this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. borisjohnson urges people to remain cautious as coronavirus restrictions in england, wales and most of scotland are relaxed again today. friends and family are allowed to hug each other again in many places, but the prime minister has urged people to get tested twice a week and get the vaccine when called. limited numbers of people are now also able to meet inside pubs, restaurants and homes. and i amjane hill in basildon, and guess what else you can do today — you can go to the cinema! we will be discussing the future of cinema and the film industry later in the hour. foreign holidays can also begin again,

but only to a limited number of destinations. let us know your thoughts on those restrictions easing. are you planning to meet up inside, or keen to wait a little longer? you can contact me on twitter @annita—mcveigh and use #bbcyourquestions. as fighting between israel and the palestinians enters its second week, palestinian officials say yesterday was the deadliest day in gaza, while hamas militants have continued firing rockets into israel. police have arrested four men in connection with a video which showed anti—semitic abuse being shouted from a car in north london. i whether # i have been waiting just to tell you that i love you... one of the world's largest virtual choirs, with 10,000 members from 100 countries, releases a new

song marking the impact of the pandemic across the globe. and swapping cake and fizz for spades and saplings — the queen's green canopy project is encouraging people to plant a tree for the jubilee next year. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. borisjohnson has urged people to exercise a "heavy dose of caution" as many covid restrictions are lifted across england, wales and much of scotland. while it's the biggest relaxation of measures so far, a rise in cases of the india variant remains a concern. let's take a closer look at what's changing today. in england, pubs and

restaurants will be allowed to serve people inside. cinemas, museums, soft—play centres and hotels can also reopen. groups of six people or two households can meet indoors and stay overnight. 30 people will be able to gather outdoors. the changes in wales are very similar to england, except that outdoor groups of up to 50 will be allowed. in most of scotland, six people from three households will be able to socialise indoors at home. 0utdoors, it can be eight people from up to eight different households, rising to 12 on most of the islands. the changes do not apply to glasgow and moray, which are staying in level 3. there's no change today in northern ireland, but it's hoped a review on thursday will lead to an easing in a week's time. well, it's a big day for indoor entertainment venues, reopening their doors after so long. my colleaguejane hill is spending the morning at the festival leisure park

in basildon, essex. you have moved inside to someone you are very comfortable with, being a big movie buff, i am sure you are itching to get back to the cinemas, are so many of us are, tell us more! yes, annita, they said would you like to do something about cinema and the future of film, i was straight there. quite an emotional day, an exciting day for staff here, we know there is caution around opening up coming from a lot of quarters, so there is a balance to be struck but, yes, from today you can be in a cinema, it is so exciting! you do have to wear one of these unless you are eating or drinking, so i hope you can hear me through all of this, but cinemas are open, they are taking bookings. i6 screens at this cineworld in basildon. we will talk more about the future of cinema in the next few minutes, but this retail park we are in today has something for everyone, lots of places to eat and drink,

there is bowling, a children's soft play area, and there is golf as well as a 16 screens. we will talk more about what is in store for the industry, really, because so many jobs at stake, so many people have suffered over the last year or so, as we know. first, let'sjust reflect on exactly what is changing today, and some caution being exhibited as well in some quarters. let's get the latest from political correspondent chris mason. anyone for popcorn? the 0deon cinema in lincoln's getting it ready. i'm so excited, very, very much excited. from today, alfresco dining — with a shiver — is no longer the only way to avoid eating at home in england, scotland and wales, but ministers are urging us to be careful. well, this is another important step in the roadmap. thousands of businesses will be reopening, and many thousands of people will be returning to work in those businesses for the first time in a long time,

and that's a very important step forward, but we do have to exercise great caution and personal responsibility. the brollies have been busy at the stag's head in central london. but now the chance to head inside. you can't prop the bar up yet, but you can sit at a table. the landlord here told me he can't wait to welcome people back. yeah, extremely excited. i felt so sorry for my customers at the weekend just gone, chucking down with rain, sitting outside. now, at least they can come in, enjoy a pint — in the warm, as well, because the weather's been cold — so, yeah, very excited. excited for the customers. from today, the prospect for many of a drink without being drizzled on. yes, nerves remain about the new variant, but a taste of normality beckons. chris mason, bbc news.

let's reflect as well on some of the caution that is around, we have heard a lot of it talked about over the weekend, let's get the latest sense of that from political correspondentjonathan blake. correspondent jonathan blake. because, jonathan, lots correspondentjonathan blake. because, jonathan, lots of people excited, myself included, to be in a cinema, and lots ofjobs and livelihoods depending on it, but we have to balance all of this against the scientific evidence, what more are you picking up on today at westminster? it are you picking up on today at westminster?— are you picking up on today at westminster? it is a mixture of excitement _ westminster? it is a mixture of excitement but _ westminster? it is a mixture of excitement but also _ westminster? it is a mixture of| excitement but also trepidation, westminster? it is a mixture of - excitement but also trepidation, as you suggest, jane, this is undoubtedly the biggest stage yet in the unlocking of restrictions on the government's road map out of lockdown in england, and there is a confidence that the things that people are now allowed to do are, in the main, safe for people to do. but it is happening at a time where there is huge concern about the prevalence of the new indian variant of covid, the fact that it seems to be far more transmissible than other forms of the virus we have

encountered so far. but still the early doubt it would seem to suggest that vaccines are effective against it. nevertheless, caution is the word that you hear over and over again. speaking to us this morning, the business secretary, kwasi kwarteng, suggested thatjust because there were things we were all able to do now doesn't necessarily mean that we should. so it is a nuanced message, two things. one, _ it is a nuanced message, two things. one, fantastic news that we are 0ne, fantastic news that we are reopening, but do exercise some caution _ reopening, but do exercise some caution in — reopening, but do exercise some caution in the form of washing your hands, _ caution in the form of washing your hands, may— caution in the form of washing your hands, may be a bit of social distance. _ hands, may be a bit of social distance, also opening windows to -et distance, also opening windows to get more — distance, also opening windows to get more ventilation. so it is a cautious— get more ventilation. so it is a cautious approach, but of course we are very— cautious approach, but of course we are very pleased that we have managed to hit the date that we set out in _ managed to hit the date that we set out in the _ managed to hit the date that we set out in the road map, the 17th of may should _ out in the road map, the 17th of may should be _ out in the road map, the 17th of may should be a — out in the road map, the 17th of may should be a successful day for many people _ should be a successful day for many people in_ should be a successful day for many people in the hospitality, particularly.

so people being encouraged to enjoy their relative freedoms but do so while exercising caution and personaljudgment depending on the situation that you are in. there are calls from some, not least the mayor of london, sadiq khan, to start vaccinating younger people soon in order to protect them against the new variant of coronavirus, so that is one debate happening in government at the moment, although no immediate plans to change the sequencing of the vaccine roll—out. but some caution about whether the next stage on during the 21st will be able to go ahead as planned. and just to bring you some reaction too, claims that the data could potentially be delayed or that some of the reopening may not necessarily happen as soon as people are expecting from one of the chief lockdown sceptics on the conservative backbenches, mark harper, who has said that wider society's fight cannot be sealed by the actions of a small group of people, whatever reasoning, suggesting that those who have not chosen to have the vaccine could

potentially delay the unlocking of restrictions in england. jonathan jonathan jonathan, thank you very much, all those _ jonathan jonathan, thank you very much, all those political _ jonathan jonathan, thank you very much, all those political decisions j much, all those political decisions have huge ramifications for people trying to run a business, whether it is a cafe, bar, restaurant, we know the extent to which hospitality has been so impacted over the last year or so. been so impacted over the last year orso. but been so impacted over the last year or so. but today lots is opening up, we are at the cineworld in basildon, it is huge, 16 screens, i have been very lucky, the general manager has given me a sneak preview of the imacs, massive screen, fantastic sound system, and the immersive systems that they have here. —— imax. it is a very popular cinema in this part of the country. cineworld

is not opening up around the country until wednesday, is not opening up around the country untilwednesday, but is not opening up around the country until wednesday, but it is an exciting time for people who are desperate to see films on a big screen. we can get the thought of phil pierce, the manager, the man kind enough to give me a guided tour earlier, an exciting week for you, where's the balance for you as the manager between the excitement and seeing people again, and getting it right and keeping people safe? it is reall right and keeping people safe? it 3 really exciting for right and keeping people safe? it 1 really exciting for us, we have waited nine months to get our guests to come back into cinema. as we have watched the streaming services do really well, but this is the best place to watch a movie, and we want people to remember that. we need to get it right, the place needs to be safe. 0nce get it right, the place needs to be safe. once it is safe, we can get people to relax and enjoy themselves. all of the team are incredibly excited and looking forward to it. the light and people will have to wear a mask, unless they are eating. yes, unless you are

exempt, and that includes the screens. however, if you are eating and drinking, clearly that is different. we have got our own starbucks, that is opening on wednesday as well, we are looking forward to a nice coffee!— wednesday as well, we are looking forward to a nice coffee! others are available, forward to a nice coffee! others are available. no. _ forward to a nice coffee! others are available, no, absolutely! - forward to a nice coffee! others are available, no, absolutely! in - forward to a nice coffee! others are available, no, absolutely! in terms| available, no, absolutely! in terms of the numbers of tickets you managed to sell, spacing was done really well last summer, if you book tickets, you have empty seats next to you, that is still the case. how does the maths of that work for you? we are lucky that i was still system works to keep social distancing in place, it varies across scotland, wales and northern ireland, but you want to be sitting next to someone that you don't want to. but want to be sitting next to someone that you don't want to.— want to be sitting next to someone that you don't want to. but to make this business _ that you don't want to. but to make this business profitable _ that you don't want to. but to make this business profitable for- that you don't want to. but to make this business profitable for you, - this business profitable for you, does that mean more screenings per day to get the equivalent turnover that you would have had pre—pandemic? how will you manage

that? in pre-pandemic? how will you manage that? ., , , pre-pandemic? how will you manage that? ., y , ., that? in the long term, yes, in a short term _ that? in the long term, yes, in a short term we — that? in the long term, yes, in a short term we just _ that? in the long term, yes, in a short term we just want - that? in the long term, yes, in a short term we just want people | that? in the long term, yes, in a. short term we just want people to come back and feel safe and enjoy the environment. we need to remember what a great place cinema is, so we are lowering the number of showings at the moment, just so we don't get people crossing in fy delivered the fourier death —— crossing in the foyer. 0ur advance sales are already really good, so we are optimistic about what is going to happen. you pre-empted _ about what is going to happen. you pre—empted my final question, i mean, bookings are looking positive? very positive, peter rabbit is looking very good, we are booking for cruella, and that is looking great. so we are very happy with the way things are going. that great. so we are very happy with the way things are going.— way things are going. that is encouraging. _ way things are going. that is encouraging, isn't _ way things are going. that is encouraging, isn't it? - way things are going. that is encouraging, isn't it? it- way things are going. that is encouraging, isn't it? it tells way things are going. that is i encouraging, isn't it? it tells us about the national mood, phil, thank you so much, i know you are exceptionally busy right up until

opening, and it looks quite because there are no punters allowed in, but it is busy in terms of activity and cleaning, lots going on, getting it ready for the reopening. peter rabbit is doing well. do go and see nomadland on a bigger screen if you get the chance, it is absolutely beautiful! let's get thoughts of where the industry is going with anna smith, the film critic, welcome. interesting, i hope you could hear the manager of this cinema saying that weekend bookings are looking positive, good news for the industry. are looking positive, good news for the industry-— the industry. there is a real sense of excitement _ the industry. there is a real sense of excitement in _ the industry. there is a real sense of excitement in the _ the industry. there is a real sense of excitement in the air, - the industry. there is a real sense of excitement in the air, cinema i of excitement in the air, cinema fans have been dying to get back into theatres safely, and i know people have been booking up, we have got a lot of people really excited to see that 0scar got a lot of people really excited to see that oscar winner nomadland, that you just mentioned. i haven't seen that on the big screen yet, so i'm super excited to see that kind of immersive film, which i think is

just meant to be in cinemas and enjoyed with people. a lot of people are very excited about getting the communal experience, and i think nothing can really replace that feeling of sharing, whether it is comedy, drama or a thriller, with a large group of people, that excitement.— large group of people, that excitement. , ., ~ excitement. yes, and like you, i have seen _ excitement. yes, and like you, i have seen nomadland _ excitement. yes, and like you, i have seen nomadland on - excitement. yes, and like you, i have seen nomadland on a - excitement. yes, and like you, i. have seen nomadland on a screen probably that big, and i can't wait to see it again in the way it was meant to be seen, and that is the point of cinema, isn't it? that is what we are all looking forward to. talk us through some of the blockbusters, we are very much in a family orientated venue here, a big family orientated venue here, a big family place. what are the sort of things you think hopefully will get people back to the cinemas in that regard? people back to the cinemas in that retard? ~ ., , , people back to the cinemas in that retard? ~ ., ,, ., , regard? well, peter rabbit two is doinu ve regard? well, peter rabbit two is doing very well. _ regard? well, peter rabbit two is doing very well, and _ regard? well, peter rabbit two is doing very well, and of _ regard? well, peter rabbit two is doing very well, and of course - regard? well, peter rabbit two is doing very well, and of course we have got cruella coming out, which i am very excited about, big hitters,

family firms, disney films, there is an angelina jolie thriller coming out, and horrorfilms, and a quiet place ii, i was supposed to say that over a year ago before it was delayed. it is kind of whatever your genre, arthouse, period films, edgy comedies, it really is like christmas in cinemas in the next few weeks. i think there is a lot more choice than we are used to happen having at this time of year, so it is quite exciting. find having at this time of year, so it is quite exciting.— having at this time of year, so it is quite exciting. and they pick-up from awards _ is quite exciting. and they pick-up from awards season _ is quite exciting. and they pick-up from awards season generally, - is quite exciting. and they pick-up| from awards season generally, the sound of metal, lots of films that have done well there, that is good for encouraging people forwards. all of the said, the likes of you and i will always want it all to succeed, but there will be people, understandably, and we are hearing about it today, who still say caution, stay outside if you can, do

your socialising outside if you can. for cinema, what could that mean? are we any sort of watch and wait where we wait to see just how popular it is in the next few months, just what the take—up is, how much confidence there is? months, just what the take-up is, how much confidence there is? yeah, i think the next _ how much confidence there is? yeah, i think the next few _ how much confidence there is? yeah, i think the next few weeks _ how much confidence there is? yeah, i think the next few weeks and - i think the next few weeks and months will be crucial to see how the future of cinema looks. we picked up on a lot of the enthusiasm but we will have to look at the numbers. 0bviously, people need to feel safe and able to go to cinemas, but they are well organised in terms of social distancing and safety measures, so i am optimistic, but it will be really interesting to see how we do in the run—up to the big hitters like the james bond movie this year. hitters like the james bond movie this ear. . hitters like the james bond movie this ear. , ., , , ., this year. yes, absolutely, later in the ear, this year. yes, absolutely, later in the year. isn't _ this year. yes, absolutely, later in the year, isn't it? _ this year. yes, absolutely, later in the year, isn't it? we _ this year. yes, absolutely, later in the year, isn't it? we will- this year. yes, absolutely, later in the year, isn't it? we will talk- the year, isn't it? we will talk again, thank you for now, anna smith, and we will have much more from here in basildon over the course of the day, talking to lots of business owners about how things are looking for them, what they

anticipate in the coming weeks and months, and how they have survived this far, frankly, that is part of the story for the restaurant and cafe sector in particular. and we will be talking up to people turning up will be talking up to people turning up to enjoy themselves as well. annita, back to you. at 11:30, we'll be answering your questions on the easing of restrictions across the uk. we'll be talking to our bbc experts so send in your questions using #bbcyourquestions or by emailing yourquestions@bbc.co.uk. tell about our scotland reporter jane shaw tells us that people in glasgow aged between 18 and 39 are being invited to get their vaccination sooner than previously planned to cope with the covid upsurge in the city. the local health board says appointments are being made for next week, and i are

also finalising plans to bring forward second vaccinations for people aged over 50. while restrictions on most of scotland, as we have been telling you, are being eased today, two areas, glasgow and moree in north—east scotland, are remaining under tighter restrictions. —— moray. so people being invited to get their vaccination sooner than planned in order to cope with the covid upsurge. as most of the uk begins to open up, other european countries are also beginning to see restrictions lifting. in france, the nightly curfew will be relaxed from wednesday and cafes, bars and restraurants will be able to offer outside service. allshops, museums, cinemas and theatres will open on the same day. greece kick—started its tourism industry on friday, opening up beaches and allowing vaccinated visitors — or those with a negative test — from the eu, britain, the us and israel. it opened its restuarants and bars at the beginning of the month. italy plans to lift quarantine

restrictions for travellers arriving from european and schengen zone countries, britain and israel from tuesday. and in the netherlands, gyms, swimming pools and amusement parks will be allowed to open from wednesday, while cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces will be permitted longer opening hours. palestinian officials in gaza say yesterday was the deadliest day since the current fighting with israel began. 0fficials there say more than 1t0 people were killed in the latest israeli air strikes on gaza. un officials are warning that gaza could run out of fuel, having a devasting impact on hospitals and otherfacilities. meanwhile, israel's army say palestinian militants have fired more rockets. this report from aruna iyengar contains flashing images.

the sky lit up as israeli forces launched 80 air strikes into gaza this morning. the israelis say they're targeting hamas infrastructure and their headquarters. and from the other side, rockets fired by palestinians from gaza into the southern israeli cities of beersheba and ashkelon, as fighting between israelis and palestinians enters its second week. israel says palestinian militants have fired more than 3,000 rockets towards israel in the past week. this is the result on the ground. six—year—old suzy eshkuntana lies in hospital with herfather. she was pulled from the wreckage of her home, but the pre—dawn strike on sunday killed her mother and four brothers and sisters. israel says its rocket was intended for a militant tunnel system near the eshkuntana house. the heaviest exchange of fire since 2014 has killed over 190 people in gaza in the last week and ten in israel.

the un says the latest violence only pushes away hopes of coexistence between the two sides. the only way forward is to return to negotiations with the goal of a two—state solution, leaving two states side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition with jerusalem as the capital of both states. the un is criticised for nice words but little action. us secretary of state antony blinken, arriving last night in denmark, has called for the violence to end. but the biden administration has publicly backed israel's right to self—defence. israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu holds out little hope for an end to hostilities, saying his campaign would take time. i think any country has to defend itself. it has a natural right of self—defence. we'll do whatever it takes to restore order and quiet and the security of our people and deterrence. with both sides wanting to display a show of strength, the conflict shows little sign of any resolution soon. aruna iyengar, bbc news.

0ur diplomatic correspondent in jerusalem, paul adams, has more on the humanitarian situation after warnings that fuel may run out in gaza. for the time being, it carries on, it is unrelenting, it causes enormous suffering. something in the region of 40,000 people in gaza have had to flee their homes because of the shelling in certain areas of gaza. and the un is warning that the area is running out of fuel, that it can't get supplies in. so the humanitarian situation triggered by this week of fighting, and coming on top of what is already a very dire situation in gaza anyway, that is reaching a fairly critical point now. we can show you some live images, this is in israel, close to the

border with gaza. unfortunately, we havejust border with gaza. unfortunately, we have just lost those images, border with gaza. unfortunately, we havejust lost those images, israeli military activity, close to the border with gaza at sarota, where some rockets have been fired by palestinian militants. —— sderot. four men have been arrested by police investigating anti—semitic abuse in north london. it's after video footage was posted online showing anti—semitic comments being shouted through a loud—hailerfrom a car. the vehicle was in a convoy, covered in palestinian flags, which passed through an area with a largejewish population. let's get more on our top story today. lockdown is being eased across the uk, with sports stadiums due to reopen in england. this includes the return of spectators to racecourses across the country. tom kerr is editor

of the racing post. 0bviously obviously a very exciting day, how excited are you feeling about all of this? it excited are you feeling about all of this? , ., ., .,, . excited are you feeling about all of this? , ., ., . ., this? it is a fantastic moment, we have all looked _ this? it is a fantastic moment, we have all looked back _ this? it is a fantastic moment, we have all looked back over - this? it is a fantastic moment, we have all looked back over the - this? it is a fantastic moment, we have all looked back over the last| have all looked back over the last 14 have all looked back over the last 11t months and seen that there has been many dance and a few apps, a few false dawns, but we are very hopeful that today marks the beginning of the end. —— many downs and a few ups. while it has been tremendous that sports have gone on behind closed doors and kept the machinery moving, without fans, everyone who has been at an event will tell you it is not the same, there is no shared experience, so i think everyone, including those who have been active in sports during the period behind closed doors, is

absolutely thrilled that we are going to see people coming through the turnstiles again today. and going to see people coming through the turnstiles again today.— the turnstiles again today. and very im ortant the turnstiles again today. and very important for _ the turnstiles again today. and very important for the _ the turnstiles again today. and very important for the people _ the turnstiles again today. and very important for the people provide i important for the people provide hospitality at racecourses and so on. you mentioned that there are still limitations, just tell us more about that. 0bviously people cannot come back in the numbers that they would have been able to pre—pandemic. would have been able to pre-pandemic._ would have been able to pre-pandemic. would have been able to re- andemic. ., ., , pre-pandemic. yeah. so initially there is reduced _ pre-pandemic. yeah. so initially there is reduced capacity, - pre-pandemic. yeah. so initially there is reduced capacity, as - pre-pandemic. yeah. so initially| there is reduced capacity, as you would expect, we are looking at a few thousand people maximum, 4000 initially, and probably realistically quite a bit less than that, because tracks are not actually taking anything other than actually taking anything other than a cautious approach and want to make sure there is plenty of room to move about. there will be other things, you need to provide contact details, wear a mask indoors, but the kind of things we are familiar with after 12 months. and racecourses are large places, they are predominantly outdoors, you can roam around in lots of space, so i am certain people who go racing, today and over

the coming weeks, will feel very safe at the tracks.— the coming weeks, will feel very safe at the tracks. what precautions have they been _ safe at the tracks. what precautions have they been putting _ safe at the tracks. what precautions have they been putting in _ safe at the tracks. what precautions have they been putting in place - safe at the tracks. what precautions have they been putting in place to i have they been putting in place to allow them to reopen?— have they been putting in place to allow them to reopen? well, over the last 12 months. _ allow them to reopen? well, over the last 12 months, they _ allow them to reopen? well, over the last 12 months, they have _ allow them to reopen? well, over the last 12 months, they have worked - last 12 months, they have worked under extremely strict bio—security measures, they have zoned the cause into different areas, so the professionals are not mixing with press, for example. and they are continuing in that sort of vein, very much the word is caution, it is about ensuring that people feel safe, so like i say, masks indoors, you need to be sitting down if you want to enjoy food and drink. but hopefully it is not going to feel too much different to usual, and as i say, there is nothing there that people are not familiar with from day to day life now.— people are not familiar with from day to day life now. thank you very much forjoining — day to day life now. thank you very much forjoining us _ day to day life now. thank you very much forjoining us today. - the first flights carrying british

tourists abroad have left in the past few hours, as the ban on foreign holidays is lifted in england, scotland and wales. a traffic—light system has been introduced to grade every destination according to risk. but despite only 12 countries and territories being included on the green list, travel companies have seen a surge in bookings. sarah corker is at manchester airport for us. there are 30 departures scheduled for today, including four to portugal, and holiday makers i spoke to said that after a really difficult year of lockdown and restrictions, they are looking forward to some guaranteed sunshine and relaxing on the beach. there was excitement this morning as people headed off on foreign holidays, but also a bit of nervousness too, i think people remembering what happened last summer when those travel rules were changed, often at the last minute, and some people found it difficult didn't they come to get refunds for cancelled trips? airlines are putting on thousands

of extra seats this summer to those green list destinations. portugal, of course, is the only major european destination to be on the green list, and as we have heard, there has been a surge in bookings. but the travel sector has been calling for more countries to be put on that green list, including popular holiday destinations like spain and greece, but of course nothing at this stage is guaranteed. now, earlier we heard from the chief executive of british airways. portugal is probably the first benchmark, and we look at countries that are vaccinating apace, the us is at 59% of all adults, so we would be optimistic about the united states. if we look at places like germany and france, they are making great progress, as is europe, so europe and the us certainly should be in scope for inclusion in the green list as we see the trends on vaccinations and prevalence. and there are a number of factors taking into account that determine which countries go on which list,

that includes how the vaccination roll—out is going in countries, what the current infection rate is, and also if there are any variants of concern. now, the government and scientists will look at all those factors when determining the traffic—lights system. here at manchester airport, they are running at less than 10% capacity, only one of the three terminals is opening, and i think this is a gradual, cautious restart to foreign holidays. today here they are expecting around 3000 passengers, but if you compare that to a normal monday pre—pandemic, that number would be 90,000. so it is going to be a slow and gradual recovery for the travel sector. some of your tweets now about what

you're hoping to do or conversely not doing. tony says, while today is a great day some people will no doubt ignore the cautious note as they don't think it will happen to them. i do hope that people are cautious and considerate. john says, great to be able to hug family and friends once again. it's not until something so simple has been taken away that you realise how important basic human interaction is. anthony says, i'm planning to stay at home and have a drink with my family inside. he has asperger�*s and doesn't like crowds. for some people, the effects of lockdown have been more comfortable perhaps for them. one more from sarah he says, i'm glad to have hooks with my granddaughter but i'm still only about six choir singers in our massive church —— hugs. strangely mixed rules. please keep those tweets coming in. the headlines on bbc news. borisjohnson urges people to remain

cautious as coronavirus restrictions in england, wales and most of scotland are relaxed again today. friends and family are allowed to hug each other again in many places — but the prime minister has urged people to get tested twice a week, and get the vaccine when called. limited numbers of people are now also able to meet inside pubs, restaurants and homes. foreign holidays can also begin again for some uk residents — but only to a limited number of destinations. as fighting between israel and the palestinians enters its second week, palestinian officials say yesterday was the deadliest day in gaza — while hamas militants have continued firing rockets into israel. police have arrested four men in connection with a video which showed anti—semitic abuse being shouted from a car in north london. they sing. one of the world's largest

virtual choirs, with 10,000 members from 100 countries, releases a new song marking the impact of the pandemic across the globe. and swapping cake and fizz for spades and saplings — the queen's green canopy project is encouraging people to plant a tree for the jubilee next year. the international scheme set up to ensure equal access to covid—19 vaccines is currently 140 million doses short, due to the continuing covid crisis in india. now, unicef is calling for the powerful g7 countries — the leaders of which will meet in the uk next month — to share their surplus of doses. the bbc�*s global health correspondent tulip mazumdar reports. it's a global collaboration that's never been tried on this tight timescale before. the aim of the covax scheme

is to ensure all people in all countries get equal access to vaccines to protect them against covid—19. some progress is being made, but doses remain fastly unevenly distributed. and now, the pipeline providing vaccines to some of the world's poorest countries is being squeezed. as india continues its devastating battle against a raging outbreak, the country's prime minister has temporarily banned exports of covid—19 vaccines so that all doses can be used in country. the serum institute of india was due to supply around half of the two billion vaccines for covax this year, but nothing's been shipped since march, leaving a shortfall of around 140 million doses — which is due to rise to 190 million by the end ofjune. unfortunately, we are in a situation where we just don't know when the next set of doses will materialise. our hope is things will get back

on track but of course the situation in india is uncertain itself. and how much of a concern is that? it's certainly a huge concern, and that's why we are calling on higher income countries that have access to doses to start sharing those doses now. but countries are not being forthcoming with donating doses. data commissioned by unicef suggests that the rich g7 nations, as well as the eu, could make a big dent in the vexing deficit in poorer countries by donating 20% of their supplies injune, july and august. this would free up around 153 million doses. so far, france is the only country to have already shipped vaccines in view of the crisis in india, pledging half a million doses by mid—june. nations including rwanda, senegal and here in ghana are using up some of their last remaining doses. it's very important that they could make a promise of solidarity for those countries that have enough

vaccines to distribute and share those doses, because unless we stop the transmission everywhere, it will be very difficult to end this pandemic, even in places where people have been completely vaccinated. new deals with different vaccine suppliers and manufacturers are also under way to try and get the covax scheme back on track. but right now, there a gaping hole in supplies which is threatening the global plan to end this pandemic. tulip mazumdar, bbc news. when someone mentions a royaljubilee, you might think of street parties and wall—to—wall bunting. but next year, celebrations could involve a humble spade and sapling. a campaign — called the queen's green canopy project — is being launched today encouraging us all to plant a tree to mark the queen's 70 years on the throne. 0ur royal correspondent daniela relph reports.

they're planning to do 70, 70 clumps of trees in the duchy. the prince of wales took on the spade work whilst his mother kept a watchful eye. planting a tree in the grounds of windsor castle, one of many we will see to mark the platinum jubilee next year. and the queen, a prolific tree planter during her reign, had some advice. you'll have to have a big stake for it, won't you? the planting of trees for thejubilee has begun around the uk. three million free saplings will be available to schools and community groups. and we'll all be encouraged to get planting in honour of the queen's 70 years of service. there is a reason for this profoundly symbolic act. planting a tree is a statement of hope and faith in the future. as we approach this most special year, i invite you all tojoin me to plant a tree for thejubilee.

in other words, a tree—bilee! after the spadework, . a good watering ensured that the seedling got a proper start in life. _ that was chile, but there was also india. by p......g a sapling. — her majesty commemorated her visit. and hundreds of other locations across the world and closer to home. the queen is an expert planter of trees — 1,500 in all during her reign. and this latest project is a lasting green legacy, with an eye on the future. the queen's green canopy is going to be encouraging notjust to think about planting trees and establishing new woodlands, but also to get them into the right places, to really maximise those benefits, but also to be finding ways of looking after the trees so that they survive once they have gone into the ground. the aim is to get the whole country planting a tree for thejubilee. something that can survive and flourish for decades. daniela relph, bbc news.

today, people will be able to hug their loved ones and meet indoors as we take the next step along the road map out of lockdown. to mark this, one of the world's largest virtual mental health choirs, with 10,000 members from 100 countries across the globe, is releasing a new song. they sing. the sing 0ut strong choir�*s song, "i've been waiting", aims to explain how the pandemic has impacted people around the world. with members of the choir coming from all over including europe, tasmania, myanmar and even the arctic circle, the group wants to show how music can bring everyone together again. we can speak now to emma rowland who started the choir and to lina izzat who is a choir member who has been shielding for much of the past year.

it is so lovely to see you. what a great story to talk about today. it was the 16th of march last year that you decided to start the project which possibly makes it the first virtual choir of the pandemic. why did you do it?— virtual choir of the pandemic. why did ou do it? ., ., ., did you do it? thanks for having me. i set u- did you do it? thanks for having me. i set no sing — did you do it? thanks for having me. i set no sing out _ did you do it? thanks for having me. i set up sing out strong _ did you do it? thanks for having me. i set up sing out strong about - did you do it? thanks for having me. i set up sing out strong about 18 - i set up sing 0ut strong about 18 months ago and when lockdown hit us we had five choir is likely also the benefit of mental health and well—being. we really got into our stride when the pandemic looked like it might close us down again and the number of my singers were anxiously messaging saying, how are we going to keep together? i thought, i know how to use social media, i'm going to ask for some free sessions for my singers on a facebook group, see if anyone wants to keep together because at the time we thought it would be a few months. watching the news over the next couple of days, i

realised it's notjust us, there are so many people all over the world who are going to miss that social connection back wired gives them —— that social connection there choir gives them. anyone who wants to sing with us, if they can put up with me banging on the piano, we'll see where it goes. hand banging on the piano, we'll see where it goes.— banging on the piano, we'll see where it goes. and boy did it go. you've been _ where it goes. and boy did it go. you've been singing _ where it goes. and boy did it go. you've been singing in _ where it goes. and boy did it go. you've been singing in choirs - where it goes. and boy did it go. l you've been singing in choirs since you were nine. as we mentioned, shielding for the last year. how important has it been for you to be part of this? it’s important has it been for you to be part of this?— part of this? it's immensely important- _ part of this? it's immensely important. it's _ part of this? it's immensely important. it's true, - part of this? it's immensely important. it's true, i- part of this? it's immensely important. it's true, i have | part of this? it's immensely - important. it's true, i have been shielding — important. it's true, i have been shielding for much of the pandemic. i've shielding for much of the pandemic. i've been_ shielding for much of the pandemic. i've been working from home and working _ i've been working from home and working from home comes with its own issues _ working from home comes with its own issues never_ working from home comes with its own issues. never really knowing when to stoo _ issues. never really knowing when to stoo so _ issues. never really knowing when to stop. so having that choir to go to, even _ stop. so having that choir to go to, even if— stop. so having that choir to go to, even if it— stop. so having that choir to go to, even if it was— stop. so having that choir to go to, even if it was just an stop. so having that choir to go to, even if it wasjust an hour a day to spend _ even if it wasjust an hour a day to spend time — even if it wasjust an hour a day to spend time with your music, link up with friends — spend time with your music, link up with friends and learn songs has been _ with friends and learn songs has been immensely important for my own mentai— been immensely important for my own mental health and well—being, but also to— mental health and well—being, but

also to keep me connected. it's quite _ also to keep me connected. it's quite ironic— also to keep me connected. it's quite ironic that when you're shielding _ quite ironic that when you're shielding in a pandemic situation you can — shielding in a pandemic situation you can be — shielding in a pandemic situation you can be a very distant from friends — you can be a very distant from friends and family. through this virtual— friends and family. through this virtual choir and so many other virtual— virtual choir and so many other virtual projects i've done, it's immeasurable. people from around the world. _ immeasurable. people from around the world. we _ immeasurable. people from around the world, we often think about choirs and singing in english and latin. we were singing songs in languages as diverse _ were singing songs in languages as diverse as— were singing songs in languages as diverse as swahili and hawaiian. i met people from so many cultures, so the bonding _ met people from so many cultures, so the bonding has been fantastic. thank— the bonding has been fantastic. thank you — the bonding has been fantastic. thank you so much for telling us about what you've been up to you. i know that hopefully the message of the song is i've been waiting, you're still waiting to meet each other in real life, hopefully that will happen very soon. thank you. as covid restrictions ease in england, some parts of the country continue to be affected by a rise in cases of the coronavirus variant first identified in india. surge testing is being carried out

at several locations in the uk, including at several london locations. here to speak to us about that is the mayor of london, sadiq khan. thank you forjoining us. before we get into the issue of surge testing i want to ask you festival how you are feeling about the easing of restrictions across the capital? —— first of all. restrictions across the capital? -- first of all-— first of all. it's fantastic, i've already had _ first of all. it's fantastic, i've already had breakfast - first of all. it's fantastic, i've already had breakfast twice l first of all. it's fantastic, i've - already had breakfast twice indoors in restaurants, promoting the brilliant restaurants in our city. we've launched the biggest domestic tourism campaign london has ever seen. encouraging londoners to come back to the west end, but also those across the country who may be crestfallen at not having a holiday overseas to see and taste the best of the world in london.— of the world in london. obviously, the variant — of the world in london. obviously, the variant first _ of the world in london. obviously, the variant first identified - of the world in london. obviously, the variant first identified in - the variant first identified in india is of concern in a number of london boroughs, as it is in other

parts of the uk. how worried are you about that and to what extent would you like to see vaccinations being brought forward for younger age groups? we break the news shall while ago that people in glasgow between the ages of 18 and 39 are being invited to get their vaccination sooner than planned. i spoke to the health advisor today and also public health england and the nhs late last week. i'm keen to try and persuade the government to have younger people in those parts of london where they are concerned about the rise of the indian variant receiving the vaccine sooner than they would otherwise do so. we know from the early research done by oxford, but also speaking to 0xford, but also speaking to colleagues in india, it does appear that those who have received the vaccine are less likely to catch the virus. the consequences are less serious, but this virus spreads less easily. i hope the government can be

flexible and allow us in those parts of london where they are concerned to have younger people receiving the vaccine sooner. ii to have younger people receiving the vaccine sooner.— vaccine sooner. if that means other ace vaccine sooner. if that means other age grouos — vaccine sooner. if that means other age grouos have — vaccine sooner. if that means other age grouos have to _ vaccine sooner. if that means other age groups have to wait _ vaccine sooner. if that means other age groups have to wait longer- vaccine sooner. if that means other age groups have to wait longer or l age groups have to wait longer or those over 50 waiting on a second vaccine have to wait a little longer, is that the right order of priority in your opinion? i longer, is that the right order of priority in your opinion?- priority in your opinion? i think the general — priority in your opinion? i think the general advice _ priority in your opinion? i think the general advice from - priority in your opinion? i think the general advice from the . priority in your opinion? i thinkl the general advice from the jcvi priority in your opinion? i think . the general advice from the jcvi is the general advice from thejcvi is one we support, which is that age is a big factor when it comes to the consequences of catching the virus and when you get the virus. in some parts of our city, as indeed across the country, i think the flexible and nimble approach is the right way to take. the good news is, over 6 million londoners have received a dose of the virus, 2 million received both doses, 4 million received both doses, 4 million received the first dose. that's really good progress, is the big game changerfrom down really good progress, is the big game changer from down there since last summer. we need to make sure that the indian variant doesn't

knock us off course. that's why i'm hoping the government needs to allow younger londoners in those parts of the city where we are concerned to receive the vaccine sooner. hagar receive the vaccine sooner. how difficult is _ receive the vaccine sooner. how difficult is it — receive the vaccine sooner. how difficult is it to _ receive the vaccine sooner. how difficult is it to start _ receive the vaccine sooner. how difficult is it to start getting that messaging out, to say to younger age groups if you're offered a vaccine, go and get it? when officially they aren't able to get it yet. officially they aren't able to get it et. ~ ., ., , , it yet. well, the good news is if ou are it yet. well, the good news is if you are above _ it yet. well, the good news is if you are above the _ it yet. well, the good news is if you are above the age - it yet. well, the good news is if you are above the age of - it yet. well, the good news is if you are above the age of 38 - it yet. well, the good news is if you are above the age of 38 in l you are above the age of 38 in london you can go on the website or ring the number and get an appointment to receive the jab. that is really good news. we've got to make sure everyone above the age of 38 receives at least the first job. the good news is over the last few weeks and months we've made huge progress in relation to hesitancy. we know this vaccine is a life—saver and a game changer, so it's really important if you're eligible to take it. we encourage everybody who should have had it by now to take it. ., ., ., , , ., it. you mentioned tourism in your first answer- _ it. you mentioned tourism in your first answer. how _

it. you mentioned tourism in your first answer. how hopeful - it. you mentioned tourism in your first answer. how hopeful are - it. you mentioned tourism in your first answer. how hopeful are you j first answer. how hopeful are you that we can soon start to see an uptake in tourists coming back to the city? in uptake in tourists coming back to the ci ? , ., ., the city? in the short term, we are keen to encourage _ the city? in the short term, we are keen to encourage londoners - the city? in the short term, we are keen to encourage londoners to i the city? in the short term, we are i keen to encourage londoners to come back to the west end. it also those across the country to come to london for an overnight stay, a short break or even longer. we have the worlds best pubs, bars and restaurants, cultural attractions, hospitality venues and theatres and so forth. in the medium to long term we are keen to see international tourism returning but it's got to be done safely. the good news is you can enjoy going out, giving a covid—19 safe environment, protecting jobs but also have a great time. it's a win—win. but also have a great time. it's a win-win. �* , ., but also have a great time. it's a win-win. . i. _, ., ., win-win. are you confident that all the venues. _ win-win. are you confident that all the venues, whether— win-win. are you confident that all the venues, whether it's _ win-win. are you confident that all the venues, whether it's theatres, | the venues, whether it's theatres, cinemas, restaurants, that all of them by and large are on top of this and are going to stick by the rules as well as obviously expecting the public to stick by the rules that still exist? i

public to stick by the rules that still exist?— public to stick by the rules that still exist? ., , , , still exist? i am so impressed with our businesses _ still exist? i am so impressed with our businesses in _ still exist? i am so impressed with our businesses in london, - still exist? i am so impressed with| our businesses in london, whether still exist? i am so impressed with i our businesses in london, whether it was the 02 last week with the brit awards, the barbican, but the day or british museum. 0rdinary restaurants and bars and pubs. they've worked so hard to make their places covid—19 secure. wearfacemasks hard to make their places covid—19 secure. wear facemasks when you're moving around the restaurant, where a facemask on public transport, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, keep your social distance. i think it is possible to have a great time, to protectjobs and be covid—19 safe. i to protect “obs and be covid-19 safe. ., ., ., ,, ., safe. i want to talk to you as well about the arrests _ safe. i want to talk to you as well about the arrests of _ safe. i want to talk to you as well about the arrests of four - safe. i want to talk to you as well about the arrests of four men - safe. i want to talk to you as well about the arrests of four men in i safe. i want to talk to you as well i about the arrests of four men in an anti—semitism investigation being carried out by police. four men chanting anti—semitic abuse from a car in north london. proceedings are active in the case but as mayor of

london, you want an image projected of this city to the rest of the uk and the rest of the world which clearly doesn't include something of this nature. what are your thoughts? i was in contact this weekend with both the commissioner and deputy commissioner. the police, like me, have a zero tolerance attitude towards any form of hate crime. he will have seen people have been arrested, an investigation is under way. i think it's possible to protest about things happening 3000 miles away, many of us are angry and upset and heartbroken by the events in israel, the west bank and gaza. that is no excuse for anti—semitism. we are really proud of our diversity, there is no excuse for hate crime and we aren't going to tolerate it in london. haifa hate crime and we aren't going to tolerate it in london.— tolerate it in london. how do you make it two _ tolerate it in london. how do you make it two people _ tolerate it in london. how do you make it two people feel - tolerate it in london. how do you make it two people feel safe - tolerate it in london. how do you make it two people feel safe if i tolerate it in london. how do you l make it two people feel safe if they are targeted by hate crime —— how do you make people feel safe if they are targeted by hate crime? the rest

of us have got _ are targeted by hate crime? the rest of us have got to _ are targeted by hate crime? the rest of us have got to understand - are targeted by hate crime? the rest of us have got to understand the i of us have got to understand the chilling effect and ripples of fear hate crime spreads to minorities. also we've got to give these communities confidence to report the crimes. if you're the victim of any form of hate crime, including anti—semitism, it's really important to report it to the police. go to the net police website and report this. the promise from the commissioner and myself is that this will be taken very seriously —— met police website. will be taken very seriously -- met police website.— police website. going back to the lockdown and _ police website. going back to the lockdown and easing, _ police website. going back to the lockdown and easing, as - police website. going back to the lockdown and easing, as we i police website. going back to the lockdown and easing, as we look| lockdown and easing, as we look ahead, beyond the first day, the first week, how will you be monitoring the situation across london to make sure that going forward it is safe as restrictions ease? �* . , forward it is safe as restrictions ease? �* , , . forward it is safe as restrictions ease? �* , ,~ ., ease? i've been very critical of the government _ ease? i've been very critical of the government in _ ease? i've been very critical of the government in the _ ease? i've been very critical of the government in the past _ ease? i've been very critical of the government in the past but i ease? i've been very critical of the government in the past but they i government in the past but they deserve credit for the way they are going about their road map which is every four weeks reviewing the data, what is happening, before we go to

the next phase. i welcome the reopening today. the 21st ofjune is the next hurdle. that's why it's so important for us to continue to make sacrifices, to continue to follow rules and guidance and for the government to continue to listen to expert advice. i'm looking forward to the 21st ofjune. this summer we've got great football, cricket, culture, food and drinks in london, great live music, so let's all work together to make sure our city and country reopens sooner rather than later. .. . country reopens sooner rather than later. ,,., ., ., ,, country reopens sooner rather than later. ., ., ~' , ., country reopens sooner rather than later, ., ., ~' , ., , later. sadiq khan, thank you very much. international travel from britain is possible again from today. among the dozen countries placed on the uk government's green list for restriction—free travel is portugal, which has seen a surge in bookings. the price of many flights has also shot up. british tourists need to provide a negative pcr test before departure but will not have to quarantine on arrival. from the algarve coast, here's our europe correspondent nick beake.

the algarve's biggest theme park has looked like a ghost town. with no visitors allowed, it's felt like a recurring nightmare for them. now, though, they're getting ready to open once again. making sure the place is clean and safe, as they finally welcome back their favourite tourists. everywhere you go, any month of the year, you always have brits around. so, when they are missing, not only a lot of the fun is missing but of course part of the economy also suffers with that. katia is one of so many delighted here that the brits are coming back, hopefully in their hundreds and thousands. the british are lovely customers, and we enjoy them to come here, and have good times with us. and make friends with the portuguese people, and i'm so happy they're coming finally. your summer seasons back, summer begins. yeah. over the past decade, 90% of andrea's boat tour

customers have been british. but this new mum has really struggled to keep her business afloat over the past year. we have a baby and it's very difficult. i because me and my husband work in the same company, _ so it's difficult, yeah. did you think you might lose your business? yeah, yeah. of course, because we have been closed since last summer. - traditionally, half of all foreign visitors to these shores from the uk, spending half a billion pounds in a good year. and so, when that final tap was turned off, it hit them hard. the return of british tourists all along this coastline won't change the fortunes of the algarve overnight, but it's a big boost to individual businesses, but also to people's spirits, giving hope that finally this really important tourism sector in portugal has weathered the covid storm.

we were supposed to open last year... so now it's a race to complete projects that the pandemic paused — including duarte's new hotel. i hope that we have full of brits in this bar. for the coming summer. portuguese businesses are hoping they can make the most of being on the uk's green list for travel, while the likes of spain, greece and italy are not. very positive for portugal. i feel sorry for the other countries, but probably we took different measures that we are getting the positive result out of it. so, this is good for portugal and i hope that everybody will take advantage of it. and so the restaurants will fill once again, even though the state of covid alert here has been extended until the end of the month. but after a big surge in cases at the start of the year, portugal has made great progress and is set to reap the rewards, offering a taste of all that we've missed so much. nick beake, bbc news,

on the algarve. as fighting between israel and palestinians continues and enters its second week, let's bring you some live pictures we have now of the gaza skyline. palestinian officials are saying yesterday was the deadliest day in gaza and hamas militants have continued to fire rockets from gaza into israel. 0fficials rockets from gaza into israel. officials in gaza say they are concerned that fuel supplies may run out which will have an impact on key services such as hospitals. we have seen israeli military activity this morning in southern israel, sderot,

near the border with gaza, about a mile away from the border with gaza and we are hearing also that people have been praying near a synagogue in ashkelon which has been hit by hamas rockets. we will have more on that story throughout the day. you're watching bbc news. joanna gosling is with you next to take you through until 1pm. first the weather. hello again. this week is set to be unsettled once more with some heavy thundery downpours. in between there will be some sunny skies. temperature is a bit disappointing for this stage in may. later on it's going to turn particularly wet and windy as a deep area of low pressure comes our way. you can see the showers across central and eastern areas, as we go through the afternoon they will continue to move eastwards. some of those will be heavy and thundery with the potentialfor some hail.

although it will be drier with some sunshine in the west, we aren't immune to some showers here either. some of those in northern ireland could be thundery. temperatures today, nine in the north and 17 in the south, quite breezy on the coastlines adjacent to the english channel. through the evening, a lot of showers still, overnight many of them fading. we hang onto them around the coasts and inland we will see some clear skies develope and pockets of mist and fog. that shouldn't be problematic. most of us won't have any issues with frost. locally, in prone areas, you might see temperatures close to freezing. tomorrow the weather front continues to move south across the north of scotland. we've got one coming in from south—west bringing heavy showers, frequent showers and some thunder and hail. temperatures up to about 16. on wednesday we start with a lot of dry weather, but a lot of showers getting going especially in the north and east. a few in the west, again some

of those will have some thunder and hail in them. on thursday we see the first signs of low pressure coming in bringing some rain and strengthening winds, as it pushes across the uk. temperatures by then 7—15. still below average for the time of year. this is quite a deep area of low pressure, coming in from the atlantic. the isobars tell you it's going to be windy across southern areas during friday and then it pulls away during the course of saturday and the isobars start to open out once again. for friday, we've got that wet and windy weather particularly in the south and then we are back into sunshine and showers.

this is bbc news. the headlines at 11... borisjohnson urges people to remain cautious, as coronavirus restrictions in england, wales and most of scotland are relaxed again today. limited numbers of people are now also able to meet inside pubs, restaurants and homes. friends and family are allowed to hug each other again in many places, but the prime minister has urged people to get tested twice a week, and get the vaccine when called. crime in basildon finding out from people and business owners what they mate of opening up today. foreign holidays can also begin again, but only to a limited number of destinations. as fighting between israel and the palestinians enters its second week,

palestinian officials say yesterday was the deadliest day in gaza, while hamas militants have continued firing rockets into israel. and swapping cake and fizz for spades and saplings. the queen's green canopy project is encouraging people to plant a tree for the jubilee next year. borisjohnson has urged people to exercise a heavy dose of caution as many covid restrictions are lifted across england, wales and much of scotland. while it's the biggest relaxation of measures so far, a rise in cases of the india variant remains a concern. let's take a closer look at what's changing today. in england, pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve people inside.

cinemas, museums, soft play centres and hotels can also reopen. groups of six people or two households can meet indoors and stay overnight. 30 people will be able to gather outdoors. the changes in wales are very similar to england, except that outdoor groups of up to 50 will be allowed. in most of scotland, six people from three households will be able to socialise indoors at home. 0utdoors it can be eight people from up to eight different households, rising to 12 on most of the islands. the changes do not apply to glasgow and moray, which are staying in level three. there's no change today in northern ireland, but it's hoped a review on thursday will lead to an easing in a week's time. well, it's a big day for many indoor entertainment venues, reopening their doors after so long. my colleaguejane hill is spending the morning at the festival leisure park in basildon, essex. good morning from basildon in essex.

this leisure centre caters for everyone, it's a popular venue for everyone. cinema, bowling, golf, a gym if you want to be healthy and lots of places to and drink. all the restaurant owners and managers, all those people we have been speaking to this morning, are all really excited about the opening up and convinced everything is in place to keep everybody safe. we will be talking to people coming to use the facilities later as well to get a sense of how confident people are. lots of excitement, lots of need for all of this, economically, of course. we will be talking more about all of that but of course balance with some of the calls we have heard from scientists who see stay outside if you possibly can and if the weather allows it. let's assess where we are today. on a big day, this from our political correspondent, chris mason. anyone for popcorn?

the 0deon cinema in lincoln's getting it ready. i'm so excited, very, very much excited. from today, alfresco dining — with a shiver — is no longer the only way to avoid eating at home in england, scotland and wales, but ministers are urging us to be careful. well, this is another important step in the roadmap. thousands of businesses will be reopening, and many thousands of people will be returning to work in those businesses for the first time in a long time, and that's a very important step forward, but we do have to exercise great caution and personal responsibility. the brollies have been busy at the stag's head in central london. but now the chance to head inside. you can't prop the bar up yet, but you can sit at a table. the landlord here told me he can't wait to welcome people back. yeah, extremely excited. i felt so sorry for my customers i at the weekend just gone, chucking down with rain, sitting outside.

now, at least they can come in, enjoya pint, | in the warm, as well, _ because the weather's been cold. so, yeah, very excited. excited for the customers. from today, the prospect for many of a drink without being drizzled on. yes, nerves remain about the new variant, but a taste of normality beckons. chris mason, bbc news. we all want a taste of normality but let's assess the political mood. 0ur political correspondent jonathan blake joins us now from westminster. as we keep reflecting, we want things opening up emotionally, people made it financially, businesses need it, but we have to look at the science as well? yes. look at the science as well? yes, there is no _ look at the science as well? yes, there is no sense _ look at the science as well? yes, there is no sense from _ look at the science as well? yes, there is no sense from the i there is no sense from the government here at westminster that the floodgates are open and people can enjoy their new—found relative freedoms with abandon. caution is still very much the watchword as it

has been in every stage of the reopening of the economy. emerging from that lockdown at the beginning of the year. on the government was not road map in england. but there are particular pressing concerns at the moment, not least around the new indian variant of coronavirus, how prevalent that is and how quickly and freely it seems to be transmitting amongst the population. that is why we are hearing from government ministers are more cautious don't compare to last summer when large parts of the economy were open and people were encouraged to go out and enjoy themselves. it's a nuanced message. exercise some caution, washing your hands, _ exercise some caution, washing your hands. a _ exercise some caution, washing your hands. a bit — exercise some caution, washing your hands, a bit of social—distance. also _ hands, a bit of social—distance. also opening windows to get more

ventilation. it's a cautious approach, but of course we are very, very pleased — approach, but of course we are very, very pleased that we have managed to hit the _ very pleased that we have managed to hit the date that we set out in the road map. — hit the date that we set out in the road map, and the 17th of may should be a successful day for many people in retail— be a successful day for many people in retail and — be a successful day for many people in retail and hospitality in particular. there are areas where the debate is getting going in terms of what the government should do next, particularly with the indian variant and cases relatively high in parts of london, they are encouraged to vaccinate younger people sooner. sadiq khan says people over the age of 18 should be offered the chance to have the vaccination in areas where cases are particularly high. he is urging the government to look again at the vaccine to see if it can be changed there. also, conservative mps are starting to get a little bit nervous about any talk of the next stage in the road map on june the 21st being either delayed or watered down as a result of cases

of the virus remaining stubbornly high end some areas, because there are a small number of people, but significant number of people, who have not decided to take the vaccine. so i would expect that debate as we have seen it play out at various stages through the pandemic about whether it is right to keep imposing restrictions for longer to begin to play out a bit more loudly in the coming days and weeks. . more loudly in the coming days and weeks. , , ., ., weeks. yes, interesting, thanks for now. people in glasgow between the ages of 18 and 39 are being invited to get their vaccinations sooner than previously planned, to cope with a covid upsurge in the city. let's get more on that now from our scotland correspondent james shaw. what exactly is being offered? what are people being advised to do? essentially, what's happening is in the most affected areas of glasgow

where there has been an upsurge of coronavirus and this is on the south side of the city, people have been sent text messages, people between the ages of 18 and 39 are being told that they can go in for their vaccinations early. we are not sure at the moment exactly what areas of the city it is. we think it's come to be postcodes g 41 and g 42 but the local health board has not confirmed that yet. they are also seeing people over 50, they will be able to go in for their second vaccination earlier than previously scheduled. so it is a big attempt to try to protect the population of glasgow from this upsurge which has happened within the last week or so. james, thank you for now. well, following that news about glasgow, london mayor's sadiq khan was asked if young people in some areas of the capital should also be invited for a jab.

yes, i spoke to our health advisor today and over the weekend, but also public health england and the nhs late last week. i'm keen to try and persuade the government to have younger people in those parts of london where we are concerned about the rise of the indian variant receiving the vaccine sooner than they would otherwise do so. we know from the early research done by oxford, but also speaking to colleagues in india, it does appear that those who have received the vaccine are less likely to catch this virus. the consequences are less serious, but this virus spreads less easily. so i'm hoping the government can be nimble and flexible and allow us, in those parts of london where concerned, to have younger londoners receiving the vaccine sooner than would otherwise be the case. restrictions easing today in england, wales and most of scotland. let's turn to wales now, where restrictions are also easing

and speak to stephen davies, the boss at the penderyn whiskey distillery in llandudno. good morning. ithink good morning. i think you are joining me from llandudno, i did not know you were coming on today but i have been to your distillery so i think you have a new venture if you arejoining me from llandudno. what does today mean to you and your business? . does today mean to you and your business? , ., ._ ., ., , business? yes, today we are opening a brand-new — business? yes, today we are opening a brand-new distillery _ business? yes, today we are opening a brand-new distillery in _ business? yes, today we are opening a brand-new distillery in llandudno. l a brand—new distillery in llandudno. the second action site for us. including the one you visited in the brecon beacons. its opening in north wales for the first time which is very, very exciting. it has been quite a few years in the planning. behind me is the faraday steel which is very unusual design of whiskey still, makes quite a nice, light, fruity, slightly smoky whiskey here. it's a really exciting day for us and of course with hospitality

opening up and asked being able to hopefully bring visitors in the next few weeks, it's really great news. you av expansion has been some time in the planning which i guess it would be but from a business perspective, did the pandemic give you pause? did you ever think is this a particularly scary time to try to be expanding? in this a particularly scary time to try to be expanding?— this a particularly scary time to try to be expanding? in the first few months _ try to be expanding? in the first few months of _ try to be expanding? in the first few months of the _ try to be expanding? in the first few months of the pandemic i try to be expanding? in the first few months of the pandemic it i try to be expanding? in the first i few months of the pandemic it was very worrying and everything was uncertain. things settled down on the manufacturing side after that. we were due to open this facility in march so we a few months late. mainly because of the pandemic. after the first couple of months when things settle down we were able to steer the same course and not deviate too much. we are fortunate we have been able to do that and get to this point where we can, it is pretty significant, for us has a business, to open a new production

facility. business, to open a new production facili . �* business, to open a new production facili . . , ., business, to open a new production facili . . ., business, to open a new production facili .�* ., ., , business, to open a new production facili .�* ., ., facility. and you do tours of your facilities, to _ facility. and you do tours of your facilities, to what _ facility. and you do tours of your facilities, to what extent - facility. and you do tours of your facilities, to what extent can i facility. and you do tours of your facilities, to what extent can the j facilities, to what extent can the resume in the coming weeks? how different will those experiences be for people who want to visit? at different will those experiences be for people who want to visit? at the moment we — for people who want to visit? at the moment we have _ for people who want to visit? at the moment we have to _ for people who want to visit? at the moment we have to limit _ for people who want to visit? at the moment we have to limit the i for people who want to visit? at the i moment we have to limit the number of people, we do tours with the master classes, and lots of different activities. we have had to limit the numbers of people coming through so that is a big difference. we did that a bit last year when we were able to open at the distillery in the brecon beacons and it worked very well and we did not have any problems. we were able to look after people quite well so the plan is to do the same thing here. it's not ideal but like everybody we are working with the situation. its]!!! ideal but like everybody we are working with the situation. all the best, working with the situation. all the best. thank _ working with the situation. all the best, thank you _ working with the situation. all the best, thank you for _ working with the situation. all the best, thank you forjoining - working with the situation. all the best, thank you forjoining us. i today marks a big moment in the national mood, a shift towards normality, but there is concern about the rising number of cases of the indian variant of coronavirus.

how should we be responding and behaving today? what could it mean? with me to discuss this is drjulian tang, clinical virologist at the university of leicester. good morning and from your perspective given your specialism, i wonder whether you are excited about the opening up today, or a little nervous? �* ., ., , . , nervous? i'm not really excited but i 'ust. .. nervous? i'm not really excited but i 'ust... i nervous? i'm not really excited but ljust--- lwill— nervous? i'm not really excited but ijust... i will be _ nervous? i'm not really excited but i just... i will be watching - nervous? i'm not really excited but i just... i will be watching the i ijust... i will be watching the situation closely, i think there are concerns about the rate of spread of this indian variant but also just general indoor mixing in higher density is a risk of spread for the virus, particularly the unvaccinated population in the under 40s for example. 50 population in the under 40s for examle. ., , ., .,

example. so would it be fair to say that ou example. so would it be fair to say that you are _ example. so would it be fair to say that you are saying _ example. so would it be fair to say that you are saying you _ example. so would it be fair to say that you are saying you don't i example. so would it be fair to say that you are saying you don't have | that you are saying you don't have concerns broadly about people getting together and meeting outside, but that people should be mindful, be mindful of what they are doing in an indoor setting? i mindful, be mindful of what they are doing in an indoor setting?— doing in an indoor setting? i think the fact that _ doing in an indoor setting? i think the fact that you _ doing in an indoor setting? i think the fact that you can _ doing in an indoor setting? i think the fact that you can do _ doing in an indoor setting? i think| the fact that you can do something doesn't mean you have to do it, just to prove the point. i think if you have indoor mixing amongst vaccinated and unvaccinated, some of the vaccinated will not have responded to the vaccine, both the original we had virus, the kent variant and original we had virus, the kent variantand in original we had virus, the kent variant and in the environment will spread relatively easily. vaccination does not prevent transmission. most vaccines are not assessed for this. even your vaccinated you could harbour some virus and that might be for a short while and spread it to those unvaccinated you may be living with or visiting, elderly relatives for example. i would or visiting, elderly relatives for example. iwould be or visiting, elderly relatives for example. i would be cautious about close contact if you are living with

or maybe visiting in the short—term and elderly relative who may be more vulnerable. 0f and elderly relative who may be more vulnerable. of course, we are not testing a vaccination for a response. testing a vaccination for a response-— testing a vaccination for a response. testing a vaccination for a resonse. ~ . ., ., , response. we are here at a leisure centre all day. _ response. we are here at a leisure centre all day, businesses - response. we are here at a leisure i centre all day, businesses desperate to reopen. we understand that and people are desperate to come and enjoy themselves. but use yourself personally, would you come and sit in a cinema? in personally, would you come and sit in a cinema?— in a cinema? in a cinema, i'm less nervous. — in a cinema? in a cinema, i'm less nervous. because _ in a cinema? in a cinema, i'm less nervous, because it's _ in a cinema? in a cinema, i'm less nervous, because it's a _ in a cinema? in a cinema, i'm less nervous, because it's a much i in a cinema? in a cinema, i'm lessi nervous, because it's a much larger space with a relatively low occupancy, at least it was last summer when i went. i would be more concerned about indoor pubs and restaurants with low—level ceilings, high occupancy, who may or may not have the windows open. i have only had my first vaccines over, not both although i have had, there is a bit of caution that people can apply, despite the opening of indoor activities. eventually, i have to

say that we have to live with some degree of risk with these activities, like every year, we have young people come to the icu with flu who have not been vaccinated who think they probably don't need it at the time but then they do suffer from disease and covid—19 may become the same. hand from disease and covid-19 may become the same. �* . from disease and covid-19 may become the same. . , ., ., ., the same. and 'ust a final thought because we — the same. and just a final thought because we know _ the same. and just a final thought because we know the _ the same. and just a final thought because we know the prime i the same. and just a final thought i because we know the prime minister said only a few days ago that obviously the figures will be watched, everything will be analysed, he put a degree, he put a question didn't he, on whether things will shift onjune the the zist things will shift onjune the the 21st as had been the original plan. is that an appropriate action as far as your concern? we are in a situation where we have to monitor what is going on? and particularly the indian variant?— the indian variant? yes, i think these figures _ the indian variant? yes, i think these figures are _ the indian variant? yes, i think these figures are probably i these figures are probably underestimating the amount of spread of the virus. by the time you identify one particular case, they may have had contact with many

other, many other people who are incubating at that time. i think these earnest figures, daily figures are probably the lower estimate of what's going on. we need to be cautious about going forward towards june to see how the current variant circulates in the landscape is in the ongoing vaccine roll—out across the ongoing vaccine roll—out across the different age groups. the ongoing vaccine roll-out across the different age groups.— the different age groups. really interestin: the different age groups. really interesting to _ the different age groups. really interesting to talk _ the different age groups. really interesting to talk to _ the different age groups. really interesting to talk to you, i the different age groups. really interesting to talk to you, thank you again for your time. 0ne one of the other businesses that have been resuming a little more normal activity is james. the gym sector. the first eight of classes? it's aood to the first eight of classes? it's good to have _

the first eight of classes? it�*1 good to have everyone back, good to see them come in. to bring a smile to theirface. its, see them come in. to bring a smile to their face-— to their face. a whole year. either classes popular? _ to their face. a whole year. either classes popular? i _ to their face. a whole year. either classes popular? i know— to their face. a whole year. either classes popular? i know you i to their face. a whole year. either classes popular? i know you have| to their face. a whole year. either i classes popular? i know you have to book, are they selling well?- book, are they selling well? today's class fully booked. _ book, are they selling well? today's class fully booked. everyone - book, are they selling well? today's class fully booked. everyone came i class fully booked. everyone came out sweating, really good.- out sweating, really good. that's the idea, out sweating, really good. that's the idea. i _ out sweating, really good. that's the idea, i guess. _ out sweating, really good. that's the idea, i guess. you _ out sweating, really good. that's the idea, i guess. you see i out sweating, really good. that's the idea, i guess. you see the i the idea, i guess. you see the classes have been selling out. is that, you are still limiting numbers to some degree? you have to take precautions. to some degree? you have to take precautions-— precautions. there is a reduced number of _ precautions. there is a reduced number of bikes _ precautions. there is a reduced number of bikes available. i precautions. there is a reduced number of bikes available. we l precautions. there is a reduced i number of bikes available. we have tate measuring out the squares available. 18 squares in the sports hall. and we set the bikes up, and clean them up and move onto the next one. we have a limited timetable at the moment and then start building a back—up when people start coming back. testing for now. the back-up when people start coming back. testing for now.— back-up when people start coming back. testing for now. the bikes are very spread — back. testing for now. the bikes are very spread out- _

back. testing for now. the bikes are very spread out. there _ back. testing for now. the bikes are very spread out. there is _ back. testing for now. the bikes are very spread out. there is a - back. testing for now. the bikes are very spread out. there is a two i very spread out. there is a two metre gap _ very spread out. there is a two metre gap between _ very spread out. there is a two metre gap between them. - very spread out. there is a two - metre gap between them. everyone is facing forward and not moving around, it's easier to manage. the whole class _ around, it's easier to manage. the whole class is _ around, it's easier to manage. the whole class is static and sat on a bike and it's jolly hard work but you are stuck, sat in one position. you are not turning around and talking to everyone, breathing on everyone, it's pretty covid friendly. everyone, it's pretty covid friendl . everyone, it's pretty covid friendly-— everyone, it's pretty covid friendl . ., ., , .,~ friendly. those who have been taking art, b friendly. those who have been taking part. by definition — friendly. those who have been taking part, by definition if _ friendly. those who have been taking part, by definition if they _ friendly. those who have been taking part, by definition if they are - part, by definition if they are turning up, they feel confident about the measures in place, i suppose? i about the measures in place, i surmise?— about the measures in place, i su ose? ~' ,, , suppose? i think everyone is tired of it, the suppose? i think everyone is tired of it. they want — suppose? i think everyone is tired of it, they want to _ suppose? i think everyone is tired of it, they want to do _ suppose? i think everyone is tired of it, they want to do something l of it, they want to do something else and get back into fitness. they have been doing classes at home but it's not the same as being in front of someone. it's not the same as being in front of someone-— it's not the same as being in front of someone. ., ., i. ., .. i. of someone. how are you, how can you manaue of someone. how are you, how can you manage this — of someone. how are you, how can you manage this financially, _ of someone. how are you, how can you manage this financially, brutally? - manage this financially, brutally? because we were in the cinema earlier, the same principle. at the cinema cannot sell as many tickets before the pandemic, you have described you're not allowed as many people in a spin class as you would have been pre—pandemic so you have

to make the numbers up. it’s a to make the numbers up. it's a stru: ale to make the numbers up. it's a struggle for — to make the numbers up. it's a struggle for us _ to make the numbers up. it's a struggle for us but _ to make the numbers up. it's a struggle for us but bring - to make the numbers up. it's a struggle for us but bring it - to make the numbers up. it�*s — struggle for us but bring it back gradually and hopeful people get more into their fitness again, more people struck coming back and when it gets more popular we can put on more classes. that's how we come back. ,., ., x' more classes. that's how we come back. ,., ., a ., more classes. that's how we come back. ,., ., x' ., _, more classes. that's how we come back. x' ., .., , back. good luck for the coming days and weeks- — back. good luck for the coming days and weeks. thank _ back. good luck for the coming days and weeks. thank you _ back. good luck for the coming days and weeks. thank you very - back. good luck for the coming days and weeks. thank you very much. . back. good luck for the coming days - and weeks. thank you very much. when you have been to the gym and on your spin class and you're fit and healthy, you can come and have a burger. that's the way to balance it. we will be here all day and we are talking to people who are going to be here later to have lunch, dinner, use the softly centre and talking to lots of the business owners. really interesting and i mentioned earlier but it's striking how upbeat the business owners and managers are and are really excited to get some sort of normality back. the restaurants that are taking bookings, they say bookings are looking very, very positive a0 so

they think certainly this evening they think certainly this evening they will be very busy indeed. a bit more from basildon in the next hour. back to you. in other news, palestinian officials in gaza say yesterday was the deadliest day since the current fighting with israel began. officials there say more than a0 people were killed in the latest israeli air strikes on gaza. un officials are warning that gaza could run out of fuel, which would have a devastating impact on hospitals and other facilities. meanwhile, israel's army say palestinian militants have fired more rockets. this report from aruna iyengar contains flashing images. the sky lit up as israeli forces launched 80 air strikes into gaza this morning. the israelis say they're targeting hamas infrastructure and their headquarters. and from the other side, rockets fired by palestinians from gaza into the southern israeli cities of beersheba and ashkelon, as fighting between israelis and palestinians enters its second week.

israel says palestinian militants have fired more than 3,000 rockets towards israel in the past week. this is the result on the ground. six—year—old suzy eshkuntana lies in hospital with herfather. she was pulled from the wreckage of her home, but the pre—dawn strike on sunday killed her mother and four brothers and sisters. israel says its rocket was intended for a militant tunnel system near the eshkuntana house. the heaviest exchange of fire since 201a has killed over 190 people in gaza in the last week, and ten in israel. the un says the latest violence only pushes away hopes of coexistence between the two sides. the only way forward is to return to negotiations with the goal of a two—state solution, leaving two states side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition, withjerusalem as the capital of both states.

the un is criticised for nice words, but little action. us secretary of state antony blinken, arriving last night in denmark, has called for the violence to end. but the biden administration has publicly backed israel's right to self—defence. israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu holds out little hope for an end to hostilities, saying his campaign would take time. i think any country has to defend itself. it has a natural right of self—defence. we'll do whatever it takes to restore order and quiet and the security of our people and deterrence. with both sides wanting to display a show of strength, the conflict shows little sign of any resolution soon. aruna iyengar, bbc news. 0ur diplomatic correspondent paul adams is injerusalem. realistically, what are the prospects for diplomacy? they are a bits limit the — prospects for diplomacy? they are a bits limit the moment. _

prospects for diplomacy? they are a bits limit the moment. it's - prospects for diplomacy? they are a bits limit the moment. it's clear - bits limit the moment. it's clear that her hamas is intent on firing rockets. there was another salvo about 1.5 hours ago. the results of casualties. israel feels there is more it wants to achieve in gaza. they believe there is more the have to do. they believe they are destroying fast parts of the military infrastructure of the hamas organisation, killing senior leaders of both hamas and palestinian islamicjihad. reports of one of their senior commanders being killed in the last few hours. they feel that this is a campaign that is going well for them. that they are managing to do it without having to go in on the ground which is certainly an advantage and so they are going to press on. im’ith are going to press on. with civilians being _ are going to press on. with civilians being affected, - are going to press on. with civilians being affected, killed in the way that they are, what is

public opinion on what is going on? i think the israeli public, which let's not forget is being repeatedly warned to go to aerate shelters as the sirens go off, the israeli public is supportive, particularly in the south, they wanted to end once and for all, and is not to worry about having another round of violence in a few months or a few years. benjamin netanyahu has benefited politically from this crisis because there is enormous support for what he is trying to achieve. at some point, diplomacy will start to gel, there is a lot of that going on. the american envoy who has been here since friday has been meeting palestinian officials, he has held talks with the israelis. a united nations envoy has been how holding talks as well. egypt and

qatar have connections with hamas and are able to relay messages in that direction, although we're hearing from our egyptian colleagues that efforts on the egyptian side to and broker a ceasefire are coming to nothing and that they are finding that quite frustrating. i think so far, the israelis have rebuffed the offer is that have been coming via the egyptians. offer is that have been coming via the egyptians-— the egyptians. united nations officials warning _ the egyptians. united nations officials warning gaza - the egyptians. united nations officials warning gaza could i the egyptians. united nations. officials warning gaza could run the egyptians. united nations- officials warning gaza could run out officials warning gaza could run out of fuel and that would have an impact on hospitals and other facilities. what's the latest on that? ., ,., facilities. what's the latest on that? ., ., that? that something may have started to warn _ that? that something may have started to warn about. - that? that something may have started to warn about. they - that? that something may have i started to warn about. they began that? that something may have - started to warn about. they began to do this yesterday with reports about the fuel shortages and also the inability of the united nations to bring in eight have been no pauses, there have been no humanitarian corridors so more than a week now, a territory where 80% of the population depends on, to a greater or lesser extent, on international humanitarian aid, has had to do

without. so the longer that goes on, the more we will see that suffering increasing. interestingly, overnight, even though those air strikes were pretty heavy, not as heavy as the previous night, we had not had any reports of palestinian casualties. the targets seem to have been slightly different. the infrastructure of the gas strip, roads, powersupply, and infrastructure of the gas strip, roads, power supply, and also the homes and trainings facilities used by hamas and you can assume that after a week of this, none of those training facilities or homes were occupied. as we've been hearing, borisjohnson has urged people to exercise a "heavy dose of caution" as covid restrictions are eased across most of the country. so as most parts of the uk see big changes from today, other european countries are also beginning to see restrictions lifting. in france, the nightly curfew will be relaxed from wednesday and cafes, bars and restraurants will be able to offer outside service. allshops, museums, cinemas and theatres will open on the same day. greece kick—started its tourism industry on friday, opening up

beaches and allowing vaccinated visitors — or those with a negative test — from the eu, britain, the us and israel. it opened its restuarants and bars at the beginning of the month. italy too plans to lift quarantine restrictions for travellers arriving from european and schengen zone countries, britain and israel from tuesday. and in the netherlands, gyms, swimming pools and amusement parks will be allowed to open from wednesday, while cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces will be permitted longer opening hours. simon calder is the independent�*s travel editor and he's in faro. portugal is on the greenness, the only european country.

i'm glad to see you made it. we spoke last week when there was doubt as to what might happen. you were very keen to get there? i as to what might happen. you were very keen to get there?— very keen to get there? i certainly was. just very keen to get there? i certainly was- just to _ very keen to get there? i certainly was. just to remind _ very keen to get there? i certainly was. just to remind people - very keen to get there? i certainly| was. just to remind people exactly what the problem was, on thursday, we were expecting the portuguese to say come on in, brits, you are absolutely fine. but it was not until friday afternoon they made that call and at that point, they said, by the way, you will need a pcr test. i was already booked to fly out, i had to spend a weekend rushing around. i spent four times as much as i had on my flight buying the test which fortunately got done in time. that was £100. my flight was £25. that could explain why there was relatively few people here. on my flight, there were 150 books, 2a no shows. they did not turn up, presumably because the hat problems with the paperwork. my

goodness, there is loads. apart from your test and of course your boarding pass, you have to have another piece of paper to see you have your pass checked. you need your portuguese qr code. i used to go travelling quite a lot in the old soviet union, it was a heck of a lot easier than a very well, it is going to be very exciting to be here. like anybody, i have not been out of the country all year because for the last 19 weeks, there has been a complete ban on any international leisure travel. even now, while we have got 30 flights coming into faro, surrey, 16 into faro and 30 into portugal, three more going to gibraltar and the

first one is due to touch down any time now and that is your lot, really. the other european country on the green list is iceland. they haven't got any flights until a week tomorrow and, to make things trickier, you are only allowed in if you have had both jab. the other nine countries on the list, properly don't want the likes of me or even you at the moment, australia or singapore, for example, or places that are inaccessible like south georgia and the sandwich islands. you mention the restrictions in portugal are continuing further following two weeks. what's that mean in terms of what you can do when you are there? {lit mean in terms of what you can do when you are there?— mean in terms of what you can do when you are there? of course you can no to when you are there? of course you can go to a — when you are there? of course you can go to a restaurant, _ when you are there? of course you can go to a restaurant, it _ when you are there? of course you can go to a restaurant, it i - when you are there? of course you can go to a restaurant, it i have - can go to a restaurant, it i have been sitting here having a coffee and a croissant. it feels very normal actually. there is little mask wearing going on and when you

arrive, you get a very nice portuguese facemask and a bottle of hand cleanser, which is showing goodwill. outdoor life continues as apps are in normal and it is 28 degrees here, which is even more and you might be more inclined to stay outside and enjoy the sunshine and look forward to reconnecting with europe. but of course, the vast majority of people will be booked to travel to spain, greece, italy and france and we simply don't know when those countries may be joining portugal on the very exclusive green less. d0 portugal on the very exclusive green less. i. , ., portugal on the very exclusive green less. , ., ., ~ less. do en'oy your trip and thank ou for less. do enjoy your trip and thank you for talking — less. do enjoy your trip and thank you for talking to _ less. do enjoy your trip and thank you for talking to us. _ now it's time for a look at the weather with carol kirkwood. hello again. as we go through this week, there are more thundery downpours in the forecast. today no exception. there's quite a bit of cloud around, although brighter skies in the west.

here there will still be one or two showers, but still fewer and further between than they are going to be in eastern areas, where they will be heavy and thundery with the potentialfor some hail. also pretty breezy in areas adjacent to the english channel coastline. temperatures of nine in the north to 16—17 in the south. now, as we go through the evening and overnight, we start to lose many of the showers. there will be some clear skies. a weather front sinking south across the north of scotland, and another one coming in across the southwest. temperatures generally holding up high enough to avoid a frost, except for in some prone local areas. tomorrow, then, we start off with a lot of dry weather, but our weather front sinks further south across northern scotland, and we see the showers become more prolific across southern parts of england and wales in particular, with highs up to 16. hello this is bbc news.

the headlines... borisjohnson urges people to remain cautious as coronavirus restrictions in england, wales and most of scotland are relaxed again today. limited numbers of people are now also able to meet inside pubs, restaurants and homes. friends and family are allowed to hug each other again in many places — but the prime minister has urged people to get tested twice a week, and get the vaccine when called. foreign holidays can also begin again — but only to a limited number of destinations. as fighting between israel and the palestinians enters its second week, palestinian officials say yesterday was the deadliest day in gaza — while hamas militants have continued firing rockets into israel. and if human —— in a few moments, i

will be putting your questions answered. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's ollie foster. emma hayes says her chelsea women's team were naive in last night's champions league final. the super league champions were outclassed by barcelona, a—0, with all the goals coming in the first half in gothenburg. jo currie reports. it was a night that could have made chelsea history makers. but in the end it was one to forget. a new name had been destined for the champions league trophy. for chelsea, a first european final, and in games of this magnitude you need a fast start. the sort their opponents barcelona had as they struck, first the woodwork, before a frantic scramble ended with the ball looping into the net after just 33 seconds. and the blows kept coming for emma hayes' side. after conceding a penalty, they were outpaced and outplayed for the third goal. chelsea's european dream had become a nightmare. when a fourth went in, perhaps a blessing chelsea's fans weren't in gothenburg to see it. after the break, they searched for

a consolation goal and had chances. but on a difficult night, theyjust couldn't get it right. chelsea devastated and needing to regroup. barcelona runners—up two years ago. finally, champions of europe. jo currie, bbc news. we are a classy team. and we behave, i think, as you should do when you have been beaten by a better team. and that's one that acknowledges what we need to do to improve, and our owner came into see us, and all the girls were, you know, very quick to tell him that we will be back here and we'll work hard on the training pitch to make sure we do that. liverpool are still on for a top four finish thanks to the most amazing injury time winner against west bromwich albion, from their keeper allison, it was 1—1, liverpool had to win, so this was the last throw of the dice sending up the brazilian

for a corner with seconds left on the clock. an incredible header and was mobbed by his team—mates. liverpool are now one point outside the top four with two games left to play, that's how important it was. allison was overcome with emotion afterwards, dedicating the goal to his late father who died earlier this year. we all know there are more important things than football, but if football can deliver a moment like this, which gives pretty much everybody — especially him — but the boys and our all our fans such a boost in a really tough period, then football is the best. into the final week of the premier league season. five teams can still finish third orfourth, tottenham are still mathematically in there. they're up to sixth after a 2—0 win over wolves. harry kane scored the first, he's level with liverpool's mo salah on 22 goals in the race for the golden boot kilmarnock have two matches to try and preserve their

scottish prmiership status. they will face championship side dundee in a play—off over two legs starting on thursday, while killie won their final game of the season — 2—0 against hamilton who have been relegated. at half—time it looked as though they would be staying up, but a win for ross county meant they finished 11th, taking their place in the play—off. fans can return today for the first time this year outside of government pilot events in england. there are no premier league games until tomorrow. bournemouth's championship playoff semifinal will have just over 2,000 spectators. they'll have to arrive early and follow protocols inside the ground. there'll be a,500 fans at the other play off semi between barnsley and swansea. racing at carlisle will be the first sporting event today with fans allowed in. there's a lunchtime start there. redcar, leicester and windsor races are also welcoming spectators.

we're just under two weeks away from the start of the french open and the 13—time champion rafa nadal is back in the winning groove as he claimed his tenth italian open title — beating world number one novak djokovic in three sets. nadal lost in the quarters of the madrid open earlier this month, but says he is has had a positive week in rome and will work on a few things before heading to paris tyson fury says it will be biggest sporting event ever to grace the planet earth. he posted a video on social media last night saying that his world heavyweight unification fight against antonyjoshua has been confirmed for 1ath august. one of the sticking points had been a venue, but it's set to be in saudi arabia. suddenly in the last 60 or so hours, three or four of the key players in this fight have talked about saudi arabia. it's happening, august the 1ath. someone might have said, isn't it going to be hot? yes! it's going to be boiling and at midnight it will still be boiling.

the saudis have stumped up $150 million as a down payment. that gets split between the camps, that's why we are going to saudi in the middle of august. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour. now it's time for your questions answered. and with me for your questions answered is our home affairs correspondent. also our science correspondent. also our science correspondent. welcome, both of you. are we technically allowed to hug now? ., , , are we technically allowed to hug now? . , , ., , , now? there has been a big thing, big confusion about _ now? there has been a big thing, big confusion about the _ now? there has been a big thing, big confusion about the difference - now? there has been a big thing, big confusion about the difference in - confusion about the difference in guidance. we have had certain things have been put down in law and those are the rules, fixed example would

be locked down. guidance are separate. guidance is the two metres. there is nothing in the law that said you had to be two apart from someone, because to be frank, it is impossible to police. how can they go around finding people for hugging, unless someone is going round recklessly? {line hugging, unless someone is going round recklessly?— hugging, unless someone is going round recklessly? one of the things that he cannot _ round recklessly? one of the things that he cannot stay _ round recklessly? one of the things that he cannot stay in _ round recklessly? one of the things that he cannot stay in other- that he cannot stay in other people's house overnight,, daughter and her husband, stay with me overnight?— overnight? yes, that is a big chance. overnight? yes, that is a big change- we _ overnight? yes, that is a big change. we are _ overnight? yes, that is a big change. we are now- overnight? yes, that is a big change. we are now in - overnight? yes, that is a big change. we are now in a - overnight? yes, that is a big - change. we are now in a situation where two or more people can be indoors, overnight stays possible and for instance, to households there is our correspondence and daughter and husband. they can stay over indoors, there is no longer a legal restriction. it is the kind of

thing that police could have fined you for before, but can't now. pauline asks whether it will be possible to go dancing again, as for close contact with a partner. dance clubs and night _ close contact with a partner. dance clubs and night holes _ close contact with a partner. dance clubs and night holes and - close contact with a partner. dance clubs and night holes and official . clubs and night holes and official venues remain closed until the 2ath of —— 21st ofjune. they are under restrictions. but there is nothing stopping you from organising something on your back garden, as long as it is safely.— long as it is safely. when you say safel , long as it is safely. when you say safely. what _ long as it is safely. when you say safely, what does... _ long as it is safely. when you say safely, what does... that - long as it is safely. when you say safely, what does... that is - long as it is safely. when you say safely, what does... that is the l safely, what does... that is the issue, safely, what does... that is the issue. law _ safely, what does... that is the issue, law says _ safely, what does... that is the issue, law says 30 _ safely, what does... that is the issue, law says 30 people - safely, what does... that is the - issue, law says 30 people outdoors and there is nothing to stop you doing that. and there is nothing in the law that sets out what you can and can't turn your back garden. there is an interesting point here about whether or not you could be prosecuted for organising an event,

so organising a dance in your back garden constitutes an event, bit like the parties that some people organised in the lockdown and receive £10,000 fines for them. if you are in the back garden and people started to dance, it is difficult to see how the police would stop that. the critical thing is the guidance, guidance on social distancing remains place. repeatedly, we have said that you may think you can legally do it, but is it sensible to do? if you can prohibit something from happening your house, is it the right thing to do? ., , ., your house, is it the right thing to do? . , do? can you please confirm the current restrictions _ do? can you please confirm the current restrictions on - do? can you please confirm the current restrictions on car - do? can you please confirm the i current restrictions on car sharing. that one is from susan. icar current restrictions on car sharing. that one is from susan. car sharing is another interesting _ that one is from susan. car sharing is another interesting one. - that one is from susan. car sharing is another interesting one. there'sl is another interesting one. there's never been any law in england explicitly banning car sharing. what we had was bands on gatherings and changing the size of the gathering

over the course of the year. there was very clear guidance on how best to car share if there was reason too. the police can intervene and potentially fine you, basically people get a parking ticket for breaching restrictions. avoid that, you have to show that your activity is reasonable in circumstances, an example being exercising twice a day and everyone being confused but if it was reasonably possible, but if you could show that it was reasonable to exercise your dog twice a day, then it's fine. there is a whole government page about it and you can find it quite easily and it shows, if you are basically going to the same workplace, it should be possible. to the same workplace, it should be ossible. ., , to the same workplace, it should be ossible. ., i. possible. please can you... freire and jake. — possible. please can you... freire and jake. i— possible. please can you... freire and jake. i will— possible. please can you... freire and jake, i will move _ possible. please can you... freire and jake, i will move onto. - possible. please can you... freire and jake, i will move onto. lots l possible. please can you... freire| and jake, i will move onto. lots of businesses are opening up but we are

not sure if we can open our antenatal classes in person again. we are desperate to get back to face—to—face classes. can you shed any light on whether we are allowed to open now? i any light on whether we are allowed to open now?— to open now? i am really curious about this _ to open now? i am really curious about this one _ to open now? i am really curious about this one because - to open now? i am really curious about this one because i - to open now? i am really curious about this one because i went i to open now? i am really curious about this one because i went to j to open now? i am really curious- about this one because i went to the lord in detail about this one —— went to the law in detail about this one. the law says that support groups and get together from indoors with up to 15 people. if in antenatal classes 15 people and it is, in the view of the organisers and participants, in the support group and can convince the local authorities that is the case, i can't see anything against that. but the critical question and the ambiguity is with people who own venues or meeting rooms or that kind of thing, they have a responsibility to reduce the spread of the virus and also to ensure health and safety

regulations. those rules about health and safety at work and the wider possibilities to help taper down the pandemic and what is left of it may conflict with the venue where the support group as possible. on one reading, if you think it is a support group and under 15 people, you should be to come together. pt, you should be to come together. a few more to rattle through with you before we move on. which type of test to people need to go on holiday and whether they get it from? i am not entirely — and whether they get it from? i am not entirely sure. _ and whether they get it from? i am not entirely sure. we _ and whether they get it from? i —n not entirely sure. we have asked the home office for clarification on this, and it is guaranteed that you have to have some sort of documented test of scientific standard. there is ambiguity about what kind of test as to be because services are offered in different ways in different areas. in my personal experience, i have looked at how to

get test to go to italy injuly, and it was not sure whether the test i could get in italy was compliant with uk regulation.— with uk regulation. what we do know... that _ with uk regulation. what we do know... that is _ with uk regulation. what we do know... that is because - with uk regulation. what we do know... that is because of - with uk regulation. what we do - know... that is because of language, isn't it? ~ ., know... that is because of language, isn't it? ~ . ., ~ ., , ., isn't it? what we do know is that if ou want isn't it? what we do know is that if you want to _ isn't it? what we do know is that if you want to take _ isn't it? what we do know is that if you want to take a _ isn't it? what we do know is that if you want to take a test _ isn't it? what we do know is that if you want to take a test and... - isn't it? what we do know is that ifj you want to take a test and... that may be very come located and problematic because you have to proof of where and when the test was taken. so the lateral flow diy test you can get at pharmacies may not be allowed. the you can get at pharmacies may not be allowed. ., you can get at pharmacies may not be allowed. . ., ., allowed. the indian variant, obviously — allowed. the indian variant, obviously is _ allowed. the indian variant, obviously is causing - allowed. the indian variant, obviously is causing lots - allowed. the indian variant, obviously is causing lots of. obviously is causing lots of questions about how quickly things can progress from here. what is the latest on how quickly to spreading with the vaccine protects against it. it

with the vaccine protects against it. , , , ., with the vaccine protects against it. , ,, ., it. it is spreading quite quickly in areas and this _ it. it is spreading quite quickly in areas and this is _ it. it is spreading quite quickly in areas and this is down _ it. it is spreading quite quickly in areas and this is down to - it. it is spreading quite quickly in| areas and this is down to whether lots of— areas and this is down to whether lots of people coming back before the travel — lots of people coming back before the travel restrictions were imposed on spreading it among their friends and family— on spreading it among their friends and family and we're just seeing a temporary— and family and we're just seeing a temporary blip because of that or whether— temporary blip because of that or whether the indian variant is intrinsically more contagious. there's— intrinsically more contagious. there's also concern that it might be more — there's also concern that it might be more able to escape vaccines, than _ be more able to escape vaccines, than the — be more able to escape vaccines, than the current variant, the kent variant _ than the current variant, the kent variant. both of these things are unknown — variant. both of these things are unknown so it was quite tough decision— unknown so it was quite tough decision as to whether we should go ahead _ decision as to whether we should go ahead with — decision as to whether we should go ahead with the lifting of the lockdown, but we have had today for example _ lockdown, but we have had today for example. clearly, cancelling the lockdown— example. clearly, cancelling the lockdown would have had other bad economic— lockdown would have had other bad economic and mental health effects. the message is, just because you can do some _ the message is, just because you can do some of— the message is, just because you can do some of these things, go to pubs, io do some of these things, go to pubs, go and _ do some of these things, go to pubs, go and see _ do some of these things, go to pubs, go and see friends and family, doesn't — go and see friends and family, doesn't mean that you have to do them _ doesn't mean that you have to do them. particularly if you have not

been _ them. particularly if you have not been either partially or fully vaccinated. particular if you are seeing — vaccinated. particular if you are seeing someone who is vulnerable and for some _ seeing someone who is vulnerable and for some reason can't be vaccinated. there _ for some reason can't be vaccinated. there are _ for some reason can't be vaccinated. there are a — for some reason can't be vaccinated. there are a lot of unknowns. clearly. _ there are a lot of unknowns. clearly, the pandemic and rates of infection— clearly, the pandemic and rates of infection have fallen, but we really don't _ infection have fallen, but we really don't know — infection have fallen, but we really don't know what is going to happen next _ don't know what is going to happen next so— don't know what is going to happen next so i_ don't know what is going to happen next. so i think that people should use their— next. so i think that people should use their own common sense and try and avoid _ use their own common sense and try and avoid taking unnecessary risks even _ and avoid taking unnecessary risks even though they can do more things now than— even though they can do more things now than we could before. thank even though they can do more things now than we could before.— now than we could before. thank you very much- — now than we could before. thank you very much- i — now than we could before. thank you very much. i won't _ now than we could before. thank you very much. i won't hug _ now than we could before. thank you very much. i won't hug you, - now than we could before. thank you | very much. i won't hug you, dominic, but thank you very much for being in such close proximity to answer all those questions. the first flights carrying british tourists abroad took off this morning, as the ban on foreign holidays was lifted in england, scotland and wales. a traffic light system has been introduced, to grade every destination according to risk. but despite only 12 countries and territories being included on the green list, travel companies have seen a surge in bookings. our travel correspondent

caroline davies is onboard a flight to portugal. caroline, tell us then, are you midair? ~ ., caroline, tell us then, are you midair? ~ . ., , caroline, tell us then, are you midair? . ., , , caroline, tell us then, are you midair? . , ., midair? we have actually 'ust landed in portugal. — midair? we have actually 'ust landed in portugal. having h midair? we have actually 'ust landed in portugal. having a _ midair? we have actuallyjust landed in portugal. having a look— midair? we have actuallyjust landed in portugal. having a look outside i in portugal. having a look outside the window and we are sitting, waiting to disembark. we are just waiting to disembark. we are just waiting while everybody else starts taking their bags and heads off. you can also see people with their families... can also see people with their families. . ._ can also see people with their families. . .— can also see people with their families... ., ., �* ., ., families... caroline, i'm afraid we can't actually _ families... caroline, i'm afraid we can't actually hear _ families... caroline, i'm afraid we can't actually hear you, _ families... caroline, i'm afraid we can't actually hear you, that i i families... caroline, i'm afraid we| can't actually hear you, that i have to say that it's very exciting to see real passengers going on holiday inside a plane and you are with them. i do hope you get to have a bit of sand between your toes. they 90, bit of sand between your toes. they go, we had lost her completely. i hope that she stays a bit longer

than just having to go and report on the trip and come straight back. we will try and speak to her a little bit later. the international scheme set up to ensure equal access to covid—19 vaccines is currently 1a0 million doses short, due to the continuing covid crisis in india. now, unicef is calling for the powerful g7 countries — the leaders of which will meet in the uk next month — to share their surplus of doses. the bbc�*s global health correspondent tulip mazumdar reports. it's a global collaboration that's never been tried on this tight timescale before. the aim of the covax scheme is to ensure all people in all countries get equal access to vaccines to protect them against covid—19. some progress is being made but doses remain vastly unevenly distributed. and now, the pipeline providing vaccines to some of the world's poorest countries is being squeezed. as india continues its devastating battle against a raging outbreak, the country's prime minister has temporarily banned exports

of covid—19 vaccines so that all doses can be used in country. the serum institute of india was due to supply around half of the two billion vaccines for covax this year, but nothing's been shipped since march, leaving a shortfall of around 1a0 million doses — which is due to rise to 190 million by the end ofjune. unfortunately, we are in a situation where we just don't know when the next set of doses will materialise. our hope is things will get back on track but of course the situation in india is uncertain itself. and how much of a concern is that? it's certainly a huge concern, and that's why we are calling on higher income countries that have access to doses to start sharing those doses now. but countries are not being forthcoming with donating doses. data commissioned by unicef suggests that the rich g7 nations, as well as the eu, could make a big

dent in the vexing deficit in poorer countries by donating 20% of their supplies injune, july and august. this would free up around 153 million doses. so far, france is the only country to have already shipped vaccines in view of the crisis in india, pledging half a million doses by mid—june. nations including rwanda, senegal and here in ghana are using up some of their last remaining doses. it's very important that they could make a promise of solidarity for those countries that have enough vaccines to distribute and share those doses, because unless we stop the transmission everywhere, it will be very difficult to end this pandemic, even in places where people have been completely vaccinated. new deals with different vaccine suppliers and manufacturers are also under way to try and get the covax scheme back on track. but right now, there

a gaping hole in supplies which is threatening the global plan to end this pandemic. tulip mazumdar, bbc news. after months of strict measures, the coronavirus rules have been relaxed across england, wales and most of scotland. pubs, cafes and restaurants in england reopen indoors today — but the prime minister has urged people to exercise a heavy dose of caution. with me is our business presenter ramzan karmali. a long—awaited day for businesses. it is and you think that businesses would be really optimistic, if you listen to the bank of england earlier in this month, they were saying they upgraded their growth forecast to 7a% this year which is amazing. i think it is cautious optimism because we only had yesterday in a report that one in ten restaurants have closed down because of the pandemic. 60% of

those restaurants can't even how's people outdoors and have only got indoor space. that is why people are definitely looking forward today. one business that we can talk to todayis one business that we can talk to today is this project. they have opened for the first time, the commentary telegraph hotel, can you tell us more about your project customer you've got a very interesting backdrop and everyone here is intrigued as to what this is all about. it here is intrigued as to what this is all about. , ., here is intrigued as to what this is all about. , . ., . all about. it is a fantastic new hotel and _ all about. it is a fantastic new hotel and we _ all about. it is a fantastic new hotel and we have _ all about. it is a fantastic new hotel and we have been i all about. it is a fantastic new. hotel and we have been working all about. it is a fantastic new- hotel and we have been working on it for about— hotel and we have been working on it for about five years now and we were ready— for about five years now and we were ready to _ for about five years now and we were ready to open in november and just as we _ ready to open in november and just as we got— ready to open in november and just as we got lockdown. all of the staff have great — as we got lockdown. all of the staff have great anticipation now that we are actually opening at 12 o'clock, in four— are actually opening at 12 o'clock, in four minutes' time. but we took a coventry— in four minutes' time. but we took a coventry post war building, a coventry postwar building, a fantastic— coventry post war building, a fantastic mid century building that was the _ fantastic mid century building that was the offices of the former coventry—

was the offices of the former coventry telegraph and we retained and restored panelling, flooring and turned _ and restored panelling, flooring and turned it— and restored panelling, flooring and turned it into a hotel of 88 bedrooms. so it is an 18 million project. — bedrooms. so it is an 18 million project. we _ bedrooms. so it is an 18 million project, we have got a full cocktail bar, restaurant, comfort see —— conference— bar, restaurant, comfort see —— conference suite and a rooftop terrace — conference suite and a rooftop terrace. the terrace is the only thing _ terrace. the terrace is the only thing that— terrace. the terrace is the only thing that was able to open, we opened — thing that was able to open, we opened in — thing that was able to open, we opened in april and we have served three _ opened in april and we have served three and _ opened in april and we have served three and half thousand people so far and _ three and half thousand people so far and the three and half thousand people so farand the demand three and half thousand people so far and the demand is there. we just really— far and the demand is there. we just really are _ far and the demand is there. we just really are looking forward to now being _ really are looking forward to now being the — really are looking forward to now being the city of culture, that started — being the city of culture, that started on saturday and kick—started the local— started on saturday and kick—started the local market. realistically, the hotel— the local market. realistically, the hotel sector is never going to get back fully— hotel sector is never going to get back fully operating until we get the business back and business customers, but for now, we are running — customers, but for now, we are running on _ customers, but for now, we are running on a _ customers, but for now, we are running on a ground. he

customers, but for now, we are running on a ground.— customers, but for now, we are running on a ground. he has spent a lot of money — running on a ground. he has spent a lot of money to _ running on a ground. he has spent a lot of money to get _ running on a ground. he has spent a lot of money to get this _ running on a ground. he has spent a lot of money to get this hotel - running on a ground. he has spent a lot of money to get this hotel of i lot of money to get this hotel of the running, but you have been closed and you have not had any gas yet. getting the men must be vital for you. yet. getting the men must be vital foryou. how yet. getting the men must be vital for you. how confident of you —— getting the guests in. how confident are you about getting the british public in? are you about getting the british ublic in? �* , ., are you about getting the british ublicin? ,, public in? bookings are consistent and i think it _ public in? bookings are consistent and i think it is _ public in? bookings are consistent and i think it is the _ public in? bookings are consistent and i think it is the sort _ public in? bookings are consistent and i think it is the sort of - public in? bookings are consistent and i think it is the sort of thing i and i think it is the sort of thing you make a decision on the last minute and there are so many cultural events happening. being the city of culture, and having these events, i think it will make a difference. i think the brits will have a real taste for now will be docks on walls. i am going to be looking for some. good luck with the opening there and thank you. i will catch up with the weather with carol. hello again. as we go through this week, there are more thundery downpours in the forecast. today no exception. there's quite a bit of cloud around,

although brighter skies in the west. here there will still be one or two showers, but still fewer and further between than they are going to be in eastern areas, where they will be heavy and thundery with the potentialfor some hail. also pretty breezy in areas adjacent to the english channel coastline. temperatures of nine in the north to 16—17 in the south. now, as we go through the evening and overnight, we start to lose many of the showers. there will be some clear skies. a weather front sinking south across the north of scotland, and another one coming in across the southwest. temperatures generally holding up high enough to avoid a frost, except for in some prone local areas. tomorrow, then, we start off with a lot of dry weather, but our weather front sinks further south across northern scotland, and we see the showers become more prolific across southern parts of england and wales in particular, with highs up to 16.

this is bbc news. the headlines... borisjohnson urges people to remain cautious, as coronavirus restrictions in england, wales and most of scotland are relaxed again today. limited numbers of people are now also able to meet inside pubs, restaurants and homes. friends and family are allowed to hug each other again in many places, but the prime minister has urged people to get tested twice a week, and get the vaccine when called. iam in i am in basildon where lots of is this owners and people are very excited to get out and about. if you are indoors. _ excited to get out and about. if you are indoors. you — excited to get out and about. if you are indoors, you do _ excited to get out and about. if you are indoors, you do have _ excited to get out and about. if you are indoors, you do have to - excited to get out and about. if you are indoors, you do have to wear i excited to get out and about. if you are indoors, you do have to wear one of these. foreign holidays can also begin again, but only to a limited number of destinations. as fighting between israel

and the palestinians enters its second week, palestinian officials say yesterday was the deadliest day in gaza, while hamas militants have continued firing rockets into israel. and swapping cake and fizz for spades and saplings. the queen's green canopy project is encouraging people to plant a tree for the jubilee next year. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. borisjohnson has urged people to exercise a heavy dose of caution, as many covid restrictions are lifted across england, wales and much of scotland. while it's the biggest relaxation of measures so far, a rise in cases of the india variant remains a concern. let's take a closer look at what's changing today. in england, pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve people inside.

cinemas, museums, softplay centres and hotels can also reopen. groups of six people or two households can meet indoors and stay overnight. 30 people will be able to gather outdoors. the changes in wales are very similar to england, except that outdoor groups of up to 50 will be allowed. in most of scotland, six people from three households will be able to socialise indoors at home. outdoors, it can be eight people from up to eight different households, rising to 12 on most of the islands. the changes do not apply to glasgow and moray, which are staying in level 3. there's no change today in northern ireland, but it's hoped a review on thursday will lead to an easing in a week's time. well, it's a big day for many indoor entertainment venues, reopening their doors after so long. my colleague, jane hill, is spending the morning at the festival leisure park

in basildon, essex. yes, in basildon, essex. another thing you can do from today yes, another thing you can do from todayis yes, another thing you can do from today is the crazy golf. i will be having a go at little bit later. if you are indoors, you have to wear a mask of some description. i am trying every single variant of mass, broadcasting and wearing one of theseis broadcasting and wearing one of these is a challenge but we will haveit these is a challenge but we will have it cracked by the end of the day. everyone is very, very excited. the people running this place are happy to be open again for the first time in many, many months. people are taking advantage of it already. it's an exciting day for some, an important day for anyone trying to run a business. this retail park is full of restaurants, bars, cafes cinemas, it's an important time economically. there is caution around, we have been talking and hearing so much about the indian variant and there are some scientists saying still behave with

caution. ourfirst report scientists saying still behave with caution. our first report comes from our political correspondence, chris mason. anyone for popcorn? the 0deon cinema in lincoln's getting it ready. i'm so excited, very, very much excited. from today, alfresco dining — with a shiver — is no longer the only way to avoid eating at home in england, scotland and wales, but ministers are urging us to be careful. well, this is another important step in the roadmap. thousands of businesses will be reopening, and many thousands of people will be returning to work in those businesses for the first time in a long time, and that's a very important step forward, but we do have to exercise great caution and personal responsibility. the brollies have been busy at the stag's head in central london. but now the chance to head inside. you can't prop the bar up yet, but you can sit at a table. the landlord here told me he can't wait to welcome people back.

yeah, extremely excited. i felt so sorry for my customers i at the weekend just gone, chucking down with rain, sitting outside. now, at least they can come in, i enjoy a pint, in the warm, as well, because the weather's been cold. so, yeah, very excited. excited for the customers. from today, the prospect for many of a drink without being drizzled on. yes, nerves remain about the new variant, but a taste of normality beckons. chris mason, bbc news. caution is the watchword in some circles. our political correspondent jonathan blake has the latest from westminster. caution is still very much the watchword as it has been in every stage of the reopening of the economy. emerging from that lockdown at the beginning of the year on the government's road map in england. but there are particular pressing concerns at the moment, not least around the new indian

variant of coronavirus, how prevalent that is, and how quickly and freely it seems to be transmitting amongst the population. that is why we are hearing from government ministers definitely a more cautious tone, when compared to last summer when large parts of the economy were open and people were encouraged to go out and enjoy themselves. it's a nuanced message. exercise some caution, washing your hands, a bit of social—distance. also opening windows to get more ventilation. it's a cautious approach, but of course we are very, very pleased that we have managed to hit the date that we set out in the _ road map, and the 17th of may should be a successful day for many people in retail and hospitality in particular.

there are a couple of areas where the debate is getting going in terms of what the government should do next, particularly with the indian variant and areas where cases relatively high in parts of london, there are calls to vaccinate younger people sooner. sadiq khan says people over the age of 18 should be offered the chance to have the vaccination in areas where cases are particularly high. he is urging the government to look again at the vaccine to see again at the vaccine roll—out to see if it can be changed there. also, conservative mps are starting to get a little bit nervous about any talk of the next stage in the road map onjune the 21st being either delayed or watered down as a result of cases of the virus remaining stubbornly high in some areas, because there are a small number of people, but significant number of people, who have not decided to take the vaccine. so i would expect that debate as we have seen it play out at various stages through the pandemic about whether it is right to keep

imposing restrictions for longer to begin to play out a bit more loudly in the coming days and weeks. we know that these changes today apply in england, wales and most parts of scotland. of course, a couple of areas of concern and there has been a call for has been a people in glasgow between the ages of 18 and 39 are being invited to get their vaccinations sooner than previously planned, to cope with a covid upsurge in the city. earlier, our scotland correspondent james shaw gave us this update. in the most affected areas of glasgow where there has been an upsurge of coronavirus and this is on the south side of the city, people have been sent text messages, people between the ages of 18 and 39 are being told that they can go in for their vaccinations early. we are not sure at the moment exactly what areas of the city it is.

we think it's the postcodes ga1 and ga2 but the local health board has not confirmed that yet. they are also saying that people over 50, they will be able to go in for their second vaccination earlier than previously scheduled. so it is a big attempt to try to protect the population of glasgow from this upsurge which has happened within the last week or so. i started this by talking about crazy golf. we must talk about it again. there are people playing. i've been chatting to terry and lauren who have come because it is lauren's birthday and they said they loved it here before the pandemic and they have come back to celebrate the birthday with around of crazy golf. victor gomes is regional operations manager for mr mulligans indoor golf. you run a number of sites like this. my you run a number of sites like this. my goodness, first day for at least five months? what is your feeling

about today? idate five months? what is your feeling about today?— five months? what is your feeling about today? we are excited to be 0 en. about today? we are excited to be oen. it about today? we are excited to be open- it is — about today? we are excited to be open- it is a _ about today? we are excited to be open. it is a long _ about today? we are excited to be open. it is a long thing _ about today? we are excited to be open. it is a long thing coming i about today? we are excited to be | open. it is a long thing coming and i would like to thank our teams across the country for their patience and hard work and getting us open. patience and hard work and getting us 0 en. ., , patience and hard work and getting usoen. . , , ., patience and hard work and getting usoen. . , . ., �* us open. clearly popular, i won't lie, i us open. clearly popular, i won't lie. i thought — us open. clearly popular, i won't lie, i thought how _ us open. clearly popular, i won't lie, i thought how busy - us open. clearly popular, i won't lie, i thought how busy would i us open. clearly popular, i won't lie, i thought how busy would it| us open. clearly popular, i won't i lie, i thought how busy would it be on a weekday, during the day? but there are people who do want to come and enjoy it. it seems to me that this works pretty well in terms of social—distancing anyway, just by the nature of what you have your? it does, it works very well and we have been able to put in measures to make sure that we are very safe by staggering bookings, so we have got a very safe environment. our mission is to provide greater entertainment and a safe environment. you is to provide greater entertainment and a safe environment.— is to provide greater entertainment and a safe environment. you can come here, and a safe environment. you can come here. have _ and a safe environment. you can come here. have a — and a safe environment. you can come here, have a drink, _ and a safe environment. you can come here, have a drink, have _ and a safe environment. you can come here, have a drink, have a _ and a safe environment. you can come here, have a drink, have a meal, i here, have a drink, have a meal, it's notjust about golf. there's quite a lot going on and a lot of people to enjoy. we are reflecting today on the element of caution around all of this. we know of a new variant in some parts of the

country, as someone who is trying to run a business, get a business back on its feet, how nervous does that make you? idate on its feet, how nervous does that make you?— on its feet, how nervous does that make ou? ., ., ., , ., , make you? we are not overly nervous. we are taking — make you? we are not overly nervous. we are taking a _ make you? we are not overly nervous. we are taking a cautious _ make you? we are not overly nervous. we are taking a cautious approach, i we are taking a cautious approach, following government guidelines and doing everything necessary to mitigate any variant.- doing everything necessary to mitigate any variant. when boris johnson injected _ mitigate any variant. when boris johnson injected that _ mitigate any variant. when boris johnson injected that note i mitigate any variant. when boris johnson injected that note of i johnson injected that note of caution a few days ago, stressing that next date ofjune the 21st, there might be a delay, he started hinting about that. what does that do for you, in terms of business planning, trying to keep the show on the road essentially? would that affect you if the date change? it would affect us, definitely, but we are just happy to be open would affect us, definitely, but we arejust happy to be open right would affect us, definitely, but we are just happy to be open right now. we want to do our part to make sure we are playing a role in making sure the country is safe. haifa we are playing a role in making sure the country is safe.— the country is safe. how open can ou be the country is safe. how open can you be about _ the country is safe. how open can you be about bookings _ the country is safe. how open can you be about bookings and - the country is safe. how open can you be about bookings and how i the country is safe. how open can i you be about bookings and how many bookings? you don't have to book, to come here, people could come in at

asked to play around on golf, but what sense of whether the demand is there? idate what sense of whether the demand is there? ~ ., what sense of whether the demand is there? ~ . , , , .,, there? we have seen big interest, as there? we have seen big interest, as the airls, there? we have seen big interest, as the girls. for— there? we have seen big interest, as the girls, for social _ there? we have seen big interest, as the girls, for social occasions - there? we have seen big interest, as the girls, for social occasions like i the girls, for social occasions like birthdays, office parties, so we are being a bit cautious about taking too many bookings up until thejune 21, but we are hoping, really looking forward to people coming back and a social gatherings happening. back and a social gatherings happening-— back and a social gatherings hauaenin. , ,. ~ , , back and a social gatherings hanneninu. , ~' , ., happening. this is a key place for office get-togethers, _ happening. this is a key place for office get-togethers, birthdays, l happening. this is a key place for. office get-togethers, birthdays, as office get—togethers, birthdays, as we have discovered from the two ladies behind us. and people have missed out on a lot of birthday parties. missed out on a lot of birthday narties. , ., , parties. they have, definitely. m self, i parties. they have, definitely. myself, i missed _ parties. they have, definitely. myself, i missed both - parties. they have, definitely. myself, i missed both my i parties. they have, definitely. | myself, i missed both my son, parties. they have, definitely. i myself, i missed both my son, both my sons missed their birthday parties, we had to make up for it. if you missed your birthday last year, come and book now and we will celebrate the birthday together. when two fantastic, thank you very much. good to talk to you and all the best for the coming days and

weeks. i the best for the coming days and weeks. .., , , the best for the coming days and weeks. , , ., ., , weeks. i can 'ust see another couple have weeks. i can just see another couple have arrived- — weeks. i can just see another couple have arrived. people _ weeks. i can just see another couple have arrived. people have _ weeks. i can just see another couple have arrived. people have got i weeks. i can just see another couple have arrived. people have got a i weeks. i can just see another couple have arrived. people have got a day| have arrived. people have got a day off, they are enjoying it, they want to come and there is certainly a degree of confidence amongst those who are hereby definition, you're not going to sign up to something like this if you're not feeling confident about the way forward. people running the businesses are very, very excited about the day ahead. we will have more to come. right now, back to you. wales's first minister, mark drakeford, has held back from setting out a timetable for any further loosening of measures until more is known about the india variant. but he has decided that the changes scheduled for today can go ahead. groups from six households can meet in pubs and restaurants, and up to 50 people can attend an organised outdoor event.

we will continue to bring you up—to—date with the latest developments on the day that restrictions are eased in many areas. hope you are having a good day. goodbye if you are watching us on bbc two. see you soon. in other news, palestinian officials in gaza say yesterday was the deadliest day since the current fighting with israel began. officials there say more than a0 people were killed in the latest israeli air strikes on gaza. un officials are warning that gaza could run out of fuel, which would have a devasting impact on hospitals and otherfacilities. meanwhile, israel's army say palestinian militants have fired more rockets. this report from aruna iyengar contains flashing images. the sky lit up as israeli forces launch 80 air strikes into gaza this morning. the israelis say they're targeting hamas infrastructure and their headquarters.

and from the other side, rockets fired by palestinians from gaza into the southern israeli cities of beersheba and ashkelon, as fighting between israelis and palestinians enters its second week. israel says palestinian militants have fired more than 3,000 rockets towards israel in the past week. this is the result on the ground. six—year—old suzy eshkuntana lies in hospital with herfather. she was pulled from the wreckage of her home, but the pre—dawn strike on sunday killed her mother and four brothers and sisters. israel says its rocket was intended for a militant tunnel system near the eshkuntana house. the heaviest exchange of fire since 201a has killed over 190 people in gaza in the last week, and ten in israel. the un says the latest violence only pushes away hopes of coexistence between the two sides. the only way forward is to return to negotiations with the goal of a two—state solution, leaving two states side

by side in peace, security and mutual recognition, withjerusalem as the capital of both states. the un is criticised for nice words, but little action. us secretary of state antony blinken, arriving last night in denmark, has called for the violence to end. but the biden administration has publicly backed israel's right to self—defence. israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu holds out little hope for an end to hostilities, saying his campaign would take time. i think any country has to defend itself. it has a natural right of self—defence. we'll do whatever it takes to restore order and quiet and the security of our people and deterrence. with both sides wanting to display a show of strength, the conflict shows little sign of any resolution soon. aruna iyengar, bbc news. our diplomatic correspondent paul adams is injerusalem. earlier, i asked him what

the prospects were for diplomacy between the two sides. they are a little bit slim at the moment. it's clear that hamas is still intent on firing rockets. there was another salvo into israel about an hour and a half ago. israel feels there is more it wants to achieve in gaza. they believe they are destroying vast parts of the military infrastructure of the hamas organisation, killing senior leaders of both hamas and palestinian islamicjihad. reports of one of their senior commanders being killed in the last few hours. so i think they feel that this is a campaign that is going well for them. that they are managing to do it without having to go in on the ground, which is certainly an advantage, certainly

an advantage, and so i think they are going to press on. with civilians being affected, killed in the way that they are, what is public opinion on what is going on? i think the israeli public, which let's not forget is being repeatedly warned to go to air raid shelters as the sirens go off, the israeli public is supportive of this operation, particularly in the south, they want it to end once and for all, and not to worry about having another round of violence in a few months or a few years. benjamin netanyahu has benefited politically from this crisis, because there is enormous support for what he is trying to achieve. at some point, diplomacy will start to gell, there is a lot of that going on. the american envoy who has been here since friday has been meeting palestinian officials, he has alerady held talks with the israelis.

a united nations envoy who has been involved. further afield, egypt and qatar have connections with hamas and are able to relay messages in that direction, although we're hearing from our egyptian colleagues that efforts on the egyptian side to try and broker a ceasefire are coming to nothing and that they are finding that quite frustrating. i think so far, the israelis have rebuffed the offers that have been coming via the egyptians. and un officials warning gaza could run out of fuel and that would have an impact on hospitals and other facilities. what's the latest on that? that's something they have started to warn about. they began to do this yesterday, with reports about the fuel shortages and also the inability of the un to bring in aid, there have been no pauses, there have been no humanitarian corridors and so, for more than a week now,

a territory where more than 80% of the population depends, to a greater or lesser extent, on international humanitarian aid, has had to do without. so the longer that goes on, the more we will see that suffering increasing. here, four men have been arrested by police investigating anti—semitic abuse in north london. it's after video footage was posted online showing anti—semitic comments being shouted through a loudhailerfrom a car. the vehicle was in a convoy, covered in palestinian flags, which passed through an area with a largejewish population. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's ollie foster. good afternoon. we've had government pilot programmes around the return of sports spectators, but from today, the fans can be let back in in england. racing at carlisle is due to get going in the next a5 minutes,

it will be the first event to admit crowds with today's easing of lockdown restrictions redcar, leicester and windsor races are also welcoming spectators. there are no premier league games until tomorrow. bournemouth's championship playoff semifinal will have just over 2,000 spectators. they'll have to arrive early and follow protocols inside the ground. there'll be a,500 fans at the other play off semi between barnsley and swansea. emma hayes says her chelsea women's team were naive in last night's champions league final. the super league champions were outclassed by barcelona, a—0 in gothenburg. they got off to a terrible start. melanie leupolz scored an own goal in the opening 35 seconds. the spanish champions then showed their class by scoring three more first half goals. chelsea had a couple of half—chances and decent penalty shout but barcelona fully deserved the win. it was a truly humbling experience for chelsea, who had been on for a quadruple of trophies. we...are a classy team.

and we behave, i think, as you should do, when you have been beaten by a better team. and that's one that acknowledges what we need to do to improve, and our owner came into see us, and all the girls were, you know, very quick to tell him that we will be back here and we'll work hard on the training pitch to make sure we do that. tyson fury says it will be biggest sporting event ever to grace the planet earth. he posted a video on social media last night, saying that his world heavyweight unification fight against antonyjoshua has been confirmed for 1ath august. one of the sticking points had been a venue, but it's set to be in saudi arabia. suddenly, in the last 60 or so hours, three or four of the key players in this fight have talked about saudi arabia. it's happening, august the 1ath. someone might have said, "hold on a minute, isn't it going to be hot?" it's going to be boiling and at midnight it will still be boiling.

the saudis have stumped up $150 million as a down payment. that gets split between the camps, that's why we are going to saudi in the middle of august. that's all the sport for now. i'll have more for you in the next hour. thank you. as we've been hearing, borisjohnson has urged people to exercise a heavy dose of caution as covid restrictions are eased across most of the country. so as most parts of the uk see big changes from today, other european countries are also beginning to see restrictions lifting. in france, the nightly curfew will be relaxed from wednesday and cafes, bars and restraurants will be able to offer outside service. allshops, museums, cinemas and theatres will open on the same day. greece kick—started its tourism industry on friday, opening up beaches and allowing vaccinated visitors, or those with a negative test, from the eu, britain, the us and israel. it opened its restuarants and bars at the beginning of the month. italy too plans to lift quarantine restrictions for travellers arriving from european and schengen zone countries, britain and

israel from tuesday. and in the netherlands, gyms, swimming pools and amusement parks will be allowed to open from wednesday, while cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces will be permitted longer opening hours. earlier, i spoke to the travel editor of the independent, simon calder, who explained the uncertainty there was around travel to portugal last week. on thursday, we were expecting the portuguese to say, "come on in, brits, you are absolutely fine." it wan't actually until friday afternoon that they made that call and at that point, they said, "oh, and by the way, you will need a pcr test." now, i was already booked to fly out this morning which meant i had to spend the weekend rushing around. i spent four times as much as i had on my flight actually buying the test, which fortunately got done in time. that was £100, my flight was only £25. that could explain why

there are relatively few people are here. on my flight, for instance, there were 150 booked and 2a no—shows. they simply didn't turn up, presumably because they had had problems with the paperwork. and my goodness me, there is loads of paperwork! apart from your test and boarding pass, you then have to line up and get another piece of paper saying that you have actually had your pass checked, you then need to get your portuguese qr code to be let in. honestly, i used to go travelling quite a lot in the old soviet union, it was a heck of a lot easier than a simple trip to portugal. having said that... i was going to say, now you've got through all of that, is it going to be a relaxing breakfor you? well, it is a very, very exciting to be here. of course, i have not been, like anybody, out of the country all year because for the last 19 weeks, there has been a complete ban on any international leisure travel.

even now, we have got 30 flights coming into faro... sorry, 16 flights coming into faro and a total of 30 into portugal. there are three more going into gibraltar, with the first one, i think, is due to touch down any time now and that is your lot, really. the other european country on the green list is iceland and they haven't got any flights until a week tomorrow and, furthermore, to make things trickier, you are only allowed in if you have had both jabs. the other nine countries on the green list are mostly composed of places that certainly don't want the likes of me, possibly even not you, at the moment. australia, new zealand, singapore and so on or places which are frankly inaccessible, like south georgia and the lovely south sandwich islands. you mention, simon, of course, the restrictions in portugal that are continuing for another two weeks. what does that mean in terms

of what you can actually do when you are there? can you go to restaurants, for instance? sure, yes, i have been sitting and having a coffee and croissant and it feels very normal actually. there is a little bit of mask wearing going on and indeed, when you arrive and i don't how long this is continuing for, you get a very nice portuguese facemask and a little bottle of hand cleanser, which isjust sort of showing goodwill. but certainly, outdoor life continues absolutely as normal and it is some 28 degrees here, which i believe is even warmer than basildon today. you are going to be perhaps more inclined to just outside, enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the ambience and just look forward but certainly, outdoor life continues absolutely as normal and it is some 28 degrees here, which i believe is even warmer enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the ambience and just look forward to reconnecting with europe. but of course, the vast majority of people will be booked to travel to spain, greece, italy and france, and we simply don't know when those countries may bejoining portugal on that very exclusive green list.

now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. hello again. as we go through this week, there are more thundery downpours in the forecast. today, no exception. there's quite a bit of cloud around, although brighter skies in the west. here, there will still be one or two showers, but still fewer and further between than they are going to be in eastern areas, where they will be heavy and thundery, with the potentialfor some hail. also pretty breezy in areas adjacent to the english channel coastline. temperatures of nine in the north to 16—17 in the south. now, as we go through the evening and overnight, we start to lose many of the showers. there will be some clear skies. a weather front sinking south across the north of scotland, and another one coming in across the southwest. temperatures generally holding up high enough to avoid a frost, except for in some prone local areas. tomorrow, then, we start off with a lot of dry weather, but our weather front sinks further south across northern scotland, and we'll see the showers become more prolific across southern parts of england and wales in particular,

with highs up to 16.

hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... borisjohnson urges people to remain cautious as coronavirus restrictions in england, wales and most of scotland are relaxed again today. limited numbers of people are now also able to meet inside pubs, restaurants and homes. we are allowed to hug each other again in many places — but the prime minister has urged people to get tested twice a week, and get the vaccine when called. foreign holidays can also begin again — but only to a limited number of destinations. as fighting between israel and the palestinians enters its second week, palestinian officials say yesterday was the deadliest day in gaza — while hamas militants have continued firing rockets into israel.

and swapping cake and fizz for spades and saplings — the queen's green canopy project is encouraging people to plant a tree for the jubilee next year. as covid restrictions ease in england, some parts of the country continue to be affected by a rise in cases of the coronavirus variant first identified in india. surge testing is being carried out at several locations in the uk, including in london. earlier annita mcveigh spoke to the mayor of london sadiq khan — and began by asking him about the easing of restrictions in the capital. we had launched the biggest domestic tourism campaign that we have ever seen, encouraging londoners to come back but also people across the country who can see and taste the best of the world here in london.

obviously, the variant first identified in india is of concern in the london borough as it is in other parts of the uk, how worried are you about that and to what extent would you like to see vaccinations being brought forward to younger age groups? i don't know if you are aware, we broke the news a short while ago that people in glasgow between 18 and 39 are now getting the vaccine sooner than planned. yes, i spoke to our health advisor today and over the weekend, but also public health england and the nhs late last week. i'm keen to try and persuade the government to have younger people in those parts of london where we are concerned about the rise of the indian variant receiving the vaccine sooner than they would otherwise do so. we know from the early research done by oxford, but also speaking to colleagues in india, it does appear that those who have received the vaccine are less likely to catch this virus. the consequences are less serious,

but this virus spreads less easily. so i'm hoping the government can be nimble and flexible and allow us, in those parts of london where concerned, to have younger londoners receiving the vaccine sooner than would otherwise be the case. and if that means the other age groups have to wait a little longer or if those over 50 waking on a second vaccination have to wait a little longer, is that the right order of priority in your opinion? i think the general advice from the jcvi is one we support, of course we do. age is a big factor when it comes to the consequences of catching the virus and when you get a virus, but actually in some parts of our city as indeed across the country, i think the flexible and nimble approach is the right one state. the good news is that almost 6 million londoners have now received a dose at the virus, about 2 million received both doses and a

million have received at least one dose. we are keen to make sure that the indian variant doesn't knockers, which is why i'm hoping the government does move to help younger people in london to receive the vaccine sooner rather than later. how difficult is it to get the message out to young people that if they are offered the vaccine, they should go and get it when they're not allowed elsewhere? the should go and get it when they're not allowed elsewhere? the good news is if ou are not allowed elsewhere? the good news is if you are over— not allowed elsewhere? the good news is if you are over the _ not allowed elsewhere? the good news is if you are over the age _ not allowed elsewhere? the good news is if you are over the age of— not allowed elsewhere? the good news is if you are over the age of 38, - is if you are over the age of 38, you can call the number or go on the internet and book an appointment. we want to make sure that everyone receives at least a first job want to make sure that everyone receives at least a firstjob and the good news is in the last weeks and months, we have made huge progress in relation to hesitancy. we know that this is a life—saver and a game changer and that if you are eligible for the jab, you should

take it and we have encouraged everyone to take it. you mentioned in our everyone to take it. you mentioned in your first — everyone to take it. you mentioned in your first answer _ everyone to take it. you mentioned in your first answer about _ everyone to take it. you mentioned in your first answer about tourism, | in your first answer about tourism, how you might how hopeful are you that we will soon see an uptake in tourist coming back to the city? in the short term, we are keen to encourage londoners to come back to the west end, but also those across the west end, but also those across the country to come to london for a overnight stay. we have the world's best pubs, bars, world attractions, theatres and so on and so forth. it has got to be done safely, though. the good news is that you can enjoy going out and be in covid safe environments, protectjobs and have a great time safely. pure environments, protect 'obs and have a great time safely.— a great time safely. are you confident — a great time safely. are you confident that _ a great time safely. are you confident that all _ a great time safely. are you confident that all the - a great time safely. are you i confident that all the venues, whether it be theatres, cinemas and

restaurants are on top of their son are going to stick by the rules, as well as obviously expecting the public to stick by the rules that still exist?— still exist? can i 'ust say that i am so still exist? can i just say that i am so impressed _ still exist? can i just say that i am so impressed with - still exist? can i just say that i am so impressed with our i still exist? can i just say that i - am so impressed with our businesses in london. whether it was the o2 in london. whether it was the 02 last week with the brits or the barbican or v&a is orbiting each ordinary restaurants or bars, they have worked so hard to make the place is covid secure. of course, follow the advice, wearing the facemasks when you are moving around the restaurant, use public transport, wash your hands when possible. it is possible to have a great time while protecting jobs and stay safe. de great time while protecting 'obs and sta safe. �* ., ., ., great time while protecting 'obs and sta safe. ., ., ., ., stay safe. add did want to have a word with you — stay safe. add did want to have a word with you about _ stay safe. add did want to have a word with you about the - stay safe. add did want to have a word with you about the arrest i stay safe. add did want to have a word with you about the arrest of four men about an anti—semitism investigation being carried out by police. four men shouting

anti—semitic abuse from a car in london. obviously, proceedings are active in this case, but as mayor of london, you want an image projected at the city to the rest of the uk and rest of the world which clearly doesn't include something of this nature. what are your thoughts? i was in concert this weekend with both the commissioner and deputy commissioner. the police like me have a very serious attitude towards hate crimes. they have been arrested, investigation is under way and i think it is possible to protest about things happening 3000 miles away, many of us are angry and upset and heartbroken by the events in israel, west bank and gaza, but there is no excuse for anti—semitism. we are a city that is very proud of diversity, there is no excuse for hate crime and we don't tolerate that in london. hour excuse for hate crime and we don't tolerate that in london.— excuse for hate crime and we don't tolerate that in london. how do you make people _ tolerate that in london. how do you make people feel— tolerate that in london. how do you make people feel safe _ tolerate that in london. how do you

make people feel safe if _ tolerate that in london. how do you make people feel safe if they - tolerate that in london. how do you make people feel safe if they are i make people feel safe if they are targeted by hate crime? the make people feel safe if they are targeted by hate crime?- targeted by hate crime? the first thinu is targeted by hate crime? the first thing is that _ targeted by hate crime? the first thing is that the _ targeted by hate crime? the first thing is that the rest _ targeted by hate crime? the first thing is that the rest of _ targeted by hate crime? the first thing is that the rest of us - targeted by hate crime? the first thing is that the rest of us have l thing is that the rest of us have got to understand that it shouldn't affect and the ripples of fear that it spreads to minority communities, but also to report these crimes. it is really important if you are the victim or witness to any hate crime, that includes anti—semitism, report it to the police. it is really easy to go to the police website and report it. this is one that the commissioner and myself will be taking very seriously. bhd commissioner and myself will be taking very seriously.— taking very seriously. and 'ust finall , taking very seriously. and 'ust finauy. bring i taking very seriously. and 'ust finally, bring you i taking very seriously. and 'ust finally, bring you back i taking very seriously. and 'ust finally, bring you back to i taking very seriously. and just finally, bring you back to our. taking very seriously. and just i finally, bring you back to our top story today which is lockdown easing. as we look ahead, beyond the first day or week, how will you be monitoring the situation across london to ensure that people, going forward, are safe as these restrictions ease? i forward, are safe as these restrictions ease?- forward, are safe as these restrictions ease? ., , , restrictions ease? i have been very critical of the _ restrictions ease? i have been very critical of the government - restrictions ease? i have been very critical of the government in - restrictions ease? i have been very critical of the government in the i critical of the government in the past, but they deserve credit for the way that they are going about

the way that they are going about the road map. every four weeks, review of the evidence and data and what is happening before we go to the next phase. i welcome the reopening today. the next big day is the 21st ofjune and that is why it is so important to continue to take the sacrifices we are making, follow the sacrifices we are making, follow the rules and guidance and the government to continue to listen to expert advice. today is a very big milestone. great culture, food, live music and the rest in london, so let's all get back together to make sure that the country reopen sooner rather than later. the sure that the country reopen sooner rather than later.— rather than later. the mayor of london. a new emergency alerts service will be introduced across the uk to inform people of serious emergencies, either nationally or in their local area — with messages sent to their mobile phones. the government said it would begin later this summer and there will be

a series of public trials where live test alerts will be set to the phones of people in suffolk and reading. as us—led nato forces pull out the last of their forces in afghanistan, the top us commander general scott miller has told the bbc they are now focused on "the risks to their forces, and the risks to the future of afghanistan" as violence by taliban and other groups escalates. in a rare interview at a nato base in the north of the country, general miller said he expects violence to increase in the coming months, but emphasised they would continue to support afghan security forces. our chief international correspondent lyse doucet reports. still here after nearly 20 years of war, but they will all be home before the anniversary of the september 11 attacks in the us that brought them to afghanistan. the soldier in the middle of it all, general scott miller, tasked with ending america's longest war. the longest serving general in this fight against the taliban. all other nato armies

are drawing down with them. 16 of them based here in northern afghanistan. they will hand over completely to afghan forces, and these very last months matter. it is the risks to our forces, it is the risks to the future of afghanistan. we are watching closely what the taliban will do but the expectation is they will pick up the violence in the near term. the afghan forces aren't quite ready, we still that see that in one battle after another. the afghan security forces have the capabilities. even withdrawn, we are still in a position where we are able to support afghan security forces. it is a massive manoeuvre just to move out. the largest us base at bagram airfield just north of kabul,

the world's most powerful army gets smaller by the day. this is what packing up looks like after 20 years — deciding what will be shipped out, what will be handed over to afghan forces, and what will be destroyed. but for afghans, the main concern is for the country they are leaving behind with its rising and horrific violence. they are still counting the debt at this high school in kabul. more than 200 killed or injured in last year's triple bombing. most of them girls. some survivors return, hard as that is. no group says this was its work, targeting schoolgirls in this minority hazara community. today, anger boils over. and a politician shows up.

"you see, you will protect us now. why didn't you protect us before?", shouts this i6—year—old. she lost her little sister. gestures like this don't work any more. her strength a symbol of what has changed here in two decades, and what many fear could be at risk once foreign forces leave. did you fail? history is going to write this story. the objectives that we set out, i think they will be evaluated, and i think we will really need to take a honest look at the things that we did not do as well as we wanted to. certainly there were some victories along the way. the future will tell the rest of the story. one of the last to be buried from the school attack, a last goodbye. 23—year—old abdul writes his

fiancee�*s name on her gravestone. the life this fiancee dreamt of is gone, his future uncertain, so too for so many afghans. lyse doucet, bbc news, kabul. let's go back to the violence in israel, gaza strip and the west bank and the efforts for diplomacy around it. the us secretary of state antony blinken, been having phone calls. he is on a visit to cope and hagan has been speaking. this is what he said of short while ago. the united states remains concerned about the escalating violence. hundreds of people being killed and

children being pulled from rubble. we are also alarmed about how medical personnel are being put at risk. palestinians and israelis, like people everywhere, have the right to live in safety and security. this is not an israeli privilege are a palestinian village, it is a human right. this violence has ripped it away. we have been working intensively behind—the—scenes to try and commit to this. president biden has been in touch with benjamin netanyahu and i spent my own fly on the way to copenhagen, also talking with my counterpart in france and other places to de—escalate this violence. israel has the right to defend

itself. there is no equivalent between a terrorist group indiscriminately firing rockets at civilians and the country defending its people from those attacks. and we call on hamas and other groups to end those attacks immediately. israel as a democracy has an extra burden to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties, even as it defend itself. the avoid civilian casualties, even as it defend itself.— avoid civilian casualties, even as it defend itself. the us secretary of state antony _ it defend itself. the us secretary of state antony blinken. - it defend itself. the us secretary of state antony blinken. an - it defend itself. the us secretary l of state antony blinken. an update on our headlines. the prime minister urges people to remain cautious as coronavirus restrictions in england, wales and most of scotland are relaxed again today. friends and family are allowed to hug each other again in many places — but the prime minister has urged people to get tested twice a week, and get the vaccine when called. limited numbers of people are now also able to meet inside pubs, restaurants and homes. the international scheme set up

to ensure equal access to covid—i9 vaccines is currently 140 million doses short, due to the continuing covid crisis in india. now, unicef is calling for the powerful g7 countries — the leaders of which will meet in the uk next month — to share their surplus of doses. the bbc�*s global health correspondent tulip mazumdar reports. it's a global collaboration that's never been tried on this tight timescale before. the aim of the covax scheme is to ensure all people in all countries get equal access to vaccines to protect them against covid—i9. some progress is being made but doses remain vastly unevenly distributed. and now, the pipeline providing vaccines to some of the world's poorest countries is being squeezed. as india continues its devastating battle against a raging outbreak, the country's prime minister has

temporarily banned exports of covid—i9 vaccines so that all doses can be used in country. the serum institute of india was due to supply around half of the two billion vaccines for covax this year, but nothing's been shipped since march, leaving a shortfall of around 140 million doses — which is due to rise to 190 million by the end ofjune. unfortunately, we are in a situation where we just don't know when the next set of doses will materialise. our hope is things will get back on track but of course the situation in india is uncertain itself. and how much of a concern is that? it's certainly a huge concern, and that's why we are calling on higher income countries that have access to doses to start sharing those doses now. but countries are not being forthcoming with donating doses. data commissioned by unicef suggests that the rich g7 nations, as well as the eu, could make a big

dent in the vexing deficit in poorer countries by donating 20% of their supplies injune, july and august. this would free up around 153 million doses. so far, france is the only country to have already shipped vaccines in view of the crisis in india, pledging half a million doses by mid—june. nations including rwanda, senegal and here in ghana are using up some of their last remaining doses. it's very important that they could make a promise of solidarity for those countries that have enough vaccines to distribute and share those doses, because unless we stop the transmission everywhere, it will be very difficult to end this pandemic, even in places where people have been completely vaccinated. new deals with different vaccine suppliers and manufacturers are also under way to try and get the covax scheme back on track. but right now, there

a gaping hole in supplies which is threatening the global plan to end this pandemic. tulip mazumdar, bbc news. the uk's indoor attractions industry is hoping for a big boost to visitor numbers now that the next stage of the road map out of lockdown is under way. fiona lamdin has been to the sealife centre in blackpool taking a look at how they've been getting things ready for the visitors. a beautiful underwater world, unseen by the public for months. but every day throughout lockdown, scott and his team have been caring for the 2,500 creatures who live here in blackpool. yellow tangs, a rare orange lobster, and phoenix, a 2i—year—old green sea turtle who was very intrigued by our camera, to name but a few.

the majority of the staff have been on furlough. their team of 60 down to just eight. what's the best way to touch these creatures? the best way to do it, two fingers together, nice and gentle at the top. you can do this with the starfish, and just the same way with the anemones, as well. we have been doing lots of water tests to make sure all the water is ok, feeding the animals. some of the animals that we have here have to be fed up to six times a day. and also we've been playing music around the centre so the animals have been getting used to the noise ready for reopening. and after six months, today, they finally will, as indoor attractions are allowed to reopen. the pandemic, though, has cost sealife here in blackpool over £1 million. it's been very tough in lockdown, especially here in lancashire, because we've had some of the most severe restrictions in place during the whole pandemic. i started here on the first day of lockdown, so i haven't actually seen any guests in the building. so the animals have been my only friends, so i can't wait to have people back and see the excitement

on everyone�*s face. tourism experts believe these fish and attractions like this are vital to the success of the staycation. indoor attractions are hugely important. we know that visits to attractions were two thirds down last year, so getting everything open, you know, those big museums, the historic houses that you might drive out and make a day trip to, and some of the sea life centres and the aquariums that people can go to when it looks a bit cold and rainy, and we need to be inside. for months, these animals have had no—one to look out at. later on, they will finally have a very different view. fiona lamdin, bbc news. the glitz and glamour of the red carpet made a return at the mtv movie and tv awards. the annual ceremony, which honours the best in pop culture, took place at the hollywood palladium in los angeles — complete

with an in—person audience — gareth barlow reports. after taking a pandemic induced break in 2020, the mtv movie and tv awards are back. this year a bumper edition, with the event taking place over two nights in los angeles. on sunday, movies and scripted tv programmes were vying for a coveted golden popcorn. elizabeth olsen, wandavision. the night's big winner was the marvel miniseries wandavision, which took home numerous awards including the gong for the best show. scarlett johansson. but awards went to the anything being handed out. this is not for scarlettjohansson, who was covered in slime while she was honoured with the generation award. the event was hosted by the comedian lesliejones, who also took home the award for best comedic performance. elsewhere, sacha baron cohen, elizabeth olsen and kathryn hahn,

and rege—jean page all won golden popcorns. thank you for this remarkably heavy award. chadwick boseman. meanwhile, chadwick boseman received a posthumous award for best performance in a movie. i'm so honoured to accept this award on behalf of chadwick boseman. - i know i speak for myself, his- legions of fans and the communities he so beautifully represented when i say we are honoured i to celebrate his art i today and every day. his impact is everlasting. the awards are over for one night but will return on monday, when reality tv takes the spotlight and also the trophies. gareth barlow, bbc news. when someone mentions a royaljubilee, you might think of street parties and wall—to—wall bunting. but next year, celebrations could involve a humble spade and sapling. a campaign — called the queen's green canopy project — is being launched today encouraging us all to plant a tree to mark the queen's 70 years on the throne.

our royal correspondent daniela relph reports. they're planning to do 70, 70 clumps of trees in the duchy. the prince of wales took on the spade work whilst his mother kept a watchful eye. planting a tree in the grounds of windsor castle, one of many we will see to mark the platinum jubilee next year. and the queen, a prolific tree planter during her reign, had some advice. you'll have to have a big stake for it, won't you? the planting of trees for thejubilee has begun around the uk. three million free saplings will be available to schools and community groups. and we will be encouraged to get planting in honour of the queen's 70 years of service. there is a reason for this profoundly symbolic act. planting a tree is a statement of hope and faith in the future. as we approach this most special year, i invite you all tojoin me to plant a tree for thejubilee. in other words, a tree—bilee!

after the spadework, a good watering ensured that the seedling got a proper start in life. that was chile, that there was also india. by planting a sapling, her majesty commemorated her visit. and hundreds of other locations across the world and closer to home. the queen is an expert planter of trees. 1,500 in all during her reign. and this latest project is a lasting green legacy, with an eye on the future. the queen's green canopy is going to be encouraging notjust to think about planting trees and establishing new woodlands, but also to get them into the right places, to really maximise those benefits, but also to be finding ways of looking after the trees so that they survive once they have gone into the ground. the aim is to get the whole country planting a tree for thejubilee. something that can survive and flourish for decades.

daniela relph, bbc news. reeta chakrabarti is coming up with the bbc news at one. now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes hello again. you have probably already noticed the hour by the pattern has been stuck. we have had low pressure in charge and there rainfall has been mounting up with over twice as much rain and then we would wholly see in all of may and we have had just passed the halfway stage. there is more change to come. today is a sherry kind of day and what is very important for the show was across england and wales is this trough that will be working its way eastwards and will take the happiest of showers. in parts of yorkshire, and east midlands, that is whether showers will go. they'll become less

common across wales and parts of western england with a greater chance of staying dry with a broken cloud. overnight, the showers will take quite a long time to fade away, but eventually the skies will become a little bit clearer and the overnight temperature will drift down to five or eight celsius. looking at the satellite picture we have at the moment, i'm going to zoom away from the uk down towards the south—west. this area of cloud is going to be responsible for bringing the heavy showers our way from tuesday. i say our way, but it is particularly across south—west of england that we will have it, but many areas of the uk will get a bright start. by the afternoon, showers will be spreading round again, some of the heaviest in wales and central southern england. for

wednesday, another sherry kind of day and this time the heavier showers will be going up across the eastern areas of scotland and england. the storms will be slow in nature, they could be quite high rainfall coming from those storms and they could be with you for quite and they could be with you for quite a length of time. the good news is, thursday and friday they will not be showers. the bad news is this area of low pressure will bring many of us a thorough soaking. we have a lot of rain towards the end of the week and windy enough to bring down a few tree branches.

covid rules are eased across england, much of scotland and wales, but people are asked to be responsible. indoor drinks — in limited groups — are back on for millions of people, as well as other indoor hospitality, but ministers still urge caution. i would suggest that people exercise caution, as the prime minister said, and that involves washing your hands, keeping social distance, making sure there's ventilation. here in basildon, we have been finding plenty of people today who are very happy indeed that they can now entertain themselves indoors, including tenpin bowling. we'll bring you all the latest on what you can and can't do across the uk. also this lunchtime: thousands take advantage of the new travel rules and

head overseas in the first legal foreign holidays for months.