we are expecting to hear from scottish national party. ty. we are expecting to hear from him very shortly. in terms of the events of today, there was a deadline for the snp leadership nominations. that closed at midday. a short time later it was announced thatjohn swinney was the only candidate to replace humza yousaf, who resigned last monday after just 13 months humza yousaf, who resigned last monday afterjust 13 months in charge. it now means thatjohn swinney can seek scottish parliament approval to become scotland in's first minister. a brief statement from the party shortly after midday today read that the snp's nomination process

we will head - straight to scotland because john swinney has become the new leader of the scottish national party party. he was the only candidate in the race. this was started after humza yousaf announced he would stand down as leader. just in the last few minutes, that has been confirmed. you will take on the snp leadership so if you wear with is just 20 minutes or so ago at the top of the programme, top of the hour, 12 o'clock time, it was basically the closing point for nomination so no one put their name forward to run againstjohn swinney so, therefore, he is the only candidates that therefore he the new leader of the scottish national party, the is snp. there was last night, 2a hours ago orso there was last night, 2a hours ago or so a potential rival and they did secure the number, the pre—requisite backing and support but they did not move forward so it always looked like it would be mr swinney as the only candidate in the race and, indeed, that is how it has turned out. so, now that that nomination process has close, now we're hearing from some of the news agencies and the news wires that

we are expecting to hear from scottish national party. xpecting to hearfrom him scottish national party. we are expecting to hear from him very shortly. in terms of the events of today, there was a deadline for the snp leadership nominations. that closed at midday. a short time later it was announced thatjohn swinney was the only candidate to replace humza yousaf, who resigned last monday after just 13 months humza yousaf, who resigned last monday afterjust 13 months in charge. it now means thatjohn swinney can seek scottish parliament approval to become scotland in's first minister. a brief statement from the party shortly after midday today read that the snp�*s nomination process closed at midday. the party was like secretary then confirmed thatjohn swinney is the party leader. mr swinney has also posted on social media, saying he feels deeply honoured to be elected leader of the party, adding that he will give his all to serve the party and scotland. of course with mr swinney being unopposed in this context, it means the snp has avoided

the s&p, scottish national party, was the biggest party in scotland with 43 seats.es, labor, and liberal democrats held just 14 seats combined. after a number -- number of scandals and leadership changes, the contest in scotland is tipped to be much closer. to discuss this in more detail, i'm joined by brian taylor, political commentator and columnist for the herald. i was looking at some of the polls from scotland so far. looking as though labor is going to have a much better time and it will not look good for the s&p. it is just one that i have seen. >> have been a number suggesting that. there was a time in -- not so long ago, a few decades ago, where they used to weigh the labor vote rather than count it. they wernever utterly dominant. that impression was given because they dominated the central belt. in scotland, they were never utterly dominant, but far ahead. at one point, 50 mps out of the 72 that were then elected. what changed was the advent of the scottish parliament and referendum on independence in 2014. although it was not carried in favor of the inde

but i care too much about the future of scotland, and the scottish national party, to walk on by.ou've said there you can't walk on by because, essentially, your party's a disunited mess. what specifically is wrong with it? well, the party's not cohesive just now. we are not together, we're not operating as one big unified team. but what i am absolutely certain about is, if the snp gets its act together, it will be a formidable force for good in scotland, and a formidable force for success in scotland as well, and that's what i offer. mr swinney is a veteran of scottish politics — an snp member since 1979.

in today's other news, john swinney was the only candidate for the role of scottish national party leaderd to the top job, he's set to become scotland's new first minister. but he takes over a party in crisis, after the resignation of humza yousaf last week, and today said he would seek "common ground" with other parties. here's james cook. ll'm delighted to confirm that our| new party leader is john swinney. in the end, it was the coronation of king john. no other candidates, no contest, but straight to work as snp leader. my focus will be the economy, jobs, the cost of living. it will be the national health service, our schools and our public services. it will be addressing the climate crisis. whenjohn swinney first led his party, he was in his 30s. john swinney. 0h, hello. the snp was in opposition. even with celebrity support, he struggled to make his mark, though, standing down after disappointing election results. he rebuilt his reputation in the cabinets of alex salmond and nicola sturgeon. opponents often found him charming in private, but in public he could be tribal. do you take

that is the anchored edition of the scottish national— the anchored edition of the scottish national partyent. we will work with parliament to advance those _ work with parliament to advance those issues. we will seek common ground _ those issues. we will seek common ground with — those issues. we will seek common ground with all political parties because — ground with all political parties because we are now operating as a minority— because we are now operating as a minority government. we don't have a command _ minority government. we don't have a command of— minority government. we don't have a command of the parliamentary chamber~ _ command of the parliamentary chamber. so the onus is on everyone to engage _ chamber. so the onus is on everyone to engage in — chamber. so the onus is on everyone to engage in constructive discussion about— to engage in constructive discussion about how— to engage in constructive discussion about how the scottish parliament can work— about how the scottish parliament can work together to address the priorities— can work together to address the priorities o

the scottish national party needs to be brought back together. snp, with rows about gender, climate, and economic policy, so is the party now changing direction? john swinney says he will write a new chapter in his party's history. but with polls suggesting the labour party are resurgent, he might need to get started on that story sooner rather than later. james cook, bbc news, glasgow. rishi sunak insists the result of the upcoming general election isn't a foregone conclusion and that he'll "fight hard for what he believes in". he was speaking for the first time since the full extent of tory losses in the local elections was revealed over the weekend. here's nick eardley. what is rishi sunak offering his pessimistic party? the conservatives took a thumping at the local elections and, with a general election looming, the picture for him is pretty bleak. but he's not backing down. whilst, of course, this was a disappointing weekend for us, the result of the next general election isn't a foregone conclusion and, indeed, actually, this situation is

john swinney�*s expected to be confirmed as the new leader of the scottish national party later afterterly disappointing" for the conservatives, but the party can still come together and make progress. gizza job. tributes are being paid to the actor bernard hill, who has died at the age of 79. good morning. after 110 attempts, lando norris is a formula one race winner. the british driver takes the chequered flag at a dramatic miami grand prix on a day to remember for maclaren. and good morning. we will see some spells of warm sunshine around today, but also spells of heavy downpours and some thunderstorms too. all the details of the bank holiday weather later in the programme. it's bank holiday monday, the 6th of may. our main story... john swinney is expected to be confirmed as the next leader of the scottish national party after his last potential competitor pulled out. this means mr swinney is also the most likely candidate to replace humza yousaf as scotland's first minister. our reporter ben philip has the latest.

both labour and the conservatives are hoping to capitalise on the scottish national party's recent troubles century, labour ruled the roost in scotland. when sir keir starmer was a boy, the party routinely sent dozens of mps to westminster. at the last general election, it sent one. i want scotland to send a government — a labour government. cheering that means persuading voters that labour, not the snp, can bring about real change. you want to stick to tory spending plans. you, too, want limits on immigration to bring it down. and you want to stick to some tory welfare plans. aren't you just a tory in disguise? what's unforgivable in politics for any political party is to leave your country worse than when you found it. a worse economy, worse public services, everybody feeling that they're not as well off as they were 1a years ago. that is unforgivable. i am not prepared to have a labour government come in and cause that sort of pain and suffering for working people, hence the stability that only labour can now provide. the switch in support from labour to the snp a decade ago was driven i

on creating more jobs - here in scotland, so we will hold john swinney to account. - the scottish national partyought it was really interesting when he talked about being back in the mainstream of scottish politics, really in the centre ground, which is what i believe the success of the snp since 2007, that's where it really emanated from. we spoke to people on the centre—left and the centre—right. so that means, yes, we want a focus on social policies and a more socially just country, but recognition that we need the economic policies in order to fund that. john swinney says he will write a new chapter in his party's history. but with polls suggesting the labour party are resurgent, he might need to get started on that story sooner rather than later. james cook, bbc news, glasgow. the presidents of france, china, and the european commission have just wrapped up talks in paris, where ukraine and trade have dominated discussions. emmanuel macron told xi jinping that working with china on crises in ukraine and the middle east was crucial. the europeans are hoping to persuade china's leader to refr

minister of scotland, john swinney, is expected to be confirmed as the next leader of the scottish national partyred the russian military to hold nuclear weapon drills, involving the navy and troops based near ukraine. meanwhile, front line ukrainian soldiers have told the bbc the army needs to re—think how it conscripts men to fight. they say a failure to train and mobilise enough recruits means some have been fighting without a break since russia's full—scale invasion more than two years ago. our ukraine correspondentjames waterhouse has the story. under the green canopy of a ukrainian spring, an artillery unit waits for their next order. some of these men have been fighting for months, if not years. translation: my men know each vehicle, says their commander. i it's like a woman with her own characteristics. as russian forces inch closer, they're hunkering down and waiting for billions of dollars' worth of long—delayed american ammunition to finally be delivered. this time last year, ukraine was preparing for a counter—offensive, but this time it's different — they're preparing for what might

john swinney is the new leader of the scottish national party and set to become the next first ministerssia's war against ukraine. welcome to the world today — an hour of international news from the bbc we begin with breaking news from the middle east. hamas says it has accepted a proposalfor a ceasefire in gaza put forward by mediators from egypt and qatar. but israeli media are quoting officials as saying the terms are not those that israel agreed to and include conclusions that it cannot accept. hamas issued its statement hours after israel instructed around 100,000 civilians to evacuate part of the southern city of rafah ahead of a ground incursion. there were celebrations in the streets in gaza as news of the hamas statement spread.

of _ out, but i care too much about the future of scotland and the scottish national _ future of scotland and the scottish national partyd the snp as a teenager, having helped bring my party from the fringes — helped bring my party from the fringes of politics to being the government of scotland, having served — government of scotland, having served as — government of scotland, having served as a senior minister for 16 years— served as a senior minister for 16 years and — served as a senior minister for 16 years and having helped steer scotland — years and having helped steer scotland so close to independence in 2014. _ scotland so close to independence in 2014. i_ scotland so close to independence in 2014, i want to give all that i have in me _ 2014, i want to give all that i have in me to _ 2014, i want to give all that i have in me to ensure the success of our cause _ in me to ensure the success of our cause i_ in me to ensure the success of our cause. i believe i have experience, the skills. — cause. i believe i have experience, the skills, and i command the trust and confidence of people across this country— and co

the scottish national party leader, john swinney, has warned that a labour government could preside over over the snp at the beginning of this month, and he's calling on sir keir starmer to commit to an emergency budget if labour wins the election. the labour leader was in inverclyde today, launching plans for a new public company — gb energy — to help speed up the transition to net zero. but first, chris mason has been speaking to the snp leader. there's been no shortage of this — a merry—go—round in the scottish national party this spring. one first minister out, a second first minister in. hello. and now there's a general election. so, forjohn swinney today, meeting and greeting on the southside of glasgow, followed by a speech in the city's east end, and his pitch... we have demonstrated that decisions made in scotland are decisions for scotland, and that's the choice that people in this election have. he had a pop at the conservatives... austerity, brexit, the cost of living crisis, for all these reasons, the tory government deserves to be removed from office and the best way to do

. the scottish national party.ngs have turned out differently, and before i say any more about my leadership, i want to pay tribute to humza yousaf. he has conducted himself throughout the last year with grace and with dignity in some acutely difficult circumstances . acutely difficult circumstances. in particular, his moral leadership on the issue of gaza has been a light in these dark times. our party must continue and will continue to be a light. we must continue to illuminate hope, fight for international justice and be willing to stand up for what we believe to be correct . that is what humza correct. that is what humza yousaf did . i know that humza yousaf did. i know that humza will continue to make a substantial contribution to the pubuc substantial contribution to the public life of scotland, and i want to thank him for all that he has done as our party leader and as our first minister. today is the beginning of a new chapter in our party's history , chapter in our party's history, a chapter that will be a

in edinburgh today, the new look scottish national party had their general election launch.njuly the 4th, independence day, make sure your voice is heard. i expect over the next six weeks we will see the tories and labour really going at it. they will be going hammer and tongs to discredit each other. i will also be going hammer and tongs, but not against anyone, i will be going hammer and tongs to put scotland first. ready? right, cheering, let's go! cheering. and in cheltenham in gloucestershire, the liberal democrats were sorting out their choreography, some in party colours from head to toe. leader ed davey has a phrase we will hear a fair bit of. a fair dealfor everyone can have a decent home that's secure and clean, and an affordable, comfortable retirement when the time comes. a fair deal for every child has a decent school where they can have the opportunity to realise their potential. the next six weeks will involve a fair bit of ticker tape and assorted electioneering paraphernalia. luckily there are those keen to pick it up. chris mason, bbc news. one of the key b

scottish government has failed today. the green party into a regionally were part of the ruling coalition and decided to support the scottish nationaleffective leadership and stable and competent government, to take on the twin crises facing our nation — an economic crisis and an nhs crisis. and i have no confidence in the snp�*s ability to deliver that, and that is why i'm bringing this motion to parliament today. that was the leader of the labour party in scotland. let's hear from scotland's first minister, humza yousaf, who has announced his resignation on that attempt by scottish labour to unseat the scottish labour to unseat the scottish government. you turning on the devolution of employment law, you planning to oi'i on his support for waspi women. we will leave _ on his support for waspi women. we will leave labour to justify all of that if _ will leave labour to justify all of that if they can. we will never do anything other than standby— we will never do anything other than standby our values, standby scotland's values, the vote of no—confidence the people of scotland really _ no—confidence the people of scotland really ne

there's been no shortage of this — a merry—go—round in the scottish national party this spring.out, a second first minister in. hello. and now there's a general election. so, forjohn swinney today, meeting and greeting on the southside of glasgow, followed by a speech in the city's east end, and his pitch... we've demonstrated that decisions made in scotland are decisions for scotland, and that's the choice that people in this election have. he had a pop at the conservatives... austerity, brexit, the cost of living crisis, for all these reasons, the tory government deserves to be removed from office and the best way to do that is to vote snp to remove the tory mps in scotland, all six of them, at this election. ..and there was a pop at labour, too, criticising their promise not to put up income tax, national insurance and vat. they've signed up to the tight fiscal limits of the tories, they've signed up to tight borrowing. that is austerity on steroids. and look who was 30 miles away in greenock at around the same time. the labour leader, rather keen on nabbing a whole load of s

and jones, when it has been sworn in as the 1st minister of scotland, the scottish national party veterans surfaced deputy 1st minister and finance minister under previous features. he replaced with homes and yourself who resigned last week is key challenge will be to repair the s m p 's reputation after a spring up scandals and a north korean propagandist to help to build personality called the wrong 3 leaders from the kim dynasty has died at the age of $94.00 ken mckee now loved the department for propaganda and was in charge of north korea's top newspaper in the 1970s. currently there kim jong own, paid tribute to him in the capital chung. yes. and a hong kong the appeals court has granted the government's request to ban a popular protest anthem glory to hong kong was often sung at mass anti government demonstrations in 2019 critics to save the band further of roads, freedom of expression, since china cracked down on the protest movement in hong kong, the city government also demanded online platforms move the song of correspondence . phoebe collins told me more about this song that is

john swinney looks set to be the next leader of the scottish national party — and therefore, the next, fellow msp kate forbes, said she would not stand — and would support him instead. the vacancy arose after humza yousaf resigned, which followed him ending his coalition deal with the scottish greens, and facing votes of no confidence in his leadership, and his government. here's mr swinney, announcing his candidacy earlier today. iam i am stepping forward to bring the snp together to deliver economic growth and socialjustice and deliver the very best future for everyone in a modern, dynamic and diverse scotland. i want to unite the snp and unite scotland for independence. i invite everyone in the snp and in our country who want tojoin me in thatjourney the snp and in our country who want to join me in thatjourney to the snp and in our country who want tojoin me in thatjourney to do the snp and in our country who want to join me in thatjourney to do so now. thank you very much. a 75,000—year—old neanderthal skull, made up of more than 100 fragments of bone, has been painstakingly put

than 20 from the labour party, including long—serving mp harriet harman, and nine from the scottish national partychael gove was hanging up his hat. if you were to think of modern british politics, the politics of the last 20 years as one of those tv series, you know, the ones that people binge—watch — michael gove would be one of the absolute principal and most colourful characters in the conservative party from 2005 onwards. he was one of the architects of leave, he was a sort of person who was a neo—con when it came to foreign policy, loved bashing lefties, bureaucrats, and experts. but he's going — and i think many will see that as a sign, along with all the other mps that you mentioned, who are going from the conservatives as a sign that they think maybe it's a sinking ship. jane and kurt, back with us. six weeks until the election. quite staggering because after the 4th of july, parliament is going to look quite different?— july, parliament is going to look quite different? yeah it's going to be absolutely _ quite different? yeah it's going to be absolutely a _ quite different? yeah it's goi

let us talk about the scottish national party who wants to see railways nationalise if it wins the electionfference between what labour says it will do versus what is the snp actually was. it will do versus what is the snp actually was— it will do versus what is the snp actuall was. . . , . , actually was. the labour party has romised actually was. the labour party has promised many — actually was. the labour party has promised many things _ actually was. the labour party has promised many things under - actually was. the labour party has promised many things under keiri promised many things under keir starmer�*s leadership. they promised to abolish benefit cuts, they are not going to do that. they promised to keep the cap on bonuses and they are not going to do that. so i think it is important where we can we continue to put pressure on the labour party to do the right thing. in scotland, we have indeed nationalise the rail role in scots. we have also been able to get ourselves into position where we can scrap pics and fares during this cost of living crisis. it is more than just the rolle

independent, there's only one political party that will ever deliver that, and that is the scottish national party want to earn those votes back stop applause i want iwant to, i want to, and i iwant to, and i need to i want to, and i need to earn those votes back. if there is some disaffection between people who support independence, who previously voted for the snp, i will be working very, very hard to win those people back. yes? , ., .., very hard to win those people back. yes? ., ., very hard to win those people back. yes? , yes? john, can i ask, will there be a role for— yes? john, can i ask, will there be a role for humza _ yes? john, can i ask, will there be a role for humza yousaf_ yes? john, can i ask, will there be a role for humza yousaf within - yes? john, can i ask, will there be| a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet _ a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and — a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if— a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if not, _ a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if not, do _ a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet

scotland has a new leader for the scottish national party.inney has been confirmed in the role, after no challengers emerged, and he'll also now become scotland's first minister. he succeeds the outgoing first minister, humza yousaf, who resigned after the collapse of his coalition government. what a see—saw of emotions it has been in gaza today. first came the news that israel is planning an expanded assault on rafah, then the news tonight that a ceasefire was agreed but then quickly rejected injerusalem. the day had begun with orders for that evacuation. the idf dropped thousands of leaflets over rafah informing the palestianians the idf would soon be expanding its operation against terrorist operations in the eastern parts of the town. around 100,000 people were warned they would need to relocate to al mawasi an expanded safe zone, as they described it, east of khan younis. that set off a wave of panic and a flurry of phone calls at the white house where president biden was busy working the phones to try and revive a ceasefire agreement th

it was the scottish national party who used their opposition day motion twice to call for a ceasefireur mps did not vote for a ceasefire and whose names were recorded and there was a lot of angerso recorded and there was a lot of anger so a lot of people find this disingenuous and see this as trying to save face and labour has a very long way to go to win back trust. this is notjust muslim voters, there are many other councillors, non—muslim councillors who resigned from the party, i believe 98 labour councillors resigned over gaza but all the muslim community, i think this is notjust about gaza, muslims who are disproportionately working class and disproportionately in the labour heartlands have consistently voted for the party and many have felt they have been taken for granted. labour has often approached muslims in minority communities through the prism of social and community leaders and this idea that individuals within the communities can give them a block vote and when you get incredibly young people politicised by what's happening in gaza and we saw this with the rack as well

also the greens, scottish national party and others. n england, wales, scotland, and northern ireland will elect all members of the house of commons. the party that secures a majority in the comments will form the next government and that party's leader becomes prime minister. let's go to rob watson who is standing by in london. great to see you. this seems to come as a big surprise. why did rishi sunak call this snap election? reporter: absolutely a big surprise to many politicians and political journalists here in westminster and to many i think in his own party. i think the brutal answer to your question is he just decided it was probably as good as it is going to get because although the conservative party are massively behind in opinion polls, i think he probably calculated that after 14 years in office, things could actually get worse and i think the timing is connected to other things, which is better news on inflation and the economy with the u.k. economy going back into growth but i think that is it. he looked ahead and thought,

nation dash today by flying to the highlands. and having a catch up with the scottish conservative leader at the port of nigg, north of inverness. meanwhile, in edinburgh today, the new look scottish national partyion launch. 0njuly 4th, independence day. make sure your voice is heard. i expect over the next six weeks, we'll see the tories and labour really going at it. they'll be going hammer and tongs to discredit each other. i'll also be going hammer and tongs, but not against anyone. i'll be going hammer and tongs to put scotland first. ready? right. cheering, let's go. cheering and in cheltenham, in gloucestershire, the liberal democrats were sorting out their choreography. some in party colours from head to toe. leader ed davey has a phrase we'll hear a fair bit of. a fair deal where everyone can have a decent home that is secure and clean, and affordable, comfortable retirement when the time comes. a fair deal where every child has a decent school, where they can have the opportunity to realise their potential. the next six weeks will involve a fair bit of ticker tape and assorted electioneering paraphernalia. luckily, there are those keen to pick it up. chris mason, bbc news. well, behin

when the scottish national party refused to support the scotland act 1970 , a vote of no confidence wasne vote on 28 march 1979, demanding callaghan either resign or call a general election. the prime minister overcame the short one walking distance to buckingham palace to see the queen. according to tradition, she will be the first to learn about the government's drafting of its mandate at the will of the electorate. since the previous election was held in october 74 , labor could have stayed in power until... 79, if not for the lack of confidence. i believe that we will win, but i am well aware that this question is asked of every party leader. every party leader says this. the only way to get things done as quickly as possible is to work as hard as possible. james callaghan and labor have again declared for their support for the nhs and full employment, and stressed the damage they believed the conservatives could do to the country. here is a question that has been asked again and again. over the next few weeks, will a sudden policy reversal, a jolt in the exact opposite direction re

less than 2a hours to go until nominations close to replace humza yousaf as leader for the scottish national party to the race. at the momentjohn swinney, the former deputy first minister and party leader, is the only person officially in the running, but veteran party activist graeme mccormack says he believes he can garner enough nominations by monday's deadline. our bbc scotland political reporter, jenni davidson, told us more aboutjohn swinney and what this challenge could mean for him. he's a very popular figure. he's very high profile, very experienced, and there's a lot of personal affection for him within the smp. of personal affection for him within the snp. so it's unlikely that this is actually going to be a serious issue for him. but what it does mean for the party is that it would cause the leadership contest to go on for another three weeks. if there was only one nomination in tomorrow, by 12 noon, the deadline, if it wasjohn swinney then he would simply be declared party leader tomorrow afternoon. but if there's more than one nomination, then it has to go to a vote of party members.

scottish national party politician john swinney has announced he's standing to be the party's next leader minister of scotland. he's the first candidate to enter the race to succeed humza yousaf who resigned after the collapse of a power—sharing agreement with the scottish greens. he said he wanted to unite the party and build a modern diverse scotland, focusing on issues like health, education and transport. my message is crisp and simple. i am stepping _ my message is crisp and simple. i am stepping forward to bring the snp together to deliver economic growth and socini— together to deliver economic growth and socialjustice, to deliver the very— and socialjustice, to deliver the very best — and socialjustice, to deliver the very best future for everyone, in a modern, _ very best future for everyone, in a modern, dynamic, diverse scotland. i want to— modern, dynamic, diverse scotland. i want to unite — modern, dynamic, diverse scotland. i want to unite the snp and unite scotland — want to unite the snp and unite scotland or independence. i invite everyone — scotland or independence. i in

scotland has a new leader for the scottish national party.ney has been confirmed in the rollout and no challengers emerged. he will become scotland's first minister. he succeeds the outgoing first minister who resigned after the collapse of his coalition government. the boss of hero tunnel has insisted they will not be long queues of cars at terminals where the newu chapel system starts in october. british people heading to and from europe will need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border, which has prompted warnings of delays. military celebrations have been taking place in london and around the u.k. today to mark the first anniversary of the coronation of king charles and queen camilla. gun salutes were heard across london with 41 voeys fired at noon by the king's royal horse artillery. pictures there. the inig -- king recently returned to his public engageme. you're watching bbc news. and the european commission have been holding talks in paris today where ukraine and trade were dominating discussion. opening remarks at the pala

price at stake in this general election, being forced between the liberal democrats and the scottish national partyuk. they are tussling to try and be the third biggest party at westminster after the general election, because that comes with lots of additional money and lots of additional attention. you get those questions that stephen flynn, the snp's westminster leader, has promised in questions, and before that, ian blackford, in this parliament. in the past, you'll remember lib dem leaders who had — was it tim farron? that was during the time with the snp were the biggest party. when the snp were the biggest party. anyway, there have been lib dem leaders in the past when the lib dems had been the third—biggest party, who have had that pmqs slot when there was great... you end up on the telly and social media much more often. but the lib dems are definitely trying to do the thing that they've done most recently with by—elections and whatever, where they are willing to have a little bit of fun and potentially sometimes, if not of their own expense, then a bit of playful, cartoonish stuff. that's

in edinburgh today, the scottish national party have their general election launch. >> on july the fourthence day, make sure your voice is heard. i expect the next six weeks we will see the tories and labor really going at it. they will be going hammer and tongs to discredit each other. i will be going hammer and tongs but not against anyone. i will be going hammer and tongs to put scotland first. >> in cheltenham in gloucestershire the liberal democrats were sorting out their choreography. some in party colors from head to to. leader ed davey has a phrase we will hear a fair bit of p. >> if there deal where everyone cavities and home that is secure and clean and and affordable retirement when the time comes. a fair deal where every child has a decent school where they can have the opportunity to realize their potential. >> the next six weeks will involve a fair bit of tickertape and assorted electioneering paraphernalia. there are those keen to pick it up. >> with us every night through this political campaign or at least most nights, we might give you one or two off will be our politica

nation dash today by flying to the highlands. and having a catch up with the scottish conservative leader at the port of nigg, north of inverness. meanwhile, in edinburgh today, the new look scottish national partyeneral election launch. on july fourth, independence day, make sure your voice is heard. i expect over the next six weeks, we'll see the tories and labour really going at it. they'll be going hammer and tongs to discredit each other. i'll also be going hammer and tongs, but not against anyone. i'll be going hammer and tongs to put scotland first. ready? right, cheering — let's go! cheering and in cheltenham, in gloucestershire, the liberal democrats were sorting out their choreography — some in party colours from head to toe. leader ed davey has a phrase we'll hear a fair bit of. a fair deal where everyone can have a decent home that is secure and clean, and affordable, comfortable retirement when the time comes. a fair deal where every child has a decent school, where they can have the opportunity to realise their potential. the next six weeks will involve a fair bit of ticker tape and assorted electioneering paraphernalia. luckily, there are those keen to pick it up. chris mason, bbc

the scottish national party veterans served as deputy force minister and finance minister under previous leaders. so when he replaces homes, a use of who resigned last week is key challenge will be to repair the s m p. 's reputation now for a string of scandals. hong kong appeals court has granted the government's requests to ban of popular protest song. this over turns in earlier ruling glory to hong kong was often sung at mass anti government demonstrations in 2019. critics say the band further roads, freedom of expression since facing launched, it's cracked down on hong kong. following the protests. here in germany, a former mayor of berlin has been injured in an attack at a library social democratic francisco defined now the city's economy minister was head over the head by an assailant wielding a bag containing solid objects. 74 year old man has been arrested a series of recent incidents as feeling fears about the security of politicians and activists in germany. the latest in the eastern city of dress and was caught on camera by a dw crow to see the mood and pain, and then tons, ug

are just a few hours left until nominations close to replace humza yousaf as leader for the scottish national partyout. veteran party activist graeme mccormick followed the former finance secretary kate forbes in confirming he would not be running. jenni davidson explains. it's unlikely that this is actually going to be a serious issue for him but what it does mean for the party is that it would cause the leadership contest to go on for another few weeks. if there was only one nomination in tomorrow by 12 noon — the deadline — if it wasjohn swinney, then he would simply be declared party leader by tomorrow afternoon. but if there's more than one nomination, then it has to go to a vote of party members. mr swinney has said he is "physically and mentally ready" for the role after he decided not to stand in the 2023 leadership contest. he previously led the party for four years in opposition from 2000 to 200k. you're live with bbc news. let's turn now to the fall out from the local elections in england. the former home secretary suella braverman says the conservative party could be wiped out in a gene

according to john's, when he has been sworn in his 1st minister of scotland, the scottish national party veterans served as deputy 1st minister and finance minister under previous admin uh meters. excuse me. 20 replaces homes, a yusef who resigned last week is k challenge will be to repair the s and p 's reputation for a spring scandals. here in germany, a former mayor of berlin has been injured in an attack at a library social democrat. francisco defied. now the federal economy minister was hit over the head fight on a sailing wheels in a bag containing a solid object. a 74 year old man has now been arrested. a series of recent incidents as fueling fears about the security of politicians and activists in germany. the latest and the eastern city of dresden was caught on camera by a dw team on the front of the new campaign, and then tons, ugly green politicians set upon by to bystanders. threatening our commer team and the queen's number is that most spinster. we've joined yvonne most she was running for local office in the east and her party . the greens have become a point target of pol

it means in all likelihood john swinney look set to be the next leader of the scottish national party therefore the next first minister of scotland although of course i should underline that it is not confirmed at the moment. the reason he is in the driving seat is because just a few hours ago he announced that he would stand. let's listen. mi; announced that he would stand. let's listen. g , , announced that he would stand. let's listen. g ,. ,, announced that he would stand. let's listen. g ,. listen. my message is crisp and simle, i listen. my message is crisp and simple. i am — listen. my message is crisp and simple, i am standing - listen. my message is crisp and simple, i am standing to - listen. my message is crisp and simple, i am standing to bringl listen. my message is crisp and i simple, i am standing to bring the snp together, to deliver growth and justice, to deliver the best future for everyone in a modern, dynamic and diverse scotland. i want to unite the snp and unite scotland for independence. i invite everyone in the snp and in our country who wants tojoin me in that

first minister of scotland john swinney is expected to be confirmed as the next leader of the scottish national partyed out of the leadership race last night and endorsed him. mr swinney is the only candidate. prime minister rishi sunak has acknowledged the conservatives may not win the next uk general election. speaking to the times newspaper, the prime minister said one analysis of thursday's local election defeats suggested the uk was on course for a hung parliament and said voters would not want to see sir keir starmer "propped up "in downing street" by the snp or smaller parties. tory critics have called on mr sunak to shift the party to the right. here, train drivers in the aslef union are beginning a six—day overtime ban, which is expected to cause widespread disruption. a series of one—day strikes are also being staged at 16 rail companies this week as part of a long—running dispute over pay. greater anglia said services would be "severely impacted" on tuesday. passengers have been advised to check before travelling and plan accordingly. the cast of the lords of the rings have paid tribute to

now — and the former deputy first minister, john swinney, has become the new leader of the scottish national partye in the race, started after humza yousaf announced he would stand down as leader. the snp has posted this on x. we're expecting to hear from mr swinney later. let's go straight back to new york. there is donald trump heading into court. he usually has something to say to the cameras. let's listen in. as you know they have taken at my constitutional rights, so i am not allowed to answer that question. this has never happened in this country before. it is a ridiculous case, i have done nothing wrong, absolutely nothing wrong. take a look at andrew mccarthy. they say there is no case here. and yet the judge has gagged me and i'm not allowed to talk about, i guess, his total conflict. the judge allowed to talk about, i guess, his total conflict. thejudge is totally conflicted, and you want to take a look at it. and i'm not supposed to be talking about it. but i am allowed to say that the judge has a conflict like nobody has ever had before. he has taken away my constitutional right to spe

has allowed key to use is long range. missile john sweeney is the new leader of the ruling scottish national party and is now set to become scotland 1st minister. he was the sole content or for the top job. when i'm use up, it's resigned last week. as many served as deputy 1st minister for nearly a decade in the state of israel is closing the local offices of the guitar, a broadcaster l g 0 siding, a risk to national interest. national security rub. israel's main cable tv and satellite providers have also removed the channel from the offerings l. g 0 has failed to take legal action. united nations and free speech groups have conducted the closure. israel is marking holocaust, remember and stay. sirens rang out nationwide and people stop to commemorate the more than 6000000 jews killed by the nazis in world war 2. the prime minister and president let us ceremony at the holy cost for more this ukrainian forces are struggling to hold back a wave of russian assaults in the east of the country. moscow says it has captured several 100 square kilometers of ukrainian territory this year. he is suffering f

both of those two main leaders notjust of the main parties but also of the lib dems and the scottish national partymongst all the other smaller parties all fighting for the single, trying to bond with the electorate. this is a chance to go to the places they don't often visit and to leave westminster and gone find out what the problems are on the ground and prove to the electorate they are the people to solve it. we prove to the electorate they are the people to solve it.— people to solve it. we are at day one of an _ people to solve it. we are at day one of an election _ people to solve it. we are at day one of an election campaign, - people to solve it. we are at day one of an election campaign, wei people to solve it. we are at day - one of an election campaign, we have seen with the polls. it's an enormous mountain for the conservative party to climb. but there are always bumps. gordon brown, gillian duffy that sort of thing. there are always problems in elections those leaders have to navigate. you had nick clegg unexpectedly performing well in that tv debate. that is what number ten will hope

but i care too much about the future of scotland, and the scottish national party, to walk on by. party's a disunited mess. what specifically is wrong with it? well, the party's not cohesive just now. we are not together, we're not operating as one big unified team. but what i am absolutely certain about is, if the snp gets its act together, it will be a formidable force for good in scotland, and a formidable force for success in scotland as well, and that's what i offer. mr swinney is a veteran of scottish politics — an snp member since 1979. he led the party from 2000 to 2004 and then spent 16 years in the scottish cabinet under both alex salmond and nicola sturgeon. is he really prepared to do it all over again? i am no caretaker. i am no interim leader. i'm offering to lead my party through the westminster elections and to lead us beyond the 2026 elections, two contests which i intend to win for the snp and for scotland. applause. but first, he had to deal with a potential rival — kate forbes. he did so by lavishing her with praise and a job offer. she is an intelligent, creati

just under 2a hours to go until nominations close to replace humza yousaf as leader for the scottish national party the race. at the momentjohn swinney, the former deputy first minister and party leader, is the only person officially in the running, but veteran party activist. graeme mccormack says he believes he can garner enough nominations by tomorrow's deadline. let's get more on this from bbc scotland political reporter, jenny davidson. how big a challenge is this? it isn't a major challenge forjohn swinney himself, he is a very popularfigure, he is very high—profile, very experienced, and there is a lot of personal affection for him within the snp. so, it's unlikely that this is actually going to be a serious issue for him, but what it does mean for the party is that it would because of the leadership contest to go on for anotherfew weeks. if leadership contest to go on for another few weeks. if there was only one nomination in tomorrow by 12 noon, the total income if it was john swinney, then he would simply be declared party leader tomorrow afternoon. but if there is more than one nominatio