you _ you have any preference who succeeds leo varadkar?— leo varadkar?sked myself to stay behind _ the taoiseach asked myself to stay behind and so he briefed us in terms of his— behind and so he briefed us in terms of his plans — behind and so he briefed us in terms of his plans and he told us what he intended _ of his plans and he told us what he intended to — of his plans and he told us what he intended to do. i was surprised, very— intended to do. i was surprised, very surprised. as i said, i had a very— very surprised. as i said, i had a very good — very surprised. as i said, i had a very good relationship with leo varadkar~ — very good relationship with leo varadkar. the three party leaders have _ varadkar. the three party leaders have always been in a position to resolve _ have always been in a position to resolve any— have always been in a position to resolve any policy differences. we had a _ resolve any policy differences. we had a good process updating each other— had a good process updating each other and — had a good process updating each ot

the irish prime minister leo varadkar announces he's going to step down. politicians are human beings and we have our limitations. we give it everything until we can't any more, and then we have to move on. and baseball sensation shohei ohtani has made his regular season debut with the la dodgers in seoul, sending his fans into a frenzy. live from our studio in singapore. this is bbc news. it's newsday. welcome to bbc news — broadcasting to viewers in the uk and around the world. let's start this hour in sudan, where the conflict is described as the war the world forgot. civilians caught up in the country's civil war share graphic accounts to the bbc of rape, ethnic violence and street executions at the hands of the paramilitary group rsf. we will shortly show you first hand testimonies— you first hand testimonies — but before that, top united nations officials met today, saying the war has plunged the country into "one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history". edem wosornu, director of operations and advocacy at the un office for the coordi

well, rather suddenly, three days ago, leo varadkar and he was | days ago, leo varadkar and he was steppingeach for personal reasons, and taoiseach for personal reasons, a sequence of events moving towards his replacement, and when he was replaced next month he will have much to do. in ireland at the moment, right at the top of the political agenda is a housing crisis. he will have to address that, and there are other issues abroad, and notably with our olympus my closest neighbour, britain, he will be working with the british government and british prime minister, not least regarding the institutions in northern ireland just recently restored. when simon harris is elected as the next and youngest feminist of ireland on the 9th of april he will have much to do. ~ . . ., 9th of april he will have much to do. ~ . ., ., ., ~ do. much ado indeed, kevin, thank ou ve do. much ado indeed, kevin, thank you very much- _ much more that on their website and the app. now it's time for a look at today's sport with gavin ramjaun. a shock in formula one, as max verstappen failed in his attempt to equal hi

ireland, and will replace leo varadkar-— ireland, and will replace leo varadkar. , ., ,, varadkar.enges _ varadkar. he said in his address that challenges never— varadkar. he said in his address that challenges never go - varadkar. he said in his address that challenges never go away, | varadkar. he said in his address - that challenges never go away, they just change. what challenges does he face as he goes to become prime minister? he face as he goes to become prime minister? ., , face as he goes to become prime minister? . , ., , ., minister? he has quite a number of domestic challenges, _ minister? he has quite a number of domestic challenges, not _ minister? he has quite a number of domestic challenges, not least - minister? he has quite a number of domestic challenges, not least a i domestic challenges, not least a growing housing crisis in the country, and there is also a fairly recent migration crisis emerging, so there are two big centrepieces that they will have to address during his premiership when he becomes taoiseach next month. and also he has been speaking today to

leo varadkar who has announced he is standing down as irish prime minister.director genral of the bbc, has appeared before the culture, media and sport committee to answer questions about the corporations impartiatlity. during the hearing, he was asked about social media posts by staff that appeared to suggest support for hamas. some of those tweets that we've seen are unacceptable and we have taken action and we will continue to take action. now, whether i can commit to you it will never happen again, of course not. but we are robust and i think we're doing the fair thing. we're acting fairly and judiciously. and it's not easy. i mean, you're seeing it around the world. every news organisation, every cultural institution, as you know, is under enormous pressure. political institutions. this is enormously fraught. but the bbc, i think, is steering the course. and the answer to your question is, we don't want to see that. and when we see it, we will take action and look at the appropriate sanction, that will not always be leaving the bbc. it might be the vario

and as are people like leo varadkar might seem to think. but it's very interesting what you were saying earlier . we what you were saying earlier. we were chatting in the break about how the governments across the world seem to get it so wrong when it comes to referendums. they completely misjudged the pubuc they completely misjudged the public brexit, not least public mood. brexit, not least brexit, not least the government of course, they would of course, thought they would easily of course, thought they would eas but also of course, thought they would easbut also in october do >> but also in october 2023. do you the australian you remember the australian referendum on setting up a parliament? not quite a parliament, but a voice, they called it, for the aboriginal community. >> all the opinion polls said they were going to win by huge margins the day of the vote. >> they lost. it happens time and time again. >> do know what i think? >> do you know what i think? >> do you know what i think? >> should more >> should we have more referendums

today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkar for his dedicated service. opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately, it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly among young people. ifeel like everyone in ireland is struggling at the moment, like, with the housing crisis, cost of living. there's not one person we'd speak to who actually like the government that's in now. you think, like, you're going to be living with your parents until 40 years of age, like, you know what i mean? like, you don't want to be living there. you want to go out and be independent. the republic of ireland has witnessed much change dur

the irish prime minister leo varadkar speaking _ work.peaking there. - now it is of course hollywood's big night on sunday with the oscars. but before that we've had the razzies. they name and shame the year's worst films. the organisers describe the awards as the "ugly cousin to the oscars". so what won worst film? this is the moment it was announced. winner of the razzie award for picture is... winnie—the—pooh: blood and honey. well if winnie the pooh: blood and honey wasn't on your watching list, our culture correspondent charlotte gallagher is here to explain more. what is the film about? it is about winnie the pooh _ what is the film about? it is about winnie the pooh and _ what is the film about? it is about winnie the pooh and essentially i what is the film about? it is about winnie the pooh and essentially it| winnie the pooh and essentially it is winnie the pooh and his friends taking their revenge on christopher robin, their old friend, if they feel has abandoned them and it is a slasher kind of flick, essentially the copyright

leo varadkar has previously said that he would retire from politics by the age of 50.own at the age of a5. a general election in the republic of ireland must be called by next spring. today's announcement doesn't change that, but we do know that when it happens, it will be without leo varadkar n ireland's top politicaljob. now a new to macon and new leader of fine gael will be appointed in the next few weeks —— a new taoiseach. and you can follow continuing coverage of the resignation of the irish taoiseach, live with bbc news on iplayer. an investigation has reportedly begun at the clinic in london which treated the princess of wales over claims staff tried to access her private medical records. the daily mirror alleges at least one staff member at the london clinic in marylebone was involved. the chief executive of the london clinic says: "all appropriate investigatory, regulatory and disciplinary steps will be taken" when looking at alleged data breaches. here's our royal correspondent, jonny dymond. privacy and the princess — the mirror makes a splash with a story

leo varadkar�*s appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history—making.ter, the first from an ethnic background and the first gay leader. his appointment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same—sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describing him as a sharp shooter and straight talker. today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkar for his dedicated service. but political opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately, it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly

pa rt part of the statement in the last couple of hours from leo varadkar.ed now by a correspondent from the irish times. this is described as a political earthquake, it was a very emotional statement at times. what is the reaction there? yes, the reaction basically is shock, i think leo varadkar has taken his coalition colleagues very much by surprise with this announcement, not to mention memos of the press who did not expect this, this morning, this was supposed to be a very quiet political week. and leo varadkar, he appeared outside government buildings, he spoke about how he has both personal and political reasons for stepping down as the leader of fine gael, and when he talked about some of the personal reasons, he did not get too deep into it but he did basically indicate there is talk of, we are all human as politicians, we all have our limits, and i think maybe he was referring to the pressure that is on modern politicians now, whether that be online, through social media, and then of course he referenced political reasons which i believe probably i

previously leo varadkar had said that he would retire from politics before the age of 50.ing the middle east to bolster international efforts to secure a truce in gaza as the threat of famine looms. antony blinken has been meeting the saudi leadership injeddah on his first stop. saudi arabia has announced it will donate 40 million dollars to the un agency for palestinian refugees. mr blinken will also travel to egypt where he will meet arab foreign ministers and he will also go to israel. mr blinken's visit comes after he warned that gaza's population is starving — saying that its two million people are experiencing "severe levels of acute food insecurity". today, the uk's largest delivery of aid to gaza has crossed the border and is being distributed by the world food programme. a full uk field hospital has also been set up in the territory. meanwhile israel's prime minister benjamin netanyahu says that preparations are under way for the invasion of rafah in the southern gaza stripjames elder , a spokesperson for the children's charity unicef , gave details from gaza in t

the irish prime minister leo varadkar announces he's going to step down.e give it everything until we can't anymore. and then we have to move on. i'm caitriona perry in washington and i've been covering irish politics for decades following leo varadkar from his earliest days through to last week when he met with presidentjoe biden here in washington. millions of people in sudan are at risk of disease and starvation in what's described as a war the world's forgotten. we have a special bbc report. the uk's largest delivery of aid arrives in gaza as america's top diplomat visits saudi arabia amid a renewed diplomatic push. the london hospital which treated the princess of wales says it will investigate after reports that staff tried to access her private medical records. and who will be picked in the draft for the hundred? we have the latest. hello, i'm matthew amroliwala, welcome to verified live, three hours of breaking stories, and checking out the truth behind them. and checking out we start in ireland where the prime minister leo vardkar has resigned. in

the irish prime minister leo varadkar speaking there.an asif ali zardari has been elected as the president of the country for a second time. the pakistan people's party leader defeated his rival mahmood khan achakzai, an ally of the jailed former prime minister imran khan. members of newly elected national and provincial assemblies voted in the presidential poll. mr zardari was nominated for the post under a coalition deal between his party and their historic rivals, the pakistan muslim league — nawaz. our correspondent saher baloch who is in islamabad, sent us the latest following the result. asif ali zardari has been elected as the president of pakistan and what is interesting to note, during his time in 2010, when he amended the constitution in order to limit and curtail the powers of the president, this was also done to limit the military interventions in pakistan, so he willjoin parliament as the president who has limited powers. i spoke with some of his political friends and some of the politicians and most of them think it is goin

i suppose most. people weren't surprised that leo varadkar is stepping out of politics, it is somethingalled, saying, he is only 45 now but he did not think that he saw a career in politics for himself beyond the age of 50. i suppose it is the timing which is the shock parts to it. he left here on sunday night after several glorious days, as they would be perceived, spent with the great and good of washington dc, including meetings over three separate days with the us presidentjoe biden, and so the timing of the, kind of having that last glory moment, was come as a surprise to people. obviously there were two referendums held in ireland in the last couple of weeks which the government lost both of those, there are local and european elections coming up in ireland at the beginning ofjune and fine gael, leo varadkar�*s party, is not doing well in the polls. so there is a sense i suppose of all the lines lining up at this point, that this is a good moment to go on a high without further electoral feats. as to what comes next for him, well, we don't know. he said in his speech that there wa

she's followed leo varadkar since his early days, and gave us her reaction. it is the timing which is the shock part to it. he left here on sunday night after several glorious days, as they would be perceived, spent with the great and good of washington dc, including meetings over three separate days with the us presidentjoe biden, and so the timing of that, kind of having that last glory moment, would come as a surprise to people. obviously there were two referendums held in ireland in the last couple of weeks which the government lost both of those, there are local and european elections coming up in ireland at the beginning ofjune and fine gael, leo varadkar�*s party, is not doing well in the polls. so there is a sense i suppose of all the lines lining up at this point, that this is a good moment to go on a high without further electoral defeats. as to what comes next for him, well, we don't know. he said in his speech that there was no secret reason for this and he thought people might speculate about that, but that he just felt that it was better for the

he was the only nominee, but it was quite apparent from last week — as soon as leo varadkar, the currente was only one person in the race to beat. so he will go on to become prime minister, but some are asking, why no general election? how does the coalition work in ireland? yeah, so a bit like in the uk. a parliament is elected with a five—year mandate, and within that time period, you form a government off the basis of having a majority within the parliament. and the current coalition government, it's a three—party government, it retains a comfortable enough majority within the parliament, so they will be changing the prime minister. so this is a bit similar to the manner in which in the uk, in westminster, you've had a number of changes of prime minister — too many, one would argue — in recent years, and it hasn't precipitated a general election. so, we are due to have a general election under our constitution by march, at the latest, of next year. and simon harris, as taoiseach, will now see out that term in office. here in the uk, the chancellor has confirmed that the conservatives

leo varadkar�*s appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history—making.r, the first from an ethnic background and the first gay leader. his appointment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same—sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describing him as a sharp shooter and straight talker. today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkarfor his dedicated service. but political opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately, it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly amo

plus leo varadkar stands down. will that will that spell a brexit party style political referendum over the irish sea turns to get through? please get in touch all the usual ways. vaiews@gbnews.com. but before all of that, it's time for your latest news headlines with sophia jonathan vautrey . sophia wenzler jonathan vautrey. >> thanks, martin. good afternoon. it's 3:01. i'm sophia wenzler in the gb newsroom . some wenzler in the gb newsroom. some breaking news gb news can reveal a migrant has been stabbed on a small boat attempting to cross the english channel today. uk authorities, including a border force vessel and two lifeboats, attended the incident just before lunchtime. the dinghy was one of eight small boats that reached the uk waters on the busiest day of channel crossings so far this year. a record 450 migrants have arrived in the uk on small boats today. this takes the number of migrants arriving on small boats this year to nearly 4000. housing asylum seekers on barges, military bases and student digs w

we saw the taoiseach, leo varadkar bring up taoiseach, leo varadkar bring up the us position on israel have any influence? ~ ., , ., influence? without question there is more _ influence? without question there is more to _ influence? without question there is more to this - influence? without question there is more to this than i influence? without question i there is more to this than just there is more to this than just the toasts and the celebratory meals and whatnot. there is real engagement taking place and there has been deep engagement with members of business and members of the political system here in the united states at the highest levels between the taoiseach and the president but also over lunch today we introduce the president to ministers and deputy ministers and he will see them again later this week. building these relationships are talking about areas of cooperation and collaboration is important and that is what this week is for.— is important and that is what this week is for. you mentioned the speakers — this week is for. you mentioned the speakers lunch _ this we

today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkar for his dedicated service.t immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly among young people. i feel like everyone in ireland is struggling at the moment, like, with the housing crisis, cost of living, like there's not one person we'd speak to who actually like the government that's in now. you think, like, you're going to be living with your parents _ until 40 years of age, like, you know what i mean? . like, you don't want to be living there. . you want to go out i and be independent. the republic of ireland has witnessed much change during leo varadkar�*s political career. even if there's no early general election, one is looming withi

leo varadkar�*s appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history—making.c background and the first gay leader. his appointment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same—sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describing him as a sharp—shooter and straight talker. today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkarfor his dedicated service. but political opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately, it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly among young people. ifeel lik

an era in irish politics has comes to a close — the era of leo varadkar.who has brought a completely different vibe to irish politics. but he is standing aside. to everyone's great surprise this afternoon he announced he was stepping down and relinquishing his role as the leader of the governing fine gael party. earlier this week he was in washington with president biden to mark st patrick's day, which is always close tojoe biden's heart. today it was goodbye. mr varadkar says he's taken the decision for both �*political and personal reasons'. i know this will come as a surprise to many people, and a disappointment to some, and i hope at least you'll understand my decision. i know that others will — how shall i put it — cope with the news just fine. that as the great thing about living in a democracy. there's never a right time to resign high office. however, this is as good a time as any. budget 2024 is done, negotiations have not yet commenced on the next one, the institutions of the good friday agreement are working again and our trading relationship wi

here in washington president biden met the irish prime minister taoiseach leo varadkar.e biden's handling of the israel—gaza war. although mr varadkar complimented the biden administration's efforts in trying to broker a truce between israel and hamas, he also pressed mr biden for a permanent ceasefire in gaza. joe biden is proud of his irish heritage and today's events marked st patrick's day, this sunday. mr varadkar invoked the saint in discussing the ongoing conflict. when i reflect on the catastrophe that is unfolding in the middle east, the savage attacks of october 7 on israel and the terrible violence and loss of human life in gaza which has followed and continues and we very much want that to end. these are global challenges that demand our courage, our empathy and our action. we pray for the wisdom of saint patrick in facing them. this year's annual visit of the irish taoiseach follows the recent restoration of power—sharing in northern ireland, after two years of political stalemate. last month sinn fein deputy leader michelle 0'neill became the first national

it comes after leo varadkar stepped down citing va radkar stepped down citing political and varadkarpeaks. well, simon harris is a senior member of the current irish government, and what is happening now is sequencing, if you will, towards him being eventually elected as the prime minister of ireland next month. later this afternoon he will be confirmed as the new leader of his own fine gael party, and that in itself is significant, because fine gael is currently part of a three—party coalition government in ireland, and fine gael currently holds the position of prime minister in that coalition government, so it basically has the pick for the next prime minister, and it will now go on to nominate simon harris at a meeting of the irish parliament, that won't happen until the 9th of april, a few weeks away yet, and when he is nominated he will be supported by the other members and parties in the coalition government, fianna fail and the green party, so he will be elected as the next prime minister of ireland next month, and as you say, when he is elected he will be the youngest ever pr

the irish prime minister leo varadkar announces he's going to step down. millions of people in sudan are at risk of disease and starvation in what's described as a "war the world's forgotten". we have a special bbc report. the uk's largest delivery of aid arrives in gaza as america's top diplomat visits saudi arabia amid a renewed diplomatic push. the london hospital which treated the princess of wales says it will investigate after reports that staff tried to access her private medical records. hello, i m matthew amroliwala, welcome to verified live, three hours of breaking stories and checking out the truth behind them. we start in ireland where the prime minister leo vardkar has resigned. in an unexpected announcement, mr varadkar described the period leading his country as "the most fulfilling time of his life". he will step down before the next general election in the republic of ireland. mr varadkar became ireland's youngest taoiseach in 2017 when he became leader of fine gael.

that leo varadkar debate morning that leo varadkar debate we had earlier about.parts the show today. and parts of the show today. and what doubt hours. what was no doubt 2.5 hours. very interesting, he tim has got in touch to say leo varadkar he got it wrong again. the view of the public in ireland is the opposite of establishment. opposite of the establishment. yeah, what is wrong yeah, varadkar is what is wrong with establishment and karol with the establishment and karol said ireland has its own values and mindset. they've been badly let down by varadkar. it's wonderful that gone. wonderful that he's gone. i don't the vote was don't think the vote was entirely against the proposals. don't think the vote was erwasy against the proposals. don't think the vote was erwas used inst the proposals. don't think the vote was erwas used ast the proposals. don't think the vote was erwas used ast 1to proposals. don't think the vote was erwas used ast 1to voteosals. don't think the vote was erwas used ast 1to vote get.s. don't think the vote was erwas used ast 1to vote get

as you heard earlier, ireland's leader leo varadkar has been meeting withjoe biden today.llo there. we're into some much milderfeeling air now with temperatures in the mid teens quite widely on sunday as a wet start to the day for some of us. but we saw some sunny spells emerging such as here in nottinghamshire and there's more sunshine on offer as we head through monday — it's a similar looking day. for the vast majority of us, it should stay dry, some low cloud, mist and murk to begin with, but then it will brighten up quite nicely. but overnight there are some weather fronts just gradually clearing eastwards. a lot of the showery rain is starting to fizzle out on the easterly track. and this is how we'll start off the day on monday. temperatures between five and eight degrees. it's a cooler start than yesterday morning across much of england and wales. but still temperatures in mid to high single figures so mild for the time of year. lots of dry weather around these areas of cloud just pushing further eastwards, the rain fizzling out. a lot of dry weather, some sunshine

he's set to become the republic of ireland's youngest prime minister — at the age of 37 — after leo varadkar

but after careful consideration, the irish taoiseach leo varadkar, announcing his resignation there iight back to the house of commons. this is pmqs live for legal migration about how best to accommodate a smaller number of asylum seekers safely at raf scampton, whilst recognising the council's ambitious plans for regeneration. >> and let me tell him i fully support those discussions and the government is committed to the government is committed to the site being used for accommodation for the shortest possible time and then released to the benefit of the local community. >> layla moran. >> layla moran. >> mr speaker, our nhs is at breaking point. my constituent was told he needed a gallbladder operation after a visit to a&e. he waited in hospital nil by mouth all day. no operation. he's then told to stay overnight or risk his place on the list. so he sits in a hot, smelly, windowless waiting room for eight hours on a plastic chair. then a gurney comes with no pillow and that's where he sleeps. and the next day the nurses say no operation. there just aren't any beds. his wife told me

leo varadkar�*s appointment as taoiseach for the first time in 2017 was history—making.ter, the first from an ethnic background and the first gay leader. his appointment personified a changing and more modern ireland. he championed referendums legalising same—sex marriage and abortion. but it was the brexit negotiations that saw him make his mark on the world stage, with other leaders describing him as a sharp—shooter and straight talker. today, the prime minister, rishi sunak, thanked leo varadkarfor his dedicated service. but political opponents who want their party to take the top job next called for an early election — today's resignation doesn't immediately trigger one. it's not a time for a rearranging of the deckchairs, and ultimately, it's for the people to decide who will be the taoiseach. so i think it's now over to the people. there should be an election. the republic of ireland is grappling with a cost of living crisis, issues around immigration and massive problems around housing. that's led to a lot of frustration with the current government, particularly a

leo varadkar casting his vote, he argues there are chances to delete old—fashioned sexist language fromding from the roman catholic church. there you can see leo varadkar, the irish prime minister, with two thumbs up, voting in those referendums, suggesting constitutional changes. new rules on paternity leave come into effect today in england, scotland and wales. fathers will be allowed to take their statutory two weeks' leave in two separate chunks — instead of in one go — there will also be a small increase in statutory pay. parental rights campaigners say the changes don't go far enough and the uk is lagging behind other developed nations. our reporter christian johnson behind other developed nations. our reporter christianjohnson has been looking into it. well done. heidi is nine months old. and so is isiay- _ well done. heidi is nine months old. and so is islay. but _ well done. heidi is nine months old. and so is islay. but their— well done. heidi is nine months old. and so is islay. but their dad - well done. heidi is nine months old. and so is islay. but their dad has - and so i

leo varadkar said it's due to both personal and political reasons.n afghanistan on wednesday. notably absent were the more than1 million girls who have been barred from an education by the taliban. hello, i'm sumi somaskanda. the state of law enforcement at the us—mexico border remains in doubt, after a federal appeals court issued an order effectively blocking texas from implementing one of the toughest immigration laws in the us. that happens just hours after the us supreme court allowed texas to carry through with the measure. crossing the us border illegally is already a federal crime, but violations are usually handled as civil cases by the immigration court system. president biden�*s administration is challenging the law, known as sba, saying it is unconstitutional. the president will visit the lone star state on thursday. with 2.5 million people illegally entering the us via the southern border last year, immigration is one of the most polarising issues in american politics. and mexican president lopez 0brador is pushing back against the law.

irish prime minister leo varadkar announces he's going to step down.an beings and we have our limitations. we give it everything until we can't any more, and then we have to move on. and baseball sensation shohei 0htani has made his regular season debut with the la dodgers in seoul, sending his fans into a frenzy. voice-over: live from our studio in singapore, - this is bbc news. it's newsday. welcome to bbc news — broadcasting to viewers in the uk and around the world. let's start in sudan where the conflict is described as the war the world forgot. civilians caught up in the country's civil war share graphic accounts to the bbc of rape, ethnic violence and street executions at the hands of the paramilitary group rsf. we will shortly show you first—hand testimonies,

varadkar. parliament reconvenes next month. here's newly chosen fine gael leader simon harris speaking a short time ago. i want to thank you. i want every single person and every single community you come from across ireland. i want to thank you for your trust. and i want to promise and pledge to you today that i will repay that trust with hard work. with blood, sweat and tears, day in and day out. with responsibility, with humility, and with civility. let's go to a belfast newsroom in northern ireland. reporter kevin sharkeyjoins me now from our belfast newsroom. what has been talking in the last couple of hours?— what has been talking in the last couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime — couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime minister— couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime minister in _ couple of hours? ireland now has a new prime minister in waiting, - couple of hours? ireland now has a i new prime minister in waiting, simon harris, as you havejust new prime minister in wai

leo varadkar said his decision was both personal and political.e had recently been criticised for his role in two referendums which the government lost heavily. french regulators say they will fine google more than 270 million dollars for violating intellectual property rules. they say the company failed to respect commitments made to news publishers on compensating them for use of their content. google says the latest fine is disproportionate. security measures have been imposed to protect a new mural by the street artist banksy after it was defaced within days of appearing on a wall in london. a local council erected fencing around the artwork. it's also sending community officers to the site. so it has been confirmed this afternoon that secretary of state antony blinken will travel to israel later this week, adding a stop to his middle east trip that was not there earlier in the week. that does undeline just how fraught the relationship is between american and israeli leaders right now. this afternoon prime minister netenyahu spoke to republica

he was the only nominee, but it was quite apparent from last week as soon as leo varadkar the currente person in the race to beat. so he will go on to become prime minister, but some are asking, why no general election? how does the coalition work in ireland? yes. no general election? how does the coalition work in ireland?— coalition work in ireland? yes, a bit like in _ coalition work in ireland? yes, a bit like in the — coalition work in ireland? yes, a bit like in the uk. _ coalition work in ireland? yes, a bit like in the uk. a _ coalition work in ireland? yes, a bit like in the uk. a parliament i coalition work in ireland? yes, a | bit like in the uk. a parliament is elected with a five year mandate and within that time period, you form a government off the basis of having a majority within the parliament. in the current coalition government, it is a three party government, it retains a comfortable enough majority within the parliament, so there will be changes to the prime minister. so this is a bit similar to the manner in which in the uk, in westminster, you had a number of c

he's set to become the republic of ireland's youngest prime minister — at the age of 37 — after leo varadkarrprise resignation. now on bbc news — sportsday. here's gavin. hello, and welcome to sportsday — i'm gavin ramjaun. coming up on the show... a dominant start for england in the women's six nations, despite a red card in their opener with italy. a monumentous collapse sees england lose the third t20 against new zealand. and max verstappen feels the melbourne heat, as carlos sainz leads a ferrari one—two in the australian grand prix. and chelsea are back on top of the women's super league after they beat west ham. hello there, and welcome to sportsday. it will take something special to stop england in the women's six nations this year, as the defending champions cruised past italy in their opening match today. the red roses turned on the style in the second half, as they begin their campaign for sixth tournament victory in a row, with 48—0 bonus point win in parma — as jane dougall reports. for the 100th time, marley packer strode out to represent her country. the red roses have blossome

varadkar. ireland's parliament reconvenes next month. mr harris has just been speaking to the media, and he was asked whether a general election might be on the horizon. it's my view and my intention that this government should run full term. i am very conscious that governments take on a rhythm of their own. and i'm very conscious that all people need to act in good faith. and events can happen in irish politics, of course they can, but we've a lot of work to do and i don't think there needs to be any mystique around my intention, where you guys ask me every second day where my head is at. i am planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach. i would like to see this government run full term, and that's my intention, as of now. around the world and across the uk. this is bbc news. you're live with bbc news. with the war still raging in gaza there are calls from the far—right in israel forjewish settlers to return to gaza — where israel had settlements

they love him brussels. premier, leo varadkar. they love him brussels .se, him in brussels. and of course, he just lost a referendum very heavily in ireland. his own party, fine gael, in big trouble in the polls heading up to the european elections in june. but he was also, was he not, one of the key anti brexiteers and architects of what we now have with a border in the irish sea? >> i think, nigel, you will see from my expression that i'm not in the slightest bit upset that the taoiseach has decided to resign as party leader and as taoiseach . you know, it's been taoiseach. you know, it's been a number of people on twitter, including lord dodds , have said, including lord dodds, have said, you know, he is responsible more than anyone else. probably on the island of ireland, for actually bringing about the protocol and for really starting a wedge between northern ireland and the rest of the united kingdom. i'm sure he's got a nice job lined up somewhere at the european commission but his party is going to be, you know, they're already in, in a big mess b

ireland's prime minister, or taoiseach, leo varadkar, was also in attendance and echoed similar sentimentsn in gaza. and the taoiseach and i agree about the urgent increased humanitarian aid in gaza and the need to get a ceasefire deal and bring the hostages home and move towards a two state solution which is the only path for lasting peace and security. the people of gaza desperately need food, medicine, and shelter, and most especially they need the bombs to stop. this has to stop on both sides, the hostages brought home and humanitarian relief allowed in. for more on the humanitarian situation in gaza, i spoke to adam ramadan. he's the deputy director of rebuilding alliance — an organizaation working to give aid to palestinians in war—torn neighborhoods. thank you forjoining us, i know many of your colleagues have been working in gaza, how would you describe the situation in the territory right now? the situation in gaza is really, really difficult to bear. when we talk to our partners on a daily basis, we are looking at them, we are hearing their stories, just from their physical prese

varadkar�*s surprise resignation.c news, click. this week, nick's at south by southwest, where assistive tech is helping one artist with muscular dystrophy crack the music scene. what do you think about this from a fashion perspective? oh, yeah, definitely, it can't cramp my style. chris suits up... they've gone to get me a bigger size. . ..eventually, to see how our old four—legged friend spot is helping with the decommissioning of a nuclear power station. and we travel to miami to see what sd printing might mean for marine wildlife. every march, thousands of musicians, movie stars and media moguls from all over the world descend on austin, texas. it's time for south by southwest. and this year, one musician made quite a splash on this global stage thanks to a life—changing innovation. and nick kwek travelled with him as he made his us debut. this is eli's story. # ..tears on the sand...# my name's eli crosley. i'm 16 years old. i am currently in year 12. i'm a musician. i'm the singer in the band askew. we play a mi

he replaces leo varadkar, who announced on wednesday he was stepping down as party leader and taoiseache horizon. it's my view and my intention that this government should run full term. i am very conscious that governments take on a rhythm of their own. and i'm very conscious that all people need to act in good faith. and events can happen in irish politics, of course they can, but we've a lot of work to do and i don't think there needs to be any mystique around my intention, where you guys ask me every second day where my head is at. i am planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach. i would like to see this government run full term, and that's my intention, as of now. now, jasmin paris from scotland is the first woman to complete one of the world's most gruelling races — the barkley marathons in tennessee. 100 miles, up and down hills, through rugged terrain — she finished with just 99 seconds to spare before the 60 hour cut—off. jasmin has finally recovered her breath and spoke to the bbc. it wasn't until the last kilometre that i really

he replaces leo varadkar, who announced on wednesday he was stepping down as party leader and taoiseach on the horizon. it's my view and my intention that this government should run full term. i am very conscious that governments take on a rhythm of their own. and i'm very conscious that all people need to act in good faith. and events can happen in irish politics, of course they can, but we've a lot of work to do and i don't think there needs to be any mystique around my intention, where you guys ask me every second day where my head is at. i am planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach. i would like to see this government run full term, and that's my intention, as of now. now, jasmin paris from scotland is the first woman to complete one of the world's most gruelling races — the barkley marathons in tennessee. 100 miles, up and down hills, through rugged terrain — she finished with just 99 seconds to spare before the 60 hour cut—off. jasmin has finally recovered her breath and spoke to the bbc. it wasn't until the last kilometre that i

the prime minister leo varadkar described it as a "comprehensive" defeat, while the leader of sinn fein darran marshall reports from dublin. within minutes of the ballot boxes opening, it was clear ireland had said no. voters were asked to approve two amendments to the 1937 constitution, one around the definition of family and the other on care. government leaders say they respect the decision but are disappointed. on behalf of the government, we accept responsibility for the result. it was our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote yes, and we clearly failed to do so. i think we struggled to convince people of the necessity or the need for the referendum at all, let alone the detail and the wording. those who campaigned for a no vote say the government misjudged the mood of the electorate. these two amendments by the government were an exercise in virtue signalling. this was a government flying a flag of progressiveness while at the same time refusing to provide real bread and butter services to families who really need it. ireland has voted no to constitutional chan

well, rathersuddenly, a few days ago, leo varadkar announced he was stepping down as leader of fine gaelof events moving towards his replacement, and when he was replaced next month he will have much to do. in ireland at the moment, right at the top of the political agenda is a housing crisis. he will have to address that, and there are other issues abroad, and notably with ireland's closest neighbour, britain, he will be working with the british government and british prime minister, not least regarding the institutions in northern ireland just recently restored. when simon harris is elected as the next and youngest prime minister of ireland on the 9th of april he will have much to do. now it's time for a look at today's sport. a shock in formula one — as max verstappen failed in his attempt to equal his record of 10 successive wins earlier at the australian grand prix. those plans went up in smoke — quite literally — as a brake fire put an early end to his race. carlos sainz completed a remarkable comeback from appendix surgery two weeks ago, to come first in melbourne. sainz started a

varadkar.aoiseach, when ireland's parliament reconvenes next month. mr harris was asked whether a general election might be on the horizon. it's my view and my intention that this government should run full term. i am very conscious that governments take on a rhythm of their own. and i'm very conscious that all people need to act in good faith. and events can happen in irish politics, of course they can, but we've a lot of work to do and i don't think there needs to be any mystique around my intention, where you guys ask me every second day where my head is at. i am planning for this government, should i be lucky enough to form one and to become taoiseach. i would like to see this government run full term, and that's my intention, as of now. now to the story of a scottish runner. jasmin paris from scotland — the first woman to complete one of the world's most gruelling races — the barkley marathons in tennessee. it's160km up and down hills, through rugged terrain. she finished with just 99 seco

the prime minister leo varadkar described it as a "comprehensive" defeat.om dublin. within minutes of the ballot boxes opening, it was clear ireland had said no. voters were asked to approve two amendments to the 1937 constitution, one around the definition of family and the other on care. government leaders say they respect the decision but are disappointed. as head of government and on behalf of the government, we accept responsibility for the result. it was our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote yes, and we clearly failed to do so. i think we struggled to convince people of the necessity or the need for the referendum at all, let alone the detail and the wording. those who campaigned for a no vote say the government misjudged the mood of the electorate. these two amendments by the government were an exercise in virtue signalling. this was a government flying a flag of progressiveness while at the same time refusing to provide real bread and butter services to families who really need it. ireland has voted no to constitutional chang