welcome to newsday. i'm kasia madera in london. the headlines. britain's ambassador to the us resigns, following the leaking of his critical remarks about the trump white house. we travel deep into myanmar‘s rakhine state. some displaced families are offered new homes — but none go to the muslim community. i'm rico hizon in singapore. also in the programme: a bbc investigation hears from women who've accused top afghan government officials of sexual harassment. and — a major shock at the cricket world cup. hot favourites india go out. underdogs new zealand are in the final, where they'll face australia or england.

india had a chance but they choked. they choked! live from our studios in singapore and london, this is bbc world news. it's newsday. it's seven in the morning in singapore, midnight in london, and seven in the evening in washington where britain's ambassador to the united states, sir kim darroch, has resigned, after a row about leaked memos critical of the trump administration. sir kim said he felt no longer able to do his job after being frozen out and insulted by mr trump whose administation he described as "radiating insecurity" in confidential assessments leaked to a newspaper. our diplomatic correspondent james landale has the story.

sir kim darroch, 42 years a loyal public servant, the boy from the council estate who advised prime ministers and, until this morning, her majesty's ambassador to the united states. he resigned, he said, because his leaked remarks, critical of donald trump, had made it impossible for him to carry out his role. at westminster, there was anger and support in equal measure. sir kim has given a lifetime of service to the united kingdom and we owe him an enormous debt of gratitude. good government depends on public servants being able to give full and frank advice. i think the comments made about him are beyond unfair and wrong. i think he's given honourable and good service and he should be thanked for it. at last month's state visit, mr trump and sir kim were on good terms, but his private description of a dysfunctional white house prompted a wave of presidential insults and a refusal to deal with the man he called, "the wacky ambassador".

i will keep him until he's due to retire and i think we'd like to know if you would? 0k, well, i'm not going to be so presumptuous... but it was these words, the repeated refusal of borisjohnson last night to defend sir kim that prompted the ambassador‘s decision to go. according to whitehall sources, mrjohnson‘s critics were furious. boris johnson, a former foreign secretary, and he hopes to be a future, the future prime minister, has basically thrown our top diplomat under the bus. and there are a lot of people here in the commons who are very, very angry. allies of mrjohnson said this was a shabby attempt to politicise the resignation, and that sir kim's position had become untenable before last night's debate. he was a superb, is a superb diplomat and i worked with him for many years, and i think that whoever leaked his diptels really has done a grave disservice to our civil servants. you said last night

you weren't going to back him? no, on the contrary... my view is it's wrong to drag civil servants into the political arena, that's what i think. that did not assuage the fury of foreign office officials, nor did the fact that mrjohnson chose to phone sir kim this afternoon, to praise him for his dedication and hard work. sir kim's resignation has wrought a heavy blow on british diplomacy. morale here at the foreign office is low and the risk is that it leaves britain looking like a leaky ship, buffeted by a foreign power, with its diplomats fearful in future of speaking truth to politicians who may not defend them if that truth were ever to leak. this afternoon, foreign office staff met to show solidarity with sir kim. earlier, their boss said it was unprecedented for a friendly government not to co—operate with a british ambassador. what's morale like in the foreign office at the moment? erm, i think people are shaken by what has happened.

there is a reason why i've asked to see all my colleagues at four o'clock this afternoon. the basis on which we have worked all our careers suddenly feels as though it is challenged. the question now is who will choose the next resident of the british embassy in washington, theresa may oi’ her successoi’? either way, they'll have a big repairjob to do. james landale, bbc news. joining me now is our north america correspondent peter bowes. how has the ambassador's resignation gone down in the united states? for many people around this country, this has not been headline news. some see it as just another day in the trump administration or perhaps the trump administration or perhaps the consequences of what happens within the trump administration. it began with critical comments by the

ambassador that were leaked and donald trump reacted in the way that only he can. but many americans are used to that and those initial comments criticising the dysfunctional white house, americans have heard those before. analysts have heard those before. analysts have talked and written books about it and those sentiments are well—known. we have not heard from donald trump since the ambassador‘s resignation did we have heard from the vice president, mike hence who said that, to paraphrase him, said that it was probably the right decision to go because he had become ineffectual in the role. and what about the united states mending fences with the uk? that is the bigger question. a hugely important question because of that special relationship between the two countries and moving forward, of course, there will be a different tea m course, there will be a different team from the british side in a couple of weeks time when we have a new prime minister. operably boris

johnson. his team, dealing with the president. they are known to be on good terms. it could quite a quick process with that new team in place to build and rebuild those fences, repair the fences and get things on an even keel as far as the countries are concerned. thank you forjoining us are concerned. thank you forjoining us from los angeles. also making news today: president trump has accused iran of having secretly enriched uranium for a long time and warned that sanctions would soon be substantially increased. it comes after tehran breached the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal — in response to the us decision to pull out of the agreement. president trump's labour secretary, alexander acosta, has defied calls for his resignation over his role in a case involving the billionaire financier, jeffrey epstein. on monday, mr epstein pleaded not guilty to charges he oversaw a network trafficking

underage girls for sex. mr acosta has come under scrutiny for negotiating a light sentence for epstein in 2008, when he pleaded guilty to prostitution charges. more than 20 countries at the united nations human rights council have signed a letter condemning china's treatment of uighur muslims and other minorities in the western xinjiang region. the letter, which has been signed by countries including britain, france and germany — expresses concern at reports of mass detention, widespread surveillance and other restrictions. the confetti has rained down on the streets of new york at a parade celebrating america's women's world cup triumph — with tens of thousands of people lining the streets to pay tribute to their team. the squad's 2—0 win over netherlands in the competition final on sunday earned them their fourth title.

the australian government has announced plans to hold a referendum on recognising aboriginal people in the country's constitution. indigenous people were living in australia for more than 65,000 years before british colonisation — but the constitution doesn't acknowledge their role — something community leaders say has left them powerless. from sydney, here's hywel griffith. australia has been home to aboriginal communities for over 50,000 years. but their rights and their role as the country's first people are not enshrined in law. we seek constitutional reforms to empower our people. two years ago, this meeting of indigenous leaders demanded change, calling for a way to put them the centre of

parliamentary decisions. call went u na nswered parliamentary decisions. call went unanswered until now. announcing a referendum is a big step and in many ways that's the easy part. agreeing on what questions to ask and what changes could bring may prove more difficult. what is clear is that changes needed to improve the lives of australia's first people. indigenous australians are still more likely to be living in poverty, still more likely to be imprisoned and the rest of the population. there is, some need —— leaders argued, a disadvantage locked in by the current constitution. policy has been put on us to stop the voices of aboriginal or straight people in this country to have their own destiny through self—determination oi’ destiny through self—determination or even having the right to have a rightful place in our decision—making. rightful place in our decision-making. the government says it will take three years for the referendum to take shape. it will not be rushed. although many feel it

is overdue. it has been coming for a long time. i think it is time for real change to take place and our country will be better off for it. it is pussyfooting, it is too long in coming and there should be no delay in certain things like an indigenous voice to parliament. polls suggest most australian support recognising aboriginal rights. the referendum risks polarising opinion but it is a decision the whole country will need to make it. in myanmar‘s rakhine state, hundreds of new houses have been handed over to families displaced by the rohingya crisis in 2017. but none of the homes are for the muslim minority group. and there's no sign the 700,000 rohingyas who fled across the border to bangladesh will be returning soon. myanmar continues to deny its troops carried out ethnic cleansing and genocide. our myanmar correspondent nick beake

gained rare access to the affected part of rakhine and sent us this report. it takes time to reach me and my‘s killing fields. a grim journey to wear, they say, a genocide was committed. farfrom wear, they say, a genocide was committed. far from the eyes of the outside world. for the past year, the myanmar government has not allowed us to travel to northern rakhine state. finally we now have position that may permission to go to an event there. how much the authorities will see is another matter. this was the highway from hell. two years ago, hundreds of thousands of a hinge and muslims escaped along this route. cleaning the berm ‘s army's campaign of rape and murder. —— rohingya muslims. but

now we are told, some of those displaced in the bloodshed are coming back. under close scrutiny we are invited see 250 new homes and the people who will live in them. they have been paid for by neighbouring india. this family are waiting to talk to us. although it turns out they will not be sleeping here tonight. they will be going back to the nearby village. because these are not the one that muslims coming home. like everyone we meet here, they are hindu. how would you feel if you're muslim neighbours came back? translation: we would not like it, she tells us. many hindus we re like it, she tells us. many hindus were killed in muslim villages. many outsiders believe rakhine state is still soaked in religious hatred and it is not safe for different communities to live side—by—side. but ministers claim progress is being made. and today they are celebrating their efforts. they are

battling on with this event despite the relentless rain caused me and my‘s government is desperate to show it is doing things in rakhine state to try and improve lives. the reality is none of the houses we see here today are for rohingya people. they remain in refugee camps across the border in bangladesh and for now, two yea rs the border in bangladesh and for now, two years on after the terrible violence, there is no home. the families today are hindu families. will you be providing housing for the rakhine —— rohingya families? not only for the hindu people but also for the muslim people and the rakhine people. the project will become more and more. up to half a million that one that muslims who did not flee the 2017 persecution remain in rakhine state. one united nations investigator said they live

in modern day concentration camps, denied many freedoms. and while there is such a bleak outlook there is little chance that friends and family across the border in the refugee camps will be coming home to join them. you're watching newsday on the bbc. live from london and singapore. still to come on the programme: the afghanistan government faces allegations of sexual harassment — we hear the stories of women who claim to have been sexually assaulted by top officials. yes, that's coming up shortly. also on the programme: india's cricket world cup dreams are over after new zealand claim a narrow victory in the semi—finals. we have all the reaction. central london has been rocked by a series of terrorist attacks. police say there have been many casualties, and there is growing speculation

that al-qaeda was responsible. germany will be the hosts of the 2006 football world cup. they pipped the favourites, south africa, by a single vote. in south africa, the possibility of losing hadn't even been contemplated, and celebration parties were cancelled. the man entered the palace through a downstairs window and made his way to the queen's private bedroom. then he asked her for a cigarette, and on the pretext of arranging for some to be brought, she summoned a footman on duty, who took the man away. one child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world. education is the only solution. applause

welcome back, everyone. this is newsday on the bbc. i'm rico hizon in singapore. yes, thanks for staying with us. i'm kasia madera in london. our top stories: many british politicians have expressed concern at the resignation of britain's ambassador to washington, after his confidential criticism of president trump's administration was leaked. a bbc investigation has found that none of the hundreds of new houses handed over to families displaced in myanmar‘s rakhine state have been given to muslims. and this story is trending on bbc.com. us president donald trump has ordered an investigation into france's planned tax on internet and technology giants. the french parliament is expected to approve the new 3% levy on thursday. let's take a look at some front pages from around the world. the japan times leads with the death ofjohnny kitagawa, one of the most influential figures in japan's entertainment industry.

the music mogul, who shaped the country's boy band landscape for more than half a century, died at the age of 87. mariko oi brought to us on yesterday's newsday. the philippine daily inquirer is running a story about ten pangolins, which are a critically endangered species, that were rescued from wildlife traffickers two weeks ago. the newspaper says only three of them survived. the scaly anteaters are one of the world's most heavily poached and trafficked mammals. and finally, the straits times marks the birthday of the malaysian prime minister mahathir mohamad, who turned 94 on wednesday. after a busy day in parliament, a group ofjournalists sang "happy birthday" to mr mohamad, who last year became the oldest elected leader in the world. iam sure i am sure they sang much, much better than us. now, rico, an unwelcome guest has people talking online? tell us more.

a man has been arrested after climbing over buckingham palace's front gates in the middle of the night. the 22—year—old was held on suspicion of trespass in the early hours of wednesday. queen elizabeth was in residence at the time. the intruder was not carrying a weapon and police say the incident is not being treated as terror—related. and thus's trending. afghanistan's government is facing allegations of sexual harassment. in may, a former advisor to the president accused men in positions of power of trading officialjobs for sex. while the government rejects the claims, a bbc investigation has heard from women who allege they were sexually harassed by top officials. to protect the identity of some of the women in yogita limaye's report, their words have been voiced by actors. one of the worst countries in the world to be a woman. life might be

better and under a repressive caliban regime, but freedom is still limited —— taliban. equality a distant dream. and every day here they face the threat of violence, rape, harassment. now there are disturbing allegations that even in government women aren't safe, that some men in positions of power are sexually harassing them. we are in couple to probe these claims. in a conservative male dominated society it is hard for women to speak out, but our investigation has finally let us to a former government employee —— kabul. we are hiding their identity because she fears backlash. a former boss is a senior minister in the current government. "he was asking me for sex directly.

i'd told him i'm qualified and experienced. they never thought he would say such things to me. and did you file a complaint after this incident? she also told us two other women had come forward to tell her the same minister had raped them. claims of the bbc has been unable to independently verify. it's notjust one individual ministry or department, several women were spoken to have told us that sexual harassment is widespread in the government. most of them are too afraid to speak out. but now we are

going to meet another woman who's willing to share her story with us. in fact, this is the first time she's telling anyone about it. she had all but secured a governmentjob when she was asked to meet a close aide of president ashraf ghani. do you want some water? shall they get you some? last year she contested parliamentary poles and said election commission officials also harassed her.

the president's office declined the bbc‘s request for an interview. earlier, they rejected claims of sexual misconduct in government. the response that the government gave is defensive. i think that the culture of impunity is one of the reasons that people who commit this don't get trial, so therefore the man or the perpetrators feel protected. democracy here has come at the cost ofa democracy here has come at the cost of a deadly wall. more women are in parliament and in government now. but if they are not considered safe places to work this progress could come to a halt. yogita limaye, bbc news, kabul. we have much more on the story on the website. there's a been a major shock in the cricket world cup as india, one of the pre—tournament favourites, crashed out. they were beaten by new zealand in a gripping semi—final.

while new zealand fans celebrate, spare a thought for the millions of indian supporters left disappointed. joe wilson caught up with some of them after the game. was an incredible game at old trafford. new zealand started off so well, taking three quick wickets. demi had a partnership between ms dhonl demi had a partnership between ms dhoni. —— and then we had a partnership. it did not happen in the end. and you were there inside. what happened to india?|j the end. and you were there inside. what happened to india? i think the early loss of virat kohli made a difference and from there on... this because a bit difficult. in any case, i think they new zealanders, and a wish england, also, comes to the defence. neither have won the world cup. at least that then when the world cup. we have one at once. that is gracious, very gracious. 2112

when a welcome semi—final. that is gracious, very gracious. 2112 when a welcome semi-final. that was very easy, very, very easy —— world cup. they have won the world cup before. new zealand never have. it could be a new name on the trophy. who knows. the second semi—final still to come. every motion on the streets of manchester. there certainly was. england play australia on thursday to see who takes on new zealand in sunday's final here in london. you have been watching newsday. i'm kasia madera in london. it will be an exciting semi—final. and i'm rico hizon in singapore. stay with us. we'll be taking a look at interest rate cuts. will it happen after jerome powell's testimony at congress? and before we go, we'd like to leave you with these

pictures. giant panda keepers breathed a sigh of relief on wednesday. why? well, a tiny baby panda cub has now gained enough weight to survive, after being born underweight in southwest china. the tiny cub named cheng lang was smaller than an egg when she was born, she was unable to feed herself and could only eat with the help of keepers. that's all for now — stay with bbc world news. it has been a very humid couple of days across many parts of the uk. temperatures have got up to 27 degrees. some of that humidity is going to spark off a view thunderstorms. certainly across northern and eastern parts of the country on thursday. not everybody is going to get them though. this is what it looks like through the early hours. already some showers dotted around across the uk. the south is largely dry early in the morning. and a very warm 15— 16 degrees after dawn, just in the north—west there, maybe around 12 degrees in stornaway. low pressure is crossing the country on thursday. that will

spark off some thunderstorms. once again across scotland and eastern parts of the uk. further south it is looking dry. the weather is looking absolutely fine for wimbledon. partly cloudy skies. temperatures around the mid—20s and light winds. but still quite humid. the forecast for the morning, showers possible almost anywhere across central, northern england, scotland, maybe one 01’ northern england, scotland, maybe one or two in northern ireland. it is later on from lincolnshire company northern counties and interviews in scotland where we will see the heaviest of the showers brewing. 20 degrees in the north. in the south, around 25 or 26. another warm, humid day. let us as into eastern scotland. the showers will continue to move across scotland into the evening hours and, again, thunderstorms possible almost anywhere from yorkshire northwards. thursday night into friday, that low pressure bushes away. the high pressure bushes away. the high pressure is trying to build on that will help improve the weather as we

move into the weekend. there is friday's weather forecast. there move into the weekend. there is friday's weatherforecast. there is a shift in the wind direction, coming from the north—west. it will put away some of that humidity. temperatures will drop a touch as well. on friday, further showers are possible in some eastern areas of the uk. temperatures typically around the low 20s, maybe touching 23, 20 four degrees in southern parts of the uk full up that's friday. let's look at saturday. the winds mostly in from the north. feeling a little bit fresher, i think, across the majority of the uk. it will cloud over times. there is the chance of honour two showers, but on the whole it is a dry saturday for most of us. —— one or two showers. temperatures typically 21- 22 two showers. temperatures typically 21— 22 degrees. saturday looks fairly similaras 21— 22 degrees. saturday looks fairly similar as well. light winds, really a very pleasant saturday and sunday on the way. bye—bye.

i'm kasia madera with bbc news. our top story. the british prime minister, theresa may, has said she "deeply regrets" the resignation of the uk's ambassador in washington. sir kim darrak stood down after his criticism —— sir kim darroch stood down after his criticism of donald trump's administration was leaked, prompting insults from the us president. sir kim said it was impossible for him to carry on. the bbc has gained rare access to myanmar‘s rakhine state, where families displaced by the violence of the rohingya crisis have been getting new houses — but none have been reserved for muslims. and this video is trending on bbc.com: the us women's football team have celebrated their world cup win with a massive victory parade in new york. thousands of people gathered to cheer the champions as they made their way through the skyscraper—lined "canyon of heroes" in lower manhattan.