seems to be everywhere.- seems to be everywhere. it's no secret that _ seems to be everywhere. it's no secret that labour _ seems to be everywhere. it's no secret that labour have - seems to be everywhere. it's no secret that labour have gone . seems to be everywhere. it's no i secret that labour have gone from, you know, the corbyn era to speed dating business to having a world wind at romance with business and that took a new chapter today when she met some of her british infrastructure counsel, which included the chief executives of lloyds banking group, mng, lots of top executives from international investors and what have you. and it is quite interesting that she did that during an election. because the sitting government cannot do that, but they were saying they were there in an advisory capacity. nevertheless, quite an interesting thing. and i think that what strikes me is their whirlwind romance with business is actually upsetting some of their traditional in their bid to woo the board room, they are upsetting some people on the shop floor, for example, the unite union did not endorse their manifesto. so i think there is some tension at the heart of the labour party right there, which is an intriguing preview of the tensions that could exist in the labour government if there is one. so this infrastructure, is it true that rachel reeves tried to do it last year but the government phoned around the companies and said don't you dare? i around the companies and said don't ou dare? ., �* ~ ., ., you dare? i don't know whether one wa or you dare? i don't know whether one way or another— you dare? i don't know whether one way or another that _ you dare? i don't know whether one way or another that is _ you dare? i don't know whether one way or another that is true - you dare? i don't know whether one way or another that is true or - you dare? i don't know whether one way or another that is true or not, l way or another that is true or not, what i do think it is that businesses were much more reticent about engaging with one political party or another and obviously wanted to foster good relations with the sitting government. but businesses, like us, are looking at the polls and are thinking we need to be dealing with rachel reeves and keir starmer. so she had her british info structure council meeting this morning and i don't know where... info structure council meeting this morning and i don't know where... do morning and i don't know where... do you know where we are going to go next, brexit. can i pat myself on the back, i don't know if you are listening to saturday's episode but when we were talking about keir starmer�*s interview with nick robinson for panorama, i picked up on the fact that when keir starmer was talking about brexit, he talked about reducing barriers to trade overall. and i thought, even though that was just one word, that was like widening the scope of what to labour might do to change the brexit trade deal with the eu, because previously they talked about very narrow things like a veterinary agreement, more cooperation on security, stuff on recognising each other�*s qualifications and something to make it easierfor musicians other�*s qualifications and something to make it easier for musicians and artists to go touring. i thought to soon as keir starmer said barriers in general, that sounded like they were up for talking about more stuff. �* . were up for talking about more stuff. �*, ., ,. ., were up for talking about more stuff. �*, . , ., stuff. it's fascinating, yeah, i think the _ stuff. it's fascinating, yeah, i think the whole _ stuff. it's fascinating, yeah, i think the whole thing - stuff. it's fascinating, yeah, i think the whole thing is - stuff. it's fascinating, yeah, i- think the whole thing is interesting because, _ think the whole thing is interesting because, of course, as we know, there _ because, of course, as we know, there lots— because, of course, as we know, there lots of— because, of course, as we know, there lots of people to think that labour— there lots of people to think that labour in — there lots of people to think that labour in particular, notjust labour, _ labour in particular, notjust labour, but labour in particular have _ labour, but labour in particular have heerr— labour, but labour in particular have been trying to avoid talking about _ have been trying to avoid talking about the — have been trying to avoid talking about the b word, brexit, too much during _ about the b word, brexit, too much during the _ about the b word, brexit, too much during the course of this campaign and in _ during the course of this campaign and in the — during the course of this campaign and in the months preceding it. there _ and in the months preceding it. there are — and in the months preceding it. there are some that seed up as the vulnerability for a party because the minute you talk about them as you mentioned what keir starmer said but also _ you mentioned what keir starmer said but also what was heard from rachel reeves _ but also what was heard from rachel reeves and this was an interview she .ave reeves and this was an interview she gave to _ reeves and this was an interview she gave to the _ reeves and this was an interview she gave to the ft in which she talked about— gave to the ft in which she talked about revisiting some parts of that brexit _ about revisiting some parts of that brexit deal to do exactly as keir starmer— brexit deal to do exactly as keir starmer was saying, which is remove some _ starmer was saying, which is remove some of— starmer was saying, which is remove some of those trading barriers. the minute _ some of those trading barriers. the minute labour starts doing that, the fear from _ minute labour starts doing that, the fear from some within the party as they would — fear from some within the party as they would leave themselves open to they would leave themselves open to the accusation, not least from the conservatives that, you know, labour's — conservatives that, you know, labour's long—term plan is to take us back— labour's long—term plan is to take us back into — labour's long—term plan is to take us back into the eu, that would've been _ us back into the eu, that would've been the — us back into the eu, that would've been the claim that was levelled against — been the claim that was levelled against them. so it is interesting that both — against them. so it is interesting that both keir starmer and rachel reeves _ that both keir starmer and rachel reeves now do appear to be at least flashing _ reeves now do appear to be at least flashing a _ reeves now do appear to be at least flashing a bit of ankle in terms of this and — flashing a bit of ankle in terms of this and saying they would be prepared to look again at parts of the brexit— prepared to look again at parts of the brexit deal if the eased trade and help— the brexit deal if the eased trade and help the economy and helped in their pursuit of what is one of their— their pursuit of what is one of their key— their pursuit of what is one of their key ambitions, which is, of course, economic growth. in the party— course, economic growth. in the party is — course, economic growth. in the party is very— course, economic growth. in the party is very keen to say this isn't a shift _ party is very keen to say this isn't a shift in — party is very keen to say this isn't a shift in position, we are not changing _ a shift in position, we are not changing what we are saying here at all, changing what we are saying here at all. we _ changing what we are saying here at all, we want to make brexit work, we are not— all, we want to make brexit work, we are not reopening the door and shut down _ are not reopening the door and shut down any— are not reopening the door and shut down any kind that might be levelled against _ down any kind that might be levelled against them on that front, but it's interesting — against them on that front, but it's interesting at this part of the campaign is comfortable addressing that, because there are some people that, because there are some people that think— that, because there are some people that think this should be talked about, — that think this should be talked about, that brexit should be a bit more _ about, that brexit should be a bit more of— about, that brexit should be a bit more of this campaign particularly if you _ more of this campaign particularly if you think about 2019 when it was such a _ if you think about 2019 when it was such a central issue. and rachel reeves said _ such a central issue. jifuc rachel reeves said something quite interesting when she said that when people voted for brexit they were considering things like immigration, they weren't thinking, "do we have they weren't thinking, "do we have the same regulations on chemicals across the board? " that wasn't the issue, and saying if there are veterinary chemical regulation recognition of qualifications those were into the dividing lines when it came to brexit, so if we can make business easier, and one of the big things they are going to do when public finances are tight, they are going to look to business to do some of the heavy lifting on investment and that is why a lot of the parties are trying to lay out here is why business should invest, it will give you more stability, the labour's line is stability is change, not the catchiest line of all time, doesn't initially make sense. but catchiest line of all time, doesn't initially make sense.— catchiest line of all time, doesn't initially make sense. but it does if ou think initially make sense. but it does if you think about _ initially make sense. but it does if you think about it. _ initially make sense. but it does if you think about it. what _ initially make sense. but it does if you think about it. what they - initially make sense. but it does if. you think about it. what they would sa is we you think about it. what they would say is we have _ you think about it. what they would say is we have had _ you think about it. what they would say is we have had four _ you think about it. what they would say is we have had four prime - say is we have had four prime ministers and six chancellor since 2010, and that has been an impediment to both international and domestic investment, so you want to get business to invest, just quieting out all down can help. let's stick to the brexit point for a bit because we've got to do some tea leaf reading here if people still read tea leaves if it's even possible. rachel reeves talking about chemicals regulation because thatis about chemicals regulation because that is the sort of thing that has just got harder as a result of the borisjohnson brexit deal, or is that because she's got her eyes on actually, this is a little side deal we could do with the eu to make chemicals regulation a bit more similar. we don't really know at this stage. let's see how keir starmer was talking about brexit today. he was visiting a port in southampton. haste today. he was visiting a port in southampton.— today. he was visiting a port in southampton. today. he was visiting a port in southamton. ~ . . , ., ., southampton. we took a decision to leave the eu. _ southampton. we took a decision to leave the eu, so _ southampton. we took a decision to leave the eu, so we _ southampton. we took a decision to leave the eu, so we will _ southampton. we took a decision to leave the eu, so we will not - southampton. we took a decision to leave the eu, so we will not go - southampton. we took a decision to leave the eu, so we will not go backj leave the eu, so we will not go back and but— leave the eu, so we will not go back and but we — leave the eu, so we will not go back and. but we think the deal we have -ot and. but we think the deal we have got is _ and. but we think the deal we have got is botched. it's not good enough _ got is botched. it's not good enough i_ got is botched. it's not good enough. i think many businesses would _ enough. i think many businesses would say— enough. i think many businesses would say we need something that works— would say we need something that works better for us because if you make _ works better for us because if you make it _ works better for us because if you make it more difficult to trade, guess— make it more difficult to trade, guess what, it is not so successful from _ guess what, it is not so successful from our— guess what, it is not so successful from our point of view. so we do think— from our point of view. so we do think there — from our point of view. so we do think there is a better deal to be had _ think there is a better deal to be had. obviously that will have to be negotiated. it doesn't mean not going _ negotiated. it doesn't mean not going back in, but it does mean an improvement of what we've got for businesses. i think the scope for improvement in other areas as well. there _ improvement in other areas as well. there we _ improvement in other areas as well. there we go — improvement in other areas as well. there we go. keir starmer repeating the scope for improvement in other areas. to go back to this point about growth. now, i remember not so long ago when liz truss was the prime minister and she said we've got to go for growth at all costs. that is what will solve all of the nation's problems. how different is what rachel reeves and keir starmer saying about bashing for growth at all costs, they don't say —— at all costs come they are betting the house on all the same things that liz truss did. for house on all the same things that liz truss did.— liz truss did. for example, if you look at the _ liz truss did. for example, if you look at the tax _ liz truss did. for example, if you look at the tax and _ liz truss did. for example, if you look at the tax and spend - liz truss did. for example, if you look at the tax and spend stuff i look at the tax and spend stuff around the labour proposal, the labour manifesto, it's actually quite a modest document in terms of commitment. they are talking about a national wealth fund of £7.3 billion and they use that, when public investment increases, and by the way the uk has horrible record and over the uk has horrible record and over the last 20 years, so it spans multiple administrations, they've got the house—building target 1.5 million per year, sorry, 1.5 million over the parliament, not dissimilar to the conservatives. l over the parliament, not dissimilar to the conservatives.— to the conservatives. i would be a lot of houses. _ to the conservatives. i would be a lot of houses. but _ to the conservatives. i would be a lot of houses. but on that - to the conservatives. i would be a lot of houses. but on that point, i lot of houses. but on that point, ”lannin lot of houses. but on that point, planning is _ lot of houses. but on that point, planning is seen _ lot of houses. but on that point, planning is seen by _ lot of houses. but on that point, planning is seen by business - lot of houses. but on that point, planning is seen by business as| lot of houses. but on that point, i planning is seen by business as one of the big issues, and they are saying it is just harder generally to build big stuff in the uk that it isn't some of the other rich nations like the us, part of it is to do with geography, we are small, crowded islands, and the labour party have said that they are going to have a crackdown on that overrule councils who routinely reject planning applications. that is something that will resonate with the business community because they say they would like to do this, and as i say, we have had 32 changes, i think, to the corporation tax regime in the last iii years. a lot of people saying if you just give us a bit of a road map, people saying if you just give us a bit ofa road map, labour people saying if you just give us a bit of a road map, labour talking about that as well, then we would have a bit more confidence something thatis have a bit more confidence something that is putting up some sectors as labour's b to a new oil and gas licenses which the snp could cost 100,000 jobs in scotland. the conservative party say it would cost 200,000 jobs across the entire industry for the whole uk. that is, actually, you know, pretty clear dividing line between the two parties. dividing line between the two arties. . dividing line between the two arties. , ,, .~' �* dividing line between the two arties. , ,, ., parties. rishi sunak i'm of the prime minister, _ parties. rishi sunak i'm of the prime minister, was _ parties. rishi sunak i'm of the prime minister, was on - parties. rishi sunak i'm of the prime minister, was on an - parties. rishi sunak i'm of the prime minister, was on an oil| parties. rishi sunak i'm of the i prime minister, was on an oil rig parties. rishi sunak i'm of the - prime minister, was on an oil rig or a gas platform in the north sea today, i cannot... a gas platform in the north sea today, icannot... i a gas platform in the north sea today, i cannot... isaw a gas platform in the north sea today, i cannot... i saw him in a jumpsuits. no, notajumpsuit. overalls! jumpsuits. no, not a “umpsuit. overalls! �* . ~ jumpsuits. no, not a “umpsuit. overalls! �* . ,, overalls! i've taken those helicopters. _ overalls! i've taken those helicopters. what - overalls! i've taken those helicopters. what is - overalls! i've taken those helicopters. what is it - overalls! i've taken those l helicopters. what is it like? overalls! i've taken those - helicopters. what is it like? it's fantastic. they _ helicopters. what is it like? it's fantastic. they basically - helicopters. what is it like? it's fantastic. they basically dumpl helicopters. what is it like? it's i fantastic. they basically dump you in a swimming pool in broad daylight with no waves to see whether you can cope with being turned upside down. in case your helicopter crashes. but bein: in in case your helicopter crashes. but being in us — in case your helicopter crashes. emit being in us call him a swimming pool in broad daylight i don't think is very good preparation for our stormy north sea. but, the oil and gas thing is quite an interesting one. i'm told it was a gastric not an oil rig. alex, have you ever been on one? ., , . , ., one? know, but i have been in one of those boiler — one? know, but i have been in one of those boiler suits _ one? know, but i have been in one of those boiler suits her _ one? know, but i have been in one of those boiler suits herjumpsuits i those boiler suits her jumpsuits when _ those boiler suits her jumpsuits when i — those boiler suits herjumpsuits when i went out over the north sea with the _ when i went out over the north sea with the royal navy and my days as a reporter _ with the royal navy and my days as a reporter at _ with the royal navy and my days as a reporter at the portsmouth news. that was — reporter at the portsmouth news. that was fascinating. had to do the same _ that was fascinating. had to do the same thing, had to learn how to be checked _ same thing, had to learn how to be checked out — same thing, had to learn how to be checked out of a helicopter. i would say i checked out of a helicopter. i would say i didn't— checked out of a helicopter. i would say i didn't love it, if i'm honest. i say i didn't love it, if i'm honest. i really— say i didn't love it, if i'm honest. i really thrive in that environment. i really thrive in that environment. i have not been in mentally —— many helicopters but one time was when i went across the country with paula radcliffe visiting schools doing sports days for news around. that was fun! ., ., . . sports days for news around. that wasfun! ., ., . . . . , was fun! you thought paula radcliffe could make it— was fun! you thought paula radcliffe could make it on _ was fun! you thought paula radcliffe could make it on her— was fun! you thought paula radcliffe could make it on her own _ was fun! you thought paula radcliffe could make it on her own tv. - was fun! you thought paula radcliffe could make it on her own tv. we i was fun! you thought paula radcliffe could make it on her own tv. we did! could make it on her own tv. we did cover a few — could make it on her own tv. we did cover a few hundred _ could make it on her own tv. we did cover a few hundred miles. - could make it on her own tv. we did cover a few hundred miles. even i cover a few hundred miles. even paula would be challenged to do that. ultra, ultra marathon. alex, talking about the running race of more pure politics rather than policy, the thing that has got people's attention on the tray campaign today is yet again grant shapps, the defence secretary going on the radio saying that they are going to lose. he on the radio saying that they are going to lose-— going to lose. he got a bit of a hard time _ going to lose. he got a bit of a hard time within _ going to lose. he got a bit of a hard time within tory - going to lose. he got a bit of a hard time within tory circles, i hard time within tory circles, albeit— hard time within tory circles, albeit largely privately when he said before about this possibility of we've — said before about this possibility of we've got to stop a labour super majority _ of we've got to stop a labour super majority in — of we've got to stop a labour super majority in planting that seed, and he did, _ majority in planting that seed, and he did, he — majority in planting that seed, and he did, he followed the same sort of path again— he did, he followed the same sort of path again and i guess you might argue _ path again and i guess you might argue that there goes a kind of political~~~ _ argue that there goes a kind of political... train of thought which says— political... train of thought which says if— political... train of thought which says if you — political... train of thought which says if you focused minds on the potential— says if you focused minds on the potential outcome of the election being _ potential outcome of the election being between labour and the conservatives, then that helps the conservatives, then that helps the conservative campaign because of course _ conservative campaign because of course we — conservative campaign because of course we have heard time and time again— course we have heard time and time again the _ course we have heard time and time again the conservative saying it is going _ again the conservative saying it is going to _ again the conservative saying it is going to be only one of two people who are _ going to be only one of two people who are standing at the podium and number— who are standing at the podium and numberlo— who are standing at the podium and number10 at the who are standing at the podium and number 10 at the end of this whole race, _ number 10 at the end of this whole race, but— number 10 at the end of this whole race, but i— number 10 at the end of this whole race, but i think i'm you know, we have _ race, but i think i'm you know, we have had — race, but i think i'm you know, we have had others coming out, including _ have had others coming out, including the prime minister, basically— including the prime minister, basically trying to say that we have not given _ basically trying to say that we have not given up, there is still a way to go— not given up, there is still a way to go and — not given up, there is still a way to go and we haven't given up yet. i alsoiust_ to go and we haven't given up yet. i alsojust wonder what to go and we haven't given up yet. i also just wonder what this does for labour— also just wonder what this does for labour because, of course, labour have _ labour because, of course, labour have been— labour because, of course, labour have been really careful through this campaign to avoid the seaward, not to— this campaign to avoid the seaward, not to be _ this campaign to avoid the seaward, not to be read, and that is complacency, and to avoid this assumed — complacency, and to avoid this assumed thought that they are definitely going to win. and we have heard _ definitely going to win. and we have heard it _ definitely going to win. and we have heard it from time and time again saying _ heard it from time and time again saying not— heard it from time and time again saying not a single vote has been cast, _ saying not a single vote has been cast. of— saying not a single vote has been cast, of course, once the polls go, that's— cast, of course, once the polls go, that's a _ cast, of course, once the polls go, that's a slightly different thing, but they— that's a slightly different thing, but they don't want it to be an assumption that they are just in-line, — assumption that they are just in—line, taken for granted either. an interesting choice for grant shapps— an interesting choice for grant shapps who of course is known as one of the _ shapps who of course is known as one of the solid _ shapps who of course is known as one of the solid communicators in the conservative party, wheeled out of the tricky— conservative party, wheeled out of the tricky moments to hold the line. he went _ the tricky moments to hold the line. he went there again today. and the tricky moments to hold the line. he went there again today.- he went there again today. and “ust in terms of the i he went there again today. and “ust in terms of the polls, i he went there again today. and “ust in terms of the polls, there i he went there again today. and “ust in terms of the polls, there wasi in terms of the polls, there was another pole today, and of course the polls are just snapshots and they do rely on judgment by the posters as well that put reform and the conservatives neck and neck, but then since then there have been other polls showing that there is still quite a big gap with the conservatives, so that this kind of the polling background to that. what is interesting, alex, a by—product of these consistent polling for labour means all the other parties have been quite honest about what they can achieve, so we talked before about the green party in england saying we are only fighting for seats it davey, the lib dem leader says i'm taking the fight to the tories. i want to take seats from them in the south. labour can do what they want everyone else and today nigel farage was watching the reform uk contract with the british people and he was being really explicit he said, oh, this is about me becoming a minister in 2029, thank you very much. he me becoming a minister in 2029, thank you very much.— me becoming a minister in 2029, thank you very much. he went even further than — thank you very much. he went even further than that. _ thank you very much. he went even further than that. he _ thank you very much. he went even further than that. he launched i thank you very much. he went even | further than that. he launched those contracts— further than that. he launched those contracts and the building behind me, contracts and the building behind me. which— contracts and the building behind me, which is why i'm sat in the car inthe— me, which is why i'm sat in the car inthe car— me, which is why i'm sat in the car in the car park. but he went even further— in the car park. but he went even further than _ in the car park. but he went even further than that and he said, "we are not— further than that and he said, "we are not underany further than that and he said, "we are not under any illusion we are under this— are not under any illusion we are under this general election and form the government." his pitch was they wanted _ the government." his pitch was they wanted to— the government." his pitch was they wanted to be seen as the main party of opposition during the course of the next — of opposition during the course of the next parliament. because the question— the next parliament. because the question you put when you launched this contract, 24 pages long, various— this contract, 24 pages long, various policies in there, i said to him i_ various policies in there, i said to him i put — various policies in there, i said to him i put to— various policies in there, i said to him i put to him, is this a wish list rather— him i put to him, is this a wish list rather than a serious plan? and his answer— list rather than a serious plan? and his answer was, well, look, we are not saying — his answer was, well, look, we are not saying we are going to form the next government. we say we are going to campaign— next government. we say we are going to campaign on these issues over the next five _ to campaign on these issues over the next five years. and i think that is right _ next five years. and i think that is right. because labour have had such a consistent— right. because labour have had such a consistent lead in the polls for such— a consistent lead in the polls for such a _ a consistent lead in the polls for such a long time with all the caveats— such a long time with all the caveats around the polling, that has done something to the dynamics of this campaign whereas exactly what you say. _ this campaign whereas exactly what you say, what you have had are the other— you say, what you have had are the other party— you say, what you have had are the other party positioning themselves against _ other party positioning themselves against the labour where they might sit in a _ against the labour where they might sit in a future parliament, where it labour— sit in a future parliament, where it labour to— sit in a future parliament, where it labour to win that majority. so there's— labour to win that majority. so there's always going to be caveats and some — there's always going to be caveats and some careful reporting of polls and some careful reporting of polls and where — and some careful reporting of polls and where they are apt, the polls themselves can change the dynamics and the _ themselves can change the dynamics and the nature of campaigns and change _ and the nature of campaigns and change the way people perceive campaigns and change the way parties act in them _ campaigns and change the way parties act in them. i think we are really seeing _ act in them. i think we are really seeing that— act in them. i think we are really seeing that during the course of this campaign for that exact reason. just so _ this campaign for that exact reason. just so many polls and such ease of access to them if you are on social media. simon, did you go to do —— go through the reform contract? he actually did. through the reform contract? he actually did-— through the reform contract? he! actually did._ have actually did. there is my... have ou actually did. there is my... have you really _ actually did. there is my... have you really got — actually did. there is my... have you really got a _ actually did. there is my... have you really got a copy _ actually did. there is my... have you really got a copy with - actually did. there is my... have you really got a copy with you? | actually did. there is my... have i you really got a copy with you? he has you really got a copy with you? has printed you really got a copy with you? he: has printed it off. you really got a copy with you? he has printed it off. i _ you really got a copy with you? he has printed it off. i think reform l has printed it off. i think reform uk are trying — has printed it off. i think reform uk are trying to _ has printed it off. i think reform uk are trying to position - has printed it off. i think reform i uk are trying to position themselves at what they would like, we are the ambition of the tory party, which we think has let people down and have pitched themselves against that didn't have said... there is some pretty ambitious stuff, ambitious pledges in here, big tax cuts for small businesses, quite big tax rises for big business, which is probably an unexpected attack from the right on big business. all i would say is that small business owners, smes can vote, the owners of them big multinational corporations cannot. so you've got lots more small businesses then you have big multinational ones. a couple of very eye—catching pledges, they say they are going to cancel net zero targets, that would save, they think i'm a £30 billion a year. a massive tax rates on big banks of £35 billion a year by stopping paying interest on some of the bonds that the banks hold, the bank of england, and as i say, that targeting a big business perhaps an unusual one for a party on the right, a lot of people saying, look, these numbers don't add up, the 35 billion a year tax rate on banks will probably raise about 10 billion or half of 35, somewhere between ten and 20 and the 30 billion on net zero targets, very hard thing to calculate. but what they are saying is they are going to try to appeal to the smaller business at the expense of big business and that i think is an interesting line to take.— interesting line to take. another bi . interesting line to take. another big number— interesting line to take. another big number is — interesting line to take. another big number is 50 _ interesting line to take. another big number is 50 billion, - interesting line to take. another big number is 50 billion, which i interesting line to take. anotherl big number is 50 billion, which is the amount that nigel farage reckons you could say from government spending by cracking down on waste, but alex asked him whether that really was trimming a little bit here and there and spending list on staplers and posted notes or whether it means deeper cuts to public spending and this is how that conversation went.— spending and this is how that conversation went. what we are an uinu conversation went. what we are arguing here — conversation went. what we are arguing here is _ conversation went. what we are arguing here is a _ conversation went. what we are arguing here is a very modest . conversation went. what we are i arguing here is a very modest cut. £5 and _ arguing here is a very modest cut. £5 and 100 — arguing here is a very modest cut. £5 and 100 and that is the job of the whitehall bosses. and everybody who ever _ the whitehall bosses. and everybody who ever worked in the private sector— who ever worked in the private sector will— who ever worked in the private sector will tell you, when times are tough _ sector will tell you, when times are tough to— sector will tell you, when times are tough to cut things. in times are tough _ tough to cut things. in times are tough you — tough to cut things. in times are tough. you know, we are massively indexed, _ tough. you know, we are massively indexed, we — tough. you know, we are massively indexed, we have to become more efficient _ indexed, we have to become more efficient. so indexed, we have to become more efficient. ., , . , efficient. so there would be cuts to ublic efficient. so there would be cuts to public services? _ efficient. so there would be cuts to public services? we _ efficient. so there would be cuts to public services? we have _ efficient. so there would be cuts to public services? we have no i efficient. so there would be cuts to public services? we have no desire! public services? we have no desire for any cuts — public services? we have no desire for any cuts at _ public services? we have no desire for any cuts at all _ public services? we have no desire for any cuts at all with _ public services? we have no desire for any cuts at all with the - public services? we have no desire for any cuts at all with the concept| for any cuts at all with the concept of things— for any cuts at all with the concept of things being free of the point of delivery _ of things being free of the point of delive . ., .. . ,, :: of things being free of the point of delive . ., . ,, :: , ., delivery. you can take £50 billion at a public _ delivery. you can take £50 billion at a public spending _ delivery. you can take £50 billion at a public spending with - delivery. you can take £50 billion at a public spending with no i delivery. you can take £50 billion| at a public spending with no cuts? the french have the exact same amount— the french have the exact same amount of— the french have the exact same amount of money being put in and get better— amount of money being put in and get better returns on all health industries. | better returns on all health industries.— better returns on all health industries. ., . industries. i will come to you in a second, industries. i will come to you in a second. alex. — industries. i will come to you in a second, alex, to _ industries. i will come to you in a second, alex, to expand - industries. i will come to you in a second, alex, to expand on i industries. i will come to you in a second, alex, to expand on what! industries. i will come to you in a i second, alex, to expand on what they are saying about immigration, but simon, there is another area of savings you want to highlight. massive cuts to the welfare bill, they are saying that, you know, there are some people out there who genuinely need help butjust think that they are too many people on either incapacity benefits for either incapacity benefits for either physical or mental health problems and they would take an axe to that kind of spending. and it's very interesting, as you say, the largest spending increase that reform is suggesting is an extra £17 billion a year for the reform is suggesting is an extra £17 billion a yearfor the nhs reform is suggesting is an extra £17 billion a year for the nhs to try to cut or eliminate waiting lists within two years. very few people i've spoken to think that is possible. a little bit out of my wheelhouse, but that is one of the things. wheelhouse, but that is one of the thins. �* . ., . things. alex, immigration and reform. yeah, _ things. alex, immigration and reform. yeah, obviously i things. alex, immigration and i reform. yeah, obviously absolutely no surprise — reform. yeah, obviously absolutely no surprise that _ reform. yeah, obviously absolutely no surprise that this _ reform. yeah, obviously absolutely no surprise that this was _ reform. yeah, obviously absolutely no surprise that this was page i reform. yeah, obviously absolutely no surprise that this was page one | no surprise that this was page one of their— no surprise that this was page one of their contract, not manifesto as they like _ of their contract, not manifesto as they like to — of their contract, not manifesto as they like to call it, contract with they like to call it, contract with the people. it's one of the centres of their— the people. it's one of the centres of their whole policies and has been for some _ of their whole policies and has been for some time, what they are effectively saying is they would really _ effectively saying is they would really limit the number of people who could come to the uk to live and work illegally, so they would freeze what they— work illegally, so they would freeze what they call nonessential immigration, so exceptions for health— immigration, so exceptions for health and care workers, but other workers. _ health and care workers, but other workers. so — health and care workers, but other workers, so people that come in to fill other— workers, so people that come in to fill other gaps in the labour market from overseas, they will want to freeze _ from overseas, they will want to freeze that so they acknowledge there _ freeze that so they acknowledge there will be some immigration but they would like to see it vastly reduced — they would like to see it vastly reduced and again, it was interesting, picking up on the point that simon— interesting, picking up on the point that simon made, but the potential impact _ that simon made, but the potential impact that might have on some businesses and he again said, look, these _ businesses and he again said, look, these businesses should not be replying — these businesses should not be replying on this overseas labour, and i_ replying on this overseas labour, and i said — replying on this overseas labour, and i said what about the small businesses? because there is this idea and _ businesses? because there is this idea and it's interesting that reform — idea and it's interesting that reform seem more willing to be seen on the _ reform seem more willing to be seen on the side _ reform seem more willing to be seen on the side of small business and not anti—big business but prepared to kind _ not anti—big business but prepared to kind of— not anti—big business but prepared to kind of take up stick to big business _ to kind of take up stick to big business and that is exactly what nigel— business and that is exactly what nigel farage set on that point. a second _ nigel farage set on that point. a second arm of their immigration pitch— second arm of their immigration pitch is— second arm of their immigration pitch is about small boats, so they have _ pitch is about small boats, so they have set _ pitch is about small boats, so they have set out what is called a four— point plan they say the reforms would _ four— point plan they say the reforms would have — four— point plan they say the reforms would have to be enacted within100 days and _ would have to be enacted within100 days and that would stop the small boat crossings and there are various bits in— boat crossings and there are various bits in that, — boat crossings and there are various bits in that, but the potentially most _ bits in that, but the potentially most eye—catching one is the parties say they— most eye—catching one is the parties say they would withdraw from the european — say they would withdraw from the european convention of european rights _ european convention of european rights the — european convention of european rights. the reason this is interesting is because this has been a point _ interesting is because this has been a point of— interesting is because this has been a point of contention within the conservative party with some on the ti l ht conservative party with some on the right of— conservative party with some on the right of the — conservative party with some on the right of the political party arguing for some — right of the political party arguing for some time that rishi sunak should've — for some time that rishi sunak should've committed to pulling the uk out _ should've committed to pulling the uk out of— should've committed to pulling the uk out of the european convention of human— uk out of the european convention of human rights if that did block for example — human rights if that did block for example flights taking off to rwanda. rishi sunak hasn't gone as far as _ rwanda. rishi sunak hasn't gone as far as to— rwanda. rishi sunak hasn't gone as faras to commit rwanda. rishi sunak hasn't gone as far as to commit to that but he said things— far as to commit to that but he said things like — far as to commit to that but he said things like no foreign court would stop this — things like no foreign court would stop this policy. you know, it's interesting _ stop this policy. you know, it's interesting that reform uk have chosen — interesting that reform uk have chosen to go there. it is, again, a very— chosen to go there. it is, again, a veryclear— chosen to go there. it is, again, a very clear sign of where the party are pitching for voters, which is, you know. — are pitching for voters, which is, you know, former conservative voters in particular~ — you know, former conservative voters in particular. they like to say that they target — in particular. they like to say that they target labour and conservative voters. but — they target labour and conservative voters, but a lot of the policy pitch — voters, but a lot of the policy pitch that _ voters, but a lot of the policy pitch that they outlined today in this contract i think is pretty squarely— this contract i think is pretty squarely aimed at former conservative voters as much as they would _ conservative voters as much as they would say _ conservative voters as much as they would say it — conservative voters as much as they would say it is across the board. a would say it is across the board. couple of other things we should they are going to raise the threshold at which they stop being vat from current 90,000 which is due to come in april to 150,000. they also want to abolish interest rates entirely and pay for that for online deliveries for large multinational corporations. you pick one, some people are calling it the amazon tax. people are calling it the amazon tax, , ., , , people are calling it the amazon tax. , ~ . ., people are calling it the amazon tax. , , people are calling it the amazon tax. , m tax. presumably amazon customers and that is how does — tax. presumably amazon customers and that is how does that _ tax. presumably amazon customers and that is how does that get _ tax. presumably amazon customers and that is how does that get passed - tax. presumably amazon customers and that is how does that get passed on? i that is how does that get passed on? a bit like the £35 billion a year proposed tax bill on the banks, people like the governor of the bank of england, rachel reeves herself is worried that if you just wallop the banks, what that will do is if you your borrowing costs will go and increase the cost of credit. is that a good thing? borrowing to invest in the economy. find a good thing? borrowing to invest in the economy-— the economy. and business rates, that noes the economy. and business rates, that goes back _ the economy. and business rates, that goes back to _ the economy. and business rates, that goes back to business - the economy. and business rates, that goes back to business rates. | the economy. and business rates, | that goes back to business rates. i remember being of the labour party conference probably in 2021 and when rachel reeves announced she was going to abolish business rates. a better system that would tax online stores three years later in the manifesto says we will replace it to. �* ., . . to. billion quid a year, replace at our to. billion quid a year, replace at your peril- _ to. billion quid a year, replace at your peril- one — to. billion quid a year, replace at your peril. one of _ to. billion quid a year, replace at your peril. one of the _ to. billion quid a year, replace at your peril. one of the top - your peril. one of the top six taxes. your peril. one of the top six taxes- we — your peril. one of the top six taxes. we should _ your peril. one of the top six taxes. we should say - your peril. one of the top six taxes. we should say the i your peril. one of the top six i taxes. we should say the reason reform are not calling the manifesto a manifesto calling it a contract is because nigel farage says most voters he thinks associate the word manifesto with allies and i think he said it in capital letters. another interesting thing from reform borrowing from other american politics because i was saying at the weekend, i was reading a book about canada and the challenges to the progressive conservative party in canada in the 905 were called the reform party. nigel farage borrowed the name for start remember the nineties? newt gingrich and the republicans and his contract with america. he's the one who popularised that idea. wasn't he the first erson popularised that idea. wasn't he the first person to _ popularised that idea. wasn't he the first person to the _ popularised that idea. wasn't he the first person to the 100 _ popularised that idea. wasn't he the first person to the 100 days - popularised that idea. wasn't he the first person to the 100 days then? i first person to the 100 days then? that was jfk. jk's speech writer. first person to the 100 days then? that wasjfk. jk's speech writer. he started it off too late there. look at me schooling you! oh my god, that never happens axe! just before we 90, never happens axe! just before we go, alex, on reform, they have had problems with another candidate, this is a guy called grant sinclair armstrong. this is a guy called grant sinclair armstrong-— this is a guy called grant sinclair armstronu. . ,., �* , . , armstrong. yeah, so it's the latest comments — armstrong. yeah, so it's the latest comments that _ armstrong. yeah, so it's the latest comments that he's _ armstrong. yeah, so it's the latest comments that he's made, - armstrong. yeah, so it's the latest comments that he's made, this i armstrong. yeah, so it's the latest i comments that he's made, this time, sorry. _ comments that he's made, this time, sorry. i'm _ comments that he's made, this time, sorry, i'm so — comments that he's made, this time, sorry, i'm so sorry. yeah, someone is calling — sorry, i'm so sorry. yeah, someone is calling me. — sorry, i'm so sorry. yeah, someone is calling me. somebody phoned. someone — is calling me. somebody phoned. someone is telling you your time is up. i someone is telling you your time is u -. someone is telling you your time is u n . ., someone is telling you your time is u . _ ., , someone is telling you your time is u -. ., , ~ �* , up. i need to renew my parking. it's already incredibly _ up. i need to renew my parking. it's already incredibly hot _ up. i need to renew my parking. it's already incredibly hot in _ up. i need to renew my parking. it's already incredibly hot in the - up. i need to renew my parking. it's already incredibly hot in the car i already incredibly hot in the car park. already incredibly hot in the car ark. �* . ~ already incredibly hot in the car ark. 3 ~ . already incredibly hot in the car ark, �*, ~' ., ., ., already incredibly hot in the car ark. 3 ~' . ., ., . park. it's like a dog. reform have had a problem — park. it's like a dog. reform have had a problem with _ park. it's like a dog. reform have had a problem with a _ park. it's like a dog. reform have had a problem with a few - park. it's like a dog. reform have i had a problem with a few candidates and we _ had a problem with a few candidates and we have had comments that they have made _ and we have had comments that they have made in the past which have been _ have made in the past which have been thrown up and some have then had to— been thrown up and some have then had to stand down as candidates, although — had to stand down as candidates, although, they appear on the ballot paper— although, they appear on the ballot paper because it's past the point where _ paper because it's past the point where you — paper because it's past the point where you can remove somebody off the ballot _ where you can remove somebody off the ballot paper, and again come up with us— the ballot paper, and again come up with us to _ the ballot paper, and again come up with us to nigel farage today and he has spoken about it and makes a point _ has spoken about it and makes a point that, — has spoken about it and makes a point that, you know, he argument is that of— point that, you know, he argument is that of the _ point that, you know, he argument is that of the parties have had problems with candidates too. i think— problems with candidates too. i think the — problems with candidates too. i think the requester for reform is whether— think the requester for reform is whether this speaks to the fact that they have _ whether this speaks to the fact that they have had to jack up their efforts— they have had to jack up their efforts so— they have had to jack up their efforts so quickly for this election campaign — efforts so quickly for this election campaign whether they are really ready— campaign whether they are really ready for— campaign whether they are really ready for it. do they have the resource? _ ready for it. do they have the resource? do they have the in place to fight _ resource? do they have the in place to fight the — resource? do they have the in place to fight the campaign of this nature, _ to fight the campaign of this nature, and particularly regarding comments that they make mostly in the past _ comments that they make mostly in the past that have now come to light as a consequence of them standing in such a _ as a consequence of them standing in such a public— as a consequence of them standing in such a public platform like a general— such a public platform like a general election.— such a public platform like a general election. richard tice at summit rally — general election. richard tice at summit rally saying _ general election. richard tice at summit rally saying if _ general election. richard tice at summit rally saying if you i general election. richard tice at summit rally saying if you have | general election. richard tice at i summit rally saying if you have had a glass of wine, just lay off a social media, whatever, probably good advice for all parties. bind good advice for all parties. and journalists _ good advice for all parties. and journalists as _ good advice for all parties. and journalists as well. _ good advice for all parties. and journalists as well. yeah, i good advice for all parties. and journalists as well. yeah, true. i journalists as well. yeah, true. talkinu journalists as well. yeah, true. talking about _ journalists as well. yeah, true. talking about advice, - journalists as well. yeah, true. talking about advice, what, i i journalists as well. yeah, true. i talking about advice, what, i mean, we are all going to be staying up all night quite soon for election night and lots of people are going to be coming to broadcasting house for the newscast all—nighter with me, you are going to watch the election night programme on a big screen with some sofas and beanbags and some very modest refreshments. i'm sure you've both done all nighters for work before postop what are your tips?— nighters for work before postop what are your tips?_ bananas? i are your tips? bananas. bananas? that is what — are your tips? bananas. bananas? that is what david _ are your tips? bananas. bananas? that is what david said. _ are your tips? bananas. bananas? that is what david said. david i that is what david said. david alwa s that is what david said. david always has — that is what david said. david always has a _ that is what david said. david always has a banana - that is what david said. david always has a banana at i that is what david said. david always has a banana at hand. | that is what david said. david| always has a banana at hand. i that is what david said. david i always has a banana at hand. i think it's a good one. lots of water. i met alex?— it's a good one. lots of water. i met alex? yes. i have made the mistake in _ met alex? yes. i have made the mistake in the _ met alex? yes. i have made the mistake in the past _ met alex? yes. i have made the mistake in the past of— met alex? yes. i have made the mistake in the past of doing i met alex? yes. i have made the. mistake in the past of doing loads of sweets, — mistake in the past of doing loads of sweets, loads of coffee, loads of light, _ of sweets, loads of coffee, loads of light, you _ of sweets, loads of coffee, loads of light, you know, diet caffeine drinks — light, you know, diet caffeine drinks. bananas, nuts, water. it's all you— drinks. bananas, nuts, water. it's all you need — drinks. bananas, nuts, water. it's all you need in your life. 0h, drinks. bananas, nuts, water. it's all you need in your life.— all you need in your life. oh, we have all grown _ all you need in your life. oh, we have all grown up! _ all you need in your life. oh, we have all grown up! because i. have all grown up! because i do however abandon loads of sugary sweets for this year. although, we will see. the proof will be in the pudding. we can gorge ourselves when it's all over. exactly, exactly, and then fall asleep. and if you would like tojoin us in then fall asleep. and if you would like to join us in that bbc then fall asleep. and if you would like tojoin us in that bbc radio theatre for the newscast all—nighter. you can apply for a ticket in the bbc shows and tours section website and a link to that is in the description from of the newscast show description on your podcast app and there is a process we can go through. applying does not guarantee you a spot on the bean bag next to me. but, give it a go. simon, lovely to see you. lovely to see ou, simon, lovely to see you. lovely to see you. adam- — simon, lovely to see you. lovely to see you, adam. alex, _ simon, lovely to see you. lovely to see you, adam. alex, safe - simon, lovely to see you. lovely to see you, adam. alex, safe travel. i see you, adam. alex, safe travel. thanks, see you, adam. alex, safe travel. thanks. guys- _ see you, adam. alex, safe travel. thanks, guys. thank _ see you, adam. alex, safe travel. thanks, guys. thank you. - see you, adam. alex, safe travel. thanks, guys. thank you. and i see you, adam. alex, safe travel. thanks, guys. thank you. and we | see you, adam. alex, safe travel. i thanks, guys. thank you. and we will be back with — thanks, guys. thank you. and we will be back with another _ thanks, guys. thank you. and we will be back with another episode - thanks, guys. thank you. and we will be back with another episode of i be back with another episode of newscast very soon. thanks for listening to this one. goodbye. newscast from the bbc. hello. we have seen some warm sunshine around today, particularly across parts of southern england. for other areas further north, there have been a few showers around. as we head through the day tomorrow, again, a day of sunny spells for many of us. there will be a few showers in the forecast, so not completely dry. we've got this area of low pressure sitting across the bay of biscay at the moment. that's moving its way in, and just grazes the southeast corner of england. so that's going to bring some rain through tomorrow. for the rest of this evening into tonight, then, most places looking dry, showers easing away. still quite cloudy and breezy with a few showers across northern parts of scotland. could be one or two misty patches toward central and southern england, perhaps. a relatively cool night for this stage injune with temperatures between 8—12 celsius in our towns and cities, a touch cooler in the countryside. so, a lot of dry weather through tuesday morning. variable amounts of cloud. let's just take a look down towards the southeast. there is that area of rain moving out of the channel islands, perhaps affecting east sussex and kent, for instance, as well. but away from that area, lots of sunshine around. more showers as we head north through the spine of the country, so the midlands, the pennines up towards central parts of scotland as well. a slightly brighter day, i think, for northern ireland compared to recent days, a bit more sunshine coming through here. still a northerly breeze blowing, and we will see these showers continuing through into the afternoon across scotland and through the spine of northern england, but i think either side of that, of a fair amount of dry and settled weather. it should dry up along the south coast after the earlier rain as well. temperatures up to around 16—21 celsius for most of us. now, we've got high—pressure that's trying to ridge in from the atlantic here as we head towards the middle of the week. so that should quiet the weather down, really. heading into wednesday, another mostly dry and settled day. you are showers then we have seen over recent days. a bit more cloud and some patchy rain into the far north—northwest of scotland. elsewhere, a bit of cloud building through the day, but some strong sunshine lifting temperatures quite widely into low 205 across southern and central parts of england and wales. high teens for scotland and northern ireland. into thursday, and again, we've got more cloud in the northwest of the uk, turning a bit more breezy with a few showers here. but for most areas, a dry, settled day, and in that sunshine, we are likely to see temperatures lifting to around about 21—22 celsius. still a bit cooler for the likes of stornoway, lerwick, where we've got the cloud, breeze and showers. but most places looking dry and settled as we head through thursday into friday, but some rain in the northwest, perhaps more widespread on saturday. hello, i'm christian fraser. this is the context. translation: when the price is so heavy we will rememberl what we are fighting for. we are fighting to ensure our existence and our future. we are fighting to return all our hostages. i believe that we are approaching the end of this war in gaza, that it won't take longer than a very few weeks, maybe two, maybe something like that. i think mr netanyahu has took i the decision that the war cabinet simply wasn't really necessary any more, and he's going _ to continue to call the shots i while in discussion with his close aides and closest ministers. israel's prime minister benjamin netanyahu dissolves his war cabinet. it follows the withdrawal last week of the main opposition leader, benny gantz. so what happens next? also tonight — marine le pen cries foul as french football star kylian mbappe urges his supporters to vote against the hard—right. and the conscription squads in ukraine who are hunting down the draft dodgers.