well sinn fein resigned from the stormont executive back injanuary fein resigned from the stormont executiveack in january and fein resigned from the stormont executive back injanuary and that is what precipitated the collapse of the executive. when the then deputy first minister of the late martin mcguinness resided meant that the dup leader arlene foster was also out of a job as first minister because the first and deputy first ministers cannot work in isolation from each other under the power—sharing system here. so the other parties, the dup in particular, have said as far as they're concerned it is sinn fein that caused the crisis. but sinn fein all the way through her because the dup of arrogance, not respecting what they regard as basic rights. they will say that is what the crisis is about, they said as regards the dup deal with the conservatives, they welcome more money coming in to the public pot here in northern ireland, that would ease the pressure on public services, but they stressed that for them the crisis here is not a cash crisis, it is not about money or budgets, but it is

noel, the place to discuss these is at stormont, the problem is we don't have a stormont at the momentof the british flag i am proud of because you keep taking it down? are you afraid of my british identity, because you keep diminishing it? why culturally are you trying trying to deny me and the people i represent... we have to end the programme on those mutual accusations. thank you very much. that's where we must draw the northern ireland leaders‘ debate to a close. you will find a full list of candidates where you live on our news website. thank you to our guests. to our audience. and of course to you at home for watching. from the bbc northern ireland leaders‘ debate, good night. the weather cause all kinds of problems on tuesday. a number of serious accidents caused by strong winds in southern england. over 60 mph ina winds in southern england. over 60 mph in a number of places, bringing down a few trees and causing those problems. the pressure responsible still there in the wednesday but the winds slowly easing over the next 2a hours. this is how we started the day on wednesday.

all politicians here will wa nt to stormont.extra money for health and education, if there is extra money coming for specific infrastructure projects, that will benefit everyone in northern ireland, not just dup benefit everyone in northern ireland, notjust dup boaters. there area number of ireland, notjust dup boaters. there are a number of sticking points at stormont, sinn fein want legal recognition for the irish and would, the dup have been opposed to bringing in same—sex marriage in northern ireland. some observers think nationalists will be wary of the deal between the main unionist party and the conservatives. sinn fein in particular and the other ones that count are going to be very suspicious of what's in the deal because even if there is a document and details, first they had to decide if there's anything else behind—the—scenes that we don't know, what could there be, for either be? the key question here is that the agreement to stabilise the uk government will help to bring stability to northern ireland. there arejust

stormont, stormont... it has deeply important. stormont, stormont. ..clashed with campaigners over the decision to block the introduction of same—sex marriage in northern ireland. the other big basal politics here, sinn fein. they won seven seats but as irish republicans they won't sit in the british parliament, helping theresa may by reducing the numbers she needs for a majority. history will show alliances between the ulster unionists and british unionists has always ended in tears. what might bring stability to westminster could end up causing real problems here at stormont. power—sharing collapse at the start of this year and talks to try to restore it had been organised by theresa may's government. but if they are being propped up by the dup, it is hard to see how sinn fein could accept them as honest brokers in those negotiations. among those concerned, jonathan powell, tony blair's chief of staff, he negotiated the good friday peace agreement and he is warning decades of progress could be undone. agreement and he is warning decades of progress co

stormont is a symbol and the home of government in northern ireland.body home. hours, weeks and months have passed without ministers or an assembly. today was deadline day. for a clerk billed as the final chance for a return to power sharing. but the hour passed without fa nfa re. sharing. but the hour passed without fanfare. and most importantly, without a deal. i believe that a resolution can be found. and i am urging the parties to continue focusing all of their efforts on achieving this. four days, the parties have been locked in negotiations inside stormont castle. but it is clear that the democratic unionists haven't forgiven sinn fein for walking out of their coalition government earlier this year. for walking out of their coalition government earlier this yeahm anybody thinks they are going to collapse stormont, get all of their demands and go back in there, they may think again. that is not how we do business. power-sharing stormont collapsed during a financial row over a botched energy schemes set up while arlene foster was energy minister. s

well, sinn fein resigned from the stormont executive backin resigned from the stormont executive backr the then deputy refers minister, the then martin mcguinness, arlene foster was also out of herjob —— when martin mcguinness resigned, arlene foster was out of herjob because the deputy first ministers cannot work in isolation under the power—sharing. the dup in particular have said that as far as they are concerned, sinn fein have caused this crisis. sinn fein have all the way it used dup of arrogance, —— accused the dup of arrogance. they said as regards to the dup deal with the conservatives, they do welcome more money coming into the public pot here in northern ireland, it would ease the pressure on public services, but they have been stressing that as far as they are concerned, the crisis is not a cash crisis, it's not about money or budgets or how money will be spent, but it's about these issues such as culture, the irish language, same—sex marriage, which hasn't been introduced in northern ireland, the dup or opposed to that, and a very tricky issue, how to deal with the hundre

at stormont.rmont. we don't believe that any deal between the dup here and the english tories will be good for the people here. and any deal which undercuts in any way the process here or the good friday and other agreements is one which has to be opposed. watching as sinn fein spoke were members of the dup. their westminster ambitions could have an impact on parliament buildings in belfast, where devolved government collapsed at the start of the year because of a series of disputes between the parties. those issues which are devolved should be dealt with by the devolved administration here in northern ireland. but if others decide that they are not coming back into the devolved administration in northern ireland, those issues will have to be dealt with at westminster. it is the sinn fein to decide where they wa nt the sinn fein to decide where they want those powers to lie. the british and irish governments were supposed to be bringing stormont‘s parties together in these talks, but dublin's mini

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

live now to chris page at stormont. this is all very edgy. that's right.ern ireland, before the early hours of friday morning nobody thought they'd see what has just happened in downing street, the site of arlene foster going through the door of number ten, holding the keys to power, as it were. but that is now what has happened and ever since it became clear that was going to be the situation, the dup were going to be in the situation, the dup were going to beina the situation, the dup were going to be in a position of influence, there's been a clamour of opinion as to what the dup should be asking for, everything from parading to measure specific to northern ireland on brexit. one thing that has come up on brexit. one thing that has come up is that northern ireland should get more economic assistance, if not cold, hard cash for infrastructure projects them for tax breaks to help out businesses. everyone watching to see what comes out of the talks this afternoon but there is another di mentioned to this. the dup are involved in two sets of negotiations, o

they are certainly leaving the door open and doing a deal with the dup at stormont even though the dupservative. the dup say they want to do conservative. the dup say they want todoa conservative. the dup say they want to do a deal at stormont and will be there tomorrow, and with no precondition for talks. there are a lot of moving parts in this story when it comes to northern ireland. but our dishes between london, belfast, brussels and dublin. john, thank you. we are waiting for any news of a reshuffle. theresa may will be sorting out, as we speak. trying to continue with business as usual. we'll be back here shortly. right now, it's over to you, sean. more from her as soon as we get any news on that reshuffle. a service has taken place this morning at a re—opened southwark cathedral to remember those who died in the london bridge terror attack. meanwhile, police have released pictures of the fake suicide belts the three attackers were wearing when they struck last saturday night. here's our home affairs correspondent daniel sandford southwark‘s medieval cathedral, caught up last sat

our ireland correspondent chris buckler is at stormont for us.difficult meeting? yes, it certainly could. a devolved government here collapsed injanuary, and devolved government here collapsed in january, and the devolved government here collapsed injanuary, and the attempts to try to get power sharing up and running, the clock is ticking on that. the deadline is two weeks today. there isa deadline is two weeks today. there is a pressure to try and get this deal done. theresa may will meet the parties half an hour apart, one after the other, inside downing street, and she'll encourage them to consult —— to come to some sort of agreement. however a lot of this meeting is also about reassurance, because of that very separate negotiation that is going on at westminster between the tories and the dup. theresa may of course needs their support to form a government, to try to ensure that they have a majority in parliament. the dup are crucial to that. but that has caused some concerns for the parties here, particularly sinn fein, who have been openly q

i believe there is nothing in it which would, you know, make it difficult for the stormont institutionsire, the secretary of state, and his team, will continue to work really hard with the northern ireland parties to get the devolved institutions up and running again and now we have seen significant additional resources announced the northern ireland, there is even more important is being placed on a devolved set of ministers to implement those additional resources and, also, we need to ensure that northern ireland's voices heard strongly in the brexit negotiations and that is going to be easier and more effective if it has a devolved government, so for all sorts of reasons, it is vitally important that the talks under way in stormont actually deliver a return of power—sharing devolved government. the uk's economic growth will remain "anaemic" until the end of the decade, according to the british chambers of commerce. the group of business leaders says it doesn't expect growth to be more than 1.5% by 2020 and that inflation may end up despite some predictions, britain's economy grew rob

the government insists will remain impartial in the stormont talks.g negotiations are going on into the night, the pace is picking up with three days left to save devolution. chris page, bbc news, belfast. live to westminster now and our political editor, laura kuenssberg. how much security is this deal going to give theresa may?|j how much security is this deal going to give theresa may? i think her cultivation was in this case that perhaps a bad deal was better than no deal —— her calculation. despite the obvious downsides, the activations that she has put forward activations that she has put forward a straight bribe which has been put forward by the opposition parties, a sense of unfairness we have already seen sense of unfairness we have already seen felt in other parts of the devolved nations and i'm sure in other parts of england as well. and the potential imprecations for the good friday agreement and getting power—sharing back on the table —— implications. there are significant downsides, no question, but there is one very important upside and

in stormont.hearing that arlene foster, the head, has described as positive engagement her discussions with the conservatives about a possible deal which would retain theresa may's majority in parliament. she's gone and said there is discussions continuing and we'll hear from arlene foster later on. she's been holding a news conference with the dup in stormont. david davis said there may be a delay on the talks. we have heard the queen's postponed the queen's speech. mep meps are heading for strasbourg to discuss the way forward. eleanor garnier contains some flash photography. brexit! the vote to leave the eu almost a year ago, but the debate on exactly how we exit the terms and the priorities, has been reopened, just days before brexit negotiations begin. some tory mps are demanding theresa may has a rethink. and in scotland, where the conservatives there had their best election result for more than 30 years, are promising to pile on the pressure. we will be looking to make sure that our influen

stormont is a symbol and the home of government in northern ireland.. hours, weeks and months have passed without ministers or an assembly. today was deadline day. four o'clock billed as the final chance for a return to power sharing. but the hour passed without fanfare. and most importantly, without a deal. i believe that a resolution can be found. and i am urging the parties to continue focusing all of their efforts on achieving this. for days, the parties have been locked in negotiations inside stormont castle. but it is clear that the democratic unionists haven't forgiven sinn fein for walking out of their coalition government earlier this year. if anybody thinks they are going to collapse stormont, get all of their demands and go back in there, they may think again. that is not how we do business. power—sharing at stormont collapsed during a financial row over a botched energy schemes set up while arlene foster was energy minister. sinn fein said they wouldn't go back into government unless arlene foster stepped aside as first minister while a pub

to get back up do a deal if stormont is to get back up and running.to do a deal. i think you're getting the impression, despite the contradictory statements released last night, that they are up for some kind of an agreement. what they will want out of this is, frankly, money. a lot has been talked about the social issues, their stance on abortion and same—sex marriage. it's worth saying they did double down on their insistence they would allow their insistence they would allow the introduction of same—sex marriage in northern ireland during this election campaign. nonetheless, in this particular negotiation, i think this will be about money not morality. they will want to find cash for northern ireland to help the economy, they will also want some sort of say in brexit and assurances that the union between the uk will be strengthened. if they get money, that's not a bad thing for sinn fein. what i will say is, influence and having the ear of the prime minister, or being there in a position where they can ultimately have a lot more say than they've ev

what if she upsets them in the efforts to get stormont, them in the efforts to get stormont, the assemblyp self—governance of northern ireland up and running again? what if that is compromised, and beyond that, the difficult issues northern ireland still faces. what if that is compromised because everyone is suspicious of her now. some people say it might do the opposite, because it has been stipulated this money will only be released to the power—sharing executive in belfast, so that increases the pressure on the dup to get a power—sharing executive up and running, if they wa nt executive up and running, if they want that money spent in northern ireland. i hope so, because i want to see that self—government restored, and if it can be achieved by thursday, fantastic. i don't criticise the dup forgetting more money for northern ireland. my criticism is that the prime minister is fatally compromised, not only in respect of the other parties in a deeply divided northern ireland, but in respect of the united kingdom. the needs that northern ireland faces arejust as much needs that northern ir

chris buckler is outside stormont for us.k over as sinn fein's leader at stormont earlier this year... the party have tried to present her as a bright new face of irish republicanism. but old disputes have dominated her time in charge, leaving northern ireland without a government, and relationships with their old power—sharing partners, the democratic unionist party, certainly aren't good. they have even accused her of being in the pocket of the sinn fein president gerry adams. and what about a wee bit of respect, michelle? just saying. what about respect for the public, arlene? what we need to do is to have... and those were just a few of the angry words that have been exchanged between the dup leader arlene foster and her sinn fein counterpart. in a newspaper interview, she also called her "blonde", a phrase mrs foster said was intended as a compliment. michelle o'neill saw rather differently. you see comments like blonde comments or all the rest of it, there's no place in political leadership for sexist remarks, for homop

our ireland correspondent chris buckler is at stormont.monday?m how do you see the prospects of some kind of agreement by monday? it is worth mentioning that time and time again, westminster had made clear that four o'clock this afternoon was the final deadline for a deal. this evening, stormont still has no government and the dup and sinn fein remained deeply divided on a range of issues, particularly sinn fein‘s demand for legislation that would give official status to the irish language. despite warning of serious consequences, this evening the northern ireland's secretary james brokenshire has given the parties the weekend to try to find a compromise. but on monday, he will have to take action because a lack of government here is starting to have consequences. decisions are not being taken. there are implications for budget and public spending. however, the reality is that he has only a few options. technically, he should call for elections or have westminster step in to take over the running of northern ireland for a time. but he may

all roads lead back to stormont. ——. all roads lead back to stormont.s being negotiated on behalf of the ukasa is being negotiated on behalf of the uk as a whole, it has to work for everybody and suit everybody. it has two not harm the economy, that is a crucial part of that. do you have any confident that is the stance being taken here? i do not. it is quite clear that the majority of the people in the north of ireland wa nted people in the north of ireland wanted to remain in europe. i think thatis wanted to remain in europe. i think that is what we and other party should be bringing here and lobbying the british government in making sure that is the case. we will be arguing that case. ministers will be arguing that case. ministers will be arguing that case and with the mps in westminster they will be arguing that case. we do not take our seats but we will work with other parties and we will put our point of view across strongly. any deal ever done here has to be agreed and needs to be agreed by the stormont executive. all roads had —— have to lead ba

in northern ireland, the westminster election has been dominated by talk of stormont.r gloomy looking parliament buildings behind me. power—sharing collapsed at the start of the year, and talks have been interrupted by this vote. election campaigns are no time for compromise here, and there have been angry exchanges between the dup and sinn fein, theirdifferences exchanges between the dup and sinn fein, their differences really exposed by this campaign. there is also a real sense of competition. in the last vote here, just a few months ago, sinn fein came within a fraction of a single percentage point of matching the dup's share of the vote, so there was pride as well as seats on the line. as for the other parties, the alliance, the sdlp and the aussie and as are urging people to vote for them, to send a message they are sick of the squabbling. they'll so say northern ireland desperately needs a devolved government, particularly as brexit negotiations begin. they say any deal will have a major impact here, not least because this is the only pa rt of not least because t

power sharing in stormont broke down in january and nationalists say they expect the british government in efforts to revive it. one area of concern for people are the dup‘s socially conservative policies, for example, their opposition to gay marriage. it's an issue raised by the scottish conservative leader ruth davidson yesterday, who urged theresa may not to allow that to be a factor in the discussions, to encourage lgb t writes here in northern ireland. speaking just a while ago, conservative mp ed vaizey was asked if he had concerns about potential concessions that might have to be given to the dup to secure their support? i come from the liberal wing of the tory party and i'm not going to support any legislation that regard as socially liberal or taking this country backwards. this isa taking this country backwards. this is a party that doesn't support same—sex marriage “— is a party that doesn't support same—sex marriage —— same—sex marriage, which was one of david cameron's protest achievements. there were people in my party who voted against it, but they remained collea g u es

let's talk about this means in terms of the stormont agreement.at is unclear. we need to understand the issue. if there is to be money in northern island and there is to be power—sharing between the unionists and nationalists, sinn fein said they can't share power with the dup. the public enquiry doesn't start hearing evidence yet. if there is to bea hearing evidence yet. if there is to be a deal here in the next couple of days, two things need to happen. sinn fein would need to change their position on arlene foster and the dup will have two of our sinn fein something in return, might —— most likely the irish language act which will be an act to protect the irish language much like the welsh language much like the welsh language in wales. for the moment, john, we will say thanks very much. 20 more on that throughout the morning. —— plenty more. 700,000 medical documents including test results for cancer, were put in storage instead of being sent to hospitals or gps. a report by the national audit office says that more than 1,700 nhs patients may

there are a number of sticking points at stormont.irish language. the dup have been opposed to bringing in same—sex marriage in northern ireland. some observers think nationalists will be wary of the deal between the main unionist party and the conservatives. sinn fein in particular, and the other ones that count, are going to be very, very suspicious of what's in the deal, because even if there is a document and the details, first they have to look at the details, and then they have to decide if there's anything else behind the scenes that we don't know about. what could there be, what might there be? the key question here is that the agreement to stabilise the uk government will help to bring stability to northern ireland. there are just over three days left to save devolution. the snp have called it a ‘grubby deal‘ which leaves scotland with just ‘scraps from the table'. the first minister of wales carwynjones has said it amounts to a ‘straight bung' to the dup. the first ministerjoin us from the senedd in cardiff bay. thank you ve

our ireland correspondent chris buckler is at stormont for us this evening. dup is a socially conservative party, on issues like abortion and same—sex marriage but they agreed with the conservative party on an awful lot. they will wa nt to party on an awful lot. they will want to exploit their unexpected influence and ask for money for northern ireland‘s economy and a say in brexit. this is the only part of the uk to share a land border with another eu country but being the king deal—makers at westminster could worsen relationships here at stormont. northern ireland is already in the middle of a known political crisis... if last night‘s count revealed any winner, it was the democratic unionist party. the dup now hold more than half of northern ireland‘s seats at westminster. ten mps would not normally make much difference in a parliament of 650 people, but arlene foster‘s party could offer theresa may what she wanted most from this election, some stability, although it is likely that that will come at a price. we want to see a recognition of the particular ci

the government insists will remain impartial in the stormont talks.ns are going on into the night, the pace is picking up with three days left to save devolution. chris page, bbc news, belfast. the government says testing carried out as a result of the grenfell tower fire has so far found that 75 high rise buildings in 26 local authorities failed fire safety tests. the company which makes the cladding that's thought to have been used on grenfell has now withdrawn the product from worldwide sale. and camden council in north london has evacuated several tower blocks after firefighters said they could not guarantee safety, partly because of concerns overfire doors. tom symonds reports. this is the fire door leading to the fire exit. roger evans is staying put in his camden flat despite the mass evacuation of his neighbours. but today he was told this... apparently all the doors need replacing. why? because last week camden council realised these towers were covered with aluminium panels capable of burning in a fire and with that in mind the advice from f

as politicians in stormont continue talks to restore power—sharing the secretary of state for northernng in the last hour james brokenshire said significance progress has been made but several issues remain outstanding. sinn fein said there is still no agreement over nationalist demands for an irish language act. 0ur ireland correspondent chris buckler is in stormont. the democratic unionist party have made it clear they are prepared to go back into government, the power —— problem with power—sharing is unique parties who are prepared to share power and sinn fein have said they are not willing to go back into power—sharing with the dup. whilst political negotiations are sometimes treated as fun and games, despite appearances things have got serious. the dup and sinn fein have spent months clashing, and now the negotiations to try to get power—sharing back up and running are set to come to a shuddering halt and an uncomfortable stalemate. the future of devolved government in ireland now hangs in the balance, to the frustration of many at this funfair in the frustration of many at this f

power sharing in stormont broke down in january and nationalists say they expect the british government. and a lot of concern expressed about the dup, and their social policy. annita mcveigh is in belfast. thank you. as you mentioned, one area of concern. is thank you. as you mentioned, one area of concern. is the dup's socially conservative policies. their opposition to gay marriage. it was an issue raised by the scottish conservative leader yesterday who urged theresa may not to allow that to bea urged theresa may not to allow that to be a factor in the discussions, to be a factor in the discussions, to encourage lgb t writes here in northern ireland. speaking a small right —— while ago, dead lazy was askedif right —— while ago, dead lazy was asked if he had any concerns about any potential concessions —— one conservative mp was asked. luckily, we have a parliament now that will count in terms of any legislation passed and i will not support any legislation regarded as socially liberal all regarded as taking this country backwards. the dup doesn't support same—sex marriage and david c

there has been no power—sharing executive at stormont since january, and things for the negotiators werethe deal between the dup and the tories in london, and as so often in northern ireland, you have two ways of looking at it. on the one hand, annexed £4 million for interest —— infrastructure, also for health and education, what politician wouldn't wa nt to education, what politician wouldn't want to get their hands on that? on the other hand, could the fact that the other hand, could the fact that the dup and the tories are now working so closely together at westminster bring a sense of unease for nationalist, could they think that, for example, the dup could get pavers, put them at an unfair advantage? supple and you're talking still to be done, sinn fein not wildly enthusiastic about the deal but not pouring cold water on it either. so plenty of talking still to be done. laura kuenssberg, theresa may has got deal, but how much stronger is her politically?m is like she has been flying around ina limbo is like she has been flying around in a limbo experiencing turbulence in the disappo

stormont, stormont, hear us clear.introduction of same—sex marriage in northern ireland. the other big beasts of politics here are sinn fein. they won seven seats, but as irish republicans, they won't sit in a british parliament, actually helping mrs may by reducing the numbers she needs for a majority. remember, history will show that alliances between ulster unionism and british unionism has always ended in tears. what might bring stability to westminster could end up causing real problems here at stormont. power—sharing collapsed at the start of this year and talks to try to restore it had been organised by theresa may's government. but if they are being propped up by the dup, it's difficult to see how sinn fein can accept them as honest brokers in those negotiations. among those concerned is jonathan powell. as tony blair's chief of staff, he helped negotiate the good friday peace agreement, and he is warning that decades of progress could be undone. i don't think it's worth undermining everything we have achieved

our ireland correspondent chris buckler has the latest on those stormont talks.eartland where many voters choose the party at least partly because of their religion. the dup's opposition to same—sex marriage and abortion has concerned some mps at westminster. but politicians and voters in this corner of the uk can be more conservative than many tories. do you think they need to change those kind of views? no, i would agree with those views, i am sorry. everybody's entitled to their opinion and if that's your opinion, then you should stand for your rights. we have a right to speak out, so we do. the dup used a veto to block the introduction of same—sex marriage in northern ireland. it was just one of a series of disagreements with sinn fein that led to the collapse of stormont. but the potential marriage of convenience between the conservatives and the dup has left republicans questioning if the british government can really be seen as honest brokers in the talks to try to restore power—sharing. we don't believe that any deal between the dup here and the english t

chris page reported on what impact the agreement yesterday could have on the prospects for deal stormontment very much suggesting that the deal sets a different context for the talks, that it means that because there will be more money in the stormont part of the power—sharing executive gets back up and running, that is something that may encourage politicians to get backin may encourage politicians to get back in government together and get spending that money. but sinn fein when they came out to give a news conference here in the past couple of hours, really came out with a strong line and i think indicating that a deal is some way. the sinn fein chairperson declan kearney said there would be no movement from the dup on the substantive issues at the heart of the crisis. few issues he mentioned specifically, he said there had to be an irish language act, a piece of legislation which promoted the irish language. and he also mentioned rights for the lgbt community. in terms of the town that said, ithink community. in terms of the town that said, i think we can say there are still major ga

now, at stormont is suspended, it should be her priority not to do side deals with the dup but to getthern ireland's elected and accountable, directly accountable government in stormont again. that should be the priority and i fear that is at risk by this deal with the dup. peter hain, lord lane, thank you very much for your thoughts this morning. as for that deal between the dup and theresa may, the status of it, we may hear more about that tomorrow in terms of how much progress, or not, has been made, but it is very clear that everyone feels the situation is incredibly volatile in politics right now, very uncertain, perhaps to an unparalleled degree in many people's memories, and boris johnson, as we know, has denied that he is preparing to take over from theresa may, but he hasn't said that in so many words, he said the reports were tripe, and as we heard from one of our guests a short while ago, there are so many nuances to read into a description like that. we will have much more on the unfolding situation at westminster through the morning but right now, it is back to ben in the

let's go live now to stormont and our ireland correspondent chris page.is causing concern across the political spectrum? that is right. the dup find themselves in a position few expected. they are involved in two sets of negotiations. 0ne t—shirt up the government at westminster and the government at westminster and the other tissue up the government —— the assembly at stormont. today, the british and irish dortmunds and the british and irish dortmunds and the five main parties in northern ireland are resuming discussions after the break for the general election campaign. the question being asked is, how will negotiations in london and affect negotiations in london and affect negotiations here? gerry adams has given a news conference. he is not at all happy at the prospect of a deal between the conservatives and the dup. we don't believe that any deal between the dup here and the english tories would be good for the people here. and any deal which undercuts in any with the process here, or the good friday agreement or other agreements, is one that has to

we can go live to stormont and chris page.re the chances of a realistic resolution? something all parties agree on resolution? something all parties agree on is the outstanding issues that can be sorted out quickly if there is a political will put the two biggest parties, the dup and sinn fein blame each other for the deadlock. you heard earlier today the dup negotiator coming forward and confirming there would be no deal today, several hours ahead of the deadline, he said ministers would not be there and said sinn fein had been given instructions. you had, murphy accusing the dup of anti—equality, anti—rights agenda so both of the two biggest parties set is each other's faults. sinn fein wants a piece of legislation to protect irish but the dup want broader legislation. there are other issues to, for example same—sex marriage, the dup are imposed to bring its thin but sinn fein wanted to be introduced. the demand for a bill of rights is also being resisted,. i will ask you the same question, there had been fears that the west

our correspondent enda mcclafferty joins us live from stormont.it does a matter of days before the deadline for restoring power—sharing. those toxic continuing. what is assessment of where the potential for that lies now? what difference in a positive or negative way will this make? time is fast running out for politicians in northern ireland, the deadline is thursday at four o'clock but we know of course the vote on the queen's speech on wednesday, the secretary of state will not be in the castle behind me, he is effectively leaving early wednesday morning so the parties have until tomorrow night to try and strike a deal and when they get the pot of cash from westminster at the extra incentive for the parties tried to get back together to get back into office so they can spend this money on public services in northern ireland, cash which is much needed on infrastructure. this dispute between the parties was never about money and sinn fein have been quick to point out that the outstanding issues would have divided them still remain, the gaps are s

let's go to gareth gordon, who is at stormont.t 15 minutes. he'd told me what was pretty obvious, that they are now going through that document pretty much line by line. they will take their time, they will look for any potential pitfalls, things they don't like. the money is all well and good. one imagines they won't turn their nose of the bat but arlene foster will be back here from london in the afternoon, there will bea london in the afternoon, there will be a leaders' meeting at which all the parties will put her through it and at some point we will want to hear particularly from sinn fein as to what they are going to say about this statement. but there are other things they must agree with the dup before stormont returns, over and above this deal. this deal is all well and good, set it to the side and move on with other things like and move on with other things like an irish language at that sinn fein want, a thing called the petition of concern, effectively blocking mechanism in the stormont assembly which the dup have used

which collapsed in january government at stormont which collapsed injanuary is a separate issue fromgovernment at westminster. those talks between the dup and the tories. unionists say they don't see how a deal between the dup and the tories should jeopardise the political process here, should make it less like likely power—sharing should return at stormont. sinn fein and the sdlp have a different view, they've said it underlines the view sinn fein have always held and that is the british government have never been a neutral broker in negotiations in northern ireland. chris, thank you. stay with us. quite a lot of official activity, if you get my drift here in downing street, it makes us think some sort of departure from number 10 is imminentand we of departure from number 10 is imminent and we are keen to hear from arlene foster and nigel dodds. vicky young, this has been certainly a lengthy meeting around about 12. 30 they arrived, a little after that. no specific timeframe was given, but that still suggests longer than perhaps we might have anticipated given that as you say we kno

chanting: stormont, stormont, hear us clear!ses extending gay marriage and abortion rights to northern ireland. fundamentally, we did not expect to be in this position. but issues like these are unlikely to feature in talks with the conservatives. the dup‘s demands here will be overwhelmingly financial. they have a clear road map they set out in 2015, when they thought they would be in this position. there is very little in that about social policy. but this new relationship raises wider questions about the conservatives' role here. on monday, cross—party talks are due to get under way, aimed at restoring northern ireland's collapsed government. but how can a conservative secretary of state act as an honest broker at those talks when the conservatives are now so reliant on the dup? this deal has come more quickly than many expected, but tonight, the dup are revealing nothing about what they want in return for their support. but on brexit, the dup does not appear to share theresa may's view that walking away with no deal is a via

i get more money for stormont, more money for the budget.ion and things like that there. and there inevitably be some price for the dup support. during the election, sinn fein campaigned against both the dup and the conservatives. now they're finding their electoral opponents teaming up. however, even here in republican west belfast, there's an acknowledgment this could mean extra money for northern ireland. in an irish language and cultural centre, plenty were chatting about politics. power—sharing at stormont may have collapsed, but they share a desire for any cash from a westminster agreement to be used wisely. education probably because we're all training to be teachers. i think that is something we're passionate about. but obviously then the health service as well. but they do have some concerns. what are the dup going to gain for the money, if you know what i mean? i don't see it as a positive thing for the north. that's about influence and just having a bit of a say there? exactly, yeah. with the marching season approaching, one orang

he is hoping that a few daysin stormont. give the parties some extra time just to try to get a deal over the line. but i have to say, it's not just the irish language issue holding things up, a few other issues in the mix as well. no agreement over same—sex marriage or agreement over same—sex marriage or a bill of rights for northern ireland, that is something else sinn fein wants, and no agreement over how to deal with hundreds of unsolved killings from the troubles. plenty of work to be done if power—sharing executive is to be restored by early week. chris, thank you for the latest on the process of trying to rebuild that power—sharing executive. as promised, the former first minister of northern ireland, lord trimble, leader of the ulster unionist party until 2005, and joint winner of the nobel peace prize. good to have you with us thank you for joining good to have you with us thank you forjoining us. your good to have you with us thank you for joining us. your thoughts good to have you with us thank you forjoining us. y

. 0k, the functions of the devolved government hero stormont. you very much. —— here at stormont. australia's most senior roman catholic official has been charged with historical sex offences. cardinal george pell is responsible for the vatican's finances and is considered to rank third in the catholic church worldwide. our correspondent phil mercer is in sydney. just tell us what the police have said. the police say that australia's most powerful catholic cleric and one of the most high—ranking officials in the vatican is facing multiple sexual assault allegations. we understand that these allegations date back to the 1970s. what they do, they bring the 1970s. what they do, they bring theissue the 1970s. what they do, they bring the issue of abuse right to the door of the vatican. cardinal pell is a key financial adviser to the pope and ina key financial adviser to the pope and in a statement issued a few hours ago the cardinal said that he again strongly denied any wrongdoing and said that he would be happy to have his day in court and would r