_ salmond and nicola sturgeon was sparked by— salmond and nicola sturgeon was sparked by the _ salmondishandling _ sparked by the scottish government's mishandling of— sparked by the scottish government's mishandling of sexual— sparked by the scottish government's mishandling of sexual harassment - mishandling of sexual harassment contplaint — mishandling of sexual harassment complaint against _ mishandling of sexual harassment complaint against him, _ mishandling of sexual harassment complaint against him, but - mishandling of sexual harassment complaint against him, but it- mishandling of sexual harassment complaint against him, but it hasl complaint against him, but it has morphed — complaint against him, but it has morphed into _ complaint against him, but it has morphed into something - complaint against him, but it has morphed into something much. complaint against him, but it has- morphed into something much bigger, a fight _ morphed into something much bigger, a fight over— morphed into something much bigger, a fight over policy— morphed into something much bigger, a fight over

but with alex salmond, it is always about alex salmond — salmond, it is always about alex salmond.and academics — salmond. and commentators and academics are scratching their heads trying _ academics are scratching their heads trying to— academics are scratching their heads trying to work out exactly what the applications would be because of the scottish— applications would be because of the scottish political system and voters in scotland a very familiar with it but people outside of scotland is a bit more _ but people outside of scotland is a bit more complex than what we are used _ bit more complex than what we are used to— bit more complex than what we are used to with first pass of selections that we have and the rest of the _ selections that we have and the rest of the uk _ selections that we have and the rest of the uk or— selections that we have and the rest of the uk or most of the rest of it. but what _ of the uk or most of the rest of it. but what it— of the uk or most of the rest of it. but what it is is it if he can get five or— but what it is is it if he can get five

salmond and those kind of people, who include — salmond and those kind of people, who include mps _ salmondhose kind of people, i who include mps and quite a number of counsellors — who include mps and quite a number of counsellors but _ who include mps and quite a number of counsellors but not _ who include mps and quite a number of counsellors but not so _ who include mps and quite a number of counsellors but not so many- who include mps and quite a number of counsellors but not so many big i of counsellors but not so many big names, _ of counsellors but not so many big names, those _ of counsellors but not so many big names, those will— of counsellors but not so many big names, those will probably - of counsellors but not so many big names, those will probably followl names, those will probably follow him. ., . ., ., ., , , ., him. how much of a threat is this to the snp and — him. how much of a threat is this to the snp and then _ him. how much of a threat is this to the snp and then to _ him. how much of a threat is this to the snp and then to the _ him. how much of a threat is this to

cornered by mr salmond at an i cornered by mr salmond at an upcoming _ cornered by mr salmond at an upcomingbeforehand. what do you mean discussed the matter with him i beforehand. what do you mean by cornered? — beforehand. what do you mean by cornered? lt— beforehand. what do you mean by cornered? ., ., , cornered? it might not have been the best word to — cornered? it might not have been the best word to use. _ cornered? it might not have been the best word to use. you _ cornered? it might not have been the best word to use. you know - cornered? it might not have been the best word to use. you know what i cornered? it might not have been the| best word to use. you know what snp conferences _ best word to use. you know what snp conferences are like, just to deal with the — conferences are like, just to deal with the chronology of this, this was after— with the chronology of this, this was after i — with the chronology of this, this was after i had become, certainly the prospect in my mind had become much _ the prospect in my mind had become much more _ the prospect in my mind had become mu

alex salmond. as a matter of principle, there should be a procedure for investigative complaints of sexual harassment against former ministers in the scottish government?- scottish government? yes. unequivocally _ scottish government? yes. unequivocally and - scottish government? yes. i unequivocally and absolutely. otherwise, you don't have that ability. in politics perhaps more than any other walk of life, people in positions of political power are powerful people and therefore it presumably is difficult, more difficult, not impossible to bring forward complaints. if that ability to hold somebody like me to account stops the moment you cease to be in a position of authority, then clearly that is closing off the ability for to be held to account should complaints come forward in the future. i think very clearly, and i think that is the way this is going, including this organisation and i think that is what i suppose i just fundamentally found difficult to grasp about alex's evidence on friday, but

meat. plot to destroy alex salmond. alex salmond has _ plot to destroy alex salmond.d, notjust since i was about 20, 21 years old, not just a very close since i was about 20, 21 years old, notjust a very close political colleague, a friend and somebody i looked up to in my younger days, you know, i had no motive and intention or desire to get alex salmond. nicola sturgeon originally told parliament the first she knew of complaints against alex salmond was on the 2nd of april when he told her about it in a meeting at her home and she later had to admit she had forgotten about a meeting of the 29th of march with his former chief of staff in which he said the complaints were discussed. i would have been shocked _ complaints were discussed. i would have been shocked and _ complaints were discussed. i would have been shocked and appeased l complaints were discussed. i would | have been shocked and appeased by news like _ have been shocked and appeased by news like that i would not have slept _ news like that i would not have slept a — news like that i would not have slept

that is alex salmond's argument.tanding on the regionalists, they can bolster the number of pro—independence msps in the parliament to get a better chance of fighting for that second independence referendum. he was saying today that he thought this could mean the return of up to 90 pro—independence msps in pardoning abby would make it much harderfor the payment if they refuse to a second defendants referendum. at first minister, nicola sturgeon, will of course want everyone to who supports the equity to hold both boards for the snp and that would be the message that he met with him to run for the next six weeks. i5 the message that he met with him to run for the next six weeks.— run for the next six weeks. is there any possibility _ run for the next six weeks. is there any possibility that _ run for the next six weeks. is there any possibility that there _ run for the next six weeks. is there any possibility that there may - run for the next six weeks. is there any possibility that there may be i any possibility that

salmond.ted six weeks before an election is not going to have a great deal of resoue or exceptions though there notable defections. therefore, our best guide at the mome is how popular is alex sammons? and he is not very popular. two poles condued recently ask whether they regarded him favorably or unfavorably? 14% of voters, slightly higher among those who say they would vote for smp but not by very much. so, given that, probably the best mr. salmond could hope for if he manages to mobilize every s&p voter who might otherwise vote for, few say they think of him favorably he might get 7%-8% of the vote. that would be enough for him to pick up msp's but not enough to achieve what he apparently thinks height be able to achieve with the second largest party in scotland? >> personalityf the electorate in scotland? -- when we think about polling power of the electorate in scotland? >> one of the byproducts of the fallout between sturgeon and salmond. extended at the consequence of a personality cla

you know, i had no motive, intention, desire to get alex salmond.omplaints against alex salmond was on the 2nd of april, when he told her about it in a meeting at her home. she later had to admit she'd forgotten about a meeting of the 29th of march with salmond's former chief of staff in which he says the complaints were discussed. i would've been so shocked and appalled by news like that that i probably wouldn't have slept a wink that night. it wouldn't have just gone out of my mind. so i think you'll understand why we're struggling to believe the story that you just forgot about this meeting. people can be sceptical about that but i hadn't remembered the 29th as being the big, significant factor in this. and, in many ways, i really wish i had because if i had, i wouldn't be sitting here. i would be sitting here answering a lot of these questions but i wouldn't be sitting here trying to explain that to you, and i'm trying to explain it to the best of my ability and the best my recollection. alex salmond won a court battle with the scottish governme

alex salmond is less popular in scotland than borisjohnson.chnical problems, was not the slick operation alex salmond was used to in the snp. almost exactly a year ago he was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault, although he did admit inappropriate behaviour with female staff when he was first minister. he has since accused people at the top of the snp of conducting a malicious plot to destroy him. now alex salmond has created a new platform from which to pursue his own agenda. 0ur scotland editor, sarah smith with that report. let's look at some of the day's other news a major report into the rwandan genocide has said france bore overwhelming responsibilities in relation to the killing of 800,000 people in 1994. the report by french historians though cleared france of being complicit in the killings — but said it had been blind to the preparation of the massacres. turkey's president says the country's withdrawal from a european treaty, designed to hinder violence against women is "a done deal". thousands of women have been staging protes

alex salmond is less popular in scotland than borisjohnson.technical problems, was not the slick operation alex salmond was used to in the snp. almost exactly a year ago he was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault, although he did admit inappropriate behaviour with female staff when he was first minister. he has since accused people at the top of the snp of conducting a malicious plot to destroy him. now alex salmond has created a new platform from which to pursue his own agenda. 0ur scotland editor, sarah smith with that report. let's get some of the day's other news... a major report into the rwandan genocide has said france bore overwhelming responsibilities in relation to the killing of 800,000 people in 1994. the report by french historians though cleared france of being complicit in the killings — but said it had been blind to the preparation of the massacres. the taliban is threatening to resume hostilities against foreign troops in afghanistan if they do not meet the deadline of may first to withdraw. this threat came after us pre

this isn'tjust the alex salmond party or even the alex salmond and kenny macaskill party, it's a party who want to make sure that we grasp that nettle, which is badly required, because of the risks and challenges that we face. the scottish election is still six weeks away and it's hard to predict how much support mr salmond's new party may attract, but the battle between the snp and his party may well become the defining theme of this campaign. reports suggest that at least 90 people have been shot dead in myanmar, on its bloodiest day since last month's military coup. the foreign secretary, dominic raab, said the killings marked a "new low". security forces in myanmar have cracked down on new protests, as leaders of the coup marked armed forces day. protesters took to the streets of yangon and other cities. laura bicker reports. defiant, determined and undaunted, even when faced with bullets. they scream in protest, armed with sticks and slingshots. street battles sprung up in over a0 towns and cities across the country. protesters sheltered behind makeshift barriers in their neighbou

when complaints were made about alex salmond, _ when complaints were made about alex salmond, it— whenout alex salmond, it was also absolutely right _ salmond, it was also absolutely right that — salmond, it was also absolutely right that the government took them seriously— right that the government took them seriously and are them to investigation. and individuals profile, — investigation. and individuals profile, status or connections should — profile, status or connections should not result in complaints of this nature — should not result in complaints of this nature being ignored or swept under— this nature being ignored or swept under the — this nature being ignored or swept under the carpet. but —— in this case _ under the carpet. but —— in this case that— under the carpet. but —— in this case that it _ under the carpet. but —— in this case that it was a former first mihister— case that it was a former first minister does not change that. the procedure — minister does not change that. the procedure adopted in late 2017 in the wake — procedure adopted in late 2017 in the wake of t

the alex salmond saga and the - the alex salmond saga and the assault— the alex salmond saga and the _ this country needs a strong, experienced and _ this country needs a strong, experienced and positive - this country needs a strong, - experienced and positive leadership as we _ experienced and positive leadership as we continue _ experienced and positive leadership as we continue to _ experienced and positive leadership as we continue to navigate - experienced and positive leadership as we continue to navigate our- experienced and positive leadership as we continue to navigate our wayl as we continue to navigate our way through— as we continue to navigate our way through and — as we continue to navigate our way through and out— as we continue to navigate our way through and out of— as we continue to navigate our way through and out of this _ as we continue to navigate our way through and out of this crisis, - as we continue to navigate our way through and out of this crisis, and i through and out of this crisis, and presiding — through and out of this crisis, and presiding officer,

first minister over the way she handled of allegations of harrassment against her predecessor alex salmond the mass vaccination programme is one reason why the number of covid deaths in england and wales has fallen by a more than a quarter in a week. we report on china's policy of moving hundreds of thousands of uighurs to factories often farfrom home. it's a goal! and the anfield legend ian stjohn, a majorforce in the rebuilding of liverpool football club, has died at the age of 82. and coming up in sport on bbc news, manchester city are at home to wolves in the premier league as they seek a 21st consecutive victory in all competitions. good evening. the chancellor rishi sunak will use tomorrow's budget to pledge more support forjobs and businesses, as the covid restrictions are gradually lifted across the uk. but he'll also warn that the policy of "doing whatever it takes" will have to come to an end once the crisis is over, because action will be needed to repair the public finances. tomorrow he'll announce a continuation of the furlough scheme until the end of september, with workers r

alex salmond.ders that interested? do think some people are saying the story has been overhyped by the media? ., ~' , story has been overhyped by the media? ., ,, , ., media? no, i think it is a huge story when _ media? no, i think it is a huge story when you _ media? no, i think it is a huge story when you think— media? no, i think it is a huge story when you think about. media? no, i think it is a huge| story when you think about the proximity— story when you think about the proximity of the election in may, when _ proximity of the election in may, when you — proximity of the election in may, when you think about the case for indy ref— when you think about the case for indy ref two, when you think about how important nicola sturgeon and alex salmond are to the snp. if sturgeon — alex salmond are to the snp. if sturgeon wasn't there, who would be the next _ sturgeon wasn't there, who would be the next leader? there is... some argue _ the next leader? there is... some argue she's — the next leader?

alex salmond. alexandra, thanks for joining us- we _ alex salmond. falling and have begun to level off. figures out today estimate one in 330 people had the virus last week. it comes as the uk's r or reproduction number has risen slightly — it's now estimated at 0.7 to 0.9. meanwhile, wales prepares to end travel restrictions within its borders tomorrow — for the first time since december, and self—catering accommodation reopens, but only for visitors from within wales. katharine da costa reports. mass testing in schools is helping to reduce some of the risk of passing on the virus without knowing it. but inevitably, opening up will see more cases. there are signs infections are rising in secondary schools, but it's less clear in primary schools. it's hoped the easter holidays next week will help to slow the spread. the latest survey from the office for national statistics suggests infections have levelled off in england, wales and northern ireland. in scotland, infections have increased. estimates suggest about 197,000 people in the uk had the virus

alex salmond is ortra in: for quite so long. alex salmond is portraying his _ for quite so long.new party _ for quite so long. alex salmond is portraying his new party as - portraying his new party as complimentary to the snp, but i wonder if you could give us any sense that in their quest for scottish independence, how much do these two parties actually differ in terms of tactics?— terms of tactics? very interesting ruestion. terms of tactics? very interesting question- i _ terms of tactics? very interesting question. i think— terms of tactics? very interesting question. i think the _ terms of tactics? very interesting question. i think the alba - terms of tactics? very interesting question. i think the alba party's| question. i think the alba party's focu5 question. i think the alba party's focus is entirely on creating this independent supermajority whereas the snp, a5 a political party policie5 the snp, a5 a political party policies the whole range of issues, evenif policies the whole range of issues, even if scottish independence is its rai5on d'etre, what alex salmond i5 ra

this isn'tjust the alex salmond party or even the alex salmond and kenny macaskill party, it's a party those who support the cause of independence and who want to make sure that we grasp that nettle, which is badly required, because of the risks and challenges that we face. the scottish election is still six weeks away and it's hard to predict how much support mr salmond's new party may attract, but the battle between the snp and his party may well become the defining theme of this campaign. jamie mciver, bbc news, glasgow. now on bbc news..0ur world. bbc has been given rare access to both countries. we find old hatreds stared up. and what looks like new crimes being committed. it looks today like it could have been where that church was. i hope you find your brother. so who really won this war? the russian military has a checkpointjust down there. they call the shot round there now. and what does the future hold for people who have lived through and lost so much? this couple are azerbaijani and are on their way home. it is 28 years since the couple fled armenia's invasion with their b

alex salmond is less popular in scotland than borisjohnson.nch, plagued with technical problems, was not the slick operation alex salmond was used to in the snp. almost exactly a year ago he was acquitted of 13 charges of sexual assault, although he did admit inappropriate behaviour with female staff when he was first minister. he has since accused people at the top of the snp of conducting a malicious plot to destroy him. now alex salmond has created a new platform from which to pursue his own agenda. our scotland editor, sarah smith with that report. now on bbc news, our world. in september last year, armenia and azerbaijan went to war. in 44 days of fighting, the fortunes of the two countries and their people were turned upside down you managed to take with you when you left? the bbc has been given rare access to both countries. we will find old patriots stirred up. and what looks like new crimes being committed. it looks to me like it could have been where that church was. i hope you find your brother. so who really won this war? russian m

mr salmond unveiled the new party yesterday.e wants to create a so—called super majority at holyrood for independence. it got a boost today when a prominent member of the snp defected. kenny macaskill was the scottishjustice secretary and is now a westminster mp. this isn't just the alex salmond party or even the alex salmondj and kenny macaskill party, - it's a party for those who support the cause of independencel and who want to make sure that we grasp that nettle, which is badly required, . because of the risks and challenges that we face — the scottish election is still six weeks away and it's hard to predict how much support mr salmond's new party may attract, but the battle between the snp and his party may well become the defining theme of this campaign. jamie mciver, bbc news, glasgow. more than 90 people, including children, are reported to have been killed by security forces in myanmar, on the deadliest day since last month's military takeover. us, uk and eu officials have condemned the violence, with the foreign secr

the mp kenny macaskill announces he is quitting the snp, to stand for alex salmond's new party at theood election. security forces in myanmar are reported to have shot dead at least 20 people protesting against the military coup, after a show of force from the army. efforts have resumed to refloat the giant container ship blocking egypt's suez canal. the suez canal authority says 1a tug boats are involved in the operation. and coming up at 4230, we put your questions to the experts in world questions. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. the government is preparing to roll out booster vaccines from september to protect people from new variants of the coronavirus. the vaccines minister, nadhim zahawi, told the daily telegraph he expected there would be eight different vaccines available by the autumn, and they'd be offered first to the over—70s as well as care and health workers and the extremely vulnerable. simonjones reports. on track, the government is confident of offering all adults the first of two doses of a covid vaccine by the end ofjuly, but now it's looking further ahead.

this is a lot to do with the salmond drama at the moment.ging independence and putting halt to another five years is... you've had a hard time in the way you've had others against independence. on certain issues, we had. not nearly far enough on things like land. we think they're not bolstering enough independence. the snp? yes. there's this union that exists within downing street. that's what i said. 0k. you're tempting me towards making this a politics show. frank o'donnell, i want to talk to you about your publications in a moment, but with your long experience in scottish media, what would you say is being impacted? i totally understand why there was a gap in the market with the national... i think that it has probably, and callum would be closer to this than i, but it's activated some people to stop reading mainstream media. given them a place to look at and reflect some of the reviews there is an opinion that says the job of a newspaper is to confront people's biases, and to an extent, i suppose the national does that. i suppose for me

i had no motive and intention or desire to get alex salmond. to have forgotten a meeting where she was first told about the accusations. i would've been so shocked and appalled with news like that. i would not have slept a wink that night. it would not have just gone out of my mind. i think you'll understand why we're struggling to believe that the story that you just forgot the meeting. people can be sceptical about that but i hadn't remembered the 29th as being the big significant factor in this. and in many ways i really wish i had because if i had, i would be sitting here answering questions but not trying to explain that to you and i'm trying to explain it to the best of my ability and the best of my recollection. i don't know whether he ever reflects on the fact that many of us, including me, feel very let down by him and that is a matter of deep personal pain and regret for me. i probably should stop there. nicola sturgeon. back at westminster at prime minister's questions, borisjohnson said the uk had got its "priorities right" in cutti

i think therefore our best guide at the moment is how popular is alex salmond?ls conducted recently regarded him favourably or unfavorably both came out with the same answer. 14% of all voters. it's likely high amongst those who will vote for the snp but not by very much. so, given that then probably the best alex salmond can hope for, if he manages to mobilise every single alex salmond —— met with the voter who might vote for the party on the list say they think of him favourably and maybe he may get about 7%, 8% of the vote. now, that would be enough for him to be able to pick up some msps but it wouldn't be anna —— enough to achieve what he apparently thinks he might be able to achieve is to become the second—largest party in scotland. tt second—largest party in scotland. if a party or 90pm. when we think a party or 90p.m. when we think about the pulling power of the electorate in scotland? tt’s about the pulling power of the electorate in scotland? it's one of the by'pl’oducts _ electorate in scotland? it's one of the by-products of _ electorate in scotland?

this isn't just the - alex salmond party or even the alex salmond and kenny macaskill. . , ty party,hich is badly required, because of the risks and challenges that we face. _ the scottish election is still six weeks away and it's hard to predict how much support mr salmond's new party may attract, but the battle between the snp and his party may well become the defining theme of this campaign. the united nations says it's received reports of shocking violence in myanmar today. around 90 pro—democracy protestors are reported to have been killed by security forces following armed forces day parades. some reports suggest children are among the victims. the uk and the eu have condemned the violence as "indefensible". borisjohnson has launched the conservatives' campaign for england's local and mayoral elections in may. in a pre—recorded speech at the party's virtual spring forum, the prime minister said the conservative party continues to fulfil its mandate, despite facing the difficulties of a global pandemic. we're a one nation conservative government and we continue, in spite of the

until something like alex salmond's testimony happened.a story do you think the salmond inquiry is? are your readers that interested? do think some people are saying the story has been overhyped by the media? no, i think it is a huge story when you think about the proximity of the election in may, when you think about the case for indy ref ii, when you think about how important nicola sturgeon and alex salmond are to the snp. if sturgeon wasn't there, who would be the next leader? there is... some argue there is a posse of talent — some argue there is a posse of talent behind her and she is so far ahead _ talent behind her and she is so far ahead of— talent behind her and she is so far ahead of the rest. the implications are those individuals for the election consequently to be union, i don't think you can overstate how important the story is. when you look at the figures, that is backed up. sorry to interrupt. callum, would you go along with that? it's an absolutely massive story. it's huge. i completely agree with everything frank says.

alex salmond is convinced the scottish government lawyers warned that there was very little chance ofway for months at considerable public expense. in 2019 the government admitted they had acted unlawfully and paid alex salmond over half £1 million for his legalfees. he has been demanding the release of this advice for months and so has the scottish parliament. it voted twice to demand that the advice be handed over but that the advice be handed over but that was ignored it was only when a motion of no confidence was filed today in the deputy first minister john swinney and it became obvious that he was very likely to lose that vote of no confidence that there was a sudden u—turn so the legal advice will be handed over to the hollywood enquiry tomorrow which will give them a chance to have a look at it before they take evidence from nicola sturgeon herself on wednesday. why there really matters is because alex salmond says if nicola sturgeon did ignore this advice that the government was likely to lose the legal case than she would be in clear breach of the ministerial code and that c

the power that alex salmond can have come even _ the power that alex salmond can have come even if _wins a fairly small pronorlion— come even if he wins a fairly small proportion of votes is immense and we can— proportion of votes is immense and we can sing — proportion of votes is immense and we can sing that through the lib dems, _ we can sing that through the lib dems, they when it's a coalition with_ dems, they when it's a coalition with the — dems, they when it's a coalition with the conservatives, quite a small_ with the conservatives, quite a small party but they still were that a lot of— small party but they still were that a lot of power. nigel farage, his party— a lot of power. nigel farage, his party never won any parliamentary seats _ party never won any parliamentary seats but — party never won any parliamentary seats but really had a bearing on the direction in westminster. it really_ the direction in westminster. it really has — the direction in westminster. it really has the potential now to really — really has the potential now to really cause him trouble. i think pe

alex allan admitted -- alex salmond admitted inappropriate i salmond admitted inappropriate behaviourrty?— political party? he was acquitted of all charues political party? he was acquitted of all charges by _ political party? he was acquitted of all charges by a _ political party? he was acquitted of all charges by a female _ political party? he was acquitted of all charges by a female majority i all charges by a female majority jewelry. other court cases have vindicated him. this is not the alex salmond party, it is a party for those who support the cause of independence and want us to grasp the nettle that is badly required because of the risks and challenges we face. this is why i look forward to many people, especially women, joining the party and ensuring the support they have for alex salmond. is there a risk and are you concerned about questions around his appropriateness to be a political leader and hold public office do risk distracting from your main message about scottish independence? i have to say, the person who is an inappropriate leader is boris johnson. his behaviour

this is alex salmond in 2019. he'd just taken the scottish government to court. salmond has claimed that ministers knew for weeks that they were likely to lose the case. waiting could have cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds. for months, parliament has been trying to force the government to publish its legal advice. until now, it has refused. but faced with a vote of no confidence, scotland's deputy first minister has been forced to change his mind. mr swinney admitted reservations were raised by lawyers in october, that is two months before they admitted defeat. he goes onto argue that were reasonable grounds. the government have acknowledged _ reasonable grounds. the government have acknowledged that. _ reasonable grounds. the government have acknowledged that. this - reasonable grounds. the government have acknowledged that. this crisis i have acknowledged that. this crisis has seen criticism _ have acknowledged that. this crisis has seen criticism of _ have acknowledged that. this crisis has seen criticism of the _ have acknowledged that. this c

nicola sturgeon and alex salmond has been calling each other liars for months.hey had been refusing to release. faced with losing a vote of no confidence, the deputy first ministerjohn swinney was forced to back down. this e - isode was forced to back down. this episode just _ was forced to back down. tu 3 episode just demonstrates the contempt that this government holds for the scottish parliament. for months, the committee has been calling for publication of the legal advice. there has been two votes in parliament last year, calling for it to be published, and only now, at the very last moment, with a metaphorical gun being held to the head of the deputy first minister, and when he is threatened with a vote of no confidence, does he finally agreed to release some legal advice at the very last possible moment. t advice at the very last possible moment. ., advice at the very last possible moment. ~ ., ., moment. i think he said that a gun had been metaphorically _ moment. i think he said that a gun had been metaphorically held - moment. i think he said that a gu

had given— her evidence and alex salmond had given his _ her evidence and alex salmond had given hise week. so thats— given his earlier in the week. so that's quite _ given his earlier in the week. so that's quite a stark difference, as i that's quite a stark difference, as hust— that's quite a stark difference, as iiust said. — that's quite a stark difference, as ijust said, they were also asked on issues _ ijust said, they were also asked on issues about brexit, covid, the vaccine — issues about brexit, covid, the vaccine wrote, but i think if you are number_ vaccine wrote, but i think if you are numberten, reading that vaccine wrote, but i think if you are number ten, reading that poll, you would — are number ten, reading that poll, you would be breathing a sigh of relief— you would be breathing a sigh of relief tonight. we you would be breathing a sigh of relief tonight.— you would be breathing a sigh of relief toniaht. . ., ., ., relief tonight. we are going to end their actually. _ relief tonight. we are going to end their actually, it's _ relief tonight. we are going to end th

after a marathon eight—hour session in front of the salmond inquiry yesterday...t the truth. ..the opposition say there are still unanswered questions for nicola sturgeon. did she mislead parliament when she said the first she knew of a sexual harassment investigation into alex salmond was in april 2018? why were meetings between nicola sturgeon and alex salmond not recorded as they should have been if they were about government business? did a senior government official pass on the name of a woman who had made a complaint against alex salmond to a member of his team? and when fighting a court battle with mr salmond, did the government pursue a case after being warned by external lawyers they could lose. tonight, he's making new accusations that the government wasted public money in this case. does the first minister agree, l removing party and personality, that a minister, any minister, who is found in breach of- the ministerial code, should resign? let's wait and see what the outcome of the inquiries are. they will be published and then we can debate in this cha

angry exchanges in the scottish parliament as the row over the alex salmond case continues.here's no argument. if nicola sturgeon broke the ministerial code. the argument is only- about how badly she broke it. this is just about desperate political games for the conservatives. also on this programme, cross—party condemnation of a planned cut in aid for yemen. and, in a rare appearance before mps, david cameron says his government did plan for a pandemic, but not the one we're facing today. you know, it was a pretty good flu pandemic plan, but it was a flu plan rather than a respiratory diseases plan. but first to the chancellor's budget. rishi sunak promised to "protect thejobs and livelihoods of the british people" as the uk emerges from the coronavirus crisis. confirming some of his trailed announcements, he said he'd extend the furlough scheme, paying a large part of millions of workers' wages until september, and a temporary increase of £20 a week to universal credit would also stay for another six months. but taxes on large company profits would go up, and while nationa

nicola sturgeon and alex salmond gave conflicting evidence to the committee. the harassment investigation. the report says her evidence is an inaccurate account of what happened and that she has misled the committee. it also says it was inappropriate for her to continue meeting mr salmond during the investigation and that it is hard to believe nicola sturgeon did not know of concerns about inappropriate behaviour on the part of alex salmond prior to november 2017. it is a shame that a committee report of this nature has become tainted by very obvious political bias, along party lines in some conclusions. but actually, where there are reflections, and the government has always said, we made mistakes when it comes to the implementation of the procedure, looking at complaints into alex salmond. to suggest the committee is partisan when you had united an independent, a labour member, a conservative member. — you know, a liberal democrat, mink— the truth is that the members of the snp were never going to be criticising a first minister from their own party, whateve

ms sturgeon had been accused by her predecessor alex salmond of misleading parliament, following allegations of sexual harassment made against him. some people in being confronted with a similar situation might have made differentjudgments to the ones that i made but i believe i acted appropriately in a difficult situation and i'm pleased i have the independent verification of that. we'll have the latest on the outcome, which comes just six weeks before the scottish parliamentary election. also tonight... a warning that because of the sharp rise in coronavirus cases in parts of the eu, the uk will not escape the effects of a third wave. people in this country should be under no illusions that when a wave hits, i'm afraid it washes up on our shores as well. but in iceland, they're celebrating victory over the virus. we report on the successful measures that iceland has adopted. and we talk to the essex gp, on a ventilator a year ago, about the life lessons he's drawn from the pandemic. and coming up in sport on bbc news... england head coach eddiejones is under pressure as the rfu conduct a r

make public key legal advice it received during its court battle with former first minister alex salmond liverpool great ian stjohn has died at the age of 82, the club have announced. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. the chancellor is set to announce millions of pounds�* worth of extra support to the badly—hit culture sector in his budget tomorrow. £408 million will help museums, theatres and galleries in england to reopen once restrictions start to ease. rishi sunak will also announce a £150 million fund to help communities to take over local pubs. treasury officials said a "significant chunk" will be given to cricket, as fans prepare to return to stadiums this summer. and an extra £77 million will be given to the devolved administrations in scotland, wales and northern ireland to provide their culture groups with similar backing. 0ur political correspondent, chris mason has this report. how do you save your local pub? many were already closing permanently before the pandemic. how many more might follow now we are out of the habit of propping up the ba

this is alex salmond in 2019. he'd just taken the scottish government to court.mond has claimed that ministers knew for weeks that they were likely to lose the case. waiting could have cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds. for months, parliament has been trying to force the government to publish its legal advice. until now, it has refused. but faced with a vote of no confidence, scotland's deputy first minister has been forced to change his mind. mr swinney admitted reservations were raised by lawyers in october, that's two months before they admitted defeat. he goes onto argue that there were reasonable grounds to continue with the case. this was very clear. the government have acknowledged that. this crisis has seen criticism of the leadership of a number of institutions, from the government, to the civil service. last week, there are even claims of a cover—up after the crown office which is the prosecution body in scotland, said some of alex salmond's evidence had to be taken down from the parliamentary website because it could be in contempt of c

alex salmond has said his one—time protege has broken the rules that ministers have to follow.this crisis couldn't come at a worse time for the snp. there's just seven weeks until scotland goes to the polls and opposition parties are claiming ms sturgeon can't be trusted. the parliament was misled by the first minister. - now, that is, to me, _ a clear breach of the ministerial code and i think if she had a shred of integrity, nicola sturgeon- would be considering her position. she has every opportunity to resign. on a campaign visit, labour's leader said the allegations were serious and could be a resignation matter. if there is a finding that the first minister has misled parliament and potentially breach the ministerial code, then that is incredibly serious. obviously, the focus is very much on the individual, nicola sturgeon. it's about the integrity of the scottish parliament, it's about the integrity of the office of first minister. the full committee report will be published on tuesday. as well as accusing ms sturgeon of misleading msps, it's expected to criticise other

make public key legal advice it received during its court battle with former first minister alex salmond the government faces calls to protect hundreds of thousands of renters who face eviction afterfalling behind on payments during the pandemic. and if you are behind on your rent because of everything that's been going on in the last year, do let me know what your situation is. we will be talking about this after 9:30am. and coming up this hour, a congregation in hertfordshire are shocked to discover an ordinary looking paiting of the last supper is actually a long—lost masterpiece. the chancellor is set to announce millions of pounds worth of extra support to the badly—hit culture sector in his budget tomorrow. £408 million will help museums, theatres and galleries in england to reopen once restrictions start to ease. rishi sunak will also announce a £150 million fund to help communities to take over local pubs. treasury officials said a "significant chunk" will be given to cricket, as fans prepare to return to stadiums this summer. and an extra £77 million will be given to the devolve

and if she was interfering in an investigation into complaints of sexual harassment against alex salmondarlier than liz lloyd has claimed she first knew about these complaints, cheats on the record as saying she first heard the complaints in april —— she is on the record. 0ne heard the complaints in april —— she is on the record. one of the key questions at the heart of this affair is whether or not nicola sturgeon misled parliament when she told them when she first learned about the complaints in early april. david davis read out text messages between senior msp officials which he says people were urged to make complaints against alex salmond, but the messages have been cherry picked, it said. we will get the answers to some of this. we are on the edge of our seats in scotland about waiting for this inquiry and the other investigation into whether nicola sturgeon broke the rules, both of which we expect to be published in the coming days. thanks for “oininu published in the coming days. thanks forjoining us- — rachael blackmore has made racing history this afternoon after she became the

i had no motive and intention or desire to get alex salmond.complaints against alex salmond was on the 2nd of april when he told her about it in a meeting at her home. and she later had to admit she had forgotten about a meeting of the 29th of march with his former chief of staff in which he said the complaints were discussed. i would have been shocked and appalled by news like that. i wouldn't have slept a wink last night, it would not have gone out of my mind, so that is why we are struggling to believe the story that you just forgot about this meeting. people can be sceptical about that, but i hadn't remembered the 29th as being the big significant factor in this. in many ways, i really wish i had because if i had, i would not be sitting here and i would be sitting here answering these questions but not trying to explain that to you, and i'm trying to explain it to the best of my ability and the best my recollection. alex salmond won a court battle with the scottish government over how they mishandled the investigation of complaints against

a committee has found the scottish government's handling of harassment complaints against alex salmondwas "seriously flawed", accusing first minister nicola sturgeon of misleading their inquiry. a gunman has killed 10 people including a police officer in the us state of colorado, after an hour—long stand off at a grocery market. and how you can help stop the dwindling population of hedgehogs in the uk. the uk will mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown by pausing today to remember those who have lost their lives to covid—19. 0n what's being called "a day of reflection", people are being asked to observe a minute's silence at noon. this day comes as a new survey suggests covid restrictions may have had a lasting impact on the way we live. the measures, continue. from next week, there will be hefty new fines for travelling abroad without a good reason, and questions are being asked about possible compulsory vaccination for care home workers. our first report is from our political correspondent chris mason who's been been looking back at the year. from this evening, i must gi