the country to do the most important thing, which is that we must, we must beat trump. joining me tonight are my panelists julie harris, president of the national federation of republican women and jack blanchard the uk editor of politico. first — the latest headlines. president putin has vowed to �*kick the enemy out�* as ukraine continues it's surprise military offensive inside russian territory. officials in the kursk region say that more than 120—thousand residents have been evacuated so far. 180,000 have been told to leave their homes since the incursion began last tuesday. a doctor who treated the man who fatally stabbed three people in nottingham, had warned three years before the attacks that his mental illness

was so severe he could "end "up killing someone". valdo calocane�*s mother and brother told bbc panorama it was one of a series of missed opportunities that could have prevented the killings. several countries are and equipment to greece — where huge wildfires are burning on the outskirts of athens. flames have been spreading for more than 2a hours in hot, windy conditions, forcing thousands from their homes. a man has been arrested after an 11—year—old girl and a woman, aged 3a, were stabbed in leicester square in central london. the girl is being treated in hospital, while the woman suffered minor injuries. police say they don't believe the victims knew their attacker. in the united states the latest polls are now suggesting kamala harris has a lead over donald trump in three battleground

states that are key to winning the 2024 race for the white house. the new york times—siena college poll published saturday shows harris with 50% support among voters in michigan, pennsylvania and wisconsin, compared with trump's 46 percent support in each of those states. it comes as mr trump has falsely claimed a crowd which gathered to see kamala harris in michigan last week "didn't exist": he said an image showing a large gathering of supporters was fake and ai—generated. but the harris campaign say about 15,000 people were at the event and news outlets, including the bbc, are reporting that those numbers are in line with what they saw. meanwhile, donald trump's campaign has also said some of its internal communications have been hacked, suggesting they've been targeted by iranian operatives. a trump campaign spokesman told

the bbc the documents were illegally obtained by "foreign sources hostile to the united states". iranian officials have denied any connection to the hack. also over the weekend, in an interview with cbs news, presidentjoe biden has been talking about why he dropped out of this year's presidential contest. he said concerns about his age were becoming a distraction from the effort to defeat donald trump. the critical issue for me, still, is not a joke. maintaining this democracy. but, i thought it was important, because although it is a great honour being president, i think i have an obligation to the country to do the most important thing, and that is that we must, we must defeat trump. and in a few hours from now — donald trump is due to be interviewed by the billionaire entrepreneur elon musk on the social media platform he owns — x.

musk has promoted the interview as a "live conversation" that will be "unscripted with no limits on subject matter". let's unpack all this with leigh ann caldwell, anchor of washington post live. thank you forjoining us. first of all, elon musk and donald trump, that will be a must watch interview. it is. elon musk did this when ron desantis, the florida governor, was announcing his presidential campaign last year. there were so many technical glitches and problems that the presidential campaign launched and go off very well. hopefully, they have taken all of that out. technology wise. we are also watching for the content. we know elon musk has become a big supporter

of donald trump. elon musk has moved dramatically over to the right in the last few years. he has been funnelling money into a super pac to back the former president. donald trump has praised elon musk, especially ever since elon musk came out in support of him last month. it will be a fascinating conversation, especially since elon musk has some really, at times out of the mainstream thoughts. if he pulls donald trump in that direction, it will be interesting. we donald trump in that direction, it will be interesting.— donald trump in that direction, it will be interesting. we were talking about the polling _ will be interesting. we were talking about the polling showing - will be interesting. we were talking about the polling showing kamala l about the polling showing kamala harris is four points ahead of some of the key states. in some ways, the trump campaign is a little bit on the back foot at the moment, is that riuht? ~ , ,., , the back foot at the moment, is that riuht? ~ , ., the back foot at the moment, is that riiht? �* , ., 4' ., the back foot at the moment, is that riuht? ~ , ., ~ ., ., ., right? absolutely. you know, all of the reporting _ right? absolutely. you know, all of the reporting we — right? absolutely. you know, all of the reporting we have _ right? absolutely. you know, all of. the reporting we have done suggests donald trump is really agitated, he

is struggling to find a message that sticks against kamala harris. he has really been flustered and frustrated. and so, here is on the back foot and is trying trying to break through the common momentum ——, harris momentum, especially in the battleground states. it does show that there is a shift in momentum and energy, and a shift in excitement the democrats. the mood was quite sour among democrats. the polling looked bad. in the past month, things have dramatically shifted for democrats. up and down the ballot, really.

up and down the ballot, really. leigh ann, please stay with us whilst we bring injulie harris, president of the national federation of republican women and jack blanchard the uk editor of politico. julie, do you recognise the characterisation of the trump campaign we were hearing about as being flustered and frustrated, and kamala harris having all of that momentum? is that something you think is true? i momentum? is that something you think is true?— think is true? i don't think it is true at all- _ think is true? i don't think it is true at all. i _ think is true? i don't think it is true at all. i think _ think is true? i don't think it is true at all. i think america - think is true? i don't think it is| true at all. i think america first resonates _ true at all. i think america first resonates with most americans. i think_ resonates with most americans. i think that — resonates with most americans. i think that kamala harris has got a bump— think that kamala harris has got a bump right now. the polls, we know, will go _ bump right now. the polls, we know, will go up _ bump right now. the polls, we know, will go up and down now and election day. will go up and down now and election day she _ will go up and down now and election day. she will probably ride through the democrat convention, but she will eventually have to answer for the failed — will eventually have to answer for the failed biden — harris policies. she hasn't— the failed biden — harris policies. she hasn't done any interviews yet. she hasn't done any interviews yet. she hasn't— she hasn't done any interviews yet. she hasn't taken on the spot

questions. the honeymoon will eventually be over and it will be about _ eventually be over and it will be about policy. i think president trump, — about policy. i think president trump, his message of putting america — trump, his message of putting america first, there is nothing wrong — america first, there is nothing wrong with putting the interest of your country first, i think that resonates _ your country first, i think that resonates with americans. also, we are having _ resonates with americans. also, we are having gas and food prices, that is something that they long for. kamala — is something that they long for. kamala harris tells us that on day one she _ kamala harris tells us that on day one she will tax bread and gas. she is vice _ one she will tax bread and gas. she is vice president now. we are any biden- _ is vice president now. we are any biden— harris administration, she should— biden— harris administration, she should he — biden— harris administration, she should be doing something now. we need relief, now. julie should be doing something now. we need relief, now.— need relief, now. julie harris, thank you- — need relief, now. julie harris, thank you. jack _ need relief, now. julie harris, thank you. jack blanchard, i need relief, now. julie harris, thank you. jack blanchard, do need relief, now. julie harris, - thank you. jack blanchard, do you think kamala harris is enjoying a bit of a honeymoon at the moment? and it can't last forever. perhaps the trump supporters are saying that she is getting soft treatment from the radio media. i’m she is getting soft treatment from the radio media.—

the radio media. i'm inclined to auree the radio media. i'm inclined to agree with _ the radio media. i'm inclined to agree with that, _ the radio media. i'm inclined to agree with that, really. - the radio media. i'm inclined to agree with that, really. there l the radio media. i'm inclined to| agree with that, really. there is the radio media. i'm inclined to . agree with that, really. there is no doubt _ agree with that, really. there is no douht that— agree with that, really. there is no doubt that this _ agree with that, really. there is no doubt that this race _ agree with that, really. there is no doubt that this race has _ agree with that, really. there is no doubt that this race has changed. i doubt that this race has changed. biden_ doubt that this race has changed. biden seemed _ doubt that this race has changed. biden seemed to— doubt that this race has changed. biden seemed to be _ doubt that this race has changed. biden seemed to be heading - doubt that this race has changed. biden seemed to be heading for. biden seemed to be heading for defeat, — biden seemed to be heading for defeat, a — biden seemed to be heading for defeat, a catastrophic— biden seemed to be heading for defeat, a catastrophic defeat, . defeat, a catastrophic defeat, kamala — defeat, a catastrophic defeat, kamala harris _ defeat, a catastrophic defeat, kamala harris has _ defeat, a catastrophic defeat, kamala harris has changed i defeat, a catastrophic defeat, l kamala harris has changed the defeat, a catastrophic defeat, - kamala harris has changed the game. a different _ kamala harris has changed the game. a different picture _ kamala harris has changed the game. a different picture to _ kamala harris has changed the game. a different picture to what _ kamala harris has changed the game. a different picture to what we - kamala harris has changed the game. a different picture to what we saw- kamala harris has changed the game. a different picture to what we saw a l a different picture to what we saw a few weeks _ a different picture to what we saw a few weeks ago— a different picture to what we saw a few weeks ago and _ a different picture to what we saw a few weeks ago and i— a different picture to what we saw a few weeks ago and i wouldn't - a different picture to what we saw a few weeks ago and i wouldn't be - few weeks ago and i wouldn't be surprised — few weeks ago and i wouldn't be surprised if— few weeks ago and i wouldn't be surprised if donald _ few weeks ago and i wouldn't be surprised if donald trump - few weeks ago and i wouldn't be| surprised if donald trump wasn't few weeks ago and i wouldn't be . surprised if donald trump wasn't a bit surprised if donald trump wasn't a hit baffled — surprised if donald trump wasn't a hit baffled by— surprised if donald trump wasn't a bit baffled by that _ surprised if donald trump wasn't a bit baffled by that as _ surprised if donald trump wasn't a bit baffled by that as he _ surprised if donald trump wasn't a bit baffled by that as he was - bit baffled by that as he was cruising _ bit baffled by that as he was cruising to— bit baffled by that as he was cruising to victory. - bit baffled by that as he was cruising to victory. the - bit baffled by that as he was cruising to victory. the dcbi bit baffled by that as he was - cruising to victory. the dcb early bounces — cruising to victory. the dcb early bounces when _ cruising to victory. the dcb early bounces when you _ cruising to victory. the dcb early bounces when you get _ cruising to victory. the dcb early bounces when you get a - cruising to victory. the dcb early bounces when you get a new - cruising to victory. the dcb early - bounces when you get a new candidate and there _ bounces when you get a new candidate and there is— bounces when you get a new candidate and there is a— bounces when you get a new candidate and there is a wave _ bounces when you get a new candidate and there is a wave of— bounces when you get a new candidate and there is a wave of excitement. - and there is a wave of excitement. she hasn't— and there is a wave of excitement. she hasn't done _ and there is a wave of excitement. she hasn't done many— and there is a wave of excitement. she hasn't done many hard - and there is a wave of excitement. i she hasn't done many hard interviews and that— she hasn't done many hard interviews and that is— she hasn't done many hard interviews and that is going _ she hasn't done many hard interviews and that is going to— she hasn't done many hard interviews and that is going to have _ she hasn't done many hard interviews and that is going to have to— she hasn't done many hard interviews and that is going to have to come. - and that is going to have to come. we don't _ and that is going to have to come. we don't know— and that is going to have to come. we don't know how— and that is going to have to come. we don't know how the _ and that is going to have to come. we don't know how the debate - and that is going to have to come. | we don't know how the debate will no. we don't know how the debate will go we _ we don't know how the debate will go we have — we don't know how the debate will go. we have seen _ we don't know how the debate will go. we have seen how— we don't know how the debate will go. we have seen how things - we don't know how the debate will go. we have seen how things can. go. we have seen how things can change _ go. we have seen how things can change in — go. we have seen how things can change in the _ go. we have seen how things can change in the debate. _ go. we have seen how things can change in the debate. and i- go. we have seen how things can change in the debate. and i think go. we have seen how things can. change in the debate. and i think it is important — change in the debate. and i think it is important that _ change in the debate. and i think it is important that we _ change in the debate. and i think it is important that we are _ change in the debate. and i think it is important that we are nearly- is important that we are nearly three _ is important that we are nearly three months— is important that we are nearly three months away— is important that we are nearly three months away from - is important that we are nearly three months away from the l is important that we are nearly- three months away from the election. that is— three months away from the election. that is a _ three months away from the election. that is a long — three months away from the election. that is a long time _ three months away from the election. that is a long time in _ three months away from the election. that is a long time in the _ three months away from the election. that is a long time in the campaign. l that is a long time in the campaign. a lot _ that is a long time in the campaign. a lot can— that is a long time in the campaign. a lot can happen _ that is a long time in the campaign. a lot can happen. a _ that is a long time in the campaign. a lot can happen. a couple - that is a long time in the campaign. a lot can happen. a couple of- that is a long time in the campaign. a lot can happen. a couple of big i a lot can happen. a couple of big moments — a lot can happen. a couple of big moments and _ a lot can happen. a couple of big moments and everything - a lot can happen. a couple of big moments and everything can - a lot can happen. a couple of big i moments and everything can shift. a lot can happen. a couple of big - moments and everything can shift. it is a way, _ moments and everything can shift. it is a way. way— moments and everything can shift. it is a way. way too _ moments and everything can shift. it is a way, way too close _ moments and everything can shift. it is a way, way too close to _ moments and everything can shift. it is a way, way too close to make - moments and everything can shift. it is a way, way too close to make the. is a way, way too close to make the call. is a way, way too close to make the call from _ is a way, way too close to make the call from the — is a way, way too close to make the call. from the point _ is a way, way too close to make the call. from the point of— is a way, way too close to make the call. from the point of view - is a way, way too close to make the call. from the point of view of - is a way, way too close to make the call. from the point of view of the i call. from the point of view of the democrats. — call. from the point of view of the democrats. at _ call. from the point of view of the democrats, at least _ call. from the point of view of the democrats, at least they- call. from the point of view of the democrats, at least they are - call. from the point of view of the democrats, at least they are back| call. from the point of view of the . democrats, at least they are back in the game _ democrats, at least they are back in the name. ., , the game. julie, donald trump falsely claimed _ the game. julie, donald trump falsely claimed the _ the game. julie, donald trump falsely claimed the crowd - the game. julie, donald trump falsely claimed the crowd had l falsely claimed the crowd had gathered to see kamala harris in

michigan didn't exist and said it was fake ai generated images. we had lots of media companies say the numbers in the democrats were talking about the true and publish their own pictures. do you except donald trump got that wrong? i don't acce -t donald trump got that wrong? i don't accept that- — donald trump got that wrong? i don't accept that- l — donald trump got that wrong? i don't accept that. i don't _ donald trump got that wrong? i don't accept that. i don't know. _ donald trump got that wrong? i don't accept that. i don't know. i _ donald trump got that wrong? i don't accept that. i don't know. i saw - donald trump got that wrong? i don't accept that. i don't know. i saw one l accept that. i don't know. i saw one picture _ accept that. i don't know. i saw one picture i_ accept that. i don't know. i saw one picture. i haven't seen the bbc's picture — picture. i haven't seen the bbc's picture i— picture. i haven't seen the bbc's picture. i know that the bbc said that those — picture. i know that the bbc said that those pictures were consistent with what _ that those pictures were consistent with what they saw. have they put out their— with what they saw. have they put out their picture? i don't know those — out their picture? i don't know those things. not ai generated other trump _ those things. not ai generated other trump rallies and i have been done or seen— trump rallies and i have been done or seen those with my own eyes. thousands— or seen those with my own eyes. thousands of people waiting in line, people _ thousands of people waiting in line, people can't even get in because there _ people can't even get in because there is— people can't even get in because there is not enough room. this is what _ there is not enough room. this is what excites the crowd. when you go and talk _ what excites the crowd. when you go and talk about your country's interest _ and talk about your country's interest and how you can give relief to the _ interest and how you can give relief to the everyday americans. i'm not surprised _ to the everyday americans. i'm not surprised if— to the everyday americans. i'm not surprised if kamala harris is having a large _ surprised if kamala harris is having a large crowd right now. i don't know _ a large crowd right now. i don't

know what _ a large crowd right now. i don't know what her crowds have been like, i know what her crowds have been like, i have _ know what her crowds have been like, i have been_ know what her crowds have been like, i have been focused on our own election — i have been focused on our own election. ~ . , ., ., election. we are showing, so that the viewers _ election. we are showing, so that the viewers know, _ election. we are showing, so that the viewers know, bbc— election. we are showing, so that the viewers know, bbc picture - election. we are showing, so that the viewers know, bbc picture of| election. we are showing, so that. the viewers know, bbc picture of the crowd in michigan. for the avoidance of doubt. fik. why does donald trump of doubt. 0k. why does donald trump feel he needs to say things like this? that the crowd didn't exist. it is bizarre and extraordinary, isn't it? i it is bizarre and extraordinary, isn't it? ~ , ., ., ., it is bizarre and extraordinary, isn't it? ~' , ., ., ., ., isn't it? i think you would have to ask the trump — isn't it? i think you would have to ask the trump campaign - isn't it? i think you would have to ask the trump campaign that - ask the trump campaign that question _ ask the trump campaign that ruestion. , . . ~ �* ., . ., ask the trump campaign that ruestion. g . . ~ �* . . ., ., question. jack blanchard, we have had this endless _ question. jack blanchard, we have had this endless debate _ question. jack blanchard, we have had this endless debate in - question. jack blanchard, we have l had this endless debate in american politics about fake news. what do you think of the whole row about that picture and those crowds? and trump's claim they don't exist. from afar ridiculous. _ trump's claim they don't exist. from afar ridiculous. trump _ trump's claim they don't exist. from afar ridiculous. trump frequently says things that are not true. don't seem _ says things that are not true. don't seem to _ says things that are not true. don't seem to mind and i'm not going to criticise _ seem to mind and i'm not going to criticise his — seem to mind and i'm not going to criticise his supporters. this clearly— criticise his supporters. this clearly isn't true. it creates for me a _ clearly isn't true. it creates for me a strange debate when really

trump _ me a strange debate when really trump should be talking about policy~ — trump should be talking about policy. we have heard that there are things _ policy. we have heard that there are things about the biden harris policies — things about the biden harris policies he should be attacking his opponents, not making things up about— opponents, not making things up about fake photos. it plays into the idea, _ about fake photos. it plays into the idea, unfortunately for him, that we have had _ idea, unfortunately for him, that we have had from the democrat campaign, that these guys are a bit weird, because — that these guys are a bit weird, because it _ that these guys are a bit weird, because it is a bit weird, isn't it? there _ because it is a bit weird, isn't it? there are — because it is a bit weird, isn't it? there are loads of media taking photographs showing the crowd existed — photographs showing the crowd existed. it is daft to be talking about — existed. it is daft to be talking about that when you have been talking — about that when you have been talking up about policies people care about. talking up about policies people care about-— talking up about policies people care about. ~ ., , ., ~ , care about. what you think the trump cam -aain care about. what you think the trump campaign now— care about. what you think the trump campaign now have _ care about. what you think the trump campaign now have to _ care about. what you think the trump campaign now have to do? _ care about. what you think the trump campaign now have to do? you - care about. what you think the trump campaign now have to do? you are i campaign now have to do? you are saying that they are on the back foot, but what they have to do try to get back on level terms?- to get back on level terms? well, i'm not a republican _ to get back on level terms? well, i'm not a republican strategist, i i'm not a republican strategist, that republican strategists and i do talk to say that donald trump needs to do exactly what he was doing

before, talking about the biden harris record, focusing on the economy, focusing on the border, focusing on crime, continuing to talk about message is resonating with voters, and messages that are winning issues for replicants —— republicans. rather than a crowd size, something he has obsessed over for his entire... since 2015 when he was running for president. republicans tell me he needs to stay focused and to stay on message. they are worried he was honoured path to victory and that he has completely rattled and has lost his focus. and republicans i speak to are concerned he needs to, like i said, continue

to do what he was doing before. before, harris was the nominee and when his dominating the message. thank you so much. around the world and across the uk. you are watching bbc's

ukraine's commander in chief now says his troops control about 1,000 square kilometres of russian land in the kursk region, after their surpise attack there a week ago. russia has told about 180,000 of its citizens in the area to leave their homes as ukraine presses on with its offensive. russia's president vladimir putin has vowed to "kick the enemy out" of russian territory. ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky says russia had to be "forced to make peace". michael bociurkiw, is a global affairs analyst and senior fellow at the atlantic council think—tank.

he gave me his thoughts on this. i reached out to the ukrainian ambassadors that i know well, they came back and said: we have no talking point on this. that indicates to me the ukrainians are controlling the message carefully within the office of the president at the ministry of defence. i think that what ukrainians are trying to do is gain some pr points. i have been based in ukraine for most of the war. there was a really weary attitude to taking hold and a desire to end the war. also, scoring pr points in russia. putin is very humiliated, he is angry, in that press conference he was using a russian slang that only angry people use. i noticed he was reading from scribbled notes. the ukrainians are probably, if they are wise, going to hold

onto what they have and use that as a bargaining chip, using the pows they have and seized territory to negotiate perhaps an end to the war. we are rejoined by our panel. julie harris, president of the national federation of republican women and jack blanchard the uk editor of politico are here. this is a gamble, do you possibly fear consequences? putin is furious about this. you possibly fear consequences? putin is furious about this.— furious about this. you have to fear the possible _ furious about this. you have to fear the possible consequences - furious about this. you have to fear the possible consequences but - furious about this. you have to fear. the possible consequences but russia has invaded their country already. they— has invaded their country already. they have — has invaded their country already. they have been at war for a long time, _ they have been at war for a long time now — they have been at war for a long time now i_ they have been at war for a long time, now. ithink they have been at war for a long time, now. i think it is an extraordinary moment. if you thought back to _ extraordinary moment. if you thought back to the _ extraordinary moment. if you thought back to the first few days of this wart _ back to the first few days of this war. when— back to the first few days of this war, when the russian tanks rolling in and _ war, when the russian tanks rolling in and we _ war, when the russian tanks rolling in and we were expecting ukraine to essentially— in and we were expecting ukraine to essentially get wiped off the map in

a few days, or maybe a couple of weeks. _ a few days, or maybe a couple of weeks. and — a few days, or maybe a couple of weeks, and to think that a couple of years— weeks, and to think that a couple of years later— weeks, and to think that a couple of years later we are still talking about — years later we are still talking about ukraine and ukraine invading russia, _ about ukraine and ukraine invading russia, it _ about ukraine and ukraine invading russia, it is— about ukraine and ukraine invading russia, it is testament to the country— russia, it is testament to the country and her family it has held its ground — country and her family it has held its ground against the oppressive nation _ its ground against the oppressive nation i— its ground against the oppressive nation. i think it is an incredible moment — nation. i think it is an incredible moment it _ nation. i think it is an incredible moment. it suggests they have the ability— moment. it suggests they have the ability to— moment. it suggests they have the ability to humiliate putin and get some _ ability to humiliate putin and get some sort— ability to humiliate putin and get some sort of negotiating tactic in their— some sort of negotiating tactic in their arsenal. and people were writing — their arsenal. and people were writing them off not long ago, and it sends _ writing them off not long ago, and it sends a — writing them off not long ago, and it sends a message to everyone that ukraine _ it sends a message to everyone that ukraine have still got plenty in the tank _ ukraine have still got plenty in the tank. , . , ., ., , ., tank. julie harris, what do you think? if donald _ tank. julie harris, what do you think? if donald trump - tank. julie harris, what do you think? if donald trump wins . tank. julie harris, what do you i think? if donald trump wins the white house again, do you think you would cut off supply to ukraine? would he cut ukraine loose? i don't think so. would he cut ukraine loose? i don't think so- 0ne _ would he cut ukraine loose? i don't think so. one thing _ would he cut ukraine loose? i don't think so. one thing americans - think so. one thing americans understand is that piece brute strength. to see ukraine going on

like this, i agree with what we have heard from those who have set before me about this. i think ukraine has a bargaining chip, now. ithink me about this. i think ukraine has a bargaining chip, now. i think that president trump would respect that. de think ukraine deserves american support? trump has hinted he would stop supplying weapons and arms to ukraine. 0f stop supplying weapons and arms to ukraine. of course, the usa is ukraine's biggest backer, it is absolutely crucial in this war. latte absolutely crucial in this war. we have given _ absolutely crucial in this war. - have given billions of dollars to ukraine. d0 have given billions of dollars to ukraine. ,, ~ have given billions of dollars to ukraine. ,., ~ . i] have given billions of dollars to ukraine. ,., ~ . [m ukraine. do you think too much? i am not sa int ukraine. do you think too much? i am not saying too — ukraine. do you think too much? i am not saying too much. _ ukraine. do you think too much? i am not saying too much. i _ ukraine. do you think too much? i am not saying too much. i am _ ukraine. do you think too much? i am not saying too much. i am saying - ukraine. do you think too much? i am not saying too much. i am saying thel not saying too much. i am saying the united states has supported ukraine, we have given billions of dollars to ukraine. but we have given billions of dollars to ukraine. �* , ., , , ukraine. but the question everybody wants to know _ ukraine. but the question everybody wants to know the _ ukraine. but the question everybody wants to know the answer _ ukraine. but the question everybody wants to know the answer to - ukraine. but the question everybody wants to know the answer to and - ukraine. but the question everybody. wants to know the answer to and then sell in ski also does, is will it continue to give billions? i cannot

answer the _ continue to give billions? i cannot answer the trump _ continue to give billions? i cannot answer the trump administration | continue to give billions? i cannot i answer the trump administration -- answer the trump administration —— mac answer the trump administration -- ma. ., answer the trump administration -- mat ., , answer the trump administration -- mac and president zelensky also wants to know. _ mac and president zelensky also wants to know. under— mac and president zelensky also wants to know. under trump - wants to know. under trump administration, _ wants to know. under trump administration, our - wants to know. under trump administration, our enemies | wants to know. under trump - administration, our enemies will be on guard at the world will be a safer place. on guard at the world will be a safer place-— on guard at the world will be a safer lace. , . . ~ �* . . ., ., on guard at the world will be a safer tlace. �* ., . ~' �* ., . ., ., , safer place. jack blanchard, what is our safer place. jack blanchard, what is your view? — safer place. jack blanchard, what is your view? more _ safer place. jack blanchard, what is your view? more than _ safer place. jack blanchard, what is your view? more than billions. - your view? more than billions. peole your view? more than billions. people worry _ your view? more than billions. people worry a _ your view? more than billions. people worry a trump - your view? more than billions. i people worry a trump presidency would mean an isolationist united states. . , . . states. that is a huge fear in euro e, states. that is a huge fear in europe. and _ states. that is a huge fear in europe, and it _ states. that is a huge fear in europe, and it has _ states. that is a huge fear in europe, and it has been - states. that is a huge fear in | europe, and it has been since states. that is a huge fear in - europe, and it has been since the prospect— europe, and it has been since the prospect of— europe, and it has been since the prospect of a second trump presidency became a very real one. it is something the diplomats here talk about all the time privately. they— talk about all the time privately. they are — talk about all the time privately. they are all very worried about it. opinions — they are all very worried about it. opinions are split over whether or not he _ opinions are split over whether or not he would actually do it. as was said before — not he would actually do it. as was said before, he has hinted, in fact more _ said before, he has hinted, in fact more than — said before, he has hinted, in fact more than hinted, he said bluntly we should _ more than hinted, he said bluntly we should stop — more than hinted, he said bluntly we should stop funding ukraine. but in the next _ should stop funding ukraine. but in the next second he will say something different. web donald trump _ something different. web donald trump it— something different. web donald trump it is always hard to know how he would _ trump it is always hard to know how he would act — trump it is always hard to know how he would act in the moment. in his first presidency there was talk about—

first presidency there was talk about pulling out of nato or not supporting nato allies. we never really— supporting nato allies. we never really went there. in the end, he did a— really went there. in the end, he did a pretty good job of bolstering nato in _ did a pretty good job of bolstering nato in terms of encouraging member states— nato in terms of encouraging member states to _ nato in terms of encouraging member states to spend more on defence, which _ states to spend more on defence, which are — states to spend more on defence, which are now doing. as ever with trump, _ which are now doing. as ever with trump, the — which are now doing. as ever with trump, the uncertainty is the thing people _ trump, the uncertainty is the thing people ever heftier, i don't think anyone _ people ever heftier, i don't think anyone in— people ever heftier, i don't think anyone in europe is in any doubt that funding —— handing ukraine able to russia _ that funding —— handing ukraine able to russia would not make anybody safe in _ to russia would not make anybody safe in russia or america. lets talk about the middle _ safe in russia or america. lets talk about the middle east. _ the us, uk, france, germany and italy have issued a joint statement calling for the de—escalation of tensions in the middle east. they also have expressed support for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal in gaza, and unfettered delivery of aid, saying there is �*no further time to lose'. the uk prime minister has also spoken to the president of iran, masoud pezeshkian, again calling for all parties to de—escalate tensions in the middle—east. it's as the us has sent a guided missile submarine to the region,

and defence secretary lloyd austin also said an aircraft carrier already heading to the area will sail there more quickly. there are increasing fears of a wider regional conflict, after the assassination of senior hezbollah and hamas leaders. the us and european leaders also called on iran to stand down threats of attacks against israel. we return to our panel. julie, how worried are you about an escalation of the war in the middle east? we werejust reporting of the war in the middle east? we were just reporting that american military hardware is being sent to the region to send a message, particularly to iran, it seems. do you agree with that show of american strength in the region? yes. you agree with that show of american strength in the region?— strength in the region? yes, i do. atain, it strength in the region? yes, i do. again. it is— strength in the region? yes, i do. again. it is a _ strength in the region? yes, i do. again, it is a piece _ strength in the region? yes, i do. again, it is a piece brute - strength in the region? yes, i do. | again, it is a piece brute strength. and yes, i am concerned. i think the

whole world is concerned. i think it would be foolish for us not to be concerned. i think that for de—escalation we have to show our power and to share what we are capable of. unfortunately, a bully like iran, that is all that they understand. d0 like iran, that is all that they understand.— like iran, that is all that they understand. ., , ., ., understand. do you worry though that iran miaht understand. do you worry though that iran might launch _ understand. do you worry though that iran might launch some _ understand. do you worry though that iran might launch some sort - understand. do you worry though that iran might launch some sort of - iran might launch some sort of attack on israel in the wake of what we have seen in the last few weeks? sure. i think israel has concerns about that. that is why we are all on high alert. this is not a time for us to stand down. they must stand down. we need to protect israel and our own strategic resources there in the middle east. jack, there have been fears of a whole conflict in gaza escalating to a wider regional conflict and bringing in iran and lebanon because of his —brother—word—mack. is that what you see happening in the coming

weeks? the what you see happening in the coming weeks? ~ , what you see happening in the coming weeks? . , , ., ., . what you see happening in the coming weeks? . , .,.,, weeks? the western diplomatic push since last october— weeks? the western diplomatic push since last october has _ weeks? the western diplomatic push since last october has been - weeks? the western diplomatic push since last october has been to - weeks? the western diplomatic push since last october has been to try - since last october has been to try to prevent this spiralling into a regional war. to prevent this spiralling into a regionalwar. every to prevent this spiralling into a regional war. every time something like what we have seen over the last week happens, it feels a little bit closer. the reason our prime minister in britain was on the phone was because they were trying very hard to prevent that happening. what is happening in israel and gaza is horrendous and has been for months. the prospect of something else could destabilise many people. that is why the whole method has been as close. there have been other points over the last six or nine months when it has felt like this on both sides have stepped back from the brink. i don't think iran wants a regional war. i think we have to hope

whatever responses coming is measured. whatever responses coming is measured-— whatever responses coming is measured. ., ., ,, , ., measured. the moment, thank you both. stay with us. you are watching bbc news. good evening. we've reportedly had around 15,000 lightning reports across the uk in the past 2a hours, a culmination of the heat and the humidity. it has been the hottest day of the year so far, following a tropical night — that's when temperatures don't fall below 20 celsius and make it really uncomfortable for sleeping. but gradually, through the day, the heat and the humidity has been pushed to become confined to southern and eastern areas. and we have seen at least 3a celsius — we may see the odd 35 popping up

as the figures come in later. but at the moment, as those storms clear away — and they clear away from shetland, as well, through this evening, overnight — the humidity lowers a little, it looks more comfortable for sleeping. but there is more rain, accompanied by brisk winds coming into northern ireland and western fringes of scotland later in the night. but for many, temperatures of lt—5 degrees down on those of last night — so more comfortable for sleeping, and a bright, dry start under that ridge of high pressure. but this deep area of low pressure towards the northwest will bring some unusually windy weather to the irish sea coasts for the time of year. pushing that rain across northern ireland into scotland, northern and western parts of england and wales through the day. drying up behind it but remaining windy, it looks like east anglia and the southeast remain mostly dry, with some sunshine. still very warm, at 27—28, but not as hot as it's been today. and for most, a pleasant 19—21 celsius. and a ridge of high pressure builds on wednesday — so, yes, we've got the remnants of our rain band in the south and east, perhaps a few showers, but it's drier for scotland, northern ireland, northern england, wales, and the southwest

with some pleasant sunshine. 21—23 celsius, so about average for the time of year. but the window of drier weather doesn't last for long — we've got this next area of low pressure, its weather fronts moving in on thursday, meandering their way southwards into friday. potentially another pulse of heavier rain for a time on friday towards the southeast, but the detail is difficult at this stage. and then, the ridge of high pressure may build in across the south for the weekend. but thursday, at the moment, again looks like another wet day — a spell of rain, brisk winds which will slowly push that weather front southwards. so behind it, drying up and brightening up and the rain taking longer to reach southern and eastern areas. but it's still quite warm — 21t—25 — so i think it will find, or we think we'll find the humidity increasing a bit through thursday and friday once again. feeling quite muggy with the rain.

hello, i'm ben brown. you're watching the context on bbc news. several eu countries are sending urgent help to greece — as a wildfire rages on the outskirts of athens. climate change has made wildfires in the countrymore frequent and intense. sir keir starmer has

been in charge of the uk forjust over five weeks — and recent riots across the country have been the first direct challenge he's faced. but, even after restoring order, mr starmer faces the bigger challenge of defusing issues that underlie the unrest. concern over immigration, is on the rise again. the home office recorded 703 people arriving in the uk on small boats on sunday — the highest number of daily crossings since labour won the election. question tojulie harris, president of the national federation of republican women and jack blanchard the uk editor of politico a few weeks and it do you of sir keir starmer�*s premiership? it keir starmer's premiership? it started smoothly with that massive election victory and it is overbroad to washington and they all look like

he was rather enjoying himself for