america's national security to fund america's national security needs to support our critical partners, including israel and ukraine. . , , ., ukraine. there are signs that israel is read in: ukraine. there are signs that israel is readying itself _ ukraine. there are signs that israel is readying itself for _ ukraine. there are signs that israel is readying itself for a _ ukraine. there are signs that israel is readying itself for a possible - is readying itself for a possible ground offensive in the gaza strip. israel's defence minister told troops that they will soon see the on play from inside. the israeli ministry has been readying itself for an expected ground incursion into the territory while the israeli prime minister told other troops we will win. jordan has said that it fears the worst from what is to come. the united nations and aid agencies say a lack of water food, medicine and other essentials is making the situation for displaced people in gaza increasingly desperate. egyptian state media say the ravioli crossing into gaza will be open for several hours later today to allow the delivery of supplies. lorries are at the border although aid agencies for the first consignments will not merely be enough. the un says designated

shelters are overcrowded and water cannot be pumped orfiltered because of his role's block on fuel and bottled water is now unaffordable for most families. rishi sunak will continue his tour of the middle east today amid growing fears in the region that the conflict in gaza could spread. chiara bleeders gallery in egypt ahead of the summit this weekend to discuss the crisis. in saudi arabia last night the prime minister met the crown prince. number 10 said the pair agreed that the loss of innocent lives in israel and gaza over the last few weeks has been horrific. he said he will encourage saudi arabia to use its influence in the middle east. as you have been hearing withjo votes continue to be counted in the mid bedfordshire and tamworth by—elections. we could have declarations in the next hour. turnout in tamworth was 35.9% cent — that is low even for a by—election. the vote followed the resignation of the former conservative deputy whip chris pincher in september. our team in tamworth saying labourfigures are feeling pretty confident. turnout in mid bedfordshire was 44%.

the poll was triggered by the resignation of nadine dorries. the former conservative culture secretary had a majority of nearly 25,000 in 2019. one senior conservative there has told us it is "too close to call". our polling expert professor sir john curtice says the low turn out is a warning to the political parties. the truth is it looks as though the fall in turnout in by—elections in this parliament is going to be higher than it has been in any previous post word that make post war. it is running at an average of 28 points but last time we had a very perceptive drop in turnout was the parliament of 1997— 2001 at the end of which we had a turnout in the general election of less than 60% so i think there is a warning here to our politicians that voters are not happy at the moment nor are they encouraged to turn out to vote. just

in case the conservative party are saying hang on, that means they will come back to us, we should also say that the resumption on average of 2a point drop in turnout in the 92—97 parliament and i don't need to remind conservative parliament different politicians what happened there. the body of a 57—year—old woman has been recovered from a river in angus, as storm babet sweeps across eastern scotland. hundreds of people have been told to leave their homes. a rare red weather warning is in force for angus, aberdeenshire and parts of perthshire — which means there is a risk to life. while the focus is on the situation in eastern scotland right now, there is also concern over the impact of rainfall expected to build up on the eastern side of the pennines and peak district, as well as parts of greater manchester, cheshire and the borders, with asterly winds piling rain into the area during the day. a met office amber warning comes into force from noon ith up to 120 milimetres of rain possible, with flooding and disruption likely. train passengers are facing another

six months of potential strikes after members of the rmt union voted to continue taking strike action in their dispute about pay, jobs and conditions. the dispute with rail companies has been going on for nearly 18 months already. no fresh strike dates have been announced. i'll be back with an update later, now back tojo and our election special. welcome back as we await the result from the two by—elections, one in tamworth and staffordshire and the other in mid bedfordshire. both seats vacated by two conservative mps who stepped down in slightly difficult circumstances, let's put it that way. we hope to get both results within the next hour or so but for the next few hours we have

jonathan ashworth. if you were looking at both these by—elections, a huge majority for conservatives in rocksolid tory seats. which one would you be more confident about for labour? ijust arrived. what is the gossip? you are meant to tell me that. wejust the gossip? you are meant to tell me that. we just heard from peter kyle who has led the campaign for the labour party. he sounds confident but confident about taking lots of votes from the conservatives but whether that is enough to win, he could not be sure at this point. also a little bit of fear and frustration at the liberal democrats for daring to take part in a by—election which i think is their right but may have prevented them having a clear shot at victory. the? having a clear shot at victory. they are to save — having a clear shot at victory. they are to save conservative _ having a clear shot at victory. iie: are to save conservative seats. comfortable majorities for the conservatives so if they are in trouble there tonight that raises

serious questions for the conservative government. i think there is a yearning for change across the country and i think that is clear. i think people who voted conservative in recent elections are looking at the labour party are fresh and people who voted conservative, i have friends neighbours and relations who voted conservative all their life and they think this conservative party have moved away from them. henge think this conservative party have moved away from them. have they fallen in love _ moved away from them. have they fallen in love with _ moved away from them. have they fallen in love with keir— moved away from them. have they fallen in love with keir starmer? i fallen in love with keir starmer? let's see what happens with these election results this evening. these majorities are substantial and the swings that are needed to overtake them are quite significant. but even if you do not take these seats, let's see what the swings are because many conservative mps will because many conservative mps will be watching this result tonight or waking up and when they see the swing they will know they are in trouble. which seat will tell us more about labb�*s chances of winning the next election, even if you don't win them, which one, tamworth or mid bedfordshire will be more indicative of where labour is in terms of

uncovering? i am of where labour is in terms of uncovering? iam not of where labour is in terms of uncovering? i am not going to choose a seat in that respect. they are two important constituencies and important constituencies and important by—elections that we have been fighting hard for both and they are both of huge significance. let's see what the results are. but in both constituencies is it is clear to me that conservatives feel conservative government has moved away from them and they are looking at the labour party and looking at the changed message that keir starmer has been articulating to the country. if labb does win and we are speculating but if they have taken as many votes away from conservatives in these two seats, people will be nervous. tory mps in safe seats will be nervous and there will be more pressure on rishi sunak because everything will be up for grabs at the general election. i don't want to repeat myself. say something about how conservative mps in safe seats will feel if labour

have made such big inroads. you will win them but they have made big inroads. ., ., , win them but they have made big inroads. ., . , . inroads. colleagues say we look at every bur-election _ inroads. colleagues say we look at every by-election is _ inroads. colleagues say we look at every by-election is a _ inroads. colleagues say we look at every by-election is a government| inroads. colleagues say we look at. every by-election is a government we every by—election is a government we have been_ every by—election is a government we have been in— every by—election is a government we have been in power for 13 years and it is difficult — have been in power for 13 years and it is difficult for a government when — it is difficult for a government when a — it is difficult for a government when a by—election and we know that there _ when a by—election and we know that there is— when a by—election and we know that there is a _ when a by—election and we know that there is a lot... . when a by-election and we know that there is a lot. . ._ there is a lot... . well, you held one. there is a lot... . well, you held me you _ there is a lot... . well, you held one. you held _ there is a lot... . well, you held one. you held oxbridge. - there is a lot... . well, you held - one. you held oxbridge. absolutely. when there — one. you held oxbridge. absolutely. when there was _ one. you held oxbridge. absolutely. when there was a _ one. you held oxbridge. absolutely. when there was a by-election - one. you held oxbridge. absolutely. when there was a by-election for. one. you held oxbridge. absolutely. when there was a by-election for a l when there was a by—election for a position of principle when it was a conservative view of how we should proceed versus a labour view. watering down that zero. we have not watered _ watering down that zero. we have not watered down any. we would be very happy _ watered down any. we would be very happy to _ watered down any. we would be very happy to come to that in a minute. but these — happy to come to that in a minute. but these are by—elections, mid—term in a period _ but these are by—elections, mid—term in a period where people are sceptical— in a period where people are sceptical and are looking at the government to deliver the change that they— government to deliver the change that they need, they are not sold on the labour— that they need, they are not sold on the labour party. we know we need to work hard _ the labour party. we know we need to work hard to— the labour party. we know we need to work hard to win the trust of the british— work hard to win the trust of the british people again and we're going to do that _

british people again and we're going to do that and that is why we are focused, — to do that and that is why we are focused, whatever the results, we are going — focused, whatever the results, we are going to be focused on delivering for the british people and delivering on priority set up by the prime — and delivering on priority set up by the prime minister and taking tough decisions _ the prime minister and taking tough decisions to build a brighter future for the _ decisions to build a brighter future for the uk — decisions to build a brighter future for the uk. that is what people expect — for the uk. that is what people expect. andrew is right. by—elections are not the same, clearly, — by—elections are not the same, clearly, as— by—elections are not the same, clearly, as a general election. they are is— clearly, as a general election. they are is directly used as a chance for voters _ are is directly used as a chance for voters to— are is directly used as a chance for voters to protest against the incumbents, against the government of the _ incumbents, against the government of the day— incumbents, against the government of the day and the tories have been in power— of the day and the tories have been in power for— of the day and the tories have been in power for 13 years. i could put the question way then. if you do not take these _ the question way then. if you do not take these two see where you have been _ take these two see where you have been consistently ahead in the polls by anything between 16—20 points and rishi sunak's, possibly, the last in a run _ rishi sunak's, possibly, the last in a run of— rishi sunak's, possibly, the last in a run of conservative prime ministers, _ a run of conservative prime ministers, people may think, particularly in tamworth which you did hotd _ particularly in tamworth which you did hold up — particularly in tamworth which you did hold up to 2010, neighbour you are not— did hold up to 2010, neighbour you are not on— did hold up to 2010, neighbour you are not on track to win the general election _ are not on track to win the general election. , , �* , are not on track to win the general election. , , �*, , are not on track to win the general election. , , �* , , ., election. firstly, let's see what ha--ens election. firstly, let's see what happens in _ election. firstly, let's see what happens in the _ election. firstly, let's see what happens in the result _ election. firstly, let's see what happens in the result and - election. firstly, let's see what happens in the result and let's| election. firstly, let's see what. happens in the result and let's see what the swing is at. because i let you into a secret. i've been on these programmes for 13 years now

doing by—election nights. that is what you say when you are in trouble. you know you are in trouble. you know you are in trouble. and he knows as well as i do because i have been in his position, that his colleagues will be not happy in the morning, regardless of, whoever narrowly wins or does not win, they will be looking at the swing and they will be comparing it to their own seat. i know it because i have done it as well. when we have bad results but thatis well. when we have bad results but that is a reality. tory mps will be looking at these and they are going to be really, really nervous and it will cause turmoil on his side next week. andrew westerman it also happens to be true. irate week. andrew westerman it also happens to be true.— week. andrew westerman it also happens to be true. we are mid-term and --eole happens to be true. we are mid-term and peeple are _ happens to be true. we are mid-term and people are sceptical _ happens to be true. we are mid-term and people are sceptical of _ and people are sceptical of politics. _ and people are sceptical of politics, they are not sold on keir starmer, — politics, they are not sold on keir starmer, they want a reasonable conservative in our focus will be on delivering — conservative in our focus will be on delivering the change that is required to take this country forward _ required to take this country forward. whatever the result happens to be this _ forward. whatever the result happens to be this evening. let�*s forward. whatever the result happens to be this evening.— to be this evening. let's talk to sirjohn curtis _ to be this evening. let's talk to sirjohn curtis about _ to be this evening. let's talk to sirjohn curtis about the - sirjohn curtis about the conversation you to have just been having about the impertinence of

by—elections, or not. what do they tell us about the state of the party. can they mean that one party or another is on path to victory at a general election and possibly coming next year?— a general election and possibly coming next year? john? they can rive us coming next year? john? they can give us an — coming next year? john? they can give us an indication, _ coming next year? john? they can give us an indication, if _ coming next year? john? they can give us an indication, if we - coming next year? john? they can l give us an indication, if we compare by—elections with by—elections as to the relative progress of the opposition and the difficulties of the government. i think it is already clearfrom the government. i think it is already clear from what we are hearing from the council that labour of either won or come close in these by—elections but we will see a couple of by—elections with very substantial swings from conservative to labour and that will indicate, i think, two things. one is that the lower swing in uxbridge now look like a mirage other than a pathway to conservative recovery and maybe the better guide to where we are at. secondly it would mean that we now have three by—elections in which we

have three by—elections in which we have gotten swings from conservative to labour that are towards the top of the top ten and the last time we were getting swings of this size on a regular basis was the 1992— 1997 parliament which ended in a substantial conservative defeat. none of this says that the conservatives are bound to lose but i think what we probably can conclude at the end of tonight if what we hear from the account is correct and that is an important if, is that coupled with the evidence of the opinion polls and the difficulties that the conservatives have had in reducing labb's leads, is that at the moment at least labb are on course to win the next election and that does not necessarily mean that they will, there are still 12 months or more to go but at the moment, at least, it looks like an election for labour to lose and a very, very difficult situation form which the conservatives need to recover. when ou look conservatives need to recover. when you look at — conservatives need to recover. when you look at by-elections _ conservatives need to recover. when you look at by-elections that - conservatives need to recover. when you look at by—elections that have happened, take the uxbridge and south rise one and you spoke about

the swings that need to happen for labour to win. but even if they make a lot of ground and conservatives hold them, psychologically won't that be a boost for the conservatives? however bad it looks in terms of movement by labour, they will still receive a morale boost by holding these seats.— holding these seats. absolutely. given how low _ holding these seats. absolutely. given how low expectations - holding these seats. absolutely. given how low expectations of i holding these seats. absolutely. l given how low expectations of the conservative party are at the moment, and there is success for the conservatives in both these seeds would be taken as a degree of comfort and the truth is at the end of the day in politics, although you and i may say let's look at the swing, at the end of the day we all know that the result of this by—election will make much more impact on morale and on the narrative of politics if the labour party wins than if they don't. so to that extent, at least, who wins does matter but either way we are now

clearly getting, seemingly, two by—elections were substantial swings and we are now getting a sequence of by—elections wings of the kind that we had in a previous parliament. i would like to return to you to particularly but on the issue of uxbridge because i was sitting here and we were watching the results come in and it was slightly surprising that the tories had held on and they held onto it largely as the mp admitted because of the low emission zone and because of charging and that miscalculation as some in your party charge, lost you that election and influenced the government to change their approach towards net zero. because they thought it was a vote winner. bind towards net zero. because they thought it was a vote winner. and we will see tonight _ thought it was a vote winner. and we will see tonight when _ thought it was a vote winner. and we will see tonight when we _ thought it was a vote winner. and we

will see tonight when we get - thought it was a vote winner. and we will see tonight when we get these . will see tonight when we get these results whether that strategy has worked for them.— results whether that strategy has worked for them. �* ., , ., ~' worked for them. andrew do you think that is what change _ worked for them. andrew do you think that is what change the _ worked for them. andrew do you think that is what change the policy? - worked for them. andrew do you think that is what change the policy? have l that is what change the policy? have rishi sunak to come out and say we are going to delay, certainly banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars, we're going to make sure that the war and a motorist which was waged by you is now going to stop because we suddenly think that that might be a pathway to victory. the war on motorists is by sadiq khan and other labour leaders across the country and it was a misstep by the labour party to go ahead and they continue to press ahead and they continue to press ahead despite opposition to it in oxbridge and other parts of london. the ban on it until 2035 and the moves on banning new oil and gas to the same date was taken because we need a proportionate and pragmatic response and approach towards net to zero. net zero remains a

conservative party policy, we are very proud to have put in 2019. we have reduced emissions faster than any other g7 nation in the world. ibis any other g7 nation in the world. as you know by the commission on climate change says it is stalling. we are going to proceed with this but we have to do it in a proportionate and pragmatic way that takes people with us and ensures people won't be less well off as a result and that's what the prime minister did and that's why were moving ahead with those plans. i think we can go to tamworth, not because i think we have a result but let's catch up and see what ione wells can tell us. do you know, have any idea, when they might be a result? ~ . ., , result? well, certainly the mood in the room is — result? well, certainly the mood in the room is that _ result? well, certainly the mood in the room is that it _ result? well, certainly the mood in the room is that it could _ result? well, certainly the mood in the room is that it could well- result? well, certainly the mood in the room is that it could well be . the room is that it could well be much sooner than expected. we were not expecting a result until half past three or four in the morning, now there is lots of chat it can be very soon indeed. we have seen the labor candidate arrived to big cheers and she was certainly looking very smiley and positive, but something that may delay things as

there is also talk about whether or not —— labour candidate. about whether a recount may be needed. nothing has been confirmed yet but certainly some of those organising the county have said that from what they have seen, this is looking very close. if that is the case, and their discussions on the way about whether or not a recount would be needed, obviously if that does happen, it could well delay any result quite substantially but certainly the spec elation at the moment is that it could very soon. the fact it could potentially be very close is in itself i think one of the reasons that labour may be feeling quite positive tonight. we have to remember this is a 19,000 majority for the conservatives at the moment. a huge swing needed for labour to win the moment. a huge swing needed for labourto win in the moment. a huge swing needed for labour to win in the seat. so if they are sensing that things are very close, i think that may be one of the reasons labour are feeling pretty confident already. ianie pretty confident already. ionie wells in tamworth, _ pretty confident already. ionie wells in tamworth, we - pretty confident already. ionie wells in tamworth, we will. pretty confident already. ionie i wells in tamworth, we will come pretty confident already. ionie wells in tamworth, we will come back to you if there's any sign of a result or an announcement they will

have a recount. let's find out what is happening in mid with helen catt. helen, what about a result there? any time soon? irate helen, what about a result there? anytime soon?— helen, what about a result there? any time soon? we are still waiting for that. any time soon? we are still waiting for that- we — any time soon? we are still waiting for that. we don't _ any time soon? we are still waiting for that. we don't have _ any time soon? we are still waiting for that. we don't have a _ any time soon? we are still waiting for that. we don't have a time - any time soon? we are still waiting for that. we don't have a time yet. | for that. we don't have a time yet. the initial— for that. we don't have a time yet. the initial thinking had for that. we don't have a time yet. the initialthinking had been for that. we don't have a time yet. the initial thinking had been they would _ the initial thinking had been they would declare around 1:32am. we are well past _ would declare around 1:32am. we are well past that now, so we're expecting it to be reasonably imminent, but at the moment we don't have any— imminent, but at the moment we don't have any current timeframe on it. when _ have any current timeframe on it. when it— have any current timeframe on it. when it comes, it will be in this hall when it comes, it will be in this hatt that — when it comes, it will be in this hall that you see, this is where the declaration— hall that you see, this is where the declaration will happen. we started out the _ declaration will happen. we started out the night of course —— around 1:30am _ out the night of course —— around 1:30am or— out the night of course —— around 1:30am or2am. allthe out the night of course —— around 1:30am or 2am. all the polls were suggesting it would be extremely close. _ suggesting it would be extremely close, just too close to call. over the last _ close, just too close to call. over the last few — close, just too close to call. over the last few hours we have seen sources — the last few hours we have seen sources from various parties suggesting that they think labour are going to take this. in the last few hours— are going to take this. in the last few hours we're also whispers that actually _ few hours we're also whispers that actually it — few hours we're also whispers that actually it is possible they might take it _ actually it is possible they might take it by— actually it is possible they might take it by a couple of thousand, two or 3000 _ take it by a couple of thousand, two or 3000 votes. of course these are all or 3000 votes. of course these are adjust— or 3000 votes. of course these are attiust the — or 3000 votes. of course these are alljust the whispers, the intelligence, the room as you get on

a by election night but that would be a pretty incredible result —— incredible _ be a pretty incredible result —— incredible result. what is noticeable is the one group of peopte — noticeable is the one group of people who are not confirming whether— people who are not confirming whether they think best is the case is labour — whether they think best is the case is labour. they are being extremely cautious— is labour. they are being extremely cautious here, they will concede they have — cautious here, they will concede they have had a good night but they are not— they have had a good night but they are not going as far as saying they think— are not going as far as saying they think they— are not going as far as saying they think they will get over the line here _ think they will get over the line here so — think they will get over the line here. so we are still at the moment waiting _ here. so we are still at the moment waiting for— here. so we are still at the moment waiting for that result to come in. heten— waiting for that result to come in. heten catt. — waiting for that result to come in. helen catt, thank you very much, in mid bedfordshire. so it looks as if things are a little bit on hold. in terms of the campaigns, i don't know if you went to mid bedfordshire or tamworth for that matter, john, but what we're hearing from senior labour figures because they have certainly been present, very present, seniorfigures, no doubt likejonathan ashworth, in both those seats? i like jonathan ashworth, in both those seats?— like jonathan ashworth, in both those seats? i think traditionally in one of the _ those seats? i think traditionally in one of the seats _ those seats? i think traditionally in one of the seats like - those seats? i think traditionally in one of the seats like this - those seats? i think traditionally in one of the seats like this they| in one of the seats like this they know the lib dems do quite well, and there was that feeling right at the start of the campaign, should labour just leave this one for the lib dems and concentrate on tamworth? and the feeling of people around keir starmer was no, we should just go

hard for this and let's see in a few weeks' time how the polls are looking and those first polls that looked to show that labour were on course, they were ahead of the lib dems, and had been upset. people were saying right at the back of the start of this campaign, nadine dorries was coming up a lot on the doorsteps. but as the campaign has dragged on, as we have seen several times tonight, it went on for an awful long time, voters seem to have slightly got over that and they have been other problems that have been brought into the mix. i been other problems that have been brought into the mix.— brought into the mix. i don't know what other— brought into the mix. i don't know what other problems _ brought into the mix. i don't know what other problems they - brought into the mix. i don't know what other problems they may - brought into the mix. i don't know| what other problems they may be. brought into the mix. i don't know- what other problems they may be. the conservatives, rishi sunak presumably didn't go to either of these, which isn't unexpected in that sense, did the tories spend a lot on these campaigns?— that sense, did the tories spend a lot on these campaigns? there has been a big focus _ lot on these campaigns? there has been a big focus -- _ lot on these campaigns? there has been a big focus -- a _ lot on these campaigns? there has been a big focus -- a big _ lot on these campaigns? there has been a big focus -- a big focus - lot on these campaigns? there has i been a big focus -- a big focus when been a big focus —— a big focus when you talk— been a big focus —— a big focus when you talk to _ been a big focus —— a big focus when you talk to ministers, lots of tory mpsi _ you talk to ministers, lots of tory mps. but — you talk to ministers, lots of tory mps. but i — you talk to ministers, lots of tory mps, but i also think even ahead of the count. — mps, but i also think even ahead of the count, speaking to tory mps, some _ the count, speaking to tory mps, some are — the count, speaking to tory mps, some are already having a bit of a btame _ some are already having a bit of a blame game about their ground game, saving _ blame game about their ground game, saying we _

blame game about their ground game, saying we are being sent to the seats _ saying we are being sent to the seats and — saying we are being sent to the seats and then being told to teaftet, _ seats and then being told to leaflet, ratherthan seats and then being told to leaflet, rather than to knock on doors _ leaflet, rather than to knock on doors and — leaflet, rather than to knock on doors and have conversations. so i think— doors and have conversations. so i think if— doors and have conversations. so i think if it _ doors and have conversations. so i think if it goes the way, big labour swings _ think if it goes the way, big labour swings and — think if it goes the way, big labour swings and even that labour takes both, _ swings and even that labour takes both, i_ swings and even that labour takes both, i think there will be lots of questions. — both, i think there will be lots of questions, notjust about, the generat— questions, notjust about, the general direction of mps going on an electorate _ general direction of mps going on an electorate calculus, but by—election caveats _ electorate calculus, but by—election caveats aside, about whether the ground _ caveats aside, about whether the ground game could be improved, and whether— ground game could be improved, and whether the tory party chairman greg hands— whether the tory party chairman greg hands is— whether the tory party chairman greg hands is leading it in a great way. what _ hands is leading it in a great way. what do _ hands is leading it in a great way. what do you say to that, andrew? | what do you say to that, andrew? i think greg hands is an excellent chairman and is leading the conservative party on the ground across the country in an excellent manner. , , , ., manner. just in terms of campaigning. _ manner. just in terms of campaigning, rather- manner. just in terms of| campaigning, rather than manner. just in terms of - campaigning, rather than knocking manner. just in terms of _ campaigning, rather than knocking on doors, leafleting, is that the right strategy? i doors, leafleting, is that the right strate: ? ~ , ., strategy? i think it is a combination _ strategy? i think it is a combination of - strategy? i think it is a combination of all- strategy? i think it is a combination of all the | strategy? i think it is a - combination of all the above and more. in this day and age it is far more. in this day and age it is far more than leafleting and knocking on doors, there is a social media campaign that has to be done, the postal votes that are far more prevalent than have ever been before, a lot more telephone canvassing needs to be done to reach these people who may be voting on

different days and from different locations as may traditionally be the case. so to say focusing on one not the other when actually it is a whole widespread campaign that is required these days i think is sort of missing the point. certainly, when i've been out to these constituencies and indeed other ones that i have taken part in the various by—elections, it has been a combination of all of the above we have been engaging in, and that is as should be the case. what have been engaging in, and that is as should be the case.— as should be the case. what has worked best _ as should be the case. what has worked best for _ as should be the case. what has worked best for labour- as should be the case. what has worked best for labour in - as should be the case. what has worked best for labour in the i as should be the case. what has i worked best for labour in the seats in terms of a campaign? irate worked best for labour in the seats in terms of a campaign?— in terms of a campaign? we are definitely keen _ in terms of a campaign? we are definitely keen greg _ in terms of a campaign? we are definitely keen greg hands - in terms of a campaign? we are| definitely keen greg hands state in terms of a campaign? we are - definitely keen greg hands state as tory definitely keen greg hands state as torv party— definitely keen greg hands state as tory party chairman. he definitely keen greg hands state as tory party chairman.— tory party chairman. he will be deliahted tory party chairman. he will be delighted to — tory party chairman. he will be delighted to have _ tory party chairman. he will be delighted to have your - tory party chairman. he will be delighted to have your vote - tory party chairman. he will be delighted to have your vote of| delighted to have your vote of confidence (i) irate delighted to have your vote of confidence (i)— delighted to have your vote of confidence (!) ~ ., ., , confidence (!) we have run overly ositive confidence (!) we have run overly positive campaign. _ confidence (!) we have run overly positive campaign. just _ confidence (!) we have run overly positive campaign. just before - confidence (!) we have run overly positive campaign. just before i l positive campaign. just before i came _ positive campaign. just before i came on. — positive campaign. just before i came on. i_ positive campaign. just before i came on, i heard peter kyle talking about— came on, i heard peter kyle talking about the _ came on, i heard peter kyle talking about the type of campaign they have run in _ about the type of campaign they have run in the _ about the type of campaign they have run in the mid bedfordshire seats. atthough — run in the mid bedfordshire seats. although we did hear from labour although we did hearfrom labour there were a lot of don't knows, more perhaps than they thought would be. ., . . , , more perhaps than they thought would be. ., . , . more perhaps than they thought would be. ., ., .,, be. you always get a significant chunk of don't _

be. you always get a significant chunk of don't knows _ be. you always get a significant chunk of don't knows in - be. you always get a significant chunk of don't knows in any - be. you always get a significant - chunk of don't knows in any campaign and it— chunk of don't knows in any campaign and it is— chunk of don't knows in any campaign and it is important that we in the labour— and it is important that we in the labour party are talking to people directtv _ labour party are talking to people directly but i am struck in these two elections, i spent a lot of time in tamworth today, the numbers of peopte _ in tamworth today, the numbers of people who say they are a conservative who are shifting directtv — conservative who are shifting directly to labour. they are not going _ directly to labour. they are not going to — directly to labour. they are not going to stay at home. not saying we will sit _ going to stay at home. not saying we will sit this _ going to stay at home. not saying we will sit this one out, they have actively— will sit this one out, they have actively shifted their vote from conservative to labour. whether that will be _ conservative to labour. whether that will be enough for labour to take the seats— will be enough for labour to take the seats we will have to wait for these _ the seats we will have to wait for these election results but we are definitely— these election results but we are definitely getting fat on the ground. i come back to this point. i think— ground. i come back to this point. i think a _ ground. i come back to this point. i think a lot — ground. i come back to this point. i think a lot of— ground. i come back to this point. i think a lot of natural conservatives out there _ think a lot of natural conservatives out there just feel the conservative party _ out there just feel the conservative party have — out there just feel the conservative party have moved away from them and they are _ party have moved away from them and they are looking at a potential labour — they are looking at a potential labour government now is a more natural— labour government now is a more natural home for them.— labour government now is a more natural home for them. sarah, you are saving — natural home for them. sarah, you are saving the _ natural home for them. sarah, you are saying the same, _ natural home for them. sarah, you are saying the same, that - natural home for them. sarah, you are saying the same, that lots - natural home for them. sarah, you are saying the same, that lots of. are saying the same, that lots of people are turning to the liberal democrats, in mid bedfordshire, not tamworth. irate democrats, in mid bedfordshire, not tamworth. ~ democrats, in mid bedfordshire, not tamworth. i i democrats, in mid bedfordshire, not tamworth. i . i, tamworth. we were finding much more in this by-election _ tamworth. we were finding much more in this by-election than _ tamworth. we were finding much more in this by-election than the _ tamworth. we were finding much more in this by-election than the others - in this by—election than the others we have _ in this by—election than the others we have fought, _ in this by—election than the others we have fought, people _ in this by—election than the others we have fought, people just - in this by—election than the othersl

we have fought, people just simply hadn't _ we have fought, people just simply hadn't made — we have fought, people just simply hadn't made up _ we have fought, people just simply hadn't made up their— we have fought, people just simply hadn't made up their minds. - we have fought, people just simply hadn't made up their minds. some| we have fought, people just simply. hadn't made up their minds. some of our activists — hadn't made up their minds. some of our activists were _ hadn't made up their minds. some of our activists were speaking _ hadn't made up their minds. some of our activists were speaking to - our activists were speaking to peopte — our activists were speaking to peopte this _ our activists were speaking to people this morning - our activists were speaking to people this morning literally. our activists were speaking to i people this morning literally on our activists were speaking to - people this morning literally on the way to— people this morning literally on the way to the — people this morning literally on the way to the potting _ people this morning literally on the way to the polling station _ people this morning literally on the way to the polling station not - way to the polling station not knowing _ way to the polling station not knowing how _ way to the polling station not knowing how they _ way to the polling station not knowing how they were - way to the polling station not. knowing how they were planning way to the polling station not - knowing how they were planning to vote, _ knowing how they were planning to vote, and _ knowing how they were planning to vote, and it — knowing how they were planning to vote, and it was _ knowing how they were planning to vote, and it was a _ knowing how they were planning to vote, and it was a really _ vote, and it was a really significant _ vote, and it was a really significant proportion. vote, and it was a really significant proportion of| vote, and it was a really - significant proportion of voters in this by—election, _ significant proportion of voters in this by—election, much, - significant proportion of voters in this by—election, much, much. significant proportion of voters in - this by—election, much, much greater than we _ this by—election, much, much greater than we have — this by—election, much, much greater than we have seen _ this by—election, much, much greater than we have seen in— this by—election, much, much greater than we have seen in places - this by—election, much, much greater than we have seen in places like - than we have seen in places like somerton— than we have seen in places like somerton and _ than we have seen in places like somerton and tiverton - than we have seen in places like somerton and tiverton and - than we have seen in places like somerton and tiverton and so i than we have seen in places like i somerton and tiverton and so on, than we have seen in places like - somerton and tiverton and so on, we have run— somerton and tiverton and so on, we have run big — somerton and tiverton and so on, we have run big campaigns— somerton and tiverton and so on, we have run big campaigns before. - somerton and tiverton and so on, we have run big campaigns before. and i have run big campaigns before. and there _ have run big campaigns before. and there is— have run big campaigns before. and there is absolutely— have run big campaigns before. and there is absolutely no _ have run big campaigns before. and there is absolutely no doubt - have run big campaigns before. and there is absolutely no doubt that. there is absolutely no doubt that peopte _ there is absolutely no doubt that peopte who _ there is absolutely no doubt that peopte who have _ there is absolutely no doubt that people who have always - there is absolutely no doubt that people who have always voted i people who have always voted conservative _ people who have always voted conservative were _ people who have always voted conservative were turning - people who have always voted i conservative were turning away people who have always voted - conservative were turning away from the conservatives _ conservative were turning away from the conservatives in— conservative were turning away from the conservatives in their— conservative were turning away from the conservatives in their droves, . the conservatives in their droves, but where — the conservatives in their droves, but where they— the conservatives in their droves, but where they were _ the conservatives in their droves, but where they were planning - the conservatives in their droves, but where they were planning to. the conservatives in their droves, - but where they were planning to vote instead, _ but where they were planning to vote instead, it _ but where they were planning to vote instead, it was — but where they were planning to vote instead, it was really _ but where they were planning to vote instead, it was really quite _ instead, it was really quite difficult _ instead, it was really quite difficult to _ instead, it was really quite difficult to work— instead, it was really quite difficult to work out - instead, it was really quite difficult to work out what l instead, it was really quite - difficult to work out what people wanted — difficult to work out what people wanted to — difficult to work out what people wanted to do _ difficult to work out what people wanted to do instead. _ difficult to work out what people wanted to do instead. [i- difficult to work out what people wanted to do instead. [i is- wanted to do instead. it is interesting _ wanted to do instead. it is interesting these - wanted to do instead- interesting these by—elections wanted to do instead— interesting these by—elections come quite swiftly after the party conferences, particularly after the labour party conference. it feels like an age ago, although it wasn't when the conservatives have their conference, which was, how can i put it delicately, with the hs2 decision and issue and announcement sort of hanging over the conference until rishi sunak stood up and made his conference speech, a feeling there

particularly, not in these areas of tamworth and mid bedfordshire would be directly affected, although tamworth of course would be affected, that perhaps again it underlined that the conservative party and the government are just not in touch with ordinary voters. i don't think that's true at all. i think what we saw as a result of the decision the prime minister made in hs2 is we will be spending millions of pounds actually making the changes... of pounds actually making the changes- - -_ of pounds actually making the changes... billions, because it was. . . changes... billions, because it was- -- yes. — changes... billions, because it was... yes, in _ changes... billions, because it was... yes, in terms— changes... billions, because it was. .. yes, in terms of- changes... billions, because it. was... yes, in terms of improving transort was... yes, in terms of improving transport networks _ was... yes, in terms of improving transport networks around - was... yes, in terms of improving transport networks around the - was... yes, in terms of improving i transport networks around the north of england. transport networks around the north of encland. �* i, transport networks around the north of encland. . i, , transport networks around the north of encland. �* i, , , of england. although people might be sa in: he of england. although people might be saying he should _ of england. although people might be saying he should do _ of england. although people might be saying he should do that _ of england. although people might be saying he should do that anyway. - saying he should do that anyway. jonathan ashworth, no commitment from labour to revive it. the jonathan ashworth, no commitment from labour to revive it.— from labour to revive it. the h52 thin is from labour to revive it. the h52 thing is really — from labour to revive it. the h52 thing is really interesting - from labour to revive it. the h52 thing is really interesting here i thing is really interesting here because — thing is really interesting here because the reason we have these two by—elections on today, marc yesterday's data, is because the conservative party chose those dates. — conservative party chose those dates, right, because they were conservative seats, they moved the writ, _ conservative seats, they moved the writi that's— conservative seats, they moved the writ, that's what it's called, so they— writ, that's what it's called, so they chose _ writ, that's what it's called, so they chose those dates. so that's they chose those dates. so that's the first _ they chose those dates. so that's the first strategic decision the tory— the first strategic decision the tory party made. secondly, they

cancelled — tory party made. secondly, they cancelled h52, huge bits of the tamworth constituency have been, if you like. _ tamworth constituency have been, if you like, flattened, in preparation for the _ you like, flattened, in preparation for the extension of h52, which then the prime _ for the extension of h52, which then the prime minister cancelled. so he has chosen— the prime minister cancelled. so he has chosen a by—election date in a particular— has chosen a by—election date in a particular constituency, then goes to his _ particular constituency, then goes to his conference and makes an announcement, which directly angers people _ announcement, which directly angers people inside constituency. that doesn't — people inside constituency. that doesn't suggest to me that this is a political— doesn't suggest to me that this is a political operation that knows what it's doing — political operation that knows what it's doinu. i, political operation that knows what it's doini. i, i, political operation that knows what it's doinu. i, i, ~ it's doing. yeah, i mean, andrew, it must've been _ it's doing. yeah, i mean, andrew, it must've been pretty _ it's doing. yeah, i mean, andrew, it must've been pretty difficult - it's doing. yeah, i mean, andrew, it must've been pretty difficult to - must've been pretty difficult to explain on the doorstep in tamworth that decision and the timing of it. it was very easy to explain we would investing billions of pounds... iflat investing billions of pounds... not cancelling? _ investing billions of pounds... not cancelling? allan that is what the prime minister announced that the conservative party conference. far from actually hanging over a conservative party conference, i think the conference was extremely positive. you would say that, i can assure you it was hanging over it. the prime minister did campaign in tamworth. did the prime minister did campaign in tamworth. , , , , i, i, tamworth. did they send you that node? i just _

tamworth. did they send you that node? i just saw— tamworth. did they send you that node? i just saw a _ tamworth. did they send you that node? i just saw a picture - tamworth. did they send you that node? ijust saw a picture of- tamworth. did they send you that node? ijust saw a picture of that. node? i “ust saw a picture of that. thanks node? ijust saw a picture of that. thanks for— node? ijust saw a picture of that. thanks for pointing _ node? ijust saw a picture of that. thanks for pointing that _ node? ijust saw a picture of that. thanks for pointing that out. - node? ijust saw a picture of that. thanks for pointing that out. on l thanks for pointing that out. on that thanks for pointing that out. that note, thanks for pointing that out. on that note, stay in your seat thanks for pointing that out. q�*i that note, stay in your seat just that note, stay in your seatjust for a few minutes because we have been talking about the party conference, let'sjust been talking about the party conference, let's just remind you of what the leader said in their annual speeches, and we will start with the liberal democrats. applause the conservatives botched the deal with europe. only we have set out a detailed plan to tear down those trade barriers, fix our broken relationship with europe and get a better deal for relationship with europe and get a better dealfor britain. relationship with europe and get a better deal for britain. as relationship with europe and get a better dealfor britain. as many of you know, my brothers and i lost both our parents to cancer when we were young. there are millions of us whose lives get turned upside down by cancer. as leader of our party, i can at least promise you this. for liberal democrat mps, it will be a top priority. and that's why today i'm announcing our new and ambitious

plan to end unacceptable cancer delays and boost survival rates. applause i am cancelling the rest of the hs2 project, and in its place, and in its place, we will reinvest every single penny. £36 billion in hundreds of new transport projects in the north and midlands across the country. so i propose that in future, we raise the smoking age by one year every year. that means a 14—year—oldapplause that means a 14—year—old today will never legally be sold a cigarette, and that they and their generation can grow up smoke—free. we will introduce the new rigorous,

knowledge rich, advanced british standard, which will bring together a—levels and t—levels into a new, single qualification for our school leavers. i know some people do not like the word reform but i tell you now there is no _ word reform but i tell you now there is no other— word reform but i tell you now there is no other option. we must be the government— is no other option. we must be the government that finally transforms our nhs~ _ government that finally transforms our nhs. so today we launch a new plan to— our nhs. so today we launch a new plan to get— our nhs. so today we launch a new plan to get it —— britain building again _ plan to get it —— britain building again a— plan to get it —— britain building again. a signal of our determination to fight— again. a signal of our determination to fight the — again. a signal of our determination to fight the bloggers who hold a veto over — to fight the bloggers who hold a veto over british aspiration. no more _ veto over british aspiration. no more land _ veto over british aspiration. no more land bankers sitting comfortably on brownfield sites by works _ comfortably on brownfield sites by works in _ comfortably on brownfield sites by works in their community dry up. no more _ works in their community dry up. no more councils refusing to develop a local plan— more councils refusing to develop a local plan because they prefer the backdoor— local plan because they prefer the backdoor deal. if you feel our country— backdoor deal. if you feel our country needs a party that conserves, that fights for our unity. — conserves, that fights for our unity. our— conserves, that fights for our unity, our environment, the rule of law, _ unity, our environment, the rule of law. family— unity, our environment, the rule of law, family life, the careful bond

between — law, family life, the careful bond between this generation and the next. _ between this generation and the next, then let me tell you, britain already— next, then let me tell you, britain already has— next, then let me tell you, britain already has one. and you canjoin it, already has one. and you canjoin it. it _ already has one. and you canjoin it. it is _ already has one. and you canjoin it. it is this— already has one. and you canjoin it, it is this labour party. already has one. and you can 'oin it, it is this labour party.�* it, it is this labour party. happy memories _ it, it is this labour party. happy memories from _ it, it is this labour party. happy memories from the _ it, it is this labour party. happy memories from the recent - it, it is this labour party. happy| memories from the recent party conferences. a good time to welcome our new guest for the conservative party and for the government, robert butlin. hello to you and good have you to come into the studio. do you remember most from the party conference this year? like many members of _ conference this year? like many members of the _ conference this year? like many members of the public, - conference this year? like many members of the public, not - conference this year? like many members of the public, not a i conference this year? like many. members of the public, not a lot, frankly. and if you concentrate on where the public is, the perceptions that form their decisions will not be the day today who is in who is out it is about what their lives, what they are facing in their lives and what their perceptions are and, let's face it, it will be a difficult night for the government. there is a lot to be done between now and the election and

by—elections... . by—elections are a kick up the pants for the government and that is one of the most important functions. time is getting short. but let's remember that with turnout and with the nature of the toys that people have, electing a representative for it best another year, this is not where the public will be come general election day. and i think with that caveat we have to remember to take these results, important as they are, with a large pinch of salt. important as they are, with a large pinch of salt-— pinch of salt. depending on the result, of course. _ pinch of salt. depending on the result, of course. let's - pinch of salt. depending on the result, of course. let's show i pinch of salt. depending on the. result, of course. let's show you the scene now in tamworth. you can see there that they have put up the left turn, excitement, that it is actually a period which may mean that we are getting closer to a result. it is all been prepared for an announcement for the returning officer and no doubt to come around and announce the winner in tamworth. we might get that result first before beds. we thought it would be the other way around. we believe that there are never there is any

action we will return directly to it. just on the party conferences, and what robert said, best forgotten for the conservatives and the government? i for the conservatives and the government?— for the conservatives and the covernment? ~' i, government? i think the general sense was _ government? i think the general sense was that _ government? i think the general sense was that labour _ government? i think the general sense was that labour was - government? i think the general sense was that labour was a - government? i think the general - sense was that labour was a happier event _ sense was that labour was a happier event but _ sense was that labour was a happier event but i _ sense was that labour was a happier event but i think it would also ekpect— event but i think it would also expect that when they are about 20 points _ expect that when they are about 20 points ahead in the pole. and, in a way. _ points ahead in the pole. and, in a way. i— points ahead in the pole. and, in a way. ldon't — points ahead in the pole. and, in a way, i don't think, i think it is way, idon't think, i think it is probably— way, i don't think, i think it is probably a _ way, i don't think, i think it is probably a low bar that the tory party— probably a low bar that the tory party conference, someone covering it for a _ party conference, someone covering it for a better place than it was last year _ it for a better place than it was last ear. i. . it for a better place than it was last year-— it for a better place than it was last ear. i, , i, ii, , last year. that is true, of course. that was a _ last year. that is true, of course. that was a low _ last year. that is true, of course. that was a low bar. _ last year. that is true, of course. that was a low bar. but - last year. that is true, of course. that was a low bar. but going - last year. that is true, of course. that was a low bar. but going on | last year. that is true, of course. i that was a low bar. but going on the ri . ht that was a low bar. but going on the right direction. _ that was a low bar. but going on the right direction. i _ that was a low bar. but going on the right direction. i think— that was a low bar. but going on the right direction. i think the _ that was a low bar. but going on the right direction. i think the general. right direction. i think the general sense _ right direction. i think the general sense is— right direction. i think the general sense is that labour had a better conference — sense is that labour had a better conference and there are some interesting figures. one byjames johnson _ interesting figures. one byjames johnson that found swing voters, there _ johnson that found swing voters, there was— johnson that found swing voters, there was a lot of positive feedback and the _ there was a lot of positive feedback and the day when press... . i think you can _ and the day when press... . i think you can take — and the day when press... . i think you can take something away and that is the _

you can take something away and that is the general commentariat felt it was good — is the general commentariat felt it was good for labour and bad for the tories _ was good for labour and bad for the tories and _ was good for labour and bad for the tories and such with by—elections in conference — tories and such with by—elections in conference season, we do not exactly know how _ conference season, we do not exactly know how all the policy stories are going _ know how all the policy stories are going to _ know how all the policy stories are going to land. you cannot look at the by—election results and say that means— the by—election results and say that means they do not like the smoking ban. means they do not like the smoking ban it— means they do not like the smoking ban it will— means they do not like the smoking ban. it will take a lot more time, i think. _ ban. it will take a lot more time, i think. to _ ban. it will take a lot more time, i think, to really know what the effects — think, to really know what the effects of these things are. you a . ree effects of these things are. you agree with _ effects of these things are. you agree with that? _ effects of these things are. i'm, agree with that? there is not been enough time these things to bed down. i enough time these things to bed down. ~ . enough time these things to bed down. ~' , i, i down. i think there is a declining number of _ down. i think there is a declining number of opportunities - down. i think there is a declining number of opportunities for - down. i think there is a declining | number of opportunities for rishi sunak to turn things around. you do not get many opportunities where people pay some vague attention and you look at the policies that the tory party did unveil at the conference, i mean, gradually putting up the smoking age in about ten years time and mucking around with t levels may be 15 years time so that someone who was two or three now may have to do a slightly different t level. for people at home who are struggling with the cost of living, who are worrying about the day—to—day how will they get a gp appointment, i don't think that really answer the problem is

that really answer the problem is that the country is facing. robert? the premise _ that the country is facing. robert? the premise is _ that the country is facing. robert? the premise is absolutely - that the country is facing. robert? the premise is absolutely right - that the country is facing. robert? the premise is absolutely right to | the premise is absolutely right to look at _ the premise is absolutely right to look at the long the strength is thinking — look at the long the strength is thinking deeply and seriously about the problems that face our country in the _ the problems that face our country in the long—term and hidden away it is refreshing to not have an obsession with the five year term. but we _ obsession with the five year term. but we must not forget that, of course. — but we must not forget that, of course, the prime minister at the beginning — course, the prime minister at the beginning of the year set up five clear— beginning of the year set up five clear priorities.— beginning of the year set up five clear priorities. how is he getting on with those? _ clear priorities. how is he getting on with those? we _ clear priorities. how is he getting on with those? we are _ clear priorities. how is he getting on with those? we are fighting i clear priorities. how is he getting | on with those? we are fighting the aood fi . ht on with those? we are fighting the good fight against _ on with those? we are fighting the good fight against inflation - on with those? we are fighting the good fight against inflation people | good fight against inflation people at the _ good fight against inflation people at the beginning said it would be o'donnell but we knew it would not be. i i. . o'donnell but we knew it would not be. . ., , . , o'donnell but we knew it would not be. i, , , i, o'donnell but we knew it would not be.i i, , , i, i, o'donnell but we knew it would not be.i i, , ii i, i, be. what is it? 6.7% now and it needs to _ be. what is it? 6.796 now and it needs to go _ be. what is it? 6.796 now and it needs to go down _ be. what is it? 6.796 now and it needs to go down to _ be. what is it? 6.796 now and it needs to go down to about - be. what is it? 6.796 now and it needs to go down to about 596. | be. what is it? 6.796 now and it - needs to go down to about 596. we're caettin needs to go down to about 596. we're getting close — needs to go down to about 596. we're getting close to _ needs to go down to about 596. we're getting close to november. - needs to go down to about 596. we're getting close to november. it - needs to go down to about 596. we're getting close to november. it is - needs to go down to about 596. we're getting close to november. it is a - getting close to november. it is a serious challenge _ getting close to november. it is a serious challenge and _ getting close to november. it is a serious challenge and something | getting close to november. it is a serious challenge and something that he could _ serious challenge and something that he could have shied away from and come _ he could have shied away from and come up _ he could have shied away from and come up with an easier figure. it is a difficult target. _ come up with an easier figure. it :i a difficult target. let's be honest with the audience. there is not anything the government is done, particularly, to bring down inflation is that?— particularly, to bring down inflation is that? many of these thin . s inflation is that? many of these things are _ inflation is that? many of these things are related _ inflation is that? many of these things are related to _ inflation is that? many of these i things are related to international factors— things are related to international factors as — things are related to international factors as much as national factors but i _ factors as much as national factors but i do _ factors as much as national factors

but i do think the government in terms _ but i do think the government in terms of— but i do think the government in terms of its approach to fiscal responsibility and management of the economy— responsibility and management of the economy does help to set the tone here and _ economy does help to set the tone here and there for the choices that we make _ here and there for the choices that we make in— here and there for the choices that we make in government perhaps the cheap— we make in government perhaps the cheap thrill— we make in government perhaps the cheap thrill of a giveaway budget would _ cheap thrill of a giveaway budget would stoke the fires of inflation rather— would stoke the fires of inflation rather than help bring them under control _ rather than help bring them under control so — rather than help bring them under control. i, i, i , rather than help bring them under control-_ l'm - rather than help bring them under control._ i'm not i rather than help bring them under control._ i'm not a | control. so no tax cuts. i'm not a member of— control. so no tax cuts. i'm not a member of the _ control. so no tax cuts. i'm not a member of the government - control. so no tax cuts. i'm not a member of the government and l control. so no tax cuts. i'm not aj member of the government and i control. so no tax cuts. i'm not a - member of the government and i am not chancellor of the exchequer but what i _ not chancellor of the exchequer but what i would say is that i think it is responsibility in the best tradition of a conservative government, to not try to hoodwink the public— government, to not try to hoodwink the public and pretend that somehow you give _ the public and pretend that somehow you give with one hand and take away with the _ you give with one hand and take away with the other. you will not see that from — with the other. you will not see that from this chancellor and prime minister— that from this chancellor and prime minister and that from this chancellor and prime ministerand i think that from this chancellor and prime minister and i think that is very much _ minister and i think that is very much in — minister and i think that is very much in the zeitgeist, the spirit of where _ much in the zeitgeist, the spirit of where the — much in the zeitgeist, the spirit of where the british public is at the moment — where the british public is at the moment. i. . . where the british public is at the moment. i, , , , �* moment. that is interesting, isn't it because — moment. that is interesting, isn't it because many _ moment. that is interesting, isn't it because many of _ moment. that is interesting, isn't it because many of your— moment. that is interesting, isn't l it because many of your colleagues, robert, will be very nervous. whoever wins they will look at the swings and they will be very nervous. given that we have the biggest tax burden since the war and

given that rishi sunak has missed the tax, his put up tax many times, many of your colleagues will be urging rishi sunak to put tax in the assortment statement and you are saying no, don't do that, keep the tax burden where it is at the moment. is that what you tell your colleagues? i moment. is that what you tell your colleagues?— colleagues? i say no conservative wants to see _ colleagues? i say no conservative wants to see the _ colleagues? i say no conservative wants to see the tax _ colleagues? i say no conservative wants to see the tax burden - colleagues? i say no conservative wants to see the tax burden at i colleagues? i say no conservative l wants to see the tax burden at this level— wants to see the tax burden at this level for— wants to see the tax burden at this level for ever but we do understand the economic realities and the pressures— the economic realities and the pressures that are wrong. and if there _ pressures that are wrong. and if there is— pressures that are wrong. and if there is any change to our tax system — there is any change to our tax system then it needs to be streamlined in a way that is unduly complicated by your previous government and the marginal rates of tax, particularly on younger familiesi _ tax, particularly on younger families-— tax, particularly on younger families. , ,, �* tax, particularly on younger families. , , ~ i, families. (crosstalk) there are high mar: inal families. (crosstalk) there are high marginal rates _ families. (crosstalk) there are high marginal rates of _ families. (crosstalk) there are high marginal rates of tax _ families. (crosstalk) there are high marginal rates of tax that _ families. (crosstalk) there are high marginal rates of tax that some - marginal rates of tax that some taxpayers are facing. if we are going to do anything, that is where we place our priority. where would your priority be? you said the tax burden is very, very high. it your priority be? you said the tax burden is very, very high.- burden is very, very high. it has been high _ burden is very, very high. it has been high since _ burden is very, very high. it has been high since the _ burden is very, very high. it has been high since the war. - burden is very, very high. it has been high since the war. where | burden is very, very high. it has - been high since the war. where would ou find been high since the war. where would

you find money? _ been high since the war. where would you find money? a — been high since the war. where would you find money? a lot _ been high since the war. where would you find money? a lot of— been high since the war. where would you find money? a lot of that - you find money? a lot of that because of— you find money? a lot of that because of rishi _ you find money? a lot of that because of rishi sunak- you find money? a lot of that because of rishi sunak when | you find money? a lot of that i because of rishi sunak when he you find money? a lot of that - because of rishi sunak when he was the chancellor of the exchequer. if you grow your economy... . the chancellor of the exchequer. if you grow your economy. . .- you grow your economy... . we all want to grow _ you grow your economy... . we all want to grow the _ you grow your economy... . we all want to grow the economy. - you grow your economy... . we all want to grow the economy. let's l you grow your economy... . we all i want to grow the economy. let's look at what is going on in tamworth. let's listening because it looks like, ithink it let's listening because it looks like, i think it looks like the returning officer is about to make an announcement. now that looks like the labour candidate there being talked to by the returning officer. so everybody is filing in, there clearly is going to be a result very shortly and we can see the liberal democrat candidate there as well. we're just waiting for andrew who i cannot see, who is the conservative candidate there in tamworth. but, clearly, they are getting prepared for the result in the tamworth by—election. it will be quite something if labour

actually takes this from the conservatives because it will have meant a massive swing away from the tories who have held this since 2010 with a very significant majority. let's listen. are there any other candidates going tojoin us on are there any other candidates going to join us on this date? are there any other candidates going tojoin us on this date? —— on the stage. i to join us on this date? -- on the stare. ~ i, ' i stage. i think the returning officer is waitin: stage. i think the returning officer is waiting to _ stage. i think the returning officer is waiting to see _ stage. i think the returning officer is waiting to see if _ stage. i think the returning officer is waiting to see if any _ stage. i think the returning officer is waiting to see if any other - is waiting to see if any other candidates who have taken part from any other parties in this by—election are going to appear. it

is as if they are all gathered now. well, not the conservative candidate but, let's see. maybe that is why there is a slight pause from the returning officer. waiting for the conservative candidate who you would expect to be on stage, andrew cooper. because he may have one. you never know. cooper. because he may have one. you never know— never know. sorry for the short intermission. _ never know. sorry for the short intermission. it _ never know. sorry for the short intermission. it looks _ never know. sorry for the short intermission. it looks like - never know. sorry for the short | intermission. it looks like there will be a bit _ intermission. it looks like there will be a bit wait _ intermission. it looks like there will be a bit wait while - intermission. it looks like there will be a bit wait while they - intermission. it looks like there will be a bit wait while they find andrew cooper. everybody is looking around to see where is the conservative candidate? because the other parties. — conservative candidate? because the other parties, certainly, _ conservative candidate? because the other parties, certainly, the - conservative candidate? because the other parties, certainly, the main - other parties, certainly, the main parties are waiting and you can see there, for the labour party and the liberal democrats, certainly. hoping to hear the result that it is interesting to know whether andrew cooper is not there because he is

lost or because they think it is so close that, of course, they may be wanting to have a recount. but these are all in the realms of speculation that i am entering into while we wait. all the bit difficult for the candidate standing there and watching and waiting for the returning officer to find out what is happening. what do you make of it without the conservative candidate there? it without the conservative candidate there? i. . . without the conservative candidate there? i. . without the conservative candidate there? , i, , there? it raises a few questions. if it is the case _ there? it raises a few questions. if it is the case that _ there? it raises a few questions. if it is the case that labour _ there? it raises a few questions. if it is the case that labour has - there? it raises a few questions. if it is the case that labour has one | it is the case that labour has one and we are about to find out, it is clearly a result that would be very disappointing for the conservative candidate and it means that because of what is happening we think, if this story candidate does not gain the seat they are unlikely to be the candidate in the general election it will then go to the current tory mp who plans to switch seats so really

it is their only chance to go for tamworth. it is their only chance to go for tamworth-— it is their only chance to go for tamworth. we are being told, i understand. — tamworth. we are being told, i understand, that _ tamworth. we are being told, i understand, that the _ tamworth. we are being told, i i understand, that the conservative candidate is not even in the hall. i would be the last person to criticise the returning officer for the there for the grace of god go i but one might have thought we would have found out if all the main candidates standing in this by—election were actually in the building before gathering everybody up building before gathering everybody up on stage. obviously there is a search going on for andrew cooper. yes. yes. . yes. yes. tell them the result before. yes. yes. tell them the result before- the _ yes. yes. tell them the result before. the candidates _ yes. yes. tell them the result before. the candidates do - yes. yes. tell them the result before. the candidates do not. yes. yes. tell them the result i before. the candidates do not come on the _ before. the candidates do not come on the platform... . without knowing _ on the platform... . without knowing. we know the result. you have pulled _ knowing. we know the result. you have pulled the _ knowing. we know the result. i'm, have pulled the curtain back on a by—election! what will we do for the next one! there he is. there he is. he has appeared. the memberfor parliament for tamworth on friday the 20th of october. i.

parliament for tamworth on friday the 20th of october.— the 20th of october. i, andrew barrett being _ the 20th of october. i, andrew barrett being the _ the 20th of october. i, andrew barrett being the acting - the 20th of october. i, andrew. barrett being the acting returning officer at this election do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each candidate at said election is as follows. bill cliff robert, uk independence party, a36 votes. cooper, andrew, commonly known as andy cooper, the conservative party candidate, 10,a03 votes. cooper, ian stewart, reform uk, 1373 votes. edwards, sarah, labour party, 11,719 votes. hope,

alan, commonly known as alan lord hemp, the monster raving loony party, 155. howarth, susan, commonly known as sue howarth, green party, a17. longman, peter george, 86. simon, ashley britton first stop the boats, 580. the work, sonny burke liberal democrats, a17. the number

of ballot papers rejected was as follows, for want of official mark, nil. voting for more candidates than voted entitled to, nine, writing or mark by which photo could be identified, one being unmarked, 3a which gives a total of aa. they concedes is won and the electorate is 71,302 develop papers issued, 25,000 630 which put the turnout of 35.95%. and i do hereby declare that sarah edwards is duly elected. 50. sarah edwards is duly elected. so, labour have _ sarah edwards is duly elected. so, labour have won tamworth and that is something of a historic and moment for them even in by—election terms. she obviously looks delighted. we will wait to see if she has a few

words to say at the left turn. —— at the lectern. tonight, the people of tamworth have voted for labb's positive vision and a fresh start. they have sent a clear message to rishi _ they have sent a clear message to rishi sunak— they have sent a clear message to rishi sunak and the conservatives that they— rishi sunak and the conservatives that they have had enough of this failed _ that they have had enough of this failed government, which has crashed the economy and destroyed our public services _ the economy and destroyed our public services. the people of tamworth have _ services. the people of tamworth have made — services. the people of tamworth have made it clear. it's time for change — have made it clear. it's time for chan . e. . change. cheering i want _ change. cheering i want to _ change. cheering i want to thank - change. cheeringj i want to thank the change. cheering - i want to thank the returning officer. — i want to thank the returning officer, my election agent, charlotte walker, election staff and police _ charlotte walker, election staff and police for _ charlotte walker, election staff and police for the smooth running of this election and count. i know it's a lot— this election and count. i know it's a lot of— this election and count. i know it's a lot of work— this election and count. i know it's a lot of work that goes unmentioned,

so thank— a lot of work that goes unmentioned, so thank you — a lot of work that goes unmentioned, so thank you for your professionalism and commitment to the democratic process. i would also like to— the democratic process. i would also like to take — the democratic process. i would also like to take the opportunity to thank— like to take the opportunity to thank my— like to take the opportunity to thank my campaign team, and the wider— thank my campaign team, and the wider labour movement. i cannot express in— wider labour movement. i cannot express in wordsjust how much i appreciate — express in wordsjust how much i appreciate the sacrifices that you have _ appreciate the sacrifices that you have all— appreciate the sacrifices that you have all made to ensure that we turn tamworth— have all made to ensure that we turn tamworth labour.— tamworth labour. applause toni . ht, tamworth labour. applause tonight. we _ tamworth labour. applause tonight, we have _ tamworth labour. applause tonight, we have turned - tamworth labour. applause tonight, we have turned a i tamworth labour. applause l tonight, we have turned a page tamworth labour. applause - tonight, we have turned a page on tory neglect, and delivered a fresh start for— tory neglect, and delivered a fresh start for tamworth and our villages. and thank— start for tamworth and our villages. and thank you to my wonderful family and my— and thank you to my wonderful family and my mother, who have given me endless _ and my mother, who have given me endless support over the years. above _ endless support over the years. above all. — endless support over the years. above all, i would like to thank the people _ above all, i would like to thank the people of— above all, i would like to thank the people of tamworth and the villagers who have _ people of tamworth and the villagers who have put their trust in me to be their member of parliament. i have made _ their member of parliament. i have made promises to you that i intend

to keep _ made promises to you that i intend to keep i_ made promises to you that i intend to keep. i will be your voice in westminster and challenge this government to get a better deal for tamworthi — government to get a better deal for tamworth. you have my solemn promisei — tamworth. you have my solemn promise i— tamworth. you have my solemn promise. i knowa tamworth. you have my solemn promise. i know a lot of you have voted _ promise. i know a lot of you have voted labour for the first time, and iwill— voted labour for the first time, and i will not _ voted labour for the first time, and i will not let — voted labour for the first time, and i will not let you down.— i will not let you down. cheering i will not let you down. cheering i have i will not let you down. cheering l have spoken _ i will not let you down. cheering i have spoken to _ i will not let you down. cheering i have spoken to many _ i will not let you down. cheering i have spoken to many people - i will not let you down. cheering i have spoken to many people in l | will not let you down. cheering i i have spoken to many people in this campaign. _ i have spoken to many people in this campaign, and the same conversation has been _ campaign, and the same conversation has been repeated. people feel worse off after— has been repeated. people feel worse off after 13 _ has been repeated. people feel worse off after 13 years of the conservatives, and don't feel like the government have a plan to address— the government have a plan to address the big issues that face our country. _ address the big issues that face our country, and it's not acceptable that our— country, and it's not acceptable that our town centre has been allowed — that our town centre has been allowed to lose shop after shop, with no— allowed to lose shop after shop, with no plan to rejuvenate it. it is not acceptable that thousands of people _ not acceptable that thousands of people cannot see a gp within two weeks. _ people cannot see a gp within two weeks, and more than 110,000 people are currently waiting across staffordshire for an operation. it is not _ staffordshire for an operation. it is not acceptable that our town no

longer _ is not acceptable that our town no longer has — is not acceptable that our town no longer has a public facing police station. — longer has a public facing police station, and many crimes go unsolved _ station, and many crimes go unsolved. and it is not acceptable that a _ unsolved. and it is not acceptable that a third — unsolved. and it is not acceptable that a third of our children live in poverty— that a third of our children live in poverty in— that a third of our children live in poverty in tamworth because of the decisions _ poverty in tamworth because of the decisions of this government. people in tamworth and across the country are sick— in tamworth and across the country are sick of— in tamworth and across the country are sick of the government's failure to tackle _ are sick of the government's failure to tackle the big issues facing our country — to tackle the big issues facing our count . �* ~ ,, country. applause people _ country. applause people are - country. applause people are being i country. applausel people are being hit country. applause - people are being hit by a cost—of—living crisis, which has seen _ cost—of—living crisis, which has seen energy bills soar, petrol and food prices — seen energy bills soar, petrol and food prices rocket, and the weekly budgets _ food prices rocket, and the weekly budgets stretched, and the government have failed to help working — government have failed to help working people. in this election, we offered _ working people. in this election, we offered a _ working people. in this election, we offered a plan for tamworth that was positive. _ offered a plan for tamworth that was positive, full of ideas and hope, a hope _ positive, full of ideas and hope, a hope that— positive, full of ideas and hope, a hope that politics should be about creating _ hope that politics should be about creating a — hope that politics should be about creating a better country for us all. creating a better country for us all 0nly — creating a better country for us all. only keir starmer's labour party— all. only keir starmer's labour party has— all. only keir starmer's labour party has the vision and the ideas to make — party has the vision and the ideas to make life better for everybody our country. change is the question

at the _ our country. change is the question at the next — our country. change is the question at the next election, and the answer is labouri _ at the next election, and the answer is labour. . keirstarmerand labour keir starmerand labouraftera keir starmer and labour after a decade — keir starmer and labour after a decade of— keir starmerand labouraftera decade of national renewal to replace — decade of national renewal to replace 13 years of national declinei _ replace 13 years of national decline. my message to the residents of tamworth is this: i will be a visible — of tamworth is this: i will be a visible and _ of tamworth is this: i will be a visible and approachable member of parliament, who delivers on our town's— parliament, who delivers on our town's priorities, and gives tamworth its future back. my message to the _ tamworth its future back. my message to the prime _ tamworth its future back. my message to the prime minister is get in your government car, drive to buckingham palace. _ government car, drive to buckingham palace. do— government car, drive to buckingham palace, do the decent thing and call a general— palace, do the decent thing and call a general election!— a general election! cheering thank you! — a general election! cheering thank you! cheering - thank you! cheering well, thatit _ thank you! cheering well, thatit sara - thank you! cheering - well, thatit sara edwards, who thank you! cheering _ well, thatit sara edwards, who is the new mp, the labour mp for tamworth. it is a pretty stunning victory for the labour party, after all the talk that we have had.

11,719 votes cast to her, but that gives labour a 23.9% swing. keir starmer has been very quick off the mark, in terms of responding, and says this is a phenomenal result that shows labour is back in the service of working people and redrawing the political map. to those who have given us their trust and those considering doing so, labour will spend every day acting in your interest and focused on your priority. labourwill in your interest and focused on your priority. labour will give britain its future back. congratulations, jonathan ashworth. what did you make up jonathan ashworth. what did you make up what she said? quite a confident speaker and quite a confident speech, talking about hope. yes. speaker and quite a confident speech, talking about hope. yes, a stunnin: speech, talking about hope. yes, a stunning victory. — speech, talking about hope. yes, a stunning victory, a _ speech, talking about hope. yes, a stunning victory, a stunning - stunning victory, a stunning victory. i think this is the second biggest conservative to labour swing since the war. i am absolutely delighted for sarah and her brilliant labour team on the ground there. it is clear a lot of people have put their trust in us, a lot of people who voted conservative last time have switched to labour in this election and we welcome them, and we are going to work really hard to repay that trust, but we also know

we have to work really hard across the rest of the country now to take our message out to own people's trust over what we hope is a general election sooner rather than later but certainly within the next 12 months. so there is still a lot to do but that is a stunning victory and i think you can see from that result that people who voted conservative last time feel the conservative last time feel the conservative government have moved away from them and they are looking at labour are fresher they like what keir starmer is saying. bi]! at labour are fresher they like what keir starmer is saying.— keir starmer is saying. all right, that it's just _ keir starmer is saying. all right, that it's just look _ keir starmer is saying. all right, that it's just look at _ keir starmer is saying. all right, that it's just look at those - that it's just look at those results. sarah edwards as i say with 11,700 or so votes, andrew cooper, 10,a03. he was the conservative candidate who took forever to get onto the stage, but eventually made it, and perhaps that was the reason why. you can see the liberal democrats with only a00 or so seats. but the majority of the sarah edwards is 1360, on a lower turnout,

on 36%, but still, this is a pretty seismic victory for the labour party in tamworth, a seat they haven't held since 2010. it has been solidly conservative. let's look at the share. a6% there for labour. yes, we were talking about what the figures might be. a1% for conservative. let's have a look at the change, which is always interesting. you can see they are the big drop in the conservative vote. down 26%, labour is up. the all important swing, the amount that has gone from the conservatives to labour. nearly 2a% swing. we will talk about what that would mean, and we have lots of caveats around that but, what that would mean if it was replicated in any way across the country. but hugely disappointing for you, robert, isn't it? riff hugely disappointing for you, robert, isn't it?— hugely disappointing for you, robert, isn't it? of course it is. tamworth _

robert, isn't it? of course it is. tamworth is— robert, isn't it? of course it is. tamworth is a _ robert, isn't it? of course it is. tamworth is a seat _ robert, isn't it? of course it is. tamworth is a seat that - robert, isn't it? of course it is. tamworth is a seat that has - tamworth is a seat that has progressively moved away from labour since the _ progressively moved away from labour since the tories won it in 2010 with a majority— since the tories won it in 2010 with a majority of— since the tories won it in 2010 with a majority of about 6000. it is part of that— a majority of about 6000. it is part of that headland sort of move away from labour. look, this is a very good _ from labour. look, this is a very good result— from labour. look, this is a very good result and congratulations to the labour candidate, i more than happy— the labour candidate, i more than happy to— the labour candidate, i more than happy to say that, of course. i think— happy to say that, of course. i think though, it's interesting, isn't — think though, it's interesting, isn't it? — think though, it's interesting, isn't it? it— think though, it's interesting, isn't it? it is still very much a two _ isn't it? it is still very much a two horse _ isn't it? it is still very much a two horse race in tamworth. you've -ot two horse race in tamworth. you've got both— two horse race in tamworth. you've got both the — two horse race in tamworth. you've got both the parties in the 40s, which. — got both the parties in the 40s, which. you _ got both the parties in the 40s, which, you know, there are some crumb _ which, you know, there are some crumb of— which, you know, there are some crumb of comfort, i think, for conservatives that the base really didn't _ conservatives that the base really didn't totally deserted the party. well. _ didn't totally deserted the party. well. it— didn't totally deserted the party. well, it was a low turnout, and possibly means that many... whilst i'm not possibly means that many... whilst l'm rrot going _ possibly means that many... whilst l'm rrot going to _ possibly means that many... whilst i'm not going to disagree _ possibly means that many... whilst i'm not going to disagree with - possibly means that many... whilst i'm not going to disagree with john | i'm not going to disagree withjohn that there — i'm not going to disagree withjohn that there will be switches, of course — that there will be switches, of course there will be, the labour vote _ course there will be, the labour vote would _ course there will be, the labour vote would have been motivated to come _ vote would have been motivated to come out _ vote would have been motivated to come out because they fought for the first time _ come out because they fought for the first time in— come out because they fought for the first time in many years they could win the _ first time in many years they could win the seats, and a lot of tories would _ win the seats, and a lot of tories would be — win the seats, and a lot of tories would be staying at home. so we can't _ would be staying at home. so we can't discount that differential turnouti — can't discount that differential turnout. do can't discount that differential turnout. , i, can't discount that differential turnout. , , i, turnout. do you accept this was an area in a part _ turnout. do you accept this was an area in a part of — turnout. do you accept this was an area in a part of the _ turnout. do you accept this was an area in a part of the country - turnout. do you accept this was an

area in a part of the country in - turnout. do you accept this was an area in a part of the country in the | area in a part of the country in the west midlands where the conservatives had done well, particularly a strong vote leave area, voting leave in that eu referendum, moving right away from labour. does this show if you are a conservative and you've got a seat in towns in the west midlands, you would be worried about that, won't you? i would be worried about that, won't ou? ~' i, , i, would be worried about that, won't ou? ,, i, i, would be worried about that, won't ou? ~' i, i, i, 4' would be worried about that, won't ou? ~ i, i, i, ~ i, you? i think labour have worked to decontaminate _ you? i think labour have worked to decontaminate their _ you? i think labour have worked to decontaminate their brand. - you? i think labour have worked to decontaminate their brand. you i you? i think labour have worked to i decontaminate their brand. you think it is “ust decontaminate their brand. you think it isjust decontamination, _ decontaminate their brand. you think it isjust decontamination, not - decontaminate their brand. you think it isjust decontamination, not love i it is just decontamination, not love for? it is “ust decontamination, not love for? i. �* . it is “ust decontamination, not love for? i, �*, i, ~' it is “ust decontamination, not love for? i, �*, i, ,, , for? that's what i think. of course it is progress _ for? that's what i think. of course it is progress for _ for? that's what i think. of course it is progress for labour, - for? that's what i think. of course it is progress for labour, we're i for? that's what i think. of course | it is progress for labour, we're not going _ it is progress for labour, we're not going to _ it is progress for labour, we're not going to deny that at all, but i don't — going to deny that at all, but i don't think any of us here in the studio— don't think any of us here in the studio should be sitting here thinking _ studio should be sitting here thinking well, that'sjob done, the election— thinking well, that'sjob done, the election is— thinking well, that'sjob done, the election is decided. this is a decision— election is decided. this is a decision made in a difficult backdrop for the conservatives. it is a decision to have a representative for another 12 months _ representative for another 12 months. it isn't the sort of general election— months. it isn't the sort of general election calculation that the voters are going — election calculation that the voters are going to be making in greater numbers— are going to be making in greater numbers in— are going to be making in greater numbers in that seat and other seats in the _ numbers in that seat and other seats in the west— numbers in that seat and other seats in the west midlands in the next 12 months _ in the west midlands in the next 12 months. i. in the west midlands in the next 12 months. i, . i, i, i, months. right, i mean, jonathan ashworth. _ months. right, i mean, jonathan ashworth. it _ months. right, i mean, jonathan ashworth, it is _ months. right, i mean, jonathan ashworth, it is difficult _ months. right, i mean, jonathan ashworth, it is difficult of- months. right, i mean, jonathan| ashworth, it is difficult of course, sitting here now with that great

result for the labour party, to read more into what might happen at a general election? riff more into what might happen at a general election?— general election? of course, of course. general election? of course, of course- ltrut— general election? of course, of course. but what _ general election? of course, of course. but what will _ general election? of course, of course. but what will you - general election? of course, of course. but what will you take l general election? of course, of- course. but what will you take away from this, course. but what will you take away from this. in _ course. but what will you take away from this, in terms _ course. but what will you take away from this, in terms of— course. but what will you take away from this, in terms of a _ course. but what will you take away from this, in terms of a strategy i course. but what will you take away from this, in terms of a strategy in | from this, in terms of a strategy in the west midlands, in a part of a country that labour has struggled in, and needs to win back, if you were going to be on that path to victory in a general election? nobody in the labour party will take this result as proof that the labour party is on course for some great general election victory. we know we have to work really, really hard to earn the trust of the british people across the country, because we had a terrible result in 2019. however, this result on the back of the selby result before the summer, does show that the changed labour party, the way keir starmer has changed the labour party, the message is putting out there, the message of hope he is putting out there, is resonating with people, and conservatives are in part moving to labour because they feel the conservative government has moved away from them. still a lot of work to do for us. we

know we've got a long way to go, but this is a significant result tonight. this is a significant result toniaht. i, , ' tonight. right. yours where 417 votes i think— tonight. right. yours where 417 votes i think for— tonight. right. yours where 417 votes i think for the _ tonight. right. yours where 417 votes i think for the liberal - votes i think for the liberal democrat candidate, the same as the greens actually. is that disappointing? i greens actually. is that disappointing?- greens actually. is that disappointing? greens actually. is that disauointinr? i, �* ~' disappointing? i don't think so. what robert — disappointing? i don't think so. what robert was _ disappointing? i don't think so. what robert was saying - disappointing? i don't think so. what robert was saying is - disappointing? i don't think so. what robert was saying is that | disappointing? i don't think so. | what robert was saying is that it disappointing? i don't think so. - what robert was saying is that it is a very— what robert was saying is that it is a very competitive _ what robert was saying is that it is a very competitive election - what robert was saying is that it is a very competitive election and - what robert was saying is that it is a very competitive election and i. a very competitive election and i don't _ a very competitive election and i don't think— a very competitive election and i don't think tamworth _ a very competitive election and i don't think tamworth has - a very competitive election and i don't think tamworth has seen i a very competitive election and ij don't think tamworth has seen a competitive _ don't think tamworth has seen a competitive election _ don't think tamworth has seen a competitive election for - don't think tamworth has seen a competitive election for a - don't think tamworth has seen a competitive election for a long i don't think tamworth has seen a i competitive election for a long time and if— competitive election for a long time and if you _ competitive election for a long time and if you are — competitive election for a long time and if you are in— competitive election for a long time and if you are in that— competitive election for a long time and if you are in that position, - and if you are in that position, your— and if you are in that position, your natural— and if you are in that position, your natural inclination - and if you are in that position, your natural inclination is - and if you are in that position, your natural inclination is to i and if you are in that position, i your natural inclination is to vote for the _ your natural inclination is to vote for the liberal— your natural inclination is to vote for the liberal democrats - your natural inclination is to vote for the liberal democrats what i for the liberal democrats what you're — for the liberal democrats what you're hearing _ for the liberal democrats what you're hearing it's— for the liberal democrats what you're hearing it's going - for the liberal democrats what you're hearing it's going to- for the liberal democrats what you're hearing it's going to bel for the liberal democrats what - you're hearing it's going to be very close. _ you're hearing it's going to be very close. you — you're hearing it's going to be very close. you will _ you're hearing it's going to be very close, you will be _ you're hearing it's going to be very close, you will be quite _ you're hearing it's going to be very close, you will be quite motivatedl close, you will be quite motivated to maybe — close, you will be quite motivated to maybe lend _ close, you will be quite motivated to maybe lend your— close, you will be quite motivated to maybe lend your vote - close, you will be quite motivated to maybe lend your vote to - close, you will be quite motivated. to maybe lend your vote to labour, because _ to maybe lend your vote to labour, because i_ to maybe lend your vote to labour, because i think— to maybe lend your vote to labour, because i think a _ to maybe lend your vote to labour, because i think a lot— to maybe lend your vote to labour, because i think a lot of— to maybe lend your vote to labour, because i think a lot of liberal- because i think a lot of liberal democrat— because i think a lot of liberal democrat voters— because i think a lot of liberal democrat voters right - because i think a lot of liberal democrat voters right now- because i think a lot of liberalj democrat voters right now are because i think a lot of liberal- democrat voters right now are really quite committed _ democrat voters right now are really quite committed to _ democrat voters right now are really quite committed to wanting - democrat voters right now are really quite committed to wanting to - democrat voters right now are really quite committed to wanting to see i quite committed to wanting to see tory mps — quite committed to wanting to see tory mps defeated, _ quite committed to wanting to see tory mps defeated, and _ quite committed to wanting to see tory mps defeated, and we - quite committed to wanting to see tory mps defeated, and we are - quite committed to wanting to see | tory mps defeated, and we are not competitive — tory mps defeated, and we are not competitive in— tory mps defeated, and we are not competitive in every— tory mps defeated, and we are not competitive in every seat, - tory mps defeated, and we are not competitive in every seat, so - tory mps defeated, and we are not competitive in every seat, so in. competitive in every seat, so in those _ competitive in every seat, so in those seats _ competitive in every seat, so in those seats where _ competitive in every seat, so in those seats where we - competitive in every seat, so in those seats where we are - competitive in every seat, so in those seats where we are not i those seats where we are not competitive. _ those seats where we are not competitive. i_ those seats where we are not competitive, ithink- those seats where we are not competitive, i think liberal. competitive, i think liberal democrats _ competitive, i think liberal democrats are _ competitive, ! think liberal democrats are happy- competitive, i think liberal democrats are happy to . competitive, i think liberal- democrats are happy to switch. hora? democrats are happy to switch. how sirnificant democrats are happy to switch. how significant is — democrats are happy to switch. how significant is this _ democrats are happy to switch. significant is this victory? democrats are happy to switch. how significant is this victory? i - democrats are happy to switch. how significant is this victory? i think - significant is this victory? i think we have almost _ significant is this victory? i think we have almost got _ significant is this victory? i think we have almost got used - significant is this victory? i think we have almost got used to - significant is this victory? i think. we have almost got used to these significant is this victory? i think - we have almost got used to these big swings in by—elections, just because of the last couple of months, but you look at the swing there, what

was it 23.9%? that's the second biggest ever swing from the tories to labour in a by—election. the biggest was dudley west in 199a, and then the third one was selby in july. then the third one was selby in july, just a few weeks ago. you look at those big swings, it does look like labour is making progress, and you compare that to a couple of years ago, when we had by—elections like hartlepool, with the tories managed to cling on there, and people were saying keir starmer hasn't sealed the deal. it is now starting to look like, in the seats, where there is a lot of brexit voters, they have voted tory ever since the tories have been in power since the tories have been in power since 2010, are now starting to turn to the labour party.— to the labour party. right, in terms ofthe to the labour party. right, in terms of the conservatives, _ to the labour party. right, in terms of the conservatives, there - to the labour party. right, in terms of the conservatives, there will - to the labour party. right, in terms of the conservatives, there will be i of the conservatives, there will be mps worried now what there about this result, and thinking, who, it is not looking very good, head of a general election for me? yes. is not looking very good, head of a general election for me?— general election for me? yes, i think there _ general election for me? yes, i think there are _ general election for me? yes, i think there are mps _ general election for me? yes, i think there are mps or - general election for me? yes, i think there are mps or any - general election for me? yes, i i think there are mps or any worried about— think there are mps or any worried about the — think there are mps or any worried about the general election.- about the general election. true. yeah it does _ about the general election. true. yeah it does fit _ about the general election. true. yeah it does fit into _ about the general election. true. yeah it does fit into a _ about the general election. true.

yeah it does fit into a pattern - about the general election. true. yeah it does fit into a pattern but further to that, if you look at tamworth as a— further to that, if you look at tamworth as a further to that, if you look at tamworth asa , i, i, tamworth as a seat, labour will look at the heavy — tamworth as a seat, labour will look at the heavy leave _ tamworth as a seat, labour will look at the heavy leave vote _ tamworth as a seat, labour will look at the heavy leave vote and - tamworth as a seat, labour will look at the heavy leave vote and find - at the heavy leave vote and find this very — at the heavy leave vote and find this very encouraging. of course it is the _ this very encouraging. of course it is the case — this very encouraging. of course it is the case that when labour has been _ is the case that when labour has been in — is the case that when labour has been in power, that seat has been labouri _ been in power, that seat has been labour. when the tories have it has been _ labour. when the tories have it has been tories — labour. when the tories have it has been tories to stop so it can be seen _ been tories to stop so it can be seen as— been tories to stop so it can be seen as a — been tories to stop so it can be seen as a bellwether but it is always— seen as a bellwether but it is always a _ seen as a bellwether but it is always a bit more complicated. i think— always a bit more complicated. i think it — always a bit more complicated. i think it is — always a bit more complicated. i think it isjust adding to always a bit more complicated. i think it is just adding to that sense — think it is just adding to that sense that keir starmer looks on course _ sense that keir starmer looks on course to— sense that keir starmer looks on course to win the next election, and probably— course to win the next election, and probably have a majority government. it's probably have a majority government. it'siust_ probably have a majority government. it's just that _ probably have a majority government. it'sjust that there probably have a majority government. it's just that there is still some time _ it's just that there is still some time to— it's just that there is still some time to go. but it'sjust confirming, as a by—election and the polls do. _ confirming, as a by—election and the polls do, that the polls seem to be correct _ polls do, that the polls seem to be correct. i , i, i, i, , , polls do, that the polls seem to be correct. i i, i, , , i, correct. well, sarah edwards is now the new mp — correct. well, sarah edwards is now the new mp in _ correct. well, sarah edwards is now the new mp in tamworth, _ correct. well, sarah edwards is now the new mp in tamworth, the - correct. well, sarah edwards is now the new mp in tamworth, the new i the new mp in tamworth, the new labour mp in how matter we can speak to her. there she is. hello to you, sarah. congratulations, first of all. i. ~ sarah. congratulations, first of all. i, ,, , i, sarah. congratulations, first of all. i. ~' , i, , sarah. congratulations, first of all. i, ,, , i sarah. congratulations, first of all. i. ~ , i i, all. thank you very much. hello. it's a historic— all. thank you very much. hello. it's a historic win. _ all. thank you very much. hello. it's a historic win. the _ it's a historic win. the conservatives last won this seat with almost 20,000 votes in 2019. what do you think it says about the mood of the country? i

what do you think it says about the mood of the country?— mood of the country? i think it demonstrates _ mood of the country? i think it demonstrates what _ mood of the country? i think it demonstrates what we've - mood of the country? i think it| demonstrates what we've been mood of the country? i think it - demonstrates what we've been hearing here on the doors, which is that people are really fed up, very frustrated, and they are not seeing the conservatives give them a positive vision for the country. what we have been doing is offering fat from the labour party, being very clear that there is change, there is a fresh start, there is an opportunity, that they do not have to continue in this vein, and i think that they have voted that way, very, very clearly, and sent a strong message. i don't want to dampen your victory, but the turnout was low, even by by—election results, 36%. and we've been talking in the studio that that could possibly be down to many disaffected tories staying at home. so you won by default, almost, because of a low turnout and because the tories didn't come out on polling day. the tories didn't come out on polling day-— the tories didn't come out on ”ollin da . i ,, i, , polling day. well, i think actually, it's the opposite. _ polling day. well, i think actually, it's the opposite. you _ polling day. well, i think actually, it's the opposite. you know, - polling day. well, i think actually, | it's the opposite. you know, we've had a historic victory here. you know, the largest victory in a very long time. so i think what that

actually demonstrates is that conservative voters have voted labour. i have spoken to many of them who have said they're not going to vote conservative, but they are going to vote for labour. that they want to give that a fresh start and a try. that they want to hear that positive vision, and that they've not seen that. they've not had an mp for the best part of a year and a half. so i would say that in fact, they have come to us and they're seeing that as an option again. i mean, this is an area that voted heavily for brexit. is that an issue that has gone away as far as you're concerned on the doorstep? was it talked about? it’s concerned on the doorstep? was it talked about?— talked about? it's come up. you know, talked about? it's come up. you know. that _ talked about? it's come up. you know, that is, _ talked about? it's come up. you know, that is, of _ talked about? it's come up. you know, that is, of course, - talked about? it's come up. you know, that is, of course, many. know, that is, of course, many things have come up on the doorstep. but i think we've been very clear, you know, from a labour perspective, that we are going to continue as we are. you know, we're not going to be going back into the customs union. we're going to make brexit work and we've been clear about that on the doors. but what people have been really focused about is the issues around the cost of living crisis. that they can't afford to pay the

bills. that the mortgages have gone through the roof. that rent is incredibly challenging and food and fuel and all of the issues are compounding their living experience. and they're not seeing any solutions from the conservative government. they're not seeing a future that is positive. and we've offered them that change. and that chance for a fresh start here in tamworth. would ou like to fresh start here in tamworth. would you like to see _ fresh start here in tamworth. would you like to see significant _ fresh start here in tamworth. would you like to see significant amounts i you like to see significant amounts of money go into public services, if labour wins next year? is that what people would like to see from a labour government?— people would like to see from a labour government? people would like to see from a labour rovernment? i i, , i, i, labour government? what they want to see from a labour— labour government? what they want to see from a labour government - labour government? what they want to see from a labour government is - labour government? what they want to see from a labour government is that l see from a labour government is that nhs services are funded appropriately and properly. $le nhs services are funded appropriately and properly. and what does that mean? _ appropriately and properly. and what does that mean? and _ appropriately and properly. and what does that mean? and everything - appropriately and properly. and what j does that mean? and everything that labour has set _ does that mean? and everything that labour has set out _ does that mean? and everything that labour has set out in _ does that mean? and everything that labour has set out in its _ does that mean? and everything that labour has set out in its plan - does that mean? and everything that labour has set out in its plan to - labour has set out in its plan to make sure that the nhs is funded, is fully costed. so it means that we're going to have 10,000 more nurses. this means that we're going to have 7,500 more doctors and they're going to come through training t means that we're going to use technology to reform the way that the health service works. but this is after 13 years of tory neglect. this is a problem that people know is going to

take time, and is going to be a great challenge. but the labour party is up for that challenge, because having established the nhs, we're very confident that not only are we going to defend it, but we're going to make sure that it is there for the future and that's what people in tamworth have voted clearly for. people in tamworth have voted clearly for-— people in tamworth have voted clearl for. �* j i, i, , clearly for. and they'll want to see the end of the _ clearly for. and they'll want to see the end of the strikes, _ clearly for. and they'll want to see the end of the strikes, the - clearly for. and they'll want to see the end of the strikes, the end . clearly for. and they'll want to see the end of the strikes, the end of| the end of the strikes, the end of the end of the strikes, the end of the european unionior doctors and consultants' strikes. do you think labour should be offering more if they become the ones who negotiate those pay deals in the end? should they offer more in order to end the strikes, otherwise they'll continue under a labour government? i think the main thing _ under a labour government? i think the main thing here _ under a labour government? i think the main thing here is _ under a labour government? i think the main thing here is that - under a labour government? i think the main thing here is that the - the main thing here is that the conservative government has not come to the table in over six months now. 180 days plus, and counting. you know, this is about industrial relations. it's about making sure that the workforce is valued and listening to them. and that's incredibly important. that has not been happening. you know, we went through a pandemic where our nhs staff worked incredibly hard to make sure that we were safe. and instead of talking to them, instead of valuing them, they have refused to speak to them. so labour, of course,

would get around the table and make sure that we solve this issue, and that's by dialogue and that's through making sure that we have positive industrial relations. there were no strikes under the labour government before. so i think that that sets a very clear tone that we know how it is that we're going to take this forward.— know how it is that we're going to take this forward. sarah, what's the one issue? — take this forward. sarah, what's the one issue? what _ take this forward. sarah, what's the one issue? what of _ take this forward. sarah, what's the one issue? what of the _ take this forward. sarah, what's the one issue? what of the one - take this forward. sarah, what's the one issue? what of the one issue i one issue? what of the one issue that came up on the doorstep more than any other? i that came up on the doorstep more than any other?— than any other? i mean, it's very difficult - — than any other? i mean, it's very difficult - all— than any other? i mean, it's very difficult - all of— than any other? i mean, it's very difficult - all of the _ than any other? i mean, it's very difficult - all of the things - than any other? i mean, it's very difficult - all of the things that i l difficult — all of the things that i was campaigning on came up a lot. but i would probably have to say it was both the nhs, this issue around its funding as we've just spoken about, but also the police station and crime and anti—social behaviour. the fact that tamworth does not have a public—facing police desk at the moment. the nearest police station is 20 miles away and people are highly concerned that the police force has been cut drastically under the conservative government. so this came up time and time again that people didn't feel as safe in their communities, but then wanted to know that community policing was on the agenda, and labour have committed to

13,000 police officers if elected, and a real focus on community policing so that we know who it is in the community to go to. and that there's a proper link established because that has dissipated under the conservatives who have made extreme cuts and have left people feeling vulnerable.— extreme cuts and have left people feeling vulnerable. sarah edwards - now the new _ feeling vulnerable. sarah edwards - now the new labour _ feeling vulnerable. sarah edwards - now the new labour mp _ feeling vulnerable. sarah edwards - now the new labour mp in - feeling vulnerable. sarah edwards - i now the new labour mp in tamworth. congratulations to you. we'll let you go. but we'll have a look here for our guests and our viewers at the figures. and what actually happened in tamworth, interestingly. you can see there, sarah, we'vejust spoken to her. she topped the poll there. 11,719, with a majority — i mean, not a there. 11,719, with a majority — i mean, nota huge there. 11,719, with a majority — i mean, not a huge majority but a majority of 1,316 over the conservative candidate, andrew cooper. it was a low turnout of 36%, but the most interesting figures, of course, are what the changes are. a6% though in terms of the share of the vote for labour, and a1% for the conservatives. and we can see the

change in support there. that's the important figure. the conservatives losing 26% and labour gaining 22% to give them that victory in tamworth. and a swing of 23.9%. and that is a pretty historic swing. in fact, we'll put it into context with sir john curtis who can tell us. your reaction, john?— john curtis who can tell us. your reaction, john? this is undoubtedly an extremely _ reaction, john? this is undoubtedly an extremely good _ reaction, john? this is undoubtedly an extremely good result _ reaction, john? this is undoubtedly an extremely good result for - reaction, john? this is undoubtedly an extremely good result for the i an extremely good result for the labour party as john an extremely good result for the labour party asjohn ashworth said. just the second highest ever swing from conservative to labour. it's just very slightly higher than the swing in selby. let me add three other observations to what has been said so far. the first is that no government has hitherto lost to the principle opposition party in a by—election a seat as safe as tamworth. the previous record was in ashfield in 1977 which the labour government then lost. then it was defended a a1% majority. now a a2% majority has been lost. secondly, i

think this result also shows a potential risk to the conservatives of how they're going to may get caught in a pincer movement between some of theirformer caught in a pincer movement between some of their former leave voters wandering off to labour, but others going off to reform uk. notice that reform uk saved their deposit with 5% of the vote, and that also, actually, their share of the vote is slightly bigger than labour's majority. and i'm not saying that everybody who voted reform uk would otherwise have voted conservative, but almost undoubtedly, that is part of the story. third observation — very strict historical parallel. this constituency, and it's virtually identifical geography but in the previous name of south—east staffordshire had a by—election in 1996. there was a 22% swing from conservative to labour and 12 months later, labourwon conservative to labour and 12 months later, labour won the general election very clearly. so we have now seen a by—election in exactly the same place with virtually

exactly the same swing just 12 months before what previously, at least, was a labour victory. sir john curtis. — least, was a labour victory. sir john curtis, thank you very much. what do you make of the observations, they're all extremely interesting in terms of historical context and it does look as if the advantages are definitely all going labour's way. if you take 1996 before the landslide in 1997. i'm not saying that this would be a landslide, but the indicators are there. i. landslide, but the indicators are there. i, , i, i, there. let me add “ust two other observations, _ there. let me add “ust two other observations, is _ there. let me add just two other observations, is that _ there. let me add just two other observations, is that i _ there. let me add just two other observations, is that i think - there. let me add just two other observations, is that i think that | observations, is that i think that this is now the third by—election gain that we have had with a 20% plus swing, because we had selby. and rutherglen. with the scottish result, that's a 20% swing which is very significant also for the labour party. this seat was something like the 57th safest tory seat. yes. so it is a quite _ the 57th safest tory seat. yes. so it is a quite stunning result. but look, you know, labour is not taking anything for granted. we know we've got to work really, really hard across the rest of the country to

continue to persuade people to switch to us. but what i do want to say, i thought that sarah in that interview shows that tamworth is going to be really safe in her hands. she's going to be a real fighter. hands. she's going to be a real fiahter. . hands. she's going to be a real fiahter. ,, i, , �* hands. she's going to be a real fiahter. , i, , �* i, hands. she's going to be a real fiahter. , �* i, «1 .. .. fighter. she hasn't got lthlthlth really before _ fighter. she hasn't got lthlthlth really before the _ fighter. she hasn't got lthlthlth really before the general— fighter. she hasn't got lthlthlth really before the general election. | really before the general election. you quite rightly, by the way, asked the tough questions. quite rightly. but i think that she was more than capable of dealing with your tough questions, and thatjust shows you what a good mp she's going to be. and that shows you again why so many conservatives have put their trust in her today or tonight. what conservatives have put their trust in her today or tonight.— conservatives have put their trust in her today or tonight. what do you make of what _ in her today or tonight. what do you make of what you _ in her today or tonight. what do you make of what you heard _ in her today or tonight. what do you make of what you heard from - in her today or tonight. what do you make of what you heard from sir. in her today or tonight. what do you i make of what you heard from sirjohn curtis? if you look at history in terms of the by—election in south—east staffordshire in 1996 and in terms of governing parties losing by—elections by this amount, it doesn't bode really. should rishi sunak change tack? is there pressure to do something in response? there will have to be a response to this, won't there?—

won't there? this has been an extraordinary _ won't there? this has been an extraordinary by-election. - won't there? this has been an i extraordinary by-election. we've extraordinary by—election. we've seen _ extraordinary by—election. we've seen extraordinary... find extraordinary by-election. we've seen extraordinary. . ._ seen extraordinary... and prime ministers come _ seen extraordinary... and prime ministers come and _ seen extraordinary... and prime ministers come and go. - seen extraordinary... and prime i ministers come and go. hartlypool has been only _ ministers come and go. hartlypool has been only two _ ministers come and go. hartlypool has been only two years _ ministers come and go. hartlypool has been only two years ago. - ministers come and go. hartlypool has been only two years ago. this| has been only two years ago. this has been only two years ago. this has been — has been only two years ago. this has been an— has been only two years ago. this has been an incredible see—saw over parliamenti — has been an incredible see—saw over parliament. it would be a foolish person _ parliament. it would be a foolish person to — parliament. it would be a foolish person to extrapolate from what happened 25 or 26 years ago and say it is a _ happened 25 or 26 years ago and say it is a dunki — happened 25 or 26 years ago and say it is a dunk-— it is a dunk. sure, but are you feelin: it is a dunk. sure, but are you feeling less — it is a dunk. sure, but are you feeling less than _ it is a dunk. sure, but are you feeling less than confident? i it is a dunk. sure, but are you - feeling less than confident? look, i've been around _ feeling less than confident? look, i've been around this _ feeling less than confident? look, i've been around this particular. i've been around this particular politics— i've been around this particular politics for a long time. this would be the _ politics for a long time. this would be the third — politics for a long time. this would be the third iteration really of potential electoral movement that i've experienced either as a candidate or as a member of parliament. and the truth is that no election— parliament. and the truth is that no election is— parliament. and the truth is that no election is actually like its predecessor. and i'm sure thatjohn would _ predecessor. and i'm sure thatjohn would agree with me on this. labour are coming _ would agree with me on this. labour are coming from a very low base. one of the _ are coming from a very low base. one of the lowest — are coming from a very low base. one of the lowest bases since 1935. but ou were of the lowest bases since 1935. elf you were coming from such a high bar if you think of the majority in 2019. if you think it is going the other way?—

other way? yes, the biggest comparison _ other way? yes, the biggest comparison we _ other way? yes, the biggest comparison we can - other way? yes, the biggest comparison we can make . other way? yes, the biggest comparison we can make is| other way? yes, the biggest - comparison we can make is actually between _ comparison we can make is actually between this scenario in 2010 where you know. _ between this scenario in 2010 where you know, an incumbent government there _ you know, an incumbent government there but— you know, an incumbent government there but not with a majority for there but not with a majority for the opposition party. and i still think— the opposition party. and i still think that — the opposition party. and i still think that the most likely scenario the at _ think that the most likely scenario the at the — think that the most likely scenario the at the moment... think that the most likely scenario the at the moment. . ._ the at the moment... really, you think that the at the moment... really, you thinkthat you _ the at the moment... really, you think that you would _ the at the moment... really, you think that you would be _ the at the moment... really, you think that you would be the - the at the moment... really, you. think that you would be the largest party? think that you would be the largest -a ? think that you would be the largest aa ? ., ., think that you would be the largest -a ? i, i, i, , i, think that you would be the largest aa ? ., ., ., party? the idea that labour are aroin to party? the idea that labour are going to have — party? the idea that labour are going to have these _ party? the idea that labour are going to have these swings - party? the idea that labour are going to have these swings at i party? the idea that labour are going to have these swings at a general— going to have these swings at a general election is for the birds. all speak at once can i ask you a question. but scotland _ can i ask you a question. but scotland might _ can i ask you a question. scotland might be different can i ask you a question.- scotland might be different this time. �* , i, scotland might be different this time. , i, i, , scotland might be different this time. , i, i, . let scotland might be different this i time-_ let me time. i'm sorry to do this. let me answer the _ time. i'm sorry to do this. let me answer the question! _ time. i'm sorry to do this. let me answer the question! to - time. i'm sorry to do this. let me answer the question! to lose - time. i'm sorry to do this. let me| answer the question! to lose your seat, answer the question! to lose your seat. labour _ answer the question! to lose your seat, labour needs _ answer the question! to lose your seat, labour needs something . answer the question! to lose your| seat, labour needs something like answer the question! to lose your i seat, labour needs something like a 6% swing _ seat, labour needs something like a 6% swing come _ seat, labour needs something like a 6% swing. come on! _ seat, labour needs something like a 6% swing. come on! looking - seat, labour needs something like a 6% swing. come on! looking at - seat, labour needs something like a | 6% swing. come on! looking at that, do you _ 6% swing. come on! looking at that, do you think— 6% swing. come on! looking at that, do you think that _ 6% swing. come on! looking at that, do you think that you're _ 6% swing. come on! looking at that, do you think that you're going - 6% swing. come on! looking at that, do you think that you're going to - do you think that you're going to hold your— do you think that you're going to hold your seat? _ do you think that you're going to hold your seat? honestly, - do you think that you're going to| hold your seat? honestly, what's your take? — hold your seat? honestly, what's your take?— your take? i've been in politics a lona , your take? i've been in politics a long. long _ your take? i've been in politics a long. longtime. _ your take? i've been in politics a long, long time, john. _ your take? i've been in politics a long, long time, john. and - your take? i've been in politics a long, long time, john. and i - your take? i've been in politics a long, long time, john. and i am| your take? i've been in politics a . long, long time, john. and i am not saying _ long, long time, john. and i am not saying here — long, long time, john. and i am not saying here that tories should give up, saying here that tories should give up. pack— saying here that tories should give up. pack up— saying here that tories should give up, pack up and go home. i do not thinkiii _ up, pack up and go home. i do not think... , i, , i ,, up, pack up and go home. i do not think... , i, , , think... should rishi pack up, because he — think... should rishi pack up, because he went _ think... should rishi pack up, because he went to _ think... should rishi pack up, | because he went to tamworth, think... should rishi pack up, - because he went to tamworth, we heard _ because he went to tamworth, we heard that — because he went to tamworth, we heard that earlier. _ because he went to tamworth, we heard that earlier. it's _ because he went to tamworth, we heard that earlier.— heard that earlier. it's a 3596 turnout- _ heard that earlier. it's a 3596 turnout. with _ heard that earlier. it's a 3596 turnout. with respect - heard that earlier. it's a 3596 turnout. with respect to - heard that earlier. it's a 3596 - turnout. with respect to everybody involved. _ turnout. with respect to everybody involved, this does not tell us what is going _

involved, this does not tell us what is going to — involved, this does not tell us what is going to happen at the general election — is going to happen at the general election. i, i, i, is going to happen at the general election._ you - is going to happen at the general election._ you know i is going to happen at the general- election._ you know that. election. no, no, no! you know that. but there are — election. no, no, no! you know that. but there are going _ election. no, no, no! you know that. but there are going to _ election. no, no, no! you know that. but there are going to be _ election. no, no, no! you know that. but there are going to be jitters. - but there are going to be jitters. there are going to be jitters. riff there are going to be jitters. of course there are going to be jittering _ course there are going to be jittering of course there are. like there _ jittering of course there are. like there were — jittering of course there are. like there were jitters in the labour party— there were jitters in the labour party with _ there were jitters in the labour party with the results earlier in the parliament. so look, the pendulum is swinging towards labour at the _ pendulum is swinging towards labour at the moment but we still have a year to— at the moment but we still have a year to go — at the moment but we still have a year to go. but at the moment but we still have a year to go-— year to go. but should anything chance in year to go. but should anything change in order— year to go. but should anything change in order to _ year to go. but should anything change in order to stop - year to go. but should anything change in order to stop that . change in order to stop that happening? i change in order to stop that happening?— change in order to stop that ha ”enin ? ~ i. i, change in order to stop that ha ”enin ? ,, i, i, , happening? i think that it would be a foolish prime _ happening? i think that it would be a foolish prime minister _ happening? i think that it would be a foolish prime minister who - happening? i think that it would be a foolish prime minister who chopsj a foolish prime minister who chops and changes things on the basis of one or— and changes things on the basis of one or two — and changes things on the basis of one or two by—election results. and i one or two by—election results. and i don't _ one or two by—election results. and ldon't think— one or two by—election results. and i don't think that rishi sunak is that _ i don't think that rishi sunak is that. i. no i don't think that rishi sunak is that-_ no he - i don't think that rishi sunak is j that._ no he didn't. that. he did that. no he didn't. anal se that. he did that. no he didn't. analyse what — that. he did that. no he didn't. analyse what happened - that. he did that. no he didn't. analyse what happened with i that. he did that. no he didn't. - analyse what happened with regard to that announcement. not of the manufacturing targets on electric vehicles — manufacturing targets on electric vehicles were changed and he wants to take _ vehicles were changed and he wants to take the — vehicles were changed and he wants to take the burden off those least able to _ to take the burden off those least able to pay. to take the burden off those least able to pay-— to take the burden off those least able to aa _ . ., ., ., ., able to pay. what about the tax that was there. again, _ able to pay. what about the tax that was there. again, do _ able to pay. what about the tax that was there. again, do you _ able to pay. what about the tax that was there. again, do you think - able to pay. what about the tax that was there. again, do you think that| was there. again, do you think that that thing has _ was there. again, do you think that that thing has any _ was there. again, do you think that that thing has any cut _ was there. again, do you think that that thing has any cut through? - was there. again, do you think that| that thing has any cut through? no, i that thing has any cut through? no, i don't _ that thing has any cut through? no, i don't the — that thing has any cut through? no, i don't. the public choose the issue. — i don't. the public choose the issue, john, you and i know that. we don't _ issue, john, you and i know that. we don't choose — issue, john, you and i know that. we don't choose them. and we know what the auto _ don't choose them. and we know what the auto yous will be, about the

economy — the auto yous will be, about the economy. the prime minister knows that absolutely.— that absolutely. rishi sunak's osition that absolutely. rishi sunak's position will _ that absolutely. rishi sunak's position will be _ that absolutely. rishi sunak's position will be secure, - that absolutely. rishi sunak's i position will be secure, because that absolutely. rishi sunak's - position will be secure, because the conservatives couldn't go through another leadership contest at this time, whatever happens. and we will be going to mid—bedford shire later because we'll get the result there shortly. but in terms of any changes here to calm nerves in the parliamentary party and also interestingly, sirjohn curtis, mentioning reform uk, that actually, people who are perhaps fed up in areas where they did vote quite strongly to leave the european union and perhaps don't think that brexit has been realised in the way that they'd like to. they've gone to labour, or reform uk. ithink they'd like to. they've gone to labour, or reform uk. i think that we can see the returning officer. let's have a look, actually getting ready in mid—bedfordshire. but katie, go ahead! i ready in mid-bedfordshire. but katie, go ahead!— ready in mid-bedfordshire. but katie, go ahead! i think what you're aoian katie, go ahead! i think what you're going to get — katie, go ahead! i think what you're going to get is _ katie, go ahead! i think what you're going to get is a _ katie, go ahead! i think what you're going to get is a battle _ katie, go ahead! i think what you're going to get is a battle of _ katie, go ahead! i think what you're going to get is a battle of ideas - going to get is a battle of ideas once again in torte party over what exactly rishi sunak should be doing. and i think the suggestions would be from the people we'd expect, saying that you should cut tax. and then i think you'll have other figures

talking about a move to the right in other ways. talking about a move to the right in otherways. daniloey talking about a move to the right in other ways. daniloey kruger and those who have been calling for, like we look at the new conservative group and some of the ideas on immigration. and i think when you tend to have these results like that, which do create jitters, it tends to be more — everyone has their own answer for what they think that the problem is, which tends to be the cause we've championing for the next xx years of their career. rishi sunak's instincts will not be to bow to that. i think in number 10, almost if you're looking for changing party or conceding defeat, it pushes you further. but i think that it will be a tough few weeks for him. �* . i. that it will be a tough few weeks for him. �*, i, i, ~ for him. let's have a look here. all ofthe for him. let's have a look here. all of the candidates _ for him. let's have a look here. all of the candidates and _ for him. let's have a look here. all of the candidates and hopefully . of the candidates and hopefully there hasn't been one left behind in mid—bedfordshire or the conservatives there. they're gathering there. let'sjust conservatives there. they're gathering there. let's just listen in in case they're about to announce the result there in mid—bedfordshire. again, us a those huddles that robert buckland would have happened. so the candidates

know who has won. so we're just waiting — but again, iwant know who has won. so we're just waiting — but again, i want see the conservative candidate. is this a pattern going on behind... ok. conservative candidate. is this a pattern going on behind... ok, good mornina. pattern going on behind... ok, good morning. everybody. _ morning. everybody. ok, here we go. i. morning. everybody. ok, here we go. morning. everybody. ok, here we ao. ,, �* i, ok, here we go. i, russell beard, beina the ok, here we go. i, russell beard, being the returning _ ok, here we go. i, russell beard, being the returning officer - ok, here we go. i, russell beard, being the returning officer at - ok, here we go. i, russell beard, being the returning officer at the l being the returning officer at the election of a member of parliament for the mid—bedfordshire parliamentary held on thursday, october 19, 2023, do hereby give notice that the number of votes recorded for each candidate at the election is as follows: the conservative party candidate, 12,680. cordel syd, the christian people's alliance, 101. emperor of india, prince ankit love, 27.

holland dave — actually known as holland dave — actually known as holland david arthur, reform uk, 1,a87. holland lindsey emma louise, liberal democrats, 9a20. holland lindsey emma louise, liberal democrats, 9420.— democrats, 9420. cheering kelly and. — democrats, 9420. cheering kelly and, actually _ democrats, 9420. cheering kelly and, actually known . democrats, 9420. cheering kelly and, actually known as| democrats, 9420. cheering - kelly and, actually known as kelly and maria, the official monster raving loony party, 2a9. and maria, the official monster raving loony party, 249. applause mekki, raving loony party, 249. applause mekki. gareth. — raving loony party, 249. applause mekki, gareth, kay— raving loony party, 249. applause mekki, gareth, kay independent. i mekki, gareth, kay independent. 1865. rooney, chris, actually known as rooney, james christopher, mainstream, 2a. sibley, cade, actually known as sibley, cade lee,

green party, 732. actually known as sibley, cade lee, green party. 732— green party, 732. applause strathearn, _ green party, 732. applause strathearn, alastair - green party, 732. applause strathearn, alastair luke, i green party, 732. applause - strathearn, alastair luke, labour party, 13,872. strathearn, alastair luke, labour party. 13.872.— party, 13,872. cheering thomas. _ party, 13,872. cheering thomas, alberto - party, 13,872. cheeringi thomas, alberto george, party, 13,872. cheering - thomas, alberto george, heritage party, 63. victor, alan, true and fair party, 93. the dlo, antonio daniel, english democrats, putting england first. 107. the number of ballot papers rejected was as follows. want of official mark, neil, voting for more candidates than entitled to, 23. writing or mark by which voter could be identified, two. being unmarked or

void for uncertainty, 77. rejected in part, nil, total102. void for uncertainty, 77. rejected in part, nil, total 102. they seats one, electorate 92,578. ballot papers issued, a0,822. turn aa%. i therefore duly declare alastair luke strathearn elected as member of parliament for the mid bedfordshire parliamentary constituency. cheering well, it is labour's _ parliamentary constituency. cheering well, it is labour's night. _ parliamentary constituency. cheering well, it is labour's night. they - well, it is labour's night. they have won the second by—election. you can see their new labour mp mr strathearn winning ahead of his tory rival on 12,680. the liberal democrat had a good showing too nearly 9500 votes. we are waiting to

see if alistair strathern will come to the lectern and give a victory speech, like his other mp now in tamworth, sarah edwards. he is waiting there, obviously delighted. so peter kyle, who ran the campaign, i think there is something of a disturbance going on, somebody obviously wanting to say something i don't know if it was one of the candidates. i don't know if it was one of the candidates-— don't know if it was one of the candidates. i, i, i, i, candidates. i have to say i am going to strua ale candidates. i have to say i am going to struggle to _ candidates. i have to say i am going to struggle to top — candidates. i have to say i am going to struggle to top that, _ candidates. i have to say i am going to struggle to top that, but - candidates. i have to say i am going to struggle to top that, but i - candidates. i have to say i am going to struggle to top that, but i do - to struggle to top that, but i do want to start by saying a huge thank you to everyone involved in the account tonight. this election hasn't always felt the quickest by—election, as i'm sure the candidates behind the campaign pay testament too, but i am deeply grateful for your work testament too, but i am deeply gratefulfor your work in testament too, but i am deeply grateful for your work in promoting the election, supporting the election and in conducting such a thorough and efficient account tonight. because tonight residents across mid bedfordshire made history. after decades of being taken for granted, feeling left behind, feeling underrepresented, they made the decision it was time for a change. it was time to deserve

better, it was time to get better politics, higher standards, and it was time for labour.— was time for labour. applause cheering but this victory is only possible because the labour party has changed. under new leadership we have moved with the country is and where mid bedfordshire is. we are a party with a sound economic policy, a party that will deliver safer streets and get our nhs back on its feet again. we love our country and its traditions, a country where playing by the rules matters, where ambition and hard work are rewarded, and where everyone has a chance to succeed in life. that is the bedfordshire i grew up in and that is the bedfordshire that has delivered a resounding message tonight, and that is why people are turning to labour. our values of the party are shared by people across our county, towns, cities, and yes even rural villages in farming

communities like those right across bedfordshire. nowhere is off limits for this labour party and tonight's result proves it. i set about trying to send a message here. we knew that we all had a chance, but we knew we were going to have to work hard. people here have been given good reason to doubt politics, to be sceptical that it could be there for them and therefore their values. and i'm so, so proud at everyone involved in this campaign for showing them that they can have better. that politics can speak up for the town's politics across mid bedfordshire, you can stand up for our values and those have a home here in mid bedfordshire. for those who put their trust in me, particularly who voted labour for the first time, i won't let you down. from tomorrow until the day of the general election, i will be working hard to show you you made the right choice in me and you made the right choice in me and you made the right choice in me and you made the right choice in labour to speak for your values and to champion them locally and in parliament. i will work day and night to repay you, to show your trust is on the right

place, to show you that decency can have a place in our politics again. as you are mp, i will be a man of my words. me and megan will be living here by your side, we will be accessible to you and we will find the voice for you when you need it most. a real pleasure to me throughout this campaign has been the thousands and thousands of conversations i have got to have with so many of you, and to all of you who took the time to speak to me, to give me a hearing, whether you supported me or not, thank you. your conversations, your engagement, your support has been such a powerful motivator to a campaign that went on several days, several months, several work days, several sunny days, that have got us to where we are today. a historic message and a historic moment but throughout all of that, one conversation really sticks with me. i recently over the last month had the pleasure of meeting a man called neville, in his 90s, he had been voting labour his entire life. first under clement attlee. he lived in

bedfordshire his entire life. every time he showed up at the general election to cast his vote for labour did not see a labour mp returned. well, today, neville, i have to say, i hope the wait was worth it. thank you for your support to me to give us a a much stronger voice in parliament.— parliament. cheering alistair strathern - parliament. cheeringl alistair strathern giving parliament. cheering - alistair strathern giving his victory speech and well deserved, because it is the first labour mp for mid bedfordshire in almost 100 years. as he said, nowhere is off limits, it seems, for the transformed labour party under new leadership, because mid bedfordshire is made up of many rural parts, villages, not necessarily traditional territory of the labour party. but, jonathan ashworth, it really is labour's night. rband really is labour's night. and phenomenal— really is labour's night. and phenomenal result, - really is labour's night. jifilc phenomenal result, and surely really is labour's night. e.“in phenomenal result, and surely that must be a 20% swing? lirate phenomenal result, and surely that must be a 2096 swing?— phenomenal result, and surely that must be a 2096 swing? we are waiting

for the vigurs — must be a 2096 swing? we are waiting for the vigurs but _ must be a 2096 swing? we are waiting for the vigurs but it _ must be a 2096 swing? we are waiting for the vigurs but it must _ must be a 2096 swing? we are waiting for the vigurs but it must be - must be a 2096 swing? we are waiting for the vigurs but it must be close - for the vigurs but it must be close to that i would think, so yes —— with the figures so it is up there with the figures so it is up there with selby and rutherglen. i think it shows you _ with selby and rutherglen. i think it shows you right _ with selby and rutherglen. i think it shows you right across - with selby and rutherglen. i think it shows you right across the - it shows you right across the country, from scotland to the midlands to bedfordshire, people are turning to labour. they are switching to labour. a lot of conservatives across england and wales are switching to labour. we are busily picking up votes from conservatives and snp in scotland. there is a long way to go, possibly 12 months, possibly slightly more, we would hope not but possibly 12 months, and i think it is pretty clear that there is a yearning for change. people have had enough of the conservatives. they have had enough of rishi sunak, they don't believe what he says anymore, they after 13 years nothing works in the country. we had 13 years of failure. it is time for a change. you country. we had 13 years of failure. it is time for a change.— it is time for a change. you are aoain to it is time for a change. you are going to inherit _ it is time for a change. you are going to inherit all— it is time for a change. you are going to inherit all of— it is time for a change. you are going to inherit all of that - it is time for a change. you are going to inherit all of that of i going to inherit all of that of course. . �* going to inherit all of that of course. , �* i, i, course. yes, we're going to inherit. pubhc course. yes, we're going to inherit. public services _ course. yes, we're going to inherit. public services on _ course. yes, we're going to inherit. public services on its _ course. yes, we're going to inherit. public services on its knees, - course. yes, we're going to inherit. public services on its knees, nhs i course. yes, we're going to inherit. | public services on its knees, nhs on its knees, we're going to inherit the economy. landfill its knees, we're going to inherit the economy-— its knees, we're going to inherit the economy. its knees, we're going to inherit the econom . i i, i, i

the economy. will anyone notice the difference if — the economy. will anyone notice the difference if you _ the economy. will anyone notice the difference if you win _ the economy. will anyone notice the difference if you win next _ the economy. will anyone notice the difference if you win next year? - difference if you win next year? yes, because we put forward really practical policies that we think can deliver, ourappointments practical policies that we think can deliver, our appointments in the nhs, and improve our schools, deliver, our appointments in the nhs, and improve ourschools, get more people aren't —— police on the streets, so there are big differences between the parties, still issues worth fighting for by the country wants change. i think that's the message we are getting loud and clear tonight. i that's the message we are getting loud and clear tonight.— that's the message we are getting loud and clear tonight. i mean, this is a completely _ loud and clear tonight. i mean, this is a completely different _ is a completely different constituency to tamworth, mid bedfordshire, notjust bedfordshire, not just geographically, but bedfordshire, notjust geographically, but in type —— in terms of the type of constituency and yet it has gone. i mean, it has been conservative nearly 100 years. i mean, it is quite something that in commuter belt, which arguably of course when tony blair won that landslide in 1997, he didn't take that area, but close by, in hertfordshire, and areas of northamptonshire, and now mid bedfordshire. stand northamptonshire, and now mid bedfordshire.— northamptonshire, and now mid bedfordshire. �* , bedfordshire. and you can see the size of the constituency, _ bedfordshire. and you can see the size of the constituency, 92,000 i size of the constituency, 92,000 voters. _ size of the constituency, 92,000 voters, that was going to be broken up voters, that was going to be broken up by— voters, that was going to be broken up by the _ voters, that was going to be broken up by the boundary commission very shortly. _ up by the boundary commission very shortly. but —

up by the boundary commission very shortly, but it is interesting, isn't — shortly, but it is interesting, isn't it. _ shortly, but it is interesting, isn't it. to _ shortly, but it is interesting, isn't it, to note that at the end of it all. _ isn't it, to note that at the end of it all. i_ isn't it, to note that at the end of it all. idon't— isn't it, to note that at the end of it all, i don't think we have ever seen _ it all, i don't think we have ever seen a — it all, i don't think we have ever seen a by—election like that. everyone _ seen a by—election like that. everyone looks exhausted! in seen a by-election like that. everyone looks exhausted! in the end, the electorate _ everyone looks exhausted! in the end, the electorate decided - everyone looks exhausted! in the end, the electorate decided they| end, the electorate decided they wanted _ end, the electorate decided they wanted to punish the conservatives and they— wanted to punish the conservatives and they swung behind the labour candidate. — and they swung behind the labour candidate, which i give my one congratulations to of course. the liberal _ congratulations to of course. the liberal vote i'm sure sarah will speak— liberal vote i'm sure sarah will speak about this was strong. and in the end _ speak about this was strong. and in the end there was a decision to coalesce — the end there was a decision to coalesce around one person to punish the conservatives, after a very inauspicious backdrop to the campaign. an mp who... nadine dorries. campaign. an mp who... nadine dorries- who — campaign. an mp who... nadine dorries. who delayed _ campaign. an mp who... nadine dorries. who delayed her - dorries. who delayed her announcement, - dorries. who delayed her announcement, that - dorries. who delayed her| announcement, that really dorries. who delayed her _ announcement, that really hampered our excellent conservative candidate who i_ our excellent conservative candidate who i thought in his gesture of goodwill— who i thought in his gesture of goodwill to the elected labour mp i thought— goodwill to the elected labour mp i thought showed his quality, and i very much— thought showed his quality, and i very much hope he will reappear because — very much hope he will reappear because i— very much hope he will reappear because i think he is an outstanding public— because i think he is an outstanding public servant and i hope that he -ets public servant and i hope that he gets a _ public servant and i hope that he gets a chance to serve the part of the seat — gets a chance to serve the part of the seat that perhaps he might be

selected _ the seat that perhaps he might be selected for. the seat that perhaps he might be selected for-— selected for. let's have a look at the figures. _ selected for. let's have a look at the figures, because _ selected for. let's have a look at the figures, because we - selected for. let's have a look at the figures, because we want. selected for. let's have a look at the figures, because we want to | selected for. let's have a look at - the figures, because we want to have a look at the all—important swing. if we show the figures for the candidates and the winning run in this case, labour's alistair strathern, mid bedfordshire. nearly 1a,000. the majority ofjust over 1100. police and crime commissioner, the conservative candidate, but as we've been saying, the liberal democrat emma holland lindsey, very strong showing, or nearly 9500, and it was a higher turnout than tamworth, aa%. if we see here this share, i mean, it was competitive, in that sense, for the three parties. he drop fare of 29% from the conservatives giving labour a 12% increase and the liberal democrats 11% in the seat that labour have just gained, and the

swing. let's have a look. so conservatives to labour, it is, it is over 20%. sojonathan ashworth, it is right up there with the other... i. �* . it is right up there with the other- - -_ it is right up there with the other... i, �* , i, , i, it is right up there with the other... i, �*, i, , i, i, other... that's the fourth seat now with a 2096 _ other... that's the fourth seat now with a 20%. john _ other... that's the fourth seat now with a 2096. john curtice, - other... that's the fourth seat now with a 2096. john curtice, again, i other... that's the fourth seat now with a 2096. john curtice, again, it| with a 2096. john curtice, again, it reall is with a 2096. john curtice, again, it really is labour's _ with a 2096. john curtice, again, it really is labour's night, _ with a 2096. john curtice, again, it really is labour's night, with - with a 2096. john curtice, again, it really is labour's night, with a - really is labour's night, with a pretty impressive swing there from the conservatives to them. yes. pretty impressive swing there from the conservatives to them. yes, but there is a contrast _ the conservatives to them. yes, but there is a contrast between - the conservatives to them. yes, but there is a contrast between this - there is a contrast between this result— there is a contrast between this result and — there is a contrast between this result and the _ there is a contrast between this result and the result _ there is a contrast between this result and the result in - there is a contrast between this i result and the result in tamworth. this is— result and the result in tamworth. this is much— result and the result in tamworth. this is much more _ result and the result in tamworth. this is much more a _ result and the result in tamworth. this is much more a result - result and the result in tamworth. this is much more a result about. result and the result in tamworth. j this is much more a result about a collapse _ this is much more a result about a collapse in — this is much more a result about a collapse in the _ this is much more a result about a collapse in the conservative - this is much more a result about a collapse in the conservative vote, i this is much more a result about al collapse in the conservative vote, a collapse _ collapse in the conservative vote, a collapse that. — collapse in the conservative vote, a collapse that. in— collapse in the conservative vote, a collapse that, in the _ collapse in the conservative vote, a collapse that, in the end, _ collapse in the conservative vote, a collapse that, in the end, was - collapse that, in the end, was pretty— collapse that, in the end, was pretty much— collapse that, in the end, was pretty much evenly _ collapse that, in the end, was pretty much evenly shared - collapse that, in the end, was - pretty much evenly shared between labour _ pretty much evenly shared between labour and — pretty much evenly shared between labour and the _ pretty much evenly shared between labour and the liberal— pretty much evenly shared between labour and the liberal democrats. i pretty much evenly shared between. labour and the liberal democrats. in fact, labour and the liberal democrats. in fact. it _ labour and the liberal democrats. in fact. it is _ labour and the liberal democrats. in fact. it is the — labour and the liberal democrats. in fact, it is the second _ labour and the liberal democrats. in fact, it is the second biggest- labour and the liberal democrats. in fact, it is the second biggest drop . fact, it is the second biggest drop in conservative _ fact, it is the second biggest drop in conservative support _ fact, it is the second biggest drop in conservative support in- fact, it is the second biggest drop in conservative support in any. in conservative support in any by-election. _ in conservative support in any by—election, where _ in conservative support in any by—election, where the - in conservative support in any. by—election, where the principal contestant— by—election, where the principal contestant for— by—election, where the principal contestant for the _ by—election, where the principal contestant for the seat - by—election, where the principal contestant for the seat was - by—election, where the principal contestant for the seat was the i contestant for the seat was the labour — contestant for the seat was the labour party _ contestant for the seat was the labour party. so _ contestant for the seat was the labour party. so the _ contestant for the seat was the labour party. so the truth - contestant for the seat was the labour party. so the truth is i contestant for the seat was the i labour party. so the truth is two by-election _ labour party. so the truth is two by—election results, _ labour party. so the truth is two by—election results, both- labour party. so the truth is two by—election results, both of- labour party. so the truth is twol by—election results, both of them extremely— by—election results, both of them extremely bad _ by—election results, both of them extremely bad news _ by—election results, both of them extremely bad news for _ by—election results, both of them extremely bad news for the - extremely bad news for the conservatives. _ extremely bad news for the conservatives. in— extremely bad news for the conservatives. in whateverl extremely bad news for the - conservatives. in whatever criteria you use. _

conservatives. in whatever criteria you use. they— conservatives. in whatever criteria you use. they are _ conservatives. in whatever criteria you use. they are up _ conservatives. in whatever criteria you use, they are up there - conservatives. in whatever criteria you use, they are up there very. you use, they are up there very clearly— you use, they are up there very clearly in — you use, they are up there very clearly in the _ you use, they are up there very clearly in the top _ you use, they are up there very clearly in the top ten _ you use, they are up there very clearly in the top ten of - you use, they are up there very clearly in the top ten of worst i clearly in the top ten of worst conservative _ clearly in the top ten of worst conservative performances i clearly in the top ten of worst - conservative performances against the labour— conservative performances against the labour party, _ conservative performances against the labour party, and _ conservative performances against the labour party, and we - conservative performances against the labour party, and we have - conservative performances against| the labour party, and we have now had three _ the labour party, and we have now had three by—elections _ the labour party, and we have now had three by—elections with - the labour party, and we have now had three by—elections with swingsj had three by—elections with swings at 20%_ had three by—elections with swings at 20% or— had three by—elections with swings at 20% or more _ had three by—elections with swings at 20% or more. the _ had three by—elections with swings at 20% or more. the last - had three by—elections with swings at 20% or more. the last time - had three by—elections with swings at 20% or more. the last time we. had three by—elections with swings . at 20% or more. the last time we had that was. _ at 20% or more. the last time we had that was. again — at 20% or more. the last time we had that was. again i _ at 20% or more. the last time we had that was, again i will— at 20% or more. the last time we had that was, again i will repeat, - at 20% or more. the last time we had that was, again i will repeat, the - that was, again i will repeat, the 1992— that was, again i will repeat, the 1992 to _ that was, again i will repeat, the 1992 to 1997 _ that was, again i will repeat, the 1992 to 1997 parliament, - that was, again i will repeat, the 1992 to 1997 parliament, and - that was, again i will repeat, the 1992 to 1997 parliament, and i. that was, again i will repeat, the . 1992 to 1997 parliament, and i think it is quite _ 1992 to 1997 parliament, and i think it is quite right. _ 1992 to 1997 parliament, and i think it is quite right. 12— 1992 to 1997 parliament, and i think it is quite right, 12 months- 1992 to 1997 parliament, and i think it is quite right, 12 months ago, - it is quite right, 12 months ago, this isn't— it is quite right, 12 months ago, this isn't destiny, _ it is quite right, 12 months ago, this isn't destiny, but— it is quite right, 12 months ago, this isn't destiny, but it - it is quite right, 12 months ago, this isn't destiny, but it is - it is quite right, 12 months ago, this isn't destiny, but it is a - this isn't destiny, but it is a pointer. _ this isn't destiny, but it is a pointer. and _ this isn't destiny, but it is a pointer, and it— this isn't destiny, but it is a pointer, and it is _ this isn't destiny, but it is a pointer, and it is a - this isn't destiny, but it is a pointer, and it is a pointer. this isn't destiny, but it is a - pointer, and it is a pointer that, unless— pointer, and it is a pointer that, unless the — pointer, and it is a pointer that, unless the conservatives - pointer, and it is a pointer that, unless the conservatives can . pointer, and it is a pointer that, i unless the conservatives can fairly dramatically— unless the conservatives can fairly dramatically and _ unless the conservatives can fairly dramatically and fairly _ unless the conservatives can fairly dramatically and fairly radically- dramatically and fairly radically turn things— dramatically and fairly radically turn things around, _ dramatically and fairly radically turn things around, then - dramatically and fairly radically turn things around, then they. dramatically and fairly radically. turn things around, then they are, in truth. _ turn things around, then they are, in truth, staring _ turn things around, then they are, in truth, staring defeat _ turn things around, then they are, in truth, staring defeat in - turn things around, then they are, in truth, staring defeat in the - turn things around, then they are, in truth, staring defeat in the face| in truth, staring defeat in the face in truth, staring defeat in the face in 12 months' _ in truth, staring defeat in the face in 12 months' time. _ in truth, staring defeat in the face in 12 months' time.— in 12 months' time. right, sirjohn curtice, in 12 months' time. right, sirjohn curtice. thank— in 12 months' time. right, sirjohn curtice, thank you. _ in 12 months' time. right, sirjohn curtice, thank you. we _ in 12 months' time. right, sirjohn curtice, thank you. we will- in 12 months' time. right, sirjohn curtice, thank you. we will pick. in 12 months' time. right, sirjohnj curtice, thank you. we will pick up on those points but from you, sarah olney, it was evenly split, the collapse of the tory vote, fairly, not completely obsolete. it did hold up not completely obsolete. it did hold up well, the liberal democrat vote. it more than held up. we are the only party of the top three parties

to increase the number of votes we got, compared to 2019. you compare the actual number of votes and both labour and conservatives got less than they got in 2019. ititle]!!! labour and conservatives got less than they got in 2019.— labour and conservatives got less than they got in 2019. well done for workina than they got in 2019. well done for working that — than they got in 2019. well done for working that out _ than they got in 2019. well done for working that out so _ than they got in 2019. well done for working that out so quickly. - than they got in 2019. well done for working that out so quickly. i - than they got in 2019. well done for working that out so quickly. i may i working that out so quickly. i may have had a _ working that out so quickly. i may have had a bit _ working that out so quickly. i may have had a bit of— working that out so quickly. i may have had a bit of help! _ working that out so quickly. i may have had a bit of help! maybe - working that out so quickly. i may have had a bit of help! maybe you did! laughter _ did! laughter congratulations to labour and alistair strathern. my heart goes out to emma holland lindsey who has worked so hard... out to emma holland lindsey who has worked so hard. . ._ worked so hard... over a long period of time. worked so hard... over a long period oftime- over— worked so hard... over a long period of time. over such _ worked so hard... over a long period of time. over such a _ worked so hard... over a long period of time. over such a long _ worked so hard... over a long period of time. over such a long time, - worked so hard... over a long period of time. over such a long time, but i of time. over such a long time, but i think were — of time. over such a long time, but i think were actually _ of time. over such a long time, but i think were actually quite - of time. over such a long time, but i think were actually quite pleased i i think were actually quite pleased with that result, short of a win obviously but it does go to show, exactly asjohn obviously but it does go to show, exactly as john curtice was obviously but it does go to show, exactly asjohn curtice was saying, and exactly what we're finding on the doorsteps, that people are leaving the conservative party in droves, and many people are coming to the liberal democrats. they see in us a party that they can support, who share their values. they want to support a local champion, like emma is in her current role as a counsellor would have been as an mp, and exactly as you just said. it is and exactly as you just said. it is a split between labour and the lib dems. i i, , i, i,

a split between labour and the lib dems. ii,i, dems. echoes of the 1992 to 1997 aeriod dems. echoes of the 1992 to 1997 period when _ dems. echoes of the 1992 to 1997 period when we — dems. echoes of the 1992 to 1997 period when we all— dems. echoes of the 1992 to 1997 period when we all know - dems. echoes of the 1992 to 1997 period when we all know what. period when we all know what happened in that landslide of tony blair in 1997. those echoes seem to be getting louder, don't they? ltitlell. be getting louder, don't they? well, es. you be getting louder, don't they? well, yes- you know. _ be getting louder, don't they? well, yes. you know, but— be getting louder, don't they? well, yes. you know, but as _ be getting louder, don't they? well, yes. you know, but as i _ be getting louder, don't they? well, yes. you know, but as i said - be getting louder, don't they? well, yes. you know, but as i said to - be getting louder, don't they? well, yes. you know, but as i said to you earlier. _ yes. you know, but as i said to you earlier. jo. — yes. you know, but as i said to you earlier, jo, you know, ithink yes. you know, but as i said to you earlier, jo, you know, i think it's extremely— earlier, jo, you know, i think it's extremely convenient to join and say somehow— extremely convenient to join and say somehow we're become back where we were 25_ somehow we're become back where we were 25 years ago. this by—election was. _ were 25 years ago. this by—election was. as— were 25 years ago. this by—election was. as i_ were 25 years ago. this by—election was, as i said, like no other. you've — was, as i said, like no other. you've got— was, as i said, like no other. you've got that 3—way split. you've tot you've got that 3—way split. you've got that _ you've got that 3—way split. you've got that really negative style. there — got that really negative style. there was clearly a lot of dissatisfaction with what happened with nadine doris and that came out stronglyi _ with nadine doris and that came out strongly. we had a strong local candidate who was liked but it wasn't — candidate who was liked but it wasn't going to be enough to deal with quite — wasn't going to be enough to deal with quite powerful local factions. with rishi — with quite powerful local factions. with rishi sunak and the fact that he's in negative personal ratings. the fact that i am prepared, and i'm not even _ the fact that i am prepared, and i'm not evena— the fact that i am prepared, and i'm not even a member of the government any more. _ not even a member of the government any more. to— not even a member of the government any more, to come on programmes like

this, any more, to come on programmes like this. to _ any more, to come on programmes like this. to talk— any more, to come on programmes like this, to talk about my party, shows the depth _ this, to talk about my party, shows the depth of my commitment to the conservative cause. i believe in the conservative cause. i believe in the conservative party. find conservative cause. i believe in the conservative party.— conservative cause. i believe in the conservative party. and we welcome. i believe in the _ conservative party. and we welcome. i believe in the conservative - conservative party. and we welcome. i believe in the conservative party . i believe in the conservative party as being _ i believe in the conservative party as being a — i believe in the conservative party as being a party of the party of the nation _ as being a party of the party of the nation. what i don't like is naked self interest and a lack of team ethos _ self interest and a lack of team ethos and _ self interest and a lack of team ethos and that was being displayed, i'm ethos and that was being displayed, l'm afraid. _ ethos and that was being displayed, i'm afraid. and what conservatives need _ i'm afraid. and what conservatives need to— i'm afraid. and what conservatives need to do— i'm afraid. and what conservatives need to do is coalesce, come together _ need to do is coalesce, come together. rememberwhy we need to do is coalesce, come together. remember why we are in politics— together. remember why we are in politics - _ together. remember why we are in politics - to— together. remember why we are in politics — to serve the national interest. — politics — to serve the national interest. to get behind the prime minister. — interest. to get behind the prime minister, and to make sure that this election— minister, and to make sure that this election is— minister, and to make sure that this election is notjust competitive, but that— election is notjust competitive, but that we can deliver a conservative government working in the national interest. that's the 'ob the national interest. that's the job of— the national interest. that's the job of every conservative now. and ou job of every conservative now. and you know. — job of every conservative now. and you know. hats _ job of every conservative now. e.in you know, hats off to job of every conservative now. e.iln. you know, hats off to you, well job of every conservative now. e.iln you know, hats off to you, well done for being here to defend the conservative party. it is curious that there isn't a conservative minister here, though, to give the explanation of the government to these defeats tonight.— explanation of the government to these defeats tonight. well, andrew bowie was here _ these defeats tonight. well, andrew bowie was here for _ these defeats tonight. well, andrew bowie was here for many _ these defeats tonight. well, andrew bowie was here for many hours - these defeats tonight. well, andrew bowie was here for many hours and | bowie was here for many hours and hours _ bowie was here for many hours and hours he's — bowie was here for many hours and hours. he's gone back no doubt to finish _ hours. he's gone back no doubt to finish his— hours. he's gone back no doubt to finish his red box, as i used to do

in the _ finish his red box, as i used to do in the long — finish his red box, as i used to do in the long watches of the night. i don't _ in the long watches of the night. i don't have — in the long watches of the night. i don't have one of those any more. i'm don't have one of those any more. l'm able _ don't have one of those any more. l'm able to — don't have one of those any more. i'm able to come on and defend my party _ i'm able to come on and defend my party. and — i'm able to come on and defend my party. and john you know, as i said to you _ party. and john you know, as i said to you earlier, you've had bad nights— to you earlier, you've had bad nights and _ to you earlier, you've had bad nights and come out to defend your party— nights and come out to defend your party on _ nights and come out to defend your party on bad nights. you're having a great _ party on bad nights. you're having a great night — party on bad nights. you're having a great night tonight. enjoy it while you can. — great night tonight. enjoy it while you can. fill your boots. let's wait for the _ you can. fill your boots. let's wait for the general election. i�*m you can. fill your boots. let's wait for the general election._ for the general election. i'm not fillina an for the general election. i'm not filling any boots _ for the general election. i'm not filling any boots and _ for the general election. i'm not filling any boots and i'm - for the general election. i'm not i filling any boots and i'm delighted by the phenomenal result, they're stunning results but we're focused on a general election and we know that we have to work really hard to continue to win the trust of the british people. to focus on the issues that the british people care about. the cost of living. the nhs, crime on our streets. schools. they're the issues that we're going to be talking about and continuing to be talking about and continuing to talk about over the next 12 months. these are really important results. you know, 20% swings in three seats now, three very, very secure, safe seats on paper. 20% swings are stunning results, alongside that stunning result in scotland. but we know we've got a lot of work to do over the next 12 months or so to win over the people and we're going to be talking to the

british people about the issues that they're concerned about. i’m british people about the issues that they're concerned about.— they're concerned about. i'm glad that john said _ they're concerned about. i'm glad that john said that _ they're concerned about. i'm glad that john said that and _ they're concerned about. i'm glad that john said that and i - they're concerned about. i'm glad that john said that and i think- they're concerned about. i'm glad | that john said that and i think that that john said that and i think that that is— that john said that and i think that that is an — that john said that and i think that that is an acknowledgement that people _ that is an acknowledgement that people are not yet in love with the labour _ people are not yet in love with the labour party. they're out of love with _ labour party. they're out of love with the — labour party. they're out of love with the government. they've yet to be convinced, i think, about the nature _ be convinced, ! think, about the nature of— be convinced, i think, about the nature of what the alternative government will be. that's the second — government will be. that's the second part of the test, that any opposition has to satisfy in order to win _ opposition has to satisfy in order to win power. but you know, i'll say to win power. but you know, i'll say to this _ to win power. but you know, i'll say to this him — to win power. but you know, i'll say to this him - — to win power. but you know, i'll say to this him — it's going to be a properly— to this him — it's going to be a properly contested battle. a lot of dividing _ properly contested battle. a lot of dividing lines. a lot of points to be made — dividing lines. a lot of points to be made to be counted about the achievements of this government that are considerable, and that is the message — are considerable, and that is the message that we've got to get out to the british— message that we've got to get out to the british public in the next year. let's _ the british public in the next year. let's hear— the british public in the next year. let's hear from the winning candidate, now mp, the new labour mp for mid bedfordshire, alastair strathern. first of all, congratulations to you, alastair, after what has obviously been a very long and exhausting campaign. what do you think now — you may only have a year until the general election. what will you focus on?- what will you focus on? well, i

think for me, _ what will you focus on? well, i think for me, jo, _ what will you focus on? well, i think for me, jo, it's _ what will you focus on? well, i think for me, jo, it's going - what will you focus on? well, i think for me, jo, it's going to i what will you focus on? well, i . think for me, jo, it's going to be working incredibly hard to show that the people who supported me right across mid bedfordshire have put their faith across mid bedfordshire have put theirfaith in across mid bedfordshire have put their faith in the across mid bedfordshire have put theirfaith in the right man and the right party. i've been so encouraged and grateful for the right party. i've been so encouraged and gratefulfor the incredibly warm response through mid bedfordshire on behalf of a hardworking mp to focus on the issues that matter. it's on me now to work really hard from tomorrow until that general election tomorrow until that general election to show people right across mid bedfordshire that i've got things done for them and that they've put their faith done for them and that they've put theirfaith in done for them and that they've put their faith in the done for them and that they've put theirfaith in the right done for them and that they've put their faith in the right candidate. but in the meantime, i'm so grateful for people to give me this opportunity. for people to give me this opportunity-— for people to give me this o-aortuni .�* , i, , for people to give me this ouortuni .�* , i, , i, opportunity. but was this really a vote for labour— opportunity. but was this really a vote for labour and _ opportunity. but was this really a vote for labour and for— opportunity. but was this really a vote for labour and for keir- opportunity. but was this really a i vote for labour and for keir starmer and for you, obviously? vote for labour and for keir starmer and foryou, obviously? ora vote for labour and for keir starmer and for you, obviously? or a vote against the conservatives? there's no doubt the conservative vote collapsed? but a lot of votes went to the liberal democrats, too. it was not evenly, but fairly evenly split. so how much of it was really a vote for you and labour?- split. so how much of it was really a vote for you and labour? look, we were really — a vote for you and labour? look, we were really encouraged _ a vote for you and labour? look, we were really encouraged from - a vote for you and labour? look, we were really encouraged from day . a vote for you and labour? look, we| were really encouraged from day one how open people were for the idea of doing something different this time around. and the number of people who were telling me that they were

voting labourfor the were telling me that they were voting labour for the very first time today was incredibly moving. we know we've got to keep working hard to earn people's trust and to show those people who showed their support in me this time that they've put their faith in the right person. i've been so encouraged across the campaign in people looking and recognising that the labour party has changed and increasingly, the labour values that speak to people here in mid bedfordshire. brothel labour values that speak to people here in mid bedfordshire.— here in mid bedfordshire. what is the one overriding _ here in mid bedfordshire. what is the one overriding issue - here in mid bedfordshire. what is the one overriding issue for - here in mid bedfordshire. what is. the one overriding issue for people in mid bedfordshire? i the one overriding issue for people in mid bedfordshire?— the one overriding issue for people in mid bedfordshire? i think for me, as to aet in mid bedfordshire? i think for me, as to get back— in mid bedfordshire? i think for me, as to get back to _ in mid bedfordshire? i think for me, as to get back to the _ in mid bedfordshire? i think for me, as to get back to the politics - in mid bedfordshire? i think for me, as to get back to the politics of- as to get back to the politics of respect. from the issues of the nhs, to the cost of living, the lack of police on our streets. people feel like our communities here haven't been properly respected by the government over recent years. and from day one as their mp, i want to champion in changing that. in terms ofthe champion in changing that. in terms of the issues — champion in changing that. in terms of the issues like _ champion in changing that. in terms of the issues like the _ champion in changing that. in terms of the issues like the nhs, - champion in changing that. in terms of the issues like the nhs, public i of the issues like the nhs, public services in general, isn't the problem that you aren't going to have resources, money, to spend on those public services in terms of raising taxes or borrowing? so how are you going to do it? what did you tell people on the doorstep you were going to do?—

going to do? well, i think for me, it's about having _ going to do? well, i think for me, it's about having a _ going to do? well, i think for me, it's about having a credible, - it's about having a credible, serious party. they've got a plan to turnit serious party. they've got a plan to turn it around. under labour, we've got a ten—year plan to get the nhs back on track. and you're quite right, it can'tjust be a spending more money, but targeted investment from the tax loophole closed to make sure we're investing back in investing back in the nhs in technology, in some of the instant investment we know we need will be a really important part of that. but about modernising it and getting the workforce back and getting the structure of an nhs that is pit for purpose. that —— fit for purpose. we have a long—term plan to get it back and track and that's the plan that people supported today.— and track and that's the plan that people supported today. you'll know that lots of people _ people supported today. you'll know that lots of people in _ people supported today. you'll know that lots of people in the _ that lots of people in the constituency struggling with cost of living want something to happen quite quickly. they'll want to see things improve under a labour government if you win next year, whenever that general election is, and as you say, you're not going to able to do it. it's not going to be quick. able to do it. it's not going to be auick. �* . able to do it. it's not going to be auick. �* , i, able to do it. it's not going to be uick, �*, i, i, able to do it. it's not going to be auick. �*, i, i, i, , i ,, quick. it's not going to be quick, jo. but actually, _ quick. it's not going to be quick, jo. but actually, i— quick. it's not going to be quick, jo. but actually, ithink- quick. it's not going to be quick, jo. but actually, i think that - quick. it's not going to be quick, jo. but actually, i think that the | jo. but actually, i think that the labour party will be able to turn

things around pretty sharply. lots of business leaders, lots of people right around the country are calling for stability, right around the country are calling forstability, grown—up right around the country are calling for stability, grown—up politics and a long—term plan. all of those things are what people will have under a labour government and all of those things will have a pretty instant effect in creating confidence and getting the economy back on track. but making sure that we have a government that through these times is open to targeted support with the new windfall tax on energy bills to make sure that we're properly supporting people through plans, but have a stable, long—term plans, but have a stable, long—term plan to get things back where we need them to be. you plan to get things back where we need them to be.— plan to get things back where we need them to be. i, i, �* i, i, need them to be. you won't have long to arove need them to be. you won't have long to prove yourself. _ need them to be. you won't have long to prove yourself, as _ need them to be. you won't have long to prove yourself, as i _ need them to be. you won't have long to prove yourself, as i say, _ need them to be. you won't have long to prove yourself, as i say, because i to prove yourself, as i say, because there probably will be a general election next year. so what will your priorities be? mr; election next year. so what will your priorities be?— election next year. so what will your priorities be? my priority is beina your priorities be? my priority is being present — your priorities be? my priority is being present and _ your priorities be? my priority is being present and working - your priorities be? my priority is being present and working hard| your priorities be? my priority is i being present and working hard on the auto yous that matter to them. one of the beauties of this campaign is speaking to people right across mid bedfordshire and understanding theissues mid bedfordshire and understanding the issues that need tackling. from trying to re—route some of the local bus roots and town planning and making sure that i'm working with some of the particular gp surgeries

facing a problem here. a big bank of issues for me to work hard on from day one right up to the general election to show people that by the time they vote again, that they put their faith time they vote again, that they put theirfaith in time they vote again, that they put their faith in the time they vote again, that they put theirfaith in the right time they vote again, that they put their faith in the right time. you'll be pleased to know and congratulations from keir starmer, the leader of the labour party, saying that they're both, yours and in tamworth, the victories, phenomenal results that show that labour is back in the service of working people and redrawing the political map, winning in the tory strong holds shows that people overwhelmingly want change and they're ready to put their faith in they're ready to put their faith in the changed labour party to deliver it. was keir starmer an asset on the doorstep? orwas it. was keir starmer an asset on the doorstep? or was it much more about the party? the doorstep? or was it much more about the -a ? i, i, i, i, the party? the two go hand-in-hand. the labour party _ the party? the two go hand-in-hand. the labour party wouldn't _ the party? the two go hand-in-hand. the labour party wouldn't be - the party? the two go hand-in-hand. the labour party wouldn't be here . the labour party wouldn't be here now without keir starmer. the changes that he has made like here in mid bedfordshire, the values of respect, country first, politics, are so important and that's given the us platform that we've needed to deliver such a historic result here and set us up for hopefully a

historic win in the next election. congratulations again.— historic win in the next election. congratulations again. thank you. listen alastair _ congratulations again. thank you. listen alastair strathern - congratulations again. thank you. listen alastair strathern there, i congratulations again. thank you. listen alastair strathern there, a l listen alastair strathern there, a lot of focus on decency and service, maybe trying to press the point about his predecessor, nadine do radical clericss, but also politics in general. because that is one of the —— nadine doris. and it's not just the issue that is we talked about. but it's about politics itself! i. i. ,, about. but it's about politics itself! i, i, ,, i, �* itself! yeah, and i think that we've seen that in _ itself! yeah, and i think that we've seen that in tamworth _ itself! yeah, and i think that we've seen that in tamworth where - itself! yeah, and i think that we've seen that in tamworth where we i itself! yeah, and i think that we've i seen that in tamworth where we saw the turnout rate go down. it appears there was some apathy there. but clearly, and clearly in mid bedfordshire, people said that on the doors, nadine doris was coming up the doors, nadine doris was coming up but in the seats, a swing of more than 20% in both is clearly people unhappy with the tory party. i thought it was interesting what robert said about now the tory party has to come together and be united. i mean, if we look the at the record

from the last couple of months, i think that is wishful thinking. we've got the autumn statement in a couple of weeks' time. we know what will happen. loads of robert's colleagues will spend the next couple of weeks saying we need tax cuts now and then we'll have others like robert who say, if we have tax cuts now, that's going to be a massive mistake. and it seems like we're going to have a tory party pulling itself apart, rather than uniting. pulling itself apart, rather than unitina. pulling itself apart, rather than unitina . i, pulling itself apart, rather than unitina. i, i, , uniting. right, i mean, the tory pa is uniting. right, i mean, the tory party is quite — uniting. right, i mean, the tory party is quite good _ uniting. right, i mean, the tory party is quite good at _ uniting. right, i mean, the tory party is quite good at coming i party is quite good at coming together when the focus is a general election. and people are thinking about their seats. and it may seem selfish, but it is one of the driving motivators for members of parliament. is there a sense that people might pull together? or is it going to be in the way thatjohn described it — particularly over the next few months when the autumn statement is standing? the next few months when the autumn statement is standing?— statement is standing? the tories like to win and _ statement is standing? the tories like to win and mps _ statement is standing? the tories like to win and mps want - statement is standing? the tories like to win and mps want to - statement is standing? the tories like to win and mps want to keep l like to win and mp5 want to keep their_ like to win and mp5 want to keep their seats. like to win and mps want to keep their seats. 50 you imagine like to win and mps want to keep their seats. so you imagine a scenario_ their seats. so you imagine a scenario with tighter discipline. i think_ scenario with tighter discipline. i think what— scenario with tighter discipline. i think what probably makes it hard is definitely— think what probably makes it hard is definitely going to be the case this time is _ definitely going to be the case this time is that it is not normally the case _

time is that it is not normally the case - _ time is that it is not normally the case - you — time is that it is not normally the case — you know, you think of it, ousting — case — you know, you think of it, ousting two _ case — you know, you think of it, ousting two leaders within the space of a yean _ ousting two leaders within the space of a year. and the fact that you have _ of a year. and the fact that you have figures such as liz truss who want _ have figures such as liz truss who want to _ have figures such as liz truss who want to make a lot of noise and quite _ want to make a lot of noise and quite a — want to make a lot of noise and quite a tot— want to make a lot of noise and quite a lot of figures in the tory party— quite a lot of figures in the tory party who — quite a lot of figures in the tory party who seem to be more concerned with the _ party who seem to be more concerned with the debate that follows after an election defeat than working out how to _ an election defeat than working out how to win — an election defeat than working out how to win. i don't think that that is the _ how to win. i don't think that that is the majority of tory mps but the problem _ is the majority of tory mps but the problem for people such as robert is that it _ problem for people such as robert is that it is _ problem for people such as robert is that it is quite a noisy few. and you know. _ that it is quite a noisy few. and you know, i've had figures say to me. _ you know, i've had figures say to me. you — you know, i've had figures say to me, you need to decide — are they a university— me, you need to decide — are they a university debating society or a political— university debating society or a political party. time is running out _ political party. time is running out. ., ., ~' political party. time is running out. ., ~ ., out. what do you think that the voices -- _ out. what do you think that the voices... do _ out. what do you think that the voices... do you _ out. what do you think that the voices... do you think - out. what do you think that the voices... do you think that - out. what do you think that the j voices... do you think that they should stay quiet? the liz truss of this world? and even those jockeying for position, which clearly is going on behind the scenes. they've moved ahead, they've accepted you've lost? look, the perception is very dangerous _ look, the perception is very dangerous i_ look, the perception is very dangerous. i accept - look, the perception is very dangerous. i accept that. i look, the perception is very. dangerous. i accept that. and look, the perception is very. dangerous. iaccept that. and i think— dangerous. iaccept that. and i think any— dangerous. iaccept that. and i think any colleague _ dangerous. iaccept that. and i think any colleague who - dangerous. iaccept that. and i think any colleague who is - dangerous. iaccept that. and i- think any colleague who is allowing that perception _ think any colleague who is allowing that perception to _ think any colleague who is allowing that perception to prevail—

think any colleague who is allowing that perception to prevail should i that perception to prevail should reatiy— that perception to prevail should reatty think— that perception to prevail should really think very _ that perception to prevail should really think very carefully - that perception to prevail should really think very carefully aboutl really think very carefully about what _ really think very carefully about what they — really think very carefully about what they do _ really think very carefully about what they do and _ really think very carefully about what they do and what - really think very carefully about what they do and what they i really think very carefully about what they do and what they say really think very carefully about i what they do and what they say in the next _ what they do and what they say in the next 12— what they do and what they say in the next 12 months. _ what they do and what they say in the next 12 months. you - what they do and what they say in the next 12 months. you know, i what they do and what they say in i the next 12 months. you know, this is about— the next 12 months. you know, this is about the — the next 12 months. you know, this is about the future _ the next 12 months. you know, this is about the future of— the next 12 months. you know, this is about the future of our— the next 12 months. you know, this is about the future of our country. is about the future of our country here _ is about the future of our country here and — is about the future of our country here and as _ is about the future of our country here. and asjohn— is about the future of our country here. and asjohn said, - is about the future of our country here. and asjohn said, there i is about the future of our countryj here. and asjohn said, there are bil here. and asjohn said, there are big dividinq — here. and asjohn said, there are big dividing lines. _ here. and asjohn said, there are big dividing lines. you _ here. and asjohn said, there are big dividing lines. you know, i here. and asjohn said, there are big dividing lines. you know, this is not _ big dividing lines. you know, this is not new— big dividing lines. you know, this is not new labour. this- big dividing lines. you know, this is not new labour. this is- big dividing lines. you know, this is not new labour. this is a - big dividing lines. you know, this i is not new labour. this is a labour party— is not new labour. this is a labour party that — is not new labour. this is a labour party that is — is not new labour. this is a labour party that is in _ is not new labour. this is a labour party that is in some _ is not new labour. this is a labour party that is in some ways, - is not new labour. this is a labour party that is in some ways, going i party that is in some ways, going track— party that is in some ways, going back to _ party that is in some ways, going back to some _ party that is in some ways, going back to some of— party that is in some ways, going back to some of its _ party that is in some ways, going back to some of its roots - party that is in some ways, going back to some of its roots in - party that is in some ways, going back to some of its roots in the l party that is in some ways, goingl back to some of its roots in the 19 '60s _ back to some of its roots in the 19 '60s and — back to some of its roots in the 19 '60s and '70s _ back to some of its roots in the 19 '60s and '70s a_ back to some of its roots in the 19 '60s and '70s. a corporatist - '60s and '70s. a corporatist approach _ '60s and '70s. a corporatist approach to— '60s and '70s. a corporatist approach to politics - '60s and '70s. a corporatist approach to politics which . '60s and '70s. a corporatist| approach to politics which of course, _ approach to politics which of course, very— approach to politics which of course, very much _ approach to politics which of course, very much chimes. approach to politics which of i course, very much chimes with approach to politics which of - course, very much chimes with keir's hero, _ course, very much chimes with keir's hero, harold — course, very much chimes with keir's hero, harold wilson. _ course, very much chimes with keir's hero, harold wilson. that's - course, very much chimes with keir's hero, harold wilson. that's a - course, very much chimes with keir's hero, harold wilson. that's a big i hero, harold wilson. that's a big difference — hero, harold wilson. that's a big difference from _ hero, harold wilson. that's a big difference from the _ hero, harold wilson. that's a big difference from the past. - hero, harold wilson. that's a big difference from the past. and i. difference from the past. and i think— difference from the past. and i think that _ difference from the past. and i think that as _ difference from the past. and i think that as conservatives, i difference from the past. and i| think that as conservatives, we difference from the past. and i- think that as conservatives, we now need _ think that as conservatives, we now need to— think that as conservatives, we now need to make — think that as conservatives, we now need to make it— think that as conservatives, we now need to make it very— think that as conservatives, we now need to make it very clear- think that as conservatives, we now need to make it very clear what i think that as conservatives, we now need to make it very clear what the| need to make it very clear what the next five _ need to make it very clear what the next five years _ need to make it very clear what the next five years is _ need to make it very clear what the next five years is going _ need to make it very clear what the next five years is going to - need to make it very clear what the next five years is going to look- next five years is going to look like _ next five years is going to look like and — next five years is going to look like. and that's— next five years is going to look like. and that's what _ next five years is going to look like. and that's what i'm - next five years is going to look. like. and that's what i'm looking for, like. and that's what i'm looking for. from — like. and that's what i'm looking for. from the _ like. and that's what i'm looking for, from the prime _ like. and that's what i'm looking for, from the prime minister- like. and that's what i'm lookingj for, from the prime minister and like. and that's what i'm looking i for, from the prime minister and our leaders _ for, from the prime minister and our leaders i'm — for, from the prime minister and our leaders i'm not _ for, from the prime minister and our leaders. i'm not looking _ for, from the prime minister and our leaders. i'm not looking for, - for, from the prime minister and our leaders. i'm not looking for, as i for, from the prime minister and our leaders. i'm not looking for, as you. leaders. i'm not looking for, as you say, _ leaders. i'm not looking for, as you say. academic— leaders. i'm not looking for, as you say, academic arguments - leaders. i'm not looking for, as you say, academic arguments about i leaders. i'm not looking for, as you i say, academic arguments about issues that are _ say, academic arguments about issues that are not _ say, academic arguments about issues that are not going _ say, academic arguments about issues that are not going to _ say, academic arguments about issues that are not going to swing _ say, academic arguments about issues that are not going to swing voters. i that are not going to swing voters. i'm that are not going to swing voters. i'm looking — that are not going to swing voters. i'm looking for— that are not going to swing voters. i'm looking for serious, _ that are not going to swing voters. i'm looking for serious, grown—upl i'm looking for serious, grown—up approaches — i'm looking for serious, grown—up approaches to _ i'm looking for serious, grown—up approaches to the _ i'm looking for serious, grown—up approaches to the issues - i'm looking for serious, grown—up approaches to the issues that i i'm looking for serious, grown—up. approaches to the issues that really matter— approaches to the issues that really matter on— approaches to the issues that really matter on the — approaches to the issues that really matter on the economy, _ approaches to the issues that really matter on the economy, on - approaches to the issues that reallyl matter on the economy, on housing, on the _ matter on the economy, on housing, on the future — matter on the economy, on housing, on the future for _ matter on the economy, on housing, on the future for our _ matter on the economy, on housing, on the future for our young - matter on the economy, on housing, on the future for our young people. i on the future for our young people. you know. — on the future for our young people. you know. we've _ on the future for our young people. you know, we've got _ on the future for our young people. you know, we've got some - on the future for our young people. you know, we've got some good i you know, we've got some good conservative _ you know, we've got some good conservative answers _ you know, we've got some good conservative answers to - you know, we've got some good conservative answers to these . conservative answers to these issues — conservative answers to these issues let's_ conservative answers to these issues. let's hear— conservative answers to these issues. let's hear them - conservative answers to these issues. let's hear them and i conservative answers to these i issues. let's hear them and let's hear— issues. let's hear them and let's hear nothinq _ issues. let's hear them and let's hear nothing else _

issues. let's hear them and let's hear nothing else in— issues. let's hear them and let's hear nothing else in the - issues. let's hear them and let's hear nothing else in the next- issues. let's hear them and let's hear nothing else in the next 12. hear nothing else in the next 12 months — hear nothing else in the next 12 months. , ., , ., ~' hear nothing else in the next 12 months. , ., , ., ~ ., months. right, but do you think that they haven't — months. right, but do you think that they haven't been _ months. right, but do you think that they haven't been articulated - months. right, but do you think that they haven't been articulated those i they haven't been articulated those arguments? very powerfully? i they haven't been articulated those arguments? very powerfully? i think that we've got _ arguments? very powerfully? i think that we've got to _ arguments? very powerfully? i think that we've got to do _ arguments? very powerfully? i think that we've got to do far _ arguments? very powerfully? i think that we've got to do far better. i that we've got to do far better. there's— that we've got to do far better. there's always _ that we've got to do far better. there's always a _ that we've got to do far better. there's always a lesson - that we've got to do far better. there's always a lesson to i that we've got to do far better. there's always a lesson to be l that we've got to do far better. i there's always a lesson to be drawn from _ there's always a lesson to be drawn from by—election _ there's always a lesson to be drawn from by—election defeats _ there's always a lesson to be drawn from by—election defeats and - there's always a lesson to be drawn from by—election defeats and the i from by—election defeats and the lesson— from by—election defeats and the lesson should _ from by—election defeats and the lesson should be _ from by—election defeats and the lesson should be for _ from by—election defeats and the lesson should be for the - from by—election defeats and the lesson should be for the party i from by—election defeats and the| lesson should be for the party and government— lesson should be for the party and government to _ lesson should be for the party and government to look _ lesson should be for the party and government to look very- lesson should be for the party and government to look very carefullyl lesson should be for the party and l government to look very carefully at how it _ government to look very carefully at how it projects — government to look very carefully at how it projects itself. _ government to look very carefully at how it projects itself. what - government to look very carefully at how it projects itself. what it- government to look very carefully at how it projects itself. what it is- how it projects itself. what it is sayinq — how it projects itself. what it is sayinq and _ how it projects itself. what it is sayinq and how _ how it projects itself. what it is saying. and how it _ how it projects itself. what it is saying. and how it is— how it projects itself. what it is saying. and how it is relating i how it projects itself. what it is| saying. and how it is relating to the concerns _ saying. and how it is relating to the concerns of— saying. and how it is relating to the concerns of people - saying. and how it is relating to the concerns of people out i saying. and how it is relating to| the concerns of people out there saying. and how it is relating to i the concerns of people out there in the concerns of people out there in the country — the concerns of people out there in the country-— the concerns of people out there in the count . ~ ., ., ., ., the country. what would you want to hear from rishi _ the country. what would you want to hear from rishi sunak? _ the country. what would you want to hear from rishi sunak? look, i- the country. what would you want to hear from rishi sunak? look, i think that absolutely, _ hear from rishi sunak? look, i think that absolutely, the _ hear from rishi sunak? look, i think that absolutely, the five _ hear from rishi sunak? look, i think that absolutely, the five priorities i that absolutely, the five priorities he set _ that absolutely, the five priorities he set out — that absolutely, the five priorities he set out was _ that absolutely, the five priorities he set out was the _ that absolutely, the five priorities he set out was the best _ that absolutely, the five priorities he set out was the best place i that absolutely, the five priorities he set out was the best place to i he set out was the best place to start _ he set out was the best place to start i— he set out was the best place to start ithink— he set out was the best place to start. i think there _ he set out was the best place to start. i think there is _ he set out was the best place to start. i think there is still- he set out was the best place to start. i think there is still an- start. i think there is still an opportunity— start. i think there is still an opportunity for— start. i think there is still an opportunity for him - start. i think there is still an opportunity for him at - start. i think there is still an opportunity for him at the i start. i think there is still an. opportunity for him at the turn start. i think there is still an- opportunity for him at the turn of the year— opportunity for him at the turn of the year to— opportunity for him at the turn of the year to say— opportunity for him at the turn of the year to say - _ opportunity for him at the turn of the year to say — look, _ opportunity for him at the turn of the year to say — look, that - opportunity for him at the turn of the year to say — look, that was i the year to say — look, that was 2023 _ the year to say — look, that was 2023 - — the year to say — look, that was 2023 - these _ the year to say — look, that was 2023 — these priorities - the year to say — look, that was 2023 — these priorities are i the year to say — look, that was 2023 — these priorities are stilli 2023 — these priorities are still going — 2023 — these priorities are still going to — 2023 — these priorities are still going to he _ 2023 — these priorities are still going to be important - 2023 — these priorities are still going to be important in - 2023 — these priorities are still going to be important in 2024. 2023 — these priorities are still- going to be important in 2024. but here's— going to be important in 2024. but here's my— going to be important in 2024. but here's my vision _ going to be important in 2024. but here's my vision for _ going to be important in 2024. but here's my vision for britain - going to be important in 2024. but here's my vision for britain in i here's my vision for britain in 2028! — here's my vision for britain in 2028! because _ here's my vision for britain in 2028! because the _ here's my vision for britain in 2028! because the election. here's my vision for britain in| 2028! because the election is here's my vision for britain in - 2028! because the election is going to be about — 2028! because the election is going to be about the _ 2028! because the election is going to be about the future, _ 2028! because the election is going to be about the future, not - 2028! because the election is going to be about the future, not the i to be about the future, not the past _ to be about the future, not the past and _ to be about the future, not the past. and it's— to be about the future, not the past. and it's about _ to be about the future, not the past. and it's about that - to be about the future, not the i past. and it's about that prospect of government— past. and it's about that prospect of government and _ past. and it's about that prospect of government and how - past. and it's about that prospect of government and how we're i past. and it's about that prospect i of government and how we're going to govern— of government and how we're going to govern that _ of government and how we're going to govern that is — of government and how we're going to govern that is going _ of government and how we're going to govern that is going to _ of government and how we're going to govern that is going to swing - of government and how we're going to govern that is going to swing and i govern that is going to swing and determine — govern that is going to swing and determine how— govern that is going to swing and determine how people _ govern that is going to swing and determine how people vote. i govern that is going to swing and determine how people vote. 50 i govern that is going to swing and determine how people vote. so it's not new labour— determine how people vote. so it's not new labour then. _

determine how people vote. so it's not new labour then. it's - determine how people vote. so it's not new labour then. it's sort i determine how people vote. so it's not new labour then. it's sort of. not new labour then. it's sort of echoes of harold wilson and his government! kei echoes of harold wilson and his government!— echoes of harold wilson and his covernment! �* , ., ,., ,, , government! kei r's labour. like, my wor is government! kei r's labour. like, my worry is that — government! kei r's labour. like, my worry is that we're _ government! kei r's labour. like, my worry is that we're going _ government! kei r's labour. like, my worry is that we're going to _ government! kei r's labour. like, my worry is that we're going to have i government! kei r's labour. like, my worry is that we're going to have 12 i worry is that we're going to have 12 months of chaos. 12 months of chaos with the tory party divided from top to bottom when there are so many issues affecting the country from the national health service, to the schools with the roofs collapsing and the cost of living crisis and a government simply unable to both make amends for the past, or set out a course for the future because of the chaos and the division. you've got the liz truss pushing rishi sunak around. you've got various cabinet ministers jockeying for position. you've got some ex—cabinet ministers dancing the night away at their conferences.— their conferences. there are a lot of them, of _ their conferences. there are a lot of them, of course. _ their conferences. there are a lot of them, of course. i _ their conferences. there are a lot of them, of course. i think i their conferences. there are a lot of them, of course. i think it's i of them, of course. i think it's auoin to of them, of course. i think it's going to be — of them, of course. i think it's going to be a _ of them, of course. i think it's going to be a complete i of them, of course. i think it'sj going to be a complete chaos, and thatis going to be a complete chaos, and that is such a tragedy for the country when there are so many big issue that is we need to confront. and do we really want five more years of this? that's the risk if you get rishi sunak re—elected, completely pushed around by liz truss and all of the characters. i think that the country wants change and is yearning for change, we

should get the general election and get back to it. flute should get the general election and get back to it— should get the general election and get back to it. we are going back to tamworth and _ get back to it. we are going back to tamworth and ione _ get back to it. we are going back to tamworth and ione wells. - get back to it. we are going back to tamworth and ione wells. we i get back to it. we are going back to tamworth and ione wells. we had i get back to it. we are going back to i tamworth and ione wells. we had the tamworth and lone wells. we had the result, obviously, a stunning victory for labour but give us a sense, flavour, of the final moments to the announcement.— to the announcement. well, it's sort of buildin: to the announcement. well, it's sort of building and _ to the announcement. well, it's sort of building and building _ to the announcement. well, it's sort of building and building and - of building and building and building and it all happened at once and there was growing speculation after it was thought the result would not come in until 3:30 and four that actually, the result was much quicker than expected. we had a sudden — when we went from this sports hall into the other room, where the kind of declaration was made and one interesting thing was there was a moment, actually, before there was a moment, actually, before the declaration where all of the candidate were on stage, it was running a bit late, he wasn't there and everyone was asking questions about why he was late and then he turned up and the announcement was made. after the announcements, he

made. after the announcements, he made a pretty quick — for the exits, did not really want to stick around after the disappointing results for the conservatives. they were absolutely thrilled, lots of cheering in the room from labour supporters. i think many of them had kind of previously, before the evening, been managing expectations among their camp, saying just how big a swing they would need to overturn the tory majority here. as the night went on as i think we spoke about earlier, their confidence seemed to grow and grow, clearly giving them a sense they have managed to get quite a significant vote out, enough to swing the seat in what was the 57th safest tory seat in the country. one thing, just speaking to labour supporters here tonight, they are feeling particularly happy about is they feel like the fact this was such a safe tory seat that it wasn't necessarily a prime labour target, suggesting they may be on course to win many other seats that are not as safe for the conservatives. i think they will potentially, as a result,

be lots of conservative mps with small majorities than they were here in tamworth feeling nervous about their seats tomorrow. hone in tamworth feeling nervous about their seats tomorrow.— in tamworth feeling nervous about their seats tomorrow. ione wells, we will let ou their seats tomorrow. ione wells, we will let you go. _ their seats tomorrow. ione wells, we will let you go, they _ their seats tomorrow. ione wells, we will let you go, they are _ their seats tomorrow. ione wells, we will let you go, they are clearing i will let you go, they are clearing up will let you go, they are clearing up behind you, as they would at 3:50 am. just getting some thoughts from you, sarah, in terms of the next 12 months and what happens and what your party will be focusing on before the general election. just listeninu before the general election. just listening to _ before the general election. just listening to what robert was saying about their always being lessons to learn from a by—election and i think the lesson from these two is really clear. conservatives are losing support and support for them is dropping like a stone, notjust in these two by—elections but in the ones we've had throughout this parliament. people want a general election, they want change and i think, personally, the sooner we have that general election the better because john have that general election the better becausejohn is right, we're going to go on and on and it isjust going to go on and on and it isjust going to go on and on and it isjust going to be so painful, the next 12 months, and the sooner we have a

general election the better and it's clear from tonight that's what the public want. from our point of view, we will be very much focusing on the seats we think we can win and be redoubling our efforts and actually, we have taken a lot of encouragement from mid bedfordshire. we are the only party to actually put on actual votes and it shows the tory voters from 2019 have switched to us and came out and supported emma this time and we will be building on that in the seats we hope to win. in in the seats we hope to win. in terms of the date of the general election, we all like to speculate about when it may be and there are arguments for and against may or october or certainly autumn general election. are you hearing anything more about timing? presumably, the government wants to wait for some of the headline economic figures to turn around, especially the one on inflation to reach the target of halving it to about 5% by the end of the year. and there may be some growth. at least, as going to be enough to decide when it is rishi

sunak goes to the country, under the old adage as you hold onto power for as long as you can? j old adage as you hold onto power for as long as you can?— as long as you can? i think it's a movin: as long as you can? i think it's a moving picture _ as long as you can? i think it's a moving picture when _ as long as you can? i think it's a moving picture when it - as long as you can? i think it's a moving picture when it comes . as long as you can? i think it's a| moving picture when it comes to as long as you can? i think it's a i moving picture when it comes to win the election— moving picture when it comes to win the election will be because the upside — the election will be because the upside and why some in number 10 say autumn_ upside and why some in number 10 say autumn or— upside and why some in number 10 say autumn or spring is the grand game, if you _ autumn or spring is the grand game, if you do— autumn or spring is the grand game, if you do at_ autumn or spring is the grand game, if you do at the same time as local elections _ if you do at the same time as local elections you get the votes at that time and _ elections you get the votes at that time and also potentially, you have difficult _ time and also potentially, you have difficult local elections that could change _ difficult local elections that could change the mood again and you go to an election _ change the mood again and you go to an election later in the year. they also want — an election later in the year. they also want to— an election later in the year. they also want to time it so the best possible — also want to time it so the best possible place for the economy. but is there _ possible place for the economy. but is there a _ possible place for the economy. but is there a black swan, something that not— is there a black swan, something that not thinking about? if you don't _ that not thinking about? if you don't go — that not thinking about? if you don't go in spring suddenly things feel worse in the autumn and you have _ feel worse in the autumn and you have the — feel worse in the autumn and you have the gallows humour figures who start saying actuallyjanuary looks start saying actually january looks quite _ start saying actuallyjanuary looks quite nice — start saying actuallyjanuary looks quite nice and that physically the january— quite nice and that physically the january we are about to get to covid that's— january we are about to get to covid that's actually not the january. every — that's actually not the january. every date has problems for the tories _ every date has problems for the tories because when you look at the polls and _ tories because when you look at the polls and you think while they are 20 points— polls and you think while they are 20 points behind labour and the by—election results like this

happen, _ by—election results like this happen, it's hard to suggest what is a good _ happen, it's hard to suggest what is a good idea, going early. therefore, it something which i think you can see a _ it something which i think you can see a scenario that keeps being pushed — see a scenario that keeps being pushed in — see a scenario that keeps being pushed in the hope that something turns— pushed in the hope that something turns up _ pushed in the hope that something turns u -. , ., pushed in the hope that something turns up-- you _ pushed in the hope that something turns up. john? you look at inflation — turns up. john? you look at inflation which _ turns up. john? you look at inflation which has - turns up. john? you look at inflation which has started l turns up. john? you look at. inflation which has started to turns up. john? you look at - inflation which has started to come down _ inflation which has started to come down slightly _ inflation which has started to come down slightly. the _ inflation which has started to come down slightly. the prices _ inflation which has started to come down slightly. the prices and - inflation which has started to come | down slightly. the prices and shops are still— down slightly. the prices and shops are stittiust — down slightly. the prices and shops are stilljust so _ down slightly. the prices and shops are stilljust so expensive _ down slightly. the prices and shops are stilljust so expensive as - down slightly. the prices and shops are stilljust so expensive as they . are stilljust so expensive as they were _ are stilljust so expensive as they were they— are stilljust so expensive as they were. they have _ are stilljust so expensive as they were. they have not _ are stilljust so expensive as they were. they have not come - are stilljust so expensive as they were. they have not come down. | were. they have not come down. peopte's — were. they have not come down. people's mortgages— were. they have not come down. people's mortgages are - were. they have not come down. people's mortgages are still- were. they have not come down. people's mortgages are still veryi people's mortgages are still very expensive — people's mortgages are still very expensive. mine _ people's mortgages are still very expensive. mine is— people's mortgages are still very expensive. mine is coming - people's mortgages are still very expensive. mine is coming up. people's mortgages are still very. expensive. mine is coming up next nronth _ expensive. mine is coming up next nronth more — expensive. mine is coming up next month. more and _ expensive. mine is coming up next month. more and more _ expensive. mine is coming up next month. more and more into - expensive. mine is coming up next month. more and more into the i expensive. mine is coming up next- month. more and more into the longer we go _ month. more and more into the longer we go on. _ month. more and more into the longer we go on. the — month. more and more into the longer we go on. the more _ month. more and more into the longer we go on, the more people _ month. more and more into the longer we go on, the more people come - month. more and more into the longer we go on, the more people come to i we go on, the more people come to the end _ we go on, the more people come to the end of— we go on, the more people come to the end of the — we go on, the more people come to the end of the fixed _ we go on, the more people come to the end of the fixed deals _ we go on, the more people come to the end of the fixed deals and - the end of the fixed deals and suddenly, _ the end of the fixed deals and suddenly, their— the end of the fixed deals and suddenly, their mortgage - the end of the fixed deals and| suddenly, their mortgage gets whacked — suddenly, their mortgage gets whacked up _ suddenly, their mortgage gets whacked up and _ suddenly, their mortgage gets whacked up and those - suddenly, their mortgage gets whacked up and those people, suddenly, their mortgage gets. whacked up and those people, as suddenly, their mortgage gets- whacked up and those people, as i said earlier, — whacked up and those people, as i said earlier, who— whacked up and those people, as i said earlier, who are _ whacked up and those people, as i said earlier, who are on _ whacked up and those people, as i said earlier, who are on pretty- whacked up and those people, as ii said earlier, who are on pretty good sataries _ said earlier, who are on pretty good salaries are — said earlier, who are on pretty good salaries are now— said earlier, who are on pretty good salaries are now struggling - said earlier, who are on pretty good salaries are now struggling to - said earlier, who are on pretty good salaries are now struggling to makei salaries are now struggling to make the sums— salaries are now struggling to make the sums that — salaries are now struggling to make the sums that up _ salaries are now struggling to make the sums that up and _ salaries are now struggling to make the sums that up and who - salaries are now struggling to make the sums that up and who do- salaries are now struggling to make the sums that up and who do they i the sums that up and who do they blame? _ the sums that up and who do they blame? the — the sums that up and who do they blame? the tory _ the sums that up and who do they blame? the tory party. _ the sums that up and who do they blame? the tory party. as - the sums that up and who do they blame? the tory party. as much. the sums that up and who do they. blame? the tory party. as much as robert _ blame? the tory party. as much as robert says— blame? the tory party. as much as robert says they _ blame? the tory party. as much as robert says they were _ blame? the tory party. as much as robert says they were going - blame? the tory party. as much as robert says they were going to - blame? the tory party. as much as robert says they were going to setl robert says they were going to set out a _ robert says they were going to set out a vision — robert says they were going to set out a vision of _ robert says they were going to set out a vision of what _ robert says they were going to set out a vision of what they— robert says they were going to set out a vision of what they are - robert says they were going to set out a vision of what they are going| out a vision of what they are going to do— out a vision of what they are going to do between— out a vision of what they are going to do between now— out a vision of what they are going to do between now and _ out a vision of what they are going to do between now and 2028, - out a vision of what they are going to do between now and 2028, i. out a vision of what they are going. to do between now and 2028, i think most _ to do between now and 2028, i think most peopte — to do between now and 2028, i think most peopte witt— to do between now and 2028, i think most people will realise _ to do between now and 2028, i think most people will realise the - to do between now and 2028, i think most people will realise the tory- most people will realise the tory party _ most people will realise the tory party in — most people will realise the tory party in 2019— most people will realise the tory party in 2019 one _ most people will realise the tory party in 2019 one and _ most people will realise the tory party in 2019 one and 80 - most people will realise the tory party in 2019 one and 80 seat i party in 2019 one and 80 seat maiority~ _ party in 2019 one and 80 seat maiority~ i_

party in 2019 one and 80 seat majority. i have _ party in 2019 one and 80 seat majority. i have not _ party in 2019 one and 80 seat majority. i have not sorted i party in 2019 one and 80 seat - majority. i have not sorted housing, they have _ majority. i have not sorted housing, they have not — majority. i have not sorted housing, they have not sorted _ majority. i have not sorted housing, they have not sorted the _ majority. i have not sorted housing, they have not sorted the nhs - majority. i have not sorted housing, they have not sorted the nhs and l they have not sorted the nhs and they've _ they have not sorted the nhs and they've set — they have not sorted the nhs and they've set the _ they have not sorted the nhs and they've set the economy- they have not sorted the nhs and . they've set the economy backwards. what will _ they've set the economy backwards. what will they — they've set the economy backwards. what will they do _ they've set the economy backwards. what will they do with _ they've set the economy backwards. what will they do with a _ they've set the economy backwards. what will they do with a reduced - what will they do with a reduced majority? — what will they do with a reduced majority? they— what will they do with a reduced majority? they will— what will they do with a reduced majority? they will not - what will they do with a reducedj majority? they will not suddenly deal with — majority? they will not suddenly deal with those _ majority? they will not suddenly deal with those problems. - majority? they will not suddenly deal with those problems. dealwith those problems. robert, this may feel _ dealwith those problems. robert, this may feel a _ dealwith those problems. robert, this may feel a bit _ dealwith those problems. robert, this may feel a bit left-field - dealwith those problems. robert, this may feel a bit left-field for . this may feel a bit left—field for all of you but actually, as you were talking there, john, one of the decisions because actually one figure that has gone in the right direction is wages. they have, i think, outstripped inflation for the first time in certainly a couple of years. what would that mean for rating of benefits which is a big deal? and it has to be decided and it usually is decided on the highest of the three measures, whether it is prices 2.5% wages ——up rating. i mean, that could be quite high, should the government up rate? i should the government up rate? i think i made my view very clear when i think i made my view very clear when i was _ think i made my view very clear when i was in _ think i made my view very clear when i was in government last time, i think— i was in government last time, i think the — i was in government last time, i think the government will have to uprate _ think the government will have to uprate benefits in line with inflation and i think it's

inevitable and i think tinkering with the — inevitable and i think tinkering with the triple lock is going to be difficult — with the triple lock is going to be difficult as well. my view is they need _ difficult as well. my view is they need to— difficult as well. my view is they need to factor those things in as realities— need to factor those things in as realities now. then, work on that assumption. i know that when people feel they've got a little bit more money— feel they've got a little bit more money in — feel they've got a little bit more money in their pockets, and i take john's— money in their pockets, and i take john's point, it changes their outlook— john's point, it changes their outlook and while they will be pressure _ outlook and while they will be pressure on people with regards to increased — pressure on people with regards to increased mortgages... and pressure on people with regards to increased mortgages. . ._ pressure on people with regards to increased mortgages... and the price of oil is going — increased mortgages... and the price of oil is going up! _ increased mortgages... and the price of oil is going up! indeed, _ increased mortgages... and the price of oil is going up! indeed, even - increased mortgages. .. and the price of oil is going up! indeed, even if- of oil is going up! indeed, even if the will of oil is going up! indeed, even if they will rrot _ of oil is going up! indeed, even if they will rrot go _ of oil is going up! indeed, even if they will not go quite _ of oil is going up! indeed, even if they will not go quite to - of oil is going up! indeed, even if they will not go quite to be - they will not go quite to be horrendous levels we thought they may do last year, it's still an increase for people.- may do last year, it's still an increase for people. yeah, yeah. so increase for people. yeah, yeah. so in all of my — increase for people. yeah, yeah. so in all of my thinking _ increase for people. yeah, yeah. so in all of my thinking i'm _ increase for people. yeah, yeah. so in all of my thinking i'm trying - increase for people. yeah, yeah. so in all of my thinking i'm trying to i in all of my thinking i'm trying to resolutely— in all of my thinking i'm trying to resolutely focus on the point of view _ resolutely focus on the point of view of — resolutely focus on the point of view of the elector. which is why in these _ view of the elector. which is why in these elections, clearly people are going _ these elections, clearly people are going out— these elections, clearly people are going out to vote and those who did vote in— going out to vote and those who did vote in these by—elections, they want _ vote in these by—elections, they want to— vote in these by—elections, they want to send a message to the

government that they are not happy. when _ government that they are not happy. when voters are not happy, the government suffers. i think it still gives— government suffers. i think it still gives the — government suffers. i think it still gives the government time. they are the government. they have control of policy. _ the government. they have control of policy, believers of policy. it's an immense — policy, believers of policy. it's an immense privilege and an immense responsibility and i think that's whyiust — responsibility and i think that's whyjust remembering that at the heart _ whyjust remembering that at the heart of— whyjust remembering that at the heart of everything has to be the watchword of the conservative party in the _ watchword of the conservative party in the next — watchword of the conservative party in the next year —— the levers of policy _ in the next year -- the levers of oli . �* . in the next year -- the levers of oli . �*, in the next year -- the levers of oli . , policy. it's about trust in the economy _ policy. it's about trust in the economy and _ policy. it's about trust in the economy and whether - policy. it's about trust in the | economy and whether people policy. it's about trust in the - economy and whether people feel that off after 13 years in when we look at it sitting here today, the answer would probably be no. but if things improve, and inflation is coming down but, as you say, the prices are still high and they are still going up still high and they are still going up and they went up a slower amounts now, something may come down a bit, but things like uprating benefits, i'm presuming labour is still committed to the triple lock when it comes to pensions and the uprating of benefits? taste comes to pensions and the uprating of benefits?—

of benefits? we were pushing to maintain that _ of benefits? we were pushing to maintain that as _ of benefits? we were pushing to maintain that as an _ of benefits? we were pushing to maintain that as an election - of benefits? we were pushing to - maintain that as an election promise of a triple lock. is it maintain that as an election promise of a triple lock.— of a triple lock. is it still affordable? _ of a triple lock. is it still affordable? in _ of a triple lock. is it still affordable? in terms - of a triple lock. is it still affordable? in terms of| of a triple lock. is it still. affordable? in terms of the of a triple lock. is it still- affordable? in terms of the next five ears affordable? in terms of the next five years labour— affordable? in terms of the next five years labour will— affordable? in terms of the next five years labour will set - affordable? in terms of the next five years labour will set out - affordable? in terms of the next five years labour will set out its| five years labour will set out its policy in a manifesto but the conservatives who were elected in 2019 on a commitment of a triple lock and we've been pushing them to hold to their promise that they made to britain's retirees. do hold to their promise that they made to britain's retirees.— to britain's retirees. do you think it will change? _ to britain's retirees. do you think it will change? people _ to britain's retirees. do you think it will change? people feel - to britain's retirees. do you think it will change? people feel they l to britain's retirees. do you think. it will change? people feel they are a little better off than they were, evenif a little better off than they were, even if it is not much better off, people may think maybe we willjust stick with the conservatives one more time. stick with the conservatives one more time-— stick with the conservatives one more time. ., , , ., , more time. one of the big questions ofthe more time. one of the big questions of the next general _ more time. one of the big questions of the next general election, - more time. one of the big questions of the next general election, at - of the next general election, at that point will have had iii years of the conservatives, are you better off than you were iii years ago? i think this issue around mortgages is the key. one year ago, the economy was pushed off a cliff which led to the bank of england putting up mortgage rates because of the unfunded spending commitment, the taxation commitments that liz truss pursued. i think, taxation commitments that liz truss pursued. ithink, asjohn taxation commitments that liz truss pursued. i think, asjohn says, people who are getting the letters i have their letters saying you have

to remortgage and this is the extra you are paying and i've had family members in the situation, i know it's because of decisions by the conservatives that in the end, rishi sunak can make speeches about meat taxes and all that, all that nonsense. in the end, people are paying more on their mortgage because of decisions taken by conservatives. if because of decisions taken by conservatives.— because of decisions taken by conservatives. if you go into the election saying _ conservatives. if you go into the election saying vote _ conservatives. if you go into the election saying vote labour, - conservatives. if you go into the election saying vote labour, we| conservatives. if you go into the . election saying vote labour, we will not spend any more money on public services, vote labour.— services, vote labour. that's not what we are _ services, vote labour. that's not what we are saying. _ services, vote labour. that's not what we are saying. but - services, vote labour. that's not what we are saying. but that - services, vote labour. that's not what we are saying. but that is l services, vote labour. that's not l what we are saying. but that is not auoin to what we are saying. but that is not going to be — what we are saying. but that is not going to be much _ what we are saying. but that is not going to be much difference, - what we are saying. but that is not going to be much difference, is - going to be much difference, is there? abs. going to be much difference, is there? �* going to be much difference, is there? . ., going to be much difference, is there? �* ., . going to be much difference, is there? . ., . , . going to be much difference, is there? �* ., . ' . you there? a hell of a difference! you will inherit _ there? a hell of a difference! you will inherit the _ there? a hell of a difference! you will inherit the economic - there? a hell of a difference! you| will inherit the economic backdrop that you have just outlined. taste will inherit the economic backdrop that you have just outlined. that you have 'ust outlined. we will inherit an that you have just outlined. we will inherit an economic— that you have just outlined. we will inherit an economic mess, - that you have just outlined. we will inherit an economic mess, 40 - that you have just outlined. we will| inherit an economic mess, 40 years inherit an economic mess, 110 years of the conservatives, absolutely. you cannot guarantee it will change, you cannot guarantee growth or it quickly. in the end, why would people — why would people... let quickly. in the end, why would people - why would people... let me rive ou people - why would people... let me give you an — people - why would people... let me give you an example. _ people - why would people... let me give you an example. the _ people - why would people... let me give you an example. the reasons - people - why would people... let me | give you an example. the reasons why we have so many people out of work is because they cannot get treatment on the nhs for mental health issues

and musculoskeletal issues and one of the big policies we put forward as a change, reformed to the nhs which would deliver 2 million more appointments a year. it's good for people's health and get people back to work, get people back to work and you grow the economy. what to work, get people back to work and you grow the economy.— you grow the economy. what do you think we will— you grow the economy. what do you think we will hear? _ you grow the economy. what do you think we will hear? a _ you grow the economy. what do you think we will hear? a lot _ you grow the economy. what do you think we will hear? a lot more - you grow the economy. what do you think we will hear? a lot more from| think we will hear? a lot more from labour? do they have to put more flesh on the bones in the next year if they are getting these kind of results, 60—20 points ahead? i results, 60-20 points ahead? i think what you've — results, 60-20 points ahead? i think what you've seen _ results, 60-20 points ahead? i think what you've seen in _ results, 60-20 points ahead? i think what you've seen in the _ results, 60-20 points ahead? i think what you've seen in the last - results, 60-20 points ahead? i think what you've seen in the last couple l what you've seen in the last couple of years _ what you've seen in the last couple of years there's been a reluctance from _ of years there's been a reluctance from labour to set out policy after policy _ from labour to set out policy after policy after policy, remember what we had _ policy after policy, remember what we had last election withjeremy corbyn's — we had last election withjeremy corbyn's manifesto and there seem to be so _ corbyn's manifesto and there seem to be so many— corbyn's manifesto and there seem to be so many problems as it was written — be so many problems as it was written every day and i think they realised _ written every day and i think they realised you have to slightly condense it. but you've seen in conversations are slightly changing. if conversations are slightly changing. it you _ conversations are slightly changing. it you take — conversations are slightly changing. if you take a year ago, all the interviews _ if you take a year ago, all the interviews with labour politicians or anything we did with labour was all about— or anything we did with labour was all about attacking the tory party. you look — all about attacking the tory party. you look at — all about attacking the tory party. you look at labour conference this year. _ you look at labour conference this year. it— you look at labour conference this year. it was— you look at labour conference this

year, it was much more about starting — year, it was much more about starting to— year, it was much more about starting to set out the basics of policy — starting to set out the basics of policy i— starting to set out the basics of policy. i think we will see a lot more — policy. i think we will see a lot more of— policy. i think we will see a lot more of that in the next few months as we _ more of that in the next few months as we get— more of that in the next few months as we get further and further, closer— as we get further and further, closer to _ as we get further and further, closer to an election.- as we get further and further, closer to an election._ ifj closer to an election. katy? if an hinu closer to an election. katy? if anything keir— closer to an election. katy? if anything keir starmer - closer to an election. katy? if anything keir starmer is - closer to an election. katy? if- anything keir starmer is reducing the policies — anything keir starmer is reducing the policies he _ anything keir starmer is reducing the policies he has _ anything keir starmer is reducing the policies he has because - anything keir starmer is reducing the policies he has because you i anything keir starmer is reducing . the policies he has because you see labour— the policies he has because you see labour going — the policies he has because you see labour going back, _ the policies he has because you see labour going back, things— the policies he has because you see labour going back, things being - labour going back, things being removed — labour going back, things being removed from _ labour going back, things being removed from websites - labour going back, things being removed from websites and - labour going back, things being removed from websites and as. removed from websites and as jonathan — removed from websites and as jonathan was _ removed from websites and as jonathan was saying, - removed from websites and as jonathan was saying, the - removed from websites and as - jonathan was saying, the machinery of government. _ jonathan was saying, the machinery of government, how _ jonathan was saying, the machinery of government, how you _ jonathan was saying, the machinery of government, how you action - of government, how you action things~ — of government, how you action thins. �* ,, of government, how you action things.- alongside... l of government, how you action i things.- alongside... you things. are you? alongside... you ma sa things. are you? alongside... you may say that _ things. are you? alongside... you may say that but _ things. are you? alongside... you may say that but i _ things. are you? alongside... you may say that but i wouldn't - things. are you? alongside... you | may say that but i wouldn't possibly know! _ may say that but i wouldn't possibly know! i_ may say that but i wouldn't possibly know! !think— may say that but i wouldn't possibly know! i think we _ may say that but i wouldn't possibly know! i think we will— may say that but i wouldn't possibly know! i think we will get _ may say that but i wouldn't possibly know! i think we will get more - know! i think we will get more policy— know! i think we will get more policy but _ know! i think we will get more policy but really, _ know! i think we will get more policy but really, in _ know! i think we will get more policy but really, in a - know! i think we will get more policy but really, in a refiningl policy but really, in a refining stage — policy but really, in a refining stage because _ policy but really, in a refining stage because they— policy but really, in a refining stage because they don't - policy but really, in a refiningl stage because they don't want policy but really, in a refining - stage because they don't want to announce — stage because they don't want to announce too _ stage because they don't want to announce too much _ stage because they don't want to announce too much and - stage because they don't want to announce too much and i- stage because they don't want to announce too much and i think. stage because they don't want to . announce too much and i think they announced — announce too much and i think they announced a — announce too much and i think they announced a lot _ announce too much and i think they announced a lot early _ announce too much and i think they announced a lot early on _ announce too much and i think they announced a lot early on and - announce too much and i think they| announced a lot early on and no—one paid attention — announced a lot early on and no—one paid attention and _ announced a lot early on and no—one paid attention and now— announced a lot early on and no—one paid attention and now they - announced a lot early on and no—one paid attention and now they are - announced a lot early on and no—one paid attention and now they are and| paid attention and now they are and it's causing — paid attention and now they are and it's causing them _ paid attention and now they are and it's causing them problems. - paid attention and now they are and it's causing them problems. it’s - it's causing them problems. it's interesting _ it's causing them problems. interesting even in the it's causing them problems.- interesting even in the conference speech by keir starmer that it was a sense of not over promising. of not over promising because they were not many policies, i mean, there was a big thing on housing. not being too ambitious. there is the recognition that you are not going to have much

to work with. i that you are not going to have much to work with-— to work with. i don't accept that. we are ambitious _ to work with. i don't accept that. we are ambitious for— to work with. i don't accept that. we are ambitious for the - to work with. i don't accept that. | we are ambitious for the country, to work with. i don't accept that. - we are ambitious for the country, of course we are. but we're not going to make big, grand promises that cannot be delivered. we are meant to have 110 new hospitals. where are they? rememberthat have 110 new hospitals. where are they? remember that promise? what they? remember that promise? what has happened — they? remember that promise? what has happened to those? i _ they? remember that promise? what has happened to those? i think- they? remember that promise? what has happened to those? i think it - they? remember that promise? what has happened to those? i think it is i has happened to those? i think it is riaht has happened to those? i think it is ri . ht to has happened to those? i think it is right to say — has happened to those? i think it is right to say a _ has happened to those? i think it is right to say a lot — has happened to those? i think it is right to say a lot of _ has happened to those? i think it is right to say a lot of the _ right to say a lot of the developments that were promised a coming _ developments that were promised a coming on _ developments that were promised a coming on stream. i've seen in my ownarea. — coming on stream. i've seen in my own area, the _ coming on stream. i've seen in my own area, the hospital for example, there's— own area, the hospital for example, there's lots — own area, the hospital for example, there's lots of investment and this is why— there's lots of investment and this is why i_ there's lots of investment and this is why ! get— there's lots of investment and this is why i get fed up with this parallel— is why i get fed up with this parallel universe which the labour party— parallel universe which the labour party occupies in the idea that somehow— party occupies in the idea that somehow they have been cuts in health— somehow they have been cuts in health spending dumping i did not say that — health spending dumping i did not say that l— health spending dumping i did not sa that. . , say that. i said you have promised hositals. say that. i said you have promised hospitals- the _ say that. i said you have promised hospitals. the general— say that. i said you have promised hospitals. the general message . say that. i said you have promised hospitals. the general message is somehow health _ hospitals. the general message is somehow health service _ hospitals. the general message is somehow health service has - hospitals. the general message is somehow health service has been | somehow health service has been slaughtered by the tories. | somehow health service has been slaughtered by the tories. i never said that. we've _ slaughtered by the tories. i never said that. we've learned - slaughtered by the tories. i never said that. we've learned on - slaughtered by the tories. i never| said that. we've learned on health said that. we've [earned on health for years. the health budget had gone up but never gone up by the historic 11% uplift. it’s gone up but never gone up by the historic 496 uplift.— gone up but never gone up by the historic 496 uplift. it's never going to be enough _ historic 496 uplift. it's never going to be enough for— historic 496 uplift. it's never going to be enough for my _ historic 496 uplift. it's never going to be enough for my and - historic 496 uplift. it's never going to be enough for my and that's i historic 496 uplift. it's never going | to be enough for my and that's the problem _ to be enough for my and that's the problem and cannot answer the fundamental question that you

actually— fundamental question that you actually will be meeting the promises you are making and if you stick to— promises you are making and if you stick to a _ promises you are making and if you stick to a tory spending model, trying _ stick to a tory spending model, trying to— stick to a tory spending model, trying to slot in the middle ground but i trying to slot in the middle ground but ! will— trying to slot in the middle ground but i will have to do... i�*m trying to slot in the middle ground but i will have to do. . ._ but i will have to do... i'm going to have to _ but i will have to do... i'm going to have to cut _ but i will have to do... i'm going to have to cut you _ but i will have to do... i'm going to have to cut you off _ but i will have to do... i'm going to have to cut you off because i but i will have to do... i'm going to have to cut you off because it| but i will have to do... i'm going l to have to cut you off because it is all we have time for but thank you to all of our guests for sticking with me, keeping me company through the night and it has been a big night and an interesting night but a big night for labour, two by—election wins in mid bedfordshire and in tamworth. either of these seats traditional labour territory but they have one quite stunning victories in both. we will chew over these results and give you more analysis tomorrow in politics life, i will be up in a few hours' time again to present that at 12:15pm tomorrow. alistair stratton, the new labour mp in mid bedfordshire and sarah edwards, the new labour mp in tamworth, they will have plenty to celebrate after those long campaigns but from all of us here, i hope you do go to bed if you are still watching but thank you for watching

if you have done and i will be back tomorrow for more from us here. goodbye. great to have you with a. us president biden gave a prime time oval office address in response to her mass attack against israel. he said will ask congress for billions of dollars for israel and ukraine. he said abandoning the uss allies was quote not worth it. mr biden speech comes a day after his visit to tel aviv to show support for israel. once result of that trip was for egypt to allow aid to enter gaza. that trip is of yet to reach its intended recipients but there is hope it will be delivered by friday. a speech to lay out exactly how us funds would help israel. the security package i am sending to

congress and asking congress for will sharpen israel's qualitative military edge which we are committed to. ., ., military edge which we are committed to. . . ., , to. the qualitative military edge. we will make _ to. the qualitative military edge. we will make sure _ to. the qualitative military edge. we will make sure i _ to. the qualitative military edge. we will make sure i dome - to. the qualitative military edge. i we will make sure i dome continues regardless in the skies over israel. will make sure other hostile actors in the region know that israel is stronger than ever and will prevent this convert from spreading. mr biden did not get into specifics during his 15 minute speech but... the bbc understands he will be asking for a $100 billion in total funds. that includes $10 billion in defence funding for israel, and $60 billion for ukraine. of course, any funding measure must pass both the democratic led senate and the republic lead house which currently has no speaker. us congressman cathy menon of north carolina sits on the house foreign affairs committee. i spoke to earlier about mr biden's called to send aid ukraine and

israel. i called to send aid ukraine and israel. ., , , israel. i do believe it will be supported — israel. i do believe it will be supported by _ israel. i do believe it will be supported by both - israel. i do believe it will be supported by both sides - israel. i do believe it will be supported by both sides of. israel. i do believe it will be i supported by both sides of the israel. i do believe it will be - supported by both sides of the aisle in the _ supported by both sides of the aisle in the us— supported by both sides of the aisle in the us house of representatives if we can— in the us house of representatives if we can get back the hurdle we are facing _ if we can get back the hurdle we are facing right— if we can get back the hurdle we are facing right now which is the fact that the — facing right now which is the fact that the republicans cannot seem to elect a _ that the republicans cannot seem to elect a new— that the republicans cannot seem to elect a new speaker of the house. but once — elect a new speaker of the house. but once we get through that, i do believe _ but once we get through that, i do believe we — but once we get through that, i do believe we will see broad support on both sides _ believe we will see broad support on both sides of the aisle. so believe we will see broad support on both sides of the aisle.— both sides of the aisle. so you do believe your _ both sides of the aisle. so you do believe your republican - both sides of the aisle. so you do i believe your republican colleagues in the house will also support such a package, including funding for ukraine? ! a package, including funding for ukraine? ., ~' a package, including funding for ukraine? ., ,, , , ukraine? i do. i think the president did... ukraine? i do. i think the president did- -- why — ukraine? i do. i think the president did... why this — ukraine? i do. i think the president did... why this is — ukraine? i do. i think the president did... why this is a _ ukraine? i do. i think the president did... why this is a time _ ukraine? i do. i think the president did... why this is a time when - did... why this is a time when american leadership is needed, why this is a time when united states must stand with its democratic ally, israel, and continue to stand with its democratic ally ukraine. he talked about the horrendous attack that hamas perpetrated on the state of israel 11 days ago when more than once thousand hamas terrorists invaded israel, took over 22 is

rarely towns and literally when house—to—house murder in families, children, elderly people — murdered more than 260 people and went to a concert and took more than 200 people including americans hostage. he made the case for making sure that our important ally, israel, maintains its qualitative military edge and can defend this country. at the same time, he made the case for a continued support of ukraine, which is rolled up invaded by russia. 50 which is rolled up invaded by russia. , �* , russia. so president biden himself and his administration _ russia. so president biden himself and his administration have - russia. so president biden himself and his administration have been l and his administration have been under criticism particularly from progressives in the us but also from muslims from arab americans who feel he has not been strong enough in supporting civilians in the gaza strip and pushing israel to do more to ensure that aid can come in and that there is some relief for civilians in gaza. do you think the

address that adequately? ! civilians in gaza. do you think the address that adequately?- civilians in gaza. do you think the address that adequately? i think you did stomach — address that adequately? i think you did stomach the _ address that adequately? i think you did stomach the first _ address that adequately? i think you did stomach the first and _ address that adequately? i think you did stomach the first and he - address that adequately? i think you did stomach the first and he did - address that adequately? i think you did stomach the first and he did was| did stomach the first and he did was talk about the fact that it is actually hamas that are so poorly serving the people, it was elected to serve, by holding it so people as human shields and placing their weapons and churches, in mosques in schools and hospitals and preventing people moving south to safety. he also talked about an agreement he negotiated to get much needed humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians, the palestinian people in gaza. he worked very hard with israel and with each of the course to make sure that the humanitarian aid can get into gaza and to prevent the hamas terrorists from taking humanitarian aid, using it for its own purposes instead of making sure it goes to the palestinian people, who are in such terrible straights right now. i who are in such terrible straights riaht now. ., . ., . ,~' who are in such terrible straights riaht now. ., . ., . i. right now. i do want to ask you, we heard the president _ right now. i do want to ask you, we heard the president say _ right now. i do want to ask you, we heard the president say we - right now. i do want to ask you, we heard the president say we need i right now. i do want to ask you, we heard the president say we need to j heard the president say we need to make sure that israel local all

democracies operates by the laws of war. we had a guest on earlier who said at this point it is nearly impossible for the us to ensure that israel does that. do think the us has the ability right now to ensure that israel is also taking into account and protecting civilians in gaza? taste account and protecting civilians in gaza? ~ ~' ., account and protecting civilians in gaza? ~ ,, ., , , gaza? we know the president discussed _ gaza? we know the president discussed that _ gaza? we know the president discussed that with _ gaza? we know the president discussed that with israel - gaza? we know the president discussed that with israel and gaza? we know the president - discussed that with israel and also know that israel goes to extraordinary lengths to avoid civilian casualties and has a abided by the laws of war and will continue to do so. if you look at what the israeli military does, they warn people before they make attacks. they try to encourage people to move out of area that is most likely where the hamas terrorists are hiding, and the other thing i think thatis hiding, and the other thing i think that is important to recognise is that is important to recognise is that the us and israel are trying to do everything they can to get back the 200 that hostages that hamas is

holding in gaza and this includes children, babies, a three—year—old children, babies, a three—year—old child whojust met children, babies, a three—year—old child who just met with family members yesterday. these hostages, all the hostages in particular the american hostages, are a particular concern to president biden. mr biden's funding request comes at the end of another tumultuous day on the ground. here is the latest at this hour. egyptian state media are reporting that the rafah crossing into gaza will be open for several hours on friday to allow for the delivery of some aid. president biden has secured a deal with egypt to allow up to 20 trucks to enter but aid agencies have been issuing warnings about the worsening humanitarian situation in the gaza strip. the un says gaza is on the brink, with more than 100 trucks needed every day to support some 2 million palestinian. memo, both sides continued to exchange fire. the israeli defence minister has told troops they will soon see gaza

from inside. and is analysis there are 203 hostages being held in gaza, either previous reported. in the past few hours, the pentagon said a us navy ship on wednesday... missile syndrome inspired by iran backed rebels in yemen, possibly at israel. tonight 's speech also came as the cas and capital hill continue. house of representatives has been without a leader for more than two weeks. speakerjimjordan has a leader for more than two weeks. speakerjim jordan has tried to win the position all week. there may be another photo friday.... us support and is discuss future needs. let's go a reaction now to mr biden's speech. ehren david miller is a senior fellow speech. ehren david miller is a seniorfellow at the speech. ehren david miller is a senior fellow at the carnegie endowment for international peace and hejoined the endowment for international peace and he joined the earlier. endowment for international peace and hejoined the earlier. i endowment for international peace and he joined the earlier. i saw that you tweeted earlier today, i hope the president's message tonight is a strong condemnation of hate speech and attacks on muslims and jewish people and a call for mutual respect and understanding here at

home. did you hear that from him? gill i did and i'm glad he included in his address. the reality, i think it was george william said that when it was george william said that when it comes to foreign policy the americans want as little of it as possible. i think the speech tonight, there was nothing wrong with that but i think it will convince and persuade... ask bill clinton and ronald reagan two great presidential persuaders, certain outcomes to legislation. i think the speech will impress israelis ukrainians and if you mention taiwan it would impress taiwanese. i'm not sure then press many american. the focus is not on russia and ukraine, it is certainly not on israel and palestine. it is on pocketbook issues, it is on their own personal security, when it comes to inflation. that is what will determine it seems to me the trajectory as we look to the 2024

presidential elections. it is important since our own house is badly broken that he spent some time talking about the importance of mutual respect and understanding and condemnation of the slammer phobia, anyone who hates muslims and... and accord ante semitism. we also heard the president talk about the two state solution. his administration said they still firmly believe that if not at this very moment that is at least long—term still connect the aim. is at still in your view possible given what we are seeing on the ground right now? i was possible given what we are seeing on the ground right now?— the ground right now? i was in jerusalem _ the ground right now? i was in jerusalem in — the ground right now? i was in jerusalem in 1973 _ the ground right now? i was in jerusalem in 1973 during - the ground right now? i was in jerusalem in 1973 during the l the ground right now? i was in - jerusalem in 1973 during the october war and i saw a nation that was traumatised and vulnerable. the greater strategic failure in israel until a couple of weeks ago. and yet within six years all of that trauma turn to a measure of hope with the

israeli peace treaty. 20 years later time sitting of the lighthouse lawn part of the american delegation of negotiation, watching... convinces israeli—palestinian conflict had reached a point where we were going to irrevocably try to resolve it. yet here we are in trauma. so the first step is trauma to hope, the second is hope to trauma. i have given up frankly saying never. i have given up convincing myself that this will never happen, this cannot possibly be. right? so do i think there is a chance for the two state solution? right now absolutely not. it is a talking point, and aspiration. i think if you had the right kind of leaders, who own the negotiations and effective mediation, do i think it is possible? yes, ithink mediation, do i think it is possible? yes, i think it is possible? yes, i think it is possible and are not sure there is an alternative other than despair and hopelessness in a continuation

of this ghastly conflict between israelis and palestinians. so of this ghastly conflict between israelis and palestinians.- of this ghastly conflict between israelis and palestinians. so in the short term — israelis and palestinians. so in the short term what _ israelis and palestinians. so in the short term what do _ israelis and palestinians. so in the short term what do you _ israelis and palestinians. so in the short term what do you think - short term what do you think president biden should do to calm tensions in the region and ensure the conflict does not spread? he is -aushin the conflict does not spread? he is pushing for— the conflict does not spread? he is pushing for humanitarian _ the conflict does not spread? he: 3 pushing for humanitarian aid. i think he will ameliorate some of the tragedy and catastrophe that has occurred in gaza but it is the problem of time and space. and i do not think there is a fixed right now. i think the humanitarian issue. maybe hamas — and they are prepared to fight israel to the last palestinian. i do not think they want to compromise their own assets by triggering a major conflict of israel. i think that is true of iraq. frankly, events controller. we are on the cusp of a major israeli grab campaign which is going to be qualitatively and quantitatively different than anything that we have ever seen. different than anything that we have everseen. it different than anything that we have ever seen. it is a long dark tunnel and i won't predict where it is

going to come out but the situation will get worse before it gets worse. of that i'm absolutely persuaded. do you have a sense, ehren, what you think ehren israel's strategy is. that is a question we have been putting to our... the plan as if it is to eradicate hamas after that goal is presumably reachable into gaza? two there may be a player in a post— hamas gaza if they even aspire to such a thing. hamas is a movement, it is not like an organisation where you attend meetings and get a card. it is deeply ensconced in the social, economic and religious fabric of gaza. maybe they can eliminate the administrative capacity. maybe they can fundamentally erode her must's ability to govern, its sovereignty

in gaza. maybe they can destroy its military capacity. the real question as you pointed out is what comes next? without a combination of external players, including united nations, there are certainly precedents for trusteeship. .. with the multi national security force in kosovo, with saudi money, with his rally egyptian buy in, with the palestinian authority distro functional and broken as it is. maybe you could cobble something together. at some point the stars will have to put precisely at a moment international communities will have to stand up and own this and do it with will and skill. it is hard to imagine that sort of bright future is where we're i'm sorry but it is an important part. thank you so beforejoining us with it is an important part. thank you so before joining us with those thoughts. around the world and

across the uk, this is bbc news. let's take a look at some other headlines. us army has judged the private who crossed into north korea in july with crimes private who crossed into north korea injuly with crimes ranging from desertion to assault against fellow soldiers. that's according to documents received by cbs news. travis king chases eight charges in total including wonderful solicitation of child pornography. private king was released from north korean custody in september. the conservative party has suffered a series of defeated two parliamentary by—elections in england. the main opposition labor party overturned big majorities in mid bedfordshire and tamworth by huge margins. the labour leader keir starmer said his party's when it shows people overwhelmingly want change and a member of former president trump's former team pleaded guilty to six counts in the georgia election interference case just a few days before the jury is set to begin.

they are $6,000 fine, testified future trials and write an apology letter to the people of georgia. you're live with bbc news. let's return now to president biden's prime—time address, and one of the challenges he faced was convincing the american people why aid to israel and ukraine is so important. have a listen. i know these conflicts can seem far away. it's natural to ask why does this matter to america? let me share with you why making sure israel and ukraine succeed is vital for america's national security. history has taught us when terrorists don't pay a price for their terror, when dictators don't pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos and death and more destruction. they keep going. and the cost and the threats to america and the world keep rising. if we don't stop putin's appetite for power and control in ukraine, he

won't limit himself to just ukraine. a short time ago i spoke with wa—el alzayat, a former middle east policy expert at the us department. he's now chief executive officer at engage action, a muslim american voter mobilisation and advocacy group. i want to ask you what you thought of the president's remarks tonight as he was specifically speaking about palestinians in gaza, but also about palestinians in gaza, but also about muslim americans.— about palestinians in gaza, but also about muslim americans. thank you for havini about muslim americans. thank you for having me- _ about muslim americans. thank you for having me. i— about muslim americans. thank you for having me. i thought _ about muslim americans. thank you for having me. i thought his - about muslim americans. thank you for having me. i thought his speech | for having me. i thought his speech was as expected in terms of how he's framing the situation in israel and reza, he's reiterating his commitment to defending israel and recalling the horrible hamas attacks. where he really was, i think, best, is in speaking to the american public, who got the importance of us coming together, not standing for islamophobia or anti—semitism, and sending

condolences to the family of the young boy murdered in chicago. it was a very good thing very well received by the muslim american community, the arab community. what he really needed to say was, what is happening in reza, beyond the justification for what israel is doing, needs to end at some point. and the muslim and arab community and really, a lot of americans are calling for a ceasefire at this point, you're seeing demonstrations across the country, that's something we need to president to start to allude, to or least hint to it. we're very disappointed at the un security council, our representative vetoed a resolution to that effect. while he did good on the domestic piece, there's a lot of concerns in our communities this will be a protracted conflict that may escalate and spread to other parts of the region. !5 escalate and spread to other parts of the region-— of the region. is there a sense in the community _ of the region. is there a sense in the community the _ of the region. is there a sense in the community the president - of the region. is there a sense in| the community the president has of the region. is there a sense in - the community the president has not gone far enough in pushing israel to make sure that civilian lives in gaza are protected? absolutely.

there's a really _ gaza are protected? absolutely. there's a really disconnect - gaza are protected? absolutely. there's a really disconnect here| there's a really disconnect here between on the one hand saying that hamas does not represent all palestinians, but however, the actions of the israeli government and its military is exactly the opposite. based on the damage, based on the civilians killed, over 1,000 children murdered at this point. it seems that israel believes that, no, hamas and the palestinians are the same. we're really looking at the president to convey to the israelis in very clear terms the united states can't be complicit in war crimes and violations of the laws of armed conflict. the longer this conflict goes on, the more complicit and potentially liable the united states and all those parts of the government — i used to be start of the state department —— part of the state department — anyone involved in the murder of children, whether it be bombs or knives or any other

means, is complicit with that. that's a matter of international law, ethics, moralities, human values, we're watching this and really pushing for the administration to call for a ceasefire as soon as possible. and more reaction to biden's speech tonight. aviv ezra is the consul—general of the israeli american council in new york. he spoke to me a short time ago. very good to have you on bbc news. thank you forjoining us. we saw president biden's remarks delivered really to the american public. what did you make what he had to say? thank you so much for having me. i think the president was very clear in the support of united states for israel, both on the moral level, but also on the practical level. the rationale behind it is that he — it's pretty clear for him this is a terrorist organisation that's tried to annihilate a neighbouring democracy and therefore the united states of america will stand with israel. standing with israel meaning also the political level, supporting israel at the un security council,

but also supporting israel in practical military level, including the aircraft carriers that are in israel already and of course, the package that he will be requesting from the us congress. tasted!!! package that he will be requesting from the us congress.— package that he will be requesting from the us congress. we'll have to see if congress _ from the us congress. we'll have to see if congress with _ from the us congress. we'll have to see if congress with move _ from the us congress. we'll have to see if congress with move forward l see if congress with move forward with that. we saw the president also say that democracies need to operate by the rules of war. he talked about the need to protect civilians in gaza. is that something heard loud and clear in israel as well?- and clear in israel as well? 10096. the president's _ and clear in israel as well? 10096. the president's request _ and clear in israel as well? 10096. the president's request was - and clear in israel as well? 10096. | the president's request was heard loud and clear by prime minister netanyahu. the instruction was very clear, israel willallow netanyahu. the instruction was very clear, israel will allow any humanitarian aid to come in from rafah. as you know, we don't control the border between the gaza strip and egypt, any obstacles to any humanitarian supply. provided on one condition, hamas won't steal it from the hospitals or from the innocent

civilians this is directed to, and the president has assured us there will be a mechanism created to make sure that hamas does not steal it from the innocent palestinian civilians and we differentiate between hamas and these innocent palestinian population. 50. between hamas and these innocent palestinian population.— between hamas and these innocent palestinian population. so, we spoke to a unicef spokesperson _ palestinian population. so, we spoke to a unicef spokesperson who - palestinian population. so, we spoke to a unicef spokesperson who said i to a unicef spokesperson who said the delivery of aid at this point is a matter of life and death for children in gaza. there's some aid convoys going to be allowed right now, coming across into gaza. but, it is far too little. what needs to be done to ensure that that aid does continue? ., . be done to ensure that that aid does continue? . , ' :: :: , be done to ensure that that aid does continue? . , ':: :: , _, . continue? that is 10096 correct. in the sense that _ continue? that is 10096 correct. in the sense that we _ continue? that is 10096 correct. in the sense that we fear _ continue? that is 10096 correct. in the sense that we fear for - continue? that is 10096 correct. in the sense that we fear for the - the sense that we fear for the children of gaza. they are not to blame. they're not to be hurt that any way, shape or manner. the question is, who is responsible for the situation that has occurred right now? and we know the governing force over there is a terrorist organisation called hamas. we need to make sure that these trucks with

food, medicalsupply, water, to make sure that these trucks with food, medical supply, water, arrive at many as possible, as far as we're concerned, into the gaza strip, with once again the condition that hamas does not steal it. we're doing our utmost in order to make sure — to prevent any civilians from getting hurt. we've five days ago announced we'll be coming from the northern part of gaza. we have asked them to evacuate. we have opened two corridors, safe to go south. we have defined specific shelter areas. the only one who is pushing back these innocent civilians towards the combat zone is hamas. that's making sure they cannot — they will not be evacuated and to use them as human shields. i think that's pretty clear where hamas stands on the israel population. where hamas stands on the israel population-— population. we're seeing growing calls particularly _ population. we're seeing growing calls particularly among - population. we're seeing growing calls particularly among aid - population. we're seeing growing l calls particularly among aid groups with a ceasefire. we're hearing those calls from the united nations as well. what are your thoughts on that? , ., ., ~ �*, that? first of all, i think it's very important _ that? first of all, i think it's very important to _ that? first of all, i think it's very important to once - that? first of all, i think it's| very important to once again that? first of all, i think it's - very important to once again talk about the magnitude of what happened. this is the worst attack

againstjews since the holocaust, the worst since the establishment of israel. these are 10 9/11s. no—one can expect us on our 9—12 to be restrained. we have 200 hostages over there. restrained. we have 200 hostages overthere. i restrained. we have 200 hostages over there. i don't see hamas releasing the hostages. those demanding ceasefires need to think about themselves. what would america do? at this point, 30 us citizens were murdered and 15 abducted. i think america will send a clear message to any terror organisation, you need to bring them back home right now. you need to bring them back home riaht now. �* you need to bring them back home riaht now. . . , ., right now. and final question, lookinu right now. and final question, looking ahead _ right now. and final question, looking ahead to _ right now. and final question, looking ahead to the - right now. and final question, looking ahead to the coming l right now. and final question, - looking ahead to the coming days, we're anticipating an israel ground offensive. what do you think we're going to see happen?— offensive. what do you think we're going to see happen? well, the goal of our military _ going to see happen? well, the goal of our military campaign _ going to see happen? well, the goal of our military campaign is _ going to see happen? well, the goal of our military campaign is two - of our military campaign is two fold. first of all, we want to crush hamas militant capabilities. the reason is, that as opposed to the united states, where those attackers

in 9/11 lived across the atlantic ocean, in our case, they live a mile, a mile and a half. if they want to threaten citizens, rape our women and execute babies, then we'll not be able to live with that. and second, we want to make sure to release the abducted. that's our goal and we'll make it happen sooner rather than later.— rather than later. alright. thank ou so rather than later. alright. thank you so much _ rather than later. alright. thank you so much for— rather than later. alright. thank you so much forjoining - rather than later. alright. thank you so much forjoining us - rather than later. alright. thank you so much forjoining us on i rather than later. alright. thank. you so much forjoining us on bbc news tonight. great to have your voice. ., .. news tonight. great to have your voice. ., ~' ,, news tonight. great to have your voice. . «i i. ., news tonight. great to have your voice. . «i ., . and one more note on the israel—gaza war: hundreds took to the streets of paris on thursday to show their support for the palestinians. the rally started peacefully but there were some clashes with the police. last week french authorities banned such gatherings, fearing broader unrest. but the country's highest court ruled that the ban infringed on the people's right to protest. so authorities decided they would evalutate protests on a case—by—case basis, and approved this one at the last minute. and for more stories like that,

plus more on president biden's prime—time address, please visit our website — bbcnews.com. or check out our app. we have news and analysis from our correspondents on the ground in israel, gaza, and around the world. thats all from us here in washington, i'm sumi somaskanda. we leave you first with these images of the white house, where just hours ago president biden delivered his prime time address on israel. and we move to london, where our colleagues will pick up at the top of the hour with the latest headlines. hello. storm babbet continues to bring hazardous weather, not least because of the amount of rain falling. a red warn from the met office covering parts of eastern scotland. it implies a danger to life, up to 250mm of rain falling in

the very wettest locations, no wonder there is the ongoing risk of significant flooding. a broader amber warning affecting parts of eastern and indeed, northern scotland. and the rain keeps on coming. a soggy start to friday. further south there's quite a lot of rain in the outlook as well, across wales, some very heavy downpours in northern ireland, becoming slow moving during the day. across scotland, the rain increasingly comfined to the south—east of scotland. very windy, gusts up to 60 miles per hour, even more than that across central and northern parts of the uk. lighter winds further south, a mix of sunshine and showers. a met office amount lthlthlthlth warning affecting parts of south—east scotland and down the spine of northern england, we could see up to 120mm of rain. that rain relentless, really, as we head to

friday evening. moving back in across the eastern side of scotland. that could exacerbate flooding issues here. we start the weekend with temperatures north to south between 5—12 degrees. we start the weekend with low pressure still firmly in charge. bands of rain circulating around the low, still quite windy in places in the far south—west, and especially up towards the north, but not as windy by this stage. but we'll see further outbreaks of rain, especially across the eastern side of scotland, into northern scotland as well, places where we'll really not need it. further south, a mix of sunny spells and showers or some longer spells of rain. temperatures north to south 8-16 rain. temperatures north to south 8—16 degrees, a cooler day for many. into sunday, less rain, fewer showers, lighter winds — more in the way of dry weather and some spells of sunshine. the story of the weather through the weekend will be for things to slowly but surely calm down. that's all from me. bye for now.

this is bbc news. we will have the headlines for you at the top of the hour, which is straight after this programme. welcome to hardtalk. i'm stephen sackur. presumably presidentjoe biden

flew to the middle east because he believed he could achieve something positive in the midst of the war between israel and hamas. but by the time he landed in israel, the plan to go on to meet arab leaders was off, amid the fallout from a deadly blast at a gaza hospital, the disputed circumstances of which have further heightened anger and the fear of what comes next. my guest is us democratic party congressman adam smith. how does the us navigate its multiple interests at this time of maximum danger?