couple of former northern ireland secretaries, we have been asking them what the deal would mean for them what the deal would mean for the future also of the northern ireland assembly party in northern ireland said it wants to restore the assembly, but they are deeply concerned if the conservatives do a deal with the dup. i spoke to sean would want, who was a former secretary within the northern ireland and said that theresa may was treading a fine line and dangerous line by doing a deal with the dup. there is a belief that the parties must be neutral in dealing with northern ireland. it was put forward in the good friday agreement and it is how we have progressed since approved for the assembly. theresa may is no going to drive a coach and horses through the principles of that. it is essential that both the unionists and nationalists need to realise that the british government is neutral. it is conceivable that nationalists would possibly look at a conservative minority government propped up by the dup as being one of neutrality. i respect arlene foster. i negotiated with her many times. she is a very good politician. but she leads the dup and the have a very part

believe in is one where we build up northern ireland, where we eventually have a united ireland, we work towards that but we need to use the northern ireland assemblystitutions... do you like the sound of that, robin swann? no, on the counter. i like the sound of unionism i am presenting and it's a positive progressive unionism that can work with colum eastwood and naomi long and john and jeffrey to bring about a northern ireland that delivers for the people of northern ireland. there is a positivity, there is a unionism now coming out that shouldn't be seen as purely orange and green and that's something that's coming out through this general election. we are seeing scottish candidates standing as unionists, welsh candidates standing as unionists. because there is a change, there is a revitalisation in what is the united kingdom at this minute in time because of brexit and how it's going to redefine itself and where we are going to position our self. we are going to move on to our second question, from john, a business development manager. who isn't complicit in terrorism, how do we address the causes of terrorism? 0k. this is referring, of course

what about the future of talks to revive the northern ireland assembly. ster cannot play party politics with northern ireland. a concern any deal between the dup and the conservatives would be hugely detrimental to confidence a botox, according to sinn fein. —— to talks. i do not agree with peter. he is very happy for senior republicans like gerry adams and is now a prominent member of the republic of ireland cabinet, but i said back when i was negotiating a deal with the ulster unionists back in 2010, i said they do not see why he talented northern ireland citizens should be excluded from politics. once the belfast agreement had been signed and brought huge benefits after huge stage by the governments and i thought the key thing about it would be that after that, the republicans would play a key pa rt that, the republicans would play a key part in british politics. there is no indication of that happening. the problem we have is our local level that. i am the problem we have is our local levelthat. i am sorry the problem we have is our local level that. i

their veto to continue in terms of same—sex marriage, which they blocked several times in northern ireland assembly that. they will want to continue to block any liberalisation of abortion in northern ireland. there's also the issue of continuing prosecutions for the actions of british soldiers in the actions of british soldiers in the troubles in northern ireland. the dup are very unhappy about those investigations and would prefer an amnesty for british soldiers. these are very controversial areas that the dup will want to have a say on. it is also the march as season. the dup doesn't like the commission that regulates the parades. they might have something to say on that. that isa have something to say on that. that is a pretty substantial list. what about the idea that the government should remain neutral in matters around northern ireland, because nothing has been happening at stormont for months. doesn't any element of the day, given that is the situation, are they meant to be an honest broker and step back and negotiate in egalitarian fashion, if that's ever going to get back on its feet? i

brokers, if you like, in efforts to revive the talks here in northern ireland that they hope will lead to the restoration of the northern ireland assembly dup are in a deal with the conservatives, how could a conservatives, how could a conservative secretary of state be truly said to be a neutral broker and that is the thorny question. that is what republicans are really sounding the alarm about today. this arrangement may prove to be reckless but we will have to wait and see. we have argued for some time and the british government have been working in cahoots with the dup to the disadvantage of the political process here. in fact, there were talks here to re—establish our institutions and we should add that the british public should have close scrutiny of the dup and what that party represents. the big fish behind me might be a clue as we have moved to the waterfront areas of belfast, one of the areas that has seen a belfast, one of the areas that has seen a huge amount of investment. this part of the city has improved belfast and northern ireland's reputation as a destination. we know that more investment in northern ireland is close

the biggest party in the northern ireland assembly, ten seats and they are over that magic number.relationship would this be with the dup? three options, potentially. a formal coalition or a much more informal relationship with a vote on a vote by vote basis or what we call confidence and supply whereby the dup agrees to vote with the government on key issues like a budget or a vote that might bring down the government, in return for price. the one thing to say is that these two parties do have long—standing connections and the dup has voted with the conservatives many times before. a of important dates before we finish. june 13 is when the new parliament meets. after that, through the week new mps will be sworn in. this is the day by which theresa may has to be confident she's got that majority of mps. a week on monday, june 19. incidentally what happens if, after that point, after the queen's speech, there's a leadership contest 01’ speech, there's a leadership contest or theresa may decides to stand aside? the conservatives would still remain in power while any leadership contes

trying to offer reassurance to nationalist and republicans in the northern ireland assembly that they restore that assembly, which collapsed earlier this year? what is happening here is that the good friday agreement is the document that underpins the peace process in northern ireland. the british and irish government are supposed to act as co—guarantors of that agreement. they should act with rigorous impartiality when it comes to northern ireland matters. if the dup is propping up the conservative government, how could the conservative government act with impartiality in northern ireland? that is what enda kenny talk to theresa may about. charlie flanagan said, it doesn't necessarily undermine impartiality, depending on the deal that the dup do with the conservatives. but this is the irish government in a diplomatic way raising their concerns about what this would mean for the tense situation in northern ireland. do you have any further insight into what it might contain? still, the focus on an economic package. back in 2015, when a hung parliament was expected, at that time the dup

veto to carry on in terms of same—sex marriage, which the dup has blocked five times in northern ireland assemblyrect rule from westminster, given that the assembly is currently semi—suspended, whether you have a return to devolution, the dup will want to continue their veto on that. the dup will want to continue to block any liberalisation of abortion in northern ireland. beyond the social conservatism there's also the issue of continuing prosecution ‘s investigations of the actions of british soldiers in the troubles in northern ireland. the dup are very unhappy about those continuing investigations and would prefer, in effect, an amnesty for british soldiers. so those are very controversial areas the dup will want a say on. and even beyond that, we're running into the marching season in northern ireland. the dup don't like the parades commission which regulates protestant parades in northern ireland. if they really want to push it with the conservatives, they may have something to say on that, so there's a whole welter of controversies associated with the dup. that is a pretty substantial list

the biggest party in the northern ireland assembly, ten seats, and they are over that magic number so dup? there are potentially three options, a formal coalition or they could have a much more informal relationship where they vote on a vote by vote basis, or you could have what's called confidence and supply whereby the dup agree to vote on the government on key issues like the budget or a vote that might bring down the government in return for a price. the one thing to say is these two parties do have long—standing connections and the dup has voted with the conservatives many times before. a couple of important dates for you before we finished, this one, doing the 13th is when the new parliament meets. after that new mps will be sworn in, this is the day by which theresa may has to be confident she's got that majority of mps, a week on monday, june 19. incidentally what happens if after that point, after the queen's speech, there's a leadership contest or theresa may decides to stand aside? the conservatives would still remain in power while any leadership contest follows. in a mome

northern ireland. the on that, there are more controversial areas, because the dup want to continue their veto on same—sex marriage, which the dup has blocked five times in northern ireland assemblytly semi—suspended, but there is a return to devolution, the dup will wa nt to return to devolution, the dup will want to consolidate that. for social conservatives, there is the continuing issue of the actions of british soldiers in the troubles in northern ireland. those are controversial areas in which the dup will want a say. we are running into the marching season in northern ireland, and the dup do not like the parades commission, who regulate parades. they may have something to say on that. professorjohn tonge, from the university of liverpool. scottish conservative leader ruth davidson has been welcoming her new mps this afternoon in stirling and dismissed reports that scots tories might "break away" from the main uk party. she tweeted that she fought a leadership campaign opposing the idea of a separate organisation in scotland. our correspondent catriona renton is in stirling there was a new msp here today. there was a new msp here today. there was a new msp here today. there

to say about those is that they are devolved issues or the dup has secured a veto in the northern ireland assemblye rest of the uk something that isn't there already. they can't come to theresa may and say this is our policy on abortion...? no because what will run right through their shopping list will be strengthening in in the union between the northern ireland and the rest of the uk. as you know, the dup were very pro—brexit, but one thing they favoured was that the brexit campaign could split northern ireland away from the uk and they wa nt to ireland away from the uk and they want to keep it together, being strong unionists. i would say fairly high up that list is an undertaking from the prime minister that there will be no special status in the eu for northern ireland. if you cast your mind back to before the referendum, that was turned down by the british government anyway. sinn fein wanted special status for northern ireland in the eu, one foot inside the single market and one outside but the irish government has impressed for that either. that's a fairly easy ask the pram in is double be

injust over 2a hours in just over 2a hours the northern ireland assembly is supposed to meet, a firstppointed and months of political crisis supposed to be over. that was the plan but it does not seem like a certainty at this juncture. the democratic unionist party and sinn fein are still deeply divided on a range of issues but there is one in particular causing a lot of disagreement. that is about an irish language act. i is the first language act. i is the first language ofjust over a quarter of 196 language ofjust over a quarter of 1% of the population here but it is deeply important to nationalists and republicans and as a result they're pushing for official status for it. but the dup are against that and what a much wider legislation that would look at languages and culture more generally. as a result we had something of a stand—off and last night angry words from sinn fein in response to the dup, talking about having a parallel process, trying to get back into government and continue talking. that gives you no indication that a deal is likely any time soon. but there has been a

might have an impact, a negative impact on efforts to get talks going again to restore the northern ireland assemblyny, who tweeted that he had had a telephone conversation with theresa may indicating the concerned that nothing should happen to the good friday agreement at risk and absence of nationalists voiced in westminster. it should be said that sinn fein have a policy of abstention and don't take up their seats in parliament. of course, the nationalist sdlp as a result of this election now have no mps left at westminster. but a response as well, number ten to what the irish promise has had to say. let's get more on that with john campbell who is has had to say. let's get more on that withjohn campbell who is in belfast. it was interesting, we were talking earlier today about the fact that there had not been any response to the concerns about the impact by deal with the dup might have on the northern ireland political process, but then that enda kenny phone call and sweet and now the response from number ten? is worth reminding ourselves about the good friday agreement which underpins power—sha

ocean fane is one of the largest parties in the northern ireland assembly but it refuses to take up its seven seats in the british parliament well let's cross live now to m.e.p. martine around a son who's a member officer or wanting to thank you very much indeed for joining us well let's get straight to the nitty gritty of that why your party so opposed to rex's. well bracks it is going to be a disaster for ireland we cannot have a situation here where part of our land is in the way and part of our land is i mean if the good friday agreement strand to give the government the all ireland nature of. the alternate nature of that agreement manes that for instance we can't have two different regulator e standards in ireland so what we have been getting and the european parliament five hundred sixteen any piece in the european parliament voted two percent of the good friday agreement in all of its parts order to ensure there would be no hardening of the border in ireland and the unique and special circumstances we had that repeated in the gate lines were they confirmed that they should be the

talks are continuing to try and bring about the restoration of the northern ireland assembly. u forjoining us. it really doesn't look, when you listen to those phrases, which we have all heard before about talks in northern ireland, as though a deal can be achieved by apm today, but do you expect that, rather than a return to direct rule or a triggering of another election, we are going to see the deadline extended?” another election, we are going to see the deadline extended? i think there are two things that need to be avoided. absolutely, direct rule from westminster. i thought i was the last direct rule secretary of state in 2007, and i said so at the time, and we got ian paisley and martin mcguinness to share power together in that historic settlement. to turn the clock back to direct rule, and stormont has now been suspended for six months, and it's very serious, would be to roll back the years on the good friday agreement and all the progress that has been made towards peace and stability. the secretary of state needs to avoid that at all costs. i think the way to do it

gracious sovereign, the commons of the united kingdom and northern ireland in parliament assembled beg leave to offer our humble thanks to the majesty for the

majesty and loyal subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland in parliament assembled. we beg leave to offer our humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech which your majesty has addressed to both houses of parliament. i call the leader of the opposition, mr. jeremy corbyn.

theresa may's decision to try and form this deal with the dup could damage efforts to get the northern ireland assembly big question. if the northern ireland secretary for example is to be seen as an independent broker in any discussions between the various parties, how will those other parties, how will those other parties beyond the dup feel if they know that the northern ireland secretary it in an arrangement with the conservative party. how can the northern ireland secretary be seen as an independent broker? sinn fein, there part, they had a strong election, the strongest showing ever. they don't take their seats in westminster, seven seats. strongest ever showing for dup with ten mps. sinn fein want to be back here on monday to start discussions to start getting power—sharing working again. a deadline on the 29th ofjune said by the secretary of state james brokenshire to make some progress on this for the parties to nominate a first minister and deputy first ministerand make a first minister and deputy first minister and make a definite step towards getting power—sharing back again, whether that w

arrangement, and also allow for at least the beginning of those talks to try to restore the northern ireland assemblyn, who have the large number of mlas, that they are really worried that the deal between theresa may and the dup could scupper any progress. absolutely. i think it makes it so much trickier. there's just one seat that separate sinn fein and the dup at stormont. they are parties that really need to doa they are parties that really need to do a deal if stormont is to get back up do a deal if stormont is to get back up and running. the democratic unionist party are keen to do a deal. i think you're getting the impression, despite the contradictory statements released last night, that they are up for some kind of an agreement. what they will want out of this is, frankly, money. a lot has been talked about the social issues, their stance on abortion and same—sex marriage. it's worth saying they did double down on their insistence they would allow their insistence they would allow the introduction of same—sex marriage in northern ireland during this election campaign. nonetheless, in this pa

vote next week. joining me from belfast is nelson mccausland, a former dup member of the northern ireland assemblydays. obviously the queen‘s speech but also the horrific events in various parts of great britain. the start of the brexit negotiations, there needs to bea the brexit negotiations, there needs to be a period of focus to get to a conclusion. the dup negotiators are experienced, seasoned in that regard. 0ver experienced, seasoned in that regard. over the years in northern ireland not only negotiating with westminster but also internally in northern ireland and with the irish republic. i would northern ireland and with the irish republic. iwould be northern ireland and with the irish republic. i would be quietly hopeful we will see something emerge over the next number of days.|j we will see something emerge over the next number of days. i can see the next number of days. i can see the smile, you clearly think there is an element of a know what they are doing and they will push it to the limit? clearly, if this parliament runs now for a number of yea rs parliament runs now for a number of

the biggest party in the northern ireland assembly, ten seats, and they're over that magic number.e three options, potentially. a formal coalition, or they could have a much more informal relationship where they vote on a vote—by—vote basis. or they could have what we call "confidence and supply", whereby the dup agree to vote with the government on key issues like a budget, or a vote that might bring down the government, in return for a price. the one thing to say, though, is that these two parties do have long—standing connections, and the dup has voted with the conservatives many times before. a couple of important dates for you before we finish. this one — june 13th. that is when the new parliament meets. after that through the week new mps will be sworn in. this is the date by which theresa may has to be confident that she's got that majority of mps — a week on monday, june 19th. incidentally, what happens if after that point, after the queen's speech, there is a leadership contest, or theresa may decides to stand aside? well, the conservatives would still remain in power whil

focus on extra cash for northern ireland, and likely oppose big austerity changes to pensions and benefits. nelson mccausland is a former dup member of the northern ireland assemblyk the leader of thedup been done yet? i think the leader of the d u p has been clear that discussions are still ongoing. they will continue today and probably tomorrow as well. i think you picked up tomorrow as well. i think you picked up on tomorrow as well. i think you picked up on some tomorrow as well. i think you picked up on some of the key points there. the party are generally anti— extreme as regards austerity. they area extreme as regards austerity. they are a compassionate party and so is to oppose the removal of the triple lock for pensions and to oppose, for example, the introduction of means testing for winter fuel payments. so it is generally pro— brexit, strongly prounion party. and going into discussions are now they will be looking very much at the interests of the united kingdom as a whole because of this particular time there is a real need for stability. they would want to ensure that there is as much stability of was able at westminster. picking up on some of the p

northern ireland party, the dup? lots of people say that could make the prospect of getting the assembly running again really difficultant more money for northern ireland to invest in various aspects of life and society here. also, the big su is that of the border, as we know, northern ireland is the only part of the uk of the land ireland is the only part of the uk of the [and border with part of the eu. the republic of ireland. it would seem less likely if there was any arrangement with the dup theresa may would be able to get out of the customs union and single market and if she has to enter enter some sort of agreement with the dup over that, thatis of agreement with the dup over that, that is likely to cause problems with certain members of the conservative party. whichever way she turns, this is not going to be a simple arrangement, it will be very complicated and she has talked about providing stability this morning but when you look at that particular area, discussions over the future of the border, membership of the single market and the customs union, you must wonder how that stability can be guaranteed when

northern ireland back on the right track. to vote to get the best deal for northern ireland. to strengthen our hand in the upcoming negotiations. to get the assemblyhin the united kingdom. and to unite behind one strong unionist voice. northern ireland's alliance party has also launched its election manifesto, promising "progressive and pro—european politics". the manifesto includes a series of commitments on power sharing in the assembly, the economy and justice, but focuses on brexit. this is a manifesto that pledges to oppose a hard brexit, support a special deal for northern ireland, and give the public the final say on the outcome of those brexit negotiations. it is a manifesto that recognises whatever the outcome of the negotiations are, our best feature from northern ireland and all of these islands is one that recognises interdependence and cooperation with the rest of europe as the best way forward. and for the latest on the campaign with analysis of all the main developments and issues in the nations and regions of the united kingdom take a look at our website. you'll find all of the fallout from last nights debate, the bbc‘s reality che

of appeal has ruled it is not up to the courts to decide on abortion law in northern ireland, but up to the stormont assemblyhe high court ruled the law in northern ireland breached the european convention on human rights. and in westminster, mps have backed a call for women from northern ireland to get abortions in england forfree — currently, they have to pay. in 2013, sarah ewart travelled to england for a termination after doctors said her unborn child had no chance of survival outside the womb. such a diagnosis, known as fatal foetal abnormality, is not grounds for a legal abortion in northern ireland. she's been giving her reaction. well, it's unfortunate that women find themselves in this position of carrying a pregnancy where there is a foetal abnormality. but it's a good thing that we will now get it in the hospitals across the water instead of a clinic. but at the same time, if it is ok for us to go over there and have it on the nhs, then it should be ok for us to have it here in our own hospitals. how much of a difference would it have made to you and to your family circumstances if someone, if th

your most loyal subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland, in parliament assembledes speech that a magistrate has addressed to both houses of parliament. it is an honour to have been asked to move the loyal address. —— gracious. it is important we recognise we meet in the shadow of some of the most terrible tragedies of modern times. nothing we say can undo what has happened in the kensington, or, forthat matter, on the streets of london or manchester. what we can, in this house, do, is tojoin our sovereign in leading the nation in mourning the dead, caring for the injured and the dead, caring for the injured and the bereaved, and uniting in an absolute determination to prevent any such tragedies and outrages happening again. our tone any such tragedies and outrages happening again. ourtone in any such tragedies and outrages happening again. our tone in this and future debates in the coming days and weeks must reflect the nation's horror and sadness at such awful tragedies. the country expects our debates and arguments to be a bust. there is room for consensus too.

joining us from belfast is alastair ross who was a dup minister in the northern ireland assembly.ll be well aware of its strength right now. what will the dup be demanding, what is the sticking point? i guess the clue is a document they published two years ago when everyone thought we were hanging to what —— heading towards a hung parliament, and if you listen to what arlene foster has been saying to the media over the last few days. they will first of all that to secure northern ireland's position in the uk and playing a responsible role in the national interest and that will be a key factor for the interest and that will be a key factorfor the dup. finally, i think they will also be looking for some issues around brexit because of the unique circumstances we have in northern ireland, sharing a land border with the irish public, they will want to make sure that order is as frictionless as possible. i guess those are the three main areas that the dup will be focusing on in discussions at the moment. in reality, is there any chance the dup will go down the queen's speech, evenif wi

dutiful and loyal subjects the comments of the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland in parliament assembled to offer our humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech which her majesty has addressed to both houses of parliament. i call the leader of the opposition mr. jeremy corbyn. >> thank you mr. speaker i buy tradition at the beginning of each parmenter seshmi, write the members we have lost in the last year. sadly mr. speaker this year must also mark the passing of those who were lost in horrific events in recent days and weeks. the fire at grenfell tower in west london has killed at least 79 people. what takes a both a tragedy and an outrage is that every single one of those deaths could have been avoided. something has gone horrifically wrong. but community is demanding answers. thousands of people living in the tower walks around the country need urgent assurance emergency service especially fire rescue services in this case deserve our deepest respect and support. i also want to pay a very warm tribute to my honorable friend from kensington who in recent days demonstrated s

members representatives from northern ireland and we intend to carry out responsibility very very carefully indeed. we will hope for the restoration as soon as possible for our assembly and executive in northern ireland where everyone can play a part in the government of northern ireland. so, speaker elect, we have interesting times ahead. i look forward to playing a role in the proceedings of this parliament over the course of the next five years and i wish you well in your office during that time. >> mr. howell williams. >> [inaudible] >> these acts have no place and we join together to condemn them. if i may begin by welcoming my new and honorable friend. we look forward to his contribution. on behalf of my friends, i would like to congratulate you mr. speaker. i'm sure the members on both sides of the house look forward to the confident interventions and looked to be one of the most the parliaments of recent years. not least because the matter mainly before us in this space, the matter of the uk's place-- [inaudible] c mckay also wish to congratulate you, mr. speaker. >> caroline lucas. >> hello. i associate myself with the comments made by the prime minister. ou

we believe it's absolutely imperative for the benefit of northern ireland we have a locally elected assemblyests of the people of northern ireland. that is the first choice for the dup. we didn't bring down the assembly, we didn't bring down the assembly, we didn't bring down the assembly, we didn't bring down the executive and we are not holding it up again. i sense that sinn fein want to see that happen as well, let us hope that happen as well, let us hope that that is the case. reporter: how close are you to finding out about the deal with the conservatives? we are continuing discussions and i'm looking forward to going over to london this evening to going over to london this evening to meet with my parliamentary team which thankfully has increased since i last met with my parliamentary tea m i last met with my parliamentary team and we'll be meeting with the prime minister as well. reporter: (inaudible) way of restoring devolution here? why would it? we want devolution back and running. we believe it's the best form of government in terms of the people of northern ireland the deal with t

northern ireland and we intend to carry out that responsibility very carefully indeed. we hope, of course, for the restoration as soon as possible of our locally devolved assembly and executive in northern ireland where everybody can play partner government of northern island. mr. speaker-elect, we have interesting times ahead. look forward to playing a full role in the proceedings of the parliament in the next five years and wish you well in your office during that time. >> mr. hal williams. >> may i begin by associating myself and my party with the prime minister's remarks about the events in london and manchester. these acts have no place and we all condemn them. mr. speaker, i begin by welcoming my new honorable friends -- >> hear, hear. >> -- good people -- member once again and we look forward to. on behalf of my friends, i would congratulate both you, mr. speaker, and the father of the house, and members on both sides of the house look forward to the members extremely knowledgeable and peoplely confident enter -- supremely confident interventions during what is likely to be one of to the most lively and most important parliaments of years. the matter merely before us

majesty and loyal subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland in parliament assembled. we give your thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech that your majesty. i call the leader of the opposition, mr. jeremy corbyn. mr. corbyn: we commemorate the members we have lost in the last year. sadly, mr. speaker, this year must mark the passing of those days e lost in horrific and weeks. a fire has killed at least 79 people. what makes it both a tragedy and outrage, every single one of those deaths could have been avoided. the community are demanding answers and entitled to those answers. thousands of people living in blocks around the country need reassurance and the emergency services, especially rescue foreign services deserve our deepest respect and support. i want to play a warm tribute to my members of ken sing ton. they have demonstrated while her local community put her faith in her, her determination to ensure that every family is rehoused locally is an exemplary work as a dedicated member of parliament. we welcome to her house. lessons must be learned in the pub

right now we do not have an assembly up and running in northern ireland and what theresa may is doingrunning and that is morally reprehensible. can you see a way through what is an incredibly tricky situation, if the dup deal goes ahead? situation, if the dup deal goes ahead ? what situation, if the dup deal goes ahead? what is the way to get back to the talks to try to restore the assembly, if sinn fein feels that they do not have a neutral broker in they do not have a neutral broker in the conservative government? the a nswer the conservative government? the answer is obvious, mrs may must back of trying to use the dup as a way to cling to the wreckage of the general election that she brought about. she will not do that though, will she? that is why the prime minister must now decide whether she is the prime minister of the uk and all that that means or both she is putting the conservative party and even more her own leadership first and foremost? i had the privilege of working with a number of prime ministers, tony blair, gordon brown, i have worked withjohn major blair, gordon bro

gracious sovereign, the commons of the united kingdom and northern ireland in parliament assembled beg leave to offer our humble thanks to the majesty for the gracious speech your majesty has addressed to both houses of parliament. i call the leaders of opposition mr. jeremy corbyn. >> thank you, mr. speaker. as tradition we cumeterate the members we lost in the last year. sadly, mr. speaker this must also mark those we've lost in horrific events in recent days and weeks. the grenfell tower incident what makes it both a tragedy and outrage is every single one of those deaths could have been avoided. something has gone horrifically wrong. the north kensington community are demanding answers, and they deserve those answers. many in the tower blocks around the country deserve our deepest respect and support. i also want to pay respect to my honorable friend who has demonstrated so clearly why our local community put their faith in her. her determineitation to ensure every family is housed safely -- lessons must be learned, mr. speaker, in the public inquiry and a disaster that never shoul

majesty and loyal subjects, the commons of the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland in parliament assembled. we beg leave to offer our humble thanks to your majesty for the gracious speech which your majesty has addressed to both houses of parliament. i call the leader of the opposition, mr. jeremy corbyn. thank you, mr. speaker. by tradition, the beginning of each parliamentary session, we commemorate the numbers we have lost in the last year. sadly, mr. speaker, this year must also mark the passing of those lost in horrific events in recent days and weeks. the fire at grenfell tower in london has killed at least 79 people. what makes it both a tragedy and outrage is that every single one of those deaths could have been avoided. something has gone horrifically wrong. the community are demanding answers, and they are entitled to those answers. thousands of people living in tower blocks around the country need urgent reassurances. and the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services deserve our deepest , respect and support. i also want to pay a very warm tribute to my friend, the

northern ireland. member of the northern ireland assembly. what do you think, i think we have eight for the dup?ially. what will you be asking for the results are coming in thick and fast and we will know that the final shape of the parliament is, let us see what the final result is s and what the mathematics is. the impact of northern ireland will be in not just in respect of what the party will have but the impact of sinn fein, they don't take their seats, will have an impact on the working majority, but look, in terms of what the dup will look at, we are yes, first and foremost we will be looking for to achieve our goals in respect of the best deal for northern ireland, and the new parliament, but we are mindful of our responsibilities in terms of the national political scene and this is a difficult time for the uk, there area a difficult time for the uk, there are a lot of challenges, in respect of terrorism and extremism and the attack on democracy, but also the challenges and opportunities that brexit presents and the need to get not just a brexit presents and the need to get notjust a goo

in terms of the impact of this on the political process in northern ireland and on talks to restore the assemblym the republican party sinn fein warning the government that it has to remain neutral in any discussions, saying how difficult it would be for it to be neutral if it does a deal with the dup. we haven't heard much from the dup yet, have we, on what it thinks the impact might be on the northern ireland political process? we haven't but i was talking to some unionist voters on the streets of belfast yesterday and they were delighted because they think it puts unionism in a stronger position than it has been in for a very long time. as you might imagine the flip side is that nationalists are not too happy, sinn fein issued a statement last night saying previous attempts by unionists to proper british governments have failed, they think or perhaps hoped this would be an arrangement which could end in tears for the dup. interestingly they are calling for the irish government to make its voice heard and, as they say, speak up voice heard and, as they say, speak upfor voice heard and, as they

robin swann, set out policies including strengthening northern ireland's place in the united kingdom, better regulation of the northern irish assemblyr regulation of the northern irish assembly and opposing any special status for northern ireland in brexit talks. steve n aiken is the uup‘s chief whip, and hejoins us from belfast. thank you forjoining smack. let's pic up on last point, opposing special status for northern ireland in brexit? we don't need special status. we know that the irish government, the british comment and the europeans are clear we don't wa nt the europeans are clear we don't want any hard borders. we don't need any hard borders between northern ireland and the republic of ireland. we don't need internal borders within the united kingdom. we need to develop the trade processes across these islands, these islands which produce overi billion euros a week of trade going back and forth across the irish sea. we need that to continue and we need to see our industries, agribusiness, tourism, and very much our life sciences businesses, being able to grow and develop, so there are no significant ta riffs develop, so the

the northern ireland secretary could give the parties more time to negotiate or call an assembly electionoup is facing defeat in mosul, its last big powerbase in iraq. government forces say they're finally set to recapture the entire city. it's three years to the day since is declared a global caliphate. after prolonged battles and countless military offe nsives, is has been pushed back to the cities of raqqa in syria and mosul in iraq. this report from our correspondent 0rla guerin and cameraman nicolas hameon on the frontline in the old city of mosul. gunfire covering fire, as troops dart into position. wejoined them, pushing forward but keeping low. there's an is sniper ahead. they can see his hiding place, and he can see them. a heavily armed brigade from iraq's emergency response division, held up by the sniper‘s creed. 0ne shot, one kill. but they manage to press on across the rubble of a hospital complex, treacherous terrain, closing in on the last remaining is fighters. this was their main base in mosul. some are in the next building. but not for long. "please warn unit two that t

public, she has bribed the northern irish assembly with £1 billion to keep her in power, justify that now for me now, please. you mentioned mental health services. northern irelandyou think after seven years in government, after seven years of austerity, now is the time to give northern ireland and nobody else in the country, £1 billion at a point where your government, by your own d by your own making is in crisis? justify that now without saying tories sound bites, lay it out in simple lay man terms, please. because it is an affront. the government has increased spending right across the country including scotland, wales, england, government expenditure has increased. we have been increasing expenditure in northern ireland. and northern ireland has some of the most significant issues because of it's history. you mentioned mental health services, it has the highest suicide rate per capita in the whole of the kand rate per capita in the whole of the k and it's appropriate that we recognise the unique circumstances of northern ireland. we are in a coalition, not a coalition, we are ina hung coalition, not a coalition, we are in a hung parliament situation that me

representatives from northern ireland and we intend to carry out that responsibility very, very carefully indeed. we hope, of course, for the restoration as soon as possible of our locally devolved assemblyireland where everybody can play a part in the government of northern ireland. so we have interesting times ahead. i look forward to playing a full role in the proceedings of this parliament over the course of the next five years andi the course of the next five years and i wish you well in your office during that time. mrhywel williams. may i begin by associating myself and my party with the prime minister's remarks and the remarks of others about the outrages in manchester and london. these sorts of horrible acts have absolutely no place in our democracy and we all join together to condemn them. you will forgive me if i begin byjust welcoming my new honourable friend. the good people will be represented bya the good people will be represented by a plaid cymru member again and we look forward to his contributions. i would of course like to congratulate both you and the father of the house. i am sure honourable and right honourable members on both sides of the house look forward to the

when it comes to northern ireland and there was a ruling by the belfast court of appeal today that it is not a judicial issue, it is a political issue to be decided by the stormont assembly i think the amendment was so clever. she identified the one aspect of the northern ireland arrangements on abortion which the commons could legitimately have a say on. that is theissueif legitimately have a say on. that is the issue if you can't have an abortion within northern ireland except for cases of rape and help, if you cannot have on their... it's not even for rape or incest. it is if the mother's health or well—being is at risk. 0k and a medical emergency. if you cannot have one in northern ireland than he pays for it in england? that legitimately was within the purview of the commons discussion, ian paisley junior said that on wednesday in a debate about the queen's speech. he said this is something england can do something about so by seizing upon that one bit, she identified the thing the commons could legitimately discuss. there was support and it didn't end up there was support and it didn't end up getting voted on, she withdrew it. so she probably managed to identify th

assembly at storm on stored. because of the concerns of nationalist republicans in northern ireland, that the government would effectivelyutral boy get any more, if it was in an arrangement with with the dup. —— neutral broker. i spoke to somebody who said that it would be morally reprehensible to put power ahead of the northern ireland peace process. we also know now that the taoiseach, enda kenny has spoken to theresa may for some reason on twitter that he has spoken to him saying —— speaking to her say nothing should put the good friday agreement at risk. a lot of concern that the delicate balance of concern that the delicate balance of northern ireland politics cabaye upset by a deal that is done here. let's cross to downing street. our correspondent ellie price is in downing street. has there been any reaction from number ten to that tweet from the irish prime minister? as yet, i have not heard anything. but what we are expecting in the next few minutes, and ours, is a cabinet reshuffle. we expect to see a number of mps walking out the door, seeing if they have been told they have newjobs. we know amber rudd, home s

we spoke, of course, about northern ireland, about our shared desire that the executive be re—established, that the assembly ireland voted for when they voted for the good friday agreement and that should be respected by allowing those institutions to be re—established and be up and running again and of course, we think it's very important that northern ireland should have a unique voice at this important time when we face into negotiations on brexit and i think having an executive up and running, an executive that can speak for both communities in northern ireland would be a big advantage for northern ireland and also for our two governments. so we committed to working together, to assist, engage and encourage the different parties in northern ireland to come to an agreement before the deadline of 29thjune agreement before the deadline of 29th june and we're agreement before the deadline of 29thjune and we're confident agreement before the deadline of 29th june and we're confident that can be done and are very seized of out can be done and are very seized of our roles as co can be done and are very seized

northern ireland. they'd blocked it five times. there has never been a single vup member who has supported same—sex marriage in an assembly vote. protestant party as a vehicle for the church. 0nce fundamentalist protestant party as a vehicle for the church. once upon a time they ran campaigns saving people from sodomy. they have mellowed somewhat that they are not going to move on this issue, however. and it is not a question of applying a ban, it is about banning it in northern ireland. we will let you go and have a cup of tea. hopefully you can recover your voice a little bit. thank you very much. it is 18 minutes past six and this isa it is 18 minutes past six and this is a special breakfast programme. 0ur is a special breakfast programme. our main stories... theresa may presses on with forming a new government as she faces calls to step down and concerns over a deal with the democratic unionist party. and the final result of the 2017 election was announced late last night — it was a labour gain in kensington. louise and i are a little nervous. we have a canopy that it looks a little gloomy. philip? good morning to you all.