keir— know5? certainly on the beer gate i55ue, keir starmer ha5 know5?r has had a difficult — i55ue, keir starmer has had a difficult few days on that given the fact he _ difficult few days on that given the fact he was so 5tark about the fact that boris— fact he was so 5tark about the fact that bori5johnson fact he was so 5tark about the fact that boris johnson 5hould fact he was so 5tark about the fact that bori5johnson 5hould re5ign and now has his — that bori5johnson 5hould re5ign and now has his own questions to answer. one wonders— now has his own questions to answer. one wonders if it might've been wi5e one wonders if it might've been wise a he referred himself to the police earlier in this in a sense on the front foot but we are we are. interesting what he says there about possible comparisons to the early 90s and i wonder if it's a bit more like the mid 90s with keir starmer being note tony blair and even his supporters would say that and they would argue of course that actually being bland, to use the phrase, it is a fair one is actually good a

all keir starmer did was have a beer and curry— keir starmer did was have a beer and curry with— keirworking — curry with colleagues at the end of a working day — in my opinion, it pales— a working day — in my opinion, it pales in— a working day — in my opinion, it pales in comparison to what was going _ pales in comparison to what was going on— pales in comparison to what was going on in— pales in comparison to what was going on in downing street, where we have the _ going on in downing street, where we have the prime minister hosting bring _ have the prime minister hosting bring your own booze parties, 60 events— bring your own booze parties, 60 events altogether which could be described as a party. we knew they .ave described as a party. we knew they gave misleading statements, if not downright lies. i think there is a cause _ downright lies. i think there is a cause of— downright lies. i think there is a cause of concern here, because it comes— cause of concern here, because it comes down— cause of concern here, because it comes down to what keir starmer was talking _ comes down t

that's because keir— keir starmer has said sense.. that's because keir starmer has repeatedly called for borisjohnson to go because of the downing street parties. for example on a tweet on the 31st of january he parties. for example on a tweet on the 31st ofjanuary he said... now mr starmer and his colleagues are under investigation. labour denies this match the starmer wanted johnston to go. there are other questions for labour to go. there are other questions for labour to. the full story. the mail on sunday has got the schedule which is quite clearly 19 minutes set aside for beer and curries. normally this wouldn't matter. this is hardly the offence of the century. but wouldn't matter. this is hardly the offence of the century.— offence of the century. but these are not normal— offence of the century. but these are not normal political- offence of the century. but these are not normal political times i offence of the century. but these are not normal political times in | are not normal political times in this curry for now does ma

it couldn't be worse timing for keir starmer.uccesses that labour had yesterday, wanted to talk about where labour had made inroads in it being a turning point and instead he is now being hounded by questions about what he's going to do if he is fined by durham police and remember the it was a gathering that took place in the run—up to a by—election last year and he was filmed in an office of one of his mps, a constituency office of one of his mps drinking a beer. he has said repeatedly that he is confident the rules were broken. initially durham police looked at this and said they assessed no offence had been committed and then yesterday they announced that they were investigating following significant new evidence so i think this is awkward timing because it overshadows the election results and it also completely neutralises the line of attack that he has been employing on borisjohnson for his own behaviour in numberten, borisjohnson, the chancellor rishi sunak and pm's wife have fines for attending gatherings in downing street

keir— stop. mr starmer, will you resign if you are fined? keir starmer- stop.rmer, will you resign if you are fined? keir starmer has - stop. mr starmer, will you resign if. you are fined? keir starmer has been at the back foot _ you are fined? keir starmer has been at the back foot since _ you are fined? keir starmer has been at the back foot since friday - you are fined? keir starmer has been at the back foot since friday when - at the back foot since friday when durham police said it would begin an inquiries into this, an indoor gathering for party workers involving beer and curry last april. the labour leader has always said he didn't break the covid rules in place, but today he suddenly raised the stakes. if place, but today he suddenly raised the stakes. ,., . . ., the stakes. if the police decided to issue me with _ the stakes. if the police decided to issue me with a _ the stakes. if the police decided to issue me with a fixed _ the stakes. if the police decided to issue me with a fixed penalty - issue me with a fixed penalty notice, i would, issue me w

keir starmer _ this. it is intensely political as well. keir starmer was - this.y meet, there was a brief party we are told at downing street that mrjohnson was fined over but what the durham police investigation did was it kind of put this cloud over keir starmer, when durham police said on friday they were looking into this again, they have received some new evidence, it created this question about the labour leader and it's meant potentially for the next few weeks he was going to face a lot of pressure to say what he would do if he is fined. i've spoken to each other cabinet members in the last hour or so and they kicked their view is keir starmer, if he was fined would have to resign anyway —— and their view is. the standard he set for the prime minister he would have to follow himself and that meant he would have to step down if fined. they are hoping by him saying that this afternoon that is what he would do if he is fined, they can allow himself to get back on the front foot but it also means there is a bit of a high—risk strategy because for the next few w

this is a perilous moment for keir starmer.der might be up. chris mason, bbc news. to hong kong now, and a pro—beijing committee has overwhelmingly endorsed the only candidate vetted to be the territory s new chief executive. the former security secretary, john lee, received all but eight votes out of more than 1,400 cast. lee succeeds carrie lam who oversaw the implementation of a controversial national security law that led to massive protests against the territory's government in 2019. let's go live to hong kong where we can speak to the bbc�*s danny vincent. tell us more aboutjohn lee. john lee has a background in the police force. he quietly rose to a position of protest movement and overseeing the crackdown and implementation of the national security law which are seen widely at least by activists as essentially at least by activists as essentially a weapon against people that choose to speak out against beijing and against the authorities here and we see that a staunch supporter of a person backed by beijing has been sel

keir starmer has done not a single one of those things.essure, may now be enjoying labour's discomfort. the conservatives' losses in the elections are not the story now, but the fact mrjohnson has already been found to have broken the law and remains under investigation means tory attacks are muted. the prime minister refused to resign when he was fined during for for breaking lockdown rules. so keir starmer doesn't have to resign even if he's fined, does he? look, keir starmer has clearly got a bunch - | of questions to answer in terms| of how straightforward he's been with the public and his answers to beergate and also, frankly, i the rank double standards. that's for him. the liberal democrats, who would love to be talking about their electoral gains, the most of any party feel on firmer moral ground here. if he's found to have broken the law, does he have to resign? well, as i made really clear, no politician is above the law. so that's a yes? if any politician, be it keir starmer or boris johnson, if they get a fixed penalty notice a

keir actually sir keir starmer who went back to work?of that. so he was definitely working after the curry? he - part of that. so he was definitely working after the curry? he willl working after the curry? he will have been _ working after the curry? he will have been working, _ working after the curry? he will have been working, definitely l working after the curry? he will - have been working, definitely come after the curry. i know he works incredibly hard, it�*s not unusual for politicians, not least during election campaigns, to be working at 11 o�*clock, midnight. i do it, other politicians will do it, and confident no rules were broken and that�*s what the investigation will conclude. d0 that's what the investigation will conclude. ,., , ., ,, that's what the investigation will conclude. , ., ,, . conclude. do you think that in hindsiaht conclude. do you think that in hindsight he _ conclude. do you think that in hindsight he went _ conclude. do you think that in hindsight he went too - conclude. do you think that in hindsight he

sir keir starmer clearly has a bunch _ does he? sir keir starmer clearly has a bunch of _ does he? starmer clearly has a bunch of questions to - does he? sir keir starmer clearly l has a bunch of questions to answer atrout— has a bunch of questions to answer about how— has a bunch of questions to answer about how straight he has been with the public— about how straight he has been with the public in his answers and frankly— the public in his answers and frankly drank double standards, that is for hint _ frankly drank double standards, that is for him. the frankly drank double standards, that is for him. , ., , ., , is for him. the liberal democrats who would _ is for him. the liberal democrats who would love _ is for him. the liberal democrats who would love to _ is for him. the liberal democrats who would love to be _ is for him. the liberal democrats who would love to be talking - is for him. the liberal democrats i who would love to be talking about their electoral gains, feel on firmer moral ground here. if their electoral gains, feel on firmer moral ground here. if he is found

keir starmer has done not a single one of those things. enjoying the labour discomfort. the conservative's losses are not the story, but the fact mrjohnson has already been found to have broken the law and remains under investigation means tory attacks are muted. the prime minister refused to resign when he was fined for breaking lockdown rules, so keir starmer does not have to resign, even if he is fined, does he? look, i don't... keir starmer clearly has a bunch i of questions to ask in terms of how straight he has been with the public in his answers and frankly rank - double standards, that is for him. the liberal democrats who would love to be talking about their electoral gains, feel on firmer moral ground here. if he is found to have broken the law, does he have to resign? as i made really clear, no politician is above the law. that is a yes? if any politician, be it is keir starmer or borisjohnson, if they get a fixed penalty notice, after a police investigation it is extremely difficult for them to continue. this could get even mor

but if keir starmer himself— he were fine. but if keir starmer himself is— he were fine.imself is no find, he will have no place to— himself is no find, he will have no place to hide. the moral high ground will be _ place to hide. the moral high ground will be ripped from underneath him very quickly. i would say this underlines this abiding idea that we have had _ underlines this abiding idea that we have had almost since johnson entered — have had almost since johnson entered politics, that he is a lucky politician — entered politics, that he is a lucky politician. you know, the four raw following — politician. you know, the four raw following the party gate and this sue gray— following the party gate and this sue gray report and the metropolitan police _ sue gray report and the metropolitan police investigations are ongoing. everyone — police investigations are ongoing. everyone thought he is toast, he will notz— everyone thought he is toast, he will notz survive this. he survived one fixed — will notz survive this. he survived one fixed penalty notice and now, thanks—

sir keir maintains no rules were broken.s what this row is about — sir keir starmer having a beer. his deputy, angela rayner, was also there in an mp�*s office in durham a year ago and a takeaway curry was ordered. the latest revelation in the mail on sunday is a memo circulated within the labour party which shows the curry was planned rather than spontaneous. it's for durham police to decide if this matters. what we do know is the force had already decided there was enough new evidence to look again at what happened, having cleared sir keir of wrongdoing in february. but the real reason all this matters is not what happened a year ago, but what sir keir starmer has said since. he has repeatedly expressed his outrage, shared by millions, about the covid lawbreaking within government, including from borisjohnson. and he's repeatedly called for the prime minister to resign. but his critics now say if you climb aboard a moral high horse, it will turn into a bucking bronco if it turns out that you have also broken the rules. aft

keir starmer himself in the shadow cabinet. _ keir starmer himself in the shadow cabinet. we — keir starmerd road for labour but we are pleased — long, hard road for labour but we are pleased we _ long, hard road for labour but we are pleased we are _ long, hard road for labour but we are pleased we are now _ long, hard road for labour but we are pleased we are now some - long, hard road for labour but we . are pleased we are now some weight on that— are pleased we are now some weight on that road. — are pleased we are now some weight on that road, but _ are pleased we are now some weight on that road, but we _ are pleased we are now some weight on that road, but we are far- are pleased we are now some weight on that road, but we are far from - on that road, but we are far from the end _ on that road, but we are far from the end of— on that road, but we are far from the end of it _ on that road, but we are far from the end of it. we've _ on that road, but we are far from the end of it. we've got - on that road, but we are far from the end of it. we've got to- on that road, but we are far fr

keir starmer— serving some cake at the time. keir starmer has — serving some cake at the time.e very big on that for a long time about how that kind of behaviour was very unacceptable, and now _ of behaviour was very unacceptable, and now it _ of behaviour was very unacceptable, and now it looks like he's actually in danger— and now it looks like he's actually in danger of having done very similar— in danger of having done very similar things. let's bring in the sunday telegraph, which also features an angle on this story. i beg your pardon, the sunday times. i got my sundays mixed up. all the papers are called sundays. new crisis first army —— starmer. is it really unraveling for keir starmer?— it really unraveling for keir starmer? ., , , , starmer? some of the newspapers certainly are _ starmer? some of the newspapers certainly are presenting _ starmer? some of the newspapers certainly are presenting it - starmer? some of the newspapers certainly are presenting it as - starmer? some of the newspapers certainly are presenting it as such. i certainly are presenting it as such.

sir keir starmer in — that general election. sir keir starmer in scotland - that general election.t general election. sir keir- starmer in scotland talking a little earlier. meanwhile, the mayor of london sadiq khan has said sir keir starmer has done nothing wrong and he should not resign. he was speaking during the first eid celebrations in two years at trafalgar square today. it was previously cancelled due to the covid pandemic. he told us how important it is to have the celebrations back in the square. the last time it was in the square was 2019. 2020 and 2021 were cancelled and it is lovely to welcome back diverse communities across london and also across the country celebrating our wonderful diversity. country celebrating our wonderful diversi . . , �* diversity. inaudible across _ diversity. inaudible across london, - diversity. inaudible across london, we l diversity. inaudible | across london, we had diversity. inaudible _ across london, we had brilliant results for labour, winning seats in central london, in london and outer london, some for the first time ever like barne

sorry to but in but to you think keir - to but in but to you think keir starmer was pink a little bit if you're a hunter of breach the law? i stand down if you're a hunter of breach the law?— breach the law? i think he was re breach the law? i think he was pretty clear — breach the law? i think he was pretty clear that _ breach the law? i think he was pretty clear that he _ breach the law? i think he was pretty clear that he was - breach the law? i think he was i pretty clear that he was resigning if there was a fine and didn't indicate otherwise in that he gave and i think that's right, and i think that despite a lot of power in the hands of the police that's just the hands of the police that's just the very nature of the emergency covid—i9 regulations that we had and durham police are going to be looking at what happened they're going to make a decision and we know it might or might not lead to the resignation. but i think if they were to release a statement and there was a minor infraction, i think they are calculating that the public, it wouldn't be public clamour for public, it w

keir starmer has done not a single one of those things.y to paint a less flattering picture of sir keir starmer. they aren't calling for his resignation because that may raise questions about why the prime minister, who has been fined, hasn't gone. but they are accusing the labour leader of hypocrisy. the prime minister refused to resign when he was fined for breaking lockdown rules, so keir starmer doesn't have to resign even if he's does he? keir starmer has clearly got a bunch of questions to ask in terms of how straight he's been with the public in his answers to beergate and also frankly they rank double standards. that's for him. as i understand it, the police haven't yet spoken to keir starmer and we can't anticipate the result of their investigation. but already it seems to be having a political impact. labour have cancelled a question and answer event with sir keir and if durham police are still continuing their inquiries and the full report into the downing street gatherings is published, then that may blunt labour's attack. will

for keir starmer, but that is only in— damaging for keir starmer, but that is only in potential.figures were playing _ and senior conservative figures were playing by— and senior conservative figures were playing by the rules when it came to covid _ playing by the rules when it came to covid but _ playing by the rules when it came to covid but only around a quarter of peopie _ covid but only around a quarter of people thought that senior labour peopie _ people thought that senior labour people were. so the expectation is that it _ people were. so the expectation is that it was — people were. so the expectation is that it was not one or the other, there _ that it was not one or the other, there was— that it was not one or the other, there was never the case that the labour— there was never the case that the labour party was seen as the paragons— labour party was seen as the paragons of virtue and the conservatives the opposite. so whether— conservatives the opposite. so whether this does have a lasting effect _ whether this does have a lasting effect on — whether this does have a

keir starmer�*s party has won some stunning victories in london.hampton and worcester. but they will take comfort from the fact that outside london, labour's progress has been more modest. the greens and liberal democrats are doing well. ed

sir keir starmer clearly hasj a bunch of questions to ask sir keir starmer clearly has - a bunch of questionsms of how straight he has been with the public in his answers and frankly drank- double standards, that is for him. the liberal democrats who would love to be talking about their electoral gains, feel on firmer moral ground here. if he is found to have broken the law, does he have to resign? as i made really clear, no politician is above the law. that is a yes? if any politician, be it is keir starmer or borisjohnson, if they get a fixed penalty notice, after a police investigation it is extremely difficult for them to continue. this could get even more difficult for sir keir and that will not change until durham police complete their investigation into his behaviour. damian grammaticus, bbc news. more than 60 people are feared dead after a russian air strike hit a school in the donbas region of eastern ukraine. the authorities said about 30 people, who were sheltering in the basement, were rescued, but many others are thought to have died. james waterhouse reports. this was a school i

it seems an obvious line of action really as keir starmer is starting to struggle a little _ keir starmerting to struggle a little bit and west treating is so clearty _ a little bit and west treating is so clearly arising staff. but the bill for this— clearly arising staff. but the bill for this buffy and drinks, which was a fundraiser— for this buffy and drinks, which was a fundraiser was £4600 and the event raised _ a fundraiser was £4600 and the event raised £20,000, which will be divided — raised £20,000, which will be divided between west treating and kim ted _ divided between west treating and kim led beta. an election pamphlet is 25p, _ kim led beta. an election pamphlet is 25p, and — kim led beta. an election pamphlet is 25p, and they have given enough mohey_ is 25p, and they have given enough money to— is 25p, and they have given enough money to produce 40,000 election pamphlets when they are neck standing — pamphlets when they are neck standing in their constituencies. it is so _ standing in their constituencies. it is so sad _ standing in their constituencies. it is so sad that

at best, this is uncomfortable for sir keir starmer.could prove to be a rule breakerjust like the prime minister and the chancellor and could face calls to resign. these are anxious times for the hierarchy of the labour party. watch this space for updates on that investigation. watch this space for updates on that investigation. 0ur political editor laura kuenssberg is in westminster. clearly big challenges ahead for both labour and the conservatives? that is right and in different ways. both of the big parties here involved in that daily tug over who gets to run the country have got things to be a bit worried about tonight. first for the conservatives, a cabinet minister said to me today they thought it would not be armageddon but the tories would do badly but labour were not going to blow the socks off. it was not a total wipe—out for the conservatives and some insiders think frankly after the last few months, and the fact they are in midtown, it is not that bad for them to have lost the number of seats that they have. but by the time

have you heard from - durham police, sir keir? any comment on the police investigation?travelled to celebrate success elsewhere, allegations over lockdown chased the labour leader. durham police will now investigate claims keir starmer broke the rules, having beer and curry with colleagues during lockdown. anything to say about - the investigation, sir keir? have you heard from durham police? he's always said nothing went wrong, but they are questions keir starmer will have to answer. voters' response to the lib dems was warm in many places, grabbing seats from labour in the northern city of hull, from the tories in kent's tunbridge wells, somerset and pockets of affluent london. the message to the tories from some green suburbs will cause tory nerves. they are saying they've had enough of this prime minister. and i think the tectonic plates of british politics are shifting. now it's up to conservative mps to shove the prime minister into the abyss. remember, your votes stitch together a giant patchwork, not a picture that's the same in every corner of the country. cheer

you think that keir starmer is — few years. you think that keir starmer is cutting _ few years.se results so far. they would have to be winning in some of those areas that were labour strongholds in the east midlands, in the north of england. and we are yet to see what happens in scotland. at the moment, do you think keir starmer is capitalising the discomfort of the conservatives, with cost of living issues and the issue of the culture and parties at westminster? i issue of the culture and parties at westminster?— westminster? i don't think it is. i was out reporting _ westminster? i don't think it is. i was out reporting in _ westminster? i don't think it is. i was out reporting in a _ westminster? i don't think it is. i was out reporting in a ward - westminster? i don't think it is. i was out reporting in a ward in - was out reporting in a ward in wolverhampton, a redwall seat, at the constituency level, which the conservatives won from labour overnight _ conservatives won from labour overnight. and in that constituency, people _ overnight. and in that constituency, people we

a huge gamble by sir keir starmer because his _ keir starmer because his professional reputation is onhaving to resign as leader of the labour party, putting pressure on boris johnson. you'd have to resign as well if he resigns or a similar offence. the guardian comes up with some evidence suggesting he'll be in the clear because they say it labour party has evidence of time recorded chats after the events, which is essential to the controversy, showing he was working even after the event closed. they've said the view that he should be in the clear. this puts a lot of pressure on both politicians and the police, but we must dismiss all those thoughts because the police have to look at the facts and disregard any political implications. according to the guardian, keir starmer is in the clear. he has a few questions to answer, for example, i think i'm right in saying that when these allegations first emerged, it was suggested that borisjohnson had been involved in partying and downing street, sir keir starmer said he should resign even before a fixed penalty notice was assigned to borisj

and he is dividing opinion, so as we have seen, this keir— opinion, so as we have seen, this keir starmero as we have seen, this keir starmer story. . ._ opinion, so as we have seen, this keir starmer story... i wanted to go on to that as _ keir starmer story... i wanted to go on to that as it _ keir starmer story... i wanted to go on to that as it is _ keir starmer story... i wanted to go on to that as it is on _ keir starmer story... i wanted to go on to that as it is on the _ keir starmer story... i wanted to go on to that as it is on the front - on to that as it is on the front of the sun with the wonderful headline there and they have taken this down it with korea below in case you don't know which is which but there they go, they have. they are having fun but the timing is pretty lousy for labour. what good news they have and there is some good news to them winning places like worthing has been pushed out the front page by the story about their leader. yes and of course — the story about their leader. yes and of course the _ the story about their leader. yes and of course the timing

maybe if the next two years this is the real keir starmer, this is the policy, this is— keir starmer, policy, this is the pizzazz, that's perhaps what _ this is the pizzazz, that's perhaps what he — this is the pizzazz, that's perhaps what he is — this is the pizzazz, that's perhaps what he is going to have to bring a bit more _ what he is going to have to bring a bit more of— what he is going to have to bring a bit more of that out. that is what our readers — bit more of that out. that is what our readers are looking for. we think— our readers are looking for. we think is— our readers are looking for. we think is great, solid, sensible but let's have — think is great, solid, sensible but let's have a — think is great, solid, sensible but let's have a little bit of oomph now — let's have a little bit of oomph now. , ., ., a let's have a little bit of oomph now. , ., ., ., now. the question i asked earlier about whether _ now. the question i asked earlier about whether boris _ now. the question i asked earlier about whether boris johnson - now. the question i asked earlier about whethe

l keir starmer, nine out of 14? that— keir starmer, nine out of 14?- that is an absolutely, brilliantly _ that is an absolutely, brilliantly put - that is an absolutely, l brilliantly put together campaign _ brilliantly put together campaign and - brilliantly put together campaign and they. brilliantly put together campaign and they got brilliantly put together - campaign and they got what brilliantly put together _ campaign and they got what they wanted~ — campaign and they got what they wanted~ way, _ campaign and they got what they wanted~ way, i_ campaign and they got what they wanted. way, i think— campaign and they got what they wanted. way, i think the - wanted. way, i think the wallpaper— wanted. way, i think the wallpaper story - wanted. way, i think the wallpaper story was- wanted. way, i think the i wallpaper story was under wanted. way, i think the - wallpaper story was under the previous— wallpaper story was under the previous editor. _ wallpaper story was under the previous editor. it _ wallpaper story was under the previous editor. it w

this is a perilous moment for keir starmer. leader might be up. chris mason, bbc news. the headlines on bbc news... sinn fein has become the largest party in the northern ireland assembly for the first time. but the issue of the post—brexit protocol could get in the way of restoring a devolved administration president zelensky says diplomatic efforts are continuing to try to rescue wounded soldiers from the besieged steelworks in mariupol. uk opposition leader sir keir starmer faces more questions over whether he broke lockdown rules, after a leaked memo suggests a meal he attended was planned, despite covid restrictions. the man who oversaw the crackdown on protesters in hong kong during demonstrations over a controversial extradition bill in 2019 has become the territory's new leader. john lee, a staunch beijing supporter, was the sole candidate in the closed voting process, and his appointment is widely being seen as a move by the chinese government to tighten its grip on the city. he replaces carrie lam after she announced

boris johnson and keir starmer. neither coming borisjohnson and keir starmer. investing in local transport. these are the things local people want to see. ultimately, it is about that trust in the main leadership.- ultimately, it is about that trust in the main leadership. thank you very much. _ in the main leadership. thank you very much. in _ in the main leadership. thank you very much, in wakefield. - in the main leadership. thank you very much, in wakefield. as - in the main leadership. thank you very much, in wakefield. as she l in the main leadership. thank you i very much, in wakefield. as she was saying, all eyes will turn on that upcoming by—election, which labour will be very much hoping to take back from the conservatives. let's get more detailed analysis, we can cross the newsroom to lewis goodall at the touch screen. any update? we haven't at the touch screen. any update? - haven't had any more counts in yet, but counting is resuming in lots of places in england and getting under way in scotland and wales. in terms of the results we had, it might b

keir starmer is level picking — looks like keir starmer is level picking with _ looks like keir starmerou may— rather than the ones who have lost, you may see — rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a — rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a different _ rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a different picture. i rather than the ones who have lost, you may see a different picture. he| you may see a different picture. he was you may see a different picture. was suggesting he is saying that because he's feeling down or sad rather than he is offering a considered opinion, are you dismissing he has had a bad night? and when we went further into it he talked _ and when we went further into it he talked about — and when we went further into it he talked about real— and when we went further into it he talked about real issues _ and when we went further into it he talked about real issues which i and when we went further into it he talked about real issues which are i talked about real issues which are the real— talked about real issues which are the real issues _

keir starmer— to the queen's speech tomorrow. keir starmer has _ to the queen's speech tomorrow. can't see any reasons being given yet. _ event. i can't see any reasons being given yet, but i do wonder if some people _ given yet, but i do wonder if some people on— given yet, but i do wonder if some people on his own side will be wondering if these claims of him breaking — wondering if these claims of him breaking the lockdown rules in durham, — breaking the lockdown rules in durham, strongly denied by the labour— durham, strongly denied by the labour leader, might be preventing him from _ labour leader, might be preventing him from doing his dayjob, a lesson boris _ him from doing his dayjob, a lesson borisjohnson learned in him from doing his dayjob, a lesson boris johnson learned in a him from doing his dayjob, a lesson borisjohnson learned in a big way when _ borisjohnson learned in a big way when he _ borisjohnson learned in a big way when he was facing these claims, but we will— when he was facing these claims, but we willjust_ when he was facing these claims, but we willjus

that's the story involving keir starmerand his alleged antics in durham.ou say, broke the party gate story. and on the other hand we've got the daily mail which pursued the beergate story for weeks without anybody really taking much notice. and it seems to me a good example of how the partisan press can work very well in a democratic way. lots of people say, well, the press is too partisan and too extreme, we need more evenhanded, more fair—minded newspapers. but actually, it was only because the daily mirror so hated boris johnson that it went after the story with such energy. and it was only because the mail had similar feelings about keir starmer that it slogged away at that story for weeks or even longer before the rest of the media took it up. so, i think it'5 a good example of how newspapers, by being partisan, as long as they have some sort of balance, one paper here, another paper balancing it, it can actually serve the democratic process surprisingly well. ayesha, do you agree with that? that the partisan nature of some parts of the press is actua

he keir starmer have to make this announcement?— announcement? something. — announcement? he had to say something, because _ announcement? he had to say something, because this - announcement? he had to say something, because this was i announcement? he had to say - something, because this was becoming a whole process. it wasn't really about the event, it was becoming what would you say and when will you said, tomorrow is the queen's speech, the beginning of the tory government's relaunch after the elections, their policy, and keir had to be able to say tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon, tomorrow evening, there is nothing in the queen speech about the cost of living, about health. this would have drowned it out unless he had done this, and so now he will be able to go onto the attack on areas where the government are as uncomfortable as they are about partygate, but probably it will have more lasting impact on the public and therefore will probably be more important for the next election. 50 important for the next election. so ou important for

sir keir, good morning. will you resign if you're fined...?ice announcing they were now investigating leader sir keir starmer for a possible lockdown breach of his own. it's definitely been a good morning for the lib dems... i wasn't expecting that! ..who tempted traditional tory voters away to add almost 200 councillors in england. conservative support also melted away in wales, with labour profiting. and in scotland, the snp increased its support again, forcing the tories into retreat. the snp is a party 15 years into government. so it's a big vote of confidence in our leadership of scotland, both nationally and at local level. i don't take it for granted, though. people want to see us deliver now. the reason we keep winning elections is because we work really hard, at elections, between elections, to deliver for scotland. votes are counted and the verdicts are in. it's only a snapshot but for all parties, plenty to chew over. leila nathoo, bbc news. well, we heard in leila's report about the difficulties for sir keir starmer, too, after bei

sir keir said today he was �*absolutely clear that no rules were broken�*.r has repeatedly called for borisjohnson and rishi sunak to resign, after they were fined for breaking lockdown rules in downing street. sir keir said his readiness to resign was a matter of principle and integrity, in contrast, he said, to the prime minister. 0ur political editor chris mason has the story. the questions had dogged him all weekend. mr starmer, will you resign? dogged him again this morning and were not going to stop. on friday, durham police said it would reopen an investigation into this — sir kier starmer having a beer and a curry. his deputy, angela rayner, was there too, as were party workers last april. the labour leader has always said he didn�*t break the covid rules in place. but today, he placed his political career in the hands of the police. if the police decide to issue me with a fixed penalty notice, i would, of course, do the right thing and step down. what a roll of the dice. it�*s intention is clear, to draw a big contrast with borisjohnson. we�*ve seen

local elections now, if keir he received his fine. now, if keir starmerfinds he received his fine.ceived his fine. now, if keir starmer finds himself in that position, it's really quite hard to see how he wouldn't have to follow his own advice. he says he's confident he's done nothing wrong and we've got no idea whether it investigation will lead to. there is also a risk for the conservatives. these are a bad set of results for the governing party but not a dreadful set of results. some insiders would say actually for a party that's been in powerfor more than a decade, they aren't too shabby at all. but with all the concern among the public about making ends meet, with some anger still about what's been going on in downing street, i think there's a risk for boris johnson downing street, i think there's a risk for borisjohnson and his team about being complacent and thinking, well, it wasn't too bad, maybe we don't have to change that much at all. there are still people in his own party who really believe that borisjohnson has to shape up if he is to lead them into the next election

have you heard from durham police, sir keir? any- from durham police, sir keir?ng towards the area where civilians are sheltering. amnesty international has accused russia of doing nothing to stop its forces from committing atrocities during ten weeks of war in ukraine. the human rights group says it has gathered evidence of extrajudicial killings and indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas. hungary's minister has accused the head of the european commission of undermining eu unity on sanctions over plans to ban russian oil imports by the end of the year. viktor orban said hungary would the two of the current proposals. a 15—year—old boy has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for killing a boy who was stabbed with a kitchen knife after going out to play football. john reid, 14, died in birmingham in may 2021 and the trial heard he had been hunted down by a group shouting racial slurs in front of several witnesses. three nurses is an two health care assistants are due to appear in court later this month accused of mistreating patients at blackpool vi

so it boris johnson like keir starmer has — be.armer has been _ be. so it boris johnson like keir starmer has been out _ be. so it boris johnson like keir starmer has been out today - be. so it boris johnson like keir i starmer has been out today doing local media and the main gaffe and i might be credited on this game in his morning interview on good morning britain where he had the presenter and worth noting that borisjohnson has avoided an interview on the show for some time and it was put to him the case of a pensioner who found it too difficult to heat their own home that they were just riding on the to heat their own home that they werejust riding on the bus. and borisjohnson positive initial response to this was like i brought in that bus pass which means she can ride forfree, which may be in that bus pass which means she can ride for free, which may be the case but i think clearly misjudged the tone. and it's not really the point of saying you are grateful for the bus as much as saying why can i not eat my own home? so that

then they have gone on the attack to keir starmer.clear up a few things, borisjohnson never knowingly misled the house of commons or indeed anyone else. he also says and he said so today that he did not appreciate the scale of what has happened inside downing street street. he said today he has been surprised by some of the things he has learnt. i appreciate you don't agree with that but important to point that out. david, do you agree with ayesha that the government should have said yes, we have made a mistake early on. i'm not entirely convinced it would have kept the daily mirror and others off its case? well, let me turn it around, the question is why did - the press office feelj it was untouchable? many of these parties i by the way were in that office with those people. one of the parties were celebrating i the departure of its leader. to go off and be deputy editor of my old paper, the sun. just ask yourself, why i would you find touchable in that situation? because you have thel prime minister as your boss allowing you to do .

have you heard from - durham police, sir keir? any comment on their investigation?travelled to celebrate success in cumbria, too, allegations over lockdown chased him there. the police will now investigate claims that the labour leader broke the rules, having beer and curry with colleagues. anything to say about - the investigation, sir keir? have you heard from durham police? questions he had to answer again. no party, no breach of the rules. the police obviously have got theirjob to do. we should let them get on with it. but i'm confident that no rules were broken. free of lockdown claims, voters' response to the lib dems was warm in many places, grabbing seats in cities, hulland birmingham. from the tories in kent, tunbridge wells, somerset and pockets of affluent london. the message from some green suburbs will cause tory nerves. they are saying they have had enough of this prime minister, and i think the tectonic plates of british politics are shifting. and now it is up to conservative mps to shove the prime minister into the abyss. remember, your votes stitch

if keir starmer has been found to have broken the law, does he have to resign? believe that that is going to happen. it is absurd to equate the two things, between the prime minister's serial partying, lying and laughter about what was happening to people in this country and a work event, where people broke to eat, so i am not going to get into hypotheticals. it is ridiculous. angela rayner has already said that he should resign if he broke the law, so why cant you say that? because i don't believe he did break the law for a moment. he has already been investigated for this, after the conservative party flung mud at him last time and was cleared by the same police force. i am absolutely confident that that will happen again. i don't think there are many people in this country who believe for one moment that keir starmer is the sort of man that goes around tearing up the rule book. he was the director of public prosecutions, he makes rules, he does not break them. thejustice secretary dominic raab refused to be drawn on whether keir starmer should resign keirstar

and keir starmer, think he should resign. and keir starmer. if— think he should resign.at what the durham police decide on i that is different? let's eat what. the durham police decide on that count. what i am focused on is a prime minister who is unfit to run this country right now.— this country right now. thank you very much _ this country right now. thank you very much for— this country right now. thank you very much for your _ this country right now. thank you very much for your time - this country right now. thank you very much for your time this - very much for your time this morning. the deputy leader of the liberal democrats. efforts are under way this morning to rescue more people from steelworks in the besieged ukrainian port of mariupol. around 200 civilians are still believed to be trapped there, along with the city's last ukrainian soldiers. our correspondent laura bicker has sent this report from dnipro. what is the latest in that sense? yesterday we saw about 50 civilians get out of the steel plant. we don't know exactly how many are around, but maybe pre

he is developments this morning on the keir starmer allegations?- keir starmer allegations? the testimony. one person has said they were therefore drinking are not to work and the onlyjustification were therefore drinking are not to work and the only justification for gathering as if it was reasonably necessary for what purposes. there is a fair way — necessary for what purposes. there is a fair way to _ necessary for what purposes. there is a fair way to run _ necessary for what purposes. there is a fair way to run the _ necessary for what purposes. there is a fair way to run the story - necessary for what purposes. there is a fair way to run the story but - is a fair way to run the story but diane abbott came out yesterday and said yesterday f keir starmer is fined as a result of this sea probably has to consider his position and goal but if he were to receive a fixed penalty notice and resign what does that mean for the prime minister? i resign what does that mean for the prime minister?— prime minister? i think that would ut more prime minister? i think that would put mo