hello, this is bbc news, our latest headlines. thousands of people have joined a trade union margin london demanding fair pay. voting is closed in iraq. it's the first elementary election since the country declared victory over the group that calls itself the islamic state. army officials in the democratic republic officials in the democratic republic of congo said they're working closely with park rangers to try to locate two british tourists kidnapped by gunmen yesterday. mps are calling for better mobile signals in rural areas. illiterate to the department for culture, media and sport criticises what they call and sport criticises what they call an appalling lack of progress on connectivity. 0k, time to cross to the bbc sports centre now for support staff. hello and welcome to sportsday — i'm ben mundy, coming up on the programme. get ready for some ups and downs. the play—offs kick—off with promotion for ten man tranmere as they reach the football league.

it's a pole for lewis hamilton in barcelona. and tiger charges up the leaderboard at sawgrass, but has he left it too late to catch runaway leader webb simpson? hello, all that to come. and, confirmation of a scottish premiership relegation in a moment, but first, english football's play—offs are well and truly under way. we're guaranteed high drama over the coming weeks. and we certainly saw that at wembley this afternoon. tranmere rovers are back in the football league after beating borehamwood in the national league play off final. that's despite playing almost the entire game with ten men, as clare thornton reports. with the weight of expectation on

their shoulders the rovers walked out at the home of vegas football with a place in the league at the line. missing last year the pressure was on tranmere. the challenge in the opening minute meant he saw a red and the favourites to ten men. down but not out and certainly not giving up six minutes later they put themselves in front. the drama did not start their as players soda bottles were thrown from the stands. josh likely to not have one more series the injured. the incident fuelled first—half saw six minutes add to the clock but nine were played. giving bruno enough time to score the equaliser. the intensity of the second half was broken in the sist of the second half was broken in the sist minute. the winner securing their return to english league after a three—year absence. so, the race to join the football league finalised this afternoon... but the bid to reach

the premier league continues this evening, for middlesbrough and aston villa. they're in action right now, in their play—off semifinal, first leg at the riverside. into the second half there, it's currently i—o. mile jedinak‘s header putting villa ahead. a reminder, derby have a 1—0 advantage over fulham after their semifinal first leg last night. it was a tight one in the league one play—offs as scunthorpe scored a late equaliser against rotherham to draw the first leg of their semi—final, 2—all. it was the away side, rotherham who had the better of the early exchanges and took the lead when a ball over the top found jon taylor in space. but scunthorpe levelled immediately after the restart when duane holmes‘ chip was put into his own net by michael e—hek—way. the millers thought they'd won it whenjoe miller scored with his first touch after coming on as a subsitute. but there was late drama, as cameron mcgeehan had other ideas. his first scunthorpe goal in the 88th minute made it all square going into wednesday's second leg in rotherham. shrewsbury play charlton in

the other semi final first leg tmrw. in league two, lincoln's hopes of securing back—to—back promotions are still alive after they drew 0—0 with exeter in the first—leg of their semifinal playoff. lincoln nearly took the lead close to the hour mark when matt rhead's header struck the crossbar. a bit of luck and a couple of fine saves from exeter goaleeper christy pym kept his side from conceding. the two sides will meet again in the second—leg on thursday. coventry play notts county in the other semi final at 7.30. right, onto the scottish premiership where ross county have been relegated. they needed to better partick thistle‘s result at dundee, but they ended up drawing after conceding a really late goal to stjohnstone. it means the staggies finish bottom and will be automatically relegated. partick, in second last, will now play off for their premiership survival against livingstone from the scottish championship. one other result. motherwell winning 3—0 at home to hamilton. manchester city's women have been dealt a blow in their bid

to win the wsl one title, with defeat away at arsenal. city led at the break after nadia nadim's cool finish on 11 minutes. but a strong second half from arsenal saw the hosts score twice in ten minutes. the first by danielle van de donk and then beth mead added a second, with this strike. it means chelsea can stretch their lead at the top to six points when they host sunderland this evening. the season finishes next weekend. they are into the dying minutes of rugby unions european champions cup final between racing 92 and leinster. it's been a tense game — no tries — only penalties, and leinster have just taken the lead for the first time in the match. they lead 15—12 with two minutes to play, the irish side are looking for their first title since 2012 ireland's cricketers have enjoyed a good second day in their first ever test match. they're taking on pakistan in dublin. after rain washed—out the first day, their bowlers enjoyed

a productive spell. at one point pakistan were 13 for — they recovered to reach 268 for six at stumps. the wickets were fairly evenly spread, but notably two of them fell to the former england test player boyd rankin. still to come on the programme. there's a first podium finish in two years for britain's non stanford in the world triathlon series. and you have heard about the under woods. now meet the next pair of brothers taking english rugby by storm. to formula one, where lewis hamilton's hopes of extending his championship lead have been boosted by taking pole for tomorrow's spanish grand prix. it's only his second of the season. and as nick parrott reports, he'll have his mercedes team mate between him and his main rival ferrari's sebastian vettel. so we are 70 fourth pole position

for lewis hamilton and his mercedes. a close run. just the 0.04 seconds behind his team—mate. if the two ferrari, sebastian just not finding his true form out there today. and then you have got that too as well. a really great qualifying session with thrills and spills all the way as mick parra reports. it's one of the most familiar venues in formula 1. the most familiar venues in formula i. preseason texting takes place here and everyone should know what to expect. it can still throw up the odd surprise. 0ne to expect. it can still throw up the odd surprise. one of the biggest and the williams driver ran out of road where no one else seems to have a problem. almost a write off as well. the home fans inspired their hero to eight on the grid. his best qualifying of the year. at the sharp and it looked like ferrari was coming out on top after sebastian went quickest in the first two sessions. the first time since the

opening weekend in australia at lewis hamilton was unstoppable. he found fractions where others could not. breaking the track record to ta ke not. breaking the track record to take ahead of his mercedes team—mate by just four hundredths take ahead of his mercedes team—mate byjust four hundredths of take ahead of his mercedes team—mate by just four hundredths of a take ahead of his mercedes team—mate byjust four hundredths of a second. more than a quarter of a second behind in third lewis hamilton will behind in third lewis hamilton will be hoping he can extend his championship lead. great atmosphere here in barcelona. always a great crowd. a lot of british fans and spanish fans and even supporting a break so i appreciate everyone. for a close in qualifying but very happy. the first run in 03 was not so happy. the first run in 03 was not so good. i locked into the first corner but the last one i was happy and feeling good. until the end. then i looked at the tower there and i saw that my name did not go to the top, so not entirely happy, but we expected mercedes to be very strong, so expected mercedes to be very strong, soi expected mercedes to be very strong, so i think tomorrow should be an interesting race. four points is the

difference between jimmy chip interesting race. four points is the difference betweenjimmy chip leader lewis hamilton and sebastian battle. —— championship. we hope for another one here around five 52nd here in barcelona. a quick heads—up. leinster had just won the champions cup. they won by 15 points to 12. the third round is under way at the players championships in sawgrass florida, regarded by some as an unofficial fifth major. and tiger woods had a phenomenal round carding a seven—under—par round of 65. but he's still seven shots from leader american webb simpson who's on 15 under. he tees off in about an hours time. britain's simon yates has maintained his lead in the giro d'talia. ecuador‘s richard carapaz won stage eight with yates finishing safely in the bunch to keep his 16 second lead over defending champion tom dumoulin. chris froome was also in that group and is ninth overall. british sprinter reece prescod

stunned the world champion justin gatlin by beating him in the 100 metres in shanghai. prescod excelled in the rain to run a season's best time of 10.04 seconds for his first diamond league victory. fellow briton cj ujah finished fourth, while justin gatlin was seventh. in rugby league's challenge cup, st helens are through to the quarterfinals after overpowering castleford tigers at the jungle. it was the ben barba show once again in west yorkshire as the man of steel favourite scored a hat—trick of tries. his first after running the length of the pitch. but the australian saved his best until last, jinking his way round five tigers defenders to score an incredible try and put the super league leaders into the last eight. 36—18 the final score. in today's other challenge cup sixth round game catalans dragons crushed whitehaven — 56-10. britain's non stanford has achieved a podium finish

in the world triathlon series for the first time in two years. she took bronze in yokohama injapan earlier, finishing 43 seconds behind winner and commonwealth champion, flora duffy from bermuda. stanford, who struggled with injury and illness last year, admitted afterwards that she had been looking at a future away from the sport. i spent last night googling job obligations, and over breakfast this morning i was reading what i had to do to apply for this particularjob. idid not do to apply for this particularjob. i did not expect that at all today. it has been a really tough two yea rs. it has been a really tough two years. i've got her a lot of ups and downs, and this is part to be super cruel and super—tough. it just downs, and this is part to be super cruel and super—tough. itjust shows if you stay patient and keep looking away than you can get back up there, really. meanwhile, mario mola of spain won the men's race. the spaniard finished first for a record third consecutive time in yokohama, to extend his lead at the top of the standings. britain's grant sheldon was 18th, with thomas bishop back in 24th. now, breaking the cycle of youth crime in britain's cities has

become one of our most pressing social issues. knife crime — in particular — has grabbed the headlines in recent weeks. and, one man who lived the gangster‘s life is now trying to stop children following his path. as our sports correspondent joe wilson found out, he is using cricket to do so. when you say "think reality", what...? a classroom in birmingham, but no ordinary teacher. tanayah sam describes himself as an urban youth specialist. i didn't do my gcses. i had to do the equivalent when i was in prison. all you year eights are going to do your gcses, ain't you? cool he put the gun into my hand, i stuck it out the window and ijust fired it in the air. his lessons are drawn from his experience. guns, drugs, gangs, prisons all came before he decided to change. ijust wanted to be a bad man.

well, you can talk to young people in a classroom all day long. the key is to engage them with something positive, something constructive, or energetic. something, maybe, like cricket. tanayah sam is working with the chance to shine charity, lottery funding from sport england. but why this? cricket is a different form of integration for the boys and for the girls. getting them to, you know, just let off some frustration. "whack!" it's also a great way for me to engage and carry on the information. unfortunately, it is glamorised for young people to walk with a knife and we've got to be honest and frank about that. if you've got a knife and you're with your mates and there's some guy.

you don't want to look like an idiot, so you're going to stab him. so you shouldn't carry around knives. because you'll end up using it. and he knows all about it cos he was a gangster. when we was walking to the field i heard them all saying "i will never, ever carry a knife." all of them were saying it. in this playground are children who are waiting to be influenced. a plastic cricket bat and a tennis ball, not everything, but something. and tanayah sam believes the best opportunities are found in unlikely places. joe wilson, bbc news, birmingham. the underwoods, the vunipolas, the youngs. when it comes to playing rugby for england with your brother, there's some history. and now there's a new duo on the scene — but you'll probably not see them on the pitch together. good news for commentators across the land, for the 0lowofela's are identical twins. ben croucher caught up them ahead of what is set to be a busy summer. i'm ryan, i'm jordan.

i'm ryan, i'mjordan. we play rugby for england. meda ryan and jordan to the brightest identical twins in english rugby. physically, he's got a scar on his left eyebrow. i think i threw a pot at his head. these to torment them for that. he's older 110w torment them for that. he's older now and so he does not really care. his hairflops down and my hair is up. that's about it. separated by about five minutes at birth of these twins are headed in different directions. jordan plays for lester and made his england under 20s debut at the six nations. brian in the england sevens squad. i never thought i would make it this year. anything i does work hard at training. the coaches really enjoying what i'm doing and pushing myself. smashing fitness. and whilst domestic rugby will kick back of the

summer domestic rugby will kick back of the summer these two will be kept busy. the under 20 world should be two kicks off and have wanted over the last five years and beaten finalists. we have to set our own legacy. not really looking ahead at the weird is going to take each game is it comes along. who'll be running out at twickenham for the first time for the london leg of the worlds of seven series. just be crazy when you are tired and fading and you can't really be bothered you think about it and in three weeks that's in the back of your mind. like most 20—year—olds they relaxed the bit of thief orfortnight. 20—year—olds they relaxed the bit of thief or fortnight. and 20—year—olds they relaxed the bit of thief orfortnight. and evolves strange ritual. they‘ re thief orfortnight. and evolves strange ritual. they're under no illusions when it comes to keeping the red rose on their chest there's only one move. it's like what you do after and the next step and not going out drinking it's like getting massages oi’

going out drinking it's like getting massages or that stuff. that little extra bit. different paths that may be treading but it's a mindset that may just lead the fellows to the be treading but it's a mindset that mayjust lead the fellows to the top of their sport. a couple of faces to look out for. that's all from sportsday. lei nster have leinster have won the champions cup and any champions play off still a goal up away at middlesbrough. we'll have more for you at 7.30. back out as the producing abrasive ran across the southeast and as we go into tonight that rain will turn quite heavy as it turns across east anglia. 0f quite heavy as it turns across east anglia. of the eastern side of england and eventually into eastern scotland. as we go on past midnight. for west than clear spells and it

will turn cold enough across parts of northern ireland to the touch of frost. even in the centre of belfast to purchase all the way down to 4 degrees but will be milder weather and get the cloud and rain. does that big a pretty grey disappointing date into sunday across eastern england and eastern scotland. i was to better chance of seeing some spells and sunshine. very small chance of catching a shower but most here nothing to write home about but not too bad for the thomas mair. for the week ahead the prospects are quite promising. mostly dry and spells of sunshine and it will feel pleasa ntly spells of sunshine and it will feel pleasantly warm. good evening. voting has ended in the first parliamentary elections in iraq since it declared victory over the islamic state group. security has been high and tonight three people are reported killed after a militant attack near a polling station. it's iraq's fourth vote since 2003,

when saddam hussein was removed from power. and as our correspondent martin patience reports, from baghdad, safety, corruption and the economy have dominated the campaign. iraq is at a turning point. people here hope that this election will represent a fresh start. but the fear is the country could slip back into violence. despite the islamic state group being pushed out of most of iraq, threat of attack remains. translation: wheedled new politicians will be elected. it would change things for young people. the good university degrees but we're sitting at home unemployed. translation: god willing, the situation will improve. the younger generation will get jobs, the electricity will get better and most importantly, we will have security. the prime minister needs all the votes he can get you stop he's facing unexpectedly tough competition from other shia

politicians. the iraqi leader won praise for his fight against the islamist extremists. but whoever wins this election will be to rebuild the city's shattered buildings... this is a critical moment for iraq. security has vastly improved care and is now an opportunity to rebuild the country. iraq's unity is fragile. sectarian divisions can once again tear this country apart. with growing tensions between america and iran many iraqis feel there country could be a casualty. we area there country could be a casualty. we are a the results of the selection in the next 48 hours and they will be closely watched by regional as well as world powers. because in an already tense middle

east to the outcome of this election could tip the balance of power in the region. thank you. tens of thousands of people have marched through central london demanding better pay and improved job security. a hundred years. the government says inflation is falling and unemployment is at a 40 year low. thousands came marching for an end to shrinking pay packets. are calling for a new dealfor workers shrinking pay packets. are calling for a new deal for workers and public service. the trade union c0 ng ress says public service. the trade union congress says we are living through the worst erosion in our spending power since the 1800s. if we carry on at this same rate of pay increases it will take until 2025 to

get back to the real wages people had before the crash. about 17 years and isjust had before the crash. about 17 years and is just too long. had before the crash. about 17 years and isjust too long. using official data they found real wages was takes account of inflation rent up by 27% in the decade before the financial crisis in 2008 put in the last ten yea rs crisis in 2008 put in the last ten years they have fallen by 4%. this is the average worker will have lost around 18 and a half thousand pounds of real earnings by 2025. the economy has not grown it has not grown because productivity has not grown. he generally work is basically the same now as it was in 2008. breida producing and 90 in game to earn anymore. in a statement government said our new hire living wage has boosted pay for lowest earners at £2000. cutting taxes and make a sure people have the skills they need to a secure high well—paid jobs. real wages or spending power

after we have been paid are going up, just unemployment is not a 40 year low with many people that may not feel that much better off. the people on this march they're calling for more secure and better paying jobs. the foreign office say they're supporting the families of 2 british nationals, who were kidnapped in a national park in the democratic republic of congo. the tourists were abducted yesterday a ranger travelling with them, was killed in the attack. north korea has announced it will dismantle its nuclear test site later this month — in plain view of the world's media. the three—day event is scheduled to take place three weeks before president trump and the north korean leader kimjong—un hold an historic summit in singapore. from south korea, laura bicker reports. another key public announcement from the usually secretive state. she is

describing a ceremony to dismantle north korea's‘s may nuclear test site. kim jong—un is north korea's‘s may nuclear test site. kimjong—un is carried out all six nuclear blasts within us to wooded mountain valleys, but now he says he will blow up all the tunnels and block all entrances and allow foreign media to watch. it's the kind of seriousness that the west has been hoping for. earlier this week the secretary of state travelled to pyongyang. he had an offer to help build the economy if they give up their weapons. back in washington in a meeting with the south korean foreign minister mr pompeo made it very clear. sanctions will remain until any deal is done. i will require work last verification programme and one that we will undertake with partners around the world. it has been a week of dizzying diplomatic efforts with the release of three men held in north korea for over a year. skeptics say president trumpet is

falling for the playbook. but others believe there's a chance the north korea public priorities are changing and that just perhaps korea public priorities are changing and thatjust perhaps this time might be different. then our‘s time toa2 might be different. then our‘s time to a 2 million people will sit around the world was sent down to watch the spectacle that is eurovision. 43 countries are taking pa rt eurovision. 43 countries are taking part in the contest which cost around £18 million to stage. the song contest final takes place in lisbon this year and no doubt there will be as much focus as ever on the spectacular but often high—tech performances. the favourites are cyprus and israel. now the sport. lewis hamilton looks back to his best taking his first pole since the start of the season. the four—time

world champion broke the track record in barcelona to qualified fastest for tomorrow's spanish grand prix just fastest for tomorrow's spanish grand prixjust ahead fastest for tomorrow's spanish grand prix just ahead of his mercedes team—mate and his title rival sebastian battle. he leads by four points. great atmosphere here in barcelona. we always get a great crowd from a lot of british fans here, love spanish fans here even supporting a break and so i appreciate everyone. very close in qualifying but very happy. ross cou nty qualifying but very happy. ross county have been relegated from these premiership after six years in these premiership after six years in the top division. they drew their final match todayjust behind the so who have to play off against the championships livingston for the premiership survival. tranmere rovers are back in the football league after beating borehamwood in the national league play off final. that's despite playing almost the entire game with ten men, as clare thornton reports. manchester city's women have been dealt a blow in their bid to win the wsl one title, with defeat away at arsenal. means they are now three points

behind the fa cup winners who have aged game in hand. lei nster have leinster have won the european champions cup for a record equalling fourth time. it was a nerve—racking final in bilbao. an indicator of the strength of irish rugby after the grand slam. st helens her into the quarterfinals that the challenge cup. they beat them for 36 months to 18. ben barber scoring a hat trick of tries. purchase printer says training in the rain helped him beat the world champion today. he ran a seasons best time of 10.04 seconds. gatlin was seven. that is it for me but much more in the bbc sport website,

including how ireland's recruiters are getting on in the first test match. for me or not, it's back to you. more news. i would like for the ladies after