02/06/2017 BBC News at Six

Today at Six - we're in York, where Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn

will face questions from an audience this evening,

with less than a week to polling day.

As final preparations are being made, the global events

of the past 24 hours are set to feature in part of

Donald Trump's decision to take America out of the Paris

climate treaty has provoked a row about the nature

I spoke to President Trump again last night, I made it clear

that the UK would have wanted the United States to have stayed

within the Paris Agreement and that we continue to support

Given the chance to present a united front from our international

partners, she's instead opted for silence and - once again -

And in another campaign development - the Conservative candidate

in South Thanet has been charged over expenses claimed

Also tonight - police investigating the Manchester bombing evacuate

The bomb squad is sent in after a car is found -

detectives say it could be a significant development.

Prince William travels to Manchester to meet some of the police officers

who were first on the scene after the suicide bombing

And this is the man who will be Ireland's new Prime Minister?

The son of an Indian immigrant, Leo Varadkar will become the first

As thousands of fans descend on Cardiff ahead of tomorrow's

Champions League final - Uefa President Aleksander Chefereen

Good evening from York - where later this evening Theresa May

and Jeremy Corbyn will take part in the BBC Question

The audience, as we can tell, are already here. About 150 of them

drawn from every part of the UK, representing different strands of

public and political opinion. The event begins in 2.5 hours' time, at

8:30pm, and chaired by David Dimbleby.

And it takes place less than 24 hours after Donald Trump's decision

to take America out of the Paris climate treaty.

Mrs May has been accused by opponents of a 'pathetic'

response, given her refusal to back a strongly-worded response

The Prime Minister said she was 'disappointed'

by the president's decision, which he said had been dictated

Jeremy Corbyn said the decision was 'reckless and dangerous'.

Our deputy political editor John Pienaar has more details.

Putting America first, it's his slogan.

But there is outrage Donald Trump's decision to pull out of the

international treaty signed in Paris and tackle climate change.

I was elected to represent the citizens of

The backlash has been strong, not just on his doorstep.

World leaders are united against him and it spilled into Britain's

Theresa May, like many leaders, sees global warming

Out campaigning today, she explained

she told President Trump by phone of her disappointment.

She has also defended her decision not to join

European leaders in signing a statement condemning him.

I made the UK's position clear to President

Trump last week at the G7 meeting, as did the other G7 leaders, and I

made the UK's position clear to President Trump last night.

Canada and Japan have not signed that letter,

neither has the UK, but we all have the same view at we remain

neither has the UK, but we all have the same view that we remain

That was more than enough cause for Jeremy Corbyn, also out in York

Donald Trump's decision to pull the United States

out of the Paris climate change deal is reckless

And to depict the Prime Minister too weak to stand up

She has instead opted for silence and once again

It is a dereliction of both her duty to this

What could you do as a British Prime Minister to materially change

Would I meet and host Donald Trump in Downing Street?

I would even offer him some Yorkshire tea!

The Paris Treaty committed nations to work to cut

It was seen by signatories, then including America as a breakthrough.

Politicians from China to Europe are in step

World leaders are speaking out strongly.

TRANSLATION: The decision from the US to withdraw

from the UN climate accord is very regrettable in dim thematic terms.

The Paris agreement is a cornerstone among the nations of this world.

After the announcement of the US administration, we have to look

The US decision can't and won't stop all those

of us who feel obliged to protect this planet.

Here, the spat translated to wrangling between

parties on either side of the divide opened by the US president.

Unlike almost every other Western world leader including Theresa May,

he sticks to what he promises he would do.

Donald Trump needs to be condemned in the

strongest possible terms for this reckless and frankly economically

The set is nearly ready for the two contenders

to head a freshly elected government after next

Thursday to make their case to

Climate change is obviously a huge issue, though the

environment has never been the top priority of most voters

Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn's rival claims to lead

Britain will be tested here on the set of the BBC's Question Time

Leaders' Special programme tonight in front of a live audience.

Theresa May will be hoping that her credit

with voters remains strong, after what has been an occasionally

It is Jeremy Corbyn's opportunity to gain ground.

A lot of people make up their minds in the final

A point scored or lost here later tonight might,

Let's stay with the response to President Trump's decision.

Our science editor David Shukman is at the Thames Barrier,

one of the largest flood barriers in the world.

David, tell us about the science community and what they have said

today? Yes, I am at the Thames Barrier, the great structure that

keeps London safe from flooding. The concern here is that bit by bit,

year by year, the level of the sea is rising because of global warming.

It is one of many reasons why scientists here in Britain and

around the world are so worried about what Donald Trump has done.

They point to decades of research, all suggesting that in future rising

temperatures will increase the risks Earth damaging weather events.

Number droughts, severe heat waves and rising seas. So where does that

leave us? Nobody says that the Paris Agreement is the answer to

everything but say it is the start of a pathway, a journey towards the

objective of sorting out the problem. Without America, that is

clearly going to be very much harder and will take a great deal longer.

David, thank you very much. David Shukman with his thoughts at the

Thames Barrier. Earlier today, as Mrs May and Mr Corbyn were making

their final preparations for tonight's event here at the

University of yorked... that the Conservative candidate

in South Thanet in Kent, Craig Mackinlay, along

with two party workers , have been charged for allegedly

filing false expenses , during the last election

campaign , two years ago. The Conservatives say they believe

the allegations are unfounded. Our home affairs correspondent

Daniel Sandford is in Yes, the people of Ramsgate and the

other Kent seaside towns that make up the constituency of South Thanet

find themselves in an extraordinary position tonight. One of the main

candidates is now facing criminal charges for allegedly breaking the

rules in the previous campaign... In the 2015 general election, the

voters of South Thanet were deluged by conservative campaigners,

desperate to keep the seat from Nigel Farage. Their candidate posed

with every member of the front bench that he could find. Craig

Mackinlay... The Tories won, just. But today, Craig Mackinlay was

charged with filing false expenses for the campaign. So was his agent,

Nathan Gray, and senior campaigner Marion Little, OBE, has been charged

with aiding and abetting them. This was the moment this morning when

Nigel Farage heard the news. You are joking? My good lord. Right, that is

big news. Thank you. Craig Mackinlay has just been charged. Once again it

is bad judgment from Theresa May. Why on earth would you allow someone

to go ahead as a general election candidate with this cloud that was

clearly hanging over him? At the heart of the case is the thousands

of pounds the Conservatives spent on hotels, like the Royal Harbour in

Ramsgate. This was paid for by the National

party but a police investigation as to whether they should have been on

Craig Mackinlay's individual election costs has now led to these

criminal charges. The Conservative Party continues to believe that

these allegations are unfounded. Craig Mackinlay is innocent until

proven guilty and remains our candidate. In a statement, Craig

Mackinlay said... He will continue to campaign to be

re-elected, though just being charged does not disqualify you from

becoming an MP. His first court appearance is in July.

Daniel Sandford, BBC News, Ramsgate. Here at the University of York Laura

Kuenssberg joins me. Looking forward to Question Time this evening, a

range of subjects could come up. The Trump issue on climate is one of

them? That may well be raised, there has been a sharp attack from Labour

on Theresa May already today in expressing disappointment in a phone

call to the president rather than taking the firm public stand and

joining in the anger on display from other world leaders. It's not really

been an issue in the campaign but it is a subject important to a lot of

voters. It feeds into some accusations levelled against Theresa

May before, about cosying up to Donald Trump right at the start,

when she took over as Prime Minister. Seen holding hands with

him as they left a White House press conference, and I think it is that

which makes her slightly vulnerable on this. These may be things put to

the audience tonight. With six days to go, just some thoughts on what

each of the leaders has in store tonight in terms of what they need

to do? I think they need to do the same thing. Firstly, they cannot

drop a terrible clanger! They are being put on the spot by members of

the public, by voters and being seen by millions of voters, including

undecided people, who have not made their minds up yet. The first goal

is not to get through unscathed, get through looking confident and

assured. Therefore, trying to send out a strong message to the public

that they are, in different ways, ready for the job. Of course,

particularly for Jeremy Corbyn who despite the more buoyant mood in

the Labour camps, for him and for Theresa May, the ideal scenario is

to put through a stellar performance that lifts the perception beyond

where it currently lies. The stakes are high for both of them

which is why they have been squirrelled away prepping with their

teams for most of the day. Thank you. That is on at 8:30pm on

BBC One, David Dimbleby will be chairing that Question Time special,

the audience is settling in with a little over two hours to go.

Looking forward to an interesting exchange when that happens. With

that, from York, let's get back to the studio. STUDIO: Thank you.

Police in Manchester have sent a bomb disposal unit into a street

near the university campus after finding a car they say

could prove to be a significant development in the investigation

Detectives are still trying to trace the movements of Salman Abedi before

he carried out the attack at Manchester Arena,

Today, Prince William visited the city to meet some of the injured

and the police officers who were first on the scene.

Our Home Affairs correspondent June Kelly reports.

A significant development in this terrorist investigation. It could

be, say the police. This afternoon, the bomb squad were back in an area

of South Manchester which has become a key location for detectives.

Salman Abedi is said to have been here.

Parked close to these trees is a white Nissan Micra, left here.

Today, the car became a focus for police. A chord and went up, and

people, including a lot of students, had to leave their homes. -- a

police cordon. This morning, police came rushing in, evacuating us from

the house, telling us there was a bomb scare. It was overwhelming. I

have exams in two days. I have left everything in their. It is affecting

my studies in a way. In the last couple of weeks, residents here have

grown used to the police tape and offices outside of their doors.

Detectives are trying to plot Salman Abedi's last days as he finalised

his plan to kill and injure scores of concertgoers. New images of him

have been released, as he moved around his home town, often with his

blue suitcase, knowing that he was soon going to die. There is still a

feeling of fullness in the city as it welcomes high-profile visitors.

Today, the Duke of Cambridge met a police officer, Michael Buckley, who

was off duty and tended to the injure -- injured while he tried to

find his own daughter. William said it was horrendous, and

away from the cameras, he made a private visit to see some of the

injured. Manchester is now preparing for this

weekend's benefit concert, where there will be stringent security.

The appeal is firstly to not drive here. Use the facilities that we

have put on for free. Secondly, do not bring a bag. If you

can avoid it, do not bring a bag as it will slow procedures down.

A massive security challenge for police on Sunday and a poignant

return for many concertgoers. And a reminder this afternoon of all

that has been lost, with the announcement that the inquest on the

victims will open one week today. June Kelly, BBC News, Manchester.

Final preparations are under way as Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn

prepare to face a Question Time audience tonight.

Why leading surgeons are warning that more and more patients

will have to wait for an operation for long periods

Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal had no trouble moving into

the fourth round of the French Open with a straight sets win

In the last few minutes it's just been announced that Leo Varadkar -

the son of an Indian immigrant and Ireland's

first openly gay minister - has been voted in as the new leader

of Fine Gael - the biggest party in Ireland's ruling coalition.

It means he will replace Enda Kenny as Taoiseach in the coming weeks.

Our Ireland correspondent Chris Buckler is in Dublin.

There are several stages of counts which have to take face in this

election for the new Fine Gael leadership. However, the first count

is in and we are expecting the final one to be announced in the next

matter of minutes. They believe they can re-energise them and supporters

say he is a very modern Taoiseach for a very modern Ireland. Leo

Varadkar's name has long been linked with leadership of Ireland.

Two years ago he came out as gay, ahead of a referendum on the

introduction of same-sex marriage in Ireland.

And he celebrated the yes vote on stage.

A moment for him both personally and politically.

It was a sign of change in what many still call Catholic Ireland.

Vadakar's father was an Indian immigrant,

a doctor who married an Irish nurse, and he made his name

in the difficult position of Health Minister.

Many of you knocking on doors in the local elections had to trip

over water meters to knock on doors to explain why the government had

taken a medical card away from their disabled child.

That will never happen under my leadership of Fine Gael.

But becoming Taoiseach brings new challenges.

Ireland's economy may have emerged from the time

of bank crises and bailouts, however, it is preparing for Brexit,

and with the UK a deeply important trading partner,

As Taoiseach, Enda Kenny worked to be seen as a friend

to the British government, on the EU side

But a Prime Minister of a different generation has been selected

The first Taoiseach to be gay and from an ethnic minority background.

British Airways says it's changing its advice to passengers

seeking expenses for last weekend's disruption - after an online form

told them to claim on their travel insurance in the first instance.

The company altered its stance after a complaint from

Some 75,000 passengers were stranded by the IT shutdown

At least seven people have been killed in the Afghan capital,

Kabul - during clashes between riot police and protesters.

It's the second day of demonstrations in the city

with people protesting about deteriorating security.

More than 90 people died and hundreds were wounded

Leading surgeons say the number of patients waiting more than six

months for treatment in England has nearly tripled

The Royal College of Surgeons is warning that growing numbers

of patients will have to wait for long periods

John has been waiting since last year for a back operation.

His job requires a lot of driving and he sometimes

Seven weeks ago, he told us how stressful it was.

I go to bed, I'm in pain, I wake up, I'm in pain.

But he still hasn't had the operation, and when we caught up

with him today, he told us even his consultant was amazed

He said I am now on the urgent list but I was on the urgent list

before so I take that with a pinch of salt.

The day that I get the notice for my operation, I'll be so happy.

The target for waiting times for routine surgery

in England is 18 weeks, but recently, NHS England said that

would be downgraded because of other urgent health service priorities.

The Royal College of Surgeons argues this will mean increasing numbers

The college, using NHS England data says around 126,000 people had

waited more than 26 weeks for nonurgent treatment in March,

up 180% on March 2013, a time when waiting time targets

The biggest increases were for dermatology,

ear, nose and throat and urology patients.

There are increasing numbers of emergency cases to be dealt with.

Many hospitals are struggling to find enough beds for patients

NHS England said the number of patients waiting more than a year

for treatment had fallen, and spending on routine surgery

But the Royal College of Surgeons argues more money is needed and none

of the political parties had set out clear plans at a deal

of the political parties had set out clear plans to deal

More on the election now and this time the view

from the Isle of Sheppey - a seaside destination tucked away

It has some of the most deprived areas in the UK.

At the last election people there voted Conservative

As part of a series from around the country our South East

political editor Helen Catt has sent this report.

# It's only a shanty in old shanty town...#

There are lots of coastal communities, which like

the Isle of Sheppey, have seen hard times,

but there aren't many which are also so physically isolated.

No one knows that better than Linda and her husband Mick.

Public transport here isn't great so she has to rely on

a community-run bus for a day at the shops. Good morning!

I have multiple sclerosis and if I didn't have this

When you see our situation, I don't think they understand

up at Westminster just what people like us go through at times.

Ukip has previously done well in places that feel ignored.

Here they came second in the last election.

Sheppey has lost a lot since its heyday,

People are really proud of this area, of its heritage,

but also pretty frustrated that they feel it

As soon Nigel Farage pulled out, it didn't exist.

Last time you voted Ukip, this time you are leaning towards labour.

A lot of people think that people who voted Ukip

I'm worry about Theresa becoming another Maggie Thatcher.

A few miles away is the seaside village of Leysdown.

We found other Ukip voters who aren't bothered the party

Because I like their policies and I like Farage as well.

On the big election, June the 8th I shall vote Conservative.

Ukip have set out and done what they set out to do

Whatever the Ukip were going to do, the Conservatives are doing now.

But while its politics might shift, what stays constant is Sheppey's

That is the thing that is nice about the island.

We are not wealthy, we're not destitute, we just jog along.

Although the Conservatives are expected to win again here,

there are certainly opportunities if any party can show it really

A bit of breaking news for you from Dublin. Just to let you know that

Leo Varadkar has won the vote to become the Fine Gael leader and

therefore Ireland's next Prime Minister. Time now for a look at the

weather. In the last few hours, talking about

showers, we have had some very nasty downpours, particularly across

south-eastern parts of the UK. Really powerful thunderstorms have

been developing with very heavy rain causing some flash flooding in

places. Across this portion of the country, East Anglia and ethics

northwards, north London Northwoods, we could seek further nasty weather.

Take it steady if you are travelling. Through the evening and

overnight these storms will die away. A few spits and spots of rain.

Western areas of the UK will have clear skies. It will be chilly in

the countryside. Here is Saturday, looking good for most of us. Lots of

sunny spells around. Clear blue skies in places. There will be a

sprinkling of showers here and there. Most of them across Scotland,

Northern Ireland and towards Wales and the West. If you have got a

barbecue planned, it is not looking bad for tomorrow afternoon and

evening. Sunday, a fairly similar day, more showers on the horizon.

Some affecting western parts of the UK. Temperatures typically around 17

or 18 degrees. It is all change for next week. Monday, we could see a

pretty nasty area of low pressure heading our way. There could be some

very heavy rain and strong winds. For the next few days we have a

relatively quiet weekend on the way. Then we are watching for the

potential of some very heavy rain and strong winds sometime on Monday.

With less than a week to go before the general election, Theresa May

and Jeremy Corbyn prepared to face a Question Time audience. You can

watch it on BBC One at 8:30pm.