tom. n0 tom. no doubt you'll be you, tom. no doubt you'll be sticking around on gb news the remainder of the day. tonia buxton thank you, mike parry. thank you. thank for all of your messages. i barely got through them . lots more to come on gp them. lots more to come on gp news today. here is the news with . bethany . five, thank you. with. bethany. five, thank you. and a very morning to you. it's just gone midday on bethany elsey with your top stories from the gb newsroom and some breaking news, nicholas sturgeon has resigned as first minister of scotland after eight years in power . speaking at an urgent power. speaking at an urgent press conference at beach house in edinburgh, mr. said she was proud to have served as the first female and longest serving first female and longest serving first minister of scotland . ms. first minister of scotland. ms. sturgeon acknowledged that the move might seem sudden , but move might seem sudden, but denied it was due to short pressures and said she's been wrestling with it for some weeks . to those who do feel shocked ,

. to those who do feel shocked, disappointed , perhaps even a bit disappointed, perhaps even a bit angry with me , please know that angry with me, please know that while hard to be in no doubt, this is really hard for me . my this is really hard for me. my decision comes from a place of duty and of love . tough love, duty and of love. tough love, perhaps , but love nevertheless perhaps, but love nevertheless for my party and above all, for the country . the labour leader the country. the labour leader has apologised on behalf of the party for its handling of anti—semitism and complaints under his predecessor , jeremy under his predecessor, jeremy corbyn. sir keir starmer also confirmed mr. corbyn will not stand labour at the next general election . it comes as the election. it comes as the equality and human rights commission announced it will end its monitoring of the party after two years. the watchdog demanded labour make changes after finding it response both unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination in relation to antisemitism . to all those who antisemitism. to all those who were hurt. to all those who were let down. to all those driven

out of our party. who no longer felt it was their home, who suffered the most appalling abuse. today, on behalf the entire labour party , i say sorry entire labour party, i say sorry . what you've been through could never be undone . apologies alone never be undone. apologies alone make it right. never be undone. apologies alone make it right . the chancellor make it right. the chancellor jeremy hunt says the fight to reduce inflation is far from oven reduce inflation is far from over. despite the rate decrease for the third consecutive month , data from the office for national statistics shows the consumer price index fell to 10.1% in january, down from 10.5% in december. the drop was largely due to the price of fuel and transport slowing a poorly and transport slowing a poorly and a girl, both aged 15, have been remanded . youth detention been remanded. youth detention charged with the murder of a 16 year old girl who was stabbed to death in cheshire. a gi from warrington was seriously injured on a paving to near a park on

saturday afternoon. she died a short time later. cheshire police says are exploring whether the teen he was transgender was the victim of a hate crime. the two teenagers will appear at liverpool crown court on thursday . a 19 month court on thursday. a 19 month old girl has been treated for a fatal genetic disease. with the world's most expensive drug, teddy shaw, from suffers from a rare inherited disease called m l d which causes serious damage to the nervous system and organs dramatically cutting life expectancy . she is the first expectancy. she is the first person in the uk be given the treatment which has a list . of treatment which has a list. of £28 million. school unions warning the education secretary must make teachers a concrete pay must make teachers a concrete pay offer to prevent further strikes going ahead in england. gillian keegan will meet union leaders today in a bid to resolve the dispute . the resolve the dispute. the national education union is

planning action in england well as in wales this month and next, as in wales this month and next, a british man who died in. ukraine has been named by his family as jonathan jenkin from . family as jonathan jenkin from. a family tribute on social media said mr. shenton died as a hero in an act of bravery as a paramedic . he in an act of bravery as a paramedic. he is in an act of bravery as a paramedic . he is the eighth paramedic. he is the eighth british national known to have died in the country since russia's of ukraine began last yeah russia's of ukraine began last year. the uk foreign office says it's supporting the family and it's supporting the family and it's in contact with local authorities on the ground . the authorities on the ground. the white house now says it doesn't think three high altitude objects that were shot down by the military the weekend are unked the military the weekend are linked to china . one object was linked to china. one object was downed over another over canada's yukon territory and a third was shot down over huron in michigan . third was shot down over huron in michigan. us third was shot down over huron in michigan . us intelligence in michigan. us intelligence believes , the unidentified believes, the unidentified objects could be commercial and that they're likely benign. it's

concerns they could have been unked concerns they could have been linked to a suspected chinese spy linked to a suspected chinese spy balloon that was shot down off the coast of south carolina. 11 days ago . and as we've just 11 days ago. and as we've just been hearing in the last 15 minutes or so, lancashire say there is still no evidence to indicate a criminal aspect or third party involvement . nicola third party involvement. nicola police disappearance . mr. lee police disappearance. mr. lee disappeared 918 days ago while walking her dog in the village of st michaels on rye, lancashire , after she dropped lancashire, after she dropped her two daughters, aged six and nine, at school . the police say nine, at school. the police say they visited more 300 premises, spoken to almost 300 people and received around 1500 pieces of information in relation to the search . you're up to date gb search. you're up to date gb news. we'll bring you more news . it happens. so now it's back to .

to. mark welcome to gb news live with the major political news you this lunchtime nicola sturgeon saying she will resign or stand down after more than eight years as scotland first minister. she said she no longer felt she could give the job all and that she was only human. that she needed to regain her life back. she also went on to say that scotland in a better place than when she took over back in 2014. but now is the time for new leadership. she let's remind ourselves of she had to say before scotland is in my admittedly biased opinion , the admittedly biased opinion, the very best job in the world. it is a privilege beyond measure one that has sustained and inspired me in good times and through the toughest hours of my toughest days. i are proud to stand here as the first female

and longest serving incumbent out of this office . and i am out of this office. and i am very proud of what has been achieved in the years i've been in bute house. in my head and in my heart i knew that time is . my heart i knew that time is. now that it is right for me, for my party and for the country. and so today i am announcing my intention to step down as first minister and leader of my party. i've always been of the belief that no one individual should be dominant in any system for too long. while it's easy to hold that view in the abstract is much harder to live with. this decision i am trying to do so to the people of scotland, to all of the people of scotland, whether you voted for me or not please know being your first minister has been the privilege of my life . nothing. absolutely

of my life. nothing. absolutely nothing. i do in future will ever come anywhere close . thank ever come anywhere close. thank you. and the very bottom of my heart . well, that was bute house heart. well, that was bute house in edinburgh a short time ago. let's return to edinburgh now. speak to the leader of the scottish liberal democrats, alex cole—hamilton, who joins us. thank you very much indeed for your time i'm just picking your time alex. i'm just picking up some of phrases and up on some of the phrases and the that she used in the language that she used in that speech . no that resignation speech. no longer felt she could give the job everything it deserved, only just started to comprehend the physical mental of physical mental impact of leading through the leading scotland through the pandemic. i am a human being as well a politician, and it is well as a politician, and it is this jacinda ardern moment. as we remember the new zealand resigning . well, mark and, today resigning. well, mark and, today is not a day for political attacks from opposition leaders like myself . i think it's like myself. i think it's important that we reflect and pay important that we reflect and pay tribute the immense personal commitments that nicholas sturgeon has shown this country , the eight years of her premiership, the longest period

of the first minister, when first minister has held the office for since devolution. and i think also, she reflected rightly , the pandemic. nobody rightly, the pandemic. nobody can take that away from her. a lot of people will remember comfort and the comforting advice that she offered from the lunchtime briefings. she and i have been friends, have never been friends, but i will always . the kindness she will always. the kindness she showed personally when in the showed me personally when in the penod showed me personally when in the period after i to period after i had to resuscitate my and she resuscitate my daughter and she didn't need to do that. but she showed me a very kind words and real grace in that. so not a day for ad hominem political attacks. it's a, i think a day to give gratitude and credit where it's due. there are many mistakes that she made in her leadership , and we will come leadership, and we will come onto those. but i think it's right that today we paused and respect the eight years she's given our country. however, voters in scotland will quite rightly be asking why.7 what happens next? indeed, rightly be asking why? what happens next? indeed, what route independ dence now takes , and independ dence now takes, and just looking at a gain. her

justification for taking this decision , she said the time is decision, she said the time is now right for me, my party and the country not a reaction to short pressure. so does this go to the heart of the debate about well your view is mark will be aware that i think nicholas sturgeon had should her political capital on the suggestion that the next general election could be a defacto referendum on independence as we saw a major poll of the weekend showing that the country didn't agree and frankly i don't blame them. no single politician ever get to tell the electorate what an election is . we don't to we an election is. we don't to we go to the country to get our instructions from the people who put us in parliament. i think it's quite arrogant for anyone to suggest like to suggest otherwise. like i say, you know , coming and say, you know, coming days and weeks will. i think, dissect weeks we will. i think, dissect nicola sturgeon's legacy and her contribution to scotland . and contribution to scotland. and there missteps that and there are many missteps that and they and we've discussed them before on this programme and but

i think it's right today that we leave that aside and just i think offering her some semblance gratitude for the service she offered our country. yeah. although that de facto vote could be with us fairly soon. of course, in of looking towards a general election, we know the snp was to meet fairly shortly in the summer to decide the way forward . how do you see the way forward. how do you see scottish politics going now and indeed the whole decision about snp is direction because we've had certainly joanna cherry, an mp mp, saying time now for reform and healing. i mean, is this going to be a push for independence without independence, if you like, i hope very much that we have reached the end of the line in the constitutional battle that has gripped our politics and starved everything else of oxygen these past ten years and more. we have some of the worst domestic crisis our countries have. our country has experienced. i'm talking about the huge weight for nhs care.

the waiting times in our ice and emergency are through the roof. we have educational attainment. why the gap in educational attainment between rich kids and poor kids is widening as ever before. and we have huge problems in terms of the cost of living emergency, which are compounded by some of the decisions the scottish government has taken. my goodness, we a country that has been stuck in the nationalist conundrum for so very long, i hope that now that we see that sort of nationalist spasm that has been a populist theme that snp have exploited since before as a nicholas sturgeon was the leader and first minister of scotland and that we see that fall away and we get on with the business of government. however one reflects on the huge personal following she's enjoyed and as you say in power for eight years as a female leader of a as first minister and one wonders who maybe has got that sort of personal following that could take up . and certainly,

could take up. and certainly, yes , she's been divisive. many yes, she's been divisive. many would say a really dynamic leader . well think there's leader. well think there's certainly an element of the snp support, which is i think encapsulated in nicola's urging herself lots of people. i think decided to give the snp a chance because they the perceived of her marriage managerialism in the covid 19 pandemic. now i don't necessarily subscribe to that. the scottish made some significant misstep s nicholas sturgeon i think made some missteps in handling the pandemic but a lot of the support for the snp has been tied up in what i think people had termed loosely in nicola. we trust, they believed that she was a solomon managerial, cautious politician and must have a plan even when think those opponents of independence as i am certainly a vociferous opponent of independent independ is were trying to say to them look there are many unanswered questions and the snp are trying to get this country to take a

massive leap in the dark just at a time when the international crisis we face be that climate emergency , the new cold war emergency, the new cold war which we find ourselves demand international cooperate and unions between nations . but a unions between nations. but a lot of people just were willing to suspend that consent and follow. nicola i wonder if that falls away. now we start to see perhaps the beginning of a decline for the snp. but like i say, i'm not to make political. well, let's just push it. well, i would like to push you a bit further because i was to jack kirby the, scottish secretary, basically saying she was a formidable pollitt mission. does this actually not make it easier for both conservatives and the liberal democrats and labour who, you know, could actually pick up ten, 15 seats, which they would need to win a general ? it's going to make your life easier of the border . well, i easier of the border. well, i think for the liberal democrats perspective, we didn't need nicholas sturgeon to resign to start to go places. i mean, we did better than any other opposition party. the recent council elections last may we

surprised everybody we're seeing increases in donations in membership in activity the country so the lib dem claim is was already starting to revive and look of course nicholas sturgeon departure would have an impact on scottish politics and the way scottish people think but it is not the be all and end all she's not some kind of messiah she's a very able and competent politician at that . competent politician at that. but at the same time i think people want their politics to be done differently in that's part of the constitutional they want people to focus . on the cost of people to focus. on the cost of living on the nhs waiting times, on their kids schooling, all of which played second fiddle to nicola sturgeon's priority throughout her premiership, which the break the united which the break up the united kingdom . indeed, alex, thank you kingdom. indeed, alex, thank you very for joining and very much forjoining us and bringing us your to news on bringing us your to the news on gb news live. thanks very much. more course to come, let's more course to come, but let's reflect now on the outgoing minister's career. eight years in the job as we've just been discussing, taking over from

alex. remember after the referendum on scottish independence back in 2014, which was one you remember by the unionist side course. well, she was born in ayrshire in 1970. yes that's the photo. her parents were working class a mum , parents were working class a mum a , parents were working class a mum , a nurse, her dad, an electrician and then showing an interest in politics from young age.indeed interest in politics from young age. indeed joining snp at the tender age of 16. well studying law, she entered the scottish parliament in 1999, the first such election after devolution granted by the new labour government . remember a close government. remember a close associate, then of the snp leader alex salmond , becoming leader alex salmond, becoming part of the scottish shadow cabinet at the same time , then cabinet at the same time, then initially standing for the leadership in 2004, but stepping aside to back alex salmond, an at that time. but as he was an mp in westminster she led the party in scotland . then in two party in scotland. then in two thousand and seven the political earthquake the snp becoming the largest party in holyrood, becoming a forming nationalist scottish and she became first

minister. her biggest moment then 2014 helping to lead the yes campaign to leave the uk . yes campaign to leave the uk. the scottish independence referendum granted of course by david cameron as prime minister . well, despite a strong campaign from the nationalists and the snp , the campaign and the snp, the campaign ultimately scotland voting no, opting to remain a part of the united kingdom . while alex united kingdom. while alex salmond resigned as first minister and leader of the snp and yes, his protege nicholas sturgeon winning the keys to bute house edinburgh to become the most powerful politician in uk. a strong of remaining in the eu campaigning passionately to in europe during the brexit referendum in 2016. and then when the leave campaign won, despite scotland voting to remain , she used that as a way remain, she used that as a way to reignite the nationalist impulse to leave the uk . let's impulse to leave the uk. let's get out tomorrow and vote to

protect our police in the single market, the biggest in the world, and all the jobs and investment that depend that let's get out to protect freedom of movement . i'm here to of movement. i'm here to edinburgh airport surrounded by people that are getting on planes to go to other european countries. that's a important rate. got and let's go and rate. we've got and let's go and protect our place in. the world. well, just to remind you remain lost the vote. but despite the boost for the snp, not all plain sailing. multiple sexual allegations is made against alex salmond, for which she was later cleared. then nicholas sturgeon turning on her former leader and role model . well, in recent role model. well, in recent times subjected to pressures from within her own party, some saying has not strong enough in pursuing independence, cause or failing to . set an acceptable failing to. set an acceptable timetable. then more recently, of course, all issues of self—identification for trans people and the politic turmoil that resulted from that . while that resulted from that. while political correspondent tom joins us in the studio been following these events the past

hour, following these events the past hour , there wasn't much hour, there wasn't much indication this was going to even though she's said that she's been thinking about it for some weeks. do we think is this moment that broke her political will if she said and she's clearly made the decision she's, had enough? well, there's what nicola says potentially she made that decision for her. and then there's also the other factors that she was less willing to acknowledge in her speech and q&a during resignation speech . q&a during resignation speech. just after 11:00 this morning. she said that the funeral of a close friend of hers yesterday made her realise the independence cause is bigger than one person. she says that changed her mind from 99% being certain she thought her time was up to 100. but of course, speaking with journalists in bute house, the official residence of the first minister of scotland , was unwilling to of scotland, was unwilling to say that any particular issue that her government right now

was the straw that broke the camel's back. it was suggested that the row over gender i.d. that the row over gender id. and the worries of various people in scotland that this was not a big priority or shouldn't be a big priority . the scottish be a big priority. the scottish government. she was unwilling to say that that was a factor. she did. she did, however, say this is not a reaction to short term pressure. so she made that quite indicating perhaps that this is something she has thought of for a bit longer. and i'm just picking up other phrases picking up on the other phrases that she used no feeling that she used no longer feeling she'd give the job of first. was it everything it deserves. only just starting to comprehend the and mental impact of leading scotland through the pandemic . i scotland through the pandemic. i am a human being as well a politician. i was just asking alex, you know, is this one of those jacinda ardern moments ? those jacinda ardern moments? the new zealand leader that we saw resigning and that quite emotional way, you know, has she decided not enough left in the tank to use that phrase? was tank to use that phrase? she was very careful to not those very careful to not use those words. however she did say

towards the end of her speech that if she would have thought of herself going on for four more months for another six months year, perhaps . she months or a year, perhaps. she thought she'd have less energy to do the job. and so perhaps that could be seen as a similar sort of argument that jacinda was making in new zealand. however, we have to also make this comparison that jacinda ardern , although a lot of people ardern, although a lot of people in this country said, well, she's giving it up at the height of her power. clearly there were political problems for jacinda ardern. big rising crime in ardern. yes big rising crime in new , economic new zealand, big economic problems, inflation and all problems, high inflation and all of these issues that jacinda done was facing and tanking. poll ratings in a very similar way. the cause of independence. nicholas sturgeon john's cause has been tanking in the polls in the last couple weeks as well. and that's interesting when you actually look figures . actually look at the figures. the think panel based the latest, i think panel based poll at the weekend, 42% wanted it to stand down now. and in terms of the independence, status , support for independence status, support for independence actually below 2014 level

according to the rise , 45. so according to the rise, 45. so they may have been a recognition that, you know, this still really an uphill battle . yes. really an uphill battle. yes. and if you include news was a poll by lord ashcroft last week that put the cores at 37. that's the lowest we've seen in a very, very time. and it is interesting to look at the other issues that the snp is facing, not well—reported , but there is this well—reported, but there is this issue of a missing well—reported, but there is this issue of a missin g £600,000 issue of a missing £600,000 donated to the snp for an independence campaign that we don't know where it's gone. there's also the crisis in education and much else. tom, just a bit of reaction coming in from number 10. rishi sunak has just tweeted my thanks to just tweeted to say my thanks to nicholas sturgeon for long nicholas sturgeon for our long standing i her all standing service. i wish her all the best for her next steps. we will continue to work closely with the scottish government on our efforts to deliver four people across scottish . although people across scottish. although of course one reflects pmqs. there are sort of spats, if you

like, with stephen who's leading the snp in westminster. he's obviously the list of runners and riders to replace, but i think kate forbes is at the top at 8% of party members . and at 8% of party members. and here's the interesting one. don't know 69. so, you know, where's it going to go. this is the crucial point. sturgeon dominated scottish for so long and to such a great degree that there is no obvious successor. when alex salmond resigned, nicholas sturgeon stood a new dead against her. she was dead stood against her. she was the heir presumptive. she got that role without an election. now no one can say who might the next person be. it's unlikely be any mp down in westminster. they wouldn't be able to be first minister as well. they'd need sit in the parliament. sit up there in the parliament. so the, the top four names john swinney he who's currently veteran he led the snp from 2000 to 2004 he's currently sitting in for kate forbes while she's

on maternity leave as treasury minister. kate forbes is name now she's really interested . she now she's really interested. she got the job after we remember derek mackay, the treasury minister, back in 2020. he had to resign following sending messages to 16 year old boy on instagram . she got the job but instagram. she got the job but she's someone who's seen to be a bit more socially conservative. she said things that are anti—abortion in past. she's said to have been a sceptic of the gender reforms . so might she the gender reforms. so might she be a palliative ball to the scottish nationalist ? maybe not. scottish nationalist? maybe not. but then there's also angus robertson , who's recently robertson, who's recently returned from westminster to the scottish parliament. he's now the constitutional secretary in the constitutional secretary in the scottish government . led the the scottish government. led the snp down in westminster for a long time. a strong performer and potentially a strong rider , and potentially a strong rider, this race. and finally, hamzah yusuf, the executive secretary, former justice secretary, he's formerjustice secretary, he's a few social media slip ups in the past but he's been in the

parliament for a long time. nicholas sturgeon has as repeatedly him. yeah but a of criticism of course about how the scottish health service is being handled and indeed how the rollout of coronavirus was handled. just, just a few weeks ago. humza yousaf himself getting into a bit of hot water up in scotland. he made the comment that people should think twice about an ambulance. yeah, yeah. now that's not a not a particularly wise thing. so let's talk political consequences . well, given that consequences. well, given that what happens as we head towards general election, nicholas sturgeon wanted make it a de—facto vote on independence . de—facto vote on independence. that might not be the case now , that might not be the case now, but labour may well be thinking we've got an opportunity here and they need these scottish seats to able to really secure a general election because this is the big underdog point of all of this . labour the big underdog point of all of this. labour has been the big underdog point of all of this . labour has been nowhere the big underdog point of all of this. labour has been nowhere in scotland for a long time in 15 they lost all but one of their seats when in 2010 they won one of their highest share of seats

in scotland ever . they're the in scotland ever. they're the third largest party in scotland at the moment. this now gives an opportunity with a vaccine created within the leadership of the snp with frankly a bunch of nobodies vying for the post of the snp. now the labour party in scotland has this opportunity to present itself as a more credible to be the anti tory voice in scotland than a weaker snp. and voice in scotland than a weaker snp.andin voice in scotland than a weaker snp. and in terms of the tory in scotland, they're still seen as politically toxic in of the vote. well, it's interesting because speaking to some conservative mps recently in scotland they were tonight hit when nicholas sturgeon said that the next general election should be a de facto, then they would be a de facto, then they would be able campaign on being a unionist party. you have to vote for me, otherwise you'll for independence. that would have been their case and they were in that sense much more secure in their seats and mind than many of their colleagues. south of the border. it's very

interesting dynamics now change if nicholas sturgeon if this de facto referendum promise goes, all these conservative members of parliament north of the border now less safe. yeah, interesting . and of course a lot interesting. and of course a lot of will be doing the calculation as throughout the afternoon that for the moment. tom thank you for the moment. tom thank you for but let's get the views now from and our scotland reporter tony maguire is there for us and has been assessing the mood because tony clearly this was quite a surprise for many people even though nicola sturgeon's indicating she's been thinking about this for some weeks. indicating she's been thinking about this for some weeks . yes about this for some weeks. yes and certainly i'm surrounded a probably stellar good about 150 people here outside the house and edinburgh and, you know, for the last eight years as we've heard this morning and, you know, a vote the snp was a vote nicholas sturgeon that's cult of personality that she has actually used is one of her reasons for leaving and this

time around me tonight they're saying from people obviously her you know, the gender reform debate and which wasn't really just debate politics, it became a debate all around the nation, across dinner tables and in bars . and that's though very in the minds of a lot of people and a lot of people still think that nicholas sturgeon should have left as a result of that. and then sturgeon obviously made it clear that it wasn't for any recent events in politics. and but even seeing that there's lot of people here that certainly look , you know, somewhat look, you know, somewhat dismayed. she was a formidable figure in politics and she led snp through some quite success times under nicholas sturgeon. snp, but even to take glasgow away from , labour, which was the away from, labour, which was the labour heartland and ever since the old days of devolution . and the old days of devolution. and now what we're seeing is a real vacuum in scottish politics. who

could possibly fill those shoes. yeah, and burke, the scottish secretary, acknowledging that, you know, a formidable political opponent. i mean, as we just discussing with tom, there's quite a list of potentially these kate forbes at the top , we these kate forbes at the top, we understand it, of snp members at the moment 8, but clearly there will be now perhaps a reignite heated debate in scotland over independence or what the nation wants to be and to ask you, you know, are people with that or they just had enough of this over the past years ? i think over the past years? i think it's a question of how many place any anyone in person can spend. and i'm not talking about, you know, a first minister, a politician, just there's so many issues flying around scots scottish politics just and i've been in this role in the scotland area for the last four weeks. i don't think i've ever been busy in my life. i've ever been busy in my life. i can only for, you know ,

i can only for, you know, everyday people will be will be thinking just now independence as a the face of issue in scotland brexit is a divisive issue in scotland . and i think issue in scotland. and i think the independence debate is likely to remain on the radar. one thing i will say is that there was supposed to an snp conference next. i would reckon that we'll probably see the announcement of leader by then, but the real question is that conference was supposed to be used to decide whether to use the next general election as if de facto referee referenda , de facto referee referenda, whether that still happens or not and is very up in the air just now. and i think a lot people north of the border will be looking to see whether the snp can still stick to their primary mandate of campaigning towards independence . indeed towards independence. indeed tony i suspect it might get busiest in the next few weeks, but for the moment from edinburgh, thanks very indeed for that . and let's just reflect for that. and let's just reflect what you've been telling us. just to remind you, get in touch . vaiews@gbnews.uk especially

if you are north of the were police said . i think we should police said. i think we should celebrate her departure . street celebrate her departure. street parties exclamation we all needed some good news and she's provided i think that makes the point kevin meanwhile i think this is a good move from nicholas sturgeon there's a real chance that the snp could become the official opposition party in westminster at next general westminster at the next general election to some polls and the collapse of the tory party, leaving scottish as it means policy to have a wider appeal could make this even more interesting aspect. actually, not to thinking about politics in edinburgh, but down here in westminster , laurence said it westminster, laurence said it will take weeks, if not months, before we know who the next leader will be and if they like it, just do what the conservatives did have a coup within weeks, have who they want in the position of first minister, it seems alister agrees, when both boris johnson and liz truss resigns, sturgeon said the incoming had no mandate and there should be an election. will he be hypocritical or will

they call a scottish election to appoint the new first minister another interesting point we make keep them coming and of course we reflect your views the afternoon. but let's get an update now with all the latest headunes update now with all the latest headlines with bethany . mark, headlines with bethany. mark, thank . good afternoon. it's just thank. good afternoon. it's just past 12:30. i'm bethany elsey with top stories nicholas sturgeon has resigned as first minister of scotland after. eight years in power. speaking at an unexpected press at bute house in edinburgh , ms. sturgeon house in edinburgh, ms. sturgeon said she was proud to have served as the first female and longest serving first minister of scotland . ms. sturgeon of scotland. ms. sturgeon acknowledged that move might seem sudden , but denied that it seem sudden, but denied that it was due to short term pressures and said she'd been wrestling with it for some now. to be clear . i'm with it for some now. to be clear. i'm not with it for some now. to be clear . i'm not expecting clear. i'm not expecting violence here, but i am a human being as well as a politician and the nature and form of

modern political discourse means there is a much greater intensity . did i see it intensity. did i see it brutality to leave as a that in years gone by. all in all and actually for a long time without being apparent it takes its toll on you and on those around you . on you and on those around you. the labour leader has apologised on behalf of party for its handung on behalf of party for its handling of antisemitism, complaints and his predecessor, jeremy corbyn sir keir starmer, also confirmed mr. corbyn will not stand labour at the next general election . it comes as general election. it comes as the equality and human rights commission announced it will end its monitoring of the party after two years. the watchdog labour make changes , finding it labour make changes, finding it responsible for acts of harassment and discrimination in relation antisemitism . relation antisemitism. lancashire police says is still no evidence to indicate a criminal aspect or third party

involvement in nicola police disappearance . miss polly went disappearance. miss polly went missing 90 days ago while walking her dog in the village of st michaels on rye after dropping to her daughters at school. detective say nicola was listed as high risk missing person due to a number of specific vulnerabilities the police have spoken to almost 300 people and received around 101,500 pieces of information in relation to the search . you're relation to the search. you're up to date on tv and dab plus radio. this is gb news. mark will be back with you in just a moment .

welcome back to gb news. this is bnng welcome back to gb news. this is bring you some more reaction coming in to nicholas sturgeon his departure. this from a certain alex salmond who of

course was her predecessor , course was her predecessor, scotland's first minister, a one time political ally. but then, of course, they fell out in dramatic . he of course, they fell out in dramatic. he said there has no question of nicola's talents as a first rate political communicator , an election winner communicator, an election winner and. having been there, i feel for her personally. on the day of her resignation , there are of her resignation, there are two questions for the future . two questions for the future. alex salmond went on to say, one, the movement has been left with no clear strategy for independence . the previously independence. the previously accepted referendum route has been closed and the depher voter referendum stroke election proposal is now at best up in the air. secondly, he said , the air. secondly, he said, there is no obvious successor . there is no obvious successor. there are a range of able people , the snp, but they will not be test in the fire of leadership inheriting a range of serious government policy challenges . government policy challenges. alex salmond concluding it's to be hoped that these voices which wish to reunite the national movement emerge to win that contest. so that reaction just coming in more course as get it.

but let's reflect on the other stories of the day with uk inflation dropping from ten and a half to 10.1. the latest figures morning according to the office for national statistics but food inflation still at a 45 year high. that's 16.8. but food inflation still at a 45 year high. that's16.8. the price of staples such as olive oil , some price of staples such as olive oil, some milk up by 40% on the year to last month , in the words year to last month, in the words of the chancellor, jeremy hunt . of the chancellor, jeremy hunt. well, any fall in inflation is welcome. the fight is far from oven welcome. the fight is far from over. well, let's speak to economist julian jessop, who us once more and. julian, it is a picture of sort of benign overall inflation dropping slightly , maybe the government slightly, maybe the government then breathing a sigh of relief. but in terms of food which is where people really be hurting the pocket, it's still very, very high. well that's a good introduction. i is right to start here with the news. so

although headline inflation fell, it's still about 10, whereas the bank of england's target is 2, as you rightly said , food price inflation is still nearly 17. and that's damaging for low income households who spend more of their budget on food and other essentials. so it's far too soon to sound the all clear here . the good news, all clear here. the good news, though, is inflation is starting headin though, is inflation is starting head in the right direction. so the headline inflation fell because of lower prices for some types of fuel but also underlying inflation to be dropping as well. and that's very important the for the bank of england. so it does suggest the bank may not have to raise rates much further. yeah but in the term, clearly family the short term, clearly family budgets going to remain under a lot particularly lot of pressure, particularly from high food from those record high food pnces from those record high food prices and i know economists are using this phrase in terms of inflation, and i know that has technical connotations . clearly, technical connotations. clearly, when we are still above the 10%

rate, you know, it's a worry. and i guess one of the factors that has led to that fall is that has led to that fall is that fuel prices are coming down. but, you know, a lot of people will be seeing actually forecourt prices are starting to creep back up again. yes, i think that there is a danger of focusing too much on individual pnces focusing too much on individual prices and not looking at the bigger picture . i'm one of those bigger picture. i'm one of those people that believes that main reason is as it is reason why inflation is as it is now is that the of england and other central banks have been printing enormous amounts of money into the money and pumping into the economy. now the good news is that that of money has that that flood of money has turned a trickle. so sort turned into a trickle. so sort of monetary drivers inflation have dropped off. yeah. if you look also, you know, global cost pressures. you know, most global commodity prices have levelled . commodity prices have levelled. many are falling, including food , by the way. so agricultural pnces , by the way. so agricultural prices are down. so that should put downward pressure on inflation. and finally, of course, the silver lining from a weaker economy is demand pressures on inflation, a lot weaker as well. so i think inflation will plummet this

yeah inflation will plummet this year. you know , the prime year. you know, the prime minister set a very unambitious target of halving inflation. i think it's going to be hard for them do that will be them to do that will be disappoint. but it'll still be, i think some, way above the bank of england's target. yeah and of england's 2% target. yeah and clearly, reflections clearly, therefore reflections of happened with of what happened with with monetary policy, rate monetary policy, interest rate setting . but looking the setting. but looking at the other data we had in terms of the overall of wage increases . i the overall of wage increases. i think it was about 6.7% overall. but public sector pay deals way that still. and of course this is what's feeding into this penod is what's feeding into this period industrial unrest. they're looking at the inflation and there's still a huge gap between take home pay and what people are having to pay in the shops. hmm. well that is the problem that the wages are unlikely to keep pace with with inflation for some time yet. so there's clearly a big squeeze there's clearly a big squeeze there on incomes. i think the government's role there should be to top up the incomes of those who are most vulnerable, you know, particularly on low incomes , not necessarily, incomes, not necessarily, though, to prioritise those in

the in the public sector , the in the public sector, because, you know, the public sector growth has been slower than in the private sector for many years . the average level of many years. the average level of pay many years. the average level of pay in the public sector is still the same or even higher than in the private sector. if you take account of things like , pensions and high job security. so wouldn't security. so i wouldn't prioritise public to pay overall, there are overall, but there are particular problems of recruitment and retention then i think higher pay would be justified and there are ways that that without that you can do that without causing higher inflation. so for example, give a example, you could give a reasonable increase backdate reasonable increase but backdate it for the period when inflation was than anticipated. was higher than anticipated. the russell . indeed was higher than anticipated. the russell. indeed i was higher than anticipated. the russell . indeed i want to thank russell. indeed i want to thank you both . yeah we gather some of you both. yeah we gather some of the unions been talking about like a one off payment to two back date previous when back date to this previous when inflation has been very high, not consolidated. so actually added into the system when inflation starts to drop towards the end of this . well, that the end of this. well, that makes perfect sense. you know, the pay towards the products that we've got over last. but

based on recommendations the independent review bodies at a time inflation wasn't expected to rise far as it did. so i think it's fair to have an element of catch up there. but if you had give a big if you had to give a big headune if you had to give a big headline increases the public headline increases in the public to 10% or more that would add to the wage bill for now and for the wage bill for now and for the rest of time. yeah, i also would set a benchmark for the private sector that might trigger the wage price spiral that some people are worried about. some of catch about. so i think some of catch up appropriate, i'd do it up is appropriate, but i'd do it at off payments or backdated at one off payments or backdated payments, not with massive headune payments, not with massive headline gillian, headline increases. gillian, thank much as ever for thank you very much as ever for joining us and taking us through the being with us here the figures being with us here in thank you for your in gb news. thank you for your time. now let's reflect the time. now let's reflect on the latest in the nicola bully with police us an about half police giving us an about half an hour still . no evidence an hour ago still. no evidence they say, to indicate a criminal aspect or any third party involvement . those are the words involvement. those are the words of lancashire police chief constable peter lawson . it's constable peter lawson. it's been almost three weeks of course, since the mother of two went missing at st michael's on wyre on her dog walk. well,

sophie reaper north, west of england reporter who's been joining this story, joining by following this story, joins now in lancashire . joins us now in lancashire. sophie, there was one other thing that a lot of newspapers have picked up on in terms of how they're dealing with this inquiry, where she was deemed a high risk missing with specific i mean, how that being interpreted by reporters there there ? well, it is really quite there? well, it is really quite interesting. we don't seem have heard anything about this high risk . but today lancashire risk. but today lancashire police gave us a document detailing of the key statistics in this case. for example, 300 people they've spoken to , 300 people they've spoken to, 300 premises have been searched . and premises have been searched. and on that documents outlines that nicola was a mid really graded as a high case when she reported as a high case when she reported as missing. and that's of what they described as suspicious civic vulnerabilities. now, when they were asked about that. they said they couldn't give us any further detail . they said that

further detail. they said that was a family matter. but what they did say is that police aware of these vulnerabilities from the very beginning and this is a completely normal thing to happenin is a completely normal thing to happen in a missing investigation . now, they also investigation. now, they also talked about that key hypothesis that they've been working on, that they've been working on, that nicola went into the river. but what they were the what they were keen to highlight was that thatis were keen to highlight was that that is not the only from the very beginning chief or sorry becky smith the superintendent for lancashire police, she said that that was not, she said she said that that was her main working hypothesis, but it wasn't her only hypothesis . she wasn't her only hypothesis. she said they're also working hypotheses that a third party could have been involved. there's no evidence to suggest that has been the case. there they are to try and determine whether that had happened. they also are working to try and find out whether not she perhaps left the voluntarily. these are the

main was that she went into the river but she was keen to highlight that is not the only highlight that is not the only high apotheosis in this in investigation. she also went through some of what she called the myths in this investigation, she to dispel some of those for example the abandoned house which is on the other side of the river, she said that's been something been talked a lot aboutin something been talked a lot about in the press but they said that they with the permission the owners have now searched property three times. she talked about the red that people have been talking lot about in the media. and she said that although they grateful to the person who brought that information to them at the moment, she doesn't believe . moment, she doesn't believe. thatis moment, she doesn't believe. that is suspicious, although she did say . they are still trying did say. they are still trying to track down that red van. she also about in the last 24 hours, we've heard about a glove that was recovered from the. but she also said that that is not nicola's glove . and at the nicola's glove. and at the moment she doesn't believe to be relevant information . so one of

relevant information. so one of the key things today that was talked about in the press conference was these myths and how the police are trying to dispel them because. they say this helpful in their this isn't helpful in their investigation. we're obviously almost three weeks now since the mother of two went missing from police believe from beside the river wyre in st michael's wyre. and they're going to continue their investigation to try and bnng their investigation to try and bring some answers to nicola's partner and her two children and therefore, that's why peter lawson is obviously giving far more detail than the parties normally be given in the circumstances. and i mean , well, circumstances. and i mean, well, we're getting the indication that lancashire police feel a bit bruised by all this public comment and all the social comment and all the social comment as well well . i would comment as well well. i would say bruised is a very apt word in this situation. one thing that they did talk about was becky smith said in 29 years, the force she has never seen so

many armchair detectives. she said it's been shocking how many have gotten involved and that in fact sometimes it's been hurtful to the family but they absolutely you right with the word bruised there i think because what they continually throughout that entire press conference was that they throughout this entire they've been transparent and they have followed procedure to try and do their very best to try and find their very best to try and find the mother of two to and them it seems that in the media and social media on these ticktock in youtubers who are getting themselves involved to them it seems like the lancashire police are almost being painted as the bad guys in some way. so i think that that's absolute the case. sophie thank you very much indeed for taking us through the latest lancashire police hq. thank you for your time and of course we'll update you as. we get more on the investigation with them continuing. let's return now to the political news

of the day. that resignation of nicholas sturgeon this morning as first minister. well, joining us now is political adviser , the us now is political adviser, the scottish conservatives, don mccluskey. dan, thank you very much indeed for your is much indeed for your time. is this bad news for you because clearly i think the conservative party looking at this decision to , make the general election to, make the general election a de facto vote independence. gave some traction north of the border . well some traction north of the border. well this was some traction north of the border . well this was going in border. well this was going in terms of traction for some time. well, the principal opposition in the scottish parliament and recent general elections in westminster. i mean, the club sturgeon was helpful and won respect, which i agree because she was a very divisive first minister. her popularity did dunng minister. her popularity did during the pandemic. but then it came back down again. and that's in part due to a lot of the recent , most notably steadies recent, most notably steadies the salmond inquiry. but more more recently , g r gender more recently, g r gender recognition reform bill, which i think has really taken all the

sheen of the first minister. but for unionist parties , the for unionist parties, the measures are still the same whether it's the first minister, the past minister, whether it was alex salmond or whether it's her, her successor , they all her, her successor, they all want to pursue the same goal is independence. so what have second independence referendum, which as we know from polling people across scotland don't want. so that still gives my party but also unionist in general an ability go out and campaign on the next general election or future scottish election or future scottish election on the same basis , we election on the same basis, we want to focus on the priorities of the people of scotland, not independence, which is what the snp have obsess over for far too long. i was going to ask you where you see things from here going in particular after salmond has gone public to say the le. the the movement, i.e. the independence left with no clear strategy the previous weeks such a referendum closed and the de facto referendum proposal is not best up in the air. so, i mean,

are we going to see a real sea in the direction of scottish now 7 in the direction of scottish now ? i mean, i think it's going to be significant and it will be played out. and the snp leadership contest, after all, the snp haven't had a leadership contest in 20 years. so this should be the first time that we see a big battle, a big clash of ideas , the snp. and you already ideas, the snp. and you already see of those factions emerging in the last few years. we've the people who want an argent referendum or someone who will follow in the people like angus brandon mcneill , mp for the brandon mcneill, mp for the western isles and others who want to change course , who were want to change course, who were who almost do die. do you still declaration declaration , declaration declaration, independence and these. and then you've got graduates of the snp and people who are loyal to the first minister later on, judge robertson and like kate forbes, etc, people who are in the current scottish government cabinet who be seen as more favourable, more likely successors, these have little

problems as well. but i mean, as recent polling is showing, people don't actually know who most of people are, most of these people are, especially mp members. and, you know, 69% of those polled said, yes , 9% don't know the latest yes, 9% don't know the latest polling. but dan, thank you very much bringing us. much indeed for bringing us. your but let's not your reaction? but let's not speak to neil hanvey, a deputy leader of the alba party in westminster mp for kirkcaldy and cowdenbeath thank you very much for joining us. and i was just forjoining us. and i was just reflecting on what alex salmond has said just a short time , that has said just a short time, that the independence left with no clear strategy and the referendum route closed so the de facto election proposal not best up in air. well you know that may well be true, but it also that there's a clear playing field for those of us are determined to secure scottish independence guidance, to set out new proposals , goals to set out new proposals, goals and to set out the strategy that we've been pushing for the party

for the last two years of our existence. so there's always when challenges emerges , always when challenges emerges, always an opportunity there, but is a very real need for snp to have a selection process and to battle it out for . the soul of the it out for. the soul of the party. and we'll have to wait and see who emerges. but there's , you know, there's, there's no immediate or obvious successor and given the recent challenges whoever does take over the leadership won't have their problems to seek. there are a range challenges that the scottish need to tackle and so and that is one part of this job the other really important part of this role which is very is the function of uniting the independence movement or bringing back together. it's been a very difficult few years with major policy from the first

minister or indeed policies that were poorly supported both within the party and the public, right. g big being one. so that's an interesting comment now because alister jack , now because alister jack, scottish secretary you know she's been a formidable politician but of course she's been very divisive so. do you not believe, as you indicated, it will be now more about policy than personality and therefore different things will come into play different things will come into play ? well, you know , there's no play? well, you know, there's no doubt that nicholas sturgeon is a gifted . she's an incredible a gifted. she's an incredible debate, which is a great speaker and but where she has , you know, and but where she has, you know, other commentators have noted where she's fallen down is follow through on some of the policy choices and announcements that she's made whether that's the bottle return scheme or the pubuc the bottle return scheme or the public energy company that was discarded . you know, there are discarded. you know, there are a range of challenges in terms of

policy but this is an opportunity for , the movement to opportunity for, the movement to have fresh conversation . and it have fresh conversation. and it would be a really opportune time to call the constitutional convention that . nicola, i'm convention that. nicola, i'm promised in 2022. how about as a unhed promised in 2022. how about as a united movement to examine where we from here to develop that strategy , to get leadership back strategy, to get leadership back on track? okay, we'll see if thatis on track? okay, we'll see if that is actually coming down the pipeline, but neil hanvey, thank you very much indeed for your reaction here in gb news and plenty more reaction coming up, of course, on this resignation of course, on this resignation of nicholas sturgeon and course, we'll have more to on the search for nicola bouley following that police conference. but let's get an update now on the weather for you. hi there it is, aidan mcgivern here from the met. some rain moves east today, but still some sunshine either side of that band of rain and going that band of rain and is going to be particularly towards to be mild, particularly towards southeast. that's where the air continues up from the

continues to come up from the south. and sunny south. so mild and sunny conditions towards the southeast as this cold front moves through central areas, as it does so, it runs into high pressure. so it is weakening. we've seen some heavy earlier day heavy rain earlier in the day towards northwest now skies towards the northwest now skies are brightening for northern ireland. with ireland. western scotland with some blustery showers moving in as of rain reaches as the band of rain reaches northern southwest northern the midlands. southwest england by mid—afternoon. it's just light and patchy rain and ahead of that, some other time for east anglia in the 14 or 15 selsey is here . whilst selsey is here. whilst temperatures are going to fall behind the front, 8 to 10 celsius, but nothing particularly cold, although it will be fairly gusty for northern and western scotland . northern and western scotland. some heavy showers for a time and then as the first front disappears, the next front rolls in from the atlantic, this bringing extensive low cloud drizzle , some outbreaks of drizzle, some outbreaks of moderate rain through the night and keeping most places frost free. but one exception, northern scotland, where will be brighter, but also little chillier as we begin , we keep chillier as we begin, we keep

the bright skies for northern scotland along with a showers in the far north. during thursday. otherwise for central and southern scotland, northern ireland, much of england. wales dull and damp conditions to start the day stays fairly grey , drizzly around some southern and coast, but actually inland will brighten by the afternoon. and as that happens, 13 or 14 celsius is possible somewhere . celsius is possible somewhere. like the east midlands , scotland like the east midlands, scotland staying a bit but also brighter here that is until the end of the day when some rain here and northern ireland also sees those outbreaks of rain moving in northwest england, north wales turn damp and increasingly windy . gale force winds affects the north the uk on thursday night and into friday. then something and into friday. then something a little quieter into the weekend .

it's o'clock. you're watching gb news live with me, mark longhurst. and we've got very latest for you on the breaking news today. nicholas sturgeon announcing standing down after eight years as first minister of scotland when essential to british politics, with questions not only about who will replace her but where. the issue of scottish independence now goes. we'll have the latest reaction from edinburgh and london. sir keir starmer's board. his predecessor , corbyn from predecessor, corbyn from standing is a labour at the general election and on what he called an important day for his party to welcome the equality watchdog decision to take the party out of special measures over past failings , antisemitism over past failings, antisemitism and the economy. uk inflation easing for the third month in a row, but at 10.1, economists the full more than expected but the country's still firmly in the

grip of a cost of crisis with food inflation at a 45 year high still and police saying there's still and police saying there's still no evidence to indicate a criminal or third party involvement. the nicola disappearance. but they added that a disappearance was high risk because of specific vulnerability . we'll have the vulnerability. we'll have the latest for you from . and don't latest for you from. and don't forget get touch with us. gb views at gb news uk especially of course if you're in scotland and thoughts on what will happen. but first, let's get an update on the headlines with bethany . mark, thank you. good bethany. mark, thank you. good afternoon . it's 1:10 bethany. mark, thank you. good afternoon . it's1:10 in bethany afternoon. it's1:10 in bethany elsey in the gb news room. and as you've been hearing our story this afternoon, nicholas sturgeon has resigned as first minister of scotland after eight years in power. speaking at an unexpected conference at bute house in edinburgh ms. sturgeon said she was proud have served

as the first female and longest serving first minister in scotland. she will remain in the role until her successor is appointed. ms. sturgeon acknowledged that the move might seem sudden, but it was due to short term and said she'd been wrestling with it for some weeks . to those who do feel , shocked, . to those who do feel, shocked, disappointed , perhaps even a bit disappointed, perhaps even a bit angry me please know that work heart and be in no doubt. this is really hard for me. my decision comes from a place of duty and of love. tough love, perhaps, but love nevertheless . perhaps, but love nevertheless. for my party. and above all, for the country . the labour leader the country. the labour leader has apologised on of the party for its handling of antisemitism complaints under his predecessor, jeremy corbyn. sir keir starmer confirmed mr. corbyn will not stand for labour at the next general election. it comes the equality and human rights commission announced it

will end its monitoring of the party after two years. the watchdog demanded labour make changes , after finding it changes, after finding it responsible for unlawful , awful responsible for unlawful, awful acts of harassment discrimination in relation to antisemitism . to all those who antisemitism. to all those who were hurt . to antisemitism. to all those who were hurt. to all antisemitism. to all those who were hurt . to all those who were were hurt. to all those who were let down. to all those driven out of our party who no longer felt it was their home. who suffered the most appalling abuse. today, on behalf of the entire labour party , i say sorry entire labour party, i say sorry . what you've been through can never be undone . apologies alone never be undone. apologies alone cannot make it right. never be undone. apologies alone cannot make it right . lancashire cannot make it right. lancashire police says there's still no evidence to indicate a criminal aspect or third party involvement in nicola bully's disappearance . miss polly went disappearance. miss polly went missing 19 days ago while walking dog in the village of st michaels on wyre after dropping two daughters at school . two daughters at school. detectives say nicola was listed

as a high risk missing person due to a number of specific . the due to a number of specific. the lead investigator , rebecca lead investigator, rebecca smith, says the investigation is ongoing. i with all my heart that we find nicola. i have more than anything the likelihood is that nicola has unfortunately gonein that nicola has unfortunately gone in the river. however i have to stress this because this has been continually misconstrued misconstrued . i misconstrued misconstrued. i cannot be 100% certain of that at the minute because we continuing it's a live investigation and there is always information coming in. a boy and a girl, both 15, have been remanded into detention, charged with the murder of a 16 year old girl. he stabbed to death in cheshire . brianna jai death in cheshire. brianna jai from warrington found seriously injured on a pavement near a park on saturday afternoon. she died short time later. cheshire says they are exploring whether the teen who was transgender was the teen who was transgender was the victim of a hate crime . the

the victim of a hate crime. the two teenagers will appear at liverpool crown court on thursday . the chancellor jeremy thursday. the chancellor jeremy hunt says the fight to reduce inflation is far from despite the rate decrease easing for a third consecutive month. data from the office for national statistics shows the consumer price index fell to 10.1% in january. that's down from 10.5% in december. the drop was due to the price of fuel transport slowing . school unions are slowing. school unions are urging the education secretary to make teachers face a concrete pay to make teachers face a concrete pay offer to prevent further strike action . gillian keegan strike action. gillian keegan will meet with leaders today in a bid to resolve the ongoing pay dispute . the national education dispute. the national education union is planning industrial action in england and wales this month and next. a 19 month old girl has been successfully treated for a fatal disease with the world's most expensive drug, teddy from northumberland

suffers a rare inherited disease called mlt , which causes serious called mlt, which causes serious damage . the nervous system and damage. the nervous system and organs dramatically cutting life expectancy . she is the first expectancy. she is the first person in the uk to be given the treatment, which has a list price of £28 million. europe to date on gb news will bring you monies as it happens now though, it's back to . it's back to. mark bethany, thank you very much indeed. so more now on this breaking news being scotland's first minister has been the privilege of my life. the words of nicholas sturgeon as she announced that resignation following eight years as head of the scottish government. the first minister saying she no longer felt she could give the job. all and that she was only human feeling that she needed to regain life. so she went to say

scotland was in a better place than when she took over in 2014. but now was the time for new leadership . let's hear about leadership. let's hear about what, she had to say in edinburgh a little earlier before minister of scotland is in my admittedly biased opinion the very best job in the world. it is a privilege beyond measure , one that has sustained and inspired me in good times and through the toughest hours of my toughest days . i through the toughest hours of my toughest days. i am proud to stand here as the first female and longest serving incumbent of this office . and i am very proud this office. and i am very proud of what has been achieved in the years been in bute house. in my head and in my heart i knew that time is that it is right for me, for my party and for the country . and so today i am announcing

my intention to step down as first minister and leader of my party. i've always been of the belief that no one individual should be dominant in any system for too. while it's easy, hold that view in the abstract it's much harder to live by. with this decision i am trying to do so . so to the people of scotland so. so to the people of scotland to all of the people of scotland. whether you voted for me or not, please know that being your first minister has been the privilege of my life. nothing. absolutely i do. in future will ever come anywhere close. thank you from the very bottom of my heart. sturgeon resigning in boots in edinburgh a little earlier. speak to our political reporter olivia utley with us in the studio because. remember you in edinburgh outside the parliament building for some time as the trans went

on no nicholas sturgeon saying that decision to stand on is a reaction to short term pressure . all the controversy over the trans issue in scotland . but trans issue in scotland. but clearly it does seem to have taken toll on her politically. it absolute she has and the gender recognition which she personally remember pushed through holyrood before christmas has proved remarkably unpopular in scotland by a margin 2 to 1. scots don't support . so that really has put support. so that really has put a lot pressure on her. the other issue is that some of her closest supporters, those people in her inner kate forbes, one of the names which is being repeatedly mentioned, a possible successor , disagreed with the successor, disagreed with the policy in the first place, which put a little bit of pressure on her, too, and of course, we had that price case, which was that oil price case, which was very difficult indeed for the scottish first minister and oil bryson was is the male rapist convicted rapist, convicted rapist, double rapist . it was rapist, double rapist. it was put into women's prison

originally and then nicholas sturgeon saw that that didn't make sense of a lot of pressure on her to change that decision. he was moved to a male prison. but in subsequent interviews , but in subsequent interviews, nicholas sturgeon refused to say repeatedly whether i, bryson was a man or , a woman, and that was a man or, a woman, and that was because she knew that in saying that while bryson was man, it would undermine her legislation which which would have classified him as a woman. so that really has almost the nail in the coffin for the first and only 3% of scots saying that the whole issue gender identity was listed in that top political priorities. but clearly independence a, major priority and polls suggesting she was perhaps losing ground on that as well. i think the latest was she had of a of 45% in terms of looking independence, which is actually below the 2014 vote level. yes so lord ashcroft's most recent poll , no. was

most recent poll, no. was leading yes by 12, which is the highest we've seen in ten years. so that was pretty awkward for the first minister. she she knew that she couldn't just sort of ploughing on with this because she was she was going for this defect. she was going for the jugular. if the gender thing was the almost nail in the coffin , the almost nail in the coffin, perhaps the final nail in the coffin was the decision of hers to treat the next election a de facto referendum , and only 21% facto referendum, and only 21% of scots felt that that was a good idea. so with all of the domestic issues going on at home, it was very decision to turn a democratic election , a turn a democratic election, a bond issue, a one issue vote, and we know that the snp has been an incredibly united, always impressive at the united party for the past couple of decades. and we were beginning to seen really serious splits on the question of whether to turn that election into a referendum on whether the cult of personality, as some might describe was to win the

describe it was going to win the day. but interesting here day. but an interesting here from alex salmond, her political guru if you like and that is that the been left with no clear strategy for independence the previously accepted route has been closed and the de facto referendum election is not best up in air. so clearly the whole question as to what happens to independence as as a political . independence as as a political. exactly and. none of the people who are being reported as possible successors to nicholas sturgeon supported or at least openly her policy of this de facto referendum idea . and of facto referendum idea. and of course, the supreme court has closed the option of a legal route to another independence referendum. so where this movement goes now really is up in the air. and the other issue, of course is that who her successor is anyone's guess , successor is anyone's guess, really. we've got a few names doing , the rounds now. we've got doing, the rounds now. we've got kate forbes seems to be leading the but dissent is her age with 69% scots don't know who want to

see kate forbes there are issues with her in that she is a sort of evangelical christian quite conservative in her social, which would take the snp obviously in a very direction in the way it's been going at the moment. angus robertson i mean a name that's been around a while but perhaps wouldn't have energy behind stephen flynn is behind him. stephen flynn is being talked about. he's a competent performer , but he's in competent performer, but he's in westminster, underneath westminster, so underneath proposals and a newbie too. so that throws up all sorts of issues so not just the future of independence but really the future of the whole snp is hanging with the hanging in the balance with the resignation nicholas sturgeon resignation of nicholas sturgeon well what reaction well we'll see what reaction comes through from edinburgh of course progresses. course as the day progresses. olivia, the moment you for olivia, for the moment you for that. let's just remind you that. but let's just remind you of extraordinary eight year of this extraordinary eight year career that the first minister has taking over from her has had taking over from her predecessor, alex, after the referendum on independence in 2014, which of course, was won by the unionist side. well, she was born in ayrshire in 1970. are altogether and her parents working a mum, a nurse, her dad

an electrician, showing an interest in politics from a young age indeed joining snp at 16. then after studying she entered the scottish parliament in 1999, the first such election after devolution granted, of course, by a new labour government . a close associate of government. a close associate of the snp leader, alex salmond, becoming part his scottish shadow cabinet at the same time where she initially stood for the leadership. then in 2004. but stepped aside to back alex salmond. but as he was an mp in westminster, of course she led the party in scotland well then in two thousand and seven that political earthquake the snp becoming the largest in the parliament at holyrood and forming a new nationalists scottish ish government. she became deputy first minister, but her biggest moment then in 2014 win by helping to lead the yes campaign to leave the uk in the scottish independence referendum. granted the course you remember by david cameron . you remember by david cameron. you want to protect the national health service you to health service, then you need to vote yes because right now the

scottish government's policy scottish government's got policy control health service. control of the health service. but don't control our budget but we don't control our budget . well, despite a strong campaign from the nationalists, the snp and the yes campaign, ultimately scotland no opting to remain a part of the united kingdom . well alex salmond kingdom. well alex salmond resigned as first minister and leader of the snp and his protege nicholas sturgeon winning the keys to house in edinburgh to become the powerful female politician in the uk . female politician in the uk. well, a strong proponent of remaining in the eu, she campaigned passionately to stay in europe during the referendum in europe during the referendum in 2016, when the leave campaign won despite, of course scotland voting to remain . she used that voting to remain. she used that as a way to reignite the nationalist impulse to leave the uk. let's get out tomorrow vote to protect our police in the single market the biggest in the world and all the jobs and investment depend on that let's get out protect our freedom of movement i'm here to edinburgh

airports the only people that are getting on planes to go to other european countries a really important rate we've got and let's go and protect our place in the world but of course remain lost and despite a poll boost for the snp it wasn't plain sailing her party multiple allegations made against alex salmon for which she was later cleared but nicholas sturgeon turned on her former role model and then in recent times subject to pressures from within her own to pressures from within her own to , party some seeing as not to, party some seeing as not strong enough to pursue the independence cause or failing to set an acceptable timetable . set an acceptable timetable. well, then, of course, as we just been discussing, olivia tying herself in knots , the tying herself in knots, the issue of self—identification for trans people . let's speak now to trans people. let's speak now to michael blakley, political editor , the scottish daily mail editor, the scottish daily mail , who's been following these events this morning. and michael , clearly she's saying that she's made this all been coming to this decision, a recent weeks, but it took quite a lot of by surprise this morning . of by surprise this morning. yes, it certainly done today was

due to be relatively quiet recess. the and the scottish parliament there wasn't due to be much happening there wasn't much notice of this press conference taking place. it was only an invitation was only issued to the new year or so before it. so it took a lot of people by surprise and we haven't heard much from sturgeon in recent days despite . a lot of in recent days despite. a lot of controversy about issues like her gender and the deposit return scheme and some of the problems with that. and so she has got a bit silent in recent days but i still do think there are too many people predicted that there resignation would be quite as soon as this , although quite as soon as this, although it has become apparent that perhaps there has been a change to her leadership in recent weeks and months , been a lot weeks and months, been a lot more in the way of u—turns and chaos. possibly no surprise , chaos. possibly no surprise, that this was in the pipeline , that this was in the pipeline, but certainly a surprise that she came as quickly as as this morning . what do you think has

morning. what do you think has happened ? she did emphasise . happened? she did emphasise. this is not a reaction to short term pressure. and we assume then she was talking about the whole issue on the gender identification and trans rights and so on. but clearly they were looking towards this party conference to try and work out how they would launch this de facto vote on for the general election . yes, it was she was election. yes, it was she was keen to say today that it wasn't anything do with recent weeks, but she was also admitting that as recent weeks that she's made her mind that this is time to go. so is a question as to whether some of what has happened does influence that in terms of the conference next week. i think that is quite a difficult conference looming for nicholas sturgeon because she was taken the rare approach that she hasn't really that much in her leadership of , throwing her her leadership of, throwing her handsin her leadership of, throwing her hands in the air and saying, okay, let's give the power to the members. let's let the

members decide on an issue or they whether to go ahead with preferred route of making the general election a de—facto referendum . there was a bit of a referendum. there was a bit of a backlash . there were some people backlash. there were some people that were wanting to scrap the idea altogether . it was it was idea altogether. it was it was going to be a difficult conference and one that she would need to make a judgement on how to how to proceed so that perhaps ways, from her perspective to get out before the key that potentially would follow that . yeah she told the follow that. yeah she told the bbc in a previous interview there was plenty left the tank and this is the time of course of jacinda ardern who resigned as the leader of new zealand. but well just looking at some of the things that she said and bute house today , i no longer bute house today, i no longer felt i could give the job of first minister everything it deserves and then talking about , having to handle the whole pandemic . i've only just started pandemic. i've only just started to comprehend the physical and mental impact me . i am mental impact on me. i am a human being as as a politician.

i mean, could it be that she's just had enough? well, it could . it could. maybe she talked about today how she didn't want to be nicholas sturgeon first minister anymore. she wanted to start being nicholas sturgeon, the being. and i actually over the being. and i actually over the of the summer we the course of the summer we heard her talking heard quite a lot of her talking about her future beyond politics. so it's always been clear that she's been interested in what comes after politics and. clearly today she has decided there's no no time to get on with that and see what does come next. it wouldn't be surprising i mean she's relatively relatively she's coming up for 53. it wouldn't be a surprise all if she gets another big job and certainly she would i suspect she , would she would i suspect she, would see herself doing something like a are you in rule or something that and so it will be interesting to see exactly what she does do next. okay. so gone but not forgotten any means. thank you very much indeed. michael, i know you're going to get off to a meeting. plenty

happening , of course, north of happening, of course, north of the border today. thank you for your time. but let's speak now to monteith, former member to brian monteith, former member of the scottish parliament, of, the scottish parliament, bnan of, the scottish parliament, brian thank you for your time. she's described as a formidable political opponent. do you share that analysis ? well, she's that analysis? well, she's certainly formidable because her style is to be an attack dog . so style is to be an attack dog. so if you take nicholas sturgeon on, she goes for your jugular , on, she goes for your jugular, she doesn't take prisoners . and she doesn't take prisoners. and so people come across with a view , if you're on her side, view, if you're on her side, she's and if not on her side, she's and if not on her side, she's to be avoided . but she's to be avoided. but actually, a lot the debate with nicholas sturgeon is , heat nicholas sturgeon is, heat without light it's not so much . without light it's not so much. an persuasive as you basically beaten back so yes she is formidable nobody can deny that she's an excellent campaigner a

good communicator. i she's an excellent campaigner a good communicator . i know there good communicator. i know there is a joke doing rounds on social media. i'll just this with our viewers and listeners and it is that sturgeon prepared to hold a second resignation if this one doesn't work which perhaps is a little cruel however does it actually indicate that this strong personalt actually indicate that this strong personal t could have been as much of a weakness as a strength? well, i think today is a good day for scottish and a great day for the uk for the simple reason it's a good day for scotland because she's a hugely divisive figure and anyone comes after her is to be as as much marmite as she has been. so there was an opportunity for healing in scotland and for bringing people together , trying to work more , together, trying to work more, more in compassion and, consensus and bridges. so that's good for scotland and scotland's

politics. yeah. and that's something john key yeah, that's something. joanna cherry echoed, i think to the mp in westminster in terms of asking for reform and healing, but where do you see things going? because this is the essential question for people in scotland especially with alex salmond saying you know the movement i independence may be left with no clear strategy for independence it's referendum route closed the de facto referendum election proposal not best up in the air. so what does happen next. well most leaders when they go wish to try and create some sort of narrative that explains the legacy . i narrative that explains the legacy. i think that's going to be very difficult for nicholas sturgeon because of the policy failures which are legion but also because of , as alex salmond also because of, as alex salmond points out , there is no real points out, there is no real strategy for obtaining independence. and whoever follows her may find even after their conference they still have

no set route to obtain independence. and we see the polls that actually support for it is waning, it's falling back seriously and it may then that whoever replaces her will actually have to work more to produce good public and avoid failures so that can be new credibility and a future. snp so it's the issues of making sure that the ferry services work, transport, health, all those things that people want from a competent administration . competent administration. exactly scotland's life expectancy is dropping. it's behind even further than is in england in respect of covid, the number of drug deaths is the worst in europe. so you go through a litany of policy failures and where some of those to be turned around then a new snp leader could go into future

election with a record that would be than nicola sturgeon's that's the sort of thing the snp needsif that's the sort of thing the snp needs if it's to hold its support for pulling off the scale . yeah brian we're just scale. yeah brian we're just getting a break on the signal but we got the of that thank you very much indeed forjoining here on gb news once more. thanks your time. plenty more to calls to come from both and london and elsewhere but let's also reflect coming up more on the lancashire police news conference on the nicola pulley search. we'll have the latest for you of that. but let's take a short break first .

and welcome back to live now on friday, it will be three weeks since mother of two nicola bully went missing st michael's on wyre in lancashire while walking her dog . police saying there is

her dog. police saying there is still evidence to indicate a criminal to the investigation or any third party involvement. those are the words a little earlier. well here's what lancashire police assistant chief constable peter lawson had to say . but chief constable peter lawson had to say. but i'm chief constable peter lawson had to say . but i'm acutely that to say. but i'm acutely that this continues to be media interest commentary, speculate umpteen and indeed some criticism of our police investigation . to remind us investigation. to remind us nicola what missing on the morning of friday 27th of january and since that time we have done on a precedent amount of work on the to try and find her. i would emphasise that it remains case there is no evidence to indicate a criminal aspect or third party involvement in nicola's disappearance. however, the officers involved in the investigation are the same experienced specialist, many senior who are concerned with

the investigation of the most serious complex crimes. that is the importance and focus we have given to the investigation to find nicola. assistant chief constable peter lawson is speaking a little earlier. let's speaking a little earlier. let's speak now to. a north west of england. reporter sophie reaper who's been following the story from beginning and joins us from the beginning and joins us once and once more from lancashire. and sophie was talking there about the speculation and one wonders if that's going to continue, because of what was said later in that news conference, talking about the disappearance as being high risk due , a number high risk due, a number of specific vulnerability . his specific vulnerability. his that's absolutely right and this morning they told us that they've been inundated with false information accusation and rumours of which is distracting from their investigation. you mentioned there about how nicola was immediately graded as high risk as soon as she was reported as a missing person due to what the police described being as specific, vulnerable . now, of

specific, vulnerable. now, of course, we did ask about that in the press , but police refused to the press, but police refused to elaborate any further, although did tell us that they were made aware of these vulnerabilities from the very and that it's completely normal in this kind of missing person investigation . now, detective superintendent becky smith also reiterated in that press conference that although the main working hypothesis says is that nicola gone into the river, that does not that that is their only hypothesis and that is continuing to be reviewed throughout this investigation. then went on to give some fine details of this investigation , details of this investigation, for example, that they're continuing work on nicola's phone to try and use that to track movements more accurately. they also talked about using her social media to do so. however they did confirm to us this morning that the fitbit that we know has spent was wearing that

morning. and there's been a lot of speculation about this fitbit. the police confirmed was this morning that that can no longer tell us anything else because it hadn't been sinks for a few days. so with those finer details, she then went on superintendent becky smith . she superintendent becky smith. she went on to dispel some of the myths that have been being around around social media and in the press, for example the abandoned house across the river. she confirmed that they've now searched three times. she also talked about the red van that there's been lot of speculation that it was seen morning that nicola went missing. she confirmed that they are still for red van are still looking for red van and she's grateful for the and that she's grateful for the information this time . she information at this time. she does not believe that red van to be suspicious. and what she's asking is for people to stop asking for is for people to stop that speculation and just allow police to continue with their investigation so that they can try and find some kind of answer . as we come very close now to three, three weeks since the

mother of went missing. sophie at lancashire police headquarters you for updating us there. of course more on the investigation . we get it. and of investigation. we get it. and of course, more reaction to that as it comes . but also coming up, it comes. but also coming up, the maritime rescue service is warning of further migrant crossings with them being launched from a longer stretch of french coastal home and security editor mark white with us for the latest on that. let's get an update now on all the headunes get an update now on all the headlines with bethany . mark headlines with bethany. mark thank you. good afternoon. it's 133. i'm bethany elsey. your top stories from the gb news. nicholas sturgeon has resigned as first minister of scotland after eight years in power. speaking at an unexpected press conference at bute house in ms, sturgeon said she was proud to have served as the first female and longest serving first minister of scotland. she will

remain in the role until her successor is appointed. ms. sturgeon acknowledged that the move might seem sudden, but denied was due to short term pressures and said she'd been wrestling with it for some weeks now. to be clear, i'm not violence here , but i am a human violence here, but i am a human being . well, as a politician and being. well, as a politician and the nature and form of modern political discourse means there is a much greater intensity . did is a much greater intensity. did i see it ? brutality to leave as i see it? brutality to leave as a politic that in years gone by all in all and actually for a long time without being apparent it takes its toll on you and on those around you the labour leader has apologised on behalf the party for its handling antisemitism complaints . his antisemitism complaints. his predecessor, jeremy corbyn sir keir starmer , confirmed mr. keir starmer, confirmed mr. corbyn will not stand for labour at the next general election. the equality and human rights commission announced it end its

monitoring of the two years after finding it responsible for unlawful harassment . and in the unlawful harassment. and in the last half an hour with some breaking news union leaders have said further, teachers will go ahead after disappointing talks with the education secretary. speaking after today's meeting, the general secretary, the national education union, courtney labelled the government latest offer is disappointing thing and said nothing in has persuaded them not to go ahead with planned action next week week . and lancashire police says week. and lancashire police says , there's still no evidence to indicate a criminal aspect. third party involvement . nicola third party involvement. nicola burley's disappearance . the 45 burley's disappearance. the 45 year old has been missing for 90 days. she was last walking her dog along the river wyre after dropping her two daughters off at school . detectives say nicola at school. detectives say nicola was listed as a high risk missing person due to a number of specific . you're up to date

of specific. you're up to date on tv and dab+ radio . this is gb on tv and dab+ radio. this is gb news. mark will be back with you in just a moment.

welcome back. let's bring you another gb news exclusive with uk maritime rescue services warned they're likely to see more migrants crossings over a much wider stretch of coastline in the year ahead. we can reveal that people smugglers, of course, are increasingly launching boats further south along the french coast to try to avoid more robust police patrols . calais and dunkirk. home security editor mark white has . security editor mark white has. this exclusive report . reaching this exclusive report. reaching from the french courts to local lifeboat crew, responding reports of a small migrant boat

in difficulties . but reports of a small migrant boat in difficulties. but this incident also involving a french border patrol vessel is far away from the usual small boat routes out of dunkirk and calais. in fact, we're of the line more than 50 miles from those routes . it's one of dozens of rescues . the lifeboat based in bourke has attended in recent months a major uptick in activity as people smugglers attempt to avoid increasing police patrols farther north, he cited to download model. the numbers have been rising . at the end of 2021, been rising. at the end of 2021, we were involved in many migrant rescues . during 2022, there were rescues. during 2022, there were significantly more migrants, he says. significantly more migrants, he says . slightly. when you realise says. slightly. when you realise the further have to travel by boat, the higher the risks. travelling from down the coast bnngs travelling from down the coast brings extra dangers. being in the water for longer brings the danger of hypothermia and even

hit by bigger boats. you can go back to for the people smugglers , increased police activity around dunkirk in calais has made the regular lodge points more difficult to operate from . more difficult to operate from. french authorities are also busy erecting miles of extra security fencing around those beaches and that's driving the small boats farther south. for years, the criminal gangs have predominantly used the shortage route to the uk, pushing first from the beaches around , then from the beaches around, then expanding to include areas near dunkirk , while occasional boats dunkirk, while occasional boats have been launched further south in the past six months, this route using beaches near berlin , has seen a significant spike in activity . with a beach even in activity. with a beach even further south. fort morgan also regularly being used used for maritime patrols in uk waters.

that means a far greater likelihood that small boats will begin showing up on a much longer stretch of uk coastline in the year ahead . it'll mean in the year ahead. it'll mean teams across a wide area being called out regularly to boats that have been in the water for many . it put a that have been in the water for many. it put a lot of that have been in the water for many . it put a lot of pressure many. it put a lot of pressure on the resource . so these boats on the resource. so these boats are constructed for one purpose to shift massive numbers of people , but they're designed and people, but they're designed and constructed very poorly. they're not expected to be stunning to go to any real sea conditions. the amounts of that they are loaded with. so by crossing from further south and spending longer at sea, ivory that they're at sea longer than they need to be is just going to increase the risk and chance of another of another disaster . another of another disaster. there's little doubt maritime rescue experts , that those rescue experts, that those making small boat crossings from

farther down the french coast will be at far greater risk with that up to 80,000 people could attempt to cross in the year ahead. attempt to cross in the year ahead . authorities on both sides ahead. authorities on both sides , the channel will be stretched to the limit. mark white gb news. let's get more now with mark who's joining us in the studio. and one reflection maybe is that this indicates that monitoring policing operation, that dunkirk to calais stretch is actually becoming more effective. there's no doubt about that. there are increased there. the police are regularly catching up with boats before they get launched into the sea and puncturing them. there's miles of security fencing that we saw in the report as well. so that's making more problematic for the people smugglers attempting to launch from those beaches that are closest to the uk . it's forcing the much uk. it's forcing the much farther down the coast. but that

then brings it much more the way of added complications for those boats trying to get across because it's a much bigger stretch of water. they are then subject of course to fast running tides to the winds . they running tides to the winds. they could end up anywhere. yeah and therefore putting themselves at more risk. i mean, obviously that not calais to dover you can literally see the coastline on the horizon if they launch and i think port monroe is way way. you launch there you into open sea effectively yeah and you know you can't see them the engush know you can't see them the english coast so the for instance when they set off from cali or dunkirk they can see the masts , the sort of red radio masts, the sort of red radio masts, the sort of red radio masts on, the horizon. if they basically just aim for you can't see that seam. and as i say, if you've got a fast tide or a wind , it can knock you way off course on that. i mean, that journey across anyway is five or 6 hours doing the shortest . so

6 hours doing the shortest. so you could be in the water for 12 hours or more and not obviously puts those taking risk at greater of harm. but also the knock on effect is that the services the uk side be called into action anywhere to now of course and this is going to stretch resources. i mean we've got now i think they've got the small boats command wasn't it were they reorganise but i mean clearly if going to have to think about going down from folkestone down folkestone and further down perhaps towards sussex perhaps even towards sussex coast you they're going to have to cover a lot more ground water. open water. yeah i. think there's no doubt that authorities on the sussex coast will be more in the way of boats coming across into that area as well. it'sjust coming across into that area as well. it's just one of the inevitable consequences of these boats launching from further south along the coast in. and yeah, you're right because , the yeah, you're right because, the authorities have been quietly planning for potentially double number that came last year,

which was just under 46,000 coming across year. it's all dependent on the weather . we dependent on the weather. we haven't had the best of weather over the last 2 to 3 months, but things improve into the spring. numbers will come across very significantly. and where are we with the investigations into the people smuggling gangs? as you reported before, you know, they're making more money smuggling people than they often drugs instance. well, drugs, for instance. yeah, well, this is the one way of trying really to be a bit more effective dismantling these operations , go after the gangs, operations, go after the gangs, but they've become very sophisticated in the for five years they've now been in operation. it used to be the case you were getting very small boats coming with no more than about a dozen or 15 or so people on the boats . over the years, on the boats. over the years, they've got these boats made to order in china shipped to turkey then up to germany and you know, taken to the beaches of north western france and assembled

there . it's a production line there. it's a production line there. it's a production line there that seems to be well resourced . there's never seems resourced. there's never seems to be a shortage . even when you to be a shortage. even when you get one of these people smuggling gangs taken out, there's others there . fill the there's others there. fill the gap and, you know, put the migrants on. they take the money. it's on a good week. millions of pounds they are making out of this criminal enterprise. and as you say. now, further down that french coast, mark, for the moment, thank you for that. bring us another gb news exclusive. we'll have more reaction, of course as we get it. but let's return to the world of politics now. it's keir starmer confirming that his predecessor labour leader, predecessor as labour leader, jeremy corbyn, will be jeremy corbyn, will not be standing for the party the next election. comes as a election. this comes as a watchdog has decided to lift labour out of special measures overits labour out of special measures over its handling of antisemitism sir keir welcoming that decision his critics to get out the party if they don't like it . mr. corbyn's leadership of it. mr. corbyn's leadership of course saw widespread suggestions that antisemitism being tolerated within the party ranks. well, the current labour

leader held a news conference this morning. let's remind ourselves had to say. ourselves what he had to say. when became leader. i said i when i became leader. i said i would turn labour around and give it back to the british people . and the most important people. and the most important and urgent part of that was in tearing out antisemitism by its roots . antisemitism is an evil . roots. antisemitism is an evil. a no political party that cultivates it deserves to hold power . i said cultivates it deserves to hold power. i said from cultivates it deserves to hold power . i said from the start , we power. i said from the start, we would be judged not on our own terms , but by the return of terms, but by the return of those who felt they could no longer support us. the first step on that journey was to accept the findings of equality and human rights commission . but and human rights commission. but it was deeper than that because we also had to make clear that there was no space for anyone who didn't the same. that is as true today as it was . let me be true today as it was. let me be very clear . those who seek to very clear. those who seek to blame others or downplay what happenedin blame others or downplay what

happened in our party are themselves part of the problem. and we will zero patience or tolerance that . but will this be tolerance that. but will this be tolerance that. but will this be to wipe that stigma that haunted the opposition party? political leaders darren mccaffrey has been taking a look . antisemitism been taking a look. antisemitism was unacceptable in any form in our party or our society. i think it is a safe place for jewish people. if there are real concerns, we to listen to them. we are the anti—racist party in this country. but for years, for labour allegations of antisemitism stained the party's reputation . under the leadership reputation. under the leadership of . jeremy corbyn. candidates of. jeremy corbyn. candidates council members were found to be involved in using antisemitic tropes and dismissing complaints as fake or smears . the problem as fake or smears. the problem it was alleged , went right to it was alleged, went right to the top just before the 2019 election. nearly nine in ten british jews said they believe jeremy corbyn was anti—semitic . jeremy corbyn was anti—semitic. they were angry and frightened .

they were angry and frightened. in one of the lowest moments for the labour joined the bnp in the labourjoined the bnp in becoming only the second political party ever to investigated by the uk's rights watchdog, the equality and human rights commission . in 2020, they rights commission. in 2020, they found that labour had breached the equality act three times. that was harassment and discrimination . during jeremy discrimination. during jeremy corbyn's and a half years as leader , labour under keir was leader, labour under keir was placed in special measures . placed in special measures. today, though, the party has turned a corner , with the turned a corner, with the commission now finding that over the past two years labour's improved its standards and procedures . what we found was procedures. what we found was there were, there was interference from . the office of interference from. the office of then leader of , the labour party then leader of, the labour party and that's all documented in the report that we published in october 20. obviously as you know, the leadership of the labour party has changed since then. they've now changed their constitution. in fact, the national executive committee to change constitution. change the constitution. so whether of the whether in respect of the leadership or in the procedural

issues that we were also concerned about, we have been monitoring labour processes monitoring the labour processes over last couple of years and we have now concluded that they've implemented the actions we required of them . this report is required of them. this report is of course welcome news for labour and sir keir starmer , who labour and sir keir starmer, who spent an awful lot of time over the years trying to the last three years trying to put considerable distance between jeremy between himself and jeremy corbyn. and while the board of depufies corbyn. and while the board of deputies british believe deputies of british jews believe that things oh, no better, it does come with a note of caution. the problem remain. or as they it that the job is not yet complete . as for jeremy yet complete. as for jeremy corbyn, he remains suspended from the plp , with labour from the plp, with labour insistence he will not stand as the candidate of the next selection. keir starmer will be that this decision and today's reports will turn the page. one of labour's most toxic and chapters darren mccaffrey gb news. now that we've had the latest inflation today, office of national statistics , it's

of national statistics, it's indicating it's at 10.1. good news because it's a five month low, but we reflect that food inflation is still at a 45 year high, about 68.8% compared to the same time last year. rising fuel costs combined with legislation to reduce emissions, pushing the price of farming up. and of course, it's the consumers paying the price as a result . a reporter dougie result. a reporter dougie beattie has more for us. farming has faced massive in the last two decades and. the most recent green thinking blames kabul for the harmful gases. former minister for northern edwin poots . the evidence is not poots. the evidence is not convincing. i work quite a bit on the whole environment thing as well as agriculture , shaw as well as agriculture, shaw said. and i was never convinced by the evidence that was produced that animals, cattle in particular are the significant contributors to the whole climate change debate that .

climate change debate that. others are claiming to be. they engagein others are claiming to be. they engage in a circle or system and that they if grass watts captures carbon so they emit methane . but then they eat the methane. but then they eat the grass again that's already captured the carbon . so the captured the carbon. so the cattle are involved . a circular cattle are involved. a circular system. the netherlands is globally recognised as a farming powerhouse. produce over 6% of eu food . this part of holland is eu food. this part of holland is over four and a half metres below level. it's renowned for its green and renewable policies . but farmers here believe that the government's newest restrictions , methane and restrictions, methane and nitrogen, will drive up the price of dairy and, put them out of business. when i have to cut back my load by 10, my income will go down 10% or more, you know, because when you go down with the herd, your production is going. so your cost rise is getting up probably sometimes double. joran van monaghan says

, dutch farming practises are amongst the best and importing from far off shores could bring problems . so from far off shores could bring problems. so we're from far off shores could bring problems . so we're actually problems. so we're actually producing the highest standards available in the world. when you cut down farming here, it will come back . countries like brazil come back. countries like brazil . first off, they have to kill nature for it. and it's actually original nature, which was not created by by men . and so just created by by men. and so just moving production from a high standard countries , europe to a standard countries, europe to a low standard countries all around the globe. so for every cow which we grow in holland that's coming three cows back in brazil . but that's coming three cows back in brazil. but right up there , you brazil. but right up there, you know, they don't look at animal welfare . they don't look at the welfare. they don't look at the use of antibiotics. they look at the use of hormones. they don't look at pollution from the environment. so what we will up here, you know, is coming back four times in brazil. so we

moving an expanding the problem . the republic of ireland are now looking at ways to reduce their herds . and british farmers their herds. and british farmers fear the or similar may happen in the uk. further reducing home—grown food supply and increasing reliance on cheaper global food and ports. dougie beattie gb news, who's holland ? beattie gb news, who's holland? well, a sunshine and then the skies are blue. what about closer to home? let's get an update on the weather for you . update on the weather for you. hi there. it's aidan mcgivern here from the met office. some rain east today, but still some either side of that band of rain and it is going to be mild particularly towards the southeast. that's where the air continues to come up from the south. so mild and sunny conditions towards the southeast as this cold front moves through central areas as it does so it runs into high pressure. so it is weakening. we've seen some heavy rain earlier in the day towards northwest. now skies are brightening northern brightening for northern ireland, with ireland, western scotland, with

some as the some blustery moving in as the band rain reaches northern england. midlands southwest england. the midlands southwest england. the midlands southwest england. mid—afternoon . it's england. by mid—afternoon. it's just light and patchy rain ahead of that some other time for east anglia in the southeast 4015 celsius here whilst temperatures are going to fall behind the front. 8 to 10 celsius but nothing cold, although it will be fairly gusty for northern and western scotland with some heavy showers for a time. and then as the first front disappears, the next front rolls in from the atlantic is bringing extensive low cloud drizzle, some outbreaks of moderate rain through the night, keeping most places frost free. but one exception, northern scotland . it exception, northern scotland. it will be brighter, but also little chillier as we begin thursday we keep the bright skies for northern scotland along with a few in the far north. during thursday. otherwise, for central and southern scotland. northern ireland. much of england. wales dull and damp to start the day stays grey and drizzly around some southern and western coast,

but actually inland skies will brighten the afternoon. and as that happens, 13 or 14 celsius is possible somewhere like the eastern midlands. scotland staying a bit colder, but also brighter here . that is until the brighter here. that is until the end of the day when some rain returns here and. northern ireland also sees those outbreaks of rain moving in northwest england . wales turn northwest england. wales turn damp and increasingly windy. gale force winds effects the north the uk on thursday night and into friday. then something and into friday. then something a little into the weekend . join a little into the weekend. join me camilla tominey on sunday mornings from 930, taking the politician to task and breaking of sw. one to see how their decisions are affecting you across the uk. first thing, the westminster . every sunday westminster. every sunday morning only on gb news. the channel britons watching . hi channel britons watching. hi andrew pierce here join me every friday lunchtime for a proper no debrief of the week's events . debrief of the week's events. special guest in the studio and

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channel it's 2:00 and welcome to gb news live with me, mark longhurst . live with me, mark longhurst. let's update you on the breaking news of nicholas sturgeon standing down as first minister. scotland after , eight years in scotland after, eight years in power. she in her heart, she knew it was time to on and could not dedicate highest efforts to the job anymore . we'll get the job anymore. we'll get reaction throughout the program from both edinburgh and london . from both edinburgh and london. uk inflation easing the third month running the full than economists expected, but the

country's firmly in the grip of a cost living crisis. food still at 16.8. inflation we'll have expert analysis . alexa police expert analysis. alexa police ruling out any criminal acts aspects of disappearance of nicola oliver adding that the disappearance was high because of specific . what does that of specific. what does that mean? we'll have the latest from lancashire on the uk's maritime rescue warned of more migrant boat crossings over a much wider stretch of the channel in the years ahead. home affairs and security a mark explaining why his exclusive report on get in touch with us gbviews@gbnews.uk especially of course in your scotland . what do you think scotland. what do you think about independ s and where the issue goes from here? let's get an update now on all the headunes an update now on all the headlines with beth mead . mark, headlines with beth mead. mark, thank you. good afternoon. it's just past 2 pm. i'm bethany with your top stories from the

gb news. and as you've been hearing, nicholas has resigned as first minister of scotland after eight years in power. speaking at a press conference at beat house in edinburgh, ms. sturgeon said she was proud to have served as the first female and longer serving first minister of scotland . she'll minister of scotland. she'll remain in the role until her successor is appointed. ms. sturgeon acknowledged that the move seem sudden but denied it was due to short term pressures and said she'd been wrestling with it for some weeks. to who do feel shocked disappointed , do feel shocked disappointed, perhaps even a bit angry with me . please know that while hard and be in no doubt, this is really hard for me my decision comes from a place of duty and. of love. tough love, perhaps , of love. tough love, perhaps, but love nevertheless for my party. and above all, for the country . the labour leader country. the labour leader apologised on behalf of the party for its handling of anti—semitism complaints under his predecessor , jeremy corbyn.

his predecessor, jeremy corbyn. sir keir starmer also confirmed mr. will not stand for labour at the next general election . the the next general election. the equality and human rights commission . it will equality and human rights commission. it will end equality and human rights commission . it will end its commission. it will end its monitoring of the party two years after finding it responsible for unlawful harassment and discriminate . sir harassment and discriminate. sir keir starmer said action. not just an apology needed to all who were hurt. to all those who were let down. to all driven out of our party. who no longer felt it was their home. who suffered the most appalling abuse. today, on behalf of the entire labour party , i say sorry what you've party, i say sorry what you've been through can never be undone . apologies alone cannot it? right lancashire police says there's still no evidence to indicate a criminal or third party involved meant in nicola police disappearance. the five year old has been missing for 19

days. she was last walking a dog along the river. wyre after dropping her two daughters off at school . detectives say nicola at school. detectives say nicola was listed a high risk missing person due to a number of specific . the lead investigator specific. the lead investigator rebecca smith says the investigation is ongoing. i hope with all my heart that we find . with all my heart that we find. i more than anything the likelihood is that nicola has unfortunately gone in the river. however, i have to stress this because this has been continually misconstrued . i continually misconstrued. i cannot be 100% certain of that at the minute because we are continuing. it's a life and that it is always information coming in. in the last hour union leaders have said further teacher will go ahead after talks with the education secretary. speaking after meeting the general secretary of the national education union, kevin courtney, labelled the government's latest offer disappointing and said nothing

in it has them not to go ahead with planned action next week . with planned action next week. the chancellor jeremy hunt, says the chancellorjeremy hunt, says the fight to reduce inflation is far from over , despite the rate far from over, despite the rate decreasing for a consecutive month . data from the office for month. data from the office for national statistics shows the consumer price index to 10.1% in january. that's down from 10.5% in december. the drop was largely due to the price of fuel and transport slowing a boy and, and transport slowing a boy and, a girl, both aged 15, have remanded in youth detention charged with the murder of a 16 year old girl. he was stabbed to death in cheshire. brianna gi from warrington was found seriously injured on pavement near a park on saturday afternoon. she died a short later. cheshire police , they are later. cheshire police, they are exploring whether the teen who was transgender was the of a hate crime. the two teenagers will appear at liverpool crown court on thursday thursday . a

court on thursday thursday. a british man who died in ukraine has been named by his family as jonathan jenkin from glasgow . a jonathan jenkin from glasgow. a family tribute on social media said he died as a hero in an act of bravery. as a paramedic. he's the eighth british national known to have died in ukraine since the start of russia's invasion last year. the uk foreign office says it's supporting the family and that it's in contact . local it's in contact. local authorities on the ground and, a 19 month old girl has been treated for a fatal genetic disease with the world's most drug. teddy from northumberland was born the rare inherited disease called mouldy. it causes serious damage to the nervous system and organs. dramatically cutting life expectancy . she's cutting life expectancy. she's the first person in the uk to be given the treatment which has a list . of £28 given the treatment which has a list. of £28 million. up to date on gb news. we'll bring you as it happens now though it's , as it happens now though it's, back to .

back to. mark bethany, thank you very much indeed. bethany, thank you very much indeed . so seismic changes in uk indeed. so seismic changes in uk politics. being scotland's minister has been the privilege of life. that was as nicholas sturgeon as she announced her resignation after more than years as head of the scottish . years as head of the scottish. the first minister saying she no longer felt could give the job her all and that she was only human and felt she needed to regain her life back. but she also went on to say, scotland was in a better place than when she 2014, but that now she took over 2014, but that now was the time for new leadership. our reporter olivia our political reporter olivia utley has latest report . utley has this latest report. for nicola sturgeon's allies . for nicola sturgeon's allies. her historic career will be remembered for her dogged fight to free scotland from the shackles of the uk and, her deft handung shackles of the uk and, her deft handling of the covid pandemic. but critics , it was a tenure

but critics, it was a tenure blighted by a myopic obsession with independence at, the expense of domestic policy . i'm expense of domestic policy. i'm not in the business of having a process that turns out to an empty gesture that does deliver independence . what we want to independence. what we want to decided is that the first minister was passionate about removing scotland from the united kingdom. is, however undisputed. she joined the scottish national party at the age of 16. and by 21 had been selected as a candidate herself .though selected as a candidate herself . though she was beaten by laboun . though she was beaten by labour, her was undimmed. and when scottish parliament opened in 1999, she won her first glasgow seat , famed for her glasgow seat, famed for her straight talking delivery . she straight talking delivery. she rose quickly through the ranks and had it not been for alex salmond entering the race at the 11th hour. she looked track to win the leadership contest win the 2004 leadership contest . instead, she ended a pact salmond, becoming his deputy. and later, the face of the 2014 independence referendum . independence referendum. ironically, perhaps it, was the failure of this referendum, which catapulted sturgeon to the very top scottish politics when resigned, she took over the

reins with gusto, embarking on a p0p reins with gusto, embarking on a pop star esque stadium tour to announce her ascendance as first minister ever since this formidable politician has held a vice like grip on scottish politics, lauded by friends and foes alike as one of the most effective politicians . the uk effective politicians. the uk has ever seen . but her fall when has ever seen. but her fall when , it finally came, was swift . , it finally came, was swift. for the last few months, she has come under unprecedented scrutiny, both over the dire state of the scottish nhs and her commitment. state of the scottish nhs and her commitment . the gender her commitment. the gender recognition act, which proved deeply unpopular. the final nail in the coffin. was her decision to turn the next election into a de facto referendum a policy which even those in her inner circle were quick to pour cold oven circle were quick to pour cold over. and standing on her own terms this morning, nicholas sturgeon has maintained a kind of dignity. all the politicians could only dream of. but for the failure to achieve her ambition of overseeing scottish independence will be a very bitter pill to swallow . olivia bitter pill to swallow. olivia utley gb is so that was then .

utley gb is so that was then. what is now alive is in the studio to discuss that and olivia clearly as a alex salmond is as question know two questions one what happens independence and secondly no obvious successor although you've got some information about the runners riders to replace her we were being told earlier about 69% didn't know but a certain angus robertson at the head of the table it seems now. well yes. so a poll from the times from last suggested that 69, as you say , didn't know that 69, as you say, didn't know who they wanted to as the next snp leader . and among the other snp leader. and among the other runners and riders. it was just incredibly split. we had , kate incredibly split. we had, kate forbes, the highest on 8. now we're seeing ladbrokes odds suggesting that angus robertson could be is most likely to be the next leader of the party. of course, angus robertson has been leader before it was leader in westminster before i mean, sorry, up to 27 team. so he's

definitely a well known figure . definitely a well known figure. he's thought of as a sort of safe of hands. but whether he has the sort of fire that it would to take reignite that independence course, which, as you say, is looking as though it's hanging in the balance, really this morning is another issue. yeah, because i mean, we've alex salmond not just we've got alex salmond not just question of no obvious successor, but the movement has been left with no clear strategy for independence or referendum routes being . and the de facto routes being. and the de facto referendum election proposal in the general election being a vote on independence is at best up in the air. yes. and i think this is perhaps even more personal than the question of who the successor is going to be. i was in edinburgh when the indyref supreme court verdict was decided and it was decided that section 35 and all that exact say that the snp couldn't proceed with its plan to hold a legal referendum within hours. nicholas sturgeon had decided that rather than go down that legal route once it was denied

her, she would turn the next election into what she was calling a de facto referendum . calling a de facto referendum. and it was then that we first started to see really splits in the snp which for almost 20 years has been remarkably united. there were many people in her inner circle who thought that turning a general election into a one issue vote would be an error and actually hamper the course of independence. and it seemed that the majority of scots agreed with them and that polling lord ashcroft, which polling by lord ashcroft, which we were talking about earlier , we were talking about earlier, showed that only 21% of scottish people thought that turning the next general election into a de facto referendum was idea facto referendum was a good idea and coming to a head and it was coming to a head because being told that because we were being told that they having this they were having this this party conference out the conference to work out the obviously that general actually may be, you know, fairly imminent about a year or 80 months away and perhaps the equivalent of the grey men in suits that the party employ suits that the tory party employ went to her and said, look, this is not achievable. there's definitely a whiff of farce about it because as you say,

this strategy review, as they were due to take were calling was due to take place on the 17 8th of march and in nicola sturgeon's speech she said she was freeing said that she was freeing the snp make its own decision on snp to make its own decision on whether or not to turn the german election into a de facto referendum . so alex salmond referendum. so alex salmond saying it's up in the i mean that's an understatement. it's sounds they will sounds as though they will abandon policy nicola abandon that policy of nicola sturgeon's . but then of course sturgeon's. but then of course you get the question of on you get to the question of on earth, proceed with the earth, do you proceed with the independent with no independent schools with no clear strategic to take? clear strategic route to take? yeah and what independence actually means then for people in scotland and how it's achieved ? olivia, thank you for achieved? olivia, thank you for that. let's speak now to kevin pringle, who's former of communications for the snp, who joins us. kevin, thank you very much indeed for your time. did you have an inkling of this because we're being told that both the scottish government and all officials of batus all the officials of batus were caught hop with this this caught on the hop with this this morning . i think it surprised morning. i think it surprised everybody . it was a massive everybody. it was a massive surprise to me. i think it's really surprised everybody. and scotland across the uk

scotland it did across the uk she suddenly passed the test people questioning this morning why she's going than people asking why still there so and that says yes it was a very great surprise was it politic was it personality because looking at what she said saying it's not a reaction to short term pressure we assume that she means that the trans debate but i no longer felt i could give the job everything it deserves . the job everything it deserves. then talking about taking scotland through the pandemic , i scotland through the pandemic, i would only started to comprehend the physical and mental impact on me . i am a the physical and mental impact on me. i am a human being as well as a politician. i mean, has really that you know, this is a personal reflection that she can't cut it anymore . well she can't cut it anymore. well thought her statement was very dignified, very moving. actually, i think it's quite to disentangle the personal from the professional and actual fight. and i thought what the most significant things you said dunng most significant things you said

during your statement was about this being a reflection of the polarised nature of politics because and the fact that she has become quite a polarising figure. thus i think that's because she's been very centrally in these big debates we've had across the uk , of we've had across the uk, of course in scotland over the last few years, independence in scotland up to and obviously since the independence referendum in 2014 and then brexit where there was a very strong dimension to that given that scotland voted most decisively of any part of the uk to stay in the european union, i think she's been at the heart in many ways of these big binary political questions over the past number of years. so i think inevitably that polarisation of opinion has attached itself to her. you might argue she's done a really well to have and post with such a high level of support, having been in such a such been that issue. so i think in time as well as her already

hopefully we'll get on to talk about or something to do in the in the coming i think to some extent as much as it being about i think it's also reflection of decision today about the poll that i sort of a binary nature politics that we've had in scotland and across the uk really over quite a large number of years now . yeah. well alex of years now. yeah. well alex salmond has paid tribute by saying no question of nicola's talents as a first rate political communicator, an winner having been a feel for her person in the day of a resignation, is it perhaps a reflection that she's missed , reflection that she's missed, calculated on the whole issue of gender recognition and trans rights. and that maybe was really broke. her political career in the end i think it's been an accumulation and again if we're talking about binary issues that not has in many ways ironic you might say been something of a binary question in itself so i think it's been an accumulation there's possibly be an aspect that if you look at

some of these you know let's put to one say the arguments or against the gender recognition reform legislation in a sense it was a very, very big political issue to take on for a devolved government within the uk. i think we may forget that is actually a devolved administration and to have on policy area a radically different regime from that which appues different regime from that which applies elsewhere in the uk is actually quite difficult, quite challenging those legal and other constraints there as well. so i think there's other questions as well where we are scotland looking to do things very differently. i mean in some ways it's very good that that is happening. the scottish champion payment, for example, very, very distinctive . that doesn't distinctive policy. that doesn't apply elsewhere in the uk . the apply elsewhere in the uk. the welfare that came after welfare powers that came after the independence referendum. but other policy areas possibly just too much, perhaps was take it on about almost the logistical and

legal status. and so that applies, for example very tough on gender recognition. so the position therefore a huge question for the yeah, therefore a huge question for the snp in scotland in general where do you go from here and indeed who is going to lead the party? olivia was indicating to us angus robertson is topping the poll at the moment, but another one suggesting 69% don't know. i mean , is this going to be mean, is this going to be a moment of trying to assess what it actually means to be scottish 7 it actually means to be scottish ? well i'm not sure about that. that's something that could all in scotland debate all of the time. and i think sometimes it feels like we. but that's certainly a much bigger question that snp people who support that the snp people who support independence . i think what's independence. i think what's important here for the snp is that it takes time and also think that those are contested elections. it was interesting just listening to the commentary

from olivia earlier . if you go from olivia earlier. if you go back to for example, the 2004 leadership election that was the last contested leadership election snp had. so you know, getting on for 20 years. so i think for people to come forward to become better known which is obviously big challenge a contested election will help and will also of course provide the proper forum in order for these big questions about the future direction to be properly debated . so that's what i would hope would happen that people come forward. i think the more the merrier personally and to have that open debate public debate and order that people can become better known to the general pubuc. better known to the general public . and you know kevin public. and you know kevin people obviously trying to get hold of you will. you answer all those calls . thank you very much those calls. thank you very much indeed for your time here on. so we lost question again. what doesit we lost question again. what does it mean to be scottish apart from having a pretty resurgent national rugby team joining us in the studio, scottish journalist clare

muldoon. thank you . i'd say muldoon. hi, thank you. i'd say that most of the series a welshman, however clearly question about where the snp goes , where scotland goes and goes, where scotland goes and where the rest the united kingdom goes with this whole issue well, not issue of independence. well, not only independence but also strategy where and lines of strategy and where and lines of succession find it really quite difficult to believe . kevin difficult to believe. kevin pringle, who used to be head of comms, the snp, didn't even know that sturgeon going that nicholas sturgeon was going to briefing country to be briefing whole country today her own, stepping down today on her own, stepping down or minister, apparently, we're being told, nor did many in the scottish government they were really surprise and really taken by surprise and really taken by surprise and really to get things but has really had to get things but has organised so you want in so you wonder what's going on. i mean this is the irony here we heard the words of nicholas sturgeon in her words it was, know, in her words it was, you know, to and to step down and to unify and to step down and she take anymore not she couldn't take it anymore not unlike her when she left unlike to send her when she left the premiership of new zealand. however think the most prevalent word so those of the proclaimers today because as far as i'm concerned there's definitely no

sunshine sign on leith that she has stepped down from this role and hopefully know the rest of the scottish people under will see independence for what it is. and i for one feel it's a bit of an irony that she was brought down politically by something that she wasn't even set to do. theidea that she wasn't even set to do. the idea of trans right. i was going to do think this is what really has happened, not the issue of independence and the fact that the party was telling her, look, we're not going to be able to swing this a general election, no de—facto vote that it's issue that's this . it's another issue that's this. but that, not only but not only that, not only because couldn't it a de because they couldn't it on a de facto vote in order for that de facto vote in order for that de facto referendum be facto referendum to be legitimate, to have the legitimate, it had to have the uk from westminster first uk from westminster in the first place. there's way that westminster to even westminster were going to even that edict, given the that as an edict, given the supreme court judgement of the section 35 no, they've section 35 issued. no, they've issued another section 35 for the gender recognition reform bill. yeah. so i do think the u—turn in that her blustery she's normally very composed politician, very polished polished on the covered steps up

at the podiums with adhere to that however i do think her her manner quite blustery i don't think she was well prepped in what it was she was actually trying to say and rightly or wrongly, the two male rapists that they presented the scottish prison reform bill that she then put that on to, it was almost as if it was a hot potato. she didn't want to take accountability for it. but alister jack indicated you this was formidable politician. but was a formidable politician. but think been a political think there's been a political mis culture . think there's been a political mis culture. i think think mis culture. i think i think that has been a miscalculation. but i also by her own standards, she's very shrewd operator is nicholas sturgeon i've that i have no don't either she's her country through what she thought was the best way i think mirroring to her and new zealand i thought it was completely the wrong way to deal with covid. i mean she had people joiners in saving two inches off school doors for heaven's sake her mask policy went on even longer than it was in england. and yet her

deaths were more than we had in england. however, i mean, she still has, you know great personal popularity . but just on personal popularity. but just on this issue about dealing with a pandemic, this was the quote i've only just started to comprehend the physical and mental impact on me leading scotland the pandemic scotland through the pandemic i'm being as well as i'm a human being as well as a politician and indicating she came to a decision when she attended this funeral recently so i mean is there again without a parallel with it with new zealand she realised there was nothing left in the time, in the time. i mean don't know, time. i mean i don't know, i think don't let, let's forget there's two valid to open please investor nations at the moment the fire the snp the mismanagement of funds the £600,000 it seems to have gone missing and you know into the coffers and she has said there's that's not a reason for her to resign. well you know some say just differently maybe we had please investigation and police fines boris johnson in rishi fines for boris johnson in rishi sunak for eating cake. now, i'm not minimising that. know not minimising that. you know what however what happened there. however this is policy. this this is fiscal policy. this

fiscal and also the fiscal abnormality and also the money that was paid her publisher for her as unpublished memoir. i was just going to ask you, is that what we now expecting the book to actually being written be written and published . well, i'll tell you published. well, i'll tell you what, we should actually maybe ask our sister, because our sister allegedly is psychic. so if is really if there's anyone that is really know is gillian sturgeon right? and of a story and will it be much of a story to i mean, who knows? to tell? i mean, who knows? i mean, there's lots of things of apparently happened at the cabal of house, some things that of bute house, some things that we are allowed to comment we are not allowed to comment on, things we on, some things that we can't comment purely comment because purely circumstantial but think we circumstantial. but i think we the snp go why is there no succession planning and what independence the absolute the absolute prize and the absolute raison d'etre for them to actually exist . where does that actually exist. where does that leave in the vote now is even lower than at the time of the referendum. well, lord ashcroft's, polls would suggest that the 13th of monday of this week would suggest a 12 point margin in favour of seeing within united kingdom and as a

scot with a scottish postcode, i hope that is the way forward . hope that is the way forward. claire. thank you. we'll let you go off and the proclaimers. thank you very much for joining us once more . and of course, we us once more. and of course, we get reaction throughout the day from , both edinburgh and london from, both edinburgh and london on that. also reflecting on the latest inflation figures, it's down, but food still at a 45 year high. precious on us as shoppers and we'll be back with more on that shortly .

welcome back to gb news live. now let's update on the latest figures on inflation from the office for national statistics showing a slight fall in the annual rate to down from 10.5 to 10.1% on last month , narrowly 10.1% on last month, narrowly avoiding a recession two at the

moment, maybe a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. but food costs fell on a 45 year high, 16.8. annual inflation. let's get to the views now of economist and founder of money magpie .com jasmine birtles joining us once more jasmine thank you for your time. i mean, i guess problem is that with the food inflation, it's still really hurting in the pocket as they try to go from their day to day lives . yes. these figures day lives. yes. these figures are not unexpected . we were are not unexpected. we were expecting inflation to come down a certain amount and we may see it come down further as the year goes. it come down further as the year goes . but as it come down further as the year goes. but as you say, in real terms , people's real lives and terms, people's real lives and their lived experience , it their lived experience, it doesn't really make very much difference . food prices are high difference. food prices are high . we've got the april change in the energy figures and that's something that a lot of people are very afraid of. and we're also not, i think, so much from the young people who are

currently being forced to move back home with their parents. i've been seeing a few reports about more and more young going back home to, their parents, so a lot of people, whether you on a lot of people, whether you on a decent income or if you are on benefits it's still a struggle right now . and on inflation right now. and on inflation itself, i know a lot of economists will been using this term sticky in terms of the things not really dropping as quickly as widespread as possible. i mean, what the analysis now of this government hope that we're going to see it being halved by the end of the year and which is still, of course, nowhere near the of england. 2% target, oh, absolutely. and it's the same, of course in america. they've got, as you say they were talking about stickiness in the inflation figures. they're i mean, what i think is not dealt with is the issue of all the money printing that happened

over the last few years, obviously not just the last few years, but that's when the really serious printing on steroids was happening . and that steroids was happening. and that hasn't been addressed . the head hasn't been addressed. the head of the bank of england andrew bailey has said that money printing money, quantitative easing does not cause inflation. well, i think it does and a lot of people think it so while you still have that money sloshing around in the system, you're going have problems dealing with inflation. it's, i suspect that although looking at it coming this year, i don't that's going to be the end of the story. i think it could go up again later on. right. and the budget not that far off. one assumes that this really does not mean jeremy has much room manoeuvre . no, has much room for manoeuvre. no, absolutely . and you know, the absolutely. and you know, the last of the statement that we had last was kind a little bit of a giveaway budget you know and so he's probably wanting to give away and he probably will give away and he probably will give more than he should to keep

popular, you know, because are a lot of people are talking about how we should have a general election now , there were good election now, there were good reasons to have one right now. so he's wanting think to keep popular keep the party popular but really truly yeah he should be cutting all over the place if he in the direction that he seems have been going. course if we went in the direction that liz truss was wanting we would have been cut. you taxation would have had a lot more growth in system we remember what there. but just last quick thought i mean a lot of discussion i know liam has talked about that here in gb news about corporation we still got this 25% figure entrenched in the legislation. but do you believe maybe they'll try and freeze that , keep it at 19% it's freeze that, keep it at 19% it's hard to know the problem with that with. the word corporation tax, is it you think of great big companies whereas it's little companies that are hit by as well although generally when i've spoken to small businesses

particularly high businesses, pubs restaurants, etc, the one that they would like to see brought down is vat. they're more concerned about vat than they are about corporation tax, which is quite interesting. you can of see, you know , that is can of see, you know, that is what's absolutely hitting their business is , the vat more than business is, the vat more than corporation . and jasmine thank corporation. and jasmine thank you very much indeed on that. and let's just bring you a bit of breaking news on morrisons . of breaking news on morrisons. the supermarket chain had its credit rating cut after weaker sales and profits . moody's sales and profits. moody's downgrading the fifth largest supermarket chain , cautioning supermarket chain, cautioning its ability to repay and a half billion pounds in debts to negative from stable, all because of the problems in the economy at the moment. reaction to that. but let's get an update now on the news headlines now. bethany is waiting for. us mark,

thank . good afternoon. here's thank. good afternoon. here's your top stories from the gb newsroom just past past two nicholas sturgeon has resigned as minister of scotland after eight years in power. speaking at a press conference at bute house in edinburgh, ms. sturgeon said she proud to have served as the first female and longest serving first minister of scotland. ms. sturgeon acknowledged that the move might seem sudden but denied that it was due to short term pressures and said she'd been wrestling with it for some weeks now to clear. i'm not expected violence here, but am a human being as well as a politician and the nature and form of modern political discourse means that there is a much greater intensity drive see it brutality to life as a politician than in years gone by. all in all and actually for a long time without being it takes its toll on you and on those around you . the and on those around you. the

labour leader has apologised behalf of the party for its handung behalf of the party for its handling of antisemitism complaints . handling of antisemitism complaints. his handling of antisemitism complaints . his predecessor, complaints. his predecessor, jeremy corbyn and sir keir starmer also confirmed mr. corbyn will not stand for labour at the next general election. the equality and human rights commission announced it end its monitoring of the party two years after finding it responsible for unlawful and discrimination discrimination . discrimination discrimination. union leaders have said further teacher strikes will go ahead after disappointing talks with education secretary. speaking after today's meeting, the general secretary of the national education union, courtney, labelled the government's latest offer disappointing and said nothing in it has persuaded them to not go ahead planned action next week . and police says there is week. and police says there is still evidence to indicate a criminal aspect or third party involvement . criminal aspect or third party involvement. in nicola criminal aspect or third party involvement . in nicola police involvement. in nicola police disappearance , the 45 year old

disappearance, the 45 year old has been missing for 19 days. she was last seen walking her dog along river wye after dropping to her off at school. detectives say nicola was listed as a high risk missing person due to a number of specific vulnerabilities . you're up to vulnerabilities. you're up to date on tv, online and derby, plus , this is gb news. mark will plus, this is gb news. mark will be back with you in just a moment .

welcome back to gb news live. let's bring you some breaking news just coming through the ministry of justice who say that murder of russell causley , who murder of russell causley, who never revealed where he hid his wife's body, has just released from prison . wife's body, has just released from prison. his wife's body, has just released from prison . his wife, carol from prison. his wife, carol packman was 40 at the time, disappeared from their home in bournemouth back in 1985. he was

found guilty of her murder. but the body was never found. now had a parole hearing . the first had a parole hearing. the first pubuc had a parole hearing. the first public parole hearing. you remember back in december , remember back in december, samantha, jillian, the couple's daughter campaigned to keep my father in prison . calling that father in prison. calling that decision for the public hearing momentous. then 28th of january, he was released . the decision he was released. the decision was taken to release him after parole board hearing and he has now walked from prison. according to the of justice. more on that as we get it. but let's bring you now another gb news exclusive with the maritime rescue service is being they are likely to see more migrant boat crossings over a much wider stretch of our coastline in the year ahead . because gb news can year ahead. because gb news can reveal that the people smugglers have been launching the small boats further south along the french coast to try to avoid the more robust police patrols at calais and dunkirk. more robust police patrols at calais and dunkirk . a home and calais and dunkirk. a home and security editor mark white has another exclusive report us from . reaching out from the french

caused a local lifeboat crew responding to reports of a small migrant boat. responding to reports of a small migrant boat . difficulties . but migrant boat. difficulties. but this incident also involving a french border patrol vessel is far away from the usual small boat out of dunkirk. calais. in fact we're south of the line more than 50 miles from those routes . it's one of dozens of routes. it's one of dozens of rescues . the lifeboat based in rescues. the lifeboat based in burke has attended in recent months a major uptick in activity as people smugglers attempt to avoid increasing patrols farther north. excited to download model. the numbers have been rising at the end of 2021. we were involved in many migrant rescues during 2022. there were significantly migrants, especially they school. the further they to travel by boat, the higher the risks travelling from down the

coast . extra dangers. being in coast. extra dangers. being in the water for longer brings the dangen the water for longer brings the danger. hypothermia and even being hit by bigger boats, usually can go back to. for the people smugglers . police people smugglers. police activity around dunkirk in calais made their regular launch points more difficult to operate . french authorities are busy erecting miles of extra security fencing around those beaches , fencing around those beaches, and that's driving the small boats farther south. for years, the criminal gangs have predominantly used the shortage route to the uk, pushing off first from the beaches around , first from the beaches around, then expanding to include areas near dunkirk. then expanding to include areas near dunkirk . while occasional near dunkirk. while occasional boats have been launched further south in the past six months, this route using beaches near purloin , has seen a significant purloin, has seen a significant spike in activity with a beach even further south near morgan.

also now regularly being used . also now regularly being used. and for maritime patrols in the uk waters that means a far greater likelihood that small will begin showing up on a much longer stretch uk coastline in the year ahead . it'll mean the year ahead. it'll mean rescue teams across a wider area are being called out more regularly . two boats that have regularly. two boats that have beenin regularly. two boats that have been in the water for many hours . it does put a lot of pressure on the resources these boats are constructed for one purpose to shift maximum as a people, but they designed they were constructed very poorly they're not expected to be stunning to go to any real sea the amounts of people that they are loaded with . so by crossing from with. so by crossing from further south, spending longer at sea every second that they're at sea every second that they're at sea, longer than they need to, is just going to increase the risk chance of another of disaster . there's little doubt

disaster. there's little doubt maritime rescue experts , that maritime rescue experts, that those making small boat from farther down french coast will be at greater risk with . be at greater risk with. predictions that up to 80,000 people could attempt to cross in the year ahead . authorities on the year ahead. authorities on both sides of the channel will be stretched to the limit. mark white gb news. well, mark's joining in the studio now with more on this and clearly this indicates that perhaps that policing operation on dunkirk to calais stretch has been more effective, which is why having to move further down. you there's no doubt there have been increased and there are regular reports now of the police being to catch up with these small boats before they actually get down into the water and puncturing these boats. there's as we saw in the report, the miles and miles of security, fencing going up. it's all designed make it a hostile

environment for. designed make it a hostile environment for . those criminal environment for. those criminal gangsin environment for. those criminal gangs in terms of using it as a launch point. and to an extent it's working . we have to say it's working. we have to say that i think the vast majority are still from those beaches. but a significant number are going further and, farther south. and that means , of south. and that means, of course, a consequence of that mark, when you head off from a beach that has followed as far down fort bon, which quite a bit south of. yeah yeah. then you could end up anywhere. and of course the danger is, i mean, if they launch towards dover, they've got physical reference points that can see the as you say that the towers above the cliffs with the red lights blinking. mean you head out from these areas down to below and you're into open sea on still flimsy craft. yeah they use these big sort of to try smetters as a compass point navigation point yeah to head towards especially at night with the kind of red light on the

mosque on the mast so they don't have that option in further south because it's too far away over the horizon. so yeah, you're right, it could be going . and there have been reports actually the lifeboat president that we were to talking from back said that they had seen an incident where chop was going round and round in circles in a small boat because. they didn't know where they were using a fuelis know where they were using a fuel is the need to get across the channel and the other aspect then is the strain on resources on the british coast because they could up heading down towards sussex and other areas and of course the small boat command and the rnli now having to cover an even bigger. command and the rnli now having to cover an even bigger . yeah to cover an even bigger. yeah very occasionally we get reports of small boats being sighted or even beaching in sussex but i think that will become much more regular in the months ahead. now, if they are using these south of the line in, any significant numbers because , significant numbers because, there's a sea. it's all

dependent on the nguyen's one shore out there where they think you could well a beach in sussex or even farther afield if make it of course safely yeah. marcus abbott, thanks for updating us with another exclusive, but let's now reflect on it will be three weeks since the mother of two, nicola bulli went missing at st michaels in warren while walking her dog . but today walking her dog. but today police say they're still no evidence, they say, to indicate criminal aspect or any third party involvement . let's get party involvement. let's get more with sophie reaper , our more with sophie reaper, our north—west of england. reporter who's been following this story and joins there now. and sophie, they were taking the time to update on this because of the amount of conjecture , of course, amount of conjecture, of course, on social media. but one wonders if that now will actually be continuing because of what they call was was the high risk nature her disappearance because of specific vulnerabilities they mentioned that was indeed talked

about this morning . and in fact, about this morning. and in fact, just before the press conference here at lancashire police hq this morning, members , the media this morning, members, the media were given this handbag and on the back of the hand there's a timeline from that morning . the timeline from that morning. the 27th of january, when nicola bullae first went missing and interestingly less than an hour and a half her phone was located on the bench. we see this 1101 hours. nicola was to us as a missing and immediately graded as high risk. now as you say, police tell us the reason for thatis police tell us the reason for that is because of specific and although they say they can't elaborate on what vulnerabilities are because it's personal for the family what did tell us is that police aware of those vulnerabilities from very beginning and this kind of is very normal in a missing person investigation . now, also on this investigation. now, also on this handout , i investigation. now, also on this handout, i don't investigation. now, also on this handout , i don't know if you'll handout, i don't know if you'll be able to see, but there's some key statistics there . for

key statistics there. for example, there's 5900 pieces of information have been sent into police. police police have spoken to 300 people in relation to their enquiries. and so far they've had 50 pieces of dashcam submitted to them as . they try submitted to them as. they try to piece together exact what might have happened . morning. might have happened. morning. now she and becky smith emphasised grateful she is to of the public for how diligent they've been and how they've helped with investigation. but she also urged people not to speculate on this because they've been inundated with false allegations , rumours. and false allegations, rumours. and she said all this is doing nothing to help their investigation to try find the missing nicola pulley. it's normal in any missing person investigation you obviously gather as much information at an early stage about the in question which is no different and we did that paul i'm not

going to go into the details of those individual i've asked you to respect the family who going through unimaginable pain and distress at this moment but those vulnerabilities based on decision making in terms of grading as high risk and have continued to form part of my investigation throughout . this investigation throughout. this is of course such a difficult time for all of nicola's friends and families. and as we were heanng and families. and as we were hearing that these suspicions members of the public armchair investigators who are all posting on tiktok and youtube is doing nothing and we heard this morning that, in fact, at times it's been hurtful to the family to see these suspicions online. so we're being urged everyone not to speculate where nicola boly may be. instead leave it to the police . they try to find an the police. they try to find an answer as we reach almost a

three week points. since the mother of two went missing from st michael's on wye. so we thank you very much for updating us once the lancashire police headquarters with the latest more course on the investigation as we get it. but let's update us now on the latest reaction to , nicola sturgeon's resignation announcement this morning . announcement this morning. labour leader sir keir starmer tweeting a tribute saying nicholas sturgeon been at the forefront of not just scottish but uk politics for over two decades. he went on to say she served with dedication and passion. i wish her all the best for her next steps. labour stands ready to be the change that scotland needs an indication perhaps the political opportunity he sees that well sir starmer confirming earlier his predecessor as labour leader jeremy corbyn will not be standing for the party at the next general election . that next general election. that comes as a watchdog decided to lift labour out of special over its handling of and semitism. sir keir welcoming that

decision, urging critics to out of the party if they didn't like . mr. corbyn's leadership. the party of course seeing widespread suggestion that antisemitism had been tolerated within party ranks . well the within party ranks. well the current labour leader held a news this morning. let's remind ourselves of what he had to say. then when i became leader, i said i would turn labour around and give it back to the british and give it back to the british and the most import and an urgent part of that was in tearing out antisemitism by its roots . antisemitism is an evil roots. antisemitism is an evil and no political party cultivates it deserves hold power . i said cultivates it deserves hold power. i said from cultivates it deserves hold power . i said from the start power. i said from the start that we would be judged not on our terms, but by the return of those who felt they could no longer support us. the first step on that journey was to accept the findings of the equality and human rights commission , but it was deeper commission, but it was deeper than that because we also to make clear that there was no

space for anyone who didn't the same. that as true today as it was then . let me be very clear. was then. let me be very clear. those who seek to blame others or downplay happened in our party are themselves part of the problem. and we will have zero patience or tolerance of that . patience or tolerance of that. well let's actually now reflect on whether this will be a knife to wipe the stigma that has dogged the opposition and party. will our political leaders darren mccaffrey has been taking a look at that . antisemitism was a look at that. antisemitism was unacceptable to all in any form in our party or society. i think it is a safe place forjewish it is a safe place for jewish people, but if there are real concerns, we have to listen to them. we are the anti—racist party in this country, but for years , labour allegations years, labour allegations of anti—semitism have stained the party's reputation under the leadership of jeremy corbyn. candidates, councillors and were found to be involved in using anti—semitic and dismissing

complaints as fake or smears . complaints as fake or smears. the problem it was alleged when right to the top just before the 2019 election, nearly nine in ten british jews . they believed ten british jews. they believed that jeremy corbyn was . they that jeremy corbyn was. they were and frightened . in one of were and frightened. in one of the lowest moments for the opposition labour joined the bnp opposition labourjoined the bnp in only the second political party ever to be investigated by the uk's human rights watchdog . the uk's human rights watchdog. the equality and human rights commission . the equality and human rights commission. in the equality and human rights commission . in 2020, they found commission. in 2020, they found that labour had breached the equality act three times. that was unlawful and discrimination dunng was unlawful and discrimination during jeremy corbyn's four and a half years as leader, the really labour under keir starmer was in special measures . today, was in special measures. today, though, the party has turned a corner with the commission now finding that over the past two years labour has improved its standards and procedures . what standards and procedures. what we found was that there were there was interference . the there was interference. the office of the leader of labour

party and that is all documented in the report that we published in the report that we published in october 2020 and obviously , in october 2020 and obviously, as you know, the leadership , the as you know, the leadership, the labour party has changed since then. they've now changed their constitution. in fact, the executive committee to change the constitution. whether the constitution. so whether in respect of the leadership or in the procedural issues that we were also concerned about, we have been monitoring labour have been monitoring the labour party's processes over the last couple of years and we have now concluded they've concluded that they've implemented actions we implemented the actions we required them . this report required of them. this report is, of course, welcome news for labour and sir keir starmer , who labour and sir keir starmer, who spent awful lot of time over spent an awful lot of time over the years trying to the last three years trying to put considerable distance between jeremy between himself and jeremy corbyn. and while the board of depufies corbyn. and while the board of deputies british believe deputies of british jews believe that things oh, no better, it does with a note of caution the problems remain. or as they put it, that the job is yet complete. i as forjeremy complete. i as for jeremy corbyn, he remains suspended from the plp , with labour from the plp, with labour insistence he will not as their candidate at the next keir

starmer will be that this decision and today's reports will the page. one of labour's most toxic and difficult chapters darren mccaffrey . gb chapters darren mccaffrey. gb news. just to let you know downing will be updating you on the latest from edinburgh on this news of nicholas sturgeon. of course, stepping down as first minister and getting plenty of your views on that. don't forget gbviews@gbnews.uk for all of your thoughts on today. for all of your thoughts on today . paul has been in touch to today. paul has been in touch to say only a few weeks ago in an interview, the first minister said she had plenty in the tank and was nowhere the point of stepping down. what changed, i think, will be finding out in the coming weeks. meanwhile james says maybe sturgeon's departure is because she's had so negative lately so much negative lately regarding controversial . you can regarding controversial. you can tell from her demeanour she does not like to be challenged . not like to be challenged. meanwhile, mary has been in touch to say you have to look at scotland pre and post devolution to get some idea of what an independent scotland like. independent scotland look like. i it looks , she said, it's

i think it looks, she said, it's been a disaster for education, health care and housing. i think it's now similar to a third world country. we'll keep those views coming. and, of course, we'll update you. as we say with the latest edinburgh the latest from edinburgh and london departure . eight london on her departure. eight years as first minister. thanks being with us. gb news live as ever and we are back at 12 till three tomorrow. but let's update you now on the weather before. patrick joins you a little later . hi there. it's aidan mcgivern here from the met office. some rain moves east today, but some sunshine either side of that band of rain and it is going to be mild, particularly towards the southeast. that's the air continues to come up from the south. so mild and sunny conditions towards the southeast as this cold front moves through central areas, as it does so, it runs into high pressure. so it is weakening. we've seen some heavy in the day heavy rain earlier in the day towards northwest. skies towards the northwest. now skies are brightening for northern ireland, scotland with ireland, western scotland with some moving in some blustery showers moving in as the band of rain reaches northern england, midlands,

southwest by southwest england by mid—afternoon. it's just light and patchy rain. and ahead of that, other time for east that, some other time for east anglia the southeast , 14 or anglia in the southeast, 14 or 15 celsius here whilst temperatures are going fall away behind the front, temperatures are going fall away behind the front , 8 to 10 behind the front, 8 to 10 celsius, but nothing particularly cold, although it will be fairly gusty for northern and western with some heavy showers for a time . and heavy showers for a time. and then as the first front disappears, the next rolls in from atlantic. this from the atlantic. this extensive cloud drizzle, extensive low cloud drizzle, some outbreaks of moderate rain through the night and keeping most places frost . but one most places frost. but one exception, northern scotland . it exception, northern scotland. it will be brighter, but also a little chillier as we begin thursday. we keep the skies for northern scotland along with a few showers in the far north dunng few showers in the far north during thursday. otherwise for central and southern scotland, northern much of england wales dull and conditions to start the day. stays fairly grey and around some southern and western coast but actually inland skies brighten by the afternoon. and as that happens 13 or 14 celsius

is possible somewhere like the east midlands scotland staying a bit colder but also brighter here . that is until the end of here. that is until the end of the day when some rain returns here and. northern ireland also sees those outbreaks of rain moving in northwest england . moving in northwest england. wales turn damp and increasingly windy . force winds effects the windy. force winds effects the north of the uk on thursday night and into friday then something a quieter into the weekend going be committed tony on sunday mornings from 930 taking the politicians to task and breaking out of sw. one to see how their decisions are you across the uk busting the westminster bubble every sunday morning only on gb news the people's channel britain's watching you've probably politicians interviewed thousand times but we do differently we find out who they really are. we don't shout, we chaps and hopefully we bring a bit of light, not just heat. did you

okay apparently how well do you have a pair jeans or equals did have a pairjeans or equals did what would i do with them? friends oh, my god. what's she doing now? join me every sunday at six for gloria meets only on gb news. the people's channel, britain's news channel .

channel hey,good channel hey, good afternoon, everybody . hey, good afternoon, everybody. oh, with me patrick christys on gb news what a time to be alive. hey nicholas sturgeon has resigned, but pressure is on us down on gender reform and tanking. she's adamant that's not a downfall. no it will be tempting to see it as this decision is not a reaction to

short term . of course,