this is bbc news, i'm philippa thomas with the latest headlines for viewers in the uk and around the world. dozens of people have died in northern mozambique in an attack by islamist insurgents. a huge rescue effort has brought hundreds more to safety. as the vaccine roll—out reaches 30 million people in the uk, coronavirus measures are eased across england after months of lockdown. the mexican government admits that the true number of its coronavirus deaths is sixty per cent higher than previously reported. and efforts continue to dislodge the ship that's blocking the suez canal, preparations are underway to remove some of the containers.

hundreds of people — including foreign workers — fleeing from an islamist rebel advance in north—east mozambique, have reached safety in the port of pemba, after being rescued by ships and boats. security forces say dozens of people have been killed in the attack on palma further north. an is—linked islamist group has been fighting the government in northeast mozambique for 3 years. the bbc�*s africa correspondent, catherine byaruhanga, reports. a desperate journey for many who had been trapped in the far northeastern corner of mozambique. on the gangway you can see some of the people who've finally made it to safety. civilians risk their lives to charter boats and ships for the rescue mission in parma.

but many are still missing. she is worried for her brother is safety. and describes this as a horrible in unfair situation. live rounds and mortar shells have been let loose in parma since wednesday. local islamist linked to isis to have wage a brutal insurgency in this region sense 2017. it's people already terrorised by the violence had to fleet once again. eye witnesses describe seeing dead bodies, some of them beheaded on roadsides and on beaches. her son was killed as he tried to escape. her husband and a younger son made it out of parma.

but she says they were left to their own defenses. you can imagine, no army to protect them. none of them having weapons. so it was a matter of run for your life. this could've been avoided, my son could still alive today. after days of silence the mozambique army confirmed the deaths of civilians including foreign nationals. and said it was focused on restoring peace to parma. but the government is criticised for failing to tackle an insurgency that has seen 2000 people killed and over half a million displays. ——diplaced this latest attack so close to lucrative natural gas projects will put it under even more pressure. borisjohnson has urged people

in england to make sure they keep following social distancing rules — ahead of the latest changes to coronavirus lockdown measures coming in today. for the first time since december, groups of up to six people, or two households, will be able to meet outside, and outdoor sports like golf and open—air swimming are back. but one of the scientists advising the government says he still has reservations about removing all restrictions by the end ofjune. here's our political correspondent, chris mason. the green of windy west yorkshire in spring. the strides towards liberty are long — putting the preparations in place for the return of golf in england tomorrow. it's a good three months now. we've had members at home on facebook, posting things about what they're doing. they're chipping in the garden, putting in the garden, they are putting duvets over the washing line and hitting into it. theyjust want to get up here and start playing golf. they want to get out.

as well as outdoor sport returning, from tomorrow in england, six people — or two households — can meet outside, including in private gardens. it'll be another fortnight at least before a haircut can be done by a professional. but. well, of course they could be delayed if the situation deteriorates, but at the moment we are on track. so thanks to the work of the british people and the excellent vaccine roll—out, we are confident both in going ahead with the easings from tomorrow and the next stages. there is, then, the cautious prospect of the streets of hebden bridge and elsewhere slowly looking a little less empty. the hope, too, of normality, or near—normality, by the summer. but alongside hope, jitters from some. i have to say, i'm a little bit nervous about a full relaxation in june. obviously, we all want to relax as far as it is safe to do so, and it will be important that the government continues to be guided by the data

in that respect to see — and this is the particularly important thing — exactly how well are the vaccines performing? if they go on at this rate, i think we can get quite close to a full release. and huge questions spring forth about the tools to help normality return, as governments around the uk ponder whether it's possible — whether it's practical — to have some sort of passport that says we've been vaccinated, tested or had covid. i think there are definitely prizes to be won through domestic vaccine certification, but there are some very big practical and ethical challenges to face as well. the speed and specifics of unlocking vary around the uk. the stay local rule was scrapped here in wales yesterday. from friday, the instruction to stay local will begin in scotland, replacing the edict to stay at home. in northern ireland, six people from two households will be able to meet in private

gardens from thursday. chris mason, bbc news. more than 30—million people in the uk have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. let's take a look at some more of the latest government figures. there were 3,862 new coronavirus infections recorded in the latest 24—hour period. on average 5,355 new cases were reported per day in the last week. (ani) the latest figures show 4,560 people are in hospital across the uk. 19 deaths have been reported in the latest 2a hour period, that's people who died within 28 days of a positive covid—i9 test. on average 0n the past week —— 62 deaths were announced every day.

the total number of deaths is now 126,592. as for vaccinations, more than 423,852 people have had their first dose of a covid vaccine in the latest 24—hour period. bringing the total over 30 million.(ani and more than 3.5 million people, have now had both doses of the vaccine. meanwhile in germany the chancellor angela merkel says she's not convinced that current restrictions will stop a third wave of coronavirus. she warned state leaders to implement the so—callled �*emergency brake�* or risk tougher measures being introduced. her comments come a day after the country's health minister said he'd like to see a full lockdown brought in. the mexican government says that the actual figure of covid—related deaths in the country is far higher than previously acknowledged. according to data on excess deaths — that's the number of people who've died over the expected number in any given year — the coronavirus has killed more than 320—thousand people in mexico. 0ur correspondent, will grant, is in mexico city and is following the story.

well, testing in mexico from the very get—go of the pandemic has been very, very poor, and the president, andres manuel lopez 0brador, has been roundly criticised by his opponents for the lack of testing. i think that contributes to this big discrepancy you've just described there. on friday, we had the government come out and say that unfortunately the country had reached this terrible mark of 200,000 official deaths, and then over the weekend, mexicans are reading these headlines that say, in fact, when excess deaths are properly measured and included, it looks more like 60% higher, over320,000 deaths, which would push mexico above brazil and only behind the united states in the number of covid—related deaths, which is an extraordinarily worrying idea if you're mexican or living in this country. of course, brazil's numbers are very questionable too, so it may not in fact push mexico above brazi. but still, it is an extremely timely wake—up call, i would say, for

people in mexico who thought the worst was over. it's a reminder that this is an extremely serious situation still in the country. and what about a vaccination programme is set up and running? it programme is set up and running?— running? it is. i 'ust read that about _ running? it is. i 'ust read that about 6 _ running? it is. ijust read that about 6 million - that about 6 million vaccinations have been delivered. but this is a country of upward hundred and 26 million. so it's not a huge number at the stage. again there's been criticism of the government for it being slow, poorly managed, not roll down the right places. big urban centres like this one mexico city not hearing or saying about how to get the vaccine. no clarity on whether or not health care workers and the elderly are going to be first up elderly are going to be first up and where to go if they are. so it's a mixed picture. there is a push, there's a clear push by the government to gather the vaccine from a variety of places. china, from the us, of course. even from cuba who've developed their own vaccine. there is discussion going on

there. but for a lot of ordinary people particularly those aren't necessarily at the front of the queue, the idea that they might need to wait until the end of that year, even the beginning of next before that number is up in terms of getting a vaccine again is a very worrying idea. salvage teams trying to free the ship still blocking the suez canal are exploring new options including removing some of its cargo. there are now twelve tugs trying to dislodge the ever given, which has stopped all shipping along one of the world's most important trade routes. sally nabil reports from suez. the ever given container ship is still stuck, refusing to budge. another attempt to dislodge it is expected to take place tonight, making use of the high tide. navigation is at a standstill in the suez canal and the congestion is building each day. hundreds of vessels are stranded here, causing huge

trafficjams. they don't know when they will be able to resume theirjourneys. the authorities hope to resolve the situation as soon as possible. the current deadlock has put under immense pressure, given the big impact it has on the global economy. it is billions of trade held up every single day, so it is a huge effect on the global economy and it is affecting a lot of different supply chains. we do have fuel tankers there, a lot of oil going through suez every single day. and we also have a lot of container vessels and we have bulk cargo, so that will be grains or coal, these sorts of things. so, it does affect us very, very widely. 14 tug boats are operating on site and large amounts of sand have been moved to try to dislodge the vessel. the changing tides, as well as the rocky soil, are not helping rescue efforts. the authorities say there is some good news as water has started

running under the giant ship. one option being considered, if tonight's efforts fail, is to unload some of the ship's cargo, but with more than 18,000 containers on board, that could take days or even weeks to move. sally nabil, bbc news, suez. stay with us on bbc news, still to come: the case that shook america — and reverberated around the world — we have a special report as the man accused of george floyd's murder goes on trial. there will be no more wars or bloodshed between arabs and

israeli —— israel. with great regret the committee had decided that south africa will be — had decided that south africa will be excluded from the 1970 competition. streaking across the sky the white-hot _ streaking across the sky the white—hot wreckage - streaking across the sky the j white—hot wreckage through streaking across the sky the - white—hot wreckage through gas from _ white—hot wreckage through gas from onlookers _ white—hot wreckage through gas from onlookers on _ white—hot wreckage through gas from onlookers on fiji. - this is bbc news, the latest headlines. hundreds of people — including foreign workers — have reached safety after fleeing an islamist rebel advance in north—east mozambique.

lockdown measures are eased across england as the uk's vaccine roll—out reaches more than 30 million people. myanmar security forces are reported to have opened fire on people gathered at a funeral on sunday. it was being held for some of the 114 people killed the previous day, the bloodiest since february's military coup. the united nations has led international condemnation of myanmar�*s military rulers. the us secretary of state, antony blinken, said washington is horrified by what he called the "reign of terror", while president biden said, the bloodshed unleashed against the protesters was "absolutely outrageous". laura bicker reports. "my son, my son, why can't you hear me," she cries. the 13—year—old boy was playing in the street when he was shot and killed.

witnesses say troops opened fire, even though no protests were nearby. his family are now adding their voices to a chorus calling for revolution. these children, in this time of crisis, they are kept in the safest place, by their family. these children are not on the street, not on the front, not even in the living rooms. they are hiding. even children are not safe, so that means no one is safe in burma. over 400 people have now died in myanmar since the military seized power last month. some protesters have started to fight back using home—made weapons. but they are no match against trained fighters and live rounds. the us has accused general min aung hlaing of presiding over a reign of terror. his regime has already been hit

by some sanctions, but he still has powerful friends. russia's deputy defence minister was given a front row seat for yesterday's armed forces day. 0ther diplomats were also in the crowd, including from china. but 12 military leaders from around the world issued a rarejoint statement reminding the general that an army is supposed to protect its people. gunshot. not turn their guns on them. and yet the protests continue undeterred. the will of a defiant people determined to restore democracy has so far refused to bend, even under relentless fire. laura bicker, bbc news, bangkok. an american education professor with family in yangon has been tweeting about her family's experience. she said:.

"i woke up in the middle of the night and saw dr betina hsieh spoke to me earlier about her sister's message. the tweet that i wrote was really after receiving a message on friday night in california, which was saturday. where she told me that the shooting was so bad that they shot at her house. that her street had a person who died, they were lying on the ground to avoid being seen because if the military saw them looking through the window they would shoot at them. at that point she told me, and this was early, this was 1am in california, that 80 people had a ready died. she said the only way to maybe stay safe is to

lock the door, go to the back of the house, pretend as if they are not there. she has been very concerned about the government hiding the severity. that they are our bodies that are killed and then they won't give them to the families, the people are being arrested and disappeared. she's reported that children are being shot in the streets, five, seven, 14, 17 and she's just so scared. and nobody knows who they are killing because there's so much running in the streets was up they shoot the house, people come into the street and they shoot the street and somebody dies and they don't know who it is without nobody can look so nobody can bear witness. it’s nobody can bear witness. it's chaotic, it's _ nobody can bear witness. it's chaotic, it's incredibly distressing. i can't imagine how she can even get any sleep with this kind of stress. given that the military doesn't really care about its international reputation, what do you think can be done? yes.

do you think can be done? yes, it's an excellent _ do you think can be done? yes, it's an excellent question. - it's an excellent question. they clearly don't care about their international reputation. i know that the west, the us, the uk have been trying economic sanctions but even that a bulk of the military income comes from surrounding asian countries, it's going to take an international coalition and condemnation if economic sanctions are to drive a change in the militaryjumped off. it's going to require more attention so that it can be that people no longer can say that people no longer can say that this is an internal affair that this is an internal affair that it that this is an internal affair thatitis that this is an internal affair that it is something that the international community must come around to stop these horrible human rights violations was up these innocent, innocent people being killed. on monday the trial begins of derek chauvin, the minneapolis police officer accused of murdering george floyd, by kneeling on his neck, for more than nine minutes, in may last year.

the video of mr floyd's death was caught on camera and sparked widespread protests against police brutality, and for racialjustice. 0ur north america correspondent, aleem maqbool, reports on what's being seen as one of the most important trials in us history. it sparked a mobilisation of people the likes of which has never been seen. the killing compelled americans to take a look not just at the issue of police brutality, but systemic racism in all its guises. "my daddy changed the world", said george floyd's daughter. and politicians and corporations promised to deliver. but when the spotlight shifted, what did change? so, a lot of people. people like to talk about change when things are burning down. and people are breaking into malls and there are protests every night and people are burning down restaurants. when all of that dies down, the call for change dies down too, unfortunately.

and black men continue to die at the hands of police. at this site, just two weeks after george floyd was killed. i don't want to refuse anything. rayshard brooks was reported sleeping in his vehicle in a restaurant car park. he was shot in the back by police and killed as he ran away. the case against the officer has faltered. for many activists, the focus of frustration became the government of donald trump, as george floyd's nephew told me last year. we demand change. so this is what is going to happen. we need to get out there and vote. vote him out. in the elections in georgia, for example, the turnout of black voters is credited with helping flip the state democratic. the killing of george floyd played a big role in that. we were all politicised at that moment and many people actually decided that we were going to turn that pain into power.

and it started with a vote? for many people, part of it is it starts with a vote. but not a vote because we are asking people to believe in the system, but we're getting people to use their agency to believe in themselves. but what of the police? some states did introduce changes to do with body cameras or banning the use of choke—holds. but this was no root and branch reform. well, many police here feel they have been unfairly targeted since last summer, insisting there aren't systemic issues with racism and excessive use of force. and speak to some of those who represent officers when they've killed — well, they question even the fundamentals of this case. because the central question here is not going to be whether he used a tactic that was not recognised by law enforcement. we've already condemned it. the question is, what caused george floyd's death? but there are very few people who would feel he would have died without having a knee on his neck? i don't agree with you. a sense, perhaps, of how derek chauvin�*s defence will play things over the coming weeks.

george floyd, as his daughter said, did change things. eliciting emphatic calls for action. but even the trial itself is likely to expose the fact that not everyone has accepted anything needs to change at all. aleem maqbool, bbc news in atlanta. residents on the portuguese island of madeira have been asked by the regional government to stay indoors, after huge thunderstorms twice blacked out electricity and caused widespread flooding. alison roberts reports from lisbon. more than 20,000 flashes of lightning were recorded as the storm raged throughout saturday and into sunday. twice power was lost across the island due to lightning strikes. the storm brought heavy rain resulting in widespread breads flooding of street underground car parks and also some homes. no one was reported injured but several dozen people were left homeless.— dozen people were left

homeless. ., .., , homeless. the water came up above the _ homeless. the water came up above the sidewalk, _ homeless. the water came up above the sidewalk, i - homeless. the water came up above the sidewalk, i had - homeless. the water came up above the sidewalk, i had to l above the sidewalk, i had to leave. there was nothing i could do. leave. there was nothing i could dw— leave. there was nothing i could do. ., , ., , could do. continuing unstable weather wanted _ could do. continuing unstable weather wanted the - could do. continuing unstable. weather wanted the authorities to urge the islands �* of million residents to stay indoors. the power is now back on for most of the islands inhabitants by the electricity company has warned that it will take time to replace some of the damaged equipment. before we go let's show you some scenes from earlier in germany, and there's always something strangely mesmerising about watching pictures a former coal station in lunen, north of dusseldorf, was partially demolished in three controlled explosions, bringing down the power plant's chimney, cooling tower and boiling house. it took 420 kilograms of explosives to bring them down, and it comes as germany works towards abandoning coal power by 2038, a hundred years after the lunen power station was commissioned.

you can reach me on twitter — i'm @ philippabbc. thanks for being with bbc news. hello. it is going to feel like spring for the first part of the week for many of us. in fact, in some places you'd be forgiven for thinking summer had arrived early with values up to 22 or it may be 23 degrees. but by the end of the week it will feel more like winter has returned. much colder air digging its way southward just in time for the easter weekend. and in the shorter term, northwest scotland could see localised flooding over the next couple of days as this wriggling weather front brings heavy and persistent rain. to the south of that weather front that's where we're going to be importing the very warm air but noticed there is something much colder up to the north. that will come into play

by the end of the week. along the line of our weather front, heavy rain particular for northern ireland and western scotland. very, very mild to start monday morning. 12 or 13 degrees in places. but it is going to be quite cloudy, misty and murky for many. rain pulling northwards out of northern ireland by continuing across western scotland all day long. heavy rain at that. some brightness for eastern scotland and certainly some brightest skies developing across england and wales. in the best of the sunshine here across parts of eastern england for example, we could get to 20 or 21 degrees with a little bit cooler for some english channel coast. through monday night and on into tuesday the rain continues across northwest scotland it's the persistence of the rain that gives the potential for localised flooding. the further south and east you are on tuesday though, any early mist patch as you're clear, there will be lots of sunshine and tuesday is set to be a very warm day indeed. we could get as high as 23 degrees. pretty exceptional for this point in march. not as warm further north where we keep cloud and rain. that cloud and rain on wednesday it will start

to journey slowly southwards. the rain fizzling away but behind it some colder air digging in. still some warmth towards the south on wednesday but up to the north, temperatures taking quite the tumble. and as we move out of wednesday towards the end of the week that frontal system in the north will finallyjourney its way southward. high—pressure building in behind there will still be a fair amount of dry weather but much colder weather sinking its way southwards for the end of the week. and for the easter weekend it is going to feel decidedly chilly. there could even be some wintry showers.

this is bbc news, the headlines security forces in mozambique say dozens of people have been killed in an attack by islamist militants on the northern town of palma. hundreds of others, including foreign gas workers, managed to escape. many had spent several days beseiged in a hotel. as the uk's vaccine rollout reaches more than 30 million people, lockdown restrictions are being eased in england. two households, or groups of up to six people, will be able to meet outside. sports such as golf will also resume. new figures show the number of deaths linked to covid—19 in mexico is sixty per cent higher than previously thought. a government report suggests more than 320 thousand mexicans have died with the disease — second only to the united states. now on bbc news.

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