north sunshine, cloudy skies on the north sea coast. all sorts of weather happening there on friday, really difficult to summarise in such a short space of time. 23 in london, 19 in glasgow. now friday night, a developing area of low pressure here with the risk of gale force winds across the south—west and look at all of that rain moving northwards. that takes us into saturday. still some rain around but eventually a brighter day with sunny spells, still the risk of strong winds around some of these coasts. 21 in aberdeen, belfast, about 2k in london. sunday is looking much quieter, a decent day but a few showers in the north. that's it. more analysis of the day's top stories on newsnight, which is getting underway on bbc two. but the news continues here on bbc one, as we join our colleagues for the news where you are. bye for now.

what's life like in britain in 2023 if you have a disability? according to a human rights watchdog today, you face worsening discrimination and an increasing risk of poverty as a result of government failures. the equalities and human rights commission accuses the government of making "slow progress" in improving the lives

of disabled people. we ask what progess has been made, and what else needs to be done? also tonight, as calls grow for manchester united to let go of one of their young players despite the attempted rape and assault charges against him being dropped, we'll talk to a man united supporter, a former football agent and the reporter who says the club have already made the decision to keep the striker. plus, singer—songwriter hozier, who wrote the award—winning hit take me to church ten years ago, tells newsnight the message from the song — highlighting homophobic attitudes — is even more relevant a decade on. the songs mission statement or its message is more applicable now than it was ten years ago. we didn't have lgbtq+—free zones in the european union ten years ago. we didn't have armed militia waiting outside of, you know, gay and queer spaces. that interview in half an hour.

good evening. disabled people in this country face worsening discrimination and a growing risk of poverty as a result of government failures to tackle problems like employment and welfare benefits — that's according to a human rights watchdog. the equality and human rights commission said successive uk governments had made little or no progress in addressing 11 policy recommendations identified by united nations investigators in a report in 2016. today's report said there continued to be a disproportionate number of disabled people living on low incomes or in poverty, with some facing long waits for decisions on benefits. the equality act defines someone as disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long—term negative effect on their ability to carry out normal day—to—day activities. according to the most recent census, across both england and wales, the number of disabled people was 10.4 million.

the government said it was reforming the disability benefits system and was investing £2 billion to support sick and disabled people back into work. in a moment, we'll ask what it's really like to have a disability and live in the uk in 2023. and do let me know your experiences on whatsapp on 07977 701 980. first, here's kate. the uk has seen slow progress on disabled people's rights. that's the judgment of a new report from the uk independent mechanism, which is made up of equality and human rights commission is which is made up of equality and human rights commission is across the four nations. the progress they were assessing was since 2016, when a un committee investigated how the uk was complying with the international convention 0n uk was complying with the international convention on the rights of people with disabilities. the committee found grave and systemic violations of the convention, and as a result made 11

recommendations for the uk to comply with. while there has been some limited progress in relation to some areas, none of the recommendations, the 11 recommendations made by the un committee seven years ago, has yet been fully implemented, and in some areas, there has been no progress. so that is obviously concerning and disappointing. the recommendations will wide ranging, but several focused on state support. 0ne suggested the government carry out an impact assessment on the austerity measures carried out after 2010 and the impact they had on disabled people. they say that recommendation has had no progress in seven years. another, which suggested any welfare reform should not adversely affect the human rights of disabled people, has seen limited progress, noting additional support provided during covid has since been withdrawn. more

widely, the report explains benefits have failed to keep pace with the cost of living, and disabled people often have extra costs to cover. we are much more likely to live in poverty, we are much more likely to have higher costs of living, and the charity scope estimates that the average extra cost for disabled people is £975 a month, and that is the average, so many more people face costs higher than that. there has been an extra disability cost of living payment. not everyone feels it met the need. electricity is absolutely crippling us at _ electricity is absolutely crippling us at the — electricity is absolutely crippling us at the moment. for example, there is a ventilator. — us at the moment. for example, there is a ventilator, electric beds, a host— is a ventilator, electric beds, a host track— is a ventilator, electric beds, a host track hoist that operates electrically, and we know when the power _ electrically, and we know when the power goes out that we are in

trouble — power goes out that we are in trouble it— power goes out that we are in trouble. it hasn't happened much, but over_ trouble. it hasn't happened much, but over the winter, we had a few power— but over the winter, we had a few power outs. — but over the winter, we had a few power outs, and they resulted in screaming — power outs, and they resulted in screaming machines, panic, worry. finaneiat— screaming machines, panic, worry. financial support wasn't the only topic. the report finds there has been little progress in combating negative and discriminatory stereotypes or prejudice, and some progress on actively consulting disabled people when evaluating legislation. the uk's national disability strategy was determined to be unlawful last year because of the consultation process, a decision which was overturned on appeal last month. there are some positive news. the gap in employment between disabled and non—disabled people has been narrowing over time, for example. a government spokesperson said they remained committed to making society a more inclusive and accessible place, adding there has already been significant work, including boosting disability benefits by 10.1% and investing to pounds to support sick and disabled back into work.

i think it is a myth that there is inevitable progress on disability issues. there is not. we have to make progress happen with policy, and at the moment, all the policy is going on the wrong direction. the report will now be taken back to the un. we asked the government for an interview but they declined. let's dig more into some of the issues raised in kate's film with ciara lawrence, who has a learning disability and works for the charity mencap, james taylor, who is executive director of the charity scope, and anne wafula—strike, who is a former gb paralympian wheelchair racer who says she once was forced to wet herself on a train because the disabled loo was out of order. she is also a disability rights activist. welcome to newsnight, all of you. i would like to ask each of you, and i will start with you, ciara, what is

it like for someone living with a disability in this country in 2023? at the moment, living as a person with a learning disability in this country in 2023, there are 1.5 million people living with a learning disability in the uk. i am just one person. i am lucky, i have my platform and my voice and i can speak up. but there are lots of people like me in the uk who don't have my voice and i want to help speak up for them. but we face things like stigma, attitudes, public perceptions, health care, housing, transport, education, employment. there are things every day that we face, even in accessible information can be really hard. so it can be really hard, and that's why people need good support, so they can lead good lives like anybody else. they can lead good lives like anybody else-— they can lead good lives like an bod else. , ., ., anybody else. james, what would you sa ? i anybody else. james, what would you say? i agree- — anybody else. james, what would you say? i agree- i— anybody else. james, what would you say? i agree. ithink— anybody else. james, what would you say? i agree. i think the _ anybody else. james, what would you say? i agree. i think the report - anybody else. james, what would you say? i agree. i think the report is - say? i agree. i think the report is a damning _ say? i agree. i think the report is a damning indictment _ say? i agree. i think the report is a damning indictment of- say? i agree. i think the report is a damning indictment of a - say? i agree. i think the report is - a damning indictment of a government that has— a damning indictment of a government that has been asleep at the wheel for quite — that has been asleep at the wheel for quite a — that has been asleep at the wheel for quite a long time. we hear from

disabled _ for quite a long time. we hear from disabled people day in, day out, who are struggling to pay their bills. we have — are struggling to pay their bills. we have heard from a parent facing an energy _ we have heard from a parent facing an energy bill of around £10,000 a year to— an energy bill of around £10,000 a year to keep life—saving equipment on for— year to keep life—saving equipment on for their— year to keep life—saving equipment on for their disabled child. we are hearing _ on for their disabled child. we are hearing from some people who are staying _ hearing from some people who are staying downstairs because they can't _ staying downstairs because they can't afford electricity to switch their— can't afford electricity to switch their stairlift on and get up the stairs — their stairlift on and get up the stairs we _ their stairlift on and get up the stairs. we are also hearing from people _ stairs. we are also hearing from people being completely failed by the welfare system, pushed to the brink— the welfare system, pushed to the brink with — the welfare system, pushed to the brink with poor mental health outcomes. so for 16 million people across— outcomes. so for 16 million people across the — outcomes. so for 16 million people across the uk, there is far more the government— across the uk, there is far more the government needs to be doing. what would _ government needs to be doing. what would you _ government needs to be doing. what would you say, anne? yes. _ would you say, anne? yes, living with a disability means you have to navigate every day as a new person will stop its challenging, and it's so frustrating when people who are actually qualified to work give of theirjobs and decide to stay at home. why? because of public transport. this is something that is supposed to help them get from capital a to b. it is

becoming almost impossible. so what is the impact on people if the benefit system is not enough, or people with disabilities are asked to jump through hoops to get personal independence payments? what is the impact of people cannot leave their home because there is not an accessible bus or train, or a disabled loo on the train that works? what are the impacts of people with disabilities cannot get health care? then it means that you are not part of society. it means that you are actually excluded, and everything about you is swept under the carpet. and that is why, when you read a report like this, you sort of like ask yourself, why is this happening the way it is? and, you know, honestly, i must say there are some really good things the government has done, for example, recognising the dsl language as a language in the dsl language as a language in the united kingdom. —— the bsl

language. that is a really big achievement. but i think sometimes we make ten steps forward and then take 11 or 12 back. so we have ended up, you know, you want to make one system policy work, and then you want to take away and completely disadvantage and disempower people who need it. can ou disempower people who need it. can you give me an example? when we look at education, there are so many parents. they have children who are struggling and don't know where the answers will come from. and those kinds of conversations... parents of children who are struggling, parents who are struggling, parents who are struggling on behalf of their children, the inaccessibility of life, the difficulty around benefits. i have been having those conversations with people like you who have been coming on to programmes like this for at least ten years, if not longer. and yes,

progress has been made, and you have any knowledge that, the report today acknowledges limited progress, but what does it say if we are still having these issues in 2023, james? it says we don't value the biggest nrinority— it says we don't value the biggest minority in— it says we don't value the biggest minority in this country and we don't _ minority in this country and we don't vaiue _ minority in this country and we don't value their contributions to society — don't value their contributions to society. we don't value everything that disabled people can bring to our communities, to our workplaces, our communities, to our workplaces, our way— our communities, to our workplaces, our way of _ our communities, to our workplaces, our way of thinking about how we can do things _ our way of thinking about how we can do things to— our way of thinking about how we can do things. to me, it suggests that we just— do things. to me, it suggests that we just do— do things. to me, it suggests that we just do not value these people at all, we just do not value these people at all. that— we just do not value these people at all. that we — we just do not value these people at all, that we can quite easily take people's— all, that we can quite easily take people's independence away and take things— people's independence away and take things away that many non—disabled people _ things away that many non—disabled people take for granted, and that is really— people take for granted, and that is really damning. so _ really damning. so what has to change, ciaea —— ciara? i so what has to change, ciaea -- ciara? , , , ., ciara? i believe ministers and government _ ciara? i believe ministers and government members - ciara? i believe ministers and government members need l ciara? i believe ministers and| government members need to ciara? i believe ministers and - government members need to come to people like me, people with disabilities, because they can hear our stories, disabilities, because they can hear ourstories, hearabout disabilities, because they can hear our stories, hear about the barriers that we face each day of our lives,

and actually, it's much more powerful when i go and share my story with somebody, because then they go, i have met somebody with a learning disability and they have faced bullying, inaccessible letters, poor health care, they have faced poor housing, they have faced for employment. but. faced poor housing, they have faced for employment-— for employment. but, then, are you sa inc... for employment. but, then, are you saying- -- the _ for employment. but, then, are you saying... the government _ for employment. but, then, are you saying... the government launched | for employment. but, then, are you | saying... the government launched a disability action plan, or consultation for that, last month, which they say aims to make the lives of disabled people easier. some things they suggest, raising the profile of assistive technology to ensure more disabled people have access to life changing technology, making mandatory disability awareness training for taxi drivers awareness training for taxi drivers a thing, so it unlocks greater freedom. are you saying that the government ministers, the minister for disabled people, it is not talking to people with disabilities? that can't be right? that can't be true, can it? honestly, when you look at the

population of disabled people, it is very big, and i do not expect that the minister will be speaking to every individual person. {iii the minister will be speaking to every individual person. of course. and i every individual person. of course. and i think — every individual person. of course. and | think that's _ every individual person. of course. and i think that's why, _ every individual person. of course. and i think that's why, victoria, i and i think that's why, victoria, disability groups are very important, because they are able to amplify the voices of their members. and you mention about this consultation, and i am so hoping that people will feed into this consultation truthfully without reservation, and just call it out the way it is. do you have faith, james, that if people like you contribute to this consultation, the government will listen? i consultation, the government will listen? ., ., , , consultation, the government will listen? ., , , listen? i would hope they listen, but i listen? i would hope they listen, but i think— listen? i would hope they listen, but i think they _ listen? i would hope they listen, but i think they are _ listen? i would hope they listen, but i think they are probably - listen? i would hope they listen, i but i think they are probably asking the wrong — but i think they are probably asking the wrong questions. why but i think they are probably asking the wrong questions.— but i think they are probably asking the wrong questions. why do you say that? these lovely things you have highlighted, improving accessibility for playgrounds, disability training for playgrounds, disability training for taxi _ for playgrounds, disability training for taxi drivers, very good, but huge _ for taxi drivers, very good, but huge amounts of disabled people are in poverty. _ huge amounts of disabled people are in poverty, the employment system is not working _ in poverty, the employment system is not working for disabled people, the

transport _ not working for disabled people, the transport system. so not working for disabled people, the transport system.— transport system. so this is tinkering? _ transport system. so this is tinkering? it _ transport system. so this is tinkering? it is _ transport system. so this is tinkering? it is hard - transport system. so this is tinkering? it is hard to - transport system. so this is i tinkering? it is hard to believe transport system. so this is - tinkering? it is hard to believe the government _ tinkering? it is hard to believe the government are _ tinkering? it is hard to believe the government are saying _ tinkering? it is hard to believe the government are saying we - tinkering? it is hard to believe the government are saying we are - tinkering? it is hard to believe the l government are saying we are going to improve _ government are saying we are going to improve the lives of disabled people — to improve the lives of disabled people in— to improve the lives of disabled people in one hand whilst on the other— people in one hand whilst on the other threatening to close 1000 ticket _ other threatening to close 1000 ticket offices, which actually provide _ ticket offices, which actually provide independence for lots of disabled — provide independence for lots of disabled people, is the right thing to do _ lizzie has messaged and said that many people who have issues are patronised and vilified on a daily basis especially by the benefit systems and the media. we are the most diverse range of people and yet we have the least protection from discrimination and abuse, which shouldn't be the case, obviously, because of the equality act. what would be your message, kero, then, to any government ministers who couldn't be with us tonight but might be watching now? come and talk to --eole might be watching now? come and talk to people like — might be watching now? come and talk to people like me. _ might be watching now? come and talk to people like me, come _ might be watching now? come and talk to people like me, come and _ might be watching now? come and talk to people like me, come and meet- might be watching now? come and talk to people like me, come and meet me| to people like me, come and meet me and hear— to people like me, come and meet me and hear about our lives and listen to our— and hear about our lives and listen to our stories, listen to our

messages, make a change and change attitudes _ messages, make a change and change attitudes. when i go and meet with mps and _ attitudes. when i go and meet with mps and ministers and i say, please will you _ mps and ministers and i say, please will you listen to me and i tell my story, _ will you listen to me and i tell my story, i— will you listen to me and i tell my story, itell— will you listen to me and i tell my story, i tell my message and they no, story, i tell my message and they go. we _ story, i tell my message and they go, we never knew what a learning disability— go, we never knew what a learning disability was, they don't even know about— disability was, they don't even know about it _ disability was, they don't even know about it but — disability was, they don't even know about it but when they meet me, they can go— about it but when they meet me, they can go away— about it but when they meet me, they can go away and say, i met keira, she has— can go away and say, i met keira, she has a — can go away and say, i met keira, she has a learning disability and she has a learning disability and she is— she has a learning disability and she is here to make real change and we must _ she is here to make real change and we must listen. i want them to meet me and _ we must listen. i want them to meet me and the _ we must listen. i want them to meet me and the 1.5 million people living with a _ me and the 1.5 million people living with a disability.— with a disability. what would your messaue with a disability. what would your message be? _ with a disability. what would your message be? to _ with a disability. what would your message be? to bring _ with a disability. what would your message be? to bring as - with a disability. what would your message be? to bring as many i with a disability. what would your i message be? to bring as many people ossible message be? to bring as many people possible with — message be? to bring as many people possible with different _ message be? to bring as many people possible with different disabilities i possible with different disabilities around _ possible with different disabilities around the — possible with different disabilities around the table _ possible with different disabilities around the table and _ possible with different disabilities around the table and listen - possible with different disabilities around the table and listen to i possible with different disabilities i around the table and listen to them, listen _ around the table and listen to them, listen to— around the table and listen to them, listen to the — around the table and listen to them, listen to the abuse. _ around the table and listen to them, listen to the abuse. it _ around the table and listen to them, listen to the abuse. it isn't - around the table and listen to them, listen to the abuse. it isn't just i listen to the abuse. it isn't just about— listen to the abuse. it isn't just about the — listen to the abuse. it isn't just about the policies _ listen to the abuse. it isn't just about the policies that - listen to the abuse. it isn't just about the policies that would l listen to the abuse. it isn't just i about the policies that would come out of _ about the policies that would come out of this — about the policies that would come out of this it — about the policies that would come out of this. it is _ about the policies that would come out of this. it is important - about the policies that would come out of this. it is important how- about the policies that would come out of this. it is important how the| out of this. it is important how the policies _ out of this. it is important how the policies are — out of this. it is important how the policies are implemented. - out of this. it is important how the policies are implemented. i- out of this. it is important how the policies are implemented. i want. out of this. it is important how the| policies are implemented. i want to remind _ policies are implemented. i want to remind the — policies are implemented. i want to remind the viewers _ policies are implemented. i want to remind the viewers and _ policies are implemented. i want to remind the viewers and leaders i policies are implemented. i want to| remind the viewers and leaders that this is— remind the viewers and leaders that this is something _ remind the viewers and leaders that this is something we _ remind the viewers and leaders that this is something we shouldn't- remind the viewers and leaders that this is something we shouldn't take | this is something we shouldn't take for granted — this is something we shouldn't take for granted because _ this is something we shouldn't take for granted because disabilities i this is something we shouldn't take for granted because disabilities are| for granted because disabilities are one of— for granted because disabilities are one of the — for granted because disabilities are one of the only— for granted because disabilities are one of the only minorities - for granted because disabilities are one of the only minorities that i

one of the only minorities that anyone can _ one of the only minorities that anyone canjoin _ one of the only minorities that anyone can join at _ one of the only minorities that anyone can join at any - one of the only minorities that anyone can join at any time, . one of the only minorities thati anyone can join at any time, so one of the only minorities that i anyone canjoin at any time, so no one should — anyone canjoin at any time, so no one should see _ anyone canjoin at any time, so no one should see it _ anyone canjoin at any time, so no one should see it and _ anyone canjoin at any time, so no one should see it and think- anyone canjoin at any time, so no one should see it and think it i anyone can join at any time, so noi one should see it and think it won't happen— one should see it and think it won't happen to — one should see it and think it won't happen to them _ one should see it and think it won't happen to them-— one should see it and think it won't haentothem. , happen to them. james, your message? invest in disabled _ happen to them. james, your message? invest in disabled people, _ happen to them. james, your message? invest in disabled people, invest - happen to them. james, your message? invest in disabled people, invest in i invest in disabled people, invest in our lives, ourfutures. we can make a huge difference to society and the economy if given the chance but the government needs to invest in us. thanks for being with us. the athletic website has reported that manchester united's executive leadership team has been told the club will bring back their 21—year—old striker mason greenwood, who earlier this year had charges of attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour, dropped. this is him in action for united and england before the allegations emerged. mason greenwood had always denied the charges. the foward has since been the subject of an internal investigation at the club. earlier this month, a twitter account called female fans against greenwood's return released a statement calling for manchester united

to "do the right thing" and decide against reintegrating the player into the team, saying that his possible return "tells us, as women, that we don't matter." the charges against mr greenwood had originally been brought after footage was shared on instagram in which you could hear the voices of a man and a woman. i am going to quote some of the words in the footage — the language is strong and upsetting, so if you don't want to hear the words, please do turn down the volume for the next 15 seconds or so. in the footage, you can heara man, alleged — but not proven to be mason greenwood — asking a woman to "move your legs up". then after a pause, the man shouts, "move your effing legs up". at this point you can hear a woman saying, "no, i don't want have sex." the man replies, "i don't give an eff "what you want, you bleep. shut up talking to me". yesterday, manchester united posted a statement on twitter.

following the dropping of all charges against mason greenwood in february 2023, manchester united has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him. this has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case. throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim has been central to the club's inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity. we also have responsibilities to mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. the fact—finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on mason's future." let's speak to adam crafton, reporter at the athletic, who's reported that the decision has been made to bring greenwood back. also with us, natalie burrell, founder of manchester united's women's supporters' club, and finally, former football agent jon smith, who at one point represented diego maradona.

adam, first of all, what is stopping the club announcing their decision? good evening, victoria. i think that's the really fascinating thing at the moment because as we reported, all we did on wednesday was set out the facts as we know them and the facts are that the manchester united chief executive richard arnold held a meeting with the senior leadership team in the first week of august in which he laid out the plan to bring mason greenwood back into the club and also back into the first—team. this has never been challenged in conversations that i had with manchester united yesterday, that richard arnold gave that plan to his executive leadership team. as part of that plan it would also include details such as richard arnold was planning a video statement to internal staff and also which would go out to the general public explaining his decisions. in addition to that the plan even laid

out things such as, for the first season or so, mason greenwood, while he would be playing for manchester united he wouldn't be involved in any activities with the club's charity or foundation which in many ways shows the juxtaposition in terms of, you know, on the one hand, he would be appropriate to represent united on the pitch but he would be kept away from foundation events. what i would say is that clearly there was a scheduled plan for an announcement on the 11th of august. that was delayed and although the chief executive communicated the decision, until it is formally announced, people can change their minds. ,, , ., minds. sure. there is the legal world, minds. sure. there is the legal world. the _ minds. sure. there is the legal world, the charges _ minds. sure. there is the legal world, the charges were i minds. sure. there is the legal. world, the charges were dropped, mason greenwood has always maintained his innocence. there is the world of social media where many people will have heard the words of a man and a woman and we can't verify 100% that it is mason greenwood, but in respect of that, people will hear the words i read out and make up their own mind,

won't they?— won't they? yeah and this is the unusual element _ won't they? yeah and this is the unusual element of— won't they? yeah and this is the unusual element of this - unusual element of this investigation, that ordinarily when allegations are made, as you said, which have been denied, it is very rare that the general public is exposed to anything. in terms of, any potential evidence or things like that. so as a result of that, you have a situation where many people may have already made up their minds and i think that places manchester united in particular as the employer in a far more strained position now than would be the case if people hadn't seen and heard certain things. i if people hadn't seen and heard certain things.— if people hadn't seen and heard certain things. i want to bring in natalie, now. _ certain things. i want to bring in natalie, now. thanks _ certain things. i want to bring in natalie, now. thanks for - certain things. i want to bring in natalie, now. thanks for talking certain things. i want to bring in i natalie, now. thanks for talking to us. mason greenwood isn't facing criminal proceedings, he's maintained his innocence throughout. why don't you want him back in your team? i why don't you want him back in your team? ~' , ., ., , ., team? i think everyone has heard the audio and seen _

team? i think everyone has heard the audio and seen pictures _ team? i think everyone has heard the audio and seen pictures and - team? i think everyone has heard the audio and seen pictures and for- team? i think everyone has heard the audio and seen pictures and for me i audio and seen pictures and for me it's justm — audio and seen pictures and for me it'sjust~~ it— audio and seen pictures and for me it'sjust... it makes me feel a certain— it'sjust... it makes me feel a certain way _ it'sjust... it makes me feel a certain way, it doesn't make me feel that this _ certain way, it doesn't make me feel that this is _ certain way, it doesn't make me feel that this is a — certain way, it doesn't make me feel that this is a manchester united player — that this is a manchester united player i— that this is a manchester united player. i know we aren't confirming it is him _ player. i know we aren't confirming it is him but— player. i know we aren't confirming it is him but it isn't right, for me, — it is him but it isn't right, for me. for— it is him but it isn't right, for me, for someone to even be arrested of such— me, for someone to even be arrested of such crimes and then put on a manchester united jersey. for me, manchester united jersey. for me, manchester united jersey. for me, manchester united is like a safe place _ manchester united is like a safe place for— manchester united is like a safe place for me, a safe place for a lot of women — place for me, a safe place for a lot of women. we have a women's team of which _ of women. we have a women's team of which i _ of women. we have a women's team of which i am _ of women. we have a women's team of which i am the — of women. we have a women's team of which i am the founder, of the supporters club there and they say they have — supporters club there and they say they have a duty of care towards mason _ they have a duty of care towards mason greenwood but they also have it to people like me,, the women's team, _ it to people like me,, the women's team, women who are coming through, and young _ team, women who are coming through, and young boys as well, they have a duty of— and young boys as well, they have a duty of care — and young boys as well, they have a duty of care. bringing mason back after— duty of care. bringing mason back after the — duty of care. bringing mason back after the arrest, being charged... yes. _ after the arrest, being charged... yes. the — after the arrest, being charged... yes, the charges were dropped, but it doesn't—

yes, the charges were dropped, but it doesn't send the correct message to the _ it doesn't send the correct message to the whole community and manchester united fans across the world _ manchester united fans across the world for— manchester united fans across the world. for me, manchester united, it is an honour— world. for me, manchester united, it is an honour to play for them and i think— is an honour to play for them and i think it's _ is an honour to play for them and i think it's like — is an honour to play for them and i think it's like a doctor, if it had happened _ think it's like a doctor, if it had happened to them, would we say yes, it's ok _ happened to them, would we say yes, it's ok for— happened to them, would we say yes, it's ok for them to come back? i don't _ it's ok for them to come back? i don't think— it's ok for them to come back? i don't think we would. for me it is the same — don't think we would. for me it is the same standard that mason should be held _ the same standard that mason should be held to _ the same standard that mason should be held to. as you say, charges were dropped _ be held to. as you say, charges were dropped and — be held to. as you say, charges were dropped and he has maintained his innocence and it hasn't been 100% establish _ innocence and it hasn't been 100% establish that it was his voice on the video — establish that it was his voice on the video. . . r' establish that it was his voice on the video. . ., ,~' , ., establish that it was his voice on the video-— establish that it was his voice on the video. . ., ,~' ,~. ., ,~. the video. can i ask you what you think of how _ the video. can i ask you what you think of how the _ the video. can i ask you what you think of how the club _ the video. can i ask you what you think of how the club have - the video. can i ask you what you | think of how the club have handled this? �* , , , ., , this? oh, it's 'ust... it beggars belief. i can't— this? 0h, it'sjust... it beggars belief. i can't believe - this? oh, it'sjust... it beggars belief. i can't believe how- this? 0h, it'sjust... it beggars belief. i can't believe how theyj belief. i can't believe how they released — belief. i can't believe how they released this statement, the way they've...~ — released this statement, the way they've,... there were leaks saying they've,... there were leaks saying they were _ they've,... there were leaks saying they were waiting for mary earps to come _ they were waiting for mary earps to come back— they were waiting for mary earps to come back from the world cup, after everything _ come back from the world cup, after everything they're doing and for

them _ everything they're doing and for them to— everything they're doing and for them to come back and have a part in them to come back and have a part in the decision— them to come back and have a part in the decision and now they are getting — the decision and now they are getting abuse on social media from different— getting abuse on social media from different people. i don't understand why they've done that. i don't understand why they released a statement after the semifinal win. this country should be behind women's _ this country should be behind women's football and to be honest it looks— women's football and to be honest it looks like _ women's football and to be honest it looks like man united are still behind — looks like man united are still behind in _ looks like man united are still behind in terms of supporting the women's — behind in terms of supporting the women's team and putting it at the forefront _ women's team and putting it at the forefront. we should be celebrating women's _ forefront. we should be celebrating women's football and talking about this. women's football and talking about this it _ women's football and talking about this. it isn't right and they haven't— this. it isn't right and they haven't handled it the might way. do haven't handled it the might way. dy: you haven't handled it the might way. you think haven't handled it the might way. dr? you think manchester united should retain mason greenwood? i you think manchester united should retain mason greenwood?— retain mason greenwood? i think richard arnold _ retain mason greenwood? i think richard arnold has _ retain mason greenwood? i think richard arnold has a _ retain mason greenwood? i think richard arnold has a serious i richard arnold has a serious dichotomy _ richard arnold has a serious dichotomy. 0n— richard arnold has a serious dichotomy. 0n the - richard arnold has a serious dichotomy. 0n the one hand richard arnold has a serious i dichotomy. 0n the one hand they richard arnold has a serious _ dichotomy. 0n the one hand they have corporate _ dichotomy. 0n the one hand they have corporate governance _ dichotomy. 0n the one hand they have corporate governance and _ dichotomy. 0n the one hand they have corporate governance and on - dichotomy. 0n the one hand they have corporate governance and on the i corporate governance and on the other— corporate governance and on the other hand — corporate governance and on the other hand they— corporate governance and on the other hand they have _ corporate governance and on the other hand they have social- other hand they have social responsibility. _ other hand they have social responsibility. it _ other hand they have social responsibility. it is - other hand they have social responsibility. it is a - other hand they have social. responsibility. it is a moment other hand they have social- responsibility. it is a moment in time _ responsibility. it is a moment in time i— responsibility. it is a moment in time ican't— responsibility. it is a moment in time. i can't disagree _ responsibility. it is a moment in time. i can't disagree with i responsibility. it is a moment in. time. i can't disagree with anything that time. ican't disagree with anything that was— time. i can't disagree with anything that was said. _ time. ican't disagree with anything that was said, her— time. i can't disagree with anything that was said, her words _ time. i can't disagree with anything that was said, her words are - that was said, her words are excellent _ that was said, her words are excellent. what— that was said, her words are excellent. what has- that was said, her words are l excellent. what has happened that was said, her words are i excellent. what has happened is appalling — excellent. what has happened is appalling i_ excellent. what has happened is appalling i come _ excellent. what has happened is appalling. i come from - excellent. what has happened is appalling. i come from a - excellent. what has happened is appalling. i come from a family, | excellent. what has happened is i appalling. i come from a family, my

wife worked — appalling. i come from a family, my wife worked in — appalling. i come from a family, my wife worked in households - appalling. i come from a family, my wife worked in households where i wife worked in households where there _ wife worked in households where there was — wife worked in households where there was domestic _ wife worked in households where there was domestic abuse - wife worked in households where there was domestic abuse and i wife worked in households where. there was domestic abuse and i've seen _ there was domestic abuse and i've seen and — there was domestic abuse and i've seen and heard— there was domestic abuse and i've seen and heard it _ there was domestic abuse and i've seen and heard it and _ there was domestic abuse and i've seen and heard it and i— there was domestic abuse and i've seen and heard it and i think- there was domestic abuse and i've seen and heard it and i think it's . seen and heard it and i think it's appalling — seen and heard it and i think it's appalling and _ seen and heard it and i think it's appalling and people _ seen and heard it and i think it's appalling and people have - seen and heard it and i think it's appalling and people have to i seen and heard it and i think it's i appalling and people have to stand up appalling and people have to stand up to— appalling and people have to stand up to it _ appalling and people have to stand up to it now. _ appalling and people have to stand upto it now. i_ appalling and people have to stand up to it. now, i do _ appalling and people have to stand up to it. now, i do understand, i up to it. now, i do understand, though. — up to it. now, i do understand, though. that _ up to it. now, i do understand, though, that united _ up to it. now, i do understand, though, that united are - up to it. now, i do understand, though, that united are in- up to it. now, i do understand, though, that united are in the. though, that united are in the middle — though, that united are in the middle of— though, that united are in the middle of a _ though, that united are in the middle of a billion _ though, that united are in the middle of a billion takeover. though, that united are in the i middle of a billion takeover and there _ middle of a billion takeover and there are — middle of a billion takeover and there are two _ middle of a billion takeover and there are two parties, - middle of a billion takeover and there are two parties, jim i middle of a billion takeover andl there are two parties, jim mattis and one — there are two parties, jim mattis and one other— there are two parties, jim mattis and one other and _ there are two parties, jim mattis and one other and i— there are two parties, jim mattis and one other and i wouldn't i there are two parties, jim mattis and one other and i wouldn't bel and one other and i wouldn't be surprised — and one other and i wouldn't be surprised if— and one other and i wouldn't be surprised if he _ and one other and i wouldn't be surprised if he has— and one other and i wouldn't be surprised if he has retained, i and one other and i wouldn't be surprised if he has retained, inl surprised if he has retained, in light— surprised if he has retained, in light of— surprised if he has retained, in light of his _ surprised if he has retained, in light of his potential— surprised if he has retained, in light of his potential sizeable l light of his potential sizeable value. — light of his potential sizeable value. he _ light of his potential sizeable value, he has— light of his potential sizeable value, he has two _ light of his potential sizeable value, he has two years i light of his potential sizeable value, he has two years and i light of his potential sizeable l value, he has two years and an option— value, he has two years and an option on— value, he has two years and an option on his _ value, he has two years and an option on his contract, - value, he has two years and an option on his contract, for- value, he has two years and anl option on his contract, for them value, he has two years and an i option on his contract, for them to then— option on his contract, for them to then farm — option on his contract, for them to then farm him _ option on his contract, for them to then farm him out _ option on his contract, for them to then farm him out on _ option on his contract, for them to then farm him out on a _ option on his contract, for them to then farm him out on a loan, i option on his contract, for them to. then farm him out on a loan, maybe into this _ then farm him out on a loan, maybe into this new— then farm him out on a loan, maybe into this new saudi _ then farm him out on a loan, maybe into this new saudi league. - then farm him out on a loan, maybe into this new saudi league. but i then farm him out on a loan, maybe into this new saudi league. but if. into this new saudi league. but if the qataris— into this new saudi league. but if the qataris purchase _ into this new saudi league. but if the qataris purchase manchester| the qataris purchase manchester united _ the qataris purchase manchester united it — the qataris purchase manchester united it would _ the qataris purchase manchester united it would be _ the qataris purchase manchester united it would be interesting i united it would be interesting because — united it would be interesting because i_ united it would be interesting because i don't— united it would be interesting because i don't think - united it would be interesting because i don't think they. united it would be interesting because i don't think they are united it would be interesting i because i don't think they are best ends _ because i don't think they are best ends with— because i don't think they are best ends with saudi _ because i don't think they are best ends with saudi arabia _ because i don't think they are best ends with saudi arabia at - because i don't think they are best ends with saudi arabia at the - because i don't think they are best - ends with saudi arabia at the moment but it would _ ends with saudi arabia at the moment but it would be — ends with saudi arabia at the moment but it would be interesting. _ ends with saudi arabia at the moment but it would be interesting. you - but it would be interesting. you sur - rised but it would be interesting. you surprised that _ but it would be interesting. surprised that other but it would be interesting.” surprised that other manchester united players and former united players, high—profile people who are pundits and commentators like rio ferdinand and gary neville have

stayed silent on this?— stayed silent on this? yeah, it's certainly the — stayed silent on this? yeah, it's certainly the case _ stayed silent on this? yeah, it's certainly the case that - stayed silent on this? yeah, it's certainly the case that men's i certainly the case that men's football in general appears to be very, very quiet on this issue. we reported as part of our piece on the atlhletic yesterday that the united head coach erik ten hag and the football director have been supportive and encouragement of mason greenwood's reintegration into the first team. the arguments are being made across the club, not only by the football operations, centring on this view, that united put in a statement, remarkably, on wednesday which said, united feel they have a duty of care to a player who has been on their books since the age of seven and they feel that they have that responsibility. i think something else which is going on, it is speculation, but united don't have that many centre forwards at the moment. they've signed a striker, rasmus hoyland, who has a back problem in the short—term and in the first game of the season they

were struggling for goals and maybe is an element of the head coach wanting a talented player back in the team. if that's the case, some supporters and a lot of observers would find that difficult to stomach. would find that difficult to stomach-— would find that difficult to stomach. ., . ~ ., . . stomach. let me go back to natalie. if the club keep _ stomach. let me go back to natalie. if the club keep him, _ stomach. let me go back to natalie. if the club keep him, what _ stomach. let me go back to natalie. if the club keep him, what would - if the club keep him, what would that mean for you and your support of the club that you love? i’zre that mean for you and your support of the club that you love? i've been auoin to of the club that you love? i've been going to this _ of the club that you love? i've been going to this club _ of the club that you love? i've been going to this club since _ of the club that you love? i've been going to this club since i _ of the club that you love? i've been going to this club since i can - going to this club since i can remember, since i was a little girl, so for— remember, since i was a little girl, so for me _ remember, since i was a little girl, so for me it — remember, since i was a little girl, so for me it is _ remember, since i was a little girl, so for me it is an important part of my life. _ so for me it is an important part of my life, manchester united. it is a community, — my life, manchester united. it is a community, it is where i get a lot of my— community, it is where i get a lot of my social— community, it is where i get a lot of my social life and my friends are from _ of my social life and my friends are from attending manchester united games— from attending manchester united games and it would just destroy that _ games and it would just destroy that it — games and it would just destroy that it is — games and it would just destroy that. it is destroying it now, there is massive — that. it is destroying it now, there is massive divides, massive protests already _ is massive divides, massive protests already it's — is massive divides, massive protests already. it's going to make it toxic. — already. it's going to make it toxic. if— already. it's going to make it toxic, if he doesn't run at old

traffordm _ toxic, if he doesn't run at old trafford... people are going to be booing _ trafford... people are going to be booing him. — trafford... people are going to be booing him, some people will we should _ booing him, some people will we should carry on supporting him, but i should carry on supporting him, but i don't _ should carry on supporting him, but idon't think— should carry on supporting him, but i don't think we should carry on idon't think we should carry on with— i don't think we should carry on with someone like that. i think it is because — with someone like that. i think it is because don't have a lot of strike — is because don't have a lot of strike options and this is an easy way to— strike options and this is an easy way to get— strike options and this is an easy way to get someone in who is talented _ way to get someone in who is talented. ., way to get someone in who is talented. . ., , , singer—songwriter hozier has told this programme he would be willing to strike over the threat ai poses to the music industry. the irish musician, whose worldwide hit of ten years ago take me to church is still one of the most streamed tracks of all time, says he would join

hollywood—style industrial action in solidarity. hollywood writers and actors are currently striking over a row about better contracts and protection from the use of artificial intelligence. to mark the launch of his new album unreal unearth, which is out tomorrow, i had a chat with hozier about fame, about sinead o'connor, about al and first, about his new music. you have said that "music is a vehicle for the spirit of the time." so, tell us how this new album, your new album, reflects the world as we see it. in the album, there's a few songs that sort of, that reflect on some of our, kind of, predicaments. a song like eat your young. it sort of plays with the idea of setting out the future for short—term gain, and songs that deal with a kind of a sort of modern day disillusionment. you said this album is a journey and it's

inspired by dante's inferno? a little bit. there's moments, there's moments in it that sort of nod to the poem, and, but structurally, i wanted to play with, i suppose, the structure of nine circles. there's this great line dante imagines, he writes, is written above the door, "through me, you enter into the population of loss." and itjust seemed like we were all at risk of losing a great deal. if people resonate with them in any way, shape or form, i'm delighted. # amen, amen # take me to church # i'll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies # i'll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife # offer me that deathless death # good god, let me give you my life...# your award—winning debut single take me to church is the 30th most streamed song of all time.

why do you think that is? it was an unusual pop song. it was an unusual kind of crossover hit. even in writing it, i remember kind ofjoking with rob kerwin, a wonderful producer who... who i produced that song with. he had thisjoke. when he would finish up a mix, he would joke, press save on it and say, "i'lljust mail that straight to the charts." and we sort ofjoked about it, but there was no, i don't believe we recorded a bass guitar on that. the vocals were recorded in, in my, in my, in my home and they were recorded in the attic. there's some austerity to that, to the vocal performance in that song. there's something, there's a rawness to it that i think arrested people at the time. i think in some ways, and i'm not delighted about this, but i think in some ways it is a more applicable and the song's sort of mission statement or its messages is more applicable now than it was ten years ago. we didn't have lgbtq+—free zones in the european union ten years ago.

we didn't have armed militia waiting outside of gay and queer spaces and with this sort of terrible threat hanging over that. so that is not something that was that was happening in our part of the world ten years ago. you are obviously a big ally for the lgbtq+ community. that song, the video, which is, features a young gay couple facing a homophobic mob, essentially. it is, as we've just said, absolutely pertinent, now, ten years on from when you wrote it. how much do you worry about the rolling back of rights of certain minorities? i think it's... i think it's a concern. i think it's a serious concern. i think when there isn't a visible or active will, political will, to deal with the challenges that we face,

it's easier and it always is easier to sort of pin the blame or to change the conversation to something that is a... to drum up a culture war. would you ever perform in russia or saudi arabia or other states that repress minorities? it's a tricky one. why is it tricky? well, do we not repress minorities here? or in america? i've been invited to, i think, to some event that was sponsored by the russian state. i believe we said no to that. i was invited to perform once in the vatican city, which is interesting. it was an interesting sort of event. they invited me to sing take me to church, i believe, at one point. and you said no. oh, yeah. right. 0k. well, that is interesting. so you said no, but it would have been a chance to perform take me to church to religious people, presumably.

yeah. to catholics. possibly. i perform that song to catholics every day. yes, i know. and i think in that, there's a strategy with a lot of institutions. if you can absorb the criticism by owning it, you can make it something of a fun little joke, and i think we can move on. it is tricky when you make work, especially if you're really putting your heart and your vision into the work, that it's not co—opted in a way that doesn't, doesn't resonate with you. when you think about fellow irish singer—songwriter sinead o'connor ripping up that photo of the pope back in 1992 to protest about sexual abuse within the church and the way she was treated, the way she was pilloried, and of course, later, she was proved to be right, why do you think she was treated like that for that action, and you haven't been treated in a similar way for take me to church? yeah, i think there's a lot.

i think the sensibilities have changed. i think i'm definitely an artist who kind of is thriving and walking on this road that she paved. i think part of it is because sinead was a woman. i think i think a lot of it is, she was one of the first who had that courage to stand up and and say it. and that was such a taboo at the time. what effect do you think the rise of ai—generated content is going to have on music and the process of creativity? whether it's art or not, i think, is nearly a philosophical debate. you know, i don't... it can't create something based on a human experience. and so i don't know if it meets the definition of art. i think it offers... i think actors at the moment... and i mean, this huge strike's on at the moment. yeah, a huge part of that is that it can be used to to create. to create a product

without human labour. can you imagine going on strike about al as a musician? can i imagine? yeah. joining in solidarity if there was action on that. absolutely. the uk, europe, much of the world, in fact, is going through really challenging economic times, high interest rates, high inflation, high energy bills. i wonder if... do you worry at all about the future for the creative industries? as you say, the creative industries, they've always managed to look after themselves. you know, i think i'd be concerned more about artists, you know, and their ability to make work in these kind of, as conditions get, sort of close in on them a little bit.

you've talked about fame being an unnatural state and that you like to keep your head down. what does that mean in practical terms and why? i don't think we necessarily evolved as community creatures to walk into a space and see everybody turn their head towards you. so when you do walk into a room and people turn towards you because of who you are, because of the music you've created and because you're extremely tall, how does it make you feel? with regard to fame or whatever, i keep my head down and i try not to court it, outside of the work. because you're sitting down, just do tell our viewers how tall you are. i am ten feet tall and five inches. what is it, six foot four? six foot five? 6'5", something like that. thank you very much for talking to newsnight. thank you.

sir michael parkinson, whose death was announced today, interviewed the biggest stars, but he always insisted the interviews were not about him. he said he had one task, to bring out the best in his guest, so before we leave you, here is how he did that. good night. of course, you've become known again in this country as the woman who broke up the beatles. but that's not true? no, listen, itell you, people on the street and kids do not dislike us. no — it's the media, i'm telling you. it's not us _ overnight, you're bigger than any band has ever been before. yeah. good, innit? laughter how you gonna get me on a tv and trap me? ain't no way! you can't beat me physically nor mentally. all of us here in jobs that are creative, where you can see, if you go work, if you've got a talent, you can get to the top and you can get, you know, a handsome living. now, you're not going to tell me that you are going to be compared with somebody who's sticking door handles on a carfor21r... for ten hours a day,

five days a week, that he's not to get frustrated,