live from london this is bbc news. us secretary of state says the meeting has improved communication between the countries. it is meeting has improved communication between the countries.— between the countries. it is the resnonsibility — between the countries. it is the responsibility of _ between the countries. it is the responsibility of both _ between the countries. it is the responsibility of both countries | between the countries. it is the l responsibility of both countries to find a path forward and it is both our interests in the interests of the world that we do so. mp5 our interests in the interests of the world that we do so. mps may vote on a report — the world that we do so. mps may vote on a report which _ the world that we do so. mps may vote on a report which found - the world that we do so. mps may i vote on a report which found former prime minister borisjohnson prime minister boris johnson deliberately prime minister borisjohnson deliberately misled parties over parties during coronavirus three hours of news. we sought ukraine which has announced more

su ccesses successes in its counteroffensive russian positions. specifically in the donetsk and zaporizhzhia regions. donetsk ukraine have been pushing against the gains from last week. officials say ukraine is working on attacking lines in the other directions. the deputy defence minister said within the past week eight settlements had been liberated including. heading eight settlements had been liberated heading towards the russian occupied town. a bbc team joined the ukrainian army brigade as they sought to push eastwards beyond the recently regained village on a hot day east of blahodatne, the ukrainian attack begins. explosions.

the air thickens with artillery and expectation. ukrainian guns pound the russian positions... ..and their enemy soon responds. nearby explosions. but it's a miss. yuri, of the drone unit, cannot wait for the shelling to stop. the drones he's sending to enemy trenches carry grenades and smoke bombs. they lose as many as five of these a day. and there's more than just artillery to contend with. the russian helicopters and russian jets fire every area. every day. every time. explosion. go to shelter.

0k. good luck. he just illustrated that point very well, that one of the big advantages that the russians have over the ukrainians is airpower. the ukrainians are attacking on the ground, but the russians still have helicopters, still have warplanes. it makes it much more difficult for them to advance. i think that main offensive is still to come, it could be weeks, it could be months away. we we re we were on a tiny part of the front. outside the village of blahodatne. the ukrainians were successful laying down smoke grenades, their infantry vehicles across minefields attacking russian positions, it was

attacking russian positions, it was a win for them that day but very small in the grand scheme of things. when we were on the ground we got a sense of the fierceness of the fighting. we saw lots of russian corpses, a number of destroyed ukrainian american built armoured vehicles and the ukrainian troops we spoke to said they had taken a lot of casualties. what ukraine is attempting the moment is it has a number of these points where it is attacking russian positions in the east, southeast and further along. but it is very slow going progress. they are trying to stretch russian resources and land they are trying to stretch russian resources and [and power and weaponry and when they see a gap, we might see that main force being held in reserve at the moment with the british challenger tanks join the battle and exploit any weakness they find but that could be many weeks or months away.

mps will debate this afternoon the report that found former prime minister borisjohnson deliberately misled parliament over lockdown parties in downing street. the commons privileges committee said mrjohnson commited repeated offences, but he's denounced the committee as a kangaroo court. well, today's debate comes as new footage emerged over the weekend showing conservative party staff drinking and dancing at their headquarters, despite lockdown restrictions during the covid pandemic. our political correspondent alex forsyth reports. it is the result of a year—long inquiry. a report by a committee of mps which gives a damning verdict of borisjohnson�*s conduct, finding he lied to parliament over parties in downing street during covid. this is the former prime minister misled the house on an issue of the greatest importance and did so repeatedly. if he was still an mp, it would have recommended he was suspended for 90 days and it calls for him to lose his past that gives him

access to parliament. in the house of commons later mps will get a chance to debate the report's findings, express their views though the current prime minister has refused to share his. this is a matterfor the house, is not a government matter. this committee was set up by the former prime minister, they have done their work, they have done it thoroughly and i respect them for that and now it is up to each mp to make a decision for what they want to do when the time comes. is this the end, mrjohnson? borisjohnson quit as an mp after seeing the report, calling his conclusions deranged and the committee a kangaroo court. criticisms come from his supporters too. one retweeted his view that the punishment suggested is absolutely extraordinary to the point of sheer vindictiveness. but others take a different view. this mp said he agreed with the committee's findings and the commons would do well to support it. internal party division that labour has been keen to highlight.

|the idea of the government is havingj to have a debate about the behaviour of a former prime minister tells you everything that is wrong. with the tory party, - obsessed with themselves, fighting amongst themselves, - talking about their bad behaviour. instead of actually running the country but secondly, i i want to see the prime minister. there in parliament because he has to show leadership. because of the way this place works it is still not clear whether mps will get to vote on this report or how many will choose to express their views in the debate, but this will still be a significant moment when parliament passes judgment on the conduct of a man who until only recently was prime minister. and for rishi sunak it is another example of how the actions of his predecessors are having an impact on his premiership. once again, partygate with all its consequences is commanding the attention of parliament.

sera. good afternoon. that debate due to start _ sera. good afternoon. that debate due to start in _ sera. good afternoon. that debate due to start in the _ sera. good afternoon. that debate due to start in the next _ sera. good afternoon. that debate due to start in the next couple - sera. good afternoon. that debate due to start in the next couple of. due to start in the next couple of hours at the house of commons, lots to pick through, some detail we do not know yet, some will become clearer as the afternoon pans out but i would like to bring in sir alistair graham, former chairman of the committee on standards in public life. good afternoon. i wonder if i can have your overall thoughts as to the committee's report and the fact that this afternoon mps are going to vote on a report which says the former prime minister misled the house of commons. it is former prime minister misled the house of commons.— former prime minister misled the house of commons. it is an important historic occasion _ house of commons. it is an important historic occasion where _ house of commons. it is an important historic occasion where the _ house of commons. it is an important historic occasion where the previous i historic occasion where the previous prime _ historic occasion where the previous prime minister has been found to have _ prime minister has been found to have misled parliament. and to have misled _ have misled parliament. and to have misled the _ have misled parliament. and to have misled the committee as well. so it

is a very— misled the committee as well. so it is a very serious matter and it is an opportunity for our house of commons — an opportunity for our house of commons to stress how important telling _ commons to stress how important telling the — commons to stress how important telling the truth is. how that is a central_ telling the truth is. how that is a central value of our democracy. and i central value of our democracy. and i hope _ central value of our democracy. and i hope we _ central value of our democracy. and i hope we are not going to see the large _ i hope we are not going to see the large number, if there is, large numbers— large number, if there is, large numbers of abstentions so that conservative mps on the whole can avoid _ conservative mps on the whole can avoid upsetting their local members in their— avoid upsetting their local members in their constituency. it is absolutely critical that the house of commons says telling the truth and parliament is central to us. on and parliament is centralto us. on that and parliament is central to us. that point, and parliament is central to us. qt that point, rishi sunak has not and parliament is central to us. q�*i that point, rishi sunak has not made clear whether he will be joining the debate, take part in a vote if vote goes ahead. should he be via, should vote? he

goes ahead. should he be via, should vote? , ., , ., vote? he should be there and he should vote _ vote? he should be there and he should vote and _ vote? he should be there and he should vote and he _ vote? he should be there and he should vote and he should - vote? he should be there and he should vote and he should vote | should vote and he should vote sopport — should vote and he should vote support of the committee conclusions and recommendations because he is the one _ and recommendations because he is the one that has to lead. he is the one that _ the one that has to lead. he is the one that has to tell us that telling the truth — one that has to tell us that telling the truth is central to his philosophy and the government of his philosophy and the government of his philosophy and the government of his philosophy and it should be of our whole _ philosophy and it should be of our whole democracy.— philosophy and it should be of our whole democracy. bearing in mind our whole democracy. bearing in mind your position. _ whole democracy. bearing in mind your position, how— whole democracy. bearing in mind your position, how surprised - whole democracy. bearing in mind| your position, how surprised where your position, how surprised where you fibre statement issued by boris johnson where he referred to the privileges committee as a kangaroo court and said he had been the victim of a witchhunt? i court and said he had been the victim of a witchhunt?- court and said he had been the victim of a witchhunt? i was shocked that he sought _ victim of a witchhunt? i was shocked that he sought to _ victim of a witchhunt? i was shocked that he sought to in _ victim of a witchhunt? i was shocked that he sought to in a _ victim of a witchhunt? i was shocked that he sought to in a sense - victim of a witchhunt? i was shocked that he sought to in a sense support| that he sought to in a sense support the campaign against the work of the privileges— the campaign against the work of the privileges committee. we should remember that the committee was set ”p remember that the committee was set up without— remember that the committee was set up without a vote in the house of commons, — up without a vote in the house of commons, there was no division, and

therefore _ commons, there was no division, and therefore he — commons, there was no division, and therefore he had a duty as a then member— therefore he had a duty as a then member of parliament to support the work of— member of parliament to support the work of the committee. even though he was _ work of the committee. even though he was the _ work of the committee. even though he was the person subject to their scrutiny~ — he was the person subject to their scrutiny. we he was the person sub'ect to their scrutin . ~ ., ., scrutiny. we will have to live there, thank _ scrutiny. we will have to live there, thank you _ scrutiny. we will have to live there, thank you for - scrutiny. we will have to live there, thank you for your - there, thank you for your contribution. if i can bring in henry hill, deputy editor of conservative home. thank you for joining us. there is more stories of lockdown parties, pictures and videos, the mingle and jangle party going on apparently in lockdown, it is a mess for your party, isn't it? absolutely it is. and rishi sunak should _ absolutely it is. and rishi sunak should draw— absolutely it is. and rishi sunak should draw a _ absolutely it is. and rishi sunak should draw a line _ absolutely it is. and rishi sunak should draw a line under- absolutely it is. and rishi sunak should draw a line under that. absolutely it is. and rishi sunak should draw a line under that as| should draw a line under that as clear— should draw a line under that as clear as — should draw a line under that as clear as he _ should draw a line under that as clear as he possibly— should draw a line under that as clear as he possibly can. - should draw a line under that as clear as he possibly can. that i should draw a line under that as i clear as he possibly can. that was always _ clear as he possibly can. that was always going _ clear as he possibly can. that was always going to _ clear as he possibly can. that was always going to be _ clear as he possibly can. that was always going to be difficult - clear as he possibly can. that was always going to be difficult with l always going to be difficult with apparently— always going to be difficult with apparently new _ always going to be difficult with apparently new investigations l always going to be difficult with - apparently new investigations being opened _ apparently new investigations being opened up — apparently new investigations being opened up as— apparently new investigations being opened up as we— apparently new investigations being opened up as we speak _ apparently new investigations being opened up as we speak but - apparently new investigations being opened up as we speak but when i apparently new investigations being | opened up as we speak but when he came _ opened up as we speak but when he came into _ opened up as we speak but when he came into downing _ opened up as we speak but when he came into downing street, - opened up as we speak but when he came into downing street, when - opened up as we speak but when he came into downing street, when he| came into downing street, when he stood _ came into downing street, when he stood on _ came into downing street, when he stood on the — came into downing street, when he stood on the steps _ came into downing street, when he stood on the steps of _ came into downing street, when he stood on the steps of number- came into downing street, when he stood on the steps of number ten . came into downing street, when he| stood on the steps of number ten he said he _ stood on the steps of number ten he said he would — stood on the steps of number ten he said he would emphasise _

stood on the steps of number ten he said he would emphasise probity- stood on the steps of number ten hej said he would emphasise probity and .ood said he would emphasise probity and good conduct, — said he would emphasise probity and good conduct, there _ said he would emphasise probity and good conduct, there is— said he would emphasise probity and good conduct, there is nothing - said he would emphasise probity and good conduct, there is nothing he i good conduct, there is nothing he can do— good conduct, there is nothing he can do about _ good conduct, there is nothing he can do about what _ good conduct, there is nothing he can do about what happened - good conduct, there is nothing he| can do about what happened when boris _ can do about what happened when borisjohnson _ can do about what happened when borisjohnson was _ can do about what happened when boris johnson was prime - can do about what happened when borisjohnson was prime ministerl can do about what happened when i borisjohnson was prime minister but he is in _ borisjohnson was prime minister but he is in charge — borisjohnson was prime minister but he is in charge of— borisjohnson was prime minister but he is in charge of how— borisjohnson was prime minister but he is in charge of how the _ he is in charge of how the conservative _ he is in charge of how the conservative party - he is in charge of how the . conservative party responds he is in charge of how the - conservative party responds to it now and — conservative party responds to it now and the _ conservative party responds to it now and the obvious _ conservative party responds to it now and the obvious thing - conservative party responds to it now and the obvious thing to - conservative party responds to it now and the obvious thing to dol conservative party responds to itl now and the obvious thing to do if he does _ now and the obvious thing to do if he does as— now and the obvious thing to do if he does as he _ now and the obvious thing to do if he does as he says _ now and the obvious thing to do if he does as he says accept - now and the obvious thing to do if he does as he says accept and - he does as he says accept and respect — he does as he says accept and respect the _ he does as he says accept and respect the privilege - he does as he says accept and i respect the privilege committee he does as he says accept and - respect the privilege committee and its report— respect the privilege committee and its report is— respect the privilege committee and its report is to — respect the privilege committee and its report is to get _ respect the privilege committee and its report is to get into— respect the privilege committee and its report is to get into parliament. its report is to get into parliament and vote _ its report is to get into parliament and vote for— its report is to get into parliament and vote for its _ its report is to get into parliament| and vote for its recommendations. are the _ and vote for its recommendations. are the whispers _ and vote for its recommendations. are the whispers you _ and vote for its recommendations. are the whispers you are - and vote for its recommendations. are the whispers you are hearing i and vote for its recommendations. i are the whispers you are hearing on the ground from your members and people you speak to that that's what people you speak to that that's what people want him to do? the conservative party membership in general? fin conservative party membership in veneral? , ., ., ~ ., general? on this i do not know if it is fair to talk _ general? on this i do not know if it is fair to talk about _ general? on this i do not know if it is fair to talk about the _ is fair to talk about the conservative _ is fair to talk about the conservative party - is fair to talk about the - conservative party membership is fair to talk about the _ conservative party membership in general— conservative party membership in general because _ conservative party membership in general because it _ conservative party membership in general because it is _ conservative party membership in general because it is quite - conservative party membership in general because it is quite split. i general because it is quite split. there _ general because it is quite split. there is— general because it is quite split. there is a — general because it is quite split. there is a hardcore _ general because it is quite split. there is a hardcore according. general because it is quite split. there is a hardcore according to| general because it is quite split. . there is a hardcore according to our surveys _ there is a hardcore according to our surveys about — there is a hardcore according to our surveys about 25% _ there is a hardcore according to our surveys about 25% rock—solid - there is a hardcore according to our surveys about 25% rock—solid borisl surveys about 25% rock—solid boris johnson _ surveys about 25% rock—solid boris johnson supporters. _ surveys about 25% rock—solid boris johnson supporters. a _ surveys about 25% rock—solid boris johnson supporters. a large - surveys about 25% rock—solid boris. johnson supporters. a large number do not _ johnson supporters. a large number do not want — johnson supporters. a large number do not want him _ johnson supporters. a large number do not want him back— johnson supporters. a large number do not want him back as _ johnson supporters. a large number do not want him back as prime - do not want him back as prime minister— do not want him back as prime minister or— do not want him back as prime minister or anything _ do not want him back as prime minister or anything but- do not want him back as prime minister or anything but thinkl do not want him back as prime i minister or anything but think the privilege — minister or anything but think the privilege committee _ minister or anything but think the privilege committee process - minister or anything but think the privilege committee process wasl privilege committee process was unfair— privilege committee process was unfair in — privilege committee process was unfair in some _ privilege committee process was unfair in some way. _ privilege committee process was unfair in some way. i— privilege committee process was unfair in some way. i think- privilege committee process was unfair in some way. i think the l unfair in some way. i think the sheer— unfair in some way. i think the sheer size _ unfair in some way. i think the sheer size of— unfair in some way. i think the sheer size of the _ unfair in some way. i think the sheer size of the sanction - unfair in some way. i think the sheer size of the sanction willi unfair in some way. i think the - sheer size of the sanction will have increased — sheer size of the sanction will have increased that _ sheer size of the sanction will have increased that number— sheer size of the sanction will have increased that number but - sheer size of the sanction will have increased that number but on - sheer size of the sanction will have increased that number but on the i increased that number but on the other— increased that number but on the other hand — increased that number but on the other hand there _ increased that number but on the other hand there is— increased that number but on the other hand there is another- increased that number but on the other hand there is another blockj other hand there is another block that wants —

other hand there is another block that wants to _ other hand there is another block that wants to move _ other hand there is another block that wants to move on, - other hand there is another block that wants to move on, that - other hand there is another block that wants to move on, that back rishi _ that wants to move on, that back rishi sunak— that wants to move on, that back rishi sunak and _ that wants to move on, that back rishi sunak and is _ that wants to move on, that back rishi sunak and is really- that wants to move on, that back rishi sunak and is really tired - that wants to move on, that back rishi sunak and is really tired ofi rishi sunak and is really tired of the fact— rishi sunak and is really tired of the fact instead _ rishi sunak and is really tired of the fact instead of— rishi sunak and is really tired of the fact instead of the _ rishi sunak and is really tired of the fact instead of the run—up. rishi sunak and is really tired of| the fact instead of the run—up to the fact instead of the run—up to the general— the fact instead of the run—up to the general election— the fact instead of the run—up to the general election talking - the fact instead of the run—up to. the general election talking about matters _ the general election talking about matters that _ the general election talking about matters that matter— the general election talking about matters that matter to _ the general election talking about matters that matter to the - the general election talking about matters that matter to the voters| matters that matter to the voters stuck _ matters that matter to the voters stuck talking _ matters that matter to the voters stuck talking about _ matters that matter to the voters stuck talking about these - matters that matter to the voters| stuck talking about these matters what happened _ stuck talking about these matters what happened inside _ stuck talking about these matters what happened inside downing i stuck talking about these matters - what happened inside downing street. the torv— what happened inside downing street. the torv base — what happened inside downing street. the torv base is — what happened inside downing street. the tory base is split _ what happened inside downing street. the tory base is split which _ what happened inside downing street. the tory base is split which is - what happened inside downing street. the tory base is split which is why- the tory base is split which is why mps appear— the tory base is split which is why mps appear to _ the tory base is split which is why mps appearto be _ the tory base is split which is why mps appear to be abstaining - the tory base is split which is whyl mps appear to be abstaining where the tory base is split which is why. mps appear to be abstaining where if they want— mps appear to be abstaining where if they want to — mps appear to be abstaining where if they want to preserve _ mps appear to be abstaining where if they want to preserve the _ mps appear to be abstaining where if they want to preserve the image - mps appear to be abstaining where if they want to preserve the image of. they want to preserve the image of they want to preserve the image of the party— they want to preserve the image of the party as— they want to preserve the image of the party as a — they want to preserve the image of the party as a whole _ they want to preserve the image of the party as a whole would - they want to preserve the image of the party as a whole would be - the party as a whole would be turning — the party as a whole would be turning up _ the party as a whole would be turning up-— the party as a whole would be turnin: u. , ._ turning up. presumably with three by-elections _ turning up. presumably with three by-elections in — turning up. presumably with three by-elections in the _ turning up. presumably with three by-elections in the near— turning up. presumably with three by-elections in the near future - turning up. presumably with three i by-elections in the near future they by—elections in the near future they need to be campaigning. this will not be helping? need to be campaigning. this will rrot be helping?— not be helping? absolutely not. three of those _ not be helping? absolutely not. three of those at _ not be helping? absolutely not. three of those at least - not be helping? absolutely not. three of those at least do - not be helping? absolutely not. three of those at least do not i three of those at least do not really — three of those at least do not really change _ three of those at least do not really change the _ three of those at least do not really change the situation i three of those at least do not| really change the situation for rishi — really change the situation for rishi sunak. _ really change the situation for rishi sunak, three _ really change the situation for rishi sunak, three tory- really change the situation for rishi sunak, three tory mpsi really change the situation for i rishi sunak, three tory mps who really change the situation for - rishi sunak, three tory mps who do not want _ rishi sunak, three tory mps who do not want him — rishi sunak, three tory mps who do not want him to— rishi sunak, three tory mps who do not want him to be _ rishi sunak, three tory mps who do not want him to be prime _ rishi sunak, three tory mps who do not want him to be prime minister. not want him to be prime minister potentially — not want him to be prime minister potentially being _ not want him to be prime minister potentially being replaced - not want him to be prime minister potentially being replaced by- not want him to be prime minister potentially being replaced by mps| potentially being replaced by mps who don't— potentially being replaced by mps who don't want _ potentially being replaced by mps who don't want him _ potentially being replaced by mps who don't want him to _ potentially being replaced by mps who don't want him to be - potentially being replaced by mps who don't want him to be prime i who don't want him to be prime minister— who don't want him to be prime minister who— who don't want him to be prime ministerwho are _ who don't want him to be prime minister who are not _ who don't want him to be prime minister who are not toadies - who don't want him to be prime| minister who are not toadies but who don't want him to be prime . minister who are not toadies but it will prolong — minister who are not toadies but it will prolong the _ minister who are not toadies but it will prolong the pain _ minister who are not toadies but it will prolong the pain over- minister who are not toadies but it will prolong the pain over the - will prolong the pain over the summer. _ will prolong the pain over the summer, each— will prolong the pain over the summer, each and _ will prolong the pain over the summer, each and every- will prolong the pain over the summer, each and every one j will prolong the pain over the . summer, each and every one of will prolong the pain over the - summer, each and every one of those try-elections— summer, each and every one of those try-elections will— summer, each and every one of those by—elections will reopen _ summer, each and every one of those by—elections will reopen questions - by—elections will reopen questions about— by—elections will reopen questions about what— by—elections will reopen questions about what the _ by—elections will reopen questions about what the toady _ by—elections will reopen questions about what the toady strategy - by—elections will reopen questions i about what the toady strategy should be. about what the toady strategy should be questions— about what the toady strategy should be. questions may— about what the toady strategy should

be. questions may be _ about what the toady strategy should be. questions may be about- about what the toady strategy should be. questions may be about rishi - be. questions may be about rishi sunaks— be. questions may be about rishi sunak's leadership _ be. questions may be about rishi sunak's leadership but _ be. questions may be about rishi sunak's leadership but there - be. questions may be about rishi sunak's leadership but there is. be. questions may be about rishij sunak's leadership but there is no one to _ sunak's leadership but there is no one to take — sunak's leadership but there is no one to take boris _ sunak's leadership but there is no one to take boris on _ sunak's leadership but there is no one to take boris on at _ sunak's leadership but there is no one to take boris on at the - sunak's leadership but there is no. one to take boris on at the moment so everything — one to take boris on at the moment so everything about _ one to take boris on at the moment so everything about this _ one to take boris on at the moment so everything about this makes - one to take boris on at the moment so everything about this makes it i so everything about this makes it harder— so everything about this makes it harder to — so everything about this makes it harder to pivot _ so everything about this makes it harder to pivot back— so everything about this makes it harder to pivot back to _ so everything about this makes it harder to pivot back to matters . so everything about this makes it. harder to pivot back to matters that matter— harder to pivot back to matters that matter to _ harder to pivot back to matters that matter to voters. _ harder to pivot back to matters that matter to voters. we _ harder to pivot back to matters that matter to voters. we had _ harder to pivot back to matters that matter to voters. we had some - harder to pivot back to matters that matter to voters. we had some but| matter to voters. we had some but they are _ matter to voters. we had some but they are not — matter to voters. we had some but they are not cutting _ matter to voters. we had some but they are not cutting through - matter to voters. we had some but they are not cutting through and i matter to voters. we had some but they are not cutting through and ifi they are not cutting through and if that keeps— they are not cutting through and if that keeps happening _ they are not cutting through and if that keeps happening there - they are not cutting through and if that keeps happening there is - they are not cutting through and if that keeps happening there is no. they are not cutting through and if. that keeps happening there is no way rushes— that keeps happening there is no way rushes could — that keeps happening there is no way rushes could possibly— that keeps happening there is no way rushes could possibly turn _ that keeps happening there is no way rushes could possibly turn around - rushes could possibly turn around the tories — rushes could possibly turn around the tories currently _ rushes could possibly turn around the tories currently dire - rushes could possibly turn around the tories currently dire poll- the tories currently dire poll numbers _ the tories currently dire poll numbers is— the tories currently dire poll numbers-— the tories currently dire poll numbers. , ~ , ., numbers. is the prime minister going to turn u- numbers. is the prime minister going to turn up at — numbers. is the prime minister going to turn up at house _ numbers. is the prime minister going to turn up at house of— numbers. is the prime minister going to turn up at house of commons - numbers. is the prime minister going to turn up at house of commons if. to turn up at house of commons if you were a betting man?— to turn up at house of commons if you were a betting man? based on the indications he — you were a betting man? based on the indications he has _ you were a betting man? based on the indications he has given _ you were a betting man? based on the indications he has given so _ you were a betting man? based on the indications he has given so far - you were a betting man? based on the indications he has given so far i - indications he has given so far i would _ indications he has given so far i would bet — indications he has given so far i would bet no _ indications he has given so far i would bet no but _ indications he has given so far i would bet no but he _ indications he has given so far i would bet no but he should. . indications he has given so far i would bet no but he should. thank ou. you. inaudible problems with the sound. plenty more on that through the day.

a typical two—year fixed mortgage now has an interest rate ofjust over 6% for the first time since december. in recent weeks, mortgage lenders have been repricing many of their offers. the labour leader, sir keir starmer, says his party will end the era of north sea oil and gas exploration if it wins the next election. he claims labour would turn britain into a clean energy superpower by 2030, overturning a ban on new onshore wind farms. a bbc investigation has found one in four people on antidepressants have been using them for five years.

the us secretary of state antony blinken says he's had candid and constructive discussions during his two—day visit to china. mr blinken echoed comments by the chinese president, xi jinping, that both sides agreed they need to stabilise their relationship. the secretary of state said he had raised concerns with the chinese about taiwan. president xi said whether china and us can get along matters for the future destiny of mankind. in terms of those objectives we set for this trip, establishing open communications channels, directly raising issues of concern, exploring cooperation in places where it is in our interest to do so, we did all of that on this trip but progress is hard and it takes time and it is not

the product of one visit, one conversation, my hope and expectation is we will have better communications, better engagement going forward, that is not going to solve every problem between us. far from it. but it is critical to doing what we both agree is necessary and that is... we what we both agree is necessary and that is... ~ ., ., _ ., that is... we are “oined by our editor in h that is... we are “oined by our editor in the _ that is... we are joined by our editor in the newsroom. - that is... we are joined by our editor in the newsroom. good| that is... we are joined by our. editor in the newsroom. good to that is... we are joined by our- editor in the newsroom. good to see you. antony blinken gave a press conference lasting 30 minutes. what stood out what he said to china's president and other senior leaders there? ., , ~' president and other senior leaders there? ., , ,, , there? there would risking “umped out. it semi there? there would risking “umped out. it seems to h there? there would risking “umped out. it seems to be * there? there would riskingjumped out. it seems to be diplomatic- out. it seems to be diplomatic buzzword of the moment. we heard it at the g7 when g7 country said they wanted to de—risk, not decouple and we had that again seven emphasising that there was a lot of positives the two countries could build on.

they have a really robust trading relationship, that is the amazing thing despite the tensions. china us trade continues, in fact it is booming. almost $700 billion in trade so he tried to keep going back to this point, they don't want to stop china's ride, they do not want to stop their development, they want to stop their development, they want to trade, de—risk, not decouple. hagar to trade, de-risk, not decouple. how has it been — to trade, de-risk, not decouple. how has it been seen _ to trade, de-risk, not decouple. how has it been seen in _ to trade, de—risk, not decouple. how has it been seen in china? to trade, de-risk, not decouple. how has it been seen in china? it - to trade, de-risk, not decouple. how has it been seen in china? it is - has it been seen in china? it is amazingly _ has it been seen in china? it is amazingly positive _ has it been seen in china? it is amazingly positive in _ has it been seen in china? it 3 amazingly positive in china. one of my colleagues has been making the point that she thinks that people we call the 50 cents, the people paid by the party to put certain comments, post political ideas on the chinese internet, chinese media, judging by those comments they are being pushed to portray this as a

positive meeting. if you look at chinese state media, they are pushing the more positive comments from the meeting. the desire to stabilise the relationship between the superpowers. of course we have the superpowers. of course we have the regular things china cares about, the idea that the taiwan matter is of utmost importance, this internal matter, that kind of thing but overall i would say the language has been surprisingly positive within china.— has been surprisingly positive within china. ~ . . , ., within china. what are the wins and losses of this _ within china. what are the wins and losses of this visit? _ within china. what are the wins and losses of this visit? overall - within china. what are the wins and losses of this visit? overall it - losses of this visit? overall it would be _ losses of this visit? overall it would be a — losses of this visit? overall it would be a general— losses of this visit? overall it would be a general decrease| losses of this visit? overall it i would be a general decrease in tension between the countries. before antony blinken went to beijing's, things were really at a low and that is something we heard from china's pop diplomat. even right as he was meeting with antony blinken reflecting the fact relations between beijing and washington were not really, what i

salute the moment but there were some minor things we can point to, for example thinking about setting up for example thinking about setting up a working group to discuss exports of sentinel into the us, the precursor chemical responsible for a lot of the opioid drug crisis inside the united states, something the us has wanted to push for some time. however there were some things they could not get any agreement. antony blinken admitted they had been pushing to establish a stronger crisis communications hotline and beijing's said no to that. we have since learned from beijing's one reason they have resisted direct military contact is because the united states has placed individual sanctions on some top chinese officials. we know china's defence minister has us sanctions placed on him for a deal he did with russia some years ago. that is something

china is really resisting. since the taliban took over the country's women's rights have continued to be eroded my colleague reports. when the taliban took over afghanistan they promise this time the ruling would be different when they had in place in 96 were no girls allowed to get an education and afghan women were restricted from working outside of their homes. in august 2021 the taliban took over the bill, the first thing they announced was for afghan women who had been working in government offices not to return back to work. since then most of those women have been jobless. since then most of those women have beenjobless. in september 1921 since then most of those women have been jobless. in september 1921 the taliban announced all boys are

allowed to go back to school but girls were only allowed under the age of primary school. although the afghan women, university students were allowed to go back to their classes, classes became like this, segregated between men and female students but they continued their education in universities. in march 2022, the secondary school girls, teenagers waiting for schools to open for them, you will remember these images of tearful afghan schoolgirls who returned back from classes in march and were told not to come back to school because there is a ban on their education. that is still in place in afghanistan. in may 22, the taliban went further with the restrictions on women they announced women in afghanistan should not be

travelling further distances without male companions. they also in november 22 announced women should not be attending theme parks, a big part of life for afghan women, they have been enjoying their day out with family and friends in parks,. in december the taliban announced students should not be returning to classes and also this month during this month the taliban announced who had been working for head offices should stop working and stay—at—home, that is mostly in place. afghan women have continued to protest for their rights, since the taliban have taken over the country. they have been telling me that all they have done in the last

two years as wait for the announcement of these restrictions to be lifted. nine egyptian men have appeared in court in the greek city of kalamata in connection with the sinking of a trawler last week that was carrying hundreds of migrants. the suspects are accused of people—smuggling and other offences. all of them have pleaded not guilty. at least 78 people are known to have died in the disaster but many more are feared to have drowned. the nine men appeared behind me yesterday and all pleaded not guilty. they are accused of forming a criminal organisation and causing the shipwreck that happened last week in the mediterranean sea. they were all egyptian national aged between 20 and a0 and as you just play the clip of the lawyer, that said to us his client is not guilty he was simply one of the passengers who paid a smuggler to get to europe. of course several experts say that the real smugglers do not risk their lives, they would not get on a boat like the one that sunk

last week. in terms of what happens next, the nine suspects will be back here in court tomorrow morning and after speaking to the judge, the judge and a public prosecutor will decide whether they will have to remain injail until the start decide whether they will have to remain in jail until the start of the trial. the trial might not start for another year because this is a very complicated investigation that will require interviews with all the people aboard, reviews of satellite images and interviews with the greek coastguard too. that images and interviews with the greek coastguard too-— coastguard too. that is it from me. sta with coastguard too. that is it from me. stay with us- _ coastguard too. that is it from me. stay with us. you _ coastguard too. that is it from me. stay with us. you can _ coastguard too. that is it from me. stay with us. you can reach - coastguard too. that is it from me. stay with us. you can reach me - coastguard too. that is it from me. stay with us. you can reach me on | stay with us. you can reach me on twitter.

this week will bring spells of warm sunshine, temperatures still above the average for the time of year. with that a scattering of heavy downpours and on the satellite picture you can see a lot of cloud pushing north during yesterday, last night, that brought heavy rain, more waiting to the south and even in between we have got some sunshine and a scattering of thundery showers across northern ireland particularly through the rest of the afternoon where they could be enough rain to cause disruption. temperatures ranging from 16 in stornoway to 2a in london and 25 in hull and norwich. through this evening and tonight some rain continues in the far north of scotland, elsewhere many shower was wealthy but this area of heavy thundery rain will drift across the channel islands

into southern england, south wales and the midlands by the end of the night. humid in prospect for some. 11-15, a night. humid in prospect for some. 11—15, a soggy start in parts of england and wales. this hook of wet weather driving north, could be some thunder and lightning embedded within and particularly wet conditions across eastern england which could give localised surface flooding and poor conditions on the road. that pushing across into south—east scotland through the afternoon. spells of sunshine but showers and thunderstorms erupt and humid feel in the south of the uk, 2a, 25, 26, quite likely. tuesday night the frontal system pushes north and pressure slowly builds from the south. it is going to be a slow process, showers around, some heavy but more in the way of high

weather. temperatures for most of us between 16 and 25. for the end of the week it looks like high pressure will build more strongly, frontal systems bringing the transfer showers at times, particularly towards the north—west. it looks like temperatures well begin to climb and some southern areas through the weekend could see highs of 29 or 30.