sin ad o'connor has died at the aged of 56. president biden son hunter biden has pleaded not guilty to two tax offence charges. welcome back to the programme. we're going deal with the recent news of the passing of sinead o'connor. but first tonight. the irish singer sinead o'connor — who was best know for her number one single, nothing compares to you — has died. she was 56. in a statement, her family said they were "devastated" by the loss of their "beloved sinead". our arts correspondent, david sillito, has been looking back at her life: # since you been gone i can do whatever i want # i can see whomever

i choose... sinead o'connor, nothing compares 2 u. # i can eat my dinner in a fancy restaurant... quite why a song becomes such a huge global hit is often a bit of a mystery. but one thing is for certain. the emotion, the heartbreak. # nothing compares 2 u... there was nothing fake here. herfirst hit, mandinka marked her out as a performer with an edge. when a record executive had started talking about her hair, she shaved it off. she was wary, angry. she had a troubled upbringing and spent part of it in care. butjoining a band revealed her gift. # chiquitita, tell me what's wrong... she had the voice and charisma to be a chart friendly pop star.

used to worship god as a mother. now look at what we're doing each other. but saw herself as a protest singer. in an era before the truth about the abuse of children within the catholic church had been widely accepted, her views marked her out as a troublemaker. # i have sinned a lot... but she had a global platform to speak her mind and she was always going to go too far. that moment came when she ripped up a photograph of the pope on american tv. a few years later she declared that she was mother bernadette, ordained by a breakaway catholic sect. after that she announced she had converted to islam. her life was turbulent but she was more than open about her struggles, her mental health. it's been an eventful life for you, sinead. well, as my friend said

to me the other day, "you're not boring"! i sometimes get upset because you get a lot of, you're a terrible person this and that. my mates would say, "you're just not boring". # i thought that living with you was sometimes hard... she continued to perform but losing custody of her son, shane, left her bereft and then, aged 17, he was found dead. # nothing compares... sinead o'connor. those were real tears. # nothing compares... live now to the bbc�*s music correspondent mark savage.

we spoke in the first hour of this programme to a woman in ireland who said she didn't think anyone had such an impact on women in ireland as sinead o'connor. she had the platform and she was fearless in discussing her experience growing up as a woman in ireland, and particularly growing up in the catholic church.— particularly growing up in the catholic church. yes, i think it would take — catholic church. yes, i think it would take it _ catholic church. yes, i think it would take it for _ catholic church. yes, i think it would take it for granted - catholic church. yes, i think it| would take it for granted know catholic church. yes, i think it - would take it for granted know that p0p would take it for granted know that pop stars are outspoken, and that they talk about issues like sexual abuse, about mental health, sinead o'connor who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, spoke about all those things in their songs but at the time in the 80s she was an outlier. nobody support like that on a record was a nobody would go onto saturday night live in america and tear of a picture of the pope in protest at child abuse in the catholic church. she was pilloried for it. they drove a steam roller over thousands of in times square is, she was booed when she took the

stage in madison square garden. she rose above it all and it made political protest songs that defined not just political protest songs that defined notjust her but a whole generation of women. she inspired acts like alanis morissette, who did a similar thing in the 90s. her legacy is much more than nothing compares to do. it is in her music but also her actions. i is in her music but also her action— is in her music but also her actions. , ., ., actions. i remember that moment in medicine square _ actions. i remember that moment in medicine square garden, _ actions. i remember that moment in medicine square garden, that's - medicine square garden, that's bringing nick riley, the ruling zone editor. do you think, nick, because she had that shock factor her music was all the better for it or more appreciated because of that? i think that shock factor _ appreciated because of that? i think that shock factor did _ appreciated because of that? i think that shock factor did did _ appreciated because of that? i think that shock factor did did to - appreciated because of that? i think that shock factor did did to it - appreciated because of that? i think that shock factor did did to it as - that shock factor did did to it as people — that shock factor did did to it as mph in— that shock factor did did to it as people in the sense that she left it all on _ people in the sense that she left it all on the — people in the sense that she left it all on the stage. we were left under no illusions as to what kind of person— no illusions as to what kind of person she was, her views, and the fact that _ person she was, her views, and the fact that she — person she was, her views, and the fact that she was so forthright and outspoken, i think a lot of people

are appreciated and found her honesty— are appreciated and found her honesty quite endearing, and that was more — honesty quite endearing, and that was more impact for the as well as her music — was more impact for the as well as her music. we was more impact for the as well as her music— was more impact for the as well as her music. ~ , ., ., ,, ., her music. we should talk about her music. her music. we should talk about her music ten — her music. we should talk about her music. ten albums, _ her music. we should talk about her music. ten albums, a _ her music. we should talk about her music. ten albums, a number- her music. we should talk about her music. ten albums, a number one l her music. we should talk about her i music. ten albums, a number one that we all remember which we've been playing, which stated number one for several weeks, playing, which stated number one for severalweeks, how playing, which stated number one for several weeks, how would europe characterise her music? what kind of singer was she? i characterise her music? what kind of singer was she?— singer was she? i think she was a chameleon. _ singer was she? i think she was a chameleon, you _ singer was she? i think she was a chameleon, you kind _ singer was she? i think she was a chameleon, you kind of— singer was she? i think she was a chameleon, you kind of touched i singer was she? i think she was a i chameleon, you kind of touched on singer was she? i think she was a - chameleon, you kind of touched on it in your— chameleon, you kind of touched on it in your earlier reports, she had a rock_ in your earlier reports, she had a rock hit— in your earlier reports, she had a rock hit in— in your earlier reports, she had a rock hit in the 80s with mandink and the ballot _ rock hit in the 80s with mandink and the ballot in nothing compares to you and _ the ballot in nothing compares to you and then later in a career there was forays — you and then later in a career there was forays into reggae and parts in her career— was forays into reggae and parts in her career were was forays into reggae and parts in her careerwere her was forays into reggae and parts in her career were her music session onto— her career were her music session onto borderline christie and moments, so it's hard to pin hold her music— moments, so it's hard to pin hold her music when it was —— christie

and moments,. christianne. her music when it was -- christie and moments,. christianne. marco saint it's not _ and moments,. christianne. marco saint it's not often _ and moments,. christianne. marco saint it's not often when _ and moments,. christianne. marco saint it's not often when you - and moments,. christianne. marco saint it's not often when you get i and moments,. christianne. marco saint it's not often when you get a| saint it's not often when you get a world leader talking to the loss of the country to an artist but the overnight occurred talking tonight about her impact on average life. can you talk about the influence she had an artist like alanis morissette, what else did she do? did she work with other artists? was she a solo person? what sort of career did she have and who did she work with? for career did she have and who did she work with? ., , ., , work with? for her first album she was paired — work with? for her first album she was paired op _ work with? for her first album she was paired up with _ work with? for her first album she was paired up with a _ work with? for her first album she was paired up with a producer - work with? for her first album she was paired up with a producer and | was paired up with a producer and felt they were doing such a disservice to the music that she sacked them and did the music herself, but later on nothing compares to you was produced by connecticut berg who was a successful reducer and works with

bjork, she worked with peter gabriel and dated him for a while and collaborated quite often with bono and the edge from you too, and recorded in a beautiful song of theirs, for that in the name of the father subject. so she collaborated with other people and found sustenance in doing that but i think what we all we need to remember about her music is how deeply personal it was. the pain that goes into her lyrics and performances is written from her soul. she had an awful childhood as to be heard in the obituary earlier was up divorced when she was young, her mother died in a car accident when she was 18, she said she was abused notjust by members of the church but by her own mother, and all of that fed into the kind of elemental howl that she could produce in her music. she had

a bad start to life and he didn't get better after that. on her debut album, she had a song called three babies about three children she lost in miscarriage and she sung in mandinka about female genital mutilation, and she was always conscious in the world about female being put down and she voiced that in the way that was deeply unusual at the time. in the way that was deeply unusual at the time-— in the way that was deeply unusual at the time. mark thank you indeed for that and — at the time. mark thank you indeed for that and thank _ at the time. mark thank you indeed for that and thank you _ at the time. mark thank you indeed for that and thank you nick - for that and thank you nick riley from a ruling stone you can. i would bring in all our pain out now. our pain l. i am conscious that there are three men talking about sinead o'connor and as we have discussed i think she was someone who's out people see the world differently at the cost and particularly so for women. �* , ,

the cost and particularly so for women. ~ , , , ., ., . women. agnes is question for me. we all crew u- women. agnes is question for me. we all grew up to — women. agnes is question for me. we all grew up to listen _ women. agnes is question for me. we all grew up to listen into _ women. agnes is question for me. we all grew up to listen into that - all grew up to listen into that version of that song, that cover a bite sinead o'connor is more famous, people know it even better than the original but when i was growing up more in the 90s or northeast, i inherited her and she was a bit before my teenage years but i think that you always knew that as a woman growing up she was someone who challenged things. you are speaking earlier about her here in shaving her hair, this is a woman who not only sang beautifully but challenged the politics and i think was able to be and outspoken political critic, which is not always easy for a woman to do. sometimes people that men be more political and i think is

trickier and difficult for women to do that, particularly back then, particularly for a society that is much more closed, a more close religious society back then. where ou find religious society back then. where you find miles _ religious society back then. where you find miles taylor? _ religious society back then. where you find miles taylor? we - religious society back then. where you find miles taylor? we talked l you find miles taylor? we talked about that. back in madison square garden, but lots of funds of sinead o'connor music, but the visceral reaction to the way she took on that catholic church in the united states was something to watch. you catholic church in the united states was something to watch.— catholic church in the united states was something to watch. you said it lucidl , was something to watch. you said it lucidly. you — was something to watch. you said it lucidly. you both — was something to watch. you said it lucidly, you both have. _ was something to watch. you said it lucidly, you both have. her- was something to watch. you said it lucidly, you both have. her impact. lucidly, you both have. her impact on the _ lucidly, you both have. her impact on the soundscape that we live in is undeniable, but were so were her politics _ undeniable, but were so were her politics. you don't have to agree with her— politics. you don't have to agree with her politics to see the extraordinary impact that she had. you point — extraordinary impact that she had. you point to the catholic church and ithink— you point to the catholic church and i think it _ you point to the catholic church and i think it goes beyond that, you're talking _ i think it goes beyond that, you're talking about as ubt q i think it goes beyond that, you're talking about as ubt 0 rights, anti-war— talking about as ubt 0 rights, anti—war activism to her focus on

mentai— anti—war activism to her focus on mental health and also women's rights, _ mental health and also women's rights, and what i find interesting about— rights, and what i find interesting about that — rights, and what i find interesting about that is that at the time she was making a list of these statements, she was breaking taboos. lots statements, she was breaking taboos. lots of— statements, she was breaking taboos. lots of the _ statements, she was breaking taboos. lots of the conversations she were starting _ lots of the conversations she were starting politically were taboo, led to animosity, and i think over the decades— to animosity, and i think over the decades since then, especially since the 90s— decades since then, especially since the 90s when she was doing a lot of that in_ the 90s when she was doing a lot of that in the _ the 90s when she was doing a lot of that in the late 80s, we have seen to come _ that in the late 80s, we have seen to come to — that in the late 80s, we have seen to come to the conclusion that those issues _ to come to the conclusion that those issues are _ to come to the conclusion that those issues are no longer contested in the public— issues are no longer contested in the public sphere but recent six year— the public sphere but recent six year show— the public sphere but recent six year show that to not to be the case _ year show that to not to be the case we — year show that to not to be the case. we have seen as ubt q year show that to not to be the case. we have seen as ubt 0 rights and women's rights under that even in western— and women's rights under that even in western countries, including issues — in western countries, including issues around mental health and i think— issues around mental health and i think the — issues around mental health and i think the impact on our policies is not insignificant but in her death, it still— not insignificant but in her death, it still unfortunately, remains incomplete. it still unfortunately, remains incomplete-— it still unfortunately, remains incomlete. ., ,, ., incomplete. indeed so, at sinead o'connor who _ incomplete. indeed so, at sinead o'connor who was _ incomplete. indeed so, at sinead o'connor who was died _ incomplete. indeed so, at sinead o'connor who was died at - incomplete. indeed so, at sinead o'connor who was died at the - incomplete. indeed so, at sinead| o'connor who was died at the age incomplete. indeed so, at sinead i o'connor who was died at the age of

56. if there was anything at all surprising about house speaker kevin mccarthy's recent announcement that his party might soon initiate an impeachment inquiry against president biden, it was only that it took so long. the republicans bear the scars of the last two impeachment trials featuring the much maligned donald trump and now it is pay back. ever sincejoe biden announced he was running for president in 2019, republicans have scrutinised his son hunter biden's problems with drug addiction and his business dealings in ukraine and china, with an eye toward weakening his dad politically. fast forward to a court case today in delaware, where hunter biden pleaded guilty to two tax crimes and the possession of a gun while a drug user. these charges relate to his falure to pay more than $100,000 in taxes from over $1.5 million in income prior to 2019. but hunter biden will not spend any time in prison. a plea deal — which at one point looked in danger of unravelling — will instead mean two years of probation.

these charges relate to his failure to make that plea deal. live now to bryan lanza, in washington dc, where thanks for your patience brian. i was looking at some of the reaction today and the feeling that what he has been offered here two years of probation, was a sweetheart deal. your reaction to that? it probation, was a sweetheart deal. your reaction to that?— your reaction to that? it was a su er your reaction to that? it was a super sweetheart _ your reaction to that? it was a super sweetheart deal, - your reaction to that? it was a | super sweetheart deal, nobody your reaction to that? it was a i super sweetheart deal, nobody in america _ super sweetheart deal, nobody in america would _ super sweetheart deal, nobody in america would receive _ super sweetheart deal, nobody in america would receive a - super sweetheart deal, nobody in america would receive a deal- super sweetheart deal, nobody in america would receive a deal likej america would receive a deal like this, _ america would receive a deal like this, much— america would receive a deal like this, much less _ america would receive a deal like this, much less somebody- america would receive a deal like this, much less somebody who i america would receive a deal like i this, much less somebody who had america would receive a deal like - this, much less somebody who had a cocaine _ this, much less somebody who had a cocaine addiction. _ this, much less somebody who had a cocaine addiction. it— this, much less somebody who had a cocaine addiction. it wouldn't - cocaine addiction. it wouldn't happen— cocaine addiction. it wouldn't happen to _ cocaine addiction. it wouldn't happen to any— cocaine addiction. it wouldn't happen to any country, - cocaine addiction. it wouldn't happen to any country, and l cocaine addiction. it wouldn't happen to any country, and a geography, _ happen to any country, and a geography, and _ happen to any country, and a geography, and judicious- geography, and judicious jurisdiction— geography, and judicious jurisdiction unless - geography, and judicious jurisdiction unless you i geography, and judiciousl jurisdiction unless you are president _ jurisdiction unless you are president biden— jurisdiction unless you are president biden son. - jurisdiction unless you are president biden son. youi jurisdiction unless you are . president biden son. you had jurisdiction unless you are - president biden son. you had the sweetheart — president biden son. you had the sweetheart deal— president biden son. you had the sweetheart deal which _ president biden son. you had the sweetheart deal which unraveled | president biden son. you had the . sweetheart deal which unraveled as people _ sweetheart deal which unraveled as people learn — sweetheart deal which unraveled as people learn more _ sweetheart deal which unraveled as people learn more about _ sweetheart deal which unraveled as people learn more about it, - people learn more about it, apparently— people learn more about it, apparently hunter- people learn more about it, apparently hunter biden - people learn more about it, - apparently hunter biden fancies deal absorb _ apparently hunter biden fancies deal absorb them — apparently hunter biden fancies deal absorb them and _ apparently hunter biden fancies deal absorb them and pardon _ apparently hunter biden fancies deal absorb them and pardon him - apparently hunter biden fancies deal absorb them and pardon him of- apparently hunter biden fancies deal absorb them and pardon him of any. absorb them and pardon him of any other— absorb them and pardon him of any other illicit —

absorb them and pardon him of any other illicit activity, _ absorb them and pardon him of any other illicit activity, so _ absorb them and pardon him of any other illicit activity, so it's - other illicit activity, so it's amazing _ other illicit activity, so it's amazing it's _ other illicit activity, so it's amazing it's unsurprising i other illicit activity, so it'si amazing it's unsurprising it collapsed _ amazing it's unsurprising it collapsed and _ amazing it's unsurprising it collapsed and the - amazing it's unsurprising it collapsed and the biting i amazing it's unsurprising it| collapsed and the biting can amazing it's unsurprising it- collapsed and the biting can be and has a _ collapsed and the biting can be and has a problem _ collapsed and the biting can be and has a problem. joe _ collapsed and the biting can be and has a problem. joe biden _ collapsed and the biting can be and has a problem. joe biden has - collapsed and the biting can be and has a problem. joe biden has a - collapsed and the biting can be and has a problem. joe biden has a son who was— has a problem. joe biden has a son who was a — has a problem. joe biden has a son who was a major— has a problem. joe biden has a son who was a major drug _ has a problem. joe biden has a son who was a major drug problem, - who was a major drug problem, people refer to _ who was a major drug problem, people refer to him _ who was a major drug problem, people referto him as— who was a major drug problem, people referto him as a— who was a major drug problem, people refer to him as a political— refer to him as a political liability, _ refer to him as a political liability, as _ refer to him as a political liability, as inculcated, . refer to him as a political. liability, as inculcated, and refer to him as a political- liability, as inculcated, and that would _ liability, as inculcated, and that would be — liability, as inculcated, and that would be a _ liability, as inculcated, and that would be a problem, _ liability, as inculcated, and that would be a problem, and - liability, as inculcated, and that. would be a problem, and general election — would be a problem, and general election we _ would be a problem, and general election. we spoke _ would be a problem, and general election. we spoke about- would be a problem, and general election. we spoke about in- would be a problem, and general election. we spoke about in the i election. we spoke about in the trump _ election. we spoke about in the trump era — election. we spoke about in the trump era how— election. we spoke about in the trump era how donald - election. we spoke about in the trump era how donald trump i election. we spoke about in the - trump era how donald trumpjunior was the _ trump era how donald trumpjunior was the political— trump era how donald trumpjunior was the political liability— trump era how donald trumpjunior was the political liability for- was the political liability for president _ was the political liability for president trump, _ was the political liability for president trump, hunter. was the political liability for- president trump, hunter biden far exceeds— president trump, hunter biden far exceeds anything _ president trump, hunter biden far exceeds anything that _ president trump, hunter biden far exceeds anything that donald - president trump, hunter biden far. exceeds anything that donald trump junior— exceeds anything that donald trump junior came — exceeds anything that donald trump junior came close _ exceeds anything that donald trump junior came close to— exceeds anything that donald trump junior came close to touching - exceeds anything that donald trump junior came close to touching and i junior came close to touching and you will— junior came close to touching and you will see — junior came close to touching and you will see you _ junior came close to touching and you will see you more _ junior came close to touching and you will see you more sunlight. junior came close to touching and| you will see you more sunlight and it was— you will see you more sunlight and it was smelled _ you will see you more sunlight and it was smelled from _ you will see you more sunlight and it was smelled from the _ you will see you more sunlight and it was smelled from the very - it was smelled from the very beginning _ it was smelled from the very beginning it's_ it was smelled from the very beginning. it's a _ it was smelled from the very beginning. it's a rotten- it was smelled from the very beginning. it's a rotten deall it was smelled from the very . beginning. it's a rotten deal for americans. _ beginning. it's a rotten deal for americans, for— beginning. it's a rotten deal for americans, for the _ beginning. it's a rotten deal for americans, for the voters, - beginning. it's a rotten deal for americans, for the voters, for. beginning. it's a rotten deal for. americans, for the voters, for the taxpayers — americans, for the voters, for the taxpayers and _ americans, for the voters, for the taxpayers and for— americans, for the voters, for the taxpayers and for our— americans, for the voters, for the taxpayers and for ourjudiciary. i taxpayers and for ourjudiciary. well— taxpayers and for ourjudiciary. we'll speak— taxpayers and for ourjudiciary. we'll speak about— taxpayers and for ourjudiciary. we'll speak about the - taxpayers and for ourjudiciary. we'll speak about the politics i taxpayers and for ourjudiciary.| we'll speak about the politics a taxpayers and for ourjudiciary. - we'll speak about the politics a bit more in a second but there is so much confusion even now about whether he did plead guilty or pleaded not guilty and also confusion about the plea bargain which seemed to blow up as they presented their case before the

judge, have you ever seen something like this? the two sides have been speaking for months. thea;r like this? the two sides have been speaking for months.— like this? the two sides have been speaking for months. they were at the one your _ speaking for months. they were at the one your diet _ speaking for months. they were at the one your diet and _ speaking for months. they were at the one your diet and that - speaking for months. they were at the one your diet and that one - speaking for months. they were at the one your diet and that one had j the one your diet and that one had to move the — the one your diet and that one had to move the fall— the one your diet and that one had to move the fall ball _ the one your diet and that one had to move the fall ball up _ the one your diet and that one had to move the fall ball up to - the one your diet and that one had to move the fall ball up to few - the one your diet and that one had| to move the fall ball up to few feet and the judge _ to move the fall ball up to few feet and the judge asked _ to move the fall ball up to few feet and the judge asked the _ to move the fall ball up to few feet and the judge asked the right- and the judge asked the right questions _ and the judge asked the right questions if_ and the judge asked the right questions. if you _ and the judge asked the right questions. if you are - and the judge asked the rightl questions. if you are someone and the judge asked the right- questions. if you are someone who thinks _ questions. if you are someone who thinks more — questions. if you are someone who thinks more scrutiny— questions. if you are someone who thinks more scrutiny to _ questions. if you are someone who thinks more scrutiny to happen- questions. if you are someone who thinks more scrutiny to happen onl thinks more scrutiny to happen on the biden— thinks more scrutiny to happen on the biden family _ thinks more scrutiny to happen on the biden family and _ thinks more scrutiny to happen on the biden family and upon - thinks more scrutiny to happen on the biden family and upon those i the biden family and upon those i’ilht the biden family and upon those right questions _ the biden family and upon those right questions it _ the biden family and upon those right questions it appeared - the biden family and upon those right questions it appeared thatl the biden family and upon those i right questions it appeared that the biden— right questions it appeared that the biden campaign— right questions it appeared that the biden campaign or— right questions it appeared that the biden campaign or biden— right questions it appeared that the biden campaign or biden team - right questions it appeared that the biden campaign or biden team had | right questions it appeared that the i biden campaign or biden team had a much _ biden campaign or biden team had a much different— biden campaign or biden team had a much different view— biden campaign or biden team had a much different view of— biden campaign or biden team had a much different view of what - biden campaign or biden team had a much different view of what the - biden campaign or biden team had a much different view of what the plea j much different view of what the plea agreement— much different view of what the plea agreement meant, _ much different view of what the plea agreement meant, it _ much different view of what the plea agreement meant, it meant - much different view of what the plea agreement meant, it meant a - much different view of what the plea agreement meant, it meant a slap l much different view of what the plea i agreement meant, it meant a slap on the wrist— agreement meant, it meant a slap on the wrist for— agreement meant, it meant a slap on the wrist for his — agreement meant, it meant a slap on the wrist for his felony— agreement meant, it meant a slap on the wrist for his felony behaviour, - the wrist for his felony behaviour, whether— the wrist for his felony behaviour, whether it's — the wrist for his felony behaviour, whether it's influence _ the wrist for his felony behaviour, whether it's influence peddling, . whether it's influence peddling, where _ whether it's influence peddling, where there's— whether it's influence peddling, where there's drugs _ whether it's influence peddling, where there's drugs or- whether it's influence peddling, where there's drugs or guns, i whether it's influence peddling, | where there's drugs or guns, he whether it's influence peddling, - where there's drugs or guns, he felt the misdemeanor— where there's drugs or guns, he felt the misdemeanor would _ where there's drugs or guns, he felt the misdemeanor would resolve - where there's drugs or guns, he felt. the misdemeanor would resolve absorb them and _ the misdemeanor would resolve absorb them and the _ the misdemeanor would resolve absorb them and the prosecution _ the misdemeanor would resolve absorb them and the prosecution felt - them and the prosecution felt differently _ them and the prosecution felt differently. so, _ them and the prosecution felt differently. so, naturally, - them and the prosecution felt differently. so, naturally, hel differently. so, naturally, he stepped _ differently. so, naturally, he stepped back— differently. so, naturally, he stepped back and _ differently. so, naturally, he stepped back and considered differently. so, naturally, he - stepped back and considered the deal as something — stepped back and considered the deal as something he _ stepped back and considered the deal as something he wasn't _ stepped back and considered the deal as something he wasn't getting - stepped back and considered the deal as something he wasn't getting and l as something he wasn't getting and direct— as something he wasn't getting and direct there's — as something he wasn't getting and direct there's been _ as something he wasn't getting and direct there's been reviewing - as something he wasn't getting and direct there's been reviewing to - as something he wasn't getting and direct there's been reviewing to the backgrounds — direct there's been reviewing to the backgrounds of— direct there's been reviewing to the backgrounds of this _ direct there's been reviewing to the backgrounds of this case _ direct there's been reviewing to the backgrounds of this case and - direct there's been reviewing to the backgrounds of this case and the i backgrounds of this case and the money— backgrounds of this case and the money he — backgrounds of this case and the money he took _ backgrounds of this case and the money he took from _ backgrounds of this case and the money he took from the - backgrounds of this case and the money he took from the energyl money he took from the energy company, — money he took from the energy

company, but— money he took from the energy company, but they— money he took from the energy company, but they have - money he took from the energy company, but they have never, | money he took from the energy- company, but they have never, not yet anyway— company, but they have never, not yet anyway been _ company, but they have never, not yet anyway been able _ company, but they have never, not yet anyway been able to _ company, but they have never, not yet anyway been able to prove - company, but they have never, not yet anyway been able to prove thel yet anyway been able to prove the connection— yet anyway been able to prove the connection between— yet anyway been able to prove the connection between the _ yet anyway been able to prove the connection between the money. yet anyway been able to prove the connection between the money he yet anyway been able to prove the - connection between the money he took and whether— connection between the money he took and whether any— connection between the money he took and whether any of— connection between the money he took and whether any of that _ connection between the money he took and whether any of that filter— and whether any of that filter through— and whether any of that filter through to _ and whether any of that filter through to joe _ and whether any of that filter through tojoe biden, - and whether any of that filter through tojoe biden, who i and whether any of that filter. through tojoe biden, who was and whether any of that filter- through to joe biden, who was at the time vice _ through to joe biden, who was at the time vice president. _ through to joe biden, who was at the time vice president. i— through to joe biden, who was at the time vice president. i would - through to joe biden, who was at the time vice president. i would say- through to joe biden, who was at the time vice president. i would say you i time vice president. i would say you had not _ time vice president. i would say you had not had — time vice president. i would say you had not had clear— time vice president. i would say you had not had clear investigations - had not had clear investigations take place — had not had clear investigations take place during _ had not had clear investigations take place during the _ had not had clear investigations take place during the few- had not had clear investigations take place during the few years| had not had clear investigations . take place during the few years of the biting — take place during the few years of the biting admission _ take place during the few years of the biting admission so _ take place during the few years of the biting admission so they- take place during the few years of the biting admission so they were j the biting admission so they were able to— the biting admission so they were able to get— the biting admission so they were able to get media _ the biting admission so they were able to get media statements- the biting admission so they were able to get media statements in. able to get media statements in respect — able to get media statements in respect to— able to get media statements in respect to what _ able to get media statements in respect to what was _ able to get media statements in respect to what was going - able to get media statements in respect to what was going on i able to get media statements in. respect to what was going on and nothing _ respect to what was going on and nothing was — respect to what was going on and nothing was happening. - respect to what was going on and nothing was happening. no- respect to what was going on and l nothing was happening. no rubber .uns nothing was happening. no rubber guns are _ nothing was happening. no rubber guns are in— nothing was happening. no rubber guns are in charge _ nothing was happening. no rubber guns are in charge in _ nothing was happening. no rubber guns are in charge in investigatingj guns are in charge in investigating and we're — guns are in charge in investigating and were seen— guns are in charge in investigating and we're seen more _ guns are in charge in investigating and we're seen more evidence - guns are in charge in investigating and we're seen more evidence of. guns are in charge in investigating. and we're seen more evidence ofjoe biden— and we're seen more evidence ofjoe biden not— and we're seen more evidence ofjoe biden not necessarily— and we're seen more evidence ofjoe biden not necessarily being - and we're seen more evidence ofjoe biden not necessarily being involved| biden not necessarily being involved in hunter— biden not necessarily being involved in hunter biden— biden not necessarily being involved in hunter biden is _ biden not necessarily being involved in hunter biden is deals— biden not necessarily being involved in hunter biden is deals but- biden not necessarily being involved in hunter biden is deals but you - in hunter biden is deals but you have that — in hunter biden is deals but you have that biting _ in hunter biden is deals but you have that biting admission - in hunter biden is deals but you . have that biting admission change in hunter biden is deals but you - have that biting admission change in their language. _ have that biting admission change in their language, saying _ have that biting admission change in their language, saying i1— have that biting admission change in their language, saying i1 point- have that biting admission change in their language, saying i1 point he . their language, saying i1 point he had no _ their language, saying i1 point he had no interaction _ their language, saying i1 point he had no interaction with _ their language, saying i1 point he had no interaction with hunter. their language, saying i1 point he i had no interaction with hunter biden but the _ had no interaction with hunter biden but the updated _ had no interaction with hunter biden but the updated line _ had no interaction with hunter biden but the updated line is _ had no interaction with hunter biden but the updated line is that - had no interaction with hunter biden but the updated line is that they - but the updated line is that they have _ but the updated line is that they have no— but the updated line is that they have no business— but the updated line is that they have no business interactions. l but the updated line is that they . have no business interactions. they are their— have no business interactions. they are their lines— have no business interactions. they are their lines for— have no business interactions. they are their lines for the _ have no business interactions. they are their lines for the reason, - have no business interactions. they are their lines for the reason, so i are their lines for the reason, so the one — are their lines for the reason, so the one to — are their lines for the reason, so the one to update _ are their lines for the reason, so the one to update that _

are their lines for the reason, so . the one to update that information but more _ the one to update that information but more comes— the one to update that information but more comes out. _ the one to update that information but more comes out. there - the one to update that information but more comes out. there is- the one to update that information but more comes out. there is no. but more comes out. there is no smoke _ but more comes out. there is no smoke care _ but more comes out. there is no smoke care to— but more comes out. there is no smoke care to show— but more comes out. there is no smoke care to show their- but more comes out. there is no smoke care to show their fires . smoke care to show their fires taking — smoke care to show their fires taking place _ smoke care to show their fires taking place and _ smoke care to show their fires taking place and it _ smoke care to show their fires taking place and it comes- smoke care to show their fires| taking place and it comes from hunter— taking place and it comes from hunter biden. _ taking place and it comes from hunter biden. just— taking place and it comes from hunter biden.— hunter biden. just listening, it seems, hunter biden. just listening, it seems. kate. _ hunter biden. just listening, it seems, kate, that _ hunter biden. just listening, it seems, kate, that there - hunter biden. just listening, it seems, kate, that there will. hunter biden. just listening, it| seems, kate, that there will be hunter biden. just listening, it - seems, kate, that there will be some fairly dirty stuff that is aired in the run—up to the 2024 election. yes, i mean this court case is the worst thing joe biden needs going into the next election campaign. i was reading the story earlier and i think to the british audience it will feel really bizarre sub this idea that you can do a backroom deal only a plea bargain, and idea that you can do a backroom deal onlya plea bargain, and in a we eradicate all of the criminal investigations looming over you. what is clear is that given how some judges of going after donald trump, now hunter biden is in the spotlight and both of these competitors are

going to further intensify and divide that political landscape in america. we are quite divided here in britain but when you if you look over it seems so much more ratcheted up i had of the next election. mr; up i had of the next election. my e es and up i had of the next election. my eyes and impeachment would be problematic going into the next camping but the question is, without the smoking gun that republicans are looking for, does kevin mccarthy have the votes in the house to bring an impeachment investigation? there are plenty of republicans who are running for reelection in districts thatjoe biden carried. running for reelection in districts that joe biden carried.— that joe biden carried. there are lots of moderate _ that joe biden carried. there are lots of moderate republicans . that joe biden carried. there are l lots of moderate republicans right now telling house leadership, please don't go _ now telling house leadership, please don't go there for some it would not help us— don't go there for some it would not help us keep the majority and is not the message and we want to be running — the message and we want to be running for reelection on so it kevin — running for reelection on so it kevin mccarthy is getting it from both sides. he's getting it from the flank that—

both sides. he's getting it from the flank that wanted an impeachment but in search— flank that wanted an impeachment but in search of— flank that wanted an impeachment but in search of the reason, but these also gets— in search of the reason, but these also gets in— in search of the reason, but these also gets in it all from the moderates. these far from clear that he will— moderates. these far from clear that he will have — moderates. these far from clear that he will have the votes to do that and it— he will have the votes to do that and it was— he will have the votes to do that and it was flipped over to the senate, _ and it was flipped over to the senate, there doesn't seem to be an plausible, _ senate, there doesn't seem to be an plausible, path so he does like will be a revenge impeachment but we are in early— be a revenge impeachment but we are in early days. i will not disagree with— in early days. i will not disagree with bryan — in early days. i will not disagree with bryan on the fact that hunter biden— with bryan on the fact that hunter biden is— with bryan on the fact that hunter biden is not squeaky clean but the double _ biden is not squeaky clean but the double standard that is frustrating to me _ double standard that is frustrating to me is _ double standard that is frustrating to me is that when donald trump has shady— to me is that when donald trump has shady taxes. — to me is that when donald trump has shady taxes, and submission suspicious for insights, my colleagues in the republican party had no _ colleagues in the republican party had no trouble avoiding investigation.— had no trouble avoiding investigation. they did get investigated _ investigation. they did get investigated at _ investigation. they did get investigated at the - investigation. they did get investigated at the end - investigation. they did get investigated at the end of| investigation. they did get. investigated at the end of the investigation. they did get - investigated at the end of the day miles. _ investigated at the end of the day miles. you — investigated at the end of the day miles. you know— investigated at the end of the day miles, you know that _ investigated at the end of the day miles, you know that well, - investigated at the end of the day miles, you know that well, and i investigated at the end of the dayl miles, you know that well, and the russian _ miles, you know that well, and the russian inclusion— miles, you know that well, and the russian inclusion thing _ miles, you know that well, and the russian inclusion thing was - miles, you know that well, and the russian inclusion thing was the - russian inclusion thing was the brain — russian inclusion thing was the brain as — russian inclusion thing was the brain as we _ russian inclusion thing was the brain as we go _ russian inclusion thing was the brain. as we go through - russian inclusion thing was the brain. as we go through this i brain. as we go through this process, _ brain. as we go through this process. you _ brain. as we go through this process, you would - brain. as we go through this process, you would see - brain. as we go through this process, you would see at l brain. as we go through this - process, you would see at every level, _ process, you would see at every level. every— process, you would see at every level. every day— process, you would see at every level, every day there _ process, you would see at every level, every day there is - process, you would see at every level, every day there is a - level, every day there is a roll—out

of a new _ level, every day there is a roll—out of a new story— level, every day there is a roll—out of a new story related _ level, every day there is a roll—out of a new story related to _ level, every day there is a roll—out of a new story related to this - of a new story related to this because _ of a new story related to this because we _ of a new story related to this because we have _ of a new story related to thisl because we have documented of a new story related to this _ because we have documented evidence that the _ because we have documented evidence that the media — because we have documented evidence that the media ignored in _ because we have documented evidence that the media ignored in 2000. - because we have documented evidence that the media ignored in 2000. that l that the media ignored in 2000. that miles _ that the media ignored in 2000. that miles and _ that the media ignored in 2000. that miles and his— that the media ignored in 2000. that miles and his friends _ that the media ignored in 2000. that miles and his friends said _ that the media ignored in 2000. that miles and his friends said was - miles and his friends said was russia — miles and his friends said was russia disinformation. - miles and his friends said was russia disinformation. it's - miles and his friends said was russia disinformation. it's toi miles and his friends said was . russia disinformation. it's to be true _ russia disinformation. it's to be true and — russia disinformation. it's to be true and proven— russia disinformation. it's to be true and proven to _ russia disinformation. it's to be true and proven to be _ russia disinformation. it's to be true and proven to be hunter. russia disinformation. it's to be . true and proven to be hunter biden his laptop _ true and proven to be hunter biden his laptop where _ true and proven to be hunter biden his laptop where he _ true and proven to be hunter biden his laptop where he has _ true and proven to be hunter biden his laptop where he has discussed. his laptop where he has discussed activities, — his laptop where he has discussed activities, i— his laptop where he has discussed activities, i know— his laptop where he has discussed activities, i know they're - his laptop where he has discussed activities, i know they're doing - his laptop where he has discussed activities, i know they're doing a i activities, i know they're doing a review— activities, i know they're doing a review and — activities, i know they're doing a review and find _ activities, i know they're doing a review and find not _ activities, i know they're doing a review and find not buy - activities, i know they're doing a review and find not buy things. i review and find not buy things. they're — review and find not buy things. they're not— review and find not buy things. they're not for— review and find not buy things. they're not for no _ review and find not buy things. they're not for no good - review and find not buy things. they're not for no good thingsl review and find not buy things. i they're not for no good things but by things — they're not for no good things but bythings more— they're not for no good things but by things. more will— they're not for no good things but by things. more will come - they're not for no good things but by things. more will come out. . they're not for no good things but. by things. more will come out. one last thing. — by things. more will come out. one last thing. you _ by things. more will come out. one last thing, you look _ by things. more will come out. one last thing, you look at _ by things. more will come out. one last thing, you look at hunter- last thing, you look at hunter biden — last thing, you look at hunter biden his _ last thing, you look at hunter biden, his attorney _ last thing, you look at hunter biden, his attorney was - last thing, you look at hunterl biden, his attorney was shown photographs _ biden, his attorney was shown photographs last— biden, his attorney was shown photographs last week - biden, his attorney was shown photographs last week of - biden, his attorney was shown photographs last week of him i biden, his attorney was shown - photographs last week of him smoking weed in _ photographs last week of him smoking weed in california, _ photographs last week of him smoking weed in california, last _ photographs last week of him smoking weed in california, last time _ photographs last week of him smoking weed in california, last time i- weed in california, last time i checked — weed in california, last time i checked at _ weed in california, last time i checked at extract _ weed in california, last time i checked at extract to - weed in california, last time i checked at extract to stay - weed in california, last time i. checked at extract to stay away weed in california, last time i- checked at extract to stay away from those _ checked at extract to stay away from those people — checked at extract to stay away from those people so— checked at extract to stay away from those people so they _ checked at extract to stay away from those people so they don't _ checked at extract to stay away from those people so they don't fall- checked at extract to stay away from those people so they don't fall for. those people so they don't fall for back to _ those people so they don't fall for back to where _ those people so they don't fall for back to where they— those people so they don't fall for back to where they were - those people so they don't fall for back to where they were in - those people so they don't fall for back to where they were in the i those people so they don't fall for. back to where they were in the past. so, clearly— back to where they were in the past. so, clearly hunter— back to where they were in the past. so, clearly hunter biden _ back to where they were in the past. so, clearly hunter biden has - back to where they were in the past. so, clearly hunter biden has issuesl so, clearly hunter biden has issues with finding — so, clearly hunter biden has issues with finding cocaine _ so, clearly hunter biden has issues with finding cocaine in _ so, clearly hunter biden has issues with finding cocaine in the - so, clearly hunter biden has issues with finding cocaine in the white i with finding cocaine in the white house, — with finding cocaine in the white house, we — with finding cocaine in the white house, we would _ with finding cocaine in the white house, we would know- with finding cocaine in the white house, we would know who - with finding cocaine in the white house, we would know who thatj with finding cocaine in the white . house, we would know who that is with finding cocaine in the white - house, we would know who that is if it was anthrax, — house, we would know who that is if it was anthrax, so _ house, we would know who that is if it was anthrax, so there's _ house, we would know who that is if it was anthrax, so there's more - house, we would know who that is if it was anthrax, so there's more than the judicial— it was anthrax, so there's more than the judicial process _ it was anthrax, so there's more than the judicial process for _ it was anthrax, so there's more than the judicial process for hunter- the judicial process for hunter biden — the judicial process for hunter biden it's _ the judicial process for hunter biden, it's the _ the judicial process for hunter biden, it's the white - the judicial process for hunter biden, it's the white house i the judicial process for hunter- biden, it's the white house bending over to _ biden, it's the white house bending over to accommodate _ biden, it's the white house bending over to accommodate his _ biden, it's the white house bending over to accommodate his addiction, | over to accommodate his addiction, and that— over to accommodate his addiction, and that has— over to accommodate his addiction, and that has leveraged _ over to accommodate his addiction, and that has leveraged the - and that has leveraged the administration _ and that has leveraged the administration in - and that has leveraged the administration in a - and that has leveraged the i

administration in a dangerous and that has leveraged the - administration in a dangerous way. i was administration in a dangerous way. was giving you the reverse of administration in a dangerous way.” was giving you the reverse of words and you've taken on my time, but thank you, it gives us a flavour of what is coming on the next two months. we world to talk about some of the news in the uk but i will move quickly on. mps have criticised the uk government for underestimating the growth of russia's wagner mercenary group over the past decade. in a scathing report, the foreign affairs committee says the government displayed a "dismal lack of understanding of wagner's hold beyond europe". let's hearfrom drjenny mathers, senior lecturer of international politics at aberystwyth university. thanks for me with us. i find it extraordinary that lots of reports and in this documentary comes from open source material. so why did the intelligence community not know what was going on? i intelligence community not know what was going on?— was going on? i think it's partly due to the _

was going on? i think it's partly due to the nature _ was going on? i think it's partly due to the nature of— was going on? i think it's partly due to the nature of the - was going on? i think it's partly| due to the nature of the wagner group and other private military companies, they were created ten years ago precisely in order to hide in the shadows. so they are illegal in the shadows. so they are illegal in russia and therefore moscow was able to deny that date even had anything to do with the russian state. and yet they were closely connected to the ministry of defence and military intelligence. and they had this private enterprise, private industry dimension, to them as well. so it was murky. difficult to entangle. to be fair, lots of the publications that the report cites have come out reasonably recently. i mean this is timely because you have seen the mcgivney pargo and reappear in talking about going off to africa and countries there previously inhabited but there a financial squeeze on him.— inhabited but there a financial squeeze on him. inhabited but there a financial suueeze on him. ~ , , , squeeze on him. absolutely, it seems as thou . h squeeze on him. absolutely, it seems as though he — squeeze on him. absolutely, it seems as though he is _ squeeze on him. absolutely, it seems

as though he is being _ squeeze on him. absolutely, it seems as though he is being removed - squeeze on him. absolutely, it seems as though he is being removed from . squeeze on him. absolutely, it seems as though he is being removed from a loss of the lucrative businesses he had acquired and developed over the years in russia. so, not only a catering industry and a private military company, but also a media empire, and it seems he is being separated from all those moneymaking enterprises. separated from all those moneymaking enterrises. , w' , . enterprises. very quickly, kate, with one minute _ enterprises. very quickly, kate, with one minute left, _ enterprises. very quickly, kate, with one minute left, when - enterprises. very quickly, kate, with one minute left, when you| enterprises. very quickly, kate, - with one minute left, when you look at the way the uk has vacated spaces in africa, is that at the roots of this rather than what agencies might or might not have known? what this rather than what agencies might or might not have known?— or might not have known? what is clear is that _ or might not have known? what is clear is that the _ or might not have known? what is clear is that the agencies - or might not have known? what is clear is that the agencies have - clear is that the agencies have massively under estimated the wagner group and have taken their eye off the ball in these semi—sponsored mercenary groups and how deeply entrenched they can be in africa and how explosive that can be. how destabilising that can be for the regions. they can use the funds they

raise in those regions to bank run or what they're doing in ukraine and gain a foothold,. and i let them to potentially have a life beyond boots and's and her son.— and's and her son. thank you dr jenn and's and her son. thank you dr jenny mathers. _ and's and her son. thank you dr jenny mathers, bryan _ and's and her son. thank you dr jenny mathers, bryan lanza - and's and her son. thank you dr i jenny mathers, bryan lanza taken and's and her son. thank you dr - jenny mathers, bryan lanza taken my jenny mathers, bryan lanza taken my time i wanted to talk about that a bit more but on the other side of the break we will talk about policing and policing mental health, which is an issue that crosses over. should the police be involved in mental health calls or should it be the professionals that go? when gets it view on that after the break. hello. wednesday did bring us a bit of blue sky and sunshine, particularly for many northern and eastern parts of the uk. but really, july 2023 is turning out to be a pretty soggy month for much of the uk. and there's more rain overnight

tonight, moving from west to east. quite a humid feel to the weather tonight certainly compared to recent nights. here is that area of rain through this evening, then across scotland, central and eastern parts of england, slowly moving northwards and eastward. so something a little bit clearer for northern ireland, perhaps during the early hours of thursday, pushing in across western parts of britain, too. but a lot of low cloud, humid air with us, so temperatures staying in the mid—teens for most of us. a little bit cooler for the north of scotland, down into single figures up towards the northern isles. but we start thursday then under the influence of this area of low pressure. it sits well to the northwest, but these trailing weather fronts will be slow—moving across parts of scotland, initially close to southern england, as well. so i think rain easing away from the south, but perhaps persisting for the channel islands. the northeast of scotland will keep patchy rain all day. elsewhere, murky, low cloud, drizzle around through the morning, but brightening up gradually, so some sunny spells for the afternoon and a few showers around, too. some sunshine perhaps for northern ireland into parts of northern england and wales. temperatures 16—24 for most of us, again, a little cooler for the northern isles, but it is, of course,

the first day of the fifth and final test in the men's ashes at the oval — lots of cloud around there in general. could be a passing afternoon sharp shower, i think, but not persistent rains, so there should be plenty of play, as there should be as we head into friday, as well. now, overnight, then, into friday, most of the showers fade away, mostly dry, just some rain lingering up towards the northern isles. but again, it's a humid night, so temperatures for most of us sitting in the mid—teens. that's how we start friday morning, some sunshine from the word go. it will be the better day, i think, of thursday and friday. so, yes, it's still a few showers, but more sunshine around, and the showers will move through fairly quickly. top temperatures, a little bit warmer than recent days, 18—24 celsius. still a bit colder than that, though, for lerwick, sitting there atjust 15. into the weekend, low pressure drifts eastwards across the northern half of the uk, plenty of showers wrapped around the area of low pressure. we've got another one actually waiting out in the wings, as well. so an unsettled picture, fairly blustery weekend, showers around, a bit drier in the south perhaps on sunday. nothing really drier

and warmer, though, till the second week of august. bye— bye.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. hollywood actor kevin spacey says he's grateful and humbled , after being found not guilty.

welcome back. and last hour of the federal reserve has raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point, that's the 11th hike in 12 policy meetings. i we at the peak, is this last move in the banks aggressive move to tame inflation? give us some good news, michelle. the move to tame inflation? give us some good news, michelle.— good news, michelle. the federal reserve rose _ good news, michelle. the federal reserve rose interest _ good news, michelle. the federal reserve rose interest rates - good news, michelle. the federal reserve rose interest rates by - reserve rose interest rates by another quarter percentage points. that means we've now seen it raise its benchmark rate by five imported percentage points. since it started this campaign to try and bring down inflation. when he was pushed to answer that question, was this last rate hike or can we expect another one b for the end of the yearjerome powell the fed chair in the press conference wasn't giving anything away, he wouldn't be drawn on it.

the only thing