running to be snp leader, do you think you will| snp leader, do you think you will deliver— snp leaderfast, safe pair of hands, a mediator, or words that l hands, a mediator, or words that have _ hands, a mediator, or words that have been— hands, a mediator, or words that have been used _ hands, a mediator, or words that have been used to _ hands, a mediator, or words that have been used to describe - hands, a mediator, or words that have been used to describe you l hands, a mediator, or words that i have been used to describe you you. -- att— have been used to describe you you. -- all words — have been used to describe you you. -- all words— -- all words. lets look at what i've done over— -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the _ -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years _ -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and _ -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and i - -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and i have - -- all words. lets look at what i've done over the years and i have a i done over the years a

i must interru -t turbulent time for the snp. i must interrunt you. _ turbulent time for the snp.rbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are _ turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are going - turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are going to - turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are going to go i interrupt you, we are going to go straight to hearfrom interrupt you, we are going to go straight to hear from john swinney. let's listen in.— let's listen in. friends, first of all, can let's listen in. friends, first of all. can i— let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank— let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank lorna - let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank lorna and - let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank lorna and the l let's listen in. friends, first of- all, can i thank lorna and the party starfor the all, can i thank lorna and the party star for the professional way that this leadership process has been run at such short notice? enabling the scottish national party to get

snp to— that is what i intend to do, to lead the snp to victory.uld not have imagined only two months ago standing here launching _ only two months ago standing here launching the snp campaign for the 2024 general election stop i am here because _ 2024 general election stop i am here because i_ 2024 general election stop i am here because i knew i could unify my party _ because i knew i could unify my party i— because i knew i could unify my party. lam _ because i knew i could unify my party. i am two weeks in and i have done _ party. i am two weeks in and i have done that— party. i am two weeks in and i have done that already. more than that, i am first _ done that already. more than that, i am first minister because i have a wider— am first minister because i have a wider position to unify. unite around — wider position to unify. unite around a _ wider position to unify. unite around a better way of doing politics _ around a better way of doing politics. tonight scotland to protect _ politics. tonight scotland to protect our national health servi

that’s delay rebuilding the snp. that's riuht. he delay rebuilding the snp. that's right.elay rebuilding the snp. that's right. he said there _ delay rebuilding the snp. that's right. he said there is _ delay rebuilding the snp. that's right. he said there is a - delay rebuilding the snp. that's i right. he said there is a democratic process within the party and snp members can challenge for the leadership if they wish to. but he thinks it would be betterjust to get on with it now. and obviously he has it in mind that notjust a leadership election is costly and potentially damaging to the party, certainly last year's one was a little damaging in terms of exposing some internal rifts and criticism between leadership candidates, but also he will have in mind that there is a general election coming up this year and they want to get and snp leader in place as soon as possible so they can move on with communicating policies to the public rather than discussing them between themselves within the party. in the themselves within the party. in the meantime. — themselves within the

tories is to vote snp". speaking at a campaign event in dumfries, john swinney said the party would challenge every conservative seat north of the border. the snp are currently the third largest party in westminster — with 43 seats. that compares with the conservative party's 7 seats in scotland. i've got to make sure that i lift the poor fortunes of the snp. we've had a tough time as a party. i've been completely open and candid about it. that's why i'm now the first minister and leader of the snp, because the snp�*s had a tough time. but i've got the party focused on what our core message is and that message for this election is that we've had austerity, brexit and the cost of living crisis inflicted upon scotland. they're all the product of westminster and the tory government. we've got a chance in scotland to remove every tory mp who's inflicted such damage on scotland, by voting for the snp, because we are the principal

so the snp— of the uk over our time in office. so the snp has _ of the uk over our time in office.cused _ scotland and the government i lead is focused on — scotland and the government i lead is focused on making _ scotland and the government i lead is focused on making sure - scotland and the government i lead is focused on making sure that- scotland and the government i lead is focused on making sure that we i is focused on making sure that we continue _ is focused on making sure that we continue that _ is focused on making sure that we continue that delivery— is focused on making sure that we continue that delivery for- is focused on making sure that we continue that delivery for people i continue that delivery for people and their— continue that delivery for people and their lives— continue that delivery for people and their lives in— continue that delivery for people and their lives in scotland. i- continue that delivery for people and their lives in scotland. 1:3an continue that delivery for people and their lives in scotland. i am in awe, i and their lives in scotland. i am

more on that at the top of the snp. more on that at the top of the snp.he top of the hour. now it is time for the weather. hello, good afternoon. it was stormy across the south of england last night, with 4,000 lightning strikes in recorded and still the threat of heavy, thundery downpours not just this afternoon but tonight and tomorrow. more sunshine around today. the best in the north and west. for the afternoon, expect it to be cloudy in england and wales, drier in the south west, thunderstorms breaking out. still misty for north sea facing coasts. the best of the sunshine in northern ireland and scotland, 22 degrees possible in north west scotland. still warm for east anglia. this evening, the waving front will bring cloud, outbreaks of rain across england and wales. misty for north sea—facing coasts, low pressure bringing thunderstorms over east anglia. temperatures up to ten degrees. on friday, the front will push further northwards. we have an area of low pressure bringing thundery downpours further north and west through the day. cloud spreading

it could have been until snp— scotland's oil. it could have been until snp i5 scotland's oil.could have been until snp is blue in the face. it didn't — until snp is blue in the face. it didn't. whether or not they're right doesn't _ didn't. whether or not they're right doesn't matter any more. the issue 5till resonates, and the snp are butted _ 5till resonates, and the snp are butted in — 5till resonates, and the snp are pulled in both directions on that subject — pulled in both directions on that sub'ect. , ., , . pulled in both directions on that sub'ect. , . , . ., pulled in both directions on that sub'ect. , ., , . ., subject. chris, we have such a good reminder of— subject. chris, we have such a good reminder of devolution _ subject. chris, we have such a good reminder of devolution and - subject. chris, we have such a good reminder of devolution and where l reminder of devolution and where power lies. when you are at that event a few days ago, the unveiled his six first steps, got even more confusing because some of those steps apply only england because the uk governmen

i think the snp is havin: a to support the snp?nk the snp is having a tough, _ to support the snp? i think the snp is having a tough, rough _ to support the snp? i think the snp is having a tough, rough time. - to support the snp? i think the snp is having a tough, rough time. it. is having a tough, rough time. it has lacked cohesion, think that has come across to members of the public stop they are worried about where we are as a party. but interestingly, and the feedback i get from my experienced peers around the country, the last couple of days, some of my very wise colleagues have been out and about in our communities, and one colleague sent me a message the other day saying they were worried about how the snp was getting on but they were glad to see we were getting our act together. well, we have got our act together. well, we have got our act together this afternoon and believe you me, we will get our act together tomorrow, the day after, the day after that. applause so... and, libby, itake the applause so... and, libby, i ta

and labour and you have the snp acknowledging that they'd like to see the back as the snp, confrontedmer being in scotland he's up in kind of oil and gas territory, talking about labour's policy of launching gb energy, which listeners to newscast about it at the labour party conference a few years ago, where he first announced it. it was never going to be an energy company that you could get a bill from, you couldn't sign up to them as your energy provider, it's a much more kind of nuanced thing about investment and generating new energy projects rather than generating the energy itself. but they've had a bit... it's launched today, not that it's even launched cos they're not setting it up today. it's been a bit tricky as well. it's not gone entirely 100% smoothly. no, they've had to be sort of fleshing out precisely what it is, firstly. and then secondly, they've been taking quite a bit of heat from both the conservatives and the snp about the extent to which their broader outlook on energy — and in particular, the oil and gas industry off the north—east coast of scotland — and their

dave doogan, snp mp in west minister, _ scotland.doogan, snp mp in west minister, thank you - scotland. dave doogan, snp mp in west minister, thank you very - scotland. dave doogan, snp mp in| west minister, thank you very much forjoining us tonight. i'm joined by andrew blake at kings college here in london. thank you much for joining us. a summer election, a surprise election to many even at the top end of the conservative party, probably even to some members of the cabinet what do you make of the time in? i of the cabinet what do you make of the time in?— the time in? i think one interesting fact that all — the time in? i think one interesting fact that all of — the time in? i think one interesting fact that all of this, _ the time in? i think one interesting fact that all of this, it _ the time in? i think one interesting fact that all of this, it tells - the time in? i think one interesting fact that all of this, it tells us - fact that all of this, it tells us how our system is changed back again. after 2011 we didn't have thin

i think he has got a massivejob ahead of the snp party.ead of him to try to salvage the party. just to put this in context, we know that, you know, the party suffered massively from the party suffered massively from the scandal surrounding nicola sturgeon, the former leader and then some quite, think we can say some quite, securely, some management problems around, under humza yousaf. he struggled to kind of unite the party and unite the public and his banner and then managed to really frustrate the green party and trigger a cause for a no—confidence vote in him. so whatjohn swinney has to achieve now is to quite huge things. one is rebuild unity in the snp and he also needs to ward off a very huge threat posed by scottish labour. in the forthcoming general election. . , labour. in the forthcoming general election. ., , . ., , election. that is the charity has politically- _ election. that is the charity has politically. tell _ election. that is the charity has politically. tell us _ election. that is the charity has politically. tell us a

but the snp i think sees the snp. recently, of course, the investigation into their funding and finances, and the fact that the former health secretary michael matheson, was suspended from the scottish parliament for a record amount of time for claiming erroneously £11,000 in his expenses, a bill for data roaming charges while he was abroad which he initially said was for constituency business but it later turned out his children had been watching football using his ipad as a hotspot while the family were in morocco. he paid back the money but he has been suspended from the parliament and from his position for a record amount of time and docked over 50 days green salary which is roughly equivalent to that £11,000 bill —— 50 days' salary. john swinney has admitted it is not the start to campaigning that he would have liked but he is out here this morning, a couple of visits here in glasgow, pushing the snp agenda for the day which is this big focus on cost of living issues and the economy, and the argument that the snp

i invite everyone in the snp and in our country who wants tojoin me in thatjourney the snp and in ourry who wants to join me in thatjourney to the snp and in our country who wants tojoin me in thatjourney to do the snp and in our country who wants to join me in thatjourney to do so now. thank you so much. to join me in that journey to do so now. thank you so much. applause. the nomination _ now. thank you so much. applause. the nomination process _ now. thank you so much. applause. the nomination process not - now. thank you so much. applause. the nomination process not closed i the nomination process not closed yet so we still do not know who will be the next leader of the snp and the next scottish first minister but john swinney announcing he could stand, that was about three hours ago or so. and thenjust in the stand, that was about three hours ago or so. and then just in the last 30 minutes we have heard that his presumed rival will not stand. kate forbes was a former scottish finance secretary and popular amongst members in her party. she ran humza yousaf pretty close in the lead

instead we saw the snp government having run out of its own ideas. _ snp government having run out ofreens. at the same time they were continuing _ greens. at the same time they were continuing the push for the same old tired campaign for independence and a referendum. john swinney must swiftly— a referendum. john swinney must swiftly change course and deliver a bold new _ swiftly change course and deliver a bold new policy agenda for this snp government instead of treading water like his— government instead of treading water like his predecessors. and it should start by— like his predecessors. and it should start by ruling out any agreement by the back— start by ruling out any agreement by the back door or otherwise the greens — the back door or otherwise the greens it— the back door or otherwise the greens. if he wants to lead a government that represents the values _ government that represents the values of— government that represents the values of the clear majority of our country. — values of the clear majority of our country, then he cannot be reliant on the _ country, then he c

you would be presiding over an snp collapse. what presiding over an snp collapse.at has come out this week, for example people were asked in scotland who they thought would make the best first minister, and i topped that poll. i was closely followed by my colleague kate forbes. we were significantly ahead of the labour leader in scotland, and miles ahead of the unpopular leader douglas ross. so that gives me optimism that the leadership of the government in scotland, if i'm successful in becoming leader of the snp in the course of the next few weeks, can engage with the people of scotland, build our support and ensure that we can be a strong and successful political party. can be a strong and successful political party-— can be a strong and successful political party. can be a strong and successful olitical -a . ., , .,, political party. there are people in our -a political party. there are people in your party that _ political party. there are people in your party that want _ political party. there are people in your party that want to _ political party. there are

and i've stepped in to build the snp and to build trust in the snp.ing the party up, and that's what i'm about. we've undoubtedly had a rough period. you've said today that it is important, to quote you, to get rid of the tories. we are in second place in each constituency, so if we want to numerically get rid of the tories in scotland, people just need to vote snp. isn't the easiest way for people in scotland to get rid of the tories to vote for labour? but the people have got to ask themselves, who is going to make the bigger impact in westminster? what happens here in scotland on july the 4th matters, wherever you're watching. chris mason, bbc news, in glasgow. labour says its green energy plans will ensure the uk's transition away from oil and gas doesn't repeat the mistakes made during the phasing out of coal. but the snp says the proposals would put scottish jobs at risk. simonjack looks at how the plan could work. renewable energy has been a big success. last year, 40% of our electricity was generated by renewables. labour are targeting 100% by

comes to that, bring it— the snp say when it comes to that, bring it on — the snp say when it comesvely to _ first. plenty more of that to come, no doubt. lovely to see _ first. plenty more of that to come, no doubt. lovely to see you. - no doubt. lovely to see you. thank you. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. in a carefully choreographed move that followed weeks of discussions, the norwegian, spanish and irish governments announced yesterday that they intend to recognise the state of palestine. the norwegians who have long played a role in middle east diplomacy said their decision was founded on the principle, that the only alternative to war was a political solution for israelis and palestinians alike. two states, living side by side, in peace and security. the israeli prime minister said it was "reward for terrorism" and it would not bring peace to the region. his strategy is to pursue hamas wherever they might hide. and although israel and the united states describe the ground incursion in rafah as "limited", in practice, it is a deep ground operation, with a

the snp have been through _ rebuild, has he not? he has.has he not? he has. the snp have been through a very _ rebuild, has he not? he has. the snp have been through a very tough - rebuild, has he not? he has. the snp have been through a very tough time | have been through a very tough time over recent months and there is a widespread feeling here at holyrood that they have lost the weight that they were focusing on the wrong sort of issues, they assume too much focus on controversial identity politics like the gender issue and not enough on issues like the economy, on health care and education and so on. sojohn swinney is certainly looking to press the reset button. between now and actually taking office though, there are a series of steps. it is potentially possible that someone may come forward and challenge him, nominations do not close until monday. so there could be somebody from the snp grassroots who could come forward and say, that they are not happy with the prospect of a coronation, that they want a contest instead. it may be a d

that's benefited the snp massively in every election— benefited the snp massively in every election becausef the first past the post— election because of the first past the post system, so they've won election — the post system, so they've won election after election here. but what's _ election after election here. but what's happening now is that relationship between how people voted _ relationship between how people voted in — relationship between how people voted in that referendum and how they are _ voted in that referendum and how they are voting in elections and has started _ they are voting in elections and has started to _ they are voting in elections and has started to break down for the first time, _ started to break down for the first time, and — started to break down for the first time, and we are seeing lots of independent supporters moving particularly to labour, but also there's— particularly to labour, but also there's opportunities for other parties — there's opportunities for other parties as— there's opportunities for other parties as well. so there's no coincidence that

, , ., , ., with the snp.seem as a mentor stated the ship _ with the snp. i think they seem as a mentor stated the ship and - with the snp. i think they seem as a mentor stated the ship and bring - mentor stated the ship and bring people back together. there was a bit of factions emerging within a party. i think we are already seeing progress in that respect, in terms of bringing different people together. that would have to be seen in his cabinets, once he is sworn in as first minister and announces his cabinet. we expect to see kate forbes back in the cabinet, and he would also have someone who appeals to the left of the party, the snp is a very broad church.— to the left of the party, the snp is a very broad church. nicola mcewan, sure to keep it short, _ a very broad church. nicola mcewan, sure to keep it short, but _ a very broad church. nicola mcewan, sure to keep it short, but we - sure to keep it short, but we have the balance —— event still up in fast in the middle east, but thank you nicola mcewan. t

that's benefited the snp massively in every election— benefited the snp massively in every election becaused to break down for the first time, _ started to break down for the first time, and — started to break down for the first time, and we are seeing lots of independent supporters moving particularly to labour, but also there's— particularly to labour, but also there's opportunities for other parties — there's opportunities for other parties as— there's opportunities for other parties as well. so there's no coincidence that we've seen rishi sunak— coincidence that we've seen rishi sunak up— coincidence that we've seen rishi sunak up here last thursday, then keir starmer on friday, ed davey today— keir starmer on friday, ed davey today - _ keir starmer on friday, ed davey today — they are all scenting blood and sensing opportunities. the tories — and sensing opportunities. the tories cah— and sensing opportunities. the tories can pick up seats in scotland. _ tories can pick up seats in scotland, it's quite an extraordinary difference compared to england _ extraordinary difference compared

tt is him speaking to reporters after the big moment for the snp.— big moment for the snp.it is an overwhelming moment, to take | big moment for the snp. it is an i overwhelming moment, to take the oath of office in front of the lord president in the court of session and to formally assume the role as first minister. it is the privilege of my life, and i look forward to dedicating my future to serving the people of scotland, as i have done so for so many years. to do that as first minister. it's an extraordinary opportunity to change lives for the better, and to use every moment available to me to do so. for my family, this is a very abrupt change of circumstances. we didn't think this would be happening about ten days ago. but it's happening now. we are making plans to adjust and adapt to that. it's been incredibly precious for me to have my family at my side as i make this most importantjourney in my life. this most important 'ourney in my life. ., ~ ., life. the weather next, with matt ta lor. it may have been a murky start for some today, but over the next few days we'l

and i've stepped in to build the snp and to build trust in the snp.i'm about. we've undoubtedly had a rough period. you've said today that it is important, to quote you, to get rid of the tories. we are in second place in each constituency, so if we want to numerically get rid of the tories in scotland, people just need to vote snp. isn't the easiest way for people in scotland to get rid of the tories to vote for labour? but then people have got to ask themselves, who is going to make the bigger impact in westminster? what happens here in scotland on july the 4th matters wherever you're watching. chris mason, bbc news, in glasgow. labour says its green energy plans, will ensure the uk's transition away from oil and gas, doesn't repeat the mistakes, from the phase—out of coal. but the snp says the proposals, would put scottish jobs at risk. simon's here with me. over the last 30 years renewable energy has been a success story. last year 40% of our electricity was generated by renewables. labour are targeting 100% by 2030. to help hit that target, labou

if snp, what is your reading of that remarkjust one pole.— snp, what is your reading of that remarkjustrkjust one pole. if you pause i suggested that _ remarkjust one pole. if you pause i suggested that there _ remarkjust one pole. if you pause i suggested that there was _ remarkjust one pole. if you pause i suggested that there was a. - remarkjust one pole. if you pause i suggested that there was a. not - remarkjust one pole. if you pause i suggested that there was a. not so | suggested that there was a. not so long ago, when they used to weave that labour vote in parts of scotland rather than counted, they were not dominant, they dominated the central both but in scotland as a whole they were not dominant but weren't pretty far ahead, they had at 1.50 mps out of the 72 that were then elected. what changed was the advent of the scottish national pilot... there was a surge of support for the snp and those who backed the concept of independence rolled in behind the snp and the manage to contrive one more thing which was to say that if you are standing for scottish interest and wanted sco

the snp is in trouble — divided, distracted and struggling to govern.ohn swinney says it's time to get a grip and he is the man for the job. i could have stood back and hoped others would sort things out. but i care too much about the future of scotland, and the scottish national party, to walk on by. you'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.

and i've stepped in to build the snp and to build trust in the snp.and that's what i'm about. we've undoubtedly had a rough period. you've said today that it is important, to quote you, to get rid of the tories. we are in second place in each constituency, so if we want to numerically get rid of the tories in scotland, people just need to vote snp. isn't the easiest way for people in scotland to get rid of the tories to vote for labour? but then people have got to ask themselves, who is going to make the bigger impact in westminster? what happens here in scotland on july the ath matters wherever you're watching. chris mason, bbc news, in glasgow. helen, after questions, keir starmer out finally having a decision on the diane abbott controversy. hoping to draw a line under it, will it? it abbott controversy. hoping to draw a line under it, will it?— line under it, will it? it will brin: line under it, will it? it will bring to — line under it, will it? it will bring to include _ line under it, will it? it will bring to include -- - line under it, will

and i've stepped in to build the snp and to build trust in the snp.anaging decline? no. it feels like building the party up, and that's what i'm about. we've undoubtedly had a rough period. you've said today that it is important, to quote you, to get rid of the tories. we are in second place in each constituency, so if we want to numerically get rid of the tories in scotland, people just need to vote snp. isn't the easiest way for people in scotland to get rid of the tories to vote for labour? but then people have got to ask themselves, who is going to make the bigger impact in westminster? what happens here in scotland on july the 4th matters wherever you're watching. chris mason, bbc news, in glasgow. as part of our election coverage here on the context, we want to take a look at what's been making news in specific regions. this week, the democratic unionist party confirmed it's new leader. gavin robinson will lead the party into the general election after his appointment was ratified. but he's already facing criticism of �*backtracking' over a deal

we've heard from the liberal democrats, the snp, we will hear from other parties democrats, the snp,will hearfrom other parties in democrats, the snp, we will hear from other parties in the coming days. as well as the economy, you can expect immigration to be a major point of debate in the coming weeks. housing, crime and the national health service as well. that's the shape of the debate to come. as you say, a surprise today, the uk going to the polls earlier than expected on july the 4th. ireland, norway, and spain have all announced plans to recognise a palestinian state next week. spain and ireland said the decision was not against israel, or in favour of hamas, but in support of peace. israel has reacted angrily and recalled its ambassadors to the three countries. lucy williamson reports. there are things a future

yes, and then there's an argument about the snp's policy and the snp also, adam, treading a really finen, oil in some ways was the fuel that drove the rise. was the fuel that drove the rise in scottish nationalism way back in the '605 and into the 705 — this idea that in the famous campaign phrase of the snp, it's scotland's oil, and that if scotland had control over those resources, it could have been, as the snp will tell you until they're blue in the face. it could have been like norway, if scotland has had control and had built up its own oil reserve — it didn't. so it didn't. so, whether or not they're right doesn't matter any more. but the issue still resonates and the snp are still pulled in both directions on that subject. and chris, we got such a good reminder of devolution and where power lies. when you were at that keir starmer event a few days ago where he unveiled his 6/1 steps of what labour government would do to achieve their five missions. yeah, absolutely. you know, the nature of a devolved uk now is that many of the levers of domestic political change should a governm

down and led to the fall of the snp leader humza yousaf.called back by snp members that wanted some stability and continuity for the party. i believe our correspondent lorna gordon is there to speak to us now. lorna, good to have you. what can we expect from the rest of the day? well, yes, this is a day of solemn ceremony. that short ceremony here at the court of session which took place a couple of minutes past ten o'clock. it involved five judges, it was led by the lord president lord carloway, who administered the oath of office and as is tradition mr swinney did not speak but bowed his head three times before putting his pen to parchment. he is now officially first minister of scotland. as you said, he has led the snp twice, but this is his first time as first minister. alongside him is his wife elizabeth quickly and his son. we expect him in a short time to come across and make a few comments in front of the camera. of few comments in front of the camera. of course he is no stranger to government. he has been part of government. he has

internal problems again , the snp are problems again, the snp are putting party before country and theirpeople of scotland. >> so isn't it the case that regardless of who the snp impose, they will not be able to fix this mess and deliver the change scotland needs in the us? >> president joe biden has called for order on college campuses after violent clashes between police and protesters in california. hundreds of riot police moved in on pro—palestine protesters overnight at the ucla campus. police there say they've made hundreds of arrests during crackdowns on demonstrations and meanwhile, here in the uk, students have also set up their own sit in camps in protest against israel's war with hamas students in sheffield, in leeds, newcastle and in bristol set up tents outside their campus buildings . tents outside their campus buildings. organisers are now suggesting those demonstrations could spread across the uk . could spread across the uk. today could be the warmest day of the year so far , despite of the year so far, despite heavy rain and thunderstorms sweeping across parts of englan

the snp man for the future as — potential successor.e snp man for the future as their failed leader - the future as their failed leader from _ the future as their failed leader from the — the future as their failed leader from the past.— the future as their failed leader from the past. john swinney lent heavil on from the past. john swinney lent heavily on his — from the past. john swinney lent heavily on his experience - from the past. john swinney lent heavily on his experience in - heavily on his experience in government in his bid to win the keys to bute house. blunt about his party's problems and emphatic he can fix them. lorna joins us from the scottish parliament in edinburgh. talk us through the timetable of what happens next, potentially. denominations to become leader of the snp close at midday on monday. that's when we'll find out for sure whether it's a competition or not. but at the moment, judging byjohn swinney�*s assured campaign launched this morning, many think it may well be a coronation. he was frank about the challe

the snp took well _ —— what are their chances then? t'ts: snp took well over 40 seats and —— what are their chances then? tts: snp took well over 40 seats and they are absolutely dominated the westminster election since 2015. to go back to the last general election, labour only won one seat but what the polls are suggesting is that the gap between the two parties is that the snp and the labour are closing. the last few polls are suggesting that labour are ahead in scotland. the polls suggest that the lib dems in scotland are behind the snp, behind labourand the conservative. they are coming up it of the message, so as davey and alice cole hamilton, now at this time for a change. people scotland have been doubly let down by a scottish —— by a conservative government in westminster and then snp in scotland. we are in a particularly scenic part of scotland today in north queensbury in fife. i don't know how much of the battery because he behind me but it has been a sunny day so far. the forecast was looking a little bit stodgy but still d

the snp was in opposition.rt, 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 some responsibility, personally, for the polarisation of politics which you have described? i have obviously contributed to that, james, yes, of course i have. and i look at politics today and i think politics is in the worst state i have ever seen it in my lengthy involvement in politics, so i am here to do something about that. the first step of his plan is to persuade msps to elect him as first minister. this is clearly a project that is about managing the snp rather than running the country and delivering for scotland. john swinney has been the heart of the snp leadership for the last 40 years, he's been at the heart of this government for the last 17 years, and this isjust a more of the same kind of approach when our c

rishi sunak described the snp.d the local election result as bitterly disappointing. the conservatives lost nearly 500 council seats and the mayor's position in the west midlands, but women's minister maria caulfield told gb news things aren't as bad as the polls suggest . john swinney is likely suggest. john swinney is likely to be confirmed as the next leader of the snp. later, after a potential challenger pulled out late last night, veteran party activist graham mccormack has endorsed john swinney to become scotland's next first minister. he's now the only candidate to replace humza yousaf, who announced he was stepping down last week. nominated close at midday , the nominated close at midday, the israeli military is telling palestinians to evacuate rafah ahead of an expected ground offensive. it's told 100,000 residents in the east of the to city move to an expanded humanitarian zone, where aid will be available . ceasefire will be available. ceasefire talks with hamas collapsed over the weekend , and the kerem

as the snp damaged its reputation?” as the snp damaged its reputation? 'ust as the snp damaged its reputation? just think parliament should preside over the _ just think parliament should preside over the fear process. that is all i've raised _ over the fear process. that is all i've raised i_ over the fear process. that is all i've raised. i havejust said parliament should provide —— preside over the _ parliament should provide —— preside over the fear— parliament should provide —— preside over the fear process. parliament should provide -- preside over the fear process.— over the fear process. there is only six weeks to _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go until _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go until the _ over the fear process. there is only six weeks to go until the general i six weeks to go until the general election and if parliament decides next week that michael madsen should resign, should he resign? hate next week that michael madsen should resign, sh

of course, 17 years the snp have been in power here in scotland. from the vote today, which was the reason that john swinney was able to get in, we could stay ahead of time he would win that vote — they said they would explicitly support him as long as there was a shared vision and policy programme on areas such as the climate, independence, and poverty. in the liberal democrats for their part said that they were confident there were areas they could find some common ground, but they did urgejohn swinney to change course and were not convinced he has the fresh ideas, after being so close to so many of the decisions i have been made for so many years, they were unsure and convinced that he the man to deliver change. so congratulations, but some scepticism that he's the right man for the job from opposition parties, as you would expect. from opposition parties, as you would “pect— from opposition parties, as you would exect. ., . ., . would expect. lorna gordon, thanks much. let's take you live to the house of commons now. the uk defence secretary, g

that's why i'm now the first minister and leader of the snp, because the snp�*s had a tough time.ge is, and that message for this election is that we've had austerity, brexit and the cost of living crisis inflicted upon scotland. they're all the product of westminster and the tory government. we've got a chance in scotland to remove every tory mp who's inflicted such damage on scotland, by voting for the snp, because we are the principal challengers to every one of those tory mps and we've got a big chance to make sure that scotland's interests are protected at westminster by electing snp mps who, apart from anything else, are there for scotland. that's john swinney. the liberal democrat leader sir ed davey has told voters that it's time for change and urged voters in scotland to send a message that the snp government isn't doing a good enoughjob. at the party's scottish launch, sir ed davey said voters had been doubly let down by the tories at westminster and the snp at holyrood and said that the liberal democrats would fight for a fair dealfor communities. liberal democrats can

the former snp member today.member stuart crawford, doesn't have confidence in john swinney. >> it has been first minister before , back in, the sort of, before, back in, the sort of, turn of the century where i in fact was a was a, snp member and parliamentary candidate on two occasions, both of which i withdrew from . and there were withdrew from. and there were three elections in his last tenure , one general election, tenure, one general election, 2001, scottish elections in 2003. and the european election in 2004, in all of which the snp lost seats. so i don't have any great enthusiasm for him as a leader. and i think what we're looking at is if he becomes a leader, a period of managed decline , we're being warned of decline, we're being warned of widespread travel disruption after a night of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms overnight, a care home in sussex was damaged by lightning strikes. >> that's according to west sussex fire and rescue. meanwhile yellow weather warnings remain in place across large part

— unite his party, the snp, do you think you can do that? i don't know.inly _ think you can do that? i don't know. he is certainly identified _ think you can do that? i don't know. he is certainly identified the - he is certainly identified the correct challenge, because picking up correct challenge, because picking up in the opinion polling, the electorate is viewing the snp as a party that is divided, not halved by the leadership contest when nicola sturgeon resigned, when it was clear there was divisions within the party on a range of policy areas to stop so he identify the correct challenge, whether he's up to the task, we will wait and see what the electorate says in the coming weeks and months. in electorate says in the coming weeks and month-— electorate says in the coming weeks and months. in terms of challenges, one of the main _ and months. in terms of challenges, one of the main ones _ and months. in terms of challenges, one of the main ones is _ and months. in terms of challenges, one of the main ones is the - and months. in terms of challenge

he says he wants to unite the snp. can he do that? i he says he wants to unite the snp.he do that? i guess it is quite early doors _ can he do that? i guess it is quite early doors to _ can he do that? i guess it is quite early doors to be _ can he do that? i guess it is quite early doors to be able _ can he do that? i guess it is quite early doors to be able to - can he do that? i guess it is quite early doors to be able to say - can he do that? i guess it is quite | early doors to be able to say that. you can see that he is making some efforts to do so by bringing back kate forbes, who obviously was seen as perhaps one of the potential snp leaders at one point. bringing kate forbes back into the fold is different something that is seen to her two unite on the left and right of the party. you would unite with difference and he kept mentioning in his speech, this is having wants to put forward. this idea that the most senior snp politicians right now say their party is on rocky ground and you can't build on shoddy foundations, so unity is definitely what he he's putting

next government, but he said they are a strong group of snp mps at westminster. and they would fight and would tackle austerity from westminster. we have also heard from other parties in different parts of scotland. there was a clip from the scottish conservative leader douglas ross. he was in angus. he said the conservatives are the choice, the alternative to independence, he has also been taking issue with the problem with michael matheson the former health secretary, who has been criticised by the holyroodhouse standards committee, facing potential punishment over an ipad tale, something the conservatives keep bringing up, they are taking issue with the snp support for michael matheson. john swinney said he did not think that was a problem and he is taking issue with one of the conservatives members actions on that committee. we have also heard

new snp leader john newsroom. leaderjohn swinney says he'll seek to build a coalition of the willing to focus on scotland's problems . focus on scotland's problems. >> in his acceptance speech, mr swinney called for unity and said the polarisation of politics does not serve the country well. mr swinney's appointment was unopposed after veteran activist graham mccormick pulled out late last night. the new leader is expected to be voted in as scotland's first minister at holyrood later this week . john holyrood later this week. john swinney also paid tribute to the grace and dignity of his predecessor humza yousaf, a year ago . ago. >> well, even a week ago, i did not think that my future would involve standing here accepting the leadership of the scottish national party . things have national party. things 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 diff

i coalition with the snp.he conservatives this time around need to find that bogeyman to dangle in front of reform voters that they haven't perhaps found yet . perhaps found yet. >> well, they hope they've got it, don't they? in keir starmer we saw yesterday, rishi sunak say keir starmer made pledges when he wanted to become labour leader, that he's gone back on and now he'll be saying to reform voters look, if you vote reform you'll get labour and they're still the same corbynite party that you know , we will. we party that you know, we will. we all defeated in 2017 and 2019. i don't think it'll work this time. first of all, because people are so sick of the conservatives, they feel so let down by the party. but also coupled with the fact that actually keir starmer does seem like a safer, much safer pair of hands than jeremy corbyn ever did. >> yes. and keir starmer will be forced to put more meat on the bones when it comes to his policy priorities and his policy pledges , are we likely to see pledges, are we

seems the snp dodged the noose.something of a distraction on a road of distractions while we await the next two candidates to replace humza yousaf. or it could be more than two candidates who know. certainly there's two names. hot in contention right now, that being, of course, being kate forbes and nicola sturgeon's own deputy first minister, john swinney . now, today's vote of no swinney. now, today's vote of no confidence was one of two. obviously douglas ross pulled his vote yesterday, in light of humza yousafs resignation on monday. but anas sarwar carried on with the vote of confidence against an entire scottish government. had he been successful, well, we'd be battling on our way towards a scottish election, perhaps even before our westminster election. and that was not to be. in fact, about 30 minutes it took for the debate to take place. we heard from scottish conservative leader douglas ross, who got himself a little bit of a telling off by presiding officer alison johnson. and then we also heard , of cour

that's why i'm now the first minister and leader of the snp, because the snp's had a tough time.l the product of westminster and the tory government. we've got a chance in scotland to remove every tory mp who's inflicted such damage on scotland, by voting for the snp, because we are the principal challengers to every one of those tory mps and we've got a big chance to make sure that scotland's interests are protected at westminster by electing snp mps who, apart from anything else, are there for scotland. john swinney. let's speak to sonia sodha, a columist for the observer. macklin, thank you forjoining us. we are in for a long haul, aren't we, but can i get you to start by just give me an outline of how you think the campaigns have started? i think the campaigns have started? i think if you look at the conservatives, their campaign has really got a shambolic start. we had rishi sunak make a series of key errors last week and then on saturday, we saw the conservative launch an idea for national military service, national community service, the young people who don't want to do m