for scotland, thatis island of britain. for scotland, that is still a hypothetical question. but for ireland, that's very real. this road bridge crosses the border between the united kingdom and the republic of ireland. it's one of more than 200 places where you can make the crossing, and it really is an invisible border. you could drive across here without noticing you'd left one country and entered another. after britain leaves the european union, it will be legal for citizens of 46 other european countries to come here to the republic of ireland and get a job and claim benefits and use the services. but a few yards in that direction, there would be no automatic right to do any of that. that changes what northern ireland's biggest party, the democratic unionist party, campaigned for. why did the dup back brexit? there's a number of reasons. the european union is very good at creating regulations, it created 2,800 on agriculture alone. ultimately, we believe that power is better invested at the local level, so we want more power to the local authorities, to regional assembli

for scotland. before the end of this month and very possibly as early as tomorrow the prime minister will trigger article 50 of the lisbon treaty, setting the united kingdom on course to leave the eu in march, 2019. it is important, therefore, for me to report now on therefore, for me to report now on the scottish government's attempts to find compromise with the uk government and set out our plan to protect scotland's interests. right now scotland stands at a hugely important crossroads. we did not choose to be in this position. in common with most people across the country i wish that we were not in this position. but we are and the sta kes a re this position. but we are and the stakes are high, so we must have a plan for the way forward. for better or worse, depending on your point of view, the future of the uk looks very different today than it did two yea rs very different today than it did two years ago. as a result of the brexit vote we face a future, not just outside the eu, but also outsid

scotland in? having voted overwhelmingly to remain? i think it does. this is one of the tensions playing out in ireland. there is an awareness growing at a solution for northern ireland could also have ramifications in scotland. so this idea is growing that is a border solution was found, said that then be a case used by an independent scotland, or a pro independence campaign in a future referendum. to say, you did it for northern ireland, why can't you do it for northern ireland, why can she do it with us? the border is one question, others remain. but currency with an independent scotland use, how would it close the gap between what it spends on what it races in taxation? for that gap is wide. and did it, should it, join the eu? this is the territory on which a second independence referendum would be fought. i can confirm today that next week i will seek the 40 of the scottish parliament to agree with the uk government of the details of a section 30 order. the procedure that will enable the scot

how confident are you that scotland will be able to join confident are you that scotland will be able tojoin —— confident are you that scotland will be able to join —— rejoin the eu? given what has happened which scotland has... but that's a bit presumed isn't it? let me finish. they will be a firm perspective to put forward to the scottish people as the referendum takes place. there will be a choice of options we can continue with our history as a european nation, or as we can go into this empire tune. something the british government suggests as a future for scotland. i think it should be important in scotland to continue to decide their own future as an european nation. site is change that she is talking about, triggering this, one in three snb voters did triggering this, one in three snb voters d id vote triggering this, one in three snb voters did vote is to leave the european union. it's about the inability of the uk government to listen to the compromise proposal that nicola sturgeon put forward three months ago. she's had no answer to that and it's about that. it has a

we want to be able to decide the future for scotland in scotla nd to decide the future for scotland in scotland and the scottish people will now have that choice. maggie chapman, co—convenor of the scottish green party, thank you for being with us. let's get the other side of the argument. with me now is alex cole—hamilton, lib dem msp for edinburgh western. thank you forjoining us. you are against the idea of independence, a second referendum. why do you think nicola sturgeon has called it today? nicola sturgeon has called it today? nicola sturgeon has clearly been working towards this day for the best pa rt working towards this day for the best part of two and a half years. her government has been asleep at the wheel on things like nhs and educational standards because of this obsession with independence. she is using brexit as a trojan horse to bring about her lifelong ambition of separation from the rest of the uk. but her argument is that everything has changed with that june 23 referendum that saw the vote for brexit. that is her argument that that argument has changed over r

how do people in scotland feel about the prospect of another referendum 7 last scotland feel about the prospect of another referendum? last time families were divided over the issue. yeast, families were divided. the election became very strongly engaged in the referendum and 85% turn out to vote, an all—time high since the advent of the franchise in scotland. lots of debate and argument, but a lot of participation. you can argue about whether or not that is or is not a healthy situation. virtually everybody who is opposed to scotland leaving the union does not want another referendum. you tend to get opinion polls finding just over 50% saying they should not be another referendum. you get a third and 40% saying there should be a referendum, but that seems to be some hesitancy amongst yes supporters about should the referendum be held before brexit 01’ the referendum be held before brexit or should it be delayed? the interesting thing now will be whether or not in the wake of the announcement to the supporters of independence say, if that is when it is going to happen, that is when

the snp is ripping scotland apart. they should take of the table and everyone should work together with laser—like focus on delivering the softest of brexits. on that question of delivery, if i were to ask you, to your constituents want a hard brexit, the kind the s&p wants to deliver, what would you say? 7896 of my constituents voted remain, unlike angus robertsons. maybe that is a question you should ask him. but nobody knows at this stage as we sit here today, from the eu commissioners right down to theresa may and the general public at the uk, what brexit will look like. therefore, to call a second independence referendum today, when nobody knows what the eu and uk will look like out of the eu, is the dereliction of duty. the first minister should make sure that scotland's public services and economy growing. but they are not. she disguises all of that with another divisive referendum. that is what they have to do here to be clear. they are either governing the country or they will take a stand rude that is divis

if the uk government is unable to tailor its immigration needs to scotland then scotland's independence will be the only solution. so scotland's whole population, as my honourable friend alluded to, has almost one fifth over retirement age and we need the supply of young, energetic workers from the eu that is now under threat from a brexit which might only mean brexit to the prime minister but means potentially a major economic threat to scotland. from the clearances, through margaret thatcher to brexit, scotland's population has been getting a raw deal. scotland needs to get out from under that and create a welcoming, entrepreneurial environment to grow our economy and provide a secure future. we need, as my honourable friend said, and open doorfor immigrants, and immigration policies which are clearly very unlike the policies touted in this place by this government. we can't be left subject to this frankly xenophobic regime if we are to build the population and the economy that scotland needs. there's one thing that driving this government in terms of immigration, and that is to get t

scotland's future should be in scotland's hands. that is what this debate is about, the future of our country, how we best harness our potential as a country and overcome the challenges that we face. is she going to spend the next two years and 100% of her time campaigning for scotland to leave the uk at the expense of governing, or will she roll up her sleeves from today and seek to secure more powers for this parliament when they're returned from brussels to britain? independence debates always incite passion and confrontation. we are sick of it, and most people in scotland have had enough too. because this parliament needs to and must focus on the priorities of the people of this country. it is not the time to be sidetracked by yet more unnecessary division. so i won't take any lessons from the first minister. because actually — sit down! precisely nothing changed yesterday. i think i've answered the first minister's question. the result was never really in doubt, as the greens voted with the snp. the motion, as amended, is the

same as in scotland. this week mr david davis — the brexit minister — said he does not even have a simulation of what the cost would be. let's run this round the other way. can you imagine if he said i have run the numbers and would you like a paper on the economic apocalypse which is coming? key thing, which is not focused on, that is focused on in germany, is that the uk runs the eurozone. it runs 75% of the debt markets. the eurozone, which is a giant debt machine runs out of the city of london. this iswhy ge—rmany'daes—flflt a deal, if everyone is sensible, is possible. but if you voted for brexit and you saw the battle bus that said 350 million a week for the nhs if you vote for us, which is a very specific figure, which perhaps nobody believed, is completely wrong. there was great specifics about how it was going to be fantastic and now there are no specifics about what the way forward really is and the people negotiating it. sure. all the evidence so far is that the overwhelming body of p

scotland alone. this isa 80,000 jobs in scotland alone. this is a shock to our economy and devastation to jobs and the economy that we can ill afford. so the first minister's plea today is to save jobs and the economy and retain our membership of the european union and retain a secure a relationship with the rest of europe. did you hear firm cast—iron guarantees and reassu ra nces firm cast—iron guarantees and reassurances the, because i did not? know, but they did make the point that they would not just be know, but they did make the point that they would notjust be able to go into the european union as an existing member, they would have to go through the full process, and the economic facts are still as they we re economic facts are still as they were in 2014, particularly regarding the currency and deficit. potentially even worse for the price of oil. let's look at what has changed and what has not changed. what has changed is the argument because the snp have always embraced this idea that s

politics is not a the people of scotland. politics is nota game. the people of scotland. politics is not a game. in the scottish parliament, a majority do support another referendum, even though the tories, the lib dems and labour will oppose it. nicola sturgeon says she is forcing this debate on us because of brexit. so how on earth can creating more uncertainty to be a good thing? nicola sturgeon has seized the initiative today and taken to reason me by surprise. she did not know this announcement was coming. but nicola sturgeon will need the agreement of the uk government before she can have another independence referendum. theresa may could refuse to allow it, or she could insist any vote ta kes pla ce it, or she could insist any vote takes place after the whole of the uk has already left the eu. but when the prime minister met the first minister here in july, the prime minister met the first minister here injuly, she said they would reach a uk—wide agreement on brexit. that failed. now, they must try and agree the terms of a scottish referendum. their predecessors

but the eu referendum, and how scotland voted, has changed that whole dynamic. even before today, there was a growing sense it wasn't if, but when. it is only 263 days since the eu referendum. yet, just as one fight for the tories comes to an end, another, perhaps more profound, begins. let's speak to our political correspondent chris mason. is itfairto is it fair to say that it has been a slightly easier night the government than perhaps they were expecting?m has been. and what is interesting as politics has been very noisy but quite awhile. the decibels levels last night cranked up a few notches, but the government has got its way. in the house of lords and in the house of commons, it didn't face any trouble whatsoever. barely any rebels at all in the house of commons early in the evening, and the house of lords basically got the hintand the house of lords basically got the hint and recognised that there was a limit to its powers to intervene, given that it is an appointed chamber rather than an elected one. what they had made their point. they had attempted t

scotland was making that choice against -- again. scotland voted to stay in both unions. it is being told it can't have both and it can't choose, the decision will be made at westminster. the political strain that that will place on the anglo scottish union is surely clear. hello, good evening. a cracking start to the weekend with lots of sunshine around. warmest day of the year so far with a temperature of 19 degrees recorded in the blue skies in aberdeenshire, and probably felt a bit more like summer. it is in the early hours of the morning that the clocks spring forward one hour and we move into british summer time. by the early hours of the morning, temperatures will be a good deal lower. high pressure sitting right over the northern half of the uk. stronger winds to the south. all but the northern isles of scotland should be dry and clear overnight. it will be cold as well. those are the numbers in towns and cities, a bit like last night, the northern half of the uk where the winds are lighter could well have some frost, particularly chilly for northern ireland and t

scotland's future should be in scotland's hands. that is what this debate is about, the future of our country, how we best harness our potential as a country and overcome the challenges that we face. is she going to spend the next two years and 100% of her time campaigning for scotland to leave the uk, at the expense of governing, or will she roll up her sleeves from today and seek to secure more powers for this parliament when they return from brussels to britain? independence debates always excite passion and confrontation. we are sick of it, and most people in scotland have had enough too. this parliament needs to and must focus on the priorities of the people of this country. it is not the time to be sidetracked by yet more unnecessary division. so i will not take any lessons from the first minister. because actually... sit down. precisely nothing changed yesterday. i think i've answered the first minister's question. the result was never really in doubt, as the greens voted with the snp. the motion, as amended, is therefore agr

but of course it is notjust the blue scotland, and thatis is notjust the blue scotland, and that is where this issue withjeremy corbyn comes into play, because it is down to westminster to give the final say in scotland. and jeremy corbyn and many of the other big players in westminster recognise that in doing that, it would be seen as imposing westminster‘s will in scotla nd as imposing westminster‘s will in scotland — none of them want to be seen doing that. where does this leave the issue of a second referendum? most people have said if there is an appetite for it, that is when the snp will come forward. nicola sturgeon, it is something she has always wanted, and without a shadow of a doubt they dominate politics in scotland at the moment. so this is not an issue that will go away, there has been increasing talk about it. nobody has ruled out the possibility, not even theresa may, but the conservative party and the labour party position is that it should not be the focus now. they have consistently said that the question was settled in the previous independence referendum and the

the future direction scotland takes. ignore the vote in the uk took in june last takes. ignore the vote in the uk took injune last year and behave as though you are already independent? we need to respect the way the people in scotland voted. in many other structures around the world that are unions of nations, federal structures, if you took seriously the notion of a union of nations theresa may is describing, each constituent part would have a say. the constitutional choices made in the us would require a majority of the us would require a majority of the states, not just the us would require a majority of the states, notjust an absolute majority. even within the eu, the every other member state of the european union will have a chance to ratify the deal negotiated by the uk government scotland did not elect on the brexit arrangement scotland did not choose, negotiated with an eu institutions scotland is no longer represented on and every other member state will have a say. why should the future of scotland be determin

it is up two people in scotland and not myself to decide these things. two people in scotland and not myself to decide these thingsm there is a vote next week to trigger section 30, with that then beat the necessary democratic legitimacy whereby mrs may should actually concede a second referendum? my view does not come into this. i represent clapton in the south—east of england. ifa clapton in the south—east of england. if a lot of people in scotland want a referendum i would suggest that should be one but not before april, 2019. we'll be leaving the european union in april, 2019. i expect if they are insisted there will be a referendum after that and i would not count on the outcome. let's talk about brexit and the legislation last night. way surprised in the end that the bill seemed to pass with some ease? not really. 0ne seemed to pass with some ease? not really. one or two pundits have talked it up. if you talk to the decision—makers, the mps and peers, there has been a huge, psychological shift. the british establishment is pivoting. it is aligning itself to the new reality

but scotland we re what a try, two tries. but scotland were not here to make up the numbers. gordon reid just getting them back in the game. and as quickly as they were in, england push them back out again. perfect timing in the backline as scotland we re timing in the backline as scotland were swept aside. anthony watson with their third try at the heart. hard to watch with some and it did not get any better for vern cotter after the break. momentum stayed with england. a try, a hat trick the jonathan josef. a huge stride was gollum would not spoil the english party. putt—mac a huge try for scotland. party. putt—mac a huge try for scotla nd. atla nta party. putt—mac a huge try for scotland. atlanta but the beat. danny care getting in the action too. taking england's tally to seven. equalling 18 victory in the row, calcutta had cut and the six nations trophy will be listed also. it was what we built up in the week, we did that and we saw that albert today. i'll set these was unbelievable and what we saw off the back about was good too. we are proud and happy and look fo

scotland in the that i want to see the best possible dealfor scotland in the uk that i want to see the best possible deal for scotland in the uk with a close relationship with europe and in the package you displayed i heard the prime minister saying how important it was to her, this union, this family of nations across the whole of the uk. it she really believes that wants to protect the uk then she needs to listen to the devolved administrations across the country, whether that be scotland or the welsh assembly. similar arguments have been made from the welsh assembly. we need the ability to access the single market. if theresa may is not able to deliver on that commitment that we are asking for then she is just making herjob that bit harder, so i hope she is in scotland today to listen. likewise, nicola sturgeon needs to listen as well because the vast majority of people in scotland don't wa nt to majority of people in scotland don't want to be dragged back to the arguments of the past with the second independence referendum and i can't help but feel that nicola sturgeon is desperate

all the economists a that scotland is better off in the uk, that england and scotland's trade is worth about £50 billion, so that were to be disrupted, could have huge consequences for people in england and in scotland, but the fa ct england and in scotland, but the fact is, nicola sturgeon‘s argument will be that conservative england is dragging you, the scottish, outside of the eu, and in that circumstance, i think people will be dragged by the heart to say, hang on it, we wa nt the heart to say, hang on it, we want a different future. finally and briefly, what about currency? you have the prospect of an independent england and then scotland wanting to remain in the eu ‘s an would it have tojoin the remain in the eu ‘s an would it have to join the euro? yes, in short. i think the case was scotland having the pound is even weaker now than it was in 2014, and we have heard from various eu figures they would not allow scotland to automatically join. the best the scottish national party ca n join. the best the scottish national party can hope for is you can join the eea shortly af

yes, here's the potted history of scotland in the uk. in 2014 they had an independence referendum in scotland, and there was a majority for staying within the uk. but the scottish national party, which dominates scottish politics and is pro—scottish independence, said that, if there was a significant change in scottish or uk politics, that would justify having another referendum. and they've said today, the first minister of scotland, nicola sturgeon, said look, the brexit referendum, and the uk leaving the european union is that significant moment because scotland voted to remain in the european union, whereas the uk as a whole voted to leave. she has said she wants another independence referendum in scotland within 18 months or two years, ie before the uk formally leaves the european union. it looks like the british prime minister, who has the legal power over the triggering of another scottish independence referendum, will try and postpone it as long as she can. let's take a look at some of the day's other news. the north korean amb

but scotland are riding on the crest ofa but scotland are riding on the crest of a wave. i don't know if it is enough to go to twickenham and brake 34 enough to go to twickenham and brake 3a years of grief. england have won all their matches, but they haven't sparked yet. let's have a look at how the home nations teams have been preparing for this weekend. starting here in cardiff where we have spent the week with team wales. interim head coach rob howley has made a total of zero changes to the side that lost to scotland. there was some speculation that the lupe fala tower, fit after recovering from injury will be brought in. but ross moriarty keeps his place alongside justin tipuric and sam warburton in the back row. luke charteris also tipped to be brought into the site, but he remains on the bench. international rugby is about winning by. international rugby is about winning rugby. this game is no different to the game last saturday, and england a week before. every international game is about winning. for me, that is the same consistent message to oui’ is the same c

scotland voted to stay in the eu. brexit is a problem not of scotland's making. the uk thought was to leave. we believe in the union, the precious, precious bond. in the chaotic aftermath, she has made her mind up. a second referendum is clearly an option now. she must decide. instead of playing politics with the future of our country, the scottish government should focus on delivering good government and public services for the people of scotland. politics is not a the people of scotland. politics is nota game. the people of scotland. politics is not a game. but if the scottish government wants to give voters a chance to leave the union with all its complexes three, can the prime minister, attending a commonwealth service today, really deny that? technically it is down to westminster. it's not the government's position. politically, is it possible? listen to this. nicola sturgeon was talking about independence three hours after the brexit vote was declared on the 24th ofjune. she has been banging on about independent every day since. i'm afraid today's irrespons

they will not even tell us if they think an independent scotland should bea think an independent scotland should be a memberof think an independent scotland should be a member of the european union or not, and of course the timetable they have brought forward, of course, they have brought forward, of course , we they have brought forward, of course, we will not know at that stage what the future relationship between the uk and the european union will be. so, where can you possibly in the circumstances make what they say they want, and informed decision? this is not about "brexit", this is about the accession that the snp have with getting scotland out of the united kingdom, breaking up the united kingdom, breaking up the united kingdom, and frankly, if it was not this, it would always be something else, that is never going to change. isn't the truth that the unionist parties in scotland are very worried about a second referendum, a lot of you have been reduced to very few mps, who is going to lead the campaignfor mps, who is going to lead the campaign for keeping the uk together? if there

jeremy corbyn has said it would be absolutely fine for scotland to hold absolutely fine for scotland to hold a second independence referendum. and touts who buy tickets online and sell them for inflated prices are to face unlimited fines. the crackdown follows pressure from mps. england have beaten scotland to win rugby‘s six nations. we'll have all the action in just a moment in our sportsday programme. with more on the rugby, it is time for sportsday. hello and welcome to sportsday with me, karthi gnanasegaram and jessica creighton. the headlines this evening: england excel, winning the calcutta cup, retaining the six nations title and equalling the record run for test wins in a row. arsenal are out 5—0, the fairy tale is over. hope for hull, as they beat relegations rivals swansea. plenty to come this evening, we've also news of the women's it has been a busy day. plenty to come this evening, we've also news of the women's six nations which is going down to the final weekend. but we'll start with the men's tournament, and england's victory at twickenham. it's their 18th win in

and the uk as britain and, well, scotland and the ukasa britain and, well, scotland and the uk as a result of brexit, she can do it again. that manifesto was a bit of slippage in itself, because material change is open to all sorts of interpretations. they were not saying, during the first independence campaign, that we will, if we lose, introduced into the next ma nifesto, if we lose, introduced into the next manifesto, a clause saying that if there is any material change... they we re there is any material change... they were all saying, it is once in a generation, come what may, and i felt that was unfair. i was in favour of remain as a voter, and i campaigned for it when i could. but i accept the result of that too. if you are going to have a fair fight, you are going to have a fair fight, you have to abide by the rules and not try to weasel your way out of it, and jude processes such an important concept, because then you can plan, have some certainty when you are casting your ballot. —— due process is. it seems to me that this isa process is. it seems to me that this is a

gdp in scotland excludes oil. i would argue that, given that we have lost 100,000 jobs in the scottishtry, to have unemployment at 4.7%, versus the demonstrates at degree of resilience in the scottish economy. theployment at 4.7%, as industry recovers, and i'm sure that it will. there is nothing more certain in oil than what was up goes down and what was down comes up. shale perhaps means it will not come back of. manus: we have lost a significant -- come bck ack up. guest: the industry is living with new investment. there are new entrants into the sector. there are a lot of hydrocarbons left in the water round scotland. guy: i can show you the forward curve. it does not point to a much rosier price than where we are now. guest: the point i am making is, they have had to adjust to 60 dollar oil. spike agian,sp that would be substantial. the overall point. what makes a country prosperous? 50 countries in the world have substantial quantities of oil and gas. oil prices go up or down, you would still rather have oil

it will engulf much of scotland. a disappointing end to the day, dry weather will probably hold on to the far north. northern ireland will have dry spells through the afternoon but not relied upon. not much in the east of the pennines. renfrew west wales, nudging into the far south—west of england. we will see dry weather and cloudy and muggy feel with 15 or 16 degrees temperatures. that's nothing compared to thursday's temperatures. warm air wafting from the continent. it could send the mercury to 20 or 21 degrees. the north and west will be markedly cooler and that is because we will have a lot of cloud and some brain particularly through the irish sea close to this band here. dry across parts of northern scotla nd here. dry across parts of northern scotland and ireland, the best temperatures in the south east. by friday, further wet weather in the west. that will move its way eastwards and this is a cold front. that will push the warm air away. a fresh appeal to things as we start this weekend, we will see some

it is hit scotland's most important port aberdeen. it is a headache for scotland independent supporters that need oil revenues for survival. oil prices began to fall, the budget deficit has sorted 10%. the oil and gas industries make up around 70% of gdp. the financial sector is even bigger at 21%. the banks possess a combined balance sheets 2012 times the country's gdp. the balance sheet includes assets, credit claims, securities, and cash. they earn most of their money in england. the scotland goes alone, the major banks would move to london under the protection of the bank of england. so an independent scotland faces plenty of economic risks. christopher: thank you. now, the world-famous the in a philharmonic orchestra is marking the 175th anniversary. the orchestra is so popular, there is a six year waiting list for weekday concert subscriptions. one of the secrets of its success is that the musicians call the shots. democratic self administration. >> for 175 years, they have been doing theheir own thihing even o to deciding which

and as numbers of parliament we have been sent here with a mandate to stand for the people of scotland. a mandate the prime minister does not enjoy. 58 out of 59. 58 out of 59 mps from scotland voted against triggering article 50. the scottish parliament voted against the triggering of article 50. the scottish government was against the trading of article 50 before an agreement and what have this government done? it has carried on ignoring the views of people in scotland who have democratically elected representative. and mr. speaker, europe is watching. mr. speaker, will the uk government has a mandate to hold a brexit referendum. we have -- we accept that and accept the results to leave and the rest of united kingdom. again, mr. speaker, the bench opposite cannot seem to understand that the united kingdom is a multinational state with 40 -- [shouting] -- voted to stay and two of them voted to leave, and all of the rhetoric from the government benches does not -- [inaudible] that there is not unity and the so-called united kingdom. as democrats, as democrats we can all accept that the

scotland are an all—round team. they really have that passion, the passion is really important, but you have to have the control, and they have all the control. they have some great players, finn russell, the grey brothers, hamish watson, alex the bus, they have a lot of big performers. this is a chance for them. they want to cause an upset, they want to go out there and show people they are notjust they want to go out there and show people they are not just a they want to go out there and show people they are notjust a one trick p°ny people they are notjust a one trick pony winning home games. they want to play away games. the last time they played at twickenham they lost to australia by one point. they know that they can go there and enjoy the experience. and with the stuart hogg factor, there is this element of flairand factor, there is this element of flair and excitement which could be the crucial factor? yeah, you saw last night, just one piece of genius can change a game. that is what he has been doing. he h

scotland voted to stay in the eu. brexit is a problem not of scotland's making. the uk vote was to leave. we believe in the union, the precious, precious bond. in the chaotic aftermath she has made her mind up. a second independence referendum is clearly an option now. machine must decide. miz instead of playing politics with the future of oui’ playing politics with the future of our country the scottish government should focus on delivering good government and public services for the people of scotland. politics is not a game. but if the scottish government wants to give voters a chance to leave the european union with all its complex history —— the union, with all its complex history, can apply minister, attending a commonwealth service today, really deny that? technically it is down to westminster and is not the governments position but politically is it possible? listen to this. nicola sturgeon was talking about independence three hours after the brexit result was declared on june 2a and has been banging on about independence every since. i and afraid t

we have and that is scotland. we have triggered brexit which is what the prime minister announced and then immediately off the blocks comes the little box that is nicola sturgeon. i know her and an incredibly brilliant politician, but i think on this one, if you don't mind me saying so, nicola, you'vejust this one, if you don't mind me saying so, nicola, you've just gone a bit over the top, because she is provoking theresa may she is provoking theresa may she is provoking her back and now the prime minister is saint we have to wait six years if scotland wants a referendum. that seems an extraordinarily long time. i she said it would have to wait until after brexit. why six years? the big problem is that the scottish will not stand for it. if you want a war, thatis not stand for it. if you want a war, that is it. she hasn't quite said six years, this is an extrapolation. she said it is not before the brexit vote or not before this and then is toltime vote or not before this and then is to i time for scotland's asse

the prime minister has met scotland's first ministerfor talks prime minister has met scotland's first minister for talks in glasgow as she prepares to start the formal process of leaving the eu. the northern ireland secretary says is only a short window of opportunity to restore a power—sharing sedative after today's deadline passed without agreement. and an update for you on the markets. the ftse and the dax, a bit of a battering can both down in europe. a mixed bag in the united states. with one hour and 50 minutes before the closing bell. thousands of people are escaping the iraqi city of mosul, as government forces continue their offensive to drive out so—called islamic state fighters. my colleague yalda hakim is at the hammam al alil camp to the south of the city, where many of those who've fled the fighting are sheltering... the battle to retake west mosul continues to intensify and the humanitarian situation is also deteriorating. just a few days ago we we re deteriorating. just a few days ago we were told that the fighting has stopped and that is not the case, the operatio

here's our scotland editor sarah smith. there is not always so muchjoyful excitement in scottish cabinet room. today, they look pretty pleased with themselves. as nicola sturgeon insists theresa may must not try to block a scottish referendum or dictate the date. owning a rebuke from the prime minister, who is quite busy enough with brexit. this is not a moment to play politics or create uncertainty. but it isn't certain how she will respond to the snp demands for a referendum. it is a moment to bring our country together, to honour the will of the british people and to shake for them a better, brighterfuture and a better britain. this relationship is turning nasty. nicola sturgeon tweeted today, i was elected as first minister on a clear manifesto commitment to a scottish referendum. the prime minister is not yet collected by anybody. —— elected by anyone. a vote in the scottish parliament next week will trigger the beginning of negotiations about when another referendum might happen. if the scottish parliament votes f

scotland will be leaving the european union. it will leave the european union , ,, , the united kingdom, or were it independent” , f "l w it is very clear that it would not be a member of the european union. what we need now is to unite, to come together as a country, and to ensure that we can get the best deal for the whole of the united kingdom. at holyrood the next day, the first minister gave an equally robust defence of her position. a referendum cannot happen when the people of scotland have not been given the opportunity to see how our new relationship with the european union is working. or public consent for it to happen. our country does not want to go back to the divisions and uncertainty of the last few years. another referendum campaign will not solve the challenges that this country will face. we don't want it, we don't need it, why when she listen? well, let me issue this direct challenge to ruth davidson and to the conservative party. if on wednesday next week this parliament votes for an independent referendum

the turn d in scotland later in little turn dry in scotland later in the night. here in the north of little turn dry in scotland later in the night. her for the north of little turn dry in scotland later in the night. her for each orth of little turn dry in scotland later in the night. her for each —— h of little turn dry in scotland later in the night. her for each —— cold scotland, cold for each —— cold enough for a touch of frost but otherwise mild. for the weekend, westerly winds continue, strengthening in particular on sunday. some rain at times across the west of the uk, dry and brighter in the east. on saturday we might have early sunshine in the east of england and eastern scotland, the westerly winds are not as blowing eastern scotland, the westerly winds are not as - blowing rain into are not as strong, blowing rain into the south—west for time. turning wetter in northern ireland, rain moving across the irish sea to western england and scotland. still quite mild towards the south—east, 14 quite mild towards the south—east, 111 or 15 de

another question to do with scotland. if the uk has to pay this exit bill of 60 billion euros to the eu, if scotland we re billion euros to the eu, if scotland were then to leave the union, with the uk, would westminster, the rest of what remains of the uk, be able to claim some of that money back from scotland ? to claim some of that money back from scotland? if scotland votes to leave the united kingdom there would be exactly the same debate about what might be described as the divorce bill. there are huge liabilities, shared between the four, you know, constituent parts of the united kingdom, scotland, england, northern ireland and wales, on things like the operation of government, pension liabilities, regulations. all of the same issues that were now all talking about in detail about the european union and britain's relationship with europe would be exactly what would be similarto would be exactly what would be similar to the ones that would be involved in any debate between scotland and the rest of the united kingdom

quieter in scotland and northern ireland on sunday but not the scotland could see some rain and another area of rainfall pushing through parts of england and wales. rain at times this weekend. this is bbc news. i'm clive myrie. the headlines at 11:00: the us attorney general jeff sessions has recused himself from any investigations into russian interference in the presidential election campaign. the police watchdog is warning that cutbacks to forces in england and wales are putting the public at risk, because services are having to be rationed. snapchat‘s been snapped up. the value of the parent company of the messaging service has risen sharply after its launch on the new york stock exchange. all the reaction over the attorney general in the us, that's coming up on newsnight.

in the dreck sure of scotland. scotland is going to have a cloudy day and in consequence i much cooler day, and though showery outbreaks, pushing into dumfries & galloway. turning out to northern ireland, one or two getting across the midlands and the east of england. not many but they will be quite happy and if it brightens up, mid—to high teens, some sunshine, south wales and south—west england to end the day but that will not last into the night. and this rather dreary night, will extend into many northern and western areas and by wednesday, some heavy bursts pushing into western parts. all the while, dryer on wednesday, dry but quite cloudy. despite that a mild day, the east coast of scotland. the breeze will keep it cool. further ahead, fronts of the atlantic, a real change in the weather. dry spells and wet weather. but for a time on thursday this warm front will introduce some warm airfrom the this warm front will introduce some warm air from the continent. you can see how the map turns orange and thatis

will be frost, though, across northern parts of scotland. so that takes us on to the weekend, and friday. well, the theme of the wet weather continues into the weekend. we will see more rain at times. some of that could be quite heavy and persistent, and particularly on saturday, with this area of low pressure just stalling its rainfall from northern ireland and into parts of scotland, whereas further south there will be still some areas of rainfall or showers, but it is not going to be a washout all day long. but we will see raining for much of the day, we think, into northern ireland and southern and eastern parts of scotland. and, particularly through eastern scotland, it will be quite cold with that rainfall, and there will be quite a lot of snow developing into the grampians. further south, it is showers. and then, on sunday, it looks like it turns a little bit better. still a few showers around for scotland and northern ireland. we see another area of rainfall pushing its way through england and wales, with temperatures at around seven

none of the scotland players were born then. 34 yea rs scotland players were born then. 34 years ago. that's a good thing, they‘re young. years ago. that's a good thing, they're young. they can put that right today. the six nations title is england‘s for the taking today, thanks to wales. back after two defeats, and george north was unstoppable, scoring 2 of 3 welsh tries, and after holding off an ireland fightback, jamie roberts rounded off the win late in the second half, making the most of some tired irish defending to make it 22—9 in the end in cardiff. we knew there was going to be reaction and against one of the best sides in world rugby you have to play like that with and without the ball. there‘s been a lot of hurt in the camp over the last couple of weeks, i am delighted and proud of the players, they deserve that. they‘ve taken a lot of stick, the coaches and the players alike. we beat a very good irish side today and i thought we beat them emphatically, as well. we will look forward to fwld against scotla nd we will look forward to fwld against scotland with forme

scotland's future should be in scotland's hands. that is what this debate is about, the future of our country, how we best harness our potential as a country and overcome the challenges we face. is she going to spend the next two years and 100% of her time campaigning for scotland to leave the uk at the expense of governing, or will she roll up her sleeves and seek to secure more powers for this government when they are returned from brussels to britain? independence debate is a lwa ys britain? independence debate is always in sight passion and confrontation. we are sick of it, most people in scotland have had enough. this parliament needs to and must focus on the priorities of the people of this country. it is not the time to be sidetracked by more unnecessary division. i will not ta ke unnecessary division. i will not take any lessons from the first minister. actually, sit down, nothing changed yesterday. i think i answered the question. the result was never really in doubt, as the greens voted with the snp. the motion, as amended

our scotland editor, sarah smith reports from edinburgh. this is a big and bold move from nicola sturgeon, a dramatic political moment, one that is a huge gamble for her. but it is a risk she says she is ready to take. what scotland deserves, in the light of the material change of circumstances brought about by the brexit vote, is the chance to decide our future, in a fair, free and democratic way. a democratic decision she says must happen before the uk leaves the eu. it could have been avoided, she claims, if the uk government had been prepared to negotiate a separate brexit deal for scotland. we have worked hard, really hard, to try to find agreement. the prime minister and her government have been given every opportunity to compromise. our efforts have instead been met with a brick wall of intransigence. opinion polls still don't suggest more than 50% of the country would want to vote for independence. the economic circumstances are much harderfor you than they were in 2014. do you really believe you could win another referendum on inde

her first visit after taking office was to scotland. now, ina after taking office was to scotland. now, in a week that she triggers article 50, she's back again. meeting scottish police officers to discuss counterterrorism after last week's attack at westminster, security is one likely area of consensus when the prime minister and first minister meet later. agreement in other areas may prove more challenging. my position isn't going to change, which is that now was at the time to be talking about a second independence referendum, because it wouldn't be fair on the scottish people to ask them to make that decision when the facts aren't clear, and also because now is the time when we need to pull together to make sure we get the best possible dealfor to make sure we get the best possible deal for the uk, to make sure we get the best possible dealfor the uk, including the people of scotland. a majority of voters in scotland opted to remain. i believe it would be wrong for scotland to be taken down a path that it has no control over... nicola sturgeon says her government has met a bric

but how entrenched is scotland's european identity? the age demographics don't look good for the union. polls show the young tend to favour independence as well as staying in europe. at leith academy, 36 languages are spoken. tomorrow's voters have multiple, overlapping, sometimes conflicting loyalties. i would probably go for european because i grew up with a lot of european culture in my house. ijust feel like i am more european than i would say i am british. harry, if it came to a choice between being european or being british, what is it for you? british. i don't classify myself as european. do you see a tension between the values that britain represents and the values that scotland represents? yeah. because i always feel like there has been a big tension between scotland and england and i would identify myself more with scottish if it came to values. i think we have completely different values. to be british represents being an imperialistic, capitalist, unfair society where people don't matter. whereas in scotland, we are more eq

scotland mostly dry. northern scotland seeing some sunshine after its chilly start. still quite cold but it is a fine day. a bit drierfurther south but some bursts of rain, as well. more rain to come overnight. the more persistent rain continues in scotland. still learning in northern ireland and best of rain across england and wales. all helping to keep the temperature is up. but they feast on scotland with the wind of the sea driving in that rent. snow in the mouth and. ellie when the northern and eastern england. i think of across england and wales. some sunshine and showers out to the west of wales and the south—west. change—up would choose, it slips again on sunday, because the more persistent ranges towards the northern islands, most of scotland, northern ireland, things have been tried but we will see bands of rain or showers the little sunshine for england and wales. strong winds the cell. —— in the south. hello. this is bbc news. the headlines: air accident investigators say the pilot of the vintage jet which crashed at the shoreham airshow was flyin

all work grich height here in scotland. in defence, scotla nd here in scotland. in defence, scotland is central to the united kingdom's capability. hmnv clyde is not only the home of the nuclear deterrent which keeps us safe in a changing world, by the end of 2020 it will be the home of the royal navy's submarines, a major investment in future of the west of scotland. this summer, the steel will begin to be cut on a new generation of royal navy frigates, right here in the clyde. applause 0ur our great scottish shipyards don't just have a proud past, they have a great future too. firms like ferguson marine which is marrying traditional shipbuilding skills with innovation in equipment and processes . innovation in equipment and processes. despite the scaremongering of the snp and their shameful attempts to use the jobs of workers as a political football, shipbuilding jobs in scotland will be sustained, thanks to uk government orders. applause these practical examples of the benefit of the united kingdom, reflect a deeper truth. the pooling and sharing of risks and