this is bbc news. the headlines: in his first major speech of the uk election campaign, the labour leader, sir keir starmer, says his party will deliver security and stability. we will also provide the certainty that working people, businesses and communities need. a clear direction, not the endless spinning around that successive tory governments have subjected us all to. french president emmanuel macron is in germany as the first official state visit to the country in 2a years. he is expected to deliver a major speech on the continent's future. rescue crews in texas say they've

witnessed an unprecedented rate of drownings as more people are trying to make a deadly river crossing over the borderfrom mexico. south africa has seen much less electricity blackouts in the last few months, but some people say it could be an attempt to buy more votes for the upcoming general election. let's get more on the uk election campaign, now in its first full week. in his first major speech of the campaign, the labour leader, sir keir starmer, targeted undecided voters, five—and—a—half weeks before the country goes to the polls. let's speak to david dunn, professor of international politics at the university of birmingham. thank you forjoining us. the focus on stability and security is not new and there wasn't very much new here, yet it was billed as a relaunch of

sir keir starmer�*s campaign messages. sir keir starmer's campaign messages-_ sir keir starmer's campaign messages. sir keir starmer's campaign messaues. ~ , ~ ., ., messages. absolutely. what we are seeinu is messages. absolutely. what we are seeing is both _ messages. absolutely. what we are seeing is both major— messages. absolutely. what we are seeing is both major parties - messages. absolutely. what we are seeing is both major parties trying l seeing is both major parties trying not to talk about things they don't want to talk about. the conservatives are not wanting to talk about their record of the last 14 talk about their record of the last 1a years, so they are trying to talk about the future, security threats and the like and trying to shape the agenda there. both parties don't want to talk about brexit, the top of that dominated the last two elections in the uk is newer to be seenin elections in the uk is newer to be seen in any of their statements, it is like it doesn't exist. michael heseltine was talking about this being the most important issue in terms of trade, security and immigration, but neither party wants to talk about it.—

to talk about it. labour was talking about votes _ to talk about it. labour was talking about votes for _ to talk about it. labour was talking about votes for 16-year-olds, - to talk about it. labour was talking about votes for 16-year-olds, you | about votes for 16—year—olds, you might say that a fairly trivial issue when it comes to the economy and the state of public services, is that because the manifestos have not been published? both parties are working desperately on their manifestos and we will see some specifics there, we will see a different, shorter and more general sort of prospectus coming forward from both parties because last time round jeremy corbyn was criticised for putting too much detail in the manifesto and that seem to cost him votes. �* ., , ., , ., votes. both parties are trying to kee this votes. both parties are trying to keep this as _ votes. both parties are trying to keep this as general— votes. both parties are trying to keep this as general as - votes. both parties are trying to keep this as general as possible j votes. both parties are trying to - keep this as general as possible and things like the 16—year—olds, it is cheap to give the vote to them, there is no cost there. rishi sunak�*s plan for national security doesn't seem to have been well

worked out and it is pushed into the long grass with the royal commission being set up. it is only a tiny proportion of the number of 18 euros who would be called international service. it seems more of a headline than substantive policy.— than substantive policy. thank you so much for _ than substantive policy. thank you so much for your _ than substantive policy. thank you so much for your time _ than substantive policy. thank you so much for your time today. - let me take you live to dresden in germany, where french president emmanuel macron and his wife, brigitte, are due to arrive shortly at moritzburg castle on day two of the first official state vist for 2h years. while in dresden, mr macron is due to deliver a major speech discussing the continent's future. earlier, he commemorated victims of the holocaust in berlin. he was welcomed with full military honours and a state banquet on sunday. shortly after arriving, he warned of the dangers of the far—right in europe today and said democracy was under threat. live now to berlin and our

correspondent damien mcguinness. it is extraordinary that there has not been a state visit for almost two decades. not been a state visit for almost two decades-— two decades. why is that? yes, emmanuel _ two decades. why is that? yes, emmanuel macron _ two decades. why is that? yes, emmanuel macron has - two decades. why is that? yes, emmanuel macron has visited l two decades. why is that? yes, - emmanuel macron has visited germany a lot over the last few years, three times just this year alone, but the state visit are rare events. these are huge big set pieces. 20 years agojacques chirac was french president, gerhard schroeder was the chancellor. they are constantly in dialogue. that dialogue has been slightly strained because of 0laf scholz and emmanuel macron have very different positions on key policy issues. what we are seeing today is an issue that is laden with historic symbolism. this morning a visit to the holocaust memorial in berlin, then onto dresden, which was largely destroyed by allied bombings, giving a speech to young people from

germany and europe in front of the reconstructed church of our lady, which was almost completely destroyed in the war then rebuilt. this is a real reminderfor emmanuel macron of the importance of the eu as a peace process —— peace project. what he is trying to say is that the eu is all about peace. he is not just talking about history, also modern day politics. he is connecting that to the european parliament election in two weeks' time and he is sent to young people, voters in general in germany, that you have to go out and vote because the far right could then be in danger of taking over. on one hand were historical symbolism, on the other hand some pretty explicit political messages about the

upcoming elections this year. haifa upcoming elections this year. how close are the _ upcoming elections this year. how close are the french _ upcoming elections this year. how close are the french and german leaders? 0n ukraine date seem to be on slightly different positions. absolutely. 0n the one hand both leaders are very adamant about their support for ukraine. both militarily and politically. germany gives a lot of money to military support for ukraine, it is the largest owner of military aid in the world behind the us. the two leaders have very different positions. emmanuel macron has become increasingly hawkish on russia. he said a number of statements recently which germany does not agree with, including not sending out nato troops to ukraine. france has allowed long—range missiles to ukraine and emmanuel macron has talked about along ukraine to target military targets in russia with western weapons.

those three things are ruled out specifically by 0laf scholz. he says thatis specifically by 0laf scholz. he says that is a nonstarter. he said again yesterday that he did not agree that western weapons should be used to target russian military targets. he is in an election campaign and he is portraying himself as the piece chancellor, as he calls it. we also have key regional state elections in germany and next year we have a national election. that is where we have this election campaign here in germany and emmanuel machen wants to talk tough to fight off the far right in france. so domestic issues are playing into this ukraine issue, as well. ., ., are playing into this ukraine issue, as well. ., ~ , ., a cancer charity is warning people to do more to protect themselves from the sun as the number of melanoma skin cancer cases in the uk continues to rise. cancer research uk predicts

there will be a record 20,800 cases diagnosed this year, up from a yearly average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022. cancer research uk says been a particularly large increase among older people, as chi chi izundu reports. going to take a locating photograph. these are just some of the examples of what melanoma skin cancer can look like. and according to cancer research uk, the number of cases of this serious and often most dangerous form of the disease is on the rise. rates of melanoma have increased by almost a third over a decade, from 21 to 28 per 100,000 people between 2007 and 2009 and 2017 and 2019. it's more common in the elderly. among those aged over 80, there was a 57% rise, while amongst those aged 25 to a9, there was a 7% increase. 17,000 melanoma cases every

year are preventable, with almost nine in ten caused by too much ultraviolet radiation. and one source of that uv radiation comes from the sun, damaging skin cells and causing cancer. we think that there are a few different reasons for this record high of melanoma skin cancer cases. the main one being too much exposure to ultraviolet or uv radiation from the sun and sunbeds, which is why it's so important to take care in the sun. but there are other factors at play as well. here in the uk we have an ageing population and age is a big risk factor for cancer. we also have a growing population, so when we have more people we're going to see more cases. another reason the figures are up is because people are getting better at spotting abnormalities and going to the gp. last month, experts revealed a game changing jab is being trialled on british patients,

which has dramatically reduced the risk of melanoma returning. but prevention is key. in order to stay safe, apply generously high factor sunscreen often, cover up and avoid the sun between 11 and three. chi chi izundu, bbc news. let's speak to michelle baker, chief executive of the melanoma fund. thank you forjoining us. why do you think it is increasing? we have heard some of the reasons there. what about younger people, what is the rates of melanoma you're saying at that end of the population? weill. at that end of the population? well, obviously with _ at that end of the population? well, obviously with young _ at that end of the population? -ii obviously with young people the message is getting through and that is clear in this research that we have done, revealing that 80% more young people are aware of the sun now, they are aware of the messages

they don't go out and lie on the beachis they don't go out and lie on the beach is the way we used to do, but seeing a rise of 7% still in young people means there is still more to be done, and that is changing our perceptions of sun protection, not just saving it for the beach, which unfortunately many people do. for those of us lucky enough to live in wonderful england, or the uk, we love the chance to go outside but it doesn't happen very much. we are so drawn traits, desperate fought their we threw caution to the wind. absolutely. there are a lot of names and jokes on the internet that this sun comes out and everybody runs out and lays there. getting outside is fantastic and we as a charity we say that, we raise awareness of some protection in sport. however, you have to realise that your focus on

getting a tan has to change. although that time looks good for a few days, left with the residue of ageing, age spots, potentially higher chance of getting skin cancer. this idea of planning needs to be left behind. we need to protect our skin. 0bviously get out there and do it nakedly, if there is such a word! fin there and do it nakedly, if there is such a word!— there and do it nakedly, if there is such a word! ., ., ., , , such a word! on an average sunny day here, the such a word! on an average sunny day here. the sun — such a word! on an average sunny day here, the sun often _ such a word! on an average sunny day here, the sun often doesn't _ such a word! on an average sunny day here, the sun often doesn't feel- here, the sun often doesn't feel burning hot. if here, the sun often doesn't feel burning hot-— burning hot. if the weather is overcast. _ burning hot. if the weather is overcast, the _ burning hot. if the weather is overcast, the best _ burning hot. if the weather is overcast, the best way - burning hot. if the weather is overcast, the best way to - burning hot. if the weather is l overcast, the best way to judge burning hot. if the weather is - overcast, the best way to judge if you needs to wear protection, you can look at the weather app to see what the youthe indexes. if it is that three or over the sun can burn

you. even on an overcast day you can feel the heat of the sun, but uv rays, jack actually can feel them, so the sun is not getting through, but the uv rays are getting through. if it is three or over make sure you put on sunscreen and cover—up of clothing. put on sunscreen and cover-up of clothinu. , ., ., ., . ., ~ clothing. very good advice. thank ou so clothing. very good advice. thank you so much _ clothing. very good advice. thank you so much for— clothing. very good advice. thank you so much for your _ clothing. very good advice. thank you so much for your time. - around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news.

the fbi has been investigating the sale of hundreds of treasures that the british museum says were stolen. the museum said up to 2,000 or its artefacts have been damaged or stolen from its storerooms and sold on ebay. it suspects dr peter higgs, a senior curator at the iconic london tourist attraction, of being involved in the items' disappearance. dr higgs has denied any wrongdoing and the police are investigating. our culture and media

editor, katie razzall, has been investigating what happened for a new documentary out tonight called thief at the british museum. danish antiquities dealer ittai gradel is the man who first warned the british museum that an insider was stealing its treasures. three pieces i am bringing back to the museum. he'd bought these ancient gems and hundreds of others in good faith. but when he realised they may be stolen, and tried to raise the alarm, the museum brushed him off. these items were sold for such measly amounts that this suggested to me that what i'd discovered was only the tip of a much larger iceberg. eventually, one of its senior curators, peter higgs, was sacked. he denies any wrongdoing, and the police are still investigating. we've been hunting down artefacts the british museum says have disappeared. we've discovered that two gems were unwittingly put on display at another museum in germany. we've also established that around

260 ended up in washington, dc — the fbi has been investigating. but many of the objects hadn't been catalogued, which means the museum hasn't yet been able to prove they were actually stolen. it's since begun to register all its objects, and has improved security. the truth is, mistakes were made. but i think in life it's how you respond to those mistakes that matters. the museum today — a couple of years on — as a result of this saga, i think is much more open, much more transparent. of the 1,500 items it believes were taken, the british museum has got back almost half. but others — including ancient gold jewellery and other treasures missing from its collection — will likely never be found. katie razzall, bbc news. you get hear more about the inside story of how ancient treasures disappeared from one

of the world's most famous museums and how one man believes he uncovered a thief in our podcast series on bbc sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. south africans have had to live with an unreliable energy grid for years. scheduled blackouts have already cost the country thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in lost business, but in the last few months something has changed. the country has experienced an unusually steady supply of electricity. as south africans prepare to vote in a general election, some critics believe this could be simple electioneering, but others believe that south africa's energy problem is being fixed for good. the bbc�*s nomsa maseko reports. this power station is one of south africa's many power plants that are coming back online to help minimise the country's electricity crisis. this is a move the government hopes will lessen rolling blackouts, which have crippled the economy and forced south africans to turn to alternatives. all of these efforts

are orchestrated. there's nothing sudden about what you are seeing today. and, in fact, the picture looks even exceptionally better. what is it? i'm happy to say to the country as i stand before you today the energy availability effect of eskom has breached the 70% mark. at 70.78. that's significant. the last time we achieved this was in august 2021. but many people are sceptical. they believe the current reprieve from rolling blackouts is a campaign gimmick by the governing anc to get votes. i do think it might be a ploy for the votes because it is odd that the timing as well of the load shedding. we had had problems before, but now all of a sudden it's better. i think once the elections come, we will see if that was the true

standard of our electricity or is itjust a ploy? i live in constant fear of when it's coming back and what will that mean for us. because now everything is sort of back to normal—ish. like everybody else in south africa, it is affected us so badly. _ i mean, we had to lose many stuff around it, l but we still have hope that one day it will get better here. _ the impact of the power cuts have been felt across the board, including massive job losses and in some cases it has become a matter of life and death, with many health workers lamenting its effects on their ability to look after patients. when the electricity goes down, you've got newborn babies in incubators who need to be kept warm, etc.. and you would have the junior nurses and the junior doctors run into pediatric ward to actually hold the babies and keep the babies warm because

the incubators aren't working. 0pposition parties have taken the government to court to force the country's power utility, eskom, to ensure that hospitals, police stations and schools are exempted from power cuts. but the government is opposing this move. south africans hope that that particular instance in our democracy, you know, has awakened us to saying that we need to get rid of this government, we need a new government which are going to care for our people, a government that is going to prioritise, you know, the welfare of our people, the social welfare and social justice in our society. research shows that unemployment, power cuts, corruption and crime will be top of mind for millions of south africans as they cast their ballots. let's speak to our news correspondent catherine byaru hanga

how much will this be a debate on how people vote? aha, how much will this be a debate on how people vote?— how much will this be a debate on how people vote? a key issue here is the record of— how people vote? a key issue here is the record of the _ how people vote? a key issue here is the record of the anc— how people vote? a key issue here is the record of the anc over _ how people vote? a key issue here is the record of the anc over the - how people vote? a key issue here is the record of the anc over the past l the record of the anc over the past 30 years it has been in power. another issue is poverty. i am speaking to you from soweto, one of the poorest areas injohannesburg. nothing has really changed over the last three decades here. people are still facing shortages of water, electricity and even sanitation. this is the clip time youth programme, set up 17 years ago to provide services to young people. we are joined provide services to young people. we arejoined by provide services to young people. we are joined by the executive director of the programme. thank you for joining us on bbc news. why do you think nothing has changed here over the past 30 years? goad think nothing has changed here over the past 30 years?— the past 30 years? good afternoon.

unfortunately. _ the past 30 years? good afternoon. unfortunately, we _ the past 30 years? good afternoon. unfortunately, we are _ the past 30 years? good afternoon. unfortunately, we are very - the past 30 years? good afternoon. unfortunately, we are very short . the past 30 years? good afternoon. unfortunately, we are very short in | unfortunately, we are very short in the community. nothing much has changed — the community. nothing much has changed. for many people around here it has— changed. for many people around here it has made _ changed. for many people around here it has made it difficult to celebrate these 30 years of democracy. i haven't seen much willingness on the change of mindset because _ willingness on the change of mindset because our countries does have enough — because our countries does have enough resources for all of us that it is sad _ enough resources for all of us that it is sad to — enough resources for all of us that it is sad to see so many people living _ it is sad to see so many people living in— it is sad to see so many people living in such poverty.- it is sad to see so many people living in such poverty. thank you forjoining _ living in such poverty. thank you forjoining us— living in such poverty. thank you forjoining us on _ living in such poverty. thank you forjoining us on bbc— living in such poverty. thank you forjoining us on bbc news. - living in such poverty. thank you | forjoining us on bbc news. south africans will be going to the polls on wednesday. there is the prospect of the anc losing its majority in these elections. as well as poverty being a big issue, we are talking about health care. south africans faced the prospect of waiting for up to six hours in order to see a medical practitioner. 0n to six hours in order to see a medical practitioner. on top of that there is now pressure coming from different parties that formerly used to be part of the anc. 0thers

different parties that formerly used to be part of the anc. others are challenging the dominance of the anc and there is the prospect for the first time that south africans here could see themselves being under a coalition, something that hasn't happened in the last three decades of democracy here in south africa. a keenly—watching sporting event is taking place in south—west england attracting competitors from all over the world. it's the annual cheese—rolling competition in gloucestershire, which sees contestants throwing themselves down a very steep hill, chasing a wheel of double gloucester cheese. it is going on all day. we will

bring you all the very latest as soon as we are back in the next hour! hello. it's a bank holiday monday of sunshine and showers, but as we go through the afternoon, the heaviest, most persistent showers likely to be across eastern scotland. and you can see rather threatening looking skies in edinburgh just a few hours ago. this has been the shower distribution so far. most frequent showers across the far north, fewer showers, but most of those out to the west. but some of them are starting to push further inland. and for the remainder of the afternoon, it's sunny spells and scattered showers almost anywhere, but the heaviest, most frequent, with maybe the odd rumble of thunder across eastern scotland. lighter winds here. so if you get some showers, they could be slow moving, slightly brisker winds, particularly on exposed south coast. that should help push those showers through at quite a pace. and top temperatures today between 16 and 18 degrees. and if you dodge the showers and keep some sunshine with a little shelter, it'll still feel quite pleasant.

now, clearer skies across the far north—east through the night, but cloud and rain gathers out to the west. so that means it's going to be a wet but mild start to tuesday. clearer skies, a chillier start for the north and east, but at least you will have some early morning sunshine. it's not expected to last. the rain will push in from the west some heavier bursts as it gradually drifts its way north and east. and even once the rain eases away, it'll be a case of sunny spells and scattered showers following on behind. again, temperatures peaking at around 18 degrees. moving out of tuesday into wednesday, still low pressure dominating the story as these frontal system sweep their way steadily eastwards. and as we go through the day on wednesday with the front to clear the most frequent showers look likely to be along exposed east coasts, particularly as we go through the afternoon. a light north—westerly wind, a little more shelter, the drier, brighter weather out to the west, but temperatures a little bit subdued for this time of year.

again, we're looking at highs of 15 to 18 degrees, maybe 19, if we're lucky, in the south—east. now, that low pressure will push away. as we head towards the weekend, high pressure is going to build in and quieten things down really quite considerably. so as we look further ahead, there is some welcome news. as we move into the new month ofjune. it looks likely to dry up, brighoten up and fingers crossed warm up to.

today at one — the labour leader makes his first big speech of the election campaign. sir keir starmer appeals to undecided voters and says they can trust labour because it's changed. has labour changed enough? do i trust them with my money, our borders, our security? my answer is yes, you can, because i've changed this party permanently. applause. also on the programme this lunchtime... dozens of people are dead as fire rips through a refugee camp in gaza after an israeli air strike. warnings that people need to be better protected from the sun after predictions of a big rise in melanoma skin cancer.