donald trump guilty of sexual abuse a new yorkjury donald trump guilty of sexual abuse a new york jury finds. donald trump guilty of sexual abuse a new yorkjury finds. where does this verdict leave the former president and his hopes of real action? —— re—election. a civil case jury has delivered a verdict which means donald trump is officially a sexual abuser. he has weathered all kinds of political storms but can his ambitions to return to the white house survive this? a live reaction from a lawyer who has represented women who have

accused the former president in the past and one of his key lieutenants. also tonight, victory day is a pared back event. does adversity make putin more dangerous? i will be joined by an adviser to ukraine's ministry of defence, the political journalist and historian and a former commander. will technical advancesin former commander. will technical advances in al kill live music? johnny borrell is here to say that itjust might. good evening. donald trump sexually abused and defamed the writer ejean carroll, a new yorkjury has found in a civil case. the writer will receive damages of $5 million. the former president was cleared of rape. immediately the trump camp came out swinging describing the case as bogus, and a political endeavour to taget the man who wants to be

the us president again. we will discuss this in a moment and the direction us politics might go now. first, a reminderto the direction us politics might go now. first, a reminder to what led to those verdicts deliver two hours ago by a court in new york. the two—week civil trial heard evidence from e jean carroll of what mr trump did evidence from e jean carroll of what mrtrump did to evidence from e jean carroll of what mr trump did to her after she met him in 1996 in a department store in manhattan. the writer described in graphic detail how trump flirted with her before inviting her into a dressing room where, she told the court, he raped her. thejury this evening found trump not guilty of rape but did find him liable of sexually abusing her. ejean carroll had initially kept quiet about the attack in public those friends testified that she had told them at the time about what had happened. in 2019, in the aftermath of the #metoo

movement she wrote an article accusing mr trump of rate. donald trump denied the statements. that led to the jury plus microsecond key guilty verdict today, one of defamation, for falsely claiming she had lied. trump responded to the verdicts this evening with typical bombast, writing on his social network. the guilty verdicts leave the former president with a $5 million bill for damages but with his hopes still pinned on re—election next year, some close to trump may fear the political cost of being found guilty of sexual assault could be higher still. with me now is lisa bloom.

good evening to you both. what do you make of the verdict? this good evening to you both. what do you make of the verdict?— you make of the verdict? this is a ureat da you make of the verdict? this is a great day for _ you make of the verdict? this is a great day forjustice. _ you make of the verdict? this is a great day forjustice. more - you make of the verdict? this is a great day forjustice. more than i you make of the verdict? this is a| great day forjustice. more than 26 women have accused donald trump of sexual misconduct. i represented four of them. ejean carroll and four of them. ejean carroll and four other women who had the courage to walk into that court room, raise their right hand, swore to tell the truth, endured tough examination were believed. in comparison, donald trump dosed at the trial, didn't show up, didn't take the witness stand, hid behind his platform and continued to insult the american justice system. —— donald trump ghosted the trial. e justice system. -- donald trump ghosted the trial.— ghosted the trial. e jean carroll was able to _ ghosted the trial. e jean carroll was able to bring _ ghosted the trial. e jean carroll was able to bring the _ ghosted the trial. e jean carroll was able to bring the case - ghosted the trial. e jean carroll. was able to bring the case because there was a window of historic sexual abuse claims being investigated in new york. what will happen now because that window was a year? i happen now because that window was a ear? ., , ., ,

year? i hope the window will be extended because _ year? i hope the window will be extended because the - year? i hope the window will be extended because the statute l year? i hope the window will be | extended because the statute of limitations, the time deadline to bring cases, should never be a bar to victims of sexual abuse who want to victims of sexual abuse who want to bring cases. even if they are more than 30 years old, if they can come into a court room and be believed and they have other witnesses and evidence to support them as ejean carroll did, they should be able to get into court, so i think that window is going to be extended. p, . i think that window is going to be extended. ., ,�* , i think that window is going to be extended. ., ,�*, u, extended. donald trump's counter attack has already _ extended. donald trump's counter attack has already begun. - extended. donald trump's counter attack has already begun. the - extended. donald trump's counter attack has already begun. the juryj attack has already begun. the jury did not find him guilty of rape. are there, as the camp claims, grounds for an appeal, do you think, as a lawyer? i for an appeal, do you think, as a la er? ., �* , for an appeal, do you think, as a laer? ., lawyer? i don't see it. anybody who loses a case — lawyer? i don't see it. anybody who loses a case which _ lawyer? i don't see it. anybody who loses a case which is _ lawyer? i don't see it. anybody who loses a case which is high _ lawyer? i don't see it. anybody who loses a case which is high profile . loses a case which is high profile always says, i am going to appeal. very few appeals prevail. the one ground that the trump supporters always say is that #metoo witnesses were allowed to testify, other women who he had sexually abused, the law is well established. i've had many women testify. the laws will

establish they are allowed to testify under the rules of evidence. donald trump failed to come in, failed to live the jury in the eye, failed to live the jury in the eye, failed to live the jury in the eye, failed to deny he had sexually abused e jean failed to deny he had sexually abused ejean carroll. i think that was a big mistake on his behalf. sebastian, before i ask you about donald trump ghosting the trial, your reaction to the verdict? weill. your reaction to the verdict? well, it is a complete _ your reaction to the verdict? well, it is a complete joke. _ your reaction to the verdict? well, it is a complete joke. the - your reaction to the verdict? well, it is a complete joke. the fact - your reaction to the verdict? well, it is a complete joke. the fact that the governor of new york, an avowed trump _ the governor of new york, an avowed trump hater. — the governor of new york, an avowed trump hater, had to change the code, had to— trump hater, had to change the code, had to to _ trump hater, had to change the code, had to to change the law of the state _ had to to change the law of the state to — had to to change the law of the state to make it possible to bring this case — state to make it possible to bring this case because it had long expired — this case because it had long expired tells you that this is just politics — expired tells you that this is just politics. the founder of linkedln funded — politics. the founder of linkedln funded the case for e jean carroll which _ funded the case for e jean carroll which tells you this is a political witchhunt _ which tells you this is a political witchhunt. . , which tells you this is a political witchhunt. ., , ., which tells you this is a political witchhunt— which tells you this is a political witchhunt. ., , ., , ., , witchhunt. there was a “my of six men and six * witchhunt. there was a “my of six men and six women _ witchhunt. there was a jury of six men and six women who - witchhunt. there was a jury of six men and six women who came i witchhunt. there was a jury of six men and six women who came toj witchhunt. there was a jury of six - men and six women who came to their

decision. as any citizen in america, they listened to the evidence and came to the conclusion. they believed e jean came to the conclusion. they believed ejean carroll's story, but you were saying she did not have the correct story but in fact she did because she won her case and donald trump will have to pay her $5 million. i trump will have to pay her $5 million. , , , , million. i guess in the uk “my is never million. i guess in the uk “my is make fl million. i guess in the uk “my is never make mistakes, _ million. i guess in the uk “my is never make mistakes, is h million. i guess in the ukjury is never make mistakes, is that i million. i guess in the ukjury is i never make mistakes, is that what you are _ never make mistakes, is that what you are saying? i never make mistakes, is that what you are saying?— never make mistakes, is that what you are saying? i am saying there is no reason to — you are saying? i am saying there is no reason to suggest _ you are saying? i am saying there is no reason to suggest that _ you are saying? i am saying there is no reason to suggest that the i you are saying? i am saying there is no reason to suggest that the jury i no reason to suggest that the jury did make a mistake. no reason to suggest that the “my did make a mistake.i no reason to suggest that the “my did make a mistake. there is if you watch the interviews _ did make a mistake. there is if you watch the interviews with _ did make a mistake. there is if you watch the interviews with e - did make a mistake. there is if you watch the interviews with e jean i watch the interviews with e jean carroll_ watch the interviews with e jean carroll on — watch the interviews with e jean carroll on cnn with anderson cooper where _ carroll on cnn with anderson cooper where she _ carroll on cnn with anderson cooper where she calls rape sexy. this is a very strange — where she calls rape sexy. this is a very strange woman who is being funded _ very strange woman who is being funded iry— very strange woman who is being funded by a billionaire who hates president — funded by a billionaire who hates president trump. this isjust another— president trump. this isjust another political barb. let president trump. this is 'ust another political barb. let me 'ust sa that another political barb. let me 'ust say that there �* another political barb. let me 'ust say that there was i another political barb. let me 'ust say that there was also i another political barb. let me 'ust say that there was also a i another political barb. let me just say that there was also a guilty i say that there was also a guilty verdict on defaming her. calling rate sexy, in your knowledge did e jean carroll say that? she

rate sexy, in your knowledge did e jean carroll say that?— jean carroll say that? she said it on camera- _ jean carroll say that? she said it on camera. not _ jean carroll say that? she said it on camera. not that _ jean carroll say that? she said it on camera. not that i _ jean carroll say that? she said it on camera. not that i am - jean carroll say that? she said it| on camera. not that i am aware. jean carroll say that? she said it i on camera. not that i am aware. you can brint on camera. not that i am aware. you can bring all— on camera. not that i am aware. you can bring all of— on camera. not that i am aware. you can bring all of the _ on camera. not that i am aware. you can bring all of the evidence - on camera. not that i am aware. you can bring all of the evidence in. i can bring all of the evidence in. people are cross examined. you don't just throw around allegations like you might do on a social media platform or on television. evidence and facts are tested. donald trump had excellent attorneys who brought in all sorts of evidence, cross—examined ejean carroll, calling her kooky, etc, and thejury did not believe it. they came back very quickly with a verdict in her favour. ., ., _ favour. you heard lisa say there isn't really _ favour. you heard lisa say there isn't really grounds _ favour. you heard lisa say there isn't really grounds for - favour. you heard lisa say there isn't really grounds for an i favour. you heard lisa say there l isn't really grounds for an appeal. do you think this will impact on donald trump's determination to run if he is then indeed haunted by this verdict? i if he is then indeed haunted by this verdict? ., �* ~' ., if he is then indeed haunted by this verdict? ., �* ~ ., , ., verdict? i don't know why you have this other person _ verdict? i don't know why you have this other person on _ verdict? i don't know why you have this other person on the _ verdict? i don't know why you have this other person on the show. i verdict? i don't know why you have | this other person on the show. here is the _ this other person on the show. here is the video— this other person on the show. here is the video of e jean carroll saying — is the video of e jean carroll saying that rate is sexy on cnn. she doesn't _ saying that rate is sexy on cnn. she doesn't even know this about this person? — doesn't even know this about this person? she used the phrase, the other— person? she used the phrase, the other women in the court who had

been _ other women in the court who had been assaulted by president trump. that is— been assaulted by president trump. that is not— been assaulted by president trump. that is not a — been assaulted by president trump. that is not a lawyer. no woman has proven— that is not a lawyer. no woman has proven that — that is not a lawyer. no woman has proven that in a court of law and today's — proven that in a court of law and today's trial will be appealed by president trump. who is this person you have? _ president trump. who is this person you have? lisa president trump. who is this person ou have? �* , ., president trump. who is this person ouhave? �* ,, . you have? lisa bloom is a respected la er you have? lisa bloom is a respected lawyer who — you have? lisa bloom is a respected lawyer who has _ you have? lisa bloom is a respected lawyer who has represented - you have? lisa bloom is a respected lawyer who has represented a i you have? lisa bloom is a respected i lawyer who has represented a number of women involved in the #metoo cases. , ., . ., cases. here is the video. e jean carroll saying — cases. here is the video. e jean carroll saying rate _ cases. here is the video. e jean carroll saying rate is _ cases. here is the video. e jean carroll saying rate is sexy. i cases. here is the video. e jean carroll saying rate is sexy. let i cases. here is the video. e jean i carroll saying rate is sexy. let me ask ou carroll saying rate is sexy. let me ask you these _ carroll saying rate is sexy. let me ask you these questions. -- i carroll saying rate is sexy. let me ask you these questions. -- rate | carroll saying rate is sexy. let me | ask you these questions. -- rate is ask you these questions. —— rate is sexy. do you think he will pay this money to ejean carroll? ha. sexy. do you think he will pay this money to e jean carroll? no. also, $5 million, — money to e jean carroll? no. also, $5 million, that's _ money to e jean carroll? no. also, $5 million, that's how— money to e jean carroll? no. also, $5 million, that's how little - $5 million, that's how little confidence they had in this case. the real— confidence they had in this case. the real headline is the first change, _ the real headline is the first charge, president trump did not rape e jean— charge, president trump did not rape e jean carroll. the jury knows this is absurd — e jean carroll. the jury knows this is absurd and the best they could do was unwanted touching and defamation? it tells you it is a house — defamation? it tells you it is a house of— defamation? it tells you it is a house of cards.— defamation? it tells you it is a house of cards. ., ., ., ., , house of cards. the defamation was bant to house of cards. the defamation was bang to rights _ house of cards. the defamation was bang to rights and _ house of cards. the defamation was bang to rights and also _ house of cards. the defamation was bang to rights and also the - house of cards. the defamation was bang to rights and also the sexual. bang to rights and also the sexual abuse was bang to rights.- abuse was bang to rights. that's

ritht. ifi abuse was bang to rights. that's right- if! may? _ abuse was bang to rights. that's right. ifi may? many— abuse was bang to rights. that's right. if i may? many people i abuse was bang to rights. that's right. if i may? many people are uncomfortable with the word rape in the context of two acquaintances who met each other that day. you can call it sexual abuse. you can call it whatever you want. this was a massive victory for e jean it whatever you want. this was a massive victory for ejean carroll and for the four other women who had the courage to go into that courtroom and india cross examination which donald trump did not. he isn't going to win on appeal. he is ultimately going to have to pay this verdict. it is going to take a little time but ultimately he is going to have to comply with the law.— comply with the law. sebastian tawker, comply with the law. sebastian gawker. was — comply with the law. sebastian gawker, was it _ comply with the law. sebastian gawker, was it unwise - comply with the law. sebastian gawker, was it unwise of i comply with the law. sebastian l gawker, was it unwise of donald trump to ignore the court apart from giving a video deposition? —— sebastian gorka. do you think ghosting the court was an unwise thing to do?— ghosting the court was an unwise thint to do? �* ., ., �* ~' ., ., thing to do? again, i don't know who this terson thing to do? again, i don't know who this person is — thing to do? again, i don't know who this person is because _ thing to do? again, i don't know who this person is because she _ thing to do? again, i don't know who this person is because she doesn't i this person is because she doesn't know—

this person is because she doesn't know the — this person is because she doesn't know the principles of american law. you don't _ know the principles of american law. you don't use social media slang like ghosting. every american has the right— like ghosting. every american has the right to not testify if they don't — the right to not testify if they don't wish to. who is this person? you are _ don't wish to. who is this person? you are making up the law as you go along _ you are making up the law as you go along to— you are making up the law as you go along to say— you are making up the law as you go along. to say an acquaintance? how can you _ along. to say an acquaintance? how can you be _ along. to say an acquaintance? how can you be an— along. to say an acquaintance? how can you be an acquaintance if this is the _ can you be an acquaintance if this is the first— can you be an acquaintance if this is the first time you have ever met? it is is the first time you have ever met? it is fabulist~ — is the first time you have ever met? it is fabulist— it is fabulist. donald trump is due to a- tear it is fabulist. donald trump is due to appear tomorrow _ it is fabulist. donald trump is due to appear tomorrow night - it is fabulist. donald trump is due to appear tomorrow night on i it is fabulist. donald trump is due | to appear tomorrow night on cnn. will he pull out? mitt; to appear tomorrow night on cnn. will he pull out?— to appear tomorrow night on cnn. l will he pull out?_ i'm will he pull out? why would he? i'm 'ust will he pull out? why would he? i'm just asking. — will he pull out? why would he? i'm just asking. will— will he pull out? why would he? i'm just asking, will he _ will he pull out? why would he? i'm just asking, will he still— will he pull out? why would he? i'm just asking, will he still appear? i just asking, will he still appear? the other outrageous charge brought to him _ the other outrageous charge brought to him has— the other outrageous charge brought to him has led him in a poll yesterday by the washington post, not reat— yesterday by the washington post, not real fans of president trump, to find that— not real fans of president trump, to find that he — not real fans of president trump, to find that he is now 49% in popularity, seven points ahead of the incumbentjoe biden. 42 is the

incumbents popularity. president truntp _ incumbents popularity. president truntp is — incumbents popularity. president trump is 49. i predict the following, kirsty, and to your guest, — following, kirsty, and to your guest, that this outrageous political hackery will add another bump— political hackery will add another bump to — political hackery will add another bump to president trump's popularity because _ bump to president trump's popularity because most americans see through it and _ because most americans see through it and they— because most americans see through it and they see this as a hatchet 'ob. ,., , ., it and they see this as a hatchet 'ob. ,., i. .,, ., job. lisa, you will view, as a lawyer. _ job. lisa, you will view, as a lawyer. about _ job. lisa, you will view, as a lawyer, about what - job. lisa, you will view, as a lawyer, about what will i job. lisa, you will view, as a i lawyer, about what will happen to donald trump as a result of this? that is tough to say. i knowjoe biden beat him once. i thinkjoe biden beat him once. i thinkjoe biden will do it a second time. the republicans will still stand behind him. it is a sad day when they don't care what an american jury has said and found him liable for sexual abuse and defaming a woman who said that he sexually abused her. it is very sad that it doesn't matter to a lot of republicans who used to be the party of law and order.- the party of law and order. thank ou both the party of law and order. thank you both for _ the party of law and order. thank you both forjoining _ the party of law and order. thank you both forjoining me _ the party of law and order. thank you both forjoining me tonight. l we watch the war in ukraine with varying degrees of understanding as to what's actually going on. has ukraine launched its vaunted spring offensive, who is supplying russia with weapons and how depleted is putin's arsenal?

if today's victory day parade, commemorating the loss of 27 million soviet lives fighting the nazis, is anything to go by, the russian military is a shadow of what it was before the war in ukraine. but putin's determination, at least as far as his rhetoric is concerned, is undimmed. in his speech today he said that the survival of the russian people depended on the war in ukraine. so where is this long battle headed? here's mark. victory day is a big moment for russia's leader and the symbolism will not have been lost on his public. a wartime t34 tank to commemorate the battle of decades ago, while the modern armour that normally rumbles through red square is otherwise engaged. for russia the ukraine war has become simply about holding on. 0vernight, bombers and warships launched cruise missiles — the targets? it's unclear because ukraine says it shot down 23 out of the 25 launched. images of this wreckage on the outskirts were released by ukraine.

so, while we learned from last month's pentagon leaks of shortages of anti—aircraft missiles on the ukrainian side — particularly of their older, soviet—era missiles, there's no sign yet that russia can exploit this. and on sunday night for example, the ukrainians said they'd shot down multiple iranian—made shahed drones over kyiv. you can hear one in the footage — then see bursts of fire from anti—aircraft guns. with a low—flying, easy target like that, missiles aren't even needed. thus the air attacks, designed to mark today's anniversary, simply underline the limits on russia's power. in the coming weeks the russians may gain a little more freedom to attack from the air, but that's far from clear. 0n the ground, meanwhile, when we look at the situation across the 1000km long front, the russians have only tried recently to gain

the initiative in bakhmut. day parade thisf day parade ootage gives a sense of what a grim and enormously costly battle it's been. but the rates of advance there have been so slow, that it mayjust have sapped both sides before bigger battle now emerging. it's also produced blistering attacks from the mercenary boss bearing the brunt there on russia's leadership. with russian forces at a standstill, ukraine holds the initiative. its 10th corps commands at least 30,000 troops brought together for this summer's counter—offensive. some have been equipped with the most modern armour supplied by nato over the winter. the most logical places for ukraine to strike are southwards from kherson,

from zaporizhzhia south towards the sea of azov, cutting russia's so—called land bridge to crimea, or eastwards into the donbas. it's up to ukraine whether it uses the whole of that carefully husbanded corps in one of those axes or divides it into separate attack forces, but an enormous amount rides on their decisions. the western backers as well as the ukrainians themselves will be keen to see large—scale territorial reconquest if they possibly can liberating as much as of that lost territory. liberating as much as of that lost territo . �* .., , liberating as much as of that lost territo . �* , ., , liberating as much as of that lost territo .�* , ., , territory. because ultimately russia is in a relative _ territory. because ultimately russia is in a relative low _ territory. because ultimately russia is in a relative low point _ territory. because ultimately russia is in a relative low point at - territory. because ultimately russia is in a relative low point at this i is in a relative low point at this stage in terms of train personnel that are available. they haven't yet really got the next major wave of globalisation started so it will be many months before any new people that they mobilise will be usable. it's unsurprising perhaps given what's at stake that the ukrainian defence minister recently told the washington post

that people expect too much from the counter—offensive and he fears disappointment. recent strikes at russian logistic hubs near ukraine — and indeed most likely a symbolic attack on the kremlin itself — all suggest that ukraine has started its "shaping" operations for the counter—offensive both disrupting supplies as well as attempting to unnerve russians more widely. but nothing will be easy about advancing across open ground that the russians have had lots of time to prepare to defend. inevitably, if ukrainian gains are limited, western leaders will start asking, as the summer goes on, whether it isn't time once more to prioritise diplomacy. iamjoined by i am joined by an adviser to the ukrainian defence minister who is in western ukraine, the prize—winning historian and upper bomb in washington, and sir richard ballance, former commander of the joint forces command. good evening. an apple bomb, there will be

absolutely nothing that will surprise ukrainians about the belligerence of vladimir putin at the victory day parade today but when you hear people say their expectations of this counteroffensive, what do they think this counteroffensive is going to actually consist of? the ukrainian theo of actually consist of? the ukrainian theory of victory _ actually consist of? the ukrainian theory of victory is _ actually consist of? the ukrainian theory of victory is that _ actually consist of? the ukrainian theory of victory is that they i actually consist of? the ukrainianj theory of victory is that they need to win the war politically. in other words, they need to convince the russians to withdraw their troops. there are a number of ways they could do that, by taking back a lot of territory quickly, which, as you said, it is possible but doesn't look likely, they could hit some strategic targets, they could hit crimea, they could hit the black sea fleet, or, they could hit a combination of targets enough to cause distress in moscow, and some of what we have also seen is the ukrainians hitting targets inside

russia, with a design to create a kind of political altercations inside the russian elite. so not sure that it is going to look like what you think it is going to look back, with thanks streaming across the countryside but rather a series of strategic strikes designed to convince the russians that they cannot win. convince the russians that they cannot win-— cannot win. and what mark was sa int, cannot win. and what mark was saying. will— cannot win. and what mark was saying, will there _ cannot win. and what mark was saying, will there be _ cannot win. and what mark was saying, will there be a - cannot win. and what mark wasj saying, will there be a separate attack forces, what kind of things might happen, where would they be concentrated, but for this counteroffensive to have impact, what things need to happen in terms of the support you are getting? first of all i would like to stress that of— first of all i would like to stress that of course counteroffensive —— that of course counteroffensive —— that counteroffensive is not a single — that counteroffensive is not a single event that begins with a blur of the _ single event that begins with a blur of the whistle and then ends in some foreseeable time. we have been saying _ foreseeable time. we have been saying for— foreseeable time. we have been saying for a long time, and i am

with— saying for a long time, and i am with anne. _ saying for a long time, and i am with anne, that the counteroffensive is a series— with anne, that the counteroffensive is a series of different military operations of different complexity, this is— operations of different complexity, this is very— operations of different complexity, this is very dynamic and intense warfare — this is very dynamic and intense warfare and many factors have to be taken _ warfare and many factors have to be taken into _ warfare and many factors have to be taken into account. the military and politicai _ taken into account. the military and political command are considering all the _ political command are considering all the options, and they will begin further— all the options, and they will begin further steps as soon as they deem it possible. — further steps as soon as they deem it possible, from the point of view of achieving as much as possible with fewer— of achieving as much as possible with fewer losses on our side, because — with fewer losses on our side, because the russians have had enough time to— because the russians have had enough time to create very fortified defence _ time to create very fortified defence lines along the front lines and it— defence lines along the front lines and it is— defence lines along the front lines and it is a — defence lines along the front lines and it is a very long defence line, so from _ and it is a very long defence line, so from this— and it is a very long defence line, so from this perspective, we are still receiving military support from — still receiving military support from our— still receiving military support from our allies. we are emphasising that we _ from our allies. we are emphasising that we need long—range missiles because _ that we need long—range missiles because this will enable our armed forces— because this will enable our armed forces to _ because this will enable our armed forces to strike deep into the temporary occupy territories and disrupt— temporary occupy territories and disrupt the logistics, and to

destroy— disrupt the logistics, and to destroy their command and control centres _ destroy their command and control centres so — destroy their command and control centres so hopefully that is forthcoming, and of course, you know, _ forthcoming, and of course, you know. one — forthcoming, and of course, you know, one of the things that we have been talking about for a long time now is— been talking about for a long time now is fighterjets, because in the last 50 _ now is fighterjets, because in the last 50 years there was hardly any successful— last 50 years there was hardly any successful military operation that was conducted without air superiority and dominance. we don't have that _ superiority and dominance. we don't have that for the moment. so this will be _ have that for the moment. so this will be hard — have that for the moment. so this will be hard going but we hope that the training of our pilots will begin— the training of our pilots will begin soon as we get the fighter jets _ begin soon as we get the fighter 'ets. . ., , ., begin soon as we get the fighter 'ets. w , ., _, , ., begin soon as we get the fighter 'ets. ,., , ., jets. picking up a couple of those toints, jets. picking up a couple of those points. sir— jets. picking up a couple of those points, sir richard, _ jets. picking up a couple of those points, sir richard, first - jets. picking up a couple of those points, sir richard, first of i jets. picking up a couple of those points, sir richard, first of all i points, sir richard, first of all the russians have been preparing for this, as well. they are still, as you suggest, pretty formidable. the russians are holding a front line of 900 miies— russians are holding a front line of 900 miles with _ russians are holding a front line of 900 miles with 300,000 - russians are holding a front line of 900 miles with 300,000 soldiersl russians are holding a front line of. 900 miles with 300,000 soldiers in russia _ 900 miles with 300,000 soldiers in russia and _ 900 miles with 300,000 soldiers in russia and probably _ 900 miles with 300,000 soldiers in russia and probably another - 900 miles with 300,000 soldiers in . russia and probably another 200,000 supporting _ russia and probably another 200,000 supporting them — russia and probably another 200,000 supporting them outside _ russia and probably another 200,000 supporting them outside ukraine. i supporting them outside ukraine. ukraine _

supporting them outside ukraine. ukraine force _ supporting them outside ukraine. ukraine force has _ supporting them outside ukraine. ukraine force has been _ supporting them outside ukraine. ukraine force has been describedl supporting them outside ukraine. i ukraine force has been described as between _ ukraine force has been described as between 30,000, _ ukraine force has been described as between 30,000, and _ ukraine force has been described as between 30,000, and 60000 - ukraine force has been described as between 30,000, and 60000 and | ukraine force has been described as i between 30,000, and 60000 and have to be very— between 30,000, and 60000 and have to be very focused — between 30,000, and 60000 and have to be very focused in _ between 30,000, and 60000 and have to be very focused in terms _ between 30,000, and 60000 and have to be very focused in terms of - to be very focused in terms of breaking — to be very focused in terms of breaking into _ to be very focused in terms of breaking into the _ to be very focused in terms of breaking into the russian i to be very focused in terms of i breaking into the russian position this counteroffensive _ breaking into the russian position this counteroffensive will - breaking into the russian position this counteroffensive will have i breaking into the russian positionl this counteroffensive will have four battles _ this counteroffensive will have four battles to — this counteroffensive will have four battles to attach _ this counteroffensive will have four battles to attach to _ this counteroffensive will have four battles to attach to it, _ this counteroffensive will have four battles to attach to it, the - this counteroffensive will have four battles to attach to it, the battle i battles to attach to it, the battle to break— battles to attach to it, the battle to break into _ battles to attach to it, the battle to break into the _ battles to attach to it, the battle to break into the russian - battles to attach to it, the battle i to break into the russian defensive positions _ to break into the russian defensive positions in — to break into the russian defensive positions in our— to break into the russian defensive positions in our strategic _ to break into the russian defensive positions in our strategic success, i positions in our strategic success, the battle — positions in our strategic success, the battle to— positions in our strategic success, the battle to demolish _ positions in our strategic success, the battle to demolish the - the battle to demolish the reinforcements— the battle to demolish the reinforcements and - the battle to demolish the l reinforcements and logistics the battle to demolish the - reinforcements and logistics behind it, reinforcements and logistics behind it. do— reinforcements and logistics behind it. do battle — reinforcements and logistics behind it. do battle in— reinforcements and logistics behind it, do battle in the _ reinforcements and logistics behind it, do battle in the air, _ reinforcements and logistics behind it, do battle in the air, at _ reinforcements and logistics behind it, do battle in the air, at the - it, do battle in the air, at the battle — it, do battle in the air, at the battle of— it, do battle in the air, at the battle of wills, _ it, do battle in the air, at the battle of wills, so _ it, do battle in the air, at the battle of wills, so this - it, do battle in the air, at the battle of wills, so this is - it, do battle in the air, at thei battle of wills, so this is going it, do battle in the air, at the - battle of wills, so this is going to be complex _ battle of wills, so this is going to be complex. the _ battle of wills, so this is going to be complex— battle of wills, so this is going to be comlex. t, t, be complex. the battle for the air, it has been — be complex. the battle for the air, it has been said _ be complex. the battle for the air, it has been said that _ be complex. the battle for the air, it has been said that some - be complex. the battle for the air, it has been said that some of - be complex. the battle for the air, it has been said that some of the l it has been said that some of the pilots will be trained because they are not likely migs that they have been training on today, but when will these missiles that have been tendered for today even get there? this is one indication that this war is about— this is one indication that this war is about what _ this is one indication that this war is about what happens _ this is one indication that this war is about what happens on - this is one indication that this war is about what happens on the - is about what happens on the battlefield _ is about what happens on the battlefield now _ is about what happens on the battlefield now and _ is about what happens on the battlefield now and for- is about what happens on the battlefield now and for the i is about what happens on the i battlefield now and for the rest is about what happens on the - battlefield now and for the rest of this year. — battlefield now and for the rest of this year. and _ battlefield now and for the rest of this year. and a _ battlefield now and for the rest of this year, and a lot _ battlefield now and for the rest of this year, and a lot about - battlefield now and for the rest of this year, and a lot about a - battlefield now and for the rest of this year, and a lot about a war. battlefield now and for the rest ofi this year, and a lot about a war of industrial— this year, and a lot about a war of industrial mobilisation, _ this year, and a lot about a war of industrial mobilisation, much - this year, and a lot about a war of industrial mobilisation, much as l industrial mobilisation, much as lost a _ industrial mobilisation, much as lost a tot— industrial mobilisation, much as lost a tot of— industrial mobilisation, much as

lost a lot of equipment - industrial mobilisation, much as lost a lot of equipment and - lost a lot of equipment and ammunition _ lost a lot of equipment and ammunition and _ lost a lot of equipment and ammunition and rebuilding| lost a lot of equipment and i ammunition and rebuilding its industry— ammunition and rebuilding its industry and _ ammunition and rebuilding its industry and the _ ammunition and rebuilding its industry and the west - ammunition and rebuilding its industry and the west is - ammunition and rebuilding its. industry and the west is having ammunition and rebuilding its - industry and the west is having to mobilise — industry and the west is having to mobilise its — industry and the west is having to mobilise its industry— industry and the west is having to mobilise its industry but - industry and the west is having to mobilise its industry but we - industry and the west is having to mobilise its industry but we are l mobilise its industry but we are talking — mobilise its industry but we are talking about _ mobilise its industry but we are talking about a _ mobilise its industry but we are talking about a 2—3 _ mobilise its industry but we are talking about a 2—3 year- mobilise its industry but we are i talking about a 2—3 year processor to make _ talking about a 2—3 year processor to make the — talking about a 2—3 year processor to make the difference _ talking about a 2—3 year processor to make the difference to - talking about a 2—3 year processor to make the difference to through| to make the difference to through the russians— to make the difference to through the russians out, _ to make the difference to through the russians out, is— to make the difference to through the russians out, is more - to make the difference to through the russians out, is more likely. to make the difference to through| the russians out, is more likely to be a very— the russians out, is more likely to be a very long—term _ the russians out, is more likely to be a very long—term process - the russians out, is more likely to be a very long—term process thani the russians out, is more likely toi be a very long—term process than a quick one — be a very long—term process than a quick one i— be a very long—term process than a quick one ican— be a very long—term process than a quick one. i can actually _ be a very long—term process than a quick one. i can actually be - quick one. i can actually be offering _ quick one. i can actually be offering long—range - quick one. i can actually be offering long—range cruisei quick one. i can actually be - offering long—range cruise missiles earlier? _ offering long—range cruise missiles earlier? we — offering long—range cruise missiles earlier? we understand _ offering long—range cruise missiles earlier? we understand the - offering long—range cruise missiles| earlier? we understand the process of escalation — earlier? we understand the process of escalation. there _ earlier? we understand the process of escalation. there have _ earlier? we understand the process of escalation. there have been - earlier? we understand the process of escalation. there have been two| of escalation. there have been two guiding _ of escalation. there have been two guiding principles _ of escalation. there have been two guiding principles for— of escalation. there have been two guiding principles for the _ of escalation. there have been two guiding principles for the west - of escalation. there have been two guiding principles for the west and| guiding principles for the west and nato, _ guiding principles for the west and nato, one — guiding principles for the west and nato, one is— guiding principles for the west and nato, one is to— guiding principles for the west and nato, one is to maintain _ guiding principles for the west and nato, one is to maintain the - guiding principles for the west and nato, one is to maintain the unityl nato, one is to maintain the unity of nato _ nato, one is to maintain the unity of nato and — nato, one is to maintain the unity of nato and the _ nato, one is to maintain the unity of nato and the other— nato, one is to maintain the unity of nato and the other is _ nato, one is to maintain the unity of nato and the other is not - nato, one is to maintain the unity of nato and the other is not to - of nato and the other is not to expand — of nato and the other is not to expand this— of nato and the other is not to expand this water— of nato and the other is not to expand this water war- of nato and the other is not to| expand this water war between of nato and the other is not to - expand this water war between russia and the _ expand this water war between russia and the west— expand this water war between russia and the west and _ expand this water war between russia and the west and so— expand this water war between russia and the west and so far— expand this water war between russia and the west and so far that - expand this water war between russia and the west and so far that has - expand this water war between russia and the west and so far that has not. and the west and so far that has not been _ and the west and so far that has not been the _ and the west and so far that has not been the case — and the west and so far that has not been the case. find _ and the west and so far that has not been the case-— been the case. and do what you see crimea as critical, _ been the case. and do what you see crimea as critical, yes? _ been the case. and do what you see crimea as critical, yes? the - been the case. and do what you see crimea as critical, yes? the way - crimea as critical, yes? the way that the russians _ crimea as critical, yes? the way that the russians have - crimea as critical, yes? the way that the russians have chosen l crimea as critical, yes? the way| that the russians have chosen to crimea as critical, yes? the way - that the russians have chosen to use crimea since occupying it in 2014 is to create in effect a kind of aircraft carrier stuck to the bottom of ukraine. they have militarised it, it is full of soldiers, full of prisons, many ukrainians arrested in occupied territories are being kept there, and it is very important for

ukraine not to let crimea become a launching rant for another russian campaign, so you will see ukrainians pushing towards crimea, you will see them beginning, they have already begun hitting targets on crimea, as you will see the conversation about crimea becoming central to the discussion of the war.— crimea becoming central to the discussion of the war. yuri, we know that wagner— discussion of the war. yuri, we know that wagner has _ discussion of the war. yuri, we know that wagner has been _ discussion of the war. yuri, we know that wagner has been critical- discussion of the war. yuri, we know that wagner has been critical of- that wagner has been critical of vladimir putin in bakhmut, it seems like there's been terrible loss of life for no gain there, on either side. . life for no gain there, on either side. , ., . ., ,, life for no gain there, on either side. , ., ., ., ,, ., side. first of all i would like to stress that _ side. first of all i would like to stress that the _ side. first of all i would like to stress that the losses - side. first of all i would like to stress that the losses are - side. first of all i would like to stress that the losses are on i side. first of all i would like to i stress that the losses are on the side of— stress that the losses are on the side of the — stress that the losses are on the side of the aggressor, the terrorist state. _ side of the aggressor, the terrorist state, russia, considerably higher. second. _ state, russia, considerably higher. second. we— state, russia, considerably higher. second, we are holding the fortress bakhmut, _ second, we are holding the fortress bakhmut, for almost nine months, and the fact— bakhmut, for almost nine months, and the fact that _ bakhmut, for almost nine months, and the fact that we are still holding it is testimony that russia is absolutely impotent on the battlefield. this is why they are

unleashing this missile terror. since — unleashing this missile terror. since the _ unleashing this missile terror. since the beginning of may we have had five _ since the beginning of may we have had five massive missile strikes at ukraine _ had five massive missile strikes at ukraine attached to the air defence systems— ukraine attached to the air defence systems we have received from our partners. _ systems we have received from our partners, we were able to shoot down a lot of— partners, we were able to shoot down a lot of cruise missiles and iranian drones— a lot of cruise missiles and iranian drones but— a lot of cruise missiles and iranian drones but bakhmut is again an example — drones but bakhmut is again an example that russia can be defeated on the _ example that russia can be defeated on the battlefield and this is our intention— on the battlefield and this is our intention and our determination, we need _ intention and our determination, we need our— intention and our determination, we need our allies to stand firm with us, and _ need our allies to stand firm with us, and to— need our allies to stand firm with us, and to continue their military support~ — us, and to continue their military support. sir us, and to continue their military su ort. ,, . ., ., us, and to continue their military su n oft, ,, . . . .,. support. sir richard, we are facing a us election _ support. sir richard, we are facing a us election this _ support. sir richard, we are facing a us election this year— support. sir richard, we are facing a us election this year and - support. sir richard, we are facing a us election this year and we - support. sir richard, we are facing| a us election this year and we have heard from one of the candidates in our earlier peace, we don't know what might happen, do you want to go into an election still fighting for ukraine? is there a possibility of western fatigue, by this time next year? taste western fatigue, by this time next ear? ~ , ., , ., western fatigue, by this time next ear? ,., ,., ., year? we should plan that the ukrainian offensive _ year? we should plan that the ukrainian offensive this - year? we should plan that the l ukrainian offensive this summer year? we should plan that the - ukrainian offensive this summer has some _ ukrainian offensive this summer has some success — ukrainian offensive this summer has some success and _ ukrainian offensive this summer has some success and delivers - ukrainian offensive this summer has some success and delivers tangiblei some success and delivers tangible progress _ some success and delivers tangible progress but — some success and delivers tangible progress but it— some success and delivers tangible progress but it is— some success and delivers tangible progress but it is not— some success and delivers tangible progress but it is not big _ some success and delivers tangible progress but it is not big or- progress but it is not big or powerful— progress but it is not big or powerful enough _ progress but it is not big or powerful enough to- progress but it is not big or powerful enough to cause i progress but it is not big or- powerful enough to cause russia to lead the _ powerful enough to cause russia to

lead the whole _ powerful enough to cause russia to lead the whole of _ powerful enough to cause russia to lead the whole of the _ powerful enough to cause russia to lead the whole of the 18% - powerful enough to cause russia to lead the whole of the 18% of - powerful enough to cause russia tol lead the whole of the 18% of ukraine that it _ lead the whole of the 18% of ukraine that it occupies, _ lead the whole of the 18% of ukraine that it occupies, so _ lead the whole of the 18% of ukraine that it occupies, so we _ lead the whole of the 18% of ukraine that it occupies, so we will- lead the whole of the 18% of ukraine that it occupies, so we will go - lead the whole of the 18% of ukraine that it occupies, so we will go into. that it occupies, so we will go into another— that it occupies, so we will go into another winter— that it occupies, so we will go into anotherwinterand _ that it occupies, so we will go into another winter and that— that it occupies, so we will go into another winter and that will- that it occupies, so we will go into another winter and that will take i that it occupies, so we will go into. another winter and that will take us into the _ another winter and that will take us into the year— another winter and that will take us into the year of— another winter and that will take us into the year of elections _ another winter and that will take us into the year of elections in - another winter and that will take us into the year of elections in the - another winter and that will take us into the year of elections in the usi into the year of elections in the us and uk _ into the year of elections in the us and uk and — into the year of elections in the us and uk and the _ into the year of elections in the us and uk and the west— into the year of elections in the us and uk and the west faces - into the year of elections in the us and uk and the west faces a - into the year of elections in the us| and uk and the west faces a choice of either— and uk and the west faces a choice of either living _ and uk and the west faces a choice of either living up _ and uk and the west faces a choice of either living up to _ and uk and the west faces a choice of either living up to our— and uk and the west faces a choice of either living up to our words - and uk and the west faces a choice of either living up to our words and | of either living up to our words and sticking _ of either living up to our words and sticking with — of either living up to our words and sticking with ukraine _ of either living up to our words and sticking with ukraine for— of either living up to our words and sticking with ukraine for the - of either living up to our words and sticking with ukraine for the 2—3 i sticking with ukraine for the 2—3 years— sticking with ukraine for the 2—3 years it — sticking with ukraine for the 2—3 years it would _ sticking with ukraine for the 2—3 years it would probably- sticking with ukraine for the 2—3 years it would probably take - sticking with ukraine for the 2—3 years it would probably take to i years it would probably take to change — years it would probably take to change the _ years it would probably take to change the dynamics _ years it would probably take to change the dynamics on - years it would probably take to change the dynamics on the i change the dynamics on the battlefield, _ change the dynamics on the battlefield, largely- change the dynamics on the battlefield, largely through | battlefield, largely through industrial— battlefield, largely through industrial mobilisation, - battlefield, largely through industrial mobilisation, or. battlefield, largely through . industrial mobilisation, or we battlefield, largely through - industrial mobilisation, or we walk away. _ industrial mobilisation, or we walk away. with— industrial mobilisation, or we walk away, with all— industrial mobilisation, or we walk away, with all of— industrial mobilisation, or we walk away, with all of the _ industrial mobilisation, or we walk away, with all of the terrible - away, with all of the terrible consequences _ away, with all of the terrible consequences for— away, with all of the terrible consequences for our- away, with all of the terrible consequences for our own i away, with all of the terrible - consequences for our own security and prosperity— consequences for our own security and prosperity and _ consequences for our own security and prosperity and values - consequences for our own security and prosperity and values that - consequences for our own security. and prosperity and values that hang off that _ and prosperity and values that hang off that. �* and prosperity and values that hang offthat. . ~ ,, ., and prosperity and values that hang off that. ~ ~ , , ., ., off that. anne applebaum, what are the chances — off that. anne applebaum, what are the chances that _ off that. anne applebaum, what are the chances that the _ off that. anne applebaum, what are the chances that the west _ off that. anne applebaum, what are the chances that the west would - off that. anne applebaum, what are l the chances that the west would ever walk away? i the chances that the west would ever walk awa ? ., �* ~' walk away? i don't think under the current master— walk away? i don't think under the current master leadership - walk away? i don't think under the current master leadership that - walk away? i don't think under the i current master leadership that would happen, i don't think under the biden administration or any of the leadership that we have across europe, that is likely. there are forces in almost every single western country that we like you hand the water russia, would like to hand the water russia, would like to hand russia victory, add one of thoseis hand russia victory, add one of those is donald trump —— had the war to russia. if you want to become the president of the united states in 18

months it would be a different situation, one of the reasons why some in washington would like the war to reach some kind of conclusion before the election. xtour war to reach some kind of conclusion before the election. your assessment of very might — before the election. your assessment of very might see _ before the election. your assessment of very might see an _ before the election. your assessment of very might see an end _ before the election. your assessment of very might see an end game - before the election. your assessment of very might see an end game being | of very might see an end game being played here, yuri? the of very might see an end game being played here. yuri?— played here, yuri? the aim of victory is _ played here, yuri? the aim of victory is very _ played here, yuri? the aim of victory is very simple, - played here, yuri? the aim of. victory is very simple, complete withdrawal of russian troops and complete restatement of ukrainian territorial — complete restatement of ukrainian territorial integrity including crimea _ territorial integrity including crimea and ask the questions about the worst— crimea and ask the questions about the worst support, if it continues, i the worst support, if it continues, i don't _ the worst support, if it continues, idon't think— the worst support, if it continues, i don't think that the western idon't think that the western allies— i don't think that the western allies will walk away from ukraine because _ allies will walk away from ukraine because they simply understand that if they— because they simply understand that if they do. _ because they simply understand that if they do, it will not be for a very— if they do, it will not be for a very long _ if they do, it will not be for a very long time, because countries like poland, the baltic states, the czech _ like poland, the baltic states, the czech republic, they understand very well the _ czech republic, they understand very well the real risks, so we have to defeat _ well the real risks, so we have to defeat russia on the ukrainian battlefield, unless we want to have another, _ battlefield, unless we want to have another, more large—scale war on our

hands _ another, more large—scale war on our hands as— another, more large—scale war on our hands as an _ another, more large—scale war on our hands as an international community. thank— hands as an international community. thank you _ hands as an international community. thank you all— hands as an international community. thank you all very much indeed. politics now... the coronation weekend came hot on the heels of the local elections. now we can draw breath and examine some of the politics of both events. first, today the commisioner of the metropolitan police sir mark rowley gave no quarter to calls for him to apologise for the arrest of six people from republic on coronation day — the pressure group calling for the abolition of the monarchy. of the 64 protesters arrested, the six from republic were the only ones detained under new legislation — specifically section 2 of the public order act 2023 — david davis, the former brexit secretary, who has a very strong record on civil liberties, he spoke out against it, as did desmond swayne, the former minister was

known to speak his mind. interestingly are very cautious approach from keir starmer. he spoke about how the police had got some judgments wrong here, and he saw it as a learning experience for them but on that legislation we talked about he refused to commit to repealing the public order act of 2023, which he said was used to arrest those six members of republic. keir starmer says with public order legislation it needs time to bed in and to find a balance between dealing with stop oil protesters and allowing the right to peaceful protest. a keir starmer loyalist in the shadow cabinet put it rather more bluntly to me and i said, there is no way that we should be abandoning legislation that allows us to deal very forcefully with stop oil protesters we have done so much to disrupt this country.

done so much to disrupt this count . �* . done so much to disrupt this count. , done so much to disrupt this count. country. and the six protesters had been released _ country. and the six protesters had been released without _ country. and the six protesters had been released without charge, - country. and the six protesters had | been released without charge, back to the local elections and continuing fallout. a, to the local elections and continuing fallout. a e'ected me amon: continuing fallout. a e'ected me among conservative _ continuing fallout. a ejected me among conservative mps. - continuing fallout. a ejected me among conservative mps. the i continuing fallout. a ejected me - among conservative mps. the result was much worse than they feared that i spoke to one minister, a big loyalist, they said there was only one room for them, they have got to deliver on rishi sunak�*s five pledges including halving inflation and inducing legislation to stop the small boats, and they said if we do not deliver on those while i do not see how we can win the general election. labour mps very happy. they performed well in areas they did not think they could do well in. a lot of focus today on television, keir starmer absolutely ruled out a post—election deal with the snp, did not rule out such a deal with the lib dems. they think that a deal with the snp would frighten the horses in england, a deal with the lib dems wouldn't. fline

horses in england, a dealwith the lib dems wouldn't.— lib dems wouldn't. one of the big issues was — lib dems wouldn't. one of the big issues was housing. _ lib dems wouldn't. one of the big issues was housing. today - lib dems wouldn't. one of the big issues was housing. today a - lib dems wouldn't. one of the big issues was housing. today a newl issues was housing. today a new mortgage product was launched aimed at first—time buyers. then? —— ben? the skipton building society has launched a new deposit—free mortgage specifically aimed at helping people currently renting get onto the housing ladder. and when you look at what's happening to rents lately, you can appreciate why they need this kind of financial help. as you can see, private rents in england are rising at the fastest rate in at least 15 years, squeezing the ability of renters to save for a deposit for a house. it's a similar situation in scotland and wales and rents are rising even faster in northern ireland. but aren't house prices at least coming down as interest rates rise sharply, making them more affordable? well a little bit, as you can see from that slight decline this year. yet that reality is that the average uk house price

is still far out of reach for many prospective house buyers. that price of £287,500 is more than eight times the average household's income. while that remains the case, home ownership rates are likely to continue to stagnate, if not fall. and look how they've plummeted among the young. in 2003, 60% of 25—34 year olds were owner occupiers — now it's down to 40%. indeed, as you can see, owner occupation rates have fallen for every age group in the past two decades, except among the over 65s. but why does owning a house actually matter? well, there's evidence that, in this country at least, it's important for well—being. this, from the english housing survey, with owner occupiers in blue, shows that life satisfaction scores, out of 10, are higherfor them than among renters while anxiety is higher for renters and, in particular, people in social rented homes, shown in yellow, that's homes leased from councils and housing associations. so what are politicians saying they will do about it? the prime minister, rishi sunak, is reportedly looking at resurrecting help to buy

subsidies for first time buyers. and the conservatives insist they will build more homes. but last year the levelling up secretary, michael gove, scrapped local housing targets, which critics say will simply reduce house building rates further. stuart clarke, the former levelling up secretary under liz truss, has argued this was simply a politically—motivated capitulation to older home—owning nimbies — people who don't mind new housing but "not in my back yard". moreover, clarke argues this actually cost the tories councils seats in last week's local elections, rather than protecting them, as young people were put off voting for the conservatives because they had no serious offer on housing. by the way, for context, here's new uk housing construction. there were 206,000 new starts in 2021 — still well below the government's manifesto target of 300,000 — and also well down on the building rates of the 1970s. now the extent to which additional house building is the key to making housing more affordable is contested

— some economists argue it wouldn't have a significant effect. yet it's worth noting that one recent estimate from the centre for cities suggests that, compared to the average european country, britain today is missing some 4.3 million homes. as for labour, keir starmer, recently said he would "take on" the nimbies and would bring back those house building targets. the party is also reportedly considering reforming planning and restricting the sale of new—build properties to overseas i nvesto i’s . the development system, as we have it now, will never build the number of homes we need. that is why developers are reining in their production now because are prices falling. they will never build as many homes if the prices are coming down because it would be silly to do so. we need to go back to the proactive public led planning and master planning development system we use to do quite well at in this

country. let's be clear — this would be a truly radical shift in the approach to the provision of housing in this country — a break with many decades of policy. it remains to be seen if either of the two main parties has the stomach for it. razorlight, the indy band who famously fell apart and reformed last year after 11 years, have just come off their uk tour, playing fully live, garnering great reviews for what one writer called their onstage "mayhem and energy". their lead singerjohnny borrell rails against the manufactured perfectness of other bands faux live concerts — relying on pre—recorded tracks, and other assorted tech. the front of house mixer for one heavy touring rock band, suggests that audiences are more concerned with the large—scale visual productions and choreography and accept that some of the vocals are pre—recorded. tech has always been a part of the live music experience, but it's becoming, for some, including nick cave, insidious, as ai recreates lyrics and sound in the style of. in a moment razorlight�*s front manjohnny borrell, but first some music.

# i knowa girl # i know a girl with # i knowa girl with a # i know a girl with a golden touch # i know a girl with a golden touch # she's got a lot, she's got too much # but i know you wouldn't mind # but i know you wouldn't mind # you can have it all if you want it, you can have it all if it matters so much #. thanks very much forjoining us. for how long has this been a preoccupation?— how long has this been a preoccupation? how long has this been a --reoccuation? ~ ., ,, ., preoccupation? well... you know, it's been going _ preoccupation? well... you know, it's been going on _ preoccupation? well... you know, it's been going on for _ preoccupation? well... you know, it's been going on for a _ preoccupation? well... you know, it's been going on for a long - preoccupation? well... you know, it's been going on for a long timel it's been going on for a long time but it has become more prevalent. i remember in 2004 i went to the q remember in 2004 i went to the 0 awards and i remember they had just given the best live to madonna and eltonjohn was angry because there

were no live musicians. it's been going on for a while. the were no live musicians. it's been going on for a while.— going on for a while. the live experience — going on for a while. the live experience should _ going on for a while. the live experience should be - going on for a while. the live | experience should be entirely different from the album experience, shouldn't it? to different from the album experience, shouldn't it?— shouldn't it? to me, ifi go to a concert or _ shouldn't it? to me, ifi go to a concert or if — shouldn't it? to me, ifi go to a concert or if i _ shouldn't it? to me, ifi go to a concert or if i play _ shouldn't it? to me, ifi go to a concert or if i play a _ shouldn't it? to me, ifi go to a concert or if i play a concert, i shouldn't it? to me, ifi go to a concert or if i play a concert, it| concert or if i play a concert, it should be something that happens in that moment in time and that it is unique every time. if i go and watch a band and, you know, i don't know anything about hip—hop, i can only talk about rock bands because that is what i do, but if i go and watch a band i reckon eight or nine out of ten bands, i gave you a name backstage which made yourjaw drop, they are playing along to some pre—recorded stuff. whether it is extra instruments they cannot play, backing vocals, just a drumming track, they are playing along to that for most of the set so every show they do is the same.-

show they do is the same. does that ha en show they do is the same. does that happen when — show they do is the same. does that happen when it _ show they do is the same. does that happen when it is — show they do is the same. does that happen when it is a _ show they do is the same. does that happen when it is a tour? _ show they do is the same. does that happen when it is a tour? n - show they do is the same. does that happen when it is a tour? n might . happen when it is a tour? n might not be the regular drummer, it might be someone who is a session musician, or is it happening all the time? it musician, or is it happening all the time? . . . . musician, or is it happening all the time? . , , , , ., time? it happens everywhere. -- and it miuht time? it happens everywhere. -- and it might not — time? it happens everywhere. -- and it might not be- _ time? it happens everywhere. -- and it might not be. it _ time? it happens everywhere. -- and it might not be. it might _ time? it happens everywhere. -- and it might not be. it might be _ time? it happens everywhere. -- and it might not be. it might be the - it might not be. it might be the bigger bands that are trying to sink their performance to the visual effects. people invite me to go and watch a band, i will be in a room of 50 people and there is a bunch of kids playing along to something that has already been recorded. for me, if i go and see a show like that it would be like going to a football match where i already know the score, right? this match where i already know the score. right?— match where i already know the score, riht? a ~ , , ., score, right? as ai becomes more sophisticated. _ score, right? as ai becomes more sophisticated, play _ score, right? as ai becomes more sophisticated, play tonight - score, right? as ai becomes more sophisticated, play tonight as - score, right? as ai becomes more sophisticated, play tonight as if i sophisticated, play tonight as if johnny borrell was quite tired, or play in a way he hasn't played before, because it's going to become so sophisticated that it will be able to do a lot of things. nick cave has talked to us about this. i

don't