welcome to bbc news, broadcasting to viewers in north america and around the globe. my name is mike embley. our top stories: smiles and applause after congress takes the first step towards scrapping obamaca re in favour of trumpca re. this is, make no mistake, this is a repeal and replace of obamacare. make no mistake about it. after 70 years in the public eye prince philip, husband of queen elizabeth, is retiring. now it's gets personal: france's presidential front runner macron files a lawsuit after rival le pen repeats claims he has a secret bank account. and the surfer lost at sea for more than 30 hours survives to tell the tale. hello.

president trump has finally notched up a major legislative victory, the first stage in repealing barack obama's signature achievement, the affordable care act. the us house of representatives has narrowly passed the republican replacement for obamacare. but how quickly the new bill becomes law, whether it does at all, is a whole other question. it will face a very tight vote in the senate. here's our north america editorjon sopel. the moment at just after two o'clock this afternoon in washington, when trumpcare became a thing. the ayes are 217. the nays are 213. the bill is passed. without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. shame, shame, shame, shame. but outside, a rather different scene, as protesters chant, "shame." this fight isn't over yet. getting the measure through the senate is going to be

every bit as tough. because, as today's debate showed, this is a deeply divisive issue. so, i ask you, my colleagues, does trumpcare lower health costs? no. does trumpca re provide better healthcare? no. does trumpca re protect seniors and families? no. has panto season come to politics? yes. are we going to be men and women of our word? yes. are we going to keep the promises that we made? yes. or are we going to falter? in the rose garden this afternoon, the president beamed. a time for fist pumps and hugs with the speaker. this is an important legislative victory. this is a great plan. i actually think it will get even better. this is, make no mistake, this is a repeal and a replace of obamacare, make no mistake about it. make no mistake. they're dancing a happy dance at the white house today. but he extraordinary thing about this vote is that there's been

no independent assessment done on who will be affected, in what way, and what the costs will be. by the time this gets to the senate, that will have happened. and that could affect whether obamacare really does become trumpcare. live now to our correspondent in washington laura bicker. president trump says this is a repeal and replace of obamacare. make no mistake. it's not that yet, is it? this is only one stage. look how difficult it was. this was a third attempt they've had at this and it is taking some arm—twisting and it is taking some arm—twisting and has only just and it is taking some arm—twisting and has onlyjust made it grew by a few votes. i tim watson many leading senators, republican senators, are thinking of this bill and i've counted at least three or four this evening who are saying that they

will not pass it in its current form. even donald trump admitted during that speech in the rose garden earlier today that he felt it could get better. but when it comes to the issues, they are the same issues that republicans can't agree on. one is those pre—existing conditions, people who have cancer, heart disease, diabetes, people who are difficult to insure. it is the expansion or lack thereof of medicaid. the poorest people, what do they do? and the tax breaks that democrats keep talking about, including for the wealthy. as a package senators need to look and wonder whether this is the best for their state and that's part of the problem. that republican majority in the senate, there are only two. including some senators who call for significant changes. there have been some very hostile reactions around the country. we are still waiting to

hear from the congressional budget office. in that first draft they said there were 2a million americans who would not have health coverage under this new republican plan. that was too many to stomach for some republicans. but still amongst the more right wing, the more conservative side, of the party, they hate the idea of government being involved in something as personal as healthcare and they want to see the hand of government out of healthcare completely. to see the hand of government out of healthca re completely. so to see the hand of government out of healthcare completely. so you can't please both sides of the party. they've come to a compromise in the house, but as it goes to the senate that might be more difficult and if it changes in the senate and had to go back to the house how does that go back to the house how does that go down? this bill is farfrom being passed, despite the celebrations in the rose garden earlier. thank you very much for that. approaching his 96th birthday, after almost 70 years in the public eye, prince philip, husband of britain's queen elizabeth, is calling it a day. he will retire from royal

duties later this year. buckingham palace says the decision is not related to any health issues. this from our royal correspondent nicholas witchell. it's an image to which the nation has become accustomed over a good many decades. the queen and the duke of edinburgh side by side on official business. today, they were at a reception at st james's palace. the duke, a few steps behind, and there in support. inside, meeting members of the order of merit. swapping stories about hearing aids. we've all got them. and joking about retirement. you're standing down? i can't stand up much. never mind standing down, i have trouble standing up, he said. but, come the autumn, his attendance at events such as this will be the exception. after nearly 70 years of public service, the duke has decided a few weeks short of his 96th birthday that it's finally time to step back from public duties.

the palace says the decision has not been prompted by any particular concerns about his health and the evidence would support that. yesterday he was at lord's cricket ground, opening a new stand, and sharing a familiarjoke. i'm the world's most experienced plaque unveiler. alongside all those plaques he's unveiled are the serious achievements, things like the duke of edinburgh award scheme. but his most important contribution has been the support he's given to his wife, the queen. as she's become the longest reigning monarch in british history, he's become the longest serving consort. they've done it together. on their golden wedding anniversary, the queen spoke about how much her husband meant to her. he has supported her by being a very

supportive husband. he hasn't tried to interfere in her work. her work as queen is her work. soon the duke's public world will come largely to an end. the palace statement said prince philip would attend previously scheduled events between now and august both individually and with the queen, although afterwards he will not accept new invitations, although he may choose to attend certain public events may choose to attend certain public eve nts fro m may choose to attend certain public events from time to time. the duke's retirement from public duties will mean that other members of the royal family will step up to support the queen. but those who know the couple say it won't be quite the same for the queen. the queen will undoubtedly miss him on public occasions. there is no doubt that when they go out for a day together they are a mutual support system. having been on tours with them and having followed in a car behind

them, you will see at the end of the day they get together into the car and he entertains her hugely, telling her funny stories about what happened in the day. so she will definitely miss that and occasionally she will strike us as a lonely figure, but she will be going back to windsor castle, balmoral, and he will be there. slowly but surely there is a generational shift taking place at the palace. officials have made it clear that the queen will continue with the public engagements, right at the age of 91 now her load is being likened. as monarch she is still the central figure, but as today has underlined there is starting to be tangible evidence of transitioning. nicholas witchell reporting. let's take a look at some of the other stories making the news. eight brazilian men have beenjailed for planning islamist attacks at the rio olympics and for using the internet to promote the islamic state group. the men were arrested shortly before the beginning of the games, in august, after the fbi alerted

the brazilian authorities. the ringleader has been given a sentence of 15 years, while the others have been jailed for five to six years. russia, turkey and iran have signed an agreement, to establish four safe zones in syria. the proposals drawn up by moscow were agreed by delegates, at a second day of peace negotiations in kazakhstan. representatives of the syrian armed opposition, walked out of the talks, saying, they could not accept the plan. counting is underway following local elections in britain that are being seen as a key indicator as to how next month's general election might go. voters across england, scotland and wales have been choosing local councillors and mayors. for our uk viewers, we'll have more on this in a few minutes, after the weather. the frontrunner in the race for the french presidency, emmanuel macron, has filed a lawsuit over online rumours that he has a secret bank account in the caribbean. prosecutors in paris have opened an investigation. he is widely seen as coming out on top from wednesday's fierce and ill—tempered tv debate with his rival marine le pen. back campaigning today, she was the target of an egg—throwing attack.

lucy williamson reports. borders and barriers aren't really emmanuel macron‘s thing. but when you might be the next president of france, your supporters have to get used to them. and so the european flags that mark his rallies were waved today from behind rows of fencing. france, he said, needed to end divisions, of its people, its land, and its social classes. translation: we've seen that society in the uk, where the middle—class implodes. and that was the moment that britain decided to withdraw from the world stage. momentum is building behind emmanuel macron but this fight has been getting ever more personal. with just one more day of campaigning left, the end of france's extraordinary presidential race is in sight. 2a hours after a bitter debate with marine le pen, mr macron is still seen as the firm favourite. some of his voters say

they are not choosing him, so much as blocking the far right. two thirds of the country's far left supporters may not vote for him at all. if marine le pen wins, it will be a of course. if emmanuel macron wins, what will be the consequence? in five years, marine le pen will be so strong. it's not what i prefer. it's what i have to do. critics have accused marine le pen of using last night's debate to goad her opponent. but personal attacks happen on the campaign trail, too. today, an egg, thrown during a visit to northern france. translation: the french people know my programme very well. that is because it is very clear. i have been presenting it to them for several years. i want to lift the veil, and i believe i did that successfully, on who mr macron is. there's more than one role

at stake in this campaign. the presidency is the real treasure but, for france's far right party, emerging as the official opposition would also be a prize. this campaign has been, in many ways, and argument over french identity. no matter how many european flags are waved, every election rally here ends the same. (la marseillaise plays) even if france's political map has changed. lucy williams, bbc news. stay with us on bbc news. still to come: an amazing story of survival. a surfer lost at sea for more than 30 hours, describes the moment a helicopter crew spotted him. i, nelson rolihlahla mandela, do hereby serve to be faithful to the republic of south africa.

after six years of construction and numerous delays, the channel tunnel has been formally opened by the queen and president mitterrand. the tunnel is still not yet ready for passengers and freight services to begin. for centuries, christianity and islam struggled for supremacy. now the pope's visit symbolises their willingness to coexist. roger bannister became the first man in the world to run a mile in under four minutes. memories of victory as the ve celebrations reach their climax. this night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. this is bbc news. the latest headlines:

president trump has scored a victory after congress took the first step towards scrapping barack obama's flagship health plan. well let's stay with that story. joining us live from los angeles is author, former politician, and trump supporter, charlotte laws. this is a significant political victory, what are you thinking?” definitely think it is a victory. it shows he is abiding by his campaign promises, that he is getting along with those in his party but people posing as these real need not be fearful. this is only the first step. the fat lady has not signed and it is possible the senate will shoot the bill with a poisonous parrot and it will move into a

different creature. even mr trump indicated it will probably change. we will time for evaluation. i am hopeful it can be resolved in the end. it has not been independently costed but many said it cuts medicare by a lot of money. a bunch of men, removing the effects of domestic violence, post—natal depression... i personally am a supporter of universal healthcare. .. laughter. i actually would like to see something put into place something that supports everybody, keeping everybody as healthy as possible. i think it is complex.

there are many stakeholders. obviously the rich and wealthy do not want to support the poor and unhealthy and yet the poor and unhealthy and yet the poor and unhealthy cannot afford to pay the bill. i would like to see us moving in that direction and healthcare in the us is quite a bit higher than in other developed nations so i think there is a lot more work to be done in this but i hopeful that with time there could be a result. the bill extends members of congress and their staff from the effects of the bill will not an old saying, you should never trust a chef that does not eat his own food. the congress has a low approval rating so i do not think it will lift it very much, this. trump i think does not understand that so many of his supporters and to support some kind of coverage for everybody and i

think he is ruling from the far—right and he has to understand he has to be governing for everybody not just for the republicans. he has to be governing for everybody notjust for the republicans. apart from that, i support him. he is putting a lot of energy into being president and trying to accommodate everything he said during his campaign. very interesting. thank you very much. less than a year after the olympic games, there's been an upsurge of violence in parts of rio de janeiro. the huge cost of the games means the city doesn't have enough money to properly fund its police and that's led to drug gangs re—taking territory and more armed clashes. the human rights organisation amnesty international has criticised the police, accusing them of using excessive force. bill hayton reports. moving like a military unit, the drugs gang shows who controls this so. drugs gang shows who controls this so. in the run—up to the olympics, police took control of areas like

this but now rival groups are fighting each other and the police. in the first few months of 2017 amnesty international says police killed 182 people in rio, almost double the figure of a year ago. translation: everybody is terrified. we are scared to go onto the street. people are stopping doing normal things. this week, to divert and stretched police research, local buses were set fire on. authorities admit they cannot cope. local police seized one illegal firearm admit they cannot cope. local police seized one illegalfirearm every hour but they say they cannot control the streets. translation: the government must give the police the necessary tools so they can work. we are talking about a police force was not received full pay all bonuses and has not been able to ta ke bonuses and has not been able to take time off since the olympic games. 100 other federal police

officers have been pledged to be sent but it too says it cannot solve the problem overnight. translation: rio has this historical difference which is an insecurity which sometimes goes up and sometimes goes down. right now it is clear in need ofa down. right now it is clear in need of a helping hand the president is offering. the city once enough officers to permanently occupy the slums. at the moment all they do is mount raids which result in armed clashes. caught in the middle, civilians. human rights groups fear they will become the main thing is of the renewed violence. —— than the terms. let's take a look at some of the other stories making the news. an argentine mountaineer stranded on canada's highest peak has been told she'll have to wait another day for a helicopter rescue, due to bad weather. natalia martinez has been on mount logan since monday, unable to move after strong earthquakes triggered large avalanches.

she is uninjured and her campsite is safe but the surrounding terrain is unstable. the family of the jailed venezuelan opposition politician, leopoldo lopez, is demanding to see him after a journalist published rumours that he had been transferred to a military hospital in a serious condition. the government broadcast a video of mr lopez in his cell dismissing the rumours. it comes as anti—government clashes rage on in caracas. an australian woman who killed eight children in a stabbing attack at her home will not stand trial because she was of unsound mind. raina thaiday was experiencing a psychotic episode when she turned on her four sons, three daughters and a niece, in cairns in december 2014. the legal decision means she cannot be held criminally responsible. countless female basketballers are smiling tonight, after basketball‘s world governing body changed its rules to allow women to wear the hijab during matches. previous rules had banned the practice, over what governing body fiba said was a safety issue. qatar even withdraw

from the 2014 asian games because of the old ruling. a man who was rescued from the irish sea after clinging to his surfboard for more than 30 hours says he was convinced he was going to die. matthew is now recovering in hospital and has been telling our correspondent chris buckler about how he managed to survive his incredible ordeal. by the night time it wasn't just the shoulder and legs, all my limbs were cramping. matthew bryce is exhausted, sunburnt and still recovering but he's just thankful to have survived after drifting alone in the irish sea for more than 30 hours. and i would say that's probably a yellow surfboard so that would be the right colour. this picture, taken on sunday, shows him surfing off the west coast of scotland before he was pulled out to sea by strong winds and tides. the current changes and i can't do anything. all this time the wind is pushing me further and further and further out. and...

sorry. he ended up clinging to the surfboard in the middle of the irish sea for a day and a half. he was eventually found half—way between northern ireland and scotland, just as the sun was setting and a second night was approaching. i was pretty certain that i was going to die after the sunset. so i was watching the sun set, i had pretty much made peace with the world and then i heard a helicopter... and the helicopter flew right over so ijumped off the boat and i lifted the board up and started waving the board and it flew right over me. i thought he missed me. and then they turned...and

they turned around... and then they saved my life. this is the moment he was rescued from the water and his family could finally be told that he was alive. you have this elation and then 20 minutes later you crash back down. you do not know what state he is in. you do not know how unwell he is and until we get that call from matthew. . .just to hear his voice. the search teams even managed to recover his surfboard. are you looking forward to being reunited with your surfboard, is that the right question? um, i think we'll find a good use for it. maybe as starter fuel but yeah... that's it, you are done with surfing? i think so. i couldn't do that again.

and that pledge to keep away from the surf is one his family seem determined to make him keep. chris buckler, bbc news, belfast. reminder of our top story president trump has finally notched up a major legislative victory — the first stage in repealing barack obama's signature achievement — the affordable care act. the us house of representatives has narrowly passed the republican replacement for obamacare. but how quickly the new bill becomes law whether it does at all is a whole other question. it will face a very tight vote in the senate. the republican majority in the senate is just too and some republicans want major changes to the bill. thank you for watching. northern and western areas

have the best for the sunshine, still breezy across the country and still fairly grey to start in southern counties of england and wales. a few more glimpses of sunshine and we have been used to. any spots of rain in the south coast and channel islands, although cloud will return for east anglia and the south—east, and the midlands later in the day. the sunshine the best in the west, west of scotland and wales, 19 or 20 celsius, still cool in the onshore breeze along eastern coastal counties. as we go into friday night, mostly dry but cloud pushes into the midlands, towards northern england and northern ireland. a cloudy day on saturday with light rain and drizzle. the other change on saturday it is some persistent rain pushing to the channel islands, cornwall, the isles of scilly, even showers in devon. scotland and parts of northern ireland in the sunshine, bright and less chilly to come in the south—east.

goodbye for now. this is bbc news. a summary of the local election results so far. votes are being counted for 88 councils in england, scotland and wales. there are also mayoral elections for six new devolved areas in england. all of the parties looking for indications of their performance ahead of the general election next month. —— ahead of. how is it looking? it is still very early days. the majority of the counting due to come in in a couple of hours, when people are actually awake and up when people are actually awake and up and about. but there is some counting going on. we've had the

conservatives gaining control in warwickshire. the pattern of roly is one that seems to reflect what we are seeing in the national opinion polls. so the conservatives making substantial gains from labour, currently averaging about nine points, the gap between labour and the conservatives. the ukip vote has been collapsing heavily, down by an average of 17 points. apache performance from the lib dems. in some areas they seem to be making progress. in other areas less so. that's kind of how things look at the moment. as i say, the vast majority of result still to come, but some clear patterns emerging. majority of result still to come, but some clear patterns emergingm course you know turnout can be very different from the local elections to the general elections. people voted for me. howdy think the

parties will be reading this? you are absolutely right in terms of the different instincts that voters can have sometimes in local elections and the fact that we should analyse these results for there own sake, given the powers and responsibilities with the budget that local mayors have. and also what it may or may not mean about the general elections that take place next month. nevertheless these are real place next month. nevertheless these a re real votes in place next month. nevertheless these are real votes in real ballot is as, so there will be real analysis —— ballot boxes. we already know labour in many parts of the country are licking their wounds and the conservatives are pretty jubilant. in that sense this will, and that's what is unique about this set of local elections, it feeds straight into the ongoing campaign of the general election. one day's election becomes the campaign fodder for the next set of elections. briefly, a lot of results don't come through until friday. what can people expect

for the rest of the night? will be interesting in the coming hours and especially chewing the day on friday is when we start getting the results of the new mayoral contests. six new posts. one likely to come from the west of england in the next couple of hours. the really interesting ones coming late on friday, in particular keep a night on the west midlands. very keenly fought contest between the conservatives and labour. a strong labour area, but if they continue to poll as poorly as they continue to poll as poorly as they have in the results so far, the conservatives could be confident that they can snatch that away from labour. a new post, an area where a labour. a new post, an area where a labour would have expected to win and potentially a win for anti— street, who used to runjohn lewis. —— andy street. widow novak yet and we won't get the result until about 5pm on friday. many thanks