you think again , stuart and for you think again, stuart and for the next 2 hours i'll be keeping you company on tv and radio . the you company on tv and radio. the stories that really matter across the country. we have plenty coming up, as always, including morality in politics. how do the people in power , not how do the people in power, not only in politics, but even in the trade union movement, make the trade union movement, make the right decision .7 we'd love to the right decision? we'd love to hear your thoughts . plus, we'll hear your thoughts. plus, we'll be getting into latest developments from the political world directly following shock

sacking the morning of nadhim zahawi by the prime minister. but first, let's bring you right up to date with all of that detail and the rest of the day's news with bethany elsey . you news with bethany elsey. you want me to sit forward like this , alastair? thank you. good afternoon. it'sjust , alastair? thank you. good afternoon. it's just gone 1:00. i'm bethany elsey . your top i'm bethany elsey. your top stories from the gb newsroom. nadhim zahawi has been sacked from government after an ethics inquiry found a serious breach of the ministerial code . the of the ministerial code. the former tory party chair faced questions over his tax affairs after admitting he paid a penalty to hmrc for an error unked penalty to hmrc for an error linked to his shares in the polling yougov. in a letter, mr. zahawi assured the prime minister he'll continue to support the government from the backbenchesin support the government from the backbenches in the coming years. mp jacob says he has sympathy for him. the report seems to show that he made some technical errors with his declaration of the ministerial code and the prime minister has decided they

were serious enough to . fire were serious enough to. fire him. so feel sorry for nadhim zahawi . but i think that after zahawi. but i think that after it dominating headlines for a week , the rule of politics is week, the rule of politics is that if you do that, it's very hard to remain in office . a 16 hard to remain in office. a 16 year old boy has been charged with the murder of a teenage girl in hexham. 15 year old holly newton was stabbed raped in the priest pupil area of the town on friday and died in hospital. a 16 year old boy was also injured in the attack. the accused, who can't be named for legal reasons , also been charged legal reasons, also been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon . the housing secretary weapon. the housing secretary has admitted that faulty government guidance allowed the grenfell tower to happen. michael says the whole system of building safety wasn't policed effectively enough. he's expected to announce a six week deadune expected to announce a six week deadline for developers tomorrow, forcing them to sign contract to either fix their

unsafe homes or be banned from building new ones. the fire at the residential tower block in west killed 72 people back . in west killed 72 people back. in 2017. the government will an urgent emergency care plan tomorrow to try and tackle pressures on the nhs. it comes the health department have announced plans to build virtual beds caring for tens of thousands of elderly and vulnerable people at home. the health secretary admitted there was no quick fix, but said this immediate action to shift care away from hospitals will waiting times. the former conservative adviser clare pursell told gb news she concerned about whether some health problems might be missed. elderly people, if they have had a fall or they're not feeling well, so then have the added bonus of technology . top added bonus of technology. top of is that they may not have access to they may not be confident ways and also may not have y failings. not all older people do. the majority of very,

very good, but won't. and i do worry that that personal contact that things are going to be missed in the us the specialist police unit that included the five memphis officers charged with the murder of tyree nichols has been permanently disbanded . has been permanently disbanded. it comes as protests across several cities after police body cam video was released showing the officers beating the 29 year old. he died three days later. in a call, the nichols family and their lawyer have urged president biden to introduce the george justice in policing act or local forces after . george justice in policing act or local forces after. federal forces adopted it last year. it's been on your mom, dad . i it's been on your mom, dad. i could get that passed past what did do by executive order . i did do by executive order. i made sure every federal agent, every federal agency has to abide by that act and, well, that's a start. i got to get some local police . dame esther

some local police. dame esther has revealed she's been diagnosed with lung cancer but said remaining optimistic. diagnosed with lung cancer but said remaining optimistic . the said remaining optimistic. the 82 year old admitted it's been difficult keeping diagnosis a secret and that she wanted to share the news in her own words. last year, the received a lifetime achievement award at the women of the year awards. she was made a dbe in 2015 for her services to children and older people through the charity's childline and the silver line and the head . the silver line and the head. the welsh rugby union has resigned amid allegations of a toxic culture within the governing body. culture within the governing body . steve phillips decision body. steve phillips decision comes the all you announced an external taskforce will investigate claims of misogyny , investigate claims of misogyny, sexism, racism and homophobia in the institution . former wales the institution. former wales winger nigel has become acting ceo and has warned of an existential crisis for welsh rugby ahead of the six nations up to date on. we'll bring you

more news as it happens. now, though, it's back to alistair . though, it's back to alistair. bethany, thank you very much indeed. a very good afternoon to you all. now i have chosen to wade into delicate today because i think we need to a couple of very high profile people in the eye of the storm. although, to be fair, as you just heard in bethany's news bulletin across the programmes that we've been running so far this morning, one nadhim zahawi has left the storm this morning sacked for a serious breach of the ministerial code, sacked by the prime minister. but even in that drama, the prime minister gets flak for not acting sooner and for a pointing him in the first place. as chairman . the place. as chairman. the conservative party , where many conservative party, where many have argued that was well known

that there were questions to be addressed . now, the prime addressed. now, the prime minister may or may not have known, but mr. zahawi certainly did. the back story is troubling and.then did. the back story is troubling and. then there are also away from the direct world of politics and people in the frontline of politics. there's the wave of industrial ill strikes that are unfolding across the country and have done for quite some time. teachers in england, those that we trust with our children's education become the latest group of workers in england and wales to take action. despite vulnerability of their victims . vulnerability of their victims. health workers also continue to deny a full service as they continue to pursue their wage claim . now i've got great guests claim. now i've got great guests from to politics my favourite vicar asking if our leaders political and in the organised labour movement perhaps many others who are wielding power as well in this great land of ours

have simply lost that compasses all those simple calls on what's right and what's wrong. i really do want to know what you think to . are you losing faith in all to. are you losing faith in all of them? have you already given up on them? gb views at gbnews.uk . or of course, via our gbnews.uk. or of course, via our media and indeed my own social media. laws, of course, are being considered to insist on the minimum cover in. these vital areas, such as health, education, but no on strike action if judgement and leadership don't these people in charge that they simply shouldn't be striking in hospitals or gp surgeries or in schools does something more needs to be done? is this an issue that the government should revisit and not just have emergency a minimum level for safety? i'd love to what your thoughts are on that . also, if thoughts are on that. also, if you're on strike and, you deny

your employer the capacity to make money. that's thing, and then say, well, you're making a lot of money. so we want a slice of the cake. that's perfectly reasonable and is traditional industrial action and has over the years. but if strike denies the years. but if strike denies the most vulnerable in society , the most vulnerable in society, those that are urgent need of care or health help, then is there something profoundly wrong that. and also if you're industrial action denies young people their education the start of their education which is a linchpin of course guiding the rest of their lives. might that just not be wrong as well ? and just not be wrong as well? and how could people who don't to see these clear conflicts of interest aspire , top jobs and interest aspire, top jobs and yet still them? is public life in doldrums again? i'm not going to richard sharpe's appointment as the chair of the bbc. a job in the former prime gift, of course, and they are personal

friends now it is said that he was trying to help out financially, although both men absolutely deny it and certainly any impropriety. absolutely deny it and certainly any impropriety . but if you any impropriety. but if you chanced upon the times today and read the coverage in there, you will find out that apparently cabinet secretary had to say to the then prime minister it may not be wise you to be chatting to a mate of yours about private financial matters, particularly when in your gift is a top high profile job that he has already made it clear that he wants. so there's lots there in the papers for you to reflect upon. but i hope you'll stay very much over the next couple hours. lots on this programme for you to consider and. join in that debate. also, if do chanced upon the sunday times. i recommend as so often matthew said, who writes brilliant column that and asks how is it that we've come to expect these misjudgement from the most powerful people in

the land? time and again? but he implies that we kind of shrug our shoulders and say, well, that's how it is . and is that a that's how it is. and is that a little heartbreaking? well, i think maybe it is. have they collectively lost the plot? i asked myself . the sunday times asked myself. the sunday times also suggests that mr. sunak did know that there was a potential trouble ahead with nadhim zahawi overtax , although, as i say, overtax, although, as i say, number 10 and that he is himself prime minister, absolutely deny . that nadhim zahawi certainly knew that there was trouble around the corner when he accepted the job. boris johnson andindeed accepted the job. boris johnson and indeed when he departed the chairmanship of the conservative from rishi sunak. others better qualified , the mayor doing the qualified, the mayor doing the investigations right now, including the chair of the pubuc including the chair of the public appointments committee and. we've already heard from the prime minister's adviser who's reviewed all of the papers in the zahawi case, and presented his findings to the prime minister. and on that bafis prime minister. and on that basis the prime minister said good bye, baby , and amen to the

good bye, baby, and amen to the chairman of the conservative party. now nadhim zahawi his tax have been a headache for the government the past ten days. rishi sunak has argued that due process is really important , but process is really important, but he did face accusations that he weak for not acting to get rid of mr. and indeed mr. zahawi has come under fire, not least from jake berry , former chairman of jake berry, former chairman of the conservative party . in the conservative party. in talking to camilla tominey and saying that perhaps he should have cleared air by stepping down, the prime minister got the report from his ethics adviser early morning and he spoke to nadhim zahawi to tell him that he was being sacked and it was confirmed publicly he said zahawi showed insufficient regard for principles that ministers are expected to follow . so what is your view on all of that and what lies it? please email me at gbviews@gbnews.uk or make your comments. social .

make your comments. social. media and i'm delighted to that. our political correspondent tom harwood joins me live now with the very on the political front and the nadhim zahawi case. he is at the labour party's london conference which yielded fascinating lines yesterday, not least on ethics, morality and behaviour at the very top of government . they must be up down government. they must be up down there, tom, i have to say those ispoken there, tom, i have to say those i spoken to are indeed not happy, but also surprise pleased that this has been concluded in such a speed . of course, the big such a speed. of course, the big idea about these sort of investigations that we've seen investigations that we've seen in the past, whether it's the investigation into dominic raab, the famous sue gray investor , or the famous sue gray investor, or even the investigation many years ago into priti patel , years ago into priti patel, these were things that took months and months and months to conclude it very differently . so conclude it very differently. so laurie magnus is investigation

into the conduct of the team zahawi took around one week much faster than anyone was really and it has to be said the prime minister did act quick , clean minister did act quick, clean off the back of the of this investigation . the report was investigation. the report was handed to the prime minister this morning and at 9 am. the prime minister made his decision to sack the chairman of the conservative party . it must be conservative party. it must be noted that the criticism in the report and indeed the breaches of the minister ariel code as they were laid out were not to do so much with the fact nadhim zahawi had to pay a tax penalty to hmrc . it's zahawi had to pay a tax penalty to hmrc. it's that he was obfuscating whether or not he was under investigation , that he was under investigation, that he didn't declare that he paid that penalty to. successive governments in many ways the cover up was more of an issue than the act itself . tom thank

than the act itself. tom thank you very much indeed and i hope to be talking you again until later on in the program, perhaps a little about . what what labour a little about. what what labour are saying down there at the and i'm delighted to be joined now live in studio in fact he's been sitting here quietly a couple of minutes listening to that intro what tom to say former special adviser to michael gove, charlie rowley , am i overdoing it in, rowley, am i overdoing it in, suggesting that across the piece at the moment our political class seems to have . the grip . class seems to have. the grip. and i. i don't know is the answer that i still i think look there are always people in pubuc there are always people in public life to the majority the overwhelming majority whether you are a member of parliament whether you're in cabinet, whether you're in the cabinet, whether you're in the cabinet, whether public whether you're in public services, overwhelming services, the overwhelming majority, experience, and majority, in my experience, and i'm do in it for the good i'm we all do in it for the good

do because they want to make do it because they want to make a to make a positive a they want to make a positive change and difference to change and a difference to people's that's what gets people's lives. that's what gets them out of bed in the morning of them drives them of motivates them drives them and the rest of it. you will and all the rest of it. you will always stories impact always have stories that impact on organisations for the negative for west. and negative and for the west. and this a case in that as this is a case in point that as you say, for the ten days you say, for the last ten days dominated conservative and dominated the conservative and has headlines. dominated the conservative and has headlines . and has dominated headlines. and it's absolutely right, as tom was out that a decision was pointing out that a decision on nadine zahawi in particular was made as swiftly as has was made as swiftly as it has been. and is absolutely right been. and it is absolutely right that find in that when do find people in pubuc that when do find people in public might have public life that might have fallen of what's expected public life that might have falthem of what's expected public life that might have falthem a of what's expected public life that might have falthem a properrat's expected public life that might have falthem a proper processected public life that might have falthem a proper process takei of them a proper process take place independent place an independent investigation looks into all of the facts, a conclusion reached and decision made swiftly . but and a decision made swiftly. but it's interesting, isn't it? an independent investigation, but particularly conducted by the ethics adviser and that word scream is to me, ethics is about what is simply right and what simply wrong. and these are men and women who aspire to the most powerful and influential posts in the land, and they need have

an ethics police officer who will occasionally blow the whistle on them and lo and behold, believe the playing . behold, believe the playing. well, i think that's right. but i think it's also important to have an ethics adviser because in order to gain public trust and to ensure that the public are satisfied that you're not, uh, keeping somebody in a place that shouldn't be there necessarily because are some, or they're in the loop a and b or just shares same views. it's absolutely right to have an adviser, which is exactly what labour were calling for. that's exactly what the prime minister the world ethics adviser the better world ethics adviser wasn't so busy, wouldn't it . wasn't so busy, wouldn't it. well there's a number of things to look at and, and, you know, all of the things that the ethics of honour is looking at, we would want to make that that's completed as quickly as possible to enable the government and as government of the day and as a conservative i want conservative sympathiser, i want to prime minister to see the prime minister getting for the getting on delivering for the country and delivering on the priorities set out to priorities that he set out to get country your get this country going. your former boss gove used former boss michael gove used to be secretary. of be an education secretary. of course feel knowing

course. and do you feel knowing that world so well as you do that world so well as you do that there's also something almost morally wrong with the teaching unions saying in pursuit of our pay claim other matters. i concede that to about conditions in recruiting and retention and the rest of it, but it is reasonable us to withdraw our labour and not children for a period of in pursuit of our pay claim . i that pursuit of our pay claim. i that people do have a right to strike. but i think now is absolutely not the time to do so. and i think children in particular as you rightly identified , have gone through a identified, have gone through a huge disruption over the last two years because of covid, where they weren't getting the education they are entitled to and have a right and we know just about life having the best start in life, the best educational start in life sets you up for the rest of your life . and so being denied that opportunity, being denied that answer so long during covid, i think is a huge, not least of all, because the treasury set out in its autumn budget that an

extra £2 billion was going to department for education to deal with some of these matters. so against the backdrop of an economic uncertain climate for every body in this country against backdrop of children against a backdrop of children not having the education as not having the education that as just absolutely just said, are absolutely entitled to the idea that there is a strike taking place within the sector . i think the education sector. i think it's hugely regrettable and wrong. special wrong. as a former special adviser at the highest reaches , adviser at the highest reaches, doesit adviser at the highest reaches, does it surprise you what a shambles the government seems to be making of so many at the moment. i gather that the chequers gathering of the cabinet to have a political meeting and to the future . we're meeting and to the future. we're told by party pollsters that that this was still winnable . that this was still winnable. and sir keir starmer told his own conference where tom is in london not to take it for granted and yet to be given recently the levelling package distribution of that money various people was attacked by

conservatives calling it a kind of begging bowl as well and not best way of doing it. and then we spent a lot of time yesterday talking about jeremy hunt's growth package and not one big business group cbi iag all them have barely a good word say for it. i mean these are golden opportunities to get the conservative party and this government back on track . you government back on track. you said it needs to focus on doing and i think, look, just after what we've seen today, it's about public trust and it's about public trust and it's about delivering on what you can, what you promise and i think the two go hand—in—hand. so the prime minister, when he first came into office, said that he wanted restore integrity , integrity and trust in british politics. an investigation is taking place, particularly into zahawi and he's acted swiftly and accordingly and made the right decision . and i think that right decision. and i think that does public . he now does restore public. he now needs exactly what he said needs to do exactly what he said he would in january, which is

he would do in january, which is to with halving inflation growth , economy, debt , the economy, cutting the debt , dealing with the problems in the we're the the backlog that we're in the nhs dealing with the nhs and dealing with the small boats when comes the boats issue when it comes the illegal crossings over the channel dealing all of these issues and making progress those issues, i think people will start to see actually this is a guy who we can give a second shot that absolutely and those people will include people like james rocco forte , the james dyson, rocco forte, the chairman tesco. right the chairman of tesco. right the spectrum people traditional support of the conservative party . it's a steep old slope. party. it's a steep old slope. and that it is a steep slope, but when it comes to the polls, i think what was highlighted, i think also in the times that they're looking labour are running ahead. there are running ahead. but there are huge of country huge swathes of the country are still don't know category still in the don't know category , decided who they're , haven't decided who they're going it's all going to vote for and it's all to play so i when people to play for. so i when people start to see the prime minister with integrity, restoring trust in politics, i think he has done a lot this week, particularly this morning in the case of nadhim zahawi and starting to deliver on the people's priorities. then we'll start to

see he come back. any time you want discuss a great want to discuss that, a great start to our debate this morning. thank very morning. and thank you very much. to see you much. and we love to see you again. you very much for thank directly michael gove, a former special talking special adviser talking of schooling knows about schooling which he knows about teaching the teaching what he knows about the conservative, which certainly conservative, which he certainly knows say that knows about. now, many say that mr. zahawi should never have got the job of chairman of the conservative party in the first place, or indeed under boris johnson, chancellor of the exchequer the noise on taxation , many say in whitehall, in westminster was deafening . it westminster was deafening. it all reflects badly. perhaps the then prime minister and also you could argue the current prime minister as well. but as i was just saying to charlie, is there an ethical dimension to this? is there a right and, wrong dimension to this as well ? and dimension to this as well? and that's been playing on mind that's been playing on my mind a deal over the last 48 hours. so itook deal over the last 48 hours. so i took deep breath and asked my very dear friend, the reverend george, picture a former senior

journalist , george, picture a former senior journalist, and in the worlds of economics and industry but also a former lobbyist who about these things and public moods too to join me here, george with the vicar hat on and the vicar called very clearly there, as i was just saying to charlie is there a straight forward right and wrong ethical dimension to of this have our public leaders be they people running trade unions or seeking to run the government lost plot . well well government lost plot. well well yes they have rather i'm not i mean i'm to start as charlie did because i don't know but the does seem to consist see which which this kind of unethical behaviour occurs . which this kind of unethical behaviour occurs. i'm which this kind of unethical behaviour occurs . i'm sitting behaviour occurs. i'm sitting listening to charlie again showing you know we want to get with the prime minister on the

pubuc with the prime minister on the public priorities but we should keep hearing that again and again. and it's always trotted out just a senior figure like nadine. so oh, we screwed up again . so what is it? why do again. so what is it? why do they keep messing up ethically? and i think that might have something to do with the idea that we've forgotten how to be a virtuous person. and by that i mean i'm not sure that we've we're still in touch as public servants used to be i think with the idea of it's my responsibility my character to monitor and regulate my own virtue ethics and virtue. it was a clash sick old ethical school amongst the classical greek philosophers. you that had full cardinal virtues, that made a good character. and i we've kind

of lost touch with those kind of cardinal virtues. and when people used to ask, is this right thing for me to do , or is right thing for me to do, or is this not right? and right thing for me to do, or is this not right ? and they've they this not right? and they've they seem to expect somebody else to be telling them that seems to be the idea that there's a ministerial code which will avoid we possibly can , but if we avoid we possibly can, but if we get caught out, oh well, oh hell, there you go. i go this is quite interesting isn't it . the quite interesting isn't it. the doesn't seem to be any shame on the part of zahawi over this business. i've read in the letters from the prime minister's sacking him to zahawi taking it on the chin, as it were, in his reply, and nadhim zahawi at any point say he's sorry either for he did or for what has happened he just rather blames the press? i think for catching him out and it seems to

me as someone who has lost touch with virtue ethics what it is to be a virtuous of character and you know, in a sense alister , i you know, in a sense alister, i blame the enlightenment guy grit his point about blaming the press again was quoting ordinary which is what he has made before . to be fair, not only in the letter this morning, but i'm also tempted having mentioned when you and i first met in the days when you were in the observer and i was at itn, of course, you could argue perfectly reasonably that we we've been there before and it's been worse. i find it very disturbing that the health service workers are prepared to go on strike when people are ill. and yet during the winter of discontent, the dead went unbuned. of discontent, the dead went unburied . i find it difficult unburied. i find it difficult take on board that senior ministers don't see the that their tax affairs are maybe being investigated as precluding

pubuc being investigated as precluding public office. but we both lived through cash for questions we both lived through mpc , which both lived through mpc, which was a huge scandal i hate to say this to you, george, but was it ever so ? always. so there's ever so? always. so there's really new in current climate or or do tell me this is worse . or do tell me this is worse. well i yes, i think you have a strong there, alistair. i mean there's nothing new. the sun, as there's nothing new. the sun, as the author of ecclesiastes , he's the author of ecclesiastes, he's wrote several thousand years ago . and of course people are always going to make mistakes, but there always going to be bad people, they're always going to be corrupt , people, they're always going to be corrupt, i'm sure. but i think i think we should have a measure against we know what we're deciding is right and wrong. and that seems to be a very much more movable face these days, you say, hey, they're honest interestingly they're honest interestingly they're all teachers and there are no such people in the public

sector striking and charlie made the comment a moment ago that this isn't right time for teachers or perhaps nurses to be striking. but it's interesting isn't it? because i wonder where the moral lies here. does lie with the not to strike when they're unable to afford to live in a cost of living crisis. or is it does the burden actually rest with those who have for ensuring that they are protected, that they are properly remunerated so, that they're able to do their vital work? and i think that something that we need to explore quite carefully and i have to say that i find it difficult to really find much blame for teachers and nurses when their strike when the people who the responsibility for these people being looked after and paid are behaving with such hypocrisy. frankly as nadhim zahawi and

breaking ministerial code as if it's just a minor irritation rather than something that they're there to protect people . so i do think when people have only their labour to withdraw the day they are going sometimes to have to withdraw that labour in order to get the attention and what they need to carry working properly. you i as you rightly showed to our backgrounds they were ulster we were we can withdraw our and get a job elsewhere . we can go and a job elsewhere. we can go and work for someone else . that's work for someone else. that's not the way it is with nurses and very with teachers . george, and very with teachers. george, thanks for finding time on what i know is very busy day for you and sharing that wisdom and those reflections with us always a joy those reflections with us always a joy to see you. the reverend george picture, old journalistic friend of mine. now, as you friend of mine. and now, as you can caller was to give can see, the caller was to give away a cleric and a priest george picture. do share your views. do you agree with him or with johnny o'reilly or give us

your own views of morality in pubuc your own views of morality in public life, whether it's trade unions or politics. love to hear what you think you're watching and listening to alastair stewart& friends here on news, tv and radio and online . lots tv and radio and online. lots more coming up on today's program. we'll have more debate on top story of the day . richie on top story of the day. richie sunak making the decision early this morning to sack his party chairman. nadhim zahawi following weeks of revelations . following weeks of revelations. tax affairs . that's coming following weeks of revelations. tax affairs. that's coming up next. but first, we're going to take a quick .

break hello there. welcome back and good afternoon. it's132. i'm good afternoon. it's 132. i'm bethany elsey in the gb newsroom nadhim zahawi has been sacked from the government after an ethics inquiry found a serious breach of the ministerial code . breach of the ministerial code. the former tory party chair

faced questions over his tax affairs , admitting he paid a affairs, admitting he paid a penalty to hmrc for an error unked penalty to hmrc for an error linked to his shares in the company yougov. in a letter, mr. zahawi issued the minister he'll continue to support government from the backbenches in the coming years. the shadow health wes streeting says the country needs a new government . well, it needs a new government. well, it was inevitable that nadine's zahawi would have to go. he broke ministerial code. the question is, why was rishi sunak too weak to sack him when these revelations first came about? why is suella braverman still the homosexual tree when she breached the ministerial code? how many more bullying will it take before dominic, the deputy prime minister, has taken task. with all of the chaos and grubby standard we see at the heart of this sleazy government, the big challenge is whether on our economy, the state of the national health service, outgoing, unanswered a teenager has been charged with the murder of 15 year old holly newton in

hexham . she was stabbed and the hexham. she was stabbed and the priest area of the town on friday. a 16 year old boy was also in the attack. the accused who can't be named for legal reasons, also been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive the government will publish an urgent emergency care plan tomorrow to try and tackle pressures on the nhs. it comes as the health announces plans to build beds, caring for tens of thousands of elderly , tens of thousands of elderly, vulnerable people at home. the health secretary admitted there was no quick fix, but says action would be taken to reduce times . you're up to date on tv times. you're up to date on tv and dab, plus radio . this is tv and dab, plus radio. this is tv news. now it's back to alistair bethany, thank you very much indeed. bethany, thank you very much indeed . more now on our top indeed. more now on our top story of the day. rishi sunak ,

story of the day. rishi sunak, the decision early this morning to sack his party chairman , to sack his party chairman, nadhim zahawi following weeks of revelations about his affairs and speculation . our political and speculation. our political reporter, catherine foster takes a look back at nadhim zahawi political career, where he came from, what he achieved and where it all ended . and now zahawi. as it all ended. and now zahawi. as vaccines minister spearheaded britain's highly successful covid vaccine rollout ahead of most of the world now questions over his finances have undone him . zahawi flags sat hussein's him. zahawi flags sat hussein's iraq with his family when he was just nine. he grew up to be a highly entrepreneur , co—founding highly entrepreneur, co—founding polling company yougov with wealth estimate to date, up to 100 million. he is one of westminster's wealthiest . westminster's wealthiest. elected to represent stratford upon avon . in 2010, he became an

upon avon. in 2010, he became an education minister under theresa. then vaccines and education secretary boris johnson. and then chancellor on july the fifth. last year year , july the fifth. last year year, when rishi sunak resigned and johnson's government began to . johnson's government began to. the next day, zahawi told the pm to resign and threaten to resign himself if johnson talked him round. but the following day he publicly called for the prime minister to stand down. there should be a new of that party and therefore new prime minister . two days later, zahawi announced he was running for leader along with many others . leader along with many others. but it was not to be . he didn't but it was not to be. he didn't get the 30 votes from mps to progress to the next round and stories about his financial were already swirled . so i was already swirled. so i was clearly being smeared , was being clearly being smeared, was being told that the serious fraud

office, the national issue the hmrc are looking into it. he remained as chancellor until trust took over september under . her he was chancellor of the duchy of lancaster. just seven weeks later, the next, prime minister rishi sunak appointed him conservative party chairman to the sunak this government will have integrity , will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level . accountability at every level. in january it emerged that while chancellor zahawi had settled a dispute with h.m. over his tax affairs, thought to run to just under 5 million, including a penalty it concerned unpaid capital gains tax linked to shares held in uk sunak's words were thrown back at him. the clamour increased zahawi for now at least has been banished to

the backbenches catherine force . gb news. well, talking him being banished to the back . mr. being banished to the back. mr. zahawi is of course remains a member of parliament for stratford upon avon, even if he is no longer chairman of the conservative party or in the cabinet or , even a minister. so cabinet or, even a minister. so we asked our reporterjack we asked our reporter jack coulson to go to stratford upon avon , which, as i say, as mr. avon, which, as i say, as mr. zahawi constituency, to find out what the mood is there. jack well , thank you, alastair well, thank you, alastair stratford upon . avon, of course, stratford upon. avon, of course, the birthplace of one william shakespeare and the constituency since 2010, for one nadhim zahawi, of course , we know the zahawi, of course, we know the circumstances. we've just heard around his sacking today , tory around his sacking today, tory party chairman and i've been speaking to people here on the street to find out just what they think about him being sacked, of course, and a constituency mp. i have to say from the people i've been speaking here, there's not much favourable favourable

favourable, not many favourable opinions being said about nadhim zahawi as a mp. a lot of people here don't feel he's necessarily represented them very well and of course within this scandal, spelling from those selling of those shares in a new gaff which he's been in, which of course he was investigated over hmrc . see was investigated over hmrc. see with a lot of people saying should have resigned earlier. take a listen and a look at what people said me earlier today. he the rules he deserves to get sacked only . everybody has got sacked only. everybody has got pay sacked only. everybody has got pay their taxes. he didn't do it right so he deserves the same things. anybody else? it's just just another scandal again. all the politicians there, all of the politicians there, all of the same he's just happens to be another tory minister breaking the rules there. no, it's not change view on the government also . no, i think we've got the also. no, i think we've got the best in at moment. best people in at the moment. it's someone's made it's just someone's made a mistake and they got the sack for seems that everybody else is deserved get the sack. so deserved to get the sack. so sacked and so he move to the sacked and so he move on to the next i'm sure there'll be next one. i'm sure there'll be another think he should another one i think he should have really and it's have resigned really and it's

taken long and again and again taken a long and again and again i think you know it's been this big is he going to go big delay and is he going to go isn't going to go nobody actually makes decision until the opinion becomes so the public opinion becomes so strong that they think they've got something it. got to do something about it. it's of the i think. it's just more of the i think. really. hasn't really. so, no, it hasn't changed my opinion at all. no, i'm i wish i wish they called a general election, actually, because i think, you know, we've got we of this got another years. we of this mess really, you know , quite mess really, you know, quite like to have a bit of a change. i think you had it coming to him. he should have finished by last. he should have resigned . last. he should have resigned. basically, stratford people . basically, stratford people. yeah. and he parachuted in and never been. he but you, we all we're quite active in the community, we do various things and to be honest, we never see you know that's true as well . you know that's true as well. it's just been the problem. i think . bertie it's just been the problem. i think. bertie sunak initially , think. bertie sunak initially, of course we see those opposition to those claims from the opposition to sack nadhim

zahawi instead to have this, of course, independent investigation by salary magnus , investigation by salary magnus, who obviously found lots of things it including why and the themes how he didn't declare of course the investigation by the hmrc when he was appointed education secretary, when he was appointed chancellor . but of appointed chancellor. but of course when he did erm when he did eventually sack him this ritchie sunak did at zahawi should be proud , extremely proud should be proud, extremely proud of his wide ranging achievements in government over the last five years, particularly of course the successful oversight of the covid 19 vaccine programme, but now out of government, he's returning to the backbenches to serve his constituency here in stratford upon even if i tell you, even jack, thank you very much indeed. gb news correspondent jack castle there live live in stratford on avon nadhim zahawi constituency and talking to some of the voters there who of course, will decide within couple of years time

whether mr. zahawi remains a member of parliament for that . member of parliament for that. but he no longer a member of his majesty's government. you are watching and listening to alastair stewart& friends with lots more. still to come this afternoon , including the cost of afternoon, including the cost of living crisis , those who wish to living crisis, those who wish to adopt, to have second thoughts, according to new figures from adoption uk , i'll be finding out adoption uk, i'll be finding out more that next. do stay with us. but first we're going to take a quick .

break welcome back. you're watching listening to alastair stewart& friends here on gb news tv and next, perhaps a somewhat unexpected victim of the cost of living crisis adoption . it is, living crisis adoption. it is, of course, a vital way of finding love and care for

children who may otherwise be left out of it and indeed giving some folk who cannot have their own children the pleasures and fulfilment of parenthood, but recent survey suggests nine out of ten prospective adopters say that the cost of living is affecting their decisions about . adoption according that survey by adoption , the charity is for by adoption, the charity is for an urgent review of financial support for adopters and adopt and for lifelong support for adopted people. i'm delighted to be joined now by alison woodhead, who is the director of pubuc woodhead, who is the director of public affairs for adoption uk. good to see you . your recent good to see you. your recent research is deeply troubling. i for all of the reasons i set out in that interest function but may i suggest to you

particularly for the young folk who are there, that adoption is the route for them to safety and to happiness. what is the scale of it ? well, there are a couple of it? well, there are a couple of it? well, there are a couple of thousand children waiting adoptive homes . and what's adoptive homes. and what's worrying about this is that the children who wait the longest are likely to be worst impacted by the cost of living crisis. so i was talking to somebody the other day who had planned to take a group of siblings which is which is quite common. groups of siblings needing adoptive homes but they were having to think again because of the because of the cost that they were facing as a family even without any children . and we without any children. and we know that sibling groups wait on average about 11 months longer to an adoptive home and. so that's just one example of the impacts this this cost of living

crisis, as you say adopters and adoptive people perhaps not amongst those groups of vulnerable people that you might think of as being impacted by this crisis . well, what's the this crisis. well, what's the current at the moment? i mean, i know from family experience, my sister in law did a great deal of fostering in the case fostering, you can get some support from the local authority for the very, very important work that you're doing. but if you become adopt or an adopting couple, all is there is there any support from central government or from from local authorities to help you with that ? there is authorities to help you with that? there is some . so one of that? there is some. so one of the things that we're campaigning for , improved campaigning for, improved adoption and pay policies so that everybody, whether you are self—employed adopter, whether you're an unemployed, that you get the same benefits. as somebody who was going on maternity leave, because what's incredibly important is these are very children who've had a tough start in life and they

need a lot of support. you know, somebody was saying to me the other day the social worker told them they needed to consider taking at least nine months off work. and that's that's wise . work. and that's that's wise. these children need us when they when they first in our when they first arrive in our families. but we're saying now that that just felt impossible . that that just felt impossible. so and there is there is government support for the for therapeutic help which families do need . our children are do need. our children are growing up it's called the adoption support fund. but families tell us that they're really worried that with a for resources at government that that that's going to slip off the radar and so we're we're pushing really all to make sure it doesn't and there is a cost if adoptions can't go because we can't afford it. i mean what happens to these these little people who are waiting fingers crossed for adoption ? there is crossed for adoption? there is a cost to the state, presumably be there if they have nowhere to 90, there if they have nowhere to go, let alone a lovely, welcoming family.

go, let alone a lovely, welcoming family . that's right. welcoming family. that's right. i mean, it's more to raise a child in foster care than it's beenin child in foster care than it's been in an adoptive as far as the state's concerned . and but the state's concerned. and but it's, you know, more than that it's, you know, more than that it's the emotional that it takes on children not to have a permanent family because it's very typical . but children in very typical. but children in care to move several different placements own daughter. i was her fifth family by the time she came to live with me at the age of five. so you know obviously that takes its toll on top of the trauma that these children face in their in their birth families . face in their in their birth families. indeed have you had any response at all? i've said in my introduction to you, but from working for the charity and the great work that you do that, you're also a public affairs from the department of work and pensions. i presume it's a matter as to whether or not, matter for as to whether or not, this is a no go area or whether they are sympathetic , empathetic they are sympathetic, empathetic to what you're trying to achieve . no. the government is empathetic and it cuts across

lots of different . it's actually lots of different. it's actually the department for education which is responsible for adoption, but obviously when it comes to things like pay and benefits, then yes, it's a department for work and pensions. and so and so forth. so we're working across all of those to make sure those departments to make sure that the really great investment this government's actually made in adoption over over recent years . it doesn't years doesn't. it doesn't diminish and that in fact it increases in the face of these these. alison from the bottom of my heart as a serial parent, i wish you well . it's a really wish you well. it's a really important and i'm delighted that we're able to find time to it with you here on. that's alison wood at the director of public affairs for adoption uk . now affairs for adoption uk. now it's affairs for adoption uk. now wsfime affairs for adoption uk. now it's time for our weekly rural spotlight feature where we shed light on rural affairs . the light on rural affairs. the changes in the name of the slot . and this week, new road rules , i should say, on wild in national . , i should say, on wild in national. this was a story that caught my attention a wee while

ago and. i've wanted to talk about. unfortunately, there have been developments since i first floated it with the team as something that perhaps we should talk about. you may remember reading about or even seeing or heanng reading about or even seeing or hearing that the owner of an estate in dartmoor has won the right to change the rules regarding what's called wild camping . i regarding what's called wild camping. i keep regarding what's called wild camping . i keep tearing regarding what's called wild camping. i keep tearing up regarding what's called wild camping . i keep tearing up bit camping. i keep tearing up bit tell and enjoy that part of the world. dartmoor was the only area england and wales under a law that allowed to put up their tents without seeking permission from the owner. seems odd, but there we are. it was very popular with those the camping but clearly not with those who owned the land. yesterday a so—called permissive agreement made between the commons owners association and the national park authority , which seeks to park authority, which seeks to provide clear on what

constitutions constitutes wild camping and where its principle is based on something called leave. no trace, which designates specific areas where people can still camp. now, this permissive agreement is in place whilst an appeal it will be had it has been granted a high court judgement in support of the landowner that i mentioned in my introduction . that will happen introduction. that will happen on friday. i'm just declared that people need landowners permission to go camping. well, this story is very much continuing . it has sparked continuing. it has sparked a great discussion . new great discussion. new controversial rules regarding the right to roam and wild camping in national parks and i'm delighted to be joined now live by victoria vivien who the deputy president of the country land and business association. great to see you and welcome. it seems to me that that temporary agreement makes great sense because it respects quite

rightly the ownership rights of the landowner. but at the same time it finds a permissive , time it finds a permissive, sensible way to say, look, if you want , put sensible way to say, look, if you want, put your tent up there and you want to enjoy beautiful, fabulous countryside in this marvellous country of ours , marvellous country of ours, you've got to respect it. and leave it as you found it, so that others can follow in your footsteps. i would love it to. that's perfectly sensible that's a perfectly sensible deal that's a perfectly sensible deal. why do we still need the appeal? i'm not here to appeal? well i'm not here to represent the department park. they're the ones who've decided to make the appeal. i think it's a very sensible judgement that was made . a judge was a high was made. a judge was a high court judge was asked to decide on basis of the law whether people did actually have a right to camp on more or whether the rights still remained with the landowner whether they landowner to say whether they could the could or they couldn't. and the judge decided that permission was required . fortunately, then was required. fortunately, then the total national park and the freeholders of the land got together very quickly and have agreed a permission imprint full with the national park and 2

minutes go and saw that the map is already up on the national park website to say why you can camp . that is also is it a legal camp. that is also is it a legal point that there is a of clarity on the appeal because otherwise it could be used to say that that wild camping has to stop all together whether it's in a national park or in a field at the top of my farm or whatever it might be. is it that legal clarity that is being sought and in that to you and the people that you speak for, support it ? that you speak for, support it? i i mean, it was a high court judgement. i think it's very clear that the right which people have remember dartmoor, you have a right to roam anywhere you like on the mall is anywhere you like on the mall is an open access piece of ground so everybody has the right to walk them or whenever they want. the question here was whether or not you could spend the night there without the permission of there without the permission of

the landowner and. i think that would be a very reasonable conclusion. my own feeling is that they are in danger of wasting quite a lot of the national parks, public funds fighting . this when such a good fighting. this when such a good solution is being found . is solution is being found. is what's needed here even more greater clarity about the wisdom 7 greater clarity about the wisdom ? the countryside code, the whizzed hem of those rules about not setting fires and not leaving, butif the land and soil in in any worse state the new found it. i mean the that are there i from my own experience says are pretty clear . leaving says are pretty clear. leaving gates open all sorts stuff like that but quite a while since it was a really big effort made to remind people who genuinely want enjoy the countryside that these the rules of engagement. is that not something that is incumbent upon you and your members do to make clear ? well, we last year make clear? well, we last year there was a big revamp of the

countryside and it's had contributions from us, from the wildlife trusts, from, you know, from all the proper bodies . say, from all the proper bodies. say, how can we bring the countryside code ? you and i remember being code? you and i remember being mental states as children . bring mental states as children. bring us up to date . so i think that us up to date. so i think that information is out there and i think we've brought it up to date. you can use qr codes now when the gate to see when see one on the gate to see exactly what you're supposed to do, you know where you are and there is a greater press for , there is a greater press for, more access and we think that there is a lot of very beautiful access in this country . there access in this country. there are three and a half million acres of open access land, but we to find the best ways we want to find the best ways for people access so that it for people to access so that it can used food, you know, can be used for food, you know, for environment and for the for the environment and for the people. these things have people. all of these things have to together to these issues to work together to these issues . and i remember vividly the right to roam arguments that have unfolded over various years, always so better resolved with both sides talking to each other . and if it has to go to

other. and if it has to go to court, it has to go to court. it's a high court ruling and both sides are entitled , of both sides are entitled, of course, to their legal rights. but are you personally optimistic that this will resolve itself , both for your resolve itself, both for your members and for those of us who just love the countryside ? well, just love the countryside? well, i up on dartmoor on easter, so i have a very close remember a memory and, a passion for being on the moor . and i would love on the moor. and i would love everybody to have this kind of kind of crazy freedom that i had as a child trotting around on a pony to be out there and enjoy countryside. and the best way we can do that is to avoid that becoming a force of rural divide. that divide a divisive argument about who should be where and work to make really good access for everybody. there are lots of communities that have not enough access and we should be working to try to sort that out, not to fight about it. i think it's quite unhelpful. camping as here got muddled up

with access . let's just keep our with access. let's just keep our fingers crossed that there is wisdom available on both sides and all sides. as ever. really enjoyed that and thanks for the clarity . victoria vivian there, clarity. victoria vivian there, the deputy of the country land and business association about that wild camping , the right to that wild camping, the right to roam and all of the rest trip. you're watching and listening to alastair and friends here on gb news tv and with lots more coming up on the program this afternoon, including more on our top story on the day that richie sunak has taken the decision to his party chairman, nadhim zahawi on the advice and of his ethics adviser. but first, we can take a quick.

break i'm alastair and we're into the second hour of our program today. thank you very much . if today. thank you very much. if you've been with us from the outset i'll be keeping you company here on tv and radio with plenty more still to come, including of the prime including more of the prime minister's decision . sack nadhim minister's decision. sack nadhim zahawi . following weeks of zahawi. following weeks of spectacular fashion and less so revelation was about his tax affairs. but first, let's bring you right up to date with all of the day's news. here's bethany elsey . alastair, thank you. good elsey. alastair, thank you. good afternoon. it's 2:01. i'm bethany elsey in the gb newsroom nadhim zahawi .alwi has been nadhim zahawi. alwi has been sacked from government . an sacked from government. an ethics inquiry found a seri breach of the ministerial code . breach of the ministerial code. the former tory party chair faced questions over his tax affairs after admitting he paid affairs after admitting he paid a penalty to hmrc for an error unked a penalty to hmrc for an error linked to his shares in the company yougov. in a letter mr.

zahawi issue at the prime. he'll continue to support the government , the backbenches in government, the backbenches in the coming years . mp jacob the coming years. mp jacob rees—mogg . he has sympathy for rees—mogg. he has sympathy for him . the report seems show that him. the report seems show that he made some technical errors with his declarations of the ministerial code . the prime ministerial code. the prime minister has decided that they were serious enough to fire him. so i feel for nadhim zahawi , but so i feel for nadhim zahawi, but i think that after it dominating the headlines for a week, the rule of politics is that if you do that, it's very hard to remain in office. well, shadow health secretary wes streeting says it's time for a new government. it was inevitable that nadhim zahawi would have to go. he broke the minister code. the question is why was rishi sunak two weeks to sack him when these revelations first came about? why is whether braverman still the home secretary ? she still the home secretary? she breached the ministerial code . breached the ministerial code. how many more bullying allegations will it take before dominic raab, the deputy prime

minister, is taken to task? with all of the chaos and grubby standards we see at the heart of this sleazy government, big challenge is whether or not economy the state of the national health service are going unanswered . a 16 year old going unanswered. a 16 year old boy has been charged the murder of a teenage girl in hexham. 15 year old holly newton was stabbed in the forest area of the town on friday and died in hospital . a 16 year old boy was hospital. a 16 year old boy was also injured in the attack. the accused can't be named for legal reasons . also been charged with reasons. also been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. the housing secretary has admitted that faulty government guidance set out the grenfell tower tragedy to. michael gove says whole system of building safety wasn't policed effectively . he's wasn't policed effectively. he's expected to announce a six week deadune expected to announce a six week deadline for developers , forcing deadline for developers, forcing them to sign contract to either fix their homes or be banned from building new ones. the fire

at the residential tower block in westland and killed 72 people in westland and killed 72 people in 2017. the government will pubush in 2017. the government will publish an urgent emergency care tomorrow to try and tackle pressures on the nhs. it comes , pressures on the nhs. it comes, as the health department have announced plans , build virtual announced plans, build virtual beds , caring for tens of beds, caring for tens of thousands elderly and vulnerable people at home. the health secretary admitted there was no quick fix but said this immediate action to shift care away from hospitals , reduce away from hospitals, reduce waiting times. the former conservative adviser claire pearsall , told gb news she's pearsall, told gb news she's concerned about whether some health problems might be missed with elderly people if they have a fall or they're not feeling very well. so then have the bonus of technology . top of is bonus of technology. top of is that they may not have access to. they may not be ways and also not have why failings . not also not have why failings. not all older people do the majority are very, very good, but some won't. and i do worry that that

personal contact, that things are going to be missed. dame esther rantzen revealed she's been diagnosed with lung cancer but said she's remaining optimistic. the 82 year old admitted it's been difficult keeping her diagnosis a secret and that she wanted to share the news her own words. last year, the broadcaster received a lifetime achievement award at the women of year awards. she was also made a dbe in 2015 for her services to children and, older people through charities childline and the silver line . childline and the silver line. the head . the welsh rugby union the head. the welsh rugby union has resigned amid allegations of a toxic culture within the governing body. steve phillips decision comes after the ww announced an external taskforce will investigate claims of misogyny , racism and, homophobia misogyny, racism and, homophobia within the institution . former within the institution. former wales winger nigel has become acting ceo and has warned of an existence crisis for welsh rugby

ahead of the six nations. this is gb news. we'll bring you more news as it happens now. it's back to alistair . back to alistair. bethany, thank you very indeed. he was with me at the very with me at the very top of the show. and i'm delighted to say the political tom harwood joins live now in the studio with the latest on the political front you in bethany, as you heard there in bethany, as news report what jacob rees—mogg had to and what was feeding had to say and what was feeding the labour to say how the the labour had to say how the troops are. they bruised and battered ? what do think? battered? what do they think? he's the right thing at he's done the right thing at last? it's a tricky last? well, it's a tricky situation of course, situation because, of course, one why he zahawi one of the reasons why he zahawi was to chairman of the was picked to be chairman of the party he's quite a popular party is he's quite a popular figure amongst conservative grass roots. he's someone who has sort inspiration has that sort of inspiration story coming this country as story coming to this country as a young child without being able to speak english, building a

multi—million pound company getting into the cabinet, being sort of success story of what someone can achieve in britain only for it all to fall today. and clearly there's going to be some upset there clearly . mr. some upset there clearly. mr. zahawi is aggrieved as we've seen in his response in his letter to in responding to this event, is lashed out at the media in what has been seen as potentially not a wise move but . he has been under the incredible pressure and some of these headlines that we've seen in recent days most notably in dependent a few days ago saying that the noose is tightening, is really been quite graphic imagery that he has not appreciate it but clearly i think that the pressure had simply got this far and conclusions that sir laurie magnus in his report meant that the minister could really do very little else other than to let him go and was a piece, i think in the sunday times talking about runners and riders for the chairmanship of the of

the party or chairperson ship, i should say , because penny should say, because penny mordaunt is one of them. yeah what kind of parading there. wares at the chequers recently. yes is interesting. job yes it is interesting. vital job people should understand. it's a very crucial particularly in the run up these elections that run up to these elections that we're expecting in may, because these will be very, very crucial. it's the first national elections that we've had since the tories have slid so far back the tories have slid so far back the polls. they'll be the first real test of all the conserved the party really 20 points behind the polls. are behind in the polls. are the labour party really on course for historic election win and for a historic election win and managing that election campaign is seismic however some of those names that are in that time piece, penny mordaunt is one grant is another these grant shapps is another these are people with quite big jobs in already and the big question if you're the business secretary like shapps, you're the like shapps, if you're the leader the house like penny leader of the house like penny mordaunt, to give up mordaunt, do you want to give up your department or your big ceremonial to take on ceremonial role to take on a huge challenge and run up to an elections that that everyone

thinks you're going to lose. oh can't just beat that sofa logically but then you a great seat thank you so much for spending so much time with us today on the programme. always appreciate it. my friend tom harwood that gb news political correspondent. the theme of today's which he so today's show which he so brilliantly contributed already to, is whether those in authority are making right decisions. nadhim zahawi , of decisions. nadhim zahawi, of course, was sacked by the prime minister this morning rather than resigning, which most agree was the right move . whether or was the right move. whether or not the timing was that is a matter for point. but what about the teaching and nursing strikes teachers kick in already happening in scotland next week here in england and in wales and of course the strike by nurses and ambulance drivers and continues in the nhs now what we're also asking today is whether or not those who lead mighty trade unions have also lost their compass in believing that it

lost their compass in believing thatitis lost their compass in believing that it is right in pursuit of what is essentially a paid leave claim to deny people. either the health care that they need or a trip to hospital to sort out whatever the health problem that they face. it's also across my mind that it may just be questionable if you are a profession that many see as being a vocation even more a job, whether it's right to down tools and deny there's little darlings there schooling at such a vital time in their lives. so i'm delighted to be joined now by, my old friend bobby seagull, who a maths teacher and of course in so many maths maestro , you have some sympathy striking teachers, which i have say to you, bobby really shocks ? me? yeah i think it's one of those things where i understand the purpose of education. we've got to make sure that our young people are educated, prepared for the workforce. but as a person that's working in the teaching profession as well, i do sympathise why they're going on strike and i think there's a

few to think about. one is you can at it from the economic can look at it from the economic pay can look at it from the economic pay perspective, since 2010, the numbers tell us is i think it's about 24% real terms pay. so teachers obviously are struggling to keep up with the increasing cost of living. but i think a bigger issue, again, if you take away from the table is actually teachers thinking actually teachers are thinking about of education about the future of education because reality is if because the reality is if teaching doesn't pay a reasonable wage, then longer term not going to attract people into the profession . and one of into the profession. and one of the stats i read is i think that teacher vacancies up to third so vacancies up two thirds since before the pandemic . so schools before the pandemic. so schools are struggling to fill vacancies. and as a maths teacher, one in eight of our less across the country are taught by non maths specialists and i think in the long term if we continue to see the teaching profession paid again, profession not being paid again, i would think we asking for you to work in banking before we're asking maseratis bigoted , asking for maseratis bigoted, asking for maseratis bigoted, asking paid fairly if asking to be paid fairly if they're not then longer term. when graduates who when young graduates who graduate good universities graduate from good universities from london the uk when

from london across the uk when they're thinking their they're thinking about their professions, okay , professions, they think, okay, there's teaching but there's teaching there. but i could another, i could could go to another, i could work as consultant working work as a consultant working engineering with less engineering and more with less hassle, less, therefore hassle, less, and therefore actually the point in the strikes is there will be damage, there will be compromises to children's education next wednesday. but if we're thinking the long term future of the education profession, we need to make sure that we as a country treat it with respect and pay as part of that . but casting mind part of that. but casting mind back to the days when you were involved in banking and, high finance and i was an industrial correspondent, i can perfectly well understand whether i sympathised and supported or not is frankly irrelevant. but i can completely understand labour saying i'm to stop you as a company making your super profits unless . you give me a profits unless. you give me a fair share it by denying my laboun fair share it by denying my labour, i.e. the means for you to make that return on your capital to make that profit. i just don't understand how teachers can look kids in the

eyes and say pursuit of a better profession i'm on a higher pay packet . i'm profession i'm on a higher pay packet. i'm going to deny you little boy, little girl, your schooling from wednesday. i just don't get it morally yeah and again i would say that the vast majority of teachers who this decision with a very heavy heart because when people enter the teaching profession alister we've had this conversation before people enter because they're passionate young people passionate whether it's or passionate about whether it's or engush passionate about whether it's or english science and geography english or science and geography and to pass and and they want to pass and communicate that knowledge to the that's why the future. and that's why people profession and people enter, the profession and again mentioned pay , pay is again we mentioned pay, pay is one, one sort of fact to hear. but think if you're someone that's in the teaching profession and your twenties and thirties thinking thirties and you're thinking a career for the next 20, 30, 40 years, actually by having a squeeze we've had for the last 12 years squeeze on the teacher profession, pay it's impacted our ability to not just retain teachers, but recruit new teachers, but recruit new teachers . and this means that teachers. and this means that actually the quality of

education that people are receiving is being compromised because again, again, maths is a perfect example of the subject. we're not treating know that people will enter work in the city, but if one in eight lessons are being taught by non maths specialists because we are struggling to recruit teachers, i think it's a two part. there is one withdrawing labour because a short because think there's a short term pay. but term issue on the pay. but i think longer term the teaching profession recruiting profession is not recruiting enough teachers but enough quality teachers. but bobby bonkers as bobby tactically is bonkers as well, because if deny a filthy capitalist, the right to make lots of money that that that perfectly reasonable the only people who can find more to pay the teachers is taxpayer and taxpayers will include lots of mums and dads whose little will not be educated on wednesday, nor going forward and have been suffering that up in scotland both in primary and secondary for some time now . i mean, it's for some time now. i mean, it's tactically , if nothing else . tactically, if nothing else. yeah. what would say us is that a lot of teachers i'm not a parent not yet anyway, but a lot of my fellow teachers are

parents as well. so teachers do understand that withdrawing their labour on wednesday and a few days coming the next few months will cause a workforce term pain for parents and the children being educated. but i think the reality is when you're having a negotiation with government and he's going there has to be that damocles sword if it's all just words and teaching you actually we we're not to be going to we're not going to withdraw labour for the negotiations to work there has to occasionally damage done to be occasionally damage done and again i think it's and that's again i think it's a really it's a shame it's a measure of last resort. but that's the only way to get the demand for education. fantastic one. interesting is on wednesday, the for education and the schools inspector body they also on strike. so of teachers are part of a bigger picture of you know we've got barristers last year we've got ambulance workers doctors nurses so it's not just teachers i think there's a national issue right now. again, economic issues mean that it will be tight defined the payment but it's a national

issue . well you see it as ever issue. well you see it as ever and always a pleasure to talk to you. bobby, thanks for finding time for us this afternoon and do agree or disagree with the great bobby seagull us mary email us gb views at gb news. .uk or put your thoughts on social media. we'll share some promise you before we go off air in the next 40 minutes or so. that was bobby seagull teacher and of course, podcaster and good friend of mine. and this program . delighted to say that. program. delighted to say that. joining me now is the broadcaster research fellow joining me now is the br

have safety minima certain key areas like health and education what have you but ducking the call on a ban if you work in the health sector you can't go on strike if you teach little people you can't go on strike. and they ducked the issue there . yeah i think there is some reticence to come off as too bullish in their approach to things like strikes because they don't want to be seen as they were before as the nasty party, the people going against all of these just these people who just want better and but real better pay and work, but real issue is that the strikes isn't so much that it's the people striking better conditions striking for better conditions and is that the and better pay is that the unions offering staying as unions are offering staying as political institutions as well. there is a political angle to this whole thing. a lot of the polemic being used when they talk in these strikes is about get the out. so if get the tories out. so if they're for the tories. they're coming for the tories. so i don't think people would be too unforgiving to the tories hitting them the same hitting them back in the same way saying, well you are way and saying, well if you are in industry such as health, way and saying, well if you are in as ndustry such as health, way and saying, well if you are in as teachinguch as health, way and saying, well if you are in as teaching and as health, way and saying, well if you are in as teaching and so health, way and saying, well if you are in as teaching and so onilth, way and saying, well if you are in as teaching and so on and such as teaching and so on and so forth, these are areas where

you shouldn't be allowed to strike at the end, the strike because at the end, the day, responsibility in day, what your responsibility in the job is so high you shouldn't be allowed to , you know, leave be allowed to, you know, leave that responsibility unfulfilled. yeah extraordinary. jeremy on jobs. the exchequer telling us the other day that the best tax cut you could give people would be to reduce inflation mean of course the best tax cut for people, whether it be teachers and health workers that we were just looking at and discussing with you and indeed with bobby is best help you can give is the best help you can give them is to cut their taxes. so whatever their current pay is that they want improved. they would simply be able keep would simply be able to keep more do you think also on more of it. do you think also on that generally economic front and seems to suggest and the polling seems to suggest that uk is attracting that reform uk is attracting support because people who backed it, liz truss and others in the leadership election , in the leadership election, there's a lot of tories out there's a lot of tories out there who still fancy a bit more radical on economic front, not least tax cuts . yeah absolutely. least tax cuts. yeah absolutely. look, if you reduce inflation

and the cost of living goes down, then your money goes further. giving people money will actually drive more inflation. and then it sort of catches up you the catches up with you down the line anyway. it doesn't line anyway. so it doesn't really problem it's quick really the problem it's a quick fix is with the fix, but the issue is with the strikes is that, you know, these long term measures like inflation don't solve the straight so the straight away. and so the strikes continue even while they sort the measures are being sort of the measures are being implemented . so the way you implemented. so the only way you really with the is really deal with the strike is by sort giving in to demands by sort of giving in to demands giving to that fix and giving in to that quick fix and paying giving in to that quick fix and paying people. but that all that doesis paying people. but that all that does is kick the can down the road. doesn't resolve the road. it doesn't resolve the issue. really, issue. so the question really, do conservatives have do the conservatives have the confidence convictions confidence in their convictions and to implement the and their to implement the policy which actually works long term ? or are they going to give term? or are they going to give in to the pressure so that they don't look like the nasty in the media and they don't continue having against having people striking against them i think, you know, them and? i think, you know, we'll see that out in the we'll see that play out in the next few weeks. yeah. do you think will still be the broad area will determine area that will determine the outcome general outcome of the next general election ? or do think that

election? or do you think that reason matters ? nadhim zahawi reason matters? nadhim zahawi and rishi sunak's judgement on it and the former prime minister bofis it and the former prime minister boris johnson, to be told by the cabinet secretary that probably best not to talk about financial matters with somebody who's in running for a huge high profile pubuc running for a huge high profile public job. will the ethics be an issue at the next general election, do you think? well, i think you know ethics certainly will be an issue, but ultimately think the thing that matters most people is being able to most to people is being able to heat their homes, feedback and get by day to day. at the end of the you know, people are the day, you know, people are more forgiving of certain ethical concerns as long as their opinions are still being when things start to heat, really on a crucial level, when people day to life, i think people day to day life, i think that's what people are more to vote along the lines the ethics do matter but. at end of the do matter but. at the end of the day. a lot of people say all politicians unethical. so politicians are unethical. so it's to make it's not going to make any difference politician difference which politician you vote all honest vote for if they're all honest in minds of the public. so in the minds of the public. so you know, really the things they care about. can you do the job?

we don't really how ethical you are. baines is not are. almost like baines is not thinking for weeks. thinking outside my for weeks. benjamin, see again benjamin, great to see again thank very much indeed for thank you very much indeed for time for us and sharing your wisdom and i'm really glad that we put it on the agenda. our discussion and debate today as well as taxation and strikes. thank you very much indeed. ben locklin, broadcaster locklin, their broadcaster and research group research fellow at the bio group . i'm delighted to say that. joining is another friend joining me now is another friend of been on the of mine who's also been on the program times before, program several times before, none sir geoffrey clifton none than sir geoffrey clifton brown, conservative member of parliament cotswolds . parliament for the cotswolds. and a brief reflection and there he a brief reflection , sir, if you would , on rishi , sir, if you would, on rishi sunak decision to sack nadhim zahawi as chairman your party on the basis of the guidance and report that he from his ethics adviser . how report that he from his ethics adviser. how has the prime minister played ? well, i think minister played? well, i think once he'd received the advice , once he'd received the advice, sir laurie and magnus, his ethics advice , i think he had an ethics advice, i think he had an absolutely no option but to sack

him. but i think the real issue is whether this whole thing could have been resolved much quicker because it's been in the news. somebody said for the last week , and i think that hasn't week, and i think that hasn't done either. nadeem any good or the government good . and i the government any good. and i think future need to think in future what we need to do a system whereby can do is a system whereby we can the in much much the ethics adviser in much much quicker and a decision on the bafis quicker and a decision on the basis of the facts whether somebody has broken the ministerial code or not. and act quickly and would have been great if nadeem himself at a mature stage had said this is really i am tendering resignation and that would have been the end the matter and we'd have been all this pain . how have been all this pain. how worried you about the as it were , the moral compass is at the top of your party when as i'm sure you have done read the and number 10 documents that were leaked to the sun that the former prime minister boris johnson needed to be reminded very claims or the documents say by the then the cabinet

secretary that it might be a goodidea secretary that it might be a good idea not to talk about private financial matters with somebody who was the running for the chairmanship of the bbc. i mean, both men deny any impropriety , but it just gives impropriety, but it just gives a sense of a party and. the leadership that seem to be slightly out of touch with reality . well, the simple answer reality. well, the simple answer to that is that is why boris johnson is not prime minister any longer. it was a success. his of these types of incidents . and after all, we still haven't had the privileges committee report yet. so we don't know what that's going come outwith. but that is why bofisis come outwith. but that is why boris is longer prime minister and i think we right to and i think we were right to move and i think we've now move on. and i think we've now got somebody the highest got somebody of the highest ethical who is ethical standards who is actually going to sort all this these problems and move . on in these problems and move. on in moving night. was. these problems and move. on in moving night. was . talking to moving night. was. talking to gove, former spy charlie reilly

earlier and said the last two major events forget resignation and sackings and stuff but but but big ticket items the levelling up awarding of money and jeremy hunt's growth speech have both gone down like let zeppelins not only out in the economy and the wider community but also within your party. i mean it , these are the events mean it, these are the events that really change the weather much more than a sacking or resignation. would you agree ? resignation. would you agree? well, i think we the levelling up fund was absent only right to give money to some of the poorest in the country. and i it's done exactly that. so i don't know what all the criticism is . the criticism is criticism is. the criticism is that the more conservative constituents got at the labour constituency, the simple answer is there are more conservative constituencies than labour constituents , so they were bound constituents, so they were bound to there clear to get more. there clear criteria i laid down and criteria and i laid down and they round has been awarded according to this criteria and.

there may hopefully be a third round. so i'm not too sure about that. on the whole issue of jeremy hunt's statement and tax cuts , clearly people like me cuts, clearly people like me would like to see tax , but we would like to see tax, but we absolutely appreciate at the moment with the level of borrowing and the not there in the economy , that is probably the economy, that is probably not going to be possible to produce too much tax cuts just right at the moment maybe the one thing which jeremy hunt should look at is the business tax corporation tax, because thatis tax corporation tax, because that is going to be a big hike in the budget from 19% to 25. that's a really hike in one go and anybody really to look at tax cuts that i think is where we should look . well fascinating we should look. well fascinating and we watch this space and how the reform uk are doing in the polling who seem to be offering thatis polling who seem to be offering that is agenda the agenda that you've just so eloquently described to us. jeffrey, thank

very, very much indeed for breaking news . the afternoon breaking news. the afternoon spent time with this sat sir geoffrey clifton brown stuff thank you cotswolds with his thoughts on the prime minister's handung thoughts on the prime minister's handling of crises and nadhim zahawi tax affairs and of course the prospect of his own party. now with more to come this afternoon on alastair stewart& friends after the break as the cost of living crisis. thousands of people are switching bank accounts to make a little extra on the side perhaps how safe is it? how why is it we discussing that i'm delighted to say in our sun savings so you won't want to miss that. but first we're going to take a quick break via the weather. hello there. welcome to your latest weather update from the met office. i'm jonathan watery sun has started off on a fairly breezy note for some of us, particularly scotland . us, particularly scotland. that's due to the squeeze in the suppose as this frontal system is moving in. we've already seen wind gusts of 60 miles an hour across shetland and generally gales around coastline here.

this cold front is also to continue moving its way and providing heavy outbreaks of rainfall . northern ireland and rainfall. northern ireland and scotland. england and wales. it is a drier field, but there are a few drizzle patches still to watch out for underneath the cloud . some brighter spells cloud. some brighter spells though possible for seven areas of wales central england . of wales into central england. temperatures across england and wales generally around eight or nine celsius, but it's nine degrees celsius, but it's across where we could across scotland where we could reach 11, 12 degrees reach 11, maybe 12 degrees underneath cloud , but the underneath that cloud, but the wind not necessarily making it feel to present that band of rain slowly pushing its way rain then slowly pushing its way southwards overnight, but fizzling does so. fizzling out as it does so. behind that we will see some clearer spells develop, but also showers pushing scotland. showers pushing into scotland. these will be heavy in places with some hail mixture as with some hail in mixture as well. the though will remain fairly brisk overnight so that reduces the of frost . all reduces the risk of frost. all of talking city generally of us talking city generally around 4 to 5 degrees celsius. the frontal system just lingering across and cornwall to begin tomorrow morning . but begin tomorrow morning. but actually the start of the new working fairly pleasant many working fairly pleasant for many

of us with some decent sunny intervals. winds staying intervals. the winds staying brisk the far north—east brisk in the far north—east easing out elsewhere . it will easing out elsewhere. it will feel notably cooler on monday though for scotland now, more around seven or eighteen celsius. but we could still reach double digit figures across seven areas of england into monday evening. we will start to see the cloud build across northern ireland and into western areas of scotland with further of rain and western areas of scotland with furtwinds of rain and western areas of scotland with furtwinds beginningrain and western areas of scotland with furtwinds beginning to1 and the winds beginning to strengthen again . so strengthen here once again. so we continue to see that of we will continue to see that of rain showers , sunny intervals as rain showers, sunny intervals as we move throughout the rest of the week. winds also remaining a particular factor. the week. winds also remaining a particular factor . we move particular factor. we move towards the end of tuesday and overnight into wednesday enjoying a day .

hello, welcome back. it's 2:30. i'm bethany elsey with your top stories from the gb news. nadhim

zahawi has been sacked from the government after an ethics found a serious breach of the ministerial code . the former ministerial code. the former tory party chair faced questions over his tax affairs , admitting over his tax affairs, admitting he paid a penalty hmrc for an error linked to his shares in the polling company yougov. in a letter mr. zahawi issue with the prime minister , he'll continue prime minister, he'll continue to support the government from the backbenches in the coming yeah the backbenches in the coming year. shadow health secretary wes streeting says it's time for a new government. well it was inevitable that nadhim zahawi would have to go. he broke the minister trial code. the question is why was rishi sunak too weak to sack him when these revelations first came about? why is suella braverman still the home secretary ? she breached the home secretary? she breached the home secretary? she breached the ministerial code . how many the ministerial code. how many more bullying allegations will it take before dominic raab, the deputy minister, is taken to task ? with all of the chaos and task? with all of the chaos and grubby standards we see at the heart of this sleazy government , big challenge is whether on our economy, the state of the

national health service, ongoing unanswered . a teenager has been unanswered. a teenager has been charged with the murder of 50 year old holly newton in hexham . she was stabbed in the priest pupil area of the town on friday. a 16 year old boy was also in the attack. the accused who can't be named for legal reasons, has also been charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon . the housing secretary weapon. the housing secretary has that faulty government guidance allowed the grenfell tower tragedy to happen? michael gove says whole system of building safety policed effectively enough . he's effectively enough. he's expected to announce a six week deadune expected to announce a six week deadline for developers tomorrow , forcing them to sign a contract to either fix their unsafe homes or be banned from building new ones . the fire at building new ones. the fire at the residential tower block in west london killed seven people in 2017. europe to date on tv, onune in 2017. europe to date on tv, online and dab plus radio. this is gb news. now it's back to .

alastair bethany, thank you very much indeed and thank you very much indeed, because you have indeed been getting in touch on our big discussion morality for those in positions of power, whether it be in government or in the trade union movement who are making decisions our behalf. barry decisions on our behalf. barry many of leaders don't seem many of our leaders don't seem to possess any sort of moral compass at at the moment. lining their pockets seems way more important than any sort of moral correctness . that's what he said correctness. that's what he said . don't necessarily agree with it , but i'm . don't necessarily agree with it, but i'm just reading out what has been said that if of pocket lining is of course illegal , and pocket lining is of course illegal, and i'm sure there's none of that going on. nick says, however, i have no whatsoever in our leaders heads of the various institutions we have it. it is time to that. as

a society , we have peaked and. a society, we have peaked and. it's one way down from here. oh dean it's one way down from here. oh dear. that's a bit pessimistic, she says . if mr. zahawi she says. if mr. zahawi contacted hmrc, that's her majesty's revenue and customs. the tax people to report that he'd made a mistake with his tax return. and the hmrc then did the investigation. i do sympathy with him. however if hmrc found the error and started the investigation first, then i do not have any at all. thank you very much indeed for that contribution. do keep your views coming in and also subscribe to our youtube channel. we are at gb news and all of my programmes and previous interviews are available there in. case you missed them and would like to catch up with them now. a story that i have been so looking forward to. horses from the army's household cavalry mounted regiment are making their way

back to london , the midlands, to back to london, the midlands, to prepare a busy year ahead , of prepare a busy year ahead, of course, including their role in the king's forthcoming coronation. now, during the winter, these animals involved in the most significant royal ceremonies spend a few weeks away in melton mowbray in leicestershire before returning to their strict routine at the cavalry barracks in hyde park . cavalry barracks in hyde park. and a man i am deeply of, our reporter will hollis , has been reporter will hollis, has been finding out a little more . what finding out a little more. what goes on there is hollis. will this honest this report in the frosty fields of melton mowbray , the british army is engaging in a familiar operation , moving in a familiar operation, moving these horses back to london after their christmas . there's after their christmas. there's more than a hundred of the corporal pocock is a vet right now. the we're going to identify them , give them a quick check to them, give them a quick check to make sure no injuries. we're going to a walk up, trot up with

them to make sure that linemen fit to travel. then travel to london and iconic sites of royal occasions . the horses from the occasions. the horses from the household cavalry went to the defence animal trade regiment, a rare hide away leicestershire. here it is , a trooper in the here it is, a trooper in the cavalry. we some horses that are far easier to load load than others . and yeah it can be it others. and yeah it can be it can be challenging with a lot of a lot of moving parts. but can be challenging with a lot of a lot of moving parts . but i'm a lot of moving parts. but i'm pleased to say it seems to be coming coming together quite well today. while it isn't always easy, the soldiers spend months training , horsemanship , months training, horsemanship, moving the around the country safely. is part of the job. a hundred miles south, the horses are all back home. hyde park barracks in london. after weeks working free. a good wash is . working free. a good wash is. the household cavalry duties beyond ceremony. many in the regiment trained to operate tanks and other vehicles . regiment trained to operate tanks and other vehicles. but first and foremost, care for horses like otto here . the

horses like otto here. the priority for charles and the troops. when i joined four it would just be like tanks and stuff. but then i got introduced to the horses and i first, like most people said that but then i realised that great fun. the next a haircut. then some new shoes are in order. chris is a farrier. the job as a military working horses escort the sovereign and sometimes those on hard surface. so on the roads to enable them to be able to carry out that job as a working animal, we need to apply still shoes. 2022 was a very busy year for the council because of the jubilee and the queen's funeral with the king's in may. on top of regular , this year is likely of regular, this year is likely to be just as demanding. corporal major daniel evans this year and not only this year, but the last 12 months as well, has been one of the busiest we will ever see. there's a lot of ceremonial commitments that are happening, foreseen and unforeseen. and, you know, as the household cavalry and as a

majesty's and now his majesty's , we have to be ready to supply for our role in all areas of the country , while a winter rest is country, while a winter rest is always welcome , it doesn't take always welcome, it doesn't take long before routine back in. will hollis for gb news and our huge to the household cavalry melton mowbray and down here in london for that hospitality and kindness will hollis here enabung kindness will hollis here enabling him to produce a brilliant report which i thoroughly enjoyed and i hope you did too as well . meanwhile, you did too as well. meanwhile, you've also getting in touch more with your views about the morality of strikes, particularly we talk a little bit about the politics of it just a moment ago but here are your views on strikes. alain says, i never gone on strike temporarily as a teacher , just temporarily as a teacher, just strike permanently . i left. oh, strike permanently. i left. oh, dear , most teachers spend own dear, most teachers spend own money to pay for pupils patterns and books worked up to midnight

every night and, all weekends burnt out. my advice would be to get out whilst you can. well a little pessimistic. but there we are. i'm not editing this stuff. i'm just sharing it with you. and i asked for your thoughts and you forward with them and says the nurses are clear that conditions of safety for patients are part of the strike for pay value restoration . the for pay value restoration. the nhs cannot recruit nor retain the numbers of nurses that it needs to keep patients safe because nurses pay is simply too low . the government holds moral low. the government holds moral and actual responsibility . and actual responsibility. fixing that situation . well, fixing that situation. well, there you go. thank you very much indeed. and jim says , much indeed. and jim says, strikes don't the ill or schoolgirl trend people are striking for better pay and conditions . well we had that conditions. well we had that argued eloquently by bobby seagull and others as well. but i'm afraid i disagree with you. they do target people because if

you're a nurse and you don't work , it means that someone work, it means that someone who's get nurse. and who's ill doesn't get nurse. and if ambulance driver if you're an ambulance driver and it means and you're on strike, it means somebody to get to somebody needs to get to hospital. doesn't get the hospital. doesn't get the hospital. if you're hospital. and if you're a teacher it means teacher and i teach, it means that kids do get targeted. sorry, but it's a simple matter of fact. do you get your views coming subscribe to coming in? and also subscribe to our we are at gb news. our youtube. we are at gb news. and you are watching and listening alastair stewart& listening to alastair stewart& friends on gb news tv and friends here on gb news tv and radio with more to come this afternoon , the princess of wales afternoon, the princess of wales says that she is absolutely determined to change attitudes, attitude towards the development of children during the early years their lives. i'll be talking to a top expert on how this plan take shape and the importance of the princess's support for the good work so stay tuned. gb news tv and radio radio .

welcome back. you are watching , welcome back. you are watching, listening to alastair stewart& friends here on gb news tv and radio . and thank you very much radio. and thank you very much indeed for so doing. in this week's sunday savings will be looking at the best way to boost your bank balance , perhaps by your bank balance, perhaps by changing . it comes after the changing. it comes after the current account switch service says that it processed . over says that it processed. over 376,107 switches in the final three months of 2022. but is it really that to easy do? and what are the potential pitfalls? joining me now, i'm delighted to say a good friend of mine on this programme, the brilliant jasmine birtles, founder of money magpie .com. so let's just put straight to you those questions i shared with our lovely viewers and listeners . is lovely viewers and listeners. is it really that easy? i mean, i've been inundated by people saying it on telly and, radio and in my inbox and the rest of it. is it straight forward and

is it risk free? well, it is. it's certainly supposed to be because, you know, the government in these rules a few years ago said that it shouldn't take more than a week or so for them to do it for that for the banks to do it. and you covered for 13 months after you've switched . so that is the there's switched. so that is the there's something wrong in to say direct debit go out something like that . the bank has sort it out for you must not be allowed to be out of pocket. so they they have doneit out of pocket. so they they have done it specifically to make that we started switch banks because it certainly used to be the case crazily that you were likely to get divorced than actually switch your bank. absolutely mad statistic and that's not great for competition i gather the other one that is up and running doing phenomenally well, although i

haven't seen similar to the data i read out at the top of our conversation is broadband . i'm conversation is broadband. i'm wi fi . there are email easing wi fi. there are email easing deals to be had there that if you just get in touch with your provider and say i've been offered a better deal by x, y or z , can you match it? can you on z, can you match it? can you on what i'm paying you at the moment ? yes. you certainly can moment? yes. you certainly can do that. and i recommend that people do that because what we're seeing at the moment is a the price going up within contract . so, you know, you're contract. so, you know, you're sort of six months into your contract and your broadband provider goes, oh we're adding another provider goes, oh we're adding anothe r £20 a month, by the way. another £20 a month, by the way. you know , you. so absolute . i you know, you. so absolute. i think it's very much the case that know if they can do that, then we you know, we should be ringing and going, well, i'm going to move to these, you know, because you've broken your

contract with me . and much of contract with me. and much of the time they will do something . they'll do something to try and keep . so that thought is and keep. so that thought is definitely one to try. and again, there is quite a lot of competition there and there's more competition coming into the market because you've got sort of the full fibre new organisations that are coming in. so i would, i would definitely your clout as a consumer . definitely your clout as a consumer. and literally if you take an example and say a direct banking has got in touch and offer a good rate. you go back to existing bank and say can you match that or can you do better 7 match that or can you do better ? well, you could try . yes. ? well, you could try. yes. i think with banks , many of them think with banks, many of them would go, oh . oh, right. you would go, oh. oh, right. you know . yeah yeah. to be honest, know. yeah yeah. to be honest, they don't seem to be making much of a fuss. but what i would say is that there are some really good deals there in terms of , you know, really good deals there in terms of, you know, banks offering

£100, up t 0 £200, just switch. £100, up to £200, just switch. so it's free money. but but but but what always say is think long term , you know, unless long term, you know, unless you're willing to switch , get you're willing to switch, get the money, stay for a few months and then switch again, which, you know perfectly illegal for you know perfectly illegal for you to do perfectly fine. but really, when you think long term , i don't know about you, but to me it's actually customer service that matters the most. you know over the time i've decided that serve us is more important than being found a few quid or 200 quid is not just a few quid. admittedly so i personally like to look at the service levels and i found that first direct nationwide and metro tend to win the most awards for their service levels. so something to consider i think when you're when you're moving . when you're when you're moving. totally agree with that and also i think the capacity that your

bank and not going to talk about broadband because i don't have the experience of that but capacity that the bank has as it were to hold your hand through complicated and they explained to you every step of the way what's going on and why. to you every step of the way what's going on and why . because what's going on and why. because not everybody is a brilliant financial expert like you and that really does matter and that's something that in my experience is. well more than that 100 quid or 50 quid. sometimes it can be crucial. well, exactly. and one of the issues, i think with the very popular online banks, you know, we've got monzo, starling , loads we've got monzo, starling, loads of people are moving to there. and i totally understand they offer all sorts of gizmos and, you know, particularly good when going abroad because they have a very good rates for using your card . but i do hear complaints card. but i do hear complaints particularly about monzo and to

the degree about revolut that the degree about revolut that the customer service just isn't there. so you have to be somebody who's perfectly happy deaung somebody who's perfectly happy dealing with your and doing everything online, talking chat bots if you're happy with that , bots if you're happy with that, then go for it. but if as you say you'd really rather have a person to speak to , then you're person to speak to, then you're you're better off with . the ones you're better off with. the ones i mentioned before, particularly metro is open. they have a very long opening hours nationwide. it's a building society. long opening hours nationwide. it's a building society . first it's a building society. first direct is telephone online, but it's 4 hours. so, you know , now it's 4 hours. so, you know, now shop around and you're safe. just make sure that you're getting the customer service you want. that might well prove to be with lot more than 100 quid. that's maybe trying to point in your direction the. great. jasmine birtles, founder of money magpie .com a website that is always worth visiting on all these matters. jasmine thanks for your time . lovely to see you for your time. lovely to see you again. now, as i said just before i began that lovely conversation with jasmine

battles, princess wales has battles, princess of wales has announced that she is launching announced that she is launching a campaign on one of her most personal causes what she describes as the critical importance of our early childhood. catherine's raising campaign highlighting the critical of a person's first five years in shaping their aduu five years in shaping their adult life will be launched by the royal foundation, the centre for early childhood. this we decided to have a little look into how important the early part of a child's life is not because . we were talking about because. we were talking about teacher strikes, but as a general observation and i'm delighted to say that joining me next is neil leitch leech , who next is neil leitch leech, who is the chief executive officer of . the early years alliance to of. the early years alliance to discuss this matter further. this for you and those who understand the issue must be

absolutely lutely crucial from the princess of wales. not only world famous figure but also of course, a serial of young children . absolutely alistair. children. absolutely alistair. i mean, i think you've summed it up actually in as much as we are, we delighted when the princess started to take an interest and she has for some time to be fair in the early years if it attracts more media. we're having this conversation , we're having this conversation, of course she's speaking out about the early years, if it attracts more attention and governments to act in what, i would describe a proper way then course it has to bring about some good news for both and children. and of course us that work within the sector . is it work within the sector. is it wide. we're looking at pictures at the moment of settings but but is it wider than simply the academic prospects that a small

will have if we get those early years right and them with the support attention care that they need or does it go wider than that. does your suggest ? it's that. does your suggest? it's much wider than that. i mean , us much wider than that. i mean, us i mean, we run ourselves. i mean, we are charitable organisation and run ourselves 60 settings, 30 a year settings. it's not about churning out facts . you learn of children facts. you learn of children that count from 1 to 10. all right then name, etc. this is about creating good citizens , about creating good citizens, about creating good citizens, about ensuring that we, you know, allow them to be creative . if they have physical development, they have and emotional development . you know, emotional development. you know, for me as a parent, i would only want happy children first and foremost. what i want happy young children. so, no, it's not about just the academic side of things. it's about creating and supporting young children i think that's what most parents want, frankly, as well. but the reality is , for many years , the

reality is, for many years, the early years sector has been neglected and been grossly underfunded. you know, we're you were talking about strikes, you were talking about strikes, you were talking about strikes, you were talking schools, etc. well afraid the early years has never really been considered to be part of the education system . it part of the education system. it feels like we are an adult. part of the education system. it feels like we are an adult . and feels like we are an adult. and yet, as the princess has alluded to, these critical years in which you shape the child and you shape their life chances. so why wouldn't you want invest in the early is the come back to your point alastair the we are absolutely delighted that the princess is talking about particular area of education do you personally get cross when you personally get cross when you read that the teachers are both in primary is a little closer to early years obviously but also secondary are going on strike bobby seagull gill told us on this program it's because they care passionately about they're trying to defend the profession and make it better. it's not just about pay, but how do you personally react to that. well, personally across actually

recognise they're valued in the same way that they should . so same way that they should. so you know, i appreciate this can be difficult for parents this can be difficult for children in terms of strike action . but terms of strike action. but these are probably the most important as people in the early years . you know, parts of our years. you know, parts of our society we're educating children , creating the future and to undervalue people that work in education is fully and we've doneit education is fully and we've done it for too long. so my personal view is that i understand they would want to take that action just as i understand why colleagues in the nhs would want to take that action. so, you know , but again, action. so, you know, but again, it's a personal view now i completely understand that. didn't interrupt, think it through, know what you're doing .thank through, know what you're doing . thank you that, neil. . thank you for that, neil. i wish you and all the alliance very best of luck and congratulations on, as it were, landing the princess of wales. i know from the hospital just how important her support and her passion can be. lovely to see.

and thank you very, very much indeed. that's the of the valley . yes. alliance now, the party opens up to gloria de piero . opens up to gloria de piero. former labour mp sorry, former chairman of the conservative opens up to gloria de piero row. former labour mp herself about the time that he suffered a depression in one of her many remarkable interviews with leading politicians from all parties. and you can watch the full interview on gb news show . full interview on gb news show. gloria meets where? find out who the person behind the politician really is. that's every sunday at 6 pm, i think he can come back.i at 6 pm, i think he can come back. i think it will come back , but i go back to that sort of deaung , but i go back to that sort of dealing with a historic need makes you more able to deal with it in the and you know, i think we'll be ready for the one thing i've learnt is that, you know, don't suffer in silence talk to other people and you will be amazed. you definitely won't be the only person who's had that

experience . you may frane enable experience. you may frane enable other people to talk about it . other people to talk about it. and gloria delivers phenomenal interviews every sunday at 6 pm. you won't want miss that any more than i hope you. won't want to miss me on or camilla tominey or my good friend michael portillo either. that is the gb news offering these weekends , so do stay in touch on weekends, so do stay in touch on tuesday jude and you get all of the stuff that you may have missed at our youtube channel, which of course is youtube at gb news from all of the team for today. very good afternoon to you being with us. hello you and for being with us. hello there. welcome to your latest weather update from met weather update from the met office. i'm jonathan bawtry. sunday started off on a fairly breezy note . some of us, breezy note. some of us, particularly scotland . that's particularly scotland. that's due to the squeeze in the ice , due to the squeeze in the ice, of course, as this frontal system is moving in. we've already seen wind of 60 miles an hour across and generally gales around coastlines here. this cold front is also going to continue moving way and

providing some heavy outbreaks of rain for northern ireland and scotland . england and wales it scotland. england and wales it is a drier field but there are a few drizzle patches still to watch out underneath the watch out for. underneath the cloud. some brighter spells, though, possible off of though, possible off in areas of wales central england. wales into central england. temperatures across england , temperatures across england, wales generally around eight or nine celsius, but it's nine degrees celsius, but it's across where we could reach 11, maybe degrees underneath that maybe 12 degrees underneath that . but the not necessarily . but the wind, not necessarily it feel to present that band of rain, then slowly pushing its way southward overnight, but fizzling out as it so behind that will see some clearer that we will see some clearer spells develop, but also showers pushing into scotland . these pushing into scotland. these will be heavy in places with some hail and mixture as well. the though will remain fairly brisk overnight, so that reduces the risk of frost. all of us. towns cities generally towns and cities generally around 4 to 5 degrees celsius. the frontal system just lingering across devon, cornwall to begin tomorrow morning, but actually the start of the new working week. very pleasant for many of us with, some decent sunny intervals. the winds staying in far staying brisk in the far northeast easing elsewhere

northeast, easing out elsewhere . it will feel notably cooler on monday, though, for scotland . monday, though, for scotland. now more around the seven or eighteen celsius. but we could still reach double digit figures across seven of england across seven areas of england into monday evening. we will start to see the cloud build across northern ireland and into western areas scotland with further outbreaks rain and further outbreaks of rain and winds strengthen winds beginning to strengthen here we will here once again. so we will continue see that mixture of rain and sunny intervals as we move throughout the rest of the week . winds also remaining, week. winds also remaining, particularly factor as we move towards the end of tuesday and overnight into wednesday enjoying a day .

how low welcome this is calvin's common sense crusade. with me,

the reverend calvin robinson.