football now — and arsenal have started their champions league campaign with a 0—0 draw against the italian side atalanta in what was a game of few chances, asjoe lynskey reports. for one week only this season, champions league football extends to a thursday. and just outside milan is a club used to this schedule. atalanta won the europa league in may. now arsenal's job was to show this is a step up. and pushed wide by carnesecchi. in a goalless first half, it was hard to find the openings. and when the home side got the chance from the spot, arsenal's david raya kept up the trend. saved again! oh, that's amazing! through extraordinary goalkeeping, his team was still in it. but for arsenal, that save would be the moment of the match. gabriel martinelli went through but missed the target. 0—0 meant arsenal had their first point in the group stage, but they owed so much to the man who kept them level.

joe lynskey, bbc news. this programme continues on bbc one. "a genocide" and "a declaration of war." so says hezbollah�*s leader of the exploding pagers in lebanon. as israel strikes tonight, is it over for peace talks? and "i'm in control", says the prime minister during a messy

week of downing street feuds, leaks and expense rows. is he? good evening. welcome to newsnight for the best of late night talk and takes. tonight... exploding pagers and walkie talkies in lebanon and a row over freebies for the prime minister at home. our panel sit on two sides of uk politics. labour grandee harriet harman who's making headlines with her advice for her own party leader, and robert halfon one of the conservatives who gave rishi sunak a headache when he said he'd quit. thank you both are coming. we will also see nick watt shortly.

let's start abroad. the explosions in hand—held devices have been called an act of war by hezbollah�*s leader sheikh hassan nasrallah speaking on tv. over two days more than 30 were killed and thousands were injured — many suffering lacerations to their eyes and hands. hezbollah is deemed a terrorist organisation by the uk and others and operates its own army inside lebanon. the country's official ambassador to the uk is rami mortada and he told me israel was sabotaging efforts to bring any peace. it's again another escalation that hopefully will not signal an all—out war because lebanon will definitely hurt. but i just want everyone to know that lebanon will not hurt alone. first, there will definitely be retaliation. there is also the risk of overspill towards other parts of the region.

you represent the official government of lebanon. what would your words be for the two days of exploding technology? well, i would reiterate the term that was used by the united nations reporter on human rights, who described it as a war crime. because when you have simultaneous and systemic and indiscriminate targeting, detonation of devices in the midst of a civilian neighbourhood or civilian medium, without prior knowledge on who is in physical possession of these devices and what is in their vicinity and surrounding, this amounts to breaches to international humanitarian law, and hence it is a war crime. because when the israeli spokesmen get hold of the subject, they say this was in

hezbollah�*s communication system. hezbollah is described by the uk as a terrorist organisation. these pagers offer communication between hezbollah members, operatives. you have seen the footage. devices blasting in supermarkets and grocery stores, in the streets and even in hospitals. so first, i want you to know that not only hezbollah individuals were targeted. the proof is the list of victims, of names. we have children, we have families, civilians, elderly. and from a political angle, it is definitely an act of aggression. it is the opposite direction to peace talks? definitely. and why is it the opposite direction to peace talks? who doesn't want peace? well, the perpetrators of this act, which is israel... they want to secure their northern

border, don't they? they said that after 8000 rockets were fired in 11 months from lebanon's territory by hezbollah, not by your government, they need to secure the northern border. they do want peace for the residents in the north of israel. is this a way to secure the northern borders? i think the northern borders are further today from peace and they were before these acts. you secure your northern borders through de—escalation. through co—operating with the american facilitators, americans and others, who are trying to secure some sort of de—escalation package that was being negotiated. and which was... the tracks were very promising. and waiting for the conducive moment, mainly the ceasefire in gaza, to be agreed, and subsequently moved to a de—escalation phase in lebanon. just a few days ago we could have believed in de—escalation.

we were full of hopes that these efforts in gaza were going to yield and immediately after we would move to a de—escalation track in southern lebanon. is it over for the peace talks? i hope not. i think one of the aims and objectives of this heinous act is to sabotage these efforts, to sabotage the american—led efforts that are still trying to secure a ceasefire in gaza. where does it go next? will there be a regional war or can it be averted? it can always be averted. we, from our side, i think no one in lebanon wants an all—out war. we have been trying to avoid that now for a year. but in order to avoid war and de—escalate, you need co—operation from all sides. unfortunately today,

everyone, including the us, uk and others and us in the region, we are hostage to mr netanyahu's tactics, who want to put his country on a continual path of war in order to secure his political future continual path of war in order to secure his politicalfuture because the moment he stops the warmongering, he will face the consequences on the internal dynamics of israeli politics. why should we be held hostage to that smack the only way to do is through negotiations and direct negotiations through the american facilitation, thatis through the american facilitation, that is the only way to do it. thank ou so that is the only way to do it. thank you so much- _ that is the only way to do it. thank you so much. the _ that is the only way to do it. thank you so much. the ambassador- that is the only way to do it. thank you so much. the ambassador to l that is the only way to do it. thank i you so much. the ambassador to the uk from lebanon. harriet harman joined tony blair's first cabinet and later briefly led the labour party. robert halfon was a conservative minister. he was also a director of conservative friends of israel. he stood down injuly. i want to ask you first, a war crime according to the ambassador? i do

not agree. — according to the ambassador? i do not agree. i _ according to the ambassador? i if not agree, i think israel, it is a tragedy what has happened but they had no alternative and if you have an islamist terrorist group that is prescribed by the british government and funded by iran, firing thousands of missiles onto israeli towns in the north, the whole of the population has to be evacuated, imagine if that was happening in scotland and a group was firing missiles onto cumbria or northumbria?— missiles onto cumbria or northumbria? , ., ., ., ., northumbria? they would have to do with this. northumbria? they would have to do with this- but — northumbria? they would have to do with this. but an _ northumbria? they would have to do with this. but an exploding _ northumbria? they would have to do with this. but an exploding pager - northumbria? they would have to do with this. but an exploding pager in l with this. but an exploding pager in a supermarket? is that a good idea? that pagers were targeted, the vast majority were targeted at individual hezbollah terrorists because they have to knock these people out, they are communicating with each other underfiring missiles onto israeli towns, of which there is no dispute. it is not part, the gaza dispute, israel has no alternative in the right to go after hezbollah. ila

right to go after hezbollah. no alternative to an exploding pager or walkie—talkie, says robert? it alternative to an exploding pager or walkie-talkie, says robert?- walkie-talkie, says robert? it feels to me as if the _ walkie-talkie, says robert? it feels to me as if the peace _ walkie-talkie, says robert? it feels to me as if the peace in _ walkie-talkie, says robert? it feels to me as if the peace in the - to me as if the peace in the northern_ to me as if the peace in the northern border of israel is found through— northern border of israel is found through a — northern border of israel is found through a peace settlement in gaza and escalating in the north, especially with this sinister technological innovation, we hear of people's— technological innovation, we hear of people's i_ technological innovation, we hear of people's i is— technological innovation, we hear of people's i is being taken out and children— people's i is being taken out and children being killed, that is not the wax — children being killed, that is not the wa . . , children being killed, that is not thewa. ., ,., , ., ., the way. that is only escalation. hezbollah _ the way. that is only escalation. hezbollah escalated _ the way. that is only escalation. hezbollah escalated this - the way. that is only escalation. hezbollah escalated this by - the way. that is only escalation. | hezbollah escalated this by firing missiles onto the northern border. israel, what are they supposed to do? they will not stop firing missiles, they have been firing thousands and thousands... this thousands and thousands... as everybody wants the hostages to come back and _ everybody wants the hostages to come back and there should be peace on the northern border of israel, the way to— the northern border of israel, the way to do— the northern border of israel, the way to do that is to get a peace settlement in gaza and without that, whatever_ settlement in gaza and without that, whatever israel does in the north to hezbollah _ whatever israel does in the north to hezbollah will not work because it

forms _ hezbollah will not work because it forms escalations and we should stand _ forms escalations and we should stand full— forms escalations and we should stand full square with the americans but the _ stand full square with the americans but the difficulty is they are heading into an election and we just have to _ heading into an election and we just have to absolutely hope that donald trump _ have to absolutely hope that donald trump does not get elected because who knows— trump does not get elected because who knows what will happen if that is the _ who knows what will happen if that is the case? we who knows what will happen if that is the case?— is the case? we will not get to america yet — is the case? we will not get to america yet but _ is the case? we will not get to america yet but thank - is the case? we will not get to america yet but thank you - is the case? we will not get to america yet but thank you for| america yet but thank you for getting us under way. i want to come home... the prime minister's sought to assert control after wobbles blamed on string of leaks and critical headlines. newsnight plumber—in—chief nick watt is here. what's he said today? another day of not particularly great headlines for the prime minister on those issues, the revelation that his chief of staff earn slightly more than him and that direct leakfrom earn slightly more than him and that direct leak from the warring factions at number 10 in the second thing is the prime minister's punch front for accepting what private i will accept as freebies, formerly hospitality. what a great day for to face the ritual which is to be interviewed by a series of regions

and nations ahead of your party conference? in the past these have been a minefield for ministers and “p been a minefield for ministers and up popped our great south—east colleague, shown at right, with a simple question. relating to the stories about the chief of staff earning more than him that the suggestion that that has emerged as part of a dysfunctional number 10 and charlotte had the simple question for the prime minister... are you the one in control here? completely in control and focused, and every day the message from me to the team is exactly the same, which is we have to deliver. we were elected on a big mandate to deliver change. i'm determined that we are going to do that. i'm really pleased that in 11 weeks we have already done so many things. we have already taken action too, for example, to settle the strikes in our hospitals, so doctors are now back in the theatre carrying out operations. it's vital if we are going to get those waiting lists down. we've already set up the new housing framework so we can start building our houses.

labour mps will be pleased to see the prime minister listing the achievements he has made in a few months he has been in office. but there will be questions about the idea that the prime minister says he is in control at number 10. he is in a sense of all of his staff being utterly loyal to him but they are clearly briefing against each other so that is not going down very well on the back benches. in those interviews the prime minister did also say that all of the hospitality has been absolutely declared property, talking about sitting in the hospitality box at arsenal, he would like to be in the stands but he was told there would be a bilic —— big police operation. he was told there would be a bilic -- big police operation.— -- big police operation. harriet harman. _ -- big police operation. harriet harman. is— -- big police operation. harriet harman, is this _ -- big police operation. harriet harman, is this a _ -- big police operation. harriet harman, is this a distraction i -- big police operation. harriet i harman, is this a distraction from the new project and a lot of headlines about sue gray and freebies? . , , ., freebies? certainly it is a distraction _ freebies? certainly it is a distraction from - freebies? certainly it is a distraction from the - freebies? certainly it is a _ distraction from the communications and media _ distraction from the communications and media focus but not for a moment what it— and media focus but not for a moment what it distract the government from getting _ what it distract the government from getting on— what it distract the government from getting on with the things of keir

starmer— getting on with the things of keir starmer listed, the absolute priority. _ starmer listed, the absolute priority, housing and the health service — priority, housing and the health service unsettling strikes and leading — service unsettling strikes and leading up to the budget to have a foundation of the economy. in practical— foundation of the economy. in practical terms it will not be destabilising the government or distracting them. it is also not the case that— distracting them. it is also not the case that sometimes you have seen in the past, _ case that sometimes you have seen in the past, where people in the cabinet — the past, where people in the cabinet have been briefing against each other because they are politically on different sides. it politically on different sides. [i is politically on different sides. is more politically on different sides. it is more daft than deft? it - politically on different sides. it is more daft than deft? it is i is more daft than deft? it is definitely — is more daft than deft? it is definitely a _ is more daft than deft? it is definitely a distraction - is more daft than deft? it is definitely a distraction because instead — definitely a distraction because instead of speaking to each of the regional— instead of speaking to each of the regional radio is about things that concern _ regional radio is about things that concern them, he is on the defensive, answering those questions. defensive, answering those questions-— defensive, answering those cuestions. ,, ., , questions. should he be defending, should he stop _ questions. should he be defending, should he stop defending _ questions. should he be defending, should he stop defending this - questions. should he be defending, should he stop defending this and l should he stop defending this and ditch all of those freebies? fine should he stop defending this and ditch all of those freebies? one of the thin . s ditch all of those freebies? one of the things is _ ditch all of those freebies? one of the things is the _ ditch all of those freebies? one of the things is the sue _ ditch all of those freebies? one of the things is the sue gray - the things is the sue gray situation, it is not a revelation she is— situation, it is not a revelation she is earning more than him because it is par— she is earning more than him because it is par for— she is earning more than him because it is par for the course that chiefs of staff— it is par for the course that chiefs of staff and chief executives earn more _ of staff and chief executives earn more than — of staff and chief executives earn more than their bosses, the same as

sadig _ more than their bosses, the same as sadig khan _ more than their bosses, the same as sadiq khan and andy burnham in manchester. sadiq khan and andy burnham in manchester-— sadiq khan and andy burnham in manchester. ,, ., . ., manchester. should he change the messaue? manchester. should he change the message? he _ manchester. should he change the message? he is — manchester. should he change the message? he is doubling - manchester. should he change the message? he is doubling down, i. manchester. should he change the - message? he is doubling down, i need the free box because i cannot go to the free box because i cannot go to the football without that? sue the free box because i cannot go to the football without that?— the football without that? sue gray is incredibly — the football without that? sue gray is incredibly talented _ the football without that? sue gray is incredibly talented and _ the football without that? sue gray is incredibly talented and getting . is incredibly talented and getting the right rate for the job in the briefing — the right rate for the job in the briefing against is unfortunate, a breach— briefing against is unfortunate, a breach of— briefing against is unfortunate, a breach of the ministerial code under they find _ breach of the ministerial code under they find out who has done that they should _ they find out who has done that they should not— they find out who has done that they should not have a place in downing street _ should not have a place in downing street. then it gets to the question of the _ street. then it gets to the question of the arsenal box and the clothing, with the _ of the arsenal box and the clothing, with the clothes, i think he is unlikely— with the clothes, i think he is unlikely to take gifts of clothes again— unlikely to take gifts of clothes again so— unlikely to take gifts of clothes again so he might as welljust say, i did again so he might as welljust say, i did then — again so he might as welljust say, i did then and i can see it has caused — i did then and i can see it has caused annoyance and i do not intend to do— caused annoyance and i do not intend to do this _ caused annoyance and i do not intend to do this in _ caused annoyance and i do not intend to do this in the future. it is not a hanging — to do this in the future. it is not a hanging offence, i was being transparent but i will proceed differently. as far as the arsenal box is _ differently. as far as the arsenal box is concerned... it is three things — box is concerned... it is three things as _ box is concerned... it is three things. as far as the arsenal box, i will leave _ things. as far as the arsenal box, i will leave you to deal with taylor

swift! _ will leave you to deal with taylor swift! in — will leave you to deal with taylor swift! in the olden days you could remember— swift! in the olden days you could rememberjohn major sitting at lords or at the _ rememberjohn major sitting at lords or at the oval and people could sit in sporting — or at the oval and people could sit in sporting venues. he has paid for his season—ticket evils sitting somewhat differently. the directors box is _ somewhat differently. the directors box is safer. labour has entered this 0rwellian world of animal farm. labour has entered this 0rwellian world of animalfarm. if labour has entered this 0rwellian world of animal farm. if the conservatives had done this, they would have been saying you have to resign. they did it all the time when there were problems with my own party, scandals... when there were problems with my own party. scandals---_ party, scandals... there is a difference — party, scandals... there is a difference between - party, scandals... there is a difference between a - party, scandals... there is a difference between a free i party, scandals... there is a i difference between a free frock party, scandals... there is a - difference between a free frock and lying to parliament, telling you to stay in the house and having a party? stay in the house and having a -a ? , ., party? everything from the wallpaper. _ party? everything from the wallpaper. to _ party? everything from the wallpaper, to when - party? everything from the wallpaper, to when the - party? everything from the - wallpaper, to when the former prime and is _ wallpaper, to when the former prime and is to— wallpaper, to when the former prime and is to used — wallpaper, to when the former prime and is to used a— wallpaper, to when the former prime and is to used a helicopter— wallpaper, to when the former prime and is to used a helicopter or- and is to used a helicopter or whatever— and is to used a helicopter or whatever it _ and is to used a helicopter or whatever it may— and is to used a helicopter or whatever it may be, - and is to used a helicopter or whatever it may be, they - and is to used a helicopter or| whatever it may be, they said and is to used a helicopter or- whatever it may be, they said they would _ whatever it may be, they said they would be _ whatever it may be, they said they would be whiter _ whatever it may be, they said they would be whiter than _ whatever it may be, they said they would be whiter than white - whatever it may be, they said they would be whiter than white and - would be whiter than white and puritanical~ _ would be whiter than white and puritanical~ i_ would be whiter than white and puritanical. i accept _ would be whiter than white and puritanical. i accept there - would be whiter than white and puritanical. i accept there is - puritanical. ! accept there is hospitality_ puritanical. i accept there is hospitality that _ puritanical. i accept there is hospitality that some - puritanical. i accept there is

hospitality that some mps l puritanical. i accept there is . hospitality that some mps and puritanical. i accept there is - hospitality that some mps and prime ministers _ hospitality that some mps and prime ministers get. — hospitality that some mps and prime ministers get, but _ hospitality that some mps and prime ministers get, but you _ hospitality that some mps and prime ministers get, but you have - hospitality that some mps and prime ministers get, but you have to - hospitality that some mps and prime ministers get, but you have to have i ministers get, but you have to have a sense _ ministers get, but you have to have a sense of— ministers get, but you have to have a sense of proportion, _ ministers get, but you have to have a sense of proportion, especially. a sense of proportion, especially when _ a sense of proportion, especially when it— a sense of proportion, especially when it is— a sense of proportion, especially when it is the _ a sense of proportion, especially when it is the same _ a sense of proportion, especially when it is the same week- a sense of proportion, especially when it is the same week you . a sense of proportion, especially. when it is the same week you have 'ust when it is the same week you have just cut _ when it is the same week you have just cut their— when it is the same week you have just cut their winter— when it is the same week you have just cut their winter fuel _ just cut their winter fuel allowance. _ just cut their winter fuel allowance.— just cut their winter fuel allowance. . , ., ' . just cut their winter fuel allowance. . , . ., , allowance. early in the office has he lost a sense _ allowance. early in the office has he lost a sense of— allowance. early in the office has he lost a sense of proportion? if| he lost a sense of proportion? if you spent five years so you are going _ you spent five years so you are going to — you spent five years so you are going to be _ you spent five years so you are going to be a _ you spent five years so you are going to be a puritan _ you spent five years so you are going to be a puritan and - you spent five years so you are | going to be a puritan and really you spent five years so you are - going to be a puritan and really you are a _ going to be a puritan and really you are a cavalier. _ going to be a puritan and really you are a cavalier, it— going to be a puritan and really you are a cavalier, it doesn't— going to be a puritan and really you are a cavalier, it doesn't look- are a cavalier, it doesn't look great — are a cavalier, it doesn't look great the _ are a cavalier, it doesn't look great. the second _ are a cavalier, it doesn't look great. the second key- are a cavalier, it doesn't look great. the second key point. are a cavalier, it doesn't look. great. the second key point is, are a cavalier, it doesn't look- great. the second key point is, yes, absolutely. — great. the second key point is, yes, absolutely. you _ great. the second key point is, yes, absolutely, you are _ great. the second key point is, yes, absolutely, you are right, _ great. the second key point is, yes, absolutely, you are right, chief- absolutely, you are right, chief e>

rebelled, and yet tony blair was regarded as having his house in order. ~ . . regarded as having his house in order. ~ . , ., ,, , order. what is it about sue gray that, so order. what is it about sue gray that. so early — order. what is it about sue gray that, so early in _ order. what is it about sue gray that, so early in the _ that, so early in the administration, provokes leaks? i don't think she is provoking the leaks at all, she is doing herjob. i think there is something about an older woman in authority that some young men find hard to put up with, and they are in a bit of a hurry to be going forward. i feel very annoyed with them, and i think they are breaking the ministerial code and they shouldn't be doing it. after all the effort of getting into government, with the task we have ahead of them, for them to be moaning about their pay and trying to show her in a bad light when she is really an exceptional and talented public servant, i think thatis talented public servant, i think that is a thoroughly bad thing. i hope keir starmer will find out who it is and then clamp down on them. do you know who it is? i

it is and then clamp down on them. do you know who it is?— do you know who it is? i think sue gra has do you know who it is? i think sue gray has a — do you know who it is? i think sue gray has a pretty _ do you know who it is? i think sue gray has a pretty good _ do you know who it is? i think sue gray has a pretty good idea. i do you know who it is? i think sue gray has a pretty good idea. what| do you know who it is? i think sue i gray has a pretty good idea. what is really— gray has a pretty good idea. what is really interesting _ gray has a pretty good idea. what is really interesting about _ gray has a pretty good idea. what is really interesting about what - really interesting about what you are saying. — really interesting about what you are saying. let's_ really interesting about what you are saying, let's not— really interesting about what you are saying, let's not forget- really interesting about what you are saying, let's not forget that i are saying, let's not forget that and the — are saying, let's not forget that and the labour— are saying, let's not forget that and the labour party— are saying, let's not forget that and the labour party rules i are saying, let's not forget that and the labour party rules you i are saying, let's not forget that i and the labour party rules you have been _ and the labour party rules you have been leader— and the labour party rules you have been leader of— and the labour party rules you have been leader of the _ and the labour party rules you have been leader of the labour— and the labour party rules you have been leader of the labour party i and the labour party rules you have been leader of the labour party onl been leader of the labour party on trivago _ been leader of the labour party on trivago occasions. _ been leader of the labour party on trivago occasions. you _ been leader of the labour party on trivago occasions. you are - been leader of the labour party on trivago occasions. you are being . trivago occasions. you are being loval— trivago occasions. you are being loyal to— trivago occasions. you are being loyal to your _ trivago occasions. you are being loyal to your leader— trivago occasions. you are being loyal to your leader on— trivago occasions. you are being loyal to your leader on saying i trivago occasions. you are being i loyal to your leader on saying there is a good _ loyal to your leader on saying there is a good reason _ loyal to your leader on saying there is a good reason why— loyal to your leader on saying there is a good reason why he _ loyal to your leader on saying there is a good reason why he needs i loyal to your leader on saying there is a good reason why he needs to l loyal to your leader on saying therel is a good reason why he needs to sit on the _ is a good reason why he needs to sit on the arsenal — is a good reason why he needs to sit on the arsenal box. _ is a good reason why he needs to sit on the arsenal box. you _ is a good reason why he needs to sit on the arsenal box. you are - is a good reason why he needs to sit on the arsenal box. you are rallying | on the arsenal box. you are rallying to the _ on the arsenal box. you are rallying to the defence — on the arsenal box. you are rallying to the defence of— on the arsenal box. you are rallying to the defence of his _ on the arsenal box. you are rallying to the defence of his chief - on the arsenal box. you are rallying to the defence of his chief of - to the defence of his chief of staff — to the defence of his chief of staff but _ to the defence of his chief of staff. but on _ to the defence of his chief of staff. but on the _ to the defence of his chief of staff. but on the freebies, i to the defence of his chief of. staff. but on the freebies, the clothes — staff. but on the freebies, the clothes on _ staff. but on the freebies, the clothes on the _ staff. but on the freebies, the clothes on the glasses, - staff. but on the freebies, the clothes on the glasses, if- staff. but on the freebies, the clothes on the glasses, if i- staff. but on the freebies, the i clothes on the glasses, if i heard you correctly. _ clothes on the glasses, if i heard you correctly, you _ clothes on the glasses, if i heard you correctly, you didn't - clothes on the glasses, if i heard you correctly, you didn't say- clothes on the glasses, if i heard you correctly, you didn't say he i you correctly, you didn't say he shouldn't — you correctly, you didn't say he shouldn't do _ you correctly, you didn't say he shouldn't do that _ you correctly, you didn't say he shouldn't do that in _ you correctly, you didn't say he shouldn't do that in the - you correctly, you didn't say he shouldn't do that in the future, j you correctly, you didn't say he i shouldn't do that in the future, you said he _ shouldn't do that in the future, you said he won't— shouldn't do that in the future, you said he won't do— shouldn't do that in the future, you said he won't do that in _ shouldn't do that in the future, you said he won't do that in the - shouldn't do that in the future, you said he won't do that in the future. | said he won't do that in the future. does _ said he won't do that in the future. does that— said he won't do that in the future. does that mean _ said he won't do that in the future. does that mean you _ said he won't do that in the future. does that mean you have - said he won't do that in the future. does that mean you have a - said he won't do that in the future. does that mean you have a prettyl does that mean you have a pretty good _ does that mean you have a pretty good idea — does that mean you have a pretty good idea that _ does that mean you have a pretty good idea that the _ does that mean you have a pretty good idea that the prime - does that mean you have a pretty good idea that the prime minister realises— good idea that the prime minister realises that _ good idea that the prime minister realises that on _ good idea that the prime minister realises that on that _ good idea that the prime minister realises that on that one - good idea that the prime minister realises that on that one he i good idea that the prime minister realises that on that one he has l realises that on that one he has dropped — realises that on that one he has dropped the _ realises that on that one he has dropped the ball? _ realises that on that one he has dropped the ball? [if— realises that on that one he has dropped the ball?— realises that on that one he has dropped the ball? it feels to me like... dropped the ball? it feels to me like--- it's— dropped the ball? it feels to me like... it's not _ dropped the ball? it feels to me like... it's not a _ dropped the ball? it feels to me like... it's not a hanging - dropped the ball? it feels to me | like... it's not a hanging offence, i don't think it should be sackcloth and ashes, but it feels like a misstep because most people have to buy their own clothes to go to work on the prime minister is not low—paid. but he was transparent about it. i don't think he is likely to do it again. instead of doubling down, i think he would be wise to say, if i had my time again, i wouldn't do it. and move on. thank

ou ve wouldn't do it. and move on. thank you very much _ wouldn't do it. and move on. thank you very much indeed. _ wouldn't do it. and move on. thank you very much indeed. we - wouldn't do it. and move on. thank you very much indeed. we can i you very much indeed. we can certainly say that the conservatives would love to say if they had their time again they would do things very differently. but time again they would do things very differentl . �* , ., ._ time again they would do things very differentl . �* y., ._ ,., time again they would do things very differentl . �* y., ._ y., ., differently. but if you say you are auoin to differently. but if you say you are going to be _ differently. but if you say you are going to be puritanical— differently. but if you say you are going to be puritanical and i differently. but if you say you are i going to be puritanical and become a cavalier _ more than 20 former employees of the late former owner of harrods — mohamed al fayed — have accused him of rape or sexual assault in a new bbc documentary broadcast tonight. al fayed, whose son dodi was killed in the same car crash alongside princess diana, himself died last year aged 94. today's documentary tells how the store's owner toured the sales floors looking for victims and harrods covered up complaints about him. victims were silenced with non disclosure agreements, ndas. the store's new owners say they're appalled and have apologised. none of the al—fayed related claims settled by harrods since the new owners bought the business in 2010 ever required victims to sign ndas. here's a clip from tonight's documentary in which one victim — gemma — tells the story of her nda, signed when al fayed was still in charge.

in 2009, gemma contacted a lawyer who told harrods she was leaving her job on the grounds of sexual harassment. she didn't feel able to disclose the more serious allegations at the time. they agreed to pay a settlement if she signed a nondisclosure agreement. there was also one other condition. the la ers also one other condition. the lawyers organised _ also one other condition. the lawyers organised for a shredding truck— lawyers organised for a shredding truck to _ lawyers organised for a shredding truck to come to my lawyer's office and it _ truck to come to my lawyer's office and it was— truck to come to my lawyer's office and it was shredded in front of us, including _ and it was shredded in front of us, including tapes i had of him, my phone _ including tapes i had of him, my phone that had messages and voicemails, really quite nasty voicemails, really quite nasty voicemails on them. somebody from hr was present— voicemails on them. somebody from hr was present for the shredding of all of the _ was present for the shredding of all of the evidence i had. and more claims against al fayed have emerged this evening following the bbc�*s reporting. zelda perkins made headlines around the world exposing the abuse of hollywood mogul harvey weinstein. she'd been made to sign an nda. thank you very much for coming. what

is the role of the nda in silencing women faced by powerful men? it is the ultimate — women faced by powerful men? it 3 the ultimate tool of abuse, really. and i think what we have seen over the last five or six years as more and more people coming forward, and the nda, the process of being made to sign an nda and then having your voice taken away from you, which is a basic human right, is actually more destructive to your mental health and personal life than often the event that happened in the first place. the event that happened in the first lace. ., ., , ., _ place. you have given up agency, you have been re-victimised, _ place. you have given up agency, you have been re-victimised, perhaps? i place. you have given up agency, youj have been re-victimised, perhaps? in have been re—victimised, perhaps? in your case, how long did you feel the burden of this legal instrument stepping up your head? 25 burden of this legal instrument stepping up your head? 25 years. 25 ears he stepping up your head? 25 years. 25 years he respected _ stepping up your head? 25 years. 25 years he respected the _ stepping up your head? 25 years. 25 years he respected the nda? i i stepping up your head? 25 years. 25| years he respected the nda? i didn't resect it years he respected the nda? i didn't respect it very _ years he respected the nda? i didn't respect it very well, _ years he respected the nda? i didn't respect it very well, but _ respect it very well, but officially. i did speak to journalists and i did speak to people i wasn't meant to speak to

about the agreement, in the hope that it would come to light. viewers will know that _ that it would come to light. viewers will know that an _ that it would come to light. viewers will know that an had _ that it would come to light. viewers will know that an had started i that it would come to light. viewers will know that an had started with i that it would come to light. viewers will know that an had started with a| will know that an had started with a good compass point, a north star, that if you were in business and had a dispute, you might want to protect me or you from some of the commercially secretive information. did we see mission creep in the nda? completely. they have a completely valid role in hiding intellectual property and private information, client confidentiality. but they have become the tool of choice for people in power, and that does not necessarily mean al—fayed, weinstein or epstein, it could be your manager off work, somewhere like mcdonald's. harriet harman is nodding. she faced the most shocking treatment when she was in parliament for the first time, things were said to you. i wonder, as mother of the house, if you can explain why it has been so difficult for reform to come around in this field of law? i

difficult for reform to come around in this field of law?— in this field of law? i think actually. _ in this field of law? i think actually, but _ in this field of law? i think actually, but i _ in this field of law? i think actually, but i would i in this field of law? i think| actually, but i would really congratulate you on the work you have _ congratulate you on the work you have done — congratulate you on the work you have done on this, and maria miller, conservative — have done on this, and maria miller, conservative mp, brought forward a bill to— conservative mp, brought forward a bill to outlaw the use of ndas like this. bill to outlaw the use of ndas like this i_ bill to outlaw the use of ndas like this. i hope the new government will accept _ this. i hope the new government will accept that— this. i hope the new government will accept that bill, the previous government didn't. it isjust another— government didn't. it isjust another way of shoring up male abuse of power _ another way of shoring up male abuse of power i_ another way of shoring up male abuse of power. i think where we have got to is that _ of power. i think where we have got to is that everybody agrees women should _ to is that everybody agrees women should not— to is that everybody agrees women should not be harassed at work, and there _ should not be harassed at work, and there is— should not be harassed at work, and there is a _ should not be harassed at work, and there is a problem with misogyny. but, actually, the action is taken to stop _ but, actually, the action is taken to stop it— but, actually, the action is taken to stop it are falling short. i think— to stop it are falling short. i think today, actually, the government has taken yet more action. — government has taken yet more action, and a new law is going to come _ action, and a new law is going to come into— action, and a new law is going to come into force next month which is going _ come into force next month which is going to _ come into force next month which is going to put — come into force next month which is going to put a duty on employers to protect— going to put a duty on employers to protect their employees from sexual harassment. the laura is going forward. — harassment. the laura is going forward, that needs to be backed up with actions from agencies like the police _ with actions from agencies like the police and — with actions from agencies like the police and such like. it's a bit snail-like. _ police and such like. it's a bit snail—like, the progress, but we are going _ snail—like, the progress, but we are going in— snail—like, the progress, but we are going in the — snail—like, the progress, but we are going in the right direction.

robert. _ going in the right direction. robert, do you worry that there are men that are being protected by nda is now? . , , ., . ., is now? clearly. it is horrific what ou went is now? clearly. it is horrific what you went through, _ is now? clearly. it is horrific what you went through, but _ is now? clearly. it is horrific what you went through, but incredible | you went through, but incredible what _ you went through, but incredible what you — you went through, but incredible what you have _ you went through, but incredible what you have achieved. - you went through, but incredible what you have achieved. the i you went through, but incrediblej what you have achieved. the fact that they — what you have achieved. the fact that they use _ what you have achieved. the fact that they use this, _ what you have achieved. the fact that they use this, like _ what you have achieved. the fact that they use this, like you - what you have achieved. the fact that they use this, like you said, | that they use this, like you said, as a _ that they use this, like you said, as a weapon. _ that they use this, like you said, as a weapon, and _ that they use this, like you said, as a weapon, and clearly- that they use this, like you said, as a weapon, and clearly there i that they use this, like you said, i as a weapon, and clearly there has to be _ as a weapon, and clearly there has to be something _ as a weapon, and clearly there has to be something done _ as a weapon, and clearly there has to be something done pretty- as a weapon, and clearly there has to be something done pretty soonl as a weapon, and clearly there has. to be something done pretty soon in terms _ to be something done pretty soon in terms ofm — to be something done pretty soon in terms ofm well. _ to be something done pretty soon in terms of... well, they— to be something done pretty soon in terms of... well, they know- to be something done pretty soon in terms of... well, they know if- to be something done pretty soon in terms of... well, they know if they. terms of... well, they know if they use if— terms of... well, they know if they use if they— terms of... well, they know if they use if they can— terms of... well, they know if they use if they can get _ terms of... well, they know if they use if they can get away— terms of... well, they know if they use if they can get away with - terms of... well, they know if they use if they can get away with it i use if they can get away with it again— use if they can get away with it again and _ use if they can get away with it again and again. _ use if they can get away with it again and again. that - use if they can get away with it again and again. that is - use if they can get away with it again and again. that is why. use if they can get away with it i again and again. that is why they use the _ again and again. that is why they use the ndas _ again and again. that is why they use the ndas. [— again and again. that is why they use the ndas._ use the ndas. i 'ust want to say this is a much i use the ndas. ijust want to say this is a much broader— use the ndas. ijust want to say this is a much broader probleml use the ndas. i just want to say i this is a much broader problem on a gender—based issue. i know the gender—based issue. i know the gender base is the pinnacle of it. it brings the attention. it gender base is the pinnacle of it. it brings the attention.— it brings the attention. it does. ndas, if it brings the attention. it does. ndas. if you — it brings the attention. it does. ndas, if you look _ it brings the attention. it does. ndas, if you look at _ it brings the attention. it does. ndas, if you look at the i it brings the attention. it does. ndas, if you look at the last i it brings the attention. it does. ndas, if you look at the last 12 | ndas, if you look at the last 12 months, all of the scandals you have been reporting on, the post office, cladding, at the bottom of all of these are nondisclosure agreements. they are being used by every sector to hide information that is of public interest. and this is about the integrity of law. and the law is being made a fool of. can

the integrity of law. and the law is being made a fool of.— the integrity of law. and the law is being made a fool of. can i say that we alwa s being made a fool of. can i say that we always talk _ being made a fool of. can i say that we always talk about _ being made a fool of. can i say that we always talk about policies i being made a fool of. can i say that we always talk about policies and i being made a fool of. can i say thatl we always talk about policies and we are always _ we always talk about policies and we are always asked _ we always talk about policies and we are always asked to _ we always talk about policies and we are always asked to remember- we always talk about policies and we are always asked to remember the i are always asked to remember the victims _ are always asked to remember the victims this — are always asked to remember the victims. this is _ are always asked to remember the victims. this is a _ are always asked to remember the victims. this is a man— are always asked to remember the victims. this is a man who - are always asked to remember the victims. this is a man who was, ii victims. this is a man who was, i remember— victims. this is a man who was, i remember him _ victims. this is a man who was, i remember him as— victims. this is a man who was, i remember him as i— victims. this is a man who was, i remember him as i grew- victims. this is a man who was, i remember him as i grew up, i victims. this is a man who was, i remember him as i grew up, onei victims. this is a man who was, i. remember him as i grew up, one of the most_ remember him as i grew up, one of the most central— remember him as i grew up, one of the most central parts _ remember him as i grew up, one of the most central parts of _ remember him as i grew up, one of the most central parts of our - the most central parts of our national_ the most central parts of our national conversation. - the most central parts of our national conversation. do- the most central parts of ouri national conversation. do you the most central parts of our - national conversation. do you think there _ national conversation. do you think there are _ national conversation. do you think there are women _ national conversation. do you think there are women who _ national conversation. do you think there are women who have - national conversation. do you think there are women who have been i there are women who have been waiting _ there are women who have been waiting to — there are women who have been waiting to come _ there are women who have been waiting to come forward, - there are women who have beenl waiting to come forward, perhaps silenced — waiting to come forward, perhaps silenced hy— waiting to come forward, perhaps silenced by whatever, _ waiting to come forward, perhaps silenced by whatever, even - waiting to come forward, perhaps silenced by whatever, even by- waiting to come forward, perhaps . silenced by whatever, even by fear, not by _ silenced by whatever, even by fear, not by legal — silenced by whatever, even by fear, not by legal instruments? - silenced by whatever, even by fear, not by legal instruments? do- silenced by whatever, even by fear, not by legal instruments? do you . not by legal instruments? do you think— not by legal instruments? do you think this — not by legal instruments? do you think this represents _ not by legal instruments? do you think this represents a _ not by legal instruments? do you think this represents a big - not by legal instruments? do you i think this represents a big moment? absolutely — think this represents a big moment? absolutely i— think this represents a big moment? absolutely. i watched _ think this represents a big moment? absolutely. i watched the _ absolutely. i watched the documentary today and the majority of the women of air are saying that they were too terrified to speak out, whether they had signed an nda or not. and this is something that is the case with all of these very public, high—profile men. the is the case with all of these very public, high-profile men. the awful thin about public, high-profile men. the awful thing about it _ public, high-profile men. the awful thing about it is _ public, high-profile men. the awful thing about it is that _ public, high-profile men. the awful thing about it is that ten _ public, high-profile men. the awful thing about it is that ten years - public, high-profile men. the awful thing about it is that ten years ago | thing about it is that ten years ago somebody— thing about it is that ten years ago somebody did come forward and made complaints— somebody did come forward and made complaints about the police, at the police _ complaints about the police, at the police did _ complaints about the police, at the police did not take it to a prosecution, then they complained again— prosecution, then they complained again and — prosecution, then they complained again and nothing happened. the point _ again and nothing happened. the point about ndas, because they

sitehce — point about ndas, because they silence people, women can't see the other— silence people, women can't see the other women who had the same circumstances and there is a pattern of behaviour. lying at the heart of this is— of behaviour. lying at the heart of this is police failure to prosecute and we _ this is police failure to prosecute and we have to sort that out. greerwck— and we have to sort that out. greenock we have the as well that mentioned some of this. someone said, _ mentioned some of this. someone said. i_ mentioned some of this. someone said. igrew— mentioned some of this. someone said, i grew up with this guy and he wasah_ said, i grew up with this guy and he was an all—powerful figure, but even the netftix _ was an all—powerful figure, but even the netflix series has him looking like a _ the netflix series has him looking like a cuddly grandfather. but they would _ like a cuddly grandfather. but they would have known. it has gone on, these _ would have known. it has gone on, these people are so powerful and influential they get away with anything. influential they get away with an hina. . ~ influential they get away with an hina. . ,, influential they get away with an hina. . ., influential they get away with an him, ., ~' y., ., ., influential they get away with an hina. . ., ., , anything. thank you for 'oining us, i will be fl anything. thank you for 'oining us, i will be sure to t anything. thank you for 'oining us, i will be sure to leave _ anything. thank you forjoining us, i will be sure to leave regularly - anything. thank you forjoining us, i will be sure to leave regularly on| i will be sure to leave regularly on the sofa. i can see when you speak about it that you feel relieved that the public focus is changing. thank you very much for coming tonight.

harrods new owners have given us the following statement: "we are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by mohamed al fayed. these were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms. we also acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise." "the harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by al fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do. this is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by al fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved. this process is still available for any current or former harrods employees." meanwhile, the government is set to announced plans to legislate to tackle violence against women and girls. nick has the late breaking details. lam not i am not sure if this was something that harriet was getting us into a little bit, but there is news tonight? in little bit, but there is news toniaht? . . .

tonight? in the last few minutes we have heard what _ tonight? in the last few minutes we have heard what yvette _ tonight? in the last few minutes we have heard what yvette cooper - tonight? in the last few minutes we have heard what yvette cooper and | have heard what yvette cooper and her ministerial colleaguejess phillips will announce tomorrow. there are three big things that they are pointing us to. firstly, a new domestic abuse protection order to give better protection to victims. secondly, the home secretary is to spearhead a cross government approach to tackling violence against women and girls. and then this, domestic abuse specialists to be embedded in 999 control rooms. the home office that it is in memory that terrible case of a woman and her mother who were murdered by her ex—husband in 2018. there were 13 reports made to the police about concerns for her safety. no arrests were made. on the night she was killed, she ran 999 four times. it killed, she ran 999 fourtimes. it is to be introduced by yvette cooper? is to be introduced by yvette coo er? �* , . . is to be introduced by yvette cooer?�* g ,, ,, cooper? and jess phillips, the minister who _ cooper? and jess phillips, the minister who harriet _ cooper? and jess phillips, the minister who harriet will - cooper? and jess phillips, the minister who harriet will know

stands up every year in parliament to read out the names of women who are murdered in a domestic situation. are murdered in a domestic situation-— are murdered in a domestic situation. what is so tragic, when we see on — situation. what is so tragic, when we see on the _ situation. what is so tragic, when we see on the news _ situation. what is so tragic, when we see on the news a _ situation. what is so tragic, when we see on the news a woman - situation. what is so tragic, when we see on the news a woman and perhaps— we see on the news a woman and perhaps too— we see on the news a woman and perhaps too much of her daughters have been— perhaps too much of her daughters have been killed, you then wait for the story— have been killed, you then wait for the story to — have been killed, you then wait for the story to unfold, they are looking _ the story to unfold, they are looking for somebody, it is a boyfriend _ looking for somebody, it is a boyfriend or a former boyfriend, then— boyfriend or a former boyfriend, then the — boyfriend or a former boyfriend, then the story unfolds that there have _ then the story unfolds that there have been, time aftertime, there have _ have been, time aftertime, there have been— have been, time aftertime, there have been warning signs that have not been _ have been warning signs that have not been acted on. this is preventable crime. it's very rarely a bolt _ preventable crime. it's very rarely a bolt out — preventable crime. it's very rarely a bolt out of the blue. this is such a bolt out of the blue. this is such a good _ a bolt out of the blue. this is such a good initiative.— a good initiative. sorry to interrupt. _ a good initiative. sorry to interrupt. l— a good initiative. sorry to interrupt, i wondered - a good initiative. sorry to interrupt, i wondered if l a good initiative. sorry to - interrupt, i wondered if robert might acknowledge that, because you had fierce criticism for the new government, but this seems to be progress on the programme? this government, but this seems to be progress on the programme? this is a brilliant thing — progress on the programme? this is a brilliant thing to _ progress on the programme? this is a brilliant thing to do. _ progress on the programme? this is a brilliant thing to do. as _ progress on the programme? this is a brilliant thing to do. as an _ progress on the programme? this is a brilliant thing to do. as an mp, - progress on the programme? this is a brilliant thing to do. as an mp, i - brilliant thing to do. as an mp, i had horrific— brilliant thing to do. as an mp, i had horrific domestic violence cases in my— had horrific domestic violence cases in my constituency. some of it could have been— in my constituency. some of it could have been preventable. exactly as you have — have been preventable. exactly as you have just said. i think we tried to do— you have just said. i think we tried to do a _ you have just said. i think we tried to do a fair— you have just said. i think we tried to do a fair bit when we were in office. — to do a fair bit when we were in office. but— to do a fair bit when we were in office. but i_ to do a fair bit when we were in office, but i think this kind of initiative. _

office, but i think this kind of initiative, especially the 999 control— initiative, especially the 999 control rooms, i think