facing a revolt — boris johnson holds a cabinet meeting as he come under increasing pressure to sack his top adviser dominic cummings. mps in his own party and across the political spectrum criticise the prime minister's decision to back mr cummings — who has just said he will make a statement in the next few hours. borisjohnson is putting his political interest ahead of the public interest and when trust in a public health message and public health advice is as important as it is right now, the consequences of that could be very serious. we'll be getting the latest from downing street, where the cabinet is discussing further easing of restrictions. also this lunchtime... the price some children pay in lockdown — as social services warn of an increase in abuse, neglect or harm going on behind closed doors. brazil is declared the latest

coronavirus hotspot with more than — with more than 36,000— second only to the united states, as president bolsonaro is accused of not taking the pandemic seriously. separated at birth — the surrogate children born under lockdown thousands of miles away who can't be handed over to their parents. and, getting training back on track — the government gives the go—ahead to some contact sport preparations, but with restrictions. good afternoon. in the last few minutes it's been revealed that borisjohnson‘s senior adviser dominic cummings will be making a public statement and taking questions later this afternoon. it comes amid growing calls for his resignation over claims he broke the government's own lockdown guidelines. the prime minister is holding a cabinet meeting in

downing street right now — it's scheduled to be looking at further ways of easing the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, but borisjohnson is facing a revolt from mps within his own party as well as criticism from across the political spectrum, following his decision to back his most senior and most trusted aide. our political correspondent jessica parker reports. the questions keep coming. did you go to barnard castle, mr cummings? and cannot easily be waved away. borisjohnson and cannot easily be waved away. boris johnson strongly and cannot easily be waved away. borisjohnson strongly backed his chief aide last night saying dominic cummings had acted legally and with integrity. the prime minister appearing to consider the matter closed. very serious allegations have been levelled at dominic cummings in terms of the breaking of the rules and therefore breaking the law. dominic cummings has set out absolutely clearly, and that is absolutely clearly, and that is absolutely categorically that he did not break the rules and he didn't

break the law. the prime minister is right to be asking those questions, right to be asking those questions, right to be asking those questions, right to be asking for those assurances. amid lockdown, mr cummings travelled in late march from london to county durham with his wife, who had covid symptoms and their young son, to self—isolate on their young son, to self—isolate on the family farm in case they needed help with childcare. then, was there later a day out, 30 miles down the road at barnard castle? durham's acting police and crime commissioner has requested the facts be investigated. coming out last night to back his adviser. i think you follow the instincts of every father and every parent and i do not mark him down for that. but a number of conservative mps now want an investigation. 0thers conservative mps now want an investigation. others for dominic cummings to go. my inbox is absolutely bloated with anger, real fury from constituents from across the political spectrum, from across

the political spectrum, from across the different professions and jobs in north dorset. absolutely furious. waiting for developments, it is now understood mr cummings will make a public statement later, take questions. but opposition parties have been calling on the prime minister to sack him. boris johnson is putting his political interests ahead of the public interest. and when trust in a public health message and public health advice is as important as it is right now, the consequences of that could be very serious. michael carter from surrey, staying home for health reasons didn't get to see his mother before she died and says he feels insulted. it looks as if it is the old boys clu b it looks as if it is the old boys club looking after each other now. that is what it feels like. and to make rules for the british public to follow and then to break them all to deceive people, which is what he has done, is unacceptable. at a virtual meeting today, the cabinet is looking at the next steps out of lockdown. as decisions are made

behind the store, public trust, a crucial commodity. jessica parker, bbc news. so in a highly—unusual step the prime minister's senior adviser, dominic cummings, is going to make a public statement this afternoon. 0ur chief political correspondent vicki young is at downing street. what are we expecting him to say? we don't know how he's going to do this, we know it is a public statement and he will also take questions. it is a real acknowledgement that things have not been handled well, but what the prime minister did yesterday, coming out and defending his adviser might have made things worse. a lot of conservative mps are concerned that people are questioning the judgment of the prime minister by clinging on to his adviser. i think the anger from conservative mps, some of them going public, because they in turn, are hearing the anger from their constituents. even if dominic cummings didn't break the law, he undermined the government's message, he didn't behave in the same way as millions of other people have done.

this feels like a last and potentially very risky and dramatic way of trying to save dominic cummings' job. vicki young, thank you very much. as we've heard, durham's acting police, crime and victims‘ commissioner, has written to the force's chief constable, calling on officers to establish whether mr cummings breached the law. our home affairs correspondent daniel sandford is here. what happens next? steve white has asked the chief co nsta ble to steve white has asked the chief constable to establish the facts, so the people of durham can be satisfied the police force are continuing to do theirjob independent of government. clearly, what the force does in terms of the resources put into it is a key question. it would be disproportionate to put huge amounts of resources into it like a murder enquiry, but are there simple things that can be done, like checking cameras for the movement of the car, talking to witnesses who did see dominic cummings, spoke to dominic cummings himself, that can be done to establish quickly, the set of fa cts to establish quickly, the set of facts for what is in the end, a

breach of health regulations. it is not a major crime but it is of something of great concern at the moment to people across the country, including some tory mps. that is why steve white is keen the facts can be established. thank you very much. a hospital in weston—super—mare has temporarily stopped accepting new patients, including to its a&e department, because of a high number of existing patients with coronavirus. weston general hospital said it was taking the measure as a precaution in order to maintain the safety of staff and patients in the hospital. arrangements are in place for new patients to get access to treatment and care in other healthcare settings nearby should they need it. there's concern that demand on children's social services in england will increase, as vulnerable children come out of lockdown. social workers have tried to keep in contact with those already known to them, but limited access to some children during the pandemic could mean abuse, neglect or harm behind closed doors. 0ur education and family correspondent frankie mccamley reports.

this homeless youth shelter in yorkshire is looking after some of the area's most vulnerable people. young people who'd otherwise be on the streets during lockdown. now, all living under roof together. including this teenager who we are calling jen. my mum, she was a big alcoholic, she was a big druggie. she had kind of like a meltdown about it and, like, didn't want anything to do with us. jen moved to her gran‘s, but couldn't stay during the pandemic. desperate for somewhere to live, her social workers brought her here where she met 18—year—old amelia. she became homeless in lockdown following a family breakdown. amelia says any support young people can get to leave a bad situation at this time can make a huge difference. i was having moments where i would completely break down. i would be in tears on the floor. i didn't think that was fair

for my younger brother to have to walk into my room and find his sister on the floor crying her eyes out. i was so torn up about the breakdown that had happened with my family. the hostel is working closely with social services to make sure these young people are safe. they've got a safe bed here and can be a lot better off than some other people. without connections to the outside world or connections to social workers, you probably fear for those people more. it's a fear shared by many. in east london, social workers are video calling the vulnerable children they know about. hey, it's dan, the social worker. some, making home visits where they can. i've just spoken to your mum and she said she is feeling a bit anxious at the moment. so i'm going to sit outside. trying to get a full of a picture as possible, talking through windows from gardens, or behind closed doors. it's difficult, without face—to—face contact, social workers must pick up on the smaller science. i've been working with a child where we've been doing a lot of video calls. normally he's quite happy,

upbeat and engaged but there were a lot of one—word answers and glancing off screen. so i'm here today to do a surprise, unannounced visit. there are concerns some may be using isolation to stop contact altogether. we did have some families who were quick to tell us they were isolating with a cough or a temperature and sometimes we weren't100% sure that the children really had symptoms, or rather where they trying to avoid a social worker coming to the home? social workers like maryanne are going out across the country trying to find creative ways to stay in touch with children. but there are concerns about what is happening to those young people who are not in touch with social services. abuse and harm will still be going on, as well as for young people, exploitation and county lines in gangs. so that will re—emerge and we need to be prepared for the increase in pressure of work, which we think will come.

but worryingly for now, referrals to child social services are much lower than usual as children's needs are hidden. the concern is, when normality does begin to emerge, so will the pressure on already squeezed services. frankie mccamley, bbc news. the government is considering plans to step in and support some large british businesses that are struggling financially with the impact of coronavirus. our business correspondent katie prescott is here. these have the backing of the chancellor, rishi sunak? yes, the government stepped in to bail out the banks in the financial crisis, so there is precedent. there is a message measure of package in, the government stepped in to pay the wage of workers, but for some businesses it is not enough. the aviation system, it has been shut down for the last couple of months

and we know there are some businesses like jaguar land rover and tartare steel who have been speaking to the government about a bespoke package of support. this is the government saying, if a business has explored all other avenues and exhausted all other avenues, they are prepared to step in and help them. we are starting to see this in other countries like germany, who will step in to help lufthansa. thank you very much. brazil, the world's sixth—largest country — has been declared the latest coronavirus hotspot with more than 360,000 reported cases — that puts it second only to the united states. despite the crisis, presidentjair bolsonaro has played down the threat from the virus and repeatedly argued that lockdown measures are unnecessary and harmful to the economy. from sao paulo, our correspondent katy watson sent this report. singing. sunday's sermon was a lesson in love. evangelical pastor luiz reminding the congregation,

which is mostly online nowadays, that they need to care for people both near and far — a fitting message at a time of socially—distanced devotion. translation: we can't bring politics into church. 0utside, we can talk about it, but here we talk about the soul. on this day of worship, though, brazil's president was devoted to another cause — protesting against isolation measures with his flock. and once again, not wearing a mask. the pandemic took a back—seat over the weekend. on friday, the supreme court released a dynamite video recorded last month. it's being used as evidence in an investigation into allegations mr bolsonaro tried to replace senior members of the federal police to protect his family. but his foul—mouthed ranting was wide ranging — attacking politicians, the press, and laying bare his belligerent attitude. translation: i want everybody to be

armed because armed people will never be enslaved. but perhaps most surprising of all, in the two hour video, the cabinet barely mentioned the all—consuming coronavirus. these past few days have revealed some ugly truths here in brazil. not only has it become the latest epicentre of the coronavirus crisis, but bolsonaro's government has shown itself to be unable, even unwilling, to lead the country through it. meanwhile, more and more are struggling to get by. this kitchen run by the church used to have 50 people turning up a day — now it's closer to 2,500. each and every one of them, their hands sprayed before they can pick up their meal. i was working, but i got laid off, this man tells me. what will happen to us in sao paulo? how are we going to live? bolsonaro thinks one thing, the others think another, but nothing has been done for the people. there's fear that bolsonaro's

constant calls to reopen the economy will be responsible for more deaths in the coming weeks. translation: people have the right to health and a dignified way of life. it's irresponsible, it's genocide making people decide — marginalised and excluded people — do they get contaminated by the virus or go hungry? brazil, too, is becoming more and more marginalised. the world watching as its president seems unwilling to take this pandemic seriously. katie watson, bbc news, in sao paulo. let's take a look at some of today's other news. japan has lifted the nationwide state of emergency it had imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. prime minister shinzo abe said his country had managed to bring the disease under control in less than two months. japan has had fewer than 20,000 confirmed cases and just over 800 deaths. greeks are once again able to travel freely to the country's islands, as lockdown restrictions are eased there. the return of domestic travel is an important step towards restarting the wider tourism industry,

which makes up at least a fifth of the greek economy. ferry services to the islands are operating with reduced capacity, to ensure social distancing, and passengers are having their temperatures checked. the italian air force's aerobatic team have done a fly past over milan to honour the country's heroes and victims of the coronavirus pandemic. they will be flying over major towns and cities every day until the 2nd ofjune, when they'll fly over rome to mark italy's republic day. the bbc has been told that there are now more than 100 newborn surrogate babies stranded in ukraine following restrictions brought in because of the coronavirus. some of the newborns are stuck because flights have been cancelled, while other countries who oppose surrogacy have refused to support the parents trying to get special permission to go to ukraine. ukraine is one of the world's leading destinations for commercial surrogacy, as our correspondent as jonah fisher reports. the manu is eight weeks old and has never met his parents. he was born to a surrogate

in ukraine, and is one of more than 100 babies left stranded here by the coronavirus. this is where manu should be sleeping. his biological parents have prepared a room, ready for him, 13,000 kilometres away in argentina. jose and flavia decided to try surrogacy in ukraine after years of failed pregnancies and fertility treatment. but, just as they were about to travel to kyiv for manu's birth, disaster struck. ukraine closed its borders and argentina cancelled all commercialflights.

this is the other side of ukrainian surrogacy. this woman is a student from a poor part of the country. two weeks ago, she was paid $16,000 after she gave birth to a healthy boy for an american couple. unlike most parts of the world, that's completely legal here. do you love that baby? hello, hi, hi, hi, jose and flavia. how are you doing? we helped to arrange a video call so manu's parents could see their son. and this is 0lga, and manuel. hola!

he sings softly in spanish after ten minutes, manu dozes off to the sound of his father's voice. jose and flavia are now pinning their hopes on catching a special flight from argentina to europe. manu is taken back to the room where he sleeps, with 30 other babies. all of them waiting for this to be over. and for their parents to come and claim them. jonah fisher, bbc news, in kyiv. western australia has been battered by a massive storm which ripped roofs off houses, brought down trees and left 60,000 homes without power.

wind gusts, which registered at more than 82 mph, struck when the remnants of a cyclone collided with a cold front. the state's south was particularly hard hit with dust storms, torrential rain and huge waves along the coast. no injuries have been reported in what authorities have described as a once in a decade event. the government's published guidelines for elite athletes to begin what's described as a "carefully phased" return to contact training. they can now practise in small groups, but there are still restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus. joe wilson reports. under lockdown so far this is what professional training has looked like, individuals practising their skills. coaches can watch from a distance but essentially, it's solitary. well, the two—metre barrier no longer applies. remember the old days? well training won't look like this again straightaway. initially, clusters of just two or three individuals will be allowed. but the government accepts that

practice has to be realistic. the dcms statement reads... well imagine rugby, for example, without physical contact? there has, thus far, been no return to training in premiership rugby at all. sports in this stage two will still have to adhere to guidelines and limitations. for example, changing rooms should still be closed, equipment can't be shared, positive covid—19 tests must be immediately reported. and it is still the individual‘s right to opt out. remember, even in the first stage in separate sessions, some have chosen not to return to training grounds. this is a new directive, it's not an order. joe wilson, bbc news.

now, keeping a calm head amid political earthquakes is a key skill for any world leader — but when it comes to dealing with the real, tectonic variety, new zealand's premier proved equally unsha kable. this was prime ministerjacinda ardern‘s reaction to a moderate 5.2 magnitude quake during a live tv interview. we arejust we are just having a bit of an earthquake here, ryan. quite a decent shake. you can see things moving behind me. has it stopped or is it still going? no, it hasjust stopped. there were no reports of any injuries or damage. that's all from me. we're back with the news on bbc one at 6:30pm this evening.

good afternoon, i'm gavin ramjaun — and this is your latest sports news. it would have been the championship play—off final today, but those clubs are just starting their return to training. most are in favour of restarting their season, with leeds and west brom currently on course for promotion. but one league chairman says with no vaccine and therefore no crowds expected until perhaps next year, up to 60 clubs could go bust. the discussion now has to be — in tandem with completing the season, which should happen when safe — what is football going to do to ensure that the entire pyramid survives this? because they've got no income. you're going to have no season ticket sales, no match day income, sponsors, and there is a real probability that if something isn't done now and agreed, i think you'd be looking at 50, 60 clubs in the football

league ceasing to exist. premier league clubs will vote on proposals for a return to contact training on wednesday. the government's given permission for elite players from all sports to have some contact in training, which sees the return of things like tackling. social distancing will still be applied outside of technical training, but this will help clubs prepare for their planned returned to competitive action. so far players have been restricted to small groups and have had to keep well apart. but you can't do that forever and certainly not in some sports. rugby has yet to return, but when the players do come back to training, they can at least practice drills properly. george kruis says he's not closing the door on international rugby despite announcing this morning that he is leaving saracens to move to japan. the england lock has signed a one—year deal with panasonic wild knights. he has been at sarries, who were relegated to the championship for salary cap breaches, for 11 years. the rfu doesn't normally select players based abroad but haven't ruled out selection for those saracens players who move overseas.

john jeffrey has been appointed interim chairman of the scottish rugby union to replace colin grassie, who is stepping down. jeffrey won a0 caps at flanker for his country, last playing in 1991. three players looking for new clubs are the australian trio of izack rodda, harry hockings and isaac lucas. they were released from their international and domestic contracts after refusing to take a pay cut due to the pandemic. their club captain says the situation has re—affirmed the view of the whole squad without them. we have spent a lot of time with them over the years, so we were disappointed to seeing them go, we like having them around the locker room, but it is just something that happens. everyone is entitled to make their decision to rate this pandemic and they have made theirs, but it just reaffirms pandemic and they have made theirs, but itjust reaffirms all the guys who are here really want to be here, have a lot to prove and are looking forward to putting on thatjersey again. and there was another charity golf event in the states overnight. tiger woods and phil mickelson paired up with nfl stars peyton manning and tom brady.

and being shownjust how its done, too. this is bradyjust casually making an eagle on a parfive. now he might be one of the most talented sportspeople on the planet, but could be in need a new pair of trousers after a malfunction, shall we say? that's all the sport for now. you can find more on all those stories on the bbc sport website. that's bbc.co.uk/sport. hello there. we've got lots of dry weather to come this week, a fair bit of sunshine, and it's going to be getting warmer. 0ver recent days, we've been seeing some pretty warm air move northwards from the subtropics and that's going to be moving over the uk where it gets incorporated into this area of high pressure. the high pressure will recirculate that warm air and tend to drift it northwards as the week goes by so, for many of us, it will become increasingly warm. today we've seen plenty of sunshine for most of us and for most of us, we will keep the sunshine well

into the evening time as well. one exception, across the far north—west we have seen this thicker cloud edge in. this is a weather front and it's going to be bringing some rain, particularly into the far north—west of scotland — the hebrides, the higlands, the northern isles all seeing a little bit of rain, maybe around five, perhaps ten millimetres, not a huge amount. as the front drifts southwards overnight, it weakens, so just an odd spit of rain as it works into northern england, northern ireland and the north of wales. it is going to be a mild night for all of us, but particularly so in the london area with temperatures falling no lower than 1a celsius. so a mild start to the day on tuesday. 0ur weather front continues to weaken, continues to push southwards, the cloud tending to thin and break up as we head into the afternoon. but overall, a slightly cloudier—looking picture for england and wales, still with some sunny spells coming through. highs of 25 celsius. some slightly fresher air getting into scotland, the far north of england and northern ireland. here we will have fine spells of sunshine developing through the afternoon. wednesday, high pressure still with us. that warmer air is starting to get pushed back northwards so we should

start to see those temperatures rising across ireland and then northern ireland as well. wednesday then, plenty of sunshine in england and wales. after a cloudy start in northern ireland, we will see the brighter conditions working into through the afternoon. patchy cloud for scotland, some of that will be quite high so it should still be on the bright side for most areas. in the south, temperatures continue to build — highs of 25 celsius in both london and cardiff. and towards the end of the week, that warmer air will be working northwards so for scotland, temperatures pushing well on into the 20s, at 23 there in glasgow towards the end of the week. and further south, that's where we will always keep the highest temperatures and in the warmest spots, we will see those temperatures pushing on into the high 20s at times towards the end of the week. that is your latest weather, bye for now.

hello and welcome to the latest in our special programmes on the coronavirus pandemic. i'm annita mcveigh. 0n today's programme, we'll hear from minority communities in the us and the uk about how the pandemic has affected their lives. and an interview with facebook‘s founder on what the company says it's doing to combat misinformation around coronavirus. if your sense of thing that is going to be putting someone at emanate time, we will take that down. if we are saying something that is wrong and will spread quickly but will not put people at imminent risk, we do not put that down, but we will stop it from spreading. do not forget that you will find latest updates on the pandemic on our website. but first in the united... 0r on the

rise. the un is calling