let's get more on this with our correspondent charlotte gallagher. talk us through why this decision was made. i talk us through why this decision was made. ~ a a, a, talk us through why this decision was made-— was made. i think it came to the oint was made. i think it came to the point where _ was made. i think it came to the point where it — was made. i think it came to the point where itjust _ was made. i think it came to the point where it just couldn't - was made. i think it came to the point where itjust couldn't go i point where itjust couldn't go ahead. you saw the pictures, the streets in paris, around france, violent scenes, fires, people setting fire to bins and signs and the idea that the british monarch would be there at the same time when security services are stretched, more than a million people came on to the streets of france yesterday and hundreds arrested. and how would it look if the king and the queen consort had the state visit with the pageantry, how would that have looked if protests like that were going on outside? so both france and the british royal family it could

have been quite embarrassing. it the british royal family it could have been quite embarrassing. it was su osed have been quite embarrassing. it was suwosed to — have been quite embarrassing. it was suwosed to be _ have been quite embarrassing. it was supposed to be quite _ have been quite embarrassing. it was supposed to be quite significant? yes, it was king charles�*s first state visit as monarch. he was due to address politicians in the national assembly. to address politicians in the nationalassembly. it to address politicians in the national assembly. it was important for him and important for france. his first trip abroad as king. france is one of the uk's oldest and closest allies. these trips are made at the request of the foreign office, so the royal family don't decide where they're going to go. it is the importance of the links with the uk and the rest of europe, particularly after brexit and the issues that have arisen. as well ahead of coronation, getting people in the mood to celebrate, it wouldn't have looked right. is in the mood to celebrate, it wouldn't have looked right. is the visit to germany _ wouldn't have looked right. is the visit to germany still— wouldn't have looked right. is the visit to germany still going - wouldn't have looked right. is the

visit to germany still going ahead? they were meet politicians and members of public and then france, emmanuel macron is proposing early summer. so it is still going to go ahead, but itjust obviously was so obvious at this point it couldn't have happened next week. they were due to be in paris when there was due to be in paris when there was due to be these massive protest and it would be difficult for the security services with that royal visit and thousands of people toon streets. ., ~ , ., , ., , ., streets. thank you -- people on the streets. a council leader is set to resign after giving the go—ahead for more than 100 trees to be chopped down overnight in plymouth. richard bingley will face a vote of �*no confidence' after he signed off the decision to make way for a town centre redevelopment plan. our south west england correspondent, jenny kumah, has this report. "despicable vandalism." "environmental devastation."

"a chainsaw massacre." just some of the words used by opponents to the felling of 100 trees in plymouth city centre. the contractors came late at night. then at around 1am, campaigners were able to get an injunction to stop the chop. if you're cutting the trees down, it will be a criminal offence. by then, only a few trees remained. you will face the people of plymouth. plymouth city council said, given the size of the tree machinery, it had scheduled the works to be carried out at night with as few people around as possible for public safety reasons. in the cold light of day, the sight of the destruction left many feeling angry. it's just disgraceful that all the protests and all the people's feelings just meant nothing. they're supposed to be putting in new ones, but why cut - down the old ones? they could have left them there. the council will appeal the injunction at the high court in london. if they win, they will be able

to remove the felled trees. they haven't been able to do that yet, because of the injunction. they'll also be able to fell the remaining 16 trees. this is what the council plans for the city centre to look like as part of a £13 million regeneration project. many traders and residents agree a spruce—up is long overdue. the council admit though that a consultation showed overwhelming objections to their plans, but they say they listened and changed the final design to deliver more than 170 semi—mature trees. now, it's the leader of the council richard bingley who used his executive powers to order the felling of the trees. and he hasn't responded to our request for an interview. just a few days ago his conservative group announced that he will resign on monday when he is due to face a no confidence vote. this has been an emotive and divisive issue in plymouth. that's likely to continue to be the case, whatever the judgment is of the case in the high court this afternoon.

the governor of the bank of england has warned businesses not to put up prices — to avoid cementing inflation at its current high level. andrew bailey said that increasing the cost of goods and services could push the cost of living even further, and would hurt the least well—off. our business correspondent marc ashdownjoins me. what has he been saying? he is here that inflation — what has he been saying? he is here that inflation is _ what has he been saying? he is here that inflation is too _ what has he been saying? he is here that inflation is too high _ what has he been saying? he is here that inflation is too high and - what has he been saying? he is here that inflation is too high and needs i that inflation is too high and needs to be brought down. it is the pace at which the prices of goods and services is rising. at the moment, it is at about 10.4%. the bank wants it is at about 10.4%. the bank wants it to be at 2%. you see the target there. we have had that spike, it has gone up hugely in the past year and that is impacting our pockets and that is impacting our pockets and our energy bills and when we fill up our cars. things like cheese, milk, sugar, have gone up,

double digit rises for many. this has been driven by global factors with a hangover from has been driven by global factors with a hangoverfrom covid has been driven by global factors with a hangover from covid and the war in ukraine. what andrew bailey is worried about is it turns into domestic inflation and everything drives up and inflation could stay higherfor drives up and inflation could stay higher for longer.— drives up and inflation could stay higher for longer. sounds like a big ask, businesses _ higher for longer. sounds like a big ask, businesses are _ higher for longer. sounds like a big ask, businesses are huge - higher for longer. sounds like a bigi ask, businesses are huge increases in prices in their costs and he is asking them to not pass on that. what the reaction.— what the reaction. inflation is forecast to — what the reaction. inflation is forecast to come _ what the reaction. inflation is forecast to come down - what the reaction. inflation is i forecast to come down sharply. what the reaction. inflation is - forecast to come down sharply. you saw that graph, but it does tail off in the summer. unless there is another global shock, in the summer. unless there is another globalshock, it in the summer. unless there is another global shock, it will come down sharply. businesses of course telling us they have been doing all they can to keep costs down, but we talked to one restaurant chain who said if he put up his prices to the

point he should do to cover his costs, a pint of beer would be £20 and a steak �*£100. costs, a pint of beer would be £20 and a steak �* £100. the and a steak dinner £100. the hospitality industry says they are facing problems when the help with their bills changes. it is aimed at their bills changes. it is aimed at the supermarkets and petrol stations, what the governor of the bank of england is saying is consider your prices, look to a climate where inflation is low. that goes for wages, he said to workers, don't ask for big pay rises, but thatis don't ask for big pay rises, but that is a difficult message for households and businesses. but if prices do go up, the pain could last for longer. prices do go up, the pain could last for loner. . ~ prices do go up, the pain could last for loner. ., ~ i. king charles will be coronated on 6 may in westminster abbey. now, for the first time

in its history, visitors to westminster abbey will be allowed to stand — in socks — in the exact spot where the king will be crowned. our royal correspondent sarah campbell has more. in six weeks time there will be another coronation. since 1066, 39 monarchs have been crowned here and for 700 years beneath their feet has been this mosaic. it is for 700 years beneath their feet has been this mosaic.— been this mosaic. it is so unusual it is here, — been this mosaic. it is so unusual it is here, italian _ been this mosaic. it is so unusual it is here, italian masons - been this mosaic. it is so unusual it is here, italian masons came i been this mosaic. it is so unusual i it is here, italian masons came here to produce this fantastic mosaic in front of high alter: would have looked amazing. it is front of high alter: would have looked amazing.— front of high alter: would have looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but it _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but it has _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but it has been - in the flesh, but it has been covered up for years. covered with caret covered up for years. covered with carpet and — covered up for years. covered with carpet and boarding, _ covered up for years. covered with carpet and boarding, because - covered up for years. covered with carpet and boarding, because it i covered up for years. covered with l carpet and boarding, because it was

in such a deteriorating condition. that is why when youlike back at footage from the late queen's coronation in 1953, all you can see is the light coloured carpet. the medieval floor, is the light coloured carpet. the medievalfloor, that is the light coloured carpet. the medieval floor, that was uneven and damaged had been covered up. the team spent two years fully restoring the mosaic, with maintenance and ongoing projects. it the mosaic, with maintenance and ongoing projects-_ ongoing pro'ects. it has witnessed so much, ongoing projects. it has witnessed so much, throughout _ ongoing projects. it has witnessed so much, throughout the - ongoing projects. it has witnessed. so much, throughout the centuries, every special event has taken place and probably on the pavement. usually the public is kept well away from the pavement in order to usually the public is kept well away from tf it, avement in order to usually the public is kept well away from tf it, but nent in order to usually the public is kept well away from tf it, but for it in order to usually the public is kept well away from tf it, but for a in order to usually the public is kept well away from tf it, but for a few �*der to usually the public is kept well away from tf it, but for a few short» protect it, but for a few short weeks after the coronation they will be allowed to actually walk on the mosaic as long as of course they take off their shoes. it is mosaic as long as of course they take off their shoes.— mosaic as long as of course they take off their shoes. it is the high altar, it take off their shoes. it is the high altar. it is — take off their shoes. it is the high altar. it is a _ take off their shoes. it is the high altar, it is a sacred _ take off their shoes. it is the high altar, it is a sacred place, - take off their shoes. it is the high altar, it is a sacred place, where l altar, it is a sacred place, where

major— altar, it is a sacred place, where major services take place and normally— major services take place and normally the area is roped off. we think_ normally the area is roped off. we think as _ normally the area is roped off. we think as part of the celebration of coronation — think as part of the celebration of coronation we want to allow a few people _ coronation we want to allow a few people access to pavement to see what it — people access to pavement to see what it is_ people access to pavement to see what it is like and get a real feel and sense — what it is like and get a real feel and sense of space. and what it is like and get a real feel and sense of space.— what it is like and get a real feel and sense of space. and to stand on the lace and sense of space. and to stand on the place where _ and sense of space. and to stand on the place where the _ and sense of space. and to stand on the place where the coronation - and sense of space. and to stand on the place where the coronation chair will have been?— will have been? yes, you can stand in the centre _ will have been? yes, you can stand in the centre point, _ will have been? yes, you can stand in the centre point, where - will have been? yes, you can stand in the centre point, where the - in the centre point, where the coronation _ in the centre point, where the coronation chair sits. you will see the pavement itself in great detail. it is the pavement itself in great detail. it is a _ the pavement itself in great detail. it is a master piece. it is really lovely — it is a master piece. it is really lovel. �* ., ., . , it is a master piece. it is really lovel.�* ., my ., , , lovely. anti-monarchy compiegners o ted not lovely. anti-monarchy compiegners opted not to — lovely. anti-monarchy compiegners opted not to -- _ lovely. anti-monarchy compiegners opted not to -- campaigners- lovely. anti-monarchy compiegners| opted not to -- campaigners carried opted not to —— campaigners carried out a brief protest. on may 6th the focus will again be on this mosaic. a colourful example of abbey�*s long history and connection with the monarchy. now time for the weather. we had some stunning northern lights

pictures shown. not only do we have vivid colours, but it was spotted as far south as southern england. today is a day of sunshine and showers. with more rain around the rain fall totals are up. it has been a wet month and some places have seen double the march rain fall already and there is more rain to come today and there is more rain to come today and there is more rain to come today and the weekend and next week. we can see just how widespread the showers are with more general rain pushing into northern ireland, where we are closest to the centre of lvp. the showers in scotland will be slow—moving. but in england and wales a blustery day. if you find yourself under a shower you could see shower after shower today. so there will be some places in the south that have some unlucky weather. temperatures around 13 or 14 weather. temperatures around 13 or 1a degrees. the winds up to 50mph in

gusts across the south—west. tonight the low pressure pulls away into the north sea. but it stays breezy and there will be cloud and further showers and temperatures staying above freezing at nine degrees. tomorrow the low pressure is still close enough to influence our weather, but there is a ridge of high pressure building into wales and the south—west later. showers initially widespread. the heaviest initially widespread. the heaviest in the afternoon will be in northern ireland and northern ireland. in the south—west it should be a drier end to the day with more sunshine tomorrow afternoon. temperatures on the mild side. for the second half of the weekend we get cooler air. with that showers will turn wintry in scotland in particular. further southin in scotland in particular. further south in england and wales another cloudy day with some prolonged showers for some. the showers could

bring some snowfall across the highest hills in northern scotland. it will feel cooler here, temperatures into single figures and further south temperatures down. and this weekend the clocks change, but the weather doesn't, there is loads more rain next week as well.

this is bbc news — i'm lewis vaughanjones. our top stories. french president emmanuel macron says a visit by king charles has been postponed out of respect — ahead of more planned protests against changes to the country's pension system. china responds to the controversy around social media app tiktok — saying it's never asked any company to hand over data in foreign countries. the price of dissent in russia. how a child's drawing sparked a police investigation, a criminal case — and a family torn apart. british billionaire sirjim ratcliffe puts in a revised bid to buy one of football's biggest names, manchester united.

welcome to the programme. the state visit of king charles to france has been postponed. the french and british governments took the decision following a phone call between president emmanuel macron and the king and follows the widespread protests over france's pension reforms. the interior ministry says more than a50 protestors were arrested and 440 members of the security forces injured. as you can see from these pictures,

there have been significant clashes with police, so, we heard a little from emmanuel macron earlier, let us listen to what he said. translation: i believe that you see the situation linked to the protests . because of pension reform in france. from the moments last night when the unions announced a new day of mobilisation on tuesday, and with the king's visit planned from monday to wednesday, i think we wouldn't be being serious and lacking some sense to propose to his majesty and the queen consort to come and make a state visit in the middle of the demonstrations. our correspondent hugh schofield is monitoring all the developments and has the latest. we guilt a statement mid—morning saying in view of the strikes and protests that were going on, the state visit which was to start on sunday evening through to wednesday, was being postponed and the way they put it was this was a mutual decision, taken by both british and french governments. subsequently,

the british government confirmed the palace, buckingham palace confirmed this, but the emphasis seems to be being this being a french decision so both sides spinning a bit there. but the fact of the matter is that, i think everyone can see that a state visit at this moment, this juncture is not opportune, the violence and the strikes that we saw yesterday, were, you know, dramatic, they were also in bordeaux, where king charles was to go on tuesday. the door of the very town hall which he was to enter was set on fire, and so in these circumstances, president macron put it in brussels, given the fact that the unions had called for tuesday to be the next action day, with big demonstrations again, it wasjust in the with big demonstrations again, it was just in the words of the not serious go ahead with the state visit. i think everyone is is a bit relieved because it was going to be a monumental headache but everyone is disappointed too, and it is is a great loss of face, i think, and a,

defeat and embarrassment for president macron. let defeat and embarrassment for president macron.— defeat and embarrassment for president macron. let us pick up on that issue. — president macron. let us pick up on that issue, because _ president macron. let us pick up on that issue, because clearly - president macron. let us pick up on that issue, because clearly this - that issue, because clearly this state visit is a significant moment for the uk, significant being the first for king charles, and also, in a post—brexit world, an important nod and symbolism being there, how big an issue is it in france, how will politics and people on the street there respond?- will politics and people on the street there respond? well, i mean, in a way obviously _ street there respond? well, i mean, in a way obviously it _ street there respond? well, i mean, in a way obviously it is _ street there respond? well, i mean, in a way obviously it is not _ street there respond? well, i mean, in a way obviously it is not quite - in a way obviously it is not quite as big a deal as britain, it is king charles, the british sovereign's first visit abroad and it is britain that was, you know, making a new step towards europe, and, and so on. the symbolism of it was very acute on the british side but it is important here, you know the french value british relationship, they value british relationship, they value the king, they valued his mother and they wanted this to be an important moment's sealing, you know, this millennium long relationship again, between the two

countries and it wasn't to. the french know that this was a big deal, it was the king's first visit abroad, it was his first exposure as king on the world stage, it was a chance to build relationship, and with europe, and now, after months of organisation, and with all this at stake, they haven't been able to guarantee his security, and the smooth running of the state visit. whereas he can go to berlin, he will go to berlin, and so the state visit, the first state visit will be to germany france's great friendly rival in europe, so, no, it is a big deal, and, it is undoubtedly an embarrassment for macon, at the press conference in brussels he looked very downturn, he looked tired and not his smiling confident self. think he feels very strongly this notion that he was the leader who was to champion europe, but make europe and france's voice heard across the world, and on this key

juncture, when he was to seal a new kind of alliance, or new reestablish the alliance with this great neighbour brings he couldn't do it. it is not a good look for him at all. ., ., ., ., israel's prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, has had talks with uk prime minister rishi sunak in downing street today — but the visit comes at a time of political turmoil in israel. the country has been gripped by months of some of the biggest demonstrations in its history over the government's plans to limit the powers of the courts. here he is leaving downing street earlier. a planned photo opportunity for the gathered media was reportedly cancelled, and there was no joint statement during that meeting. during their meeting, mr sunak and mr netanyahu were expected to discuss strengthening �*strategic ties', the war in ukraine, and forging �*a united international front�*against iran's nuclear programme — that's according to mr netanyahu's office.

paul adams reports. reporter: mr netanyahu! your own attorney general says you are breaking the law. israel's prime minister arriving in downing street this morning. a warm welcome from rishi sunak. but the sounds of anguished protests ringing out behind them. it's nothing mr netanyahu hasn't seen for weeks back home. on a much, much bigger scale. but his domestic woes are following him wherever he goes. for the first time in a really long time, britishjews are really making a stand and making a statement in support of the israeli protesters. they don't want anything to do

with what they see in israel, the racism, the extremism, the deterioration from democracy and liberal values. a battle for the soul of israel has been raging for weeks. mr netanyahu's opponents are furious at legal reforms which they say will undermine the rule of law and shield the prime minister from his own legal difficulties. we have a dictator in israel that is trying to make these people hurt us. you tell your government, you tell your people. protesters outside the british embassy in tel aviv last week. they want israel's traditional allies to intervene, but this week, britain and israel said their bilateral relationship had never been closer. for palestinians, israel's political turmoil forms a noisy backdrop to their own difficult lives. this morning, they queued up at israeli checkpoints hoping to reach jerusalem for the first friday prayers of ramadan. there's real tension here, and violence is on the rise in the west bank. the coming weeks could be challenging. paul adams, bbc news.

russians who protest against the war in ukraine take considerable risks by doing so — they can lose theirjobs. even theirfreedom. but in one town, a russian man currently being prosecuted for anti—war posts on social media risks losing his daughter. the child, who's now 13, has been sent to a children's home and social services are taking legal action to restrict the father's parental rights. pressure on the family began last year after the girl drew an anti—war picture at school. from the town of yefremov steve rosenberg reports. this is the last time masha moskalyov was seen in public. police had just detained herfather for anti war social media posts. masha was taken to a children's home. it was on march 1st. but the story began last year, with a picture. 12—year—old masha drew it at school. "glory to ukraine", it says.

"no to war", as russian missiles fly in. then the problem started. town counsellor olga podolski says masha's father, a single parent, contacted her to say the school, shocked by the drawing, had called the police. her father alexei told me he was dumbfounded. then the police began checking his social media. they told him he was bringing up his daughter in a bad way. the authorities want everyone to toe the line. no one is allowed to have their own opinion. alexei is under house arrest and not allowed to talk to us. since masha drew that picture he's been charged twice with discrediting the russian army. he could now be sent to prison. his lawyer says alexei is distraught without his child. alexei is very worried about his daughter. he doesn't know what's

happening to her. the social services seem obsessed with this family. i think that's purely for political reasons. the family's problems only began after the girl drew that picture. we tried contacting masha's school to get its side of the story. school number nine didn't respond to a written request for comment. so we went along there, but were told, no, we couldn't come in. we tried calling. same result. across town, supporters of the family gathered in court. "return masha to her father", it says. the localjuvenile affairs commission is taking legal action to restrict alexei's parental rights. the commission has yet to respond to our request for comment.

alexei moskalyov had wanted to come here to court, but he wasn't allowed to interrupt his house arrest to be here. even though what's at stake is whether his rights as a father are going to be restricted and whether his child will be taken away from him. local activists are doing what they can to help, buying food and supplies forfather and daughter. but when we ask the moskalyovs neighbours what they think, they're reluctant to say. "i'm scared to", angelina says. "i'm frightened to answer." "sorry", she says. "i won't express an opinion." and that, too, paints a picture of today's russia, of the level of fear. dissent is unacceptable, punishable. what those in power here expect is people's support no matter what decisions are taken. steve rosenberg, bbc news, russia.

the family of a man in northern ireland have been awarded £350,000 in damages after the high court ruled he was tortured by british soldiers. liam holden, who died last year, had said water boarding techniques used while he was in military custody in 1972 had led to him making a false confession of murder. his conviction for that murder was dropped in 2012. i'm joined now by bbc northern ireland's home affairs correspondent, julian o'neill who was in court this morning. talk us through the background to this case. . talk us through the background to this case- -— this case. . this is the last chapter— this case. . this is the last chapter in _ this case. . this is the last chapter in what _ this case. . this is the last chapter in what has - this case. . this is the last chapter in what has been i this case. . this is the last| chapter in what has been a remarkable miscarriage ofjustice remarkable miscarriage of justice story remarkable miscarriage ofjustice story stretching back 50 years to the early years of the troubles as you say in 1972. liam holden was a 19—year—old chef when he confessed to the murder of a british soldier, on the streets of west belfast, he was actually sentenced to the death penalty, but that was commuted to a

life imprisonment term, he served 17 years of that 40 year sentence in jail and another 23 out on license. he began a campaign to keir his name, claiming that his confession had been extracted from him by means of torture, and as you say, his conviction was quashed a decade ago, £23 out on license. he began a campaign to keir his name, claiming that his confession had been extracted from him by means of torture, and as you say, his conviction was quashed a decade ago, he was awarded one million in damages then, the maximum limit but he took a civil case against the ministry of defence and it is that case which has delivered its judgment today.— case which has delivered its judgment today. case which has delivered its 'udument toda . ~ . judgment today. what did the 'udge sa ? . judgment today. what did the 'udge say? . weu, — judgment today. what did the 'udge say? . weu, .— judgment today. what did the 'udge say? . well, i should i judgment today. what did the 'udge say? . well, i should point _ judgment today. what did the judge say? . well, i should point out - judgment today. what did the judge say? . well, i should point out that| say? . well, i should point out that liam holden. _ say? . well, i should point out that liam holden, why— say? . well, i should point out that liam holden, why he _ say? . well, i should point out that liam holden, why he gave - say? . well, i should point out that| liam holden, why he gave evidence say? . well, i should point out that. liam holden, why he gave evidence to the hearing, which took place last year, he died last september, he was not there for —— therefore in court to hear the outcome. thejudge said that he found his testimony truthful, he found that he had

described traumatic experiences where he had been hooded during interrogation, he had been water boarded up to four time, he had a gun tapped against his knee, and against his head, he was threatened he would be shot, unless he confessed to murdering the soldier. the judge accepted all of after that, and awarded his estate £350,000 damages, essentially, £350 , 000 damages, essentially, finding £350,000 damages, essentially, finding that the ministry of defence has mounded a malicious prosecution against him. stand has mounded a malicious prosecution against him-— against him. and given that, how sirnificant against him. and given that, how significant is _ against him. and given that, how significant is this _ against him. and given that, how significant is this being _ against him. and given that, how significant is this being seen - against him. and given that, howl significant is this being seen now? well, we have had a small but significant number of court cases in recent year, where interrogation techniques in the early years of the trouble have come under scrutiny. we have had the case of the 14 robin hood's bay men —— hooded men, they were forced to stand in the stress position, subjected to white noise, what made this case different was

that allegation of water boarding, long before it became a more familiar term, long before it became a more familiarterm, in iraq long before it became a more familiar term, in iraq and more recently, they were allegations mr holden's family and the solicitor say the significance was he have a uk court saying there was an individual subjected to water boarding, in northern ireland, in 1972. thank you very much for thatjulian. china has responded to the controversy surrounding the video sharing app, tiktok, by saying it has never asked any company to provide data located in foreign countries — and has no plans to do so. the foreign ministry spokesperson mao ning was answering questions about the testimony of tiktok�*s ceo shou zi chew in the us congress. tiktok is owned by the chinese company bytedance. mr chew faced a grilling by us lawmakers for five hours on thursday, where he defended the app against concerns it was a threat to us national security.

well, to discuss this further i'm nowjoined by our asia pacific editor, celia hatton. so, lots of people watched that performance yesterday, in the us and now we are getting the reaction to it. .,. , now we are getting the reaction to it. .. , ,., now we are getting the reaction to it. , ., now we are getting the reaction to it. exactly, so, for five hours, i mean many — it. exactly, so, for five hours, i mean many of _ it. exactly, so, for five hours, i mean many of us _ it. exactly, so, for five hours, i mean many of us were - it. exactly, so, for five hours, i mean many of us were glued . it. exactly, so, for five hours, i| mean many of us were glued to it. exactly, so, for five hours, i- mean many of us were glued to this coverage, in congress, and much of it really painted china as the villain out to get us user data. i think beijing is trying to come out swinging against that characterisation. they are trying to paint us law makers as being hysterical as overreacting, they denounced the congressional hearings as a xenophobic witch hunt. today, especially in state media we have one editorial cartoon that stuck out, in the global times it shows joe mccarthy, the us senator who was dominanted in the us in the '40s and 50s and he used, in order to root

outcomism at the time, and so this cartoon harks back to that era, and thatis cartoon harks back to that era, and that is really the thrust of beijing's argument. interesting there, is no-one _ beijing's argument. interesting there, is no-one who - beijing's argument. interesting there, is no-one who watchesl beijing's argument. interesting l there, is no-one who watches us there, is no—one who watches us pollic ticks that will deny these are on occasion acts of theatre and lots of the politicians there are as interested in their questions being televised as the answers some time, however, lots of security experts did say there are fundamental issues. ., ., ~ did say there are fundamental issues. ., ., ,, ., issues. there are, and i think that really that — issues. there are, and i think that really that is _ issues. there are, and i think that really that is where _ issues. there are, and i think that really that is where we _ issues. there are, and i think that really that is where we saw - really that is where we saw tick—tock fall down, because they couldn't make promise misses, they can only say so much then it falls back to china's law, it requires tech companies to hand over user data if it is in the national deemed to be in the national interest. beijing can say they have never asked for this, but the law still very much on the books and i think we have seen in other examples, where tech companies are forced to

bow down to beijing, the communist party has issued its authority over those companies, so i think it is very difficult for beijing to argue it isn't interested in user data, especially when we have cease the chinese department of commerce saying it will oppose a forced sale of tiktok, i wants tiktok to remain part of a chinese owned company. thank you for that celia. opposition leaders in india have denounced parliament's decision to disqualify the congress party leader rahul gandhi as an mp after he was given a two year prison sentence in a defamation case. mr gandhi — who is a key congress party figure — was given a two—year prison sentence for remarks about the prime minister's surname — modi — in a campaign speech in 2019. the congress party says it will challenge the verdict. mr gandhi, who's from india's most influential political dynasty, cannot stand in elections until the verdict is either suspended or overturned. bbc hindi's salman ravi reports from delhi.

one of the most prominent opposition leaders in the country and former president of the congress party, rahul ghandi, has been disqualified from the lower house of the indian parliament on friday. notification to this effect was issued by the secretariat of the lower house, which said that according to law, which provides leader or law maker who is convicted of a crime, or convicted by a court in any part of the country, will be disqualified immediately, and this is the reason that the secretary—general has used this power to issue a notice and pronouncing the disqualification of rahul ghandi. but the congress leaders have met in the party headquarters in delhi, and they said this was actually not a legal move, because disqualification from the lower house of the parliament is only done by the

president of india. the congress leaders are meeting in the country's capital today, to talk out the future course of action after the disqualification of their highest leader in the party. salman ravi, bbc news, delhi. i'm joined now by our south asia regional editor anbarasan ethirajan. where does this leave mr gandhi and the congress party? so just talk us through what is the reaction been, i suppose to this move? in reaction been, i suppose to this move? .,. reaction been, i suppose to this move? ., , ., move? in fact, the opposition leaders from _ move? in fact, the opposition leaders from across _ move? in fact, the opposition leaders from across the - move? in fact, the opposition i leaders from across the country, they were united in condemning this decision to disqualify mr rahul ghandi from parliament. he is is a member of the lower house of parliament and his constituency in the southern state of kerala. one said it was a dark day for democracy, doesn't bode well for ince india's constitutional democracy and it's a ploy by the indue party to target opposition leaders were are critical of policies and they are trying to

curtail kit self and they cannot withstand how the opposition parties are criticising the policies of the government. the governing bjp rejects that. what we are witnesses is many opposition parties the joining hands, that huge setback for the congress party, mr ghandi was able to raise a number of issues in parliament a short while ago curtail kit self and they cannot withstand how the opposition parties are criticising the policies of the government. the governing bjp rejects that. what we are witnesses is many opposition parties the joining hands, that huge setback for the congress party, mr ghandi was able to raise a number of issues in parliament a short while ago in a tweet he said "i am fight fog fog voice of india and ready to pay any price for it. " but ben the bjp says he exceeded his limit and a due process was followed and they had nothing to do with it and mr gandhi should learn how to speak in public meetings. 0k. meetings. ok. thank you for that. it's been confirmed that british billionaire sirjim ratcliffe has put in a revised bid to buy one of the world's biggest football

clubs — manchester united. the qatari banker sheikh jassim is expected to submit a second bid later today. ratcliffe and jassim were the only publicly declared bidders until recently. but now the finnish entrepenuer thomas zilliacus has announced he wants to buy half the club, well, but is it possible that glazers family are just testing the waters — and might not end up well, but is it possible that glazers family are just testing the waters — and might not end up selling the club? here's more from a journalist and founder of the united we stand fanzine andy mitten. it would be a big turn round if they did that and fans would fear that, because they are not popular, but they could retreat and say that, the offers which came forward were not as high as they expected, and they want to carry on at manchester united. they would need some outside funding though, manchester united needs equity, the club needs to spend money on player because it has overspent on players and it need money to redevelop old trafford and the training ground. so the original reason they went to market is because they needed to get money from somewhere. so

because they needed to get money from somewhere.— because they needed to get money from somewhere. so what would the fans think of — from somewhere. so what would the fans think of let _ from somewhere. so what would the fans think of let us _ from somewhere. so what would the fans think of let us look _ from somewhere. so what would the fans think of let us look first - from somewhere. so what would the fans think of let us look first of - fans think of let us look first of all atjim radcliffe and sheikh jassimjassim. lots all atjim radcliffe and sheikh jassim jassim. lots of ethical questions of holding the world cup in qatar, so what would the fans think of a qatari owner? it it defend which fans you ask. some are not bothered. it is all about football. some have grave reservations and don't want manchester united to become a sports watching project because they were critical of manchester city and psg. so it depends on ho you ask. this isn'tjust so it depends on ho you ask. this isn't just about who goes to so it depends on ho you ask. this isn'tjust about who goes to the games and who doesn't, because often fans who go to matches have different opinion, i have friends who go to games home and away who reservations and don't want manchester united to become a sports watching project because they were critical of manchester city and psg. so it depends on ho you ask. this isn'tjust so it depends on ho you ask. this isn't just about who goes to so it depends on ho you ask. this isn'tjust about who goes to the games and who doesn't, because often fans who go to matches have different opinion, i have friends who go to games home and away who would prefer the "ry, i would say

most do not. they would prefer the jim radcliffe bid. if you look online you get the opposite. a lot of people the qatari also have the deepest pockets and that will be best for manchester united. stand deepest pockets and that will be best for manchester united. and then ou scr the best for manchester united. and then you scr the finnish _ best for manchester united. and then you scr the finnish backer. _ best for manchester united. and then you scr the finnish backer. the - best for manchester united. and then you scr the finnish backer. the fans l you scr the finnish backer. the fans want steadiness i guess, they don't like being in this limbo i presume. the longer it goes on the more problematic it could become. manchester united are looking at which player nasse i are signing for next season and they need stable. the manager who has done very well, erik ten hag, he has needs a clear indication to continue his good work, this has gone from being a few week, stretched out more and more, and i always thought the glazers would want an auction situation so they could realise the highest price. it is becoming a bit of a soap opera now, more so in the international week when there is no club football and same old for manchester united, we are always in the news. ., ., ~ , .,

the news. thanks to andy who was s-ueakin the news. thanks to andy who was speaking to — the news. thanks to andy who was speaking to anita. _ the news. thanks to andy who was speaking to anita. that _ the news. thanks to andy who was speaking to anita. that is - the news. thanks to andy who was speaking to anita. that is it - the news. thanks to andy who was speaking to anita. that is it from l speaking to anita. that is it from me. i will back in a couple of minutes, this is bbc news. not on did we have vivid colours but theer aurora was spotted far south. today, is a day of sunshine and showers and with more rain round, well those rainfall totals continue to tot up. it has been a very wet month. some places had nearly seen double the march rainfall and there is loads more rain to come today into the weekend and next week as well. now, on the radar picture we can see how widespread today's showers are with more general rain pushing into northern ireland, with are closest to our centre of low pressure. the showers in scotland will be particularly slow—moving because it is not particularly windy

but in england and wales say it blustery day. that will blow the shower clouds through but if you find yourself under this line of showers extending just into north london, well, you could see shower after shower after shower today, so there will be some places across the south that have some pretty unlucky weather, temperatures round 13 or 14, the winds up to 40 or everybody 50mph in gusts across the south—west. overnight tonight the low pressure pulls away into the north sea but it stays breezy and there will be patches of cloud round and temperatures staying above freezing four to nine degrees, tomorrow the low pressure is still close enough to influence our weather, however, there is a ridge of high pressure building into wales and the south—west. so showers initially widespread. some of the heaviest ones into the afternoon will by a cross northern ireland, the midland and into east anglia, in southern wales and south—west england it should be a drier end to the day, with more in the way of sunshine tomorrow afternoon.

temperatures, still on the mild side but then, for the second half of the weekend we start to get cooler air arriving from the north. with that shower also start to turn wintry in scotland. another cloudy day with prolonged outbreak of rain for some, the showers could bring snow fall across some of the highest hills in northern scotland. it will feel cooler here, temperatures down into single figures and further south temperatures down on what we are seen over recent days. a quick reminder, this weekend the clock change but the weather doesn't, there is loads more rain next week as well.

this is bbc news, the headlines: king charles' visit to france has been postponed, as demonstrations continue against changes to the country's retirement age. at least 450 people have been arrested and hundreds of police officers injured. the french president says the decision to postpone is common sense. israel's prime minister benjamin netanyahu is in london for talks with british leaders today — amid mounting political turmoil at home. fierce demonstrations have continued in israel over his government's controversial reforms that would limit the power of the courts. india's congress party has vowed to challenge a decision to disqualify opposition mp rahul gandhl on thursday, mr gandhi was handed a two year prison sentence in a defamation case. the disqualification is in

accordance with parliamentary rules. sport and for a full round up from the bbc sport centre, here's lizzie. harry kane will be england's record goalscorer for many years to come — according to the man who previously held the title. kane's goal last night against italy was number 54 in an england shirt and saw him surpass wayne rooney's record. after a night to remember in naples, the current england captain admits the achievement is a special moment for him. this is the morning after a special night for the team, for myself personally. yeah, first win in italy for a long, long time for england. so a big credit to all the boys for that amazing performance. and then p

personally a really special night. so proud to be england's all—time record goal scorer. something i didn't even dream about when i was younger. but it feels really special. i want to thank my team mates and the staff at england and everyone's who helped me along the way — my wife and family back home, my friends, the fans that supported me my whole journey with england. well there have been plenty of tributes, following kane's goal. rooney tweeted: "i knew it wouldn't take too long, but that was quick. congratulations harry. whilst gary lineker called it a "wonderful achievement" for kane. and alan shearer also said: "congratulations, harry kane, england's all—time record scorer." there was also reaction from the lionesses�* all—time record goalscorer ellen white — "huge congratulations harry kane".

meanwhile, tomorrow scotland begin their european qualifying campaign at home to cyprus and ahead of that match there's been some good news for manager steve clark. he's agreed to remain as manager of the mens team until 2026. clarke, who's now 59, took over from alex mcleish in 2019 and led the side to the euro 2020 finals. scotland are bidding to reach back to back euros, after failing to make the qatar world cup. we all want to play in major tournaments, especially from what we have recently done and recently showed what we can do, i think going forward we need to make sure we build that momentum and keep trying to build together to... make sure when these opportunities come up we don't miss out on those opportunities, because the last thing you want to be is at home watching that. wales are also in action on saturday — they face a tough opening match in croatia.

it'll be a new look wales side, following the retirements of gareth bale, chris gunter, joe allen and jonny williams. but rob page will also be without one of his new talents in the squad. brennanjohnson has not travelled with the squad because of injury. the nottingham forest forward hasn't been ruled out of wales' match with latvia on tuesday. leeds united have closed their elland road stadium "following reports of a security threat to the premises". police say "investigations are currently ongoing to establish the credibility of that threat". leeds united say the "offices, ticket office, foundation offices and club shop at elland road will be closed until further notice on the advice of the police". the premier league club have sent staff home because of the incident. uk athletics says it welcomes yesterday's decision by the world governing body to ban transgender women from competing in the female category at international events. in a statement today, uk athletics said:

and that's all the sport for now. the head of the education watchdog for england, ofsted, says school inspections will continue — despite calls for them to be paused, after a headteacher in reading took her own life. ruth perry's family says she'd found the pressure of an inspection 'intolerable'. the chief inspector of schools amanda spielman says ofsted's work is important to parents — though she added there is a legitimate debate to be had about changing the grading system. tim muffett has this report. "she was an exemplary leader at a wonderful school," according to a statement from her family. headteacher ruth perry took her own life whilst waiting for the publication of an ofsted report, a report that downgraded her school, caversham primary in reading, from outstanding to inadequate.

ruth was under enormous stress before she died. she knew the outcome of her report but was unable to tell her staff, which is incredibly distressing. for ruth, for 54 days, she was unable share that information, that really crucial and actually quite world destroying for all of the staff there at caversham. and it's such a tricky and difficult time for head teachers. there have now been calls for ofsted inspections to be paused and reformed. in her first public statement since ruth perry's death, ofsted's chief inspector amanda spielman described it as a tragedy. she went on to defend the current system. ofsted inspectors seek to assess the overall effectiveness

of schools in england, looking at the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management. after a two—day visit, schools are placed into into one of four categories — outstanding, for the very best, good for those not quite in the top tier, requires improvement, inadequate. the national education union has been campaigning for ofsted to be replaced and the inspection process changed. it held a protest outside the department for education in london with banners and photographs of ruth perry. a petition calling for change had more than 50,000 signatures. our members tell us we need an inspection system fit for purpose, one that does notjudge schools on a single—word judgment based on a two—day visit. teaching unions also say disruption caused by covid and issues with recruitment add to the need

for radical reform of ofsted's inspection framework. despite all the problems, ofsted has i believe been a force for good over the last 30 years. yes, it holds schools to account, but it has helped to raise standards, it has challenged schools to do better and it has challenged over the years governments as well, when ofsted as an independent inspector believes it is going wrong. the department for education said inspections remain hugely important because they hold schools to account. teaching unions however are determined to ensure ruth perry's death is a catalyst for change. tim muffett, bbc news. the governor of the bank of england has warned businesses not to put up prices — to avoid cementing inflation at its current high level. andrew bailey said that increasing the cost of goods and services

could push the cost of living even further, and would hurt the least well—off. for more on this, i spoke earlier to business correspondent marc ashdown. it is the pace of course at which the prices of goods and services we pay for is rising. at the moment it is at about 10.4%. the bank wants it to be at 2%. it bumbles along at 2% normally. but it has gone up hugely over the past year and that is having an impact on our pockets, the cost of energy and fuel, and staples like cheese and milk have gone up, double digit rises for a lot of our shopping. until now this has been driven by globalfactors shopping. until now this has been driven by global factors a hangover from covid and issue with supply chains and the war in ukraine. the

governor is worried that turns into domestic inflation and could stay high for much longer. it domestic inflation and could stay high for much longer.— domestic inflation and could stay high for much longer. it sounds like a bi ask, high for much longer. it sounds like a big ask, businesses _ high for much longer. it sounds like a big ask, businesses have - high for much longer. it sounds like a big ask, businesses have huge i a big ask, businesses have huge increases in prices in their costs and he is asking them to not pass that on. business reaction? first the reason _ that on. business reaction? first the reason he _ that on. business reaction? first the reason he is _ that on. business reaction? first the reason he is saying - that on. business reaction? first the reason he is saying it - that on. business reaction? f "sit the reason he is saying it now is because inflation is forecast to come down sharply. it does tail off in the summer. unless there is another big shock, the prices won't go another big shock, the prices won't 9° up another big shock, the prices won't go up as fast. it will come down sharply. but businesses of course telling the us they have been doing all they can to keep costs down and one restaurant said if he put his prices to the point he should do to cover his costs a pint of beer would be £20 and you imagine how much business he could get. uk hospitality said businesses are facing problems when the help with

their energy bills changes. but this is aimed at the supermarkets and the petrol stations, there is a saying that prices go up like a rocket and come down like a feather. he said to workers don't ask for big pay rises. but it is a difficult message for households and businesses. the message is if prices goup the pain could go on for longer. the government has formally adopted its revised post—brexit deal for northern ireland with the eu — two days after mps voted overwhelmingly to support it. the foreign secretary james cleverly and the european commission's maros sefcovic chaired a joint meeting in london today to adopt the so—called windsor framework. the bbc says it won't continue filming the latest series of top gear, following an accident in december where its presenter freddie flintoff was hurt.

there are reports this morning that flintoff has decided to leave the programme — the bbc has not commented. our entertainment correspondent lizo mzimba reports. and you're expecting me... yeah. ..to go down there? freddie flintoffjoined top gear in 2019. along with co—presenters paddy mcguinness and chris harris, he helped to reverse the fall in ratings that had followed the departure ofjeremy clarkson, richard hammond and james may four years earlier. the incident at top gear's test track at dunsfold park aerodrome in surrey last december, resulted in freddie flintoff being taken to hospital for treatment. just over three months later, bbc studios, which produces the bbc one show, says it's concluded its report into what happened. it says that it has sincerely apologised to flintoff,

and that it'll continue to support him throughout his recovery. it says that it has sincerely apologised to flintoff, and that it'll continue to support him throughout his recovery. in a statement, it also says that, under the circumstances, it would be inappropriate to resume making the current series of top gear at this time, and that it will make a judgment about how best to continue later this year. three, two, one, go! there was also an initial inquiry by the health and safety executive into the incident. it said that it wouldn't be investigating further. lizo mzimba, bbc news. the bbc has suspended its decision to close its choir — the bbc singers — after a public outcry. it said a number of organisations had come forward to offer alternative funding. the group is britain's only full—time professional chamber choir and was targeted as part of budget cuts, shortly before its centenary. choirs across europe added their voices to those of many professional musicians and music lovers in the uk who expressed dismay at the original decision. if you couldn't get tickets

for the eurovision song contest final in liverpool — you'll be able to watch it in a cinema, because it's going to be screened live across the uk for the first time. more than 500 cinemas are taking part — tickets go on sale on monday morning. organisers are encouraging fancy dress and singalongs. tickets for the live show at the liverpool arena arena sold out in less than 40 minutes when they were released earlier this month. gene—edited food can now be developed and sold in england after a change in the law. supporters of the technology say it will speed up the development of crops that will adapt better to climate change. critics argue that the move could bring ”disaster” to food production and the environment. here's our science correspondent, pallab ghosh. this research centre in cambridgeshire has been developing crops forfarmers for cambridgeshire has been developing crops for farmers for more than 100 years. they cross breed different varieties to produce new ones that

grow better and are more resistant to diseases. it can take 10 to 15 years of development. but from now they can use a new genetic technology called gene editing that can half that time. the technology called gene editing that can half that time.— can half that time. the thing we need to do _ can half that time. the thing we need to do is — can half that time. the thing we need to do is adapt _ can half that time. the thing we need to do is adapt to _ can half that time. the thing we need to do is adapt to climate l need to do is adapt to climate change. need to do is adapt to climate chan . e. . need to do is adapt to climate chance. ., ., ., , need to do is adapt to climate chance. ., ., .,, , ., , change. the head of the lab shows me what can be — change. the head of the lab shows me what can be done _ change. the head of the lab shows me what can be done with _ change. the head of the lab shows me what can be done with gene _ change. the head of the lab shows me what can be done with gene editing. i what can be done with gene editing. one of the characteristics we are looking into weeds is the root structure. with weeds we have a shallow root structure. but some varieties can go deeper and will be better prepared for climate change. he believes traditional methods won't be able to produce all the food we need in a warming world. if we don't thing it is into how we can improve crops, we will struggle to feed the world. the improve crops, we will struggle to feed the world.—

improve crops, we will struggle to feed the world. the uk is among the leaders in plant _ feed the world. the uk is among the leaders in plant genetics, _ feed the world. the uk is among the leaders in plant genetics, but - feed the world. the uk is among the leaders in plant genetics, but there l leaders in plant genetics, but there has been a ban on the commercial development of the technology. the hope is the change in law will attract greater investment, leading to new companies, jobs and new foods. but gene edited foods will be allowed in scotland, wales and northern ireland, because the devolved governments won't be changing their rules. and there is opposition from campaign groups in england. the opposition from campaign groups in encland. , ,, ., opposition from campaign groups in encland. ,, ., , opposition from campaign groups in encland. , ,, ., ,, england. the process of this bill has been one — england. the process of this bill has been one of— england. the process of this bill has been one of the _ england. the process of this bill| has been one of the government consulting — has been one of the government consulting a narrow range of vested interest _ consulting a narrow range of vested interest scientists, usually in the biotech— interest scientists, usually in the biotech industry who say this change in the _ biotech industry who say this change in the law— biotech industry who say this change in the law will have no consequences. history has shown that when we _ consequences. history has shown that when we remove regulations there is a disaster— when we remove regulations there is a disaster on the horizon. the when we remove regulations there is a disaster on the horizon.— a disaster on the horizon. the next ste is to

a disaster on the horizon. the next step is to allow _ a disaster on the horizon. the next step is to allow gene _ a disaster on the horizon. the next step is to allow gene edited - a disaster on the horizon. the next. step is to allow gene edited animals on the market. but that will require another vote at westminster after mps are satisfied won't suffer. 179 british servicemen and women were killed during the iraq war that followed the us led invasion 20 years ago. 3,500 others were wounded, and many more suffered mental trauma. our correspondent caroline hawley has been talking to 3 people whose lives were scarred by their service in iraq — now finding healing at sea. her report contains emotional testimony that you may find upsetting. these iraq veterans are now moving forward with their lives and helping others do the same. sean set up a sailing charity for those scarred by their experience. paul is the chief instructor. being out on the water, mother nature as well. that's how i came about sailing — was to find something to keep me occupied.

paul did two tours during the iraq war. i wouldn't want it to be forgotten about. there was a lot of people did some great work out there. a lot of people died doing that work. and like, as always, we should never forget that side. did you know people who died? yes. some close friends. yeah. over the years. sean's job as a medic in the raf, a trained a&e nurse, was to save lives. multiple casualties, significant injuries, absolutely life—changing, multiple deaths. some of the decisions i had to make were really challenging, with limited resources. sometimes you had to say no. you know, that was really, really hard. jan was injured when the helicopter she was travelling in was shot down in baghdad. after her leg was amputated, she was medically discharged from the navy. i fitted into civvy street 0k.

i still have my anger issues. i still have my nightmares, which i struggle with. - i only sleep about three or four hours a night. i and when you look back now on the iraq war, how do you feel about it? i don't see the point- personally of wars, any wars. because nobody ever wins a war, do they? i it's just a lot of - pain and suffering. thousands of veterans like jan have now sailed with the charity turn to starboard and experienced the therapeutic effect. sean wanted others to benefit after it helped him find a way out of the darkest point of his life. i was no use to anybody. and i had some really awful, negative thoughts. i never actually attempted to kind of take my own life, but i certainly thought about it. the charity's got veterans of iraq still coming forward for help two decades on. here they can recreate the camaraderie, the sense of belonging, of pulling together that many miss when they

leave the military. we've got 22 yacht masters on the programme. three of those attempted suicide last year. now, we've sailed them and you see this positivity and excitement about their futures, and then they go home and have a conversation with their other half and there's light. it's extraordinarily positive. i love myjob, i love every day and i know that my family are really proud of what i've achieved. campaigners have won a bid to continue a high court injunction preventing the further felling of trees in plymouth city centre. a row over the cutting down of more than 100 trees last week has triggered the resignation of the city council's leader richard bingley. our south west england correspondent, jenny kumah, has this report. "despicable vandalism." "environmental devastation." "a chainsaw massacre."

just some of the words used by opponents to the felling of 100 trees in plymouth city centre. the contractors came late at night. then at around 1am, campaigners were able to get an injunction to stop the chop. if you're cutting the trees down, it will be a criminal offence. by then, only a few trees remained. you will face the people of plymouth. plymouth city council said, given the size of the tree machinery, it had scheduled the works to be carried out at night with as few people around as possible for public safety reasons. in the cold light of day, the sight of the destruction left many feeling angry. it's just disgraceful that all the protests and all the people's feelings just meant nothing. they're supposed to be putting in new ones, but why cut - down the old ones? they could have left them there. today the council lost its appeal against the injunction. this what is

the council aims for the city centre to look like as part of a £13 million revamp. many traders and residents agree a spruce—up is long overdue. but many said they were against the council's plans. the authorities say they have listened and changed the final design so it will deliver more than 170 semi—mature trees. now, it's the leader of the council richard bingley who used his executive powers to order the felling of the trees. and he hasn't responded to our request for an interview. just a few days ago his conservative group announced that he will resign on monday when he is due to face a no confidence vote. this has been an emotive and divisive issue in plymouth. that's likely to continue to be the case, whatever the judgment is of the case in the high court this afternoon. for the first time, visitors to westminster abbey

will be allowed to walk on the very spot in front of the high altar where king charles will have been crowned. since the 19th century the mediaeval mosaic floor known as the cosmati pavement has been covered with carpet, or roped off to the public. but for a few weeks after the coronation, it will be open to the public — but only if shoes are removed. our royal correspondent sarah campbell reports. injust six weeks' in just six weeks' time westminster abbey will host another coronation. since 1066, 39 monday monarchs have been crowned her and beneath their feet is the cosmati pavement. it is feet is the cosmati pavement. it is so unusual— feet is the cosmati pavement. it is so unusual it _ feet is the cosmati pavement. it is so unusual it is _ feet is the cosmati pavement. ht 3 so unusual it is here, italian masons came here and collaborated with the english masons to produce this fantastic mosaic at the heart of westminster abbey. it would have

looked amazing. it is of westminster abbey. it would have looked amazing.— looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but it _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but it has _ looked amazing. it is so beautiful in the flesh, but it has been - in the flesh, but it has been covered up for years. covered with caret covered up for years. covered with carpet and — covered up for years. covered with carpet and boarding, _ covered up for years. covered with carpet and boarding, because - covered up for years. covered with carpet and boarding, because it i covered up for years. covered with. carpet and boarding, because it was in such a deteriorated condition and couldn't be used. that in such a deteriorated condition and couldn't be used.— couldn't be used. that is why when ou look couldn't be used. that is why when you look at — couldn't be used. that is why when you look at footage _ couldn't be used. that is why when you look at footage of _ couldn't be used. that is why when you look at footage of queen's - you look at footage of queen's coronation, all you can see is the carpet. the floor which was uneven and damage had been covered up since victorian times. the team spent two years restoring the mosaic. it victorian times. the team spent two years restoring the mosaic.- years restoring the mosaic. it has witnessed so _ years restoring the mosaic. it has witnessed so much. _ years restoring the mosaic. it has witnessed so much. throughout. years restoring the mosaic. ht uas witnessed so much. throughout the centuries. every special event has taken place. and probably on the cosmati pavement.— taken place. and probably on the cosmati pavement. usually the public is ke -t cosmati pavement. usually the public is kept away — cosmati pavement. usually the public is kept away from _ cosmati pavement. usually the public is kept away from the _ cosmati pavement. usually the public is kept away from the cosmati - is kept away from the cosmati pavement, to protect it. but for a few short weeks, after the coronation, they will be allowed for the first time to walk on the

mosaic, as long as of course they take off that are shoes. it is mosaic, as long as of course they take off that are shoes.— take off that are shoes. it is the hith take off that are shoes. it is the high altar. _ take off that are shoes. it is the high altar. it— take off that are shoes. it is the high altar, it is _ take off that are shoes. it is the high altar, it is a _ take off that are shoes. it is the high altar, it is a sacred - take off that are shoes. it is the high altar, it is a sacred space l high altar, it is a sacred space where — high altar, it is a sacred space where major services take place and for normal— where major services take place and for normal visiting the area is roped — for normal visiting the area is roped off~ _ for normal visiting the area is roped off. but we think as part of celebration of coronation we want to allow— celebration of coronation we want to allow a _ celebration of coronation we want to allow a few— celebration of coronation we want to allow a few people access to the pavement to see what it is like and .et pavement to see what it is like and get a _ pavement to see what it is like and get a real— pavement to see what it is like and get a real feel and a sense of the space _ get a real feel and a sense of the sace. �* get a real feel and a sense of the sace. ~ ., get a real feel and a sense of the sace. �* ., , . get a real feel and a sense of the sace. ~ ., , ., ., , space. and to stand on the place where the _ space. and to stand on the place where the coronation _ space. and to stand on the place where the coronation chair - space. and to stand on the place where the coronation chair will i space. and to stand on the place i where the coronation chair will have been? . where the coronation chair will have been? , , ., where the coronation chair will have been? , ,, .., where the coronation chair will have been? , ,., been? yes, you can stand in the centre point _ been? yes, you can stand in the centre point where _ been? yes, you can stand in the centre point where the - been? yes, you can stand in the. centre point where the coronation seat sits— centre point where the coronation seat sits and see the pavement itself _ seat sits and see the pavement itself in — seat sits and see the pavement itself in great detail. it is a master— itself in great detail. it is a master piece and has been there since _ master piece and has been there since 1268. it is lovely. anti—monarchy compiegners opted not to remove their shoes at a protest there. on may 6th the focus will again be on this mosaic. a colourful

example of abbey's long history and connection with the monarchy. now time for the weather. we have had some stunning northern lights pictures sent to us with it particularly active and we have some vivid colours and it was spotted far south. today is a day of sunshine and showers and with more rain around, well, the rain fall totals will tot up. some places have nearly seen double the march rain fall and there is more rain to come. on the radar, we can see how widespread the showers are, with more general rain pushing into northern ireland, where we are close toast the centre of low pressure. the showers in scotland will be slow—moving, but in england and wales it is a blustery day. if

you find yourselves under this line of showers, you could see shower after shower. some places have some unlucky weather. temperatures around 13 or 14 degrees. the winds up to 50mph in the south—west. tonight the low pressure pulls away into the north sea, but it stays breezy and there will be cloud and further showers and temperatures staying above freezing. tomorrow, the low pressure is still close enough to influence our weather. however there is a ridge of high pressure building into wales and the south—west later. showers initially widespread, the heaviest one in the afternoon will be in northern ireland, northern england, the midlands and east anglia. in the south—west it should be a drier end to the day. temperatures still on the mild side, but for the second half of the weekend we get some cooler air arriving from the north and with

that showers will start to turn wintry across scotland in particular. further south in england and wales another cloudy day with prolonged outbreaks of rain for some. the showers could bring some snow across the highest hills in northern scotland. it will feel cooler here. and even further south temperatures down on what we have seen. a reminder this weekend, the clocks change, but the weather doesn't — there is loads more rain next week as well. there is loads more rain next week as well.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories. a state visit by king charles to france is postponed — ahead of more planned protests against president emmanuel macron's pension reforms. the price of dissent in russia: how a child's drawing sparked a police investigation, a criminal case — and a family torn apart. india's congress party says it'll challenge a decision to disqualify opposition mp rahul gandhi — after he was handed a two year prison sentence in a defamation case. british billionaire sirjim ratcliffe puts in a revised bid to buy one of football's biggest names, manchester united.

ing for the voice in india and the state visit of king charles to france has been postponed. the french and british governments took the decision following a phone call between president emmanuel macron and the king and follows the widespread protests over france's pension reforms. they are been fairly dramatic. a million people at the last count but certainly over a long period of time, thousands out on the streets of parisers and other cities round france, protesting against the pension reforms, emmanuel macron wanting to raise the pension age from 62 up to 64, and given there are plans for protests to continue into the next week, the decision was taken that actually perhaps the

state visit by king charles was not the right time, so it has been postponed. we don't know until when but we will find some more details of that, but first let us get a couple more details from our correspondent following this. sorry, first let us hearfrom emmanuel macron. sorry, first let us hear from emmanuel macron. translation: i believe that you see the situation linked to the protests . because of pension reform in france. from the moments last night when the unions announced a new day of mobilisation on tuesday, and with the king's visit planned from monday to wednesday, i think we wouldn't be being serious and would be lacking some sense to propose to his majesty and the queen consort to come and make a state visit in the middle of the demonstrations. our paris correspondent hugh schofield said that this decision does seem to be coming from the french side. think everyone can see that a state visit at this moment, this juncture

is not opportune, the violence and the strikes that we saw yesterday were, you know, dramatic, they were also in bordeaux, where king charles was to go on tuesday, the door of the very town hall he was to enter was set on fire, so in these circumstancesings, as president macron put it in brussels, given the fact the unions has call for tuesday to be the next action day with big demonstrations, it was in the words of the president not serious to go ahead with the state visit, think everyone is a bit relieved, because it was going to be a monumental headache, but everyone is disappointed too. it's a great loss of face, i think and a defeat and embarrassment for president macron. let's get more on this with our correspondent charlotte gallagher. this was due to be a symbolic moment. it this was due to be a symbolic moment-— this was due to be a symbolic moment. ., , �* , , moment. it was the king's first state visit _ moment. it was the king's first state visit since _ moment. it was the king's first state visit since becoming - moment. it was the king's first - state visit since becoming monarch, he was due to address french

politician, in the first british monarch to do that, there was going to be a parade, a banquet at versailles but obviously it became apparent this couldn't go ahead. i mean imagine the pictures, king charles and camilla going down the champions dell see there are fires being set, people protest, tear gas, people being arrested, the security implication were just much too big for this situation and also, how it would look importantly, those photos would look importantly, those photos would have become the picture of the visit, him going through paris while all this was going on round him, that would have been embarrassing notjust that would have been embarrassing not just for the royal that would have been embarrassing notjust for the royal family but for france and president macron, who wanted to show the king paris in all its glory. wanted to show the king paris in all its rlo . ,, . wanted to show the king paris in all itsrlo .,,. ., , wanted to show the king paris in all itsrlo . ., ,, its glory. stating the obvious but these aren't _ its glory. stating the obvious but these aren't protests, _ its glory. stating the obvious but these aren't protests, nothing i its glory. stating the obvious but these aren't protests, nothing to its glory. stating the obvious but i these aren't protests, nothing to do with the uk, they are nothing to do with the uk, they are nothing to do with the uk, they are nothing to do with the monarchy.— with the monarchy. absolutely not. the are with the monarchy. absolutely not. they are to — with the monarchy. absolutely not. they are to do _ with the monarchy. absolutely not. they are to do with _ with the monarchy. absolutely not. they are to do with pension - with the monarchy. absolutely not. | they are to do with pension reforms in france which are being pushed through by the president. so many people are furious about this, a

million people took to the streets yesterday, as hugh said, the town hall door in bordeaux where king charles was meant to go was set on fire, in that city alone 900 fires were set yesterday, how would security services been able to cope with that and the visit of a british monarch and all the tight security that comes with that, the visit to bordeaux was meant to be about organic vineyards and it would have been about the situation in paris, and those would have been the questions being asked of the french government and the british royal family and it wouldn't have been about the visit any more. so family and it wouldn't have been about the visit any more.- family and it wouldn't have been about the visit any more. so that is postponed- — about the visit any more. so that is postponed. what _ about the visit any more. so that is postponed. what happens - about the visit any more. so that is postponed. what happens to - about the visit any more. so that is postponed. what happens to the i about the visit any more. so that is i postponed. what happens to the visit in total? 50 postponed. what happens to the visit in total? ., , ., , postponed. what happens to the visit in total? .,, ., , ., in total? so there was two parts of this visit, in total? so there was two parts of this visit. they _ in total? so there was two parts of this visit, they were _ in total? so there was two parts of this visit, they were going - in total? so there was two parts of this visit, they were going to - this visit, they were going to france then germany, the german part is going ahead, they will be going to germany, and the visit to france, it is has been postponed, not cancelled and president macron is suggesting that it could happen early in the summer, but months of planning will have congone into

this, money will have been spentle and that has been wasted.- this, money will have been spentle and that has been wasted. thank you charlotte. israel's prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, has had talks with uk prime minister rishi sunak in downing street today — but the visit comes at a time of political turmoil in israel. the country has been gripped by months of some of the biggest demonstrations in its history over the government's plans to limit the powers of the courts. we can see here binyamin netanyahu leaving downing street earlier, there he is in the red tie. there were protestors outside of downing street as well as that was happening and were with told there was going to be a planned photo opportunity but that seemingly didn't happen, and there was no joint statement either during that meeting. we are told there sunak and binyamin netanyahu were going to talk about strengthening ties and the war in ukraine.

paul adams reports. reporter: mr netanyahu! your own attorney general says you are breaking the law. israel's prime minister arriving in downing street this morning. a warm welcome from rishi sunak. but the sounds of anguished protests ringing out behind them. it's nothing mr netanyahu hasn't seen for weeks back home. on a much, much bigger scale. but his domestic woes are following him wherever he goes. for the first time in a really long time, britishjews are really making a stand and making a statement in support of the israeli protesters. they don't want anything to do with what they see in israel, the racism, the extremism, the deterioration from democracy and liberal values. a battle for the soul of israel has been raging for weeks.

mr netanyahu's opponents are furious at legal reforms which they say will undermine the rule of law and shield the prime minister from his own legal difficulties. we have a dictator in israel that is trying to make these people hurt us. you tell your government, you tell your people. protesters outside the british embassy in tel aviv last week. they want israel's traditional allies to intervene, but this week, britain and israel said their bilateral relationship had never been closer. for palestinians, israel's political turmoil forms a noisy backdrop to their own difficult lives. this morning, they queued up at israeli checkpoints hoping to reach jerusalem for the first friday prayers of ramadan. there's real tension here, and violence is on the rise in the west bank. the coming weeks could be challenging. paul adams, bbc news. russians who protest against the war in ukraine take considerable risks

by doing so: they can lose theirjobs?even their freedom. but in one town, a russian man currently being prosecuted for anti—war posts on social media risks losing his daughter. the child, who's now 13, has been sent to a children's home and social services are taking legal action to restrict the father's parental rights. pressure on the family began last year after the girl drew an anti—war picture at school. from the town of yefremov steve rosenberg reports. this is the last time masha moskalyov was seen in public. police had just detained herfather for anti war social media posts. masha was taken to a children's home. it was on march 1st. but the story began last year, with a picture. 12—year—old masha drew it at school. "glory to ukraine", it says. "no to war", as russian missiles fly in. then the problem started.

town counsellor olga podolski says masha's father, a single parent, contacted her to say the school, shocked by the drawing, had called the police. her father alexei told me he was dumbfounded. then the police began checking his social media. they told him he was bringing up his daughter in a bad way. the authorities want everyone to toe the line. no one is allowed to have their own opinion. alexei is under house arrest and not allowed to talk to us. since masha drew that picture he's been charged twice with discrediting the russian army. he could now be sent to prison. his lawyer says alexei is distraught without his child. alexei is very worried about his daughter. he doesn't know what's happening to her. the social services seem obsessed with this family. i think that's purely for political reasons. the family's problems only began

after the girl drew that picture. we tried contacting masha's school to get its side of the story. school number nine didn't respond to a written request for comment. so we went along there, but were told, no, we couldn't come in. we tried calling. same result. across town, supporters of the family gathered in court. "return masha to her father", it says. the localjuvenile affairs commission is taking legal action to restrict alexei's parental rights. the commission has yet to respond to our request for comment. alexei moskalyov had wanted to come here to court, but he wasn't allowed to interrupt his house arrest to be here.

even though what's at stake is whether his rights as a father are going to be restricted and whether his child will be taken away from him. local activists are doing what they can to help, buying food and supplies forfather and daughter. but when we ask the moskalyovs neighbours what they think, they're reluctant to say. "i'm scared to", angelina says. "i'm frightened to answer." "sorry", she says. "i won't express an opinion." and that, too, paints a picture of today's russia, of the level of fear. dissent is unacceptable, punishable. what those in power here expect is people's support no matter what decisions are taken. steve rosenberg, bbc news, russia. opposition leaders in india have denounced parliament's decision

to disqualify the congress party leader rahul gandhi as an mp after he was given a two year prison sentence in a defamation case. mr gandhi — who is a key congress party figure — was given a two—year prison sentence for remarks about the prime minister's surname — modi — in a campaign speech in 2019. the congress party says it will challenge the verdict. mr gandhi, who's from india's most influential political dynasty, cannot stand in elections until the verdict is either suspended or overturned. bbc hindi's salman ravi reports from delhi. one of the most prominent opposition leaders in the country and former president of the congress party, rahul ghandi, has been disqualified from the lower house of the indian parliament on friday. notification to this effect was issued by the secretariat of the lower house, which said that according to law, which provides leader or law maker who is convicted of a crime, or convicted by a court in any part of the country,

will be disqualified immediately, and this is the reason that the secretary—general has used this power to issue a notice and pronouncing the disqualification of rahulghandi. but the congress leaders have met in the party headquarters in delhi, and they said this was actually not a legal move, because disqualification from the lower house of the parliament is only done by the president of india. the congress leaders are meeting in the country's capital today, to talk out the future course of action after the disqualification of their highest leader in the party. salman ravi, bbc news, delhi. earlier i spoke to our south asia regional editor, anbarasan ethirajan, and began by asking him about the reaction in india. in fact the opposition leaders from across the country, they were united in condemning this decision to disqualify

mr rahul ghandi from parliament. he is a member of the lower house of parliament and his constituency is in the southern state of kerala. one of them said it was a dark day for democracy, doesn't bode well for india's constitutional democracy, and it is a ploy by the governing hindu nationalist bjp to target opposition leaders who are critical of the government's policies, and they are trying to curtail dissent and criticism, and they cannot withstand how the opposition parties are criticising the policies of the government. of course the governing bjp rejects these accusations, but what we are witnessing is many opposition leaders joining hands and expressing sympathy for mr ghandi. but this is a huge setback for the congress party, as less for mr ghandi because he was able to raise a number of issues in parliament against the government. in fact a short while ago in a tweet he said, "i'm fighting for the voice in india and i'm ready to pay any price for it." but the bjp says he exceeded his

limit and it was a cold judgment and a duejudicial process was followed in this case and had nothing to do with it, and mr gandhi should learn how to speak in public meetings. china has responded to the controversy surrounding the video sharing app, tiktok, by saying it has never asked any company to provide data located in foreign countries — and has no plans to do so. the foreign ministry spokesperson mao ning was answering questions about the testimony of tiktok�*s ceo shou zi chew in the us congress. tiktok is owned by the chinese company bytedance. mr chew faced a grilling by us lawmakers for five hours on thursday, where he defended the app against concerns it was a threat to us national security. earlier i spoke to our asia pacific editor, celia hatton. i began by asking her about the reaction to the hearing. for five hours, many forfive hours, many of for five hours, many of us were really glued to this coverage, in congress, and much of it really

painted china as theville reason, out to get us user data. i think beijing is trying to come out swinging against that characterisation today, they are trying to paint us law makers as being hysterical, as overreacting, they denounced the congressional hearings as a xenophobic witch hunt, and today, especially in state media, we have one editorial cartoon that stuck out, it is in the global times a right—wing newspaper and it showsjoe times a right—wing newspaper and it shows joe mccarthy, times a right—wing newspaper and it showsjoe mccarthy, the us senator, who really was dominant the us in the '40s and 50s, and he used a lot of controversial practises in order to root outcomism at the time and so this cartoon harks back to that era, and that is really the thrust of beijing's argument today. interesting, there is no—one who watches us politics that will deny these are on occasion acts of theatre and lots of the politicians

are as interested in their questions and questions being televised as the answers sometimes. however, lots of security experts did come out saying, there are fundamental issues here as well. saying, there are fundamental issues here as well-— here as well. there are fundamental issues and really _ here as well. there are fundamental issues and really that _ here as well. there are fundamental issues and really that is _ here as well. there are fundamental issues and really that is where - here as well. there are fundamental issues and really that is where we i issues and really that is where we saw tiktok fall down a bit, because they couldn't make promise, they can only say so much and really it falls back to chinese law, china's national security law requires tech companies to hand over user data if it is in the national deemed to be in national interest. beijing can say they have never asked for it but the law is very much on the bookings and i think we have seen other examples where tech companies are forced to bow down to beijing, the communist party has reissued its authority over those companies, so i think it is very the difficult for beijing to argue it isn't very interesting in user data, especially when we have seen the chinese department of commerce say it will

oppose a forced sale of tiktok, it wants tiktok to remain part of a chinese owned company. awarded £350,000 in damages after the high court ruled he was tortured by british soldiers. liam holden, who died last year, had said water boarding techniques used while he was in military custody in 1972 had led to him making a false confession of murder. his conviction for that murder was dropped in 2012. bbc northern ireland's home affairs correspondent, julian o'neill, was in court this morning and spoke to me earlier. i began by asking him about the background to the case. in the last captor in what has really been a remarkable miscarriage ofjustice really been a remarkable miscarriage of justice story, really been a remarkable miscarriage ofjustice story, stretching back 50 years to early years of the troubles as you say in 1972. liam holden was as you say in 1972. liam holden was a 19—year—old—year—old chef when he confessed to the murder of a british soldier on the streets of west belfast, he was sentenced to the

death penalty, but that was commuted to a life imprisonment term, he served 17 years of that 40 year sentence injail and served 17 years of that 40 year sentence in jail and another 23 out on license. he then began a campaign to clear his name, claiming that his confession had been extracted from him by means of torture, and as you say, his conviction was quashed a decade ago, he was awarded one million pounds in damages there, the maximum limit but he took a civil case against the ministry of defence and it is that case which has delivered itsjudgment and it is that case which has delivered its judgment today. and it is that case which has delivered itsjudgment today. what did thejudge say? delivered its judgment today. what did the judge say?— did the 'udge say? well, i should oint did the judge say? well, i should oint out did the judge say? well, i should point out that — did the judge say? well, i should point out that liam _ did the judge say? well, i should point out that liam holden, - did the judge say? well, i should point out that liam holden, why| did the judge say? well, i should i point out that liam holden, why he gave evidence to the hearing which took place last year, he died last september, he was not therefore in court to hear the outcome. thejudge said that he found his testimony

truthful, he found that he had described traumatic experiences where he had been hooded during interrogation, water boarded up to four time, interrogation, water boarded up to fourtime, he had interrogation, water boarded up to four time, he had a gun tapped against his knee and head, he was threatened he would be shot unless he confessed to murdering the soldier. thejudge he confessed to murdering the soldier. the judge accepted all of that, and awarded his estate £350,000 damages a, essentially finding that the ministry of defence had mounted a malicious prosecution against him. and given that, how significant is this being seen now? latte and given that, how significant is this being seen now?— and given that, how significant is this being seen now? we have had a small but significant _ this being seen now? we have had a small but significant number- this being seen now? we have had a small but significant number of- small but significant number of court cases in recent years, where interrogation techniques in the early years have come under intense scrutiny. we have had the case of the 14 robin hood's bay men rounded up the 14 robin hood's bay men rounded up during intern. . they were hooded, force to stand in the stress position, subjected to white noise during interrogation, what made this

case different was that allegation of water boarding, long before it became a more familiar term, in iraq and more recently, they were allegations, mr holden's family and his solicitor say the significance of what happened was we have a uk court saying that there was an individual subjected to water boarding, in northern ireland, in 1972. thanks to julian for that. well, but is it possible that glazers family are just testing the waters — and might not end up selling the club? here's more from a journalist and founder of the united we stand fanzine andy mitten. now a finnish entrepreneur announced he wants to buy half the club. it is possible the current owner are just testing the waters? might not end up sell something here is more from a journalist and founder of the united we stand fanzine. it journalist and founder of the united we stand fanzine.— we stand fanzine. it would be a big turn round if—

we stand fanzine. it would be a big turn round if they _ we stand fanzine. it would be a big turn round if they did _ we stand fanzine. it would be a big turn round if they did that - we stand fanzine. it would be a big turn round if they did that and - we stand fanzine. it would be a big turn round if they did that and fans | turn round if they did that and fans would fear that because they are not popular but they could treat and say the offers which came forward were not as high as they ex pingeded and they want to carry on at manchester united, —— expected. they would need outside fund, manchester united needs equity, they need to spend money on player because it has overspent on players and it needs money to redevelop old trafford and the training ground, so the original reason they went to market was because they need to get money from somewhere. 50 because they need to get money from somewhere-— because they need to get money from somewhere. ., ., , ., , somewhere. so what would be the fans think of geed — somewhere. so what would be the fans think of geed radcliffe _ somewhere. so what would be the fans think of geed radcliffe and _ somewhere. so what would be the fans think of geed radcliffe and sheikh - think of geed radcliffe and sheikh jassim. lots of ethical questions raised over holding the world cup in qatar, what would the fans think of a qatari own sneer it qatar, what would the fans think of a qatari own snee— a qatari own sneer it depend which fans ou a qatari own sneer it depend which fans you ask- _ a qatari own sneer it depend which fans you ask. some _ a qatari own sneer it depend which fans you ask. some are _ a qatari own sneer it depend which fans you ask. some are not - a qatari own sneer it depend which i fans you ask. some are not bothered in the slightest and it is all about football for them. some have got grave reservations and do not want manchester united become a project,

because they were critical of manchester city and psg, so it depends on who you ask, in isn't just about who goes to the games and doesn't. fans who go to matches have different opinion, i have friends who go to games home and away reservations and do not want manchester united become a project, because they were critical of manchester city and psg, so it depends on who you ask, in isn't just about who goes to the games and doesn't. fans who go to matches have different opinion, i have friends who go to games home and away who would prefer the "ty, i —— who go to games home and away who would prefer the "ty, i -- qataris i would prefer the "ty, i -- qataris i would say most do not. they would prefer thejim would say most do not. they would prefer the jim radcliffe would say most do not. they would prefer thejim radcliffe bid. but online you get the opposite. people finding favour with the qataris because they think they will have the deepest pockets and that will be best for manchester united. stand the deepest pockets and that will be best for manchester united. and then ou have tb best for manchester united. and then you have tb finnish _ best for manchester united. and then you have tb finnish entrepreneur- best for manchester united. and then you have tb finnish entrepreneur as i you have tb finnish entrepreneur as well. but i wonder ultimately the fans want some steadiness, i guess, they don't like being in this sort of limbo i presume? the they don't like being in this sort of limbo i presume?— they don't like being in this sort of limbo i presume? the longer it roes on, of limbo i presume? the longer it goes on. the _ of limbo i presume? the longer it goes on, the more _ of limbo i presume? the longer it goes on, the more problematic. of limbo i presume? the longer it goes on, the more problematic it| goes on, the more problematic it could become because we are into march, manchester united are looking at which players are signing for next season and they need stability. the manager who has done very weller rick ten hag, he needs a clear

indication of what he will be able to spend to continue his good work, and, this has gone from being a few weeks to starting to be stretched out more and more, and i thought the glazers would want an action situation so they could realise the highest price and that looks like it is playing out. it is becoming a soap opera now, more so in the international week when there is no club football and same old for manchester united, we are always in the news. ., ., ~ , ~ joe biden is visiting canada and meeting the canadian president. joe biden is due to add dress parliament and a joint news conference there as well. that is it from me, thank you for your company, i will be back in a few minutes' time.

this is bbc news. bye. hello again. we had some stunning aurora weather watch pictures sent to us last night, with the aurora particularly active. not only did we have some particularly vivid colours, but the aurora was spotted quite far south, even in parts of southern england. today is a day of sunshine and showers, and with more rain around, well, those rainfall totals continue to tot up. it has already been a very wet month. some places are nearly seeing double the march rainfall already, and there is loads more rain to come today, into the weekend and into next week as well. now, on the radar picture we can seejust how widespread today's showers are, with more general rain pushing into northern ireland, where we are closest to our centre of low pressure. the showers in scotland will be particularly slow—moving today, because it is not particularly windy, but across england and wales it is a blustery day. at least that will blow the shower clouds through. but if you find yourself

underneath this line of showers, extending just into north london, well, you could see shower after shower after shower today, so there will be some places across the south that have some pretty unlucky weather if you like. temperatures around 13 or 14 degrees, the winds up to 40 or even 50mph in gusts across the south—west. overnight tonight, the low pressure slowly pulls away into the north sea, but it stays quite breezy overnight and there will be patches of cloud around, further showers and temperatures staying above freezing, four to nine degrees. tomorrow, the low pressure is still close enough to influence our weather. however, there is is a little ridge of high pressure building into wales and the south—west later in the day. so showers initially widespread. some of the heaviest ones into the afternoon will be across northern ireland, northern england, the midlands and into east anglia, whereas across southern wales and south—west england, it should be a drier end to the day, with more in the way of sunshine tomorrow afternoon.

temperatures, still on the mild side, but then, for the second half of the weekend, we start to get some cooler air arriving from the north, and with that, showers will start to turn wintry across scotland in particular. further south, across england and wales, another cloudy day with some fairly prolonged outbreaks of rain for some. the showers could bring some snow fall across some of the highest hills in northern scotland. it will feel cooler here, temperatures down into single figures, and even further south, temperatures down on what we have seen over recent days. a quick reminder, this weekend the clock changes, but the weather deosn't. there's loads more rain next week as well.

this is bbc news, the headlines: king charles' visit to france has been postponed, as demonstrations continue against changes to the country's retirement age. at least 450 people have been arrested during the protests. the french president says the decision to postpone is common sense. israel's prime minister benjamin netanyahu is in london for talks with british leaders — amid mounting political turmoil at home. demonstrations have continued in israel over his government's controversial reforms that would limit the power of the courts. india's congress party has vowed to challenge a decision to disqualify opposition mp rahul gandhl on thursday, mr gandhi was handed a two year prison sentence in a defamation case. the disqualification is in

accordance with parliamentary rules. british billionaire sirjim ratcliffe has put in a revised bid to buy one of football's biggest names, manchester united, after the deadline to make offers for the premier league club was extended. you're watching bbc news. the organisation that oversees standards in england's schools says inspections must continue — despite calls from unions and head teachers to pause them. it follows the death of a primary school headteacher. according to her family, ruth perry took her own life due to the pressure. speaking for the first time since the tragedy the chief school inspector says she knows the process can be "challenging" but that it remains in children's best interests. tim muffett has this report. "she was an exemplary leader at a wonderful school," according

to a statement from her family. headteacher ruth perry took her own life whilst waiting for the publication of an ofsted report, a report that downgraded her school, caversham primary in reading, from outstanding to inadequate. ruth was under enormous stress before she died. she knew the outcome of her report but was unable to tell her staff, which is incredibly distressing. for ruth, for 54 days, she was unable share that information, that really crucial and actually quite world destroying for all of the staff there at caversham. and it's such a tricky and difficult time for head teachers. the have now been calls for ofsted inspections to be paused and reformed. in her first public statement since ruth perry's death, ofsted's chief inspector amanda spielman described it as a tragedy. "our thoughts remain with ruth's family, friends and the school she went on to defend the current system.

ofsted inspectors seek to assess the overall effectiveness of schools in england, looking at the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management. after a two—day visit, schools are placed into into one of four categories — outstanding, for the very best, good for those not quite in the top tier, requires improvement, inadequate. the national education union has been campaigning for ofsted to be replaced and the inspection process changed. it held a protest outside the department for education in london with banners and photographs of ruth perry. a petition calling for change had more than 50,000 signatures. our members tell us we need an inspection system fit for purpose, one that does notjudge schools on a single—word judgment based on a two—day visit.

teaching unions also say disruption caused by covid and issues with recruitment add to the need for radical reform of ofsted's inspection framework. despite all the problems, ofsted has i believe been a force for good over the last 30 years. yes, it holds schools to account, but it has helped to raise standards, it has challenged schools to do better and it has challenged over the years governments as well, when ofsted as an independent inspector believes it is going wrong. the department for education said inspections remain hugely important because they hold schools to account. teaching unions however are determined to ensure ruth perry's death is a catalyst for change. tim muffett, bbc news. the governor of the bank of england

has warned businesses not to put up prices — to avoid cementing inflation at its current high level. andrew bailey said that increasing the cost of goods and services could push the cost of living even further, and would hurt the least well—off. for more on this, i spoke earlier to business correspondent marc ashdown. it is the pace of course at which the prices of goods and services we pay for is rising. at the moment it is at about 10.4%. the bank wants it to be at 2%. it bumbles along at 2% normally. but it has gone up hugely over the past year and that is having an impact on our pockets, the cost of energy and fuel, and staples like cheese and milk have gone up, double digit rises for a lot of our shopping. until now this has been driven by globalfactors, a hangover from covid and issue with supply

chains and the war in ukraine. the governor is worried that turns into domestic inflation and could stay high for much longer. it sounds like a big ask, businesses have huge increases in prices in their costs and he is asking them to not pass that on. business reaction? first the reason he is saying it now is because inflation is forecast to come down sharply. it does tail off in the summer. unless there is another big shock, the prices won't go up as fast. it will come down sharply. but businesses of course telling us they have been doing all they can to keep costs down and one restaurant chain said if he put his prices to the point he should do to cover his costs a pint of beer would be £20 and you imagine how much business he could get.

uk hospitality said businesses are facing problems when the help with their energy bills changes. but this is aimed at the supermarkets and the petrol stations, there is a saying that prices go up like a rocket and come down like a feather. he said to workers don't ask for big pay rises. but it is a difficult message for households and businesses. the message is if prices goup the pain could go on for longer. the bbc says it will not resume filming on the latest series of top gear after one of the show�*s presenters, freddie flintoff, was injured during filming in december. the bbc says an investigation was completed, and a health and safety review will now be carried out. top gear is one of the bbc�*s most widely exported programmes — and it hasn't commented on reports that flintoff has decided to leave the programme.

our entertainment correspondent lizo mzimba has the story. and you're expecting me... yeah. ..to go down there? freddie flintoffjoined top gear in 2019. along with co—presenters paddy mcguinness and chris harris, he helped to reverse the fall in ratings that had followed the departure ofjeremy clarkson, richard hammond and james may four years earlier. the incident at top gear's test track at dunsfold park aerodrome in surrey last december, resulted in freddie flintoff being taken to hospital for treatment. just over three months later, bbc studios, which produces the bbc one show, says it's concluded its report into what happened. it says that it has sincerely apologised to flintoff, and that it'll continue to support him throughout his recovery.

the top gear team said all health and safety rules has been followed. three, two, one, go! one past member of the team said it might be time to alter the programme's format. if might be time to alter the programme's format. might be time to alter the riroramme's format. , , , programme's format. if freddy wishes to leave the show, _ programme's format. if freddy wishes to leave the show, they _ programme's format. if freddy wishes to leave the show, they will _ programme's format. if freddy wishes to leave the show, they will need - to leave the show, they will need another presenter. have anybody, but limit how you go about it. there is enough components in top gear that many people enjoy that can be fun and engaging. you don't have have that reaction all the time. this

uncertainty — that reaction all the time. this uncertainty about _ that reaction all the time. this uncertainty about whether top gear will rirn. but the bbc is unlikely to be willing to part ways with a show that as well as having a strong uk audience is sold to dozens of companies across the globe. the bbc has suspended its decision to close its choir the bbc singers after a public outcry. it said a number of organisations had come forward to offer alternative funding. the group is britain's only full—time professional chamber choir and was targeted as part of budget cuts, shortly before its centenary. choirs across europe added their voices to those of many professional musicians and music lovers in the uk who expressed dismay at the original decision. 179 british servicemen and women were killed during the iraq war that followed the us led invasion 20 years ago. 3,500 others were wounded, and many more suffered mental trauma.

our correspondent caroline hawley has been talking to 3 people whose lives were scarred by their service in iraq — now finding healing at sea. her report contains emotional testimony that you may find upsetting. these iraq veterans are now moving forward with their lives and helping others do the same. sean set up a sailing charity for those scarred by their experience. paul is the chief instructor. being out on the water, mother nature as well. that's how i came about sailing — was to find something to keep me occupied. paul did two tours during the iraq war. i wouldn't want it to be forgotten about. there was a lot of people did some great work out there. a lot of people died doing that work. and like, as always, we should never forget that side. did you know people who died? yes. some close friends.

yeah. over the years. sean's job as a medic in the raf, a trained a&e nurse, was to save lives. multiple casualties, significant injuries, absolutely life—changing, multiple deaths. some of the decisions i had to make were really challenging, with limited resources. sometimes you had to say no. you know, that was really, really hard. jan was injured when the helicopter she was travelling in was shot down in baghdad. after her leg was amputated, she was medically discharged from the navy. i fitted into civvy street 0k. i still have my anger issues. i still have my nightmares, which i struggle with. - i only sleep about three or four hours a night. i and when you look back now on the iraq war, how do you feel about it? i don't see the point- personally of wars, any wars. because nobody ever wins a war, do they? i it's just a lot of - pain and suffering. thousands of veterans like jan have now sailed with the charity turn to starboard and experienced

the therapeutic effect. sean wanted others to benefit after it helped him find a way out of the darkest point of his life. i was no use to anybody. and i had some really awful, negative thoughts. i never actually attempted to kind of take my own life, but i certainly thought about it. the charity's got veterans of iraq still coming forward for help two decades on. here they can recreate the camaraderie, the sense of belonging, of pulling together that many miss when they leave the military. we've got 22 yacht masters on the programme. three of those attempted suicide last year. now, we've sailed them and you see this positivity and excitement about their futures, and then they go home and have a conversation with their other half and there's light. it's extraordinarily positive. i love myjob, i love every day

and i know that my family are really proud of what i've achieved. shaun pascoe ending that report from caroline hawley. and if you are suffering distress and need support, including urgent support — a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline,' you can also phone for free to hear recorded information on 0800 066 066. campaigners have won a bid to continue a high court injunction preventing the further felling of trees in plymouth city centre. a row over the cutting down of more than 100 trees last week has triggered the resignation of the city council's leader richard bingley.0ur south west england correspondent, jenny kumah, has this report. "despicable vandalism." "environmental devastation." "a chain saw massacre."

just some of the words used by the opponents of this felling of almost 100 trees in plymouth city centre. at around 1am, campaigners were able to get an injunction to stop the chop. if you cut any more trees down, it will be a criminal offence. by then only a few trees remained. it is the people of plymouth! plymouth city council said the work happened at night for public safety reasons. in the cold light of day, the sight of the destruction left some feeling astounded and angry. it'sjust disgraceful that all the protest and all the people's feelings just meant nothing. they're supposed to be putting in new ones, but why cut - down the old ones? they could have left them there. today the council lost its appeal at the high court against the injunction imposed last week. throwing into question the future of its regeneration plans. this is what the council aims for the city centre to look like as part

of a £13 million revamp. many traders and residents agree a spruce up is long overdue. but 70% of more than 2,000 respondents to a consultation said they were against the council's plans. the authorities say they have listened and changed the final design so it will deliver more than 170 semi—mature trees. now, it was the leader of the council, richard bingley, who used his executive powers to order the felling of the trees and he hasn't responded to our requests for an interview and just a few days ago his conservative group announced that he will resign on monday when he is due to face a no confidence vote. this has been an emotive and divisive issue in plymouth, that's likely to continue to be the case, despite today's court hearing. plymouth's director for pace said this outside the court after the

ruling. this outside the court after the rulini. ~ this outside the court after the rulini. . . ., this outside the court after the rulini. ~ . ., , this outside the court after the rulini. ~ .., , ., ruling. we welcome the news that we are allowed to — ruling. we welcome the news that we are allowed to clear— ruling. we welcome the news that we are allowed to clear up _ ruling. we welcome the news that we are allowed to clear up the _ ruling. we welcome the news that we are allowed to clear up the waste - are allowed to clear up the waste site as had been our intention. we will do so in acore ccordance with the terms and trees and branches and stumps will be subject to expert opinion. high streets are struggle, our decision to change was a democratic decision by plymouth's elected members. the aim was to transform a tired and run down part of the city and draw in further investment. while we acknowledge people's concerns about the loss of trees, others are clear they want this change. we will be considering the full implications of the judge's remarks in the coming days.

gene edited food can now be developed commercially and sold in england after a change in the law. supporters say it will speed up the development of crops that will adapt better to climate change — but critics say that the change could bring disaster to ourfood production and the environment. a project helping students recovering from addiction has been set up to place students in recovery flats. our midlands correspondent has more. ~ ., flats. our midlands correspondent has more. a, . .., flats. our midlands correspondent has more. . . has more. morning. welcome. welcome to the recovery — has more. morning. welcome. welcome to the recovery flat. _ has more. morning. welcome. welcome to the recovery flat. this _ has more. morning. welcome. welcome to the recovery flat. this student - to the recovery flat. this student flat is unique- — to the recovery flat. this student flat is unique. there _ to the recovery flat. this student flat is unique. there are - to the recovery flat. this student flat is unique. there are three i flat is unique. there are three rooms. flat is unique. there are three rooms- joseph _ flat is unique. there are three rooms. joseph is _ flat is unique. there are three rooms. joseph is a _ flat is unique. there are three rooms. joseph is a mature - flat is unique. there are three - rooms. joseph is a mature student, eiiht rooms. joseph is a mature student, eight years — rooms. joseph is a mature student, eight years in _ rooms. joseph is a mature student, eight years in recovery. _ rooms. joseph is a mature student, eight years in recovery. there - rooms. joseph is a mature student, eight years in recovery. there is - eight years in recovery. there is room for five other students who are all recovering from some form of addiction. recovery flats and the support projects alongside them are

commonplace in american colleges, where they have helped tens of thousands of students the complete their degrees. in a thousands of students the complete their degrees-— their degrees. in a recovery flat, their degrees. in a recovery flat, they don't _ their degrees. in a recovery flat, they don't have _ their degrees. in a recovery flat, they don't have to _ their degrees. in a recovery flat, they don't have to be _ their degrees. in a recovery flat, they don't have to be around - their degrees. in a recovery flat, - they don't have to be around people coming, there is no temptation, it is out of way when they're in their home, where they're living. building the relationships with other people in recovery is also important. they may not know it yet, but they know they need something and being around those people helps them come out of their shell. addiction can be characterised the by denial. luke lost everything — characterised the by denial. luke lost everything as _ characterised the by denial. luke lost everything as a _ characterised the by denial. luke lost everything as a heroin user. characterised the by denial. luke | lost everything as a heroin user. i reached that gift of desperation where _ reached that gift of desperation where i— reached that gift of desperation where i went to people that i knew that could — where i went to people that i knew that could help and said, i have got no ideas. _ that could help and said, i have got no ideas. i— that could help and said, i have got no ideas, i surrender. now that could help and said, i have got no ideas, i surrender.— that could help and said, i have got no ideas, i surrender. now clean he has rebuilt — no ideas, i surrender. now clean he has rebuilt his _ no ideas, i surrender. now clean he has rebuilt his life, _ no ideas, i surrender. now clean he has rebuilt his life, partly _ no ideas, i surrender. now clean he has rebuilt his life, partly through i has rebuilt his life, partly through studying at the university. brute

studying at the university. we didn't want — studying at the university. we didn't want students in recovery to be hidden — didn't want students in recovery to be hidden away in some little obscure — be hidden away in some little obscure part of campus. the whole idea of— obscure part of campus. the whole idea of the — obscure part of campus. the whole idea of the project is the students in recovery— idea of the project is the students in recovery can experience the whole package _ in recovery can experience the whole package without being hindered by their addictions. get package without being hindered by their addictions.— their addictions. get yourself out of hole is harder _ their addictions. get yourself out of hole is harder to _ their addictions. get yourself out of hole is harder to stay - their addictions. get yourself out of hole is harder to stay out. - their addictions. get yourself out i of hole is harder to stay out. every week they — of hole is harder to stay out. every week they get _ of hole is harder to stay out. every week they get together _ of hole is harder to stay out. every week they get together to - of hole is harder to stay out. week they get together to discuss their recoveries and it is a chance to get together and also share their experiences. there is still a stigma to overcome, whether it is drugs, alcohol or gambling, so everyone here asked for anonymity. but the project has had some success. people are reticent about _ project has had some success. people are reticent about talking _ project has had some success. people are reticent about talking about - are reticent about talking about their problems with addiction. there is a fear if they mention it they

might get into trouble and get thrown out of the unit and get prosecuted. when you see the outcomes, you see the students you have managed to keep within their degree and helped them notjust drop out, but to thrive and finish their degree and get their qualification, it is very likely we have changed their life. . f . it is very likely we have changed their life. , j , ., their life. the university's uk tax force is due _ their life. the university's uk tax force is due to _ their life. the university's uk tax force is due to -- _ their life. the university's uk tax force is due to -- task _ their life. the university's uk tax force is due to -- task force - their life. the university's uk tax force is due to -- task force is i their life. the university's uk tax i force is due to -- task force is due force is due to —— task force is due to report on drug addiction on british campuses and will be looking at successes this project has had. for the first time, visitors to westminster abbey will be allowed to walk on the very spot in front of the high altar where king charles will have been crowned. since the 19th century the mediaeval mosaic floor known as the cosmati pavement has been covered with carpet, or roped off to the public. but for a few weeks after the coronation, it will be open to the public — but only if shoes are removed. our royal correspondent sarah campbell reports. in just six weeks' time,

westminster abbey will host another coronation. skwigs since 1066, 39 monarchs have been crowned here. and for the past 700 years, beneath their feet has been this — a mosaic made from thousands of pieces of glass, marble and stone. the cosmati pavement. it's just so unusual that this is here. italian masons came here with all their materials. they collaborated with the english masons to produce this fantastic, glittering, shiny mosaic in front of the high altar at the heart of westminster abbey. it would have looked amazing. it's so beautiful in the flesh, but it's been covered up for years. covered with carpet and boarding, just because it was in such a deteriorated condition that it couldn't be safely used. and that's why when you look back at archive footage from the late queen's coronation in 1953, all you can see is the light—coloured carpet. the medievalfloor, which by then was uneven and damaged, had been

covered up since victorian times. vanessa and her team spent two years fully restoring the mosaic, with maintenance an ongoing project. it's witnessed so, so much. it's, you know, throughout the centuries, every special event has taken place and probably on the cosmati pavement. usually the public is kept well away from the cosmati pavement in order to protect it. but for a few short weeks after the coronation, they will be allowed for the first time to actually walk on the mosaic — as long as, of course, they take off their shoes. it's the high altar, it's a very sacred space. it's where special services and major services take place. and for normal visiting, the area is completely roped off but we just think as part of the celebration of coronation, we want to allow a few people access onto the pavement to see what it's really like and to get a real feel

and a sense for the space. and to stand on the place where the coronation chair will have just been. yeah, you'll be able to stand right in the centre point where the coronation chair sits and faces east. and also you'll be able to see the pavement itself in great detail. i mean, it's a masterpiece. it's been there since 1268. it's really lovely. anti—monarchy campaigners opted not to remove their shoes when they carried out a brief protest there earlier this week. on may 6th, the focus will once again be on this seven—metre—square mosaic, a colourful example of the abbey's long history and connection with the monarchy. sarah campbell, bbc news, westminster abbey. the england captain leah williamson will become the first women's footballer to read a cbeebies bedtime story tonight. the lioness will be reading 'remarkably you' by pat zietlow miller. hi, i'm leah. you might have seen me playing football on tv. i always dreamt of being a footballer. tonight's bedtime story is all about the importance

of following your dreams. make sure you join me. and you can watch that on cbeebies and bbc iplayer at 6.50 this evening. if you couldn't get tickets for the eurovision song contest final in liverpool — you'll be able to watch it in a cinema, because it's going to be screened live across the uk for the first time. more than 500 cinemas are taking part — tickets go on sale on monday morning. organisers are encouraging fancy dress and singalongs. tickets for the live show at the liverpool arena sold out in less than 40 minutes when they were released earlier this month. before we go king charles' state visit to france may have been postponed today — but the king has been honoured with a new wax statue in his honour.....let�*s take a look.

it's been unveiled at the musee grevin in paris......i'll leave you to decide if it's a good likeness... now it's time for a look at the weather with chris fawkes hello again. we had some stunning aurora weather watch pictures sent to us last night, with the aurora particularly active. not only did we have some particularly vivid colours, but the aurora was spotted quite far south, even in parts of southern england. today is a day of sunshine and showers, and with more rain around, well, those rainfall totals continue to tot up. it has already been a very wet month. some places are nearly seeing double the march rainfall already, and there is loads more rain to come today, into the weekend and into next week as well. now, on the radar picture we can seejust how widespread today's showers are, with more general rain pushing into northern ireland, where we are closest to our centre of low pressure. the showers in scotland will be particularly slow—moving today, because it is not particularly windy, but across england and wales it is a blustery day. at least that will blow the shower clouds through. but if you find yourself underneath this line of showers, extending just into north london, well, you could see shower

after shower after shower today, so there will be some places across the south that have some pretty unlucky weather if you like. temperatures around 13 or 14 degrees, the winds up to 40 or even 50mph in gusts across the south—west. overnight tonight, the low pressure slowly pulls away into the north sea, but it stays quite breezy overnight and there will be patches of cloud around, further showers and temperatures staying above freezing, four to nine degrees. tomorrow, the low pressure is still close enough to influence our weather. however, there is is a little ridge of high pressure building into wales and the south—west later in the day. so showers initially widespread. some of the heaviest ones into the afternoon will be across northern ireland, northern england, the midlands and into east anglia, whereas across southern wales and south—west england, it should be a drier end to the day, with more in the way of sunshine tomorrow afternoon. temperatures, still on the mild side, but then, for the second half of the weekend, we start to get some cooler air arriving from the north, and with that, showers will start to turn wintry across

scotland in particular. further south, across england and wales, another cloudy day with some fairly prolonged outbreaks of rain for some. the showers could bring some snow fall across some of the highest hills in northern scotland. it will feel cooler here, temperatures down into single figures, and even further south, temperatures down on what we have seen over recent days. a quick reminder, this weekend the clock changes, but the west doernt. there's loads more rain next week as well.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. i'm jane hill. our top stories a state visit by king charles to france is postponed — ahead of more planned protests against president emmanuel macron's pension reforms. translation: i think would be lacking some sense to propose | to his majesty and the queen consort to come and make a state visit in the middle of the demonstrations. the price of dissent in russia: how a child's drawing sparked a police investigation, a criminal case — and a family torn apart. india's congress party says it'll challenge a decision to disqualify opposition mp rahul gandhi — after he was handed a two year prison sentence.