this is bbc news. the headlines at 11: the british government toughens its rhetoric over russia's involvement in the syrian civil war. this is the wilds largest humanitarian crisis you are seeing, and people are working together, in europe and america. —— the world's. the foreign secretary faces criticism for his decision to pull out of a trip to moscow — the snp calls him a puppet of the us, while labour says diplomacy must continue. egyptian state television reports at least 21 people have been killed and 50 injured in an explosion near a church in the city of tanta. church services are being held in sweden today to remember the four people killed in the lorry attack on friday. police are still questioning a number of people. the body of the police officer, keith palmer — who was stabbed to death last month — is to be taken to the palace of westminster ahead

of his funeral tomorrow. also in the next hour: commemorating the fallen of the first world war. a ceremony to mark the centenary of the battle of vimy ridge — more than 20,000 people are expected to take part. mercedes‘ lewis hamilton has won the chinese grand prix in shanghai, beating ferrari's sebastian vettel, who finished second. and coming up in half an hour — dateline london. good morning and welcome to bbc news. the defence secretary, sir michael fallon, has said moscow is responsible for the civilian deaths in what he called the barbaric gas attack in syria on tuesday. 88 people, including 33 children, are believed to have been killed

in the rebel—held town of khan sheikhoun. jonathan blake reports. president trump's decision to launch air strikes president trump's decision to launch airstrikes in president trump's decision to launch air strikes in syria was designed to send a clear message. the syrian government should not expect to use chemical weapons without consequences. syrian military commanders inspect the damage the us air strikes caused on the ground, meanwhile, the diplomatic fallout of american military action continued. syria denies using chemical weapons in an attack on civilians. the us and its allies blame russia for backing syrian president basha al—assad. the uk defence secretary michael fallon has strongly criticise russia, writing in the sunday times newspaper: assad's principal backer is russia. by proxy, russia is responsible for

every civilian death last week. he added, if russia wanted to be absolved of responsibility for future attacks, vladimir putin in needed to commit to destroying the chemical arsenal for good and engage with peacekeeping progress. boris johnson has cancelled a planned visit to russia this week, i move russia said demonstrated britain's lack of influence over world affairs. he has also been criticised at home. boris johnson just looks down. i mean, what is the argument for not going ahead with a visit? rex tillerson is going on wednesday, so rex tillerson is going on wednesday, so it can't be that we've moved to a cold war position of no talking whatsoever. the idea that the foreign secretary can't be trusted because he might pursue his online -- his because he might pursue his online —— his own line makes him look like some sort of mini me to the us, not

a situation any foreign secretary would want a beer. rex tillerson will travel to moscow this week for the trump administration's first face—to—face meetings with the russian government. jonathan blake, bbc news. with me is our political correspodent, susana mendonca. what are they trying to achieve? they are trying to get the conversation on to russia's responsibility and trying to get russia to change its stance regarding syria, because russia has been assad's bigger supporter. they wa nt to been assad's bigger supporter. they want to add that pressure onto them now, but the fact that the foreign secretary, borisjohnson, is not going to russia is being used, certainly by his critics, as a way to criticise him and whether britain has any influence. you heard in that report, russia have put out a statement saying they think there is little to gain with talks with britain, and they think that decision to cancel the trip actually shows a lack of understanding of what is going on in syria. it is

difficult to see how, if that is the attitude of the russian foreign ministry, whether or not britain could really influence their direction. certainly, you have there from the snp‘s alex salmond, talking about this as being borisjohnson ending up like a mini me to the us. he is not the first one to say that, and iwobi alas. john mcdonnell, the shadow chancellor, has also talked about this today, saying boris johnson should be in moscow, regardless of whether or not the americans are going. here here is the tragedy today: assad is bombing again today with barrel bombs. actually, it hasn't stopped the bombing. in fact, it might have put off the opportunity of a negotiated settlement. my view is, there should have been a time for a proper enquiry, the results properly exposed, negotiations, and back to

geneva. i thought there was potential there. we have got to get back to that. that is why i think borisjohnson should be in moscow i'iow. borisjohnson should be in moscow now. so he was wrong? he should be in moscow now, saying to the russians how appalling the situation is and the role they should play. we should be frank with them, not just allow the americans to go off and do that. we understand that boris johnson is having discussions with the g7 group of industrialised countries that he wants to get involved in that coordinated effort and coordinated response that can then be put to russia. he is focusing on that. thank you very much. the us military has ordered a navy strike group to move towards the korean peninsula, amid growing concerns about north korea's missile and nuclear weapons programme. us pacific command described the deployment as a "prudent measure to maintain readiness in the region". president trump has said the united states is prepared to act alone if necessary to deal with the nuclear threat from north korea. at least 21 people have been killed

after an explosion close to a church in egypt. state media say the blast happened near the st george coptic church in the city of tanta, north of cairo as worshippers marked palm sunday. authorities say 50 people have been injured. there has been no immediate claim of responsibility. in december, 25 people were killed after a bomb targeted cairo's largest coptic cathedral. we'll be speaking to our reporter in cairo shortly. thousands of people are gathering at a rally in stockholm to remember those killed in friday's terror attack. flowers and messages of condolence have been left outside the department store, which was driven into by a lorry, killing four people. police are still investigating whether a device later found on board was a bomb. from stockholm, maddy savage reports. maddy savage has the latest from stockholm as people begin to gather for the rally. what has been called a love

demonstration. people have been told to come with candles and messages, a nonpolitical event to show their support. come, come for sweden, and for the victims of friday's attack. the flowers are stacking up on the stairs, and the pile has been growing. it has been moved from another location, a little bit further towards the department store, in order to be the focus for that rally. meanwhile, shops and cafes are starting to reopen in this area, though notably not 0rleans, the department store at the centre of the attack. it released a message to customers yesterday saying that it would reopen and offer some items that were damaged in the attack in a sale. that led to social media feedback saying that it was disrespectful. the company has apologised for what it said was a poor decision. the shop is expected to open later in the week now. in the meantime, to bring you up—to—date with the police

investigation, officers have told the bbc they have taken a number of people into custody for questioning following raids on saturday. the only specific information they have is on that 39—year—old from uzbekistan, who is believed to be the man who was behind the wheel. information on the identity of those killed in the attack has not yet been confirmed. a controlled explosion has been carried out in the centre of norway's capital, 0slo, after police found a bomb—like device. the area has been sealed off while investigations continue. a suspect has been detained. a man has suffered what police say are life—changing injuries, after acid was thrown at him in north london. his wife and their two year old son suffered minor burns in the attack, which happened at around i o'clock yesterday afternoon near caledonian road in islington. police say they want to hear

from anyone who saw what happened. pc keith palmer, who was killed in the westminster attack last month, will today receive a rare honour. the queen has given her consent for his coffin to lie in rest at the chapel of st mary undercroft in the palace of westminster. his funeral takes place tomorrow afternoon at southwark cathedral. nick quraishi reports. a 48—year—old father and husband, pc keith palmer had been a policeman for 15 years. he was stabbed by khalid masood during the westminster terror attack, as he stood guard outside the houses of parliament. pc palmer was one of four people killed, while a fifth, andreea cristea, died in hospital just a few days ago. later today, pc palmer's coffin will be taken to rest in a chapel of st mary undercroft in the palace of westminster. it's a rare honour and one only done with the consent of the queen. the former prime minister baroness thatcher and tony benn are the only

people in recent times to have lain there too. tomorrow, pc palmer's coffin will be taken to southwark cathedral. as a mark of respect, the metropolitan police have retired pc palmer's shoulder number. ais7u will not be reissued to another officer. tributes are being paid to the former radio two presenter,

brian matthew, who died yesterday aged 88. his broadcasting career spanned almost 70 years. he's most well known for the ‘sound of the 60s', a programme he presented for 27 years. but it was his first appearance on the ‘saturday skiffle club‘ that caught the ear of producers, as brian matthew explained in 2013 to tony blackburn. it was a wonderful opportunity with that one, because it covered a wide range of the arts and every month or thereabouts we did a live show from a theatre and it amazed me that a vast audience always turned up and filled that theatre, wherever we were. i mean, it was an opportunity to see a number of eminent stars, i suppose that was the attraction. but it was a great programme to be associated with. those paying tribute to the radio 2 broadcaster included sir tim rice who said he was sad to learn that brian matthew‘s voice had been silenced and went on to call him a truly magnificent broadcaster. his former colleague at radio 2,

jeremy vine, said he had done everything in broadcasting and had met everyone in music. thousands of people, have been taking part —— thousands of people have been taking part in anti—government rallies in caracas and cities across venezuela. they are angry at the government‘s ban of the country‘s top opposition leader, henrique capriles, from office. the two—time presidential candidate was banned friday from holding political office for 15 years. greg dawson reports. in the heat of caracas, demonstration quickly turned to destruction. a group of around 100 protesters vandalised and set fire to an office of the supreme court. even this water cannon tank was not enough to douse the anger. but before all the tension and tear gas, thousands had gathered to support the man they want to see take power in next year‘s elections. henrique capriles was seen

as the opposition‘s best hope of beating nicolas madero. —— of beating nicolas maduro. on friday he was banned from politics for 15 years, accused of administrative irregularities. translation: the ban will never have an effect. it doesn‘t take hope from the people and keep me from being a candidate or president. this is about venezuela and we are going to fight to change our country. opponents of the president say the ban is part of his concerted effort to stifle democracy. the unrest was initially sparked by a supreme court ruling to limit the power of the country‘s opposition—controlled national assembly. the court eventually backed down and accusations of autocracy remain. —— the court eventually backed down but accusations of autocracy remain.

translation: this is a dictatorship. the people in the street are demanding elections and this is my reason for being here. in venezuela we are not living, we are surviving. f there is no food, no medicine, no security. a shortage of food and medicine is a symptom of the wider economic problems here for which the government and opposition blame each other. a three—year recession has led to steep inflation and low salaries. the president says us backed business elites are responsible for the downturn but these people have stopped listening and venezuela is facing the biggest sustained protest against its leader for three years. greg dawson, bbc news. the british government ‘s position on the syrian civil war. people have been killed and some insert in an explosion near the egyptian —— in a church in the

egyptian —— in a church in the egyptian town of tanta. police are still questioning a number of people about the attack on stockholm a few days ago. now, the sport. after being beaten in the opening race in australia, lewis hamilton has returned to the top step of the podium at this morning‘s chinese grand prix. the race in shanghai started in damp conditions, and caught out several drivers, including sauber‘s antonio giovanazzi, whose crash meant the safety car had to be sent out.ferrari‘s sebastian vettel was as low as sixth after mistiming a pit stop, but recovered to finish second. but there was no stopping hamilton out in front. he claimed his 54th career victory. red bull‘s max verstappen recovered from a poor qualifying session to complete the podium. today‘s result leaves hamilton and vettel locked on 43 points at the top of the drivers standings. the final round of the masters is perfectly poised, with england‘sjustin rose and spain‘s sergio garcia joint

leaders on 6 under par. there are plenty of big names just behind them as well at the augusta national. tim hague reports. the third round of the masters is known as moving day and justin rose moved right to the front of the queue at augusta. after a slow and steady start for the olympic champion, five birdies on the back nine helped him to a super 67 and he now sits joint top on six under par. i was staying patient early in my round. i think this is a golf course where you pick your moments and that is what worked well for me today and i am sure that will be somewhat the game plan tomorrow. perhaps the englishman did not discuss his game plan with his game partner, sergio garcia. he is looking for a first major and with a little luck will fancy his chances. into the creek. not so. the water somehow avoided and how the spaniard profited. a beautiful shot and like justin rose, he too is on six under. but they have quite a crowd chasing

them, including rickie fowler and former champion jordan spieth. he hit nine shots on the 15th in the first round, but not this time. he really is a remarkable young man and an amazing golfer. it was an equally successful day for lee westwood. he is one—under in total and still has an outside chance. as does world number two, rory mcilroy, six shots back, but it could have been much better. a double bogey at the seven, damaging what had been an otherwise good round. no moving day for rory, but perhaps he will come good on proving day. tim hague, bbc news. you can watch the final round life on bbc two from 7pm. there‘s two games in the premier league today. at 4, last years champions leicester go to everton who are 7th. leicester have won their last

five in the league under craig shakespeare. and the lunchtime kick off sees david moyes‘ bottom of the table sunderland take on his former side manchester united. we are not relegated yet. we have still got a chance and we will still push as hard as we can. sometimes one result can change how things look and if we could win this game, with the games we have got coming next, we could go in with a bit of hope to try and go on a run. there are three teams who are going to be relegated, but everyone is a good professional, everyone gives everything, everyone fights all season. some of us, we are sacked in the middle of the season, it is difficult for everyone, so of course i have sympathy. boxing now and wbo world lightweight champion terry flanagan is eyeing "the biggest fights" after a fifth successful defence against russian petr petrov. flanagan won on a unanimous points decision at the manchester arena.also on the card was british olympic hero nicola adams, who won her first

professional boxing fight. the two—time olympic champion beat the argentine fighter virginia carcamo, winning all four rounds on the judges‘ score cards. it was really good, i really enjoyed myself, loved the crowd, liked entertaining. it was amazing, an amazing experience for the first time. i think i tried a little bit too hard to get the stoppage but virgil says it will come from experience, the more times i box and the more rounds i get in, i will get a bit more used to settling down. wheelchair racer david weir has won the paris marathon this morning, weir pulled clear with around five miles to race to cross the line injust under an hour and a half. he is expected to retire after london marathon in two weeks — where he is bidding for a seventh victory. that‘s all sport for now. i‘ll have more in the next hour. more now on the explosion

near a coptic church in egypt. ranyah sabry from the bbc‘s arabic service joins us from cairo. what is the latest you are hearing? that the death toll is up to 25 people, in addition to 52 injured. some of them are in critical condition, which is why the number of casualties is expected to increase. the church was packed that 8:30am, with egyptian christians holding masks for palm sunday, and many people were there to join the festivities of the day that is quite significant for the christian community in egypt. it is not known at the moment what exactly exploded, if it was an improvised explosive device or a belt, but we do know that there were a number of casualties and injuries. there is a lot of official attention directed, of course. the prime minister is on

his way to the scene, and has an official statement from the egyptian presidency and the islamic institute, condemning the attack, but no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. but no one has claimed responsibility for the attackm but no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. it is not the first time coptic christian churches have been targeted. as anyone claimed responsibility in the past? the most recent attack against a coptic church was two days before christmas last year, and it was saint peter‘s church here in cairo. that explosion left 29 dead and more than 30 injured, and two days afterwards, the islamic state claimed responsibility, releasing a video of the man who entered the church and had the explosive material which went off. as a matter of fa ct, material which went off. as a matter of fact, the christian community, the largest christian community in north africa — were talking about 8 million people in a country of 90

million people in a country of 90 million — they have been the target for a number of attacks since mohammed more see was removed in 2013. —— president morsi. there are speculations today, and we are waiting for a claim of responsibility, which usually comes 48 hours after the incident, or so has been the case for the past yea rs. has been the case for the past years. thank you very much. people caught fly—tipping will have to help councils clean up litter, under new proposals by the government. it says fly tippers cost 50 million pounds a year in england — and the number of instances of rubbish being illegally dumped by roads or in parks is on the increase. three incredible sisters have been marking a special milestone —

a 100th birthday. what makes this even more remarkable isjoan massey‘s sisters were there too — 98 year old mercia, and ailsa, who‘s 102. 0ur reporter david allard was invited along to the party. do we get on? we do have our arguments. why not? nobody is the same. you cannot say yes all the time, can you? three sisters, 300 years of history. there‘s a lot to reminisce about at joan‘s 100th birthday party. i don‘t feel my age. i have to... remember. do the counting. joan was born on the day after america entered the first world war and she had a vital role in the second. drawing maps for the boys up there and stationed at newmarket, with bomber command harris. i enjoyed it.

atjust 98, mercia is the youngest sister. do you still see yourself as the baby sister really? certainly not! do they treat you as the baby sister? no. we have all had a very good relationship. one needs the other. we help each other out. 0ldest sister ailsa has travelled from scotland for the party. she finally gave up a favourite activity last week at the age of 102. i gave up driving. i am very sad about it. i feel as if i have lost my legs. ailsa has always had a zest for adventure. in her 90s, she backpacked through chile. on my last trip i went back to berlin, where i had been in 1938 to see hitler. when you saw him did you have any inkling of what was to come? yes. it was very, very strict. i think they are role models.

they are something to look up to. they are so inspirational to me. who is the bossy one? laughter david allard, bbc news. a crew on board a turkish airlines flight ended up having to look after one more passenger than they bargained for,after a woman gave birth on board. cabin crew helped to deliver the baby girl after the mother went into labour shortly after take off. the journey from guinea to burkina faso was only just over two hours long, so it all happened rather quickly! now, the weather. it wouldn‘t be a bad day to be outside. there is quite a lot of sunshine around for many of us,

whereas yesterday, all of us got to see it, today, prospect of little more mixed. worcestershire looks beautiful in the sunshine. further west, in cornwall, it has been misty and murky, and things will increasingly cloud over for western coast through the rest of the afternoon, making it feel disappointingly cool. northern ireland, western scotland seeing cloud and outbreaks of rain. further south and east, you are into the sunshine and temperatures could get up sunshine and temperatures could get up to 25,20 six sunshine and temperatures could get up to 25, 20 six celsius. this evening, the weather front bringing rain to the north—west sinks south and eastward. this doesn‘t mean tomorrow is a write—off or that it will be bone chillingly cold, but a cooler feel to the day. decent spells of sunshine, a few showers. temperatures closer to where they should be in april. i can‘t offer you 25 — 15 is probably the best we can do. we keep the cooler feel in the week ahead. hello and welcome to dateline.

this week we look at the consequences of america‘s air strikes on president assad‘s air base. and we discuss the relations between beijing and washington. my guests this week are the china expert isabel hilton, the north american writer and broadcaster jeffrey kofman, and rachel shabi, a writer on middle eastern affairs. welcome to you all. the horrific pictures of the gas attack in syria have brought a swift american missile attack. rachel, how is this seen in the middle east? where do we go from here? it seems to have support for trump‘s reports. there was praise for the courageous move. bahrain, jordan, turkey.