00:00Well, we live through a summer that we've never seen before, with so many wildfires across the country.
00:07Fire and rescue services were stretched, firefighters working in extremely difficult conditions.
00:13And it was right in that moment to commit to this summit, and today we're making good on that.
00:19But also making some initial steps to improve our response, because we will have to plan for summers like this
00:25going forward.
00:26So, firstly, better equipment for our firefighters, particularly the PPE, more appropriate to working in very hot summer conditions,
00:35because it's very punishing work, what they did this summer.
00:39Secondly, aerial support.
00:41So, we may see on holiday other countries where there are planes putting water from above on the fires.
00:49We believe we need that capability, so the Ministry of Defence will be equipping aircraft with that capability,
00:55so we'll be better prepared for summers to come.
00:59And then, thirdly, just better management of the land, so that fire doesn't get the ability to spread.
01:05So, those are the early commitments, but the summit will give us more as we go through it today,
01:09and people can be sure that we will be even better prepared next summer.
01:13I was up on the moors above Duffstone and Crowden as well, and some of those conditions are pretty brutal
01:18at times for the firefighters.
01:19They are.
01:20And they're covering huge distances as well, with very heavy equipment.
01:24Yes.
01:25Why, the question is, has it taken so long for some kind of action to be done and for this
01:30to be made a priority, really?
01:32It's a fair question, and it's been made by the National Fire Chiefs Council,
01:37and they're right to say it should have been done before, so we accept that.
01:41But it is happening today, and I'm standing right by some new equipment here that will be available going forward.
01:49So, we also need to recognise that fire and rescue services have lost resources in recent times.
01:56We do need to rebuild the resilience of the country from the bottom up, and particularly in our emergency services.
02:02But all of these things will come through as we approach the spending review next year.
02:06You mentioned resilience. You're holding this Resilience Summit, but your Defence Secretary says the UK is paying catch-up in
02:13preparedness for emergencies.
02:16Has Labour failed to be prepared?
02:19No, we're having the conversation with people about being better prepared,
02:24because we're living in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common.
02:31Obviously, weather events, and we're in a situation today where the UK is facing storms,
02:36and obviously, we feel for the people without power in Cornwall right now.
02:41It is just having those supplies in the House to get you through those moments.
02:48So, we are having that conversation about resilience.
02:52That's why we're holding this summit today.
02:55It's why we're putting the guidance out to the public.
02:58We potentially are facing a winter of greater flooding, so it's about recognising all of those risks and taking action.
03:08You mentioned flooding, your own constituencies.
03:10Platte Bridge has seen flooding today.
03:13Is one of the biggest challenges that you are going to have these natural events and we're always catching up?
03:19Yes, I think too often in the past we've been playing catch-up, and today is about trying to get
03:26on the front foot
03:26and recognise that the summer we've just had is likely to be a more regular situation going forward.
03:34So, make ourselves that bit stronger when it comes to the summer of 2027, and then, indeed, summers beyond.
03:41But also, in relation to flooding as well, it's the case that today, responding to flooding is not a statutory
03:49responsibility of fire and rescue services.
03:52And the Community Secretary has confirmed that she will make it a statutory responsibility
03:58and then equip our firefighters and our fire and rescue services accordingly.
04:02So, too much in the past, we've been on the back foot reacting, and we're trying now to get in
04:09a stronger, forward-facing position
04:11when it comes to keeping our people and our communities safe.
04:14Looking at the wide issues in your inbox, Prime Minister, your Energy Secretary has said that yesterday,
04:18that if you were to overrule her to approve Rosebank, a decision would be overturned by the courts.
04:25Is she right?
04:27Well, that's a decision that will be taken in due course.
04:31What we have done this week is taken great care over the decision about Jackdaw,
04:38because it wasn't done properly in the past, and that led to the decision being struck down.
04:44What people can be certain about is things will be done properly going forward.
04:48And in relation to Jackdaw, people will question, was that the right decision?
04:54It is going to be a bridge to a renewable future.
04:59The funds that it will release will be able to go into building out that clean energy system that the
05:04country needs,
05:05which is a further part of our national resilience going forward.
05:08Will you commit to bringing in all of the reforms to indefinite leave to remain announced by the Home Secretary?
05:14Well, we're in a position where we've been consulting on those reforms,
05:19and we will come forward with our decisions soon.
05:22But I strongly support the Home Secretary when she says that settlement is a right to be earned through contribution,
05:30and that will be the principle that guides our reforms.
05:33What is in your emergency box, Prime Minister?
05:37Angela Rayner said a few bottles of wine that she has.
05:42I'm not sure that that's the top of the list in terms of the advice that we're giving to the
05:47public.
05:47You need to have a clear head when it comes to a challenging situation.
05:52So, yeah, some tins of food, some bottled water, I think, maybe.
05:56But I'm sure people are allowed a glass or two as well to get them through a difficult situation.
06:01Perhaps Gips or Twiglas, as you mentioned, in Gogglebox tonight's edition.
06:05Tell me about that.
06:06I mean, why did you want to be on Gogglebox?
06:07Well, I'm proud to support Stand Up to Cancer, and that's what we're doing, myself and the Mayor of the
06:14Liverpool City Region, by appearing.
06:16It is always a moment in the annual calendar where we support Stand Up to Cancer through Gogglebox,
06:24and Steve and I are proud to do it.
06:26And, yeah, I make no apology for trying to lead with a bit of lightness at times, a bit of
06:31humour.
06:32That's the way I go at things and connect with people as best I can,
06:36and perhaps if a few more people watch it tonight and then support Stand Up to Cancer, that will be
06:42job done.
06:42One final question. You won't have the time, probably, to watch Traitors.
06:47How well do you think the Faithfuls or the Traitors are doing, if you do, Cashin?
06:53Well, obviously, I would say that politicians have got a lot to offer to those who are looking for tactics
07:00in relation to the Traitors.
07:02I think we can spot Faithfuls and Traitors a mile off.
07:07Our profession teaches us to do that, but it's a great programme.
07:11It's a great example of how strong British broadcasting is, and, of course, the BBC.
