welcome to bbc news, i'm lewis vaughan jones. our top stories: marking the 75th anniversary of victory in europe. the queen leads tributes to past sacrifices as the uk remains under lockdown. many people laid down their lives in that terrible conflict. they fought so we could live in peace, at home and abroad. bagpipes skirl. on a day that should have been filled with parades and street parties, prince charles holds a moving tribute at his family's balmoral estate. the uk government is expected to impose a two—week quarantine on almost everyone entering the uk from the end of the month. spain approves a bigger relaxation of the lockdown, as small firms are allowed

to serve customers again, and more outdoor movement is allowed. on a day of events marking the 75th anniversary of the allied victory over nazi germany, the queen has paid tribute to britain's wartime sacrifice. she said ve day had a message for today's generation as it deals with the coronavirus epidemic — "never give up, never despair". her address to the nation aired exactly to the minute that her father king george vi made his address at the end of the second world war in europe. ourfirst report is from nicholas witchell. newsreel: this is london. his majesty king george vi.

it was the night a nation gave thanks as it emerged from a terrible struggle, and the king recalled the many thousands who had been lost. we have come to the end of our tribulation. and they are not with us at the moment of our rejoicing. 75 years later, the queen recalled her father's words, and britain's great deliverance from tyranny. at the start, the outlook seemed bleak, the end distant, the outcome uncertain. but we kept faith that the cause was right. on ve night, the queen was 19. "never give up, never despair," that was the message of ve day. i vividly remember the jubilant scenes my sister and i witnessed with our parents and winston churchill from the balcony of buckingham palace.

the message of ve day was very clear. many people laid down their lives in that terrible conflict. they fought so we could live in peace, at home and abroad. they died so we could live as free people in a world of free nations. they risked all so our families and neighbourhoods could be safe. we should, and will remember them. and then to today's battle, as a locked down country dealt with coronavirus. it was hard, the queen said, that this anniversary could not be marked as we'd wished. instead we rememberfrom our homes and our doorsteps. but our streets are not empty. they are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other. and when i look at our country today and see what we are willing to do to protect and support one another, i say with pride that we are still a nation

those brave soldiers, sailors and airmen would recognise and admire. it was a message which called to the spirit of the wartime generation to rally the nation's resolve. the lockdown had severely curtailed the ve day commemorations. bagpipes skirl. but at "am, the prince of wales with the duchess of cornwall had led the national tributes at balmoral. a field gun at edinburgh castle signalled the start of a carefully managed national two—minute silence.

at balmoral, as the silence ended, the prince of wales laid his wreath in tribute to the second world war generation. bagpipes skirl. and over the white cliffs near dover, two spitfires, the aircraft which helped to defend britain, flying today in remembrance of the few, linking those who saw them with the events of 75 years ago as today's political leaders paid their tributes. all of us who were born since 1945 are acutely conscious that we owe everything we most value to the generation who won the second world war. we remember the millions of people from across the united kingdom, from across the world, who came together in

world war ii to fight for our shared values. values of freedom, of democracy, of peace. 75 years ago, britain's streets were teeming with joyful crowds. the contrast with those same streets today is striking. and yet 75 years after the end of the second world war in europe, a nation in lockdown looked beyond its present challenges to give thanks. nicholas witchell, bbc news. president trump has marked ve day by laying a wreath at the second world war memorial in washington dc. he was joined by several veterans of the conflict, all aged over 90, who chose to attend despite the coronavirus pandemic. more than 400,000 americans lost their lives during the war.

there were commemorations in other european countries during the course of the day to mark the end of the war in 1945. our paris correspondent lucy williamson sent this report. under france's war memorial, president macron stood isolated and apart, the usual crowd of dignitaries replaced by a handful of officials carefully spaced for protection. a poignant way to mark a time when france never stood alone. today the nation requires new kinds of protection, a bottle of hand gel by the book of condolence, the president's own pen. the national story of world war ii is one of solidarity against an enemy at home. 75 years on, it's being remembered by a country in isolation. the celebrations in france that day were a way of forgetting the shame of occupation that had gone before.

the new national story of solidarity and resistance broadcast to the nation by general charles de gaulle as he announced the german surrender. translation: the homeland turns its thoughts and love first to those who died for it, to those who have fought and suffered so much. no effort from its soldiers, sailors, airmen, no act of courage or selflessness of its sons and daughters, no suffering of its men and women prisoners, no mourning, no sacrifice, no tear will have been lost. in germany today, the country's modern—day leaders laid wreaths at the memorial for victims of war. 75 years after the nazi defeat, the german president said his country was grateful. translation: we germans can say today, the day of liberation is a day of gratitude. it took three generations before we could say this with all our hearts. the celebrations in europe today were muted, but perhaps more than other years, this anniversary is a reminder

of how a crisis that threatens freedom can remake a country, reshape the world. lucy williamson, bbc news, paris. now to the latest on the coronavirus pandemic in the uk and globally. the world health organization is warning that the pandemic could go on for years, and kill 190,000 people in africa in one year if containment fails. washington has accused beijing of stepping up what it says is a "disiformation campaign" about the coronavirus. china denies this. eurozone ministers have agreed the details of a financial support programme for member states hard—hit by the pandemic. french officials say a credit facility of $260 billion will be available. a top aide to us vice—president mike pence has tested positive for covid—19 one day after another white house staff member was diagnosed

with the virus. confirmed global cases of covid—19 now stand at 3.8 million with 268,000 deaths. north america and western europe account for most cases. those are the latest developments — here's ben wright on the uk's options for easing the lockdown. a sunny may bank holiday doesn't normally look like this but, of course, these are not normal times. and the lockdown restrictions are being continued in all four nations of the uk. on sunday, the prime minister will map out how the country might gradually ease out of its confinement. but, today, number 10 said any new measures would be very limited. today, the welsh government has announced some modest changes to their lockdown rules, before the prime minister speaks on sunday. can we expect those measures to be mirrored in england, and what can you, as the uk government, do to ensure the public receive a very clear message? we have to be realistic that there isn't going to be any dramatic overnight change. we will be very, very cautious

as we loosen the restrictions we have, as the data that we're outlining on a daily basis shows we're not out of the woods. there are still major challenges with this virus. but the government's been accused of allowing mixed messages to develop, after borisjohnson told the commons on wednesday some rules could change from next week. we'll want, if we possibly can, to get going with some of these measures on monday. there followed newspaper headlines suggesting a more significant loosening of the rules. we do know number 10 plans to scrap the "stay at home" slogan after this weekend, but it's now clear any changes will be small. there is, though, hope for a horticultural industry that has wilted under this lockdown, and good news for gardeners. a senior government source has told the bbc that garden centres in england will be allowed to reopen from wednesday, a couple of days after they will in wales. the four nations of the uk can set their own rules, but have so far largely moved in lockstep. that may be beginning to change.

i, with the first ministers of wales and northern ireland, spoke to the prime minister. there was, i think, a helpful recognition in that call that the four uk nations may well move at different speeds if our data about the spread of the virus says that that is necessary to suppress it. scotland's first minister said she might consider a minor rule change around exercise, and similar adjustments are being pondered in northern ireland. i would put going out more for exercise in the open air as a nuanced change, rather than a fundamental change. i think those things can be looked at during the three weeks. social distancing is set to last for a long time yet, as politicians across the uk try and balance the need to restore some sort of normality to our home and working lives, without triggering a second big wave of the virus. ben wright, bbc news. airlines based in the uk have

been told the government will bring in a 14—day quarantine period for any passenger arriving in the country from anywhere in the world apart from the republic of ireland. the new restrictions are expected to come into effect at the end of this month. our transport correspondent tom burridge has this update. it's not clear how long the measure would initially be in place, airlines and airports are telling me tonight it is essential the measure comes with a clear exit strategy. they want it reviewed on a weekly basis when it takes effect, probably at the end of this month. the aviation minister is due to brief airlines and airports tomorrow morning on the matter. the home office said it won't comment on leaks. i am told it's probable that the announcement will be made on sunday when the prime minister makes that broader announcement, but i'm told the timetable isn't set in stone. and i think it will raise the question for some — if the measure is necessary now, was it necessary weeks and weeks ago? and on a separate note the european union has said that it thinks the ban

on all non—essential travel from outside of europe into europe which is currently in place should be extended until the middle ofjune. and it is important to underline, of course, the foreign office currently advises against all non—essential travel abroad. stay with us on bbc news, still to come: world health experts criticise madagascar‘s government for claiming it has a herbal cure for covid—19. i, nelson rolihlahla mandela, do hereby swear 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. but 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 underfour minutes. memories of victory as the ve celebrations reach their climax. this night is dedicated to everyone who believes in the future of peace and freedom. clear exit this is bbc news, the latest headlines: marking the 75th anniversary of victory in europe. the queen leads tributes to past sacrifices as the uk remains under lockdown. the uk government is expected to impose a 2—week quarantine on almost everyone entering the uk from the end of the month.

spain is slowly starting to open up after one of the tightest lockdowns in europe. people can now leave their homes to exercise outdoors , and small businesses have been allowed to serve customers again. but there are still strict rules including compulsory use of masks on public transport. our europe correspondent damian grammaticas reports from madrid. this is a country cranking into motion again, but cautiously, keeping their distance. rush hour without the rush, and everyone is masked. it's compulsory now on public transport, even while stations are mostly empty. translation: today is the first day that i leave home and i go to work. iam afraid. you don't know what might happen. you may catch the virus. masks are handed out to anyone who doesn't have them.

marilyn isn't taking any chances. translation: this is really u nco mforta ble. you can't breathe easily but for my protection, i need it. most people in spain are still confined inside their houses so this limited opening brings risks. among them, as people come out, they'll start to behave in a way that enables the virus to begin to spread again. cheering. a street party on the first day the lockdown was lifted is exactly what the authorities fear. laughter. those who took part are being fined 1,000 euros each. so police move people on. and as businesses open, distancing is enforced rigorously with safety tape and screens. or visors and limits. one customer in the shop at a time. a first visit to the hairdresser means a friendly greeting but feet

must be disinfected. hands cleaned and more gloves and masks. all by government order. this is a high—risk place. translation: risk? yes, there is. until we have a vaccine, everybody is at risk. i hope for the best. then the place is swabbed down before a new customer is allowed in. but getting people to maintain a safe separation is a problem. as the rules relax, the numbers outside are growing and not everyone keeps their distance. not all the people is very aware of what the situation is. and i think they don't really respect the rules, the basic rules, that you should have. i mean, there's a lot of people, but, yeah, we've tried to keep it... as safe as possible. yeah, as safe as possible, yes. so underneath the surface, there's real nervousness, even as spain starts to relax and embrace its new—found freedoms.

damian grammaticas, bbc news, madrid. countries across africa have started to receive bulk orders of a plant—based tonic from madagascar — despite warnings from the world health organization. leaders in madagascar claim the organic mixture will help treat or even cure covid—19, but there is no internationally recognised proof. our reporter freya cole has the story. your excellency. it's the amber coloured tonic which government officials claim will save lives. branded covid—organics, it isa lives. branded covid—organics, it is a contraction of remedies that they swear by. there are some critics, there are some suspicions but we are offering a solution. bulk orders have

been made across africa. tanzania officials arrived to pick up our order free of charge. there are fears that could do more harm than good. we are advising the government of madagascar to take this product through a clinical trial and are prepared to collaborate with them. we've also invited them to join the who consolidated solidarity trial where therapeutics are being tested out so we would caution and advise against countries adopting a product which has not been taken through tests to see it efficacy against covid—19 and also its safety. the herbal tonic was developed by a research centre in madagascar which hasn't released data on its efficiency but some locals believe it will help. translation: i believe it will

cure this pandemic. i've taken it for six days and today, i will finish my treatment. it is derived from a green leafy plant with proven anti— malaria properties but until further testing is carried out, the world health organization has pleaded for caution. freya cole, bbc news. more now on friday's ve day commemorations, and across the united kingdom people have been remembering the sacrifices made during the second world war, and celebrating the freedom that came with victory. our home editor mark easton considers the legacy of the generation that brought victory in europe , three—quarters of a century ago. the essex village of dedham is chocolate—box britain, symbolising the way of life defended in the war and the freedom celebrated on ve day. 75 years on, and lockdown dedham is looking to its oldest resident to help rekindle the spirit that saw the country through some

of its darkest days. 99—year—old marjorie west, like captain tom moore before her, is raising money for the health service by walking up and down her garden path — 5,000 metres, completed today. i'm thinking about the people that gave up their lives in the war and thinking about the captain that did his war, and i must try and do the same. a toast to marjorie west — mum! marjorie is part of the greatest generation — renowned for their sense of duty, resilience and humility. you accepted it and you just hoped that it would help win the war, because i love my country. after her first husband, a spitfire pilot, was killed in 1942, marjorie signed up for the wrens. newsreel: the trading depot sees to it that the sailor girls are proud to belong to the feminine side of the senior service.

i knew i had to go and help. ifelt that he had given his life, and i still had a life, so i could use it. marjorie ended up in the top—secret command centre planning for d—day. she saw it as a job. president macron saw it as deserving of their country's highest order of merit, the legion d'honneur. you felt you had to do what you were given to do and peace would come. let the flags fly for ve day — for courage, for sacrifice and for marjorie. all: we support marjorie! she's never given up. she's just really generous and compassionate in the nhs and what they're doing at the moment. cork pops. cheering. social distancing has brought communities closer — the restrictions on liberty an emphatic reminder of what freedom means. cheers! cheers to the generation that

channelled the wickedness of war to imagine goodness in peace, to build our beloved national health service. it comes out of the wartime spirit of sacrifice and actually putting other people first. so, in a way, when we clap on thursday, we're also clapping the vision of that generation? yes, absolutely right. village shopkeepers told me how the qualities of the wartime generation still shine through. it wasn't that generation that was doing the panic—buying. for example, we sell two chickens for £7 — that's the offer — and they would buy one and say, "i must leave one for someone else." it's resilience, mental fortitude that they bring, and it also just helps uplift the community as well. three generations in one household paused to give thanks for war‘s end — mary, 98, who was there, her daughter and grandchildren. thinking about the sort of freedoms that, you know, are being curtailed at the moment, you know, i hope it's making us sort of more appreciative

of the kind of things that, you know, your generation really had to fight for. it wasn't as bad as this! ve day was a comma, not a full stop. the hardship would continue long after the guns fell quiet, but it is a moment to remember the spirit of the generation that saw it through. even if you did a small thing, it was something. maybe that's a message for now too? yes. mark easton, bbc news, dedham. you can find much more on ve day on the website. including a gallery of how people celebrated victory 75 years ago. a day of events marking the 75th victory of the vic three

over nazi germany. the queen has honoured those who made the sacrifice. don't forget you can get in touch with me and some of the team on twitter — i'm @lvaughanjones. hello. there are lots of weather changes on the way as we go through the rest of this weekend. still some warmth in the day ahead, but it will be turning colder in northern scotland and much colder elsewhere across the uk by sunday. and windier as well. now, what's going on? cold air lurking close to northern scotland saturday night into sunday will surge south. not a huge amount of rain at least towards england and wales, and with that cold air, a stronger wind coming down from the north or north—east as well. we start saturday with temperatures well above freezing, a lot of dry weather around, but in that colder air we have a weather system

near to northern scotland and that will bring the rain heavier and more widespread across northern scotland during the day with a strengthening wind. elsewhere in scotland and northern ireland, sunny spells, one 01’ two showers. we could see a few heavy and thundery showers developing through parts of wales, northern england, the midlands and lincolnshire into the afternoon. across east anglia and southern england, largely sunny, temperatures could be as high as 25 degrees celsius, just 9 or 10 degrees in northern scotland with the rain. now, we know the cold air is going to win out through the weekend. this is the process overnight and into sunday morning. by the way, channel islands, maybe close to the south coast of england, there could be a few heavy showers. but it's wet weather coming south through scotland and northern ireland with the colder air going into sunday morning. look how mild it is, though, to start sunday in the south, where there'll still be some early sunshine around. now, there could be some snow following the cold air in scotland to start off on sunday, a few wintry showers around as well. cloud, not a huge amount of rain left as the weather system works south across england and wales, introducing the colder air on sunday. and for all, it is going to be much windier as well. strong, gusty north—northeast winds, 35—45 mph or so,

at their strongest along these north sea coasts. just seven, eight, nine degrees celsius, temperatures 10—15 degrees colder by sunday compared with saturday. and then on monday morning, a frost for many of us to start the day, so gardeners and growers, take note of that. it's high pressure close by into next week. that does mean a lot of dry weather, but still the air coming down from a chilly direction. wind is going to gradually ease as the week goes on. next ext week, high pressure, a lot of dry weather, frosty night at first, wind easing. a little bit less chilly eventually.

this is bbc news, the headlines: queen elizabeth has made a televised address marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the second world war in europe. the prince of wales and the duchess of cornwall laid a wreath near balmoral. the raf staged flypasts with the red arrows above london and typhoon fighterjets over edinburgh, cardiff and belfast. airlines based in britain say they have been told that the government will bring in a 14—day quarantine for all passengers arriving in the uk from everywhere except the irish republic. the new travel restriction is expected to take effect at the end of the month. spain has approved a bigger relaxation of the lockdown as small firms are allowed to serve customers again, and more outdoor movement is approved. but there are still strict rules including compulsory use of masks and social distancing on public transport. now on bbc news, it's time for a look back