18/04/2017 North West Tonight

general election to be held on June eight. And that is

Welcome to North West Tonight with Roger Johnson.

50 days and counting to a snap General Election -

the North West is the key political battle ground.

We'll have reaction from throughout the region.

Anthony Grainger's friend tells a court they were not

about to commit an armed robbery when police shot him dead.

Calls for a rethink over HS2, amid claims ancient woodlands could

We meet the world's best player, who's helping

For the third time in two years, we're about to face a major

vote which will shape the region's future.

June's impending General Election follows a similar vote in 2015

The northwest is the key battle ground, with more marginal

So what does it all mean for the region's MPs

and what are the implications for our exit from

We'll be hearing from Westminster shortly.

But first here's our political editor Nina Warhurst with more.

The Prime Minister calling an election to carry

through her Brexit plan rather than wait until it's over.

There are 72 constituencies in the northwest, and the northwest

There are five seats where there are less

I've been to Chester - Labour's closest marginal in the country.

Chester doesn't churn out the same old results. It swings. In 2015 to

Labour Party, who won games by 93 votes. Constituency don't have

lifelong loyalty to a party, but this time his mind is made up.

Theresa May. Why? Because besides Jeremy Corbyn has some very

admirable qualities, we need someone strong enough and has the

wherewithal to carry us forward in these challenging times. So you

think she can deliver a good Brexit? Yes, I do. Wade could the Jeremy

Corbyn factor frustrate MPs across the Northwest? Not according to the

chest and MP. I would like to think I have a reputation for treating my

constituents with respect. I have a good record. The Conservatives have

a shocking record in Chester. Chester's population is socially

diverse. Live outside the city centre and there are pockets of

poverty and deprivation. Beyond that are the rolling hills of Cheshire,

housing millionaires, and it is that mixed demographics that makes it...

Whoever wins the seats in This is Cheadle, along with Hazel

Grove swinging from Lib Dem too conservative in 2015. But they sit

in Stockport, a borough but chose to remain in the EU. Theresa May has

come down on a hard Brexit, we feel that is ruinous for the country, not

what people voted for. It gives us the opportunity to say to Theresa

May, you are going down the wrong route here, we need to do things

differently. Wade but it can cut both ways. Clifford thinks the Prime

Minister has a great, and she's getting his vote. I think she has a

lot of good things to say, and at the moment she doesn't have

opposition. But Ukip believes this election could go their way. After

all, 53% of referendum voters in the Northwest wants to leave the EU. The

North West voted to leave last year. 17.4 million people across the UK

voted to be. The only party they can trust to deliver Brexit, whether it

is in government or by putting pressure on the government, is Ukip.

If you live in Cheshire, Cheadle or most parts of the Northwest, the

coming for you and your votes. The clock is ticking. So, that was

Chester, Labour's tightest constituency in the country. And

here are the others. In 2015 the Conservatives

held on to Bury North And remember the surprise

when Esther McVey lost her Wirral West seat

to the Labour Party, that went against the

national picture and Labour held on to Barrow and Furness

but lost 5% of their vote. And Bolton West was one of the seats

where the Conservatives pinched a seat from Labour,

but only by 801 votes. Those were the marginals in a year

when the Liberal Democrats weren't performing well,

and Brexit hadn't happened. It's likely there will be

more seats this time Now, some of you have been in touch

with some other politics questions. Are we going ahead with

the mayoral elections, As we understand it,

the mayoral elections will still be Manchester City Council

will announce their decision In Cheshire, the Tories have a

majority of 800 over Labour. Earlier I spoke to the MP Graham Evans, and

asked him whether this was a U-turn by the Prime Minister, who said last

month there would be no slap snap election. We have to react to

changes. We need -- now slap election. Brexit needs a stable

government, and the country is unified with Brexit, but Parliament

isn't. If you look at what is going on with the Liberal Democrats, who

said they are going to put obstacles in the way all along with our

negotiation with Europe. Labour is all over the place and the Scottish

Nationalists are threatening to break up the United Kingdom, so it

is right for us to go to the country and give them the mandate. The right

thing to do is to vote for Theresa May and the Conservatives. Are you

worried that Remainers who are still unhappy about losing out on the

referendum will now take it out on the Conservatives at the ballot box?

That is a good question. The Liberal Democrats are making at their job to

do that. They want to undermine the government's case, the negotiation

with European friends, thorough Brexit that is good for Europe. Also

key is a good Brexit for a global Britain which can go forth into the

world and secure a future, a long-term future. We have to make

those long-term decisions, therefore we need to negotiate with the

backing of parliament. We do not have that at the moment, with those

negotiations. It is still a risky move. Are you concerned, you have a

small majority of just around 800? Thank you for reminding me, it is

806, those six votes are very important! It is it is in the

national interest, the Democrats, Labour Party in the SNP are trying

to undermine us at every move we make. But do you think that this

region in particular is ready for another election? We have had the

general election, the referendum, we have got mayoral elections in

Manchester and Liverpool, and this is well. There is a risk of election

fatigue? Well, we live in a democracy and you do not expect

governments to act without the consent of the people, so yes, I

hear what you're saying, but at the end of the day we need the mandate

from the people. If you want is to negotiate the best possible Brexit

deal from Europe, then we need this mandate, so we need to have a

general election so we have a strong and secure mandate from the British

people. The Weaver Vale MP. We will return to the general

election before the end of the programme.

The funeral has been held of a four-year-old girl,

who died after being knocked down in St Helens.

Violet-Grace Youens was killed and her grandmother seriously

injured, when they were struck by a car on Prescot Road last month.

Family and friends attending the funeral wore the colour violet

A 90-year-old man from Waterfoot in Lancashire is still missing,

after going sailing off the Welsh coast at the weekend.

Arthur Roy Taylor was last seen near Cardigan on Saturday morning.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have photographs or video

footage of the area on Saturday to contact them.

Two unexploded World War II mortar bombs have been

They were discovered on a remote track in the Sartfell

The site is being guarded by the Civil Defence.

An army bomb disposal team is due to travel to the island later this

A man who was with Anthony Grainger when police shot him has told

the Inquiry into what happened they were not there to carry

A public inquiry is trying to establish the circumstances

around the death of Mr Grainger who was shot dead in a car park

in Cheshire during an operation by Greater Manchester Police.

This from our social affairs correspondent Clare Fallon.

Over the last few weeks we have heard many versions of how this man

died. Today, at the enquiry into Anthony Grainger's death, we heard

this man's version. David Totten was in the same car, sitting next to

Anthony Grainger when police opened fire. Asked about why they were in

the car park at night in March 2012, with balaclavas on their heads, he

insisted the police theory was wrong, who said they were there to

carry out a robbery. He was asked about his history. In 2006 he was

the intended target of a shooting at a pub in Salford. He was injured but

survived. The gunmen themselves were shot dead. Given his evidence, David

Totten was quietly spoken, often asked to repeat himself or speak

more loudly. He told the enquiry he had been friends with Anthony

Grainger since they were children. Asked about the evening when his

friend was shot, he said they were in a stolen car together parked. He

described another car screeching in. He said as it stopped, or before it

stopped, I heard a bang, feeling shards of glass in my face. He was

asked by the lawyer for the Grainger family, before the shards of glass,

did you raise your hand so they were visible? The answer was no. Did

anybody shout show me your hands before the shards of glass? No. At

odds of the evidence of the police officer who officer who shot, who

insists he shouted a warning and says he was convinced Anthony

Grainger was reaching for a weapon when he fired. In fact, Anthony

Grainger was unarmed. The enquiry continues.

Some of the northwest's most beautiful ancient woodlands could be

wrecked by the HS2 high speed rail line.

That's according to the Woodland Trust, which is calling

for a rethink on the route which will link the West Midlands

Here's our Chief Reporter, Dave Guest.

It's an oasis of rural tranquillity that's bordered by a housing

This is officially classed as ancient woodland.

We know this is ancient woodland because it has been on the maps in

1600 A.D., so for more than 400 years. Anything particular about the

plants and wildlife? Yes, you get some ancient species. Here is wild

garlic and bluebell, which only found in ancient woodland. It is

important to preserve this because ancient woodland is irreplaceable.

It cannot be recreated. The tranquillity of this place could be

shattered with news that the HS2 high-speed rail link may cut across

the western fringes. This is one of five northwest

ancient woodlands which could be We only have 2% of the ancient

woodland left in the UK, so even a small losses very significant.

The possibility of HS2 passing through here has

That has been there since I was a child. I used to play in it, the

kids play in it. I don't think it is right. You go forward with

technology and look to the future. The woodland is lovely, but at the

end of the day you have got to move with the times. HS2 Ltd see theirs

is the most environmentally responsible major infrastructure

project the UK has ever seen. They say they are doing their best to

avoid ancient woodland wherever possible, and if that proves to be

impossible they will do their best to replace any trees that are lost.

Even though they will plant trees, you cannot recreate ancient

woodland, so they can plant thousands of trees but we will not

be able to replace this unique habitat. HS2 said there are

continuing to engage with the Woodland Trust, and no final

decisions about writs have been taken. -- no final decisions about

the route has been taken. Stuart Pollitt joins us now

with a look at the sport, and plenty of Football League

permutations to discuss Yes, no ups or downs confirmed yet,

but it's that time of the season when fans are checking tables,

looking at the fixtures. We'll start in The Championship,

where Sam Gallagher's towering header earned Blackburn a draw

against Bristol City. A win would have lifted Rovers out

of the relegation zone. With three games to go,

their place in the Championship remains precarious,

still a point from safety. Wigan meanwhile need

a football miracle to survive. In League One, there's

crucial action tonight with promotion-chasing Bolton

at home to relegation-threatened Full-match commentary

on BBC Radio Manchester from 8pm. Results elsewhere yesterday

prevented any Wanderers One of those results

was at Fleetwood, where The Cod Army pulled off another huge win,

1-0 over fellow promotion A look at the table shows

Fleetwood are now just a point behind Bolton,

but Wanderers do Both teams' remaining fixtures look

favourable against struggling teams so this battle could go down

to the wire. Things are tightening up

in League two as well, where Blackpool moved

into the play-off places yesterday. After missing one penalty,

they were awarded another at already-promoted Doncaster

in injury time, this That's the sort of good fortune

you need at this stage. Accrington Stanley also remain

in play-off contention after victory over Crawley made it

15 games unbeaten. Stanley are one of nine teams

who still have a chance of making Manchester City's women have made it

through to a Wembley cup They beat Liverpool 1-0 yesterday

in the FA Cup semi finals. Carli Lloyd was part

of the City side. The American has signed a short-term

deal with the club as she aims to help the Blues win five trophies

in nine months. If you're not an expert

in the women's game, then let me tell you,

getting Carli over In the women's game,

Carli Lloyd is as big as it gets. Scorer of a hat-trick

in a World Cup final. And now, helping Manchester City

to fight for trophies. This is a player not

used to second best. What would represent an achievement

for you? Winning everything. FA Cup, Champions League, Spring series, it

is all they for the taking. I believe in the script, we have the

players, and if we focus on us, we can get it done. Could this short

spell here be repeated? I'm not sure. I'm really enjoying it, the

facilities are world-class, the team, organisation, they have -- I

have nothing to complain about. It has been fantastic.

And her team-mates have enjoyed having Carli here.

What is it she can bring that you can learn from? Winner mentality.

She's very driven and I think she is very focused and spends most of her

time at the grand. But Carli has sampled some

of Manchester's charms. I live in the city centre so it is

great for me to pop out of my place and go and walk around the city. Do

you get time to yourself here? I do, but there are avid football fans who

spot you, but they are very respectful still.

spot you, but they are very respectful There is just one area of

life causing Carli trouble. Driving! Everything is opposite, the opposite

side of the road, the steering wheel, so I'm often getting in on

the left side, forgetting it is on the right side, but I'm getting used

to it. Football is the same, luckily! Young exactly, the same

game. And this born winner's hoping

for the same results she's used to. And City are next in action

in the semi-finals of the Champions League

against Lyon on Saturday. Finally from me, Super League,

and a blow for Wigan Warriors who look to have lost Jake Shorrocks

for the season with a knee injury On the field, St Helens kick

started their season yesterday with an eye-catching win

over in-form Castleford. A 20-point burst in the first half

helped Saints to a 26-22 success. So the football season will be all

over by the 8th of June, just to be sure?

Yes, in terms of club football. I cannot do all these permutations,

will they go up, will they go down? Hopefully someone who knows a little

more about all of this, here is our political editor. As you mentioned,

this region, the Northwest, Ruby is going to play a pivotal role in the

general election because of the number of marginal seats. Yes, it is

always pivotal. You always see the Prime Minister and Leader of the

Opposition campaigning in the North West because of the swing seats.

Chester has swung back and forth several times since 1997. There are

93 votes in that. Also because party loyalty is not as it once was. If

you are a traditional conservative but want to stay in the single

market, make due have your head turned by the Liberal Democrats? Or

if you are Liberal Democrat, but you are in tune with the Labour Party,

your vote could go that way. On top of that we are seeing more people

registering for the Green Party. Ukip say they will campaign

heartier. Some people say there is a election malaise because of the

mayoral vote is going on, but lots of people I spoke to feel very fired

up about politics at the moment. We could see turnout all up. To be

clear, you mentioned people registering for the Green Party. No

one should ever read into what your wedding! I did not know when I left

the house that this was going to happen! Yes, Theresa May should have

run you in advance to get your address sorted out! We will be

talking more about politics in the next 50 days. Almost as much as we

speak about the weather. It has been nice today. Easter

weekend was not great. Today was very nice. Most places saw some good

spells of sunshine. It started off cold and frosty, but our weather

watchers have captured the weather across the north-west. The cloud has

started to build, leading us into a cloudy night and eight. Looking at

the week ahead we have high pressure, which will benefit the

more southern parts of the country more than us. If you're looking for

rain, and some people are, from time to time we will see some sprinkles

but not more than that. Over this evening and overnight, at the minute

it is quite a bit of cloud cover around. I think it will come and go

as the night goes on. It will not be a blanket of cloud cover, but last

night was chilly with some frost in a few places. Tonight the

temperatures are better, with a better wind direction bringing

mildly, so the role not be frost tomorrow morning. You will be

unlucky enough to see some rain in the Isle of Man and Cumbria. In the

early hours of this morning it will start to work its way in. For most

of us they've is cloud cover, and it is a very quiet and eight. No frost

tonight, we're talking about six or 7 degrees. Then be going to

tomorrow, and if you're really unlucky, spots of drizzle and

training. For most of us it is a quiet picture, much cloudier than we

saw today. What you see outside your window just now will be

representative of tomorrow. For the most part a lot of the rain will be

in the Irish Sea. I am afraid the Isle of Man has the poorest weather

across the region, but from time to time it might dry up. The rain is

not massive. The breezes coming from the south and eventually from the

West, but less than ten miles an hour for most of us. Tomorrow, the

temperatures without any sunshine will be similar than today, 11 or 12

degrees. Tomorrow night it is very mild indeed, eight and nine. A few

sprinkles of rain, and the outlook for the next couple of days, it is

relatively quiet, with quite a bit of cloud cover.

Those of you who enjoy a Tuesday evening, this is a special mate.

I will have the late news, but it may be on a little later with a

north-west mayoral debate on BBC One, around 11pm tonight.

I hope you get some supper at some point!

You could bring me something in!