it showed that the snp was on course _ 2019. it showed that the snp was on course to— 2019. it showed that the snp was on course to lose two seats, and i think— course to lose two seats, and i think if— course to lose two seats, and i think if that's the idea scenario for the — think if that's the idea scenario for the borisjohnson, think if that's the idea scenario forthe borisjohnson, is waning support~ — forthe borisjohnson, is waning support~ |t— for the boris johnson, is waning su ort. ., , , support. it would be better if it were to hold _ support. it would be better if it were to hold an _ support. it would be better if it were to hold an ice _ support. it would be better if it were to hold an ice in - support. it would be better if it were to hold an ice in the - support. it would be better if it. were to hold an ice in the minority dependent on alba and alex hammond. that would be the dream for boris johnson — that would be the dream for boris johnson. but i think this isjust one poll. — johnson. but i think this isjust one poll, we don't know, but nic

remember, even the snp themselves disagree over when the right time to have one would be. so, you could say it will be seismic if they get a majority on their own, especially since holyrood is set up almost specifically to make it really hard for any one party to get a majority, the one doesn't automatically lead to the other, despite what the sort of narrative sometimes has been and if anything, actually, as sirjohn was saying, the snp appear to have been slipping back a bit in the last few weeks, so what felt... sorry, this is a very long answer but i suppose in westminster, people were starting to assume, oh, this is a kind of unstoppable drift towards independence in scotland but that's just actually not the case. so, to use my geography metaphor about it being seismic, it's like the san andreas fault. it's there... here we go. everyone�*s talking about it or worried about it, when the big one is going to be. 0r excited. 0r excited about it, exactly, if you are a seismologist. and... yeah, but the big one hasn't necessarily happened yet and people are waiting for it.

the snp and scottish green support another referendum on independence. the other parties here, the conservatives, labour and liberal democrats, i think there should be no further talk about constitutional change —— they think. and that constitutional questions should be for another day. the argument from the snp is that the debate over independence is key to shaping the nature of the scottish recovery, so that is a key underlying debate in this campaign. i think today's decisions will fuel it. , ., , , ., i think today's decisions will fuel two people —— one people has died and another is being treated following a shooting in paris. the local mayor has confirmed it was not a terrorist attack. police believe it was gang—related. thanks for your company throughout the afternoon. we will have more on all the day's stories and political reaction to the death of baroness williams, the co—founder of the snp who died at the age of 90. time for a look at the weather with matt taylor. it is mid april so as you would expect it's starting to get a littl

the snp getting a majority in 5096 not.- i i majority in 5096 not. really? i would say _ majority in 5096 not. really? i would say the _ majority in 5096 not. really? i would say the odds _ majority in 5096 not. really? i would say the odds of i majority in 5096 not. really? i would say the odds of the i majority in 5096 not. really? i | would say the odds of the snp getting majority, that's probably late for. and asada, a relatively new scottish leader got in the press, and he has more people in scotland thinking favourably of him than unfavourably. labour is making progress in the polls, but crucially for them, they still trailed the conservatives on their list of vote, the other vote, and it's that vote that is probably going to be crucial for determining which party is the second—largest party in the the second-largest party in the holyrood parliament. thank you! with his quilt. — holyrood parliament. thank you! with his quilt. laura, _ holyrood parliament. thank you! with his quilt. laura, i _ holyrood parliament. thank you! with his quilt.

the snp are asking for an unprecedented fourth term. so, that means voters will notjust be looking at their plans for the future, the party also has to defend their record over the last 1a years in government. after seven years as first minister, nicola sturgeon�*s facing questions about whether she's delivered on education and poverty reduction, as well as scrutiny of how she's handled the covid crisis. do you owe voters an apology for the tragically high death rate in scotland's care homes? i will never, ever say that i didn't get things wrong in covid. idid. i think it's inevitable that that would have been the case, given what we were dealing with. and i think it's really important that there is full scrutiny and accountability through a public inquiry. but every single day, i have done my level best to take the best decisions i could, with the information and the advice i had at the time. and if i'm re—elected as first minister... in fact, all through this election campaign, and if i'm re—elected as first minister, that's wha

the snp focused on boris johnson's denial _ games. the snp focused on boris johnson's denial of _ games. the snp focused on boris johnson's denial of reports - games. the snp focused on boris johnson's denial of reports he - games. the snp focused on boris| johnson's denial of reports he said that he was willing to see bodies pile high rather than go into a lockdown last autumn. the prime minister has _ lockdown last autumn. the prime minister has repeatedly _ lockdown last autumn. the prime minister has repeatedly lied - lockdown last autumn. the prime minister has repeatedly lied to i lockdown last autumn. the prime | minister has repeatedly lied to the public over the last week. can i ask the question, are you a liar, prime minister? i the question, are you a liar, prime minister? ., ., , minister? i did not say those words. what i do believe _ minister? i did not say those words. what i do believe is _ minister? i did not say those words. what i do believe is a _ minister? i did not say those words. what i do believe is a lockdown

_ for independence and support the snp that — for independence and support the snp. that now seems to have dissipated and to that extent it means— dissipated and to that extent it means standing of the parties and standing _ means standing of the parties and standing up support for independence now seems— standing up support for independence now seems to have gone back to pre—pandemic levels and that's what berries— pre—pandemic levels and that's what berries and — pre—pandemic levels and that's what berries and international movement we are _ berries and international movement we are hoping for. we berries and international movement we are hoping for.— we are hoping for. we have got this very debate. _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate. a _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate, a lot _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate, a lot of _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate, a lot of time _ we are hoping for. we have got this very debate, a lot of time from i very debate, a lot of time from various leaders b

the snp said eiuht weaken opposition. the snp said ei . ht of weaken opposition. the snp said eight of the _ weaken opposition. the snp said eight of the world _ weaken opposition. the snp said eight of the world that _ weaken opposition. the snp said eight of the world that make i weaken opposition. the snp said eight of the world that make a i eight of the world that make a to yemen would be cut by 60%. he found a pitiful excuse of making pit of —— difficult decisions. was it difficult to make the decision to deliver a windfall to the depends —— defence budget or was it simply an ideological decision that everyone can clearly see through. everyone can clearly see through-— everyone can clearly see throu~h. �* ., . , , through. announcing these deep and unlawful— through. announcing these deep and unlawful aid _ through. announcing these deep and unlawful aid cuts _ through. announcing these deep and unlawful aid cuts in - and unlawful aid cuts in written _ and unlawful aid cuts in written statement was cowardly. in written statement was cowardly. i

the snp are asking for an unprecedented fourth term. so, that means voters will notjust be looking at their plans for the future, the party also has to defend their record over the last 14 years in government. after seven years as first minister, nicola sturgeon is facing questions about whether she has delivered on education and poverty reduction, as well as scrutiny of how she's handled the covid crisis. do you owe voters an apology for the tragically high death rate in scotland's care homes? i will never, ever say that i didn't get things wrong i didn't get things wrong in covid, i did. i think it is inevitable that that would have been the case, given what we were dealing with, and i think it's really important that there is full scrutiny and accountability through a public inquiry. but every single day i've done my level best to take the best decisions i could, with the information and the advice i had at the time, and if i'm re—elected as first minister, in fact all through this election campaign, and if i'm re—elected as firs

i think we need _ the snp or the tories. ! think we need to— the snp or the tories. i think we need to have a problem and acute societal _ need to have a problem and acute societal ball, focuses on the most difficult _ societal ball, focuses on the most difficult of — societal ball, focuses on the most difficult of years and takes on the challenges our country faces. 360,000 of our citizens on 700,000 -- 7000 _ 360,000 of our citizens on 700,000 —— 7000 undiagnosed cancer, let's make _ —— 7000 undiagnosed cancer, let's make all— —— 7000 undiagnosed cancer, let's make all of— —— 7000 undiagnosed cancer, let's make all of that the focus of the next _ make all of that the focus of the next parliament. to make all of that the focus of the next parliament.— make all of that the focus of the next parliament. to be confirmed, scottish labour _ next parliament. to be confirmed, scottish labour have _ next parliament. to be confirmed, scottish labour have taken - next parliament. to be confirmed, scottish labour have taken a i scottish labour have take

labour have a majority ofjust 109 votes, with the snp in second place. if the snp could win seats like this, it could be the key to them securing an overall majority, which would then allow them to claim a mandate for another independence referendum. the constituency of dumbarton stretches from the former industrial shipbuilding town to the more genteel seaside pleasures of helensburgh, where people are very aware that this election could determine whether they're going to get a vote in the next few years on scottish independence. local businesses hit hard by lockdown are worried. the owners of this tweed shop won't vote for any party that supports holding a referendum within the next five years. i just think these referendums are very divisive, as we've seen with brexit, and i don't think it's a good thing for the country at this time. so, not never? no, not never... if there's a majority for it, there's an appetite for it, we can't say no. the prime minister has said he won't allow another independence referendum. is that fair? no. but it's timing. it'

say they are going to vote for the snp. 0nly independence say they are going to vote for the snp. only about 9% of people opposed to it. hitherto, an important element for the support of the snp has been gathering support from some people who are not necessarily in favour of independence, but think the snp could run the devolved administration more effectively. those days are thought to be over. this election looks like a quality referendum, at least in so far if you're going to vote for a nationalist party or not. what im act nationalist party or not. what impact the — nationalist party or not. what impact the alex _ nationalist party or not. what impact the alex salmond, - nationalist party or not. what | impact the alex salmond, the nationalist party or not. what impact the alex salmond, the former snp leader's new party, have won all that? ., , snp leader's new party, have won all that? . , , , ., that? that is the six question. he is standing _ that? that is the six question. he is standing only _ that? that is the s

the snp�*s westminster leader sees another motive. apparently, the only basis of the uk government's legal case is that the law constrains westminster powers. so, prime minister, can you do everyone a favour by explaining how protecting children's rights in scotland threatens the tory government in london? hear, hear! borisjohnson disagreed, and accused the snp of seeking to stir up division. if they really cared about the rights of the child, mr speaker, they would do much more to improve education in scotland, where they are so lamentably failing, mr speaker. mps sanctioned by china for spreading what it called "lies and disinformation" about the country have stepped up their campaign to highlight human rights abuses against the uighur muslim minority group in xinjiang. one of those sanctioned spoke out against the government's refusal to include in the trade bill a measure to prevent britain trading with countries committing genocide. with many colleagues, i led on the genocide amendment, and it's shameful that the government's com

labour have a majority ofjust 109 votes, with the snp in second place. if the snp can win seats like this, it could be the key to them securing an overall majority, which would then allow them to claim a mandate for another independence referendum. the constituency of dumbarton stretches from the former industrial shipbuilding town to the more genteel seaside pleasures of helensburgh, where people are very aware that this election could determine whether they're going to get a vote in the next few years on scottish independence. local businesses hit hard by lockdown are worried. the owners of this tweed shop won't vote for any party that supports holding a referendum within the next five years. i just think these referendums are very divisive, as we've seen with brexit, and i don't think it's a good thing for the country at this time. so, not never? no, not never... if there's a majority for it, there's an appetite for it, we can't say no. the prime minister has said he won't allow another independence referendum. is that fair? no. — but it's timing. i

if they win this election, the snp will still need permission from westminster for another vote. but the party will insist no—one should try to deny scottish voters the right to choose their own future. this is outside source, live from the bbc newsroom. our lead story is... derek chauvin, the former police officer accused of the murder of george floyd, has waived his right to testify in his defence. both the defence and the prosecution have now finished presenting their cases. closing arguments will take place on monday. over the past couple of weeks, northern ireland has seen some of the worst unrest since the signing of the good friday agreement more than 20 years ago. much of it has been sparked by the implementation of the northern ireland protocol — which was designed to help the post—brexit transition. it was put in place to prevent controls on the land border between northern ireland and the republic of ireland. free movement was seen as essential to the peace agreement that ended the long history of violence in northern ireland. but given that brexit meant most of

it's already attracted some snp defectors. he says he's complementing the campaign for independence, but could it end up undermining the cause? the conservative and labour parties in scotland have new leaders keen to make an impact. it'll be a fascinating contest. now, 60 senedd members will be voted for in wales and, like scotland, anyone over 16 can vote. labour have been the largest party in all previous devolved welsh elections, and current leader mark drakeford hopes to repeat that this time. this is what happened in 2016. the conservatives and plaid cymru are used to fighting it out for second place. and what will happen to those seven ukip seats? six of them have since left the party. elsewhere, there's the vote for london mayor, along with the 25 members of the london assembly, with more than 6 million eligible to vote in the capital. there are votes for seven combined authority mayors and five metropolitan mayors. thousands of council seats are up for grabs in 143 english local authorities. local issues are important

the snp�*s westminster leader has questioned the prime minister over the uk government's decision to challenge a bill on children's rights passed by the scottish parliament. uk ministers are concerned the legislation could exceed holyrood's devolved powers. so they're referring the bill, and another on local government, to the supreme court for a ruling. instead of supporting this new law, the uk government is shamefully taking the scottish parliament to court in order to strike it down. apparently, the only basis of the uk government's legal case is that the law constrains westminster powers. so, prime minister, can you do everyone a favour by explaining how protecting children's rights in scotland threatens the tory government in london? hear, hear! the government of the united kingdom ratified the un convention on the rights of the child 30 years ago. we all supported it. it has nothing to do with the rights of vulnerable children, which we all protect, this is simply an attempt by the snp to stir up constitutional chaos and create another fictitious, fictitious bone of contention

the snp are firmly committed to having an independence referendum in the next few years. the tories concentrate on independence too — they think it motivates unionists to vote for them. labour would much rather talk about issues like health or poverty. the scottish greens support independence and want another referendum, while the lib dems firmly want to remain in the uk. throughout the campaign, there will be debates about health, education, poverty and the environment. but it seems there is one overarching issue in scotland. if you actually look at what voters say they are going to do, at least as to whether or not they are going to vote for the snp, independence seems to be central. independence is certainly a crucial dividing line that is going to have a major impact on which way people vote in this election. if independence is the battlefield, then many voters already know whether they're on the yes side or no. the result of this election could determine whether there's could determine whether there's another referendum on scottish independence, and the outcome wou

with the emphasis on trying to stop the snp holding another referendum on scottish independence. have you spoken to the prime minister about how he would respond if an snp government asked him for permission to have another referendum ? the prime minister is clear we cannot have another referendum while scotland is seeking to recover from the covid pandemic. i spoke to him last night. so in this campaign, you're really focused on the threat of another referendum ? but if you know the prime minister will refuse permission for that, then there isn't any threat at all? well, there is a major threat, because nicola sturgeon has said she would go ahead with an illegal wildcat referendum anyway. she has said, she has accepted in this campaign, she would hold that referendum within the first couple of years, and she has also accepted that means campaigning to separate scotland from the rest of the uk during our recovery phase. the scottish conservatives are promising £2 billion extra spending for the nhs, to recruit 3,000 more teachers, a £500 skills grant for every adult to pay for r

the snp are promising more targeted funding and free school meals for all primary pupils. other parties are offering more teachers and smaller class sizes. all agree, closing the attainment gap must be a priority for the next scottish government. sarah smith, bbc news, glasgow. and you can find out about education and the policies of all the other parties taking part in the scottish election on the bbc website, at bbc.co.uk/news. the biggest uk military operation since iraq and afghanistan is under way in the west african state of mali. 300 british soldiers havejoined part of what the un is calling the most dangerous peacekeeping mission in the world. nearly 250 un troops have lost their lives since the mission began eight years ago. mali is suffering from a rise in violent islamist extremism, coupled with severe poverty. it has a scattered population of 20 million people, and the size of the country alone makes it very difficult to counter the threat with limited security forces. the bbc�*s defence correspondent jonathan beale and cameraman james anderson are the first

it's already attracted some snp defectors. he says he's complementing the campaign for independence, but could it end up undermining the cause? the conservative and labour parties in scotland have new leaders keen to make an impact. it'll be a fascinating contest. now, 60 senedd members will be voted for in wales and, like scotland, anyone over 16 can vote. labour have been the largest party in all previous devolved welsh elections, and current leader mark drakeford hopes to repeat that this time. this is what happened in 2016. the conservatives and plaid cymru are used to fighting it out for second place. and what will happen to those seven ukip seats? six of them have since left the party. elsewhere, there's the vote for london mayor, along with the 25 members of the london assembly, with more than 6 million eligible to vote in the capital. there are votes for seven combined authority mayors and five metropolitan mayors. thousands of council seats are up for grabs in 143 english local authorities. local issues are important

the snp also challenged the prime minister over lobbying. last march, the prime minister and the chancellor had - all the time in the world i to fix contracts for friends and tory donors, but didn't have any time to support . the millions of self—employed. plus 3 million people didn't have a david cameron - or a james dyson to text - the prime minister for them. they were on their own . and they were left behind by this prime minister. dog barks this tory - text-for-contract scandal is growing more and more . serious with every revelation. the prime minister was eager to initiate an inquiry- into his previous assessor- david cameron, but he was quick to commit to a public inquiry into himself. and his own government. well, mr speaker, he says we had all the time in the world. in fact, as the house will recall, at the end of march last year, the pandemic was taking off very fast and we had to act very fast, as i think people up and down the country understand. and i thought that his dog just made a more sensible contributionjust now than he

government he re—elected on the snp government he re—elected on the 6th of may. the snp government be re-elected on the 6th of may-— the 6th of may. deputy first minister for _ the 6th of may. deputy first minister for scotland - the 6th of may. deputy first minister for scotland and i the 6th of may. deputy first - minister for scotland and cabinet secretary for education and skills john swinney, thank you for your time. time now to get the news, travel and weather where you are. good morning, i'm sonja jessup. people living and working in an area of barnet are being urged to take a covid test after cases of the south african variant of the virus were identified there. everyone in the n3 postcode is being asked to take a pcr test, even if they don't have symptoms. it comes after residents in the whole of lambeth and wandsworth were asked to get tested, and those living in the se16 area of southwark. meanwhile after covid restrictions were eased on monday, council enforcement officers have been patrolling parts of london, checking people are following the rules. in barking, they've

squeezed between the snp and the staunchly pro—unionist conservatives, labour often struggles to get its arguments heard. sarah smith, bbc news, greenock. in a fortnight voters in england head to the polls in 143 councils to decide who they want in charge of crucial local services, such as social care. in swindon, the conservatives have controlled the council for more than 15 years, but labour is trying to win it back. here's our political correspondent alex forsyth. these allotments have been a haven this past year but even here, there's no total escape from the pandemic. these residents will soon be asked to vote in council elections and covid, it seems, could play a part. there are lots of lovely green open spaces... for sue, having to stay home has made her aware of what's on the doorstep. it's made me start to think, well, where does our council tax money go? is it going to the right people, at the right places? local elections are local things. but ann thinks the national picture will determine votes, though she doesn't think it should. it's the only way you're going to change

the party's leader, nicola sturgeon, said a majority snp government would hold another referendum on independence, once the covid crisis is over. so it is myjudgement that the people of scotland should decide scotland's future through an independent referendum within the next term of parliament. it should take place only when the crisis has passed, but in time then to equip our parliament with the full powers it needs to drive our long—term recovery. and let us be clear about this. if after this election there is a simple democratic majority in the scottish parliament for an independence referendum, there will be no democratic, electoral or moraljustification whatsoever for borisjohnson or anyone else seeking to block the right of people in scotland to decide their own future. nicola sturgeon. instagram has apologised, after a mistake with its algorithm promoted diet content to users with eating disorders. the search function in the app automatically recommended terms including "appetite suppressants" and "fasting" to some people. our technology reporter cristina criddle is with me

the former snp leader said his party has a �*proper plan' for scotland to leave the union. mr salmond promised alba would "bring urgency into the timetable" of independence and push the elected government if it wins seats in next month's polls. a former prisoner who used a fire extinguisher to fight the fishmongers hall attacker has described the moment he dared usman khan to detonate a suicide belt. daniel sandford is following the inquest for us. tell us more about the proceedings. the fight on london bridge between convicted terrorist usman khan armed with two knives and two former prisoners and a prison officer armed with a fire extinguisher and a marble tusk was one of the memorable images of mid—2019 and stay the inquest into the deaths of jack merritt and saskia jones, john crilly came to give evidence and he was the man armed with a fire extinguisher. he described hearing screams inside fishmongers' hall and going down the staircase and sing the saskia jones on the stack is covered in blood and then seeing usman khan armed with two knives saying he was going to ki

the snp haven't been fantastic but because independence is still on the cards, it's essentially a free pass for them for this election. some argue a referendum would be a distraction. by saying that we can't focus on two things, it's kind of insulting our own intelligence and the people's intelligence, the fact that we're a smart nation — i'm sure we can multitask. can borisjohnson just keep saying no if the scottish people are voting for pro—independence parties? no, i don't think so. if there's a pro—independence majority in holyrood, they'll have a mandate to have a second referendum. that's not the view in downing street, though. the uk government has made it pretty clear it'll say no to another referendum, even if there's a pro—independence majority — which raises the possibility of a pretty tense stand—off over the next few years in which independence continues to be a key issue. as the parties line up their arguments, businesses wonder what it all means for them. here at shearers candles the boss thinks the economy should be the focus, and that the scottish and uk go

the snp are asking for an unprecedented fourth term. so, that means voters will notjust be looking at their plans for the future, the party also has to defend their record over the last 14 years in government. after seven years as first minister, nicola sturgeon is facing questions about whether she has delivered on education and poverty reduction, as well as scrutiny of how she�*s handled the covid crisis. do you owe voters an apology for the tragically high death rate in scotland�*s care homes? i will never, ever say that i didn�*t get things wrong in covid, i did. i think it is inevitable that that would have been the case, given what we were dealing with, and i think it�*s really important that there is full scrutiny and accountability through a public inquiry. but every single day i�*ve done my level best to take the best decisions i could, with the information and the advice i had at the time, and if i�*m re—elected as first minister, in fact all through this election campaign, and if i�*m re—elected as first min

let's go to the leader of the snp. _ -- shipley bypass. let's go to the leader of the snp. can _ -- shipley bypass. let's go to the leader of the snp. can i - -- shipley bypass. let's go to thej leader of the snp. can i associate m self leader of the snp. can i associate myself with _ leader of the snp. can i associate myself with the _ leader of the snp. can i associate myself with the remarks - leader of the snp. can i associate myself with the remarks of - leader of the snp. can i associate myself with the remarks of the i leader of the snp. can i associate . myself with the remarks of the prime minister and the leader of the opposition under queen's90 birthday and the justice we have seen in the george floyd case? this morning's revelations around interference in covid contracts are incredibly serious. whether it is cash for questions or whatever, people know it is the same old story. this is how the tories did the prime minister is very hard scandal stop —— hauser tories to government. if he has nothing to hide and will he publish all personal exchanges on these co

the snp and the scottish greens are among those calling for another referendum in scotland. other conservative, labour and the lib dems oppose one. but what are most people talking about? we sent our political correspondent nick eardley to glasgow to find out. here in glasgow, there are some pretty imposing reminders of its past as the second city of the british empire. these days, though, the economy looks a bit different. in normal times, a bigger focus on gigs and events, less on shipyards. senses of identity have changed, too. in the last referendum, glasgow backed independence and, ahead of the election next week, people are talking about scotland's future again. for me, personally, scottish independence is the main thing in this election. it's a chance for...obviously for scotland to get a say again, it's a chance for a new fresh start, which everybody wants after covid. independence should not be the most important issue at this election. it should be kind of building back better with a green recovery. scotland's control of big pandemic decisions is playing a role in

from the poorest and most affluent parts of the country was to be the defining mission of the last snp government. five years on, experts say the gap remains wide. even students who have good grades themselves believe there should be a level playing field. people should be looking at the difference between schools that are doing better and schools that are doing worse. if it is to do with the support and not where people stay because honestly, i don't think that's true. i don't think where you stay or where your house is and you were brought up has anything to do with how much of a hard worker you are. it's just down to the student to study and do well. i don't think it matters where they come from, i think it matters how well they do. i don't think because you come - from a certain area that should mean you're better than other people. they do have the better resources, but i don't think that generally- transitions to a better pupil. the scottish government has poured hundreds of millions into targeted help for schools and record numbers of students from deprived areas are going into

letters go to the snp spokesperson with the urgentl snp spokesperson with the urgent guestion. — snp spokesperson with the urgent question, alison thewlis. order, can i question, alison thewlis. order, can iiust_ question, alison thewlis. order, can iiust say— question, alison thewlis. order, can iiust sayto— question, alison thewlis. order, can ijust say to members that there should _ ijust say to members that there should be — ijust say to members that there should be wearing a mask in the chamber — should be wearing a mask in the chamber. forthe should be wearing a mask in the chamber. for the two member site here1_ chamber. for the two member site here, please, just not my decision, it is the _ here, please, just not my decision, it is the decision of public health england — it is the decision of public health england that we should be wearing masks~ _ england that we should be wearing masks~ if— england that we should be wearing masks. if you don't wish to, please leave _ masks. if you don't wish to, please leave the _ masks. if you don't wish to, please leave the ch

with the emphasis on trying to stop the snp holding another referendum on scottish independence. have you spoken to the prime minister about how he would respond if an snp government asked him for permission to have another referendum ? the prime minister is clear, we cannot have another referendum while scotland is seeking to recover from the covid pandemic. i spoke to him last night. so in this campaign, you're really focused on the threat of another referendum ? but if you know the prime minister will refuse permission for that, then there isn't any threat at all. there is a major threat, because nicola sturgeon has said she would go ahead with an illegal wild card referendum anyway. she has said, she has accepted in this campaign she would hold that referendum within the first couple of years, and she has also accepted that means campaigning to separate scotland from the rest of the uk during her recovery phase. the scottish conservatives are promising two billion pounds extra spending for the nhs to recruit 3000 more teachers, a £500 skills grant for every adult to pay for

the pandemic has exacerbated all inequalities and that's education underneath the snp government so, yeah, the snp haven't been fantastic but because independence is still on the cards, it's essentially a free pass for them for this election. some argue a referendum would be a distraction. by saying that we can't focus on two things it's kind of insulting our own intelligence and the people's intelligence, the fact that we're a smart nation — i'm sure we can multitask. can borisjohnson just keep saying no if the scottish people are voting for pro—independence parties? no, i don't think so. if there's a pro—independence majority in holyrood, they'll have a mandate to have a second referendum. and it would detract completely from our — undermine our democracy. that's not the view in downing street, though. the uk government has made it pretty clear it'll say no to another referendum, even if there's a pro—independence majority, which raises the possibility of a pretty tense stand—off over the next few years in which independence continues to be a key issue. as the parties l

the snp and scottish greens support and other referendum on independence, the other parties at holyrood, conservatives, labour and the liberal democrats, think that there should be no further talk about constitutional change, that the entire focus of the next parliament should be on recovery and that constitutional questions should be for another day. the argument from the snp is that the debate over independence is key to shaping the nature of the scottish recovery, so there is a key underlying debate in this campaign, and i think today's decisions will fuel that. the film nomadland was the big winner at the bafta awards last night. the ceremony was held without an audience due to covid restrictions. the winners accepted their awards via webcam — although sir anthony hopkins missed his big moment because he was busy painting. our entertainment correspondent colin paterson explains. applause. in a year where cinemagoers had to stay home, best film of the baftas was one all about isolation. nomadland. nomadland, which is not out until the end of the month, is about a woman who's lost e

the snp have our recovery, not a referendum. snp have more our recovery, not a referendum. tie: snp have more than twice our recovery, not a referendum. ti9 snp have more than twice the seats you have at the moment. what is your realistic target? the you have at the moment. what is your realistic target?— realistic target? the scottish conservatives _ realistic target? the scottish conservatives are _ realistic target? the scottish conservatives are the - realistic target? the scottish i conservatives are the strongest opposition, notjust in holyrood but at every— opposition, notjust in holyrood but at every level of government here in scotland _ at every level of government here in scotland it — at every level of government here in scotland. it is quite clear if people _ scotland. it is quite clear if people want to stop an snp majority, to stop _ people want to stop an snp majority, to stop the _ people want to stop an snp majority, to stop the focus of the next parliament being on another referendum and support that long—term recovery, they have to unite _ longâ€

fans to the snp center yesterday. it's the first indoor sporting event with spectators in santa clara county for starters. the team is allowing 500 fans who are season ticket holders. everyone has to show proof of full vaccination or a negative covid test upon arrival fans are spread out and can't eat or drink in their seats. but there are designated areas for all of that. the big game in a lot for sharks in sep center employees. many who have been out of work since the pandemic started. >> it's an incredible day. i it's hard to describe the feeling that we all have. it's been building for 14 months. and since the last couple of weeks, we knew this day was coming. it's the frantic energy that we all feel this is why we do it. it's all about that's the only reason that we're in we are in the business of making memories for our fans. it's so important for a fan base. >> the sharks are planning arizona coyotes today. well, the san francisco symphony will resume live performances on may 6 inside davey symphony hall audien

the snp added to the pressure. will the prime minister reveal today how many more covid contracts - he personally fixed? and if he has nothing to hide, will he publish all personal. exchanges of his contracts before the end of the day? _ mr speaker, of course there is actually nothing to conceal about this, and i'm happy to share all the details — as indeed, i share them with my officials — immediately. this tory text—for—contract scandal is growing more and more seriousl with every revelation. the prime minister was eager to initiate an inquiry- into his predecessor, _ david cameron, while he is quick to commit to a public - and comprehensive inquiry into himself and his own government? dog barks. well, mr speaker, he says we had all the time in the world. in fact, as the house will recall at the end of march last year, the pandemic was taking off very fast and we had to act very fast, as i think people up and down this country understand. and i thought that his dog just made a more sensible contribution j

. —— snp votes. do you take the labour position or if this politics? it take the labour position or if this olitics? , . , ., ., take the labour position or if this olitics? , ., ., ., , politics? it is politics and to be honest labour _ politics? it is politics and to be honest labour is _ politics? it is politics and to be honest labour is not _ politics? it is politics and to be honest labour is not in - politics? it is politics and to be honest labour is not in great i politics? it is politics and to be i honest labour is not in great neck at the _ honest labour is not in great neck at the moment, keir starmer having .one at the moment, keir starmer having gone from _ at the moment, keir starmer having gone from pretty slavishly backing everything borisjohnson i5 gone from pretty slavishly backing everything borisjohnson is going as kind of— everything borisjohnson is going as kind of rather not quite desperately but rather _ kind of rather not quite desperately but rather plaintively looking to areas _ but rather plaintively looking to areas whe

she says downing sttreet won't be able to block a second independence referendum if her snp party wins the upcoming elections in holyrood. and the daily mail leads with comments from the countess of wessex about the death of her father—in—law — the duke of edinburgh. "it was so gentle," she says. "like someone took him by the hand and off he went." now on bbc news, president biden claims "america is back". well, suzanne kianpour reports on the team the president has tasked with tackling recent fresh crises, and the challenges they face. america is back. diplomacy is back, at the centre of our foreign policy. president biden intends to shape a new world order. we will repair our alliances, engage with the world once again. not to meet yesterday's challenges, but today's and tomorrow's. the world greets a very different leader from the american president it met four years ago. from this day forward it's going to be only america first, america first. and president biden confronts a starkly different world too, with a whole host of challenges. the myanmar coup, political unrest in ru

focus on environmental issues, the scottish greens are the only major political party, other than the snp, who support independence for scotland. now is the time to be bold. how they perform in this election could determine whether there is a parliamentary majority in favour of another independence referendum. whilst we are still dealing with a pandemic, there's a climate emergency that you are stressing, is the distraction of an independence referendum in the next five years really necessary? i believe that people in scotland taking their future into their own hands is necessary. not as an alternative to dealing with covid recovery or the climate and nature emergencies, but as a fundamental part of dealing with those issues effectively. the scottish greens' policies include... a referendum on scottish independence in the next five years. new taxes on profit and wealth, including a levy on firms who have made big profits during the pandemic. warmer green homes for all with homeowners unable to sell properties that don't meet energy—efficient standards. raising the school starting age to

they talk about the opportunities in a hung parliament and denying the snp an overall majority to stop their push for another independence referendum. so it sounds as though the conservatives are in a race for second place with scottish labour. borisjohnson will not come campaigning. he has very low ratings in scotland. the tories want to point voters their way as a party that will vigorously defend the united kingdom without distraction. sarah smith, bbc news, glasgow. the spurs managerjose mourinho has been sacked. the portuguese coach was just 17 months in thejob. joe wilson looks at what went wrong. tottenham hotspur, a football club which sees itself among europe's elite. well, jose mourinho�*s gone with spurs seventh in england. so, another desk cleared, the ex—manager, home with his belongings, and no clear next destination. no comment, either. you are losing your time. english football has witnessed the various ages of mourinho. special and cheerful at chelsea, at first. more mature at manchester united. his time at spurs, quite short, pretty sour. lovely touch into richarl

the snp said leadership and honesty were needed to resolve the situation. and there has sadly, to date, l been a dearth of some of those qualities on show in the way the protocol has been - negotiated and implemented — and the price that's been paidl for that is sadly all too clear. i this was a protocol— which was entered into freely by the uk government, and it's here to stay. i surely we can agree _ that the only route to amending it is through trust - and goodwill on all sides. brandon lewis accepted the question of border checks needed to be addressed. that's why we're very clear that, whilst we want to ensure that goods that are moving into the eu through the republic of ireland are properly dealt with, goods moving from northern ireland to great britain unfettered as they are, and goods moving from great britain and northern ireland can do so freely and flexibly in a pragmatic approach. there was a breach of trust in relation to the northern ireland protocol, and creating barriers to trade between great britain and northern ireland that we were t