we spoke before john swinney started forjoining us again. ke beforejohn swinney started speaking before john swinney started speaking and it is good to have you with us again. john swinney saying clarity to get rid of the conservatives, but also urging people and telling neighbour not to assume that scotland is a done dealfor them either. what you make of whatjohn swinney had to say? that is what you will hear from the snp in the next four or five weeks, that the snp looks at the seats in scotland where the tories are in place and say we are the only party that can get them out. but labour have taken the snp�*s decline their rising vote as to the electorate. and whatjohnny swinney will say overnight next few weeks as labour are not as good as you think they are. they are not the old labour party that used to vote for. their plans on austerity are the same as the tories, their plans on brexit and migration are the same as the tories. he wants to ask people in scotland is that what you really want? or do you want somebody in westminster to chal

i think what we could expect from john swinney today is l expect from john swinney today is for him tothinks other parties, labour and the tories in particular, will let scotland down based on history, experience and the incredibly similar opposition parties have and for him to say how the snp will hold a you probably labour come in to account for that. so what will snp mps do when they are in westminster. what will vcs be at the top of their agenda? and expert will hear and speak about how the two parties are very similar on austerity and brexit, as of today very similar on migration, tribal distinction with this in �*s values on those issues and the idea that there is a better alternative if you like. haifa alternative if you like. how concerned _ alternative if you like. how concerned are _ alternative if you like. how concerned are the - alternative if you like. how concerned are the snp - alternative if you like. how concerned are the snp about losing seats in the general election? definitely concerned and very realistic about it, i think. we saw just a few weeks ago change from s

john swinney, it smells _ long, only 20 pages long, and i said tojohn swinney, it smells of- tojohn smells of ink, he said" well, it's _ tojohn swinney, it smells of ink, he said" well, it's been - tojohn swinney, it smells of ink, i he said" well, it's been printed, so it would" _ he said" well, it's been printed, so it would! — he said" well, it's been printed, so it would". �* he said" well, it's been printed, so it would". ~ ., ., _ ., it would". also, we have a copy to the fair, it would". also, we have a copy to the fair. not _ it would". also, we have a copy to the fair, not in _ it would". also, we have a copy to the fair, not in colour, _ it would". also, we have a copy to the fair, not in colour, saving - the fair, not in colour, saving money on the printing, and nick has the open—ended page independence, right at the front, not the first page got but the first few. the first page. _ page got but the first few. the first page, james has it there, it says— first page, james has it there, it says vote — first page, james has it there, it says vote snp for scotland to become

and it is a long record for the snp, john swinney - at holyrood.ong record for the snp, john swinney has a i at holyrood. and it is a long record | for the snp, john swinney has a lot of political experience, but he's knew as the leader, he has not been the snp leaderfor very knew as the leader, he has not been the snp leader for very long at all? absolutely, this is his second stint in charge, but this time around, he has only been in charge for four weeks or so and i think if anyone had said six weeks ago, john swinney will be leader of the house mp, he will be leader of the house mp, he will be leader of the house mp, he will be first minister, and also he will be first minister, and also he will be first minister, and also he will be leading the snp into a general election campaign, on the ath ofjuly, i think that would have taken many people by surprise. he did say not long ago that the snp is facing a tough campaign. in the last general election, the snp won a8 seats, and the other parties in scotland did not even get into double figures. we

john swinney. iho— the flat before you move out, john. john swinney-— john swinney. scotland, we will hear from other parties later. debate night is back next wednesday in scotland's energy capital, aberdeen, one of the key battlegrounds in this election campaign. you can apply to be in the audience at bbc.co.uk/debatenight. much more information on the general election, including who is standing in your area, on the bbc news website. join us at 10:30 next wednesday. in aberdeen. thank you very much to our party leaders, to our audience here in glasgow and, of course, to you at home for watching. from all of us here, goodnight. live from glasgow. applause hello, you're watching the context on bbc news. things have not always been easy and we have not got everything right. but we are the only party in this election with the big ideas to make our country a better place to live. the last 18 months you've tried everything to try and revive conservative fortunes, and not much appears to have worked. could we rename this document today your " last chance saloon"? what we s

this is an issue john swinney — trust for voters?ust for voters? this is an issue john swinney has returned - trust for voters? this is an issue john swinney has returned to i trust for voters? this is an issue l john swinney has returned to time and time again in this campaign, acknowledging the tough time that his party has had recently. he took over as leader and as first minister just a matter of weeks before this election campaign got under way, that followed the resignation of his predecessor who quit as first minister after the end of the snp�*s power—sharing agreement with the scottish greens at holyrood. the end of that deal, that because of mistrust within the snp itself but also with the greens, the other pro—independence party with several msps in the scottish parliament. the snp is also grappling with the ongoing police investigation into its finances, so that has been looming over the party for quite some considerable time. it was not the easiest start to this election campaign forjohn swinney, either. 0ne campaign forj

and it was in fact whenjohn swinney was talking was in fact when john swinney was talking about was in was talking about independence, and the speakers before him, that there was loud cheering in this room. the room was full of activists and candidates, and john swinney was also making the point that he wants to speak to people beyond that room, to speak to people beyond that room, to the whole of scotland. katie hunter in glasgow _ to the whole of scotland. katie hunter in glasgow with - to the whole of scotland. katie hunter in glasgow with the - to the whole of scotland. katie hunter in glasgow with the latest on john swinney�*s election speech. and you can get more on the uk election on the bbc news website, and app. we are going to south africa next. the ruling anc says it's willing to talk to all political parties to create a coalition government — after it lost its parliamentary majority in the elections for the first time in 30 years. but it says president cyril rampaphosa will not step down as part of any deal. its secretary—general, fikile mbalula, said his party had nothing

this is i something that john swinney of rebuilding trust?y has been something thatjohn swinney has been talking about a lot on this election campaign, this idea that the party has had a very tough time of it and that it has some work to do in terms of regaining trust. john swinney was only in place as the snp's leader for a few short weeks before this election was called. that came after a very tumultuous time for the party, with the resignation of the first minister after he had brought to an end a power—sharing deal between the snp and the green party in the scottish government. that resulted in calls for him to quit, because of no confidence, and he fell on his sword, and john swinney swooped in to take over. it has not been the easiest time forjohn swinney. he has been dealing with the shadow that is looming over the party of an ongoing police investigation into the snp's finances. that has led to the arrest and charge of the party's former chief executive, peter murrell, who is also the husband of the former first minister nicola sturge

john swinney for the msp, anas sarwarfor biggest parties.las ross for the scottish conservatives, and alex cole—hamilton for the scottish liberal democrats. be chaired by the political editor, there will be a 0&a political editor, there will be a q&a and also the leaders will be able to cross—examine, if you like, and each other in some part of the programme as well. a bit of controversy here, the fact that the scottish greens have not been included in tonight's debate. they are angry about that, but the suv has said that actually, they are comfortable that they are complying with guidelines and it comes to this. the scottish greens have been arguing that they are a big pot and they stand to win more seats than ever before. but the scottish greens of the taking part in bbc�*s debate night programme on 11 of the taking part in bbc�*s debate night programme on "june, so they'll be receptive to represented in that debate. also there is the alba party led by alex salmond, but will be hearing more from them throughout this campaign. but they're a

home a couple of— from john swinney is to hammer home a couple of key— from john swinney is to hammer couple of key messages. they essentially boiled down - a couple of key messages. they essentially boiled down to - essentially boiled down to highlighting _ essentially boiled down to highlighting the _ essentially boiled down to highlighting the dangers. essentially boiled down to| highlighting the dangers of austerity, _ highlighting the dangers of austerity, regardless- highlighting the dangers of austerity, regardless of. highlighting the dangers of. austerity, regardless of who highlighting the dangers of- austerity, regardless of who wins the electioh _ austerity, regardless of who wins the election. it's _ austerity, regardless of who wins the election. it's the _ austerity, regardless of who wins the election. it's the point - austerity, regardless of who wins the election. it's the point they. the election. it's the point they have _ the election. it's the point they have been— the election. it's the point they have been making _ the election. it's the point they have been ma

liz expected to hear from john swinney this afternoon.— this afternoon. former deputy to nicola _ this afternoon. liz lloyd, former deputy to nicola sturgeon, - this afternoon. liz lloyd, former| deputy to nicola sturgeon, thank this afternoon. liz lloyd, former- deputy to nicola sturgeon, thank you very much indeed. we are expecting thatjohn swinney speech in the next hour or so. this is the scene live at that rally in glasgow where he will formally launch the party's general election campaign. if you are watching in the uk, you will be able to see that life here on bbc news, and if you are around the rest of the world, you can follow it on the bbc news website and app. let's turn to the middle east now, where two key right wing members of israel's coalition government have threatened to bring it down if the prime minister agrees to the latest peace deal offer. the finance minister and national security minister said they were opposed to striking any deal unless hamas was wiped out. last night in tel aviv, tens of thousands of people gathered to urge the

making it clear he does _ the snp. john swinney making it clear he does want _ the snp. john swinney he does want to _ the snp. john swinney making it clear he does want to see - the snp. john swinney making it clear he does want to see that l the snp. john swinney making it i clear he does want to see that veto on scottish gender legislation lifted but also seeming to stress there are other areas he seems to think are his number one priority at the moment. talking about the cost of living in brexit and independence, and the reason he wants to focus on those issues as they are issues which unite his party and the snp, unites people he hopes will come out and vote for him on the ltth ofjuly, whereas of the gender issue, like any other political parties has been an issue of division in the snp, even an issue of open revolt at times. i thinkjohn swinney perhaps quite happy to not be speaking about that too often on the campaign at the moment. sir keir starmer was in scotland yesterday and was asked about his opinion on this piece of legislation and he seemed to indicate that if he is pr

john swinney saying that he does when _ election.winney saying that he does when the next uk - election. john swinney saying that - he does when the next uk government to lift as veto on scotland's gender legislation which would make it easier for someone legislation which would make it easierfor someone in legislation which would make it easier for someone in scotland to change their legally recognised sex and move towards a system of more self id of not having to have a medical diagnosis in order to do that. butjohn swinney did go on to say, i quizzed him how much of a priority this would be for him, would it be the top of his to do this? he said top of this to lewis were issues like the cost of living crisis, independence, bracks max. the reason was to talk about those issuesis the reason was to talk about those issues is because, broadly speaking, they unite his party, whereas issues like gender, as in many political parties, has been a bit of a hot potato. it has been debated and has led to some open revolt within his party. whi

you havel john swinney saying that cuts are going _ john swinney saying that cuts are going to — johne any of this because - going to come, they probably don't believe any of this because it - going to come, they probably don't believe any of this because it all. believe any of this because it all 'ust believe any of this because it all just becomes _ believe any of this because it all just becomes numbers- believe any of this because it all just becomes numbers being. believe any of this because it all- just becomes numbers being thrown around. _ just becomes numbers being thrown around. and — just becomes numbers being thrown around. and poll— just becomes numbers being thrown around, and poll after— just becomes numbers being thrown around, and poll after poll— just becomes numbers being thrown around, and poll after poll has - around, and poll after poll has shown — around, and poll after poll has shown that _ around, and poll after poll has shown that the _ around, and poll after poll has shown that the moment - around, and poll after poll has shown that the moment the i around,

john swinney makin: it to back to the snp. john swinney making it clear _ to back to the snp. the snp. john swinney making it clear he does want to l to back to the snp. john swinney i making it clear he does want to see that the beetle in scotland's gender legislation lifted but also stressed there are other areas he sees as the number one priority at the moment. cost of living, brexit, independence, and the reason he wants to focus on those issues as they are issues that unite his party, unites the snp, unites people he hopes will come out and vote for him on the 4th ofjuly, whereas the gender issue like in other political parties has been an issue of division and the snp, even an issue of open revolt at times. i think john swinney perhaps quite happy to not to be speaking about that too often on the campaign at the moment. sir keir starmer the labour leader was in scotland yesterday asked for his opinion on this piece of legislation and he seemed to indicate if he was prime minister he would not be lifting the veto. lib dems in scotland seem to be arguing it is time to go b

that is the question, _ i was saying to john swinney, look, conversely, if you say, - if you do not getu that that is scotland's, in essence, voting to remain. for now in the union, - and he said not to prejudge what scottish people i say, but the questions are really fair one. i think either way, - it is very difficult to see if the snp continues, - and it continues it is continuing to insist that only route _ is a referendum, if both of the uk parties say, what made there may not be a referendum, _ that it's almost as not matter. in practical terms, obviously. the snp would argue it matters a lot, they say in moral terms what scotland votes for here, | but in practical terms, | it is difficult to see out there would be any progress towards a referendum, - and in that sense, yes, i obviously if scotland does not vote by a majority of seats for the snp, i then clearly their cause is dented. we've talked a lot aboutjohn swinney, that is here him in his own words, here is talking about the broad principle of independence as he sees it in this manifesto. in 2021, they voted for a scottish

in john swinney is going to be covering-— john swinney is going to be coverinr. .,, _, , ., covering.e delivering independence, ending iii years of austerity. they're very critical of the conservatives iii year end power at westminster. the next one should be rejoin the uae eu again. full stop tackling the cost of living crisis. a key theme of this election campaign. i suspect when i get round to reading more, they will be policies to try, in the snp size... we were expecting a lot on the nhs. john swinney... the manifesto is saying to protect our nhs. it is important to say the nhs is a devolved issue. spending decisions do you have an impact on the money that comes to holyrood. we will hear a call today for whoever forms the next government to invest more in the nhs. lots of pleasures here so far. i'm only on page five. no surprises. ida here so far. i'm only on page five. no surprises-— no surprises. no surprises. it has been a tumultuous _ no surprises. no surprises. it has been a tumultuous time - no surprises. no surprises. it has been a tumultuous time for - no surprises. no su

john swinney says this election is the snp's biggest challenge in years.icy disputes, personnel changes and a police investigation into party finances, he's going on the attack, accusing the conservatives of chaos and labour of lurching to the right. there are some people telling me to forget about independence at this election. but you know what? after looking at sir keir starmer�*s serial u—turns in the pursuit of power, i think people are crying out for political leadership that sticks to its principles. he said brexit, which scottish voters opposed, had caused deep damage, pushing up the cost of living. you have said that leaving a 50—year—old union with the eu has wiped billions from the economy. why would leaving a 300—year—old union with england not be even worse? groans of disapproval mr swinney chided the crowd for their response, asked me to repeat the question, and then answered. what independence enables us to do is to take the decisions that are important and relevant to enhancing the lives of people in scotland, and part of that involves taki

and in the coming hours, john swinney, leader of the scottish national party, will formally launch the campaign, where he'll argue independence offers the country a "better future". 0ur political correspondent ione wells has more on the latest developments. there's a couple of different major announcements today, from labour, there is this pledge from the labour leader, sir keir starmer, to cut net migration. he says that the way the party would do this would be, for example, by training up more uk workers to take certainjobs, but also by punishing employers, firms, that don't pay workers very high wages, employ lots of cheap labourfrom abroad, essentially saying that if they don't pay people proper wages, then they could be banned from hiring foreign workers. however, when the shadow home secretary yvette cooper was asked on the bbc just now about what type of numbers labour would be looking to bring down that figure to, she didn't give a specific answer. we would expect to see the numbers coming down swiftly. we have supported some of the measures that are expected to come in next pl

let me ask you one final question, john swinney.er, in scotland, three leaders in two years, one questioned by the police, the other resigned having lost the confidence of holyrood, failures to deliver in the nhs and in schools, what you yourself have called a housing emergency in scotland, does the snp really deserve — deserve — the votes of scots? the snp's had a tough time in the last few years. i'm the first to accept that. that's why i'm here. and i'm here to sort it out and to strengthen the snp and to build the trust with the electorate, and that's exactly what i'm doing. john swinney, first minister, thank you very much indeed forjoining me. thank you. now we're speaking to seven party leaders ahead of the election. the prime minister, rishi sunak, we've already done. you can see that on bbc iplayer. keir starmer is next, on friday evening. that'll be at 7.30pm on bbc one and bbc iplayer. goodnight. thanks for watching. hello, i'm ben thompson. you're watching the context on bbc news. we want to continue to push on an urgent

john swinney has ledaed christine jardine. john swinney has pledged tackling — christine jardine.istine jardine. john swinney has pledged tackling child poverty as i pledged tackling child poverty as his priority, saying he wants to generate wealth in society to generate wealth in society to generate public services. he says his government has kept 100,000 children out of poverty using measures like the scottish child payment. nigel farage has spent his first full day campaigning as a leader of the reform uk party. he was left looking rather a mess after a drink was thrown over him. he said this would only add to the votes party would win and said that reform uk would work to reach a net zero on migration. let us now speak to the deputy leader of reform uk, thank you very much for your time on bbc news. let us begin with that milkshake. is that a concern to you? not really. i think nigel can cope with a milkshake. he has coped with worth before. in with a milkshake. he has coped with worth before-— worth before. in terms of who their erce tion worth before. in terms of who their p

john swinney, scotland's _ expect today. that is right.at is right. john i swinney, scotland's first minister is campaigning here in north—east scotland today, a key battleground for the snp and conservatives. it is very much a divided political make up very much a divided political make up and the snp very much see themselves as the challengers in this area for the three conservative seats that are here. there are six conservative seats in scotland, three here in the north—east. here in aberdeen south, it is currently an snp constituency held by snp westminster leader stephen flynn, and mr swinney earlier, a short time ago, visited a cafe here, which is well known for dolphin watching. as you may be able to see, there is also evidence in the harbour behind me of the city's oil and gas industry, a very important issue for voters in this area. but mr swinney�*s message today is that his party is best placed to remove conservative mps from power in scotland. and as we have been hearing today from the conservative party, this expansion of the

john swinney they're making it clear that he does want to see that veto on scotland's jeddah that he that veto on scotland'sjeddah legislation lifted. but also seeming to stress there are other areas he seems to think are his number one priority was not —— scotland's gender legislation. but he was to prioritise cost of living. issues that might unite his party, unite snp, unites people he hopes will come out and vote for him on the 4th ofjuly. whereas, the gender issue, like in other political parties, has been an area of division stopjohn swinney perhaps quite happy to not be speaking about that too often on the campaign. sir keir starmer, the labour leader, was in scotland yesterday, he was asked what his opinion on this piece of legislation and he seemed to indicate when he —— if he is painless or he would not be lifting that piece of legislation. the lib dems in scotland were arguing it's time to go back to the drawing board on this legislation, time to draw up new legislation. the scottish conservatives have been campaigning on this issue quite a bit over the past year and are s

he fell on his sword and john swinney swooped in to take over.nney. he's been dealing with the shadow looming over the party of an ongoing police investigation into the snp's finances. that has led to the snp's finances. that has led to the arrest in charge of the party's former chief executive peter murrell who is also the husband of nicola sturgeon. he is charged with embezzling party funds and a report into that is now sitting with prosecutors. that investigation continues. the investigation is also dealing with that in the background and then right at the start of the election campaign, former snp health secretary michael matheson, who resigned over an £11,000 ipad data bill was facing sanctions from the scottish parliament. he had initially been defended by the party. he said he had used the ipad for work purposes, allowing the taxpayer to pick up the bill. and then eventually admitted that his sons had been using the device to watch football on holiday and he paid back the money and resigned under pressure back in february. so, now mr swinn

and ed davey— time debate, john swinney and ed davey is _ time debate, john swinney and ed davey isnt of his rivals and audience, and he already has so _ rivals and audience, and he already has so many— rivals and audience, and he already has so many things he can be attacked _ has so many things he can be attacked on from the conservatives's record _ attacked on from the conservatives's record and _ attacked on from the conservatives's record and things that have gone on durihg _ record and things that have gone on durihg the _ record and things that have gone on during the campaign. this isjust another— during the campaign. this isjust another one. so whether it shifts any individual votes, who knows? but does it— any individual votes, who knows? but does it make — any individual votes, who knows? but does it make a difference to morale in this— does it make a difference to morale in this campaign and an opportunity for labour? — in this campaign and an opportunity for labour? sure does. rishi in this campaign and an opportunity for labour? sure does.— for labour? sure does. rishi

we did of course you're from john swinney to one another.y, he did talk about brexit�*s and in the context of what he said the damage it was done to the scottish economy, but the other leaders all focus on the television debate on tuesday.— leaders all focus on the television debate on tuesday. yes, that is the big moment — debate on tuesday. yes, that is the big moment for— debate on tuesday. yes, that is the big moment for them. _ debate on tuesday. yes, that is the big moment for them. the - debate on tuesday. yes, that is the big moment for them. the snp i debate on tuesday. yes, that is the i big moment for them. the snp unhappy that they are not included in the foot of the liberal democrats pretty unhappy too, because they know that it's a big moment. buti unhappy too, because they know that it's a big moment. but i think that is what the parties are gearing up for now, and you can be sure behind the scenes the leaders are gearing up the scenes the leaders are gearing up for with your debate preparation teams are being peppered with qu

impression of the tories and of course independence was a key theme running through this speech and john swinneyry time independence was mentioned in that room which was full of candidates and activists, there were huge cheers, but i thinkjohn swinney was also attempting to speak to people beyond that room, to voters he will have to attract if he wants to win this general election in scotland. the former great britain rugby league international rob burrow has died at the age of 41 after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease. burrow spent his entire rugby league career with leeds rhinos and helped them win eight super league titles. he retired in 2017 but two years later it was revealed he had been diagnosed with mnd. alongside former team—mate kevin sinfield, rob burrow went on to raise awarewess and raise millions to help build a new care centre for mnd patients. sally nugent looks back on his career and life. rob burrow�*s life is defined by his defiance of the odds. as the smallest player in a giants�* game, he was world—class. absolute legend. pound for pound, probably the strongest pl

there, the leader of— to change lives. john swinney there, the leader of the _ to change lives. johnange lives. john swinney there, the leader of the snp but on - to change lives. john swinney there, the leader of the snp but on the i the leader of the snp but on the question of trust which came up repeatedly, referencing tuition fees, that promise to abolish them by the lib dems.— fees, that promise to abolish them by the lib dems. what did you make ofthat by the lib dems. what did you make of that broadly? _ by the lib dems. what did you make of that broadly? i _ by the lib dems. what did you make of that broadly? i was _ by the lib dems. what did you make of that broadly? i was struck- by the lib dems. what did you make of that broadly? i was struck by i of that broadly? i was struck by rishi sunak and john swinney got the question, you made a mess of your party and how can we trust you to run the country? rishi sunak said i am just a boy asking for your love. that does not wash because this is the fundamental problem with the campaign, the conservative government, the party in 20

mr about where you are and what john swinney has been saying. rations early. john swinney said that the prime minister's decision to leave those commemorations early was a breathtaking decision and that it was disrespectful to veterans and that mr sunak should have been there to represent the international interest of the united kingdom. he added that the apology after the event was hollow. i added that the apology after the event was hollow.— event was hollow. i think it is a truly breathtaking _ event was hollow. i think it is a truly breathtaking lead - event was hollow. i think it is a truly breathtaking lead to i event was hollow. i think it is a i truly breathtaking lead to terrible decision— truly breathtaking lead to terrible decision on a number of counts. it was disrespectful to the veterans to the prime _ was disrespectful to the veterans to the prime minister to leave as he did. secondly, there was a major gathering — did. secondly, there was a major gathering of international leaders. john swinney is the first minister of scotland an

john swinney came in as the new snp leader— john swinney came in as the new snp leader recently. — johnme in an ideal. leader recently, he would have i wanted more time in an ideal world to get— wanted more time in an ideal world to get the _ wanted more time in an ideal world to get the message _ wanted more time in an ideal world to get the message across - wanted more time in an ideal world to get the message across to - wanted more time in an ideal world to get the message across to the l to get the message across to the general— to get the message across to the general public _ to get the message across to the general public. he _ to get the message across to the general public. he is _ to get the message across to the general public. he is a _ to get the message across to the i general public. he is a well—known figure. _ general public. he is a well—known figure. the — general public. he is a well—known figure. the deputy— general public. he is a well—known figure, the deputy first _ general public. he is a well—known figure, the deputy first minister, i figure, the deputy first

john swinney is aware of that. so it is a double edged sword. it is a single transferable campaign. brexit, austerity," all these issues that he raised and he blames upon westminster. but at the same time, he is simultaneously pleading to those supporters of independence, if you wish independence to stay relevant, if you wish it to stay germane, if you wish it to proceed, then the only way to do that is to vote snp. it is a multiple approach. meanwhile in northern ireland, sinn fein have been launching their manifesto. they won seven seats at the westminster parliament at the last election — although their party does not take up it seats. here's some of that launch. we want a stronger and fairer economy that delivers good jobs, that pay well, offers workers secure conditions and supports local business, and to ensure childcare is affordable and accessible to parents. there is a growing and unstoppable conversation taking place right now about the future, and constitutional change. the good friday agreement provides a peaceful and democratic path to a referendum to achieve a new irel

of course john swinney— snp and peace. of course john swinney is encountering. ter. i do expect that to be trash out tonight at the _ expect that to be trash out tonight at the debate.— at the debate. interesting to see, jack, at the debate. interesting to see, jack. whether— at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that _ at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that defence i at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that defence is i at the debate. interesting to see, jack, whether that defence is on i at the debate. interesting to see, i jack, whether that defence is on the list of topics that is discussed, it's rising up the lists of priorities for voters. one of the most important roles for any government is the nation's defence. and as the world becomes more dangerous, it is rising up the list of priorities for voters. according to the polling company yougov, defence and security is one of the few policy areas where the conservatives still lead over labour — but onlyjust. 22% trust the conservatives 20% trust llabour more. but today

. >> the inspiring words of the first minister of scotland, john swinney there.r, well , he went swinney there. what an orator, well, he went on to say that an independent scotland would allow the snp to invest in the nhs and help people through tough times, although of course they do currently have tax raising powers and can invest in the nhs if they choose to do so. inside the united kingdom. but speaking to us now is the political editor of the scottish daily mail, michael blackley. what did you make of john swinney's speech , but also perhaps his speech, but also perhaps his speaking style ? speaking style? >> well, i think what you heard there, it was only a short part of that speech that you that you showed. but how many times did we hear the word independence? i think that was at the centre of everything that he said today. it was the first page of the snp's manifesto was all about independence. and what i think we're seeing with that is that the snp are just desperate to get people who support independence to vote for them , independence to vote for them,

i think lester set aside john swinney . i lester set aside john swinney. was interesting. he talked about how the snp would still push for an independence vote at some point in the future. liberal democrat leader ed davey, who's pressed on his response over the post office scandal when he was post office minister back in very early part of the last decade and rishi sunak went on the front foot about this this betting alleged betting scandal engulfing his party. i should say, by the way, this lunchtime he's been asked, did any cabinet ministers put money on the date of the election? he couldn't answer. and the problem he's got is that on that, on this, this, this betting issue is that the gambling commission has asked for all bets laid between the 1st of may to the 21st of may, from all the betting companies. they're now going through a list of names and any names there which look political are being referred back to the government. so i think this one is not yet finished. and the problem for the pm has got is he has no idea how wide this issue goes . but h

the leader of the scottish national party, john swinney, has been campaigning in glasgow today. he scottish national party. i began by asking him how his party can address a vote for independence, when both the conservatives and labour have refused to discuss another independence referendum. we will continue to do as we always do, which is to make the democratic argument. sir keir starmer and his pro—brexit labour party have gone into this campaign asking the population at large to endorse their manifesto.

good impression of the tories and independence was a key theme running through this speech and john swinneydependence and every time independence and every time independence was mentioned in that room which was full of candidates and activists, there were huge cheers, but i thinkjohn swinney was also attempting to speak to people beyond that room, two voters he will have to attract if he wants to win this general election in scotland. katie hunter live in glasgow, thank you. and remember you can keep across the latest from the campaign trail on our live page on the bbc news website — we've got updates and analysis from our correspondents across the country. you can also find it on the bbc news app. and you can also find it on the bbc website. to south africa next, where the ruling anc says it's willing to talk to all political parties to create a coalition government — after it lost its parliamentary majority in the elections for the first time in 30 years. but it says president cyril rampaphosa will not step down as part of any deal. let's cross live to my colleague catherine byaruhanga wh

john swinney hopes a renewed focus on independence will get it back on track. democrats have been talking about the nhs today, with deputy leader daisy cooper reiterating the party's pledge to invest £9 billion in england's health and social care services if the party comes to power. we make sure that people can see a gp within seven days, that we boost gp within seven days, that we boost gp numbers by a thousand, we'll fix the crisis in dentistry, offer a free personal care to every older person and disabled adult who needed with our plans and our additional investment, we can transform our service and social care services. sinn fein has also launched its manifesto in belfast today, making the case for more powers to be devolved from westminster to the northern irish assembly, stormont. the party is defending seven out of 18 westminster seats — although sinn fein mps don't take up their seats in the house of commons, as they don't recognise britain's so—called �*sovereignty�* over northern ireland. sinn fein is committed to delivering on the _ sinn fein is com

the leader, john swinney, will say that a vote for the snp is a vote to put scotland's interests firste now to reporter katie hunter in glasgow. of course this is a westminster election by the snp has been in government in edinburgh for 17 years so we expectjohn swinney to defend the snp record and say he is proud of what they have done and we expect him to touch on policies like the scottish child payment and food prescriptions and free bus travel for younger people but as well as talking about the snp policy we also expect him to take aim at the scottish conservatives record at westminster time and time again on the campaign trail here said brexit understand nity and the cost of living crisis is being imposed on scotland by westminster and he will in scotland want to higher standard of living in the best way to do that is vote for the snp and ultimately independence. what might he will defend the snp record but also try to defend their lead. since 2000 and 15 the snp have been dominant at westminster in terms of scottish seats and from the last general election the snp won a8 seats,

john swinney hopes a renewed focus on independence will get it back on track.ave been focusing on the nhs on campaign trail today, with the deputy leader daisy cooper reiterating the party's pledge to invest £9 billion in england's health and social care services if they win power. we will make sure that people can see a gp within seven days, that we boost gp numbers by 8,000. we will fix the crisis in dentistry. we will offer free personal care to every older person and disabled adult who needs it. with our plans and our additional investment, we could transform our health and social care services. sinn fein has also launched its manifesto in belfast today, making the case for more powers to be devolved from westminster to the northern irish assembly, stormont. the party is defending seven out of 18 westminster seats — although sinn fein mps don't take up their seats in the house of commons, as they don't recognise britain's so—called "sovereignty" over northern ireland. sinn fein is committed to delivering on the things that matter most to workers and familie

he richey -- john swinney's wider campaign message today.en out campaigning _ campaign message today. he has been out campaigning so _ campaign message today. he has been out campaigning so far _ campaign message today. he has been out campaigning so far in _ campaign message today. he has been out campaigning so far in 21 _ campaign message today. he has been out campaigning so far in 21 of- out campaigning so far in 21 of scotland's 57 constituencies. he has been very busy making speeches, visiting businesses, talking to voters. the message he is pushing out on the campaign trail is that the snp's position is that there is a conspiracy of silence from the labour and conservative parties over coming cuts and that it is the snp thatis coming cuts and that it is the snp that is best placed to protect scotland from those cats. he says he believes that public spending will become the defining issue of this election and that both labour and the conservatives are concealing the true effects of their approach to fiscal policy from the public that

and we had this morning the first minister of scotland, john swinney, on the programme for the firstnot he was sure that no taxpayer's cash was being used for the election. |well, i've obviously discussed thisl with my staff and i've been assured that no parliamentary stamps that have been provided by— parliament have been used . to support election purposes. and obviously the parliament has said that they're looking into this| matter and obviously we'll provide parliament with any _ assistance that they require - as they undertake those inquiries. one whatsapp message reported this morning sent to an snp group chat, your assistant wrote: the stamp fairy is very useful when it comes to campaigns. who's the stamp fairy? well, we campaign on a regular basis in my capacity _ as a member of parliament. so we're engaging with the public on a countless range _ of different issues. hmm. well, i mean, this is particularly damaging potentially for the snp, isn't it, because of the reason that john swinney is leader of the snp, which is the sort of rolling perma—crisis in the snp for the last

now, first minister john swinney says independence would help scotland become a fairer country with asperous economy. >> more prosperous economy. >> we will always put the interests of people in scotland first, wherever our people were born, wherever our people have come from and at the very heart of our beliefs is the principle that decisions about scotland should be made by the people who live in scotland. why? for the simple reason that no one else cares as much about this wonderful country, and no one else will do a better job wonderful country, and no one else will do a betterjob of else will do a better job of taking care of it now and in the future than the people who live here. it is through independence, therefore, that we believe we can build a fairer country and the more prosperous economy we know is possible, not independence for its own sake, independence for its own sake, independence for its own sake, independence for the powers to protect our national health service and to help people through tough times. independence for a stronger economy and happier, healthier lives

john swinney has actually been mentioning independence quite a lot. flynn has advanced in both of these big uk wide set piece tv occasions over the last 48 hours or so has advanced half of the argument on the snp from the snp's perspective, which is, "look, britain isn't working, he calls it broken brexit, britain, as we were saying earlier, they will say it's low growth, it's low productivity, it's high inequality. and not only that, this isn't just, in their view, a conservative problem. labour do not have a credible plan to be able to tackle that and fundamentally sort out the british state. but he didn't get to the next bit, which is whatjohn swinney has been getting to in the campaign, which is and therefore, in their view, you know, number one. and mr flynn did say this a little bit. you need to we need to have snp mps at westminster holding the government's feet to the fire in the words of the deputy first minister kate forbes, this week. but the other bit is, and in the longer term, for scotland to escape what they regard as this failing state

john swinney has actually been mentioning independence quite a lot. flynn has advanced in both of these big uk wide set piece tv occasions over the last 48 hours or so has advanced half of the argument on the snp from the snp's perspective, which is, "look, britain isn't working, he calls it broken brexit, britain, as we were saying earlier, they will say it's low growth, it's low productivity, it's high inequality. and not only that, this isn't just, in their view, a conservative problem. labour do not have a credible plan to be able to tackle that and fundamentally sort out the british state. but he didn't get to the next bit, which is whatjohn swinney has been getting to in the campaign, which is and therefore, in their view, you know, number one. and mr flynn did say this a little bit. you need to we need to have snp mps at westminster holding the government's feet to the fire in the words of the deputy first minister kate forbes, this week. but the other bit is, and in the longer term, for scotland to escape what they regard as this failing state

speaking at the launch in edinburgh, john swinney began by outlining his case for independence. scotland first, wherever our people were born, wherever our people have come from. and of the very heart of our beliefs is the principal that decisions about scotland should be made by the people who live in scotland. why? for the simple reason that no—one else cares as much about this wonderful country and no—one else will do a betterjob of taking care of it, now and in the future, than the people who live here. it is through independence, therefore, that we feel we can build a fairer country and the more prosperous economy we know is possible. not independence for its own sake, independence for the powers to protect our national health service and to help people through tough times. independence for a stronger economy and happier, healthier lives. and independence for a better future for scotland, made in scotland, for scotland. our scotland correspondent katie hunter explained what today's manifesto launch revealed about the snp's priorities. independence has been front and centre

i mean, let's see if john swinney can steady the ship.till many, many issues. i'm not going to mention nicola sturgeon, but many issues swirling around , aren't there? swirling around, aren't there? literally mentioned? i literally just did say her name twice in two sentences. that's fine, and lots of issues swirling around. and i'm not going to mention campervans either. no, no expensive campervans at that, scarlett, what do you make of the snp situation? >> it's a disaster, isn't it? i mean, i mean, there is no question and he's absolutely right. i mean, why are they concentrating on the conservatives, pretending that they're , they're the answer to they're, they're the answer to they're, they're the answer to the conservatives when actually it is it is labour that's looking as though they're going to get more seats. i mean, it's quite incredible. and some of it is because labour have really got their act together and they've got really good people. but frankly some of it is just because the snp are in meltdown . because the snp are in

and we had this morning the first minister of scotland, john swinney, on the programme for the firstim whether or not he was sure that no taxpayer's cash was being used for the election. |well, i've obviously discussed this| with my staff and i've been assured that no parliamentary stamps that have been provided by— parliament have been used . to support election purposes. and obviously the parliament has said that they're looking into this| matter and obviously we'll provide parliament with any _ assistance that they require - as they undertake those inquiries. one whatsapp message reported this morning sent to an snp group chat, your assistant wrote: the stamp fairy is very useful when it comes to campaigns. who's the stamp fairy? well, we campaign on a regular basis in my capacity _ as a member of parliament. so we're engaging with the public on a countless range _ of different issues. hmm. well, i mean, this is particularly damaging potentially for the snp, isn't it, because of the reason that john swinney is leader of the snp, which is the sort of rolling perma—crisis in the snp

and we had this morning the first minister of scotland, john swinney, on the programme for the firstther or not he was sure that no taxpayer's cash was being used for the election. |well, i've obviously discussed thisl with my staff and i've been assured that no parliamentary stamps that have been provided by— parliament have been used . to support election purposes. and obviously the parliament has said that they're looking into this| matter and obviously we'll provide parliament with any _ assistance that they require - as they undertake those inquiries. one whatsapp message reported this morning sent to an snp group chat, your assistant wrote: the stamp fairy is very useful when it comes to campaigns. who's the stamp fairy? well, we campaign on a regular basis in my capacity _ as a member of parliament. so we're engaging with the public on a countless range _ of different issues. hmm. well, i mean, this is particularly damaging potentially for the snp, isn't it, because of the reason that john swinney is leader of the snp, which is the sort of rolling perma—crisis in the snp for t

for scotland. >> john swinney, speaking earlier on this evening . well, earlier on this evening.l, for the latest news sign up to gb news alerts scan the qr code on your screen or go to gb news. com slash alerts . com slash alerts. >> hello and welcome to headliners. >> this is your first look at tuesday's top stories with me. cressida newton and on my comedian panel tonight straight and narrow nicholas de santo and bendy and broad minded. it's jonathan kogan. how oh, god, you added minded. >> i thought you were talking about something. that's the joke. >> just got it. yeah. doing good.thank >> just got it. yeah. doing good. thank you. >> how are you.7 yeah, good. thank you. >> how are you? yeah, i'm very well. you've been at the headliners live? >> yeah, yeah, i've been at the, live show. where were you guys, it was a lovely show. we had a lot of fun and, i wouldn't say i killed, but i wouldn't say i bombed. i'd say it was fine. it was fine. so modest, so modest. >> yeah . okay. right. let's have. >> okay, i bombed. it was terrible. but don't worry, everyone had a good time othe