manchester city scored two goals in ten minutes to take their aggregate score to 5—1. alvarez on the score sheet, but mohammed hasjust score to 5—1. alvarez on the score sheet, but mohammed has just scored for fc copenhagen 5—2 on aggregate there. meanwhile he does still go list so far and the other game. free on leading rb leipzig 1— 01 aggregate. well, jude bellingham started for real madrid in that tie in the spanish capital, but the england international will miss matches against celta vigo and osasuna in la liga after receiving a two—match ban for his protests at the weekend after being denied a goal at the end of real madrid's 2—2 draw with valencia. all square, one matching that competition this evening between sporting lisbon, atalanta, it finished 1—1. england's cricketers have artie lost the series against india.

but the final test at least gives them the opportunity to end the tour on a high. they've made one change for the match in daramsala, mark wood coming in for ollie robinson. here's our sports correspondentjoe wilson. seven weeks on tour, and england find themselves at the summit of the cricketing world. topographically. the territory of daramsala offers all sorts of different perspectives. some met the speeches spiritual leader of buddhism. we expect the dalai lama remains neutral. england's captain has his perspective on that. i think that's not... i look at it differently with completely different angles. i think we've definitely progressed as a team. although we've not got the results we wanted. but you know, 3—2 sounds better than 3—1 or 4—1.

we look to win every game we go about and play. it's not worked out that way in terms of results, but we've got one last push here. india always is tough when you play five games. we've got one last big push here. yeah, they're excited for this week. for india, it's been the series of the 655 runner already. ashwin approaches 100th test match, just a number he says. thousands may look at the mountains, but for the players, it's always the ball. joe wilson, bbc news. england have madejust one change to the side for the fifth anthonyjoshua returns to the ring this week for the first time since december as he takes on the former ufc star francis ngannou on friday night in riyadh. ngannou went the distance

with tyson fury last year, knocking down the world champion, but controversially lost on points. joshua says that display convinced him that the cameroonian—born frenchman's crossover from mixed martial arts isn'tjust a gimmick. his first dream was to be a boxer, which people forget. he started mma, i think he was 26, that was not the first time. his dream was always to be a boxer. i know who i'm up against. i look at all the small details. but i spar, i keep a professional... on the night, it's different. all that textbook stuff goes out the window. you've just got to be relentless, give your best. it's already written in the stars. i'm just going to follow my destiny. that is all the sports for now. back to you.

in the beginning of the programme, paul talked about those fiscal thresholds. what we have not talked about so far is a term — fiscal drag. assuming wages do rise and tax thresholds remain the same, then people sitting just below the thresholds will move above that level and into a higher tax bracket. an estimated 3.7 million people will be pulled into paying income taxes by 2028—29, according to the obr. meanwhile, 2.7 million people could be pulled into the higher bracket of income tax by the same period. that will net the treasury a further £19] billion in tax receipts by 2028—29, even when factoring in the cuts to national insurance. the point being that the other side of the election, the national insurance cut workers have been handed today will be taken back through stealth taxes. so is the chancellor intending to raise those income tax thresholds? even after you take account of the impact of thresholds, what you see is that after a four percentage points cut

in national insurance, there is a big reduction in the tax bill for ordinary families. and that is because the economy has turned a corner. we have stuck to the plan we have. the forecasts are much more optimistic for the economy going forward, and as conservatives, we believe if we bring down the tax burden, that will fire up the economy, create morejobs, more money for public services like the nhs. from that statement he's just given, he is clearly not going to move them. probably both parties are in them. probably both parties are in the same position but they don't seem open to a conversation about it. ., , ,., seem open to a conversation about it. no, there is something about the differences on _ it. no, there is something about the differences on that _ it. no, there is something about the differences on that particular- differences on that particular front. i think what he's hoping for, of course, is that people will notice in their pay packets, and there are a whole lot of people who work hard, some of them running their own businesses, some working for others, and they see every month

what is happening. so there's not been a long time since that initial cut to national insurance, but add another one to it, and the fact that we've got six months to the general election, probably a little bit more than that, and the hope is that people will start to think this is for real. they are not going to think, what if i start earning more money and down the line i might be dragged into a higher tax bracket? and nobody wants to start paying higher tax by being poorer. some people understand that if they will pay a higher level of tax across the threshold, but that's assuming they will be better off. that's what i think he is trying to do. and also signalled that it is work that should pay. and that is going back to something that is deeply conservative, if you like him at the idea that the people who benefit most of people who earn their money and they get to keep a bigger share of that. the and they get to keep a bigger share of that. ., , , ., of that. the honest truth is we are auoin to of that. the honest truth is we are going to have _ of that. the honest truth is we are going to have to — of that. the honest truth is we are going to have to radically - of that. the honest truth is we are going to have to radically change | going to have to radically change the public services that we finance

or we are going to have to pay much more tax. that much is clear. if you look at the pic is for the health service over the next 50 years, the amount we spend on the nhs goes from 18 to 15% as a share of gdp. he could add onto that to the proportion we spend on defence, and social care, i mean, national insurance was supposed to pay for social care and we just cut that. where is the honesty in the debate? it's a very important question for the uk _ it's a very important question for the uk public. and what we are seeing, — the uk public. and what we are seeing, just go back to the question and the _ seeing, just go back to the question and the point you are making in terms _ and the point you are making in terms of— and the point you are making in terms of the fiscal drag. if we look at tax _ terms of the fiscal drag. if we look at tax take — terms of the fiscal drag. if we look at tax take as a share of gdp, it is still going — at tax take as a share of gdp, it is still going up, despite the fact that we've got about ten or £12 biiiion— that we've got about ten or £12 billion of— that we've got about ten or £12 billion of tax cuts announced today. and he _ billion of tax cuts announced today. and he rightly pointed out the public— and he rightly pointed out the public finances still looked pretty stretched. we don't have a spending review, _ stretched. we don't have a spending review, so_ stretched. we don't have a spending review, so there be questions about what happens beyond this coming fiscal_ what happens beyond this coming fiscal year. what happens beyond this coming fiscalyear. rain what happens beyond this coming fiscal year. rain on the margins what _ fiscal year. rain on the margins what is — fiscal year. rain on the margins what is going to happen to defence. thats— what is going to happen to defence. that's been fixed at 2% of uk gdp.

we have _ that's been fixed at 2% of uk gdp. we have some sense of what is happening in nhs spending. but what about the _ happening in nhs spending. but what about the unprotected departments. the opr _ about the unprotected departments. the opr has been very clear about what _ the opr has been very clear about what will— the opr has been very clear about what will happen. 2.3% in real terms spending _ what will happen. 2.3% in real terms spending cut per year. so we are talking _ spending cut per year. so we are talking about tens of billions of pounds — talking about tens of billions of pounds at a time when we have an ageing _ pounds at a time when we have an ageing population, when we have stretched — ageing population, when we have stretched and strained public finances. so, yes, the numbers i'll tell you _ finances. so, yes, the numbers i'll tell you for— finances. so, yes, the numbers i'll tell you for the chance are. yes, he needs— tell you for the chance are. yes, he needs his _ tell you for the chance are. yes, he needs his own fiscal rules, but really. — needs his own fiscal rules, but really. i— needs his own fiscal rules, but really, i think the big question is do they— really, i think the big question is do they actually add up when we start— do they actually add up when we start to — do they actually add up when we start to take into account the other elements— start to take into account the other elements that really haven't been discussed — elements that really haven't been discussed in this budget. just on the oint discussed in this budget. just on the point of _ discussed in this budget. just on the point of trying _ discussed in this budget. just on the point of trying to _ discussed in this budget. just on the point of trying to squeeze i discussed in this budget. just on i the point of trying to squeeze more money out of the system, he talked about these efficiencies today and putting ai into hospitals to improve the computer systems. they certainly need improving. he thinks they can find... i did have the figure somewhere, at 13 million hours lost by doctors and nurses every year to

outdated it systems. is that perhaps the way we have to go to find greater efficiencies? so the way we have to go to find greater efficiencies?— greater efficiencies? so it's a really important _ greater efficiencies? so it's a really important point - greater efficiencies? so it's a really important point that i greater efficiencies? so it's a | really important point that he makes, — really important point that he makes, that— really important point that he makes, that our— really important point that he makes, that our own - really important point that he i makes, that our own experience really important point that he - makes, that our own experience of public— makes, that our own experience of public services, _ makes, that our own experience of public services, they— makes, that our own experience of public services, they are _ makes, that our own experience of public services, they are not - makes, that our own experience of public services, they are not as - public services, they are not as efficient— public services, they are not as efficient as _ public services, they are not as efficient as they— public services, they are not as efficient as they ought - public services, they are not as efficient as they ought to - public services, they are not as efficient as they ought to be. . public services, they are not as i efficient as they ought to be. they are nowhere — efficient as they ought to be. they are nowhere near— efficient as they ought to be. they are nowhere near as _ efficient as they ought to be. they are nowhere near as efficient - efficient as they ought to be. they are nowhere near as efficient as l efficient as they ought to be. they. are nowhere near as efficient as the kind of— are nowhere near as efficient as the kind of services— are nowhere near as efficient as the kind of services we _ are nowhere near as efficient as the kind of services we get _ are nowhere near as efficient as the kind of services we get when - are nowhere near as efficient as the kind of services we get when we - are nowhere near as efficient as the kind of services we get when we go| kind of services we get when we go through— kind of services we get when we go through our— kind of services we get when we go through our private _ kind of services we get when we go through our private providers, - kind of services we get when we go through our private providers, ourl through our private providers, our banking _ through our private providers, our banking and — through our private providers, our banking and so— through our private providers, our banking and so on— through our private providers, our banking and so on and _ through our private providers, our banking and so on and so- through our private providers, our banking and so on and so forth. i through our private providers, our. banking and so on and so forth. but we can't _ banking and so on and so forth. but we can't do — banking and so on and so forth. but we can't do that, _ banking and so on and so forth. but we can't do that, we _ banking and so on and so forth. but we can't do that, we can't— banking and so on and so forth. but we can't do that, we can't improvel we can't do that, we can't improve productivity, — we can't do that, we can't improve productivity, which _ we can't do that, we can't improve productivity, which is _ we can't do that, we can't improve productivity, which is what - we can't do that, we can't improve productivity, which is what he - productivity, which is what he is talking — productivity, which is what he is talking about _ productivity, which is what he is talking about in _ productivity, which is what he is talking about in public- productivity, which is what he is talking about in public servicesl talking about in public services unless — talking about in public services unless we _ talking about in public services unless we have _ talking about in public services unless we have some - talking about in public services unless we have some of- talking about in public services unless we have some of the i unless we have some of the investment— unless we have some of the investment up _ unless we have some of the investment up front - unless we have some of the investment up front in i unless we have some of the - investment up front in technology to be able _ investment up front in technology to be able to— investment up front in technology to be able to do— investment up front in technology to be able to do that _ investment up front in technology to be able to do that and _ investment up front in technology to be able to do that and investment i investment up front in technology to be able to do that and investment inj be able to do that and investment in community— be able to do that and investment in community provision— be able to do that and investment in community provision because - be able to do that and investment in community provision because somei be able to do that and investment in. community provision because some of what is _ community provision because some of what is happening _ community provision because some of what is happening as— community provision because some of what is happening as we _ community provision because some of what is happening as we are _ community provision because some of what is happening as we are treating i what is happening as we are treating problems— what is happening as we are treating problems reatty— what is happening as we are treating problems really at _ what is happening as we are treating problems really at the _ what is happening as we are treating problems really at the final - what is happening as we are treating problems really at the final stage i problems really at the final stage rather— problems really at the final stage rather than — problems really at the final stage rather than what _ problems really at the final stage rather than what we _ problems really at the final stage rather than what we should - problems really at the final stage rather than what we should do, l problems really at the final stage i rather than what we should do, which is by treating — rather than what we should do, which is by treating them _ rather than what we should do, which is by treating them in _ rather than what we should do, which is by treating them in a _ is by treating them in a preventative _ is by treating them in a preventative way- is by treating them in a preventative way in i is by treating them in a preventative way in the is by treating them in a _ preventative way in the community in our own— preventative way in the community in our own homes _ preventative way in the community in our own homes so _ preventative way in the community in our own homes. so i _ preventative way in the community in our own homes. so i think— preventative way in the community in our own homes. so i think it's - preventative way in the community in our own homes. so i think it's the i our own homes. so i think it's the right— our own homes. so i think it's the right probtem _ our own homes. so i think it's the right problem but— our own homes. so i think it's the right problem but i— our own homes. so i think it's the right problem but i think- right problem but i think pretending that we _ right problem but i think pretending that we can — right problem but i think pretending that we can immediately _

right problem but i think pretending that we can immediately squeeze i right problem but i think pretending that we can immediately squeeze a i that we can immediately squeeze a load of— that we can immediately squeeze a load of efficiencies _ that we can immediately squeeze a load of efficiencies their— load of efficiencies their cutbacks... _ load of efficiencies their cutbacks. . ._ load of efficiencies their cutbacks... ., , �* . ., cutbacks... there wasn't much for business — cutbacks... there wasn't much for business. the _ cutbacks... there wasn't much for business. the big _ cutbacks... there wasn't much for business. the big ticket _ cutbacks... there wasn't much for business. the big ticket item, i cutbacks... there wasn't much for business. the big ticket item, it i business. the big ticket item, it was there in the autumn statements, this full expense and business spending, which was a huge thing for business and that was welcome. he said today that he would extend that to least and rented assets. is that the kind of move that would make firms invest in these kinds of things? i firms invest in these kinds of thin . s? ~ firms invest in these kinds of thins? ~ ., .,, ., firms invest in these kinds of thins? ~ ., ., things? i think that was a good move. things? i think that was a good move- he _ things? i think that was a good move. he moved _ things? i think that was a good move. he moved the _ things? i think that was a good move. he moved the vat- things? i think that was a good - move. he moved the vat threshold up a bit _ move. he moved the vat threshold up a bit so— move. he moved the vat threshold up a bit so i_ move. he moved the vat threshold up a bit so i think— move. he moved the vat threshold up a bit. so i think those _ move. he moved the vat threshold up a bit. so i think those sorts— a bit. so i think those sorts of things— a bit. so i think those sorts of things to _ a bit. so i think those sorts of things to me _ a bit. so i think those sorts of things to me are _ a bit. so i think those sorts of things to me are the - a bit. so i think those sorts of things to me are the kinds i a bit. so i think those sorts of things to me are the kinds ofl a bit. so i think those sorts of- things to me are the kinds of things which _ things to me are the kinds of things which encourage _ things to me are the kinds of things which encourage businesses - things to me are the kinds of things which encourage businesses to i which encourage businesses to e>

term _ some of those decisions in the short term. ., �* , , ~ , term. you've teed me up very nicely, because there _ term. you've teed me up very nicely, because there is _ term. you've teed me up very nicely, because there is a _ term. you've teed me up very nicely, because there is a snap _ term. you've teed me up very nicely, because there is a snap paul - term. you've teed me up very nicely, because there is a snap paul coming. j because there is a snap paul coming. let mejust show because there is a snap paul coming. let me just show you some of the polling done after the budget announcement. some three quarters of the public say the chancellor's budget is not enough to help them with the rising cost of living. and then more training for the government, 60% say it the government's economic plan is not working. that's actually up 11 point since november's autumn statement. it was back at 49% back then. two thirds of the public pulled today did not believejeremy hunt's announcement will benefit them or theirfamily. and that announcement will benefit them or their family. and that is really the appointment —— the point you are making at the outset, the lived experience of people out there, what they need the sort of help they need, they don't seem mirrored and what is announced today in this budget. what is announced today in this bud . et. ~ budget. indeed. i think budget. indeed. ithink fundamentally the i budget. indeed. ithink- fundamentally the government budget. indeed. ithink— fundamentally the government has to framed a situation that people face and then offer solutions on how it's

going to navigate. i think simply saying we have turned a corner isn't really going to convince people. i think behind that is a question about, we have left the eu, we have had brexit, we can think much more radically about how we reform and tax. —— hertoo. i really radically about how we reform and tax. —— her too. i really don't see the radical thinking at the moment. the party and how we navigate our way through to success, we just talked about that full expensing of investment. you know, artificial intelligence is powered by human intelligence, and yet we account for them completely differently. unless this country is able to start thinking much more clearly about how economies are driven and the fact that it skills and talent now, i don't think we are going to get out of this find that we are in, that fixing a pothole is always going to be the first thing people do. anecdotally, i've got to skills that my children go to the right to me every week, they need more money for

a co—curricular stop. they don't have the money, and yet the chancellor is sanely more efficiencies. we are having to hire teachers from nigeria because we don't have people who want to wreck in the education sector. that is the human intelligence you are talking about. ., ,., human intelligence you are talking about. ., ., .,, about. indeed and he said today, i thou~ht it about. indeed and he said today, i thought it was _ about. indeed and he said today, i thought it was striking, _ about. indeed and he said today, i thought it was striking, he - about. indeed and he said today, i thought it was striking, he said i thought it was striking, he said that the treasury is now prepared to invest in projects that will deliver savings over five years as it somehow this is a radical step. it's not. it's what treasury�*s should be doing every day of the week, investing in smart projects that improve public finances, but it should have a much longer—term time frame than five years, and then perhaps we get to some of these investments in people that really are going to power our economy and the 21st century. just are going to power our economy and the 21st century.— the 21st century. just when i wanted to discuss at — the 21st century. just when i wanted to discuss at the _ the 21st century. just when i wanted to discuss at the this _ the 21st century. just when i wanted to discuss at the this british - the 21st century. just when i wanted to discuss at the this british ice i to discuss at the this british ice or that he announced today. on top of the £20,000 people can put into their eyes are each year, which is tax—free, you can put five grand in

a wrapper if you invest in british companies. the devil is in the detail here. what sort of british companies are we talking about? of this bail is, but there are lots of questions — this bail is, but there are lots of questions about actually what you can invest — questions about actually what you can invest send. he gave retail needs— can invest send. he gave retail needs to — can invest send. he gave retail needs to be better at investing in uk plo — needs to be better at investing in uk plc. but the asset can improve capital, _ uk plc. but the asset can improve capital, it— uk plc. but the asset can improve capital, it can improve funding, it can improve _ capital, it can improve funding, it can improve competitiveness in the uk equity— can improve competitiveness in the uk equity space, but we still lack clarity _ uk equity space, but we still lack clarity i— uk equity space, but we still lack clarity. i suspect, uk equity space, but we still lack clarity. isuspect, i uk equity space, but we still lack clarity. i suspect, i suspect we will have — clarity. i suspect, i suspect we will have a _ clarity. i suspect, i suspect we will have a little bit more clarity, perhaps — will have a little bit more clarity, perhaps we will have to wait, but that is _ perhaps we will have to wait, but that is less — perhaps we will have to wait, but that is less clear at this stage. it's that is less clear at this stage. it's a _ that is less clear at this stage. it's a step— that is less clear at this stage. it's a step in the right direction, a small— it's a step in the right direction, a small step in the right direction, but certainly leading to questions than answers. you but certainly leading to questions than answers.— but certainly leading to questions thananswers. ., ~ ., ., than answers. you kind of hope that it's focused — than answers. you kind of hope that it's focused on _ than answers. you kind of hope that it's focused on the _ than answers. you kind of hope that it's focused on the 5250 _ than answers. you kind of hope that it's focused on the 5250 rather- than answers. you kind of hope that it's focused on the 5250 rather than | it's focused on the 5250 rather than on ftse 100 that turn all of their money overseas. isn't that the point of it to try to generate income for companies that are growing? that is

somethin: companies that are growing? that is something for— companies that are growing? that is something for people _ companies that are growing? that is something for people to _ companies that are growing? that is something for people to invest i companies that are growing? that is something for people to invest and l something for people to invest and some _ something for people to invest and some of— something for people to invest and some of those _ something for people to invest and some of those will— something for people to invest and some of those will be _ something for people to invest and some of those will be pensioners l something for people to invest and . some of those will be pensioners and they often— some of those will be pensioners and they often vote, _ some of those will be pensioners and they often vote, of _ some of those will be pensioners and they often vote, of course, _ some of those will be pensioners and they often vote, of course, and - they often vote, of course, and greater — they often vote, of course, and greater numbers _ they often vote, of course, and greater numbers than - they often vote, of course, and greater numbers than others. i they often vote, of course, and | greater numbers than others. it they often vote, of course, and i greater numbers than others. it is also showing _ greater numbers than others. it is also showing that _ greater numbers than others. it is also showing that you _ greater numbers than others. it is also showing that you do - greater numbers than others. it is also showing that you do have at. greater numbers than others. it is. also showing that you do have at the helm _ also showing that you do have at the helm at _ also showing that you do have at the helm at the — also showing that you do have at the helm at the moment, _ also showing that you do have at the helm at the moment, you _ also showing that you do have at the helm at the moment, you know, i helm at the moment, you know, prime minister— helm at the moment, you know, prime minister who understands _ minister who understands international _ minister who understands international finance i'm i minister who understands| international finance i'm a minister who understands - international finance i'm a global, banking _ international finance i'm a global, banking and — international finance i'm a global, banking and all— international finance i'm a global, banking and all of— international finance i'm a global, banking and all of that _ international finance i'm a global, banking and all of that better- international finance i'm a global, | banking and all of that better than most _ banking and all of that better than most pe0ple~ _ banking and all of that better than most pe0ple. you _ banking and all of that better than most people. you have _ banking and all of that better than most people. you have a - banking and all of that better than most people. you have a chance l banking and all of that better than| most people. you have a chance of the exchequer— most people. you have a chance of the exchequer who _ most people. you have a chance of the exchequer who understands . most people. you have a chance of. the exchequer who understands these things— the exchequer who understands these things very— the exchequer who understands these things very welt — the exchequer who understands these things very well. and _ the exchequer who understands these things very well. and so _ the exchequer who understands these things very well. and so it _ the exchequer who understands these things very well. and so it is- things very well. and so it is putting _ things very well. and so it is putting right _ things very well. and so it is putting right at _ things very well. and so it is putting right at the - things very well. and so it is putting right at the heart - things very well. and so it is putting right at the heart of| things very well. and so it is. putting right at the heart of the pitch _ putting right at the heart of the pitch to — putting right at the heart of the pitch to voters _ putting right at the heart of the pitch to voters at _ putting right at the heart of the pitch to voters at the _ putting right at the heart of the pitch to voters at the next - putting right at the heart of the i pitch to voters at the next general etection— pitch to voters at the next general election that — pitch to voters at the next general election that the _ pitch to voters at the next general election that the big _ pitch to voters at the next general election that the big challenges i election that the big challenges facing _ election that the big challenges facing the — election that the big challenges facing the uk _ election that the big challenges facing the uk at the _ election that the big challenges facing the uk at the moment i election that the big challenges facing the uk at the moment is| election that the big challenges - facing the uk at the moment is how to detiver— facing the uk at the moment is how to deliver the — facing the uk at the moment is how to deliver the economic— facing the uk at the moment is how to deliver the economic growth - facing the uk at the moment is how to deliver the economic growth thati to deliver the economic growth that is needed _ to deliver the economic growth that is needed and — to deliver the economic growth that is needed and also _ to deliver the economic growth that is needed and also to _ to deliver the economic growth that is needed and also to fund - to deliver the economic growth that is needed and also to fund the - is needed and also to fund the public— is needed and also to fund the public services _ is needed and also to fund the public services that _ is needed and also to fund the public services that we - is needed and also to fund thei public services that we desire, is needed and also to fund the i public services that we desire, so in hightighting _ public services that we desire, so in highlighting that— public services that we desire, so in highlighting that they - public services that we desire, so . in highlighting that they understand these _ in highlighting that they understand these things. — in highlighting that they understand these things, they— in highlighting that they understand these things, they can _ in highlighting that they understand these things, they can come - in highlighting that they understand these things, they can come up- in highlighting that they understand| these things, they can come up with something _ these things, they can come up with something like — these things, they can come up with something like this _ these things, they can come up with something like this that _ these things, they can come up with something like this that either- these things, they can come up with something like this that either you l something like this that either you will understand _ something like this that either you will understand and _ something like this that either you will understand and think - something like this that either you will understand and think it's - something like this that either you will understand and think it's a - will understand and think it's a good _ will understand and think it's a good idea _ will understand and think it's a good idea or— will understand and think it's a good idea or you _ will understand and think it's a good idea or you don't- will understand and think it's a - good idea or you don't understand it then somehow— good idea or you don't understand it then somehow you _ good idea or you don't understand it then somehow you think— good idea or you don't understand it then somehow you think these - good idea or you don't understand it. then somehow you think these people do understand — then somehow you think these people do understand it. _ then somehow you think these people do understand it. so— then somehow you think these people do understand it. so it _ then somehow you think these people do understand it. so it both— then somehow you think these people do understand it. so it both ways, - do understand it. so it both ways, it boosts — do understand it. so it both ways, it boosts the — do understand it. so it both ways, it boosts the sort _ do understand it. so it both ways, it boosts the sort of _ do understand it. so it both ways, it boosts the sort of confidence i it boosts the sort of confidence that they — it boosts the sort of confidence that they are _ it boosts the sort of confidence that they are trying _ it boosts the sort of confidence that they are trying to - it boosts the sort of confidence that they are trying to project, | that they are trying to project, which, — that they are trying to project, which, of— that they are trying to project, which, of course, _ that they are trying to project, which, of course, took - that they are trying to project, which, of course, took a - that they are trying to project, i which, of course, took a massive that they are trying to project, - which, of course, took a massive hit in that— which, of course, took a massive hit in that brief—

which, of course, took a massive hit in that brief period _ which, of course, took a massive hit in that brief period when _ which, of course, took a massive hit in that brief period when liz - which, of course, took a massive hit in that brief period when liz truss . in that brief period when liz truss was at _ in that brief period when liz truss was at the — in that brief period when liz truss was at the helm _ in that brief period when liz truss was at the helm for _ in that brief period when liz truss was at the helm for many - in that brief period when liz truss was at the helm for many think. in that brief period when liz truss . was at the helm for many think that was at the helm for many think that was stilt— was at the helm for many think that was still part — was at the helm for many think that was still part of— was at the helm for many think that was still part of the _ was at the helm for many think that was still part of the damage - was still part of the damage timitation— was still part of the damage limitation that _ was still part of the damage limitation that was - was still part of the damage limitation that was being. was still part of the damage . limitation that was being done without— limitation that was being done without which— limitation that was being done without which the _ limitation that was being done without which the next - limitation that was being donel without which the next election isa is a complete write off. after the break and i _ is a complete write off. after the break and i want _ is a complete write off. after the break and i want to _ is a complete write off. after the break and i want to talk - is a complete write off. after the break and i want to talk about i is a complete write off. after the | break and i want to talk about the services that are most local to us, those provided by our councils who are deeply indebted at the moment. but we will get to that in a second. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. bbc news, bringing you different stories from across the uk. meet ten—year—old shire horse trooper, a new recruit at greater manchester police and a real gentle giant. good boy! personally i've never had a horse this big, never ridden a horse this big. i'm 5'10". he's measuring 6'2". i had to use a mounting blockjust up with the saddle on. and because trooper is so big, gmp have had to make certain adjustments so he can fit in, and i mean literally fit in. he even has his own penthouse stables. so his stable is double the size of most of the other

stables on the yard, and we've had to order some new clothes for him. everything size—wise — even the bridle, rugs, stable — has all got to be enlarged just to accommodate his comfort. but despite all that effort, trainers say he's worth it and is making great progress. for more stories from across the uk, head to the bbc news website. welcome back. local government here in britain, which provides so many of our services, has been warning of a £21; billion funding gap this year, and yet they got very little mention in the chancellor's budget today. last night, birmingham city council, the second—biggest in the country, signed off £300 million worth of cuts and a 21% rise in council tax over two years. the lga chair shaun davies said today that councils of all political colours would be starting the financial year in a "precarious position and having to scale back or close a wide range

of local services". that doesn't feel like me to levelling up, claire. it’s that doesn't feel like me to levelling up, claire. it's not. it's happening _ levelling up, claire. it's not. it's happening to — levelling up, claire. it's not. it's happening to so _ levelling up, claire. it's not. it's happening to so many _ levelling up, claire. it's not. it's happening to so many local - happening to so many local authorities right across the country. it's really troubling, and similarly ijust country. it's really troubling, and similarly i just thought country. it's really troubling, and similarly ijust thought it country. it's really troubling, and similarly i just thought it was really absent in today's speech. i think we have to think differently about how we are funding local government and what we are funding. there obviously are particular problems, but there is a genuine underlying problem that is affecting all local authorities who basically haven't got the income we need to fund the services that people rightly expect. so in terms of longer term, rightly expect. so in terms of longerterm, i rightly expect. so in terms of longer term, i think as well as central government, we need to think about how we free up local authorities to be able to potentially revenue raise to become

developers themselves rather than scaling back to effectively be the services that run children and adult social care services. they need to be much, much more than that. he did fund extra capacity _ be much, much more than that. he did fund extra capacity for _ be much, much more than that. he did fund extra capacity for children - fund extra capacity for children social care today, which, i mentioned that, just as you say, the cost of that are crippling local authorities at the moment. significantly contributing to the overspend. so that will be welcomed. i need to take an interest in some of these services at a local level. does that help address the problem taking social care for at least funding social care in local councils? it funding social care in local councils?— funding social care in local councils? ,. , , councils? it is crucial, because actually the — councils? it is crucial, because actually the reason _ councils? it is crucial, because actually the reason you - councils? it is crucial, because actually the reason you end i councils? it is crucial, because actually the reason you end up councils? it is crucial, because - actually the reason you end up with such huge — actually the reason you end up with such huge children services bills is that failure — such huge children services bills is that failure to act and to be able to act— that failure to act and to be able to act upstream before problems and families— to act upstream before problems and families get really cute, as they have _ families get really cute, as they have done. so i think it is about this change _ have done. so i think it is about this change of mentality and children— this change of mentality and children services, there is always the first— children services, there is always the first thing i asked treasury for nroney—

the first thing i asked treasury for money for— the first thing i asked treasury for money for in any meeting i ever have _ money for in any meeting i ever have i— money for in any meeting i ever have. i remember having conversations with liz truss about this regularly. it was very, very hard. _ this regularly. it was very, very hard, i think, this regularly. it was very, very hard, ithink, to this regularly. it was very, very hard, i think, to persuade them of the case _ hard, i think, to persuade them of the case for— hard, i think, to persuade them of the case for investment. and i have to say— the case for investment. and i have to say i_ the case for investment. and i have to say i think— the case for investment. and i have to say i think part of the challenge was a _ to say i think part of the challenge was a lack— to say i think part of the challenge was a lack of lived experience as to why those — was a lack of lived experience as to why those services are so important for so _ why those services are so important for so many— why those services are so important for so many communities and so many families _ for so many communities and so many families. there are a whole range of issues, _ families. there are a whole range of issues, christian, and the sense that need — issues, christian, and the sense that need to be fixed in order to -et that need to be fixed in order to get smarter decisions taken to help local authorities.— local authorities. people have been screamin: local authorities. people have been screaming at _ local authorities. people have been screaming at the _ local authorities. people have been screaming at the television - local authorities. people have been screaming at the television right i screaming at the television right now because there is a postcode lottery when it comes to this sort of thing, there just aren't enough places as we know. how do they do it in germany, in terms of local councilsmike does it work better a federal level if you divest power to these local authorities to make more independent spending decisions? across the continent, it is more decentralised _ across the continent, it is more decentralised than _ across the continent, it is more decentralised than we - across the continent, it is more decentralised than we have - across the continent, it is more decentralised than we have it . across the continent, it is more i decentralised than we have it here in the uk — decentralised than we have it here in the uk let's_ decentralised than we have it here in the uk. let's be _ decentralised than we have it here in the uk. let's be clear— decentralised than we have it here in the uk. let's be clear about- decentralised than we have it here| in the uk. let's be clear about one thing the — in the uk. let's be clear about one thing the uk_ in the uk. let's be clear about one thing the uk is— in the uk. let's be clear about one thing. the uk is one _ in the uk. let's be clear about one thing. the uk is one of— in the uk. let's be clear about one thing. the uk is one of the - thing. the uk is one of the most centralised — thing. the uk is one of the most centralised countries _ thing. the uk is one of the most

centralised countries in - thing. the uk is one of the most centralised countries in the - thing. the uk is one of the most i centralised countries in the world, so in _ centralised countries in the world, so in some — centralised countries in the world, so in some way, _ centralised countries in the world, so in some way, it _ centralised countries in the world, so in some way, it is _ centralised countries in the world, so in some way, it is more - centralised countries in the world, | so in some way, it is more efficient funding, _ so in some way, it is more efficient funding, it — so in some way, it is more efficient funding, it is— so in some way, it is more efficient funding, it is more _ funding, it is more decentralised funding — funding, it is more decentralised funding that makes _ funding, it is more decentralised funding that makes things - funding, it is more decentralised funding that makes things more| funding that makes things more efficient, — funding that makes things more efficient, so— funding that makes things more efficient, so building _ funding that makes things more efficient, so building on - funding that makes things more efficient, so building on what i efficient, so building on what claire — efficient, so building on what claire was _ efficient, so building on what claire was saying _ efficient, so building on what claire was saying really- efficient, so building on what| claire was saying really about efficient, so building on what - claire was saying really about how do we _ claire was saying really about how do we improve _ claire was saying really about how do we improve local— claire was saying really about how do we improve local funding - do we improve local funding settlements, _ do we improve local funding settlements, i— do we improve local funding settlements, ithink- do we improve local funding settlements, i think one - do we improve local funding settlements, i think one ofi do we improve local funding i settlements, i think one of the do we improve local funding - settlements, i think one of the key things— settlements, i think one of the key things we _ settlements, i think one of the key things we need _ settlements, i think one of the key things we need to _ settlements, i think one of the key things we need to be _ settlements, i think one of the key things we need to be thinking - settlements, i think one of the keyi things we need to be thinking about is how— things we need to be thinking about is how do— things we need to be thinking about is how do we — things we need to be thinking about is how do we get— things we need to be thinking about is how do we get devolved, - things we need to be thinking about. is how do we get devolved, genuinely devolved _ is how do we get devolved, genuinely devolved into — is how do we get devolved, genuinely devolved into genuine _ is how do we get devolved, genuinely devolved into genuine devolution- devolved into genuine devolution into the — devolved into genuine devolution into the local _ devolved into genuine devolution into the local authority— devolved into genuine devolution into the local authority space - devolved into genuine devolution into the local authority space at i into the local authority space at the appropriate _ into the local authority space at the appropriate checks - into the local authority space at the appropriate checks and - into the local authority space at - the appropriate checks and balances, of course _ the appropriate checks and balances, of course at — the appropriate checks and balances, of course. at the _ the appropriate checks and balances, of course. at the moment, _ the appropriate checks and balances, of course. at the moment, it - the appropriate checks and balances, of course. at the moment, it is - the appropriate checks and balances, of course. at the moment, it is all. of course. at the moment, it is all coming _ of course. at the moment, it is all coming through _ of course. at the moment, it is all coming through one _ of course. at the moment, it is all coming through one real— of course. at the moment, it is all coming through one real thing, . of course. at the moment, it is alli coming through one real thing, one particular— coming through one real thing, one particular lever, _ coming through one real thing, one particular lever, which _ coming through one real thing, one particular lever, which is _ coming through one real thing, one particular lever, which is council- particular lever, which is council tax, _ particular lever, which is council tax. so — particular lever, which is council tax. so at — particular lever, which is council tax. so at the _ particular lever, which is council tax, so at the moment - particular lever, which is council tax, so at the moment we - particular lever, which is council tax, so at the moment we are l tax, so at the moment we are thinking — tax, so at the moment we are thinking of— tax, so at the moment we are thinking of something - tax, so at the moment we are thinking of something like - tax, so at the moment we are thinking of something like a l tax, so at the moment we are i thinking of something like a 5% average — thinking of something like a 5% average increase _ thinking of something like a 5% average increase across - thinking of something like a 5% average increase across council thinking of something like a 5%- average increase across council tax rates _ average increase across council tax rates for — average increase across council tax rates for some _ average increase across council tax rates. for some councils, - average increase across council tax rates. for some councils, we - average increase across council tax rates. for some councils, we are l rates. for some councils, we are talking _ rates. for some councils, we are talking something _ rates. for some councils, we are talking something about - rates. for some councils, we are talking something about a - talking something about a double—digit— talking something about a double—digit increase. - talking something about a double—digit increase. so| talking something about a - double—digit increase. so that is not a _ double—digit increase. so that is not a sustainable _ double—digit increase. so that is not a sustainable model. - double—digit increase. so that is not a sustainable model. the i double—digit increase. so that is. not a sustainable model. the more decentralised, _ not a sustainable model. the more decentralised, the _ not a sustainable model. the more decentralised, the more _ not a sustainable model. the more - decentralised, the more management, the more _ decentralised, the more management, the more devolution _ decentralised, the more management, the more devolution of— decentralised, the more management, the more devolution of funding - the more devolution of funding sources— the more devolution of funding sources with _ the more devolution of funding sources with the _ the more devolution of funding sources with the right - the more devolution of funding sources with the right checks l the more devolution of funding . sources with the right checks and balances — sources with the right checks and balances i — sources with the right checks and balances i think— sources with the right checks and balances i think will— sources with the right checks and balances i think will go _ sources with the right checks and balances i think will go a - sources with the right checks and balances i think will go a long - sources with the right checks and i balances i think will go a long way to help _ balances i think will go a long way to help to— balances i think will go a long way to help to deal— balances i think will go a long way to help to deal with _ balances i think will go a long way to help to deal with some - balances i think will go a long way to help to deal with some of- to help to deal with some of the issues _ to help to deal with some of the issues we — to help to deal with some of the issues we see _ to help to deal with some of the issues we see on _ to help to deal with some of the issues we see on the _ to help to deal with some of the issues we see on the local- issues we see on the local authority's _ issues we see on the local authority's side. _ issues we see on the local authority's side. i- issues we see on the local authority's side.— issues we see on the local authority's side. issues we see on the local authori 's side. ., �* ,, ., authority's side. i don't know, when ou are authority's side. i don't know, when you are op — authority's side. i don't know, when you are op against _ authority's side. i don't know, when you are up against it _ authority's side. i don't know, when you are up against it in a _ authority's side. i don't know, when you are up against it in a cost - you are up against it in a cost crisis, suddenly find a 20% hike in

your council tax rates, it isjust unsustainable. your council tax rates, it is 'ust unsustainablei your council tax rates, it is 'ust unsustainable. . ., _ unsustainable. yeah, it is obviously - re unsustainable. yeah, it is obviously pretty bad- — unsustainable. yeah, it is obviously pretty bad- and _ unsustainable. yeah, it is obviously pretty bad. and it's _ unsustainable. yeah, it is obviously pretty bad. and it's been _ unsustainable. yeah, it is obviously pretty bad. and it's been a - unsustainable. yeah, it is obviously pretty bad. and it's been a tough i pretty bad. and it's been a tough time. but all of this comes back to the £400 billion cost of the pandemic, and we keep taking it off the table but it needs to be put on the table but it needs to be put on the table, and we can't do this with the table, and we can't do this with the benefit of hindsight, but some of us wishes that you could ask people at that time when they were screaming for the economy to be shut down, screaming for money to be diverted to pay people to stay—at—home, you do realise that that bill will have to be paid at some point. it's real money. it's not a different pool of money. so thatis not a different pool of money. so that is why we keep coming back to this and it will take a while to clear the decks of all of that. and we are all going to have to suffer for it because we will benefit, if you like, from the measures that were put in place to keep us safe, and that is the reality. that is the frustrating thing. we are all pretending that this somehow has something to do with a wild period

with liz truss or a decade of taurine it's real. it wasn't him it was a global pandemic that has created the conditions now or neither party can promise remotely any of the things that they really want to do, but they are trying, both sides, i think i meant to say we cannot go back to this to what we would like to see. and what we have had today is a clear indication of where, if rishi sunak, jeremy hunt and the conservatives where to be in power in a year, in two years, three years, they are looking at a radical use of technology to improve public services, to gain efficiencies, to make them operate as they should in this day and age and also to use technology in some of these measures and allowing people to keep more of their own money to grow the economy, because without growth in the economy, we are not better off. fin economy, we are not better off. on ureen economy, we are not better off. on green issues, obviously labour has just recently taken to 28 billion green byjet off the table. there was 120 million for the green industries growth accelerator today, which will fund offshore and carbon

capture, and there is investment in a small nuclear power stations which, of course, borisjohnson was so keen on. but you talk about an £8 billion headroom, and what labour wants to do to change to grad, there just isn't the space for the money to do it. i just isn't the space for the money to do it. ~ . just isn't the space for the money to do it. ~' . ., ,, to do it. i think we have to think much more _ to do it. i think we have to think much more strategically - to do it. i think we have to think much more strategically about | to do it. i think we have to think- much more strategically about these questions _ much more strategically about these questions. i think there is a vision of our— questions. i think there is a vision of our economy which is a stronger growth _ of our economy which is a stronger growth economy, it requires investment in technology and investment in technology and investment into these businesses are into infrastructure these businesses need, _ into infrastructure these businesses need. and _ into infrastructure these businesses need, and if we don't, we are going to fall— need, and if we don't, we are going to fall behind in this race for clean, — to fall behind in this race for clean, green energy. so i believe there _ clean, green energy. so i believe there is— clean, green energy. so i believe there is a — clean, green energy. so i believe there is a different type of economy we could _ there is a different type of economy we could have. i think that transition is coming but i think we have _ transition is coming but i think we have to _ transition is coming but i think we have to get — transition is coming but i think we have to get ahead and i'm afraid that means we have to put some of that means we have to put some of that upfront, and that is what i hope _ that upfront, and that is what i hope labour will do. they downscaled their plans _ hope labour will do. they downscaled their plans but they are still committed to that green prosperity

plan _ committed to that green prosperity plan we _ committed to that green prosperity plan. ~ . ., ., . . , plan. we are out of time, a really interesting _ plan. we are out of time, a really interesting conversation. - plan. we are out of time, a really interesting conversation. thank. plan. we are out of time, a really l interesting conversation. thank you very much for your company this evening. we will be right back after the break, the panel coming up to talk about super tuesday. stay with us. hello there. wednesday started off with quite extensive mist and fog, some of which was dense. this weather watcher picture shows the low cloud and fog trapped underneath what we call a temperature inversion with clear blue, sunny skies above. but on the whole, west was best for sunshine. turned out to be a lovely day here in the isle of arran. now, during this evening and overnight, we're going to see fog patches reform. some of that will become dense, visibility down to 100 metres. so it might be worth allowing a little bit of extra time for any morning travel you might have into thursday morning. there'll be a few patches of rural frost around as well, so mist and fog to start the day, that should tend to lift and clear. then we're looking at

a lot of dry weather. 0k, there could be one or two showers for england and wales, but hardly any of these. so the vast majority of us having a dry day with the best of the sunshine, likely once again across western areas of the uk, temperatures by and large close to average for the time of year, but a little below average for east scotland and northeast england given the onshore winds coming across the chilly north sea. the high pressure to our northeast, low pressure to our southwest got a bit closer on friday. and so it's going to get a little bit windier. now, on the whole, it's going to be a quieter day, less mist and fog to start off the day. with the winds coming in from an easterly direction, the uk's only named wind, the helm wind will be blowing across great cross fell into cumbria and over into the west of high ground. it will be quite a gusty day with gusts reaching into the forties, maybe low fifties of miles an hour and continue to be quite chilly for east scotland and northeast england. 0n into the weekend, the low pressure to our south starts to throw bands of rain northwards across the uk. so there will be rain at times. won't be raining all weekend,

butjust rain at times. saturday sees the first band of rain then push across england. wales reach northern ireland. late in the day, eastern scotland will have frequent showers so be quite a wet day for the eastern mountains, the grampians, probably the best ot the dry and bright weather will be across western scotland where we should stay with some sunny spells. temperatures for many of us, quite close to average. sunday sees some further outbreaks of rain moving generally northwards and westwards across the uk, perhaps something a bit drier and brighter at times working in towards the south and east and temperatures still by and large close to average, but a bit below for east scotland and northeast england. bye for now.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. in all likelihood, donald trump will be the republican nominee when our party convention meets injuly. i congratulate him, and wish him well. i wish anyone well who would be america's president. chanting: usa, usa! well, thank you very much. they call it super tuesday for a reason — this is a big one. her evolution has been pretty facinating because once upon a time she was incredibly loyal to donald trump in the way you see many republicans are. to talk american politics, two of my

favourite people... stefanie brown james. miles taylor, washington dc. first, the latest headlines. the british chancellor cuts national insurance and extends child benefit as the government sets out spending plans before a general election likely to be held this year. polls suggest the governing conservatives are trailing far behind the opposition labour party. nikki haley pulls out of the republican race for the white house, but stops short of endorsing donald trump. ms haley said it was now up to the former president to earn the votes of those who had not supported him. the united states says it will continue to hold yemen's houthi movement to account after at least two people were killed in a missile attack on a liberian owned ship.

the houthis, who have claimed responsibility, say the crew had