Its arguably the worlds most dazzling fireworks display, but thousands of people want sydney to scrap its new years eve spectacular. They say it would be an insult and could traumatise some of those affected by the bushfire crisis. Sydneys lord mayor, clover moore, said she shared the deep sympathies of those whod signed the petition, but stressed that the fireworks were planned months in advance and most of the budget had already been spent. So, barring catastrophic fire conditions in sydney on new years eve, the event seems certain to go ahead. In between now and then, the authorities are warning of severe to extreme fire dangers across much of south eastern australia, much of the heavily populated parts of australia. That includes south australia, victoria, tasmania and new south wales, where more than 80 fires continue to burn. Volunteers are a vital part of the emergency effort. Many have been fighting the flames for weeks. The government says theyll be able to apply for about £3
Will pause for one night only, so its famous bongs can ring in the new decade in london. Coming up in half an hour. Us soccer star Megan Rapinoe speaks to bbc sport about winning the world cup and being an outspoken voice on equal pay, lgbt rights and politics. The mayor of sydney says the citys famous new years eve fireworks display will go ahead, despite a call for the event to be cancelled because of the bushfire crisis affecting parts of australia. More than a quarter of a Million People have signed a petition urging the authorities to spend the money on fighting the blazes instead. More than 80 fires are still raging across large areas of new south wales. A warning this report from phil mercer in sydney contains flashing images. Its arguably the worlds most dazzling fireworks display, but thousands of people want sydney to scrap its new years eve spectacular. They say it would be an insult and could traumatise some of those affected by the bushfire crisis. Sydneys lord mayor, clov
In a year full of special moments for england cricketers, could they squeeze in one more high before the end of 2019 . 376 runs would be englands highest ever successful run chase, and joe denly set about putting a dent in it. But the man that south africa really wanted, rory burns, they were not farfrom getting him. His innings yesterday had given england a chance but with a swipe and a grab he was out. No century, but still a valuable 8a. Like a lot of his team, joe root has been struggling with illness, but he looked on the road to recovery. He was about to lose his fellowjoe, joe denly, trapped lbw by dwaine pretorius. That meant the arrival of ben stokes, but what was left in the tank . It turns out just fumes. From the reaction of the south africans, and stokes himself, it shows how crucial this was. Jonny bairstow following, it was starting to feel like south africas day. Joe roots dismissal only made that feeling stronger. With the captain gone, england put up little resistance
Bongs can ring in the new decade. Now on bbc news its time for sportsday. Hello. Welcome to sportsday live at the bbc sport centre with me ben croucher. Our headlines this sunday liverpool win again. Arsenal dont. Var . Plenty of that too. Just another day in the premier league in scotland rangers win the Old Firm Derby. It made their manager rather happy. And feeling a bit sick. England succumb to south africa in the first test in centurion. Welcome to the programme. Liverpool have ended 2019 as they started it. Top of the premier league table. Theyll take some catching from here now after restoring their 13 points advantage with a 1 nil win over wolves. Not for the first time this season the video assistant referee had a big influence. Nick parrott has the details. With the festive fixtures coming thick and fast it is hard for teams to stay on form. Both liverpool and wolves are thrilled in their last games but with such a short turn around anfield was unlikely to see a classic. Wear
And i couldnt be more grateful for that. In 2018, you, me and the big cs Deborah James thought it was her last christmas. Well hear how a Cancer Treatment is helping her stay alive. Good morning. Chris woakes, ollie pope and jack leach are ruled out of englands first test against south africa through illness. Ben stokes has travelled to centurion park and is expected to play. After the Christmas Day sunshine, boxing day cloud and for some of you, rain and wind but not all of you, rain and wind but not all of you will need your rain jacket. Join me here on breakfast for the full forecast. Good morning. Its thursday the 26th of december. Boxing day. Our top story the drowning of a man and his two children in a Swimming Pool on the Costa Del Sol was a tragic accident, according to the resort owners. The three family members were found unresponsive on Christmas Eve at Club La Costa world near fuengirola. Sean dilley reports. This was the scene of a christmas tragedy at one of spains most p