hello and welcome. celebrations have been taking place in sri lanka after gotabaya rajapaksa became the country s first sitting president to quit. he did so after months of angry protests over the rapidly rising cost of living, and shortages of food and fuel. the delay in handing over his letter of resignation was, it seems, to do with his flight from the maldives to singapore. from colombo, rajini vaidyanathan reports. a moment to savour, after months of struggle. now there s joy. these demonstrators had one key demand, that the man they blame for their economic woes resign. tonight, president gotabaya rajapaksa did. protesters say they are celebrating what represents a victory for people power. it s the end of the rule of the rajapaksas, after a week of turmoil on the island. just yesterday, at the prime minister s office, security forces were overrun by protesters. it was one of a number of government buildings taken over by the masses. today, protesters handed it back to
Party representatives. Well have more from huw in a moment. The other main stories on bbc news at five. Jailed for 15 years the Breast Surgeon who carried out a series of unnecessary operations at hospitals in the West Midlands. He took everything away from me. Up until today its been going on since the 90s and only today ive got justice. He took away my youth. Preparations are underway at old trafford Cricket Ground for a concert honouring victims of the manchester bombing. And Arsene Wenger signs up to two more years as Arsenal Manager and says he wants to win next years Premier League title. Its 5 oclock. Were in cambridge at the senate house of the university the venue for one of the biggest debates of this Election Campaign, with just eight days to polling day. Seven Party Representatives will be taking part and they will include the labour Leaderjeremy Corbyn who announced earlier today that he was cancelling his campaign visit to the South West Of England to attend this debate.
In our election blind date series. Today, cambridge historian mary beard and strip club owner Peter Stringfellow. You look slightly distinguished, quite hunky. You are quite a pretty lady. Get that on camera welcome to the programme, were live until 11am. Were also talking about Ariana Grandes one love Manchester Concert to raise money for people affected by the manchester bombing. Tickets go on sale at 10am this morning. Well have the details and wed love to hear from you if youre planning to go. Do get in touch on all the stories were talking about this morning use the hashtag victorialive. If you text, you will be charged at the Standard Network rate. Our top story today. Theresa mays political opponents have criticised her for not taking part in a seven way General Election debate. She was accused of lacking guts during the 90 minute event. Lets get more from our political guru norman smith. Is it possible to say who one . It was probably the Television Volume button as people try
Its thursday 1st june. Im annita mcveigh. Welcome to bbc Newsroom Live. This time next week, the polls will have opened across the uk for the general election. Last night, key figures from the seven main parties went head to head on the bbcs election debate. So lets bring you up to date with the latest from the Campaign Trail. This morning, the Prime Minister is attempting to move the agenda back to brexit pledging to use the Promise Of Brexit to build a stronger, fairer and even more prosperous country and calling for voters to unite behind her leadership. Meanwhile, labour is returning to its rail policy promising to save money for Rail Commuters by changing the way fare increases are calculated. The party says the move would save an average rail season Ticket Holder £319 a year by 2022. Last night key figures from the seven main parties went head to head on the bbc. Theresa may was criticised for her failure to appear at that debate. Our assistant Political Editor norman smith is i
The Royal College of surgeons warns that the number of patients waiting more than six months for routine operations and treatment in england has nearly tripled in four years. Good morning. Welcome to bbc Newsroom Live. The Crown Prosecution Service have announced that Craig Mackinlay, who is running for south thanet in the election for the conservatives, has been charged over his alleged overspending in the 2015 general Election Campaign. Mr mackinlay defeated the then ukip leader, nigel farage, in the ballot. Daniel sandford is with me now. First ball, talk us through what he has been charged with. It all goes back to the Titanic Battle In the 2015 General Election between nigel farage and a Conservative Party. He was trying to get a seat in parliament for the first time. The Conservative Party were trying to keep them out. Craig mackinlay was the candidate for the conservatives who managed to win that in south thanet. As all candidates have to do, he then filed his Election Expenses