this morning, our state is in shock. our response teams are doing everything in our power to rescue and recover the victims of this collapse, literally as we speak.

search and rescue efforts are continuing tonight after the dali container ship careeered into baltimore's spectacular road bridge, collapsing much of it into the water. we'll be speaking to a ship captain, bridge expert and a baltimore politician to analyse why it happened. also tonight... a new childcare deal for england is due to be rolled out next week — with £4 billion promised in last year's budget to help working parents — with increased free hours and more care for the youngest — but with staff shortages and funding shortfalls, will this turn out to be a fairy tale? there are organisations, childcare providers, who are saying that there are problems. with the amount that we're putting in, with all of the nurseries we've been working with, 9,000 businesses, i am very confident that we've got the rates right to make a sustainable business. we've got a really good offer that will really help working parents, and i'm really confident

in the steps to deliver it. in the light of the us's critical decision not to scupper the fourth un security vote calling for a middle east ceasefire, how much has it altered the dynamic between israel and america? we'll bejoined by the former uk permanent representative to the un, mark lyall grant and us diplomat, gina abercrombie—winstanley. and millions of under 14—year—olds — digital natives all over the world — are glued to their social media feed, but in florida — no longer — if media companies abide by a new law that forbids them to issue accounts to young teens in the state. we speak to two teenagers about their social media use and what they think of the ban. good evening. the impact of the collision of the dali container ship with the francis scott key bridge across the patapsco river in baltimore made the structure look as flimsy as if it were made of matchsticks. the four lane bridge

collapsed into the water, after the singapore flagged ship appeared to lose propulsion in the early hours of the morning and then hit the bridge with an enormous crash. rescue efforts are continuing to find at least six people who are unaccounted for. baltimore is one of the biggest and busiest ports in the us, with thousands of ships passing under the almost 50—year—old, and iconic bridge every year, so determining fault — bridge or ship will be crucial. but no matter the fault, president biden said today the us government will cover the cost of putting the bridge back together again. here'sjo inwood. it was called a cathedral of american infrastructure. the francis scott key bridge had stood over the patapsco river for half a century. it took just seconds for a cargo ship to bring it down. at least eight people fell into the near freezing water. two were pulled to safety. six are thought to be still missing. speaking in the last couple of hours, the governor of maryland said it could have been even worse.

the quick work of public officials and law enforcement who prevented more vehicles from coming onto the bridge, they undoubtedly saved numerous lives last night. so, for a bridge to collapse entirely, within seconds, was there some kind of structural weakness? we played the footage at half speed to a leading international bridge expert. so you can see the ship coming in here and you see the puff of smoke as it first hits the pier at the bottom. you'll see the one at the top there and now you're about to see the pier disappearing altogether. so the bridge loses support at this point here. down it comes. you see it failing at this point here. and progressively, you see it failing at various points across as it's being dragged down because of the lack of support. and then finally, the backspan comes down because once the forespan is down, there's nothing to hold it. so then in a very short space of time, the whole thing has come down in a pile of rubble, as you see there. it's just too big to stop. and these ships have been

getting larger and larger. and so as a consequence, you know, the chances of the bridge resisting something like that is just not likely. so, how did the collision happen? this sped up footage shows the huge cargo ship, called the dali, seemingly struggling with power and veering to one side. it could be that that's the point at which they lost propulsion, in which case they really didn't have very much time to do very much at all. it could be that the current at that point when they lost propulsion, caught the vessel. it could be the effect of dropping the anchors. and it was taken into that pillar, unfortunately. i can't imagine that there's anything very much that the seafarers could have done to avoid what happened. baltimore is one of the united states' busiest ports, but it's also a place with deep social problems involving drugs and gun crime. today, president biden offered the struggling city his total support.

it's my intention that federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and i expect the congress to support my effort. you know, we're not leaving until this job gets done. not leaving until then. when they redesign this bridge, what do you think they'll do differently? first of all, they're going to make the clearance larger. so the piers are going to get pushed out. the towers that were here and here will get pushed out to either side. they'll have a higher bridge to allow more clearance. but most importantly, they will build around the tower. around each of the towers, they will build effectively a sort of a subsea island. and the idea being is that you have this sort of bank of sand and rock and the ship as it comes close to it, if it gets close, then it rides up this underwater slope and effectively lifts the ship. so all the forward energy is converted into upward energy and stops the ship from hitting the bridge. and therefore the bridge isn't affected by the impact. and if one of those were in place, this would have stopped this disaster happening?

most likely. it's speculative. it's early days yet. it's a big ship. but yes, those sorts of things are designed for that eventuality. investigations are already underway as to how exactly a cargo ship could lose control. with such devastating consequences for a city and for six families who wait for positive news that seems less likely by the hour. joining me now in the studio to discuss the devastation at baltimore's port is bridge investigation engineer warren thomas. we are also joined down the line by ship captainjohn konrad and maryland republican and candidate for the us house of representatives, kim klacik. thanks forjoining us. this is your city and i understand you heard the disaster happening, where were you? thank you for having me. at 130 in the morning i was at home, i don't live that far away from the francis

scott key bridge and i thought it was something like an earthquake, i was something like an earthquake, i was not quite sure what i heard, and i went to check the news and i saw the devastation. it sounded like an earthquake, something like an explosion, i could hear a bit of thunder afterwards, explosion, i could hear a bit of thunderafterwards, but explosion, i could hear a bit of thunder afterwards, but to see the collapse, to see that in so many different videos, we are devastated. what is the atmosphere like? presumably very sombre in baltimore today? how critical is the presence of the bridge? it is today? how critical is the presence of the bridge?— of the bridge? it is a staple here, we have the _ of the bridge? it is a staple here, we have the second _ of the bridge? it is a staple here, we have the second largest - of the bridge? it is a staple here, we have the second largest port i of the bridge? it is a staple here, | we have the second largest port in the us so we do a lot of business importing and exporting, so this is going to hit us hard economically and we are still waiting for search and we are still waiting for search and rescue to hopefully find more people, that can hopefully be saved. we are still missing six people and

we are hoping for the best news but it has been almost a full day here and as the hours go by, it seems to get very grim. and as the hours go by, it seems to get very grim-— get very grim. john, you run the bi est get very grim. john, you run the biggest maritime _ get very grim. john, you run the biggest maritime shipping - get very grim. john, you run the i biggest maritime shipping website, get very grim. john, you run the - biggest maritime shipping website, a huge amount of traffic with containerships, so tell us about the maritime pressures that these ships are under. the maritime pressures that these ships are under. ,, ., , , are under. the us has underinvested in its maritime _ are under. the us has underinvested in its maritime infrastructure - are under. the us has underinvested in its maritime infrastructure over. in its maritime infrastructure over decades_ in its maritime infrastructure over decades now, especially, there is a lot of— decades now, especially, there is a lot of involvement with the military, _ lot of involvement with the military, the army corps of engineers in charge of a lot of the thinge— engineers in charge of a lot of the things and — engineers in charge of a lot of the things and they are navy ships inside — things and they are navy ships inside of— things and they are navy ships inside of the sport, and as we have had 20 _ inside of the sport, and as we have had 20 years of global war on terror, — had 20 years of global war on terror, as— had 20 years of global war on terror, as the money has been invested — terror, as the money has been invested in— terror, as the money has been invested in afghanistan and iraq, it has not _ invested in afghanistan and iraq, it has not been invested in our ports, and for—

has not been invested in our ports, and for example, the us maritime administration which is in the blt under— administration which is in the blt under the — administration which is in the blt under the secretary, the aviation sister— under the secretary, the aviation sister agency has over 40,000 people. — sister agency has over 40,000 people, but the maritime agency has less than— people, but the maritime agency has less than a _ people, but the maritime agency has less than a thousand. the us coast guardm _ less than a thousand. the us coast guard... ., , ., , ., guard... that is a very well-made oint but guard... that is a very well-made point but on _ guard... that is a very well-made point but on the _ guard... that is a very well-made point but on the question - guard. .. that is a very well-made point but on the question of- guard... that is a very well-made point but on the question of the i point but on the question of the dali because you know individually about ships, a couple of things, we understand that the tug boat cleared off about 80 minutes before it went under the bridge, and the other thing, the question of propulsion, because there are reports that the ship had propulsion issues injune. can you address those? the ship had propulsion issues in june. can you address those?— ship had propulsion issues in june. can you address those? the tug boats are the only — can you address those? the tug boats are the only way _ can you address those? the tug boats are the only way to _ can you address those? the tug boats are the only way to stop _ can you address those? the tug boats are the only way to stop a _ can you address those? the tug boats are the only way to stop a ship - can you address those? the tug boats are the only way to stop a ship if - are the only way to stop a ship if there is a failure of propulsion and power, we saw a blackout on the ship, so without the tug boats, you

are limited in options, it tried to drop its anchor but that affects the course of the ship and the speed. those tug boats when connected, they could slow down the ship and they are costly, keeping those tug boats with the ship at all times so there is pressure from the big shipping companies to reduce those costs and not have tug boats escort them for as long outside the harbour. the prepulsion _ as long outside the harbour. the propulsion issue injune? as long outside the harbour. the propulsion issue in june? that i as long outside the harbour. the - propulsion issue in june? that would be a big point— propulsion issue in june? that would be a big point presumably _ propulsion issue in june? that would be a big point presumably of- be a big point presumably of investigation. yes, something went wrong down in the engine room, we do not know if that was when they were transferring from one type of fuel to another, because they have to use more environmental fuel in the ship, or if they turned on automation so the engineers could go to or if there was a problem with the equipment lastjune, the chip was in

chile and the board inspectors —— the ship. they found problems with the ship. they found problems with the propulsion, so now... let the ship. they found problems with the propulsion, so now...— the propulsion, so now... let me brin: in the propulsion, so now... let me bring in warren thomas. - the propulsion, so now... let me bring in warren thomas. you - the propulsion, so now... let me| bring in warren thomas. you test bridges. what would you be looking for and what are the issues? looking at the bridge. _ for and what are the issues? looking at the bridge, there _ for and what are the issues? looking at the bridge, there seemed - for and what are the issues? looking at the bridge, there seemed to - for and what are the issues? looking at the bridge, there seemed to be i for and what are the issues? looking | at the bridge, there seemed to be no design _ at the bridge, there seemed to be no design for— at the bridge, there seemed to be no design for impact _ at the bridge, there seemed to be no design for impact protection. - at the bridge, there seemed to be no design for impact protection. iiiilt�*hait. design for impact protection. what does that mean? _ design for impact protection. what does that mean? effectively, - design for impact protection. what does that mean? effectively, the l does that mean? effectively, the very slender _ does that mean? effectively, the very slender columns _ does that mean? effectively, the very slender columns that - does that mean? effectively, the - very slender columns that supported the bridge. _ very slender columns that supported the bridge, they had _ very slender columns that supported the bridge, they had no _ very slender columns that supported the bridge, they had no protection, i the bridge, they had no protection, 100,000 _ the bridge, they had no protection, 100,000 tonnes _ the bridge, they had no protection, 100,000 tonnes ship _ the bridge, they had no protection, 100,000 tonnes ship that - the bridge, they had no protection, 100,000 tonnes ship that hit- the bridge, they had no protection, | 100,000 tonnes ship that hit them, they would — 100,000 tonnes ship that hit them, they would break— 100,000 tonnes ship that hit them, they would break through _ 100,000 tonnes ship that hit them, they would break through them - 100,000 tonnes ship that hit them, they would break through them like | they would break through them like matchsticks. — they would break through them like matchsticks, and _ they would break through them like matchsticks, and what _ they would break through them like matchsticks, and what we - they would break through them like matchsticks, and what we have - they would break through them like matchsticks, and what we have in l they would break through them like i matchsticks, and what we have in the uk, and _ matchsticks, and what we have in the uk, and more — matchsticks, and what we have in the uk, and more modern— matchsticks, and what we have in the uk, and more modern structures- matchsticks, and what we have in the l uk, and more modern structures would have, _ uk, and more modern structures would have, protection— uk, and more modern structures would have, protection around _ uk, and more modern structures would have, protection around them - uk, and more modern structures would have, protection around them to - have, protection around them to divert _ have, protection around them to divert or— have, protection around them to divert or actually— have, protection around them to divert or actually stop... - have, protection around them to divert or actually stop. . .- have, protection around them to divert or actually stop... what kind of protection _ divert or actually stop... what kind of protection are _ divert or actually stop... what kind of protection are you _ divert or actually stop... what kind of protection are you talking - divert or actually stop... what kind | of protection are you talking about? the dartford river crossing, the

peers _ the dartford river crossing, the peers are — the dartford river crossing, the peers are small— the dartford river crossing, the peers are small but _ the dartford river crossing, the peers are small but they- the dartford river crossing, the peers are small but they sit - the dartford river crossing, the. peers are small but they sit down the dartford river crossing, the - peers are small but they sit down on a hard _ peers are small but they sit down on a hard cap— peers are small but they sit down on a hard cap of— peers are small but they sit down on a hard cap of concrete, _ peers are small but they sit down on a hard cap of concrete, the - peers are small but they sit down on a hard cap of concrete, the size - peers are small but they sit down on a hard cap of concrete, the size of. a hard cap of concrete, the size of a hard cap of concrete, the size of a tennis— a hard cap of concrete, the size of a tennis court. _ a hard cap of concrete, the size of a tennis court, so— a hard cap of concrete, the size of a tennis court, so the _ a hard cap of concrete, the size of a tennis court, so the ship- a hard cap of concrete, the size of a tennis court, so the ship would. a tennis court, so the ship would hit that— a tennis court, so the ship would hit that before _ a tennis court, so the ship would hit that before it _ a tennis court, so the ship would hit that before it actually- a tennis court, so the ship would hit that before it actually hit - a tennis court, so the ship would hit that before it actually hit thei hit that before it actually hit the piers _ hit that before it actually hit the iers. , ., , ., , hit that before it actually hit the iers. , .,, ., , ., , piers. this was a very long bridge and it did not _ piers. this was a very long bridge and it did not have _ piers. this was a very long bridge and it did not have those. - piers. this was a very long bridge and it did not have those. did - piers. this was a very long bridge | and it did not have those. did that make it even more vulnerable, the length of the bridge? itrul’hat make it even more vulnerable, the length of the bridge? what happens these da s, length of the bridge? what happens these days, there's _ length of the bridge? what happens these days, there's a _ length of the bridge? what happens these days, there's a certain - length of the bridge? what happens| these days, there's a certain amount of redundancy— these days, there's a certain amount of redundancy built _ these days, there's a certain amount of redundancy built into _ these days, there's a certain amount of redundancy built into bridges. - of redundancy built into bridges. effectively. _ of redundancy built into bridges. effectively, things— of redundancy built into bridges. effectively, things came - of redundancy built into bridges. effectively, things came afire - of redundancy built into bridges. i effectively, things came afire and the bridge were _ effectively, things came afire and the bridge were not _ effectively, things came afire and the bridge were not collapse. - effectively, things came afire and the bridge were not collapse. a l the bridge were not collapse. a classic— the bridge were not collapse. a classic example _ the bridge were not collapse. a classic example of _ the bridge were not collapse. a classic example of a _ the bridge were not collapse. a classic example of a bridge - the bridge were not collapse. a| classic example of a bridge with the bridge were not collapse. a - classic example of a bridge with no redundancy— classic example of a bridge with no redundancy was— classic example of a bridge with no redundancy was the _ classic example of a bridge with no redundancy was the general- classic example of a bridge with no redundancy was the general bridge i redundancy was the general bridge which _ redundancy was the general bridge which fell— redundancy was the general bridge which fell down _ redundancy was the general bridge which fell down a _ redundancy was the general bridge which fell down a few— redundancy was the general bridge which fell down a few years - redundancy was the general bridge which fell down a few years ago. i redundancy was the general bridge i which fell down a few years ago. we build bridges — which fell down a few years ago. we build bridges with _ which fell down a few years ago. we build bridges with a _ which fell down a few years ago. we build bridges with a very _ which fell down a few years ago. we build bridges with a very high - build bridges with a very high percentage _ build bridges with a very high percentage of— build bridges with a very high percentage of redundancy- build bridges with a very high percentage of redundancy inl build bridges with a very high i percentage of redundancy in the build bridges with a very high - percentage of redundancy in the uk -- the _ percentage of redundancy in the uk -- the genoa — percentage of redundancy in the uk —— the genoa bridge. _ percentage of redundancy in the uk —— the genoa bridge. in— percentage of redundancy in the uk -- the genoa bridge.— -- the genoa bridge. in your professional _ -- the genoa bridge. in your professional opinion, - -- the genoa bridge. in your professional opinion, should | -- the genoa bridge. in your - professional opinion, should the bridgejust be repaired? it is 50 years old. a lot of container loads going under it. the years old. a lot of container loads going under it— years old. a lot of container loads going under it. the main span that was the part _

going under it. the main span that was the part that _ going under it. the main span that was the part that many _ going under it. the main span that was the part that many collapsed i going under it. the main span that i was the part that many collapsed was 360 metres— was the part that many collapsed was 360 metres long. _ was the part that many collapsed was 360 metres long, so _ was the part that many collapsed was 360 metres long, so that _ was the part that many collapsed was 360 metres long, so that will- was the part that many collapsed was 360 metres long, so that will have i 360 metres long, so that will have to he _ 360 metres long, so that will have to be rebuilt, — 360 metres long, so that will have to be rebuilt, they— 360 metres long, so that will have to be rebuilt, they may— 360 metres long, so that will have to be rebuilt, they may be - 360 metres long, so that will have to be rebuilt, they may be able - 360 metres long, so that will have to be rebuilt, they may be able to| to be rebuilt, they may be able to use the _ to be rebuilt, they may be able to use the side — to be rebuilt, they may be able to use the side spans— to be rebuilt, they may be able to use the side spans but— to be rebuilt, they may be able to i use the side spans but modern—day construction— use the side spans but modern—day construction will— use the side spans but modern—day construction will probably, - use the side spans but modern—day construction will probably, and - use the side spans but modern—day construction will probably, and i'ml construction will probably, and i'm no e>

impact in baltimore and unfortunately we are going to see a lot of ports nearby whether it is in philadelphia or newjersey or new york, they are going to be part of the d tour, and that will also affect us as consumers because they will be going to other ports, and when they get down to baltimore, that will cost more gas and because inflation is already hitting us very hard this year.— hard this year. from your perspective. _ hard this year. from your perspective, john, - hard this year. from your perspective, john, the i hard this year. from your - perspective, john, the economics hard this year. from your _ perspective, john, the economics of this will be critical to the recovery of baltimore and also to the containership industry in that area? ~ , ., area? absolutely. in europe when a ship comes— area? absolutely. in europe when a ship comes into _ area? absolutely. in europe when a ship comes into felixstowe - area? absolutely. in europe when a ship comes into felixstowe or- ship comes into felixstowe or rotterdam, the containerships i moved — rotterdam, the containerships i moved onto a smaller ship and the smaller— moved onto a smaller ship and the smaller ships can go up and down the coast, _ smaller ships can go up and down the coast, called shirt sea shipping and that alleviates traffic on the

roads. _ that alleviates traffic on the roads, but the us subsidise roads and gasoline, so much cheap in the us, that _ and gasoline, so much cheap in the us, that we — and gasoline, so much cheap in the us, that we never built that kind of shipping, _ us, that we never built that kind of shipping, so everything that comes into these — shipping, so everything that comes into these ports goes on to those highways— into these ports goes on to those highways and when you have a major highway— highways and when you have a major highway closed, and you cannot divert _ highway closed, and you cannot divert around to other ports via the ocean _ divert around to other ports via the ocean like — divert around to other ports via the ocean like a — divert around to other ports via the ocean like a game in europe, that is a huge _ ocean like a game in europe, that is a huge economic impact and it really hits the _ a huge economic impact and it really hits the traffic in the area. | hits the traffic in the area. wonder if hits the traffic in the area. i wonder if you think there are lessons for bridge building going forward, abroad and in the uk. the us will look— forward, abroad and in the uk. the us will look at the standards of the bridges _ us will look at the standards of the bridges that — us will look at the standards of the bridges that have _ us will look at the standards of the bridges that have been _ us will look at the standards of the bridges that have been built- us will look at the standards of the bridges that have been built in- bridges that have been built in the 70s through— bridges that have been built in the 70s through the _ bridges that have been built in the 70s through the 80s _ bridges that have been built in the 70s through the 80s and - bridges that have been built in the 70s through the 80s and 90s, - bridges that have been built in the - 70s through the 80s and 90s, because they are _ 70s through the 80s and 90s, because they are new— 70s through the 80s and 90s, because they are new standards _ 70s through the 80s and 90s, because they are new standards we _ 70s through the 80s and 90s, because they are new standards we are - 70s through the 80s and 90s, because they are new standards we are now - they are new standards we are now huilding _ they are new standards we are now building to — they are new standards we are now building to now— they are new standards we are now building to now and _ they are new standards we are now building to now and they _ they are new standards we are now building to now and they have - they are new standards we are now building to now and they have got i they are new standards we are now. building to now and they have got to revisit _ building to now and they have got to revisit and _ building to now and they have got to revisit and potentially— building to now and they have got to revisit and potentially look— building to now and they have got to revisit and potentially look to - revisit and potentially look to protect — revisit and potentially look to protect a _ revisit and potentially look to protect a lot _ revisit and potentially look to protect a lot more _ revisit and potentially look to protect a lot more of- revisit and potentially look to protect a lot more of these . revisit and potentially look to - protect a lot more of these columns which _ protect a lot more of these columns which are _ protect a lot more of these columns which are in— protect a lot more of these columns which are in the _ protect a lot more of these columns which are in the rivers _ protect a lot more of these columns which are in the rivers and - which are in the rivers and estuaries _ which are in the rivers and estuaries in _ which are in the rivers and estuaries in the _ which are in the rivers and estuaries in the us - which are in the rivers and estuaries in the us and i which are in the rivers andi estuaries in the us and i'm which are in the rivers and - estuaries in the us and i'm sure that that —

estuaries in the us and i'm sure that that will — estuaries in the us and i'm sure that that will affect _ estuaries in the us and i'm sure that that will affect the - estuaries in the us and i'm sure - that that will affect the department for transport — that that will affect the department for transport here _ that that will affect the department for transport here and _ that that will affect the department for transport here and that - that that will affect the department for transport here and that will - for transport here and that will affect _ for transport here and that will affect what _ for transport here and that will affect what we _ for transport here and that will affect what we do _ for transport here and that will affect what we do with - for transport here and that willj affect what we do with bridges. for transport here and that will - affect what we do with bridges. you heard about — affect what we do with bridges. heard about the diverting funds to do with other things and they kind of people who are actually looking after these, the army, the military, and so forth, so i'll be... there is and so forth, so i'll be... there is a bridge in thailand that is 34 miles long —— so are we. are we going to need more attention to engineering going forward and managing staff in a different way? the biggest problem is the assets, and america — the biggest problem is the assets, and america is— the biggest problem is the assets, and america is a _ the biggest problem is the assets, and america is a fine _ the biggest problem is the assets, and america is a fine example, - the biggest problem is the assets, j and america is a fine example, the assets _ and america is a fine example, the assets and — and america is a fine example, the assets and the _ and america is a fine example, the assets and the bridges _ and america is a fine example, the assets and the bridges are - and america is a fine example, the assets and the bridges are getting i assets and the bridges are getting older— assets and the bridges are getting older and — assets and the bridges are getting older and older, _ assets and the bridges are getting older and older, and _ assets and the bridges are getting olderand older, and in— assets and the bridges are getting older and older, and in the - assets and the bridges are getting olderand older, and in the uk- assets and the bridges are getting olderand older, and in the uk we| assets and the bridges are getting. older and older, and in the uk we do have a— older and older, and in the uk we do have a reasonably— older and older, and in the uk we do have a reasonably robust _ older and older, and in the uk we do have a reasonably robust inspection, i have a reasonably robust inspection, testing _ have a reasonably robust inspection, testing and _ have a reasonably robust inspection, testing and remedial— have a reasonably robust inspection, testing and remedial and _ have a reasonably robust inspection, testing and remedialand repair- testing and remedialand repair system, — testing and remedialand repair system, but _ testing and remedialand repair system, but that _ testing and remedialand repair system, but that needs - testing and remedialand repair system, but that needs to - testing and remedialand repair system, but that needs to be . testing and remedialand repair- system, but that needs to be rolled out to _ system, but that needs to be rolled out to the _ system, but that needs to be rolled out to the bridges _ system, but that needs to be rolled out to the bridges that _ system, but that needs to be rolled out to the bridges that are - system, but that needs to be rolled out to the bridges that are now - out to the bridges that are now coming — out to the bridges that are now coming to— out to the bridges that are now coming to the _ out to the bridges that are now coming to the end _ out to the bridges that are now coming to the end of— out to the bridges that are now coming to the end of their- out to the bridges that are now coming to the end of their life i coming to the end of their life span — coming to the end of their life san. ., ~' coming to the end of their life san. ., ~ ,, coming to the end of their life san. ., ~ i. ., coming to the end of their life san. ., ~ ., , . span. thank you all very much. thanks for— span. thank you all very much. thanks forjoining _ span. thank you all very much. thanks forjoining us. - now, it's been described by the education secretary as "the biggest expansion in childcare in our country's history" — but the government's flagship scheme designed to cut costs

for working parents in england is already facing issues. the £4 billion scheme announced byjeremy hunt in the budget last year is being rolled out in three phases — with the first beginning next week. from monday, the government has promised 15 free hours of childcare for working parents with two year olds. from september this year that will be extended to children from nine months and from september 2025, that will be doubled to 30 hours a week for eligible parents. but with a lack of places, staff leaving the sector and some nurseries closing due to funding shortfalls, will the government scheme really revolutionise the childcare system in england as intended? here's nick. look, we've got two little chicks that are going to hatch out. we've got a yellow one and a white one. fun, and first steps on the learning journey. nursery care in different parts of the country. early afternoon for toddlers in welland and coventry. similar settings, but different views.

it's supposed to make it more affordable but because it has not been adequately funded, it is actually watering it down. all around it is a win—win situation for everybody. yeah, it's great. criticism and praise for government childcare reforms in england that will extend the current provision of 30 hours free childcare for three and four—year—olds. from april the 1st, there will be 15 hours a week of free childcare for two—year—olds in working families in term time. from september this year that will be extended to children from nine months up. and from september next year that will double to 30 hours. all that funded through a doubling of the free entitlement budget over four years to £8 billion. but there are challenges. inflation and rising childcare costs mean that core resources per hour for three and four—year—olds is 11% lower than a decade ago.

for two—year—olds it is up in real terms over the last five years. and many childcare providers are warning of closures because they say the new government funding is not enough to cover their costs. oh, no. here we go again. unfortunately we have seen this before when 30 hours came in for three and four—year—olds. it seemed like a great idea and then the rates were mentioned and it was, hmm. it was ok at the time, eight years on, it pays 70%. the most important thing, it's going to help children. i really do think there's going to be an amazing impact on the children. and working in partnership with the families and parents as well. you already knew that this was coming... - hosting the cabinet minister in charge. we are doing this. for several reasons. one is to really help working i parents with the cost of living.

but the second is also . to help working women. in my career i worked for a long time in many businesses - and it was very obvious when women would be racing up the career ladder| and then when they started a family, often their career would take - a pause or even a backward step sometimes if they left _ and then tried to get back into the workplace. - so it is trying to give more i flexibility and more support for largely mothers, - but dads as well, who may be staying at home. to give them the option to also work as well. . obviously you have to be careful about not carping, because it is an increase. but you do hear on the ground that there are organisations, childcare providers, who are saying that there are problems. i've just been talking i to a nursery owner here and the first thing she said, i was pleasantly surprised i when i saw the rates. and the second thing she said was this makes the business i much more sustainable. because what she said is if you have just got a preschool business, - because a lot of the businesses now have more preschool, _ three and four—year—olds _ because of the government scheme, that that can be harder than . if you have an all age business.

so i have just been hearing - the opposite from somebody here. but with the amount i that we are putting in, with all of the nurseries - that we have been working with, 9000 businesses, i am very confident that we've got the rates right - to make a sustainable business. we've got a really good offer that iwill really help working parents. | and i'm really confidentj in the steps to delivery. labour sees a plan with fundamental flaws. it is liz truss all over again. they've got no plan about how they make it happen. and i think they risk crashing the childcare system, just as they crashed the economy under liz truss. we've heard from providers that they are just going to really struggle to make this happen. and what we hearfrom parents right across the country is that when they go and try to access these entitlements, these commitments that the conservatives have made, the places just aren't there. i'm determined that the approach that labour will take is different and that is why i have asked sir david powell, who was formerly the chief inspector of ofsted, to lead an early years review for labour so that when we set out further commitments around this, and i will have more to say going into the general election,

we are clear about how we make this happen. we've got stage one on the 1st of april, stage two september this year. that's probably before an election. but the final stage, september 25, that is definitely after the election. it sounds like you are saying back to the drawing board, i can't guarantee that. the system does require reform overall because what we saw in the budget was just a tacking on of additional commitments to a system that i don't think it's working either for providers orfor parents. if labour wins that election, if we form the next government, if we secure the trust of the british people, there will be an awful of problems that we've got to sort and this is one of the biggest and most pressing priorities that we face. but it's also an area of real opportunity where if we do things differently, we can make sure we are setting up children to succeed at the earliest point in their lives. so on childcare, battle lines drawn between the two main parties on a potentially defining issue for the general election. for the conservatives, what a great offer we've got for working parents. for labour, your sums don't add up

and so we've got to go through this with a fine tooth comb. perhaps this tells us a wider story about the general election. the conservatives determined to generate bold headlines and labour, with that consistent poll lead, worried about costly legacies if they find themselves in government. an expert says that such a dramatic expansion by the government needs careful preparation. with these new entitlements, the government is going to go from paying for around 50% of preschool childcare hours in england to around 80%. now, when you are buying 80% of the market for anything, you have to be really confident that you've got that price right. because if you set it too high, you end up paying a lot more than you might have had to, particularly at a time that other public services are under immense pressure. but if you set it too low, you may find that providers are not actually willing to deliver these new entitlements.

the hunt of the day for these toddlers, with no squabbling in sight. it's another story for our politicians. israel claimed today that hamas's apparent rejection of the latest truce proposal that would see some israeli hostages released, was evidence of the serious damage done by yesterday's un resolution backing an immediate ceasefire. the un security council resolution passed when the us deviated from the position it took in the three previous votes since the october 7th attacks, and abstained. however the us insists its stance on the conflict has not changed. but that includes standing firm on its opposition to a major ground offensive in rafah, calling it a major mistake. so is there a shift in the relationship between the us and israel, and how might this unfold? let's talk to sir mark lyall grant, a former senior british diplomat who was previously the uk s national security adviser and permanent representative of the uk to the un and also to ambassador gina abercrombie—winstanley, who's held a number of senior roles in the us government and who joins

us from washington dc. good evening. is there is disagreement between the us and israel largely synthetic or is it a real change in the relationship? i think it is a significant shift, we've seen it steadily developing over the six months of the conflict with the language getting tougher from washington both from president biden, antony blinken and jake sullivan. and clearly a deep frustration with the government of benjamin netanyahu and the way he is conducting this onslaught into the gaza strip. i think this shift at the un is a genuine shift and interesting that the white house has been rolling back from it a bit but no doubt it is a shift because for the first time there is a clear demand for an immediate ceasefire without a direct linkage to the

release of the hostages and that is new. 50 release of the hostages and that is new. ., ., , ., new. so will it matter to israel that it is now _ new. so will it matter to israel that it is now in _ new. so will it matter to israel that it is now in breach - new. so will it matter to israel that it is now in breach of - that it is now in breach of international law? it that it is now in breach of international law? , t, ., international law? it should matter but it is rrot — international law? it should matter but it is not the _ international law? it should matter but it is not the first _ international law? it should matter but it is not the first time - international law? it should matter but it is not the first time that - but it is not the first time that israel has ignored a binding un resolution and other countries have also done the same. so not 100% surprising that it has not immediately stop the fighting. what is interesting is what it means for the allies of israel, what will the americans do now that israel is clearly in violation of international law, what will the british and german government do. i think that will be interesting to see. 50 think that will be interesting to see. ,, ., ., think that will be interesting to see, ., i, �* think that will be interesting to see. ., �* ., ~ think that will be interesting to see. ., .,~ , see. so what you're talking about is what it will mean _ see. so what you're talking about is what it will mean for _ see. so what you're talking about is what it will mean for the _ see. so what you're talking about is what it will mean for the supply - see. so what you're talking about is what it will mean for the supply of i what it will mean for the supply of weapons for israel?— weapons for israel? potentially, althou . h weapons for israel? potentially, although the — weapons for israel? potentially, although the resolution - weapons for israel? potentially, although the resolution is - weapons for israel? potentially, | although the resolution is finding it is not legally enforceable so they would need a further un resolution to impose measures like an arms embargo for example against

israel and america would veto that. because it would put them in breach of international law.— of international law. exactly, so that will not _ of international law. exactly, so that will not happen _ of international law. exactly, so that will not happen so - of international law. exactly, so that will not happen so it - of international law. exactly, so that will not happen so it will i of international law. exactly, so | that will not happen so it will be of international law. exactly, so i that will not happen so it will be a matter for the discretion of individual governments will position they take now it is clear that israel will not be abiding by the resolution. filth israel will not be abiding by the resolution-— israel will not be abiding by the resolution. ._ , ., ., resolution. on friday israel made the biggest _ resolution. on friday israel made the biggest land _ resolution. on friday israel made the biggest land grab _ resolution. on friday israel made the biggest land grab in - resolution. on friday israel made the biggest land grab in the - resolution. on friday israel made the biggest land grab in the westi the biggest land grab in the west bank since the mid—19 90s. what was that meaning, that they were just saying we will do what we want? it is significant and they did it surreptitiously but it is another violation of international law. ambassador, do you think that president biden is in danger of being humiliated by benjamin netanyahu? when he pulled out, he pulled his delegation i should say out of coming to washington and he seemed to take the us by surprise. yes, i think that it did but i would

not suggest that the president has been humiliated. i think it was a short—sighted decision by the prime minister— short—sighted decision by the prime minister and short—sighted decision by the prime ministerand an short—sighted decision by the prime minister and an expression of peak as it were — minister and an expression of peak as it were keeping in mind that with the delegation coming or not coming it did not _ the delegation coming or not coming it did not end discussions or negotiations. it remained in washington and was having discussions with the office of the secretary — discussions with the office of the secretary of defence and national security— secretary of defence and national security adviser so those discussions had gone on. it was an expression — discussions had gone on. it was an expression of dissatisfaction on the part of— expression of dissatisfaction on the part of the — expression of dissatisfaction on the part of the prime minister. we did think— part of the prime minister. we did think it _ part of the prime minister. we did think it was — part of the prime minister. we did think it was surprising and disappointing, i know that was the word used — disappointing, i know that was the word used but also pointless. and the reality— word used but also pointless. and the reality is that the president has been — the reality is that the president has been very patient with benjamin netanyahu in the past six months and has given— netanyahu in the past six months and has given counsel and guidance and actions _ has given counsel and guidance and actions have consequences. so at some _ actions have consequences. so at some point— actions have consequences. so at some point of course the president was going — some point of course the president was going to have to make it clear

can make — was going to have to make it clear can make make a clear gesture and this un _ can make make a clear gesture and this un security council resolution was it _ this un security council resolution was it. do — this un security council resolution was it. ,, ~ this un security council resolution was it. i. ~ ., , was it. do you think that this will have an impact _ was it. do you think that this will have an impact on _ was it. do you think that this will have an impact on relations? - was it. do you think that this will have an impact on relations? as| was it. do you think that this will i have an impact on relations? as we said minutes ago america, the mood music seems to be changing again or do you think that this is actually a line in the sand? i do do you think that this is actually a line in the sand?— line in the sand? i do not think it is as clear _ line in the sand? i do not think it is as clear as _ line in the sand? i do not think it is as clear as a _ line in the sand? i do not think it is as clear as a line _ line in the sand? i do not think it is as clear as a line in _ line in the sand? i do not think it is as clear as a line in the - line in the sand? i do not think it is as clear as a line in the sand. i is as clear as a line in the sand. the_ is as clear as a line in the sand. the security— is as clear as a line in the sand. the security council resolution has been _ the security council resolution has been passed before, over 200 with regard _ been passed before, over 200 with regard to _ been passed before, over 200 with regard to the action spite israel in the region— regard to the action spite israel in the region and over 100 with regard to palestine in the region. other countries — to palestine in the region. other countries have not abided by un security— countries have not abided by un security council resolutions. and without — security council resolutions. and without specific consequences as a result— without specific consequences as a result so— without specific consequences as a result so this is not a new position either— result so this is not a new position either for— result so this is not a new position either for the united states, the international community or indeed israel— international community or indeed israel to— international community or indeed israel to be put in. but the fact that the — israel to be put in. but the fact that the united states vetoed three

of them _ that the united states vetoed three of them and that the israelis responded so strongly shows that this has— responded so strongly shows that this has meaning. this is not something that can easily be brushed aside as— something that can easily be brushed aside as your guest said, other governments may have to take different — governments may have to take different decisions regarding arms sales _ different decisions regarding arms sales. there are us laws that would come _ sales. there are us laws that would come into— sales. there are us laws that would come into play, notjust international law, that democratic members — international law, that democratic members of congress had pointed out to the _ members of congress had pointed out to the administration that being in breach— to the administration that being in breach of— to the administration that being in breach of security council resolutions means us law comes into play unless— resolutions means us law comes into play unless the president provides a waiver~ _ play unless the president provides a waiver~ so— play unless the president provides a waiver. so there is an out and a signal— waiver. so there is an out and a signal for the people of israel that this leader is not working with the united _ this leader is not working with the united states. your best and greatest _ united states. your best and greatest ally. ,

united states. your best and greatest ally.— greatest ally. , we are in the middle of — greatest ally. , we are in the middle of ramadan, - greatest ally. , we are in the middle of ramadan, so - greatest ally. , we are in the| middle of ramadan, so there greatest ally. , we are in the i middle of ramadan, so there is greatest ally. , we are in the - middle of ramadan, so there is still the question over the offensive in rafah. it the question over the offensive in rafah. , , , , rafah. it is possible they will be some sort _ rafah. it is possible they will be some sort of — rafah. it is possible they will be some sort of deal— rafah. it is possible they will be some sort of deal for— rafah. it is possible they will be some sort of deal for a - rafah. it is possible they will be some sort of deal for a longer. some sort of deal for a longer ceasefire in exchange for a release of hostages although i'm not optimistic, although the talks are continuing. assuming they are not, i think, yes, the approach inside israel it's quite strong, netanyahu is absolutely committed himself to a ground assault on rafah which he thinks is the only way to militarily destroy hamas which is the objective he set out publicly. you destroy hamas which is the ob'ective he set out publicly.�* he set out publicly. you cannot destroy an _ he set out publicly. you cannot destroy an idea _ he set out publicly. you cannot destroy an idea and _ he set out publicly. you cannot destroy an idea and the - he set out publicly. you cannot - destroy an idea and the americans have been firm that they do not want the ground offensive in rafah but on the ground offensive in rafah but on the other hand, the stated aim of hamas is to destroy israel. absolutely. this is a mistake netanyahu made at the start, he set out publicly, objectives, which could never be achieved, and that

was a political mistake on his part. nevertheless, the ground offensive has strong support within israel and i think he feels he has to continue with it in order to pursue the policy that he set out.- with it in order to pursue the policy that he set out. what do you sa to policy that he set out. what do you say to that? _ policy that he set out. what do you say to that? that _ policy that he set out. what do you say to that? that is _ policy that he set out. what do you say to that? that is pretty - policy that he set out. what do you say to that? that is pretty spot - policy that he set out. what do you say to that? that is pretty spot on, exce -t the say to that? that is pretty spot on, except the pressure _ say to that? that is pretty spot on, except the pressure within - say to that? that is pretty spot on, except the pressure within israel i say to that? that is pretty spot on, except the pressure within israel is also incredibly strong to bring the hostages — also incredibly strong to bring the hostages home. the best way of bringing — hostages home. the best way of bringing the hostages home is not a ground _ bringing the hostages home is not a ground offensive, it is negotiations, and that is why they are continuing in qatar and we will see what— are continuing in qatar and we will see what the pressures are on the prime _ see what the pressures are on the prime minister, to get the hostages out, without the ground offensive, and so _ out, without the ground offensive, and so he — out, without the ground offensive, and so he has got these two things pressing _ and so he has got these two things pressing on him, yes, there is support— pressing on him, yes, there is support for— pressing on him, yes, there is support for the ground offensive but the us— support for the ground offensive but the us is— support for the ground offensive but the us is saying, do not do it without— the us is saying, do not do it without a _ the us is saying, do not do it without a credible plan to protect

civilians. — without a credible plan to protect civilians, and they did not come up with that — civilians, and they did not come up with that. as well as the pressure from _ with that. as well as the pressure from within— with that. as well as the pressure from within israel to bring the hostages _ from within israel to bring the hostages home, to figure out a way to get— hostages home, to figure out a way to get them out alive, and that is unlikely— to get them out alive, and that is unlikely to — to get them out alive, and that is unlikely to be through a ground offensive. ., ~ unlikely to be through a ground offensive. ., ,, , ., , . offensive. thank you both very much indeed. "digital fentanyl" is how lawmakers in florida have described social media, as a law banning its use by under 14—year olds, is passed and is due to come into force on january 1st next year. the florida governor ron desantis signed the bill yesterday which directs social media companies to delete the existing accounts of children below 14. companies which fail to comply could be sued on behalf of the child who creates an account on the platform, and 14 and 15 year olds will need a parent's consent before theyjoin a platform. so is this a sensible step in light of pernicious activity on social media sites, or an enfringement of the rights of children? applause good morning. thank you! ron desantis has put pen to paper

on some of america's most draconian social media laws yet, in his bid to protect children. law hb3 will force social media companies to delete the accounts of users under the age of 14 while 14 and 15—year—olds will need parental consent. tech firms that fail to follow the law could be forced to pay each child up to $10,000 in damages. the law's backers expect the social media firms to, in the words of florida's house speaker, "sue the second after this is signed," just as they have in other states. a group representing meta, tiktok, google and snapchat has already branded hb3 unconstitutional, indicating a legal challenge based on first amendment free speech rights. the tech firms say there are better ways to ensure young people's online safety by boosting law enforcement against child abusers and improving

pa rental safety tools. but there is broad agreement with the us surgeon general who warned last year that social media can pose a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well—being of children and adolescents. we are nowjoined by bella gunning, a 14—year—old social media userfrom enfield, and taylor thigpen, a student from florida who used social media to set up a successful business at the age of 14. hello to both of you. when you started your social media business when you were 14, what did that do for you? when you were 14, what did that do for ou? ., «a when you were 14, what did that do for ou? ., ., ., . for you? thanks for having me. when i started for you? thanks for having me. when i started my — for you? thanks for having me. when i started my own _ for you? thanks for having me. when i started my own business _ for you? thanks for having me. when i started my own business at - for you? thanks for having me. when i started my own business at 14, - for you? thanks for having me. when i started my own business at 14, on i i started my own business at 14, on social media, that changed my life and gave me opportunities to connect with different people with different interests and also be able to make an income to financially stabilise myself for now going into college, and just different things in life.

it has been really beneficial. itoothed it has been really beneficial. what was the business? _ it has been really beneficial. what was the business? it _ it has been really beneficial. what was the business? it was - it has been really beneficial. what was the business? it was one of your passions? can you hear me? i was the business? it was one of your passions? can you hear me?- passions? can you hear me? i can. what was your _ passions? can you hear me? i can. what was your business? - passions? can you hear me? i can. what was your business? my - passions? can you hear me? i can. i what was your business? my business was inspired — what was your business? my business was inspired by _ what was your business? my business was inspired by a _ what was your business? my business was inspired by a national— was inspired by a national organisation and i was able to sell house plants all across the us. you love those house _ house plants all across the us. you love those house plants. yes, i do. were you concerned about the good side and the bad side of social media? ., , .,, ., side and the bad side of social media? ., , ., _, , side and the bad side of social media? ., , ., , ., media? there are pros and cons and ou have media? there are pros and cons and you have to — media? there are pros and cons and you have to be _ media? there are pros and cons and you have to be careful, _ media? there are pros and cons and you have to be careful, you - you have to be careful, you definitely do, but there is so much good that you can do with social media, as well. just good that you can do with social media, as well.— media, as well. just your initial reaction to _ media, as well. just your initial

reaction to the _ media, as well. just your initial reaction to the idea _ media, as well. just your initial reaction to the idea that - media, as well. just your initial reaction to the idea that as - media, as well. just your initial reaction to the idea that as of i media, as well. just your initial i reaction to the idea that as of the 1st of january there could be legal challenges, we think, but in florida from the 1st of january it will be illegal for social media to hold contracts with those under 14? it’s contracts with those under 14? it's a shockin: contracts with those under 14? it�*s a shocking thing to seek a man i spoke to the florida senate about this when the bill became a thing, and i'm glad to see it has been lowered in age to not affect all children but i still see issues with free speech and the freedom to assemble, that is how you get together these days, these are things we can look at. outright ban, i do not think that is the answer, but definitely, there are things which can be done to limit issues like mental health.—

like mental health. yes, that is interesting. — like mental health. yes, that is interesting, what _ like mental health. yes, that is interesting, what you _ like mental health. yes, that is interesting, what you said - like mental health. yes, that is| interesting, what you said about like mental health. yes, that is - interesting, what you said about the freedom to assemble, but now, let's talk about your social media usage? sometimes i use it to talk to my friends — sometimes i use it to talk to my friends or— sometimes i use it to talk to my friends or i— sometimes i use it to talk to my friends or i do it to post videos about— friends or i do it to post videos about myself, and my account is on private _ about myself, and my account is on private so _ about myself, and my account is on private so not many people can see it but _ private so not many people can see it but mainly i use it to talk to my friends _ it but mainly i use it to talk to my friends is — it but mainly i use it to talk to my friends. , ., , ,.,, friends. is that the big positive for ou, friends. is that the big positive for you. keeping _ friends. is that the big positive for you, keeping in _ friends. is that the big positive for you, keeping in touch - friends. is that the big positive for you, keeping in touch with | for you, keeping in touch with friends? , , ., for you, keeping in touch with friends? , ., ., friends? yes, some people do not have the social _ friends? yes, some people do not have the social media _ friends? yes, some people do not have the social media account, . friends? yes, some people do not| have the social media account, out of my— have the social media account, out of my friends, they do not have the opportunity— of my friends, they do not have the opportunity to talk to us online like we — opportunity to talk to us online like we talk to other people. that can exclude _ like we talk to other people. trust can exclude people? like we talk to other people. that can exclude people? yes, - like we talk to other people. that - can exclude people? yes, sometimes. i have a can exclude people? yes, sometimes. i have a friend — can exclude people? yes, sometimes. i have a friend who _ can exclude people? yes, sometimes. i have a friend who does _ can exclude people? yes, sometimes. i have a friend who does not _ can exclude people? yes, sometimes. i have a friend who does not have - can exclude people? yes, sometimes. i have a friend who does not have an i i have a friend who does not have an account _ i have a friend who does not have an account and — i have a friend who does not have an account and she was waiting for a while _ account and she was waiting for a while to— account and she was waiting for a while to get an account, waiting and waiting, _ while to get an account, waiting and waiting, and when she finally did, she was— waiting, and when she finally did, she was able to talk to a lot more people _ she was able to talk to a lot more --eole. �* , she was able to talk to a lot more eo le, �* , , ., she was able to talk to a lot more --eole. �* , i. ., ., ., she was able to talk to a lot more --eole. �* , ., ., ., people. i'm sure you are aware, as ta [or

people. i'm sure you are aware, as taylor said. — people. i'm sure you are aware, as taylor said. are — people. i'm sure you are aware, as taylor said, are you _ people. i'm sure you are aware, as taylor said, are you aware - people. i'm sure you are aware, as taylor said, are you aware of- people. i'm sure you are aware, asi taylor said, are you aware of some of the problem that social media can