hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. the survivors and family members of those killed in the mass shootings of buffalo and uvalde have testified before congress, as negotiations on gun reform continue in the us senate. one of those testifying was an 11—year—old schoolgirl who survived by covering herself in blood. i thought he was going to come back to the room, so i grabbed the blood and put it all over me. new forecasts on the global economy suggest uk growth will fall behind that of all the g7 nations in 2023, as inflation and the war in ukraine takes its toll. and in ukraine, momentum appears to be shifting in the battle for that eastern city of severodonetsk, with ukrainian troops pulling back

from the outskirts of the city. tonight with the context, in london daily mail columnist sarah vine, and from washington, stefanie brown james, co—founder of collective pac, the group campaigning for equal representation in american politics. hello, a warm welcome to the programme. zeneta everhart is the mother of a 21—year—shop worker who survived the mass shooting in east buffalo. his name is zaire, and each day for the past three weeks, she has been dressing his wounds. he has a hole in the right side of his neck, two on his back another on his left leg, and when she cleans his back, she says she can feel pieces of the bullet that was fired at him from an ar15. the gunman was 18 years old. today, zeneta gave evidence to to a congressional committee ahead today, zeneta gave evidence toa

congressional committee ahead of a house vote on gun reform. we continuously hear after every mass shooting that this is not who we are as americans and as a nation. hear me clearly — this is exactly who we are. zaire only survived because he had played dead as the gunman walked over him. another giving evidence was miah cerrillo, a fourth—grade student from the robb elementary school in uvalde, texas, who also played dead to avoid being shot. what you're about to hear is distressing. he shot my teacher and told her goodbye and shot her in the head, and then he shot some of my classmates and the whiteboard. when i went to the back, he shot my friend and i thought he was going to come back to the room, so i grabbed the blood and i put it all over me.

it was searing, harrowing testimony, from victims, from parents of those murdered and from the paediatrician whose job it was to pick his way through the bodies. but will it bring change? this afternoon, the house voted on a gun reform package, the protect our kids act, that would raise the legal age for buying an assault weapon from 18—21. republicans will vote against, calling it �*reactionary�*, and that bill in any case will not pass the senate, even though the senate minority leader privately says he is in favour or raising the age limit. what's on the table in the senate is a much narrower package that would include more expansive background checks for 18—year—olds, and a cooling off period for those 18—year—olds that want to buy an aris. stefanie, a lot of people have said that it feels different this time. having watched the testimony today and heard the reaction from people

on the republican side, does it feel different? ., ~ ., ., ., , different? you know, unfortunately, it feels painful _ different? you know, unfortunately, it feels painful and _ different? you know, unfortunately, it feels painful and it _ different? you know, unfortunately, it feels painful and it feels _ it feels painful and it feels shameful that we are in this state in this country, a country that proclaims to be the freest, yet we have the highest incidence of mass murder and gun violence than any other nation in this world. so it feels different from how people are reacting across the country, but unfortunately, it does not feel different on capitol hill. we continue to have legislators, those elected by the people to protect them, we continue to have them push this ball down a hill that's going to lead only to more deaths. the fact that we are only halfway through this year and we've already had over 246 mass murderers, mass shootings in this country, it's shameful. the fact that gop republicans continue to say this is a second amendment right, listen, when the founders of this country

wrote that, they did not have ar type military grade weapons in mind that people would have in their homes. this is a serious time for our elected officials to put real reform on the table because i think when it comes to november voting, the voters will not allow them to continue to play with this issue. i ask if it's changed because we know from a republican senator from wyoming this week who was opposed to change, she had to come 180 on this because she's had so many letters in her mailbox. we know from the briefings that mitch mcconnell privately thinks or he's open to the idea of raising the age limit, so the question is why do republican policymakers not have the confidence, really, to follow through on some of the reforms demanded?— through on some of the reforms demanded? ., ., , ., . demanded? part of it is not so much that they don't _ demanded? part of it is not so much that they don't have _ demanded? part of it is not so much that they don't have the _ that they don't have the confidence. they know they don't have the coffers in the bank to have their

campaigns be successful. when you look at the nra, and the contribution amount they give too many primarily republicans, because many primarily republicans, because many democrats do not take their money, when you look at the amount of money that they are bankrolling these campaigns, it isn't significant —— it is a significant amount, which is why so many republicans are not willing to go against it and go against those who are for second amendment rights, and in favour of protecting the people. so until we have legislators with background to understand that the country is calling out, crying out for change, and my home state of ohiojust took away for change, and my home state of ohio just took away any restrictions when it comes to buying guns. yet we still have to have drivers licenses and other licenses, you have to have and other licenses, you have to have a licence to fish but not to own a gun. we have to have serious reform. sarah, i want to take our viewers back to matthew mcconnaughhay�*s

appearance. i want to go back to matthew mccounaughey�*s appearance yesterday at the white house. again, an immensely powerful appeal to politicians. this is what he said about gun reform and how it fits with the second amendment. as divided as our country is, this gun responsibility issue is one we agree on more than we don't. but people in power have failed to act, so we're asking you — and i'm asking you to please ask yourselves — can both sides rise above? can both sides see beyond the political problem at hand and admit that we have a life preservation problem on our hands? i watch that this morning and it struck me that that was the sort of speech you would expect from the governor of texas or a senior senator, he didn't accuse anyone or name anyone, and i think in that sense, it was more powerful. but he makes the point that this is not a

partisan issue. find makes the point that this is not a partisan issue.— partisan issue. and it's not. i thou . ht partisan issue. and it's not. i thought what _ partisan issue. and it's not. i thought what he _ partisan issue. and it's not. i thought what he said - partisan issue. and it's not. i thought what he said was - partisan issue. and it's not. i- thought what he said was incredibly moving _ thought what he said was incredibly moving. he talked about how the injuries— moving. he talked about how the injuries from this weapon were so severe _ injuries from this weapon were so severe that — injuries from this weapon were so severe that the children's could not be identified. one of them have to be identified. one of them have to be identified. one of them have to be identified by her trainers. people — be identified by her trainers. people just had a quote unquote normal— people just had a quote unquote normal guns. now these things are nucleah _ normal guns. now these things are nucleah no — normal guns. now these things are nuclear. no one needs to have an assault_ nuclear. no one needs to have an assault rifle — nuclear. no one needs to have an assault rifle like that in their day—to—day life. i think for us, where — day—to—day life. i think for us, where we _ day—to—day life. i think for us, where we don't have guns, it seems crazy— where we don't have guns, it seems crazy that _ where we don't have guns, it seems crazy that you would let an 18—year—old run around with something, you're even a 21—year—old -- or even _ something, you're even a 21—year—old -- or even you — something, you're even a 21—year—old —— or even. you can't even drink in america _ —— or even. you can't even drink in america under— —— or even. you can't even drink in america under 21, why can you own a gun? _ america under 21, why can you own a gun? it makes no sense at all. as far as the — gun? it makes no sense at all. as far as the republicans are concerned, we had this whole thing about— concerned, we had this whole thing about them trying to overturn roe versus _ about them trying to overturn roe versus wade. if you want to stop

children— versus wade. if you want to stop children dying in america, one very quick— children dying in america, one very quick and _ children dying in america, one very quick and easy way to do that is to make _ quick and easy way to do that is to make it much harder for young irresponsible, potentially mentally ill people to buy serious assault rifles _ ill people to buy serious assault rifles. , ., , rifles. trying to shift the debate and 0 en rifles. trying to shift the debate and open eyes _ rifles. trying to shift the debate and open eyes in _ rifles. trying to shift the debate and open eyes in congress, - rifles. trying to shift the debate and open eyes in congress, do | rifles. trying to shift the debate i and open eyes in congress, do you have a problem, sarah, with the idea of putting a little girl who's been through a terrific trauma —— horrific trauma? is at herjob to provide the evidence so that politicians take their decisions that they should make? i politicians take their decisions that they should make? i think that little uirl, that they should make? i think that little girl. that _ that they should make? i think that little girl, that testimony _ that they should make? i think that little girl, that testimony will - that they should make? i think that little girl, that testimony will be - little girl, that testimony will be the least — little girl, that testimony will be the least of her problems as she grows _ the least of her problems as she grows uu — the least of her problems as she grows up. she's going to suffer so badly because of what she went through — badly because of what she went through. to have the presence of mind _ through. to have the presence of mind to _ through. to have the presence of mind to think, 0k, through. to have the presence of mind to think, ok, i need to cover myself— mind to think, ok, i need to cover myself and — mind to think, ok, i need to cover myself and blood to live, the trauma that she _ myself and blood to live, the trauma that she suffered is going to follow her the rest of her life. i think

that's— her the rest of her life. i think that's a — her the rest of her life. i think that's a tiny amount of what she's going to _ that's a tiny amount of what she's going to have to deal with. i do think if— going to have to deal with. i do think if it — going to have to deal with. i do think if it could help persuade people — think if it could help persuade people of the danger of these weapons, i think it's probably worth it. ,, ., ., weapons, i think it's probably worth it. stefanie, are you worried that this threat _ it. stefanie, are you worried that this threat to _ it. stefanie, are you worried that this threat to schools _ it. stefanie, are you worried that this threat to schools is - it. stefanie, are you worried that this threat to schools is having . it. stefanie, are you worried that this threat to schools is having a | this threat to schools is having a detrimental effect on the mental health of children and schoolteachers? before you answer, i want to show the drill video that was made three years ago that the campaign group made. this tells you what children have to go through in schools. it have to go through in schools. if you talk out loud they will know where you are and where you're hiding. sometimes we play the quiet game, so we all remember. we can protect ourfriends by game, so we all remember. we can protect our friends by pushing the tables and chairs against the doors. you also have to put a piece of paper over the door window so they can't see in. and you can't cry. it gives away the position in your

hiding spot. i gives away the position in your hiding spot-— gives away the position in your hiding spot. i 'ust wonder what effect this is _ hiding spot. i just wonder what effect this is having _ hiding spot. i just wonder what effect this is having on - hiding spot. i just wonder what effect this is having on all - effect this is having on all american children, never mind those involved in a school shooting. i can tell ou involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that _ involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that as _ involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that as a _ involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that as a mum _ involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that as a mum of- involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that as a mum of a - involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that as a mum of a four . involved in a school shooting. i can tell you that as a mum of a four and six—year—old who i have to drop every day off at school, you never know. ijust get every day off at school, you never know. i just get choked every day off at school, you never know. ijust get choked up thinking about the impact it has not only on children and teachers. it's already hard enough to be a teacher in this country. you're underpaid and undervalued, but this is taking a toll on families, on communities across the country. folks in buffalo are still reeling from this horrific shooting that happened not that long ago. we're still reeling from sandy hook. this country is not the same. it is deteriorating because of this violence that continues to perpetuate our communities. ijust perpetuate our communities. i just want

perpetuate our communities. ijust want to say this is not a partisan issue. this is a human rights issue, and until we have legislators who are elected and understand that it's not about you, it's about all of us, and we have to have real reforms, we have to be able to take care of those who are mentally unstable. raging the age of 21 is not enough —— raising the age to 21. we will continue to see this in our country. the point is, stefanie, the argument that if you provide people with guns to defend themselves, this will stop. it doesn't bear any scrutiny because there's been over 240 mass shootings this year. i don't see vigilantes stopping it, i don't see someone out there with a gun preventing this. crosstalk what are they defending themselves from? _ what are they defending themselves from? it's not like there are mobs

of marauding people's house is. i know— of marauding people's house is. i know america is having some problems, but it doesn't seem to have _ problems, but it doesn't seem to have gotten to that date yet. you can talk about _ have gotten to that date yet. gm. can talk about securing the doors of the school, but this happened so quickly. the idea you can train teachers and vigilantes to stop it, if you have an ar weapon, you've already killed ten or 11 people before people know what's going on. exactly. let me be clear that a mass shooting in this country is considered shooting three or more people. while this is... we have to pay attention to what's happening in uvalde and buffalo when there's these 10—20 people being killed, we have a problem with gun violence all across this nation. right now, gun violence kills more children than anything else, more than car accidents, more than cancer. this is an epidemic proportion problem in

this country that is not going to take a band aid fix. it's going to take real reforms that acknowledges that we can have our own rights, but we also have to have the reality that big changes have to be made in order to stem what has been a systematic problem in this country. senators meeting for an hour today, still tight—lipped over what might be achievable. today was boris johnson's first appearance at prime minister's questions since the no—confidence vote on monday in which four in ten demanded his resignation. since the vote, a stream of conservative mps have gone public with their concerns about high taxes — the latest, the health secretary, sajid javid. i would like to see cuts where i they're possible, and i know that this is something that the - government is taking very seriously and i know that it's somethingl that the chancellor will look at. the tax burden is at the highest level it's been at since the late 1940s, and that's because the chancellor has announced three very big tax rises, a huge increase

in corporation tax, a rise in national insurance contributions and a freeze on income tax thresholds for four years. what worries mps is that the economy is stagnating. today, the oecd predicted that the uk economy — which was the second—fastest growing economy in the g7 last year — will in 2023 become the slowest growing economy in the developed world, after russia, which is under sanction. growth across the board was downgraded as a result of the war in ukraine and the high level of inflation. jason furman is a former economic advisor to barack obama, and has just written a piece for the wsj on why the eu and us have different inflation problems. you see a difference between the inflation problem here in the uk and the inflation problem there in the united states?— united states? yeah, absolutely. more of the _ united states? yeah, absolutely. more of the inflation _ united states? yeah, absolutely. more of the inflation problem - united states? yeah, absolutely. more of the inflation problem in i more of the inflation problem in both the —

more of the inflation problem in both the uk_ more of the inflation problem in both the uk and _ more of the inflation problem in both the uk and especially- more of the inflation problem in both the uk and especially the i more of the inflation problem in. both the uk and especially the eu more of the inflation problem in- both the uk and especially the eu is imported _ both the uk and especially the eu is imported inflation. _ both the uk and especially the eu is imported inflation. inflation- both the uk and especially the eu is imported inflation. inflation that - imported inflation. inflation that came _ imported inflation. inflation that came through _ imported inflation. inflation that came through energy— imported inflation. inflation that came through energy and - imported inflation. inflation that came through energy and food l imported inflation. inflation that - came through energy and food because of putin's_ came through energy and food because of putin's invasion. _ came through energy and food because of putin's invasion. ukraine _ of putin's invasion. ukraine inflation _ of putin's invasion. ukraine inflation that— of putin's invasion. ukraine inflation that came - of putin's invasion. ukraine inflation that came from i of putin's invasion. ukraine i inflation that came from global goods— inflation that came from global goods being _ inflation that came from global goods being elevated - inflation that came from global goods being elevated in- inflation that came from global goods being elevated in part i inflation that came from global- goods being elevated in part because of american — goods being elevated in part because of american consumers _ goods being elevated in part because of american consumers buying - goods being elevated in part because of american consumers buying so i of american consumers buying so many _ of american consumers buying so man . , , ., , ., ., many. let me bring you up-to-date in the uk and ask— many. let me bring you up-to-date in the uk and ask you _ many. let me bring you up-to-date in the uk and ask you to _ many. let me bring you up-to-date in the uk and ask you to put _ many. let me bring you up-to-date in the uk and ask you to put your - the uk and ask you to put your economics had on. are there risks in cutting taxes, putting more money into the economy when inflation is at a record high?— at a record high? yeah, i think it is. it's at a record high? yeah, i think it is- it's the _ at a record high? yeah, i think it is. it's the painful— at a record high? yeah, i think it is. it's the painful truth - at a record high? yeah, i think it is. it's the painful truth that i at a record high? yeah, i think it is. it's the painful truth that you | is. it's the painful truth that you want _ is. it's the painful truth that you want to— is. it's the painful truth that you want to protect _ is. it's the painful truth that you want to protect people. - is. it's the painful truth that you want to protect people. the i is. it's the painful truth that you | want to protect people. the cost is. it's the painful truth that you i want to protect people. the cost of living crisis— want to protect people. the cost of living crisis is— want to protect people. the cost of living crisis is worse _ want to protect people. the cost of living crisis is worse in— want to protect people. the cost of living crisis is worse in the - want to protect people. the cost of living crisis is worse in the uk- want to protect people. the cost of living crisis is worse in the uk and. living crisis is worse in the uk and the eu because _ living crisis is worse in the uk and the eu because people _ living crisis is worse in the uk and the eu because people have i living crisis is worse in the uk and the eu because people have not l living crisis is worse in the uk and i the eu because people have not been the big _ the eu because people have not been the big reasons — the eu because people have not been the big reasons -- _ the eu because people have not been the big reasons. —— the _ the eu because people have not been the big reasons. —— the big _ the eu because people have not been the big reasons. —— the big raises. i the big reasons. —— the big raises. you can— the big reasons. —— the big raises. you can end — the big reasons. —— the big raises. you can end up— the big reasons. —— the big raises. you can end up with— the big reasons. —— the big raises. you can end up with more - the big reasons. —— the big raises.| you can end up with more inflation and undoing — you can end up with more inflation and undoing some _ you can end up with more inflation and undoing some of— you can end up with more inflation and undoing some of the - you can end up with more inflation. and undoing some of the protection.

it's and undoing some of the protection. it's hard _ and undoing some of the protection. it's hard to— and undoing some of the protection. it's hard to do— and undoing some of the protection. it's hard to do blanket _ and undoing some of the protection. it's hard to do blanket protection i it's hard to do blanket protection for everyone _ it's hard to do blanket protection for everyone without _ it's hard to do blanket protection for everyone without causing i it's hard to do blanket protection i for everyone without causing more inflatioh _ for everyone without causing more inflation. ., ., ., , inflation. the taxation is high here. inflation. the taxation is high here- itut _ inflation. the taxation is high here. but it's _ inflation. the taxation is high here. but it's not _ inflation. the taxation is high i here. but it's not comparatively high by western european standards, but the thing i can't understand about the uk economy is why uk productivity is lagging behind european countries. i think america is 23% more productive than the uk on average. why do you think that is? ., , , ., , is? that the deep question. i wish i knew the exact _ is? that the deep question. i wish i knew the exact answer. _ is? that the deep question. i wish i knew the exact answer. the - is? that the deep question. i wish i knew the exact answer. the uk i is? that the deep question. i wish i knew the exact answer. the uk has enormous — knew the exact answer. the uk has enormous strengths. _ knew the exact answer. the uk has enormous strengths. i— knew the exact answer. the uk has enormous strengths. i worked i knew the exact answer. the uk has enormous strengths. i worked with| enormous strengths. i worked with the government— enormous strengths. i worked with the government their— enormous strengths. i worked with the government their on _ enormous strengths. i worked with the government their on digital- the government their on digital competition— the government their on digital competition and _ the government their on digital competition and we _ the government their on digital competition and we got - the government their on digital competition and we got to i the government their on digitall competition and we got to know the government their on digital- competition and we got to know the digital— competition and we got to know the digital sector— competition and we got to know the digital sector well. _ competition and we got to know the digital sector well. it's _ competition and we got to know the digital sector well. it's not - digital sector well. it's not silicon— digital sector well. it's not silicon valley, _ digital sector well. it's not silicon valley, but - digital sector well. it's not silicon valley, but there'sl digital sector well. it's not i silicon valley, but there's an enormous _ silicon valley, but there's an enormous amount— silicon valley, but there's an enormous amount of- silicon valley, but there's an enormous amount of talent i silicon valley, but there's an i enormous amount of talent there. sarah _ enormous amount of talent there. sarah vou — enormous amount of talent there. sarah. you work— enormous amount of talent there. sarah, you work occult _ enormous amount of talent there. sarah, you work occult —— - enormous amount of talent there. sarah, you work occult —— you i enormous amount of talent there. l sarah, you work occult —— you wrote a column about borisjohnson's position and said it's time to put everything on black. what do you mean by that? i

everything on black. what do you mean by that?— mean by that? i was 'ust talking about how * mean by that? i was 'ust talking about how if h mean by that? i was 'ust talking about how if i i mean by that? i was 'ust talking about how if i were i mean by that? i wasjust talking about how if i were him, - about how if i were him, i'd probably— about how if i were him, i'd probably throw in the towel, but he won't because politics is an addiction. therefore, he's gambling, basically _ addiction. therefore, he's gambling, basically. he thinks he canjust make _ basically. he thinks he canjust make this _ basically. he thinks he canjust make this one win, if he could just pull it— make this one win, if he could just pull it off, — make this one win, if he could just pull it off, he could turn this whole — pull it off, he could turn this whole thing around. i'm not sure he can. whole thing around. i'm not sure he cah he _ whole thing around. i'm not sure he cah he does— whole thing around. i'm not sure he can. he does have some advantages, but if— can. he does have some advantages, but if you _ can. he does have some advantages, but if you look back over the years at people — but if you look back over the years at people in — but if you look back over the years at people in positions similar, they've — at people in positions similar, they've all gone quite soon after. the one — they've all gone quite soon after. the one thing he has in his favour is there _ the one thing he has in his favour is there isn't— the one thing he has in his favour is there isn't an obvious replacement. the rebels don't seem to have _ replacement. the rebels don't seem to have a _ replacement. the rebels don't seem to have a plan other than get rid of boris _ to have a plan other than get rid of boris. �* , , , �* , boris. but the issue is, he's obviously — boris. but the issue is, he's obviously made _ boris. but the issue is, he's obviously made a _ boris. but the issue is, he's obviously made a lot - boris. but the issue is, he's i obviously made a lot of promises about cutting taxes. rishi sunak�*s beenin about cutting taxes. rishi sunak�*s been in front of the 1922 committee and said there will be more tax cuts when the physical weather allows. that doesn't sound like the eminent

cut that sajid javid is talking about. cut that said javid is talking about. ., ., , ., , , about. no, of course, and this is what always— about. no, of course, and this is what always happens _ about. no, of course, and this is what always happens with i about. no, of course, and this is- what always happens with government. the chancellor ends up arguing with the prime _ the chancellor ends up arguing with the prime minister because the chancellor is the person who holds the strings. the main problem with tories _ the strings. the main problem with tories is _ the strings. the main problem with tories is the — the strings. the main problem with tories is the cost of living crisis. as you _ tories is the cost of living crisis. as you say, _ tories is the cost of living crisis. as you say, taxes have gone up, but also, _ as you say, taxes have gone up, but also, cuts _ as you say, taxes have gone up, but also, cuts have gone up. people's supermarket bills have travelled. —— have trebled. it's a perfect storm of inflation — have trebled. it's a perfect storm of inflation and less money in your pocket to — of inflation and less money in your pocket to start off. to go back to american — pocket to start off. to go back to american politics, i think it was clinton — american politics, i think it was clinton who said the economy is stupid — clinton who said the economy is stupid. the conservative government is expected _ stupid. the conservative government is expected to be fiscally confident. then why are you there if not? _ confident. then why are you there if not? i_ confident. then why are you there if not? ., �* ~'

confident. then why are you there if not? ., �* ., �* .,, not? i don't thinkjoe biden has been to any _ not? i don't thinkjoe biden has been to any parties, _ not? i don't thinkjoe biden has been to any parties, but - not? i don't thinkjoe biden has been to any parties, but i i not? i don't thinkjoe biden has been to any parties, but i am i not? i don't thinkjoe biden has i been to any parties, but i am struck by the comparisons that there are between the two men. they both point to record low unemployment, both are at risk from the cost of living squeeze. both of them have failed to deliver as yet on their signature plans — leveling up and building back better. is that why their approval ratings are comparable? i definitely think it's a key reason why. i do want to point out, the reason why the bill back better plan didn't pass is because there were two democratic senators that held out and didn't support it. everything comes back to what the entire field of politics looks like, sojoe entire field of politics looks like, so joe biden entire field of politics looks like, sojoe biden has a lot of responsibility in making sure we can address inflation, which is a serious issue, but also congress has to act as well. he cannot do it

alone. i think it's interesting, we had our election last night and california, with huge inflation issues. $8 now at the gas tank. the number one issue that people went to the polls now with was gun violence. these continue to hearken back to our last segment.— these continue to hearken back to our last segment. jason, i suppose both leaders — our last segment. jason, i suppose both leaders would _ our last segment. jason, i suppose both leaders would like _ our last segment. jason, i suppose both leaders would like to - our last segment. jason, i suppose both leaders would like to say i our last segment. jason, i suppose both leaders would like to say theyj both leaders would like to say they have the answers to this problem and to growth again, but does that rest with the banks ultimately? that 9096 ofthe with the banks ultimately? that 9096 of the answer — with the banks ultimately? that 9096 of the answer to _ with the banks ultimately? that 9096 of the answer to inflection, - with the banks ultimately? that 9096 of the answer to inflection, with i of the answer to inflection, with the fed, — of the answer to inflection, with the fed, the _ of the answer to inflection, with the fed, the bank— of the answer to inflection, with the fed, the bank of— of the answer to inflection, with the fed, the bank of england i of the answer to inflection, with. the fed, the bank of england and of the answer to inflection, with i the fed, the bank of england and the ecb. the fed, the bank of england and the kb the _ the fed, the bank of england and the kb the bank— the fed, the bank of england and the ecb. the bank of— the fed, the bank of england and the ecb. the bank of england _ the fed, the bank of england and the ecb. the bank of england has - the fed, the bank of england and the ecb. the bank of england has been l ecb. the bank of england has been very proactive _ ecb. the bank of england has been very proactive. it _ ecb. the bank of england has been very proactive. it was _ ecb. the bank of england has been very proactive. it was the _ ecb. the bank of england has been very proactive. it was the first i very proactive. it was the first bank— very proactive. it was the first bank to— very proactive. it was the first bank to lift— very proactive. it was the first bank to lift off _ very proactive. it was the first bank to lift off with _ very proactive. it was the first bank to lift off with its - very proactive. it was the first bank to lift off with its rates. i very proactive. it was the first i bank to lift off with its rates. the fed is _ bank to lift off with its rates. the fed is moving _ bank to lift off with its rates. the fed is moving very— bank to lift off with its rates. the fed is moving very aggressively. | fed is moving very aggressively. there's— fed is moving very aggressively. there's a chance _ fed is moving very aggressively. there's a chance that's - fed is moving very aggressively. there's a chance that's going i fed is moving very aggressively. there's a chance that's going toi there's a chance that's going to work, _ there's a chance that's going to work. plus— there's a chance that's going to work. plus a _ there's a chance that's going to work, plus a certain _ there's a chance that's going to work, plus a certain amount i there's a chance that's going to work, plus a certain amount ofl work, plus a certain amount of

patience _ work, plus a certain amount of patience it's_ work, plus a certain amount of patience. it's the _ work, plus a certain amount of patience. it's the main - work, plus a certain amount of patience. it's the main recipei work, plus a certain amount of- patience. it's the main recipe here. it's patience. it's the main recipe here. it's hard _ patience. it's the main recipe here. it's hard because _ patience. it's the main recipe here. it's hard because leaders— patience. it's the main recipe here. it's hard because leaders are - patience. it's the main recipe here. i it's hard because leaders are blamed for this— it's hard because leaders are blamed for this problem. _ it's hard because leaders are blamed for this problem. people _ it's hard because leaders are blamed for this problem. people want - it's hard because leaders are blamed for this problem. people want them i for this problem. people want them to solve _ for this problem. people want them to solve this — for this problem. people want them to solve this problem, _ for this problem. people want them to solve this problem, but - for this problem. people want them to solve this problem, but boris i to solve this problem, but boris johnson, — to solve this problem, but boris johnson, joe _ to solve this problem, but boris johnson, joe biden, _ to solve this problem, but boris johnson, joe biden, not- to solve this problem, but boris johnson, joe biden, not a - to solve this problem, but boris johnson, joe biden, not a lot i to solve this problem, but boris l johnson, joe biden, not a lot they can directly— johnson, joe biden, not a lot they can directly do. _ johnson, joe biden, not a lot they can directly do. it _ johnson, joe biden, not a lot they can directly de— can directly do. it is part of a bi aer can directly do. it is part of a bigger global issue. - can directly do. it is part of a bigger global issue. thank i can directly do. it is part of a i bigger global issue. thank you very much for being with us. it would be helped if the war in ukraine stopped. let's talk about the war in ukraine. it appears today that momentum is shifting in the battle for the eastern city of severodonetsk. the governor of the luhansk region says ukrainian forces have now pulled back to the outskirts of the city. severodonetsk one of the last remaining cities russia would need to secure to take control of the luhansk region. further north, there have also been a number of missile strikes that have hit the city of kharkiv. ukrainian troops, you will remember, had regained control of the areas to the north and the east of that city, with some residents beginning to return home. with me now is dr frank ledwidge.

he's a former military intelligence officer, now a senior lecturer in military strategy and law at the university of portsmouth. thank you for being with us. the governor of luhansk said there is no threat ukrainian forces in luhansk will be encircled. what do you see in the current situation? do you think they're about to get up —— give up the city? figs think they're about to get up -- give up the city?— think they're about to get up -- give up the city? as possible. they have considerations _ give up the city? as possible. they have considerations we _ give up the city? as possible. they have considerations we don't - give up the city? as possible. they have considerations we don't know} have considerations we don't know about. i think british intelligence has been as good as insight as any. they thought if severodonetsk would full, it's probably the case. the governor is right, it doesn't look as though the west will encircle that point. most not forget russia has been trying to take this city for the last eight years. they've

made very heavy weather over the last few weeks, now they seemed to have forced the ukrainians back. in the sense, that's ukraine's choice. they have inflicted huge casualties, called back and are likely to make the decision to give up. the ukrainians _ the decision to give up. the ukrainians appeared to take in the counteroffensive, and it appears the russians have difficulty focusing in one area. i russians have difficulty focusing in one area. ~' russians have difficulty focusing in one area. ~ ., �*, one area. i think that's right. that's the — one area. i think that's right. that's the quality _ one area. i think that's right. that's the quality of - one area. i think that's right. that's the quality of their - that's the quality of their infantry. they got a number problems because they can't mobilise and they really are scraping the bottom of the barrel. most are from the periphery, so... just to give an

indication, the defence minister said that we will now start giving, as a result, conscript medical first rate training. it's astonishing. that's the level they're at. every western soldier gets there and gives basic training. the western soldier gets there and gives basic training-— basic training. the thing is the french and — basic training. the thing is the french and the _ basic training. the thing is the french and the italian - basic training. the thing is the - french and the italian governments will say it is difficult for ukraine to reclaim land that was taken, but that's not what we see on the ground. should they be putting an end to that rhetoric and getting behind the uk in the us position? absolutely. let them win a bit, that's going to cost hundreds of thousands of ukrainian military lives. the commander of ukrainian forces has been given the instruction to retake ukrainian [and to the borders or whatever limit,

but certainly given that order. we should back that up and give the ukrainians what they need and ask for to do that. the alternative, and the italians and germans and the french need to understand the alternative is strategic defeat for europe. we are looking at a failed state with a very big army, an angry army and fractured economy. that includes not half a dozen rocket systems, but hundreds, 200 subsystems. 1000 late—model tanks that the americans have in reserve. i could go on. that's what the ukrainians need to win this war, and that's what they should get. refill? that's what they should get. really aood to that's what they should get. really good to hear _ that's what they should get. really good to hear from _ that's what they should get. really good to hear from you, _ that's what they should get. really good to hear from you, frank. - that's what they should get. really good to hear from you, frank. quick good to hearfrom you, frank. quick break, but do stay with us. we're going to talk to one of the former biggest mobsters in new york. he spent time in prison and is now on

the outside. do stay with us. good morning. wednesday was certainly a day of contrasting conditions. if you managed to keep the sunshine, you also had some warmth. it was very pleasant out there. in fact, we saw a high of 23.5 celsius in london through wednesday afternoon. but there were some showers, and if you got caught in one or two of them, you would certainly know about it. they were heavy with hail and thunder at times. in fact, if we take a look back at wednesday, we had some fairly persistent rain throughout the day moving through central and northern scotland and a cluster of showers piling in behind. some of those, as i say, heavy and thundery. those showers tending to fade away as we speak, and we keep some clear skies over the next few hours across central and southern england, a little bit of nuisance cloud further north with an odd isolated shower. but it will be a relatively mild start to thursday morning, temperatures holding

up, 10—12 celsius. the best of the sunshine certainly across central and southern parts of england first thing in the morning. we'll see cloud and light, patchy rain gathering in from the west. that's going to drift its way steadily eastwards, so eventually the sunshine being nibbled away with cloud as it moves its way steadily eastwards. we'll keep some light rain and some misty, murky conditions along west—facing coasts, the highest temperatures where we see the best of the sunshine — 22 degrees, 72 fahrenheit. and it's certainly worth bearing in mind if you are a hay fever sufferer that where we've got that sunshine, grass pollen is now reaching its peak, so very high levels of pollen expected through the course of the afternoon. so, if we move out of thursday into friday, we've got this area of low pressure. it is the ex—tropical storm alex, the remnants of that storm bringing some windy conditions to the far north and west but also some warmth, as it's a south—westerly wind to go with it. so we keep a cluster of showers and winds perhaps gusting in excess of 40—50 mph in exposed coasts.

but across much of england and wales, with some sunshine coming through, a breezy afternoon but warm with it. we could see highs of 23 degrees. that low pressure just drifts to the north of scotland, so we still keep the squeeze in the isobars, the strongest of the winds here, but high pressure is starting to build in from the southwest, calming things down quite nicely. so, yes, some showers to the north and west and still a fresh breeze to contend with, but an improving picture as we go through the weekend.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. all the way to the upper echelons of the new york mafia and still here to tell the tale. we'll be talking to former columbo family captain michael franzese about life in the new york mob and how he sees parts of that life in politics. # i'd make a deal with god # and i'd get him to swap our places and stranger things. why kate bush is back in the charts because of a hit netflix series. tonight with the context, in london, daily mail columnist sarah vine, and from washington, stefanie brown james, co—founder of collective pac,

the group campaigning for equal representation in american politics. welcome back. if you're a fan of the godfather trilogy, goodfellas, narcos, you'll know the rule — once you have taken the 0merta, there is no getting out. well, not alive anyway. but our next guest turned state's evidence and lived to tell to the tale — and not any ordinary mobster. michael franzese rose to the very top in the underworld of the new york mafia. at the height, he was the captain of the columbo crime family, one of the most powerful men in the city and a top target for law enforcement, once listed by fortune magazine as number 18 on the "50 most wealthy and powerful mafia bosses" list. he is the only one on that list that is still alive or not in jail. but in 1995, following several years in prison, his life changed. he has been guided by a new—found faith in god. now a motivational speaker, he is out with a new book — it's called mafia democracy —

and is about to embark on a speaking tour here in the uk. michael, welcome to the programme, thank you for being with us. how did you... thank you for being with us. how did ou. .. . , ., thank you for being with us. how did ou... . , ., ., ., you... ncube for having me, and i not to you... ncube for having me, and i got to make _ you... ncube for having me, and i got to make one _ you... ncube for having me, and i got to make one small _ you... ncube for having me, and i got to make one small correction| you... ncube for having me, and i l got to make one small correction in your introduction. —— thank you. i did not turned states evidence. that is why it was remarkable i was able to walk away and survive. nor did i get into away and survive. nor did i get into a witness protection programme or cooperate with the government. i want to begin at the beginning, because how did you become a mobster? my because how did you become a mobster? y ., because how did you become a mobster?— because how did you become a mobster? g . .,, , mobster? my dad was the underboss of the columbo family _ mobster? my dad was the underboss of the columbo family in _ mobster? my dad was the underboss of the columbo family in the _ mobster? my dad was the underboss of the columbo family in the 60s, - the columbo family in the 60s, obviously a powerful position. initially, he did not want that life or me. i was a initially, he did not want that life or me. iwas a premed initially, he did not want that life or me. i was a premed student, but my dad drew a 50 year prison sentence for a crime i still to this day do not believe he commit, and in

1970, he went off to do his time and i got close withjoe columbo at that time, something i thought would be healthy in getting my father out of prison. one thing led to another. i left school and my dad proposed me for member ship in that life in 1971, and then in 1975, i took the oath and became a made member myself. oath and became a made member m self. �* , ., oath and became a made member m self. �* ,, . oath and became a made member m self. �* i. ., ., oath and became a made member m self. �* ., ., ., myself. and you and all the way to the to -. myself. and you and all the way to the top- you _ myself. and you and all the way to the top. you are _ myself. and you and all the way to the top. you are one _ myself. and you and all the way to the top. you are one of— myself. and you and all the way to the top. you are one of the - myself. and you and all the way to the top. you are one of the most l the top. you are one of the most wanted in new york by the end —— you went all the way. how much money were you making in your prime? yeah, i mean, were you making in your prime? yeah, i mean. they — were you making in your prime? yeah, i mean, they made _ were you making in your prime? yeah, i mean, they made me _ were you making in your prime? yeah, i mean, they made me a _ were you making in your prime? yeah, i mean, they made me a copper - were you making in your prime? ie—u i mean, they made me a copper regime in 1980, which is a pretty powerful position. i was pretty fortunate to my new how to use that life to help me in business —— made a caporegime. i came up with a scheme with a partner to defraud on gas... which i did it now! ., ., , .

partner to defraud on gas... which i did it now!— we i did it now! you would be rich! we ran that operation _ did it now! you would be rich! we ran that operation for _ did it now! you would be rich! we ran that operation for about - did it now! you would be rich! we ran that operation for about eight! ran that operation for about eight years and we were bringing in, at the height of it, between 8— $10 million a week. the height of it, between 8- $10 million a week.— the height of it, between 8- $10 million a week. what do you mean re million a week. what do you mean pretty aggressive? _ million a week. what do you mean pretty aggressive? i _ million a week. what do you mean pretty aggressive? i was _ million a week. what do you mean pretty aggressive? i was an - pretty aggressive? i was an entrepreneur, _ pretty aggressive? i was an entrepreneur, i— pretty aggressive? i was an entrepreneur, i guess - pretty aggressive? i was an entrepreneur, i guess you i pretty aggressive? i was an - entrepreneur, i guess you could say. i looked to get involved and different things. i worked very hard. i was a seven—day working guy. and again i do have to that life to benefit —— new how to use that life to benefit me in business. i get that bit, to benefit me in business. i get that bit. but — to benefit me in business. i get that bit, but you _ to benefit me in business. i get that bit, but you controlled one quarter of new york, and you don't do that, you don't get that sort of turf without keeping other people off it. that is why i ask what you mean by pretty aggressive. ito. off it. that is why i ask what you mean by pretty aggressive. no, i think you- -- _ mean by pretty aggressive. no, i think youm i _ mean by pretty aggressive. no, i think you... i don't _ mean by pretty aggressive. no, i think you... i don't mean - mean by pretty aggressive. tip, i think you... i don't mean aggressive in a street violent way, i... but was there _ in a street violent way, i... but was there violence? _ in a street violent way, i... but was there violence? you cannot tell me honestly that you can control a turf without being violent. let me honestly that you can control a

turf without being violent.- turf without being violent. let me clarify something _ turf without being violent. let me clarify something for _ turf without being violent. let me clarify something for you - turf without being violent. let me clarify something for you and - clarify something for you and everybody else. when you take the oath of 0merta, that is not an oath that says you have to lie, kill, steal and cheat everybody, it is an oath of silence. you are never supposed to admit the life exists. let me be clear, i am not saying there is no violence in that life. obviously, there is, and if you are part of that life, you are part of the violence. but everything in business is not control by violence. we always thought it was better to try to get people in your confidence and work with them, and violence, at least in ourfamily, the and work with them, and violence, at least in our family, the columbo family that when he came to things like that was a last resort. i want to be clear on that, but i'm not skating the issue. yes, there is violence in that life, it is obvious, and if you are part of the life, you're part of that violence. it was not you? are there people not here because of directions you gave? listen, there's orders that you have

to follow in that life, and i want to follow in that life, and i want to make this clear also. the mob life, murder is taken very serious, it is notjust a random event that anybody can do, especially if you are a made guy. it is taken very seriously. there's always discussions about it. and only the boss can order it. it comes down from the top, at least from every case i experienced, it is always the boss that calls the shots on something like that. i boss that calls the shots on something like that.- boss that calls the shots on something like that. boss that calls the shots on somethin: like that. ., ., . ., something like that. i want to come to the book. — something like that. i want to come to the book, because _ something like that. i want to come to the book, because one _ something like that. i want to come to the book, because one of - something like that. i want to come to the book, because one of the - to the book, because one of the really interesting parts, the title mafia democracy, and you talk about the blurred lines between politics and the mafia life. how many people do you have to grease in the upper echelons of new york politics? the aood thin echelons of new york politics? tue: good thing is, they echelons of new york politics? tu2 good thing is, they were not reluctant to be greased at that time. it was pretty easy to get around politicians. they look for

two things, they look for votes and then look for money, and we controlled unions that gave them the votes and we had money when they needed it. so when you get corrupt politicians, and i want to make that clear, corrupt politicians, not those that were doing the right thing, it is not too difficult to have them do your bidding, but let me explain the mafia democracy stop we lived on the street, we had a very market —— machavelian ideology. monkey valley advised the prince in his book, the prince, it was, you can do anything you need to do, you can lie, you can cheat, you can still, you converted to maintain your kingdom, but to the outside world, you must appear upright, honest and having integrity, and i'm very sorry, but that's what i see in a lot of our politicians today and that's what i see in the system, and i'm being very bipartisan with this. the book is bipartisan. it's not

left, right, it's in the middle, and i am calling it as i see it, and unfortunately, our governors are operating very mob like, when you find out today that the head of the senate, schumer, went on national television and started calling out, and i mean really calling out, our, gosh, supreme courtjustices because they came down with the decision that he did not like, calling them out to the point where havoc is going to wreak on all of them, and today we find out there was a threat today we find out there was a threat to one of the supreme court justices. this kind of rhetoric on the top is very divisive, it trickles down to the bottom, it causes a lot of division in the country and it is irresponsible and unnecessary, but this whole power thing, this power trip many of them haveis thing, this power trip many of them have is extremely damaging and it is very mob like. in the mob, you want control and you want power, and that

is what i see many of these people doing. i is what i see many of these people doinu. is what i see many of these people doin i _ , ., ., is what i see many of these people doin. . ,., is what i see many of these people doing. i said that you turned states evidence and _ doing. i said that you turned states evidence and you _ doing. i said that you turned states evidence and you corrected - doing. i said that you turned states evidence and you corrected me - doing. i said that you turned states evidence and you corrected me on| evidence and you corrected me on that, so put it straight. how did you get out?— you get out? look, a couple of thins. you get out? look, a couple of things. number _ you get out? look, a couple of things. number one, - you get out? look, a couple of things. number one, because| you get out? look, a couple of| things. number one, because i you get out? look, a couple of - things. number one, because i did not turned states evidence and i did not testify against any of my former associates. in the long run, that have to me a lot, and when i walked away, everybody thought that i was going to be testifying because that's what people normally do —— helped me a lot. they say no, and then you see them on the witness stand after they've been processed into the witness production programme. i did not do that. what i did is, i left new york, i moved out to california, i took a plea to a racketeering charge against me, ten years sentence, i had a $50 million restitution, 5 million in forfeitures, moved out to california, did my eight years in prison, came out and try to start a new life with my wife. and, yeah, there was trouble. he boss my

family, who was very close with, put a contract on my life, the feds came to prison and said, yourfather came along with it, because my father was along with it, because my father was a prominent person in that life, and i had trouble for a couple of years until people realised that was not what i was doing, ijust wanted out of the life. and without getting into too much detail, look, i knew what the life very well, i knew with the guys would do, i do what they would not do, so i was able to protect myself, i was very disciplined in that. i never sold my former associates short, they are very capable, and after time, ijust outlasted them all. they are dead and i'm out in california, very blessed to be talking to you right now. �* ., _, , now. but with no contract in place? do ou now. but with no contract in place? do you look — now. but with no contract in place? do you look over _ now. but with no contract in place? do you look over your _ now. but with no contract in place? do you look over your shoulder - do you look over your shoulder still? i do you look over your shoulder still? ., �* ., ., ~ do you look over your shoulder still? ., �* ., , still? i don't look over my shoulder. _ still? i don't look over my shoulder, but _ still? i don't look over my shoulder, but let's - still? i don't look over my shoulder, but let's put - still? i don't look over my shoulder, but let's put it. still? i don't look over my i shoulder, but let's put it this still? i don't look over my - shoulder, but let's put it this way, i cannot go to brooklyn and say, hey, guys, iwant i cannot go to brooklyn and say, hey, guys, i want to move back into the neighbourhood. i believe in god, but god does not tell you to be stupid, so use your head! does

anybody actually come after me? no, and most of the guys that are there now, they are new guys. i have not bothered them and they have not bothered them and they have not bothered me, life goes on. tet. bothered them and they have not bothered me, life goes on. yet. it is a fascinating _ bothered me, life goes on. yet. it is a fascinating life _ bothered me, life goes on. yet. it is a fascinating life story, - bothered me, life goes on. yet. it is a fascinating life story, and - bothered me, life goes on. yet. it is a fascinating life story, and i'm| is a fascinating life story, and i'm sure people are very interested in what you have to say. we don't want to glorify it, because obviously there is some bad stuff in there, but you are putting that to good use now. you are a motivated speaker —— motivational speaker. now. you are a motivated speaker —— motivationalspeaker. i now. you are a motivated speaker —— motivational speaker. i know you're coming over to london. talk to us what the new career path is, what you are to do. what the new career path is, what you are to do-_ what the new career path is, what you are to do. very fortunate, when i not out you are to do. very fortunate, when i got out of — you are to do. very fortunate, when i got out of prison, _ you are to do. very fortunate, when i got out of prison, something - you are to do. very fortunate, when i got out of prison, something i - i got out of prison, something i never planned, but i was contacted first by all the pro sports leagues here to speak to athletes about the dangers of gambling, because i had a big dabbling operation on the street, and unfortunately many athletes were involved with us and, yes, they did compromise the outcome of a game, and from there, it moved to universities. i've spoken at over

350 throughout the country over the past 20 years, continue to do that, and then i started speaking in churches, giving my testimony, corporate events, and before you know it, i am speaking all over the world, and i will say this. there is a true mendis interest in the genre, the mob genre all over the world, and that is mainly because of the media and hollywood any kind of product they push out, and so i enjoyed some success in that regard, but along with that, i started to really work with our youth, a lot of these gang bangers who have lost their way and you need to be straightened out, and because i have quit ability from a life that i lead, we have been able to help some kids along the way —— i have credibility. i am very grateful and thankful for that. hopefully that will continue. i5 thankful for that. hopefully that will continue.— will continue. is it true that one of the goodfellas _ will continue. is it true that one of the goodfellas characters - will continue. is it true that one of the goodfellas characters is l of the goodfellas characters is based on you? it of the goodfellas characters is based on you?— of the goodfellas characters is based on you? it is true. i was blindsided _ based on you? it is true. i was blindsided by _ based on you? it is true. i was blindsided by that _ based on you? it is true. i was blindsided by that when - based on you? it is true. i was blindsided by that when i - based on you? it is true. i was i blindsided by that when i went to see the movie, because that was a different crew, but i knew henry

helprin he well, i knew different crew, but i knew henry helprin he well, i kneinmmy burke pretty well, and asked the writer, i said, why did you stick me in there? he said, michael, you had name value and they all knew you, so i put you in there. i said, think salade. that is the reason. it was all different families. ~ . ., is the reason. it was all different families. ~ . . ., , families. michael franzese, fascinating. _ families. michael franzese, fascinating. good _ families. michael franzese, fascinating. good to - families. michael franzese, fascinating. good to hear. families. michael franzese, - fascinating. good to hear you're putting it to good use now. appreciated, and hopefully we'll see you at the premierejuly appreciated, and hopefully we'll see you at the premiere july two. appreciated, and hopefully we'll see you at the premierejuly two. you you at the premiere july two. you have pointed _ you at the premiere july two. you have pointed out _ you at the premiere july two. you have pointed out there, so we will be watching. thanks very much. thank ou, take be watching. thanks very much. thank you. take care- — one comment on that. incredible to listen to. you don't hear that sort of testimony from a former mob boss, but what about the rhetoric, the divisive rhetoric, the mob liked rhetoric, that is causing a lot of the trouble that we see today, the division in society? do you agree with him on that?—

with him on that? absolutely, i auree, with him on that? absolutely, i agree. and _ with him on that? absolutely, i agree. and i— with him on that? absolutely, i agree, and i have _ with him on that? absolutely, i agree, and i have two - with him on that? absolutely, i agree, and i have two words i with him on that? absolutely, i| agree, and i have two words for with him on that? absolutely, i. agree, and i have two words for you — january agree, and i have two words for you —january 6. agree, and i have two words for you — january 6. we saw people come to washington, dc to really overthrow the government, and i was at the call of a number of elected officials who said that, sure, come on and do it, practically. i thought it was interesting that he talked about the supreme court when, you talk about ob style tactics, you have a wife of a supreme court justice, clarence thomas, who literally is one of the individuals who was calling for people to come overthrow the government. so, yeah, i think what he has to say is very valid, and unfortunately it is often times a reality here in american politics. times a reality here in american olitics. ., times a reality here in american olitics. . . , . ., . politics. yeah, justice clarence thomas's _ politics. yeah, justice clarence thomas's wife's _ politics. yeah, justice clarence thomas's wife's letter i politics. yeah, justice clarence thomas's wife's letter will i politics. yeah, justice clarence thomas's wife's letter will be l politics. yeah, justice clarence i thomas's wife's letter will be part of the testimony on tomorrow's programme the moment we discussion ore six. —— discussion onjanuary 6. well, that's enough from me. as we do each night, let's turn it over. it's time for the panel.

i was off last week, but i was reading your twitter feed, your twitter meltdown, as you try to make your way back from tuscany! i understand you want to talk about travel tonight. i’m understand you want to talk about travel tonight.— traveltonight. i'm really sorry, but it is a _ traveltonight. i'm really sorry, but it is a complete _ traveltonight. i'm really sorry, but it is a complete nightmare! traveltonight. i'm really sorry, i but it is a complete nightmare! on 70 different levels. what the airlines — 70 different levels. what the airlines have done, which is they fired _ airlines have done, which is they fired everybody during the pandemic, and then_ fired everybody during the pandemic, and then completely for some reason failed _ and then completely for some reason failed to— and then completely for some reason failed to realise that everyone was going _ failed to realise that everyone was going to _ failed to realise that everyone was going to want to go on holidays as soon _ going to want to go on holidays as soon as— going to want to go on holidays as soon as the — going to want to go on holidays as soon as the research is lifted, and theyiust — soon as the research is lifted, and theyjust don't have enough people —— restriction were lifted. the daily— —— restriction were lifted. the daily mail. _ —— restriction were lifted. the daily mail, an anonymous air stewardess — i do not think i need to call— stewardess — i do not think i need to call them — stewardess — i do not think i need to callthem air stewardess — i do not think i need to call them air stewardess any more! — to call them air stewardess any more! just detailing the nightmare of having _ more! just detailing the nightmare of having to deal with furious people. _ of having to deal with furious people, is families, their bosses trying _ people, is families, their bosses trying to— people, is families, their bosses trying to call them into double shifts. — trying to call them into double shifts, and i feel so sorry for the

people _ shifts, and i feel so sorry for the people who work in these airlines, because _ people who work in these airlines, because it — people who work in these airlines, because it is not their fault is such— because it is not their fault is such a — because it is not their fault is such a mess, but particular for travellers, _ such a mess, but particular for travellers, because you are being made _ travellers, because you are being made to— travellers, because you are being made to feel guilty for wanting to id made to feel guilty for wanting to go on _ made to feel guilty for wanting to go on holiday, and you've made your money and _ go on holiday, and you've made your money and you should be able to go on holiday. — money and you should be able to go on holiday, and it is not a crime to want _ on holiday, and it is not a crime to want to— on holiday, and it is not a crime to want to have — on holiday, and it is not a crime to want to have a week off!— want to have a week off! grant sha -s want to have a week off! grant shapps says — want to have a week off! grant shapps says they _ want to have a week off! grant shapps says they have i want to have a week off! grant shapps says they have taken l want to have a week off! grant| shapps says they have taken to want to have a week off! grant i shapps says they have taken to any bookings, and the airline bosses have said, you don't understand, because we did not know when the restrictions would be completely removed, we did not know how much flying we would be doing, so we were not in a position to hire staff back. ., , ., , , back. there are problems with the airline staff. _ back. there are problems with the airline staff, because _ back. there are problems with the airline staff, because they i back. there are problems with the airline staff, because they have i back. there are problems with the airline staff, because they have to| airline staff, because they have to be vetted — airline staff, because they have to be vetted for security reasons and that takes — be vetted for security reasons and that takes weeks, but they should a factor— that takes weeks, but they should a factor that— that takes weeks, but they should a factor that all in. and besides, they— factor that all in. and besides, they have _ factor that all in. and besides, they have people on their books they can call— they have people on their books they can call up— they have people on their books they can call up and reactivate. i think the airline — can call up and reactivate. i think the airline bosses are being disingenuous. they must have known this was— disingenuous. they must have known this was going to happen, they must have known, and the problem is, they are charging _ have known, and the problem is, they are charging a fortune. i had three cups— are charging a fortune. i had three cups of— are charging a fortune. i had three cups of tea — are charging a fortune. i had three cups of tea on an easyjet flight home — cups of tea on an easyjet flight home from pisa it was 9 euros!

ridiculous! _ home from pisa it was 9 euros! ridiculous! a total shambles! laughter cost of living, travel... laughter cost of livina , travel... �* cost of living, travel... and the -roblem cost of living, travel... and the problem is. _ cost of living, travel... and the problem is. you _ cost of living, travel... and the problem is, you cannot i cost of living, travel... and the problem is, you cannot catch i cost of living, travel... and the | problem is, you cannot catch the train _ problem is, you cannot catch the train any— problem is, you cannot catch the train any more, because there are all these — train any more, because there are all these train strikes. are train any more, because there are all these train strikes.— train any more, because there are all these train strikes. are you not havin: all these train strikes. are you not having these _ all these train strikes. are you not having these problems _ all these train strikes. are you not having these problems in - all these train strikes. are you not| having these problems in america, stefanie? the having these problems in america, stefanie? ., , having these problems in america, stefanie? ._ ., having these problems in america, stefanie? . , . , having these problems in america, stefanie? . , . stefanie? the way airline prices are set u- in stefanie? the way airline prices are set up in america _ stefanie? the way airline prices are set up in america these _ stefanie? the way airline prices are set up in america these days, i stefanie? the way airline prices are set up in america these days, it i stefanie? the way airline prices are set up in america these days, it is i set up in america these days, it is amazing to me people are still travelling! what used to be a maybe 200 on the ticket to go to somewhere in our away is now 500, $600? yeah, we are definitely having this issue. —— one hour away. latte we are definitely having this issue. -- one hour away.— -- one hour away. we are not travelling, we _ -- one hour away. we are not travelling, we are _ -- one hour away. we are not travelling, we are stuck i -- one hour away. we are not l travelling, we are stuck through -- one hour away. we are not i travelling, we are stuck through the summer. tell me what you want to talk about, stefanie, go on. picture this. you talk about, stefanie, go on. picture this- you get _ talk about, stefanie, go on. picture this. you get some _ talk about, stefanie, go on. picture this. you get some tickets - talk about, stefanie, go on. picture this. you get some tickets to i talk about, stefanie, go on. picture this. you get some tickets to go i talk about, stefanie, go on. picture this. you get some tickets to go to | disneyland paris, with your girlfriend, and you have been waiting five months to propose at

disneyland paris, you're so excited, you give her the ring, and guess what — a park employee, comes ruin the moment, it tells you to leave. the fact is happened at disneyland paris last week... you are looking to get engaged and literally this park employee ruined the couple, who say they never want to go back to disneyland, which is supposed to be the happiest place on earth! let disneyland, which is supposed to be the happiest place on earth!- the happiest place on earth! let me -la the the happiest place on earth! let me play the clip- _ the happiest place on earth! let me play the clip- l've — the happiest place on earth! let me play the clip. i've got _ the happiest place on earth! let me play the clip. i've got the _ the happiest place on earth! let me play the clip. i've got the clip. i cheering yes, that's great, but over- here is going to be even better! booing no, no, no! i don't understand why the were no, no, no! i don't understand why they were not _ no, no, no! i don't understand why they were not allowed _ no, no, no! i don't understand why they were not allowed to _ no, no, no! i don't understand why they were not allowed to do i no, no, no! i don't understand why they were not allowed to do that! l they were not allowed to do that! what _ they were not allowed to do that! what possible obstruction or danger were they causing!—

what possible obstruction or danger. were they causing!- nothing, were they causing! nothing! nothing, the were were they causing! nothing! nothing, they were just — were they causing! nothing! nothing, they were just standing _ were they causing! nothing! nothing, they were just standing there! i were they causing! nothing! nothing, they were just standing there! they i they were 'ust standing there! they were they were just standing there! they were standing _ they were just standing there! they were standing on _ they were just standing there! they were standing on the _ they were just standing there! tu2 were standing on the wrong piece they were just standing there! tu21 were standing on the wrong piece of pink pavement. i am looking at the reaction on twitter — "you have no human decency!" people are incandescent! and disney have apologised! i incandescent! and disney have apologised!— apologised! i think it was an interesting _ apologised! i think it was an interesting christmas i apologised! i think it was an i interesting christmas present, that is for sure. disneyland paris, maybe not my first choice for a proposal site! ., not my first choice for a proposal site! 2, 2, not my first choice for a proposal site! ., ., ., site! you would not get there an a ! site! you would not get there anyway! but _ site! you would not get there anyway! but i _ site! you would not get there anyway! but i hear— site! you would not get there anyway! but i hear you. i. site! you would not get there anyway! but i hear you. i get| site! you would not get there i anyway! but i hear you. i get you. you might have heard one of kate bush's best known tracks — running up that hill — quite a lot over the past couple of weeks! and that is because it features in the fourth season of the popular netflix drama stranger things, and suddenly it is undergoing something of a renaissance with gen z, a new generation of young fans who are suddenly realising that in the '80s, their parents were into some quite decent music. and on the back of stranger things,

kate bush has earned her first ever us top 10, 37 years after the song was released — which is truly amazing to me. i mean, where on earth were the americans in the '80s? anyway, here's a clip. # i'd make a deal with god # and i'd get him to swap our places # be running up that road be running up that hill # be running up that building... # i don't want a letter! we're right here! i'm right here. please tell me you have heard that before, stefanie?— please tell me you have heard that before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger thins of before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger things of the — before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger things of the sin, _ before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger things of the sin, i _ before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger things of the sin, i in _ before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger things of the sin, i in 80s _ before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger things of the sin, i in 80s baby i before, stefanie? yeah, on stranger things of the sin, i in 80s baby by i things of the sin, i in 80s baby by love all things 80s and i love this song now because of stranger things. i was so happy they put it on the show! kate bush is notoriously media shy, so there was no chance of booking her. but we have the next best thing, mandy watson,

who is a kate bush tribute act, part of cloudbusting: the music of kate bush. welcome to the programme. this is brilliant for you! you can go on tour to america now, you will be the best thing since sliced bread! maybe, maybe, but! best thing since sliced bread! maybe, maybe, but i must say, in the end cloudbusting _ maybe, maybe, but i must say, in the end cloudbusting for— maybe, maybe, but i must say, in the end cloudbusting for the _ maybe, maybe, but i must say, in the end cloudbusting for the last- maybe, maybe, but i must say, in the end cloudbusting for the last ten i end cloudbusting for the last ten years— end cloudbusting for the last ten years we — end cloudbusting for the last ten years we have _ end cloudbusting for the last ten years we have been _ end cloudbusting for the last ten years we have been performing, | end cloudbusting for the last ten i years we have been performing, we have been— years we have been performing, we have been like _ years we have been performing, we have been like max _ years we have been performing, we have been like max in _ years we have been performing, we have been like max in stranger- have been like max in stranger things — have been like max in stranger things we _ have been like max in stranger things. we have _ have been like max in stranger things. we have been- have been like max in stranger things. we have been in- have been like max in stranger things. we have been in this . things. we have been in this parallel— things. we have been in this parallel universe _ things. we have been in this parallel universe because i things. we have been in this parallel universe because we things. we have been in this i parallel universe because we eat, breathe _ parallel universe because we eat, breathe and — parallel universe because we eat, breathe and sleep _ parallel universe because we eat, breathe and sleep kate _ parallel universe because we eat, breathe and sleep kate bush- parallel universe because we eat, i breathe and sleep kate bush anyway and we _ breathe and sleep kate bush anyway and we think— breathe and sleep kate bush anyway and we think everyone _ breathe and sleep kate bush anyway and we think everyone talks - breathe and sleep kate bush anyway and we think everyone talks about . and we think everyone talks about her all— and we think everyone talks about her all the — and we think everyone talks about her all the time _ and we think everyone talks about her all the time anyway, - and we think everyone talks about her all the time anyway, so... i and we think everyone talks aboutl her all the time anyway, so... how has this come _ her all the time anyway, so... how has this come about! _ her all the time anyway, so... how has this come about! we _ her all the time anyway, so... iiu-a. has this come about! we don't her all the time anyway, so...- has this come about! we don't hear her all the time anyway, so..- has this come about! we don't hear a lot from kate bush, she is a very private person. did she have a particular interest in this netflix series? ., , v particular interest in this netflix series? . , �*, . , particular interest in this netflix series? . , �*, . series? yeah, she's recently spoken about the fact _ series? yeah, she's recently spoken about the fact that _ series? yeah, she's recently spoken about the fact that her _ series? yeah, she's recently spoken about the fact that her family - series? yeah, she's recently spoken about the fact that her family have l about the fact that her family have always _ about the fact that her family have always loved — about the fact that her family have always loved this _ about the fact that her family have always loved this series, _ about the fact that her family have always loved this series, and - about the fact that her family have always loved this series, and i- always loved this series, and i think— always loved this series, and i think if— always loved this series, and i think if you _ always loved this series, and i think if you go _ always loved this series, and i think if you go back— always loved this series, and i think if you go back through . always loved this series, and i. think if you go back through her back— think if you go back through her back catalogue, _ think if you go back through her back catalogue, a _ think if you go back through her back catalogue, a lot _ think if you go back through her back catalogue, a lot of - think if you go back through her back catalogue, a lot of her - think if you go back through her. back catalogue, a lot of her music has been — back catalogue, a lot of her music has been influenced _ back catalogue, a lot of her music has been influenced by— back catalogue, a lot of her music has been influenced by tv. - back catalogue, a lot of her music has been influenced by tv. even i back catalogue, a lot of her music. has been influenced by tv. even the one that _ has been influenced by tv. even the one that started _ has been influenced by tv. even the one that started the _ has been influenced by tv. even the one that started the whole - has been influenced by tv. even the one that started the whole thing, i one that started the whole thing, wuthering — one that started the whole thing, wuthering heights _ one that started the whole thing, wuthering heights and _ one that started the whole thing, wuthering heights and 78, - one that started the whole thing, wuthering heights and 78, the i one that started the whole thing, . wuthering heights and 78, the year before, _ wuthering heights and 78, the year before, she — wuthering heights and 78, the year before, she saw_ wuthering heights and 78, the year before, she saw the _ wuthering heights and 78, the year before, she saw the very—

wuthering heights and 78, the year before, she saw the very end - wuthering heights and 78, the year before, she saw the very end of - before, she saw the very end of the tv programme _ before, she saw the very end of the tv programme of— before, she saw the very end of the tv programme of emily— before, she saw the very end of the tv programme of emily bronte's i before, she saw the very end of the . tv programme of emily bronte's book wuthering _ tv programme of emily bronte's book wuthering heights _ tv programme of emily bronte's book wuthering heights and _ tv programme of emily bronte's book wuthering heights and that _ tv programme of emily bronte's book wuthering heights and that inspired l wuthering heights and that inspired her to— wuthering heights and that inspired her to write — wuthering heights and that inspired her to write the _ wuthering heights and that inspired her to write the single, _ wuthering heights and that inspired her to write the single, so _ wuthering heights and that inspired her to write the single, so i- wuthering heights and that inspired her to write the single, so i think. her to write the single, so i think she has_ her to write the single, so i think she has always _ her to write the single, so i think she has always been _ her to write the single, so i think she has always been influenced i her to write the single, so i think- she has always been influenced by tv and people _ she has always been influenced by tv and people and i_ she has always been influenced by tv and people and i think— she has always been influenced by tv and people and i think that— she has always been influenced by tv and people and i think that the - and people and i think that the dutter— and people and i think that the duffer brothers _ and people and i think that the duffer brothers have _ and people and i think that the duffer brothers have got - and people and i think that the duffer brothers have got great| and people and i think that the - duffer brothers have got great taste in asking _ duffer brothers have got great taste in asking to — duffer brothers have got great taste in asking to use _ duffer brothers have got great taste in asking to use it. _ duffer brothers have got great taste in asking to use it.— in asking to use it. sarah, are you a kate bush _ in asking to use it. sarah, are you a kate bush fan? _ in asking to use it. sarah, are you a kate bush fan? everyone - in asking to use it. sarah, are you a kate bush fan? everyone is - in asking to use it. sarah, are you a kate bush fan? everyone is a i in asking to use it. sarah, are you l a kate bush fan? everyone is a kate bush fan! i— a kate bush fan? everyone is a kate bush fan! i am _ a kate bush fan? everyone is a kate bush fan! i am a _ a kate bush fan? everyone is a kate bush fan! i am a very _ a kate bush fan? everyone is a kate bush fan! i am a very good - a kate bush fan? everyone is a kate bush fan! i am a very good kate - a kate bush fan? everyone is a kate. bush fan! i am a very good kate bush impersonator after two classes of one! i_ impersonator after two classes of one! i love it but the great and about — one! i love it but the great and about this _ one! i love it but the great and about this is i started watching stranger things about one week ago with my— stranger things about one week ago with my daughter because this song went back— with my daughter because this song went back into the charge, and i am now through — went back into the charge, and i am now through series two and it is good _ now through series two and it is good it— now through series two and it is good it is— now through series two and it is good. it is bonkers, a bit like kate bush, _ good. it is bonkers, a bit like kate bush. i_ good. it is bonkers, a bit like kate bush. i do — good. it is bonkers, a bit like kate bush, i do not think that is a rude thing _ bush, i do not think that is a rude thing to say, _ bush, i do not think that is a rude thing to say, but it is a really good — thing to say, but it is a really good series and i would suggest people — good series and i would suggest people watch it.— good series and i would suggest people watch it. what is amazing to

me is that she _ people watch it. what is amazing to me is that she is _ people watch it. what is amazing to me is that she is not _ people watch it. what is amazing to me is that she is not in _ people watch it. what is amazing to me is that she is not in the - people watch it. what is amazing to me is that she is not in the us - me is that she is not in the us rock and roll hall of fame. why did she not conquer, mandy, the us tour, like eltonjohn or george michael or freddie? why did she not make a success in america? i freddie? why did she not make a success in america?— freddie? why did she not make a success in america? i cannot speak for her, success in america? i cannot speak for her. but — success in america? i cannot speak for her. but as _ success in america? i cannot speak for her, but as a _ success in america? i cannot speak for her, but as a fan, _ success in america? i cannot speak for her, but as a fan, the _ success in america? i cannot speak for her, but as a fan, the fact - success in america? i cannot speak for her, but as a fan, the fact that i for her, but as a fan, the fact that she is very— for her, but as a fan, the fact that she is very much _ for her, but as a fan, the fact that she is very much a _ for her, but as a fan, the fact that she is very much a studio - for her, but as a fan, the fact that she is very much a studio based . she is very much a studio based artist, _ she is very much a studio based artist, it— she is very much a studio based artist, it is— she is very much a studio based artist, it is like _ she is very much a studio based artist, it is like someone - she is very much a studio based| artist, it is like someone writing an amazing _ artist, it is like someone writing an amazing novel. _ artist, it is like someone writing an amazing novel. you - artist, it is like someone writing an amazing novel. you will- artist, it is like someone writing an amazing novel. you will not i artist, it is like someone writing i an amazing novel. you will not see them _ an amazing novel. you will not see them in _ an amazing novel. you will not see them in water— an amazing novel. you will not see them in water stems _ an amazing novel. you will not see them in water stems every- an amazing novel. you will not see them in water stems every week . them in water stems every week reading — them in water stems every week reading to — them in water stems every week reading to her— them in water stems every week reading to her fans. _ them in water stems every week reading to her fans. she - them in water stems every week reading to her fans. she writes. reading to her fans. she writes music, — reading to her fans. she writes music, she _ reading to her fans. she writes music, she works _ reading to her fans. she writes music, she works through - reading to her fans. she writes music, she works through the i reading to her fans. she writes- music, she works through the layers, she takes— music, she works through the layers, she takes her— music, she works through the layers, she takes her time, _ music, she works through the layers, she takes her time, she _ music, she works through the layers, she takes her time, she produces - music, she works through the layers, she takes her time, she produces it. she takes her time, she produces it and hopes— she takes her time, she produces it and hopes that _ she takes her time, she produces it and hopes that people _ she takes her time, she produces it and hopes that people like - she takes her time, she produces it and hopes that people like it, - she takes her time, she produces it and hopes that people like it, and i| and hopes that people like it, and i do not _ and hopes that people like it, and i do not think— and hopes that people like it, and i do not think it _ and hopes that people like it, and i do not think it was _ and hopes that people like it, and i do not think it was her— and hopes that people like it, and i do not think it was her aim - and hopes that people like it, and i do not think it was her aim to - do not think it was her aim to conquer— do not think it was her aim to conquer america. _ do not think it was her aim to conquer america. it- do not think it was her aim to conquer america. it is- do not think it was her aim to conquer america. it is a - do not think it was her aim to conquer america. it is a vasti conquer america. it is a vast continent _ conquer america. it is a vast continent as _ conquer america. it is a vast continent as it _ conquer america. it is a vast continent as it is _ conquer america. it is a vast continent as it is anyway, i conquer america. it is a vasti continent as it is anyway, but conquer america. it is a vast. continent as it is anyway, but i think— continent as it is anyway, but i think at— continent as it is anyway, but i think at the _ continent as it is anyway, but i think at the time, _ continent as it is anyway, but i think at the time, she - continent as it is anyway, but i think at the time, she was - continent as it is anyway, but i - think at the time, she was working so hard _ think at the time, she was working so hard on — think at the time, she was working so hard on her— think at the time, she was working so hard on her next _ think at the time, she was working so hard on her next album, - think at the time, she was working so hard on her next album, i- think at the time, she was working so hard on her next album, i think| so hard on her next album, i think she did _ so hard on her next album, i think she did go — so hard on her next album, i think she did go over— so hard on her next album, i think she did go over to _ so hard on her next album, i think she did go over to the states- so hard on her next album, i think she did go over to the states in. so hard on her next album, i thinki she did go over to the states in the 80s to _ she did go over to the states in the 80s to promote _ she did go over to the states in the 80s to promote house _ she did go over to the states in the 80s to promote house of- she did go over to the states in the 80s to promote house of love, . she did go over to the states in the i 80s to promote house of love, which came _ 80s to promote house of love, which came out— 80s to promote house of love, which came out in— 80s to promote house of love, which

came out in 1985, _ 80s to promote house of love, which came out in 1985, but— 80s to promote house of love, which came out in 1985, but i— 80s to promote house of love, which came out in 1985, but i was— 80s to promote house of love, which came out in 1985, but i was not- 80s to promote house of love, which came out in 1985, but i was not her. came out in 1985, but i was not her goal her— came out in 1985, but i was not her goal hertarget— came out in 1985, but i was not her goal. her target was _ came out in 1985, but i was not her goal. her target was working - came out in 1985, but i was not her goal. her target was working on . goal. her target was working on creating — goal. her target was working on creating music— goal. her target was working on creating music —— _ goal. her target was working on creating music —— that - goal. her target was working on creating music —— that was - goal. her target was working on creating music —— that was not. goal. her target was working on . creating music —— that was not her goal _ creating music —— that was not her goal ithink— creating music —— that was not her goal. i think this _ creating music —— that was not her goal. i think this is... _ creating music —— that was not her goal. i think this is... back- creating music —— that was not her goal. i think this is... back in 85, i goal. i think this is... back in 85, as a _ goal. i think this is... back in 85, as a teenager, probably- goal. i think this is... back in 85, as a teenager, probably many- goal. i think this is... back in 85, i as a teenager, probably many of our parents. we did— as a teenager, probably many of our parents, we did not— as a teenager, probably many of our parents, we did not like _ as a teenager, probably many of our parents, we did not like their- parents, we did not like their music, — parents, we did not like their music, but— parents, we did not like their music, but as _ parents, we did not like their music, but as the _ parents, we did not like their music, but as the generation| parents, we did not like their. music, but as the generation 2 generation, _ music, but as the generation 2 generation, it— music, but as the generation 2 generation, it is _ music, but as the generation 2 generation, it is cool- music, but as the generation 2 generation, it is cool to- music, but as the generation 2 generation, it is cool to be - generation, it is cool to be old—school, isn't— generation, it is cool to be old—school, isn't it? - generation, it is cool to be old—school, isn't it? [- generation, it is coolto be old-school, isn't it? i have said all along. _ old-school, isn't it? i have said all along. l— old-school, isn't it? i have said all along. i say _ old-school, isn't it? i have said all along, i say that _ old-school, isn't it? i have said all along, i say that to - old-school, isn't it? i have said all along, i say that to my - old-school, isn't it? i have said all along, i say that to my kids. old-school, isn't it? i have said - all along, i say that to my kids. my whole playlist is too cool for school! stefanie and sarah, thank you. amanda, you are going to sing us out of the programme, which i'm impressed with, because you have no backing. you have 30 seconds. no kate bush, but here is amanda watson. are you going to sing running up that hill? i watson. are you going to sing running up that hill?- watson. are you going to sing running up that hill? i will give it a co. running up that hill? i will give it a 90- there _ running up that hill? i will give it a go. there were _ running up that hill? i will give it a go. there were five _ running up that hill? i will give it a go. there were five of— running up that hill? i will give it a go. there were five of us. - running up that hill? i will give it a go. there were five of us. 30 i a go. there were five of us. 30 seconds. _ a go. there were five of us. seconds, off you go. # it doesn't hurt me

# it doesn't hurt me # you _ # it doesn't hurt me # you want - # it doesn't hurt me # you want to - # it doesn't hurt me # you want to feel i # it doesn't hurt me i # you want to feel how # it doesn't hurt me - # you want to feel how it # it doesn't hurt me _ # you want to feel how it feels # you want to feel how it feels # you — # you want to feel how it feels # you want _ # you want to feel how it feels # you want to— # you want to feel how it feels # you want to know, _ # you want to feel how it feels # you want to know, know- # you want to feel how it feels| # you want to know, know that # you want to feel how it feels . # you want to know, know that it does _ # you want to know, know that it does not — # you want to know, know that it does not hurt _ # you want to know, know that it does not hurt me _ does not hurt me # _ does not hurt me # you _ does not hurt me # you want - does not hurt me # you want to i does not hurt me . # you want to hear does not hurt me - # you want to hear about does not hurt me _ # you want to hear about the deal that i'm _ # you want to hear about the deal that i'm making? _ good morning. wednesday was certainly a day of contrasting conditions. if you managed to keep the sunshine, you also had some warmth. it was very pleasant out there. in fact, we saw a high of 23.5 celsius in london through wednesday afternoon. but there were some showers, and if you got caught in one or two of them, you would certainly know about it. they were heavy with hail and thunder at times. in fact, if we take a look back at wednesday, we had some fairly persistent rain throughout the day moving through central and northern scotland and a cluster of showers piling in behind. some of those, as i say, heavy and thundery. those showers tending to fade away as we speak, and we keep some clear skies over the next few hours across central and southern england, a little bit of nuisance cloud further north with an

odd isolated shower. but it will be a relatively mild start to thursday morning, temperatures holding up, 10—12 celsius. the best of the sunshine certainly across central and southern parts of england first thing in the morning. we'll see cloud and light, patchy rain gathering in from the west. that's going to drift its way steadily eastwards, so eventually the sunshine being nibbled away with cloud as it moves its way steadily eastwards. we'll keep some light rain and some misty, murky conditions along west—facing coasts, the highest temperatures where we see the best of the sunshine — 22 degrees, 72 fahrenheit. and it's certainly worth bearing in mind if you are a hay fever sufferer that where we've got that sunshine, grass pollen is now reaching its peak, so very high levels of pollen expected through the course of the afternoon. so, if we move out of thursday into friday, we've got this area of low pressure. it is the ex—tropical storm alex, the remnants of that storm bringing some windy conditions to the far north and west but also some warmth, as it's a south—westerly wind to go with it.

so we keep a cluster of showers and winds perhaps gusting in excess of 40—50 mph in exposed coasts. but across much of england and wales, with some sunshine coming through, a breezy afternoon but warm with it. we could see highs of 23 degrees. that low pressure just drifts to the north of scotland, so we still keep the squeeze in the isobars, the strongest of the winds here, but high pressure is starting to build in from the southwest, calming things down quite nicely. so, yes, some showers to the north and west and still a fresh breeze to contend with, but an improving picture as we go through the weekend.

tonight at 10:00pm, as petrol prices keep rising, a prediction that tomorrow it could cost an unprecedented £100 to fill a typical family car. the numbers keep going up, pushed by the war in ukraine and moves to cut europe's dependence on russian oil. it's heartbreaking, believe me. it's shocking. another day i went a little bit outside the city and i paid, like, £2 per litre. iwas like... big surprise, yeah. and misery for rail travellers, as the rmt union announces a series of walk—outs over pay linked to the rising cost of living. we'll be looking at the intense pressures at home and abroad that are driving up prices and leading to industrial strife. also tonight... video footage emerges of patients

being warned of a 13—hour wait