hello, i'm tanya beckett. in south korea at least 37 people are known to have died after flash flooding triggered landslides and power cuts. rescuers working to reach vehicles trapped in a flooded tunnel near the south korean city of cheongiu have recovered nine bodies. flood water caused by days of torrential rain poured into the underpass so quickly that passengers and drivers were trapped in their cars, unable to escape. from the south korean capital seoul, here's yuna ku. another devastating summer in south korea. days of torrential rain have caused landslides, flash flooding and a considerable loss of life and livelihoods. in the city of cheongiu rescuers are trying to reach people trapped in their vehicles in a flooded tunnel after water poured into the underpass so quickly they could not escape. 15 vehicles and dozens of people

are known to be trapped inside. translation: we are trying our best right now but it's difficult _ because the site is covered in mud. relatives of those who are still missing anxiously await news. in a video link with officials, the president called for the mobilisation of the military and police to prevent further casualties. experts point out that the weather has become increasingly unpredictable and extreme. in the last few days, most of the concerns were focused on rescue efforts but there have been growing concerns and calls on government to be better prepared of ill weather in this country. thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes and downpours are predicted to continue for the coming days. yuna ku, bbc news, seoul. the extreme heat is continuing in parts of the northern hemisphere. in southern europe, a second

heatwave is forecast to hit this week while in the united state temperature records could be broken. on the spanish island of la palma, fires are continuing to burn out of control and in italy there are warnings to stay indoors. sofia bettiza has the very latest. this wildfire in one of the spanish canary islands has forced at least 4000 people from their homes. the blaze in la palma so big it can be seen from space. translation: i have seen many wildfires but none like this one. | this is terrible, horrible. in italy, an anticyclone could push temperatures above 45 degrees. it's been named charon — the one who carries the dead in mythology. there have been red alert heat warnings in 16 italian cities today. the italian weather agency say they've never seen anything

like this in terms of intensity, duration and number of areas affected. locals and tourists here are being urged to take this seriously, to stay indoors in the afternoon, stay hydrated and take care of the elderly. and it's notjust europe. in the us, millions of americans have been experiencing extreme temperatures too. this is the death valley in california. it's one of the hottest places on earth and it could be about to set a new record. the official record is 134 degrees fahrenheit. that was all the way back in 1913. there is some controversy around that but it is still recognised as the hottest reliably recorded temperature on earth. but we haven't hit 130 here in death valley — for over 100 years we didn't hit it. and then in 2020 we got 130. in 2021 we got 130.

and then we might hit it again this weekend. last year more than 60,000 people died across europe because of soaring temperatures. and with this heatwave expected to continue well into next week, there is no respite in sight. sofia bettiza, bbc news, rome. the united states is seeing record temperatures, with nearly a third of the country under heat advisories. an all time high of 48 degrees was recorded yesterday in arizona. dangerous levels of heat are expected to run into next week. earlier i spoke to meteorologist matthew cappucci who told me more. we're talking something called a heat dome, a sprawling ridge of high pressure that brings hot, dry, sinking air. essentially, it's like a magic forcefield in the atmosphere. and that does a couple of things. number one, it pushes the jet stream in all the storm systems farther north. so we miss out on any inclement weather. but at the same time, that hot, dry sinking air comes down with sunshine, it bakes the ground. we're seeing temperatures 5 to 10

degrees celsius above average, setting all time records in many areas. and the longevity of it is impressive. phoenix, for example, a city of about four or five million people has seen temperatures at or above 43 degrees celsius for 15 days in a row so far. that's not looking to end any time soon. the problem that is being experienced a similar in a way to the united states and europe. this is a high pressure problem. it has taken a while to budge and it shows all the clouds out of the way and that exacerbates the problem. i'm joined now by our correspondent

sophie long who's in las vegas. what is a situation now? i can tell ou it is what is a situation now? i can tell you it is extremely _ what is a situation now? i can tell you it is extremely hot _ what is a situation now? i can tell you it is extremely hot here, - what is a situation now? i can telli you it is extremely hot here, even by las vegas standards. it is on course to become the hottest day ever recorded here, poised to hit 47 celsius. it's not much cooler in places like phoenix, arizona. they have been experiencing temperatures of 43 and above are more than two weeks now. we notjust expressing his dangerously high temperatures, there is no respite. in el paso in texas, they have had around 38 celsius for more than a month and there is no end in sight. records are set to be broken across 38 cities in the southern and western us today. 100 million americans find themselves under extreme heat warnings and the advice here in places like vegas is very simple, this heat is dangerous, don't come

out, stay indoors between the hours of nine and 6pm and don't do any strenuous exercise like hiking. many pacers shutting early, it's very hot and it's set to stay this way. is their widespread concern because this is not limited by anyways to las vegas? is their widespread concern about the effect it may on america? ., , ., , , concern about the effect it may on america? ., , , . ., america? people are being very clear about the warnings. _ america? people are being very clear about the warnings. this _ america? people are being very clear about the warnings. this is _ about the warnings. this is dangerous levels of heat. people are advised to stay indoors. they have had seven heat —related deaths in april —— since april in vegas. there are cooling centres being set up across the city where people can go and get aircon, there is waterfor the people as well. it's hard to describe, it feels like we're standing in an inferno. as across the whole of the western united

states. there is no end in sight at the moment. states. there is no end in sight at the moment-— states. there is no end in sight at the moment. thank you very much indeed. the labour leader sir keir starmer has refused to say whether a labour government would spend more money on public services. he said while the party would always invest in public services, it needed to be "laser—focused" on growing the economy first, and prioritise "big reforms, not big spending." here's our political correspondent ione wells. labour will not be a party of big spending. that was the message of its leader keir starmer today. the goal: make voters see labour as a party the goal: make voters see labour as a party of economic responsibility. the challenge: convincing voters you're different enough from government on the big issues of the day. union chanting. he refused to say if labour would offerjunior doctors a higher pay offer to end strikes. we would be around the table negotiating and settle this dispute. many people would say, why has it taken this long even to have one step towards progress?

many people have had their operations cancelled, people have been deeply affected by these strikes. he refused to say whether labour would spend more money on public services. i would be absolutely laser focused on growing the economy with a plan for growing the economy. i would also be laser—focused on reforming our public services to make sure that we take the weight off our public services. unions and some in the party have said labour must do more to differentiate itself from its opponents. keir starmer and his team have got to show some clear water, some clear red water between themselves and the daily mail and the telegraph and themselves and the conservatives. and at the minute, many people can't spot the difference. and that's a shame for somebody who's probably as talented as keir starmer is. he's got to show that he's on the side of working people. conservative ministers also argue that rising prices mean now is not the time for tax cuts or big spending.

what we are focusing - on is bringing down inflation. that is the thing that isi having the most impact on people's disposable income. the liberal democrats say they would invest in the nhs, schools and local services to give people a fair deal. we're confident but not complacent... with by elections next week a general election expected next year, the pressure to make expensive promises will grow. keir starmer thinks it's right to wait until the economy improves. but it's a hard message for those who want answers to the problems they face now. ione wells, bbc news. next week sees by—elections in three westminster seats, all constituencies currently held by the conservatives. voting will take place on thursday in the north yorkshire seat of selby and ainsty, in borisjohnson 5 old west london consituency of uxbridge and south ruislip, and in somerton and frome. the former mp there, had faced allegations of sexual misconduct,

but the claims have since been dropped, and a parliamentary panel has closed its investigation. 0ur political editor, chris mason, has visited all three constituencies, and reports now, from somerton and frome. this contest here in somerset is an insight into a crucial tussle come the next general election. a tussle between the conservatives and the liberal democrats. yes, labour and the greens and others are contesting this seat too but it's clear who the front runners are. the by—election has come about after the resignation of the guy who was elected as conservative mp after allegations of sexual misconduct and drug—taking. he admitted taking cocaine but denies sexual wrongdoing. and the south—west of england for so long was a real heartland for the liberal democrats, but they were near wiped out after their years in coalition with the conservatives at westminster.

they now feel chipper again, but there is one big question. how much of a mood is there for change? we've been underrepresented, well, not represented at all. so i think there's that feeling of there is a need for something. i think it's got an urban and a rural mix. it reflects the country. and i think there is a desire for some sort of change and for some sort of betterment. they're all in crisis, the whole lot, and it doesn't matter which way you turn, there's problems everywhere. have you ever seen anything like this before? no. not in 82 years of living. however bad the situation gets, it would just be nice to know- that there are people who have morals in charge. _ and i think that's all you can ever ask for, however- difficult the situation gets. somebody with morals and somebody who is at least going to go out - there and try and do something that's good for everyone. - the liberal democrats now control the local authority here and they've

been on something of a winning streak when it comes to by—elections, and they are throwing absolutely everything at this contest. by contrast, the conservatives are pretty gloomy. there's been a scandal involving the former mp here and for many the economic picture remains bleak. it's funny like, just turning on the kettle. before, even five years ago i think, if i made a cup of tea i wouldn't think about the fact that was costing me money in a way. but now, literally every time i turn on the tumble dryer, every time i put the kettle on for a cup of tea, i've got this in the background thinking, i thinkjust because it costs so much more now, and i'm much more aware of really, really small things around the house that will absolutely add up. i'm on maternity leave at the moment and me and my husband have already spoken about me going back early just because we can't afford to live. we should remember this is a by—election, so people know

they are not picking a national government, and there's all sorts of local issues that might inform how people vote. but will this be a mood maker for the parties ahead of the general election expected next year? you bet it will. in her first broadcast interview, a former contestant on the music talent show, x—factor, has revealed she was raped, forcing her to leave the competition. lucy spraggan, who was a favourite to win in 2012, has written a book about her experience and told bbc news her time on the show was like an abusive relationship." she s calling for industry change to better protect people taking part in reality tv. she's been speaking to our correspondent, chi chi izundu, and you may find some of the details distressing. i've been petrified of telling the truth because i'll lose what i have. i'm 31 now and i've never lived through that kind of experience again, where somebody completely takes the reins of my life. and if i had experienced that again as a normal human being, i would have said that i would have

been in an abusive relationship. # last night i told you i loved you #. lucy spraggan is talking about her time on the x factor. she became an overnight sensation when millions saw her audition in 2012. from that moment on, my life changed forever. # last night, i told you i need ya #. # that's the last time i drink tequila #. from the beginning, they kind of make you into a caricature of yourself. during that season of x factor, all the participants stayed in a luxury hotel. but lucy and fellow contestant violent clarke were told but lucy and fellow contestant rylan clarke were told by producers they had to leave. headlines branded them party animals. we were put into another hotel. we were rushed, put in there. we were not given security. she was one of the favourites, but after week three, she abruptly left the show. this is the first time lucy is explaining why. we were moved the same night that it was rylan's birthday party. i don't remember anything.

so this story that i can tell you now has been pieced together through information from the police. i was not conscious when i arrived at the hotel. the hotel porter that had offered his help to get me up to bed, got a key card, let himself into my room and raped me while i was in my hotel room. in 2013, that hotel porter pled guilty to lucie's rape in 2013, that hotel porter pled guilty to lucy's rape and was sentenced to ten years. that happened on a thursday night. the biggest opportunity i've ever got, like, that's on saturday. the police are here. i've just had this examination and people are still asking me, "what do you want to do?" the day after it happened, they put me in another hotel room and i remember sort of having to peel myself away from jumping off the balcony. in a statement, itv said it has

the deepest compassion for lucy. they say the production companies thames and syco were primarily responsible for the duty of care towards contributors, but added it is committed to having in place robust procedures to protect the mental health and welfare of all participants. both itv and fremantle say they are evolving their duty of care processes and fremantle added... and simon cowell, who owns syco, described what happened to lucy as horrific and heartbreaking and told her personally how sorry he was for everything she'd been through. when the reality tv show was made, there was a gross budget. i would like, let's say, 10% of this gross budget, and they put it into a mental health pension scheme, which is accessible for producers, contestants, judges, anybody, and they can access those resources. we need these shows because there's a thriving community of talented people who just don't have the funds and the opportunity to get there. i'm here to build, not destroy.

i don't want to destroy anything. i want to build a better infrastructure. chi chi izundu, bbc news. jane birkin, the anglo—french actress and singer, whose style symbolised the swinging 60s, has died. she was 76. famous for her on and off relationship with the late singer—songwriter, serge gainsbourg, president macron tweeted that she "embodied freedom." she also lent her name to the herm s birkin designer handbag. here's david sillito. #je t'aime. # moi non plus. je t'aime had originally been written for bridget bardot, but the version that was released in 1969 was recorded by a singer who was, in her own words, a shy english girl, who had grown up in chelsea, and met the songwriter and actor serge gainsbourg on the set of the film slogan. the heavy breathing near the song's "climax" was too much for the bbc

and the catholic church, but it helped turn jane birkin into a star, who epitomised a certain racy french bohemian cool. i think the vatican and the bbc banned itjust because of the heavy breathing, without realising the beauty of serge's text, which was, "i love you, nor do i". couldn't you give us just a couple of minutes? her first film role that had made an impact was blow—up in the �*60s. can we come back this afternoon? after that, a long award—winning career, largely in france. she and her on—off partner serge gainsbourg were the couple of french society. i like being in france because i'm a stranger, i needn't have to understand everything. leading the tributes today, france's president macron. jane birkin, actor, singer, campaigner, a very english french star. #je t'aime.

# 0h, oui, je t�*aime.# iran has announced it is redeploying its morality police to enforce the country's mandatory hijab law. this comes ten months after of the death of a young woman, mahsa amini, in their custody. that event prompted widespread protests across the country, and led authorities to suspend the police force. 0ur reporter azadeh moshri has more. when masa amini died in their custody, as we saw around the world, there was anger and protests on the streets of iran. now, the absence of the morality police was in response to that. 0fficials officials had mixed messages about whether they would be disbanded further but they said that things would change that now ten months

later, it is clear that not only those promises have fallen short but they have been broken altogether because ten months later, the morality police returns to the streets of iran. this is a culmination of a gradual steps the government has taken to further enforce the mandatory hijab law as it seems that the streets of iran don't look like they did before, women continue to defy that law and are walking around with their hair uncovered. this move has comejust days after the day marked hijab and chastity week. as far as the islamic republic is concerned, the hijab is here to stay, so is their crackdown on dissent. a pod of 55 whales has died

after becoming stranded 15 were alive when they washed up on the isle of lewis this morning — but they were euthanised on welfare grounds as it was too unsafe to refloat them. experts say the whales are known for their strong social bonds and suspect they became stranded after a female became unwell while giving birth. more now on the world tennis number one carlos alcaraz beating novak djokovic in the men's final at wimbledon. he took the fifth and deciding set by six games to four to deny djokovic a record—equalling eighth wimbledon title. the spaniard becomes the youngest man to lift the trophy since boris becker won the second of his three wimbledon titles in 1986. earlier we spoke to andrew jarrett — a former wimbledon referee who was impressed by the performance in the final. what a fantastic match. what a wonderful advert for the sport, for the wimbledon. and this may be the announcement of a new world champion in carlos alcaraz. he's been threatening it for a couple of years, but today he delivered. what do you think was so remarkable about his game? well, he has such variety,

and i think that's what makes him so attractive to so many people. he has the character, he smiles. he looks like he's enjoying it even under the utmost pressure. and wow, there's no more pressure than serving for a grand slam at five, four in the fifth, and to play the tennis that he does in the exciting manner that he does, he just attracts fans. he attracts fans to the sport. it's wonderful to watch. you didn't get the feeling at all, or at least i didn't get the feeling at all, that he lost his nerve. not for one minute during that match? well, he could easily have lost his nerve, having lost that first set really so easily. certainly the score of 6—1 tells its own story. to hang in there, particularly against the undisputed champion of recent years, novak djokovic, somebody that's so experienced at the highest level. and to then come back and, hey, second set, he won a tiebreak. novak doesn't lose tie breaks or not many anyway. and he held on even under

that utmost pressure. you mentioned some of his shots. i mean, some of the most fascinating shots were the ones where he hits it deceptively. you think he's going to do one thing and he does quite another. he's quite a master of the art, isn't he? absolutely. and, you know, he time and time again, he would line up for a short forehand, look as if he was going to give it the full works and then play the most delicate of drop shots. and that is something that's very difficult to defend against because as a defender there, you're expecting to move very fast to one corner or the other and suddenly you're wrong footed. he won a lot of points that way. for djokovic, despite the fact that he's the ripe old age of, what, 36, which isn't very old at all. but in tennis, in tennis tends to hold out for that long, there was no sign of fatigue there at all, either mental or physical, i thought. well, i think novak, i think he trains for seven sets. so a mere five is well within his capabilities or so it appears anyway. wow. we've seen him go to the wire

so many times over, such a long period of time that you just expect novak to compete, as he does from first to last. and that puts its own pressure on the opponent, because, you know, you're going to be given nothing from the far end, particularly at the tight moments. and, you know, carlos faced that on a regular basis, and today at least he came through. this is bbc news. temperatures a little below average for some of us. we are closer to high pressure sitting across europe at the moment. low pressure across scandinavia, drift its way north eastwards. not as breezy first thing monday morning. a few showers in the word go the western parts of england and wales as they drift eastwards.

could be the odd thunderstorm during the afternoon. scotland will see the cloud breaking up, leaving scattered showers. temperatures between 1a to 22 degrees north to south and most of those showers tend to ease away later in the afternoon from the west so some late sunshine for many of us. 0vernight the cloud increases and rain moves in to northern ireland and wales in the early hours of tuesday morning. damages down to single figures in places. tuesday will be dominated by this feature slowly moving into the atlantic. it will drift into north—western england, southern scotland. did nor for that, sunny spells and a few scattered showers but across south—east england and east anglia could weigh stay dry. temperatures up could weigh stay dry. temperatures up to 2a degrees but under the rain, around 16 or 17. looking towards the

middle part of the week, that area of low pressure clears, could be a bit of rain across the south—east. wednesday we are left with the air flow coming from a north—westerly direction, not a particularly one direction, not a particularly one direction but it could should bring some sunshine and a few showers. perhaps the odd rumble of thunder, problem more likely to stay dry for the likes of wales, northern ireland and south—west england. temperatures 1623. towards the end of the week, it is staying and settled. further spells of rain, there will be some sunshine there thursday to friday but looking fairly unsettled as we head towards the weekend. not particularly warm for the middle of july.

moments in their life, yes, do you need to...? yes, do you need to...? take your jacket off. take your jacket off. hello, i'm john wilson, hello, i'm john wilson, welcome to this cultural life, welcome to this cultural life, the radio four podcast, the radio four podcast, in which i ask leading creative in which i ask leading creative

figures to reveal the key figures to reveal the key moments in their life,