if they choose not to, and they are choosing to strike themselves and we are not afraid to take action. and now hunter biden will be facing these very serious charges - at the court in delaware. good evening. the president in america wants to talk about the economy. the problem is his son hasjust been indicted for lying about his drug use and when he bought a gun. the indictment comes days after republicans opened an impeachment inquiry into president biden. we will get the views new tonight of victoria coates, republican consultant who served in the trump administration and also with us professor carwynjones, the former first minister of wales,

previously leader of welsh labour. the uk has been plagued by industrial action this year. tonight car workers in america will decide whether they go on strike. it could cost the us economy $5 billion a week. and will house republicans pass the bill that includes critical aid for ukraine. we will hear tonight from one of america's most senior generals, who wrote an open letter to the speaker, urging him to stand by america's commitments. 50, president biden�*s son, hunter biden, has been indicted this afternoon on three criminal counts related to his possession of a firearm. the charges in the district court of delaware came weeks after the unexpected collapse of a deal with federal prosecutors. the president's son has been open about his struggles with substance abuse, but he is charged in two of these counts with lying about his drug use in connection with his purchase of a colt cobra revolver. the third count charges him with possession of a firearm while an unlawful drug user. the two more serious counts carry maximum sentences of 10 years

in prison and $250,000 in fines. live now to our correspondent sean dilley, in washington. fork us backward to the original plea deal on the table and by the special prosecutor walked away from it? it special prosecutor walked away from it? , . ,., . special prosecutor walked away from it? , . . it? it is quite an important point. everybody _ it? it is quite an important point. everybody sees _ it? it is quite an important point. everybody sees the _ it? it is quite an important point. everybody sees the case - it? it is quite an important point. everybody sees the case that - everybody sees the case that collapsed as being the same case because although it theoretically wasn't, it felt like it was. hunter biden had agreed with prosecutors that he would plead guilty to two tax cheating charges relating to underpaid tax in 2017 and 18. the gun felony conviction would have been avoided. theoretically and what the judge was concerned about, that was unrelated because it wasn't included in the plea agreement. but when hunter biden was asked questions on the court, would you be pleading guilty to these tax charges if the deal wasn't done about the

gun felony conviction, he said he wouldn't. it was that in some other questions thejudge had wouldn't. it was that in some other questions the judge had about possible immunity to other charges that led to that case to collapse on the 26th ofjuly. they did try to rescue the deal, but that didn't happen. it has to be said quite a bit of political wrangling and calls from republican party supporters and those who don't necessarily like his father, joe biden. they were calling for more of an investigation, claiming he was being treated with kid gloves. the chief prosecutor in his case in delaware was granted, after asking, extra powers by the us government, it was what they called a special counsel. as we can see, this is the result is a potentially that case collapsing. if it is a headache for his fatherjoe biden, headache for his fatherjoe biden, he is being judged in the court of

public opinion. he is being judged in the court of public opinion-— public opinion. indeed, let's pick that u- public opinion. indeed, let's pick that up with _ public opinion. indeed, let's pick that up with our _ public opinion. indeed, let's pick that up with our panel. - public opinion. indeed, let's pick that up with our panel. victoria, | that up with our panel. victoria, hunter biden has become a bit of a pinata for republicans, the tax investigation, dealing in ukraine, dealings in china, now this. is there a risk republicans overplay their hand on this?— there a risk republicans overplay their hand on this? good evening, aood to their hand on this? good evening, good to see _ their hand on this? good evening, good to see you- _ their hand on this? good evening, good to see you. there _ their hand on this? good evening, good to see you. there is - their hand on this? good evening, good to see you. there is always i their hand on this? good evening, | good to see you. there is always a political risk politically when you are dealing with a member of the president's family. in the case of hunter biden, he turned himself into a pinata and in the case of these gun charges, those who are very concerned about guns in the united states have been stressing, we have to follow the laws. this is being downplayed by the administration, only had it for a week, he didn't load it. that is not the issue, if you don't treat this as a very

serious charge, that this is correct, hunter biden did this, you are sending a signal to the rest of the united states and any other people trying to get guns unlawfully that it people trying to get guns unlawfully thatitis people trying to get guns unlawfully that it is not a big deal, a technicality. it is very important to take this seriously. i don't thing it in anyway inoculate the president from any future issues where some of hunter's other issues, with foreign governments, for example, might be called into question. example, might be called into cuestion. ., . . , ., question. you are a student of olitics, question. you are a student of politics. what _ question. you are a student of politics, what is _ question. you are a student of politics, what is going - question. you are a student of politics, what is going on - question. you are a student of| politics, what is going on here, what is the republican tactic? trying to draw attention away from donald _ trying to draw attention away from donald trump, no question in my mind _ donald trump, no question in my mind the — donald trump, no question in my mind. the main complaint that donald trump _ mind. the main complaint that donald trump and _ mind. the main complaint that donald trump and his supporters have put forward _ trump and his supporters have put forward is — trump and his supporters have put forward is the justice system have been _ forward is the justice system have been weaponised against him, his supporters and the republican party, that the _ supporters and the republican party, that the justice system is corrupt.

the fact— that the justice system is corrupt. the fact hunter biden will now proceed — the fact hunter biden will now proceed to trial completely undermines that argument. i don't undermines that argument. idon't know— undermines that argument. i don't know enough about the case itself to passjudgment on it. clearly, if somebody has broken the law inevitably they will face the consequences. how willthat inevitably they will face the consequences. how will that play out forjoe _ consequences. how will that play out forjoe biden, nobody can tell at the moment. joe biden himself has not been _ the moment. joe biden himself has not been charged, donald trump has been charged with multiple offences and differentjurisdictions been charged with multiple offences and different jurisdictions across the states. i think it does good for the states. i think it does good for the system — the states. i think it does good for the system ofjustice in america. that— the system ofjustice in america. that people see someone like hunter biden— that people see someone like hunter biden is_ that people see someone like hunter biden is not protected and someone like donald trump is not protected. because _ like donald trump is not protected. because the whole point of the system — because the whole point of the system ofjustice, it will administerjustice regardless of who the person— administerjustice regardless of who the person is. to my mind, as i say, it undermines— the person is. to my mind, as i say, it undermines much of the argument we have _ it undermines much of the argument we have heard from some of the republican party over the past few months _ republican party over the past few months. , , , , ., months. the bigger issue is for republicans. — months. the bigger issue is for republicans, victoria, - months. the bigger issue is for republicans, victoria, is - months. the bigger issue is for republicans, victoria, is the i republicans, victoria, is the influence peddling and that is where they are making their hay in

congress. they allege he went into ukraine and into china and the amount he was paid, he wouldn't have got, unless his father had been the vice president. there weren't many in the 0bama white house at the time he didn't see anything illegal in what he was doing, but the appearance of it concerned them? there were a lot of concerns and a lot of flags thrown up by the treasury department about some of these transactions. i think that is what all americans need to be curious about, why whether such amazing numbers of transactions for hunter's firms and various entities receiving these monies from foreign governments and foreign companies. white with a such a concern for the department of treasury? and i think if, as the president says, nothing untoward happened, there should be no objection to really releasing those records and providing transparency for the american people. because the country you

mention, china and ukraine, they are in the news everyday, these are very controversial places in many camps. and i think getting clarity what happened would be in the president's best interest. let happened would be in the president's best interest-— best interest. let me show you some live pictures. — best interest. let me show you some live pictures, this _ best interest. let me show you some live pictures, this is _ best interest. let me show you some live pictures, this is maryland - live pictures, this is maryland where presidentjoe biden speaking this hour. he has been highlighting the difference between his economic plan today, what we call bidenomics, as he likes to call it. brace yourself, there's plenty more of this over the next day. 58% of american voters think the biden administration has made the economy worse. this is part of a new concerted push to not only define what the president's agender is, but why, in his view, it is working.

it's about investing in american. investing in an american, investing in americans. american people. it's about growing the economy from the middle out and bottom up instead of the top down because when the middle class does well, the poor have a ladder up and the wealthy still do very well. i'm a capitalist, if you guys go out here and make $1 billion, go get it. just pay a little bit more in taxes. laughter but this speech in, maryland, comes in the shadows of a looming government shutdown if republicans in the house cannot decide how to fund the government when the money runs out, the end of september. they have 8 days to avoid shutdown. also pending a first strike in years on the factory lines of the big three car makers. a strike like that would be a $5 billion hit to the economy in just 10 days. political peril. here's the president of the union auto workers shawn fain. we will not allow the big three continue dragging out negotiations for months. the big three can afford to

immediately give us our fair share. if they choose not to, then they are choosing to strike themselves and we are not afraid to take action. he has called himself the most pro—union president in history but a strike would harm the economy and he wants to avoid that when he's making the case about having a firm hand on the case about having a firm hand on the tiller? ., , the case about having a firm hand on the tiller? . , , ., , . the tiller? clearly, people have the riaht the tiller? clearly, people have the ri . ht to the tiller? clearly, people have the right to strike. _ the tiller? clearly, people have the right to strike. it _ the tiller? clearly, people have the right to strike. it is _ the tiller? clearly, people have the right to strike. it is rare _ the tiller? clearly, people have the right to strike. it is rare these - right to strike. it is rare these days, — right to strike. it is rare these days, but— right to strike. it is rare these days, but we can see the anger from the representative from the uaw there _ the representative from the uaw there. the government has to get involved _ there. the government has to get involved to — there. the government has to get involved to sort it out, but that is not how _ involved to sort it out, but that is not how it — involved to sort it out, but that is not how it works in the us. we have seen _ not how it works in the us. we have seen inflation rates rise over the

past _ seen inflation rates rise over the past two — seen inflation rates rise over the past two years and people have seen prices _ past two years and people have seen prices go _ past two years and people have seen prices go up but they haven't seen their— prices go up but they haven't seen their wages necessarily keeping up with inflation. so inevitably they -et with inflation. so inevitably they get to _ with inflation. so inevitably they get to a — with inflation. so inevitably they get to a situation where people are going _ get to a situation where people are going to _ get to a situation where people are going to see a strike is something they need — going to see a strike is something they need to do. people don't take these _ they need to do. people don't take these decisions very easily. if you io these decisions very easily. if you go on _ these decisions very easily. if you go on strike, you lose money. if you io go on strike, you lose money. if you go on _ go on strike, you lose money. if you go on strike — go on strike, you lose money. if you go on strike for a long time, like the miners — go on strike for a long time, like the miners strike in 1984, nine months — the miners strike in 1984, nine months it— the miners strike in 1984, nine months it lasted. longer than that, when _ months it lasted. longer than that, when i _ months it lasted. longer than that, when i think about it and people were _ when i think about it and people were not— when i think about it and people were not paid. it is quite a difficult _ were not paid. it is quite a difficult decision to go on strike. it is difficult decision to go on strike. it is the — difficult decision to go on strike. it is the first strike since the 19905 in the car industry in america. i was listening to the union boss earlier and all the arguments he makes, you might hear from the rmt here in the uk, it is about cost of living, cost of living allowance, it is about wages keeping up allowance, it is about wages keeping up with the pace of inflation. it is about a share of the profits. that is the problem that is large across

the industry in the west at the moment, workers don't feel they are getting theirfair moment, workers don't feel they are getting their fair share? moment, workers don't feel they are getting theirfair share? it is getting their fair share? it is correct and _ getting their fair share? it is correct and we _ getting their fair share? it is correct and we see - getting their fair share? it is correct and we see it - getting their fair share? it is correct and we see it in - getting their fair share? it is correct and we see it in the uk as well, _ correct and we see it in the uk as well, people feeling the financial squeeze. — well, people feeling the financial squeeze, they want to make sure that squeeze _ squeeze, they want to make sure that squeeze is _ squeeze, they want to make sure that squeeze is lessened. also there is a skill shortage, difficult to get people — skill shortage, difficult to get people to work in certain sectors, the care _ people to work in certain sectors, the care sector is in dire straits, trying _ the care sector is in dire straits, trying to— the care sector is in dire straits, trying to attract workers and that means _ trying to attract workers and that means inevitably wages will rise. 0ne means inevitably wages will rise. one of— means inevitably wages will rise. one of the — means inevitably wages will rise. one of the stories i saw behind what is happening in the motor industry in america — is happening in the motor industry in america is the concern about the transition _ in america is the concern about the transition from the internal combustion engine to electric. if you make — combustion engine to electric. if you make electric engines, you need fewer— you make electric engines, you need fewer people to make them. then the question. _ fewer people to make them. then the question, what do you do with the technology that is becoming obsolete in order— technology that is becoming obsolete in order to _ technology that is becoming obsolete in order to help those workers adapt? — in order to help those workers adapt? what you don't do, close and industry. _ adapt? what you don't do, close and industry, like the coal industry and do next _ industry, like the coal industry and do next to— industry, like the coal industry and

do next to nothing to help the workers — do next to nothing to help the workers to adapt. now is the time, and i_ workers to adapt. now is the time, and i think— workers to adapt. now is the time, and i thinkjoe biden is doing this, 0k, and i thinkjoe biden is doing this, ok. this _ and i thinkjoe biden is doing this, ok. this is — and i thinkjoe biden is doing this, ok, this is the way the world is going. — ok, this is the way the world is doing. we _ ok, this is the way the world is going, we can pretend it is not happening 0vie can help people make that transition. that happening ovie can help people make that transition.— happening 0vie can help people make that transition.— that transition. that is the difficulty _ that transition. that is the difficulty for _ that transition. that is the difficulty for the _ that transition. that is the | difficulty for the president, because he lacks any legal authority to negotiate with the union but the union is blaming him for this transition towards electric vehicles which is damaging their industry? i guess i take a slightly different view on the transition to electric vehicles. the problem it has caused for industry, the electric engines are heavily subsidised by the government and the industry itself, which is placing additional burdens on the regularfuel which is placing additional burdens on the regular fuel consuming vehicles to try to even out that balance sheet. because the demand for electric vehicles in the united states is actually declining, not increasing. this is a real structural problem for the industry. i think what you are seeing,

although i agree, the fact that even while that internal struggle is going on, the wages for the auto industry have not gone up to match inflation. certainly as the numbers we got this week indicate, it is all based on the spike in energy prices, which are increasing the cost, not just for gas at the pump, but the products that are moved using that energy and the workers feel like they simply cannot make ends meet on their current salaries and the industry feels like they cannot pay the salaries based on what is happening internally to their companies. it really is an impasse. the reason i wanted to focus on this tonight, it is such a vital industry tonight, it is such a vital industry to many countries. the european commission _ to many countries. the european commission president _ to many countries. the european commission president was - to many countries. the european i commission president was weighing to many countries. the european - commission president was weighing in and said they will investigate the import of chinese cars because of the state subsidies on those which are reducing prices and that affects wages in germany, italy and france.

it is such a strategic industry, but an industry that is going through a tumult, it is a period of immense change? it tumult, it is a period of immense chance? , ., tumult, it is a period of immense chance? , . . , tumult, it is a period of immense chanue? , . . , . change? it is, and raising the china issue, change? it is, and raising the china issue. because _ change? it is, and raising the china issue, because what _ change? it is, and raising the china issue, because what the prc- change? it is, and raising the china issue, because what the prc has i issue, because what the prc has decided, if they can corner a market for cheap electric vehicles, that they are subsidising at home, which, not only bent of plots are fossil fuel cause, but also our electric vehicles, said then we would lose the capacity to manufacture electric vehicles, then they have the whole market and we are dependent on china for even moving about. that is even a bigger problem that both we and our atlantic allies are going to have to confront. did we let these products into our countries? yes. have to confront. did we let these products into our countries? yes, $5 billion a week. _ products into our countries? yes, $5 billion a week, the _ products into our countries? yes, $5 billion a week, the cost _ products into our countries? yes, $5 billion a week, the cost of _ products into our countries? yes, $5 billion a week, the cost of that i products into our countries? yes, $5 billion a week, the cost of that to i billion a week, the cost of that to the us economy so big decision pending and we will watching very closely. around the world and across

the uk, this is bbc news. let's look at some other stories making news. the government has confirmed its support for the introduction of "martha's rule", which would give hospital patients in england the right to a second opinion. it's named after 13—year—old martha mills, who died of sepsis two years ago despite her mother raising concerns with doctors about her treatment. the king's college hospital trust said it was deeply sorry. greater manchester police have become the latest force to fall victim to a serious data breach. a company making warrant cards was targeted in a cyber attack — with the names and photos of officers compromised. greater manchester police chiefs say they're aware of the hack and an investigation has already begun. john lewis says its plan to return to profit will take two years longer than expected after it reported further losses for the first half of the year. the high street giant, which also owns waitrose, said rising business costs and larger than expected investment requirements meant that its recovery plan would not be finished until 2028.

you're live with bbc news. ukraine has destroyed a sophisticated russian air—defence system, in occupied crimea. the video footage on social media shows a fire burning near the city of yevpatoriya in the west of the russian—occupied peninsula. it is the second time in as many days that ukrainian intelligence has used drones and cruise miles to target the russian installations. on wednesday they hit the port of sevastopol the headquarters of russia's black sea fleet. two russian naval ships sustaining serious damage. that demonstrates that with the right support ukraine can debilitate the russian defences but it requires continued funding and supplies. and in united states that is very much in question. two of america's most senior commanders, the retired air force gen philip breedlove, formerly nato's supreme allied commander, and the retired lt gen ben hodges, who led us army forces in europe, have written an open letter to the speaker of the house kevin mccarthy.

they are urging republicans to uphold the $24 billion in additional aid, that is in a spending bill which must pass by the end of this month to avoid a government shutdown. the speaker is under pressure from the hard right to pass a stop gap, bill that would strip ukraine funding. in the letter the general said "now is not the time to allow partisan politics to get in the way of supporting an ally that is fighting for freedom, as well as their own existence," wrote breedlove and hodges. "ukrainians need our help. they need both military and non—lethal aid, and they needed it yesterday." we can speak to general ben hodges now. it is nice to have you back on the programme, what is in the spending bill and what is it crucial for? the ke i bill and what is it crucial for? the key i think _ bill and what is it crucial for? the key i think for— bill and what is it crucial for? tue: key i think for the bill and what is it crucial for? he key i think for the congress bill and what is it crucial for? t“t9: key i think for the congress to bill and what is it crucial for? tt9: key i think for the congress to move forward with this is to explain to the american people why this is in our best interest. it is notjust

about ukraine, this is about american prosperity. american prosperity is tied directly to european prosperity, which, of course, is based on stability and security in europe. and also because the chinese are watching to see are we serious about standing up for those things we say are so important. that is why we think it is so important that congress continue to support ukraine. but the republicans — continue to support ukraine. but the republicans on _ continue to support ukraine. but the republicans on the _ continue to support ukraine. but the republicans on the hard _ continue to support ukraine. but the republicans on the hard right - continue to support ukraine. but the republicans on the hard right will. republicans on the hard right will say we are standing up for the 55% of american voters who don't want to support additional aid. of american voters who don't want to support additionalaid. how of american voters who don't want to support additional aid. how do you make the argument to americans that ukraine needs even more funding? tt is a great question but the burden is a great question but the burden is on the president to be able to explain to the american people why this is in our interest. interestingly, the way that the house of representatives now has configured itself with a very small

extreme minority somehow has managed to get power over the speaker of the house and they can hold him hostage, basically, even though the vast majority of the congress in a very bipartisan way continues support for ukraine. so the president has to explain to american voters and taxpayers and then speaker mccarthy is going to have to get himself out of this predicament he created for himself, so we can move forward and do something that is important for all of us. :, , . . . all of us. you will be aware that donald trump, _ all of us. you will be aware that donald trump, when _ all of us. you will be aware that donald trump, when he - all of us. you will be aware that donald trump, when he was i all of us. you will be aware that i donald trump, when he was in office often pointed to native spending and what level of gdp here in europe countries were contributing to their own military standing, their own military resources. how does our spending here in europe on ukraine compare with what the united states has put into ukraine? qt

compare with what the united states has put into ukraine?— has put into ukraine? of course, the former president, _ has put into ukraine? of course, the former president, mr— has put into ukraine? of course, the former president, mr trump, - has put into ukraine? of course, the former president, mr trump, neverl former president, mrtrump, never truly understood what the strategy of what this was all about, why this was in america's interest regardless of what european countries were paying for their own defence. it was always and is in the interest of the united states that europe is stable for our prosperity. plus the united states doesn't have enough capacity to do everything that is needed by itself. so our european allies are important for us. but it is fair that some americans will say, wait a minute, why are we spending so much money and all these different things when our european allies are not doing all that they should be doing. that is a fair criticism. at the end of the day, the president has got to explain why it is in our interest that europe is stable and secure for european prosperity, which is directly tied to american prosperity.

directly tied to american prosperity-— directly tied to american n-roseri . :, , , , prosperity. victoria, republicans would spend _ prosperity. victoria, republicans would spend money _ prosperity. victoria, republicans would spend money on - prosperity. victoria, republicans would spend money on the i prosperity. victoria, republicans i would spend money on the defence of taiwan, they would spend money on south korea's defence to stand against north korea, can they not spot the alliances that are forming here? ~ , , :, , spot the alliances that are forming here? ~ , . spot the alliances that are forming here? ~ ,,:, , . . . here? absolutely and i have great resect here? absolutely and i have great respect for _ here? absolutely and i have great respect for general _ here? absolutely and i have great respect for general hodges i here? absolutely and i have great respect for general hodges and i l respect for general hodges and i agree _ respect for general hodges and i agree with him, the burden is and has been — agree with him, the burden is and has been for over 18 months now on the commander—in—chief of the united states— the commander—in—chief of the united states to _ the commander—in—chief of the united states to come to the american people — states to come to the american people and explain to them why this has been _ people and explain to them why this has been the 113 billion, he would like another 24 billion. i might spend — like another 24 billion. i might spend more, i might spend less, the problem _ spend more, i might spend less, the problem is _ spend more, i might spend less, the problem is he has never done that, he has _ problem is he has never done that, he has never— problem is he has never done that, he has never explained it, never laid out — he has never explained it, never laid out a — he has never explained it, never laid out a strategy, never laid out terms _ laid out a strategy, never laid out terms for— laid out a strategy, never laid out terms for victory, what it might look— terms for victory, what it might look like. — terms for victory, what it might look like, what might be acceptable. all he _ look like, what might be acceptable. all he tells _ look like, what might be acceptable. all he tells us is as long as it takes. — all he tells us is as long as it takes. as— all he tells us is as long as it takes, as much as it takes. i will say that— takes, as much as it takes. i will say that it — takes, as much as it takes. i will say that it is _ takes, as much as it takes. i will say that it is very difficult for most — say that it is very difficult for most americans to accept the fact that not— most americans to accept the fact that not that polish allies, a

british— that not that polish allies, a british and remaining allies are hitting — british and remaining allies are hitting their defence targets, but the two — hitting their defence targets, but the two largest economies in the eu being _ the two largest economies in the eu being germany and france, and italy, which _ being germany and france, and italy, which is _ being germany and france, and italy, which is now— being germany and france, and italy, which is now the third largest economy— which is now the third largest economy in the eu, are not making the 2%_ economy in the eu, are not making the 2% pledge they made nine years a-o. the 2% pledge they made nine years ago they— the 2% pledge they made nine years ago. they have had almost a decade since _ ago. they have had almost a decade since the _ ago. they have had almost a decade since the nato summit in wales to make _ since the nato summit in wales to make good on that pledge. they haven't — make good on that pledge. they haven't. we are creating this culture — haven't. we are creating this culture of— haven't. we are creating this culture of dependency on the united states— culture of dependency on the united states and then to send out the supplemental request tied to disaster funding for american citizens— disaster funding for american citizens is extremely difficult to explain — citizens is extremely difficult to explain without a strategy from the president — explain without a strategy from the president. it is explain without a strategy from the resident. , :, explain without a strategy from the resident. , . :, : . , president. it is a fair criticism that the strategy _ president. it is a fair criticism that the strategy at _ president. it is a fair criticism that the strategy at times i president. it is a fair criticism | that the strategy at times has president. it is a fair criticism i that the strategy at times has been confused and we have a general hodges himself on the programme talking about what ukraine needs and they need it now. now we are back to a situation were present by dinners considering the longer range missiles, we have the same deliberation over f—16s, we had the same deliberation over patriots, also the whole range of weapons which in the end were supplied and

he crossed his red lines. is that part of the problem, his confused strategy has perhaps confuse the american people? first strategy has perhaps confuse the american people?— american people? first of all, i think it is _ american people? first of all, i think it is right _ american people? first of all, i think it is right to _ american people? first of all, i think it is right to say _ american people? first of all, i think it is right to say that i american people? first of all, i think it is right to say that all. think it is right to say that all nato — think it is right to say that all nato allies— think it is right to say that all nato allies should _ think it is right to say that all nato allies should contribute j think it is right to say that all- nato allies should contribute what promised — nato allies should contribute what promised to — nato allies should contribute what promised to contribute. _ nato allies should contribute what promised to contribute. i - nato allies should contribute what promised to contribute. i agree i nato allies should contribute what l promised to contribute. i agree with both the _ promised to contribute. i agree with both the speakers _ promised to contribute. i agree with both the speakers that _ promised to contribute. i agree with both the speakers that regard. i- promised to contribute. i agree withj both the speakers that regard. i was on the _ both the speakers that regard. i was on the outside — both the speakers that regard. i was on the outside of _ both the speakers that regard. i was on the outside of that _ both the speakers that regard. i was on the outside of that meeting - both the speakers that regard. i was on the outside of that meeting in i on the outside of that meeting in wales, _ on the outside of that meeting in wales, it — on the outside of that meeting in wales, it is — on the outside of that meeting in wales, it is a _ on the outside of that meeting in wales, it is a fair— on the outside of that meeting in wales, it is a fair point, - on the outside of that meeting in wales, it is a fair point, you i wales, it is a fair point, you cannot— wales, it is a fair point, you cannot over— wales, it is a fair point, you cannot over rely _ wales, it is a fair point, you cannot over rely on - wales, it is a fair point, you cannot over rely on other. wales, it is a fair point, you - cannot over rely on other countries, particularly — cannot over rely on other countries, particularly america, _ cannot over rely on other countries, particularly america, to _ cannot over rely on other countries, particularly america, to make - cannot over rely on other countries, particularly america, to make the i particularly america, to make the contribution — particularly america, to make the contribution that— particularly america, to make the contribution that is _ particularly america, to make the contribution that is so _ particularly america, to make the contribution that is so important. particularly america, to make the. contribution that is so important to the future — contribution that is so important to the future of— contribution that is so important to the future of nato. _ contribution that is so important to the future of nato. if _ contribution that is so important to the future of nato. if i _ contribution that is so important to the future of nato. if i was - contribution that is so important to the future of nato. if i was joe i the future of nato. if i was joe biden, — the future of nato. if i was joe biden, there _ the future of nato. if i was joe biden, there seems _ the future of nato. if i was joe biden, there seems to - the future of nato. if i was joe biden, there seems to be i the future of nato. if i was joe i biden, there seems to be bipartisan suspicion _ biden, there seems to be bipartisan suspicion of — biden, there seems to be bipartisan suspicion of china, _ biden, there seems to be bipartisan suspicion of china, it _ biden, there seems to be bipartisan suspicion of china, it unites - biden, there seems to be bipartisan suspicion of china, it unites both i suspicion of china, it unites both the parties _ suspicion of china, it unites both the parties. let's— suspicion of china, it unites both the parties. let's not— suspicion of china, it unites both the parties. let's not pretend i suspicion of china, it unites both. the parties. let's not pretend that if she _ the parties. let's not pretend that if she was— the parties. let's not pretend that if she was victorious _ the parties. let's not pretend that if she was victorious in _ the parties. let's not pretend that if she was victorious in ukraine, i if she was victorious in ukraine, that— if she was victorious in ukraine, that somehow— if she was victorious in ukraine, that somehow that _ if she was victorious in ukraine, that somehow that would - if she was victorious in ukraine, that somehow that would not i that somehow that would not encourage _ that somehow that would not encourage china _ that somehow that would not encourage china to _ that somehow that would not encourage china to take i that somehow that would not i encourage china to take action against — encourage china to take action against thailand. _ encourage china to take action against thailand. of— encourage china to take action against thailand. of course i encourage china to take action against thailand. of course it. encourage china to take action i against thailand. of course it will, it will— against thailand. of course it will, it will test— against thailand. of course it will,

it will test america's _ against thailand. of course it will, it will test america's resolve, i against thailand. of course it will, it will test america's resolve, is i it will test america's resolve, is america — it will test america's resolve, is america up— it will test america's resolve, is america up to _ it will test america's resolve, is america up to it _ it will test america's resolve, is america up to it or— it will test america's resolve, is america up to it or not. - it will test america's resolve, is america up to it or not. there l it will test america's resolve, is| america up to it or not. there is it will test america's resolve, is i america up to it or not. there is a fear— america up to it or not. there is a fear that— america up to it or not. there is a fear that if— america up to it or not. there is a fear that if there _ america up to it or not. there is a fear that if there is a _ america up to it or not. there is a fear that if there is a change i america up to it or not. there is a fear that if there is a change of. america up to it or not. there is a fear that if there is a change of a i fear that if there is a change of a administration _ fear that if there is a change of a administration next _ fear that if there is a change of a administration next year, - fear that if there is a change of a administration next year, will. fear that if there is a change of a i administration next year, will they still be _ administration next year, will they still be there — administration next year, will they still be there as _ administration next year, will they still be there as an _ administration next year, will they still be there as an ally _ administration next year, will they still be there as an ally and - administration next year, will they still be there as an ally and that i still be there as an ally and that could _ still be there as an ally and that could change _ still be there as an ally and that could change the _ still be there as an ally and that could change the balance - still be there as an ally and that could change the balance of- still be there as an ally and that i could change the balance of power, not just _ could change the balance of power, notjust in— could change the balance of power, not just in america _ could change the balance of power, not just in america but _ could change the balance of power, not just in america but across - could change the balance of power, not just in america but across the i not just in america but across the world _ not just in america but across the world the — not just in america but across the world. the problem _ not just in america but across the world. the problem is, _ not just in america but across the world. the problem is, it- not just in america but across the world. the problem is, it is- world. the problem is, it is difficult _ world. the problem is, it is difficult to _ world. the problem is, it is difficult to define _ world. the problem is, it is difficult to define what i world. the problem is, it is. difficult to define what victory world. the problem is, it is- difficult to define what victory is in ukraine _ difficult to define what victory is in ukraine if— difficult to define what victory is in ukraine. if they _ difficult to define what victory is in ukraine. if they recapture i difficult to define what victory is i in ukraine. if they recapture other territories — in ukraine. if they recapture other territories that— in ukraine. if they recapture other territories that were _ in ukraine. if they recapture other territories that were lost - in ukraine. if they recapture other territories that were lost in - in ukraine. if they recapture other territories that were lost in 2014, i territories that were lost in 2014, but if _ territories that were lost in 2014, but if russia _ territories that were lost in 2014, but if russia wins, _ territories that were lost in 2014, but if russia wins, china - territories that were lost in 2014, but if russia wins, china wins i territories that were lost in 2014,| but if russia wins, china wins and america _ but if russia wins, china wins and america loses _ but if russia wins, china wins and america loses.— but if russia wins, china wins and america loses. good to have you on the programme- — america loses. good to have you on the programme. we _ america loses. good to have you on the programme. we are _ america loses. good to have you on the programme. we are going i america loses. good to have you on the programme. we are going to i america loses. good to have you on the programme. we are going to a l the programme. we are going to a short break and we will come back and talk about libya. hello there. we've had quite a mixture of weather across the uk today. across the south, dry, sunny, quite warm. northern areas of the uk had a day of sunshine and these passing showers, but between — across wales, the midlands, into lincolnshire — we had a weather front bringing some fairly persistent outbreaks of rain.

now this front is tied to another area of low pressure out in the atlantic that is set to deepen and swing toward iberia, where it's quite likely to lead to some severe thunderstorms over the next few days. for friday, it also flicks warm air across england and wales, but then will bring some heavy rain for some of us into the weekend. so that low to the south is quite important. overnight tonight, outbreaks of rain turning heavier for a time across wales, the midlands, northern england, pushing northwards to reach southern scotland and parts of northern ireland. for most, it's a mild night, but quite cool air across the far north of the country. now, we pick up on our weatherfronts on friday across northern england, northern ireland, southern scotland. through the day, the rain on it will tend to weaken somewhat. we've got sunshine developing to the south across england and wales, but underneath that band of cloud and rain in the north, those temperatures are going to struggle somewhat. highs of 13—15 degrees. in contrast to that, england and wales turning a lot warmer, 21—25 degrees, feeling a little on the humid side. now, saturday, the same weather front is still with us, draped across parts of northern england, wales, perhaps eastern counties of northern ireland. could be a few patches of light rain here and maybe a few heavy showers

in the south through sunday. otherwise, we'll get some spells of sunshine, still warm and humid in the south, with that fresher air still affecting scotland, northern ireland and increasingly the far north of england as well. for sunday, that area of low pressure near iberia starts to bring much heavier rain across parts of the uk. now, we're most likely to see the heavy rain across england and wales. thundery, too, probably heavy enough to cause some localised surface water flooding. and through the day, that will drive northwards, so it's quite likely to reach northern ireland. and there is a small chance of it moving right the way northwards into parts of scotland as well. but the general rule of thumb is the further north you are, the more likely you are to keep the dry weather with a bit of sunshine. into next week, well, it looks very unsettled. a sequence of low pressures coming our way. it's going to be wet and also really quite windy as well. it's going to feel

a bit more like autumn.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching the context on bbc news. politicians in libya are demanding an official investigation into catastrophic floods that have wiped out parts of the city of derna. the un said today the disaster could have been averted had

there been better forecasting and proper maintenance of the two dams that failed. up to 20,000 people are now feared dead in libya's devastated city of derna, but it may be weeks perhaps months before the final death toll is determined. the waters have dispersed the corpses over tens of kilometres of the coastline. though beyond the dead and the missing, the main concern now is for those who survived. there are more than 30,000 people displaced, aid groups say the aid is only trickling into the eastern half of the country. and the mayor of the city says, so long as there is such a large number of bodies under the rubble and in the water, then there will be that risk of disease and epidemic. the disaster was caused by torrential rain deposited by storm dennis on sunday night. above the city were two dams, one higher than the other, which failed sending millions of tonnes of mud and water crashing

through the city and out to sea.