31/05/2017 100 Days+

Welcome to the historic city of Cambridge where in just half

an hour seven political parties will take part in a

We're live in the spin room at the Cambridge Union -

and we're counting down to the start of the BBC Election Debate 2017.

On a glorious and sunny evening in Cambridge.

The historic setting of the Senate House

at the University of Cambridge is the venue for this special event

And here on the BBC News Channel we'll bring you every moment.

Including all the reaction from the spin room afterwards.

Inside the venue the stage is set after several days of preparation.

The neo-classical hall normally used for Graduation ceremonies will host

a mixture of party leaders and senior politicians

from the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats,

SNP, UKIP, Plaid Cymru, and the Greens.

Jeremy Corbyn's last-minute decision to take part was unexpected -

he made that call at lunchtime - challenging Theresa May to join him.

The Prime Minister - visiting the West Country today -

said she preferred to be meeting voters on the campaign trail.

And that she would stick to her guns and not take part in that Cambridge

debate this evening. Net Security in Afghanistan has

worsened significantly since Nato and it is combination in 2014 and

British troops pulled out of Helmand. In the first three months

of this year and, more than 700 civilians were killed in attacks.

American commanders now won thousands of extra troops to help

strengthen Afghan forces. Of Donald Trump agrees to this, Britain could

also bolster its 500 strong presence. It's still not clear what

the exact target was of this devastating bomb, or who was behind

it. The Taliban, who had been gaining ground from government

forces, have denied involvement in one of the worst attacks that Kabul

has ever seen. At the BBC we are all remembering

Mohammed Nazir and his family. Joining me to discuss the bombing is

the former ambassador to Afghanistan. Commiserations on your

home country, too. It looks like this was not Islamic State that

launched this attack. Some part of the Taliban or perhaps the network,

what do you read into who did this? The Afghan intelligence have issued

a statement that alleges that a network carried out the attack. If

this turns out to be correct, given the close connection between the

network in Pakistan, it raises very serious questions about the policy

towards Pakistan. With this attack which we the United States, because

it is a terror group and on our list of terror groups, the issue comes

with what needs to be done. This is really a quantitative chain. The

numbers are horrific. The size of the bomb is enormous. Maybe 400 plus

wounded, and I'm sure that the death toll will go up. That raises the

issue of can we continue approaching Pakistan on the network issue the

way we have, or is there a need for a new approach. I think this would

be one of the issues that the Trump administration, which is reviewing

its policy, will have to with. The President is wearing at the moment

whether to send another 3-5000 troops to join those already there.

How much impact would that have on what Caroline was talking about, the

gradual deterioration in this country leading up to this? I think

the number of troops that are to be sent, the commanders have asked for

those, it is to prevent the worsening of the situation. It will

not bring about victory, but it will prevent the situation from getting

worse, two in a sense prevent the worsening. Could prevent something

like this? No, we're talking overall. That happens in the context

of the worsening military situation which would suffer huge withdrawal

of the number of foreign troops. The Afghans have been taking

responsibility for the war. They are taking lots of casualties in the

Taliban would like to break the force. The that hasn't been broken

but it needs, according to our military leader, somehow. I think

that is important. What's important is to deal with the issue of

centuries now. Given what has happened. As long as there is a safe

haven across the border in Pakistan, this will take a long time to do. He

said it was time for America to perhaps review its relationship with

Pakistan and how it deals with the network. What are you thinking of

needs to change? What I think is we need to put more negative pressure

and Pakistan. But also more positive incentives be provided. More pain,

more game. Both because what we've done so far, incremental

engagements, sometimes pressure has not produced results. If we send

more troops, we need to some diplomats to engage and to find a

settlement of the Afghan Pakistan issues that lead to sanctuary, which

must and -- which lead to sanctions. We are already looking at the

longest war in American history. Thank you very much and

commiserations to the people of Afghanistan and in Kabul this

morning. Multiple American press reports say

Donald Trump is on the verge of pulling the US out

of the Paris climate agreement. The President himself

says he'll decide when Behind the scenes White House staff

hint that he could still So until the formal decision

we are on hold, on what could be one of Mr Trump's most consequential

acts as President. "I will be announcing my decision

on the Paris Accord So we wait, but as we do

so it is worth looking at what US withdrawal would mean

both for climate change Joining us now from New York

is Christine Todd Whitman, who served as head of

the Environmental Protection Agency How serious would it be if America

pulled out of the accord? First of all, it's a little bit like the way

we disengage. They've been doing a lot of them

back on environmental regulations. But how he does it and whether he

puts any language in that allows for some wiggle room, I think will tell

a big story. We can no longer be at the table when these issues are

discussed. And if we think we need to have a voice here to talk about

what is a terribly important issue for the rest of the world, we're not

going to be there. And it's also frankly an economic disadvantage to

companies because they have to function in the real world. And

frankly, the good news for the environment, is you have still

almost 200 countries, even if the United States dropped the accord and

their participation, who have made commitments. Hopefully they will go

ahead and they will stay. That Abebe Bikila. You've written about the

risk of the country stepping in. -- that will be the big key. I don't

know if it is coincidence, but yesterday the Indian Prime Minister

went to Berlin to meet Angela Merkel and today the Chinese Prime Minister

went to Berlin to meet Angela Merkel. They are talking about the

issue of climate change. What happens to the vacuum that is

created if America withdraws on this particular issue? Nature hates a

vacuum, and others fulfil it. We will not be there and it will be a

detriment to our ability to innovate and be the head of technology the

way we have been passed. It's harmful for the world and to the

United States because of the consequences of climate change.

We've got to understand we're not going to stop it, but the whole

purpose is to slow the rate of change to a point where we can

figure out how to deal with it. We've got to learn how to

accommodate it, and we could possibly roll it back that would be

great. The win going to stop it because the world has changed and so

has the climate since it was formed. -- were not going to stop it because

the world has changed. We're driving nature to a point where it can no

longer accommodate and handle the amount we are pumping into the

atmosphere. Frankly for the United States and for Europe, this is very

destabilising. It is a national security issue because of what

happened when you have severe droughts, for instance, in the sub

Sahara. And already populations are nomadic, they can no longer keep

their herds going, there is no water. They're moving into towns and

cities where there are no jobs for them, nobody is prepared for them,

and they'll prime recruiting areas for the Taliban and four Isis. This

has ramifications well beyond the Sea level rise above the east coast

of the Arctic. How concerned are you that other countries, if America

does pull out this week, and we are still waiting for the President's

final decision, how concerned are you that other countries might on

their own emissions targets as a result? Actually, I'm not that

concerned because frankly the ship has left the harbour. We're already

doing a lot of this country not to any regular Tory demands or owner of

burdens put on companies, but companies have figured out this is

what works. -- not to any regular Tory demands. It's good for the

environment and I've already doing it. Utilities are investing in green

power and renewable power, or nuclear. Nuclear is starting to drop

off the table. But from Trump if he wants to have jobs, to promote

nuclear is a big job creator as a hiatus until the renewables are

ready to become based power. You said earlier that climate change is

caused by human activity, human activity influences climate change.

It's not clear that the White House agrees with you and believe that.

How dangerous is that? To me, that's very dangerous. Because what that's

doing is denying science. In Sinai the vast majority of scientistss.

You have over 70% of scientists who are saying humans are having an

impact. You could argue that environmentalists made a mistake at

the beginning by saying human caused climate change, because we don't. We

exacerbate a natural phenomenon. By overlooking the nuance, it gives

people a way to escape and say we don't have a role, and there is much

more we need to know. Frankly, there is more we need to know. That's why

it's so important we continue our investment in science and basic

research. There is more we need to know as we deal with the

consequences. But we know what those consequences will be because

scientists will tell you, ever increasing storms, severity, it's

going to be a real problem in real-world terms for people when you

have flooding and have to move populations. When you have two

repair damage. This is something that has real economic consequences

as well as security implications. Thank you very much for joining the

programme. And with me again today

is our political analyst Ron Christie, who formerly worked

in the administration I should have pointed out, Christie

is a Republican who served in the same administration that you did.

But clearly she does not agree with what the President, according to the

ports, is planning to do. There is a big rift in the Republican party as

to whether or not we should be investing in climate change

research, whether or not this is real. But I look at this and think

it's fascinating. Donald Trump received a letter from 22 US

senators who said, Mr President, pull out of this accord. One of the

reasons they said we should pull out because they believe this is a

treaty that should go to the United States Senate and be ratified or

rejected by the Senate. Then you have people like Governor Whitman

who were fleeing the United States has to be before. White and various

big American companies, including American oil company. ExxonMobil is

at the top of the list. Our Secretary of State is very much in

favour of us staying in the accord. What the President needs to do is

wait whether or not this is a treaty versus how does he continue to

liaise with our allies abroad. This is important to our European allies.

Is there a way he can appease his Republican base at home, while at

the same time keeping his European allies. How important is this? This

is huge. This is one of the store will promises he made. He said he

was going to pull out of some of the agreements, like the Paris

crumb-macro agreement. This is the first and foremost point of attack

that he wants to go after. Certainly because he doesn't want America tied

by international agreements. He doesn't like big international

treaties. Donald Trump's former national

security advisor Michael Flynn will reportedly be turning over some

of the documents that the Senate Intelligence Committee was seeking

in their probe into Russian interference during

the presidential election. It comes as the inquiry widens

and more people are being asked to provide documents or information

pertinent to the investigation. Ron Christie has a bit of experience

with these matters and luckily Why on earth would you not cooperate

with an investigation on this scale? Precisely. In politics I perception

is reality. There is a perception out there that if you have documents

and you're not turning them over, you're not cooperate, you might have

something to hide. In America we have our fifth Amendment against

self-incrimination. Perhaps these say that from a political point of

view, it looks terrible. Jack Abramoff, a disgraced lobbyist, he

had forged billing records. They claimed that Ronald and Dick Cheney

had half an forged document. What I didn't know we have got to a dodgy

guest. -- maybe not the guy I thought you were! I have to tell

you, it's a very daunting process. You're sitting in a room, you're

flanked by lawyers representing the White House. On the other side there

were lawyers representing Capitol Hill. If you have nothing to hide,

you have nothing to worry about. It's very intimidating being in that

setting. I went through it. I fully cooperated. There was nothing there.

I would encourage others involved to do the same. You heard it here, if

you are not cooperating, perhaps you should.

Now, it's usually what spokes people do say which gets us talking,

but it was the pause at yesterday's State Department which

This was Acting Assistant Secretary Stuart Jones when asked

You characterise Saudi Arabia's commitment to democracy? Do you

agree it is a barrier against extremism? Um...

I think what I would say is that... At this meeting... We were able to

make significant progress. Why have they sent Stuart Jones out

there without an answer about democracy in Saudi Arabia when they

have just come back from a trip to Saudi Arabia? First and foremost,

there is a reason why he is the acting assistant secretary. If

you're coming back from Saudi Arabia, you can't and do something

that fundamental and basic to the region of the world, why are you

taking the podium? And most importantly, why can't you think of

an answer in 20 seconds. 20 seconds! This should be a no-brainer for him.

He should have a fluid answer. What else can you say? I'm not going to

pause for 20 seconds, I'm going to move swiftly on to the British

election. Here's what usually happens

in political debates - the opposing candidates get up

on the stage and have AT it, while the confused viewers

try to figure out who to vote for. But in the UK tonight,

the leading candidate won't be The Conservative leader

is sending a representative - though the Labour leader did a last

minute about turn and There is a debate in Cambridge

tonight. I don't know what she's doing this evening, but it's not far

from London. I invite her to go to Cambridge and debate her policies,

debate her record, debate their plans, debate their proposals, and

let the public make up their minds. Public scrutiny is a very important

part of any election campaign. He is now up for a head to head debate.

Doesn't it suggest you're frightened of taking him on directly if you

don't go, to? First of all, I've been taking

Jeremy Corbyn on directly week in, week out on Prime Minister's

question. She says she was too busy talking to

voters to take place in the debate. The debate is taking

place in Cambridge. The BBC's Adam Fleming

is there and joins us How does this play for Mrs May and

Mr Corbyn, the fact that he will be there after all? It means that

Jeremy Corbyn, the Leader of the Opposition Labour Party here in the

UK, has won the Prix game just by turning up. All the talk amongst the

journalist here in the spin room is about how he has electrified the

debate just by showing up. Actually winning the debate when he's up

against six other people under the pressure of time and the pressure of

questions from the audience, that is quite another matter. When it comes

to be Prime Minister Theresa May, the reaction on social media with

hashtags like, "May is scared" training at the moment, suggest that

social media users she has made a boo-boo by not turning up. That is

social media, not the electorate as a whole. The fact that Theresa May

is not turning up tonight will sway virtually no one's vote when it

comes to the big decision on the 8th of June. That is the message being

delivered by members of the Cabinet who are the spin into my telling

journalists what to think ahead of the debate. A bit of a boo-boo!

Here's the latest YouGov election model - making some news today.

It still predicts the Conservative Party winning,

If this is accurate, the Conservatives could end up

with 310 seats - that's 20 less than they have today,

and 16 less than they need for an overall majority.

The model suggests the vote could lead to a hung parliament.

But another poll by Panel-base suggests the Conservatives have

actually extended their lead to 15 percentage points.

Adam, where do we stand at the moment? Theresa May have been

slipping in the polls. Is that panel -based polling outliner? Welcome to

the confusing world of being a British political journalist right

now. The only way we really have of gauging how Republicans feeling

about this election is through those opinion polls. As you've just seen,

they are saying completely different things. Just a few health warnings -

here is the science bit. The YouGov one isn't an opinion poll. What

they're calling it is a projection where they have crunched a load of

numbers and worked out what one of the scenarios that could result at

the end of the election. It has quite a large margin of error. One

permutation of the data shows the Conservatives gaining seats. Another

permutation shows them losing even more. But the permutation which has

all of the attention on the newspaper front pages today is that

of a hung parliament, needing four questions to Theresa May as to

whether or not she would stand down as the Tory leader if she lost

seats. There are other polls which show that Theresa May is way ahead.

The reason is because all the different polling companies use

different methodologies. They take the raw data and then do a bit of

science to come up with their projections for what that means for

the country as a hole. The message that seems to be coming up is that

we lead the Conservatives have on Labour is narrowing. The dispute is

about how big the lead actually is. Whether it is a model or a pole, I'm

sure they don't like the Tory headquarters. I covered the American

election, take those polls with a big pinch of salt - my friendly

warning. A quick look at other news from around the world now.

The US military has announced that it has successfully shot down

a missile similar to the one North Korea could potentially

use someday to threaten the United States.

and is part of a 40 billion dollar programme - in response to

A French policeman who was killed in Paris during an islamist

attack back in April - has been posthumously

Xavier Jugele, and his living partner

Etienne Cardiles were legally wed in a private ceremony

attended by the former French President Francois Hollande.

Mr Jugele, a gay rights activist, was shot dead

It's thought to be the world's first posthumous gay wedding.

NASA has unveiled daring plans to fly a probe directly

The Parker Solar Probe will be launched mid-2018,

and scientists hope to learn about the physics of our

It will be exposed to more heat and radiation than any spacecraft -

flying into temperatures exceeding 1,300 degrees Celsius.

It is not like Nasa were thinking of calling a Icarus, which should be a

mistake! Whether it was deliberate

or a mistake - one word had That's after the President tweeted

this late at night... "Despite the constant

negative press covfefe". It was online for six hours before

the tweet was deleted - but, by that stage "covfefe",

a word which had never existed, Donald Trump eventually seemed

to see the funny side - "Who can figure out the true

meaning of "covfefe" ??? The Philadelphia police department

always have a sense of humour... I always do drive with covfefe! If you

are followers of the Twitter account Trump Draws, you've got to see this.

"I Am Mr Trump, there is covfefe." Covfefe to use. Covfefe right back

at you. I will bring this back, this is where you keep saying that Donald

Trump has a communications problem - covfefe to him. You've been watching

100 Days from BBC News. I will see you back here are tomorrow, and in

the meantime, covfefe. Good evening to you. A decent day

for most of us today, and we are in for a very mild night. A little

misty and murky