Transcripts For BBCNEWS BBC News 20200712

Hello. Bbc news here. President trump has appeared in public for the first time wearing a face mask during a visit to a Military Hospital in maryland. The visit comes as the us declared a record 66,000 cases of infections in one day. Mr trump had previously refused to wear a mask in front of cameras. John mcmanus has the latest. An unexpected change of direction President Trump wearing a face mask in public for the first time. Although he recently said that he thought he resembled the lone ranger when he donned a face mask, he originally refused to wear one. I think wearing a face mask as i greet president s, Prime Ministers, dictators, kings, queens i dont know. Somehow, i dont see it for myself. The president s change of heart comes as covid i9 tightens its grip on the us. So far, there have been 135,000 deaths from the virus, with 3. 2 million cases. The usa is the worst hit country, and the numbersjust keep on rising. Florida is one of those states struggling to contain the virus. After attempting to open in may, the state ordered bars to close again at the end ofjune. In arizona, there has been a steady rise in the use of artificial breathing machines in intensive care units. Its bars and clubs have also been closed again. While in texas, several hospitals say their coronavirus wards are at or near capacity. But in orlando, disney world reopened two of its four parks on sunday Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom decisions over face coverings are contentious in the us. Many of Donald Trumps own supporters regard it as a personal choice and not something to be imposed by the state, meaning their president is trying to tread a fine line. I think its a great thing to wear a mask. Ive never been against masks, but i do believe they have a time and a place. Other World Leaders are already leading by example, some more reluctantly than others. All eyes will now be on mr trump to see if his mask will be a lasting feature. John mcmanus, bbc news. Evan mcmullin ran in the 2016 us president ial race and is now the executive director for stand up republic organisation. He says this is a Pivotal Moment for the president. The mask has become a symbol of the president s failed leadership and of his incompetence, and so i think that is why he has resisted wearing one for so long. The problem, however, is that now almost 70 of americans disapprove of his handling of the pandemic and he is even losing male voters on this issue, hes losing non College Educated voters who have been a strong segment of support for him, so he is really struggling with this issue, but politically, it is very difficult. If he wears the mask, again, it is a symbol of his failures. If he doesnt wear the mask, then he continues to lose the confidence of americans on this pandemic issue, which of course is having a tremendous impact on our health 135,000 americans have already died and on our economics. We have millions of people out of work as a result of the pandemic, so that is healthcare and our pocketbooks two issues that voters are going to be thinking about in november and the president is losing in his leadership on that front and it is going to cost him. Looking at that vote in november between mr trump and mr biden. Mr trump supporters, in recent days, have accused mr biden of copying the president by saying buy american. I suppose mr bidens supporters can say mr trump is copying mr biden in wearing a mask. What you see there is in regard to the buy american messaging from biden is that biden and the democrats are now trying to win back the working class voters they lost in 2016 and that is what they need to do, that is part of what they need to do, and so you are going to see a very strong fight for those voters. The other swing voters is the Clinton Romney voters, if you will, the moderate republicans who ended up voting for Hillary Clinton in the last cycle. They are not up for grabs at all. Donald trump has done nothing to win over those voters. In fact, all he has done is push them further away. They are now planning to vote forjoe biden. But these swing voters, these working class voters, non College Educated voters, are still voters that trump hopes to win and joe biden is someone who can pull those voters away from him and he knows it, and that is why the Trump Campaign and from himself have so feared why the Trump Campaign and trump himself have so feared biden as an opponent for the last couple of years at least. India has reported a record spike in coronavirus cases, forcing authorities to reinforce strict lockdowns across the country. In the last 2a hours alone, more than 27,000 people were diagnosed with the virus, bringing the National Total to more than 800,000. Freya coles report starts in the countrys most populous state, uttar pradesh. And a warning, theres some flash photography. Authorities sound their warning stay indoors to stay safe. Busy roads have been closed. The usual bustle of business has come to a standstill. It will come at a great economic cost, but many agree another round of lockdown is needed. Translation we have to live with coronavirus. We must exercise precautions like wearing masks, maintain space of 18 square feet around ourselves, using sanitiser. We have made all kinds of arrangements in the shops. Prime minister Narendra Modi has held urgent talks with health officials. The goal is to implement regional lockdowns where the infection rate is high. India is the third worst affected country behind brazil and the united states. Early lockdowns helped keep the virus at bay, but as soon as restrictions eased, cases have soared. Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan is the latest high profile celebrity to test positive to the virus. He told his fans hes in hospital, and his son has also been diagnosed. He broke the news to his 43 million twitter followers. Its been shared at a rapid pace and the well wishes have poured in. Bachchan is one of the countrys best known film actors. Hes been involved in 200 films. His diagnosis will help raise awareness of covid 19. Face masks are mandatory in many parts of the country. This diamond studded option has a price tag of almost us 2,000. It is fashion, but in the name of Public Health and safety. Freya cole, bbc news. Lets round up some of the other main developments. Security forces in mali have arrested two of the leaders of the Opposition Coalition directing protests against president keita. They were detained on saturday, a day after thousands took to the streets of the capital and four protesters were killed. There are growing calls for the president to step down over malis worsening security crisis and growing economic difficulties. Five people have been killed after attackers stormed a church in south africa, reportedly amid an argument over its leadership. Police say they rescued men, women and children from a hostage situation. They also arrested at least a0 people, and seized dozens of weapons. Thousands of israelis have taken to the streets of tel aviv to protest against the governments economic handling of the coronavirus pandemic. People say that insufficient aid has been offered to Small Business owners and those in the hard Hit Entertainment and hospitality industries. People complain that compensation promised has been slow to arrive. Rachel stanton reports. They turned out in their thousands in rabin square, known for its political rallies, wearing masks, but without observing social distancing. Unhappy with the governments economic handling of the coronavirus pandemic, many say they have been left without financial aid. I have a Catering Company that has been closed four months ago and i didnt have any events in the past four months. My Catering Company is working in the big Corporate Events and for the last four past months, i havent had one event and i need compensation from the government. Unemployment in israel has soared to 21 since march. The government promised to help those in need, but some say it has been too slow. I came to protest against the Israeli Government that doesnt give us the money. We didnt work for four months during coronavirus. We didnt get any money. I closed my business, i fired all my workers, and we are all sitting at home without any money. And daily infection rates are soaring again. A partial lockdown in march crushed the covid infections, but since reopening there has been a new spike. Pushing Prime Minister Benjamin Neta nyahu to reimpose a series of restrictions. The government says those affected will get their money this coming week. Its not a minute too soon for those whose livelihoods have been put on hold. Rachel stanton, bbc news. The ongoing attacks on key sites inside iran have become a real problem for the countrys leaders. The recent explosion at the Natanz Nuclear facility is the most serious yet. It strikes at the heart of Irans Nuclear programme. But what does this mean for Irans Nuclear ambitions . Bbc persians Rana Rahimpour has been finding out. Thursday, july two. There are reports of an incident at irans main Nuclear Facility reports of an incident at irans main nuclearfacility in natanz. At first the iranian government that it was a fire. But they are now implying it was an act of sabotage that has caused significant damage. And this is not the only incident there has been over the past three weeks. 0njune 26, been over the past three weeks. On june 26, there been over the past three weeks. 0njune 26, there was an explosion at a fuel facility for ballistic missiles, just outside tehran. 0n the same day, there was a fire at a power plant in shiraz, causing a regional blackout. 0njuly two, there was the explosion at natanz. And just two days later, another explosion, this time it was the power plant. Many suspect that irans long time enemy israel could be behind the attack at natanz. But an israeli minister insisted that not everything that happens in iran necessarily has something to do with israel. Iran has an extensive Nuclear Programme and there are several sites across there are several sites across the country. Nata nz, there are several sites across the country. Natanz, just north of the city, in the centre of iran, is the most important. It is the largest uranium enrichment facility in iran and last year in response to us sanctions, iran double the numbers of advanced interviews is operating here. This image shows the side before the attack on the second ofjuly. This large building is believed to be the place where centrifuges are made. And this one shows the aftermath of the attack. You can see how bad the damage is and experts believe this could delay the Nuclear Programme until the structure can be repaired or replaced. it can identify a culprit and be certain of it, for example, israel, i would be certain of it, for example, israel, iwould imagine be certain of it, for example, israel, i would imagine that in time, if not sooner than that, iran will attempt to carry out some sort of retaliatory attack. Us sanctions imposed on iran to stop Nuclear Development have made life difficult for all iranians and now, its flagship Nuclear Programme has been compromised. As long as i am president of the united states, iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Iran has ruled out negotiating with donald trump so the us election result in november will be a crucial moment for the country. This attack highlights the rising tensions in the region and everybody is holding their breath to see what irans supreme breath to see what irans Supreme Leader will do next. Rana rahimpour, bbc news. This is bbc news, the headlines President Trump wears a face mask for the first time during a visit to a Military Hospital as the us hits yet another daily record in coronavirus cases. India has suffered a sharp rise in the number of covid 19 cases as the total climbs to over 800,000, and complaints grow about a lack of testing. As weve heard, one of indias most famous bollywood stars, Amitabh Bachchan is in hospital in mumbai after testing positive for coronavirus. A little earlier i spoke to Piya Sinha Roy who explained the incredible affection fans in india and across the world have for bollywood superstar. Hes notjust an icon of cinema in bollywood. You cant really go and find anyone in south asia or of the south asian diaspora or anyone who even enjoys Bollywood Movies and not know who Amitabh Bachchan is. Heres an icon. Hes incredibly respected and revered by the community. And this is obviously a huge shock to anyone who is a fan of his. I imagine this might be a moment when the seriousness of the pandemic hits home for people in india. I think so. I think everyone in india, just like everyone all around the world, are paying very close attention, but i also think that there is a lot of misinformation thats been spread around over the past few months. And this kind of reminds me of march when Actor Tom Hanks revealed he had covid 19, and he and his wife both talked about it openly. They talked about their treatment and recovery, and i think that was a really big moment, at least in hollywood, for it to hit home here that this was serious and contagious and people need to take precautions in the same way we saw idris elba a few months ago, and that came at a time when there was a lot of misinformation as to how the virus was attacking communities of colour, so him coming forward once again brought about more awareness of how it was affecting people. Now with someone as huge as Amitabh Bachchan coming forward and talking about this and talking about his diagnosis, i think again it willjust continue to raise awareness amongst the people who may not necessarily know what to take away from what authorities are saying. When you speak to people in the Entertainment Industry orjust ordinary people in india, what are they talking about . I think everybodys just in shock right now because he is a hero. He is like this mythological hero in the cinema world, and everyone is just praying and really hoping that he recovers and recovers strong. Hes been very vocal during the coronavirus lockdown, and he always interacts with his fans on twitter and social media, and he has been active. He has been making promos and working from home. So people are invested in him, in his career, in his life. He isjust this huge representation of our community, both in india and outside of india, and i think everyone isjust really, really hoping that he recovers and recovers well. The bbc has learned that a former Islamic State Group Fighter has died in a prison, run by Kurdish Forces in a region of syria that they control. Ishak mostefaoui left the uk to fight against the Syrian Regime in 2014, and later had his british citizenship revoked. He was killed in the notorious hasakah prison where many is fighters are held. Our home affairs correspondent, Daniel Sandford reports. This was Ishak Mostefaoui when he was filmed by a bbc team last october. Detained in deteriorating conditions in north east syria. Its all very bad. From food to medicine, to, you know, to be very densely populated in one room. Hygienic materials are very rare until the red cross came. The prison is in a converted school in the city of hasakah, run by the sdf, the kurdish led that defeated is. The kurdish led forces that defeated is. Reliable sources have now told us that mostefaoui has died. Either during a riot or on another account, shot, trying to escape. Hes the first british is supporter to die in sdf custody. Ishak mostefaoui was born in algeria, but grew up in britain from the age of five. He went to syria to join is in 2014, and had his british citizenship taken away four years later. The british governments position has consistently been that is supporters should stand trial in the region. But as conditions deteriorate in the prisons and camps, it is a position that could become more uncomfortable. Daniel sandford, bbc news, at the home office. In the uk, the number of people reported to have died in the past 2a hour period after testing positive for coronavirus stands at 148. That takes the total number of deaths across the uk to 44,798. It comes as certain lockdown measures were eased in england with the re opening of open air theatres, live music venues and outdoor swimming pools. And in wales, a phased re opening for holidaymakers has also begun. Charlotte gallagher reports. Back in the water finally. These swimmers in South East London are some of the first in england to return to the pool after a wait of almost four months. It is indescribable, really, the feeling ofjust being able to glide through the water. Its just something that i was desperately missing. I was getting jealous of the ducks in the ponds. For those in the industry, its good to see people in the pool again. With all the stresses and strains of life, getting in the water is about as far away from normal life as you can get. Its real escapism. So its Mental Health as well. There have been a lot of studies showing how swimming benefits more than any other sport. As the weather gets warmer, outdoor pools like this look even more tempting. But you cant just turn up, you have to book first, as places are limited and you might be able to notice as well that the lanes have been made wider to allow for social distancing. They are also asking swimmers to avoid backstroke, so they dont bump into each other. However, only four out of more than 100 outdoor pools have been opened today. And the industry body, swim england, is warning that a third of lidos will stay shut this year because its just not financially viable for them to open. Other Outdoor Events are allowed in england from today, too. 0pen air theatres, horse trials and team cricket. Its a different picture in wales. In the middle ofjuly, 0xwich bay on the gower peninsula should be packed with people. From today though, the tides are beginning to turn with hotels, b bs and self catering accommodation allowed to reopen. Staff have been working hard to prepare for customers. Hospitality is all about customers, so were so excited to be able to welcome people back. It will be really nice to see them, albeit at a little bit more of a distance than usual. Businesses in all corners of the uk are trying their hardest to salvage whats left of the summer season. Charlotte gallagher, bbc news. Two people have been arrested after londons Trafalgar Square fountains were found to have been dyed red. It was carried out by Campaign Group Animal Rebellion on saturday afternoon. The stunt was in protest against animal farming with campaigners claiming the government had blood on its hands. Demonstrators, some of whom stood up to their knees in the red water, alleged that the covid 19 pandemic has been caused by animal exploitation. The football legend, Jack Charlton part of englands 1966 World Cup Winning Team has died at the age of 85, following a long illness. He spent his entire playing career at leeds united and later, as a manager, led ireland to the world cup quarter finals in italy in 1990. His family paid tribute to him, saying he was a friend to many and a much adored husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Andy swiss looks back at his life. He was known as big jack, and he was a footballing giant. Jack charlton turned his courage and charisma into a quite remarkable career. Commentator Bobby Charlton with the corner. Jack perfect goal he grew up in northumberland alongside his younger brother, bobby. But while bobbys skills soon made him a star, jacks defensive qualities were less glamorous and he knew it. Great tackle by charlton. Came in like a brick wall and hes hurt. He got an elbow in the face. People try to compare us and i used to say, you shouldnt compare us. I cant play. I can stop other people playing but i cant play. Bobby can play. Hes a creative player. But theres a place in the game for both types. England kept him waiting, though. Charlton was nearly 30 when he was finally called up but he soon made his mark with a First International goal. Jackie charltons got it. And its a goal. And in 1966 came his and english footballs defining moment. Jack charlton, like his brother, a world cup winner, both now international celebrities. There was club success too. He was a legend at leeds united, where he won the league title in 1969, before the inspirational player became an inspirational manager. If the balls coming towards you and hes going back, theres no way youre going to jump. Charlton first flourished at middlesbrough, but it was with the republic of ireland that hell be most colourfully remembered. After guiding them to their first world cup in 1990, he took them all the way to the quarterfinals. Ireland they are in the last eight and the party can begin an english hero returned home an irish one too. His feats the stuff of footballing folklore. Jack was a natural leader. He was a fighter in the way he both played and managed as well and got his teams to play. They were kind of a replica of his personality. But he was also gentle at the same time. His relationship with his brother was sometimes strained, but on an emotional night in 2008, he presented an award to the player he still regarded as the best. When we were kids used to go to the park and play, i would go home for dinner and he would stay out all day. Bobby charlton is the greatest player ive ever seen. And hes my brother. But Jack Charltons achievements, like the man himself, stood tall. One of footballs biggest characters. Jack charlton, who has died, at the age of 85. More tributes to Jack Charlton on the bbc website. Do stay with us. Hello there. Well, after the disappointment of recent weekends when low pressure was in charge we had wet, windy, and cloudy weather actually, we have got off to a decent start this weekend. A sunny morning, a bit of cloud built up during saturday afternoon, but saturday evening time, that cloud began to fragment and we had clear spells that started to develop, and they are continuing to develop actually, right now, with those skies continuing to clear underneath this area of High Pressure, but the eagle eyed amongst you might notice this approaching weather front. Yes, that will bring some rain to the far north west as we head through sunday. Still, over the next few hours, it is clear skies that weve got. Northern ireland, scotland, england and wales and underneath those clear skies in the countryside, it is quite chilly, temperatures getting down to about six or seven as we start off sunday morning. A bit more cloud, though, for the far north of scotland. A few showers in shetland. For most of us, though, it is a fine and sunny start to the day with almost clear blue skies first thing in the morning, but mid morning, the cloud will bubble up across eastern areas of england, eastern scotland, so becoming quite cloudy into the early afternoon for a time, but the thickest cloud is in Northern Ireland and here we will start to see some rain getting in through afternoon and, eventually, that will arrive for western scotland. For most of us, though, a fine afternoon, temperatures a little bit higher than they were on saturday, highs up to 24 celsius. The weather is set fair in southampton where the test match between england and the west indies should stay fine and sunny, not too much in the way of cloud. Temperatures into the low 20s with a sea breeze developing through the late morning. Now High Pressure slips away by monday, low pressure starts to take charge, but the centre of the low is quite a way to the north of the uk and that means the weather systems are going to be quite weak as they push south eastwards, so patchy outbreaks of rain across northern and western areas, not much in the way of rain for south east scotland down the eastern side of england, probably for the midlands and central and southern england it should stay largely dry, but there will be a little bit more cloud around and temperatures will be easing across the north west. Through tuesday and wednesday, further low pressure systems track in from the north west again. These look pretty weak so i think we can expect quite a bit of cloud, really, in the week ahead. There will be some patches of rain around at times, particularly across North Western areas, but there probably wont be too much in the way of rain reaching the south east, with temperatures continuing to run into the low 20s for the most part here. That is your weather. This is bbc news. The headlines President Trump has worn a mask in public for the First Time Since the coronavirus pandemic began, as the us posted yet another new daily virus record. During a visit to a medical centre in washington, he told reporters covering his face in a hospital was the right thing to do. India has suffered a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus cases. It has now recorded nearly 850,000 infections the third highest rate in the world. The government has faced growing complains about its handling of the pandemic. One of bollywoods biggest stars Amitabh Bachchan has tested positive for coronavirus. Hes being treated at a hospital in mumbai. His condition is described as stable. The 77 year old film icon has been involved in more than 200 films since becoming a star five decades ago. Now on bbc news, the week in parliament