provision. and we influence 16 to 19 provision. and we will devolve funding to support economically and active people into work. and funding for retrofit will be included in the integrated settlement by the end of the parliament. we will also create a statutory... in the rail network. a right to request rail devolution. this all means easier commute across morejoined up transport this all means easier commute across more joined up transport links. this all means easier commute across morejoined up transport links. new homes, properly connected to local infrastructure and skills provision that matches localjob that matches local job opportunities. that matches localjob opportunities. but we are not stopping there. we are also going to indicate police and crime commission functions and strengthened their role in encrypting rated care systems. we will give local people more of a say over what matters to them by strengthening to cherish local community assets and high streets. and we are fixing the foundations of local government

reform. fairer funding foundations of local government reform. fairerfunding and reform. fairer funding and multi—year settlements. reform. fairerfunding and multi—yearsettlements. bidding reform. fairerfunding and multi—year settlements. bidding wars forfencing parts, and we will facilitate a bold programme of forfencing parts, and we will facilitate a bold programme of unionisation, creating simpler unionisation, creating simpler sustainable structures and more sustainable structures and more accountable politicians. on top of accountable politicians. on top of this, whitehall won't interfere this, whitehall won't interfere unnecessarily in local unnecessarily in local decision—making. there is really no decision—making. there is really no good reason for ministers to sign good reason for ministers to sign off cattle grids or new cycle lanes. off cattle grids or new cycle lanes. we have an economy that hordes we have an economy that hordes potential and a politics that hordes potential and a politics that hordes power. to our devolution revolution power. to our devolution revolution will deliver the greatest transfer will deliver the greatest transfer of power from whitehall to our of power from whitehall to our community is in a generation. community is in a generation. empowering those communities to empowering those communities to realise their potential. no other realise their potential. no other

government has been this ambitious government has been this ambitious about devolution. will about devolution. a mission that binds all departments across government. a long—term mission over generations rather than a short—term fix. it is about change. at every level. it togetherthis

fix. it is about change. at every level. it together this is change, and together this is what we will deliver. thank you. wow. this is quite a moment, you _ wow. this is quite a moment, you will— wow. this is quite a moment, you will be _ wow. this is quite a moment, you will be able to tell your grandchildren you were here. you _ grandchildren you were here. you were _ grandchildren you were here. you were here on this day. we will have — you were here on this day. we will have the opportunity to have — will have the opportunity to have around nine questions, i will cluster them in groups of lhreo — will cluster them in groups of lhreo i— will cluster them in groups of three. i am trying to get journalists and stakeholders as well _ journalists and stakeholders as well if — journalists and stakeholders as well. if you wanted to ask a question. _ well. if you wanted to ask a question, pleasejust well. if you wanted to ask a question, please just raise your— question, please just raise your hand. and if you say your name — your hand. and if you say your name and _ your hand. and if you say your name and where you're from that would _ name and where you're from that would be — name and where you're from that would be grand. great stuff. at the back, — would be grand. great stuff. at the back, is it rob? i will take _ the back, is it rob? i will take you _ the back, is it rob? i will take you first, rob. if you

introduce yourself... hello, rob parsons _ introduce yourself... hello, rob parsons from - introduce yourself... hello, rob parsons from the - introduce yourself... hello, . rob parsons from the northern agenda — rob parsons from the northern agenda newsletter. _ rob parsons from the northern agenda newsletter. can - rob parsons from the northern agenda newsletter. can i - rob parsons from the northern agenda newsletter. can i ask. agenda newsletter. can i ask you about _ agenda newsletter. can i ask you about post—16 _ agenda newsletter. can i askl you about post—16 education? agenda newsletter. can i ask- you about post—16 education? we heard _ you about post—16 education? we heard this — you about post—16 education? we heard this weekend _ you about post—16 education? we heard this weekend that - you about post—16 education? we heard this weekend that mayors i heard this weekend that mayors in the _ heard this weekend that mayors ih the north— heard this weekend that mayors in the north would _ heard this weekend that mayors in the north would like - heard this weekend that mayors in the north would like to - heard this weekend that mayors in the north would like to have. in the north would like to have more _ in the north would like to have more powers— in the north would like to have more powers and _ in the north would like to have more powers and funding - in the north would like to have more powers and funding to i more powers and funding to influence _ more powers and funding to influence their— more powers and funding to influence their local- more powers and funding to l influence their local education systems _ influence their local education systems i_ influence their local education systems. i have _ influence their local education systems. i have not— influence their local education systems. i have not had - influence their local education systems. i have not had a - systems. i have not had a chance _ systems. i have not had a chance to _ systems. i have not had a chance to read _ systems. i have not had a chance to read the - systems. i have not had a chance to read the full. systems. i have not had a i chance to read the full paper yet. — chance to read the full paper yet. but _ chance to read the full paper yet. but i _ chance to read the full paper yet, but i gather— chance to read the full paper yet, but i gather there - chance to read the full paper yet, but i gather there was l yet, but i gather there was not too much — yet, but i gather there was not too much of— yet, but i gather there was not too much of that _ yet, but i gather there was not too much of that in— yet, but i gather there was not too much of that in there. - yet, but i gather there was not too much of that in there. how you promised _ too much of that in there. how you promised devolution- too much of that in there. how you promised devolution by. you promised devolution by default. _ you promised devolution by default, how— you promised devolution by default, how does - you promised devolution by default, how does that - you promised devolution byl default, how does that work you promised devolution by. default, how does that work if nrayors— default, how does that work if mayors are _ default, how does that work if mayors are wanting _ default, how does that work if mayors are wanting powers i default, how does that work if. mayors are wanting powers you are not— mayors are wanting powers you are not necessarily— mayors are wanting powers you are not necessarily willing - mayors are wanting powers you are not necessarily willing to i are not necessarily willing to hand — are not necessarily willing to hand over? _ are not necessarily willing to hand over?— are not necessarily willing to hand over? ., ,, i. . hand over? thank you so much. and jane? _ hand over? thank you so much. and jane? thank _ hand over? thank you so much. and jane? thank you, _ hand over? thank you so much. and jane? thank you, some - hand over? thank you so much. and jane? thank you, some of. hand over? thank you so much. i and jane? thank you, some of us are already _ and jane? thank you, some of us are already taking _ and jane? thank you, some of us are already taking the _ and jane? thank you, some of us are already taking the plunge - are already taking the plunge into devolution— are already taking the plunge into devolution here - are already taking the plunge into devolution here in - are already taking the plunge into devolution here in westl into devolution here in west yorkshire _ into devolution here in west yorkshire and _ into devolution here in west yorkshire and it _ into devolution here in west yorkshire and it is _ into devolution here in west yorkshire and it is true, - into devolution here in west yorkshire and it is true, wel yorkshire and it is true, we are — yorkshire and it is true, we are stronger— yorkshire and it is true, we are stronger together. - yorkshire and it is true, we are stronger together. i- yorkshire and it is true, we| are stronger together. i am glad _ are stronger together. i am glad the — are stronger together. i am glad the rest _ are stronger together. i am glad the rest of _ are stronger together. i am glad the rest of the - are stronger together. i am glad the rest of the countryj glad the rest of the country will have _ glad the rest of the country will have some _ glad the rest of the country will have some taste - glad the rest of the country will have some taste of - glad the rest of the country. will have some taste of that. but we — will have some taste of that. but we wonder— will have some taste of that. but we wonder what - will have some taste of that. but we wonder what is - will have some taste of that. but we wonder what is next. will have some taste of that. . but we wonder what is next for combined _ but we wonder what is next for combined authorities— but we wonder what is next for combined authorities like - but we wonder what is next for combined authorities like oursl combined authorities like ours in terms —

combined authorities like ours in terms of— combined authorities like ours in terms of developing - combined authorities like ours in terms of developing and - in terms of developing and maturing _ in terms of developing and maturing the _ in terms of developing and maturing the powers - in terms of developing and maturing the powers that. in terms of developing and . maturing the powers that we have — maturing the powers that we have and _ maturing the powers that we have~ and i_ maturing the powers that we have. and i suppose - maturing the powers that we have. and i suppose the - maturing the powers that we i have. and i suppose the second thing _ have. and i suppose the second thing is, — have. and i suppose the second thing is, when— have. and i suppose the second thing is, when i _ have. and i suppose the second thing is, when i am _ have. and i suppose the second thing is, when i am asked - have. and i suppose the second thing is, when i am asked on. thing is, when i am asked on the doorstep _ thing is, when i am asked on the doorstep what _ thing is, when i am asked on the doorstep what does - thing is, when i am asked on the doorstep what does thisl the doorstep what does this devolution _ the doorstep what does this devolution mean _ the doorstep what does this devolution mean in - the doorstep what does this devolution mean in terms . the doorstep what does this| devolution mean in terms of money— devolution mean in terms of money in _ devolution mean in terms of money in my— devolution mean in terms of money in my pocket, - devolution mean in terms of money in my pocket, what l devolution mean in terms of| money in my pocket, what is devolution mean in terms of - money in my pocket, what is the very— money in my pocket, what is the very simple _ money in my pocket, what is the very simple and _ money in my pocket, what is the very simple and straightforwardl very simple and straightforward answer? — very simple and straightforward answer? ., , . , very simple and straightforward answer?_ i- very simple and straightforward| answer?_ i think answer? super. and jen. ithink uuite of answer? super. and jen. ithink quite of a _ answer? super. and jen. ithink quite of a few— answer? super. and jen. ithink quite of a few of— answer? super. and jen. ithink quite of a few of the _ answer? super. and jen. ithink quite of a few of the mayors - quite of a few of the mayors involved _ quite of a few of the mayors involved in _ quite of a few of the mayors involved in discussions - quite of a few of the mayors l involved in discussions around the paper— involved in discussions around the paper it _ involved in discussions around the paper it would _ involved in discussions around the paper it would like - involved in discussions around the paper it would like to - involved in discussions around the paper it would like to see i the paper it would like to see devolution. _ the paper it would like to see devolution, tourism - the paper it would like to see devolution, tourism taxes - devolution, tourism taxes mentioned, _ devolution, tourism taxes mentioned, my— devolution, tourism taxes mentioned, my sense - devolution, tourism taxes mentioned, my sense is. devolution, tourism taxes i mentioned, my sense is that people — mentioned, my sense is that people are _ mentioned, my sense is that people are not _ mentioned, my sense is that people are not entirely- mentioned, my sense is that| people are not entirely happy about— people are not entirely happy about that _ people are not entirely happy about that. does _ people are not entirely happy about that. does that - people are not entirely happy about that. does that mean i people are not entirely happy. about that. does that mean the door— about that. does that mean the door is— about that. does that mean the door is closed _ about that. does that mean the door is closed to _ about that. does that mean the door is closed to this _ about that. does that mean the door is closed to this for- about that. does that mean the door is closed to this for the - door is closed to this for the duration— door is closed to this for the duration of— door is closed to this for the duration of this _ door is closed to this for the duration of this parliament? and — duration of this parliament? and connected _ duration of this parliament? and connected to _ duration of this parliament? and connected to that, - duration of this parliament? and connected to that, are i duration of this parliament? i and connected to that, are you confident— and connected to that, are you confident that _ and connected to that, are you confident that the _ and connected to that, are you confident that the merrill- confident that the merrill combined _ confident that the merrill combined authorities- confident that the merrill. combined authorities have confident that the merrill- combined authorities have got the capacity— combined authorities have got the capacity and _ combined authorities have got the capacity and the _ the capacity and the institutional- the capacity and the l institutional strength the capacity and the - institutional strength to be able — institutional strength to be able to— institutional strength to be able to deliver— institutional strength to be able to deliver what - institutional strength to be able to deliver what you i institutional strength to be i able to deliver what you need them — able to deliver what you need them to— able to deliver what you need them to deliver? _ able to deliver what you need them to deliver?— them to deliver? thank you. what does — them to deliver? thank you. what does it _ them to deliver? thank you. what does it mean, - them to deliver? thank you. | what does it mean, post-16, them to deliver? thank you. - what does it mean, post-16, and what does it mean, post—16, and fiscal? _

what does it mean, post-16, and fiscal? , . fiscal? there is a theme here of well, that _ fiscal? there is a theme here of well, that is _ fiscal? there is a theme here of well, that is great, - fiscal? there is a theme here of well, that is great, but - fiscal? there is a theme here of well, that is great, but we | of well, that is great, but we want more, which is even better. and it is devolution as well as revolution, you have seen some areas where we have got combined authorities have gone much further because they have been able to do that, and we want to push that and this white paper and the bill we are putting forward will be a default for devolution. so whitehall would have to give good excuses to why they would not give those areas the devolution. and we want to make sure that we do that whether it is the post—16 skills or any other element, i thinkjen mentioned tourism tax, it is not in the devolution paper but there is more the council tax, strengthen us. i think it is how we more rthe growth and i mayoral for example, there strengthen us. i think it is how we more the a growth and i strengthen us. i think it is how we more the council1 and i there is more the council tax, mayoral for example, there there is more the council tax, mayoralfor example, there is mayoral for example, there is more there is more the council tax, mayoralfor example, there is mayoral for example, there is more mayoralfor example, there is more flexibility within that so mayoralfor example, there is more flexibility within that so that mayors can have more power that mayors can have more power and control over what money and control over what money they have got and how they they have got and how they spend it. and having a mayor, i spend it. and having a mayor, i think it comes to jane's point think it comes to jane's point around combined authorities, around combined authorities, what is next, by having more what is next, by having more control on a geographical level control on a geographical level

around transport, skills, housing, so many of those around transport, skills, housing, so many of those things that interlocked, and things that interlocked, and the frustration. i was talking the frustration. i was talking to andy before, i remember to andy before, i remember giving him a right old bad time the frustration. i was talking to andy before, i rerr bad er the frustration. i was talking to andy before, i rerr bad time giving him a right old bad time when i was a care worker. my when i was a care worker. my frustration at the time was frustration at the time was politicians in whitehall, they just didn't know what was going on on the ground, it felt when i was a care worker. my frustration at the time wa going just didn't know what was going on on the ground, it felt clunky and you would have one clunky and you would have one thing happening here, another thing happening here, another happening there. i having happening there. i having spaced approach within the spaced approach within the combined authority could see combined authority could see that uplift to really tackle that uplift to really tackle some of the challenges. i would some of the challenges. i would say some of the brilliant say some of the brilliant opportunities that our areas opportunities that our areas can deliver, i am sick of it can deliver, i am sick of it being talked down like we are a being talked down like we are a drag. we are not, we have got a distinctiveness about us, we have got things we can deliver and areas to be proud of, industries that we came from that actually, by allowing people in with skin in the game combining together and having that ability, i think that will strengthen us. i think it is how we deliver the growth and i

and i showing and it demanding, and i am pretty certain that mayors are already going to demand more and rightly so. but they are making sure that that works and we show that. i'm sure that where the combined authorities are already working, i am sure that you are already seeing the efforts on health care, educational skills, efforts on health care, educationalskills, i efforts on health care, educational skills, i am efforts on health care, educational skills, iam really excited about what i think this can deliver for areas as someone who has grown up can deliverfor areas as someone who has grown up in can deliver for areas as someone who has grown up in the north of england. ijust see the potential and i see a lot of, as a constituency mp, i made two more of my talent from my constituency in london than i do in my constituency. because far too often they say they have had to move because they have had to move because the jobs are not there. well, we can build those jobs the jobs are not there. well, we can build thosejobs in our parts in our regions of the country, and devolution i think it's a way of delivering that growth and opportunities for everyone no matter where they grew up in england.— everyone no matter where they grew up in england. thank you. i was told _ grew up in england. thank you. i was told that _ grew up in england. thank you. i was told that a _ grew up in england. thank you. i was told that a collection - grew up in england. thank you. i was told that a collection of i i was told that a collection of mayors — i was told that a collection of mayors is— i was told that a collection of mayors is a munificence. i like

that _ mayors is a munificence. i like that thank— mayors is a munificence. i like that. thank you for that. certainly, every part of everyone's lives should be touched _ everyone's lives should be touched by devolution, whether affordable housing or collected integrated transport, skills, or opportunities into work and learninqm _ or opportunities into work and learning... 50, we are hoping that— learning... 50, we are hoping that everybody's lives will be touched _ that everybody's lives will be touched by devolution. so, that everybody's lives will be touched by devolution. 50, more questionsm _ touched by devolution. 50, more questions... at the back, the gentleman in the jacket. thank you _ gentleman in the 'acket. thank ou. . ~' gentleman in the 'acket. thank ou. . ~ gentleman in the 'acket. thank ou. ., ~' ., gentleman in the 'acket. thank ou. ., ., ., , you. thank you, from the daily mail. you. thank you, from the daily mail- can _ you. thank you, from the daily mail- can you _ you. thank you, from the daily mail. can you shed _ you. thank you, from the daily mail. can you shed more - you. thank you, from the daily mail. can you shed more light| mail. can you shed more light on whether— mail. can you shed more light on whether this _ mail. can you shed more light on whether this move - mail. can you shed more light on whether this move will- mail. can you shed more light l on whether this move will mean that all— on whether this move will mean that all local— on whether this move will mean that all local elections - on whether this move will mean that all local elections next - that all local elections next may — that all local elections next may will _ that all local elections next may will still— that all local elections next may will still go _ that all local elections next may will still go ahead? - that all local elections next may will still go ahead? if. may will still go ahead? if not. — may will still go ahead? if not. what _ may will still go ahead? if not, what is _ may will still go ahead? if not, what is your- may will still go ahead? if| not, what is your message may will still go ahead? if. not, what is your message to voters — not, what is your message to voters who _ not, what is your message to voters who may _ not, what is your message to voters who may feel- not, what is your message to voters who may feel their. voters who may feel their democratic— voters who may feel their democratic right- voters who may feel their democratic right has - voters who may feel their| democratic right has been voters who may feel their - democratic right has been taken away— democratic right has been taken away quite — democratic right has been taken away quite contrary— democratic right has been taken away quite contrary to _ democratic right has been taken away quite contrary to the - away quite contrary to the spirit _ away quite contrary to the spirit of— away quite contrary to the spirit of putting _ away quite contrary to the spirit of putting more - away quite contrary to the l spirit of putting more power away quite contrary to the - spirit of putting more power in local— spirit of putting more power in local people's _ spirit of putting more power in local people's hands... - spirit of putting more power in local people's hands. . .- local people's hands... thank ou, local people's hands... thank you. yes? — local people's hands... thank you, yes? hello, _ local people's hands... thank you, yes? hello, victoria - local people's hands... thank you, yes? hello, victoria of. you, yes? hello, victoria of r0 al you, yes? hello, victoria of royal town _ you, yes? hello, victoria of royal town planning - you, yes? hello, victoria of. royal town planning institute. there — royal town planning institute. there is — royal town planning institute. there is a _ royal town planning institute. there is a lot _ royal town planning institute. there is a lot going _ royal town planning institute. there is a lot going on- royal town planning institute. there is a lot going on in- royal town planning institute.

there is a lot going on in the l there is a lot going on in the world — there is a lot going on in the world of— there is a lot going on in the world of planning _ there is a lot going on in the world of planning reform - there is a lot going on in the world of planning reform at. there is a lot going on in the . world of planning reform at the moment — world of planning reform at the moment the _ world of planning reform at the moment. the question- world of planning reform at the moment. the question is- world of planning reform at the moment. the question is how. moment. the question is how quickly— moment. the question is how quickly before _ moment. the question is how quickly before we _ moment. the question is how quickly before we can - moment. the question is how quickly before we can see - moment. the question is how quickly before we can see it . quickly before we can see it does — quickly before we can see it does a _ quickly before we can see it does a strategic _ quickly before we can see it does a strategic planning i does a strategic planning powers— does a strategic planning powers coming _ does a strategic planning powers coming in- does a strategic planning powers coming in acrossl does a strategic planning. powers coming in across the cities — powers coming in across the cities and _ powers coming in across the cities and regions _ powers coming in across the cities and regions to - powers coming in across the cities and regions to really. cities and regions to really -et cities and regions to really get things— cities and regions to really get things going? - cities and regions to really get things going? 0k. - cities and regions to really get things going?- cities and regions to really get things going? 0k, and when were at the _ get things going? 0k, and when were at the back... _ get things going? 0k, and when were at the back... -- _ get things going? 0k, and when were at the back... -- one - get things going? 0k, and when| were at the back... -- one more were at the back... —— one more at the _ were at the back... —— one more at the back _ were at the back... —— one more at the back i_ were at the back... —— one more at the back. i am so sorry, if you — at the back. i am so sorry, if you want— at the back. i am so sorry, if you want to... in at the back. i am so sorry, if you want to. . ._ you want to... in light of the revelations _ you want to... in light of the revelations this _ you want to... in light of the revelations this weekend - you want to... in light of the i revelations this weekend about the alleged _ revelations this weekend about the alleged chinese _ revelations this weekend about the alleged chinese spy, - revelations this weekend about the alleged chinese spy, do. revelations this weekend abouti the alleged chinese spy, do you think— the alleged chinese spy, do you think uk— the alleged chinese spy, do you think uk politicians _ the alleged chinese spy, do you think uk politicians have - think uk politicians have failed _ think uk politicians have failed to— think uk politicians have failed to be _ think uk politicians have failed to be vigilant - think uk politicians have i failed to be vigilant enough about— failed to be vigilant enough about the _ failed to be vigilant enough about the threat _ failed to be vigilant enough about the threat from - failed to be vigilant enough i about the threat from chinese influence _ about the threat from chinese influence in— about the threat from chinese influence in all— about the threat from chinese influence in all aspects - about the threat from chinese influence in all aspects of- about the threat from chinese influence in all aspects of of. influence in all aspects of of public— influence in all aspects of of public life? _ influence in all aspects of of public life? and _ influence in all aspects of of public life? and on - influence in all aspects of of public life? and on your- public life? and on your announcement - public life? and on your announcement today, l public life? and on your. announcement today, you public life? and on your- announcement today, you are proposing — announcement today, you are proposing qettinq _ announcement today, you are proposing getting rid - announcement today, you are proposing getting rid of- announcement today, you are i proposing getting rid of swedes of smaller— proposing getting rid of swedes of smaller district _ proposing getting rid of swedes of smaller district council. - proposing getting rid of swedes of smaller district council. do l of smaller district council. do you see — of smaller district council. do you see them _ of smaller district council. do you see them as— of smaller district council. do you see them as blockers - of smaller district council. do you see them as blockers to i you see them as blockers to economic— you see them as blockers to economic growth? - you see them as blockers to economic growth?— you see them as blockers to economic growth? thank you so much. if economic growth? thank you so much- if i _ economic growth? thank you so much- lfl may _ economic growth? thank you so much. ifi mayjust _ economic growth? thank you so much. if i mayjust to _ economic growth? thank you so much. if i mayjust to say - much. if i mayjust to say about— much. if i mayjust to say about china, it feels like that is1 million miles away about china, it feels like that is 1 million miles away from what — is 1 million miles away from what we _ is 1 million miles away from what we are discussing today and what it feels very important to the people in the room. — important to the people in the room. i— important to the people in the room, i am sure the government

spoke — room, i am sure the government spoke to— room, i am sure the government spoke to people, have spoken about— spoke to people, have spoken about it — spoke to people, have spoken about it this morning. we have -ot about it this morning. we have got local— about it this morning. we have got local elections, smaller councils— got local elections, smaller councils and how quickly can we -et councils and how quickly can we get strategic plans out. local elections we are not looking to delay— elections we are not looking to delay them. we are not setting that that — delay them. we are not setting that that would be the agenda. what _ that that would be the agenda. what we — that that would be the agenda. what we want to see is collaboration and local government reform. if that means— government reform. if that means that further down we get to that — means that further down we get to that decision quickly because they are halfway down, that local — because they are halfway down, that local government reform, that local government reform, that would be something that would — that would be something that would come from the bottom up. it is would come from the bottom up. it is not _ would come from the bottom up. it is not something we are planning _ it is not something we are planning on doing from central government. in terms of the town— government. in terms of the town planning, strategic planning, how quickly... some ofthat— planning, how quickly... some ofthat will— planning, how quickly... some of that will be in the devolution bill. but people are already— devolution bill. but people are already collaborating and i am pushinq — already collaborating and i am pushing that, we have got homes enqland _ pushing that, we have got homes england that i am working with, i'm working with mayors and wanting _ i'm working with mayors and wanting to work with local authorities. national policy planning framework that local authorities should come together to meet their new

mandatory targets if they want to, l _ mandatory targets if they want to, i am — mandatory targets if they want to, lam pushing mandatory targets if they want to, i am pushing collaboration, and i_ to, i am pushing collaboration, and i hinted at it when it got political— and i hinted at it when it got political in my speech. the one thing _ political in my speech. the one thing that— political in my speech. the one thing that really frustrated me about — thing that really frustrated me about the previous government is that— about the previous government is that they pitted areas against each other, we are not in competition. leeds is leeds, manchester is manchester, we are not— manchester is manchester, we are not a — manchester is manchester, we are not a football club, we can have _ are not a football club, we can have a — are not a football club, we can have a bit— are not a football club, we can have a bit of rivalry but ultimately we have got a distinct identity and local authorities working together, mayors— authorities working together, mayors working together, it brings — mayors working together, it brings out the best in us. instead _ brings out the best in us. instead of pitting areas against each other, i think workinq _ against each other, i think working together is the right way — working together is the right way so— working together is the right way. so strategic planning will be delivered to the devolution bill but — be delivered to the devolution bill but also through the npp f. �* ., bill but also through the npp f. and we are already doing work to make _ f. and we are already doing work to make sure - f. and we are already doing work to make sure that - f. and we are already doing - work to make sure that happens. if you want to ask me about national issues, i am going to stick with the district councils for the people that have come to this event. i do not think that district councils are blockers, that is not what i am trying to achieve. i am trying to achieve scale. working with people. so, looking at how we can have

—based approach. in areas, in towns and rural areas and different parts of the world you do not stop at the council border. nobody talks in council borders, might local area does even recognise local government after 7a. .. even recognise local government after 7a... we don't even call ourselves tame side. people do not stop at their border. many people work and travel and their health care is beyond their health care is beyond their border, theirjobs are beyond their border, whether it is a district council or metropolitan... having that joined up approach and working towards how you scale up that support to through growth or transport or health, i think is a really important push to say to people let's go on this journey together, let's recognise where things are not working and let's have a government, a set...

welcome back to clement to remind you of the breaking news we were able to bring you in the past few minutes or so about the elected chinese spy who has been banned from the uk, despite known as h six who has been linked to prince andrew. we have been hearing from high courtjudge in the past few minutes has named him as yang tengbo. damon, what have we heard?— have we heard? what we are heafina have we heard? what we are hearing from _ have we heard? what we are hearing from the _ have we heard? what we are hearing from the court - have we heard? what we are hearing from the court is - have we heard? what we are| hearing from the court is that the court itself has lifted this anonymity. he had been

referred to as h six and he can now be named as yang tengbo, also known as chris yang. and thatis also known as chris yang. and that is at the order of the court. mrjustice chamberlain said apparently for the avoidance of doubt, the claims that... so that is the official legal lifting of that order. to take you back, mr yang lifting of that order. to take you back, mryang had lifting of that order. to take you back, mr yang had been lifting of that order. to take you back, mryang had been in the uk, he had been here for a long time, he is a 50—year—old chinese national. and he had built up a close relationship with prince andrew. but he had been stopped at the border of the uk, immigration and security services had searched his phone, found information on there and he was subsequently banned from the uk. by the

dense home secretary sabella brown. in response to that been mr yang brought a legal challenge, that legal challenge he lost, which meant that his court, his banning was upheld, but that ban on his name or the order not to name him was still in place, that has been lifted today so we can now name him. and it reminded us of the alleged relationship between him and prince andrew. this noes him and prince andrew. this goes back — him and prince andrew. this goes back sometime. - him and prince andrew. ti 3 goes back sometime. mr yang, as we understand it, he was born in china, studied in china, came to the uk and it did further study in the uk. and then he set up business in the uk including a business which was involved in aiding uk firms seeking to businesses in china, advising and consulting. as part of that, he came into contact with prince andrew. he

built a close relationship with the prince, the prince himself has had a business relationship with andrew, he has been a business and boy with china, it was through an organisation called picture palace, which was his attempt to start up funds like that, that is where they became close. they developed a close relationship but it was the nature of that relationship and the closeness of it that caused concern among uk security authorities. now, when they stopped him they searched his mobile phone and what was emerged in the court case was that there were documents on that phone, messages, text, that suggested a very close relationship. the court ruled that the home secretary had been right to be concerned about the nature of the relationship and that that would put prince andrew potentially in a complicated position, in an exposed

position. the allegation was that yang tengbo, but the security services have claimed he believed he worked for an arm of the chinese communist party, which is called a united front work department, that is part of the communist party of china that seeks to build contacts and influence overseas to use that to the benefit to of the chinese state. that is why the home secretary had thought that this put potentially prince andrew and perhaps others in an exposed position. that view is upheld by the court. it is worth saying that yang tengbo has challenged these court proceedings throughout, and maintains that this is not true. , . , maintains that this is not true. , ,. ,, true. this has been discussed in the house _ true. this has been discussed in the house of _ true. this has been discussed in the house of commons - true. this has been discussed | in the house of commons this afternoon, we understand there could even be an urgent question on it. we were told earlier today. the level of

threat, potentially, this is what people are saying and they are concerned about the threat that china poses to the uk post any comment from the prime minister, who is out of the country at the moment? yes, he is on a trip _ country at the moment? yes, he is on a trip to — country at the moment? yes, he is on a trip to norway, _ country at the moment? yes, he is on a trip to norway, he - country at the moment? yes, he is on a trip to norway, he was i is on a trip to norway, he was asked about this case and he said he would not comment on whether they had been any communication between his office and at buckingham palace, he said that that was standard procedure, that downing street would never comment on that. more broadly, what he simply said was about that concern about china and its activities and whether it poses a threat to the uk, he simply said that his government a's view is that it is important to engage with china, that there are areas where the uk can cooperate on issues like climate change and should cooperate. areas on which it should challenge china, and thatis should challenge china, and that is issues such as human rights, and areas where it would seek to compete, like in business. the urgent question

you talked about, that is mps in the light of this case, have expressed concerns. one of them come up so iain duncan smith, has been granted an urgent question which means he will be standing up in an hour or so in the commons to ask the government, what he wants to ask about it specifically, he says, the extent of the activities the operations of this arm of the chinese communist party in the uk and what the government knows about that. that is because his view is that that what has been seen in this case with prince andrew, is the tip of the iceberg, saying he believes that china poses a threat to the uk. he wants to discuss that. , ., ., ., , that. great to have you with us takin: us that. great to have you with us taking us through _ that. great to have you with us taking us through all _ that. great to have you with us taking us through all of - that. great to have you with us taking us through all of that, i taking us through all of that, we will bring you more on that story throughout the day. now we need to take you to germany, the parliament is due to hold a vote of confidence in the

government of the chancellor, he called from the vote himself after his coalition government collapsed. he expects to lose the boat, which would pave the way to early elections in february. watching closely for us is our berlin correspondent. there will be a debate between parliamentarians, he will have to justify his decision to request and hold a vote of confidence in his government and then the mps will vote. it will be named, which means that we pretty much know along party lines what mps will vote for. i think what is expected is that he will lose this vote. counterintuitively, this is in fact what he wants to do because he currently leads a minority government after his government collapsed in november, so he cannot do anything without the help of the opposition. he cannot pass any new laws, unless the conservative opposition agree and that is why olaf says in

order to get germany moving again and to have a fully functioning government he needs to stage elections. this would happen on february 23. he appears confident that he can windows and remain chancellor, but his poll numbers are terrible. the conservatives are in the lead now and they say they would windows elections and that they would form germany's next government. but there are a lot of uncertainties and a lot could happen over the next few months. we'll have to wait and see what happens on february 23. is it predictable how the vote will go today or do you think we might see something unusual from the afd?— from the afd? that has been uuite a from the afd? that has been quite a debate _ from the afd? that has been quite a debate over— from the afd? that has been quite a debate over the - from the afd? that has been quite a debate over the last i quite a debate over the last few weeks. some politicians within the afd, some mps, from the far—right party have said they will vote for olaf, they have justified that by saying that they do not believe the conservative leader is willing to stop a war with russia, so

thatis to stop a war with russia, so that is how theyjustify to stop a war with russia, so that is how they justify that decision. i think the real reason is that they want to mess things up with him parliament. however, the party has said over the last few days that they would vote against olaf and that would lead to early elections. i think what is interesting is that we have been talking a lot about political crisis. in one sense, this is a very ordinary situation, this vote of confidence has happened five times before in modern german history. and it is the only way, really, a government can spark fresh elections and early elections. on the other hand, germany is in a bit of a political mess, growth is effectively stalled and there are various global crisis. and you really need a fully functioning government in this country, the largest in europe. that is why a lot of the underlying issues facing germany needs to be solved and thatis germany needs to be solved and that is really where the feeling of crisis is coming, this sort of slow brewing feeling that change needs to

happen in germany. it can only happen in germany. it can only happen with a proper government.- happen with a proper government. happen with a proper covernment. . , , ., , government. and this is what is happening _ government. and this is what is happening inside _ government. and this is what is happening inside at _ government. and this is what is happening inside at the - government. and this is what is| happening inside at the moment we are expecting this confidence voted to happen in the next half an hour or so, the next half an hour or so, the german chancellor olaf strolls calling for it, he expects and wants to lose it, so that he can have a new election in february. we are keeping across that boat and we will bring it to you live as it happens. stay with us here on bbc news. hello there, temperature wise this week we are starting off mild with wet and windy weather thanks to low pressure. by the end of the week, it will be turning cold for all areas and we will see a mixture of sunshine and showers, these are the wintry elements at the moment. in this wedge of milder air, quite a bit of cloud around, a bit of sunshine to come up at the mild air is right across the country. on

the boundary of that mild air to the north of scotland we have had a stationary weather front which has brought high rainfall totals to parts of northern scotland, particularly the northwest highlands. what else is mostly dry, variable cloud and sunny spells. temperatures into the low teens. we could looking up into 150 mm of rain by the time monday is out, that is likely to cause issues. we have seen some localised flooding in places. that rain pushes northwards as we switch wind directions with this new area of low pressure bringing breezy and wet weather to northern and western areas as we go through tonight. milder here but some chillier spots across the east and southeast of england, where we will see clear skies. tuesdayis we will see clear skies. tuesday is a cloudy one, breezy and windy out west, outbreaks of patchy ring in scotland and northern ireland. i think mostly dry, the charm further east. given some brightness it will be quite mild, the temperature is generally ten to

12 degrees. wet weather spreads across the country on wednesday with one area of low pressure and showers again, wintry on hills in the nortf low pressure it clears away gradually. in with one area of low pressure it clears away gradually. in between should be drier with between should be drier with some sunshine around, still some sunshine around, still quite breezy, a few showers quite breezy, a few showers across northern and western across northern and western areas, signs of something cool areas, signs of something cool areas, signs of something cool are beginning to dig in here. areas, signs of something cool are beginning to dig in here. this next area of low pressure this next area of low pressure will swipe most of england and will swipe most of england and wales with wet and windy wales with wet and windy weather as we move through weather as we move through wednesday night. into thursday wednesday night. into thursday it moves away, and we are into it moves away, and we are into this cold northwesterly wind this cold northwesterly wind for thursday day itself. there for thursday day itself. there will be plenty of sunshine will be plenty of sunshine around on thursday but it will around on thursday but it will be noticeably cold, a be noticeably cold, a scattering of showers in scattering of showers in northern and western areas with northern and western areas with wintry over the hills. wintry over the hills. temperatures back into single temperatures back into single digits across the board, values digits across the board, values closer to what we expect this closer to what we expect this time of year. it stays blustery time of year. it stays blustery into the weekend with sunshine into the weekend with sunshine and showers again, wintry on and showers again, wintry on hills in the north. hills in the north.

bell tolls bell tolls live from new york live from new york at the opening bell — at the opening bell — this is business today. and delivered. this is business today. us markets open in the green us markets open in the green as all eyes turn to the fed as all eyes turn to the fed ahead of its much anticipated ahead of its much anticipated interest rate cut interest rate cut on wednesday. on wednesday. bitcoin bullrun breaks bitcoin bullrun breaks new barriers — passing the $105,000 mark for the first new barriers — passing the $105,000 mark for the first time as trump promises time as trump promises "something great" for crypto. "something great" for crypto. and signed, sealed and signed, sealed

and delivered. the uk government approves the sale of the 500—year—old