this is bbc news these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. new zealand s prime minister jacinda ardern makes a surprise announcement saying she ll stand down in less than three weeks time. a day of national strikes begins in france over plans to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64. towns and cities across the uk are set to receive more £2 billion as part of the government s levelling up strategy. the minster in charge of regional inequalities says the funding will deliver economic growth but labour criticises the strategy s bidding process.