*ve happened and who might of had an interest in blowing up might of had an interest in blowing up these pipelines. do you think this theoryjumps to the front of the q? this theory “umps to the front of the q? �* , , ., , this theory “umps to the front of theq? ~ , .,, ., ., the q? absolutely it does. you have to understand, we _ the q? absolutely it does. you have to understand, we had _ the q? absolutely it does. you have to understand, we had the - the q? absolutely it does. you have to understand, we had the status i to understand, we had the status patrol boat in the area, and when asked first were of any images of

russian boats in the area on that day, 22 september, and ifirst got a denialfrom the danish day, 22 september, and ifirst got a denial from the danish defence, day, 22 september, and ifirst got a denialfrom the danish defence, then i narrowed down a request for this specific vessel which is designed for this kind of deepwater operation and see operation. this vessel is very specifically well designed to perform exactly this type of operation, and it was at that scene at that time. so i think this narrows it down. flit at that time. so i think this narrows it down.— at that time. so i think this narrows it down. . ., , . ., narrows it down. of course we can see in the — narrows it down. of course we can see in the photographs, _ narrows it down. of course we can see in the photographs, i- narrows it down. of course we can see in the photographs, i sense i narrows it down. of course we can i see in the photographs, i sense this photo it would be carried all around the world, why do you think they've not been released so far? thea;r the world, why do you think they've not been released so far?— not been released so far? they are of an intelligence _ not been released so far? they are of an intelligence nature _ not been released so far? they are of an intelligence nature so - not been released so far? they are of an intelligence nature so they i of an intelligence nature so they would not be released by any means. sometimes as a journal it —— journalist, you have to have questions thomas so i got the confirmation that yes, but they will not release them, this will be some

parliamentary request or something like that. it’s parliamentary request or something like that. �* , , ., , parliamentary request or something like that. h , ,, , ., like that. it's entirely likely that there will be _ like that. it's entirely likely that there will be pressure _ like that. it's entirely likely that there will be pressure within i like that. it's entirely likely that i there will be pressure within europe to release them. is something do with denmark's relationship with russia? ., �* , , with denmark's relationship with russia? _.,, russia? that's very possible, i think they _ russia? that's very possible, i think they want _ russia? that's very possible, i think they want to _ russia? that's very possible, i think they want to keep i russia? that's very possible, i think they want to keep this i russia? that's very possible, i i think they want to keep this matter as low as possible, to not push any boundaries with russia. we are neighbouring countries with russia, so there are some issues there that need to be covered. but so there are some issues there that need to be covered.— need to be covered. but it's entirely possible _ need to be covered. but it's entirely possible that i need to be covered. but it's entirely possible that this . entirely possible that this particular ship would have the capability to do that?- particular ship would have the capability to do that? there was an interview on _ capability to do that? there was an interview on the _ capability to do that? there was an interview on the danish _ capability to do that? there was an interview on the danish radio i capability to do that? there was an interview on the danish radio this | interview on the danish radio this morning with a naval officer from danish naval forces who said this is as close to a smoking gun as we have at the moment. 50 as close to a smoking gun as we have at the moment-— at the moment. so where will your investigations go _ at the moment. so where will your investigations go next? _ at the moment. so where will your investigations go next? do - at the moment. so where will your investigations go next? do you i at the moment. so where will your. investigations go next? do you know anything about the ship, where the

ship went after that, but it's positioning is now, and what the threats are to the pipelines, and also to the cables underneath the baltic sea? , also to the cables underneath the baltic sea?— baltic sea? this new information we've published _ baltic sea? this new information we've published is _ baltic sea? this new information we've published isjust _ baltic sea? this new information we've published isjust another l baltic sea? this new information i we've published isjust another data point in this ongoing process of narrowing down what actually took place, so we do not have any technical evidence of how they performed of the explosions, we don't have the means that they could have done it with. so we need to further our investigation into how this was done, who did this, etc, and we need to get closer to the point. i have some ideas, checking in on the submarine carrying, possibly all the submarines in the area. i have some leads i'm trying to follow up on.— to follow up on. very interesting performing _ to follow up on. very interesting performing the _ to follow up on. very interesting performing the medical - to follow up on. very interesting i performing the medical reporting, thank you for being on the programme. thank you for being on the programme-— thank you for being on the programme. thank you for being on the viroramme. . ,, i. ., .,

british paralympianjohn mcfall — who's been selected as the european space agency's first para—astronaut — has just had his first experience of weightlessness on board a parabolic flight, as part of his trianing in france. he is an amputee and taking part in a study on how to make space flight accessible to people with physical disabilities. here he is explaining what made him apply: i'v e i've always been hugely interested in science generally, and this opportunity came across my path when i saw that they had announced for the first time, it was a space agency looking for someone with a physical disability to potentially be trained to be an astronaut, i read the specifications and it was hugely inspiration in —— inspirational. i thought, hugely inspiration in —— inspirational. ithought, wow, what a bold question the european space agency are asking, to see if they can get someone with a physical disability to train for, and live

and work in space. dr david parkerjoins me now — he's the director of human and robotic exploration at the european space agency. and it was his idea to send the first ever para—astronaut into space. tell me about the add you put out there, what were you looking for and how did john suit the advertisement? the answer is we were carrying out a recruitment for astronauts in general, we announced back in 2021, and the person specifications for the parent astronaut is exactly the same as for all the other astronauts. it was really important that the goal is to train somebody to become an astronaut, carry out a full scientific mission, theyjust happen to have a disability. so they need all the high—level educational requirements, the character, the background and characteristics we are looking for for someone who can live and work in space.— live and work in space. what have ou live and work in space. what have you learned _ live and work in space. what have you learned from _ live and work in space. what have you learned from him _ live and work in space. what have you learned from him so - live and work in space. what have

you learned from him so far? i live and work in space. what have you learned from him so far? we | live and work in space. what have i you learned from him so far? we are riiht at you learned from him so far? we are right at the — you learned from him so far? we are right at the start _ you learned from him so far? we are right at the start of _ you learned from him so far? we are right at the start of the _ you learned from him so far? we are right at the start of the project, i right at the start of the project, john isjust right at the start of the project, john is just starting to work with us. it will take a couple of years to look into all the issues, for example, the key question is he's an amputee, so his blood system is different, so how is that likely to behave when we take him into space? how could we launch him safely and bring him back safely? the questions are, we have to get all the international space station partners to agree to flyjohn, so what are the safety questions? we have to ensure he's not only say for himself, but for all the other crew flying into space and coming back again, what happens in an emergency where you have to abort at short notice? i don't think there are too many questions at the start of this voyage of discovery, really. it’s voyage of discovery, really. it's such an important message you're sending out that people with any disability can do anything they want, and that's the message we want to send out, but can you see a day

when space is open to anyone? this is the first step. _ when space is open to anyone? this is the first step, it's _ when space is open to anyone? ti 3 is the first step, it's a very challenging environment, no human being was designed to live and work in space, we've got used to the people of very high fitness and characteristics being able to become astronauts. as time has gone on, we've expanded the cache of people, we've expanded the cache of people, we've had more than 22,000 applications for our call in 2021 and selected 16 by the end of 2022. so over time let's see what happens. i'm surejohn will prove that it's possible, and the next question is, what other disabilities could we accommodate in the future? because space exclusion is growing, becoming more important, and everyone should see themselves somehow reflected in the people we send a space, because it's really important, the science, technology, and inspiration the programme delivers. johh technology, and inspiration the programme delivers.— technology, and inspiration the programme delivers. john can do an hini , programme delivers. john can do anything. he's — programme delivers. john can do anything, he's already _

programme delivers. john can do anything, he's already won i programme delivers. john can do anything, he's already won a i programme delivers. john can do i anything, he's already won a bronze medal in beijing which we will never do for tens of thousands of people. but one question has been nagging at the back of my head, he has a very advanced prosthetic here on earth to get about and do what he does — is he actually simplerfor get about and do what he does — is he actually simpler for someone with a disability to operate in space? because gravity doesn't exist. exactly, that's what i was saying is nobody�*s designed to live and work in space, everyone has to adapt, and what we are interested in is... there's a practical reason behind it because imagine we are on a voyage to mars that takes three years there and back, what happens if it astronaut becomes disabled during the journey? astronaut becomes disabled during thejourney? can astronaut becomes disabled during the journey? can we astronaut becomes disabled during thejourney? can we prepare astronaut becomes disabled during the journey? can we prepare for that? you're right, once you're in space, may be the limbs aren't that helpful, so how will he move around? we'll find out. 50 helpful, so how will he move around? we'll find out-— helpful, so how will he move around? we'll find out.— i i we'll find out. so what's next? i ho -e we'll find out. so what's next? i hope that _ we'll find out. so what's next? i

hope that he'll _ we'll find out. so what's next? i hope that he'll go _ we'll find out. so what's next? i hope that he'll go through i we'll find out. so what's next? i hope that he'll go through the l hope that he'll go through the training successfully, find a mission opportunity, then proposed our member states, shall we fly him? and that's something we want to put to them in 2025, and maybe he'll fly in 2026-27. me to them in 2025, and maybe he'll fly in 2026-27-— in 2026-27. we wish you all the success in _ in 2026-27. we wish you all the success in your _ in 2026-27. we wish you all the success in your research. i in 2026-27. we wish you all the | success in your research. doctor david parker. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. chris alford has been a farmer in bracken since he was a teenager. he's been a victim of rural crime several times over the years, losing tens of thousands of pounds in valuables — from a land rover to the slates of a former building. if valuables - from a land rover to the slates of a former building.— slates of a former building. if you let slates of a former building. if you get anything stolen, _ slates of a former building. if you get anything stolen, you - slates of a former building. if you get anything stolen, you can i get anything stolen, you can probably write off the next week or two, you just can't concentrate on anything will stop anyone turns on the yard, and he strangers, you're wary, so put on the back foot all

the time. then you get over it, and suddenly it will crop up again, you'rejust suddenly it will crop up again, you're just costly suddenly it will crop up again, you'rejust costly on suddenly it will crop up again, you're just costly on your guard all the time. ~ , you're just costly on your guard all the time. . , ,., ., the time. the welsh government are collaborating with _ the time. the welsh government are collaborating with wales's _ the time. the welsh government are collaborating with wales's for - collaborating with wales's for police forces to crack down on rural crimes, including theft. it's part of a new strategy which was launched at the role will show ground. farmers and people living in the countryside like chris have welcomed the strategy and say it'll hopefully prevent crime, but also give them peace of mind. you're live with bbc news. james corden has signed off from his us late—night talk show, after eight years at the helm, with the assistance of harry styles, will ferrell and presidentjoe biden. ferrell and styles smashed up his desk, bidenjoked that the only surprise was that corden had "lasted eight years in anyjob". let's take a listen to his farewell. thank you so much, good night.

applause the british entertainer was little—known in the us when he moved there eight years ago, but he went on to become a huge hit. the most popular feature on the late late show was of course carpool karaoke — which he did with paul mccartney, stevie wonder and even first lady — at the time — michelle obama. louis waymouth has been working on the late late show with james corden as a writer and actor. here he is describing that final episode — and the success of the show. we wrote, along with my friend jared, the final sketch with all the late—night hosts. i don't know if you've seen that with stephen colbert orjimmy fallon, seth meyers, all of them including david letterman, which was great fun, it was a nice one to end on. it letterman, which was great fun, it was a nice one to end on.- letterman, which was great fun, it was a nice one to end on. it must be a stranie was a nice one to end on. it must be a strange moment _ was a nice one to end on. it must be a strange moment for _ was a nice one to end on. it must be a strange moment for you _ was a nice one to end on. it must be a strange moment for you because l a strange moment for you because you've invested so much time and passion in this, over eight years. what was it like at the end of the

last show? it what was it like at the end of the last show?— what was it like at the end of the last show? . , , ., ., ., , last show? it was very emotional, is very emotional _ last show? it was very emotional, is very emotional because _ last show? it was very emotional, is very emotional because you - last show? it was very emotional, is very emotional because you know, l very emotional because you know, we've made so many great friendships over the last eight years and it's become kind of like a family. and that's the thing that i'll miss the most, it's been such a joyful environment, and yet, i'll miss everyone immensely. but it also didn't feel sad, because it felt like the right moment. it felt like we were leaving the party whilst people were still dancing, and that felt good. it felt like the right moment, we didn't feel like we were overstaying our welcome and we were able to be ambitious to the last, so

yeah, it was ambitious. teiiii yeah, it was ambitious. tell me about writing _ yeah, it was ambitious. tell me about writing with _ yeah, it was ambitious. tell me about writing with james, i yeah, it was ambitious. tell me about writing with james, howl yeah, it was ambitious. tell me - about writing with james, how much about writing with james, how much of a collaborative effort is that? very, because everything goes through very, because everything goes throuthames. we have a creative meeting every morning, so we read through scripts, we will pitch new ideas, so he's very much involved and loves to be involved, and he is great to work with and collaborate with, and always up for new ideas. and what is it that he [ends to that format particularly? film and what is it that he lends to that format particularly?— and what is it that he lends to that format particularly? oh my gosh, so much! he's — format particularly? oh my gosh, so much! he's so _ format particularly? oh my gosh, so much! he's so dynamic. _ format particularly? oh my gosh, so much! he's so dynamic. james - format particularly? oh my gosh, so much! he's so dynamic. james is - much! he's so dynamic. james is probably the most talented person i've ever met, he's just, you probably the most talented person i've ever met, he'sjust, you know, he can write, he can act, he can

dance, sing, do all those things as you well know. so it's a joy to write for him because he's open to so much. and yeah i and when did the decision come? you meet every morning, can your member the moment where he said, "i'm done with this, i need to go back to the uk?" i think it was over a period of time, because for a lot of other late—night hosts, being a late—night host represents the apex of their ambitions, and they are in it for life, someone likejimmy fallon who will go on and on. i don't think i was ever the case forjames because this wasn't like a job he was

seeking out, it came out of the blue. so he's got so many different strings with a bow, blue. so he's got so many different strings with a how, so he wanted to finish while he still felt good about it. ,., finish while he still felt good about it. ., , about it. there were so many good slots along — about it. there were so many good slots along the _ about it. there were so many good slots along the way, _ about it. there were so many good slots along the way, everybody - about it. there were so many good i slots along the way, everybody knows about carpal karaoke, crosswalk musical. i was looking at some of the russians today and i found some of the record—breaking that you are trying to do, am i right that you broke the record for changing shirts and underfive broke the record for changing shirts and under five seconds?— and under five seconds? important television. do _ and under five seconds? important television. do you _ and under five seconds? important television. do you still _ and under five seconds? important television. do you still hold - and under five seconds? important television. do you still hold that i television. do you still hold that record? you _ television. do you still hold that record? you know _ television. do you still hold that record? you know what, - television. do you still hold that record? you know what, we - television. do you still hold that - record? you know what, we thought we had... record? you know what, we thought we had- -- because — record? you know what, we thought we had... because of _ record? you know what, we thought we had... because of the _ record? you know what, we thought we had... because of the way _ record? you know what, we thought we had... because of the way the - record? you know what, we thought we had. .. because of the way the clock- had... because of the way the clock - i had... because of the way the clock — i don't know, i wasn't looking, but we thought we had — i think it

wasjust off, then but we thought we had — i think it was just off, then we were going to try and do it again. ifelt confident we could have done it, it didn't take much practice, actually. i want to talk to you about the format of evening shows, it's a tough slot you are in and come up against stephen colbert, seth meyers — trevor noah quit abruptly, now james, do you think it says more about whether these kinds of shows can exist on television? it has a huge following on social media, there's a dichotomy that he's very popular on facebook and social media, but on television the companies are really up against him. why? n companies are really up against him. wh ? 4' companies are really up against him. wh 2 ~ �* , , companies are really up against him. wh ? 4' �* , , . why? i think there's 'ust so much competition. h why? i think there's 'ust so much competition, isn't _ why? i think there'sjust so much competition, isn't there? - why? i think there'sjust so much competition, isn't there? you'rel why? i think there'sjust so much i competition, isn't there? you're up against streaming services, social media, games, gaming — that's the

biggest of the lot, everyone's fighting for everyone's attention, so people just aren't watching television in the traditional way. i think what was very clever about our show is that dan and james said we were given this 12:30am time slot but they always maintained that we would make a show to watch on youtube at any time. but even youtube at any time. but even youtube is probably not what it was ten years ago. so yeah, i don't know, it feels like our show will probably be the last of its kind in a way. probably be the last of its kind in a wa . ,, ., , , ., probably be the last of its kind in awa. ,, ., ., a way. the united states is not what it was eight — a way. the united states is not what it was eight years — a way. the united states is not what it was eight years ago, _ a way. the united states is not what it was eight years ago, there's - it was eight years ago, there's so much change of that time, and i noticed that you both reflected that at the end of the show, and what you are saying. what were you trying to

get across to the audience? that was very personal from — get across to the audience? that was very personal from james, _ get across to the audience? that was very personal from james, so - get across to the audience? that was very personal from james, so i - very personalfrom james, so i couldn't speakfor very personalfrom james, so i couldn't speak for him, but obviously our show has spanned the presidency of, well, obama, trump, now biden. and obviously through the trump period and covid and everything, it's been a very... yeah, you know, it's been an interesting time to live in america, let's put it that way. but i think maybe throughout the world, you know? i still think america is a wonderful place. riliilur know? i still think america is a wonderful place.— know? i still think america is a wonderful place. know? i still think america is a wonderful lace. . ., ., , wonderful place. our thanks to louis for that, wonderful place. our thanks to louis for that. and — wonderful place. our thanks to louis for that, and there _ wonderful place. our thanks to louis for that, and there is _ wonderful place. our thanks to louis for that, and there is a _ wonderful place. our thanks to louis for that, and there is a writers - for that, and there is a writers strike in the next week pending in la, perhaps it's connected to this

pressure they're under, fewer television programmes and feature films, putting pressure on resources and salaries, and when they look at the big salaries of late—night hosts, you can see why they are looking to cutback. so a beat eight years on cbs, think they'll have a bit of a breather than there are some things in the fire that they'll explore in the coming weeks, so we look forward to more from james gordon on this side of the pond. our panel will be with us very shortly, we'll talk about one of the big stories here in the uk today, the resignation of the bbc chair richard sharp, who resigned it today after the report was published intimate nondisclosures when he was appointed to the job as bbc chair. we will also talk about ron desantis, who jetted into london today to meet with the foreign secretary — still not declared that he is running for the presidency, but may be setting

out today his foreign policy. we'll talk about that in the company of our panel, so stay with us, we will be right back. hello there. we've seen some much drier weather today and where the sun has come out, it felt a bit warmer as well. typical mixed fare, though, for the bank holiday weekend. for this time of the year may well feel warm in the sunshine and, for many, temperatures are going to be a bit higher but there's the chance of some heavy showers as well. there's one or two showers kicking around at the moment, not very many and for the most part, it will be dry overnight. some breaks in the cloud could lead to some shortlived mist and fog patches. the cloud thickens in scotland, chance of a bit of rain here. and then far north of scotland the air is colder but for other parts of the uk we start off at four to seven degrees on saturday morning. could be quite cloudy, though, for much of mainland scotland, northeast england, and a chance of some rain and cooler here. other parts of the uk will see some sunshine at times, but we may well generate a few more showers, some of them heavy

and thundery, particularly across northern ireland, running across wales into the west midlands. east midlands, east anglia, south east of england, seeing maybe the best of the weather, warm spells of sunshine, temperatures maybe reaching 20 degrees. a lot warmer than it will be underneath that cloud in scotland and the north east of england. and the warmer air never really fully reaches scotland over the bank holiday weekend, colder air certainly towards the north of the country. it will be warmer elsewhere, but there's more cloud around on sunday and more showers from the word go for northern and western areas. and again, those could turn heavy, potentially thundery too. but again, through much of the midlands, lincolnshire and across east anglia, the southeast should stay dry with some sunny spells, temperatures up to 17 or 18 degrees and we could make double figures in scotland despite the showers here. there will be quite a few showers around on sunday. they'll push their way into eastern parts of england after dark, high pressure tries to build in and settle things down for monday. not completely, though. the heavier showers this

time towards east anglia in the southeast for a while. following on from that, the odd light shower is possible, but many places will be dry with some sunshine at times. there's a northerly breeze in northern scotland, so again, it's cooler here, but otherwise pleasant enough in the sunshine with typical temperatures around 16 or 17 degrees. so, over the bank holiday weekend, some warmth around, but some heavy showers looks a bit drier on monday. and into next week, we've got some drier weather with some sunshine, but it may be a little bit cooler as well.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. i have, therefore, this morning, resigned as the bbc chair to the secretary of state and to the board. this is about doing things properly and professionally and when concerns are raised it's right that there is a proper process, an independent process. you have the bbc chairman trying to insist that he does— not have to resign. yes, he admits there was a breach in the sense of should _ of declared his role. welcome back. the bbc�*s independence is vital

to its editorial integrity, and that can only be maintained in a political culture that values the bbc on its own terms and does not seek to influence it. so how should we view the appointment of richard sharp who resigned today and who should select the next bbc chairman? we will discuss that tonight in the good company of david yelland, formerly editor of the sun and one time deputy editor of the new york post — he now runs a communications advisory firm — also with us the democratic strategist ameshia cross. also tonight — at least 25 people killed across ukraine in the latest barrage of russian attacks. we will discuss that and ukrainian plans for a fresh counteroffensive. and ron desantis flies into britain on the last leg of a world tour. florida governor looking to shape his foreign policy credentials before an expected run for the republican nomination. all of that to come. for three months he had refused to resign, today the bbc chairman richard sharp succumbed to what was almost inevitable. a report published by the commissioner for public appointments concluded that he had failed

to declare two potential "conflicts of interest" when going through the appointments process for his bbc post. the findings relate in part to an £800k loan the former prime minister borisjohnson secured from financier sam blyth. it was mr sharp who introduced blyth to the u.k.'s top civil servant, the cabinet secretary simon case. adam heppinstall kc, who investigated, said mr sharp told borisjohnson he wished to apply to be chair of the bbc board, "before he made his application in november 2020," and that before the subsequent interview, told the pm he would make an introduction between blyth and case. the barrister said mr sharp was obliged to make that known to the panel before the interview. today the bbc chair resigned before the report was published. in an interview tonight with katie razzell he insisted he only ever, 'connected' , people, and that the review had acknowledged the breach was inadvertant. well today that resignation came—

this is what he had to say. mr heppinstall�*s view is that while i did breach the governance code for public appointments, he states very clearly that a breach does not necessarily invalidate an appointment. indeed, i have always maintained the breach was inadvertent and not material, which the facts he lays out substantiate. the secretary of state has consulted with the bbc board who support that view. nevertheless, i have decided that it is right to prioritise the interests of the bbc. i feel that this matter may well be a distraction from the corporations good work were i to remain in post until the end of my term. i have, therefore, this morning, resigned as the bbc chair to the secretary of state and to the board. richard sharp was appointed chairman of the bbc in february 2021. ros atkins has been taking a look

at the appointment and the role he fulfils within the corporation. richard sharp's resignation raises questions for the bbc, for the government and about how power works in britain. the job at the centre of the story is bbc chair. the chair leads the bbc board, which has to ensure the bbc delivers its commitments to the country and is tasked with upholding and protecting the independence of the bbc. and appointing a bbc chair isn't for the bbc to do. it's a government decision, ultimately a prime minister's decision. and in 2021 it was borisjohnson who appointed richard sharpe. but now mr sharp has resigned after breaching the rules of the appointment process. first, he failed to declare that we told boris johnson that he wanted the job before he applied for it. the next issue also concerns mr johnson. let's bring in a canadian millionaire called sam blythe.

he wanted to offer the former prime ministerfinancial help with a loan guarantee. and he asked his friend richard sharpe if he could make a connection to do that. richard sharp spoke to the cabinet secretary, head of the civil service simon case. mr sharpe thought that was sufficient disclosure. today's report found that it wasn't. and as we've been hearing, richard sharpe says he now regrets not mentioning that conversation. and that oversight brought risks for the bbc because while the bbc didn't appoint richard sharpe, its director—general tim davie has been vocal on impartiality. this story risked undermining that message and in the end, it's worth emphasising that all of this has happened because of a failure to mention one conversation, not because the bbc chair is a long time acquaintance of the prime minister who appointed him, not because the bbc chair was a donor to the ruling party, not because each bbc chair is chosen by the government of the day. for better or for worse, this is all within the system. but there are renewed questions

about whether it should be. thank you to rise for that let's bring our pattern. let me start with you david. did richard sharp need to resign? t you david. did richard sharp need to resin? ~ �* , you david. did richard sharp need to resin? ~ �*, ., , resign? i think it's obvious he it resiuned resign? i think it's obvious he it resigned some _ resign? i think it's obvious he it resigned some time _ resign? i think it's obvious he it resigned some time ago. - resign? i think it's obvious he it resigned some time ago. he i resign? i think it's obvious he it resigned some time ago. he is| resign? i think it's obvious he it i resigned some time ago. he is or resign? i think it's obvious he it - resigned some time ago. he is or was one of the smartest man in british public life. i think partly because of his background, he couldn't see what the rest of us could see. of course, in his own mind, and in reality, he hadn't done anything materially or wrong, he had just as the package just materially or wrong, he had just as the packagejust said, failed to mention the composition. i also think he is yet another victim of borisjohnson. there are two things we need to think about. first of all, he did have the conversation with boris johnson all, he did have the conversation with borisjohnson about all, he did have the conversation with boris johnson about the financial situation before a plane for the job. financial situation before a plane forthejob. but financial situation before a plane for thejob. but then, financial situation before a plane forthejob. but then, borisjohnson as number ten leak the fact that he

was a lead candidate to the telegraph before he applied for the role. and once that was done he actually was toast. from that moment on because of the earlier composition. he is a victim of boris johnson and their many others. the former commissioner for public appointments said borisjohnson's appointments said boris johnson's role appointments said borisjohnson's role within the appointment of richard sharp should also be examined. the or himself was conflicted in the process and that makes question about the loan that was made to him. and of course investigators at the sunday times don't know who found out about the loan. that story is still to run. let me ask you this, david, tim david was in at a tough decision here. i trust that he does have the power to make his run. he went to see him at his own missionary because newcomers were there. do you think he told them to resign? i don't know. i don't think any think he told them to resign? u don't know. i don't think any of us know. i think .mac i thinkjust

thinking about it i have met sir davey on a number of occasions, he's a brilliant man. there must�*ve been a brilliant man. there must�*ve been a very frank and honest conversation. at the end of which, it would have been, i imagine, pretty obvious to richard sharp that he had to go. i think that is what happened, yeah. he had to go. i think that is what happened. yeah-— he had to go. i think that is what happened, yeah. ameshia cross the auestion happened, yeah. ameshia cross the question that _ happened, yeah. ameshia cross the question that is _ happened, yeah. ameshia cross the question that is repeatedly - happened, yeah. ameshia cross the question that is repeatedly the - happened, yeah. ameshia cross the question that is repeatedly the act l question that is repeatedly the act on your side as what is ours is whether the news is being reported in good faith or being influenced. thejournals in good faith or being influenced. the journals themselves are not beyond reproach but it seems to be the appointment of the chair is crucial in setting the compass for the rest of the corporation. he has to be beyond reproach, would you agree? t to be beyond reproach, would you aree? , to be beyond reproach, would you auree? ,~ to be beyond reproach, would you auree? , ., ., agree? i absolutely agree and i think that because _ agree? i absolutely agree and i think that because we - agree? i absolutely agree and i think that because we are - agree? i absolutely agree and i i think that because we are seeing poll after— think that because we are seeing poll after poll showcases just how much _ poll after poll showcases just how much news viewers don't necessarily always _ much news viewers don't necessarily always think that news is

aboveboard. that it is not influenced by leadership or government dealership or private sector, _ government dealership or private sector, corporations and the like when _ sector, corporations and the like when it— sector, corporations and the like when it comes to those in power. i think_ when it comes to those in power. i think it _ when it comes to those in power. i think it speaks volumes that this resignation happened. i would say this. kudos to the bbc, cooties owes kudos _ this. kudos to the bbc, cooties owes kudos to— this. kudos to the bbc, cooties owes kudos to the — this. kudos to the bbc, cooties owes kudos to the wherewithal to understand that even though this may not have _ understand that even though this may not have any criminal act, that perception— not have any criminal act, that perception is reality and stepping aside _ perception is reality and stepping aside was — perception is reality and stepping aside was a thing to do. here in america. — aside was a thing to do. here in america, you'd be hard—pressed to find anybody in that leadership position— find anybody in that leadership position at any network would make that decision on their own. i think there's_ that decision on their own. i think there's a — that decision on their own. i think there's a lot — that decision on their own. i think there's a lot to be said there once a schema — there's a lot to be said there once a schema it — there's a lot to be said there once a schema it would also acknowledging that it _ a schema it would also acknowledging that it puts _ a schema it would also acknowledging that it puts it bbc, or had the potential— that it puts it bbc, or had the potential to put bbc in a tough position. — potential to put bbc in a tough position, the level of wherewithal and understanding that you don't want _ and understanding that you don't want to— and understanding that you don't want to do that. that this is above 'ust want to do that. that this is above just a _ want to do that. that this is above just a phone call or a conversation. that this _ just a phone call or a conversation. that this could elevate concern about — that this could elevate concern about the — that this could elevate concern about the legitimacy of the news network — about the legitimacy of the news network in and of itself, i think those — network in and of itself, i think those are — network in and of itself, i think those are very important reasons to

take pause — those are very important reasons to take pause and step aside. i honestly— take pause and step aside. i honestly wish that we had people here in— honestly wish that we had people here in the united states who would make _ here in the united states who would make similar decisions when there is the semblance of impropriety. a the semblance of impropriety. perception issue here ameshia cross because of the foreign crisp correspondent working in the bbc. he remember the huge row when elon musk labelled it bbc as a government funded broadcaster, we are a publicly funded broadcaster and that distinction is crucially important when you're working in a company like egypt, where i work, if you are seen as a public —— government ruckus as opposed to the public and that his wife as a people had problem with the perception. does that come across? it problem with the perception. does that come across?— that come across? it came across ure and that come across? it came across pure and simple. _ that come across? it came across pure and simple. i _ that come across? it came across pure and simple. i understand - that come across? it came across i pure and simple. i understand elon musk— pure and simple. i understand elon musk probably mislabeled the bbc and others, _ musk probably mislabeled the bbc and others, he _ musk probably mislabeled the bbc and others, he did it here with the cbs and c—span and they fought back

against _ and c—span and they fought back against that title. it matters to have _ against that title. it matters to have a — against that title. it matters to have a certain level of independence from government entities, we recognise that. you don't want to be the mouthpiece of the government. at the mouthpiece of the government. at the end _ the mouthpiece of the government. at the end of— the mouthpiece of the government. at the end of the day, the media is seen here — the end of the day, the media is seen here at least in the united states— seen here at least in the united states as — seen here at least in the united states as basically a branch or check— states as basically a branch or check on — states as basically a branch or check on governments and government powen _ check on governments and government powen to _ check on governments and government power. to assume that, or to have a semblance _ power. to assume that, or to have a semblance that you are targeting whatever— semblance that you are targeting whatever a government leader wants you to _ whatever a government leader wants you to say _ whatever a government leader wants you to say is problematic because there _ you to say is problematic because there is— you to say is problematic because there is a — you to say is problematic because there is a lack of trust that the public— there is a lack of trust that the public would have in anything that comes— public would have in anything that comes out— public would have in anything that comes out of your mouth. i think that for— comes out of your mouth. i think that for an — comes out of your mouth. i think that for an organisation it matters to have _ that for an organisation it matters to have that celebration. | that for an organisation it matters to have that celebration.- to have that celebration. i was auoin to to have that celebration. i was going to say- _ to have that celebration. i was going to say- i— to have that celebration. i was going to say. i want _ to have that celebration. i was going to say. i want to - to have that celebration. i was going to say. i want to bring . to have that celebration. i wasj going to say. i want to bring in a david, this was written by our most seniorjournalist david, this was written by our most senior journalist today. david, this was written by our most seniorjournalist today. following the resignation it is likely there'll be more support for the proposal that the chairman should be nominated by an independent committee and not by the government. which was echoed by gary lineker who said that the bbc chairman should

not be selected by the government of the day, not now, not ever. how do you think the next chairman should be selected, david? it you think the next chairman should be selected, david?— be selected, david? it depends on the auali be selected, david? it depends on the quality of _ be selected, david? it depends on the quality of the _ be selected, david? it depends on the quality of the government. - be selected, david? it depends on j the quality of the government. we have to remember that this was boris johnson's government and it was extremely low quality. i don't think that will happen, formally enough under the current prime minister, or under the current prime minister, or under keir starmer were he to be elected next year. i think a lot of these problems, and another issue, the role of simon case, i have to think, and other people think do, if there is a better cabinet secretary he might�*ve said during this conversation, he may not even have had the composition at all. he may have said we shouldn't be having this conversation. so, we had people in number ten this conversation. so, we had people in numberten at this conversation. so, we had people in number ten at the time who, frankly, it shouldn't have been there and i think although it is very easy .mac i agree the chairman

of the bbc ought to be chosen in a different way but who would be on the committee and who would choose the committee and who would choose the members of that committee? could ou ever do the members of that committee? could you ever do it — the members of that committee? could you ever do it a — the members of that committee? could you ever do it a politically? _ you ever do it a politically? because there would always be some political persuasion. the because there would always be some political persuasion.— political persuasion. the chairman ofthe political persuasion. the chairman of the bbc as _ political persuasion. the chairman of the bbc as always _ political persuasion. the chairman of the bbc as always been - political persuasion. the chairman of the bbc as always been a - of the bbc as always been a political appointment. there is a lot of comparison with kevin davis but he would have never have. it is important how people behave. and there's a little bit of me thinking that although he's gone, that the chairman of this project was let down by simon case and borisjohnson because he did come into this, is not for me, i've never met the man, he came in as active public service, whatever you think of him, he came into sir. he did not come to make money or anything like that and i think he has been, he'sjust another victim of the way this government

messes people around. i victim of the way this government messes people around.— victim of the way this government messes people around. i think you're riuht. m messes people around. i think you're right- my only _ messes people around. i think you're right. my only comment _ messes people around. i think you're right. my only comment the - messes people around. i think you're right. my only comment the things i right. my only comment the things that hear and the interactions people have had within, he had the bbc at heart. i should make clear that he doesn't sit on the news board, there is clear separation between the chairman and the director general who do sit on the editorial board. but the linacre route was interested because he was suspended for criticising the government policy on migration which was a crisis for the bbc. but the chairman who was also under investigation was not it to win but thatis investigation was not it to win but that is a situation where the chairman should weigh in. that is a situation where this became inevitable.— situation where this became inevitable. . . , ., , situation where this became inevitable. . ., , ., , ., inevitable. yes, he was unable to defend it gary — inevitable. yes, he was unable to defend it gary lineker _ inevitable. yes, he was unable to defend it gary lineker or- inevitable. yes, he was unable to defend it gary lineker or tim - inevitable. yes, he was unable to| defend it gary lineker or tim devi and that is his role. his role defend the bbc and it was clear to many of us at the time that that is why he had to go. if you're unable to do your role, because more of a new story than the new story you are

trying to wade into, then you have to go. as i say, from his perspective i can understand why he feels wronged but, you know. there is one other — feels wronged but, you know. there is one other aspect _ feels wronged but, you know. there is one other aspect ameshia - feels wronged but, you know. there is one other aspect ameshia cross that i want to for those of the report which hasn't been widely picked up today which is a criticism of the lack of diversity in the previous shortlist. john nicholson, an mp for the s&p said it was pale and stale. rishi sunak has not said that it won't be a political appointment this time, that he has intimated that he was seeking a woman to replace richard sharp at the head of the bbc. what is a situation in media companies over there? is there enough diversity? pale and still in media companies are not— pale and still in media companies are not anything you. i think here in the _ are not anything you. i think here in the united states there was a move _ in the united states there was a move to — in the united states there was a move to include more diverse presenters as well as contributors and to— presenters as well as contributors and to increase leadership at the executive — and to increase leadership at the executive level in the week of the

georgia _ executive level in the week of the georgia floyd process. but it comes and ebbs _ georgia floyd process. but it comes and ebbs and flows. pew research centre _ and ebbs and flows. pew research centre recently released a support analysing — centre recently released a support analysing the amounts ofjournalists of colour— analysing the amounts ofjournalists of colour and leaders of colour in positions — of colour and leaders of colour in positions of leadership in media across— positions of leadership in media across ports, government and other areas _ across ports, government and other areas and _ across ports, government and other areas and quite frankly, it said what _ areas and quite frankly, it said what we — areas and quite frankly, it said what we knew. there aren't enough women _ what we knew. there aren't enough women and — what we knew. there aren't enough women and people of colour. that is factual _ women and people of colour. that is factual and _ women and people of colour. that is factual and no matter where you are across _ factual and no matter where you are across the _ factual and no matter where you are across the globe. i think that is derelict — across the globe. i think that is derelict of— across the globe. i think that is derelict of duty to a certain extent because _ derelict of duty to a certain extent because we know audiences are more diverse _ because we know audiences are more diverse and _ because we know audiences are more diverse and our news and spur subsidence quote is stronger when we have people of diverse backgrounds able to— have people of diverse backgrounds able to speak to those issues and what they— able to speak to those issues and what they mean toward their specific community. especially to the comment you made _ community. especially to the comment you made a _ community. especially to the comment you made a moment ago when you talk about— you made a moment ago when you talk about immigration and migrants and the economy. the economy all of boston _ the economy. the economy all of boston looks very different for white — boston looks very different for white leaders than it does people are black— white leaders than it does people are black or latino or asian dissent _ are black or latino or asian dissent. we know that these things are very— dissent. we know that these things are very true and we need to have

those _ are very true and we need to have those conversations. we need to be ”p those conversations. we need to be up to— those conversations. we need to be up to see _ those conversations. we need to be up to see you through those lenses. we also _ up to see you through those lenses. we also enrich our newsrooms no matter— we also enrich our newsrooms no matter where we are when we have individuals — matter where we are when we have individuals of colour who can actually _ individuals of colour who can actually serve as mentors to others but also _ actually serve as mentors to others but also help provide that scope of understanding of some of the most heightened issues where, i would argue _ heightened issues where, i would argue today, we see race at the centre _ argue today, we see race at the centre point of so many things. you -uys centre point of so many things. you guys are _ centre point of so many things. you guys are going through the coronation process and we cannot get around _ coronation process and we cannot get around all— coronation process and we cannot get around all of — coronation process and we cannot get around all of the hatred that megan markel— around all of the hatred that megan market is _ around all of the hatred that megan market is still experiences even markel is still experiences even though— market is still experiences even though she's miles away from the coronation — though she's miles away from the coronation itself. i think we have to be _ coronation itself. i think we have to be reat— coronation itself. i think we have to be real and intuitive about our diversity— to be real and intuitive about our diversity of — to be real and intuitive about our diversity of an equity initiatives but we — diversity of an equity initiatives but we have to understand the media looks this _ but we have to understand the media looks this way because it was created — looks this way because it was created to look this way and there has to— created to look this way and there has to be — created to look this way and there has to be a — created to look this way and there has to be a strategic effort to change — has to be a strategic effort to change those things.- has to be a strategic effort to change those things. that's a really aood change those things. that's a really good point- — change those things. that's a really good point. before _ change those things. that's a really good point. before we _ change those things. that's a really good point. before we write - change those things. that's a really good point. before we write this . change those things. that's a really| good point. before we write this up, david. i want to talk about boris johnson. i always remarked on this programme the crossover between the two sides of the pond. the one common link between borisjohnson and donald trump is that anyone who

gets near them ultimately gets burned. ., gets near them ultimately gets burned. . , ., ., ., burned. yet, i have been afraid that is true in private _ burned. yet, i have been afraid that is true in private land _ burned. yet, i have been afraid that is true in private land and _ burned. yet, i have been afraid that is true in private land and public - is true in private land and public life and it's been said many times and richard sharp isjust an another victim. why do we have a prime minister that needs to borrow £800,000? what was the cabinet secretary having that conversation in the first place? it is all because of borisjohnson and it would happen under any other prime minister that i can think of the stuff so, actually, we are in the danger of reforming after the event which the great british disease. as they say on that if you were just discussing, itv in this country is run by a woman, generalform is run by women the bbc�*s radio is run by women. we are very good, not in terms of diversity of colour not so good but in terms of women in television, we are pretty good and a measured there'll be lots of candidates, lots of good candidates, for the chair of bbc road.—

for the chair of bbc road. that's also but things _ for the chair of bbc road. that's also but things was _ for the chair of bbc road. that's also but things was definitely . also but things was definitely getting a bit better. you are watching the bbc. let's look at some of the other stories making headlines today. a body found by police investigating the murder of a pregnant teacher in glasgow has been formally identified as that of her partner — david yates. marelle sturrock, who was 35, was found dead at her home on tuesday. officers had been looking for mr yates in connection with her death. police scotland say they do not believe anyone else was involved. the national crime agency has urged people who live near airfields to report any suspicious activity. it comes after three men were jailed for their role in smuggling illegal immigrants into the uk. they were caught after a light aircraft carrying four albanian nationals landed at a remote airfield in northamptonshire. the pilot, richard styles, was jailed for seven years. for the first time in its history, great ormond street hospital has declared a "business continuity incident" ahead of planned nurses�* strikes on sunday and monday. the childrens hospital said it had "serious concerns over safely

staffing the hospital" during the strikes by members of the royal college of nursing. so, the florida governor , ron desantis , in the uk today. it was supposedly a trade mission to promote florida, not entirely without pretext. the uk regularly ranks as florida's top business partner. but the timing of this trip, which has also included japan, south korea and israel, is of course dictated by the impending primary contest with donald trump. he is expected to announce he is running in the coming weeks and it is a race in which he is trailing badly, though as he pointed out a few days ago, on the japanese leg of his trip, those numbers could change when he formally declares. with me now is bryan lanza, who was the communications director for donald trump's transition team. state governors don't tend to go on foreign ships so why is it ron

desantis doing this? i foreign ships so why is it ron desantis doing this?- foreign ships so why is it ron desantis doing this? i think foreign oli is desantis doing this? i think foreign policy is going _ desantis doing this? i think foreign policy is going to — desantis doing this? i think foreign policy is going to be _ desantis doing this? i think foreign policy is going to be somewhat - desantis doing this? i think foreign policy is going to be somewhat of. desantis doing this? i think foreign policy is going to be somewhat of a debate _ policy is going to be somewhat of a debate for— policy is going to be somewhat of a debate for the _ policy is going to be somewhat of a debate for the general— policy is going to be somewhat of a debate for the general election - policy is going to be somewhat of a debate for the general election and i think— debate for the general election and i think the — debate for the general election and i think the governor— debate for the general election and i think the governor at _ debate for the general election and i think the governor at the - debate for the general election and i think the governor at the santos i i think the governor at the santos is trying _ i think the governor at the santos is trying to— i think the governor at the santos is trying to beef— i think the governor at the santos is trying to beef up _ i think the governor at the santos is trying to beef up his _ i think the governor at the santos is trying to beef up his foreign - is trying to beef up his foreign policy— is trying to beef up his foreign policy credentials _ is trying to beef up his foreign policy credentials thinking - is trying to beef up his foreign| policy credentials thinking that travelling _ policy credentials thinking that travelling to _ policy credentials thinking that travelling to our— policy credentials thinking that travelling to our country - policy credentials thinking that travelling to our country and l policy credentials thinking that - travelling to our country and having a few _ travelling to our country and having a few meat — travelling to our country and having a few meat scenes _ travelling to our country and having a few meat scenes is _ travelling to our country and having a few meat scenes is going - travelling to our country and having a few meat scenes is going to- a few meat scenes is going to satisfy— a few meat scenes is going to satisfy the _ a few meat scenes is going to satisfy the foreign _ a few meat scenes is going to satisfy the foreign policy- a few meat scenes is going to- satisfy the foreign policy debates. it's one _ satisfy the foreign policy debates. it's one approach. _ satisfy the foreign policy debates. it's one approach. i _ satisfy the foreign policy debates. it's one approach. i don't - satisfy the foreign policy debates. it's one approach. i don't know. satisfy the foreign policy debates. it's one approach. i don't know ifi it's one approach. i don't know if it's the _ it's one approach. i don't know if it's the best _ it's one approach. i don't know if it's the best approach. _ it's one approach. i don't know if it's the best approach. he - it's one approach. i don't know if it's the best approach. he has met the rime it's the best approach. he has met the prime ministers— it's the best approach. he has met the prime ministers in _ it's the best approach. he has met the prime ministers in japan - it's the best approach. he has met the prime ministers in japan and i the prime ministers injapan and south korea on earlier needs of the ship and did not meet the british prime minister. there's clearly some sensitivity or recognition here that they may unduly provoke your former boss. ., . ., ., ., they may unduly provoke your former boss. .. . ., ., ., , boss. correct, governor ron desantis is also received _ boss. correct, governor ron desantis is also received criticism _ boss. correct, governor ron desantis is also received criticism for - boss. correct, governor ron desantis is also received criticism for being - is also received criticism for being an asian— is also received criticism for being an asian not— is also received criticism for being an asian not going _ is also received criticism for being an asian not going to— is also received criticism for being an asian not going to taiwan - is also received criticism for being an asian not going to taiwan like i an asian not going to taiwan like other— an asian not going to taiwan like other politicians _ an asian not going to taiwan like other politicians have _ an asian not going to taiwan like other politicians have done. - an asian not going to taiwan like other politicians have done. thel other politicians have done. the trim _ other politicians have done. the trim has— other politicians have done. the trim has not _ other politicians have done. the trim has not been— other politicians have done. the trim has not been without - other politicians have done. the| trim has not been without flaws. other politicians have done. the i trim has not been without flaws. i think— trim has not been without flaws. i think you — trim has not been without flaws. i think you saw— trim has not been without flaws. i think you saw ron _ trim has not been without flaws. i think you saw ron desantis - trim has not been without flaws. i think you saw ron desantis say. trim has not been without flaws. i. think you saw ron desantis say he's not in _ think you saw ron desantis say he's not in the _ think you saw ron desantis say he's not in the election yet _ think you saw ron desantis say he's not in the election yet or— think you saw ron desantis say he's not in the election yet or on - not in the election yet or on the camping — not in the election yet or on the camping transit _ not in the election yet or on the

camping transit oppose - not in the election yet or on the i camping transit oppose machine. not in the election yet or on the - camping transit oppose machine. he has an— camping transit oppose machine. he has an uphill— camping transit oppose machine. he has an uphill battle _ camping transit oppose machine. he has an uphill battle and _ camping transit oppose machine. he has an uphill battle and lost - has an uphill battle and lost momentum _ has an uphill battle and lost momentum and _ has an uphill battle and lost momentum and continues. has an uphill battle and lostl momentum and continues to has an uphill battle and lost - momentum and continues to make mistakes — momentum and continues to make mistakes. that's _ momentum and continues to make mistakes. that's sorry— momentum and continues to make mistakes. that's sorry to _ momentum and continues to make mistakes. that's sorry to get - mistakes. that's sorry to get highlighted _ mistakes. that's sorry to get highlighted more _ mistakes. that's sorry to get highlighted more as - mistakes. that's sorry to get highlighted more as he - mistakes. that's sorry to get| highlighted more as he steps mistakes. that's sorry to get . highlighted more as he steps on mistakes. that's sorry to get - highlighted more as he steps on the national— highlighted more as he steps on the national stage _ highlighted more as he steps on the national stage. he _ highlighted more as he steps on the national stage. he did _ highlighted more as he steps on the national stage. he did good - highlighted more as he steps on the national stage. he did good in - national stage. he did good in florida — national stage. he did good in florida but— national stage. he did good in florida but the _ national stage. he did good in florida but the national- national stage. he did good in florida but the national stage| national stage. he did good in i florida but the national stage is much _ florida but the national stage is much different. _ florida but the national stage is much different.— florida but the national stage is much different. that's talk about one potential _ much different. that's talk about one potential mistake. _ much different. that's talk about one potential mistake. he - much different. that's talk about one potential mistake. he was i much different. that's talk about i one potential mistake. he was here today to discuss the possibility of a uk trade deal with florida and there are similar deals with south carolina and tacoma. in the week that she goes travelling, disney sue him for any let this campaign to weapon eyes government power against disney. is the kind of image you want to be carrying with you as you try for investment in florida? absolutely not. if are a business and you — absolutely not. if are a business and you see _ absolutely not. if are a business and you see what _ absolutely not. if are a business and you see what ron _ absolutely not. if are a business and you see what ron desantis. absolutely not. if are a businessl and you see what ron desantis is doing _ and you see what ron desantis is doing florida _ and you see what ron desantis is doing florida to _ and you see what ron desantis is doing florida to this _ and you see what ron desantis is doing florida to this business i and you see what ron desantis isj doing florida to this business like disney— doing florida to this business like disney will— doing florida to this business like disney will be _ doing florida to this business like disney will be no _ doing florida to this business like disney will be no incentive. - doing florida to this business like disney will be no incentive. if- doing florida to this business like disney will be no incentive. if you look at _ disney will be no incentive. if you look at others _ disney will be no incentive. if you look at others states _ disney will be no incentive. if you look at others states with - disney will be no incentive. if you i look at others states with different governance — look at others states with different governance and _ look at others states with different governance and this _ look at others states with different governance and this kind _ look at others states with different governance and this kind of- governance and this kind of governance _ governance and this kind of governance that _ governance and this kind of governance that ron - governance and this kind of. governance that ron desantis governance and this kind of- governance that ron desantis is bringing — governance that ron desantis is bringing against _ governance that ron desantis is bringing against disney- governance that ron desantis is bringing against disney is- governance that ron desantis is- bringing against disney is somewhat factious—

bringing against disney is somewhat factious and — bringing against disney is somewhat factious and is— bringing against disney is somewhat factious and is the _ bringing against disney is somewhat factious and is the adverse - bringing against disney is somewhat factious and is the adverse of - bringing against disney is somewhat factious and is the adverse of what i factious and is the adverse of what republican— factious and is the adverse of what republican governors _ factious and is the adverse of what republican governors do _ factious and is the adverse of what republican governors do in - factious and is the adverse of what republican governors do in the i republican governors do in the united — republican governors do in the united states— republican governors do in the united states was _ republican governors do in the united states was inclusion i republican governors do in the united states was inclusion ofl united states was inclusion of tokyo. — united states was inclusion of tokyo. is— united states was inclusion of tokyo. is it _ united states was inclusion of tokyo, is it reflective - united states was inclusion of tokyo, is it reflective of- united states was inclusion of| tokyo, is it reflective of where united states was inclusion of i tokyo, is it reflective of where you wrote _ tokyo, is it reflective of where you wrote us _ tokyo, is it reflective of where you wrote us foreign _ tokyo, is it reflective of where you wrote us foreign policy _ tokyo, is it reflective of where you wrote us foreign policy has - tokyo, is it reflective of where you i wrote us foreign policy has shifted? i hundred _ wrote us foreign policy has shifted? i hundred percent. _ wrote us foreign policy has shifted? i hundred percent. i— wrote us foreign policy has shifted? i hundred percent. ithink— wrote us foreign policy has shifted? i hundred percent. i think us- i hundred percent. ithink us foreign — i hundred percent. ithink us foreign policy— i hundred percent. ithink us foreign policy in _ i hundred percent. ithink us foreign policy in dc- i hundred percent. ithink us foreign policy in dc is- i hundred percent. ithink us foreign policy in dc is focus i i hundred percent. i think us. foreign policy in dc is focus on asia _ foreign policy in dc is focus on asia and — foreign policy in dc is focus on asia and china _ foreign policy in dc is focus on asia and china and _ foreign policy in dc is focus on asia and china and south i foreign policy in dc is focus onl asia and china and south korea foreign policy in dc is focus on- asia and china and south korea and japan _ asia and china and south korea and japan. europe has _ asia and china and south korea and japan. europe has sort _ asia and china and south korea and japan. europe has sort of— asia and china and south korea and japan. europe has sort of become, i asia and china and south korea and i japan. europe has sort of become, a distant _ japan. europe has sort of become, a distant lens — japan. europe has sort of become, a distant lens for— japan. europe has sort of become, a distant lens for them _ japan. europe has sort of become, a distant lens for them and _ japan. europe has sort of become, a distant lens for them and you - japan. europe has sort of become, a distant lens for them and you are i distant lens for them and you are seeing _ distant lens for them and you are seeing it— distant lens for them and you are seeing it by— distant lens for them and you are seeing it by the _ distant lens for them and you are seeing it by the priorities - distant lens for them and you are seeing it by the priorities that i seeing it by the priorities that speaker— seeing it by the priorities that speaker kevin _ seeing it by the priorities that speaker kevin mccarthy- seeing it by the priorities that speaker kevin mccarthy has i seeing it by the priorities that i speaker kevin mccarthy has laid seeing it by the priorities that - speaker kevin mccarthy has laid out and the _ speaker kevin mccarthy has laid out and the emphasis _ speaker kevin mccarthy has laid out and the emphasisjoe _ speaker kevin mccarthy has laid out and the emphasisjoe biden- speaker kevin mccarthy has laid out and the emphasisjoe biden has- and the emphasisjoe biden has placed — and the emphasisjoe biden has placed on— and the emphasisjoe biden has placed on the _ and the emphasisjoe biden has placed on the asia _ and the emphasisjoe biden has placed on the asia and - and the emphasisjoe biden has placed on the asia and china i placed on the asia and china relationships— placed on the asia and china relationships and _ placed on the asia and china relationships and you - placed on the asia and china relationships and you are i placed on the asia and china i relationships and you are seeing placed on the asia and china - relationships and you are seeing an emergence — relationships and you are seeing an emergence of— relationships and you are seeing an emergence of the _ relationships and you are seeing an emergence of the number- relationships and you are seeing an emergence of the number one i relationships and you are seeing an emergence of the number one andi relationships and you are seeing an i emergence of the number one and two and three _ emergence of the number one and two and three issues— emergence of the number one and two and three issues were _ emergence of the number one and two and three issues were united - emergence of the number one and two and three issues were united states. and three issues were united states which _ and three issues were united states which is _ and three issues were united states which is foreign _ and three issues were united states which is foreign policy _ and three issues were united states which is foreign policy which - and three issues were united states which is foreign policy which is i which is foreign policy which is asia _ which is foreign policy which is asia and — which is foreign policy which is asia and asian _ which is foreign policy which is asia and asian asia. _ which is foreign policy which is asia and asian asia. lett- which is foreign policy which is asia and asian asia.— which is foreign policy which is asia and asian asia. let me bring ou in on asia and asian asia. let me bring you in on this _ asia and asian asia. let me bring you in on this ameshia. _ asia and asian asia. let me bring you in on this ameshia. at - asia and asian asia. let me bring you in on this ameshia. at a i asia and asian asia. let me bring you in on this ameshia. at a cookj you in on this ameshia. at a cook reporter said it's an hour she that those who make the case that america should focus on assessment go ahead and present themselves as a dog and ww and present themselves as a dog and pony show to the world.—

and present themselves as a dog and pony show to the world. beyond that, i think that one _ pony show to the world. beyond that, i think that one of _ pony show to the world. beyond that, i think that one of the _ pony show to the world. beyond that, i think that one of the issues - i think that one of the issues ron desantis — i think that one of the issues ron desantis space is that she used to serve _ desantis space is that she used to serve in _ desantis space is that she used to serve in the united states congress and has _ serve in the united states congress and has a _ serve in the united states congress and has a record, actually. we know where _ and has a record, actually. we know where he _ and has a record, actually. we know where he was in terms as his foreign policy stances in many cases but she's— policy stances in many cases but she's also— policy stances in many cases but she's also someone who even though he hasn't _ she's also someone who even though he hasn't announced that she's running. — he hasn't announced that she's running, he's basically using this foreign _ running, he's basically using this foreign policy trims right now as a way to— foreign policy trims right now as a way to try— foreign policy trims right now as a way to try to clear up his record. as a _ way to try to clear up his record. as a way— way to try to clear up his record. as a way to— way to try to clear up his record. as a way to bolster interest. he came _ as a way to bolster interest. he came into — as a way to bolster interest. he came into this as somebody who was strong _ came into this as somebody who was strong and _ came into this as somebody who was strong and powerful and a great leader— strong and powerful and a great leader in— strong and powerful and a great leader in florida, the midterm elections _ leader in florida, the midterm elections at least in his state show that republican party stranded in florida — that republican party stranded in florida. however, ron desantis is not popular outside florida and within— not popular outside florida and within the republican primary he would _ within the republican primary he would have to figure out a way to manoeuvre and at tech former president _ manoeuvre and at tech former president donald trump who is the leading _ president donald trump who is the leading irrespective of the fact that he's— leading irrespective of the fact that he's run from trial to trial and _ that he's run from trial to trial and seen _ that he's run from trial to trial and seen by many as a criminal in the country —

and seen by many as a criminal in the country. he's the leader of that party _ the country. he's the leader of that party ron — the country. he's the leader of that party. ron desantis is right now in a battle with mickey mouse and a whole bunch of people and he ignorantly stated that she did not want to— ignorantly stated that she did not want to have any more funds going towards _ want to have any more funds going towards the fight that ukraine sees retinoic— towards the fight that ukraine sees retinoic with russia. he has set themselves up in many ways to fail, specifically— themselves up in many ways to fail, specifically in this foreign policy realm _ specifically in this foreign policy realm but she's always so someone who's_ realm but she's always so someone who's trying to grasp on any energy you can _ who's trying to grasp on any energy you can achieve at this point because _ you can achieve at this point because the balloon has been pumped for ron— because the balloon has been pumped for ron desantis and he is hoping that he _ for ron desantis and he is hoping that he can grasp onto any amount of air because _ that he can grasp onto any amount of air because it is going south really fast _ air because it is going south really fast. , . z: :: air because it is going south really fast. , ,';:: , , air because it is going south really fast. . ,':ii , . fast. just 30 seconds left, david, i thouuht fast. just 30 seconds left, david, i thought the _ fast. just 30 seconds left, david, i thought the erection _ fast. just 30 seconds left, david, i thought the erection of _ fast. just 30 seconds left, david, i thought the erection of the - thought the erection of the government here was interesting. they said the promisor was in scotland in the afternoon and is slightly embarrassing for everybody. nobody really wants to be pictured with ron desantis. he isn't going to win. i would with ron desantis. he isn't going to win. iwould personally with ron desantis. he isn't going to win. i would personally would love to be a fly on the wall to her ron

desantis talk about what his foreign policy is. i suspect it would be you know. ~ .. r' policy is. i suspect it would be you know. ~ ., ., ., know. we did ask for an interview and ou'd know. we did ask for an interview and you'd be _ know. we did ask for an interview and you'd be surprised _ know. we did ask for an interview and you'd be surprised to - know. we did ask for an interview and you'd be surprised to hear- know. we did ask for an interview and you'd be surprised to hear we can get one. we will go into a brick and stay with us. we will be right back. hello there. we've seen some much drier weather today and where the sun has come out, it felt a bit warmer as well. typical mixed fare, though, for the bank holiday weekend. for this time of the year may well feel warm in the sunshine and, for many, temperatures are going to be a bit higher but there's the chance of some heavy showers as well. there's one or two showers kicking around at the moment, not very many and for the most part, it will be dry overnight. some breaks in the cloud could lead to some shortlived mist and fog patches. the cloud thickens in scotland, chance of a bit of rain here. and then far north of scotland the air is colder but for other parts of the uk we start off at four to seven degrees on saturday morning. could be quite cloudy, though, for much of mainland scotland, northeast england, and a chance of some rain and cooler here. other parts of the uk will see

some sunshine at times, but we may well generate a few more showers, some of them heavy and thundery, particularly across northern ireland, running across wales into the west midlands. east midlands, east anglia, south east of england, seeing maybe the best of the weather, warm spells of sunshine, temperatures maybe reaching 20 degrees. a lot warmer than it will be underneath that cloud in scotland and the north east of england. and the warmer air never really fully reaches scotland over the bank holiday weekend, colder air certainly towards the north of the country. it will be warmer elsewhere, but there's more cloud around on sunday and more showers from the word go for northern and western areas. and again, those could turn heavy, potentially thundery too. but again, through much of the midlands, lincolnshire and across east anglia, the southeast should stay dry with some sunny spells, temperatures up to 17 or 18 degrees and we could make double figures in scotland despite the showers here. there will be quite a few showers around on sunday. they'll push their way into eastern parts of england after dark, high pressure tries to build in and settle things down for monday. not completely, though. the heavier showers this time towards east anglia

in the southeast for a while. following on from that, the odd light shower is possible, but many places will be dry with some sunshine at times. there's a northerly breeze in northern scotland, so again, it's cooler here, but otherwise pleasant enough in the sunshine with typical temperatures around 16 or 17 degrees. so, over the bank holiday weekend, some warmth around, but some heavy showers looks a bit drier on monday. and into next week, we've got some drier weather with some sunshine, but it may be a little bit cooler as well.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. ukrainian officials say at least 25 people have been killed in a wave of pre—dawn russian air strikes across the country. the front lines in ukraine have hardly moved these past three months, the futility of that titanic struggle in bakhmut matched only by the futility of russia's indsicriminate bombing ukraines towns and cities. there is no pattern or rythym to these strikes. no obvious strategic purpose. its designed only to break the will of the ukrainian people. course it will never do that. but it does bring untold suffering and misery. at least 25 were killed

across the country in this latest wave of bombing — the capital kyiv coming under attack for the first time in more than 50 days. the victims included 23 people who died in a residential building that was struck in the central town of uman, among them two children. and in the eastern city of dnipro, a mother and her three—year—old daughter died when their house was hit, four others were hurt. for more on this we can speak now to philip ingram, he's a former senior military intelligence officer. good to have you with us. ijust noticed today that the head of president volodymyr zelensky�*s office said, "don't ignore these alerts." it suggests a certain complete since he has might said and because we haven't had one of these barrages of rockets for quite some town to make a time that people ignored the sirens this time. the sirens were _ ignored the sirens this time. tue: sirens were going an awful ignored the sirens this time. tue sirens were going an awful dust off an awful lot in the attacks weren't hitting areas of people were thinking they would hit, but the

attacks last night showed the russians can still attack population centres which have no military value whatsoever, and will continue to do so whenever they can get the weapons to do that. but people should not be complacent in any way, shape or form when their air raid horns go off. they listed the enforced disappearances, torture, rape, eggs additional —— extrajudicial executions. the bombing of civilian areas is also a war crime, philip. we are completely certain that russians are committing war crime after work crime, after work crime. there's no reason for russia to do what they are doing from a military perspective, is completely against international law and is something that hopefully we will find a method

to hold them to account for. unfortunately under russian law, there's no way to get individuals, including vladimir putin, who are responsible for this held to account. .. .. responsible for this held to account. ~ . ., , account. ukraine said it had shut down 21 missiles _ account. ukraine said it had shut down 21 missiles aimed - account. ukraine said it had shut down 21 missiles aimed at i account. ukraine said it had shut down 21 missiles aimed at kyiv, l account. ukraine said it had shut i down 21 missiles aimed at kyiv, as well as at drones. does the fact that some of the missiles got through parts of the country prove that in some parts of ukraine, they are now running low on anti—aircraft missiles? hat are now running low on anti-aircraft missiles? ., , , missiles? not in the slightest, the leaked intelligence _ missiles? not in the slightest, the leaked intelligence in _ missiles? not in the slightest, the leaked intelligence in the - missiles? not in the slightest, the j leaked intelligence in the numbers they get shot down are completely unrelated. the fact that ukrainians have failed so many and continuously shot down the vast majority that are there, but the unfortunate thing that there is with these missile attacks is you only need 1—2 to get the civilian deaths casualties is with the russians are working on. the good thing is the russians aren't doing this on a daily basis because they don't have the ammunition, the missiles or anything

else to do that. and that's a good indication of the very poor state they are in from an ammunition perspective. they are in from an ammunition perspective-— they are in from an ammunition --ersective. ~ . . , . perspective. the ukrainian defence minister said _ perspective. the ukrainian defence minister said they _ perspective. the ukrainian defence minister said they are _ perspective. the ukrainian defence minister said they are preparing i perspective. the ukrainian defence minister said they are preparing for a spring counteroffensive against the russian troops, how does that square with this reporting that we have this week from jonathan beale here at the bbc that the front line troops are running out of shells goes yellow there's always this balance of trying to get the shells in, and the front line troops will be finding it more difficult to get the shells in because ukrainians will be building the reserves they need for the counteroffensive that go in. they have proved so far good and bouncing their logistic needs with everything, and at the moment the front line troops are doing what's called fixing, it's a fixing operation, they are fixing the russians in place, fixing from a psychological perspective so the

ukrainians can prepare for this counteroffensive. they need to build up counteroffensive. they need to build up the logistic supplies, shells, if nothing else to support that counteroffensive, but we are weeks off yet from that happening. as we start to go into the 2024 campaign, and i know we are 18 months out, but we are heading in that direction, do you think some success on the battlefield for the ukrainians is really important in terms of the political debate there? is political debate there? is definitely important forjoe biden's foreign _ definitely important forjoe biden's foreign policy, they think that because — foreign policy, they think that because he's trying to restructure and get _ because he's trying to restructure and get the energy around protecting democracy— and get the energy around protecting democracy especially coming off four years of— democracy especially coming off four years of a _ democracy especially coming off four years of a trumpet ministration where — years of a trumpet ministration where it— years of a trumpet ministration where it seems he was more in alignment— where it seems he was more in alignment with dictators than preserving democracy not just abroad but here _ preserving democracy not just abroad but here in— preserving democracy not just abroad but here in the us, but among american _ but here in the us, but among american voters, i've said before on this programme, i argue we are in a strange _ this programme, i argue we are in a strange posture where non—interventionism is something voters _ non—interventionism is something voters appreciate. i think the more

that the _ voters appreciate. i think the more that the biden harris and ministration can tout why it's important to support ukraine, what the value _ important to support ukraine, what the value is— important to support ukraine, what the value is to our european partners _ the value is to our european partners as well as ourselves and to democracy— partners as well as ourselves and to democracy around the globe matters, that will— democracy around the globe matters, that will set the stage. but foreign policy— that will set the stage. but foreign policy that does not involve american troops and their lives at state _ american troops and their lives at state doesn't really move american voters. _ state doesn't really move american voters. so — state doesn't really move american voters, so he does have his work cut out for— voters, so he does have his work cut out for him — voters, so he does have his work cut out for him because the economy of the us. the — out for him because the economy of the us, the pocketbook issues for americans— the us, the pocketbook issues for americans are those revolving around jobs. _ americans are those revolving around jobs. around — americans are those revolving around jobs, around being able to feed their— jobs, around being able to feed their families, jobs, around being able to feed theirfamilies, a jobs, around being able to feed their families, a housing crisis that— their families, a housing crisis that we are on the brink of and several— that we are on the brink of and several other issues that they seem to be _ several other issues that they seem to be a _ several other issues that they seem to be a bit— several other issues that they seem to be a bit more concerned. we talked to be a bit more concerned. e talked about the ron desantis trip and his focus on south korea and japan, the south korean president has been at the white house this week, next week it's the filipino president marcos. there clearly is a shift in foreign policy in the united states, is there a danger that ukraine gets forgotten in all

this? : ., , , that ukraine gets forgotten in all this? ., , , , that ukraine gets forgotten in all this? ., , , this? and ron desantis is on record as bein: this? and ron desantis is on record as being as — this? and ron desantis is on record as being as bad _ this? and ron desantis is on record as being as bad as _ this? and ron desantis is on record as being as bad as trump _ this? and ron desantis is on record as being as bad as trump about i as being as bad as trump about asking — as being as bad as trump about asking why— as being as bad as trump about asking why the _ as being as bad as trump about asking why the war _ as being as bad as trump about asking why the war in _ as being as bad as trump about asking why the war in ukraine i as being as bad as trump about| asking why the war in ukraine is important. _ asking why the war in ukraine is important. and _ asking why the war in ukraine is important, and why— asking why the war in ukraine is important, and why should i asking why the war in ukraine is- important, and why should american money— important, and why should american money be _ important, and why should american money be involved _ important, and why should american money be involved in— important, and why should american money be involved in this? - important, and why should american money be involved in this? there's. important, and why should american money be involved in this? there's aj money be involved in this? there's a bil money be involved in this? there's a big difference — money be involved in this? there's a big difference between— money be involved in this? there's a big difference between britain- money be involved in this? there's a big difference between britain and i big difference between britain and the us. _ big difference between britain and the us. i— big difference between britain and the us. i lived _ big difference between britain and the us, i lived in— big difference between britain and the us, i lived in new— big difference between britain and the us, i lived in new york- big difference between britain and the us, i lived in new york for- big difference between britain and the us, i lived in new york for ten years. i_ the us, i lived in new york for ten years. i love — the us, i lived in new york for ten years. i love the _ the us, i lived in new york for ten years, i love the us, _ the us, i lived in new york for ten years, i love the us, i— the us, i lived in new york for ten years, i love the us, i was- the us, i lived in new york for ten years, i love the us, i was a - the us, i lived in new york for ten| years, i love the us, i was a green card— years, i love the us, i was a green card holder. — years, i love the us, i was a green card holder, but— years, i love the us, i was a green card holder, but americans - years, i love the us, i was a green card holder, but americans and i years, i love the us, i was a green. card holder, but americans and their electoral— card holder, but americans and their electoral process _ card holder, but americans and their electoral process don't _ card holder, but americans and their electoral process don't really - card holder, but americans and their electoral process don't really care i electoral process don't really care about _ electoral process don't really care about foreign _ electoral process don't really care about foreign policy. _ electoral process don't really care about foreign policy. it's - electoral process don't really care about foreign policy. it's not i electoral process don't really care about foreign policy. it's not likel about foreign policy. it's not like it is here — about foreign policy. it's not like it is here. here _ about foreign policy. it's not like it is here. here in— about foreign policy. it's not like it is here. here in the _ about foreign policy. it's not like it is here. here in the uk, - about foreign policy. it's not like it is here. here in the uk, therel about foreign policy. it's not like i it is here. here in the uk, there is clear— it is here. here in the uk, there is clear across — it is here. here in the uk, there is clear across party— it is here. here in the uk, there is clear across party consensus on i it is here. here in the uk, there is. clear across party consensus on the ukraine. _ clear across party consensus on the ukraine. and— clear across party consensus on the ukraine, and that _ clear across party consensus on the ukraine, and that won't _ clear across party consensus on the ukraine, and that won't change, i clear across party consensus on the i ukraine, and that won't change, and it's popular— ukraine, and that won't change, and it's popular in— ukraine, and that won't change, and it's popular in the _ ukraine, and that won't change, and it's popular in the country. _ ukraine, and that won't change, and it's popular in the country. in- ukraine, and that won't change, and it's popular in the country. in the i it's popular in the country. in the us it _ it's popular in the country. in the us itiust— it's popular in the country. in the us it just won't _ it's popular in the country. in the us it just won't be _ it's popular in the country. in the us itjust won't be mentioned. i it's popular in the country. in the| us itjust won't be mentioned. by the way. — us itjust won't be mentioned. by the way. i— us itjust won't be mentioned. by the way. i don't _ us itjust won't be mentioned. by the way, i don't accept _ us itjust won't be mentioned. by the way, i don't accept what i us itjust won't be mentioned. by the way, i don't accept what your| the way, i don't accept what your guest _ the way, i don't accept what your guest said. — the way, i don't accept what your guest said. i— the way, idon't accept what your guest said, i think— the way, i don't accept what your guest said, i think american i the way, i don't accept what your. guest said, i think american foreign policy— guest said, i think american foreign policy is _ guest said, i think american foreign policy is also — guest said, i think american foreign policy is also very— guest said, i think american foreign policy is also very focused _ guest said, i think american foreign policy is also very focused on - policy is also very focused on europe. _ policy is also very focused on europe. it's— policy is also very focused on europe, it's such— policy is also very focused on europe, it's such a _ policy is also very focused on europe, it's such a huge i policy is also very focused on - europe, it's such a huge market, and there's_ europe, it's such a huge market, and there's ukraine — europe, it's such a huge market, and there's ukraine as— europe, it's such a huge market, and there's ukraine as well. _ europe, it's such a huge market, and there's ukraine as well. american - there's ukraine as well. american foreign _ there's ukraine as well. american foreign policy— there's ukraine as well. american foreign policy has _ there's ukraine as well. american foreign policy has always - there's ukraine as well. american foreign policy has always been - foreign policy has always been focused — foreign policy has always been focused on _ foreign policy has always been focused on everywhere, - foreign policy has always been focused on everywhere, and l foreign policy has always been focused on everywhere, and iti foreign policy has always been -

focused on everywhere, and it will continue _ focused on everywhere, and it will continue to— focused on everywhere, and it will continue to be _ focused on everywhere, and it will continue to be so. _ focused on everywhere, and it will continue to be so. and _ focused on everywhere, and it will continue to be so. and one - focused on everywhere, and it will continue to be so. and one other. continue to be so. and one other thing _ continue to be so. and one other thing - _ continue to be so. and one other thing - there's _ continue to be so. and one other thing - there's a _ continue to be so. and one other thing — there's a huge _ continue to be so. and one other thing — there's a huge different. thing — there's a huge different between — thing — there's a huge different between the _ thing — there's a huge different between the elite _ thing — there's a huge different between the elite in _ thing — there's a huge differentl between the elite in washington thing — there's a huge different- between the elite in washington and the foreign _ between the elite in washington and the foreign policy— between the elite in washington and the foreign policy elites _ between the elite in washington and the foreign policy elites in _ between the elite in washington and the foreign policy elites in power- the foreign policy elites in power and the — the foreign policy elites in power and the foreign _ the foreign policy elites in power and the foreign service, - the foreign policy elites in power and the foreign service, and - the foreign policy elites in power and the foreign service, and the| and the foreign service, and the higher— and the foreign service, and the higher ends— and the foreign service, and the higher ends of— and the foreign service, and the higher ends of the _ and the foreign service, and the higher ends of the media, - and the foreign service, and the higher ends of the media, and i and the foreign service, and the - higher ends of the media, and what we think— higher ends of the media, and what we think of— higher ends of the media, and what we think of as — higher ends of the media, and what we think of as america. _ higher ends of the media, and what we think of as america. the - higher ends of the media, and what . we think of as america. the american elite we think of as america. the american etite is— we think of as america. the american elite is extremely— we think of as america. the american elite is extremely focused _ we think of as america. the american elite is extremely focused on - elite is extremely focused on ukraine, _ elite is extremely focused on ukraine, and— elite is extremely focused on ukraine, and will— elite is extremely focused on ukraine, and will continue i elite is extremely focused on ukraine, and will continue toi elite is extremely focused on i ukraine, and will continue to be elite is extremely focused on - ukraine, and will continue to be so, i'm ukraine, and will continue to be so, i'm certain— ukraine, and will continue to be so, i'm certain about— ukraine, and will continue to be so, i'm certain about that. _ ukraine, and will continue to be so, i'm certain about that. i’m“ - ukraine, and will continue to be so, i'm certain about that.— i'm certain about that. i'm certain the senior— i'm certain about that. i'm certain the senior republican _ i'm certain about that. i'm certain the senior republican senators i i'm certain about that. i'm certain. the senior republican senators talk that way. there's definitely a greater focus in europe that way. there's definitely a greaterfocus in europe on that way. there's definitely a greater focus in europe on defence, one deal that caught my eye today was the uk just signed a one deal that caught my eye today was the ukjust signed a $1.9 billion contract with poland to provide the eastern europeans with a british designed air defence system. that to me suggests that they'll refocus supply within eastern europe closer to the ukraine war, but also share his ambition to scale up as

nato has been urging for quite some time. ~ . . nato has been urging for quite some time. ~ . , , ., , nato has been urging for quite some time. . ,, time. what this shows is we will also see more — time. what this shows is we will also see more deals _ time. what this shows is we will also see more deals being - time. what this shows is we will also see more deals being done| time. what this shows is we will - also see more deals being done with those countries within a coalition of the _ those countries within a coalition of the willing that can supply weapons to the countries that are under— weapons to the countries that are under threat and won't have a potiticatm _ under threat and won't have a political... | under threat and won't have a political- - -_ under threat and won't have a political... i think we will see a sea change _ political... i think we will see a sea change in _ political... i think we will see a sea change in countries - political... i think we will see a sea change in countries across| sea change in countries across europe and nato..._ sea change in countries across europe and nato... sea change in countries across euroe and nato... , europe and nato. .. they said we need to refocus contracts _ europe and nato. .. they said we need to refocus contracts towards _ europe and nato. .. they said we need to refocus contracts towards eastern l to refocus contracts towards eastern europe, is this the first step towards that? willa lot of our weapons in the future start to be made in poland, in the czech republic in these countries? irate made in poland, in the czech republic in these countries? we are focused to where _ republic in these countries? we are focused to where the _ republic in these countries? we are focused to where the threat - republic in these countries? we are focused to where the threat is, - republic in these countries? we are focused to where the threat is, to l focused to where the threat is, to

wear nato's boundaries are. i remember many years ago planning nato's defensive operations along the eastern flank, and some of the information set attacked into ukraine, one of the formations we planned the defence against, but it's this idea of the industrial base coming in, and that will be a sea change in the way things operate in different countries. in the uk is in different countries. in the uk is in a fantastic strategic position to be able to expand their own industrial base notjust for our defence, but our partners across europe. defence, but our partners across euro e. . defence, but our partners across euroe. , . ., ., europe. philip, thanks for coming on the programme _ europe. philip, thanks for coming on the programme tonight. _ i imagine ron desantis has had a more comfortable few days than another of the republican challengers, mike pence. the former vice president spent five hours yesterday giving evidence to a grand jury about his role onjanuary 6th and the conversations he had with the former president, in the run up to the certification of the vote. how worried do you think donald trump should be about the five hours

of evidence mike pence gave yesterday to the grand jury? you yesterday to the grand 'ury? you should be yesterday to the grand jury? you should be extremely worried, this is a former— should be extremely worried, this is a former president who has exemplified his urge to run again, he's also — exemplified his urge to run again, he's also fundraising off a lot of the negative attention that he's getting — the negative attention that he's getting around multiple trials at the same time. but i think that in mike— the same time. but i think that in mike pence, the person who served... the person— mike pence, the person who served... the person whose life was directly at stake _ the person whose life was directly at stake on january 6th the person whose life was directly at stake onjanuary 6th because of donald _ at stake onjanuary 6th because of donald trump's lie about election fraud, _ donald trump's lie about election fraud, he — donald trump's lie about election fraud, he should be very afraid because — fraud, he should be very afraid because there was no person closer to the _ because there was no person closer to the threat of violence or the inner— to the threat of violence or the inner workings of the trump administration and the animus that went into _ administration and the animus that went into those claims them mike pence _ went into those claims them mike pence. and i think because he's been deposed _ pence. and i think because he's been deposed and he'll speak to these things. _ deposed and he'll speak to these things, this is a time for donald trunrb — things, this is a time for donald trunrb - — things, this is a time for donald trunrb - i— things, this is a time for donald trump — i don't think he's more afraid _ trump — i don't think he's more afraid of— trump — i don't think he's more afraid of anybody at this stage then he would be of mike pence because there's so— he would be of mike pence because there's so much of the inner

workings _ there's so much of the inner workings he can reveal. mike pence didn't rive workings he can reveal. mike pence didn't give any _ workings he can reveal. mike pence didn't give any evidence _ workings he can reveal. mike pence didn't give any evidence to - workings he can reveal. mike pence didn't give any evidence to the - didn't give any evidence to the january 6th committee, but we know there were potential lines of conspiracy they were looking at, first the pressure he put donald trump on mike pence to recertify the election at all, than the pressure he put on him on the day to delay the certification. 50 one would presume they've asked him questions about that, then asked him what he felt about that — and that's where mike pence can really do some damage. mike pence can really do some damaue. �* . mike pence can really do some damaue. . , , . ., , mike pence can really do some damaue. ~ , _, . , , damage. and this is a grand “my, is not an interview * damage. and this is a grand “my, is not an interview with the _ damage. and this is a grand jury, is not an interview with the bbc, - damage. and this is a grand jury, is not an interview with the bbc, this | not an interview with the bbc, this is serious. we're talking about insurrection, we are talking about threats to democracy. mike pence is a fascinating character because he has the capacity to tell the truth, no doubt he's told the truth today, as well. and to be a really bad guy, you've got to continually lie and keep on lying, not mentioning any

names but former presidents and so on, or prime ministers for that matter. if you lie, you get caught out, and i think that's what will happen. i think he knows, and of course, he's also a great lesson in be careful who you ally yourself with. what did he think was going to happen when he agreed to run with donald trump? i think in the end, it will be mike pence who shows us what happened to. find will be mike pence who shows us what happened to— will be mike pence who shows us what ha ened to. �* ,, ., . . happened to. and we know that donald trum is happened to. and we know that donald trump is worried _ happened to. and we know that donald trump is worried about _ happened to. and we know that donald trump is worried about it _ happened to. and we know that donald trump is worried about it because - happened to. and we know that donald trump is worried about it because he . trump is worried about it because he made considerable efforts to block that testimony, but he failed, the court of appeal said mike pence should give evidence to the january 6th committee. it's time for the panel. this is the part of the programme where the panel pick the stories they want to talk about. misha, we've talked a little bit

this week about the role of, the harris, the vice president, whose poll numbers are lower thanjoe biden's at the moment, but stands to reason that he will be 81 when he runs for reelection pot he's a very old man, most of the electorate will need to consider there may be a possibility that the president dies in office, and she takes over. 50 will the election campaign focus more on her than it might ordinarily on a vice president? i more on her than it might ordinarily on a vice president?— more on her than it might ordinarily on a vice president? i honestly have never seen — on a vice president? i honestly have never seen a _ on a vice president? i honestly have never seen a media _ on a vice president? i honestly have never seen a media swarm - on a vice president? i honestly have never seen a media swarm around l never seen a media swarm around something — never seen a media swarm around something that's not a carcass more than i _ something that's not a carcass more than i have — something that's not a carcass more than i have the recent reelection announcement for president joe biden _ announcement for president joe biden. fouryears announcement for president joe biden. four years ago when he was elected _ biden. four years ago when he was elected in — biden. four years ago when he was elected in america, we knew that four years later, he would be four years _ four years later, he would be four years older. — four years later, he would be four years older, as i and everyone in this panel— years older, as i and everyone in this panel happens to be. but for vice president, harris, one of the

interesting — vice president, harris, one of the interesting things to note is her poll numbers — here in america, the poll numbers — here in america, the poll numbers — here in america, the poll numbers of vice president are always— poll numbers of vice president are always tow— poll numbers of vice president are always low because they are never peopte _ always low because they are never people who take on policy decisions or amassed heads on their own. they are legitimately the people who stand _ are legitimately the people who stand not to overshadow the president but lock in —— walk in tock— president but lock in —— walk in tock step — president but lock in —— walk in tock step in _ president but lock in —— walk in lock step in keeping out the message of the _ lock step in keeping out the message of the president. coming off of the hi-h of the president. coming off of the high housing costs and things like that, _ high housing costs and things like that, it was always going to be difficult, — that, it was always going to be difficult, but we know shining bits of gtorv — difficult, but we know shining bits of glory. vice president harris is someone — of glory. vice president harris is someone who stands very strong and firm and _ someone who stands very strong and firm and not — someone who stands very strong and firm and not only herself as a civil rights _ firm and not only herself as a civil rights leader, but she's speaking on behalf— rights leader, but she's speaking on behalf of— rights leader, but she's speaking on behalf of millions of women across the country in terms of abortion rights, — the country in terms of abortion rights, she _ the country in terms of abortion rights, she stood for black women in terms _ rights, she stood for black women in terms of— rights, she stood for black women in terms of maternal mortality, where mortality— terms of maternal mortality, where mortality rates for black women in america _ mortality rates for black women in

america trump those in africa. she 'ust america trump those in africa. she just did _ america trump those in africa. she just did a _ america trump those in africa. she just did a whirlwind trip to africa 'ust just did a whirlwind trip to africa just a _ just did a whirlwind trip to africa just a few— just did a whirlwind trip to africa just a few weeks ago where she was touted _ just a few weeks ago where she was touted for— just a few weeks ago where she was touted for all her work in economic development and building those countries up. she is someone who knows _ countries up. she is someone who knows her— countries up. she is someone who knows her value, and more importantlyjoe biden knows her vatue~ _ importantlyjoe biden knows her value. she appeared over a dozen times— value. she appeared over a dozen times in— value. she appeared over a dozen times in his — value. she appeared over a dozen times in his election renouncement video. _ times in his election renouncement video. he _ times in his election renouncement video, he knows she is someone who can rally— video, he knows she is someone who can rally the — video, he knows she is someone who can rally the troops and energise the base — can rally the troops and energise the base - — can rally the troops and energise the base — the base for democrats are younger, black and minority voters. — are younger, black and minority voters. the _ are younger, black and minority voters, the lgbt population who knows _ voters, the lgbt population who knows their rights are a threat because — knows their rights are a threat because of the republican party. at the end _ because of the republican party. at the end of— because of the republican party. at the end of the day there's no better person— the end of the day there's no better person on— the end of the day there's no better person on this ticket then, harris, and my— person on this ticket then, harris, and my faith — person on this ticket then, harris, and my faith is in her as well as joe biden, _ and my faith is in her as well as joe biden, and i think there is no other— joe biden, and i think there is no other option going into 2024, and they'll— other option going into 2024, and they'll differently show america they'll differently show america they have thus far, that they passed an infra- _ they have thus far, that they passed an infra— structure deal that was bipartisan — an infra— structure deal that was bipartisan in a very partisan environment, they've been able to reset— environment, they've been able to reset america's course correction fottowing — reset america's course correction following a — reset america's course correction following a global pandemic which decimated many industries, and they are moving _

decimated many industries, and they are moving forward in a lotta poticies — are moving forward in a lotta policies that will change the shape of this— policies that will change the shape of this country.— policies that will change the shape of this country. when you talk about her polling numbers, _ of this country. when you talk about her polling numbers, which - of this country. when you talk about her polling numbers, which are - of this country. when you talk about | her polling numbers, which are quite low — her approvals are in the high 30s, low 405 — low — her approvals are in the high 305, low 405 — that's very low, do you think that is down to what they've given her to do? she was given the poison challenge of dealing with migration, she went off to the latin american countries to talk to them, but there was nothing that came of that, then voting rights was another issue that they gave to her. there were issues she wasn't really going to deliver on, and i wonder if they've sort of undermined her by not giving her projects that might make some material difference to the voters? the media has undermined her quite a bit as— the media has undermined her quite a bit as a _ the media has undermined her quite a bit as a black— the media has undermined her quite a bit as a black women in a leadership role bit as a black women in a leadership rote who is— bit as a black women in a leadership rote who is a — bit as a black women in a leadership role who is a heartbeat away from the presidency, the media has undermined her, she's the first black— undermined her, she's the first black woman to ascend to that role, i black woman to ascend to that role,

i would _ black woman to ascend to that role, i would argue american and foreign media _ i would argue american and foreign media have decimated her as well as the first— media have decimated her as well as the first black woman supreme court justice. _ the first black woman supreme court justice. as _ the first black woman supreme court justice, as well as they did stacy abrams— justice, as well as they did stacy abrams when she was running for governor— abrams when she was running for governor in — abrams when she was running for governor in the great state of georgia _ governor in the great state of georgia. we've seen this time and again— georgia. we've seen this time and again when— georgia. we've seen this time and again when it comes to black women in power— again when it comes to black women in power positions or ascending to power _ in power positions or ascending to power but— in power positions or ascending to power. but back to something i said a moment— power. but back to something i said a moment ago, these polling numbers mean _ a moment ago, these polling numbers mean absolutely nothing considering that in— mean absolutely nothing considering that in the _ mean absolutely nothing considering that in the history of the united states— that in the history of the united states of— that in the history of the united states of america, vice president have _ states of america, vice president have always had low polling numbers, it is not _ have always had low polling numbers, it is not significant for harris in the same — it is not significant for harris in the same way it wasn't for every vice president this nation has ever seen _ vice president this nation has ever seen at_ vice president this nation has ever seen. �* . , vice president this nation has ever seen. . . , ,, . seen. a really good issue, and certainly the — seen. a really good issue, and certainly the republicans - seen. a really good issue, and certainly the republicans will. seen. a really good issue, and - certainly the republicans will focus a lot of their fire on harris over the next year, we will see where that goes. david, let's talk about someone who's dropped out of the headlines, doctor anthony fauci who we saw a lot of during the pandemic — what's he been saying? it’s we saw a lot of during the pandemic - what's he been saying?— - what's he been saying? it's very interesting. _ - what's he been saying? it's very interesting. i— - what's he been saying? it's very interesting, i think— - what's he been saying? it's very interesting, i think he's _ - what's he been saying? it's very interesting, i think he's one - - what's he been saying? it's very interesting, i think he's one of. - what's he been saying? it's very| interesting, i think he's one of the most wrong to people in the history

of the united states. and as the dust settles post—covid, he's beginning to talk publicly about what he calls the normalisation of untruths. he still has the secret service guarding him and his family 24 hours a day. he has become one of the most hated people in certain communities in the us, amongst millions of people. it's not right, what happened. in this country, we had the chief medical officer chris whitty and others close to him had to have a little bit of protection at times from the limiting fringe, but only a little. in the us, he's become a hate figure. he was totally let down by donald trump, and he talked earlier today, i watched an interview he did, and he talked about how science one, in the sense that we found a vaccine for people

within one year, and extra ordinary victory for science both for the us and in oxford here in the uk. but he then said public health lost, because so much untruths were out there about covid, and they are still out there somebody who do you blame for that, david? i blame a lot of my former colleagues in journalism. i blame fox news, a lot of tabloid editors... d0 journalism. i blame fox news, a lot of tabloid editors. . .— of tabloid editors... do you blame tucker carlson? _ of tabloid editors... do you blame tucker carlson? absolutely. - of tabloid editors... do you blame tucker carlson? absolutely. did i of tabloid editors... do you blame l tucker carlson? absolutely. did you see his video _ tucker carlson? absolutely. did you see his video this _ tucker carlson? absolutely. did you see his video this week? _ tucker carlson? absolutely. did you see his video this week? i _ tucker carlson? absolutely. did you see his video this week? i did. - see his video this week? i did. laughter _ laughter listen, the truth matters. he said as lona listen, the truth matters. he said as long as — listen, the truth matters. he said as long as there's _ listen, the truth matters. he said as long as there's truth, - listen, the truth matters. he said as long as there's truth, there's i as long as there's truth, there's hope. as long as there's truth, there's ho e. . . as long as there's truth, there's ho e. . , , ., as long as there's truth, there's hoe. , , hope. this is the thing you can say, words, hope. this is the thing you can say, words. you — hope. this is the thing you can say, words. you can _ hope. this is the thing you can say, words, you can say _ hope. this is the thing you can say, words, you can say this _ hope. this is the thing you can say, words, you can say this stuff, - hope. this is the thing you can say, words, you can say this stuff, but i words, you can say this stuff, but the fact is that too many journalists of my generation have started making money on saying

things that aren't true. this has become a global phenomenon. irate things that aren't true. this has become a global phenomenon. we have to leave it there, _ become a global phenomenon. we have to leave it there, david, _ become a global phenomenon. we have to leave it there, david, we _ become a global phenomenon. we have to leave it there, david, we are - become a global phenomenon. we have to leave it there, david, we are out - to leave it there, david, we are out of time, right against it. lovely to have your company this evening, see you next week. i'm olly foster, with the latest from the bbc sport centre. manchester united are now six points clear in the women's super league after scoring a late winner at aston villa england's rachel daly, twice gave villa the lead at the bescott stadium, they were 2—1 up at half—time. some brilliant headers coming up here. nikita parris pulled united back into the match with a headerjust after the hour mark and the game looked to be heading for a draw. that was until this free kick deep into injury time was met by substitute millie turner who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes. another terrific header,

3—2 the final score. united are six points clear of manchester city who have a game in hand. champions chelsea are seven points behind united, but they do have three games in hand. i don't think my heart can take any more of that. look, first half we were not good enough, we didn't raise the intensity, they were all over us and we played into their hands. we tried to play style of football rather than the game. so the second we address that — with this team, we find a way, and we found a way again tonight. si jiahui is three frames away from the world snooker championship final. the 20—year—old chinese player leads belgiums luca brecel14—10 in their semi—final. si, who is looking to become the youngest crucible finallist on his championship debut, should have had bigger lead heading into tomorrow's final session, but he missed a simple green in the final frame of the evening. brecel, who knocked out the defending champion

ronnie o'sullivan in the quarters, started the evening 11—5 down, so he's narrowed si's lead, but will need to start quickly when they resume tomorrow afternoon. in the other semi final, four—time champion mark selby leads mark allen 7—6 after they maanged just five out of eight frames scheduled for their second session. three frames took longer than 40 minutes and there were two re—racks in a really cagey encounter. they saw the funny side and played up to the cameras, but the seven—time champion steven hendry was highly critical of both players. it's not snooker that i want to watch, but i understand that snooker has to be played in different ways. it's almost like they're trying to be too precise, and we'll go back to that pink

again, mark allen's 6—3 up, he then loses it, and then a dark cloud came over the match table at the crucible. after a four—week break, formula one is back this weekend and charles leclerc will be on pole for sunday's azerbaijan grand prix. it's the third year in a row that the ferrari driver will start from front in baku. nick parrott reports. a new vision for formula 1 became clearer in baku. to make things simple qualifying will now always decide sunday's grid. it's designed to make the sprint race more exciting. not that azerbaijan's capital is ever short of drama. practice came to a premature end for alpine's pierre gasly in appropriate fashion in the land of fire. and his luck didn't improve in the third session of qualifying. that caused a second red flag of the nyck de vries had earlier brought a halt to proceedings. one man who loves this place, though, is charles leclerc. in the week his instrumental piano piece entered several charts, he was on song for ferrari as he pipped world champion max verstappen's red bull

to land pole position for a third year in a row. the grand prix looks like being a two—horse race is the next best teams mercedes with the lewis hamilton almost a second behind in fifth. formula 1 will hope the sprint qualifying and race is a much closer affair. nick parrott, bbc news. a record crowd of over 50,000 is expected at twickeham tomorrow for england's women's six nations decider against france. it will be the final match for roses head coach stuart middleton after eight years in charge, and he can call upon captain marlie packer and prop hannah botterman who have both been passed fit to play. the prevous record for a women's rugby union international was 42,500 at last year's world cup final in new zealand. i would say watch it, because it'll be exciting. there will be some amazing rugby being shown, and also the sugar babes are playing, so there is some their back hits will

be there as well. but it'll be a part of history, why would you want to miss out on something like that? lots more on the bbc sport website, but that's all your support for now, bye—bye. hello there. we've seen some much drier weather today and where the sun has come out, it felt a bit warmer as well. typical mixed fare, though, for the bank holiday weekend for this time of the year may well feel warm in the sunshine and for many, temperatures are going to be a bit higher. but there's the chance of some heavy showers as well as 1—2 showers kicking around at the moment, not very many. and for the most part, it will be dry overnight. some breaks in the cloud could lead to some shortlived mist and fog patches. the cloud thickens in scotland, chance of a bit of rain here. and then far north of scotland the air is colder. but for other parts of the uk we start off at 4—7 celsius on saturday morning. could be quite cloudy though for much of mainland scotland. northeast england a chance of some rain and cooler here. other parts of the uk will see some sunshine at times, but we may well generate a few more

showers, some of them heavy and thundery, particularly across northern ireland, running across wales into the west midlands, east midlands, east anglia, south east of england, seeing maybe the best of the weather, warm spells of sunshine, temperatures maybe reaching 20 celsius, a lot warmer than it will be underneath that cloud in scotland and the northeast of england. and the warmer air never really fully reaches scotland over the bank holiday weekend, colder air certainly towards the north of the country. it will be warmer elsewhere, but there's more cloud around on sunday and more showers from the word go for northern and western areas. and again, those could turn heavy, potentially thundery too. but again, through much of the midlands, lincolnshire and across east anglia, the southeast should stay dry with some sunny spells, temperatures up to 17—18 celsius, and we could make double figures in scotland despite the showers here. there will be quite a few showers around on sunday. they'll push their way into eastern parts of england after dark, high pressure tries to build in and settle things down for monday. not completely, though.

the heavier showers this time towards east anglia in the southeast for a while following on from that, the odd light shower is possible, but many places will be dry with some sunshine. at times there's a northerly breeze in northern scotland, so again, it's cooler here, but otherwise pleasant enough in the sunshine with typical temperatures around 16—17 celsius. so over the bank holiday weekend, some warmth around, but some heavy showers looks a bit drier on monday and into next week. we've got some drier weather with some sunshine, but it may be a little bit cooler as well.

tonight at ten — uk government flights out of sudan to evacuate british nationals will stop tomorrow at 6pm. the government says it's because fewer people are seeking help. those who have managed to escape expressed their relief. oh, it wasjust like a dream coming through here.

yeah, it was like a dream come true.