hello and thank you forjoining us here on bbc news. iraqi forces say they've taken control of the main base of the so—called islamic state, in the city of mosul. the militants have been driven from a hospital compound, where several senior is leaders were thought to have been hiding. there's still fighting around part of the old city — but commanders say a final victory is in sight. our correspondent orla guerin reports from mosul. a symbol of victory, planted this morning in what was the main base of is in mosul. troops, weary after driving the militants from this vast medical complex, but vowing to hunt down every last one of them. "we will keep chasing them and those who support them," says this man, "and we will throw them in the garbage." commanders say they have removed a cancer here, but one that has already spread. "our message is daesh is not only an iraqi problem," says

colonel falah al—wabdan. "it's international." explosion. he was interrupted by a booby—trapped bomb. the militants may have gone from here, but they left plenty of threats behind. and plenty of wreckage in iraq's second largest city. well, this is what victory looks like in mosul after more than eight months of fighting. the remaining is militants have been driven from here, but at what a cost. this hospital complex, which was a place of healing, now lies in ruins, like many other parts of mosul. the city may be regaining its freedom, but there will be a great deal of rebuilding to do. some of those who fought to reclaim this territory will never go home, including four soldiers killed yesterday by another booby—trap.

the body of one of them was found this morning by his friend. translation: yesterday, we were together, joking and laughing. he said, "i am not afraid of daesh, and you should not be either." then he went into the hospital and was mortared. the city is not fully liberated yet. commanders admit that even when it is, there is a real risk is could be back. orla guerin, bbc news, mosul. the united nations high commissioner for refugees has added his voice to those calling for italy to be given more support, as it deals with large numbers of migrants crossing the mediterranean from north africa. more than 80,000 have arrived in the first six months of the year. sarah corker reports.

europe's migrant crisis rarely makes the headlines now but it is far from over. every day, italy is seeing more and more people arrive. most come from africa, fleeing war or poverty and these are the latest to be rescued at sea, exhausted but alive. so far this year, 2,000 people have died trying to reach italian shores and the un refugee agency says it is an unfolding tragedy. in a statement, filippo grandi said: he said europe had to organise a system for distributing migrants urgently. it comes as italy is threatening to close its ports after nearly 11,000 migrants arrived in just five days last month. and the european union says it is ready to do more to help. we are ready to increase our support to italy, including substantial financial support if needed. all member states now need to deliver and show

solidarity towards italy. and the dangers are well—known. this man was found clinging to a boat rudder at sea, just one of many thousands rescued by the italian coastguard. and the un is now calling for greater international efforts to combat the root causes of migration and to tackle trafficking. sarah corker, bbc news. tributes from the world of entertainment for the film critic and journalist barry norman who has died, at the age of 83. the british government says it will keep a close eye on the local authority in charge

of grenfell tower, after the huge fire there last month. the leader and deputy leader of the local authority have resigned and pressure is growing for the council to be taken over by commissioners. frankie mccamley reports. as the tributes continue to arrive and the missing posters line many of the streets, the anger towards the council here is clear. there is a vacuum. there is such a lack of trust now. it needs notjust a few people to change but a real political shift and a shift in the culture of what they think is important and their understanding of what is needed in this area. it was the breakdown of this, the first cabinet meeting of the council since the fire at grenfell tower, that led to the resignation of its leader, is this the first good decision you have made, mr paget—brown? pressure had been mounting on nicholas paget—brown following intense criticism of the way the disaster had been handled from day one.

the resignation has been welcomed by many, including the mayor of london, sadiq khan, who has urged the prime minister to appoint commissioners to run the borough. he wrote: but the government says it is keeping its options open. nothing is off the table in making sure that the local residents, especially the victims, their families and friends, they get all the support they need. clearly there's a role for the local council and government and for many others, but where anyone is not stepping up and doing what is expected of them, then nothing should be off the table. the council now needs a new leader and that person will have to be elected by the council itself, not by the people, and some residents here say they're not happy with that. they want a bigger say on who is going to be making those key decisions. and some are sceptical of the selection process. they need to stay in

engagement with us. they cannot just impose their old boy network and their friends and family scheme that they seem to operate elsewhere. there needs to be a proper process for this election. it's understood a new council leader will be elected next week, their priority, rebuilding trust with those whose lives have been torn apart. frankie mccamley, bbc news. let's take a look at some of the other stories making the news. the president of sinn fein, gerry adams, says he doesn't believe a deal to restore power—sharing in the northern ireland assembly will be agreed by the deadline of monday.the controversy over a green energy scheme, that left the devolved administration almost half a billion pounds overspent, led to the collapse of the assembly almost six months ago. one of south america's most notorious drug barons has been arrested in brazil, after being on the run for three decades.

luiz carlos da rocha — nicknamed "white head" — is thought to have been in charge of a cocaine production network in the jungles of bolivia, colombia and peru. he had plastic surgery many years ago to hide from police, and had been living under a fake identity. qatar has rejected the list of demands made by several arab states, led by saudi arabia. but it says it is ready to engage in dialogue under the right conditions. the qatari foreign minister spoke two days before an ultimatum set by its neighbours runs out. efforts, involving russia, are continuing to try to resolve the worst crisis in the gulf for many years ukraine says russian security services were involved in the cyber attack on the country earlier this week. the authorities in kiev said they believed the attack was carried out by the same hackers who targeted ukraine late last year. the kremlin dismissed the allegations. the film critic and journalist barry norman has died, he was 83.

for more than 25 years he hosted a film show for the bbc, which was regarded by many, as essential viewing. he'd been suffering from lung cancer. david sillito looks back at his life. tonight, joseph losey talks about the assassination of trotsky... it began in 1972, a slightly stiff and nervous new tv presenter, barry norman. ...who then went on to 26 years of the film programme. his father was the producer and director leslie norman, and his relaxed style, shrewd opinions and comfy jumpers were perfect for the late—night movie show. is this superstardom you now have, is this going to change your life at all? no dear, i've had my change of life. to meet you, ijust have to make a movie. that's right. ijust have to go up and like spend $55 million... good evening, or rather, where you are, good morning

and welcome to the 70th 0scars celebrations here he came over on the screen, quite rightly, as a man who really knew his subject, an expert, a man who knew what he was talking about. and somebody said this very day, a very serious man. i said, no, not when you were with him. he liked people, he was gregarious, he loved a laugh. oh boy, i miss him. hello, and why not? that, in a sense, is why it's there. or is it? who cares? he even had the honour of a spitting image puppet, but that alleged catchphrase and "why not" was that creation of the impressionists. but by 1998, frustrated at being bounced around the schedule, he left the bbc for sky, but his place in tv history was already assured. he was, for more than a quarter of the century, tv‘s face of film. barry norman who's died

at the age of 83. helmut kohl — the father of german re—unification and the country's longest serving chancellor in modern times — has finally been laid to rest. the service was held at speyer cathedral. his coffin was taken away by an honour guard for burial. earlier, world leaders, paid tribute at a ceremony in the european parliament in strasbourg. hugh schofield was there. at the end of the day, they brought him down the rhine in a boat, from ludwigshafen, where he was born and where he died, to the mediaeval town of speyer, whose mediaeval cathedral was a place he loved. as a boy in the war, he'd sheltered there from allied bombs. and in the cathedral, they held helmut kohl's requiem mass. he was a catholic, this was his home, these were his people. this is provincial germany bidding farewell to the chancellor. it is important to remember that

alongside the international colossus, there was always also helmut kohl the politician, a man deeply rooted in his belove home region here of the rhineland. earlier in the day it was a very different farewell, as world leaders, past and present, came to pay homage. this was where they remembered the great achievement of helmut kohl, the man who made germany one nation again, but within europe and without waking dark memories of the past. tributes came from friends like the former spanish prime minister felipe gonzalez and former us president bill clinton, who delivered a rhetorical tour de force. helmut kohl gave us the chance to be involved in something bigger than ourselves, bigger than our terms of office. bigger than our fleeting careers. because all of us sooner or later will be in a coffin like that. and the only gift we can leave behind is a betterfuture

for our children and the freedom to make their own choices, including their own mistakes. angela merkel, who had a notoriously difficult relationship with helmut kohl in recent years, said all that was now forgotten and europe would be forever grateful for what her predecessor had done. translation: thank you for the chances and the opportunities that you gave me. thank you for the chances that you gave to many others as well. thank you very much for the chances which we as germans and europeans have received. thanks to you, you achieved a huge amount, may you rest in peace. now it's up to us to actually preserve and guard your legacy. i bow before you and your memory, in gratitude and humility. it was, of course, a sad occasion.

the presence of his widow, maike, a reminder that this was the death of a man, notjust a politician. but it was more than that — for europe's leaders, it was a chance to commune and remember one of theor greats. this is bbc news. the top stories so far this morning... after days of intense fighting, iraqi forces say they are taking control of the main base of so—called islamic state in mosul. the un calls for italy to be given greater support — as it deals with record numbers of migrants crossing the mediterranean. president donald trump has criticised the growing number of us states who're refusing to pass

on voters‘ details to his commission on electoralfraud. earlier he tweeted, "what are they trying to hide?". 0ur washington correspondent laura bicker explains what might happen next. donald trump set up an election integrity commission back in may. he wanted to look at claims, including his own claims, that voter fraud was widespread across the united states. he believes that many people who might have died in the past are still on the electoral roll, and people are voting on their behalf. to that end, the commission sent out letters to all the states. they are asking for very personal information about the voters, the 200 million voters across the us. they want their names, their addresses, their birthdates and, crucially, the last four digits of their social security numbers. but some states have real concerns. first of all, they wonder how this information can be kept safe if they send it to washington and they sent it to the commission. they say this information will be ripe for hackers.

they say the cyber security on it is not safe. 0thers believe this entire investigation is unnecessary and violates the privacy of those within these states. those are some of the reasons they are saying they will not comply. let me give you a couple of quotes, from california for instance, a democratic state, the secretary of state said, "california's participation would only serve to legitimise "the false and a bunked claims of voter fraud by the president." however, it is notjust democratic states. republicans are also saying they will not comply and their most critical rebuff has come from the secretary of state of mississippi, who said to the commission, "they can go and jump in the gulf of mexico "and mississippi is a great state to launch from." they are not having much luck getting this information, one of the reasons why donald trump

has taken to twitter, saying, "what are they trying to hide?" he can keep pushing, the states can keep pushing back. how this will end, we willjust have to wait and see. hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in gay pride events across the world. a parade of 52 floats took the celebrations through the spanish capital and into the night. the rally was led by all of spain's major political parties, behind them came a slow—moving mass of people decked out in rainbow flags and colorful outfits. the massive outdoor gathering was the highlight of the 10—day world pride 2017 festival, which wraps up on sunday. and for the first time, thousands attending singapore's gay—rights rally — have had to show identity cards to prove they are citizens

or permanent residents of the country. checkpoints were set up around hong lim park — to comply with new rules — which prohibit foreigners from taking part in the event, also know as pink dot. 0verseas companies were also banned from providing sponsorship. huge crowds have been celebrating canada's 150th birthday. the prime ministerjustin trudeau, said he was proud that his nation the prime minister, justin trudeau, said he was proud that his nation was known for its compassion and diversity. prince charles told the crowds that canada was an example to many. from 0ttawa, our chief correspondent gavin hewitt reports. prince charles was driven in a coach flanked by royal canadian mounted police through the capital, 0ttawa, as the country celebrated its 150th anniversary. he was representing the queen, who remains canadian head of state. the canadian prime minister, justin trudeau, introduced prince charles to his children. there was recognition that the celebrations were taking place on the ancestral lands of the algonquin people — indigenous canadians. also among the performers was bono,

with his own message. when others build walls, you open doors. it was a message expanded on by prime minister trudeau. we don't care where you are from or what religion you practice or who you love. you are all welcome in canada. cheering and applause. justin trudeau defined canada as a country built on diversity, of welcoming refugees. a country where tackling climate change was an obligation, not an option. prince charles didn't mention canada's british ties but he paid tribute to canadian values. around the world, canada is recognised as a champion of human rights. applause.

and as a powerful and consistent example of diversity. this was a day that underlined that in north america, canada's voice is distinctive and increasingly different to that of america. gavin hewitt, bbc news, 0ttawa. let's catch up with the sports news. we start with rugby union, and the british and irish lions have become the first side to beat the all blacks on home soil since 2009. the 2a points to 21 victory levelled the series ahead of next saturday's third test. 0ur sports correspondent katie gornall reports from wellington. many said it could not be done. not against the world champions and certainly not here on home turf. but they have pulled off one of the great wins in history and kept the series alive. when sonny bill williams was sent off in the first half for a shoulder charge he wasn't just the first all black to be sent off in 50 years but he gave the lions hope. a 1—man advantage is no guarantee against the all blacks. they had an 8—9 lead. hope was beginning to fade but the lions

sprang into life. first a crash over the corner and then a converted try brought them level. with minutes remaining, 0wen farrell held his nerve to kick the lions to a famous victory and one that keeps the dream alive. i spoke to tv—nz veteran rugby reporter stephen stuart about how the result has levelled the playing field for the decider. they were down by nine points midway through the second half, the lions. an amazing comeback, you can't take that away from them. this series and the future of lions‘ tours needed this last night. what are your predictions for the decider? it depends on the weather. if it is dry, many expect the all blacks will bounce back. they were not terribly impressive last night,

but i remember in 2003 when england was reduced to 13 players on the same ground, they still beat the all blacks. so, you could do it with 1a players. they dominated penalty in possession. they had a 9—point lead, they are defence wasn't good. the lions conceded 13 penalties. we have a series, there will be enormous excitement later this week. the world wife—carrying competition has been held this weekend. yes, you heard me right, it's a real contest, with real competitors, and it's taken place in finland. sophia tran—thomson has this report. it wasn't the grandest of opening ceremonies, but these proud representatives were all smiles at the opening of the 2017 wife—carrying world championships. the contest is almost entirely put together by volunteers.

with the 80 couples taking part in the wife—carrying contest, they compete in groups of three. the length of the official track is 253.5 metres. the track has a water obstacle which is about one metre deep. there are also two dry obstacles. this german couples took the prize for the most entertaining couple. but the main prize went to a couple with the home crowd behind them. this couple won the 2017 world wife—carrying championship for finland. it is always a very hard competition. it looks like it is easy, but it is not. it is not an easy feat, but from the looks of it, certainly a lot of fun. all this weekend we've been

reporting on the ceremonies marking 20 years since britain handed over hong kong to china. with the official events now behind us, to wrap up our coverage on a different note, we thought we'd introduce you to the territory's answer to one direction. this boy band wants to empower hong kong's youth. here's their story in their own words. don't forget you can get in touch with me and some of the team on twitter, i'm at lebo?diseko. hello once again. sunday is shaping up to be a half decent day for many parts of the british isles, save for parts of scotland, where your impression will be slightly twisted by the fact they will see showers. not a cold start wherever you may begin the day, temperatures possibly in single figures in the glens of eastern scotland.

once we got rid of the last of saturday's rains in the south—east, a lot of england and wales enjoys a super day. more cloud for northern ireland, more in the way of showers for scotland. a quick look at some of the detail, not quite unbroken sunshine but much improved for the far west of wales. the far south—west of england and tending into saturday we had all the cloud and a bit of rain as well. a dry day in prospect here for the greater part of england and wales. although, as we drift back across the irish sea towards northern ireland, more cloud here, possibly a passing spot of rain. there will be a lot more about the showers and longer spells of rain once we come to the heart of central and western scotland. the wind will eventually ease down from that gale force across the northern isles with the wind an everpresent feature for much of scotland for much of the day. come the evening and the first part

of the night, some of the showers in the north could turn just a wee bit thundery. through monday we just drag this weather front down and across the british isles. in fact, it will link up as a band of cloud back to something brewing in the atlantic. in its western portion, it has something about it to be producing some cloud, rain and drizzle. thankfully, in the south—east, wimbledon gets off to a cloudy start — but as the day goes on, we may find just the chance of a shower as things, perversely, brighten up later on in the day. for many of you, however, if you do happen to see a shower away from the south—western quarter where there will be more cloud, more bits and pieces of rain, those showers will be fleeting. some will stay dry right throughout the day on monday. temperatures not bad for the time of year but nothing warranting a postcard home. on tuesday, we will push this area of cloud right through the heart of the british isles. it does keep moving such that by wednesday, we will build a ridge of high pressure from the atlantic to try and settle things down in many areas.

while that little runner is around, as we call those areas of low pressure, it will bring some wet weather to some parts of northern ireland, the borders of scotland, the north of england, the north of wales. to the far north it is a cool, fresh look with a scattering of showers. a dry enough day in the far south. wednesday, a mix of sunny spells with a couple of sharp showers thrown into the mix. this is bbc news. the headlines: after days of intense fighting, iraqi forces say they've taken control of the main base of the so—called islamic state — in the city of mosul. commanders believe the militants have been driven from a hospital compound, where several senior is leaders were thought to have been hiding. the united nations is calling for italy to be given greater support as it deals with record numbers of migrants crossing the mediterranean. they are also seeking greater international efforts to tackle trafficking. more than 80,000 migrants have reached italy so far this year. the british government has promised it will keep a close eye on the local authority in charge of grenfell tower —

after the huge fire there last month. the leader and deputy leader of the local authority have resigned and pressure is growing for the council to be taken over by commissioners. pro—democracy protests have taken place, on the twentieth anniversary of the handover of the former british colony of hong kong, to china. several activists were arrested after clashing with police, and pro—beijing demonstrators. the chinese president, who was visiting the territory,