british conductor sir andrew davis has died aged 80. the bbc symphony orchestra described him as a vital force the bbc symphony orchestra described him as a vitalforce in music for many decades. we begin with the breaking news. in the past hour or so, mark menzies has announced he will stand down at the next general election.

the times reported that mr menzies is accused of receiving £14,000 from tory donors, which was used for private medical expenses and to pay off what he described as "bad people" who had locked him in a flat. the conservative party has completed its investigation and says it can't conclude that there has been a misuse of conservative party funds. mr menzies has strongly denied the claims. let's get more from our political correspondent, iain watson, who's in the newsroom. could she remind us of some of could she remind us of some of the could she remind us of some of the allegations first? it enters could she remind us of some of the alleaations first? . , . . allegations first? it was a rather bizarre story- — allegations first? it was a rather bizarre story. it _ allegations first? it was a rather bizarre story. it first _ allegations first? it was a rather bizarre story. it first appeared i allegations first? it was a rather| bizarre story. it first appeared in the times newspaper, but they said that a local official in the conservative party and mr menzies and's constituency, he represents an area of lancashire, that she had got area of lancashire, that she had got a call from him at the 315 in the morning back in december, asking for £5,000 which apparently he needed come a matter of life and death, he said, to be released from a flat where he had been locked by some bad people. apparently this demand had

gone up to £6,500. that particular official hadn't paid any cuts but another official did. the woman was reimbursed from body that should have been used for company. in addition, the paper reported that he had over a four—year period ratcheted up around £14,000 of private medical bills which had also been paid for by donations. he has resigned from the conservative party today. he says he will stand down at the next general election. party has since of course, is that he was stand down immediately as a member of parliament. that would therefore a by—election, and the ruling conservative party at the moment has faced a whole range of these by—elections and seats which were once thought to be extremely safe, but majorities are perhaps 20,000 or more, and they have been losing election after election. so, rishi sunak will not be facing another

defeat like that before the next general election because mr menzies will stay on as mp, although people such as an independent in parliament, not as a conservative. there is standing down, he says, is because of the pressures on him and his elderly mother. but it comes just after the conservative party has has concluded its internal investigation is to bother that had been any misuse of funds. it mirrors some eyebrows that it concluded that there hadn't been a misuse of conservative party fun. i thought? apparently the money that had been allegedly used to pay for the medical bills and so on had come from an account called the westminster fflyd could which is in turn offers short conservative party account, and because it isn't an official account, they concluded it couldn't be it misuse of conservative party fun. however, they have said that the need to be more training for people who manage discounts from donors that aren't

official accounts, there also should be possible in of the people who think funds have been misused, it easier to deport. and have also said that anything covered during the course of the investigation will be given to the lancashire police, should they decide to carry out an investigation of the own.- should they decide to carry out an investigation of the own. thank you for that update. _ now to ukraine, which has welcomed the $61 billion package of military aid, finally approved by us lawmakers last night. russia says it shows that washington is wading deeper into a war that will end in humiliation. the foreign ministry spokeswoman, maria zakharova, said the aid — which includes ammunition and air defences — was evidence that the us wants ukraine "to fight to the last ukranian". the bill will see a $61 billion package for ukraine, including ammunition and air defences. presidentjoe biden welcomed the deal, which he said would "answer history's call". ukraine's president volodymyr zelensky described the american support as "vital" and said it

would save thousands of lives. russian officials on the other hand, said it would further ruin ukraine and result in the deaths of even more ukrainians. there's a huge reaction from ukrainians to the news of the funding, many of them thanking the us on social media. let's hearfrom residents in the capital, kyiv. translation: of course it is not too late. - in any case, aid is needed. and whether it would be later or earlier, in any case it will help. it will help a lot. i think that our guys will be alive. that is the most important thing, the most important, so that we have something to defend ourselves with, both peaceful people and our boys. they are our guardians, they are protecting us. this will save our lives. the focus is now on when that aid will arrive. washington says the first deliveries of american military hardware and supplies could be in ukraine within a week. our ukraine correspondent, james waterhouse, has more on the reaction from ukrainian

and russian officials. well, dmitry peskov, who is vladimir putin's official spokesman, said that the passing of this bill would cost more lives, more ukrainian lives. that was his claim, and that it would damage america's image in the world. i think it's a reaction that you would expect when the west were united behind ukraine fully once more after a very costly six months for ukraine. i think on a ministerial level here in kyiv, they're certainly keen to talk up this military aid package finally arriving. i think the foreign minister called it a bad day for vladimir putin. maybe, maybe he will be privately frustrated that america has fallen into the same... fallen in line with other european allies. nevertheless, his forces have still capitalised. the last six months not only have

seen russia mobilise men at a faster rate and use their deeper resources, they've also gained momentum, taking more and more ukrainian territory and bringing ukrainian cities firmly into the firing line. so while this might be a political setback for vladimir putin, and we often hear the word "game—changer" thrown around a lot in this war, i think it's far too early to say what long—term impact this aid will have, other than on paper, it gives ukraine the means to continue fighting this war. whether it's enough to fully liberate its territory, i think that's an enormous if at this moment in time, but we shouldn't underplay the diplomatic breakthrough this has been for kyiv. that was james waterhouse in kyiv. let's speak to ukrainian mp andrii osadchuk. thank you for your time. now, you have been waiting for this aid for some time, but i want to get your

reaction to what the foreign ministry spokesperson has said, that this is evidence that the us wants ukraine to fight to come in her words, the last ukrainian. thank you for havin: words, the last ukrainian. thank you for having me _ words, the last ukrainian. thank you for having me here. _ words, the last ukrainian. thank you for having me here. i _ words, the last ukrainian. thank you for having me here. i don't - words, the last ukrainian. thank you for having me here. i don't care - for having me here. i don't care what russian officials are saying, they are bloody lies, and anything they are bloody lies, and anything they say, for the 38 ukraine is fighting against one of the largest military is on the bottom against floods are being put on�*sjim, who has fully described the safety and security of order in europe, and in the world, which was established after the second world war. everything started off almost three years ago when putin was demanding from the need to withdraw its borders to the west, and that everyone should understand it is not some kind of territorial or regional conflict. —— demanding from nato. it is a competition between russia,

iran, north korea, but hadn't support from china against the free will. thanks to the west and to britain, the fight is all over ukrainian done. we are fighting for them, but to fight we need not to spray statements but ammunition, because daily consumption of ammunition issues. it's almost on the same level like most hot days of the same level like most hot days of the second and first world war. we were waiting for this decision for almost six months. it was kind of disappointing that it took so long, but finally it was done, and for us it was the question of life and death. to it was the question of life and death. ., ., ,., ,, �* it was the question of life and death. ., ., �* ., ~ death. to that point, you're talking about disappointment. _ death. to that point, you're talking about disappointment. what - death. to that point, you're talking | about disappointment. what impact has this weight had on ukraine's war efforts? ., ., , ., efforts? unfortunately, for the dela , be efforts? unfortunately, for the delay, be peoples— efforts? unfortunately, for the delay, be peoples lives- efforts? unfortunately, for the delay, be peoples lives of- efforts? unfortunately, for the | delay, be peoples lives of other people come under the losing of some territory. as president zelenskiy said, because a win this war without american military support. it happens that for the last 30 years,

europe was an a warm bath, and in effect everyone was reducing its military expenditure, and in fact there is no real military capabilities in the european union, and in the uk. it is it, but it is not enough. the only source of real military power is united states, so is why it is critical for us to receive which was promised. and one detail about money, because everyone is saying the sextant discuss sector 1 billion will go to ukraine. that is not correct. over 75% of this money will stay in united states, because it is in fact it is direct investment to the manufacturers of military equipment in the united states of america, so it is a whenwhen decision which from one side is helping to this american manufacturing, and from another site will give ukraine a chance to win this war. �* ., ., ., this war. before we run out of time, i want to ask — this war. before we run out of time, i want to ask you- _ this war. before we run out of time, i want to ask you- then _ this war. before we run out of time, i want to ask you- then of— this war. before we run out of time, i want to ask you- then of course i i want to ask you— then of course has been more pledges of your defences from nato in the past few

days as well, but there has also been discussion of the floating of the rt of a negotiated solution with russia. what is your reaction. 17 russia. what is your reaction. unfortunately, many people do not understand what is happening in the kremlin and what they want. until today, they didn't change the strategy. they want to surrender of ukraine, and the one surrender of the west. they include five regions of ukraine into the constitution, which is brutal violation of all possible written and unwritten rules of international law, and they want to surrender. i don't think there is any volunteers in ukraine nor in the west to sign off things like that. people in the kremlin only understand force. and finally, russians in london and brussels, everyone efforts agrees with them. so, that is why if you want peace, we to fight. so, that is why if you want peace, we to fight-— we to fight. thank you for taking the time to _ we to fight. thank you for taking the time to give _ we to fight. thank you for taking the time to give it _ we to fight. thank you for taking the time to give it your- the time to give it your

perspective. and we do have more reaction on the bbc website from ukrainians in kyiv to that news coming through. the us house of representatives also overwhelmingly approved a military assistance package for israel. that's amidst the country's military offensive in gaza ever since hamas attacked israel on october the 7th. hamas is designated a terrorist organisation by western governments palestinians have been killed inside gaza, and inspectors havejust come in. they show a plume of smoke coming over rafah in the south of the territory as israel continues its air strikes. this is the aftermath of overnight strikes and rafah. 18 palestinians have reportedly been killed, mostly children. they truly war cabinet has been planning an offensive against hamas and rafah, but an estimated

1.5 billion dispersed palestinians are sheltering. the us and other allies have warned israel against a full—scale assault on the city. i spoke to the bbc�*s diplomatic correspondence injerusalem. here is his analysis. well, what it does is it's a reminder ofjust the core of the relationship between israel america and it's one that is purely military. the united states gives israel $3 billion worth of military aid every year. it's a law that was passed in america to say that this must happen. so the extra money, the $13 billion there has been announced today, agreed by the house of representatives. that is on top of all of that. a lot of it will go to replace missiles for the iron dome self defence air defence system that they have here in israel. but equally a lot of it willjust go on buying arms that israel needs at the moment. so it is a substantial

amount of money. it will be naturally welcomed by the israelis. the prime minister said that it was much needed and thanked the united states saying that it was all part of an attempt by the united states to help israel defend western civilisation. that was the way he put it. unsurprisingly, palestinian groups have not taken that view. a spokesperson for the palestinian authorities here said that this is an act of the aggression by the americans. this arming of the israelis they said would lead to thousands more casualties in gaza simply because of the amount of military support that it is getting. so although there have been differences between the united states and israel diplomatically, the core support of the united states, namely, military kit, continues to grow. to that point, james,

we did talk about that warning from the us and other israeli allies about this offensive, potential full out offensive in rafah. so there is aid coming through. but what is the state of relationships between the white house and benjamin netanyahu in particular? well, i think they are pretty difficult at times. there has been some moments where i thinkjoe biden, the us president, has expressed his frustration pretty clearly at some of the decision—making that is going on here. and the americans, the secretary of state antony blinken and others, have been an incredibly explicit about saying to the israelis, do not carry out this offensive in rafah. you simply cannot do it. when there are so many civilians packed into such a small space the potential impact on civilians is huge. the potential for bloodshed is enormous. so the question remains, how are the israelis going to get round it? are they going to ignore the americans? try

and mitigate some of the impact? but at the moment the israelis are making very clear that at some point they do feel they are going to have to launch this offensive in rafah. and, you know, the potential for bloodshed is huge. and that was our diplomatic correspondent, james landale, in jerusalem. the israeli officials have reacted strongly from news that the idf will be sanctioned by the us. antony blinken is expected to ban from us military assistance of training members of the battalion, a special unit for ultraorthodox soldiers. the prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, said he would act against the reported moves. it comes as the palestinian red crescent says one of its drivers was killed in the

occupied west bank while trying to treat people injured by gunshots fired by israeli settlers on friday. the health ministry in the territory gave a similar account of the death of 50—year—old mohammed awad allan. some hebrew—language media reports said he was killed by firing from the israeli armed forces, others that he was shot by armed settlers. there was no immediate comment from the idf. separately, palestinian officials said that at least 14 people, including a boy and a gunman, were killed in an israeli military operation in the nur shams refugee camp, also in the west bank. funerals have just been held for some of the dead. earlier, i spoke about the importance of the us aid both to ukraine and israel to niall stanage, who is the white house columnist for the us political website, the hill. as the war was dragged on, we have seen republican support really ebb very considerably for the notion of aiding ukraine particularly at the intensity that we have seen so far.

you see this in opinion polls, it's not only limited to elected officials, over half of republican voters believe the aid to ukraine should be decreased. we saw that reflected in the house of representatives vote where, in fact, slightly more republicans voted against aid for ukraine then voted for it but overall it passed comfortably because it had overwhelming democratic support. how does the candidate for the republicans, the presidential candidate, donald trump, fit into all of this? it is partly his influence that is creating a bit of division within the republican party on this as well, isn't it? 100%. notjust on ukraine but on the general issue of how engaged the united states should be with the world beyond its borders. essentially, the former president donald trump is someone who believes in what he would term

an america first idea. critics would term that into isolationism. simply the idea that america needs to take care of its own difficulties and shouldn't be spending money elsewhere. now, when it comes to ukraine specifically, of course we have the former president's very contentious relationship with russian president vladimir putin. and the fact that trump suggests that he could bring the war to ukraine with an end of one day within getting to the white house. it is assumed that he means he would pressure ukraine to make significant concessions with that goal in mind. when it comes to the aid for israel, things aren't much easier for the democrats either, are they? could you talk about some of the internal challenges that joe biden has faced when it comes to what is usually staunch support for israel? yes, absolutely. that is changed markedly over the past six months.

when we see the democratic party split right in the centre. in the centre on the issue of isreal and the palestinians. democratic disapproval of israel's actions has risen. now the same kind of opinion polls is indicated on the republican side, with parallel sympathy of palestinians. there are significant numbers of very pro—israel democrats. that's what makes the politics of this issue very difficult for president biden. he hasn't really satisfied anyone in his own party. we saw almost 40 democrats voted against this aid to israel. is there any sort of concern here for the white house when it comes to what the us's foes may be thinking as they are watching this battle out? yes, i think there is. there is clearly a concern that the polarisation here in the united states affecting

both domestic and international issues is hollowing out american strength and is leading to these kind of log jams in congress where either nothing happens at all or something happens at the last second when the situation is particularly perilous. there is a realfear, particularly in foreign policy circles, that russia or china or other potential american adversaries look at these kind of things and feel that america is becoming almost self—defeating in the way that its political culture is seizing up to a large extent. that was the white house columnist for the political website the hill. and don't forget you can get much more analysis from the middle east on the bbc news website. it includes bbc verify latest analysis of satellite images that appear to show that an iranian air defence site was damaged in friday's air attack on iran by israel.

you can read that online or on the bbc news app. here, the london mayor sadiq khan has arranged an urgent meeting with the met commissioner on monday to discuss community relations. it comes after criticism of how the metropolitan police treated a jewish man during a pro—palestinian march in london last weekend. an officer told gideon falter he might provoke a reaction from the demonstrators because he was "openly jewish." he's now calling for the commissioner, mark rowley, to resign. here's angus crawford. gideon falter wants to cross the road through a pro—palestine march. but he's told that's not possible. but why? you are quite openlyjewish. this is a pro—palestinian march.

i'm not accusing you of of anything. when he challenges police, he's given an ultimatum. that's not acceptable. today, he's calling for the head of the met to resign. after six months of sir mark rowley�*s metropolitan police deciding to curtail the rights of law abiding londoners, including thejewish community, to appease lawless mobs, i think it's time for sir mark rowley to go. sir mark has apologised for the incident, the second apology in three days, saying he wants london to be a city where everyone feels safe. since the hamas attacks of the 7th of october and israel's response, every weekend, the politics of the middle east have been brought to the streets of london, putting increasing pressure on the met to get the balance right between allowing legitimate protest and cracking down on hate speech and intimidation. strong voices, mainly on the right,

believe the force has got that balance wrong and also want the commissioner to go. but the prime minister doesn't. downing street says he was appalled by the incident and there are questions to answer. what has happened is a serious misstep because what we can't be saying to particular groups in society that their very presence is a provocation. you don't want anybody of any community to feel like that, which is how thejewish community has been made to feel. the london mayor, sadiq khan, said the met must have the confidence of the communities they serve. and it's right hey�*ve apologised for the way the incident was handled. protest, counter—protest, and in the middle, the met — at times struggling to police the divide. angus crawford, bbc news. reminder of major breaking news, and thatis reminder of major breaking news, and that is that the mp mark menzies has

said he will resign. she has resigned from the uk's conservative party and was stand out at the next general election. it is all on your website, with reaction from the conservative party as well. stay with us here on bbc news. we will bring in more. feeling pleasantly warm in the sunshine. towards worse transports it is bright sun warms. this is northern ireland. towards no sea facing course, it is chilly and there is a brisk north—easterly wind making temperatures really struggle here. we are going to be in the chilly air mass as we had to through the rest of the writ, so temperatures below the seasonal average. frosty nights, and towards the end of the working week, low pressure skipping and some other air

from the south—west. quite wet and windy, but milder as we head into next weekend. keep an eye on the forecast. high pressure over the uk currently, lots of dry weather event that will drift further northwards and westward. this warm front bringing outbreaks of rain into northern england as we head through the night. ahead of the front across is angry and south—east england, still chilly with some clear skies, maybe a touch of frost into tomorrow morning. but a maybe a touch of frost into tomorrow morning. buta bright maybe a touch of frost into tomorrow morning. but a bright start here, then as a from pacey southwards and eastwards we will see the cloud overtop that cold feeling air, so it is always feeling quite chilly and damp. and the republics of rain moving southwards across the midlands and into eastern bills, eventually, central and southern england by the end of the day. northern ireland, clergyman, but scotland is looking dry, and there will be some long spells of sunshine a run. in the central park, because get to 16 celsius. a cold front is

behind it. we will feel because my see chiller conditions as we head into tuesday morning, milder in the south. underneath all of the squad. there will be more sunshine event on tuesday, a of dry weather. a fairly quiet day, but we have not got a brisk northerly wind again bringing really quite cold conditions. the highest temperatures, the brightest of the skies, likely to be out towards western areas once again. as we head into wednesday we will start to see some showers are towards these. more unsettled as the week were sewn into the weekend, but also milder. temperature starting to climb a little further. goodbye.

live from london. this is bbc news. the mp mark menzies has resigned from the uk's conservative party and will stand down at the next general election. the tory party says it cannot conclude that there has been a misuse of funds following allegations. russia reacts after us lawmakers pass a 61 billion dollar aid package for ukraine, after months of delays. moscow says it shows that washington is wading deeper into a conflict that will end in humiliation. israel's latest air strikes on rafah in southern gaza have reportedly killed at least 14 children. more than a million displaced people are sheltering in the area. gaza's health ministry says the death toll has now reached more than 34,000.

british conductor, sir andrew davis, has died aged 80. the acclaimed musical director performed with many of the world's finest orchestras in a career spanning overfive decades — including serving as principal conductor of the toronto and melbourne symphony orchestras. hello. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sport centre, here's lizzie greenwood—hughes. thank you. we're starting with the fa cup where there's an extraordinfary second semifinal going on at wembley. the 12 time winners — manchester united were 3—nil up against the championship side

coventry city and cruising when coventry made a miraculous comeback... scoring twice in eight minutes and then converted a penalty in stoppage time. it's 3—all and heading for extra time. manchester city are waiting for the winners in the final next month. if coventry can win this game, it if coventry can win this game, it will be a huge story. in the premier league, everton�*s hopes of staying up were given a huge boost when they beat relegation rivals nottingham forest 2—nil. but the result left forest fuming — and the fa are investigating after the club posted an incendiary social media statement on x. forest posted "three extremely poor decisions — three penalties not given — which we simply cannot accept. well bbc sport has contacted the pgmol — who are in charge of officiating in the premierfor comment but they haven't commented yet.

it isa it is a very poor decision, very poor decision of the ar, very poor decision, overand poor decision of the ar, very poor decision, over and over again. poor decision of the ar, very poor decision, overand overagain. it poor decision of the ar, very poor decision, over and over again. it is difficult to tell the players to ignore and keep on going because it is very clear. as a club we made a formal complaint saying we would like to change that va our situation. they did not do it. it is not good. elsewhere in the english premier league today aston villa remain on course for a champions league spot after their win over bournenouth. crystal palace hit four inside the first 31 minutes as they thrashed west ham. and in the late kick off, it's all square at craven cottage at half time. a record number of people took part in the london marathon with around 50,000 finishing today. and there was also a record broken in the elite races with kenya's peresjepchirchir setting a new women's only time as she stormed to victory.

she crossed the line in two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds to break the record by 45 seconds. in the men's, alexander mutiso munyao made it a kenyan double, beating the legendary kenenisa bekele. britain's emile cairess was third. meanwhile, the wheelchair races were dominated by swiss duo marcel hug and catherine debrunner. yet another victory for max verstappen in — what appears to be an unstoppable run to a fourth formula one world title. he started from pole position and went on to win the chinese grand prix in shanghai ahead of mclaren�*s lando norris and verstappen�*s teammate sergio perez. the red bull driver is already 25 points clear at the top of the drivers' standings after four wins from the season's first five races. this track is very heavy on the tyres so i was managing around that

to make it work. but yes, it was an incredible weekend when it was really enjoyable to drive the car. to golf now and the final round of the chevron championship is under way after play had to be suspended on saturday because of storms in texas. south korea's hae ran ryu is about to head out as tournament leader at 11 under. success for nelly korda would see her become one of only three players to achieve the feat of winning five consecutive lpga events. meanwhile scottie scheffler�*s dominance of the pga tour shows no signs of letting up. after winning the masters last weekend. he's heading into the final round of the rbc heritage in south carolina with a one shot lead. the world number one's bogey free 63 on saturday included this long birdie putt at the ninth, which put him at 16 under. scheffler�*s one shot ahead of austrian sepp straka as he attempts to win for the fourth time in the last five tournaments he's played. and that's all the sport for now.

thank you. iran's supreme leader ali khamenei, has spoken for the first time since last week's drone and missile strike on israel. in his speech, he thanked the country's armed forces for their attack, saying the country had demonstrated its power. parham ghobadi from bbc persian has been telling me what message they're trying to put across from within iran. apart from the military confrontation between the countries, there is a war of words going on as well, like a war of rhetoric at the same time so iran is claiming victory on its own. it says that ayatollah khamenei was talking to a small group of his top generals and seemed really buoyed up. he was quite happy about the strikes. he said the number of the missiles that landed in israel or hit the target does not matter, that is a secondary issue, the main issue is that iran appeared as a powerfulforce in a global scale so he seems really happy

about the result of the attack. however, he also said the strikes drew a lot of admiration across the world, which i don't know where he got that information from. he is sending a message domestically. now there was a retaliation for that attack, israel had an attack on iranian soil but it seems like the supreme leader is downplaying that as well. from the moment it happened, iranian media downplaying. look at isfahan, everything is calm. iran has denied allegations that the attacks were carried out. by missiles. iran says there were only mini drones. and they managed to dangle the mini drones. but unnamed american officials and israeli officials are saying that it was actually a missile strike and not a drone strike. bbc verify has been looking into the impact of all that as well

so that is on the website. what about the reaction from iranians, to make any sense what they are thinking about this? so what we see usually in the media that they show the pro—goverment rallies, these are the people who are bussed to the rallies in order to show that the iranians are in favour of such military strikes but when you go to social media, you see what many are saying on social media or contacting me and my colleagues. they expressed before the israeli attack, they were extremely stressed. they are asking us is there going to be a war? so people were really worried about that. but right now, it seems that people feel that the scores are settled so they feel relieved and they have a feeling of ok, there is a sigh of relief and we can go about our business and there is not going to be a war at least soon. thousands have attended a candle—lit vigil in australia,

to honour the victims of last week's stabbing at a shopping centre in sydney. joel cauchi killed six people, and wounded twelve others, before he was shot dead. in one glimmer of hope — doctors say a nine—month—old baby whose mother was killed, has been released from hospital. katy watson reports from the vigil. as the sun set on bondi beach, families young and old came together, heartbroken and still hurting. in the crowds, police officers and rescuers who responded to last week's attack. a community left reeling, trying to come to terms with what happened. we gather here in bondi to grieve for all that has been stolen from us. all the possibility and potential, all the kindness and humanity, all the love and laughter of the six lives snatched away on that hardest of saturday afternoons. six people were stabbed to death byjoel cauchi, their names and their stories now

so familiar to people here. those who had come to australia for a better life, others with their whole lives ahead of them. a young mother who died protecting her baby. ash was 38, i am 38, our babies are weeks apart. it felt like we should come here and honour a mum in our community. we are going through the same life stage, and it is very hard not to draw the parallel. i don't think anybody will ever walk into bondi junction westfield - again in the same way| as they did previously. it is kind of like - the loss of innocence. the vigil was about remembrance but also solidarity as the police continue their investigations. i want to send a specific message to the women of new south wales tonight. we might not know the exact motives behind this attack. what we can say is every australian woman deserves to feel safe in her community. this is your state and your city, this is your home. you have every right

to live your life as you choose free from fear and violence. australia is not used to such attacks. this safe affluent area of sydney is grieving but bondi has also found strength in that loss. katy watson, bbc news, sydney. ecuador is voting in a referendum on proposed tougher measures to tackle a surge in gang—related violence, which has seen two mayors killed in the last week. measures include an expansion of military and police powers that will allow the military to patrol the streets alongside the police. they'll also signicantly boost gun controls and impose harsher prison sentences for "terrorism" and drug trafficking. president daniel noboha also wants to change the constitution so ecuadorans wanted abroad for organised crime—related offences can be extradited. a state of emergency was announced in january after a top gang leader escaped from jail, there were prison riots, an armed attack on a tv station and several

politicians were murdered. in the last year alone 8000 violent deaths have been recorded. but human rights groups are concerned that if these measures are passed it could lead to abuses such as police brutality and arbitrary arrests which, they say, have already increased this year. let's speak to our correspondent ione wells, in quito. good to have you. could you put some of this in perspective because some of this in perspective because some of these sweeping changes have already been taking place, right? that is right. a state of emergency and internal armed conflict was announced by the president in january and that was because one of the top gang leaders escape from prison which led to mass prison riots and violence on the streets and a massive increase in killings

and a massive increase in killings and kidnappings. that triggered the president to announce a state of emergency, essentially a package of extraordinary measures like playing in the military to try and control law and order on the street and prisons but also introducing local curfews in certain areas which suspended the rights of people where they were going on so as you say, these measures have been tested at these measures have been tested at the moment. some people here in the capital have told me the measures have made them feel safer, seeing the military as you can see behind me, patrolling areas in the city has given them a bit of relief after months of relentless violence. others are concerned because human rights have raised that since the introduction of measures injanuary, there has been an increase in what they describe as arbitrary detentions and arrests and in some cases police brutality and violence. that is a concern for those voting

no in the referendum today. could ou tell no in the referendum today. could you tell us — no in the referendum today. could you tell us why — no in the referendum today. could you tell us why now _ no in the referendum today. could you tell us why now because - no in the referendum today. could you tell us why now because ecuador did not have the same level of violence as its neighbours, so how has that situation changed now? true, one of the things which is heartbreaking when you talk to people in ecuador is that this was once a tranquil cousin —— my country, very touristy but now everyone has to respect violence. they have said even going out for coffee or food, they are looking over their shoulders because of the increase of gang violence. a number of factors triggered thus, one because ecuador is located between peru and colombia the biggest producers of cocaine. and it sports mean it is a hotspot for exporting that drug to europe and the us where demand is growing. anotherfactor was in the pandemic years,

international gangs took advantage of the fact there was a weaker state, and economic crisis and a relaxed visa system which led to a lot of international cartels to move on and take advantage of those conditions so this cocktail of factors led to the surge of gang violence and gang, i think moving on of international criminal gangs to the country which once was not as violent as its neighbours.- the country which once was not as violent as its neighbours. thank you for that. there _ violent as its neighbours. thank you for that. there will— violent as its neighbours. thank you for that. there will be _ violent as its neighbours. thank you for that. there will be more - violent as its neighbours. thank you for that. there will be more for- violent as its neighbours. thank you for that. there will be more for -- l for that. there will be more for —— from our reporter as the referendum progresses. the energy secretary says the number of compensation payouts made to people wrongly put onto prepayment meters is "completely unacceptable". just 1,500 out of 150,000 people assessed have had financial redress from energy suppliers who forced—fitted the meters into their homes. claire coutinho says she has spoken to the regulator to sort

compensation payouts "as soon as possible". but energy suppliers only believe about 2,500 people require compensation. you may remember there was huge criticism after it emerged some vulnerable customers were having prepayment meters forcibly installed. often asked all energy firms to review their cases to see whether these procedures had been followed correctly and where they had not, they could offer those customers financial redress. ofgem say so far hundred and 50,000 cases have been reviewed and of those 1500 customers have received compensation totalling just over £340,000 between them. when asked about the number,

ijy them. when asked about the number, by laura kuenssberg this morning, the energy sector said —— secretary said it was unacceptable and she had made it clear to the energy sector she wanted people to get these payments as quickly as possible. these figures are not final and ofgem say another 5000 people have been identified for payments. £200,000 has been set aside for these to be paid. ofgem are saying they are still trying to identify people and energy payments are appropriate. those representing the energy companies say these figures represent a small proportion of cases where they find the correct processes were not followed and that's why customers were compensated as a result. so an update on these figures is expected in the summer and the minister said today whenjazz figures, in the summer and the minister said today when jazz figures, she will consider any further action if it is needed. —— when she has those

figures. we want to bring you an update on this story of the campaigner who was at a protest, a pro—palestinian protest and criticism and pressure of the met police after an officer called him openlyjewish and said he would antagonise demonstrators. we now know that we have a statement from the met saying that we know recent events and some of the recent actions have contributed to concerns felt by many, we remain focused on doing everything possible to ensure jewish londoners feel safe in the city. we know recent events in some other our recent actions have contributed to concerns felt by many. the statement goes on, i will take you through it, it is crucial we listen to those feeling unsafe, to go about their daily lives and take immediate action to address their concerns, their experiences

must continue to shape our plans. today assistant commissioner has written to gideon falter, the person who was called openlyjewish during that palestinian demonstration to offer a private meeting to both, apologised to him personally and discuss what more they met can do to ensure jewish discuss what more they met can do to ensurejewish londoners discuss what more they met can do to ensure jewish londoners feel safe. we will also invite senior representatives from across london's jewish community, members of the house of lords, members of the police board to an operational planning exercise which would normally take place in private but in recognition of the need to engage better and provide reassurance, we are inviting community leaders to join us. i also set after this incident there has been pressure on the police commissioner. this statement goes on to mention him and says that on monday he will also meet with senior representatives

from the jewish meet with senior representatives from thejewish community, including from thejewish community, including from thejewish community, including from the londonjewish forum and community security trust. this is after the met police already apologised twice about this incident involving gideon. they have now announced a number of measures to try and address that criticism. more on bbc website if you want to look at the statement as well as the context of the criticism. clearly this is in response to pressure that they met as feeling right now. let's bring you more on the london marathon, where more than 50,000 people have been taking part in this year's event — setting a new record. our sports reporter matt graveling was there cheering on the runners made it over the finish line. half a million people applied for a place in the london marathon this year, that is a record and as a result more than 50,000 will cross the line by many, many running for fantastic charities and raising lots

of money. there was drama earlier in the day in the elite race. a new record set by the kenyan olympic champion peresjepchirchir. she crossed the line and took about a minute off the reigning record which was set 2017 on this very course. also there were some brilliant races in the wheelchair races, especially by marcel hague who won his fourth title four. then his countrywomen, dominated the race. this year while taking over the same prize—money as their able—bodied athletes after organisers said this would be the most inclusive london marathon ever. £44,000 for the winner. it is not just about the elite but about these guys who are raising money for charity, many have been training for “p charity, many have been training for up to 20 weeks and amongst the masses you occasionally spot a famous face as well. i caught up

with the actor who you may well know from ted lasso, he told me in a —— emotional story about his running because of the tragic death of the son of his cousin.— because of the tragic death of the son of his cousin. tragically he was dia . nosed son of his cousin. tragically he was diagnosed with _ son of his cousin. tragically he was diagnosed with a _ son of his cousin. tragically he was diagnosed with a rare _ son of his cousin. tragically he was diagnosed with a rare form - son of his cousin. tragically he was diagnosed with a rare form of - son of his cousin. tragically he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancen _ diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancen he — diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. he passed _ diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. he passed away— diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. he passed away a - diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. he passed away a few - diagnosed with a rare form of brain. cancer. he passed away a few months after that _ cancer. he passed away a few months after that and — cancer. he passed away a few months after that and i— cancer. he passed away a few months after that and i saw— cancer. he passed away a few months after that and i saw his _ cancer. he passed away a few months after that and i saw his dad _ cancer. he passed away a few months after that and i saw his dad along - after that and i saw his dad along the way, — after that and i saw his dad along the way, it— after that and i saw his dad along the way, it is— after that and i saw his dad along the way, it isjust, _ after that and i saw his dad along the way, it isjust, yes, _ after that and i saw his dad along the way, it isjust, yes, there - after that and i saw his dad along| the way, it isjust, yes, there was a couple — the way, it isjust, yes, there was a couple of— the way, it isjust, yes, there was a couple of moments _ the way, it isjust, yes, there was a couple of moments there... - the way, it isjust, yes, there was i a couple of moments there... what ou think a couple of moments there... what you think this _ a couple of moments there... what you think this means _ a couple of moments there... what you think this means to _ a couple of moments there... what you think this means to his - a couple of moments there...- you think this means to his family? well, i think they probably had a laugh— well, i think they probably had a laugh at— well, i think they probably had a laugh at me _ well, i think they probably had a laugh at me when _ well, i think they probably had a laugh at me when i _ well, i think they probably had a laugh at me when i was - well, i think they probably had a laugh at me when i was going i well, i think they probably had a . laugh at me when i was going round how laugh at me when i was going round bow out— laugh at me when i was going round bow out of— laugh at me when i was going round bow out of puff— laugh at me when i was going round bow out of puff i_ laugh at me when i was going round how out of puff i was _ laugh at me when i was going round how out of puff i was just _ laugh at me when i was going round how out of puff i was just anything i how out of puff i was just anything i how out of puff i was just anything i can— how out of puff i was just anything i can do— how out of puff i was just anything i can do reatiy— how out of puff i was just anything i can do really to _ how out of puff i was just anything i can do really to keep— how out of puff i was just anything i can do really to keep him - how out of puff i was just anything i can do really to keep him with i how out of puff i was just anything i i can do really to keep him with us. i can do really to keep him with us. i am _ i can do really to keep him with us. i am just— i can do really to keep him with us. i am just incredibly— i can do really to keep him with us. i am just incredibly proud - i can do really to keep him with us. i am just incredibly proud to- i can do really to keep him with us. i am just incredibly proud to do- i can do really to keep him with us. j i am just incredibly proud to do and his memory — i am just incredibly proud to do and his memory but— i am just incredibly proud to do and his memory. but for— i am just incredibly proud to do and his memory. but for the _ i am just incredibly proud to do and his memory. but for the family, - his memory. but for the family, yeah _ his memory. but for the family, eah. . , ., , .,

yeah. there have been a number of chances yeah. there have been a number of changes to — yeah. there have been a number of changes to the _ yeah. there have been a number of changes to the finish _ yeah. there have been a number of changes to the finish area - yeah. there have been a number of changes to the finish area here. - yeah. there have been a number of| changes to the finish area here. one is a faith space which allows people of all religions to go and reflect on pre—after the race. there is also a quiet space for neurodivergent participants to get away from the noise and the crowds. there is a family unit which offers mothers the privity to breast—feed their children. i got the thoughts of our comedy duo earlier who have been doing the 26 miles. that is ivan graham and rosiejones. it is doing the 26 miles. that is ivan graham and rosie jones. it is such an incredible _ graham and rosie jones. it is such an incredible thing _ graham and rosie jones. it is such an incredible thing already, - graham and rosie jones. it is such| an incredible thing already, talking to strangers, bumping into friends, my brothers was with me last year. rosie and i start to finish, what a special thing to share. i feel blown away by it. people love rose. she is away by it. people love rose. she is a force of nature. just being the person who got to transport that energy around the marathon, it was a

huge honour, rose, thank you for doing it. let huge honour, rose, thank you for doin: it. , ,, .,~ ., huge honour, rose, thank you for doin. it. , ,, .,~' ., , doing it. let us speak to the person who did the — doing it. let us speak to the person who did the real— doing it. let us speak to the person who did the real work, _ doing it. let us speak to the person who did the real work, how - doing it. let us speak to the person who did the real work, how was - doing it. let us speak to the person who did the real work, how was it i who did the real work, how was it for you? 50 who did the real work, how was it for ou? ., ., for you? so good. i mean i am absolutely _ for you? so good. i mean i am absolutely losing _ for you? so good. i mean i am absolutely losing my _ for you? so good. i mean i am absolutely losing my voice - for you? so good. i mean i am - absolutely losing my voice because i 'ust absolutely losing my voice because i just screamed — absolutely losing my voice because i just screamed the _ absolutely losing my voice because i just screamed the whole _ absolutely losing my voice because i just screamed the whole time. - absolutely losing my voice because i just screamed the whole time. but i absolutely losing my voice because ll just screamed the whole time. but to be able _ just screamed the whole time. but to be able to— just screamed the whole time. but to be able to take — just screamed the whole time. but to be able to take part _ just screamed the whole time. but to be able to take part in— just screamed the whole time. but to be able to take part in a _ just screamed the whole time. but to be able to take part in a marathon, i be able to take part in a marathon, something — be able to take part in a marathon, something i— be able to take part in a marathon, something i never— be able to take part in a marathon, something i never thought - be able to take part in a marathon, something i never thought would i be able to take part in a marathon, l something i never thought would be open something i never thought would be ouen to— something i never thought would be open to me. — something i never thought would be open to me. is— something i never thought would be open to me, is truly _ something i never thought would be open to me, is truly a _ something i never thought would be open to me, is truly a dream - something i never thought would be open to me, is truly a dream come i open to me, is truly a dream come true _ open to me, is truly a dream come true. , . , ., ., , ., true. five years ago this race hit a landmark £1 _ true. five years ago this race hit a landmark £1 billion _ true. five years ago this race hit a landmark £1 billion raised - true. five years ago this race hit a landmark £1 billion raised for - landmark £1 billion raised for charity, of course that is going to keep going up and up especially rhetoric a number of participants. if you have been inspired by anything you have seen of our coverage, the ballot opened yesterday so get yourself a place or 2025. tributes are being paid

to the acclaimed british conductor, sir andrew davis, who's died in chicago at the age of eighty. he was one of the longest—serving chief conductors of the bbc symphony orchestra, and a familiar face at the annual bbc proms concerts in london, where he was famous for his funny speeches. writing on the social media platform 'x", the orchestra says "we are deeply saddened to hear that sir andrew davis has died" describing him as "a vital force in british music for many decades and a friend to us all". let's have a listen to the bbc symphony orchestra rehearsing 'the damnation of faust�* at the royal albert hall for the bbc proms, conducted by sir andrew davis in 1998. stay with us here on bbc news.

that is all from me but my colleague will be with you shortly. see you soon. hello there. good evening. well, april sunshine has a little bit more kick to it and it will feel quite pleasant in the best of that out towards western spots of the uk for the rest of the afternoon. this is northern ireland. towards no sea facing course, it is chilly and there is a brisk north—easterly wind making temperatures really struggle here. we are going to be in the chilly air mass as we hrad to through the rest of the writ, so temperatures below the seasonal average. frosty nights, and towards the end

of the working week, low pressure scoops in some other air from the south—west. quite wet and windy, but milder as we head into next weekend. keep an eye on the forecast. high pressure over the uk currently, lots of dry weather event that will drift further northwards and westward. this warm front bringing outbreaks of rain into northern england as we head through the night. some coastal and hill folk around. ahead of the front across is angry and south—east england, still chilly with some clear skies, maybe a touch of frost into tomorrow morning. but a bright start here, then as warm front pushes southwards and eastwards we will see the cloud overtop that cold feeling air, so it is always feeling quite chilly and damp. and rain moving southwards across the midlands and into eastern bills, eventually, central and southern england by the end of the day. northern ireland, cooler, but scotland is looking dry, and there will be some long

spells of sunshine. in the central brly, because get to 16 celsius. a cold front is behind it. we will feel because chiller conditions as we head into tuesday morning, milder in the south. there will be more sunshine event on tuesday, a of dry weather. a fairly quiet day, but we have got a brisk northerly wind again bringing really quite cold conditions. the highest temperatures, the brightest of the skies, likely to be out towards western areas once again. as we head into wednesday we will start to see some showers towards the east. more unsettled as the week were sewn into the weekend, but also milder. temperature starting to climb a little further. goodbye.

live from london, this is bbc news. the mp mark menzies has resigned from the uk's conservative party and will stand down at the next general election. the bill is passed. anger from russia after us lawmakers pass a long—delayed $61 billion dollar package for ukraine. at least 14 children are reported to have been killed in the latest israeli air strikes on rafah in southern gaza. the london mayor arranges an urgent meeting with the met commissioner after the handling of ajewish man during a pro—palestinian demonstration in london.

and all five members of the spice girls have reunited to celebrate the 50th birthday of band member victoria beckham in london. hello and welcome to bbc news. i'm lukwesa burak. we start with breaking news here in uk politics, where the conservative mp, mark menzies, who was suspended over allegations he misused campaign funds, is to quit as an mp at the next election. in a statement, mark meznies said...