this is bbc news with the latest headlines. western allies promise more military aid for ukraine, as fighting intensifies along a 300—mile front line in the east of the country. the prime minister appeals for support among conservative mps ahead of tomorrow's vote on whether he should be investigated over claims he misled parliament. the small business minister paul scully says he accepts borisjohnson �*made a mistake�* i think it's ok that he accepts the finding of the met police, except the fine, pays the fine and he's made a really full apology. prince harry talks about catching up with the queen for the first time in two years, in an interview

with us television. it was just so nice to see her. she was in great form. she sews got a great sense of humour with me. and just to make sure that she is protected. hollywood starjohnny depp takes the stand in the us, denying claims that he abused his ex—wife amber heard. and netflix suffers its first drop in subscribers in a decade, with the company losing 200,000 customers in the first three months of the year. western leaders say they'll send more weapons to ukraine, to help its forces fight the renewed russian offensive in the east. britain's defence officials say moscow has intensified its shelling of the donbas region,

but ukrainian forces have had some success in repelling russian advances. in his nightly address, president zelensky denounced russia's army as barbaric and inhuman. he said it was unfair his government had to keep asking allies for more weapons to fight the invasion. meanwhile, in the city of mariupol, russia has given a fresh ultimatum to ukrainian soldiers, who are holed up in the azovstal steelworks complex, along with hundreds of civilians, to lay down their weapons by noon. the first of today's reports is from our correspondent, gareth barlow. this is the reality of russia's renewed offensive in the east of ukraine. lives ended, livelihoods reduced to rubble. these communities have wearily witnessed war for the past eight years, after russian—backed rebels seized swathes of land in 2014. but now there's a new tempo far

deadlier than the norm, as russian forces step up their bombardment of this former industrial heartland. the two sides now engaged along a 300—mile front line. success in the east would allow president putin to claim victory of sorts from his beleaguered war and enable russia to establish a land corridor to crimea, which it annexed in 2014. as moscow moves west, it faces the ukrainian armed forces. last night, once again, their leader called on their allies for more weapons. translation: it is unfair that ukraine is still forced to ask. for what its partners have been storing for years. if they have the weapons ukraine needs, if they have the ammunition we need, it is their moral duty to help protect freedom. ukrainian forces have used western weapons to deadly effect, turning russian tanks into twisted wrecks.

but russia's army is huge and it can call on yet more firepower. that's why the uk, alongside countries including germany and the us, has promised to send further military aid. we will intensify our support for president zelensky and i propose that our long—term goal must be to strengthen and fortify ukraine to the point where russia will never dare to invade again. despite pledges of support and a steadfast ukrainian resistance, russian forces continue to grind down the defenders, as seen in these images from a pro—russian youtuber embedded with forces in mariupol. and, as seen from the air, above the azovstal steelworks, where a few hundred ukrainian fighters continue to cling onto resistance and their lives, despite russian demands for them to surrender. gareth barlow, bbc news.

0ur correspondent danjohnson is following developments from the western city of lviv. mariupol and that steel plant in the city seem to have become something of a last stand for ukrainian resistance in the south—east port city. and we've had an update from the deputy mayor of mariupol who has been speaking to the bbc in the last few minutes. he says there have been fresh assaults on that plant with russian backed fighters trying to take it over. he says he can confirm that there are some civilians sheltering there. he said there are people from nearby buildings that have been destroyed by russian shelling. some of the families of the workers at the steel plant. he said that they knew the bomb shelter there was well—equipped and well protected, and that's why so many residents are actually staying in the basement of the steelworks. he said they were lacking everything that they needed. there was no water, food, medicine, and that russia was blocking any humanitarian assistance or evacuation efforts to get people out of that steel plant, and that is why the ukrainian

soldiers there have been fighting on, despite the repeated ultimatums that have been given to surrender by the russian forces that surround that plant. we are told that they are still able to resist there, and that ultimatum has been given once again. the chance for those ukrainian soldiers to lay down their weapons and hand themselves over to the russians, but no sign of them having done that in the last two days when it was offered, so no reason to suppose that they will do it today. we are told that they continue to fight. and on the rest of the eastern front, we are told the ukrainians have had some success in repelling these latest russian advances. they lost the town of kreminna. the regional governors there said there wasn't actually much left to defend because the place had been reduced to rubble in the weeks of bombardment since the start of the invasion, but ukrainian forces have actually been able to retake a town, mar�*inka near donetsk, which the russian claimed yesterday. so we are seeing the russians

surging forward on that eastern front line which is almost 300 miles long, but ukrainian say they are having some successes in defending their positions. the last ukrainian soldiers in the besieged port city of mariupol have rejected russia's demands to surrender. ukraine's government says bombs are pounding a steel plant which has become the final stronghold of resistance. 0ur correspondent in kyiv, mark lowen, has been speaking to a relative of one of the fighters inside the plant, desperately hoping for news that he's alive. distant explosions. in the fog of war, russia's ferocious firepower is unrelenting. the azovstal steel plant, still holding out against the siege of mariupol. perhaps a few hundred ukrainian troops are defending it. the commander calls it hell on earth.

around 1,000 civilians are holed up in its cold war era bunkers and tunnels. food, water and time are running out. 0urfamily is from sumy, that's in the north of ukraine, north—east. 0lena's cousin max has gone from village boy to one of mariupol�*s last defenders of ukraine. he has been fighting in the steel plant. her last message from him was more than a month ago. how do you feel about him being there? i feel terrible, honestly. so, um... first of all, i feel very sorry and bitter that maybe i was not talking to him as much as i should while we still had connection, because i did not want to disturb him. i cannot imagine what will happen if something will happen to him. i know how hard it will be for my aunt, for my family. do you feel proud of him? yeah, totally. i would never have imagined my

cousin to become a true hero of ukraine and a hero of mariupol. there is obviously a very bitter sense of pride, in the sense that he is in a life—threatening situation but i am very proud of him. i dream of the day when he will return and we will be able to meet again and i will be able to tell this to him. do you feel he will return? i honestly, that is the only thing i believe as hard as i could because i cannot imagine the situation otherwise. ijust cannot imagine, because it will be such a harsh moment for my family and i was thinking, like, what would happen if one day, i would receive a message that... max has died? like, what would i do? and ijust started to cry in the middle of the street

because i don't have any answer to that. if you could give a message to max right now, what would you say? max, i know that you are very strong and your family loves you a lot and we are waiting for you and we are sure that you will come back and you will be our hero and you will have a great life in the free ukraine after our victory. mark lowen, bbc news, kyiv. borisjohnson has been rallying support among conservative mps before a vote on whether to hold an investigation into claims he misled parliament over lockdown parties. labour has called the prime minister's apology �*a joke�*, but a significant number of tories would need to vote with the opposition for the vote to be carried. mrjohnson met his mps behind closed doors last night to appeal for unity. 0ur chief political correspondent adam fleming is in westminster.

i suppose boris johnson i suppose borisjohnson has said all along that there have been matters of global importance that he has to focus on. as a symbol of that, he is going off to india, isn't he? yes. going off to india, isn't he? yes, the message _ going off to india, isn't he? yes, the message from _ going off to india, isn't he? yes, the message from number- going off to india, isn't he? yes the message from number ten is going off to india, isn't he? 12: the message from number ten is that he is getting under the dash getting on with thejob. he is getting under the dash getting on with the job. this is a big opportunity for a big tradesman mid—shin with their new exciting international partner. there are rumours of a big new plan to boost economic growth in the next couple of weeks as well. all designed to just move on from all these claims about parties in downing street and whitehall during their lockdown. however, that goes on, and what we are waiting for today is the text of are waiting for today is the text of a motion that labour are going to take to parliament tomorrow for a vote in theory that would refer the prime minister to the privileges committee that investigates people who are accused of misleading the

house of commons. angela rayner explained that international affairs and dealing with the russian invasion of ukraine and the effect of that on the whole party gate scandal is why labour are doing it. i think isjust scandal is why labour are doing it. i think is just apologise because he i think isjust apologise because he -ot i think isjust apologise because he got caught. it's pretty clear that he was — got caught. it's pretty clear that he was willing to accept other pe0ple's_ he was willing to accept other people's resignation for minor issues, — people's resignation for minor issues, and time and time again he says he _ issues, and time and time again he says he did — issues, and time and time again he says he did not realise. i'm sorry. you _ says he did not realise. i'm sorry. you clearly — says he did not realise. i'm sorry. you clearly pray did break the law. i think_ you clearly pray did break the law. i think you — you clearly pray did break the law. i think you did realise, he just did not want — i think you did realise, he just did not want to— i think you did realise, he just did not want to get caught. now, he just wants_ not want to get caught. now, he just wants people to move on and deflect from this_ wants people to move on and deflect from this issue when he knows that the responsible thing to do as prime minister_ the responsible thing to do as prime minister would be to accept that he broke _ minister would be to accept that he broke his _ minister would be to accept that he broke his own rules and broke his own law_ broke his own rules and broke his own law and should resign. in terms of what mps — own law and should resign. in terms of what mps are _ own law and should resign. in terms of what mps are instructed - own law and should resign. in terms of what mps are instructed to - own law and should resign. in terms of what mps are instructed to do - own law and should resign. in terms of what mps are instructed to do in l of what mps are instructed to do in that vote tomorrow, one option i am told they are looking at is tabling

a government amendment to it which would make it more positive. the government strategy is to paint labour as being opportunistic. at least that is what scully did this morning. i least that is what scully did this morninu. ~ , least that is what scully did this morninu. ~' , ., morning. i think it is ok that he acce ts morning. i think it is ok that he accepts the _ morning. i think it is ok that he accepts the finding _ morning. i think it is ok that he accepts the finding of _ morning. i think it is ok that he accepts the finding of the - morning. i think it is ok that he accepts the finding of the met l accepts the finding of the met police, — accepts the finding of the met police, he _ accepts the finding of the met police, he accepts _ accepts the finding of the met police, he accepts the - accepts the finding of the met police, he accepts the fine - accepts the finding of the met| police, he accepts the fine and accepts the finding of the met - police, he accepts the fine and has paid the _ police, he accepts the fine and has paid the fine — police, he accepts the fine and has paid the fine end _ police, he accepts the fine and has paid the fine end has _ police, he accepts the fine and has paid the fine end has made - police, he accepts the fine and has paid the fine end has made a - police, he accepts the fine and has| paid the fine end has made a really full apology — paid the fine end has made a really full apology but _ paid the fine end has made a really full apology. but there _ paid the fine end has made a really full apology. but there is _ paid the fine end has made a really full apology. but there is always i paid the fine end has made a really full apology. but there is always an element _ full apology. but there is always an element of— full apology. but there is always an element of politics _ full apology. but there is always an element of politics with _ full apology. but there is always an element of politics with this - element of politics with this as well in — element of politics with this as well in terms _ element of politics with this as well in terms of _ element of politics with this as well in terms of the _ element of politics with this as well in terms of the fact - element of politics with this as well in terms of the fact that l element of politics with this as i well in terms of the fact that not only does— well in terms of the fact that not only does he _ well in terms of the fact that not only does he just _ well in terms of the fact that not only does he just have _ well in terms of the fact that not only does he just have to - well in terms of the fact that notj only does he just have to answer that charge, _ only does he just have to answer that charge, but _ only does he just have to answer that charge, but he _ only does he just have to answer that charge, but he also - only does he just have to answer that charge, but he also has - only does he just have to answerl that charge, but he also has layer upon _ that charge, but he also has layer upon tayer— that charge, but he also has layer upon layer upon _ that charge, but he also has layer upon layer upon layer— that charge, but he also has layer upon layer upon layer of - that charge, but he also has layer upon layer upon layer of people . upon layer upon layer of people actively— upon layer upon layer of people actively trying _ upon layer upon layer of people actively trying to _ upon layer upon layer of people actively trying to replace - upon layer upon layer of people actively trying to replace him i upon layer upon layer of people . actively trying to replace him with their own — actively trying to replace him with their own man. _ actively trying to replace him with their own man, because - actively trying to replace him with their own man, because that- actively trying to replace him with their own man, because that is. actively trying to replace him with . their own man, because that is what party— their own man, because that is what party politics — their own man, because that is what party politics is _ their own man, because that is what party politics is about. _ their own man, because that is what party politics is about. that - their own man, because that is what party politics is about. that then - party politics is about. that then -ets party politics is about. that then gets incredibly— party politics is about. that then gets incredibly frustrating - party politics is about. that then gets incredibly frustrating when i party politics is about. that then i gets incredibly frustrating when you are trying _ gets incredibly frustrating when you are trying to — gets incredibly frustrating when you are trying to cut _ gets incredibly frustrating when you are trying to cut through _ gets incredibly frustrating when you are trying to cut through to - gets incredibly frustrating when you are trying to cut through to seeing i are trying to cut through to seeing what _ are trying to cut through to seeing what is _ are trying to cut through to seeing what is het — are trying to cut through to seeing what is bet for— are trying to cut through to seeing what is bet for the _ are trying to cut through to seeing what is bet for the country. - are trying to cut through to seeing what is bet for the country. hot. are trying to cut through to seeing what is bet for the country. not all conservative _ what is bet for the country. not all conservative mps _ what is bet for the country. not all conservative mps being _ what is bet for the country. not all conservative mps being quite - what is bet for the country. not all conservative mps being quite so . conservative mps being quite so loyal. david cameron saying publicly

he was going to submit a letter of no confidence for the prime minister. even though the prime minister. even though the prime minister has apologised and is trying to move on from partygate, that story is still there. is trying to move on from partygate, that story is still there.— that story is still there. is your sense generally _ that story is still there. is your sense generally that _ that story is still there. is your sense generally that amongst| that story is still there. is your - sense generally that amongst tory backbenchers, he has perhaps ridden out the storm with a bit of help from the crisis in ukraine. some mps who had been very critical of him said it was time for him to go, and are now saying it is not time for it to get rid of the prime minister. ladle to get rid of the prime minister. we still to get rid of the prime minister. 2 still have the groups of tory mps there have always been. a small handful have been very vocal and said borisjohnson has got to go, this is bad. you then have the loyalists who are larger, and then the bigger group who are just waiting to see if there are more fines, waiting for the end of the metropolitan police investigation, waiting to see what happens in the local elections in england. waiting for sue gray's report to be

published, the civil servant looking into this. and you can see the moving from camp to camp based on events. my feeling is that last week with the big apology the prime minister did in front of the tv cameras and checkers and with parliament being away, it felt that the party thing was being contained, but yesterday, once parliament comes back and there are new claims and political and sent tips coming in, actually pa rtygate political and sent tips coming in, actually partygate is not contained. it is going to be there for and it is going to be there while a government attempts to attempts to moves on. :, ~' government attempts to attempts to moves on. . ~ i. , . we can speak now to tim durrant, associate director at the institute for government. they're an organisation which researches how to make government more effective. adam is suggesting there that may be this crisis has been contained. what is your view of it? where are we with partygate? it is clear that it still has some way to run, doesn't

it? i still has some way to run, doesn't it? 4' still has some way to run, doesn't it? ~ ., , ~ , still has some way to run, doesn't it? ~ ., , . , . ., it? i think that is right. as adam mentioned _ it? i think that is right. as adam mentioned about _ it? i think that is right. as adam mentioned about the _ it? i think that is right. as adam mentioned about the local- it? | think that is right. as adam - mentioned about the local elections, that might transfer people to express how they are feeling in government in general. and what that means for their prime minister in the conservative party more generally but we know the metropolitan police are still investigating and sue gray's report is going to go into more detail about what happened in downing street and across their government during lockdown. that street and across their government during lockdown.— during lockdown. that first test about how _ during lockdown. that first test about how people _ during lockdown. that first test about how people feel - during lockdown. that first test about how people feel about i during lockdown. that first test| about how people feel about all this, voters across the country it is going to be very important. the local election _ is going to be very important. tt2 local election is obviously is going to be very important. t"t2 local election is obviously not related to the government and people vote on all sorts of things about bins and, parks etc. so it is also did difficult to gauge exactly whether or not big issues will play into those local elections. also,

there are a subsection of seats being election being elected across the country. but it is the next big moment that conservative mps are said to be waiting to see what happens there and what more investigations reveal before they make their final decision as to whether to continue to support the prime minister.— prime minister. adam was talking about the different _ prime minister. adam was talking about the different camps - prime minister. adam was talking | about the different camps amongst tory mps. those who really do want to get rid of the prime minister, what do you think now is the best mechanism to do that? the conservative _ mechanism to do that? the conservative party - mechanism to do that? the conservative party are - mechanism to do that? tt2 conservative party are calling for a challenge of 15% right to the chairman of the backbench committee. we don't think there is anywhere near the total needed to get that vote to be held. and then even if 15% of mps do right, then there will

be a vote, a parliamentary vote of confidence in the prime minister and he needs to get 50% of that to survive. so there are a lot of stages before it gets anywhere near to deposing the prime minister. he talked a lot about ukraine yesterday, didn't he after his apology. in some senses, do you think that has helped people, that he says he is dealing with this international crisis, is trying to help the ukrainian government, and in a sense that does deflect, although he hopes it deflects from partygate allegations? absolutely. in the partygate allegations? absolutely. in the middle _ partygate allegations? absolutely. in the middle of— partygate allegations? absolutely. in the middle of the _ partygate allegations? absolutely. in the middle of the world, - partygate allegations? absolutely. in the middle of the world, there l in the middle of the world, there isn't time to be worrying about relationship challenges of these kind of domestic focus issues. at the same time, the prime minister is also saying he is getting on with the job, also saying he is getting on with thejob, there also saying he is getting on with the job, there are other things the

government wants to focus on. and he really does one to move the conversation on from this. the problem he has is that until it is all resolved, it is going to keep coming back. the apology yesterday was about the fine he received last week. the question is if there is another vine for the prime minister does he have to go back to the commons and apologise again. and if this keeps happening, like it with the allegations at the end of last yearin the allegations at the end of last year in the beginning of this year, does that mean overtime or a more mps decide that they no longer have in them? ,., ., mps decide that they no longer have in them? ,., :, :, mps decide that they no longer have in them? ,., ., ., ., ,, ., mps decide that they no longer have in them? ., ., ,, ., i. mps decide that they no longer have in them? ., ., ,, ., , in them? good to talk to you. many thanks. the headlines on bbc news... western allies promise more military aid for ukraine as fighting intensifies along a 300—mile frontline in the east of the country. the prime minister appeals for support among conservative mps ahead of tomorrow's vote on whether he should be investigated over claims he misled parliament. (00v)prince harry talks

about catching up with the queen prince harry talks about catching up with the queen for the first time in two years, in an interview with us television. prince harry has told us television he's trying to ensure the queen is protected, and has the right people around her. he also said america was his home "for the timebeing", and that he'd been "welcomed with open arms". the duke was talking to the us television network, nbc. it was just so nice to see her. you know, she's on great form. she has always got a great sense of humour with me. and i'm just making sure that she is protected and got the right people around her. you make her laugh, that's for sure. did you do it again? yes, idid. both meghan and i had tea with her so it was really nice to catch up with her and, you know, home for me now, for the time being, is in the states. and it feels that way, as well. does it?

yeah, we've been welcomed with open arms and it's got such a great community up in santa barbara, so... so you feel like that's home more for you? i yeah. 0ur royal correspondent nicholas witchell has this assessment of prince harry's comments. what does one make of this? at the one level, i think it is reassuring, reassuring that the meeting took place. it's a positive step in terms of family relations, given the rift that undoubtedly there has been. it reassuring that the queen had he quote is on great form, given the concerns that there are about her health. it is her 96th birthday tomorrow. but then, there are these really rather perhaps puzzling comments about, i'm just making sure that the queen is protected, and has the right people around her. well, now, what are we to make of that? perhaps he hadn't really thought it all through, but i think people will be somewhat

mystified at the idea that the queen needs harry to come in on his one visit for a year to ensure that she is protected and has the right people around her. she has around her the people that she has around her, who look after her, the royal household and the other members of herfamily, and i can't imagine that there are going to be any changes made as a result of harry's quite short visit to her last week, albeit that it was a very positive occasion and everybody seems to have enjoyed it. netflix shares sank some 25% in after—hours trading in new york, after the streaming giant announced a drop in subscribers for the first time in over a decade. netflix lost 200,000 members in the first three months of the year, after raising prices in key markets such as the us and uk. joining me is georg szalai, international business editor at the hollywood reporter.

thank you for being with us. netflix would say all good things have to come to an end, and after years of growth, the number of subscribers has dipped substantially. what is going on with netflix? it has dipped substantially. what is going on with netflix?— has dipped substantially. what is going on with netflix? it seems like durin: the going on with netflix? it seems like during the cap _ going on with netflix? it seems like during the cap pandemic— going on with netflix? it seems like during the cap pandemic there - going on with netflix? it seems like during the cap pandemic there was | going on with netflix? it seems like | during the cap pandemic there was a lot of dropping subscribers. they seem to have masked some of the majority, it's mainly subs grabbers as a passport at this stage may be changing its services a little bit. summer may be costing less, competing for the wallet. that's why it seems like netflix management is now for the first time considering changes to its business policies, considering advertising in a cheaper price tag. you considering advertising in a cheaper rice tau. ., . ~'

considering advertising in a cheaper rice tau. ., . ,, ., price tag. you talk about their rivals, price tag. you talk about their rivals. people _ price tag. you talk about their rivals, people like _ price tag. you talk about their rivals, people like apple - price tag. you talk about their rivals, people like apple and l rivals, people like apple and disney. they are fighting a rather ferocious battle in the streaming world. 2s. ferocious battle in the streaming world. . ., ferocious battle in the streaming world. : ., ., ferocious battle in the streaming world. . ., ., ., ., ,, ., world. a lot of time on talk about the streaming — world. a lot of time on talk about the streaming was _ world. a lot of time on talk about the streaming was because - world. a lot of time on talk about the streaming was because of. world. a lot of time on talk about i the streaming was because of there is so much money in streaming and it cost so much money to create all this content and keep it rolling out and keep subscribers on your service. it seems like netflix is now trying to spend a little bit less, a bit more selectively to help but set the revenue that is not getting to our subscribers at this stage. getting to our subscribers at this sta . e. getting to our subscribers at this state. ., , , getting to our subscribers at this state. ., ,, , , , stage. one of the issue subscribers are havin: stage. one of the issue subscribers are having to _ stage. one of the issue subscribers are having to deal— stage. one of the issue subscribers are having to deal with _ stage. one of the issue subscribers are having to deal with is _ stage. one of the issue subscribers are having to deal with is this - stage. one of the issue subscribers are having to deal with is this idea l are having to deal with is this idea of password sharing. you subscribe and you've got your password and you give it to your friends and family and before you know you have ten people sharing one person subscription.— people sharing one person subscription. people sharing one person subscri tion. , , subscription. yes, indeed. it is something _ subscription. yes, indeed. it is something that _ subscription. yes, indeed. it is something that netflix - subscription. yes, indeed. it is something that netflix is - subscription. yes, indeed. it is. something that netflix is focused subscription. yes, indeed. it is- something that netflix is focused on in the last few months and has focused on overnight. they have

basically shared for the first time that they think that 100 million households actually share accounts. 0verall they have 220 million paying subscribers, so about 50% of that is also being shared with other households. that means the company sees a big upside, even if they can just get a slight percentage of those additional households. so they are looking at ways to charge us a little bit extra.— little bit extra. they have been a bit lax about _ little bit extra. they have been a bit lax about that _ little bit extra. they have been a bit lax about that in _ little bit extra. they have been a bit lax about that in the - little bit extra. they have been a bit lax about that in the past. - little bit extra. they have been a bit lax about that in the past. i i bit lax about that in the past. i suppose when times were good and they had loads of subscribers they weren't so worried about it, but now they are more focused on ending what they are more focused on ending what they would say is that abuse of their password.— their password. indeed. it is basically _ their password. indeed. it is basically a — their password. indeed. it is basically a way _ their password. indeed. it is basically a way of _ their password. indeed. it is basically a way of creating . their password. indeed. it is - basically a way of creating more revenue. you don't want to focus on it rapidly, but now seems to be the right time. it rapidly, but now seems to be the riaht time. ~ �* ., ,, it rapidly, but now seems to be the riaht time. ~ �* . ,, ., right time. we've talked about the ne . atives, right time. we've talked about the negatives. but _ right time. we've talked about the negatives, but do _ right time. we've talked about the negatives, but do you _ right time. we've talked about the negatives, but do you think- right time. we've talked about the negatives, but do you think that i negatives, but do you think that netflix still has a bright future? aha,

netflix still has a bright future? lot of people think it has a big head start and they launch streaming so early they are so far ahead in terms of so they have debts to their benefit. the interesting thing will benefit. the interesting thing will be how they communicate with consumers. there will be some reticence among subscribers, they don't want to pay even more, they don't want to pay even more, they don't want to start charging the family sharing passwords with them, so it will be how this company communicate the changes. thank you very much- — china has reported just under 20,000 new coronavirus cases. the major steel city of tung—shun in eastern china — with a population of eight million — has followed shanghai in returning to a full covid lockdown. shanghai itself has reported covid—19 deaths for three days in a row.

these are the first officially acknowledged deaths since 2020, but china has been accused of downplaying the numbers. 0ur china correspondent stephen mcdonell says more than 7 million people are now confined in tung—shun. tung—shun isjust one the many cities currently locked down. i mean, there are dozens of towns and cities locked down in china at the moment. you can imagine the impact on the economy here, and people's livelihoods, on the morale of the country. tung—shun, apart from having, as you say, nearly 8 million people, is a steel city. they have been in lockdown about a month ago and they've gone back into lockdown. again, you know, that would be very bad news for the people who live there. and in shanghai, the city of 25 million people, the authorities really are struggling to manage it still. i mean, at times, it's been completely chaotic. there are signs now that residents of that city are

not going along with what the government says, they are not coming downstairs to have their tests as they are supposed to do. because they are worried, firstly that they will catch covid—19 and secondly, if they do catch covid—19, they might be forced to go into one of the centralised isolation facilities where they will be sleeping on camp beds, huge hangers, next to people who may beds, huge hangars, next to people who may and this includes very old people, frail, elderly, people who are weak, people who have other sicknesses being made to go to the squalid isolation facilities and it all seems like it's to be part of this unwielding commitment to zero covid—19 that the government here is sort of rolling out in a mantra—type fashion and it's unable to shift policy. it's had this great policy that

worked for so long with no vaccines, but itjust doesn't seem to fit with the 0micron variant and with people who are increasingly vaccinated. now it's time for a look at the weather with carol. carroll, did you have a lovely easter? t carroll, did you have a lovely easter? :, ~ carroll, did you have a lovely easter? ., ,, , ., carroll, did you have a lovely - easter?_ yourself? easter? i did, thank you. yourself? i did. the weather _ easter? i did, thank you. yourself? i did. the weather was _ easter? i did, thank you. yourself? i did. the weather was stunning - easter? i did, thank you. yourself? i did. the weather was stunning forj i did. the weather was stunning for a lot of us today, but today we are looking for a chilly start. a lot of sunshine. it will be hazy at times with fog moving from these towards the s west. they could produce the ad isolated shower here and there. temperatures up a touch from yesterday, looking at ten to 18 celsius, feeling cooler in the breeze along the north sea coastline. through this evening and overnight, clearerskies, temperatures will fall away. you can

see some patches of mist and fog forming, coming infrom see some patches of mist and fog forming, coming in from the shore of south—east scotland and north—east england. 0nce south—east scotland and north—east england. once again it is going to be another chilly night. some low cloud tomorrow lapping on the shore of north—east england and south to scotland. a little bit of cloud across southern england and wales, and a brisk breeze.

hello — this is bbc news: the headlines: western allies promise more military aid for ukraine — as fighting intensifies along a 300—mile frontline in the east of the country. the prime minister appeals for support among conservative mps — ahead of tomorrow's vote on whether he should be investigated over claims he misled parliament. prince harry talks about catching up with the queen for the first time in two years, in an interview with us television hollywood starjohnny depp takes the stand in the us, denying

claims that he abused his ex—wife amber heard. and netflix suffers its first drop in subscribers in a decade, with the company losing 200 thousand customers in the first three months of the year. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here'sjohn. good morning. it was a night when liverpool's fans showed their support for cristiano ronaldo at the loss of his son. as their players demonstrated their dominance over their rivals with a four nil win taking them to the top of the premier league. asjoe wilson reports. seven minutes played at liverpool, applause for manchester united's

number seven. cristiano ronaldo wasn't playing. he was in everyone's thoughts. the death of his baby son is a deeply personal loss but sadness can be shared universally. there are times, even in football, where there is no place for rivalry. the match is always the match. mo salah for diaz! by the seventh minute, liverpool were already winning. luis diaz, as simple as that. this is one of the most competitive fixtures in football traditionally. in for salah. superb. 2—0, mo salah. alex ferguson and the face of every united fan. 0ne team, just waiting for a direction, the other, seeking trophies, lots of them. sadio mane, 3—0. there is a race going on. manchester united are nowhere near it. who would provide the final touch? that is salah, that is 4—0, that is top of the league. next move is manchester city's. joe wilson, bbc news.

this four—nil victory coupled with a five—nil win last october gives them a nine—nil agregate scoreline over two matches and liverpool now have ten matches standing between them and a record four trophies this season. that is something for these supporters. if they want to celebrate that, but it is not for me. i would feel exactly the same, and i know it will last for ever, so they will strike back and they will be there again, they are too powerful. fortonight, be there again, they are too powerful. for tonight, that is the truth. it's embarrassing. it's disappointing. it's maybe even humiliating, but yeah, we just have to accept that they are six years ahead of us now _

i mean, whenjurgen klopp came, and what they have changed at this club, they lifted the whole club, the whole... not only the team, the whole club, the city to a completely different level, and this is what has to happen here in the next transfer windows. winning a title is good, so too is getting promoted back to the big time, just as fulham did last night. they're back in the premier league came after a 3—nil victory over preston on what was a special night for theirfans and manager marco silva who was celebrating on the sidelines, he only took over last summer. 0ther supporters were out on the pitch with the players. three promotions in five years for fulham. history will be made later today at the world snooker championship in sheffield as for the first time ever a player from iran will compete at the sports biggest tournament. hossein vafaei came through two rounds of qualifying to make his debut...

it's a very big achievement for me and my country, they cannot believe, they can do it as well and the younger players and whoever plays their sport. we did it! they can do it as well so hopefully i can go so far in the tournament and be totally respected by my opponents. hopefully, i'll play well and show a good performance and make history again. and former world number one maria sharapova has annnouced that she is pregnant.... the 5 time grand slam winner announced the news on instagram on her 35th birthday. she retired from tennis in 2020 and later that year got engaged to british businessman alexander gilkes. that's all the sport for now. the palestinian red crescent says more than seventy palestinians have been injured in clashes with police at a settler outpost near the occupied west bank village of burqa. the incident follows a march

by as many as twenty thousand israeli nationalists to the evacuated outpost of homesh. the red crescent said police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at palestinians demonstrating against the march. despite the evacuation of the illegal outpost, israeli settlers have established a religious school there. the israeli military has now closed access to the area. let's speak to jordanian journalist and middle east analyst salameh nematt who joins us from amman. there does seem to be in the middle east, in israel, increasing tension between israelis and palestinians. what do you put that down to? this is not the first _ what do you put that down to? tt 3 is not the first time we witness a flare—up of violence. this happens whenever we have some religious occasion where the palestinians come

to clash with thejewish settlers who decide to storm the area, in order to make a point. they can access any area, including places they mustn't. this is attributed to they mustn't. this is attributed to the fact that fundamentally israel does not recognise eastjerusalem as a disputed territory, as part of the west bank and the territory occupied in 1967 in accordance with the resolution to 1a that is calling for the withdrawal of israel. israeli forces, they protectjewish settlers when they want to roam about or have religious rituals and to protect them presumably, the go and i muslim worshippers, even going inside the mosque as we have seen in the videos, going inside the mosque to arrest worshippers which is

unprecedented. all these things of course are going to read lead to frustration and anger and violence all the time the israelis are behaving as if it is allowing everyone to have access to the holy places, theoretically, there is an arrangement, but practically the priority goes to thejewish worshippers who can access any time including in some cases, breaching the mosque, one of the holiest site for palestinians worldwide. latte the mosque, one of the holiest site for palestinians worldwide. we have seen a rocket _ for palestinians worldwide. we have seen a rocket fired _ for palestinians worldwide. we have seen a rocket fired from _ for palestinians worldwide. we have seen a rocket fired from the - seen a rocket fired from the palestinian gaza strip. israel has reply to that with an air strike in gaza. there is a danger of all of this escalating, especially in gaza. this could happen, i have a feeling, a generalfeeling

this could happen, i have a feeling, a general feeling that this time, the israeli government, contrary to the israeli government, contrary to the previous government, they are trying to avoid that kind of escalation which is costly not only in terms of the violence and the results of that violence, but also politically. this government wants to assert the fact that it controls all of the territories in east jerusalem, allowing its own worshippers to go in whenever they want. but at the same time, they want. but at the same time, they want to avoid an escalation by responding in a very major way to the rocket that they fired. especially that there are no casualties reported. i think the israeli government will probably not deliberately try to escalate and get involved again into a war in gaza

where heavy casualties under on the palestinian side and the potential for a response in a violent way as we have seen with the rocket attacks we have seen with the rocket attacks we saw last year and the year before. , , ., ., , ., we saw last year and the year before. ., , ., , before. diplomatically, what is happening _ before. diplomatically, what is happening with _ before. diplomatically, what is happening with the _ before. diplomatically, what is happening with the so-called l before. diplomatically, what is - happening with the so-called peace happening with the so—called peace process? is it dead and buried at the moment?— process? is it dead and buried at the moment? , ., , . the moment? there is no such thing as a eace the moment? there is no such thing as a peace process _ the moment? there is no such thing as a peace process at _ the moment? there is no such thing as a peace process at the moment, | as a peace process at the moment, the fact of the matter is the palestinians are divided over how to approach a peace protest or how to submit an initiative. the palestinian leadership on a national level has not had an election since you cannot say there is a palestinian leadership, that is legitimate in terms of representing the palestinian people. israel is very happy about that, it can always claim there is nobody to negotiate with on the palestinian side. it

looks like everybody is happy and under the circumstances, i do not see how any peace process can move anywhere, especially it does not look like on the israeli side that there is any interest to do that or on the part of washington to initiate anything in that regard. ? interesting. thank you very much for your thoughts. johnny depp — the hollywood actor, has appeared in court in virginia on the the fifth day of the defamation case he brought against his ex—wife, amber heard. the lawsuit centres on an article ms heard wrote for the washington post in which she described herself as a victim of domestic violence. david sillitto was in court — and sent this report. good afternoon, mr depp. good afternoon. can you please tell the jury why you are here today? um... yes. um... that pause rather captures the moment.

his audience, a court, and this, johnny depp's one chance to salvage his reputation. watching was his ex—wife, amber heard, who says she endured months of violence during their brief marriage. all of it, he says, is a lie. never... did i myself reach the point of, um... striking ms heard in any way, nor have i ever struck any woman in my life. two completely opposed accounts of a marriage, and so many of the witnesses are either close friends or employees, and the events, most of them took place behind closed doors. so the heart of this for the lawyers is who to believe, which is why today matters. he talked of childhood abuse, his long career, and the effect of the allegations.

one day, you are... cinderella, so to speak and then in 0.6 seconds, you are quasimodo. and i... ididn't... deserve that, nor did my children, nor did the people who have believed in me for all of these years. 0k, we will take a recess, thank you. throughout, he was careful, hesitant, serious. of course, this isjust one side of the story. amber heard's will follow. but as they rose to leave for recess, a little whistle. a smile. david sillito, bbc news, fairfax, virginia. there's outrage in sri lanka, following the death of a man killed when police fired live

bullets at protesters. 1a others were injured. police in the central town of rambukkana say they used "minimum force" to disperse protesters, but many have questioned the use of live rounds. the violence comes as sri lanka faces its worst economic crisis in more than 70 years. there have been days of protests over huge increases in the price of fuel and medicine, after the government ran out of dollars to finance vital imports. the country has requested emergency financial help from the international monetary fund. 0ur correspondent in colombo — archana shukla — outlined the issues people have come out on the streets to protest about: you know, there's shortages because the government had been unable to import essentials like food, fuel and medicines. there are shortages on the ground and that is intensifying by the day. because of shortages, prices are being hiked. just yesterday, state—run oil companies hiked prices for auto diesel by over 60%. and this is not the first time that prices have gone up.

in the last four months, there have been instances of three or four times when companies have raised prices and that is pinching people. the price of bread was increased yesterday by 30% because flour prices have gone up. all the other essentials have also seen a price rise. you know, inflation has been hovering over 17%. food inflation has been about 23% in the last few weeks and that is certainly pinching household budgets here in sri lanka. the issues, the shortages are more intense in smaller towns outside of colombo, but even in colombo you can see instances of that. and that there is also intensifying agitation on the street which desperate citizens coming out of the street, demanding fuel, demanding food in their departmental stores. just yesterday, there were, you know, thousands of people who blocked a main highway that connects central sri lanka to colombo. police had to in fact use gunshot fires and tear gas to disperse the crowd and one

protester was killed in that. the headlines on bbc news... western allies promise more military aid for ukraine — as fighting intensifies along a 300—mile frontline in the east of the country. the prime minister appeals for support among conservative mps — ahead of tomorrow's vote on whether he should be investigated over claims he misled parliament. prince harry talks about catching up with the queen for the first time in two years, in an interview with us television people using self—driving cars will be allowed to watch television on built—in screens under proposed updates to the highway code. the government says that drivers must be ready to take back control of vehicles when prompted. using mobile phones while driving will remain illegal. let's speak to

simon williams who is road safety spokesman for the rac. it sounds a bit of a contradiction, you can watch television but you cannot use your mobile phone. t cannot use your mobile phone. i think people will struggle with that considerably, particularly the difference being use you are using your hand to hold your telephone to your hand to hold your telephone to your ear and you can take control of the wheel should you need to, but equally, if you are watching or engaged in a television programme while the car is driving, would you be ready to take back control then? there are a few questions that need to be answered about that. aha, lat there are a few questions that need to be answered about that.- to be answered about that. a lot of --eole to be answered about that. a lot of people are — to be answered about that. a lot of people are nervous _ to be answered about that. a lot of people are nervous about - to be answered about that. a lot of people are nervous about driving i people are nervous about driving those cars anyway, the idea of watching television while you are being driven in your self driving car will not appeal to a lot of people. car will not appeal to a lot of --eole. ., , car will not appeal to a lot of --eole. .,, ., ., car will not appeal to a lot of --eole. ., ., ., car will not appeal to a lot of oneole, .,, ., ., ., ., car will not appeal to a lot of --eole. ., . . ., ., people. people do have a lot of concerns about _ people. people do have a lot of concerns about this _ people. people do have a lot of| concerns about this technology. people. people do have a lot of - concerns about this technology. we

all have experience of technology from personal computers and things can go wrong quite regularly. this technology needs to be rock—solid to get people the reassurance they need thatis get people the reassurance they need that is going to protect them and ultimately, as the technology good enough, it has the potential to change our road safety for the better. 1700 people lose their lives on the road every year, and that figure has not gone down, so something needs to change to make our roads safer again. perhaps this is the way, but i think a lot of work needs to be done before the framework is put in place in 2025. abs, framework is put in place in 2025. a lot of work, you say, realistically, when are we talking about? when is it going to become a reality that we are in self driving cars?— are in self driving cars? there is confusion _ are in self driving cars? there is confusion at _ are in self driving cars? there is confusion at the _ are in self driving cars? there is confusion at the moment, - are in self driving cars? there is confusion at the moment, carsl are in self driving cars? there is - confusion at the moment, cars have a lot of technology at the moment, my car has the ability to read road signs and drive itself to some extent. but, equally, iwas on

signs and drive itself to some extent. but, equally, i was on a smart waterway this morning, it does not recognise signs on the carriageway. clearly, the technology needs to be improved to make these automobiles completely robust to give people the reassurance that they will be capable of self driving. they will be capable of self drivinu. , .,, : they will be capable of self drivinu. , ., ., ., driving. give as a time for -- forecast? — driving. give as a time for -- forecast? when _ driving. give as a time for -- forecast? when do _ driving. give as a time for -- forecast? when do you - driving. give as a time for -- forecast? when do you think| driving. give as a time for -- i forecast? when do you think we driving. give as a time for -- - forecast? when do you think we are going to have fully driverless cars on the road? the going to have fully driverless cars on the road?— on the road? the government is sa in: on the road? the government is saying later _ on the road? the government is saying later this _ on the road? the government is saying later this year. _ on the road? the government is saying later this year. the - saying later this year. the framework will not be in place until 2025. i think realistically we will not see it happen until 2025. there are questions around insurance. the point, say an accident occurs, who was driving? was the automobile in control or was the driver taking back control? those moments are key and determine responsibility and who is at fault in an accident. that

whole issue _ is at fault in an accident. that whole issue of _ is at fault in an accident. that whole issue of taking - is at fault in an accident. that whole issue of taking back control, if that becomes necessary, if you are engrossed in a television programme, surely you're going to be distracted, aren't you? i programme, surely you're going to be distracted, aren't you?— distracted, aren't you? i think that is a very good _ distracted, aren't you? i think that is a very good point, _ distracted, aren't you? i think that is a very good point, i _ distracted, aren't you? i think that is a very good point, i do - distracted, aren't you? i think that is a very good point, i do not - distracted, aren't you? i think that is a very good point, i do not think many would contest that. you are completely engaged, would you have your mind on the road and take back control in an instant? the research we've done, there was a lot of concern, a lot of distrust of the technology, people have been in control of their vehicles for so long, it will take a lot of reassurance from manufacturers and also the government for this to work well. it also the government for this to work well. ,., , also the government for this to work well. , ., , . , also the government for this to work well. , . , well. it sounds exciting, yet scary at the same _ well. it sounds exciting, yet scary at the same time. _ well. it sounds exciting, yet scary at the same time. thank- well. it sounds exciting, yet scary at the same time. thank you - well. it sounds exciting, yet scary at the same time. thank you veryj at the same time. thank you very much for being with us. france's president macron and his far—right rival marine le pen will hold a televised debate today, ahead of sunday's vote. the election has focused

on the economy and the rising cost of living. but a growing number of voters feel marginalised by islamophobia and anti—immigration rhetoric in french politics. the bbc s nora fakim has been talking to french muslims in london and paris. meet nadia, born and raised in paris to tunisian parents. she left france and moved to the uk two years ago as she had serious concerns about the impact that france's 2004 secular laws were having on the private sector. every morning, every single morning, i was obliged to take off my headscarf before entering the office. which is very crazy. when i say this to my british colleagues, they are just amazed. they say, "oh, my god." meet nadia, born and raised in paris to tunisian parents. how could it be possible? for us, it's very normal. we don't do any difference.

i love my country because i was born there, i have all my friends there, my family there, so i would love to go back, but i can't find a job with my scarf and i can't come back to a country that does not accept me in my full identity. with such strong views, it is perhaps surprising that islam isn't a major campaign issue ahead of the second round of the presidential elections. and with election fever under way, i make my way to france. while the two final candidates, marine le pen and the present incumbent, president emmanuel macron have in the past courted controversy over issues such as immigration and the place for islam in french society, this time round, the cost of living is dominating discussion. but for some french muslims it means that they are not voting. i didn't vote this year even though i've done it in 2017. as a french moroccan, i didn't recognise myself in any of the candidates this time. despite the overriding focus on the economy and the cost of living, marine le pen

has insisted that should she win power, she would introduce measures such as fining women for wearing hijab in public. meanwhile, in the past, emmanuel macron has said is islam was a religion in crisis. but he has not announced any plans as part of his election manifesto specific to the muslim community. even though the politicians may not be talking about islam this time round, some experts believe it remains a public issue in a country as divided as france. post—war immigration and france's colonial past. that is why now immigration, islam, muslims have featured in news and public debate for the past 40 years. islam is the second largest religion in france and with a population of around 6 million muslims, the challenge for the new president will be to gather and unite french society. the question is, how will the outcome effect muslims and other religious community in the future? nora fakim, bbc news, paris.

venice is about to become the first city in the world to experiment a regulation system of visitor flows. day—trippers will have to make a reservation for visiting the city and will soon have to pay an entry fee.. emily brown reports. the floating city of venice is a unique destination for the millions of tourists who, before the pandemic, flocked to these narrow streets and scenic squares every summer. the easter weekend was the first real sign of the tourism sector bouncing back, with more than 80% occupancy in some of the bigger hotels. but from this summer, venice will be the first city in the world to experiment a regulation system of visitor flows to tackle overcrowding. for day—trippers, reservations will be compulsory and from next year, there will be an entrance fee. translation: covid—19 change feelings and perceptions of what tourism is in the world and in venice too.

so we want less quantity and more quality. we will have an experimental fee starting this summer by the booking of the visits. the entrance fee is set to be up to 10 euros, depending on the season. people staying in hotels and local residents will be exempt. and while venice contends with the volume of visitors, it also banned large cruise ships from sailing into the city's lagoon. authorities hope the tourist tax will reduce daily visits and encourage longer stays. it means tourism in venice may never be the same. emily brown, bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather. good morning. we have started off on a sunny note for many of us and it is going to continue that way with just a few showers in the west. we have a weather front not too far away from the west, it will throw in

more cloud in northern ireland and the low pressure will start to slide southwards. this morning's patchy mist and fog lifting, the cold frosty start lifting, temperatures rising and a lot of sunshine. as the cloud drift west to east, the sanction will be hazy and we could see isolated showers in parts of the west. temperatures from 10 degrees to 18 degrees, warmer than yesterday, north sea coastline it will be cooler if you are exposed to the breeze. tree pollen today is pretty high across much of the uk except northern scotland with low or moderate. this evening and overnight, clearskies, moderate. this evening and overnight, clear skies, the temperature will go down, a touch of frost in parts of south—east scotland, north—east england where we could also see low cloud and fog rolling in from the north sea at times. a chilly start tomorrow, once

again, sunny, tomorrow, you can see where the low cloud and mist and fog will put in an appearance at crow south of scotland and north—east england. furthersouth, more cloud in southern and central england and wales. a potentialfor the odd shower. sunny skies across scotland and northern ireland. a brisk breeze tomorrow coming from the east or north—east. feeling chilly along the north sea coastline. the weather front connected to low pressure goes southwards as we go through the next few days but it looks like it might come back and take a swipe at southern england. look at the isobars, it is going to be windy this weekend. friday, a fair bit of cloud, thick enough for rain and drizzle across southern areas, across the pennines, winds and clouds and a spot of rain. for western scotland and northern ireland, sunshine but with a wind,

it will feel cooler than it has done. saturday, the low pressure close by could produce one or two showers, a fair bit of cloud, the odd shower, brisk winds and temperatures up to 90 celsius.

this is bbc news. these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. western allies promise more military aid for ukraine, as fighting intensifies along a 300—mile frontline in the east of the country. the uk prime minister appeals for support among conservative mps — ahead of tomorrow's vote on whether he should be investigated over claims he misled parliament. the chinese city tung—shun, of nearly eight million people, joins shanghai in a full covid lockdown, as authorities are determined to fight the latest wave of infections. prince harry talks about catching up with the queen for the first time in two years, in an interview with us television. it was just so nice to see her. she was in great form.

she's always got a great sense of humour with me.