you're live with bbc news. the report written by the climate change committee criticises ministers for their backing for new oil and coal production. airport expansion plans are also being cited as being incompatible with climate change commitments. slow progress on installing heat pumps is seen as another problem. overall, the climate change committee has described the government's efforts as worryingly slow. ministers have responded to the criticism saying they were committed to their green targets. earlier, the chairman of the climate change committee described how they came to their conclusions. we went through all 3,000 reports

written by the government explaining what it was going to do with the finest scientists and economists in the country and we came to the conclusion that they have gone backwards from last year because they really have not done all the things they could have done. with the cost of living crisis, the up to have increased the number of renewable energy because that is the cheapest way of providing energy with the energy security problem, that was also necessary, so it is notjust that was also necessary, so it is not just for climate that was also necessary, so it is notjust for climate change. these things need to be done for the other priorities that the government should have. i priorities that the government should have.— priorities that the government should have. ., ., h, should have. i am reading the report here, it should have. i am reading the report here. it says — should have. i am reading the report here, it says that _ should have. i am reading the report here, it says that only _ should have. i am reading the report here, it says that only nine - should have. i am reading the report here, it says that only nine out - should have. i am reading the report here, it says that only nine out of. here, it says that only nine out of 50 key indicators are currently on track so it says that emissions will flatline rather than be cut. which of the indicators do you think with the biggest priorities that have not

been met? , ., ., ., ., been met? first of all, we have got the problem _ been met? first of all, we have got the problem of _ been met? first of all, we have got the problem of all _ been met? first of all, we have got the problem of all the _ been met? first of all, we have got the problem of all the energy - been met? first of all, we have got the problem of all the energy that i the problem of all the energy that we use in our homes, energy efficiency is the first thing that we ought to get right and that, the government has failed to do, to help people change to more energy efficient homes, therefore warmer in the winter, and also, better ventilated in these hot summers that we are going to have. the second thing is, we have got a situation in which a whole lot of airports think they can expand whereas the government is committed to restrain aviation growth within the particular envelope which we in the climate change committee have put forward in which parliament has accepted. yet the government is not doing anything to stop that expansion. then there is the whole question of homes. we are building houses that are not fit for the

future. the government still has not brought forward its future home plan to have standards which mean that people will not have to retrofit their homes. 1.5 million homes have been built in this period which are not fit for the future and will have to be retrofitted. there is nothing in the planning act which insist that all planning decisions have to be made in light of the government's legal commitments to net zero. iquite legal commitments to net zero. quite critical of government's _ legal commitments to net zero. quite critical of government's can _ legal commitments to net zero. quite critical of government's can think of this, either any bright hopes in this? is there put progress being made at all? we this? is there put progress being made at all?— this? is there put progress being made at all? ~ . ., ., ., ., made at all? we have made a lot of rouress made at all? we have made a lot of progress in — made at all? we have made a lot of progress in the _ made at all? we have made a lot of progress in the past. _ made at all? we have made a lot of progress in the past. on _ made at all? we have made a lot of progress in the past. on the - progress in the past. on the reduction of the energy we use to generate an atrocity and a previous conservative government did make those changes. george osborne made it possible to have the offshore

wind industry that we have got so one has to think the government for that and think it, too, for setting the best targets in the world. the issue now is a delivery and one does have to say that the delivery has been very poor. on electric cars, for example, the number now being sold and building up to 2030 when we won't have anything but electric and equivalent cars, so that is going better than we might have thought but unfortunately, the government has now discovered that hybrid cars are very much more now polluting that they thought but they still have not moved to say that hybrid cars will be phased out and people need to have plenty of warning that they will in fact be phased out and not be able to be bought. that is not be able to be bought. that is not people who have already got one, but the question of buying them in the future.

this breaking story has just come into the newsroom. just stop oil protesters have stopped the second ashes test and england wicketkeeper jonny bairstow was seen picking up one of the protesters, according to reports, and carrying him off the pitch. this all happened ahead of the second over at the morning session at lord's when two protesters raced onto the pitch and the other protester was thwarted by security staff. this of course is the latest in a series of protests by the just stop the latest in a series of protests by thejust stop oil movement. we can now cross to our sports correspondent. what more can you tell it about this? just correspondent. what more can you tell it about this?— tell it about this? just before the second over _ tell it about this? just before the second over of _ tell it about this? just before the second over of the _ tell it about this? just before the second over of the second - tell it about this? just before the second over of the second ashes j tell it about this? just before the - second over of the second ashes test at lord's, with stuart broad marking his run out to take that new ball after england's one the toss and decided to bowl first, two

protesters did come on. the fabled outfield at northwood some orange powder. one protester was wrestled to the ground by the security staff. meanwhilejonny bairstow to the ground by the security staff. meanwhile jonny bairstow took to the ground by the security staff. meanwhilejonny bairstow took it upon himself to do with the other protester, picking him up almost like a mannequin, and taking him off the pitch to the general dissatisfaction of the ncc members and those watching at lord's this morning. one removed by security staff, one removed byjonny bairstow. even though there were boos from the seats around lord's, there was general newsman at what had taken place from the players out the pitch, particular those in and players who saw the pitch, particular those in and players who sanonny bairstow with this protester in his arms. jonny bairstow then had to go to the dressing room to change cricket whites which had some orange powder on, and he came back out to a slatted different reception of great merriment by the lord is faithful who had watched this take place.

your right to mention the context. this is one of a number of disruptions to major sporting events by the protesters ofjust stop oil. a protester chain himself to everton�*s ground, a premiership rugby final was disrupted in its early stages between saracens and sale last month and in addition to that as well, the world snooker championship has also had a similar sort of incident, so this is taking place on the first morning of the second test when there were concerns that it would happen at the first ashes test between australia at edgbaston a couple of weeks ago, but it is at lord's where it has happened. the pause was brief, they are back on and stuart broad and jimmy henderson or bullen once again. the bigger delay was actually to wait forjonny bairstow to change his top after getting some orange powder on it. the protest has happened, has been dealt with, including by the england

wicketkeeper, and play has resumed in the first morning of the second test at lord's. this in the first morning of the second test at lord's.— in the first morning of the second test at lord's. as you were talking to us, we test at lord's. as you were talking to us. we were — test at lord's. as you were talking to us, we were showing _ test at lord's. as you were talking to us, we were showing some - test at lord's. as you were talking to us, we were showing some of l test at lord's. as you were talking l to us, we were showing some of the stills that have come in from lord's stills that have come in from lords of that protest but as you say, it sounds like the cricket is back on afterjonny bairstow changed his clothes. what security measures have changed in light of notjust protests at this sporting event, but the others you have mentioned as well? have we seen a change in the security measures that are in place with mike certainly cricket matches, it is incredible difficult to provide the kind of security that you might see more likely it will matches. ., you might see more likely it will matches. . ., . , matches. premier league matches, security will — matches. premier league matches, security will ring — matches. premier league matches, security will ring fence _ matches. premier league matches, security will ring fence the - matches. premier league matches, security will ring fence the ground. | security will ring fence the ground. they managed to at least sometimes stop those people from coming on the pitch but it is and could be difficult. sometimes you have tens of thousands of people sitting and

watching a sporting event and there are very few areas that you can really protect to the satisfaction of preventing the sort of protest from taking place. we have also seen protests in the last few weeks from animal rights protesters as well at the grand nationalfor animal rights protesters as well at the grand national for example. animal rights protesters as well at the grand nationalfor example. that was delayed because of similar sorts of issues and you can understand there, with the huge racecourse, sometimes in public access being very much easy to do, certainly at other parts of the course of which are not necessarily popular to buy spectators, and could be difficult to stop this from happening. probably one of the reasons why you can imagine why these events are being targeted. as summer moves on, you can imagine that even though it did not happen the edgbaston test when it was thought it might do, it may well be that it is very much at the forefront of those people's mines when they are considering security because yes, at a cricket ground, it is difficult to stop it from happening and you have to think about who you give tickets to and it

is difficult thereafter to find out where everybody might be and what difference it might make. irate where everybody might be and what difference it might make.— difference it might make. we are cominu difference it might make. we are comin: to difference it might make. we are coming to the — difference it might make. we are coming to the end _ difference it might make. we are coming to the end of _ difference it might make. we are coming to the end of the - difference it might make. we are - coming to the end of the programme about thank you very much for giving us the latest on that and just a reminder, we may be able to bring you those pictures again. just stop oil protesters stopping the england at lord's. jonny bairstow taking matters into his own hands by taking one of the pitches protesters of the pitches. play has now was in. there was some brightness this morning but for most of us today, the forecast is a cloudy one with some rain. the rain coming in from the north and west and slowly stepping southwards. not getting into the south—east until later tonight. between these two weather fronts, you can see where we have the humid air but behind this cold front, it will turn fresher. a lot

of cloud around. yes there will be some glimmers of sunshine but it will be fairly limited and ahead of the weather fronts, we will see heavy showers develop across northern england and into the midlands. here is the rain moving out of northern ireland and scotland and into northern england and wales but fresher conditions behind it with sunshine and showers but still quite humid ahead of evening and overnight, it will rejuvenate across the midlands and into the south—east and here we will see some heavy rain for a time. clearer skies with as little showers behind and where we have the greens, it is indicating the fresher conditions. still humid in the far south—east. tomorrow we start with a weather front in the south—east, sobered using some heavy rain before it clears. we have some high—pressure and then another weather front coming high—pressure and then another weatherfront coming our high—pressure and then another weather front coming our way into the north—west. behind this rain which will clear through the afternoon, we could see some heavy showers in east anglia and kent but most of us will be dry with as little showers but the cloud building across the west ahead of

our weather front. building across the west ahead of our weatherfront. a building across the west ahead of our weather front. a fresher day across—the—board and temperatures across—the—boa rd and temperatures are 15 across—the—board and temperatures are 15 to 21 degrees. then as we head on into friday, we still have this ridge of high pressure in some instant areas but we also have a low—pressure nearby. one of the isomers tells you it is going to be a breezy day. gusty winds across the north—west of scotland and after a sunny start across central and eastern areas, the cloud will build again from the west. heavier rain across scotland and northern ireland. murky conditions in the coast and hills in the west and these are our temperatures, 15 to 22 degrees. as we head on into the weekend, on saturday, we are looking at showers that we had tending to fade but they may linger in the north—west but it will be sunny especially in the afternoon and then on sunday, still showers in the north but cloud through the day.

the uk government holds emergency talks of the future of thames water well struggles with its debt. when loan sharks bike, illegal money

lenders targeting people struggling to buy essentials as the cost of living source. we will speak to two of them. a warm welcome to the programme. we want to start with credit suisse. a report that they are looking to cut one half of the credits reef workforce. bankers, traders and support staff in london and new york and in some parts of asia are expected to be affected. let us speak to a global business leadership expert, former head of leadership expert, former head of leadership for ubs. lovely to have you with us. perhaps inevitable, you put two banking giants together and you have too many people. what we know about the scale of the job losses? know about the scale of the 'ob losses? w , know about the scale of the 'ob losses? .. , , ., know about the scale of the 'ob losses? in , , ., . know about the scale of the 'ob losses? .. , , ., ., .,

losses? exactly, you have two organisations _ losses? exactly, you have two organisations doing _ losses? exactly, you have two organisations doing the - losses? exactly, you have two organisations doing the same | losses? exactly, you have two - organisations doing the same thing, he put them together and there will be duplication. it is a massive leadership challenge for ubs. how do you move on potentially 22,000 people in a decent way, how you move people in a decent way, how you move people on reflect your values just as much as it is when you recruit them. you are correct, the investment bank is going to be hit but also fundamentally any support function because you do not need to hr or legal functions. also function because you do not need to hr or legalfunctions. also in switzerland you do not need two branches of ubs on every high street so the impact globally is going to be significant. investment bank in usa and uk, 5500 in the uk and 7500 in the us so the fallout will be massive for many people. you know that this is about politics as well

as economics and business. particularly when it comes to switzerland, there is quite a special relationship, explain why politics plays into decision—making. the problem is credit suisse had got to the _ the problem is credit suisse had got to the point that credit suisse on the global market was no longer credible — the global market was no longer credible. the swiss government were faced with _ credible. the swiss government were faced with the potential of the swiss— faced with the potential of the swiss banking system effectively imploding so they created a forced marriage _ imploding so they created a forced marriage for ubs to effectively save credit _ marriage for ubs to effectively save credit suisse and save swiss banking which _ credit suisse and save swiss banking which also _ credit suisse and save swiss banking which also potentially saved a massive — which also potentially saved a massive problem with the global banking — massive problem with the global banking system. but effectively for the swiss _ banking system. but effectively for the swiss government, for this to work, _ the swiss government, for this to work. it— the swiss government, for this to work. it is— the swiss government, for this to work, it is critical and also because _ work, it is critical and also because on the swiss high street there _ because on the swiss high street there are — because on the swiss high street there are effectively only two major banks, _ there are effectively only two major banks, ubs and credit suisse, the removal— banks, ubs and credit suisse, the

removal of— banks, ubs and credit suisse, the removal of credit suisse also reduces— removal of credit suisse also reduces customer choice and will create _ reduces customer choice and will create redundancies in switzerland which _ create redundancies in switzerland which is _ create redundancies in switzerland which is quite a small economy. as which is quite a small economy. always, good which is quite a small economy. is always, good to which is quite a small economy. sis always, good to get your thoughts. with the latest on the future for ubs and credit suisse. let us take you to the developing story in the uk, questions are being asked about the future of thames water. it is saddled with £14 billion worth of debt and could be taken into public ownership. that is one option being considered by the government. the boss resigned with immediate effect. let us speak to an investor, lovely to have you with us. we should stress we do not have many details. this is a report suggesting it could be taken into government hands, what do we know about thames water and why it is so difficult for them to turn a profit? this is a

systemically important company that the government needs to be super careful and think about all eventualities which is why the government and their water regulator are looking at potential contingency plans in the case of a collapse. as you said because of this heavy debt to the tune of £14 billion. it is looking at placing into what is known as a special administration machine that would put it into public ownership temporarily. this was used when the energy supplier collapsed in 2021. this would be at a high cost to the taxpayer. the backdrop is that we are in a cost crisis and at the time of reporting, water companies are looking at plans to raise water bills by up to 40% by the end of the decade to tackle the sewage crisis and because of climate change. looking at the numbers,

thames water the biggest supplier in the uk, supplying 27% of the population, there is a lot of public angeras population, there is a lot of public anger as you mentioned, we have seen anger as you mentioned, we have seen a lot of bonuses and dividends paid out in recent years. we a lot of bonuses and dividends paid out in recent years.— out in recent years. we have seen ollution out in recent years. we have seen pollution of _ out in recent years. we have seen pollution of swimming _ out in recent years. we have seen pollution of swimming water - out in recent years. we have seen pollution of swimming water and l pollution of swimming water and beaches but thames water says we need to raise bills to invest and stop that happening, many say you have the moneyjust put it into investment. have the money 'ust put it into investment.— have the money 'ust put it into investment. yes, it is facing so many issues — investment. yes, it is facing so many issues with _ investment. yes, it is facing so many issues with sewage, - investment. yes, it is facing so | many issues with sewage, spills investment. yes, it is facing so - many issues with sewage, spills and uncertainty — many issues with sewage, spills and uncertainty with— many issues with sewage, spills and uncertainty with the _ many issues with sewage, spills and uncertainty with the recent - uncertainty with the recent departure _ uncertainty with the recent departure of— uncertainty with the recent departure of its _ uncertainty with the recent departure of its ceo - uncertainty with the recent departure of its ceo and i uncertainty with the recent - departure of its ceo and shareholder dividend _ departure of its ceo and shareholder dividend issues _ departure of its ceo and shareholder dividend issues as _ departure of its ceo and shareholder dividend issues as well. _ departure of its ceo and shareholder dividend issues as well. it _ departure of its ceo and shareholder dividend issues as well. it is - departure of its ceo and shareholder dividend issues as well. it is in - dividend issues as well. it is in the middle _ dividend issues as well. it is in the middle of— dividend issues as well. it is in the middle of a _ dividend issues as well. it is in the middle of a second - dividend issues as well. it is in the middle of a second year. dividend issues as well. it is in the middle of a second year of| dividend issues as well. it is in i the middle of a second year of an eight _ the middle of a second year of an eight year— the middle of a second year of an eight year turnaround _ the middle of a second year of an eight year turnaround to - the middle of a second year of an eight year turnaround to try - the middle of a second year of an eight year turnaround to try and i eight year turnaround to try and tackle _ eight year turnaround to try and tackle this — eight year turnaround to try and tackle this poor— eight year turnaround to try and tackle this poor performance. . eight year turnaround to try and tackle this poor performance. itj eight year turnaround to try and . tackle this poor performance. it is also dealing — tackle this poor performance. it is also dealing with _ tackle this poor performance. it is also dealing with inflation - tackle this poor performance. it is also dealing with inflation in - tackle this poor performance. it is| also dealing with inflation in terms of energy— also dealing with inflation in terms of energy bills _ also dealing with inflation in terms of energy bills but _ also dealing with inflation in terms of energy bills but also _ also dealing with inflation in terms of energy bills but also chemical. of energy bills but also chemical costs~ _ of energy bills but also chemical costs~ that _ of energy bills but also chemical costs. that has— of energy bills but also chemical costs. that has been— of energy bills but also chemical costs. that has been adding - of energy bills but also chemical costs. that has been adding to. of energy bills but also chemical. costs. that has been adding to the problems — costs. that has been adding to the problems it— costs. that has been adding to the problems. it looks _ costs. that has been adding to the problems. it looks like _ costs. that has been adding to the problems. it looks like it - costs. that has been adding to the problems. it looks like it is - costs. that has been adding to the problems. it looks like it is a - problems. it looks like it is a

difficult _ problems. it looks like it is a difficult period _ problems. it looks like it is a difficult period ahead - problems. it looks like it is a difficult period ahead in - problems. it looks like it is a difficult period ahead in the i problems. it looks like it is a - difficult period ahead in the hope is it will— difficult period ahead in the hope is it will not — difficult period ahead in the hope is it will not have _ difficult period ahead in the hope is it will not have to _ difficult period ahead in the hope is it will not have to enter - difficult period ahead in the hope is it will not have to enter into i is it will not have to enter into these — is it will not have to enter into these contingency— is it will not have to enter into these contingency plans - is it will not have to enter into these contingency plans which is it will not have to enter into - these contingency plans which will mean _ these contingency plans which will mean a _ these contingency plans which will mean a collapse _ these contingency plans which will mean a collapse but _ these contingency plans which will mean a collapse but we _ these contingency plans which will mean a collapse but we can - mean a collapse but we can understand _ mean a collapse but we can understand why _ mean a collapse but we can understand why the - mean a collapse but we can - understand why the government and the regulator— understand why the government and the regulator are _ understand why the government and the regulator are looking _ understand why the government and the regulator are looking at - understand why the government and the regulator are looking at all- the regulator are looking at all potential— the regulator are looking at all potential eventualities - the regulator are looking at all potential eventualities at - the regulator are looking at all potential eventualities at this. potential eventualities at this stage — potential eventualities at this stare. . ., ., potential eventualities at this stare. . s, ., s, potential eventualities at this stare. . ., s, ., stage. victoria, good to get your thou~hts. stage. victoria, good to get your thoughts. thank _ stage. victoria, good to get your thoughts. thank you. _ stage. victoria, good to get your thoughts. thank you. let - stage. victoria, good to get your thoughts. thank you. let us - stage. victoria, good to get your| thoughts. thank you. let us take stage. victoria, good to get your - thoughts. thank you. let us take you to the united states as the electric motor maker has filed for bankruptcy and is suing a taiwanese company for not investing the money it had originally polished. we have the details from new york. lard originally polished. we have the details from new york. lord steyn motors named _ details from new york. lord steyn motors named after _ details from new york. lord steyn motors named after the _ details from new york. lord steyn motors named after the ohio - details from new york. lord steynj motors named after the ohio town when it is based started in 2019 and was heralded by donald trump as a company that was bringing back manufacturer, since then i struggle to make electric trucks, building only a handful. lordstown claimed

theirfailure only a handful. lordstown claimed their failure on the taiwanese company which lordstown said promised to invest more money and collaborate on vehicle development plans. the taiwanese company has invested more than $50 million and said it was hoping to negotiate a solution to the financial worries of lordstown. lordstown is not the only electrical truck maker has been suffering lately. another company backed by amazon has... it is a big come—down from the electric truck frenzy which hit wall street investors just a few years ago. thank you for the details. elsewhere, to illegal money lenders have told the bbc in rare interviews that people in the uk are increasingly seeking their services to pay for essentials such as food and fuel. that comes as a new report from the do not profit group fear

for finance suggests the cost of living crisis is pushing more people into the hands of unscrupulous or illegal money lenders. a business reporter has the details. i've got a warrant here. no, open the door. we'll explain what is going on as soon as we come in. as prices in the uk rise, officials are trying to crack down on those taking advantage of the cost of living crisis. in this case, illegal money lenders. with more regulation around payday loans and home credit, there are limited options for those who struggle to borrow money. it seems some might be turning to loan sharks, who offer cash loans without any paperwork, but at a price. notjust exorbitant rates of interest, but sometimes threats of violence. i wanted to understand how those desperate enough to use their services might be exploited, so i've come to meet d. he says he's an enforcer. he collects debts. we're not using his real name.

what happens if somebody can't pay their debt back? it depends on who it is, or what relationship we've got. like, the ones that seriously take the- have no - intention of paying you. they're the ones in trouble. what does trouble mean? replace your vehicle, replace your windows, your door, broken nose, smashed up eye sockets. they're going to wish they paid me. they get a chance to explain themselves, and that's it. i am outside your house. and you don't want me outside your house. does it have to be so brutal, when these are vulnerable people...? the ones it happens to aren't the vulnerable ones. they're borrowing money to make money. these people can pay me back. they can. i see it as they don't want to. he told me he has lent money to hundreds of people, from £500 right up to £100,000. would you say, with the cost of living going up, people are generally going more to moneylenders? yes. they're defaulting on their loans, on their mortgages. i help. that's how you see it?

that's how i see it. there's no paperwork and no credit check for a reason. and that reason is you're not protected. they're not checking your credit history because they don't care if you can pay it back. they will absolutely bleed you dry. maybe they threaten you explicitly, in terms of physical harm, or it may be subtler than that. a lot of the time it's much more about being in someone's head than it is about breaking their legs. there is no such thing as an average loan shark any more. a fifth of those arrested by cath waller�*s team last year were female, and some were in their 70s. new research from non—profit fairliallfinance and fraud prevention firm we fight fraud shows illegal money lenders could be businessmen, religious leaders and working men and women. the authors of this report spoke to more than 200 current and former clients, as well as eight illegal lenders. the research can't be generalised, but it found that while violence is still used, it's rarer than you might think. we consider ourselves businessmen now, and we try to act in a businesslike fashion. this is a different loan

shark to earlier, m, who says he rarely, if ever, uses violence. once you punch someone, or bully them, the threat�*s no good. it's better to have that fear, that intimidation, all that coercion, pictures outside your house, that type of thing. that is terrifying. erm... ..then, pay. as inflation remains high, business for illegal money lenders isn't likely to slow, but industry figures are keen to highlight there are other options for borrowers, like community lenders and credit unions. if you are in debt, speak to your creditors. have conversations there rather than borrowing more money to get out of it. i see what it does to lives. and itjust isn't worth it. laura jones, bbc news. time for a couple of other stories. the company behind boots the chemist is to close 300 branches throughout the uk over the next year. the us owners said they would shut down stores that were close to each other

as part of plans to consolidate the business. there will be no redundancies and staff will be offered work at nearby stores. if you want to reach me or any of the team, i am on twitter. much more on the website. goodbye for now.

recent figures from the department for transport show one petition was killed and a further 62 were seriously injured in collisions with a scooter is britons during the 12 months to the end ofjune. nothing that fast has ever been on the pavement with us before. we are left with— the pavement with us before. we are left with no— the pavement with us before. we are left with no sense of what happens. scientists _ left with no sense of what happens. scientists are working to work out a range of e scooter signs using partially blind participants. we will provide all the evidence and science — will provide all the evidence and science and _ will provide all the evidence and science and that _ will provide all the evidence and science and that will _ will provide all the evidence and science and that will be - will provide all the evidence and science and that will be fully- science and that will be fully available _ science and that will be fully available for _ science and that will be fully available for all _ science and that will be fully available for all industries. i science and that will be fully available for all industries. more stories from _ available for all industries. more stories from across _ available for all industries. more stories from across the - available for all industries. more stories from across the uk - available for all industries. more stories from across the uk on i available for all industries. more | stories from across the uk on the bbc website.

behind every headline, there is a human story. this is our world. hello from this bbc sports centre. the second ashes test has begun under cloudy skies at lord's. when england won the toss they asked australia to bat and the cloudy skies have become rain showers. they have gone off at 20 without loss after nine or —— over's. australian

openers unbeaten so far. one change to the australian side. that is mitchell starc who has come into the team for scott brown. so off because of rain at lord's. tojust stop oil protesters ran onto the ground this morning and scattered orange powder on the outfield. one of them was picked up by england wicketkeeper jonny bairstow who carried the protester off the field. the second was wrestled to the ground by security officials. it included time for bairstow to rush to the training room and change hisjersey. just like protesters had disrupted other sporting events in england this year, including the world snooker championship and the premiership the final. there are three major transfer stories in the premiership. harry kane is expected to be the subject of another bid by bayern

munich. he only has a year left on his contract with tottenham. he has been linked with real madrid and manchester united but it is bayern munich who reportedly improved an original offer of £70 million. one german newspaper agreed —— claimed he had already agreed personal terms with bayern munich. it would appear james madison is heading into spires. he was relegated with leicester last season and is due to have a medical. he will cost £40 million. arsenal have better third time for declan rice, this time with £105 million. they have had to offer is rejected so far. manchester city had one offer a bit —— turned down. it is thought arsenal do not like the way to structured. city will not be managing it, they pulled out of the running for declan rice. canada were booed off by their own fans

after conceding a late equaliser to draw their opening match with guadalupe who do not even have fifa membership. the game in toronto finished 2—2. it was an own goal from jason russell role that gave them the draw. also in group d, guatemala beat cuba 1—0. brazil forward martin will play their sixth women's cup after being selected for the tournament in australia and new zealand. she will be tempted to extend her record of 17 goals at the tournament. spain will be considered contenders as well and will be visited by the queen at their training club. the final spots will be announced by the manager on friday and they will travel to the tournament which starts on the 17th ofjuly. the women's world cup has been deprived of a number of key players because of injury. us star

meghan rapinoe says she will not be one of them, she picked up any injury but says she will be fit in time. , , s, ., , time. the in'ury is going really well. it time. the in'ury is going really wen. awas— time. the injury is going really well. it was quite _ time. the injury is going really well. it was quite minor, - time. the injury is going really well. it was quite minor, not l well. it was quite minor, not amazing timing but such is life of an athlete. so it is nothing i am worried about for the start of the tournament. it feels like it is here right now because we are doing all this in coming to camp but we have a little bit of time down in new zealand before we get going so i am feeling good, training is going well and looking forward to getting back out there. ~ , s, and looking forward to getting back outthere. ~ , s, , ., , s, out there. wimbledon starts on monday and — out there. wimbledon starts on monday and seedings _ out there. wimbledon starts on monday and seedings have - out there. wimbledon starts on | monday and seedings have been announced. having won at queens... carlos alcaraz is the top seed in the men's draw. he will be kept away from novak djokovic until the final if they both go all the way. carlos alcaraz is the men's number one

seed. the top ranked women is also seeded number one in their draw. sabalenka is number two. the draw will be made for wimbledon on friday. former nfl quarterback ryan mallett has drowned in an apparent swimming incident. he went on to play for houston, texas and baltimore ravens, they called him a tremendous person and loyal team—mate. he became a high school coach after retirement. tom brady wrote on instagram, we lost a great man, thank you for everything. rain stopped play on the first morning of the second ashes test. the second stoppage of the day. we have more details on that stoppage for the protesters after one over. it was the mcc who own lords, their chief

executive said he condemns in the strongest possible terms the protesters who invaded the pitch. he said that actions not only endanger themselves and those who work at the ground, they have consistently shown disregard for people who pay for events notjust disregard for people who pay for events not just at disregard for people who pay for events notjust at lord's but around the country are other sporting venues. much more on that on our website. that is all the sport for now. goodbye. welcome back. some developing news this hour, of course we are expecting prime minister's questions shortly but this afternoon we expect to get a response to an urgent question in the house of commons. that relates to the ongoing situation with thames water. there have been concerns over the future of the country's largest water

supplier. thames water has about 14 billions worth of debt and it has been speculated it could soon be taken into government ownership under options that are being considered. we have had a statement from thames water. i will read it to you now. response to some speculation about the future of thames water. it says, thames water recent press speculation. thames water received the expected £500 million of new funding injune 2022, it is continuing to work constructively with its shareholders in relation to the further equity funding expected. the statement says of what is being kept fully informed of what is being kept fully informed of the progress of the company and its turnaround and its engagement with shearwater —— shareholders. it remains focused on its customers and

the environment and stakeholders. that comes in response to speculation over the water company's speculation over the water compa ny�*s future. speculation over the water company's future. the government said it was prepared for a range of scenarios following a report thames water could be on the brink of collapse. we have just shared that statement but the thing to watch today is that response to an urgent question, we expect a statement from the government sometime today in the house of commons on the situation about how —— thames water. the risk of pupils in england's chools suffering serious injury or dying because of a collapsing building is both �*critical and highly likely�*, according to a new report. the national audit office also found that around 700,000 children are attending schools that need major rebuilding work and it's taking a toll on their education. hazel shearing reports. that one is still on the list to do. every year at kingsley stjohn's primary school in cheshire, head teacher racheljones' to—do list gets longer. here you can see they are going

to need replacing because there is a significant amount of moisture loss and heating loss. this victorian building has an ageing heating system and thick stone walls, posing real challenges. in the autumn term what we had in here was condensation, because we were trying to delay putting the heating on, the condensation turned so bad we actually got mould growing on many of our books and the baskets, we had beautiful wicker baskets, they had to be all thrown away. rachel wants to spend cash on teaching resources rather than repairs, which means she is having to find creative solutions to wear and tear. one little boy took the gaffer tape all around school and found things that he could fix to have things to help things stay with us a little bit longer so we don't have to replace them. my budget is completely stretched. my priority will always be the outcomes for the children. so i have to prioritise based on that, really. do i buy a pot of paint, or do i lose a teaching assistant? the government said that ideally £7 billion a year is needed

for replacing and repairing school buildings, but only 2.3 billion a year has been spent since 2016. carla ashman, from sheffield, says she was hit by debris that fell from her children's school building. where it fell, and where it hit me, that's where all the children would have — well, were filing out ten minutes later. so, there are two classrooms that come out onto where i was standing. so if it had hit a child, it was obviously a really large board, but it had really large nails all the way along it as well, so the thought of what could have happened, that it was a real near miss for the children, that's really scary. a report published today says 1200 schools in england need major rebuilding or refurbishment. that isn'tjust necessarily updating the air conditioning or the ventilation, but that is really those major structural repairs that are needed, perhaps in some cases knocking down and rebuilding buildings.

it will differ case—by—case with every individual school, who will have its unique challenges and issues it needs to address. the department for education says it has been significantly investing in transforming schools, and it's up to those who run schools to manage their maintenance. as rachel prepares for another cold autumn term, she knows some things can only be put off for so long. hazel shearing, bbc news. plenty more on that story and the rest of the news on the bbc website, do stay with us here on bbc news. hello again, there was a little bit of brightness and eastern areas this morning but for most of us today the forecasters cloudy one with some rain. the rain coming in from the north and north and west and slipping southwards. not getting

into the north—east until later tonight. you can see where we have got a humid area but behind the cold front bearing rain sinking southwards, it will turn pressure. a lot of cloud around, some glimmers of sunshine but fairly limited. we will see heavy showers develop across northern england and into the midlands. here is the rain moving out of northern ireland and scotland and into northern england and wales. pressure continues —— my condition is behind it. so quite you ahead of it. tonight, the weatherfront is behind it. so quite you ahead of it. tonight, the weather front sync sites, rejuvenate across the midlands and we will see some heavy rain free time. clear skies with heavy showers behind. with the grain, indicates pressure conditions, still humid in the far south—east. tomorrow, the weather front is ensconced in the south—east producing heavy rain before it clears. a transient ridge of high pressure and another weather front coming our way into the north—west.

behind the strain through the afternoon well clear, heavy showers into east anglian kent but most of us will be dry with isolated showers. the cloud building across the west ahead of a weather front. a fresher day, temperatures 15—21 . enter friday, we still have this transient ridge of high pressure is on the east but we also have a pressure nearby with its attending france. look at the isobars tells you it will be a breezy day, gusty winds across the north west of scotland. after a sunny start in the central and eastern areas, the cloud will build from the west. heavy rain across scotland and northern ireland. market conditions across the hills. temperatures 15—22 . into the hills. temperatures 15—22 . into the weekend, on saturday the showers we have will tend to fade. they might linger in the north—west but it will be sunny, especially in the

afternoon. on sunday, still a few showers in the north but were cloud through the day. —— but more cloud through the day. —— but more cloud through the day. —— but more cloud through the day.

you're live with bbc news, i'm nancy kacungira. we take you to westminster now for prime minister's questions which will see rishi sunal go head to head with labour leader sir keir starmer on a range of issues. this is the first time that the pair have gone head—to—head since the bank of england raised interest rates to 5%, the highest level in 15 years. labour in recent times has been piling pressure on rishi sunak to take action to help struggling

mortgage holders so that is possibly something that will come up in the exchange today. these pmqs come at a time when there are reports of contingency plans being drawn up for the collapse of thames water by the government and the water watchdog. as amid fears that britain's biggest water company cannot survive because of its huge debt pile, another issue that may come up. we can see there the picture from the house of commons where we are expecting prime minister's questions to start very soon. of course, one of the other issues that will be top of the list issues that will be top of the list is the cost of living crisis. the chancellorjeremy hunt met the competition and utilities regulators to discuss cracking down on companies that are exploiting by

raising prices. also that possibility of increasing water bills by up to 40% to pay for the tackling of sewage on the climate crisis. another issue likely to be raised here by the labour leader, sir keir starmer. we can't now listen in. i hope the whole house will unite today to get this memorial bill and put those testimonies at the heart of our democracy generations to come. mr speaker, this morning i had meetings with managerial colleagues and others in addition to my duties in this house and i shall have further such meetings later today. for three years since i have been elected, i have been campaigning to improve health facilities in my community and i am pleased to see significant investment in leicestershire with £40 million for hinckley and £20 million for hospital improvements but i am

looking for a hat—trick of help in hinckley. what i am looking for is a day case unit. the money is already there, it is tied up in red tape. i have raised this with the health secretary. with the prime minister look and see what he can do and would like to come and open the cbc cbc in hinckley? mr would like to come and open the cbc cbc in hinckley?— cbc in hinckley? mr speaker, i am deliahted cbc in hinckley? mr speaker, i am delighted that _ cbc in hinckley? mr speaker, i am delighted that since _ cbc in hinckley? mr speaker, i am delighted that since its _ cbc in hinckley? mr speaker, i am delighted that since its opening . delighted that since its opening last month, that hinckley cdc has already delivered i believe over 300 additional tests to the local committee. my honourable friend will know that it is the local health authorities that determine how to allocate the nhs budget in the area but i have no doubt that he will continue to make the case for them in a day case unit in his committee. we now come to the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. canl we now come to the leader of the opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin our opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin yourtribute — opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin yourtribute to �* opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin your tribute to john i opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin your tribute to john and i opposition, keir starmer. can i 'oin your tribute to john and wish i opposition, keir starmer. can ijoin your tribute to john and wish him i your tribute tojohn and wish him all the best on behalf of the house and join the prime minister and his comments about the holocaust memorial. i would also like to wish

muslims across the country a happy edith. mr speaker, last week, the labour party lost margaret mcdonagh, our first female general secretary, and a trailblazer in every sense of the world. margaret provided guidance, leadership and loyal friendship to so many in the labour movement and it was not long after i started in thisjob movement and it was not long after i started in this job that margaret was at my door and i will be forever grateful for the advice and support that she gave me. we will all miss her terribly. mr speaker, this party spent thousands of pounds on adverts attacking plans to build 300,000 new homes a year. at the same time, his housing minister says it is tory party policy to build 300,000 new homes are year. so is he for building a 300,000 new homes a year or against it? mr building a 300,000 new homes a year or against it?— or against it? mr speaker, i can 'ust or against it? mr speaker, i can just remind _ or against it? mr speaker, i can just remind the _ or against it? mr speaker, i can just remind the honour - or against it? mr speaker, i can i just remind the honour gentlemen or against it? mr speaker, i can - just remind the honour gentlemen of our record. 2.2 million additional

homes, mr speaker, housing starts, double the number we inherited from the labour party, more homes and meeting the decent homes standards, housing supply up 10% in the last year that we have figures for and in the last year we have figures for we also saw a 20 year high in the number of first—time buyers, mr speaker. that is a conservative government delivering for this country. it government delivering for this count . . , �* government delivering for this count . �* s, government delivering for this count . ., p country. it wasn't a difficult question- _ country. it wasn't a difficult question. so _ country. it wasn't a difficult question. so can _ country. it wasn't a difficult question. so can he - country. it wasn't a difficult question. so can he point. country. it wasn't a difficult| question. so can he point to country. it wasn't a difficult i question. so can he point to a single person in housing, construction, anywhere, who things he will actually hit his target of 300,000 new homes a year? anyone? the record is that in the last three years, we have delivered almost record numbers of new home building and every one of those... are he

talks about targets, i promise to put local people in control of new housing. i do limit on that policy within weeks of becoming prime minister but i am confused by the gentlemen because first the shadow community and housing secretary said communities should have control but then he then said we should get the targets back and disempower local people. i do want to give him some advice. i don't think it is local people that are the problem, it is the labour party policy. mr speaker, resumabl the labour party policy. mr speaker, presumably if _ the labour party policy. mr speaker, presumably if he _ the labour party policy. mr speaker, presumably if he could _ the labour party policy. mr speaker, presumably if he could have - presumably if he could have identified a single person who thought he had hit his target, he would have told us. there you have the problem. one minute he says he is for building new houses, the next, he is campaigning against them. the truth is, forfrom delivering, since he crumbled to his backbenchers and scrapped mandatory targets, house building has collapsed. he knows it, they know it and every expert is telling us. why doesn't he just admit it? he and every expert is telling us. why doesn't hejust admit it? he is not to get anywhere near his target, is

he? ., ., ., , to get anywhere near his target, is he? s, s, ., , ., s, he? the honourable gentleman now claims that he _ he? the honourable gentleman now claims that he supports _ claims that he supports house—building, especially on the green belt but unfortunately, he agrees that he does believe that now, but unfortunately for him, the shadow deputy minister, the shadow ministerfor women, the shadow deputy minister, the shadow minister for women, the shadow health, justice, defence and northern ireland and scotland ministers are all united against morehouse buildings in their areas. i have to say to them, though, i would say to them, they don't have to worry too much because he has never actually kept a promise he has made. mr never actually kept a promise he has made. ~ ,,, ., ,, n never actually kept a promise he has made. ~ ,,, ., ~' i., ., made. mr speaker, you can tell from his answer. — made. mr speaker, you can tell from his answer, his _ made. mr speaker, you can tell from his answer, his body _ made. mr speaker, you can tell from his answer, his body language, - made. mr speaker, you can tell from his answer, his body language, he i made. mr speaker, you can tell from his answer, his body language, he is| his answer, his body language, he is ashley given up. he has given up. his failure is notjust shattering the dream of those who desperately want to only their own home, it is also hitting those who already have

also hitting those who already have a mortgage. because of their economic chaos, mortgage holders will be £2900 a year per. how come i ever look the british people in the eye again and claim to be the party of home ownership? mr eye again and claim to be the party of home ownership?— of home ownership? mr speaker, i don't think— of home ownership? mr speaker, i don't think he _ of home ownership? mr speaker, i don't think he has _ of home ownership? mr speaker, i don't think he has noticed - of home ownership? mr speaker, i don't think he has noticed that - of home ownership? mr speaker, i don't think he has noticed that his| don't think he has noticed that his shadow housing secretary does not actually agree with his new policy of competing over the green belt. she has been campaigning against development in her own constituency, she said she wanted to prevent urban sprawl and provide green space for local people. i think that is quite sensible but it is classic labour, mr speaker, saying one thing here, doing another thing elsewhere. you simple cannot trust a word they say. at least he isn't claiming they earned the party for home ownership more, because we are. he has given

up. mr speaker, the prime minister says he has 100% on it. but his definition of 100% on it is to gently ask the banks to do the right thing. his softly, softly approach, refusing to put monetary measures in place, risk leaving 100 million household without support. how many will have to lose their homes before he will stand up for the people his party have pushed into economic misery? mr party have pushed into economic mise ? ~ misery? mr speaker, the vast ma'ori misery? mr speaker, the vast majority of — misery? mr speaker, the vast majority of the _ misery? mr speaker, the vast majority of the mortgage - misery? mr speaker, the vast i majority of the mortgage market misery? mr speaker, the vast - majority of the mortgage market is now covered by the new mortgage charter that the chancellor has brought in. that is delivering practical help for mortgage holders, allowing them to extend their terms, switch to interest only mortgages and saving them hundreds of pounds a month so instead of scaring them actually, there is no practical support in place but it is right that he raised home ownership, that is why we on the side of the house introduced a 95% mortgage guarantee

scheme. it is why we are just the first homes and shared ownership schemes to get people onto the housing ladder and crucially, it is why we cut stamp duty so now what we have seen is the highest number of first—time buyers in 20 years, mr speaker. that is twice the number at the labour party ever managed. mr the labour party ever managed. iii speaker, the labour party ever managed. m speaker, it is housing crisis, what crisis? with this prime minister. he must be the only person in the country that thinks enough houses have been built in the last 13 years. whether it is those dreams of getting the first case of their first home or those already with mortgages, the ambitions of families across the country have been crushed by his failing tory government. house—building at its lowest rate since the war because he cannot stand up to his own party. a tory mortgage bombshell because they crashed the economy. millions left without support because he won't

make lenders put families first. rather than lecturing the rest of the country on holding their nerve, why doesn't he try and locate his? well, mr speaker, he hasn't actually taken the time to understand the detail of what we are doing. so, again, iam happy to detail of what we are doing. so, again, i am happy to expend it again, iam happy to expend it again, iam happy to expend it again, mr again, i am happy to expend it again, mr speaker, because it is right that we provide support for mortgage owners, which is why we improved the generosity of the support for the mortgage interest scheme, is why we have a mortgage charter, which by the way goes much more for the mortgage interest scheme, is why we have interviewed a new mortgage charter, which by the way goes much more further than the labour party policy on protecting mortgage holders of dollars, and house—building, we are proud to protect the green belt and invest millions more in developing ground filled sites. the simple truth is, thatis filled sites. the simple truth is, that is what i said i would do and that is what i said i would do and thatis that is what i said i would do and that is what i said i would do and that is what we have delivered and that is what we have delivered and thatis that is what we have delivered and that is the difference between us. i deliver what i promise, hejust breaks his.

deliver what i promise, he 'ust breaks his.�* deliver what i promise, he 'ust breaks his. labour run kirklees council local— breaks his. labour run kirklees council local plan _ breaks his. labour run kirklees council local plan is _ breaks his. labour run kirklees council local plan is seeing - council local plan is seeing hundreds of homes are built on greenfield sites but the agreed developer levies, the section 106 agreement, which are supposedly for local infrastructure spending, seem to be disappearing into a black hole. so does the prime minister agree with me that agreed infrastructure levies from the developers should not be going into a generalfund, they should be spent on local roads, local schools and local health services for the communities impacted by those development? mr; communities impacted by those development?— communities impacted by those develoment? g s, s, development? my honourable friend raises an excellent _ development? my honourable friend raises an excellent point _ development? my honourable friend raises an excellent point and - development? my honourable friend raises an excellent point and that - raises an excellent point and that is why the government is reforming the section 106 payment system to ensure that you development is matched by new infrastructure because the current system sees a far too little of the developer's profits going to build new schools, hospitals or transport infrastructure. it is also too slow

and played by uncertainties that put italy hampers smaller developers so it will be replaced by a new non—negotiable local determined infrastructure levy which will deliver exact what the honourable gentleman and others want to see, investment in the committee. i gentleman and others want to see, investment in the committee. i wish to start by paying _ investment in the committee. i wish to start by paying tribute _ investment in the committee. i wish to start by paying tribute to - investment in the committee. i wish to start by paying tribute to snp - to start by paying tribute to snp legend winnie ewing and scotland men's national team former manager who sadly passed in recent days and to all muslims who are celebrating each mubarak. mr speaker, on sunday, the prime minister patronised the public when he told them that in the face of ever increasing mortgage bills, that they simply need to hold their nerve. what a nerve! so may i ask him, the near billionaire, when was the last time that he struggled to pay a bill? mr

was the last time that he struggled to pay a bill?— to pay a bill? mr speaker, the reason that — to pay a bill? mr speaker, the reason that mortgage - to pay a bill? mr speaker, the reason that mortgage rates i to pay a bill? mr speaker, the l reason that mortgage rates are rising is because of inflation. that is the root cause, which is why it is the root cause, which is why it is absolutely the right policy to tackle inflation and reduce it back to target. that does mean that we do have to make difficult decisions, it does mean that we have to be patient while the impact of those decisions actually has an impact but in the meantime, as i was explaining previously, we are taking practical steps to support mortgage holders across the united kingdom particularly through the sm! scheme in the new mortgage charter. that answer confirms _ in the new mortgage charter. trust answer confirms what we in the new mortgage charter. tryst answer confirms what we already know, that this prime minister is out of touch and the tory party is soon to be out of time and with the public really want is change. in a week where the conservative party and do the labour party both refused to accept proposals for public sector pay rises, whilst at the same time, accepting the economic damage

of brexit, is it not the case that westminster does not offer the people real change, nor real hope for the future? the people real change, nor real hope for the future?— people real change, nor real hope for the future? the owner gentleman 'ust for the future? the owner gentleman just exposes — for the future? the owner gentleman just exposes the _ for the future? the owner gentleman just exposes the complete _ for the future? the owner gentleman just exposes the complete economic| just exposes the complete economic illiteracy of the snp position. his first question talks about the challenges posed on ordinary families about higher interest rates, because by higher inflation. what is his next question do, support a policy that would increase government borrowing and make the situation worse. mr speaker, itjust demonstrates completely, candidly why the snp's approach to economic management is simply not fit for anyone in the attic kingdom. local! anyone in the attic kingdom. local olice anyone in the attic kingdom. local police stations _ anyone in the attic kingdom. local police stations are _ anyone in the attic kingdom. local police stations are a _ anyone in the attic kingdom. local police stations are a key _ anyone in the attic kingdom. local police stations are a key part - anyone in the attic kingdom. toast police stations are a key part of communities like my constituency and thatis communities like my constituency and that is why i continue to make the case to labour's police and crime commissioner to save the strength of the playstation, not force it to close, so does the prime minister

agree with me that any such closure would be reckless and police and crime commissioners should be working with local communities and local police teams to provide greater certainty, particular given the extra 1376 extra police officers this government has put into the west midlands's i am pleased to hear about the extra place officers of the government has funded in my right honourable friend's community. i am concerned to hear about the planned closure of aldridge police station. i would like to thank my honourable friend for raising such an important issue, i know it is one on which she is championing her constituents as she will know, unfortunately this is a decision of the locally elected labour police and crime commissioner and i would join her in urging them to think again. join her in urging them to think aaain. , , , join her in urging them to think aaain. , , s, s, again. the primers to's solution to inflation is — again. the primers to's solution to inflation is to _ again. the primers to's solution to inflation is to push _ again. the primers to's solution to inflation is to push families - again. the primers to's solution to inflation is to push families into i inflation is to push families into poverty while letting corporate profits pile up. economic illiteracy, the imf said this week that the way to cut inflation is for

companies to cut their profit margins. its corporate greed fuelling inflation, not workers needs for fair pay. can he explain to the one in five people in wales facing hunger because they cannot afford to buy decent food why they must pay his price for lowering inflation? �* . . , must pay his price for lowering inflation? a s, , s, . s, inflation? actually, the chancellor met with already _ inflation? actually, the chancellor met with already letters _ inflation? actually, the chancellor met with already letters this i met with already letters this morning and they will be making an announcement later about their plans to ensure fairness of pricing and supply chains to ease the burden on consumers but i am glad she brought up consumers but i am glad she brought up the imf when it comes to tackling inflation because actually, the imf inflation because actually, the imf in their words, strongly endorse our plan to have inflation and they called our report decisive and responsible. sis called our report decisive and responsible.— called our report decisive and resonsible. a , s, s, responsible. as my right honourable ffiend responsible. as my right honourable friend knows. _ responsible. as my right honourable friend knows, i _ responsible. as my right honourable friend knows, i have _ responsible. as my right honourable friend knows, i have been _ responsible. as my right honourable friend knows, i have been liaising i friend knows, i have been liaising closely with the department for levelling, housing and communities, and with the treasury in regard to the terrible news of working

councils recent section 114 notice. would my right honourable friend agree with me that in this scenario, the vulnerable must be protected and that the local councillors of all parties need to work together to try to put the council's finances back on the right track. i to put the council's finances back on the right track.— on the right track. i know my honourable _ on the right track. i know my honourable friend _ on the right track. i know my honourable friend is - on the right track. i know my honourable friend is a i on the right track. i know my honourable friend is a great| honourable friend is a great champion for his residence and as he knows, the secretary of state for levelling up has intervened in this authority and appointed commissioners to ensure that decisions are taken that provide the best outcomes for residents, including the most vulnerable and indeed the public purse. i agree with him that local councillors should be working together with the commissioners to put the council's finances in order. the commission shall submit theirfirst finances in order. the commission shall submit their first report of the secretary of state, setting out progress on the councils after improvement in look forward with him to seeing further progress. the prime minister _ to seeing further progress. tys prime minister has had responsibility for the uk economy

now for 1323 days and he has delivered. he has delivered the largest national peacetime debt ever, the largest tax burden since the second world war, the highest core inflation since 1991, the fastest interest rate rises since 1989 and the biggest full in living standards in our history. so, will he stop lecturing my constituents about holding their nerve, ditch the lame excuses, and admit that he is literally the worst person to be leading this country to a cost of living crisis's? mr leading this country to a cost of living crisis's?_ leading this country to a cost of living crisis's? mr speaker, again, what to be — living crisis's? mr speaker, again, what to be here _ living crisis's? mr speaker, again, what to be here from _ living crisis's? mr speaker, again, what to be here from the - living crisis's? mr speaker, again, what to be here from the party i what to be here from the party opposite? only ideas that would make the salute situation for. the honourable gentleman is that there has supported plans to borrow tens

of billions of pounds more. that would make inflation worse. the honourable gentleman has sat there and said we should not stand up to unaffordable union the pay demands, that would make the solution worse. the orrell gentleman has sat there and supported plans to not exploit our domestic sources of energy, imperilling our energy security for because all things that would make much of the situation worse for british families today, but four years into the future and that is why this conservative government will keep during the right thing to support them. mr; will keep during the right thing to support them-— will keep during the right thing to support them. my constituents rely on many nearby — support them. my constituents rely on many nearby hospitals, - support them. my constituents rely on many nearby hospitals, milton l on many nearby hospitals, milton keynes, where this government has committed to a new women and children's hospital. commendable who have just computed the build of a new children's ind, but also wycombe where infrastructure and issues are preventing 2000 operations a year from going ahead. my local trust has a plan for a £200 million new clinical centre at wycombe hospital,

will he work with myself and bucks colleagues to make that a reality? i colleagues to make that a reality? i find my honourable friend for his question. whilst he knows that we are no longer inviting further schemes tojoin the are no longer inviting further schemes to join the new hospital programme, i can tell him that in the future, new schemes will be considered through the rolling programme of capital investment in hospital infrastructure. that will secure the building of new hospitals beyond 2030 and make future investment to upgrade the nhs across the country. the future plans for that will obviously piece set out in spending reviews but in the meantime, i know he will continue to make the passions case for wycombe hospital and ijoin him make the passions case for wycombe hospitaland ijoin him in make the passions case for wycombe hospital and ijoin him in that. hundreds of steelworkers or outside parliament today and some are in the gallery, calling on the prime minister to act now to back our vital steel industry before it is too late. so, will he confirm today that he will match the ambition of the labour party and our

international competitors to deliver competitive energy prices, invest in green steel production, use uk steel in our procurement systems, and protect us from dirty steel imports by introducing climate measures and when will he get on with protecting and supporting the industry? mr speaker, we are proud to support the steel industry and value the contribution it makes to this country. that is why we have put in place the energy intensive industry screen that provides hundreds of millions of pounds of support to steel companies for their energy bills, we have also reduced industrial energy transformation fund so that companies can apply for capital grants to help them with the transition. we are taking forward plans from the treasury for carbon adjustment mechanisms to ensure a level playing field and it is why during the pandemic, i stepped into support financially a steel in wales. , , ,

support financially a steel in wales. , ,, , ., , support financially a steel in wales. , ,, , ., wales. despite five years of lobbying. — wales. despite five years of lobbying, sadly _ wales. despite five years of lobbying, sadly the - wales. despite five years of - lobbying, sadly the commonwealth parliamentary association international branch will leave the united kingdom. mr speaker, you know this is a great concern to the house, although perhaps something a little niche for our constituents. it is important and it needs special status, the government have not granted that by way of a short bill or amendment to the existing bill. could the prime minister at the slowest stage, this month, to supping about this because otherwise they will be gone, never to come back? ., ., , back? the united kingdom values the work of the commonwealth _ work of the commonwealth parliamentary association. my writable friend, the foreign secretary, has meant clear he does not want the cpa international to relocate. he has written to them in march to confirm that officials from their woodwork with the cpo to find a mutually acceptable solution to this issue and i look forward to seeing progress.— this issue and i look forward to seeing progress. your constituents and mine, seeing progress. your constituents and mine. i— seeing progress. your constituents and mine, i think, _ seeing progress. your constituents and mine, i think, have _ seeing progress. your constituents and mine, i think, have been i seeing progress. your constituents| and mine, i think, have been made seeing progress. your constituents l and mine, i think, have been made a promise by the prime minister.

inflation at or below 5% by the end of this year. so i want to ask the prime minister, what will happen if he fails to meet that promise? will it be yet more ranting on about the labour party, or will it be the general election my constituents private? tote general election my constituents rivate? ~ ., , s, private? we are sticking to the course of _ private? we are sticking to the course of bringing _ private? we are sticking to the course of bringing inflation i private? we are sticking to the i course of bringing inflation down, this speaker. i think with the labour party need to understand is that that requires making difficult and tough decisions. it requires prioritising, it requires being able to say no when people come looking to say no when people come looking to ask to borrow more money. those are the responsible decisions that i will make in the conservative government will make because they are the right ones for the country. for over 160 years, southport p has been at the centre of our visitor economy, welcoming visitors from far and wide, including chorley. it has to the test of time, except for the

mismanagement of labour—controlled sefton council who have closed our peen sefton council who have closed our peer. businesses are concerned it will have a huge impact on tourism. when the prime minister condemned his actions and support my campaign to work with this conservative government to get our opened again? i welcome his commitment to the important aspects in his constituency such as the historic grade two listed southport p. but i am pleased to say that he is working and succeeding in getting the government to provide £2 million as part of the coastal communities fund undertaking improvements and that is alongside the landmark £35.5 million town dealfor southport alongside the landmark £35.5 million town deal for southport which is the second—largest town deal anywhere in the country. this second-largest town deal anywhere in the count . , , , the country. this is the first opportunity _ the country. this is the first opportunity that _ the country. this is the first opportunity that i _ the country. this is the first opportunity that i have i the country. this is the first opportunity that i have had | the country. this is the first l opportunity that i have had to the country. this is the first i opportunity that i have had to put the country. this is the first - opportunity that i have had to put a question to the prime minister for the residents of my constituency, so why does the prime minister think is acceptable for sewage to be pumped

into the beautiful river dee that flows chester for the next 27 years? mr speaker, of course it is not acceptable and that is why this government has gone further than any other government in tackling this issue, committing to monitor 100% of storm overflows in an investment programme of £56 to operate infrastructure and enshrining in law strict targets, as well as introducing unlimited fines for water companies, but when it came to talking about those policies in this house, the party opposite could not even be bothered to turn up and put for them. ., s, ., ., ., for them. later today, a parliament will welcome _ for them. later today, a parliament will welcome apprentices _ for them. later today, a parliament will welcome apprentices from i for them. later today, a parliament i will welcome apprentices from around the uk who were working in the aerospace industry and i am very much looking forward to meeting two apprentices from my constituency.

would hejoin me in celebrating partnerships in the aerospace industry and encourage colleagues to attend to meet their apprentices because mac can ijoin with my honourable friend in both celibate and everyone doing an apprentice and encourage everyone to go and meet theirs later on today and pay tribute to callum and brittany in particular. tribute to callum and brittany in articular. ,, , ., particular. she is right to highlight _ particular. she is right to highlight the _ particular. she is right to highlight the importance | particular. she is right to i highlight the importance of the aerospace industry, particular because of our new defence cooperation agreement with italy and japan doubled new generation of fighter crafts. thousands of new jobs will be crated across the country, many of those will be for apprentices and as an example of this government providing opportunities for the next generation.— opportunities for the next reneration. , , opportunities for the next reneration. ~ , ., , generation. prime minister, last ear, 1.7 generation. prime minister, last year, 1.7 million _ generation. prime minister, last year, 1.7 million children - generation. prime minister, lastj year, 1.7 million children missed more than 10% of their schooling. 125,000 children were absent more than they were in school and a further 140,000 children were

missing from formal schooling completely. this is both a safeguarding and an educational catastrophe and it is happening on the prime minister's watch. yesterday at a schools minister said that primary school legislation was required to initiate the register for children missing from education so we can find out where they are. when the prime minister commit to bringing forward necessary legislation to combat this crisis for our children as a matter of urgency? i for our children as a matter of uraen ? . for our children as a matter of urgency?— for our children as a matter of urren ? s, s, urgency? i agree with the other gentlemen _ urgency? i agree with the other gentlemen that _ urgency? i agree with the other gentlemen that children - urgency? i agree with the other| gentlemen that children missing school is a tragedy and it is incredible damaging for educational outcomes, which is why, during the pandemic and afterwards, we invested £5 billion to help children catch up with lost learning. it is important that we continue to deliver on those plans and we will of course mixture we work with the sector to have more children attending school more often. ., . , children attending school more often. s, . often. economic recovery and reconstruction _ often. economic recovery and reconstruction will _ often. economic recovery and reconstruction will be - often. economic recovery and reconstruction will be vitally i reconstruction will be vitally important to ukraine when it comes

to rebuilding a free and sovereign nation. will my right honourable friend helped galvanise the expertise of our uk's private sector to help strengthen ukraine's recovery and their economic prospects after this devastating war? ., ., ., ,, ., war? time and time again, ukraine has shown its _ war? time and time again, ukraine has shown its ability _ war? time and time again, ukraine has shown its ability to _ war? time and time again, ukraine has shown its ability to rapidly i has shown its ability to rapidly harness innovation and creativity and i know it's harness innovation and creativity and i know its economic recovery will be no different. my honourable friend is absolute right to highlight the private sector expertise and investment will be critical to that recovery and i was pleased that over 400 rotating companies pledged to back ukraine's reconstruction the very successful recovery conference of the uk hosted the other week. we are doing part as well with a $3 billion loan guarantee on top of all the other investment you put in place and i think what the conference showed is that there is enormous momentum across the world to support ukraine's recovery and that recovery and ambition is being led by the uk.

mr speaker, university student in lewisham east has sent her rent rise by £200 a month due to the mortgage rate increases. she is now at risk of homelessness and she cannot return to the family home. she has no choice but to use food banks even though she has two part—time jobs. but only she pulling behind in her studies, she is falling further into debt and she has fallen into depression. what does the prime minister said constituents like mine who are paying the jewel price of this government's cost of living crisis and mortgage rents rates crisis and mortgage rents rates crisis cosmic? we have taken significant action to help countries across the country, tackling the windfall profits of energy companies and using that to pay vulnerable family's energy bills. that support is worth £1500 and i am pleased that energy bills

are forecast for 1400 p. there is considerable support for the most vulnerable in our society including £900 of cost of living present payment for those on universal credit. and additional support for pensioners and disabled people and thatis pensioners and disabled people and that is what we will continue to do. we are heading into the fifth week of the _ we are heading into the fifth week of the ralph use strike. we have reports — of the ralph use strike. we have reports of— of the ralph use strike. we have reports of the gmp ambulance workers out of— reports of the gmp ambulance workers out of their— reports of the gmp ambulance workers out of their debut —— depots. we have~ — out of their debut —— depots. we have~ and _ out of their debut —— depots. we have~ and i_ out of their debut —— depots. we have... and i asked my honourable friend _ have... and i asked my honourable friend to _ have... and i asked my honourable friend to ensure that these experiences... put people before your paymasters. do not spoil it now. my honourable

friend ut do not spoil it now. my honourable friend put it _ do not spoil it now. my honourable friend put it very _ do not spoil it now. my honourable friend put it very well, _ do not spoil it now. my honourable friend put it very well, mr - do not spoil it now. my honourable | friend put it very well, mr speaker, the labour party is unable to stand up the labour party is unable to stand up to its union paymasters and back are plans to introduce minimum service and safety levels and critical industries. that type of practical action that supports working families is one that the labour party is not strong enough to actually support. shatter labour party is not strong enough to actually support-— actually support. after events in russia at the _ actually support. after events in russia at the weekend, - actually support. after events in russia at the weekend, it i actually support. after events in russia at the weekend, it is i actually support. after events in i russia at the weekend, it is unclear what the future holds for the waggoner group. what can never be washed away as a catalogue of crimes they have committed across africa, they have committed across africa, the middle east and of course you can. —— wagner group. despite that, the government does not have a permanent cabinet office official to coordinate all government to pursue the cover —— the criminals in the wagner group. will he appoint them and crucially will he collect evidence of wagner group war crimes

that have been committed across the world so that these criminals, no matter what happens, can be brought to justice? matter what happens, can be brought tojustice? mr matter what happens, can be brought to 'ustice? ~ ,,, ., ,, ., tojustice? mr speaker, we have consistently _ tojustice? mr speaker, we have consistently condemned - tojustice? mr speaker, we have consistently condemned the i to justice? mr speaker, we have i consistently condemned the wagner group and we carefully monitor their actions in ukraine and the wider world. we have designated both the wagner group and its leader under sanction regime already and we support international mechanisms which hold individual mercenaries in the wagner group to account for violations of international law. we are working closely with our partners to counter the malign use of such proxies by russia and more generally across the continent. {lily generally across the continent. on monday night, an illegal traveller encampment was established in my constituency. on saturday, a festival is due to take place on this park. this house passed legislation that gives more powers

to police to tackle these illegal encampments. will the prime minister make it clear today from the dispatch box that he expects police to use those powers on these encampments that blight public spaces and public parks in places like peterborough? tote spaces and public parks in places like peterborough? we absolutely recornise like peterborough? we absolutely recognise the _ like peterborough? we absolutely recognise the misery _ like peterborough? we absolutely recognise the misery that - recognise the misery that unauthorised encampments can cause the local communities. that is why we delivered on our manifesto commitment to give police the powers they need to tackle those people on an authorised encampments who are causing harm. of course, how the police use these powers is an operational matter for chief con fiddles —— chief constables but we would not have legislated for if we did not expect them to use it. i am told home as officials are regularly liaising with chief constables on that matter. liaising with chief constables on that matter-— liaising with chief constables on that matter. ., , s, that matter. final question. in the ast that matter. final question. in the past couple _ that matter. final question. in the past couple of _ that matter. final question. in the past couple of days _ that matter. final question. in the past couple of days we _ that matter. final question. in the past couple of days we have i that matter. final question. in the past couple of days we have been | past couple of days we have been reminded yet again that a member of

the other house was appointed contrary to the recommendation of mi5. a contrary to the recommendation of m15. a channel forfilm contrary to the recommendation of m15. a channel for film that even the monarch was actually the monarch was asked to be involved because whitehall officials were so opposed given that they were deemed a security risk to the united kingdom, great britain and northern ireland so can i ask the prime minister does he agree with m15 or with his predecessor that appears to still be on the other house? for predecessor that appears to still be on the other house?— on the other house? for obvious reasons, on the other house? for obvious reasons. i _ on the other house? for obvious reasons, iwill— on the other house? for obvious reasons, i will talk— on the other house? for obvious reasons, i will talk in _ on the other house? for obvious reasons, i will talk in more i on the other house? for obvious i reasons, i will talk in more general terms with their house of lords appointments commission and... where appropriate seeks advice from government departments and agencies and where the prime minister to recommend a peerage against the commission's formal advice, the house of lords appointments commission has previously undertaken it would ripely —— publicly to the

relevant parliamentary select committee. relevant parliamentary select committee-— relevant parliamentary select committee. ., , committee. that complete prime minister's questions. _ that was prime minister's question time. the weekly session with rishi sunak facing kier starmer and questions from other members of parliament. the big issue that labour raised was how kier starmer asked whether the government is in favour of building 300,000 homes a year or not? the labour leader said house—building is at its lowest level since the war because rishi sunak will not stand up because rishi sunak will not stand up to his party. rishi sunak said —— responded by saying 2.2 million homes have been built under the conservatives, more than under labour. he also said he promised to put local people in charge of local housing and he has. that was the main debate between labour leader

said kier starmer and prime minister rishi sunak at prime minister's questions today. there were also questions about inflation, the cost of living and a few other questions from mps. we're now expecting an urgent question in the commons. mpjim mcmahon is asking therese coffey, the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, to make a statement on the financial resilience of the water industry. water is what makes life possible on our planet and it is essential for our planet and it is essential for our health and well—being as well as our health and well—being as well as our economy, including the production of food and clean energy. the government is taking significant steps to ensure the water industry is delivering the outcomes of bill payers expect and deserve. water companies have invested hundred £90 billion since privatisation in 1989. in april the government plan for water brought together more

investment, stronger regulation and tougher enforcement capacity for regulators and on those who pollute. fort and the government take the financial resilience of the water sector very seriously. 40 are the independent regulator for the water sector, including responsibility for the financial resilience of the sector. the sector is financially resilient, ofwat continues to monitor the financial position of all the waste water companies. ofwat�*s latest annual monitoring financial resilience report shows the water sector is financially resilient. market confidence in the sector is also demonstrated by new acquisitions such as parts of bristol water and by shareholders being willing to inject new capital. ofwat has taken being willing to inject new capital. ofwat has ta ken steps being willing to inject new capital. ofwat has taken steps in recent

years to strengthen the sector's position, this includes action to update the ring fencing position in water company's licences in the interests of customers and biding water companies to making payouts to shareholders and removing money or assets from the business if they lose their investment credit grade rating. ofwat has outlined what accomplice must be transparent about executive pay and delivering services to customers, including environmental performance. since privatisation total capital investment has outstripped business by 250%. on the 20th of march 2023, ofwat announced new powers that will enable it to take enforcement action against water companies that do not link dividend payments to performers for both customers and the environment. in december 2022, for both customers and the environment. in december2022, ofwat strengthened its power on the

executive pay award by setting out shareholders not customers will fund per wards where companies do not demonstrate their decisions or pay awards reflect overall performance. we support ofwat�*s work and we urge all water companies to take this opportunity to review their policies. the scale of government commitment to the water industry is highlighted by the integrated plan for water and our commitment to the financial resilience of the sector in delivering to customers and the environment. in delivering to customers and the environment-— environment. first of all can i thank you _ environment. first of all can i thank you for _ environment. first of all can i thank you for granting - environment. first of all can i thank you for granting this i environment. first of all can i i thank you for granting this urgent question but i have to say, again it is a concern that the secretary of state did not proactively make a statement to the house on an issue of such importance. where is the secretary of state? literally, one of the largest water companies in britain potentially will go to the

wall and the secretary of state is missing in action. it was clear to anyone watching that a culture that allowed vital investment in ending the sewage scandal and tackling water leaks sacrificed in favour of rewards for shareholders was never sustainable. just last year, raw human sewage was being pumped out across the country, £1.4 billion was paid out to shareholders. now all that was warned is coming to pass, leaks are leading to water shortages, sewage dumping pollutes our rivers, lakes and seas. the only thing on the app is the debt of £60 million. the conservative party cycle of privatising profits usually for a multi—billion pounds funds and then nationalising riskjust is not sustainable nor is it a fair deal for working people. the news we are seeing is a result of the

conservative party field public above public interest experiment, handing over the water industry at a knockdown price together with the infrastructure serving a nation over to private enterprise. when rail was privatised, the tracks were not sold off but with water the lot was sold over with little interest in our national interest, security or bill payers. when mr department first made aware of the financial situation of thames water? has hugged department had any reason to believe that those responsible at thames water would be able to meet their legal obligations? —— has her department. if it is a taxpayer bailout, how much will this cost and how will it be paid for? which assessment has shimmied on the liability to uk pension funds who are invested into thames water and other companies considered at risk

and given where are, she expressed her confidence at a financial regulator and does she have any concerns about other water companies or does she consider this to be an isolated case?— isolated case? thank you. first of all, inner defra _ isolated case? thank you. first of all, inner defra department i isolated case? thank you. first of all, inner defra department we i isolated case? thank you. first of- all, inner defra department we have our individual portfolios. i the water minister and the secretary of state has full confidence in her ministry and sending her to the dispatch box. i also want to make the point in terms of the debt issue raised by the shadow minister, for information, debt fell last year by 4% in the water industry, making it more resilient. and to put it on the record, since privatisation, capital investment in the water industry has been 84% higher than it was pre—privatisation so i think we need

to get that out there on the table. in terms of the water company mentioning today, thames water, it is not for me to comment on the individualfinancial is not for me to comment on the individual financial position of a water company. we have an independent regulator who is doing that. that is what the regulator is indeed fourth. water companies are commercial entities and it is for the company and its investors to resolve any possible issues. government of course is confident that ofwat as the economic regulator of the industry is working closely with any company that would be facing financial distress. so with any company that would be facing financial distress.- facing financial distress. so as well as installing _ facing financial distress. so as well as installing water - facing financial distress. so as well as installing water tanks l facing financial distress. so as i well as installing water tanks like the new 4 million tank in

scarborough, does the minister agree we should do more to encourage homeowners to harness rainwater and also use that water for things like flushing their toilets? i also use that water for things like flushing their toilets?— also use that water for things like flushing their toilets? i thank him for broadening _ flushing their toilets? i thank him for broadening the _ flushing their toilets? i thank him for broadening the scope - flushing their toilets? i thank him for broadening the scope of i flushing their toilets? i thank him for broadening the scope of this l for broadening the scope of this debate. indeed we are in discussions with the departments because a lot of these issues do not come under just defra but other departments. we are investing getting this issue grey water harvesting. i spoke to farmer in devon who is collecting all water from the rainwater which supplies all the animals on his farm with water. mr supplies all the animals on his farm with water. ~ ,, , ., ,, with water. mr speaker, in assessing as she explained _ with water. mr speaker, in assessing as she explained the _ with water. mr speaker, in assessing as she explained the resilience i with water. mr speaker, in assessing as she explained the resilience of. as she explained the resilience of the water industry, what assessment is she making of the impact on uk pension funds if a major company like thames water does as it's been widely suggested in the press, the

company fails? i widely suggested in the press, the company fails?— widely suggested in the press, the company fails? i thank him for that. there is a structure, _ company fails? i thank him for that. there is a structure, there - company fails? i thank him for that. there is a structure, there is - company fails? i thank him for that. there is a structure, there is a - there is a structure, there is a process, it is up to the individual water companies and the regulator to work with them to ensure they are resilient, that is why ofwat reports annually on how resilient each water company is. any —— if it finds any issues at all, ofwat works closely with that industry because we need water companies to be fully functioning, we need to attract investment as we have done since privatisation, that huge sum of money invested since privatisation i mentioned, we needed to be there to invest in the infrastructure to give our customers the confidence they deserve and also to be mindful it is not all piled onto customers, we have to share the load. i not all piled onto customers, we have to share the load.— have to share the load. i think it is worth making _ have to share the load. i think it is worth making has _ have to share the load. i think it is worth making has realised - have to share the load. i think it is worth making has realised it | have to share the load. i think it i is worth making has realised it was the opposition party they voted against the environment act which

gave ofwat more powers. can my right honourable friend assured me that the water regulator will be able to clamp down on excessive cash payouts and ensure water companies put their companies —— their customers first? he is absolutely right. it does not matter what the opposition say, they did not vote for all the motions and the environment act, one motion was that ofwat will be able to hold water companies to account where they do not demonstrate a link between dividends and performance. they have to have a standard performance and the performance of their customers otherwise it cannot be at the dividends. i am their customers otherwise it cannot be at the dividends.— be at the dividends. i am afraid we are hearing — be at the dividends. i am afraid we are hearing staggering _ be at the dividends. i am afraid wej are hearing staggering complaints. it is no comfort to my constituents who are flooded out three years ago in the west london floods which were the second hundred year event in

less than a decade. if ofwat had been doing such a good job as she is now telling us, and holding the government to account, why are we in this situation? what has ofwat exactly been doing? it this situation? what has ofwat exactly been doing?— this situation? what has ofwat exactly been doing? it has to be remembered — exactly been doing? it has to be remembered that _ exactly been doing? it has to be remembered that privatisation l exactly been doing? it has to be - remembered that privatisation since 1989 so we have had a succession of different governments during that time. it has been this government that has accelerated clamping down on water companies and opening up transparency so she asks what ofwat has done. i will name a few things. since 2020, ofwat updated the licences so if a water company loses its credit investment rating its bargaining payments to shareholders are lost. injanuary bargaining payments to shareholders are lost. in january 22 bargaining payments to shareholders are lost. injanuary 22 is cetera additional proposals to increase financial resilience, including a

stronger credit rating. in march it announced it would take enforcement action against companies that do not link dividend payments to performance so i would say this government has done more than any ever before to make sure we have a fully functioning, very strong regulator. i fully functioning, very strong regulator-— fully functioning, very strong reaulator. ., ~ , regulator. i wonder if the minister on the subject _ regulator. i wonder if the minister on the subject of— regulator. i wonder if the minister on the subject of financial - on the subject of financial resilience has taken the opportunity to consider the hodgepodge of policies coming from the front bench opposite on this. under their prescription, they would seek to take all of the prophet of the water companies to invest in capital expenditure, that would undermine the financial resilience of those companies that rely on private capital to invest in order to achieve this problem. the one part of the company —— country where they have responsibility, wales, the sewage overflow in wales are almost double the over flow rate than they are in england. n

double the overflow rate than they are in england-— are in england. i thank him for -aointin are in england. i thank him for pointing that _ are in england. i thank him for pointing that out. _ are in england. i thank him for pointing that out. i _ are in england. i thank him for pointing that out. i could - are in england. i thank him for pointing that out. i could not l pointing that out. i could not support more strongly than what he said. this is a private system. we have ofwat saying it is financially resilient. we do actually need investment in these companies to make them function properly. we need to hold those companies to account but we need to see that enormous investment that we have a fully costed plan for water, for sewage overflow reduction plan, and we are not pulling the wool over the eyes of people, we are saying clearly what this will mean and how it will deliver the water services we need. thames water, which is on the verge of going under, provides a quarter of going under, provides a quarter of the entire population with its water supply. when she told about the financial plight of the company and what is the point of the worst comes to the worse and it does go under? ., ., ., , .,

under? you are right, thames water does appply — under? you are right, thames water does appply an _ under? you are right, thames water does supply an enormous _ under? you are right, thames water does supply an enormous amount i under? you are right, thames water does supply an enormous amount of population. obviously ofwat has been working closely with thames water as it does with all water companies. government then works with ofwat. we gave ofwat our strategic policy statement. overall the water companies are considered resilient but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with thames water to ensure that customers will not be impacted and there is a process in place if necessary to move up to the next stage. place if necessary to move up to the next stage-— next stage. swindon residents will be very concerned _ next stage. swindon residents will be very concerned about _ next stage. swindon residents will be very concerned about the - next stage. swindon residents will| be very concerned about the future of thames water. i would as my honourable friend to keep me and colleagues updated with regard to any issues. underlying this, labour's model is clearly never going to work. we have to understand that only the private sector will be able to invest in the party opposite might bleat now but they did nothing

whether in government. the point is where you have an effect our private monopoly, the regulator has to be as effective as possible. will she do everything she can to ensure ofwat is actually working in a way that is in the full interest of customers because there are aspects of its operation that do not seem to me to pass that test? i operation that do not seem to me to pass that test?— pass that test? i would like to give assurances — pass that test? i would like to give assurances for _ pass that test? i would like to give assurances for his _ pass that test? i would like to give assurances for his constituents - pass that test? i would like to give assurances for his constituents in i assurances for his constituents in swindon. he is right teresa. the company does deliver on a wide scale. —— right to raise that. ofwat is working closely with thames water on their plan. the plans will be looked over, submitted an account submitted in due course. ofwat will work with the company so we have a resilient pathway and customers should rest assured that their supplies will be protected both water and waste water. this

situation — water and waste water. this situation is _ water and waste water. this situation is that _ water and waste water. this situation is that this - water and waste water. this situation is that this privatised industry knows that at the end of the day, the banker of last resort is the british taxpayer. that is exactly where we are now with thames water. they have been taking profits for the last 35 years and not investing for the future, regardless of what went on before. it is about investing for the needs coming forwards in front of the industry. they have failed to plan ahead and have taken money whilst not doing thejob they were have taken money whilst not doing the job they were expected to do in charge of such an essential public service. so what is the government going to do to protect consumers and make sure we plan ahead for this industry? make sure we plan ahead for this indust ? ., ., _, , , industry? ofwat of course is the independent — industry? ofwat of course is the independent regulator - industry? ofwat of course is the independent regulator and - industry? ofwat of course is the - independent regulator and government has directed them to a strategic policy statement is the honourable member will know. it is the job of

ofwat to ensuring the prices review when the water companies submit their plans and are going over the draft plans right now, they can demonstrate in the plans they will deliver what government is stating in the targets for storm overflow, leakage and demand reduction. ofwat has to ensure the company will be resilient in delivering that infrastructure. there is a structure infrastructure. there is a structure in place and ofwat is constantly monitoring companies, equity levels and debt levels and we are confident that ofwat is taking reasonable measures to challenge companies to reduce those levels where appropriate. reduce those levels where appropriate-— reduce those levels where appropriate. reduce those levels where auroriate. �* . . ., appropriate. about a quarter of the economic output _ appropriate. about a quarter of the economic output of _ appropriate. about a quarter of the economic output of this _ appropriate. about a quarter of the economic output of this country - appropriate. about a quarter of the economic output of this country is l economic output of this country is in sectors that are under regulators, including the water industry. we have seen with ofwat and with off gem, financial conduct authority where regulators are not performing to the standards that the

public would expect or the industry would expect. if we are honest, in this house and in parliament, we do not have the toolkit to assess the performance of regulators on a systemic basis year—on—year out. so will my honourable friend work with other ministerial colleagues to see if we can improve the regular oversight of regulators like ofwat so we can take a more rounded view of issues such as today rather than haveit of issues such as today rather than have it come to an urgent question brought by the opposition? {iii have it come to an urgent question brought by the opposition? of course it is absolutely _ brought by the opposition? of course it is absolutely essential... _ brought by the opposition? of course it is absolutely essential... we - it is absolutely essential... we have been _ it is absolutely essential... we have been listening to rebecca powell, environment minister fielding questions about the water sector. she says it is financially resilient as a whole and there is lots of work going on behind the scenes to make sure that the tabs will not run dry. this is coming up on the back of reports that the

government is preparing for a range of scenarios following reports that thames water could be on the brink of collapse. that is rebecca powell we heard from, environment minister, saying debt has fallen for the companies, there has been more investment and the government has done more than any other to make a strong and effective regulator. we have had many questions from mps pushing back, saying that there are still a lot of questions to be answered there. live now to our business correspondent peter ruddick who's in salford. talk about what we just heard from the environment minister. this of course is a matter of huge concern because as we heard there from parliament, thames water supplies a huge segment of the population. that's right, it is the uk largest

water company, around 15 million customers in the south—east. there are a couple of big questions people wore one answered. first, i ran the water supply, what this company does. really important to say even in the worst—case scenario of financial performance, supplies would continue, there is no question about that here. the government will take over if necessary. in the second question is around what is going on with thames water. the minister saying that essentially the sector as a whole is financially resilient and that individual companies's situations are up to that company and the regulator. we got a bit of information to a question, the minister saying there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes with thames water and there is a process in place if things get to the next stage. we know today thames water have come out with a statement to say they received £500

million revenue funding from the shareholders in march. there is a process under way in relation to further funding. process under way in relation to furtherfunding. the reports, we have not been able to confront them, are that the company is looking for another billion pounds from its shareholders to service its debt. the minister was talking about debt as a whole for the industry. we know thames water in particular has a large debt pile which needs to service. last night in a shock move, the chief executive decided to depart with immediate effect. two years into an eight—year turnaround plan and that raises questions with financialjournalist plan and that raises questions with financial journalist like plan and that raises questions with financialjournalist like myself and financial journalist like myself and others financialjournalist like myself and others about what's going on behind the scenes. so a lot we do not know but what we do know is there is a process undergoing with thames water to try and raise that extra funding. we know ofwat is regulating —— are being taught in unsafe or ageing buildings, says a new report —— monitoring this after failing from we know ofwat is regulating —— monitoring this after failing from the government there is a lot of the government there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes. —— work going

after hearing from the government there is a lot of work going on to get in the next stage.— get in the next stage. thank you very much- _ get in the next stage. thank you very much- the _ get in the next stage. thank you very much. the reason - get in the next stage. thank you very much. the reason why - get in the next stage. thank you very much. the reason why this | get in the next stage. thank you | very much. the reason why this is get in the next stage. thank you - very much. the reason why this is so important, of course thames water is a uk's biggest water provider, for 15 million people in london on the south—east. we have been told that water supplies will continue uninterrupted but of many questions remain about the resilience of this particular company. stay with us here on bbc news.

today at one. fears that the country's biggest water supplier could be on the brink of collapse — the government says it's prepared for a range of scenarios. thames water has repored debts of £14 billion — its chief executive stood down yesterday with no reason given. the state of england's schools — hundreds of thousands of pupils are being taught in unsafe or ageing buildings, says a new report.