For the first time since World War Two, a far-right party has made a significant win in Germany, taking almost 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has been labelled as “right-wing extremist” by domestic intelligence, is leading the national polls.

Among its pledges at a state level are to defund “anti-German” art and teach children less about Hitler, as part of a “patriotism” agenda.

This idea challenges the deeply held and decades-long German memory culture that insists people must never forget the Nazis’ crimes.

The AfD describes German memory culture in its manifesto as a “guilt complex”. BBC Berlin correspondent Jessica Parker talks us through the complexities of remembering Germany’s past, and the controversial ways in which the AfD wants to shape its future.

0:00 – 0:45 Introduction
0:45 – 2:05 Jess Parker tells us about the recent state election in Saxony-Anhalt
2:05 – 4:13 How has a far-right party won?
4:13 – 5:21 Are the AfD far-right and what does that mean?
5:21 – 7:45 Who is the leader of the AfD?
7:45 – 10:10 Who are the core supporters of the AfD and where do they come from?
10:10 – 12:24 Why did the AfD succeed in Saxony-Anhalt?
12:24 – 15:43 The significance of the Der Spiegel article on Ulrich Siegmund
15:43 – 20:09 How does the AfD want to revisit German memory culture?
20:09 – 22:33 What are the major concerns from voters?
22:33 – 24:58 How do the AfD plan to change memory culture?
24:58 – 26:46 What happens next for Germany?
26:46 – 30:32 What does this mean for Friedrich Merz?

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#Germany #AfD #AliceWeidel

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New laws banning people from meeting in groups of more than 6 have come into force in England, Scotland and Wales.

In England, where fines of up to £3,200 apply, the Home Office minister Kit Malthouse urged people to report their neighbours to police if they’re seen breaking the new laws.

But guidance has yet to be issued to police forces on how to enforce the rules which differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile the first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of “playing politics with the pandemic” after she expressed serious concerns about a reported backlog of coronavirus test results.

The health minister for England, Matt Hancock, said the vast majority of people are getting results quickly. However a shortage of of staff in government laboratories is presenting significant challenges.

Huw Edwards presents BBC News at Ten reporting from Jon Kay and health editor Hugh Pym.

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From June 15th face coverings will be compulsory, for anyone using public transport in England.

People without one won’t be allowed to travel and failing to wear one on a journey could lead to a fine. The government says people should start wearing them now, with the rules enforced from the middle of June

Dozens of other countries already have rules in place on the wearing of face masks and coverings in public places.

Clive Myrie presents BBC News at Ten reports from Transport Correspondent Tom Burridge, Science Editor David Shukman and Political Correspondent Vicki Young.

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The UK is changing its vaccination strategy, with a plan to prioritise giving millions of people a first dose of vaccine, in the latest effort to contain the pandemic.

It came as the daily death toll rose to more than 900 people with the number of new Covid cases at record levels.

The UK medicines regulator has approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine and the UK has already placed an order for 100 million doses.

George Alagiah presents BBC News at Ten reporting by medical editor Fergus Walsh.

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Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news …

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